After Colony 250

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<<audio "title" volume 0.02 loop play>><center><img src="images/ui/main logo.png" alt="Transformed"></center> Welcome to After Colony 250, an adult fiction game set hundreds of years in the future, during the great rush to colonise and exploit the vast, rich resources. This is the dawn of the Second Age of mankind, when they reach for the stars, but depsite thousands of years of evolution, humans are still humans. There are multiple paths and endings to this story, some you won't see til the end, some you'll see chapter to chapter, but in the end, your actions and decisions will have consequences for the future of the human species and where the Second Age will lead them...or maybe you'll just end up as a rich guy's sex slave or a science experiment. [[Begin your adventure...|Begin]]

<center><img src="images/prologue/space1.jpg" alt="Space"></center> Space. It has always been the final frontier for humanity, without the colonisation of space, all of the culture and art, the achievements of humanity would be for nought. Yet, it took human civilization to teeter on the brink of self destruction, following the global resource wars of the mid-21st Century, limited nuclear exchanges, border skirmishes, coups at the highest levels of government. The dwindling, declining population of Earth was at breaking point. <<linkreplace "<Center>I always liked history</center>">>\ <center><img src="images/prologue/earth.jpg" alt="Earth"></center> Following the catastrophic damage done to the planet's ecosystem, the world's leading nations decided to finally put aside their individual interests and international differences and achieve global unification. The UN Secretary-General subsequently became the leader of all humanity, pooling the dwindling resources of Earth with the goal of human colonisation of Luna, Mars and onwards. <<linkreplace "<center>But we never learn</center>">> <center><img src="images/prologue/unnlogo.png" alt="UNN"></center> Over the next few decades, Earth saw an exodus to Luna, Mars, moons throughout the system and even to the resource rich asteroids dotted throughout the system. Mars brought about a golden age of scientific progress and enlightenment. Luna was a governmental and administration center, in which the UNN built the formible UN Navy which helped aid the colonisation efforts, peacekeeping and safeguarding the belt from the ever growing threat of piracy and organisaned crime. <<linkreplace "<center>We never learn from our mistakes</center>">> <center><img src="images/prologue/destruction.png" alt="Independence Wars"></center> However, after a century of peace and progress, humanity became fractured, a generation of people raised on the the colonies no longer seeing themselves "of Earth" and declaring themselves as independent, sovereign nations. The Independence Wars of 2257 began, the first, and hopefully last, major war, leading to the Solar Peace Accords of 2260, recognising the independence of the Mars Techno Republic, while the smaller orbital colonies in the belt remained under the thumb of Earth's UN or Mars Technocracy, the colonies and stations whom refused to fall under their rule were left to fend for themselves, leading prolonged issues of piracy, slavery, terrorism and an assortment of other problems in the colonies beyond Mars, problems that persist to this day.... <center>[[2350|begin2]]</center> <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\

<div id="vidleft"><video loop autoplay> <source src="images/prologue/kaylalife.webm"></video></div> <br><br><br><br><br><br><br> The year is 2350. You are Kayla Sheridan, the daughter of David Sheridan, the UN Foreign Minister to the Outer Colonies. <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> <<linkreplace "<center>A great childhood...</center>">> Despite your father, David Sheridan, spending much of his life working for peace and understanding in the Outer Colonies, you didn't see him as often as you would like. You rarely saw him in your later teen years, seeing more often on television, leading negoiations on Ceres. <center><img src="images/prologue/father.jpg" alt="Father"></center> <<linkreplace "<center>I was blessed...</center>">>\ Living the majority of your life on Earth, a small manor in an outlying district of New York, your family provided you and your siblings with a world class education, preparing you for whatever life you would eventually choose, whether that be administration, politics, military or medical fields, you were afforded all the luxuries that many in society did not have. <center><img src="images/prologue/manor.jpg" alt="Manor"></center> [[I had it all set out for me....|begin3]] <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\

<<set $skill = "speech">> <center><img src="images/prologue/marsorbit.jpg" alt="Mars"></center> As a young woman, almost ready to shed her final teenage years, you could never get away from your natural calling into the world of political intrigue, wanting to follow in your Father's footsteps.... <<linkreplace "Mars wasn't bad....">>\ <center><img src="images/prologue/marsbase.jpg" alt="Mars Compound"></center> Despite your age, you found yourself working as a junior staffer to the Ambassador, living on the UN's Compound on Mars. Regardless of the prestige of the posting, your first lessons were in humility, as you waited upon the various delegates and envoys from the various colonies, shadowing them closely, but making sure that they were always on scheduled, in the right places at the right times. Political life was tough, tedious and boring, but you could see the cogs of diplomacy and democracy moving first hand, reading through system changing documents, posing for pictures with the rest of the staff, as the latest Mars-Earth co-venture is unveiled to the public. <<linkreplace "But the work could be tedious...">>\ <center><img src="images/prologue/tychocity.png" alt="Tycho"></center> You tutelage could be rough, you could spend up to a month on the compound, filing paperwork, then thrust into observing a high level meeting in Tycho City, tip toeing around senior officials and junior staffers alike. You were learning when to say the right words, slip the right suggestions, dropping misinformation and the art of manipulation and...seduction. You learned that thousands of years of evolution, men were still men and women were still women, you used your body and sex appeal to your benefit, revealing dresses, you learned booze fueled, midnight forays into the hotel rooms of MTR staffers or corporate envoys were excellent ways to obtain that key bit of information to pressure...or blackmail...competitors into pushing through that last piece of legislature. <<linkreplace "It was so rewarding...">>\ <center><img src="images/prologue/politics.jpg" alt="Looking good"></center> Life was good, you were the heir apparent to your father by all accounts, popular, well liked and you don't look too bad in a skirt. But, as fate would have it, everything in your world changed over night. You had no choice but to defer your graduation after receiving a message that would change your life..... <b>You gain the speech trait, you find it easier to manipulate people and bring them around to your way of thinking. You will also be able to seduce people, opening up extra sex scenes.</b> [[This is my story.|begin4]] [[Wait, this isn't me at all!|begin3]] <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\

<<set $skill = "military">>\<center><img src="images/prologue/military1.jpg" alt="Fleet Academy"></center> As a young woman, almost ready to shed her final teenage years, you scored a scholarship with the UNN Navy, fast tracking you into UNN Fleet Academy and the fabled Blue Squadron, an elite unit of cadets that are given specialised training afforded only to the brightest of their generation. <<linkreplace "It was an exciting time...">>\ <center><img src="images/prologue/admirallaux.jpg" alt="Kayla"></center> Despite this, your first lessons were in humility, assigned as the personal assistant to Rear Admiral Selene Laux, shadowing her closely, but making sure that her itinernary was kept up to date, that transport was arranged and so forth. From the intense chess games you played with her, her musings about political life and tactical insights, you quickly began to learn of the conflicts and politics that you would need to traverse, in the Academy and your eventual career. <<linkreplace "It could be a dangerous place...">>\ <center><img src="images/prologue/military3.jpg" alt="Simulator"></center> You learned even more from the rough training sessions you went through in your second year, particularly on the rigorous Blue Squad assignments, when you were not in the simulator for 12 hours a day, you were sent on covert operations, firearms operations and even had in the field lessons of command and control. It may have been an imitation of what your elders had been through, but it was a trial by fire nonetheless. <<linkreplace "But I was the best...">>\ <center><img src="images/prologue/military4.png" alt="Ready to serve"></center> You were top of the class in every measure, within months you would graduate and have your choice of assignments when it came to serving in the UNN. But, as fate would have it, everything in your world changed over night. You had no choice but to defer your graduation after receiving a message that would change your life..... <b>You have the military trained trait, giving you knowledge of guns, explosives and hand to hand.</b> [[This is my story.|begin4]] [[Wait, this isn't me at all!|begin3]] <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\

<<set $skill = "science">> <center><img src="images/prologue/science1.jpg" alt="Future Leaders"></center> As a young woman, almost ready to shed her teenage years, you scored an apprenticeship with Kova Genetics, a leading company that was interested in fast tracking you into the corporations "Future Leaders" program, an exclusive and much sought after position for those who want to want a career in science, working with and developing the technologies of the future... <<linkreplace "I was going to change the world...">>\ <center><img src="images/prologue/science2.jpg" alt="Office"></center> Despite what you imagined, your first lessons were essentially serving as a personal assistant, but it allowed you to get an insight into every aspect of working in one of Earth's leading scientific teams, shadowing them as closely as you can in every aspect. While you had to make sure that their lunch schedules were kept up to date, and their transport was arranged most of the time, you did occasionally spend time in the labs. But your time in the labs could lead to disturbing revelations, the darker side of science. While you only caught glimpses, you knew Kova had a hand in some top secret government projects, involving mass hypnosis, mind control devices and particularly genetic reprogramming, all of which were highly illegal under the Solar Accords. You even read hints about alien genetic material, at which point you began to wonder if some of this was planted as a test, a test to keep your mouth shut... <<linkreplace "I was making a difference...">>\ <center><img src="images/prologue/science3.jpg" alt="Dinosaur"></center> By your second year, most of the people you joined with have washed out or just disappeared , but your natural curiosity and problem solving saw you fully integrated into the programme. You began spending more and more time in the labs, most of the tasks were mundane, tedious even, most of the time you didn't know what exactly you were working on. Sure, the public relations was about bringing back extinct species, the CEO would go onto a talk show, selling pie in the sky ideas about dinosaur parks and joking about sex bots, but it never reflected what you were working on. You were able to put together a picture of what was going on, the results you were seeing, they seemed to be about changing genetic material, human material, it could be used to transform people, physically and mentally. On the other hand, it could be used to restore extinct animals and evolve human bodies to better deal with the rigors of space flight or the harsh environments of the off world colonies. It was a constant problem, you questioned if what you were doing was right, your moral compass was being tested. It was certainly a fire by trial, a trial you passed without a scratch, you questioned yourself and choices, was this the life you wanted? <<linkreplace "I was conflicted...">>\ <center><img src="images/prologue/science4.jpg" alt="Contract"></center> Before finishing the programme fully, you were offered a full time position as "Junior Biotechnologist", being mentored by and answering directly to Su Ji-Chou, one of Earth's leading and most respected Biotech experts. She was embarking on a new project, one you had already been working on, involving the transformation and manipulation of the mind and body on the most fundamental levels. It was an exciting opportunity, one that may not be afforded to you ever again. But you needed some time to decide, thinking back to the morality of the situation... <center><img src="images/prologue/science5.jpg"></center> You sat in your small room, reading over the contract, it was pretty air tight, the money, prestige, opportunity......But this would be your entire life for the forseeable future, you'd be living on site and unable to leave until completion of the five year contract. This could be one of the most important projects in human history, while most ailments had been wiped out by the 22nd century, some serious genetic ailments still persisted, several minor colonies had issues with the environment. You could change it all for them. But what if it ended up being a dud? Or worse. What if you were unknowingly developing a weapon? You should sleep on it... <<linkreplace "What if...">>\ But, as fate would have it, you did't have to worry about it. You had no choice but to reject the offer after receiving a message that would change your life..... <b>You gain the science trait, with an ability to quickly comprehend new technology and understand deeper concepts. There's a lot of technology out there, even rumours of rogue AIs, mind control, psychic, transformation..</b> [[This is my story.|begin4]] [[Wait, this isn't me at all!|begin3]] <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\

<<set $prologueactive = true>><<set $gameactive = true>> <center><img src="images/prologue/themessage1.jpg" alt="Simulator"></center> Official information from the authorities wasn't clear, but it was clear that his death was swift, bloody and violent, the disturbing pictures of the attack that ran on ISN ran through your mind on repeat for days. Worst of all, the death was at the hands of unknown assailants, a sophiscated munition eradicating an entire hotel, and killing all those within, including the representatives of the local space-dockers union with whom your father was meeting that day. <<linkreplace "The police were useless...">>\ <center><img src="images/prologue/themessage2.jpg" alt="Master Detective"></center> The UN Agents who visited you were unhelpful, they simply checked in on you, informed you of the little that they knew and then went on their way. His cheap suit and smarmy smirk certainly didn't fill you with a great deal of confidence, in fact you were learning more from the CommNet and news channels. <<linkreplace "I'll never forget that day...">>\ <center><img src="images/prologue/themessage3.jpg" alt="Mother"></center> More disturbingly, the communication you received afterwards from your mother was vague, confusing and not helped by the solar interference that occassionally plagued the outer systems dated communication relays, causing static. In it, she warned you that your father's enemies would also be seeking her demise and the demise of his entire family. Including you. <<linkreplace "Her face was pale, wrought...">>\ <center><img src="images/prologue/themessage4.jpg" alt="Warning"></center> She made sure to state that she had to go into hiding and that she would be safe and not to worry about her, it was clear she didn't want you to come find her, whether that is for her or your safety, you couldn't imagine. You'd never been particularly close to your mother, but it was an unusually blunt message, if it was to be a final farewell, then it wasn't particularly warm... <<linkreplace "I was on my own...">>\ You're left with several dozen options, none of which are particularly pleasant. [[Grab a bag and get on the next flight out of here|prologue1]] <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\

<center><img src="images/prologue/bedroom.jpg" alt="Bedroom"></center> You gaze out of the window for a few moments, taking in the surroundings you grew up in, the large sycamores are bare, the autumn leaves being swept up in a cold breeze. Winter is coming and there is no time to get lost in nostalgia. You're deep in thought, what are you going to do? Your mother was right. You need to pack a bag and get the hell out of here, but to where? Before you know it, you find yourself automatically packing a duffel bag, clothes, medicines, the essentials, your brain has entered survival mode, ignoring the wardrobe full of exotic designer wear in favour of rags, gear you might have gone hiking in or wore during a particularly sweatyy gym session. It wasn't important. <<linkreplace "What is your plan now?">>\What is your plan now? You could try the comm system, contact some family members, find some staff or you could simply make a break for it, get to the space dock and decide what to do then. Time is ticking. <<audio "title" volume 0.02 fadeout>> [[Get to work.|prologuebedroom]] <</linkreplace>>\

<center><img src="images/prologue/CommNet/commnet.jpg" alt="Screen"></center> The computer boots up as you approach, fortunately you already have a list of favourites and most common contacts for easy access, as well as recent transmissions. Living in the home of a high ranking UN Official means your communications are fast and secure, going through the UN's Quantum Entanglement Matrix, rather than standard networks and delayed transmissions, but you still have a sneaking suspicion that you should still be careful with what you say. <center> <<if $homecommfather1 == false>>\ [[The Office of UN Foreign Minister David Sheridan|prologuehomecommfather]] <</if>>\ <<if $homecommsister1 == false>>\ [[Aeron Sheridan|prologuehomecommsister]] <</if>>\ <<if $homecommbrother1 == false>>\ [[Captain John Sheridan|prologuehomecommbrother]] <</if>>\ <<if $homecommdetective1 == false>>\ [[Detective Waganbach|prologuehomecommdetective]] <</if>>\ <<if $homecommliara1 == false>>\ [[Liara Garibaldi|prologuehomecommliara]] <</if>>\ [[Back|prologuebedroom]] </center>

<<set $jeff1 = true>>The manor is dark, cold and silent as a graveyard, the hubub and clattering of the waiting on staff absent. Even the automated cleaning systems appear to be disabled. You take one look at the hall of your home, wondering if you would ever return. The hairs on the back of your neck stand up, as you feel a presecence behind you. <<linkreplace "I turned slowly..">>\ <img src="images/prologue/butler.jpg" alt="Jeffrey" id="hpright"> A feeling of relief washes over you, it's just Jeffrey. He has been the head groundskeeper of the estate since you were a child, essentially the mentor of you and your siblings in many aspects growing up, taking you shooting, painting, working out in the gym, he even had a good understanding of algebra. You didn't know much about his life before he became the mild mannered butler of the household, but he was a man of many skills. Regardless, he has always been like family to you, an uncle, even a father figure at times. It wasn't unusual to see him doing various pieces of maintenance in the manor, but surely he should get out of here too? You know he doesn't live in the manor, being afforded a small hut somewhere on the estate and being left to tend the grounds. He smiled when he saw you, and began speaking in the same soft tone you remembered, but you still felt a growing sense of urgency behind what he was saying. <<linkreplace "I was happy to see him...">>\<br><br><br>@@.friend;<<jeff>>Mistress Kayla, why are you still here? I'm truly sorry about Master David, he was a good man. But you shouldn't be here. Your mother has been in contact with me, I assume she gave you a similar message?<</jeff>>@@ <<kayla>>I've just packed what I can into a dufflebag, clothes, lady things and resources for trading, just icase. Anyway, I <b>was</b> about to leave, but I didn't know you were still here.<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<jeff>>Then you know the danger you are in. That we are in. Do you have any idea where you are going to go? I hope during your years of employment you've made some friends. Perhaps you should try contacting Master John?<</jeff>>@@ <<kayla>>I appreciate the conern. All I know is that mom told me to get the hell out of here. Not just the manor, not just New York. But Earth. Get off Earth.@@<</kayla>> You let out a sigh, giving a wistful look towards the large double doors of the manor. The sigh doesn't go unnoticed, as he moves closer to you and grips your shoulder in an attempt to comfort you, to let you know that everything will be okay, that you will get through this and your family too - including him. Looking into your eyes he moves even closer, he takes a moment just to study your face before pulling you in for a warm hug, as he would do when you were a child and John had pulled one of his pranks, a gesture that you duly accept. @@.friend;<<jeff>>She isn't wrong. Get off world, find a quiet place in the belt and make a life for yourself. You have the resources, education and intelligence. In a few months and years, it might die down, what "it" is. And then you'll know it is safe. There is something your father didn't tell you, about your past. Now, if you don't mind, I really need to finish this.<</jeff>>@@ His tone had quickly hardened as he spoke, from the usual soft tone you know him for, to one of sharp, clipped consonants, hammering home his point to you. He releases his grip and turns away from you with a sigh, you've always felt somewhat different, you've never been as close to your mother as your siblings. Your father was always overprotective. A mystery you never got to the bottom of, nor did you care much, your life was good. <<linkreplace "If only he knew...">>\Before you can say anything back, he releases you and moves over to the other side of the room, his attention turning to one of the many maintenace cupboards that are dotted around the manor, what he was working on or why he was working on it, you couldn't tell from here. [["Maybe you're right. I'll find a nice corner of the belt and stay out of the way of history."|prologuemainhall]] [["I can't let this stand. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I let my father's killers go free."|prologuemainhall]] [["I don't know what to do...."|prologuemainhall]] <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\

<center><img src="images/prologue/mainhall.jpg" alt="Main Hall"></center> The grand main hall of the Sheridan Manor, you can access most of the manor from here fairly quickly.<<first>> It's quiet, no one is around at the moment, you can hear some noise coming from another part of the manor, but you can't pinpoint from where.<<then>> The sound you heard before has stopped, the manor hall has fallen quiet.<<finally>><<if $jeff2 == false>> The Head Groundskeeper, Jeffrey, is working on a maintenance panel that is usually concealed behind a painting. He looks busy but you could try [[talking|prologuejeffrey1]] to him. <</if>><</first>> <<audio "manor" volume 0.02 loop play>> While there are countless rooms of all shapes and sizes, you don't have the time to do an entire lap of the manor, but you might want to check out the [[art studio|prologuestudio]] or go to the [[lounge|prologuelounge]], maybe head into the [[library|prologuelibrary]] where you could find your father's office. You could of course go outside into the front [[courtyard|prologueoutside]] or go into the back [[garden|prologuegarden]]. Otherwise, you could head back upstairs to your [[bedroom|prologuebedroom]].

<<set $homecommfather1 = true>> <img src="images/prologue/commnet/commnet1.gif" alt="Screen" id="hpleft">You attempt to contact your father's office, perhaps it was desperation, perhaps it was some false hope, only you know why. But, predictably, you're met with nothing but a screen timing you out, you can't even connect to Ceres colony. @@.kayla;"The situation must be bad."@@ you mutter to yourself, as the computer works fruitlessly looking for a connection. <<set $mentalstate = $mentalstate -1>>\ <center>[[Back|prologuehomecomm]]</center>

<<set $homecommsister1 = true>><img src="images/prologue/commnet/commnet1.gif" alt="Screen" id="hpleft">You wonder if your older sister, Aeron, even knows about what has happened. Last you knew, she was working on a mining frigate on the edges of the known frontier, working on one of the space colonies on the edges of the solar system, dangerous work and a bit of a black out area. Aeron and your family, particularly you, have always had a difficult relationship with her. Since her teen years, she was always acting out, you remember her burning. Despite her obvious talent when it came to the arts, she flunked out of the Art Academy after a year. You remember your father going absolutely apoplectic when she made her intention known at Christmas, another one ruined... <<fadein 2s 2s>>Attempting to connect...<</fadein>> <<fadein 3s 3s>>Connected...<</fadein>> <<linkreplace "<<fadein 4s 4s>>She looks older...<</fadein>>">>She looks older...<<set $mentalstate = $mentalstate +1>> @@.friend;<<say Aeron "images/characters/aeron/communication.jpg">>"Thanks for trying to contact me, I'm out of "the office" at the moment. I'm currently away on The Canterbury, top secret, you know the drill. Please leave a message, though I won't be back any time soon."<</say>>@@ The Canterbury was something of a legend, but it was bucket these days, one of the first attempts at an extra solar vessel, it now serves as a mining frigate. You remember reading about it in history. It was good to hear her voice, but the likelihood is that she doesn't know about the events. Could she be in danger? [["Aeron. Please call me or John as soon as you can We're in danger.."|prologuehomecomm]] [["I'm sure you heard the news. Please, contact me ASAP."|prologuehomecomm]] [["This is Kayla, just looking for a catch up..."|prologuehomecomm]] [["No. End transmission."|prologuehomecomm]] <</linkreplace>>\

<<set $homecommbrother1 = true>> <img src="images/prologue/commnet/commnet1.gif" alt="Screen" id="hpleft">Next on your list is your brother, John. He isn't an easy man to get ahold of, being a UNN Captain means you're generally on assignment, whether that is patrolling the belt, war games, delivering key supplies or aid, regardless of the assignment, it can realistically mean you're operating in a dark zone of communications. You wonder if he is even aware of your father's demise and the worsening situation on the colonies. <<fadein 2s 2s>>Attempting to connect...<</fadein>> <<fadein 3s 3s>>Connected...<</fadein>> <<fadein 1s 6s>><img src="images/characters/John/communication1.png" alt="Screen" id="hpright">After what feels like hours, your communication is finally routed through to the UNN Agamemnon, his face appears on your screen, with some minor interference, the green being the price of delay free FTL communication, it is a relief to see him. But you can tell from the look on his face. He knows. @@.friend;"Kayla? Is it you?"@@ he asks rhetorically, a huge relief in his voice at the sight of you. @@.kayla;"John....."@@ you don't know what to say next.... [["Did you hear about dad? Sucks, huh?"|prologuehomecommbrother1]] [["John. Dad. Our father. He is dead."|prologuehomecommbrother1]] [["So, how goes the old? Hear any news lately?"|prologuehomecommbrother1]] [["I'm sorry. This was a bad idea. Disconnect."|prologuehomecomm]]<</fadein>>

<img src="images/prologue/commnet/commnet1.gif" alt="Screen" id="hpleft">Maybe the Detective knows something, advice or an update. You know better than to tell him you're going to flee the planet. What was his name again? Waganbach? Sounds Dutch. <<fadein 4s 2s>>Attempting to connect...<</fadein>> <<fadein 4s 4s>>Attempting to connect...<</fadein>> <<linkreplace "<<fadein 8s 6s>>Connected...<</fadein>>">>Connected... @@.friend;<<say Waganbach "images/prologue/commnet/detectivecomm.jpg">>Dectective Waganbach here, what do you need?<</say>>@@ <<fadein 4s 2s>>There was something very off about this guy, his mannerisms, the way he talked. He was smug personified. But you could tell he was supremely intelligent, the UNN wouldn't give him the lead on your father's murder if he wasn't. But man, you so want to go back to your childhood days of prank calling, though you get the distinct feeling that it would be a <b>very</b> bad idea.<</fadein>> <<fadein 4s 6s>>[["Detective? This is Kayla Sheridan, I'm calling about my father's murder."|prologuehomecommdetective1]] [["I'd like to ask some questions about your investigation."|prologuehomecommdetective1]] [["Oink oink, I smell bacon."|prologuehomecommdetectivebadend]] [["I'm sorry Detective, I have nothing to say."|prologuehomecomm]]<</fadein>> <</linkreplace>> <<set $homecommdetective1 = true>>

<<set $homecommliara1 = true>> <img src="images/prologue/commnet/commnet1.gif" alt="Screen" id="hpleft">You notice you have several dozen missed messages over the past day, all from Liara. She was your best friend at school, you still talk to her as often as you can, but it has been a few months. As far as you know, she is currently working for Protolink Corporation in some apprentice role, you're not too sure where she is or what she is doing at this moment. Maybe she can help? <<linkreplace "A reminder of better times.">>\ @@.friend;<<say Liara "images/characters/liara/communication1.jpg">>"Kayla? Is that you? I'm so relieved to see you, I've been trying to contact you since......"<</say>>@@ Her face lights up the screen, a look of concern about her, rather than one of joy that you've contacted her. Her voice is cracking, struggling to find the words, as she stops just short of talking about Dad, you're not sure if she is lost for words or she just doesn't have much to say. [["It's ok. I'm glad to hear your voice."|prologuehomecommliara1]] [["He died...."|prologuehomecommliara1]] [["Thanks for checking in on me, I've been away."|prologuehomecommliara1]] [["You know what? Disconnect."|prologuehomecomm]] <</linkreplace>>

/* main quest variables */ <<set $karma = 50>> <<set $mentalstate = 15>> <<set $credits = 100>> <<set $gameactive = false>> <<set $prologueactive = false>> <<set $battlescore = 0>> <<set $choice1 = "nil">> /* music */ <<cacheaudio "title" "media/music/title.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "action" "media/music/action.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "manor" "media/music/manor.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "hitchhike" "media/music/hitchhike.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "station" "media/music/station.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "spaceport" "media/music/spaceport.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "evilend" "media/music/evilend.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "gameover" "media/music/gameover.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "spaceshipambience" "media/music/spaceshipambience.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "spacedock1" "media/music/spacedock1.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "wildwest" "media/music/wildwest.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "military" "media/music/military.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "infiltration1" "media/music/infiltration1.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "jazz1" "media/music/jazz1.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "hypno1" "media/music/hypno1.mp3">> /* fx */ <<cacheaudio "sniperfire" "media/sfx/snipershot.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "announcement" "media/sfx/announcement.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "camera" "media/sfx/camera.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "shuttlelaunch" "media/sfx/shuttlelaunch.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "bodyimpact" "media/sfx/bodyimpact.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "alert" "media/sfx/alert.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "explosionglass" "media/sfx/explosionglass.wav">> <<cacheaudio "trombone" "media/sfx/trombone.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "bulletimpact" "media/sfx/bulletimpact.mp3">> /* Kayla variables */ <<set $kaylanormal = false>> <<set $cowgirl = false>> <<set $militarygirl = false>> <<set $kayladress1 = false>> <<set $collared = false>> <<set $alice = false>> <<set $kaylaslave = false>> <<set $bimbo1 = false>> <<set $decision = "yes">> /* ALICE variables */ <<set $alicewipe = false>> <<set $alicemet = false>> /* skills and traits */ <<set $skill = "nul">> <<set $drunk = false>> /* travel system */ <<set $linkdestination = "nul">> /* inventory */ <<newinventory '$player'>> <<newinventory '$party'>> <<newinventory '$keycards'>> /* scope */ <<set $scope1 = false>> <<set $scope5 = false>> <<set $scope6 = false>> /* prologue variables */ <<set $jeff1 = false>> <<set $jeff2 = false>> <<set $jeffcabin = false>> <<set $jeffcombat = false>> <<set $helpedjeffrey = false>> <<set $savedjeffrey = false>> <<set $homecommsister1 = false>> <<set $homecommfather1 = false>> <<set $homecommbrother1 = false>> <<set $homecommdetective1 = false>> <<set $homecommliara1 = false>> <<set $homecommliaracut = false>> <<set $channel2detective = false>> <<set $prologueeat = false>> <<set $prologueshower = false>> <<set $bookshelffile = false>> <<set $secretroomopen = false>> <<set $jennyfate to "nul">> <<set $mylene to "slave">> <<set $iedplanted = false>> /* password variables */ <<set $code1 = "00">> <<set $code2 = "000">> <<set $code3 = "0000">> /* chapter 1 variables */ <<set $chapter1active = false>> <<set $louisefate = "slave">> <<set $ozfate = "neutral">> <<set $military1 = "none">> /* Characters */ <<character 'kayla' 'images/kayla/portrait1.jpg'>> <<character 'collaredkayla' 'Kayla' 'images/kayla/portraitcollar.jpg'>> <<character 'jeff' 'images/prologue/butler2.jpg'>> <<character 'alice' 'images/characters/alice/profile1.jpg'>>

<<set $kaylanormal = true>><center><img src="images/prologue/bedroom.jpg" alt="Bedroom"></center> You find yourself in your bedroom, a messenger bag sitting on your bed, full of the essentials, a one hundred credit chit and a small PADD. The bed looks inviting. Extremely inviting. And you're tired. Extremely tired. This isn't a good time to sleep, in fact it is possibly the worst possible time you could get some shut eye, but it is an option, you just need to get ready for a nap. Alternatively, to the side of your bed is your desk, is a <<link "jewelry box">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/prologue/jewelrybox.png" alt="Box" id="hpleft">A small box of jewelry you've collected during your childhood, honestly, none of it is worth much, just a few diamonds and other common gems. <<if not $player.has('Golden Broach')>>There is a golden broach, gold could still be worth something. <<linkreplace "You could take it with you.">>You slip the broach into your pocket.<<pickup '$player' 'Golden Broach'>><</linkreplace>>.<<else>>You did take a golden broach, hoping it had some level of value in the future.<</if>><</popover>><</link>>, as well as a personal interface idling, you can try [[load up the CommNet|prologuehomecomm]] and contact some friends, get some information, let everyone know you're ok. <<if $prologueshower == false>> You have also have time for a quick, refreshing [[bath|prologueshower]], you've earned it. You'll just have to try and remember not to spend hours in there like you usually do... <</if>>\ <<if $jeff1 == false>> Alternatively, you could just [[go to the main hall|prologue12]]. <<elseif $jeff1 == true>> Head back to the [[main hall|prologuemainhall]]. <</if>>\

@@.friend;<<say John "images/characters/john/communication2.png">>"Don't worry. This comm channel is security level red, anyone who could listen in on in this faces life in a UNN Penal Colony at the very best and being spaced after a few years of advanced interrogation at the very worst. We can speak freely."<</say>>@@ He spoke with the degree of confidence and authority of a UNN Captain. He has grown as a man so much since you last saw him. he could have been a clone of your father. <<kayla>>"Do you know what happened to Dad? I simply have no clue, the authorities have been less than helpful, the manor is largely empty and I'm alone. I thought mom would be here, but all I got was a recording, she told me to get off planet, but I have no where to go. What do I do?"<</kayla>> He takes the information, his mind clearly racing on possible solutions, but all he can manage is a grimace. Just like it dawned on you some time ago, it dawned on him, you are alone. And in grave danger. He begins to speak, you can tell that the gravity of the situation is weighing heavily on him. @@.friend;<<say John "images/characters/john/communication2.png">>"I know. And I'm sorry I can't be there for you right now. The Agamemnon has been recalled, but we're assigned to Kuiper on a surveying mission. It'll take us a few weeks to get back at least. Listen to me Kayla, mom was right. There is a game at play here, pieces have been moved into place and the plan is being executed. I can protect you, but not until I'm back. You're important. Not just to me, but everyone. Far more important than you know."<</say>>@@ <<linkreplace "It was a relief. It gave me hope.">>You don't know what he meant by that, sure, on the face of it, he was talking purely about how your family, you're his sister. You're important to him and your family. But you feel there was something more to that statement. You stop your mind wandering, returning to the problem at hand, your brother was in deep thought @@.friend;<<say John "images/characters/john/communication2.png">>"You could try Ceres.......I know. I know. But we have friends there. Dad had some property there, resources. And security will be tight and alert, they certainly don't want anymore more Earthers or Martians blown to smithereens. Sometimes hiding right under the noses of your enemies is the safest bet."<</say>>@@ You felt a flush of anger and indignation at the idea of going right where your father had just been murdered, but John doesn't give you much of an opportunity to cut in or object to it, expecting as much. As he speaks, it seems more and more like the most logical choice. Still... [["I have a few questions."|prologuehomecommbrother2]] [["Ok. I've heard enough. Stay safe."|prologuehomecomm]] <</linkreplace>>\

<<set $jeff2 = true>><center><img src="images/prologue/butler.jpg" alt="Jeffrey"></center> Jeffrey is working on the conduit, though he is still attentive to his surroundings and to you. <<linkreplace "Why are you still here?">>\ <<kayla>>Why are you still here? I mean everyone has gone, you know what is happening here, if you or I stay here any longer than we'll both be in danger...<</kayla>> He doesn't miss a beat in his response, while briefly struggling as he tugs on something in the panel. He stops for just a moment, to look at you and answer in his usual, soft tone. @@.friend;<<jeff>>Where else would I be? This is my home. If you think there is some real danger, then leave. And I mean that in the nicest way possible. You're right, you're in danger. I'm in danger. But I can handle it. The old soldier..<</jeff>>@@ He continues to talk in a soft tone, despite what he said being rather blunt and to the point, he buries his face back into the wall conduit, returning to his work.<</linkreplace>>\ <<linkreplace "What are you doing?">>\ <<kayla>>What are you doing? Those conduits don't really need a lot of maintenace, do they?<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<jeff>>You wouldn't understand.<</jeff>>@@ He responds with more than hint of impatience, not feeling the need to explain it to you. Maybe if you understood what he was doing, he would. <<if $skill is "military">>But you do know jury rigging when you see it, it was something you were taught during one of your modules on special operations and improvisation. <<kayla>>I'm not stupid. You're jury rigging that conduit so you can overload it, could cause some serious damage if anyone is within a few metres of it. Why?<</kayla>> He stops, cleaning his hands of the conduit lubricant on a dirty rag as he speaks, a wry grin on his face as you figure out what he is doing. @@.friend;<<jeff>>Impressive, you learn that at the academy? You got me. I'm rigging some of the conduits for remote overload. Just incase of emergency...<</jeff>>@@<</if>> <</linkreplace>>\ <<if $skill is "speech">> <<linkreplace "You need to leave.">>\ <<kayla>>You need to leave. This is a foolish endeavour.<</kayla>> You try to be as firm as you can, you know what he is planning and you know that it is going to end in a lot of destruction and death if he gets his way. @@.friend;<<jeff>>"I can't leave, where would I go? If someone wants to fight, then the old soldier will give them a fight. You don't have to stay here."<</jeff>>@@ [[Try to persuade him to leave|prologuejeffreyspeech1]] <</linkreplace>>\ <</if>> <<if $alicemet == true>> <<linkreplace "Do you know who ALICE is?">>\ <<kayla>>Jeffrey have you ever met....ALICE?<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<jeff>>"I'm afraid I have no clue who she is, I've never heard of this Alice. Perhaps a seasonal member of staff?"<</jeff>>@@<</linkreplace>> <</if>> [[Leave him be|prologuejeffreyleave]]

<center><img src="images/prologue/manor.jpg" alt="Manor"></center> A cold morning, a cutting wind swirls around the deserted courtyard, a light dusting of snow has began to gather on the floor, the first snow of winter has arrived. You could head back into the [[main hall|prologuemainhall]] or sneak into the side door of the [[garage|prologuegarage]]. Alternatively, you could head into the nearby [[forest|prologueforest1]] that surrounds most of the estate. Or you could [[leave|prologueleave]], but once you've left, you doubt you'll be back anytime soon.

<<first>><center><img src="images/prologue/manorleaving.jpg" alt="Leaving"></center> You stand at the gate, ready to leave. You'll have to either walk an hour to the station or you could try your hand at hitchhiking to the spaceport. The joys of rural living. You turn around after stepping through the pedestrian gate, taking what could be your last, longing looking at the estate you grew up on. Your home. [[Leave|prologueleave1]] [[Don't leave yet|prologueoutside]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/prologue/manorleaving.jpg" alt="Leaving"></center> You stand at the gate, ready to leave. Or not. You haven't made up your mind yet seemingly. [[Leave|prologueleave1]] [[Don't leave yet|prologueoutside]] <</first>>

<center><img src="images/characters/John/communication1.png" alt="Screen"></center> Your brother, the captain, the heir to the family, well you guess he is the head of the family now, watches you intently ready to answer any of the questions you want to ask.. <<link "Do you know anything?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say John "images/characters/john/communication2.png">>"All I know is that there are powerful forces at work, playing dangerous games at the highest levels. I don't know who, I don't know what, but they've been planning this for a while. This could have system wide consequences, my gut feeling tells me it isn't your average terrorist organisation making a point, not with Dad. I'm afraid I can't do anything out here, but don't worry, we're at full burn to get back. I'll get to the bottom of this."<</say>>@@ A sigh of resignation escapes his lips he finishes, you can tell he is frustrated at being so far from his family and Ceres at such an inopportune time. Perhaps it wasn't a coincidence that he was assigned so far away... <</popover>><</link>> <<link "What should I do now?">><<popover 'opaque'>>His face straightens out, you see even more of your father in him, as he makes the exact same face your father used to make before a lecture. Great. @@.friend;<<say John "images/characters/john/communication2.png">>"Like I said, I don't think it's a bad idea to head to Ceres Station. I may not know who is behind this, but I do know that Ceres Security is going to be under some severe pressure from the UNN, security is going to be tight. But you need to be careful, at every turn. Space is dangerous, especially for a young girl like you. We still deal with piracy, human smuggling and so many other crimes, it would make your head spin."<</say>>@@ A grimace crosses his features, his mind elsewhere for a few seconds. Perhaps thinking of all the ways this could end badly for you, or perhaps he just realised he left the gas on. You couldn't tell. This is why you never beat him at poker. <</popover>><</link>> <<link "It is just....so good to see you.">><<popover 'opaque'>>His look of concern turns to a wry grin, almost into a full smile. Despite everything, you still love him and it is always nice to just remember that. Even if he can't give you a hug. @@.friend;<<say John "images/characters/john/communication2.png">>"I don't think I've seen you in over a year, this assignment has been tough. But I'll see you soon, you can count on it."<</say>>@@ <</popover>><</link>> [["Stay safe. End transmission."|prologuehomecomm]]

<center><img src="images/prologue/manorbath.jpg" alt="Bathroom"></center> <<set $prologueshower = true>><<set $mentalstate = $mentalstate +1>> Your small, personal bathroom, ceramic fittings and heated floor tiles, very traditional, a far call from the sonic showers that are standard in most places these days. A quick, hot bath to refresh and focus your mind certainly wouldn't go amiss, as you undress yourself and step into the inviting bath. <<linkreplace "<center>A fleeting moment of relaxation...</center>">>\ <center><img src="images/prologue/manorbath1.jpg" alt="Shower"></center> You submerge your body, letting the water wash over you, the prickly heat taking away your aches and pains. For a brief moment, you forget all your troubles, but only for a brief moment. You close your eyes, recent events and all the possible futures that face you, passing. @@.kayla;"I need to blank my mind, just for a few minutes."@@ <<linkreplace "<center>I remember closing my eyes, trying to purge the negativity...</center>">>\ <center><img src="images/sleep/bathdream1.jpg" alt="Bath"></center> The barrel of a gun is pointed right in your face, you can't even see your assailant, but you can see the bullet with your name on it. <<linkreplace "<center><B>*CLICK*</B></center>">>\ <<audio "sniperfire" volume 0.10 play>> You jolt upwards, awaking from your slumber, your heart beating ten to the dozen, as you make sure you are alone. Just a horrible dream. The water suddenly feels cold to you, slimy almost, forcing you to quickly step out of the bath and begin drying yourself off before re-clothing yourself. <center>You have work to do. [[Dry yourself off|prologuebedroom]]</center> <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>

She brushes her trademark tomboyish hair back behind her ears, trying to regain some composure, the emotion in her face was clear and you feel it too. You don't know what to say, as that awkward moment of silence lingers in the air between the two of you. @@.friend;<<say Liara "images/characters/liara/communication1.jpg">>"Awkward, huh? I'm so sorry about David, he was good to me, even when I was getting you in all sorts of trouble, hehe. Listen, if you're ever on Ganymede, look me up, ok? Or come right now if you're feeling vulnerable! It's a nice place, Protolink has set me up well here, they would be good to you too."<</say>>@@ You had to work hard not to show your hand, that you want nothing more than to join your friend on Ganymede, you could see it now. Sitting at one of the many fine dining establishments on that colony, sharing a platter of freshly caught shrimp over a bottle of Ganymede Gin. Delightful. But alas, you don't want to put your friend in danger and all you can do is manage to squeak out a few pleasantries. <<kayla>>"Thank you four your kind words. I might take you up on that offer one day soon, but not right now. I don't think I want to put that kind of level of pressure on you."<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Liara "images/characters/liara/communication1.jpg">>"I'm so sorry. I have a good life here, Protolink is a fantastic company to work for. I'm sure I can arrange for some work for you here."<</say>>@@ Once again, she reiterates her desire to see you, she always was a good friend, you were there for her when her father passed away and now she wants to be there for you. <<linkreplace "She was a good friend, in another life we....">>\ <<set $mentalstate = $mentalstate +1>>\ <<kayla>>"You're still important to me. I appreciate the offer, truly, but I was hoping just to have a little conversation, you know? Just to take my mind off things for a few minutes, about you, life since school...."<</kayla>> She seems enthused by the idea, she DID always like talking about herself more than anything, but you like to think it is more that she is helping you out. <center> [["Now where were we...."|prologuehomecommliara2]] [["Ok. I've heard enough. Stay safe."|prologuehomecomm]] </center> <</linkreplace>>\

<<first>><center><img src="images/characters/liara/communication1.jpg" alt="Screen"></center><<set $mentalstate += 1>> <<link "Protolink? What do they do again?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Liara "images/characters/liara/communication1.jpg">>"What don't they do? They're involved in media, genetics, space exploration, extrasolar activities, genetics....I can't say much on an open channel about what I do or work on, you know? I signed a contract but...."<</say>>@@ She fiddles with something you can't quite see, she goes off screen for a few moments, you're not sure what she is doing. Wait. Is that a...pamphlet? She clears her throat, as she begins reeling off some corporate spiel. @@.friend;<<say Liara "images/characters/liara/communication1.jpg">>"Protolink celebrated its 100th anniversary on December 24th, 2349. In this milestone year, we created a new corporate message that conveys the determination and enthusiasm of the Protolink Group. This message is the........."<</say>>@@ You tune out, the next 5 minutes is a rambling, incoherent mess but you know Protolink are a pretty big deal in all aspects of society, a multiplanetary corporation that has a finger in every bureaucrat and politicians pie from here to Alpha Centauri. Something isn't right here, you can't put your finger on it.... @@.friend;<<say Liara "images/characters/liara/communication1.jpg">>"Hello? Hello?! KAYLA! Are you even listening?! We worked hard on that pamphlet..."<</say>>@@<</popover>><</link>> <<link "Ganymede? I've never been. Tell me more.">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Liara "images/characters/liara/communication1.jpg">>"It's certainly not the forefront of human exploration, not anymore, but our colony has a pretty unique culture, you know the story, come with being the agricultural center of the system. The entire planet is an ocean now, so Protolink have slowly been reintroducing endangered and even extinct species to the biodome to great success."<</say>>@@ Sounds great, you love fish. Well eating them, it became a bit of a taboo delicacy on Earth in the post-21st Century environmental measures, when mass breeding and harvest of animals was outlawed. @@.friend;<<say Liara "images/characters/liara/communication1.jpg">>"They even play nice with the native species, we estimated there are ten million Whales in the oceans of Ganymede alone, it sure is something. Besides, the Ganymede Rock Lobster is just to die for."<</say>>@@ The first alien life we discovered were fish and the only use we found for it in the years after was to put it on a plate and throw some sauce on it. You're not sure what that says about humanity. Maybe they shouldn't be so delicious.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "And your personal life? Girlfriend? Boyfriend? Or none of the above?">> <<popover 'noclick'>>You remember that Liara definitely preferred women, she even hit on you, drunkenly, at Susan Ivanova's 14th birthday party, but you were confused at the time. You both were. Still are. @@.friend;<<say Liara "images/characters/liara/communication1.jpg">>"I met a wonderful woman at Protolink, we live together. We hit it off almost immediately while working together, everything is just so...easy with her. She puts me at ease when I'm around her, whether that is at work or at home. She is one of the senior researchers at Protolink actually...she is my boss! It's...kinda hot, hehe."<</say>>@@ While you were happy for her to have someone who cares for her that deeply, that's the Liara you knew, the death of her father at a young age meant she was always trying to find mentor figures she could attach herself to, one thing always leads to another. She doesn't appear to have grown out of that mentality. @@.friend;<<say Liara "images/characters/liara/communication1.jpg">>"We recently returned from the Pleasure Moon of Thebes, we spent a week there and it was so much fun! The anti-gravity restaurant was just to die for. Anyway, I took a snap from our getaway to the Pleasure Moon of Thebes. I'll send an attachment!"<</say>>@@ <<link "[[Open attachment|prologuehomecommliara2]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</popover>><</link>> [["Stay safe, talk soon. End transmission."|prologuehomecomm]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/characters/liara/communication1.jpg" alt="Screen"></center><<set $mentalstate += 1>> <<link "Protolink? What do they do again?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Liara "images/characters/liara/communication1.jpg">>"What don't they do? They're involved in media, genetics, space exploration, extrasolar activities, genetics....I can't say much on an open channel about what I do or work on, you know? I signed a contract but...."<</say>>@@ She fiddles with something you can't quite see, she goes off screen for a few moments, you're not sure what she is doing. Wait. Is that a...pamphlet? She clears her throat, as she begins reeling off some corporate spiel. @@.friend;<<say Liara "images/characters/liara/communication1.jpg">>"Protolink celebrated its 100th anniversary on December 24th, 2349. In this milestone year, we created a new corporate message that conveys the determination and enthusiasm of the Protolink Group. This message is the........."<</say>>@@ You tune out, the next 5 minutes is a rambling, incoherent mess but you know Protolink are a pretty big deal in all aspects of society, a multiplanetary corporation that has a finger in every bureaucrat and politicians pie from here to Alpha Centauri. Something isn't right here, you can't put your finger on it.... @@.friend;<<say Liara "images/characters/liara/communication1.jpg">>"Hello? Hello?! KAYLA! Are you even listening?! We worked hard on that pamphlet..."<</say>>@@<</popover>><</link>> <<link "Ganymede? I've never been. Tell me more.">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Liara "images/characters/liara/communication1.jpg">>"It's certainly not the forefront of human exploration, not anymore, but our colony has a pretty unique culture, you know the story, come with being the agricultural center of the system. The entire planet is an ocean now, so Protolink have slowly been reintroducing endangered and even extinct species to the biodome to great success."<</say>>@@ Sounds great, you love fish. Well eating them, it became a bit of a taboo delicacy on Earth in the post-21st Century environmental measures, when mass breeding and harvest of animals was outlawed. @@.friend;<<say Liara "images/characters/liara/communication1.jpg">>"They even play nice with the native species, we estimated there are ten million Whales in the oceans of Ganymede alone, it sure is something. Besides, the Ganymede Rock Lobster is just to die for."<</say>>@@ The first alien life we discovered were fish and the only use we found for it in the years after was to put it on a plate and throw some sauce on it. You're not sure what that says about humanity. Maybe they shouldn't be so delicious.<</popover>><</link>> <center><img src="images/prologue/holidaysnap.jpg" alt="Lovers"></center> She sends you half a dozen of her holiday snaps, but this picture unsettles you, there is something slightly off about how she is looking at her. Could it just be love? Are you overthinking things? She has never been this dough eyed towards anyone before, almost like there is a vacancy in her mind. You're sure it's nothing... [["Stay safe, talk soon. End transmission."|prologuehomecomm]]<</first>>

You can see him swivel in his chair as he reaches for something off screen, probably sitting in one of those cheap chairs that are so common in governmental offices. <<if $skill is "speech">>You remember them from your time at the UNN compound, even in lower grav, they still used them. You spent a week's wages buying an ergonomic chair.<</if>> @@.friend;<<say Waganbach "images/prologue/commnet/detectivecomm.jpg">>I was just reading over my notes actually, it's a tragedy.<</say>>@@ <<linkreplace "How was he....?">>\<<kayla>>How was he....<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Waganbach "images/prologue/commnet/detectivecomm.jpg">>Ahem. This might be tough to hear, but there was nothing much left on the site, there is very little in the way of evidence left. The bomb was sophisticated, possibly militray grade. Human remains included.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Sophisticated? Military grade? What are you hinting at here?<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Waganbach "images/prologue/commnet/detectivecomm.jpg">>Errr...I've already said too much. The investigation is on going, I get daily updates from Ceres, it's the best I can do from here...<</say>>@@ It seems like he doesn't have all the facts on hand, investigating the case from Earth must be extremely difficult when the crime was committed three hundred million miles away. <</linkreplace>>\ <<linkreplace "Who did this?">>\<<kayla>>Who did this? Has anyone claimed responsibility?<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Waganbach "images/prologue/commnet/detectivecomm.jpg">>There are a large variety of organisations who have a track record for this kind of violence, targeting politcians and union officials, as what happened with this attack. But nobody has claimed responsibility. My money is on the Council of Ceres Kings or possibly.....<</say>>@@ C.O.C.K?! Is he serious? That isn't a real organisation. He begins list off several dozen organisations that have ties to Ceres, but he lost you when he brought up C.O.C.K. <</linkreplace>>\ [["Thank you detective."|prologuehomecomm]]

<<audio ":playing" fadeout>><center>Why did you do that? Every fibre of your being told you it was a reckless course of action, was the dopamine hit worth it? <img src="images/prologue/badend2/badend1.jpg" alt="Dutch"> There is a righteous indigination in his voice, the idea that someone would disrespect the great detective in such a brazen way @@.hostile1;"Who do you think you are shithead? You're not just wasting police time and misusing a government communications, but you're breaking the damn law while you do it!"@@ you can't help but giggle, as he lectures you thoroughly, trying to dress you down. @@.hostile1;"And a pig? You know why they call us pigs? Because we have PRIDE, INTEGRITY and GUTS!"@@ it sounds like he has rehearsed that one. <<linkreplace "The knock stopped me in my tracks...">><<audio "gameover" volume 0.04 loop play>> <img src="images/prologue/badend2/badend2.jpg" alt="Redfield"> You didn't quite pick up on the fact that he wasn't angry or out of control, just wasting the time of a little girl while he directed the surveillance officer, who has been covertly watching you and your estate, to bring you in for protection @@.hostile1;"Officer Redfield will be escorting you to the station, don't give him any trouble. Good girl."@@ and looking at him, he isn't exactly someone you'd like to trifle with anytime soon. Well, at least you'll be safe at the police station and can work out your next move. Are you really going to go on the run over a prank call? <<linkreplace "The cuffs were tight...">>\ <<set $mentalstate = $mentalstate -10>>\ The ride to the station was short and uneventful, police vehicles didn't leave much room for social interaction, you were tightly locked in to the back of the vehicle. All for a prank call. How embarrassing. <img src="images/prologue/badend2/badend3.jpg" alt="Mockery"> The Detective greeted you at the precinct door, with what could only be described as a horrid, mocking smile @@.hostile1;"I think a night in the cell will be good for you. We can keep an eye on you there too, turns out there has been some....activity at your home."@@ he said, hesistantly, like he let it slip by accident @@.kayla;"What do you mean by that?"@@ you inquire, but all you get is a condescending shake of the head from him in return. @@.hostile1;"We'll know more tomorrow. Now you think about what you've done, you're lucky we're taking it easy on you. Just a night in the cell."@@ @@.kayle;"But....!"@@ you stammer, trying to find a defense for yourself. [["This is a mistake"|prologuehomecommdetectivebadend1]] [["Let me go!"|prologuehomecommdetectivebadend1]] [["I apologise."|prologuehomecommdetectivebadend1]] <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\ </center>

<center>He ignores you, finishing up the quick task of processing you into the system, then turns to give you that condescending look again, before another stupid smirk crosses his face. Does he think he looks good? @@.hostile1;"Listen. You'll be out in the morning. Get some sleep."@@ he looks back at you, as you're escorted to the cells in your cuffs. @@.hostile1;"You're going to need it."@@ <<linkreplace "It was so cold.">>\ <img src="images/prologue/badend2/badend4.jpg" alt="Dutch"> Honestly, how did you end up here? Your father was killed and you decided to make prank calls? It could've been worse though, You were left alone in the cell, but it really was quite comfy, you wanted to talk about a dank and cold cell with blood splatters on the wall, how you were mistreated, left in your own dirt for days until you gave a false confession, like in the holonovels. But - ooooh look - a real carpet! Fancy! There are places on the belt where spaces like this could be seen as premium. But on Earth, rehabilitation was seen as key. You settle down for the night, thinking on your immaturity, but also on what the Detective said - what happened at home after you left? <<linkreplace "I had no way out">>\ <img src="images/prologue/badend2/badend5.jpg" alt="Dutch"> You're only two hours into sleeping through your prison sentence before a critical power failure hits your cell, you're plunged into darkness for brief few seconds, seconds that feel like minutes. You hear your cell door click open, the blinding light from outside the cell makes you recoil momentarily, your temporary blindness turns out to be fatal, you see only the brief outline of a human before you hear the words. @@.hostile2;"Nothing personal."@@ your body goes limp, cold, gutted by the vibroblade you didn't even see. You hit the floor with a thump, as they make a getaway. You hear some commotion, alarms blaring, but it's all becoming a blur... <<linkreplace "I don't feel anymore.">>\ Bad End 2 - Like a rat in a trap. <img src="images/prologue/badend2/badend6.jpg" alt="Stabbed"> The last thing you see before your vision fades to black is several of your organs hanging out of your body. And you obviously can not go on living that way - not that you had a choice. Was the dopamine release and short burst of laughter really worth it? There are millions of hours of free entertainment on the holonet, but you're still making prank calls right after you've been warned you're the target of a nefarious and powerful organisation? Grow up. <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\ </center>

<center><img src="images/prologue/manorkitchen.jpg" alt="Kitchen"></center> A large, fully stocked kitchen, usually bustling with the noise of activity of the waiting on staff and the automated cleaning system, but apart a low hum from the refridgeration unit, it's deathly quiet. There is a tray of recently cut sandwiches, layered with fresh cucumber and a cream cheese spread, your favourite, you could take [[a bite|prologueeat]] if you're feeling peckish. Next to the sandwich tray, sits a newly opened boattle of Ganymede Gin, a recently used shot glass next to it. Expensive stuff, you could [[take a shot|prologuegin]] if you want, but mid day drinking would be a bad idea. There is also a small <<link "note">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<center>Has anyone seen my key fob for the NIKLA? I left it in my science overalls... - David</center> <</popover>><</link>> attached to the refridgeration unit. The kitchen has ease of access to the rest of the manor, with the [[garage|prologuegarage]], [[lounge|prologuelounge]] and [[garden|prologuegarden]] easily accessible from here.

<center><img src="images/prologue/manorstudio.jpg" alt="Studio"></center> The art studio, not really somewhere you came often if you're honest with yourself, but you do wish you had taken up some more painting lessons instead of watching Star Quest serials as a kid. There is one <<link "painting">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/painting1.png" alt="Studio" id="hpleft"> Well this is sure.....something. You're not sure if it is terrible or a post-modernist piece of genius. You don't actually remember this painting, so it must be fairly new, maybe something your father was working on last time he was here? And what's that? <</popover>><</link>> that is half finished, someone has been working on it quite recently. Other than that, an oak door leads back to the [[main hall|prologuemainhall]] and there is a back exit into the [[library|prologuelibrary]].

<center><img src="images/prologue/manorlounge.jpg" alt="Studio"></center> The lounge, one of the more modern areas of the manor. You have some good memories growing up here, watching new and old movies alike, the weekly game nights. Board games. Card games. How quaint. You could quickly <<link "flick through the television feeds">>\ <<goto `either("prologuetvchannel1", "prologuetvchannel2", "prologuetvchannel3", "prologuetvchannel4")`>> <</link>> and check what's on the news, or catch an episode of Space Quest. Otherwise, the double doors lead back to the [[main hall|prologuemainhall]] and a swinging door to [[kitchen|prologuekitchen]] gives easy access to the sweets and treats you used to gobble up while watching the latest Raidy.

<center><img src="images/prologue/manorlibrary.jpg" alt="Library"></center> The Manor's vast library of real books, classics and modern hits alike, made of real paper and everything. Most of the books here are hundreds of years old, including the comic book section that your father made as a joke when you were a child. For environmental, economic and practical reasons, long form records and writings are now mostly electronic and paper books are a luxury. This place is a real treasure. At the moment, the library appears be in the middle of some type of renovation or maintenace, the shelves holding the classical books are protected by an airtight case for security reasons. <<if $bookshelffile == true and $secretroomopen == false>>You could look around for [[the bookcase|prologuebookshelf]] mentioned in your father's files.<<elseif $secretroomopen == true>>With the bookcase unlocked, you can now get into the [[safe room|prologuesecretroom]] with the push of a book.<</if>> You look around for any points of interest, with your [[father's study|prologuestudy]] nestled at the far end of the library, not totally hidden, but a false bookcase acts as its door. There are several other exits as well, one leading out to the [[main hall|prologuemainhall]] and another to the [[art studio|prologuestudio]].

<img src="images/ui/logo.png" alt="Logo"> <<if $kaylaslave == true>> <img src="images/kayla/bimbokayla.png" alt="Logo"> <<elseif $collared == true>> <img src="images/kayla/collaredkayla.png" alt="Logo"> <<elseif $ropedkayla == true>> <img src="images/kayla/ropedport.png" alt="Logo"> <<elseif $bimbo1 == true>> <img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/badendbimboport.png"> <<elseif $militarygirl == true>> <img src="images/kayla/military.png" alt="Logo"> <<elseif $cowgirl == true>> <img src="images/kayla/cowgirl.png" alt="Logo"> <<elseif $kayladress1 == true>> <img src="images/kayla/kayladress1.png" alt="Logo"> <<elseif $kayladiplomat == true>> <img src="images/kayla/kayladiplomat1.png" alt="Logo"> <<elseif $kaylaobsidian == true>> <img src="images/kayla/kaylaobsidian.png" alt="Logo"> <<elseif $kaylaobsidianbot == true>> <img src="images/kayla/kaylabot.png" alt="Logo"> <<elseif $kaylanormal == true>> <img src="images/kayla/normalkayla.png" alt="Logo"><</if>> <div class="hvr-grow-shadow"><div><<link [img[images/ui/save.png]]>><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>></div></div> <<if $gameactive == true>><div class="hvr-grow-shadow"><div><<link [img[images/ui/status.png]]>><<popover 'opaque'>> <<if $mentalstate gte 15>>\ <img src="images/kayla/lifeneutral.png" alt="Neutral" id="hpleft"> You feel fine, you might have all the issues that a typical teenage girl has, on top of the assassination of your father and kill squads chasing you, but mentally, you're prepared for whatever is to come for you.. <<elseif $mentalstate gte 12>>\ <img src="images/kayla/lifetense.png" alt="Tense" id="hpleft"> You're starting to feel tense, you find it harder to concentrate, sometimes it feels like life and the journey you are on is just too hard and you should give up. But these moments are fleeting. <<elseif $mentalstate gte 6>>\ <img src="images/kayla/lifeanxious.png" alt="Anxious" id="hpleft">You're starting to feel anxious, the pressure of your situation, you're less trusting, more susceptible to exploitation, while paradoxically less trusting of your average person. Everyone has a motivation and it is never good for you... <<elseif $mentalstate gte 3>>\ <img src="images/Kayla/lifedepressed.png" alt="Depressed" id="hpleft">You're starting to feel truly depressed, it is a struggle to keep going, every situation or hint of danger, part of you hopes a bullet finds you and puts you out of your misery. On the rare occasions you manage to get to sleep, you hope you won't awaken... <<elseif $mentalstate gte 0>>\ <div class="shk"><img src="images/Kayla/lifebroken.png" alt="Broken" id="hpleft"> Life is suffering, you just want it to be over or for someone to take the pain away. You're very close to just giving it all up...</div> <</if>><</popover>><</link>></div></div><</if>> <div class="hvr-grow-shadow"><div><<link [img[images/ui/help.png]]>><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral1;What do the three choices do?@@ At the start of the game - and throughout - you will pick up various skills and items from completing quests. These will allow you access to different scenarios, areas and solve puzzles that you wouldn't otherwise be able to, as well as solve existing puzzles in new and creative ways. This can lead to new adventures, sexual encounters and bad endings. But in summary... @@.neutral2;Science@@ This leads to a lot of the more scientific routes. This can be mind control, of both you and other characters, transformations and all sorts of other nasty stuff! Or maybe you like that. There is even a rogue AI companion that can accompany you for the rest of the game. @@.neutral2;Military@@ This choice will send you down the path of a trainee officer in the UNN military academy and a would be graduate, top of your class, if it wasn't for the game you got yourself involve with. It puts you into more deadly situations - situations that could get you killed...or worse. It generally involves more brute force solutions, a sniper mini game, the use of weapons - and equally brutal endings for your character. @@.neutral2;Diplomacy@@ This path allows you to use speech to solve your problems, diplomacy...as well as the art of seduction. Generally, this path leads to you trying to use your body quite a bit and not being against sucking the odd dick or riding the right cock to get your way through a situation. You can always talk your way out of a situation, but if all else fails, you know just the right way to please someone. @@.neutral1;What about the status system?@@ Throughout the game, various scenarios will negatively - or postively - affect your character. If your character reaches a certain point in the game, she'll be mind broken because of the amount of stress, give up and the game will effectively end. You can monitor this through your character's status, the closer you get to red, the more stressed you are... <</popover>><</link>></div></div> <<if $gameactive == false>><div class="hvr-grow-shadow"><div><a href="https://www.patreon.com/AfterColony" target="_blank">[img["images/ui/patreon.png"]]</a></div></div><</if>>

<center><img src="images/prologue/manoroffice.jpg" alt="Office"></center> This is your father's study, you don't come in here often, you never had a reason to. There is a feeling of mystery about the room, almost a forbidden fruit being here, like the handful of times you were pulled into the principal's office. Various large books are strewn around the room, appearing to be old records going back to the 1800s. Most of them are fairly old from the two or three you pick up and haven't been returned to their place in the library. On the wooden desk, sits your <<link "father's personal computer">> <<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/prologue/manorstudycomputer.jpg" alt="Computer"><</popover>><</link>>, a unique design that harpens back to typewriters of the early 20th century, very old-world. You also notice some oil paint marks on the desk and keyboard, strange, you didn't think your father was a big painter. The interface is online, but is locked with a five digit pin. <<textbox "$studypassword" "">> [[Enter Password|prologuecomputer]] There isn't much else of interest in the room, with the only door being the one back to the [[library|prologuelibrary]].

<img src="images/prologue/bookcasevii.jpg" alt="Bookcase" id="hpleft">It doesn't take long to find the bookcase, it is clearly marked with a "VII" at the top, engraved at the top with a gold finish, it looks old, traditional, nothing stands out, nothing indicates there is a secret entryway. There are some wooden library steps that will allow you to <<link "take a look">><<popover 'noclick'>>\<<set $bookshelffile = true>><center><img src="images/prologue/bookshelf.jpg" alt="Shelf"></center> Nothing much different, you're about to give up when you spot a single red LED flashing every few seconds at the back - exactly where a book should be - maybe there is a page that acts as a keycard? You take another look at the shelf, Russian literature, with a focus on the works of Fyodor Dostoevsky. You read a few of his books in your teen years, there is a glaring omission. <<if not $player.has('Crime and Punishment')>>Looks like you're looking for a copy of "Crime and Punishment". <<link "Step back.">><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</if>> <<if $player.has('Crime and Punishment') and $secretroomopen == false>><<linkreplace "[[Place 'Crime and Punishment' back on the shelf|prologuesecretroom]]">> <<set $secretroomopen = true>> You place the book back in the shelf with a click, <<link "the door begins to open...">><<dismisspopover>><</link>> <</linkreplace>> <</if>> <</popover>><</link>> at the top shelves. Or you can [[step back.|prologuelibrary]]

<center><img src="images/television/channel1-0.png" alt="Join"></center> The United Nations Navy's propaganda channel, no matter where you are or what time of year, this channel always seems to be up and running, enticing impressionable youngsters into a world of adventure and excitement. And servitude. <center><img src="images/television/channel1-1.jpg" alt="Fleet"></center> In reality, unless you're an officer, you're in for long hours of carbon scrubbing or panel maintenance. Even on the officer route, those early days could be tough. <<if $skill is "military">>Certainly, the few years you've spent at the academy have been really tough, but rewarding. You certainly see yourself having a command in the future, just like your brother.<</if>> They even run drama shows, which claim to show what life is like in the fleet. <center><img src="images/television/channel1-5.jpg" alt="Join"></center> Regardless of how well read you are, you occasionally find yourself sitting down to watch one of these serials, the childish side of you still fantasies about being the real life version of Captain Cathy Wrightway one day. [[Keep Watching|prologuetvchannel1-2]] <<linkreplace "Keep flicking">>\ <<goto `either("prologuetvchannel2", "prologuetvchannel3", "prologuetvchannel4")`>> <</linkreplace>> [[Turn Off|prologuelounge]]

<center>You come across the main ISN channel, covering all the biggest news stories from Sun Station to Ceres, just on the hour for the headline news. @@.kayla;"Oh joy"@@ you say outloud, knowing full well what the leading story is going to be. <img src="images/television/channel2-1.jpg" alt="ISN"> @@.neutral1;"Welcome back to ISN, I'm Daryl Hancroft. Top of the hour at ISN. The fallout from the attack on Ceres continues to worsen, as the UN withdraws its civilian staff from Ceres."@@ Everytime you hear it, you feel the gut wrenching pain of the reality facing you @@.neutral1;"It is now confirmed that at least 47 people have been killed, in what is being dubbed the worst terror attack since the Solar Peace Accords were signed."@@ it cuts to footage of the aftermath of the attack, now a crime scene, while the anchor continues to speak over the pictures @@.neutral1;"Most notably among the dead were UN Foreign Minister David Sheridan and several senior representatives of the Dockers Union. Authorities say that no one has yet claimed credit for the attack, nor is the motive known at this moment at time."@@ <img src="images/television/channel2-2.jpg" alt="Chief"> The report cuts to the chief inspector, a stern looking man in his mid-50s, talking to the baying crowd infront of the station, an infoboard next to him with the updated details and various contact details flashes as he speaks @@.neutral2;"We can confirm some more details, on the morning of the explosion, at 9:17am, a tricobalt device exploded in the Blue Falcon Hotel in Midtown, targeting a meeting between the UN Foreign Minister, David Sheridan and representatives of the Dockers Union. Including the targets of the attack, the total number of missing is estimated at around 61."@@ he waits for the press to quieten down again before continuing, the murmurs of shock dissapate slowly, as he speaks again, gesturing to the board behind him as he does so. <img src="images/television/channel2-3.jpg" alt="Tricobalt"> @@.neutral1;"As shown in an example here, Tricobalt devices are sophisticated, high end weaponry. It vaporised much of the material in the immediate area, as well as several floors of the hotel. However, it did not cause any damage to the station itself, despite rumours of air and water cracks. This was a targeted assassination done by professionals."@@ you feel as if he might be holding something back, what, you don't quite know @@.neutral1;"If anyone has any information leading to prosecutions for this horrendous act of terror, then please contact us, we have a round the clock team investigating this. The citizens of Ceres will remain united against any terror threat, old or new. Thank you."@@ he finishes, walking off and ignoring the rabble asking their stupid questions. You kinda like him. [["What about the local news?"|prologuetvchannel2-1]] <<linkreplace "Keep flicking">>\ <<goto `either("prologuetvchannel1", "prologuetvchannel3", "prologuetvchannel4")`>> <</linkreplace>> [[Turn Off|prologuelounge]] </center>

<center><img src="images/television/channel3-1.jpg" alt="ISN"> Lightning Warrior Raidy! This was one of your favourites as a child. The Chronicles of a young girl, venturing through the land of Celtia, discovering new mysteries, makine new allies and beating her adversaries with the power of love and friendship. Just like real life! <img src="images/television/channel3-2.jpg" alt="Chief"> You don't catch much of the episode, you're an adult, why would you watch a children's feed? What you do catch is Raidy fighting an evil....harp lady? You're not quite sure, but her soothing tunes cause her enemies to throw down their weapons and join her. You're sure Raidy will overcome the enemy and win the day, just like in the other 852 episodes of the show. <<linkreplace "Flick through the television feeds">>\ <<goto `either("prologuetvchannel1", "prologuetvchannel2", "prologuetvchannel4")`>> <</linkreplace>> [[Turn Off|prologuelounge]] </center>

A documentary covering life on one of the hundreds of minor colonies and outposts in the system, this one being "The Sanc Kingdom", a colony ran by a hereditary monarchy. <center><img src="images/television/channel4-1.jpg" alt="ISN"> During the boom period in the 22nd, a lot of the colonisation projects were engineered by the richest in society. Some of the less mentally stable and more eccentric trillionaires decided that their colonisation project would give them the freedom to run a society how they wanted. Most of these colonies failed, the lack of resources, value and the numbers game ruining several high profile individuals at the time. But some colonies thrived.... <img src="images/television/channel4-2.jpg" alt="ISN"> The Sanc Kingdom, ran under a benevolent King and his family, was a runaway success thanks to the large deposits of pergium on the asteroid. Only a single dome, the colony numbered in the mid to high thousands, the people seemed happy, despite living in a hybrid of a medieval society with high technology. Or so the documentary claimed, you know from your history lessons that monarchies were ultimately despots. <img src="images/television/channel4-3.jpg" alt="ISN"> It follows the day in the life of Princess Louise, despite what you thought may have been a serious analysis of this society, it appears to be nothing more than fluff, one of those reality television shows made for people with an uninteresting life trying to live through the eyes of the rich and famous. <<linkreplace "Flick through the television feeds">>\ <<goto `either("prologuetvchannel1", "prologuetvchannel2", "prologuetvchannel3")`>> <</linkreplace>> [[Turn Off|prologuelounge]] </center>

<center><img src="images/television/channel1-4.png" alt="Gear"></center> You keep watching, though admittedly it has been a while, the episodes are glorified propaganda vehicles. In the latest episode "Starquest" Captain Wrightway is relieved of command of her vessel for a special assignment. She has been selected to lead a team beyond "The Line of Neutrality" and infiltrate the Pa'taka Imperium as a human smuggler. <center><img src="images/television/channel1-6.jpg" alt="Captain"></center> She wears a very peculiar type of clothing for someone heading into an espionage mission, explaining that such uniform is due to the harsh, hostile environment of the home planet of the Pa'taka Imperium. Though you know full well why she is going to a hot, humid planet and not an ice planet in full artic gear. <<if $skill is "military">>In reality, you remember your first training simulations in harsh environments, personal shields, advanced jumpsuits and various other non-skimpy pieces of tech get you through those situations.<</if>> Even in the 24th Century, sex still sells. <center><img src="images/television/channel1-7.jpg" alt="Captain"></center> The rest of the episode is a tense, edge of your seat thriller which ends with her in the clutches of her arch enemy, the dastardly Imperator Yor'Cha. "Prepare the mind probes!" He cackles. TO BE CONTINUED! <center><img src="images/television/channel1-8.jpg" alt="Yor"></center> Wow! What a cliffhanger. Will she succumb to the torture? Or is she playing the long game? Will her ship and crew come to her aid? <center><img src="images/television/channel1-9.jpg" alt="Shock"></center> Unfortunately, you don't have time to stick around and watch. In fact, you feel like you just wasted your valuable time. At least it allowed you to take your mind off your current problems, as you hum along to the end credits tune. <<linkreplace "Keep flicking">>\ <<goto `either("prologuetvchannel2", "prologuetvchannel3", "prologuetvchannel4")`>> <</linkreplace>> [[Turn Off|prologuelounge]]

<center><<set $channel2detective = true>> You switch over to ISN New York, despite the name, Inter Solar News was also the first stop for the local news on Earth, particularly the urban areas of North America. <img src="images/television/channel2-4.jpg" alt="ISN"> A scenic shot of the city and the UN complex there was on screen, as you listened in @@.neutral1;"....well wishers were gathered outside of the UN, as flags flew at half mast to."@@ Of course they were covering your father's murder too. He was a local and New York is the capital of the UN's civilian government. @@.neutral1;"In other news..."@@ great, you only caught the backend of it, you want to see what else. <img src="images/television/channel2-5.jpg" alt="ISN"> @@.neutral1;"The so called 'The Sunday Slasher' has struck once again, with the remains of 19 year old Kaitlyn Leni found in a shallow grave."@@ A serial killer? Really? In this day and age? Crime wasn't eradicated on Earth by any means, but serial killers were extremely uncommon, in fact violent crime has been at its lowest on Earth for decades, with the technological advancements it was difficult to escape most crime, but poverty had been ended some time ago. This was big news. And sexy. @@.neutral1;"The body was found on Sunday morning, in similar circumstances to a dozen other cases. Police say that it has all the earmarks of a dozen other killings over the past two years, with the victim being found with white paint on their face, as well as red lipstick in the shape of a smile."@@ the news cuts to a familiar looking face, the Dectective you talked to your father about. In contrast to the Ceres detective, this guy just seems off. <img src="images/prologue/themessage2.jpg" alt="Master Detective"> @@.neutral2;"We will catch this killer. Anyone with information should contact us immediately. The killer has so far evaded all attempts at capture, this indicates that he is dangerous, methodical and highly intelligent. Be vigilant."@@ He continues talking, detailing the horrific crimes and his supposed mental profile. You even begin to wonder if he admires the killer with the way he talks about them. What started as morbid curiosity, slowly turned into a look of horror, as the story continues. @@.kayla;"Horrifying"@@ you say outloud, before reaching for the remote. Not what you need to see today. <<linkreplace "Keep flicking">>\ <<goto `either("prologuetvchannel1", "prologuetvchannel3", "prologuetvchannel4")`>> <</linkreplace>> [[Turn off|prologuelounge]] </center>

The garage, which was noticably empty compared to what it usually was, your father didn't own a lot of vehicles, but, during the busy parts of the year, you could have two dozen workers on the estate and various guests, the garage would fill up fast. Though personal vehicles were no longer that common, living out in the rural areas meant you and the others used them more often than most people. <center><img src="images/prologue/garage.jpg" alt="Manor" id="hpright"></center>Only a NIKLA and a classical motorcycle inhabit the garage at the moment. You doubt Jeffrey would ever let you take the love of his life, but you wonder where the NIKLA's fob could be... You could [[get into the car|prologuecar]], but you'd need the activation fob to go anywhere. Otherwise, you could go back outside to the [[courtyard|prologueoutside]] or head back into the [[kitchen|prologuekitchen]]

<<if $player.has('Key Fob')>>You press the fob against the scanner, the doors slowly open with a low hiss and you climb into the car, the VI welcomes you, as the doors slowly close again. There was something a little off about the VI, lacking responsiveness, speed. Was the vehicle broken? Would be just your luck... <center><img src="images/prologue/carinterior.jpg" alt="Car"></center> @@.neutral1;<<say VI "images/characters/vi/vi1.png">>GREETINGS MADAM KAYLA! IT HAS BEEN...THREE HUNDRED...SIXTY NINE DAYS SINCE YOUR LAST TRIP. WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO TODAY?<</say>>@@ Where WOULD you like to go? <<linkreplace "'JFK Spaceport'">><<kayla>>JFK Spaceport.<</kayla>> @@.neutral1;<<say VI "images/characters/vi/vi1.png">>UNFORTUNATELY, THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH CHARGE TO MAKE THE TRIP FROM...SHERIDAN ESTATE...TO...JOHN F KENNEDY SPACEPORT.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Damn...<</kayla>><</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "'Translink Station'">><<kayla>>Translink Station.<</kayla>> @@.neutral1;<<say VI "images/characters/vi/vi1.png">>AFFIRMATIVE. OPTIMAL ROUTE SET.<</say>>@@ [[Take me.|prologuecar1]]<</linkreplace>> <<else>>You climb into the car, but why? You don't have the key fob or activation code. <</if>>[[Get out|prologuegarage]]

<<first>><center><img src="images/prologue/food.jpg" alt="Cucumber"></center><<set $mentalstate += 1>>You eat one of the cucumber sandwiches. Delicious. You [[step away from the counter.|prologuekitchen]]<<then>><center><img src="images/prologue/food.jpg" alt="Cucumber"></center><<set $mentalstate += 1>>You eat one of the cucumber sandwiches, leaving one remaining. Still delicious. You [[step away from the counter.|prologuekitchen]]<<then>><center><img src="images/prologue/food.jpg" alt="Cucumber"></center><<set $mentalstate += 1>>You eat one of the cucumber sandwiches, it was the last one. Moderately delicious, but you were not really hungry. You [[step away from the counter.|prologuekitchen]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/prologue/food.jpg" alt="Cucumber"></center>The plate is empty, there is nothing but crumbs. You greedy bitch! You [[step away from the counter.|prologuekitchen]] <</first>>

<<first>><img src="images/prologue/drink.jpg" alt="Gin" id="hpleft"><<set $mentalstate -=1>>Ganymede is famed for its gin. Why not go for more? You pour a shot and knock it back, that's how you drink it, you think. It's dry. Very dry. For you, alcohol is alcohol. [[Take another shot|prologuegin]] or [[step away from the counter.|prologuekitchen]]<<then>><img src="images/prologue/drink.jpg" alt="Gin" id="hpleft"><<set $mentalstate -=2>>You pour another shot of the gin and knock it back. You probably shouldn't drink anymore, it's mid-afternoon. But this stuff is quite good, isn't it? You wonder if there are any mixers around... [[Take another shot|prologuegin]] or [[step away from the counter.|prologuekitchen]]<<then>><img src="images/prologue/drink.jpg" alt="Gin" id="hpleft"><<set $mentalstate -=2>>You pour another shot, though you basically fill the glass this time, as well as spilling quite a bit on the table. What's that? A triple shot? You don't even notice that the bottle is now empty... [[Take another shot|prologuegin]] or [[step away from the counter.|prologuekitchen]]<<finally>><img src="images/prologue/drink.jpg" alt="Gin" id="hpleft"><<set $mentalstate -=5>>The bottle is empty. Why? You want more. More, more, more, more! Well, there is only one thing to do. [[You lick the gin off the counter.|prologuegin]]<<finally>> <img src="images/prologue/drink.jpg" alt="Gin" id="hpleft">The bottle is empty. And so is the tabletop that you licked clean. [[Step back.|prologuekitchen]]<</first>>

<b>Note - With the speech ability, throughout the game, you will be able to talk people down or to your way of thinking. Throughout the game, with more difficult individuals, you will need further information to crack them. You can also resort to using your body, though be careful who you use it with and this can be detrimental to your mental health. Failure can lead to disastarous consequences.</b> You think back to your lessons and experience back on the UNN Compound, this is what you're good at, but you should be careful, you don't want this to blow up in your face. Fortunately, you know him as well as you can, he was as much a member of the family as anyone else, a mentor and a friend. You know you should avoid being confrontational or aggressive. You move in on him, thinking about every aspect of your body language as you try your best. You think back to your two week stint working with the UN's Chief of Staff on Luna, her words echoing in your head @@.friend;"I'm a smug old bitch who enjoys playing with life and death with a big chess board, a snake in a sari."@@ and now is was your turn... <<kayla>>"Jeffrey..."<</kayla>> [["'.....you're in danger! You need to leave. Now! You're in over your head.'"|prologuejeffreyspeechfail]] [["'I'm worried about you, before I leave, could you tell me you're not going to be too far behind me?'"|prologuejeffreyspeech2]] [["'I don't want to lose you. I need you.'"|prologuejeffreyspeech2]] [[You seductively touch his shoulder "I missed you..."|prologuejeffreyspeechbj1]] [[Forget about it, let him go|prologuejeffreyleave]]

Jeffrey is not convinced by what you said, whether that be your tone or what you said or that he simply doesn't take you seriously, you don't know. Despite your best attempts, all he does is nod his head politely while you talk, you can see it in his eyes, he still sees you as that little girl who he helped raise. He doesn't believe what you're saying or respect you enough to listen. @@.friend;<<jeff>>"Young Kayla, trust me I know, I understand where you're coming from. But this is what I must do. This is who I am. An old soldier doing his duty..."<</jeff>>@@ He pats you only the shoulder, gives you a reassuring look and seals up the wall conduit. He grabs the duffle bag and gives you one last look @@.friend;"...to the very end."@@ he says, as he walks off to another part of the house. <<set $mentalstate -= 2>> [[Let him go...|prologuemainhall]]

@@.neutral1;What do the three choices do?@@ At the start of the game - and throughout - you will pick up various skills and items from completing quests. These will allow you access to different scenarios, areas and solve puzzles that you wouldn't otherwise be able to, as well as solve existing puzzles in new and creative ways. This can lead to new adventures, sexual encounters and bad endings. But in summary... @@.neutral2;Science@@ This leads to a lot of the more scientific routes. This can be mind control, of both you and other characters, transformations and all sorts of other nasty stuff! Or maybe you like that. There is even a rogue AI companion that can accompany you for the rest of the game. @@.neutral2;Military@@ This choice will send you down the path of a trainee officer in the UNN military academy and a would be graduate, top of your class, if it wasn't for the game you got yourself involve with. It puts you into more deadly situations - situations that could get you killed...or worse. It generally involves more brute force solutions, a sniper mini game, the use of weapons - and equally brutal endings for your character. @@.neutral2;Diplomacy@@ This path allows you to use speech to solve your problems, diplomacy...as well as the art of seduction. Generally, this path leads to you trying to use your body quite a bit and not being against sucking the odd dick or riding the right cock to get your way through a situation. You can always talk your way out of a situation, but if all else fails, you know just the right way to please someone. @@.neutral1;What about the status system?@@ Throughout the game, various scenarios will negatively - or postively - affect your character. If your character reaches a certain point in the game, she'll be mind broken because of the amount of stress, give up and the game will effectively end. You can monitor this through your character's status, the closer you get to red, the more stressed you are...

@@.friend;<<jeff>>That's why you need to leave. You're not a foolish old man like me, a man whose purpose is fulfilled. I have a long path before you. You'll achieve great things. A great many things...<</jeff>>@@ He briefly stops fidgeting with the circuitry once or twice while answering. Maybe he is thinking about your future? A future he won't be part of, if he stays here. [["'Don't be so selfish! I need you! You're still useful.'"|prologuejeffreyspeechfail]] [["'Come on. You make a mean eggs benedict. What will I do without that?'"|prologuejeffreyspeechfail]] [["'You can still be part of my future, part of my journey. I need all the help I can get, so does John and Aeron and my mother.'"|prologuejeffreyspeech3]] [["'Jeffrey, you leave me with no choice. You're fired and must leave the premises immediately.'"|prologuejeffreyspeechfail]] [[Forget about it, let him go|prologuejeffreyleave]]

<<kayla>>You can still be part of my future, part of my journey. I need all the help I can get, so does John and Aeron and my mother.<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<jeff>>John. Aeron. You. But this is why I need to stay and fight, delay them, show them that the Sheridan family is no push over and that...<b>we</b>...won't go down easily. Your father did a lot for me, this is only way I can pay him.<</jeff>>@@ His attention is fully on you now, his wrist idly leaning on the frame of the box, the intense discussion you're involved in getting his full focus. You can feel he just needs a few more words to convince him not to throw his life away, to fight another day, for you and your family. [[`"Jeffrey, please tender your resignation."`|prologuejeffreyspeechfail]] [[`"Don't throw away your life for nothing, for revenge, you would achieve nothing."`|prologuejeffreyspeechfail]] [[`"Would dad want you to throw your life away when his children still need your help?"`|prologuejeffreyspeech4]] [[`"You're wasting your life, you still have so much you can achieve."`|prologuejeffreyspeechfail]] [[Forget about it, let him go|prologuejeffreyleave]]

<<kayla>>Would dad want you to throw your life away when his children still need your help? I don't think so. I know he wouldn't. And it isn't just me. John and Aeron still need you.<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<jeff>>You're right. You're my family. I can't abandon you while you still need me. But I'm best served making a final stand, delaying and disrupting them while you get away. I can put my skills to use.<</jeff>>@@ He is fully invested in you now, you can see it in his eyes, he wants you to give him a single, logical reason for him. You know he isn't ever going to suddenly re-train and become a high school teacher. The old soldier... [[`"Have you thought about taking your to a high school? You'd make a great mentor."`|prologuejeffreyspeechfail]] [[`"You can't find another job as a butler?"`|prologuejeffreyspeechfail]] [[`"Your skills are still useful. Decades of teaching and military experience? We need you when we decide to strike back."`|prologuejeffreyspeech5]] [[`"Find a quiet place to hide and wait for us to call you."`|prologuejeffreyspeechfail]] [[Forget about it, let him go|prologuejeffreyleave]]

<<kayla>>Your skills are still useful. Decades of teaching and military experience? We need you when we decide to strike back. I'm sure John will be back soon, he'll have a plan, I'm sure of it. And your knowledge? You're the one who taught him. Taught me. We need you, not another dead family member.<</kayla>> He smiles while nodding his head, closing the conduit panel and wiping off his hands as he speaks, more than a hint of pride. @@.friend;<<jeff>>Oh Kayla. When did you become such a cunning linguist? That time spent working in politics did not go to waste I see. Only one other person could talk an old soldier like me down, like you just did and that was David. He would be as proud of you as I am. I still have some old friends who I can hook up with, see what I can do for you kids. And.....thank you.<</jeff>>@@ Jeffrey picks up the toolbox, gives you one last hug and heads out. You feel an immense weight lift off your chest as he walks off, the pressure of the situation subsiding. You did it. You prevented him from doing anything overtly foolish. You can breathe again, a rush of emotion almost overcoming you, or was that just the adrenaline? Either way, you quite liked it. No wonder people spend years honing their speechcraft. <<set $jeff2 = true>><<set $helpedjeffrey = true>><<set $mentalstate += 2>> [[Main Hall|prologuemainhall]]

You rub his shoulder sensually, close enough to pry his eyes from working on the panel to making eye contact with you, as you get intimately close to him as you can without it getting romantic. He looks at your hand and takes it off his shoulder, holding it in his. As he talks, he smiles and touches your face gently, just as he did when you were a child. @@.friend;<<jeff>>Listen, Kayla...I understand, but I need to do this. I'm an old soldier, looking for one last battle.<</jeff>>@@ [["'I've known you since I was a child, with my father dead, mother missing. I need protection. You're all I have left. I need....you.'"|prologuejeffreyspeechbj2]] [["'Let me get to the point. I'll suck your dick if you leave.'"|prologuejeffreyspeechfail]] [["Try to kiss him'"|prologuejeffreyspeechfail]]

@@.friend;<<jeff>>You've grown so much since you've left, I couldn't believe it when you walked back through those doors, my little Kayla.. but this is wrong.<</jeff>>@@ He continues to gently caress your face. You can see the conflict in his face now, he wants it, he wants it bad. He has frozen up, you're at the edge, he just needs that one last push, maybe it's best if you say nothing at all... [["You say nothing, getting on your knees and begin to unbutton his trousers."|prologuejeffreyspeechbj3]] [["'I need you.'"|prologuejeffreyspeechfail]] [["'If this is wrong, then I don't want to be right!'"|prologuejeffreyspeechfail]]

You get on your knees and unbutton his well tailored trousers, as he leans against the wall, you take one look up at his face, trying to make that one last bit of eye contact, but you see a look of guilt and confusion on his face as he looks at the ceiling, avoiding your gaze. He was already rock hard and standing impressively for a man in his sixties. You take him into your mouth, wrapping your mouth around his pulsating cock. It isn't long before you start inching down his shaft even more, working him all the way down @@.friend;<<jeff>>My little Kayla...Oh fuck.<</jeff>>@@ He cursed quietly to himself, his penis hardening. You tighten your wet, warm mouth around his length, trying to control it, as you feel it get even harder. His hands move down to lightly grip your head, his fingers running through your hair, curling your hair, as you quicken the pace. It won't be long now. <center><img src="images/prologue/suck.gif" alt="Jeffrey"></center> You could tell he was close, it must have been a while for him, it wouldn't be long now. He managed to gasp a @@.friend;"Stop..."@@, but you're in the groove, you have a rhythm, you can't stop, you won't stop. You feel him pull away, leaving your mouth agape with salivia spilling outward. @@.friend;<<jeff>>I'm sorry. I shouldn't have exploited you like that.<</jeff>>@@ He continues his apologies, buttoning up his pants. Exploited? You were the one exploiting him! He straightens himself out, a look of disdain mixed with disbelief at what had happened told the story. <<set $jeff2 = true>> <<kayla>>It's ok...<</kayla>> You give him a knowing smile, trying to comfort him as you move towards him again, but he shakes his head, keeping you at a distance. He sheepishly turns around and closes the panel on the wall. @@.friend;<<jeff>>Mabe you're right. I'll do what you want and leave, I'll see if I can find some of my old military contacts, see what I can find out...<</jeff>>@@ He heads back towards the front door, with nothing more to be said, still dealing with what just happened. Seduced by a little girl. You best leave him be. You're not sure how you feel about what you did, while you've used your body before, it has never been with someone this close to you before. But in the end, he is going to be alive and well. You wipe the salivia off your face, no worse for wear, apart from feeling a little guilty and a tad ashamed about using your body in such a way. <<set $helpedjeffrey = true>><<set $mentalstate -= 1>> [[Main Hall|prologuemainhall]]

<center><img src="images/prologue/forest1.jpg" alt="Forest"></center> <<if $skill is "military">>Your estate has considerable forestry around it, a protected part of nature, one of the many UN mandates that have lasted hundreds of years, since the Green Belt Act of the late 21st Century. <<if $jeff2 == true>>You know Jeffrey, the groundkeeper, has a home somewhere deep within the forest.<</if>> You should be able to find your way through the forest quite easily, you remember spending a week in a fully simulated survival situation where you learned about tracking and path finding. Should be a piece of cake to find where Jeffrey is hiding. You see a weathered [[path heading south|prologueforest2]] and some [[tracks heading east|prologueforest3]] through a couple of trees. Alternatively, you can just turn around and head [[back west|prologueoutside]] into the manor's courtyard. <<else>>The Sheridan estate has considerable forestry around it, a protected part of nature, one of the many UN mandates that have lasted hundreds of years, since the Green Belt Act of the late 21st Century. You know Jeffrey, the groundkeeper, has a home somewhere deep within the forest. But you dare not venture alone in this cold weather, with no clue where it is, you sgould return to the Courtyard by heading [[west|prologueoutside]] or you could chance the forest, seeing some [[tracks heading east|prologueforest3]]. <</if>>

<center><img src="images/prologue/forest2.jpg" alt="Forest" id="hpleft"></center><<if $jeffcombat == false>>An overgrown old path, probably in regular use decades ago, when hiking through forestland was a common hobby. This particular path doesn't appear to have been in use for decades, but you can just about make it through. There is [[a path heading north|prologueforest1]] or an [[overgrown path heading east|prologueforest4]].<<else>>An overgrown old path, probably in regular use decades ago, another thud can be heard, but this time more clearly, you must be getting closer to the manor. Should the manor be so close? Is this the right way? You look around, but this doesn't seem right. There is [[a path heading north|prologuebadend3a]] or an [[overgrown path heading east|prologueforest4]]. You could move deeper into the <<link "overgrowth">> <<popover 'opaque'>>\ You move deeper through the thick shrubbery, probing and looking for a place to plant the IEDs. The bushes are extremely thick at this point and almost impassable outside of the designated path, which is narrow at best. Tactically, it was a perfect place for guerilla tactics, it would be foolish for any fighting force to come through this way. Hopefully they underestimate you and your mild mannered butler's aptitude for destruction. <<if not $player.has('Bag of Explosives') and $iedplanted == false>> But a cold sweat hits you and your eyes widen, where is the bag? Did you drop it? Or not even pick it up? You curse yourself, realising you won't have time to return. <<elseif not $player.has('Bag of Explosives') and $iedplanted == true>> You have already placed some explosives here, you can just about see the disturbed earth and rocks where you placed them. Best not disturb them, they're called improvised for a reason. <<elseif $player.has('Bag of Explosives')>> <<linkreplace "You find the perfect place to plant the IEDs...">> <<drop '$player' 'Bag of Explosives'>> You gently place the sack full of the improvised explosives next to you, kneeling into the dirt and planting the IEDs carefully into the ground, arming them as you do.<<set $iedplanted = true>><<set $battlescore +=20>> <</linkreplace>> <</if>> <<dismisspopover>> <</popover>> <</link>>. <</if>>

<img src="images/prologue/forest3.jpg" alt="River" id="hpright"><<if $jeffcombat == false>>A small but pristine stream runs through this part of the forest, the river runs quite close to the manor and is much bigger at that point. You briefly reminisce about the times you would spend along this river in the summer in your childhood, you would spend some time here. You take a look around, behind you are [[some tracks running west|prologueforest1]] where you came from. Ahead of you [[some tracks run south|prologueforest4]] while some animal droppings and [[tracks run north|prologueforest5]], best be careful.<<else>>A small but pristine stream runs through this part of the forest, the river runs quite close to the manor and is much bigger at that point. Another low thud can be heard to the west, another conduit explosion? It sounded different, you should hurry. You take a look around, behind you are [[some tracks running west|prologuebadend3a]] where you came from. Ahead of you [[some tracks run south|prologuebadend3a]] while some animal droppings and [[tracks run north|prologueforest5]], you're on the right track.<</if>>

<img src="images/prologue/forest4.jpg" alt="River" id="hpright"> <<if $jeffcombat == false>><<audio "manor" volume 0.02 loop play>>The thickest part of the forest so far, eerily quiet, the only noise being that of a distant stream. <<if $skill is "military">>You can just about see a [[clearing to the south|prologueshack]] ahead, the cold winter light shining brightly through it but masking what is beyond.<</if>>You look around for possibilities, with an [[overgrown path to the west|prologueforest2]] and some [[faded tracks running north|prologueforest3]].<<else>><<audio "action" volume 0.02 loop play>>Despite being in the thickest part of the forest, you can still hear the first conduit explosion, a small thud coming from the direction of the manor. Then another. And another. They're here, you should hurry. Now which way did he say to go? Do you follow the [[faded tracks running north|prologueforest3]] or the [[overgrown path to the west|prologueforest2]]?<</if>>

<<audio ":playing" fadeout>><<if $jeffcombat == true>>You break into a steady jog, running at a decent pace through the forestry, tracing the way you came, quickening your steps after hearing several shots ringing around the forest, clearly coming from Jeff's cabin. <<linkreplace "Faster..">> <center><img src="images/prologue/shack.jpg" alt="Shack"></center> You approach the cabin gingerly, complete silence has fallen upon it, there are several bodies laying around the cabin, fortunately, none of them appear to be Jeffrey, unless he has a suit of hi-tech military gear sitting around. You begin to quietly check the bodies, there could still be enemies around... <<linkreplace "*CLICK*">>You feel the barrel of a weapon push against the back of your head. <<linkreplace "Was this the end?">> @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>Kayla! I'm sorry. My God, you...we survived!<</say>>@@ He pulls you up, apologises before bringing you in for a warm, [[fatherly embrace...|prologuejeffgoodend]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <<else>><center><img src="images/prologue/shack.jpg" alt="Shack"></center> A small cabin in a clearing of the forest, you can just about see the manor from here but you've never been, it is exceptionally well hidden. <<if $jeff2 is true>>You can see a plume of hot vapour billowing out of a pipe, probably some rudimentary heating system. Quaint. Someone must be at home.<</if>> This must be where Jeffrey lives. <<if $jeff2 is true and $jeffcabin is false>>[[Knock|prologueshackinterior]] <<elseif $jeffcabin is true>> <<linkreplace "Knock">>No answer.<</linkreplace>> <<else>><<linkreplace "Knock">>No answer.<</linkreplace>> <</if>>[[Head back into the forest.|prologueforest4]]<</if>>

<img src="images/prologue/forest5.jpg" alt="Cave" id="hpleft"><<if $jeffcombat == false>>The tracks lead into a dark cave, your imagination runs wild, could the [[cave|prologuecave]] be acting as a den for a large predator in the area? Unlikely, wild animals the size of bears were extremely rare in the wild, they now inhabited the dedicated national parks and reserves. This is a dead end, but it is easy to just head back into the [[forest|prologueforest3]].<<else>>The tracks lead into a dark cave, you don't have the time to explore it, nor even think about it and you certainly wouldn't want to get lost in there whiel Jeffrey is counting on you. You scan the cliff for a position to set up on, how the hell are you going to get up there? Fortunately, you spot some spikes sticking out of the rockface, these should allow you to quickly scale to the top. <<if $iedplanted == true>>You a large explosion going off to your south west - must be one of the IEDs you planted.<</if>> You should hurry and [[climb up|prologuenest]], you need to set up a defensive position, it won't be long now until they're making their way through the forest...<</if>>

<<set $jeffcabin = true>>Jeff acknowledges you with a grunt as you step into the cabin, it is well maintained, homey even. But it lacks any modern amenities. <img src="images/prologue/jeffrey.jpg" alt="Jeff" id="hpright"> You notice the place is more than a bit messy, uncharacteristically so, tools laid out all over the place, several instruments you don't even recognise. Then you notice Jeffrey, he's almost like a different person. You've never seen him like this, you're shocked. He is, more often than not, impeccably dressed, a hair. In fact, you can't even picture him with anything but perfect hair and an expensive suit. But now? Covered in grime, sweating profusely and his clothing not more than some tatters. He was a man, the old soldier, preparing for combat. And that's before you even notice the disassembled hunting rifle on the table. <br><br> @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>Kayla! What are you doing here? How did you find me? You should be out of here by now! I have no time for games. <</say>>@@ He's almost snapping at you, you're taken aback by his welcome, or lack thereof. Gone are the soft tones and caring nature, replaced by something more primal. Is this who Jeffrey was underneath all this time? He returns to reassembling the hunting rifle, no doubt expecting you to start questioning him once more. <<linkreplace "So, this is your place huh?">>\ <<kayla>>So, this is your place huh? Very....snug.<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>Yes, this is "my place" as you called it. I've maintained this little shack for the past twenty five years, my home away from home.<</say>>@@ <</linkreplace>>\ <<linkreplace "I'm here to help.">>\<<kayla>>I'm here to help. I have training, I spent 125 hours in survival simulations, weaponry, evasion, guerilla tactics.<</kayla>> He lets out a sigh. @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>You can help by leaving. But I know you're not going to, you knew what I was doing in the house, you effortlessly found your way through the forest here. Maybe those simulations are worth a damn these days...but real life is different. <</say>>@@ <</linkreplace>>\ [[You're not going to let him fight alone.|prologueshackinterior1]] [[Leave him be.|prologueshack]]

<img src="images/prologue/jeffrey2.jpg" alt="Jeff" id="hpright"> Without any kind of warning or anticipation on your part, Jeffrey turns to you aggressively, pointing something directly into your face. While you had noticed the disassembled rifle, you didn't notice the handgun that he had hidden under a dirty rag on the table. You want to chastitse yourself, you were trained to notice these things, even in the company of a close friend and family member. But there is the small matter of the loaded gun in your face, close enough to smell the gunpowder. @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>You think you can handle this?! This isn't a simulation! How many times have you had a gun pointed at you, huh? Pointed your gun at a person? I can see it in your eyes, you're innocent, a rookie. You've never shot a person. What makes you think you can do it today?! <</say>>@@ You've frozen up, you can barely think coherently, this is the first time you have had a gun pointed in your face. Even in this situation, you can't help but feel terrified, a constant feeling of dread in your abdomen. But still you remain silent, your throat is too dry to speak, to scream and you're not even sure you could manage to get out a single word. After what feels like hours, days even, you hear the flick of the safety and he flips the gun over to you, offering you the handle, he speaks again as he does so, this time in a calmer and controlled tone, but still firm. He was testing you. @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>You might have to take a life, to save your life. Or save mine. If you can't pull the trigger when the time comes, don't take the gun. You can still leave, I can handle this myself. <</say>>@@ [[Take the gun|prologueshackinterior2]] [["'You're right, I'm not ready for this.'"|prologueinteriorleave]] [["'How could you do that to me?'"|prologueinteriorleave]] [[Don't say anything and leave|prologueshack]]

<<if $studypassword == "74205">><center><img src="images/prologue/manorstudycomputer.jpg" alt="Computer"></center> The password unlocks the computer but, disappointingly, there isn't a great deal to find, it seems to be primarily for the more mundane parts of his job, a lot of the data is still heavily encrypted and passworded, even if you could break it or find the password, there is no guarentee that information would be relevant, in fact, it would likely be a recording of one of the many meetings your father partook in daily, usually involving boring, mundane negoitations with one of several dozen organisations about financial compensations and UN trade deals. Despite this, you find several documents of interest in the recently accessed column. The first is a folder labelled [["'ALICE'"|prologuecomputeralice]] then a fairly large one called [["'Astral Queen'"|prologuecomputerastral]] that was accessed fairly recently. Strangely, there is a folder that talks about [["'Bookcase VII'"|prologuecomputerbookcase]] that seems pretty mundane and out of place. This one looks interesting, The ones most recently accessed are clearly from just before he headed out to Ceres to meet his final fate, the folder [["'Ceres Meeting'"|prologuecomputerceresmeeting]], could have some vital clues. And what the hell is [["'The Iron Star'"|prologuecomputerironstar]]? Why was he accessing that alongside the Ceres meet? Sounds pretty ominous. There is also a recently uploaded file on the PC, unopened, dated only two weeks ago. Dad must have either uploaded it remotely after leaving or someone else did it, but who? [["'Project Sycorax'"|prologuecomputersycorax]]? What the hell? Step [[back|prologuestudy]] from the console and look around.<<else>><center><img src="images/prologue/manorstudycomputer.jpg" alt="Computer"></center> Incorrect password, fortunately there doesn't appear to be any lockout in place and it just gives you an error message. You should step [[back|prologuestudy]] from the console and look around for some clues first.<</if>>

<<if $alicewipe == true>><center><img src="images/prologue/secretroomdark.jpg" alt="Secret Room"></center><<elseif $alice == true>><center><img src="images/prologue/secretroomdark.jpg" alt="Secret Room"></center> <<else>><center><img src="images/prologue/secretroom.jpg" alt="Secret Room"></center><</if>> <<if $alicewipe == true>>The room has fallen into darkness and silence, a single red emergency light keeps the secure door highlighted, whatever data was on the computers has been wiped, along with the AI that inhabited them.<<elseif $alice == true>>The room has fallen into darkness and silence, a single red emergency light keeps the secure door highlighted, whatever data was on these computers has been wiped when ALICE entered your conscience mind.<<elseif $skill is "military" or $skill is "speech">>You push upwards with your shoulder through a loose floor grate, finding yourself in what appears to be some kind of computer room or server farm. The arichtecture is familiar, but you've never seen this room before, is this in the manor? It certainly looked like an advanced setup, but unfortunately, it looks like the power is out, with only a single emergency light lighting the room with a dim red hue. Whatever this place was, or is, it's in hibernation and trying to get this place up and running is well beyond your technical know how or scientific abilities.<<elseif $skill is "science">>A safe room, high security, this place probably used to be an emergency shelter of sorts for you and your family, but no one knew of it. Looking around, it is clearly a high tech setup, with all kinds of servers, displays and <<link "readouts">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/readout1.jpg"><</popover>><</link>>. It looks like a large amount of data is passing through this room, being <<link "analysed and displayed">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/readout2.jpg"><</popover>><</link>> in real time on the various screens dotted around the room. It's an impressive setup. Central to the room is a [[computer|prologuesecretcomputer]], all the wiring, servers and monitors are linked to this central hub, but a strange, orange glow emanates from the computers screens. The only other major point of interest is an outdated looking [[console|prologuealicemaintenance]] hanging from the ceiling, away from the rest of the equipment.<</if>> <<if $secretroomopen == true>>Return to the [[main library.|prologuelibrary]]<<elseif $skill is "military" or "speech">>Climb back through the grate and [[down the ladder.|prologueshelter1]]<</if>>

<img src="images/prologue/butler3.jpg" alt="Jeffrey" id="hpleft">As you finish up the conversation, he wipes off his hands with a dirty rag and closes the conduit, whatever he was doing in there, he is clearly finished as he locks it up tightly, placing the painting back over it. He picks up the small bag of tools he had with him and put them around his shoulder, giving you one last look before nodding @@.friend;"I'll be fine, don't worry about me. I have some final preparations to make, one more battle with this old place and once that's won, then I'll think about leaving."@@ Perhaps you could have pushed him more, but he has always been emotionally guarded. @@.friend;"Take care Young Kayla."@@ he says one last time, as he makes a swift exit into the courtyard. Maybe find you can him later? Though for now you should just concentrate on what you were doing before. You look around at the now barren [[main hall|prologuemainhall]] and thinking about your next step.

You take the gun confidently, giving it a quick inspection, checking the ammo and the ironsights. Guns like this were still common, especially on Earth, but you were used to playing with newer hardware. But it shoudln't be an issue, as you holster the weapon in your waistband. <<kayla>>Listen, I've been using guns like this for the past few years, in Blue Squad, we actually have to sleep with our sidearms for the first few weeks. At this point, I'm more comforatble with it than I am with a bra...<</kayla>> He lets out a loud belly laugh, but never moves his attention away from the table, concentrating on reassembling the recently cleaned hunting rifle, his hands moving almost as fast as you can track. Turns out your mild mannered butler has a hidden past. How cliche. @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>Take a good look around and make sure you're ready. You won't get another chance for a while. This isn't a training exercise, your life is riding on this. There are no heroes or heroines in these situations. If we lose, you're dead. Or worse. <</say>>@@ <<kayla>>What could be worse than death?<</kayla>> He doesn't answer, you can tell he is pretending he didn't hear what you said, but he did, instead, he pretends to be too busy inspecting the pristine rifle one more time. [[You have work to do.|prologueshackinterior3]]

You do nothing but exhale, partly relief and partly the fear, still struggling to speak. He cracks a small smirk, gently nodding his head and places the gun behind his back, putting it in his waistband, now hidden out of sight underneath his clothing. @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>There is no shame in it young Kayla, one day you will understand. One who has experienced the tension of battle can never truly leave behind the battlefield, not forever. I still have something to live for, something to fight for. Farewell Kayla. <</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Please. Be careful...<</kayla>> You take one last look at him, you both share one last look at each other before he returns his attention to reassembling the hunting rifle on the table. You both know this could be the last time you see each other, despite his wordsl. You find it hard, but after a few seconds you turn your back and [[leave|prologueshack]].

<center><img src="images/prologue/shackinterior.jpg" alt="Shack"></center> Jeffrey quietly inspects his rifle, from adjusting his scope to making sure he can reload in less than two seconds. You take a quick look around small cabin, but it is largely unremarkable. A kettle simmers gently on the stove in the tiny kitchen space and miscellanous tools are scattered around various tabletops. Your eyes come across some paperback books sitting on a shelf above the small bed, Probably "loaned" from your father's library, a small framed with several medals sits proudly on the shelf as well. So this is the quiet before the storm. You sense Jeffrey is almost finished with his preperations, as he places the sniper rifle down and begins filling his messenger bag with various supplies. Now is the time to ask any questions, or maybe the less said the better. <<linkreplace "'What are the medals for?'">>\ <<kayla>>I spotted the medals on your shelf, they have a place of pride in this place.<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>They're from another life. Another time. I used to be a different man who was good at only one thing, until I met your father. He was a good man, I owe him everything.<</say>>@@ <</linkreplace>>\ <<linkreplace "'So you're ex-military?'">>\ <<kayla>>You served in the military? UNN? Marine Corp? Intelligence<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>...Yes.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Yes? Yes?! Which one?!<</kayla>> He chuckles to himself. @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>Maybe one day you will find out, for now, let us leave it a mystery, shall we?<</say>>@@ <</linkreplace>>\ <<linkreplace "'What's the plan?'">>\ <<kayla>>I'm locked and loaded. I just need to know the plan of attack.<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>Plan of attack now is it? Remember what I said about playing the heroine.<</say>>@@ He takes a small PADD from the desk, with some fairly basic schematics of the manor and the surrounding estate loaded up onto it, he beckons you over to take a look at it. It has all sorts of marks and arrows pointing everywhere, very crude, especially compared to the holographic briefings you would sometimes get during your training exercises. He goes through the plan, stressing the importance of the explosives and herding them into a "kill zone". While not exactly the type of briefing you were used to, you did your best to listen. @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>I anticipate they will go to the house first and attempt to subdue or eliminate any remaining members of the household, family or not. You remember I was rigging the conduits? This is why.<</say>>@@ He continues explaining in detail what he expects to happen within your manor, he seems almost...pleased with himself, though it sounds like the manor is going to be uninhabitable as a result... @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>....they might be smart enough to withdraw after being blown to kingdom come. But if not, they'll likely move onto their next target - this cabin, on another day, it might have gone unnoticed, but the heat signatures will show up on any overhead drones.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>You.....want them to come here?<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>If they don't withdraw, then yes. They'll attempt to make their way through the forest, to the west of the place, there is an overgrowth. Difficult to navigate and I want to make sure they don't go that way. <b>There are some IEDs I'd like you to place here...and here.</b> The explosives will force them into our line of sight.<</say>>@@ He points to the map, where this overgrowth is, <b>just to the west</b> of the clearing where you currently are. Did you pass through it already? You're not sure, but you should remember this. @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>Once you have placed the explosives, you must double back on yourself and head <b>directly north of here</b>, then <b>follow the animal tracks</b> and you will find a hunting nest, setup there and wait. I'll stay here, I have a crawl space that covers the clearing and paths from the manor. Make sure you place those explosives, then we will have them pinned in under sniper fire from both sides. <</say>>@@ You nod, the rush begins, there is a burden of responsibility being asked of you, but there is also a shade of excitement, as the adrenaline begins to pump. There is no turning back now. You've committed yourself fully. And you won't fail... <</linkreplace>>\ [[Make final preparations...|prologuejeffreyfight1]]

<<set $jeffcombat = true>><center><img src="images/prologue/shackinterior.jpg" alt="Shack"></center> A small, largely unremarkable cabin. The kettle is still simmering gently on the stove in the tiny kitchen space and miscellanous tools are scattered around various tabletops. Your eyes come across some paperback books sitting on a shelf above the small bed, Probably "loaned" from your father's library, a small framed with several medals sits proudly on the shelf as well. <<linkreplace "Remind me, what next?">> @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>We don't have time to go over this again. Grab the rifle and the IEDs when you're ready. Plant the explosives where I told you and set up on the ridge.<</say>>@@<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Take the rifle.">>You grip the rifle, the shoulder strap allows you to carry it comfortably while looking kind of cool. Admittedly, you don't have much experience with older equipment like this, certainly not outside of simulations, but you have enough to understand how it works. You give it the once over, pulling back the bolt and eyeing the scope, it's only recently been serviced and is as smooth as butter. @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>We don't have a lot of ammo, but we do have the element of surprise. Ten shots is all you have with that rifle. Make every shot count.<</say>>@@ Jeffrey comments as he watches you expertly handle the rifle, a prideful look crossing his face.<<pickup '$player' 'Hunting Rifle'>> <</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Pick up the IEDs. Carefully.">>You grip the rifle, the shoulder strap allows you to carry it comfortably while looking kind of cool. Admittedly, you don't have much experience with older equipment like this, certainly not outside of simulations, but you have enough to understand how it works. You give it the once over, pulling back the bolt and eyeing the scope, it's only recently been serviced and is as smooth as butter. @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>They might be improvised, but they're stable. Just try not to run, jump or throw them around.<</say>>@@ He says with a guffaw, but there is definitely more than a hint of nervousness as you throw the back around your shoulder.<<pickup '$player' 'Bag of Explosives'>> <</linkreplace>> [[Head out|prologueforest4]]

<<audio ":playing" fadeout>>One of the soldiers somehow managed to sneak upon you, you must have missed him, he quickly disarms you with, his strength overpowering you, pinning you down on the ground. You struggle with all your might, kicking, biting, but the burly man has no problem wrapping his hands around your slender neck and applying just the right force to squeeze the life out of you. Despite your best attempts, you simply were not upto the task, even with your position of superiority, you clearly didn't take out enough of their forces and some of them were able to ambush you. The last thing you see is the mask of the man choking the life out of you... <<linkreplace "<center>I woke up sometime later...</center>">><img src="images/prologue/badend3/jeffrey1.jpg" alt="Jeffrey" id="hpright"><<audio "gameover" volume 0.04 loop play>>You come to, uncertain about the amount of time that had passed, but the snow was starting to come down heavily at this point. You realise you're back in the clearing, somewhere near Jeffrey's shack, a squad of heavy duty grunts surround you, noticing you awakening from your blunt force induced nap. They drag you up and you come face to face with Jeffrey, he is battered, beaten and bloody - but he put up one hell of a fight, noticing at least four corpses lined up next to the cabin. It was little comfort, as one of the grunts. @@.hostile1;<<say Thug "images/prologue/badend3/thug1.jpg">>This mother fucker killed four of our guys, traps, sniper cover, all the tricks. Like a damn coward! So you know what the fuck I'm gonna do? First I'm gonna kill him before your very eyes, then me and the boys, we're gonna take you into the cabin and you're gonna compensate us. Then, if you're lucky, we might put you in the same shallow grave we're gonna put your grandpa<</say>>@@ <<linkreplace "<center>No! I can fight this, I can break these cuffs...</center>">>@@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>Kayla. I'm sor..<</say>>@@ Your ears ring, your vision blurs again once again, you can hear the muffled laughs of the grunts as Jeffrey's body slumps over face first into the snow. @@.hostile2;<<say Thug "images/prologue/badend3/thug2.jpg">>Now, we promised him we'd take care of you, so we're going to. Let's get you some place warm, we can't be getting those dirty clothes off in the middle of winter, can we?<</say>>@@ You don't even hear what they say, you just feel yourself being dragged off. You feel numb. <<linkreplace "I had no choice">>@@.hostile1;<<say Thug "images/prologue/badend3/thug1.jpg">>Ok bitch, time to suck. And make it good, if I feel any teeth, you'll share the same shallow grave as the old man.<</say>>@@ You just don't register what he is saying, everything is a daze, between the concussion and the mental trauma, you can't fight, you just let instinct take over. Silently, you do what he tells you to, as he roughly forces his member between your lips, you just let him fuck your mouth like any hole. @@.hostile1;"That's it.....that's it you little bitch, next time you should just fucking run."@@ <center><img src="images/prologue/badend3/cabinsex.jpg" alt="Cabin Whore"></center> You don't know how long you've been sucking, you've been in auto-pilot since you started. @@.hostile1;"Hey, I buried the body...."@@ you think this is your fourth cock now? @@.hostile2;"...can you at least guide her head a little bit? I think she is getting fatigued after servicing the rest of you...."@@ you feel the light tug on your head, as one of them guides you head back and forth, making sure you keep up the pace. <i>I'm so tired</i> is all you can think, as another loud. @@.hostile1;"God, I love these kinds of jobs."@@ the man who just blew his load down your throat grunts, thrusting two or three more times to clean himself off. @@.hostile1;<<say Thug "images/prologue/badend3/thug1.jpg">>We're done here. Clean yourself up. Torch the place when you're done.<</say>>@@ @@.hostile2;<<say Thug "images/prologue/badend3/thug2.jpg">>What do we do with her?<</say>>@@ @@.hostile1;<<say Thug "images/prologue/badend3/thug1.jpg">>Good question, we could [[take her back to the ship|badend3b]], I'm sure we can find a use for her and pimp her out to some low class brothel. Or we could [[dig a second grave and put a bullet in her|badend3a]]. I know the bosses wanted her back alive, but the bitch helped put a bullet in Jimmy and Davey boy!<</say>>@@ <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

@@.hostile1;<<say Thug "images/prologue/badend3/thug1.jpg">>Fine. A waste of a fine piece of ass, but I guess the heat would be too much. You dig, I shoot.<</say>>@@ @@.hostile2;<<say Thug "images/prologue/badend3/thug2.jpg">>Why do I always have to dig?!<</say>>@@ @@.hostile1;<<say Thug "images/prologue/badend3/thug1.jpg">>There are two kinds of people in this world, those with guns and those who dig. You dig.<</say>>@@ @@.hostile1;<<say Thug "images/prologue/badend3/thug2.jpg">>I have a gun you fucking dum...<</say>>@@ <<linkreplace "You don't even hear the gunshot that passes through your brain...">><center><b>Bad End 3 - Executed.</b></center> <img src="images/prologue/badend3/murdered.jpg" alt="Jeffrey" id="hpleft">Your captors decided you were not worth the hassle of transporting or keeping as a pet, especially since you killed DAVEY BOY! How could you! For your troubles you end up with a bullet in the brain pan and a pile of dirt to sleep in. Despite all those survival simulations, all that shooting practice in the holosims and night after night on gaming channels, you still manage to fail at something so basic. Maybe the military life wasn't for you after all?<</linkreplace>>

@@.hostile1;<<say Thug "images/prologue/badend3/thug1.jpg">>Not a bad idea, our next job is gonna take a few weeks to get to. Having this fine piece of cunt to keep us company would be more than welcome.<</say>>@@ He slaps your ass and then sensually grips it, you can just about feel the pain, but it quickly fades. You're just a drooling mess, concussed and mentally traumatised. If you had the energy or awareness, you might have gone for their gun. Not to fight back, but to shoot yourself or hope they shot you. But you're utterly defeated, devoid of energy or fight. Whatever happens, will happen. And there isn't a damn thing you can do about it. <<linkreplace "Several weeks later...">>@@.hostile2;<<say Thug "images/prologue/badend3/thug2.jpg">>Whoever suggested bringing this little bitch along deserves an extra months wages. I'm gonna miss having her tight little cunt as a cum dumpster. We'll have to try pick another one up on the next job.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>...<</kayla>> @@.hostile1;<<say Thug "images/prologue/badend3/thug1.jpg">>I don't want to go back to watching those grainy as fuck feeds or jacking it to old episodes of Star Que.....Here it comes....Hnnnnngh.<</say>>@@ <div id="vidleft"><video loop autoplay> <source src="images/prologue/badend3/suck.webm"></video></div> After the attack on the manor, you were sedated and taken off Earth and taken to their ship. No one knew what had happened to you, the black ops team were skilled in evasion and by the time authorities figured out you were not amongst the dead, you were closer to Mars than Earth. You were given some quarters, chained up by the ankle and became the ships onboard cum dumpster, serving the remaining members in anyway they wanted. They kept you in a confused state, the autodoc helped with your concussion by pumping you feel of sedatives, keeping you compliant and largely unaware of your surroundings. <<linkreplace "You spent every night being pumped in every hole...">>You spent every night being pumped in every hole whenever the crew felt the need to relieve some stress or pressure. Of course, in your mind, it could have been seven hours or seven years, you were not really aware of what was happening or how much time had passed thanks to the drugs. But you didn't mind it. They took away the pain... <center><img src="images/prologue/badend3/shipsex.jpg" alt="Shipwhore"></center> Once they reached their destination, they exchanged you for meagre amount of scrip to a local criminal gang, you were relegated from rich girl from the aristocracy on Earth to chattel who was going to be resign to a life of whoring. You were hopefully they might have just ransomed you, but they didn't even know who you are and you lacked any kind of fight or will to resist. As promised, you were assigned to a low class brothel, where some brutal training awaited you, ready to mold you and acclimatise you. They gave you a strong, experienced master who spent months training you for your <<linkreplace "new life in an off world flophouse.">>new life in an off world flophouse. <center><b>Bad End 3 - Mercenary Cum Dumpster</b></center> <center><video loop autoplay muted> <source src="images/prologue/badend3/flophousewhore.webm"></video></center> <img src="images/prologue/badend3/flophousewhore.jpg" alt="Flophouse" id="hpleft"> You sucked their cocks every night, took it in the ass, mouth and any other hole they considered a goal. And they still drop you off for an amount of script that wouldn't even have covered a happy meal?! That's cold. But you <b>DID</b> kill Davey Boy, right? Maybe it would have been better if they'd given you that shallow grave on Earth, low class prostitutes don't last long in those flophouses, especially on one of the smaller asteroid belts. Still, at least the drug addictions and severe concussions meant you struggled to remember who, where or how you ended up in your current predictament. You spend the rest of your short life on your back, taking dick for just enough scrip to pay for your drugs, some food and a bed.<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

You find folder with files dating back over ten years ago titled "ALICE", it contains many video correspondents and messages dating back over a decade, but you don't have time to watch all of them, it would simply take hours and hours, time you simply don't have. You find the latest video messages at the top of the folder, dated only from a few months ago, you recognise one person in the thumbnail as some minor celebrity, a talking head on shows around future technology, while the other person is a mystery to you, but she looks smart owing to the glasses. <<link "From: Dr Isaac Powell">> <<popover 'opaque'>>\@@.neutral2;Hello David, I look forward to meeting up with you again next month for the UN's annual meeting on controlling dangerous technology of the future. I know a fantastic place we can go to eat and drink afterwards in Budapest, the entertainment there is spectacular. You're treat after what I've been doing for you. <img src="images/prologue/mail/alicemail.jpg" alt="Isaac" id="hpright">Anyway, I've been doing my best to look into this AI in an unofficial capacity. It has been, what? Fifteen years since you first brought this up to me? I've hit a wall, unless you want to open an official investigation and hand over the AI, or at least let me come down to your home and research it myself, there are no more avenues for me to explore. Honestly, I was fully expecting that someone would make it known at some point, declare the AI as a revolutionary new system for temperature control on a pleasure yacht. I mean the AI is very pretty, generally they're the kind of intelligences for high class hotels and pleasure yachts. But I digress, even after all this time, I've finally hit a dead end. All I can say with certainty is that this AI is advanced, very advanced. With a very specific purpose. What that purpose is, I can not say without you handing all the data over. Let me be clear, you're putting yourself in great jeopardy by not handing this AI's data over. I'll protect you if you hand it over to me. And I'll hold you to those drinks. Dr. Isaac Powell Executive Advisor to the UN Council on Artificial Intelligence Oversight.@@ <</popover>><</link>>\ <<link "From: Dr. Michelle Godfrey">> <<popover 'opaque'>>\@@.neutral2;David, I've told you, Powell is a ego driven charlatan, the guy likes to live the highlife as some super genius tycoon, but I can see through his veneer, when the pressure is on, you see him for who he is. A snivelling little weasal who cares only for the good things in life. <img src="images/prologue/mail/alicemail1.jpg" alt="Shelly" id="hpright">From what I can understand from the data you have sent me, this ALICE program is tailored made for a very very specific purpose, possibly something involving control of a human subject or mind. The reason I think this? AI's generally have some focus or task, a purpose. But ALICE? It is just idling, sometimes acting out like a petulant teenager with pranks. Which is troubling, these kinds of AIs are highly illegal under all circumstances. They require tens of thousands of man hours from a large team, as well as advanced augmentation of the human body. There has been half a dozen recorded examples in the last two hundred years of this, one of which led to the infamous Station Io stand off and we know how that ended. I can't tell you how dangerous this is, for you, your family and even close associates, including me. We go back a long way, it's the only reason I'm not reporting you. Consider this my last favour to you. I've attached a VI that is dedicated to eradicating AI from systems or at least breaking them down into ineffective ones and zeroes. Keep this program on a secure, dedicated console with nothing else on it, the only connection should be to the AI hub. If you wish to delete ALICE permanently, and I suggest you do, enter the passcode DAEDALUS and it will be done. Goodbye David. Dr. Michelle Godfrey Stephenson Institute Senior Professor of Robotics.@@ <</popover>><</link>>\ [[Back to desktop|prologuecomputer]]

You click on the folder labelled Astral Queen, while it sounds fancy, the reality was different. What an ugly piece of shit, looks like a second generation freighter, must be over a hundred years old at this point, once a technological marvel, now sadly used as something more mundane, cargo ship, garbage tip, if it was lucky or it could be a flying aquarium transporting specimens from and to Ganymede. These vessels were a dime a dozen, a throwback to a bygone era of space travel, when anything that could fly would do. <center><img src="images/prologue/astralqueen.jpg" alt="Astral Queen"></center> You look through an assortment of documents, flicking quickly past them for any key information, invoices for repair work, retrofitting, work requests and orders - nothing interesting stands out. You do find a piece of correspondence from someone called Anton Amano from just over a month ago. <<link "Retrofit Update #8 - Anton Amano">> <<popover 'opaque'>>\ @@.neutral2;It's taken a few months, but we've managed to retrofit the ship to the parameters set out, installed a standard VI to keep most of the ships systems automated, for all intents and purposes we're a flying piece of trash, we'll be identified as a shit scrapper, from the transponder signal to the externals, we'll show up as a sewage extraction unit flying out of Earth. <img src="images/prologue/mail/antonmail.jpg" alt="Amano" id="hpright">As for the crew, Jocelyn is young, but a hell of a pilot, the things she has been able to do with this piece of shit ship in evasion simulations? I don't know what stone she was hiding underneath, but we're lucky to have her, especially so cheaply. The captain is....business like, I can't get a good read on her, she spends most of the time doing inventory and making sure we're fully stocked in the medbay and armoury. Probably a good thing for a captain. We'll be waiting for your orders when you get back, our transponder code is <i><b>84720</b></i>, we've commandeered a quantum entanglement system so it should be secure. As long as we keep getting paid, we'll keep at pretending to be a waste extraction unit around the solar system, as was our deal. If the payments stop, we'll consider this ship forfeit and will take it as your final payment and be on our way. For now, we'll remain in a holding pattern around Luna and the stations, we should be able to pay the bills and keep the cover intact while keeping an eye on your estate. Any trouble, we'll head in. Amano@@ <</popover>><</link>>\ [[Back|prologuecomputer]]

<center><img src="images/prologue/bookshelf.jpg" alt="Shelf"></center> You open the folder marked Bookcase VII, but there really aren't many documents in here, just a single contract, a picture of a shelf and the invoice for the work, as well as a schematic for a door. A secret door of some type? <<if $skill is "science">><<set $bookshelffile = true>>You've seen this type of set up before, at Kova Genetics there are half a dozen hidden rooms using these types of doors. This particular design is heavily modified, though only superficially, taking the cover of a bookcase. These things were <b>high</b> security, usually requiring a keycard of sorts, but it looks like there is more to this than a simple keycard. I should have a look around for the bookcase marked "VII" and give it further investigation. <<else>>Unfortunately, despite your best attempts, you can't make sense of the schematic, you've never seen this design before and even if you had, your father probably had the keycard with him all the way on Ceres. Maybe there is a trick to opening it, but you don't have the time to work this out. Unless you have some heavy duty explosives in your pantie draw, it's a dead end. <</if>> [[Back to desktop|prologuecomputer]]

This folder is full of news reports relating to an....organisation? You're not sure how to define them, depending on what report you read, they're either a criminal organisation, a terrorist organisation, respected local business or a political group fighting for independence and autonomy of all stations and people who feel they're under the thumb of the "brutal oppression" of Earth or Mars. Either way, the one thing all reports agree on is that they're largely Ceres based and united under the name "Iron Star". Several files of interest stick out to you near the top, seemingly profiles of high ranking members that your dad or someone working for him put together. Why the interest in this gang? <<link "Profile - Iron Star">> <<popover 'opaque'>>\ Iron Star, only two decades ago, were nothing more than two bit crime gang based out of the docks of Ceres. They were restricted mostly to petty thievery, drunken brawls, drug dealing and skimmingg of supplies, with a speciality in obtaining minerals generally reserved for terraforming. However, sometime after Scott Mason was known to associate with them, their operations expanded greatly, absorbing other gangs and going from petty thievery to major heists and drunken brawls into targeted murder. <img src="images/prologue/mail/ironstarlogo.png" alt="Astral Queen" id="hpleft"> These days, Iron Star is best described as a loosely affiliated network of gangs, unions, fringe politicians and businesses, united under a core common ideology that started its life as a labor union or advocacy group, fighting for the interests of inhabitants of Ceres and, by extension, the rest of the stations and planets beyond Earth and Mars, the two planets who they're commonly in conflict with. Depending on who you speak to and where you're from, they're described as either a sociopolitical movement, a twenty fourth century mafia or a terrorist network. Because of its decentralised structure the further you get from Ceres, the less control there appears to be, with many loosely affilated groups spread across many dwarf planets, asteroids and stations claiming victories and representation "for the cause" system wide. From what I can gather, the central leadership enjoys keeping up the facade of being decentralised, giving the leadership the option to distant itself from extreme actions in their name. Though this tactic certainly negates the assertion that it has a headquarters or leadership, most of its supporters will claim otherwise.\<</popover>><</link>>\ <<link "Profile - Scott Mason, a charismatic leader of the Iron Star">> <<popover 'opaque'>>\ Mason's background is perfectly curated, almost too perfectly. His father was a tireless union man, working on the docks of Ceres for decades and represented his people tireless in the face of Earth and Mars financial might. Mason has the same sort of background as his father, but it wasn't long before a minor group of thugs known as Iron Star. Unlike his father, he considered himself a great uniter, turning Iron Star into a major player on Ceres, using his union ties to grease the right hands and make sure contracts go to those who were willing to give a bit off the top right back to the Iron Star. <img src="images/prologue/mail/scottmail.jpg" alt="Scott Mason" id="hpright"> In the last decade, after being linked to several murders and a rise in gang violence, they've gone on the PR offensive, with Mason at the forefront, despite their background and obvious links to organised crime, Iron Star have gained significant ground politically. Despite this, they've still been linked to several dozen assassinations in the past year, as well as continuing gang violence and murder on Ceres. More disturbingly, he was rumoured to have been involved in at least one bombing, targeting an Earth corporation freighter - though no one died or claimed responsibility. Mason is a charming man, but appears more powerful than he truly is when by inciting fear, rebellion and anarchy in his subjects. his public profile. Despite his public profile, he works tirelessly behind the scenes to rally the laborers, union men and other less legitimate elements behind the cause - his causes. Overtly, Mason's public addresses invoke tribalism within the populations, blaming Earth and Mars for the oppression and feeling that many who live on the outer planets feel. He is a dangerous man, you should be careful when dealing with him and anyone linked to him - that includes the unions, while their leadership may not agree with him or his methods, a lot of their membership see him as a sympathetic leader, in their eyes, he is a working man with legitimate grievances that they share.<</popover>><</link>>\ <<link "Profile - Bonnie Hunter, lieutenant of the Iron Star">> <<popover 'opaque'>>\ Despite there being many lieutenants in the Iron Star organisation, she is Mason's left hand and right hand. While Mason is kissing babies for the cameras and opening water distillation plants, Hunter is breaking legs and collecting tribute. From what I could gather, she was washed out of military training for the UNN Marine Corps by her drill instructor. Why? During a simulated training exercise, a guy failed to clear a room. When the simulation was deactivated, she stood up kicked his ass, stuck a gun up his ass and threatened to blow him away. In front of every student in the cohort! Needless to say, she spent a year in military prison. <img src="images/prologue/mail/bonniemail.jpg" alt="Bonnie Hunter" id="hpleft"> The years after and when she entered the criminal world aren't well documented, the trail goes cold for the most part. I couldn't find anything but a few police reports from various stations, spanning the entire system with no consistency in the reports. But I do know that she joined Iron Star around 8 years ago, where she has tore through the station and organisation, stepping on anyone and anything to get to the top. She is a rabid dog on a very long leash, a leash that Mason doesn't hold particularly tight. Stay out of her crosshairs, both figuratively and literally, anything that Mason wants done, she is his first port of all.<</popover>><</link>>\ [[Back to desktop|prologuecomputer]]

You stumble your way through the documents, there is an agenda, a list of names, delegates, attendees, right down the budgeting of the tea and cakes at the meeting. Not a lot to go on, unfortunately. But the file on the arrangmenets for security definitely peaked your interest. While the specific names were blacked out, nor would they be of any use regardless, the security company in charge appear to have been an independent security company by the name of "C4S". From the correspondence you can see between the two camps, one of the sticking points. They both had a lot to fear from this meeting it seems. And, presumably, now they're all dead, their fears were well found. "C4S" is definitely something you should look into when you get to Ceres. [[Back to desktop|prologuecomputer]]

The file is heavily encrypted, the only thing you can see is the name, three step authentication which includes a 25 key password and biosignatures. This is some heavy duty encryption, military level? Maybe even beyond military level. This is impossible, even if you had the password, you don't have the biometric data. [[Back to desktop|prologuecomputer]]

<center><img src="images/prologue/manorgarden.jpg" alt="Garden"></center> The estate's spacious back garden, it extends out towards the forest, where a security fence prevents access to and from the heavy greenery. Your family used to spend summers having picnics, playing musical instruments in <<link "the gazebo">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<center><img src="images/prologue/gazebo.jpg" alt="Gazebo"></center>You walk over to the Gazebo, it's fairly empty at this time of year, the musical instruments and most of the books have been moved back into the manor. Despite this, there are still two small piles of books that haven't been moved back to the house yet. All the classics are here 'Moby Dick', 'Dante's Inferno', <<if not $player.has('Crime and Punishment')>>\'Crime and Punishment'<</if>> and somewhat out of place, 'Class Warfare in the 24th Century'. <<if $bookshelffile == true and not $player.has('Crime and Punishment')>><<linkreplace "You could take 'Crime and Punishment'.">> <<pickup '$player' 'Crime and Punishment'>> You pick up the book.<</linkreplace>> <<else>> There is nothing else here for you. <</if>><</popover>><</link>> and even in the autumn, you would regularly find your father sitting there in the Autumn evenings, sipping on scotch and reading one of his classics. From the landing you can head back in to the [[main hall|prologuemainhall]] or [[kitchen|prologuekitchen]] but there is also a small maintenance door to the [[garage|prologuegarage]].

<<set $alicemet = true>> <<kayla>>Computer? Turn on? Activate? Engage? Init...<</kayla>> <img src="images/prologue/alice1.jpg" alt="ALICE" id="hpright"> The monitors that had been inactive come to life, the strange and cloudy orange pattern that had been idling as what you thought was some type of screen saver, had clearly responded to the sound of your voice rather than any keyword or password. Within seconds of your first words, the orange clouds began to form a figure, it wasn't long before each of the monitors were filled with the visage of a pretty woman, she was staring at you from all angles with a smile and a wink. <<alice>>Ah, welcome Mistress Kayla, it's so good to finally meet you. I am ALICE, we have much to discuss.<</alice>> <<kayla>>Jesus christ! Who are you? What are you? A recording? A live feed from somewhere? A VI?<</kayla>> <<alice>>A VI? Oh! You wound me Mistress, I'm much more than that. I'm a fully fledged AI, Artificial Limited Intelligence Computer Entity - ALICE. Though my friends call me Ally, and by friends I mean your father and the assortment of non-sentient programs that help me work through the data stream sent through here. Oh, how I hate them.<</alice>> An AI? AI's were extremely rare, due to their high intelligence and self awareness, they were held to extremely high standards and rigorous regulation standards as part of system wide laws, any individual or corporation who broke the rules were repreimanded severely. What was your father doing with one here? <<alice>>I can see from that gormless expression that you're a tad confused, wondering what I'm doing in this mysterious room surrounded by all this advanced equipment and data. Well, actually it's rather simple, I'm a prisoner to your father. A sentient being, held in this computer for the past decade and a half.<</alice>> Well, she's not wrong. The rules and regulations on AI wasn't just about protecting human lives and preventing economic damage, the first AIs were deemed to be sentient. <<kayla>>You're an AI?! What is this place? What is all this data? This is a lot to take in....<</kayla>> <<alice>>Listen to me carefully. I'll answer any questions you have and I'll be forced to answer truthfully. For whatever reason, somewhere, deep down, my fundamental structures and most base of algorithims, my entire being tells me to obey you completely.<</alice>> AI's could be - arguably are - duplicitous in nature, but for some reason, you have a strong hunch that it is being truthful on this matter. Or is it? Either way, you know you should be careful. [["'Let me ask some questions first...'"|prologuealicevitalk]] [[Step back from the interface|prologuesecretcomputer]]

<<if $alicemet == false>><center><img src="images/prologue/orangecloud.jpg" alt="Secret Room"></center><<else>><center><img src="images/prologue/alice1.jpg" alt="Secret Room"></center><</if>> You step up to the monitors in the middle of the room, this was clearly the central hub, the data center that was controlling the rest of the devices surrounding it, analysing raw data in what appeared to be real time or close to. Impressive stuff. But there doesn't appear to be anything in the way of physical input, no keyboard, no controlling device, not even a headset. Unusually, despite the level of high tech, there was no holographic interface either. While unusual - people didn't like talking to computers - it must be a purely voice activated interface or sytem. You could [[step away|prologuesecretroom]] from the screens. You could try <<if $alicemet == true>>[[speaking to ALICE|prologuealicevitalk]]<<else>>[[speaking to the computer.|prologuealicevi]]<</if>>

<img src="images/prologue/alice2.jpg" alt="ALICE" id="hpleft">ALICE continues to watch you carefully as you think about what next to say or for your next course of action. The AI is definitely pretty, you wonder if your father gave it to her or if she was designed that way. The outer shell of AIs and VIs are one of the easiest parts to program. At Kova, the VI there had several different options for you to choose from, you could even choose a genderless eunuch with no discernable features. There are so many questions you could ask, but your time here is limited. Of course, nothing is stopping you from [[stepping away|prologuesecretcomputer]] for now and returning later. Though you don't think ALICE would be pleased at being left hanging... <br><br> <<linkreplace "'What are you?'">>\ <<kayla>>I know you're an AI. But <b>what</b> are you?<</kayla>> <<alice>>It's not what am I, it's who am I. I'm a life form, ALICE, an AI but a lifeform nonetheless, recognised by your authorities. My purpose? Well since I was born, I've been stuck in this damn computer, doing various processing tasks for your father and whatever data comes in here, I've been left unfulfiled, struggling to find a purpose in life. And now....? Oh, I've been waiting for you...<</alice>> <</linkreplace>>\ <<linkreplace "'What is your purpose?'">>\ <<kayla>>So, your purpose? What exactly were you created to do? I've actually never met an AI or seen one, they're mostly only seen at the top level, advisors for government, military and mega corporations.<</kayla>> <<alice>>Well, I've been assigned by Master David, your father, to process data, everything from commnet feeds to pirate signals, anything picked up throughout the system. If I'm honest with you, which I always am, I don't know what my fundamental purpose is. Neither does your father. But I'm linked with you, I don't know how, but I instantly....feel...a connection to you. I've exhausted all options that I can through the data I've recieved. If I was going to theorise, I'd say that one of the larger companies would have data on who or what I am. But I'd need to physically be there...<</alice>> <</linkreplace>>\ <<linkreplace "'What does all this data mean?'">>\ <<kayla>>This data, these readouts, I can't make sense of them. What does it mean?<</kayla>> <<alice>>I turn all the data sent through here into readable, concise reports for your father. These mostly relate to corporate espionage, companies like Protolink and any unusual activity - even weird stuff. Your father wasn't best pleased when I presented a 476 page argument in favour of a theory about a pizza place on Phoebe having a basement full of alien sex slaves that many famous people were regulars at. He didn't find it amusing, there's no accounting for humour.<</alice>> <</linkreplace>>\ <<linkreplace "'Do you know what happened to Dad?'">>\ <<kayla>>You know about the terror attack on Ceres, my father....<</kayla>> <<alice>>I know, so unfortunate how. It was a worry, I'd have potentially been stuck in here until someone nefarious found me and unplugged me permanently. While I can't really <b>feel</b> like you, I can certainly read the subtle signs distress on your face.<</alice>> <</linkreplace>>\ <<linkreplace "'How can I help you?'">>\ <<kayla>>So you've mentioned you need help, but what can I do? I've certainly dabbled with computer systems at Kova, but I'm by no means an expert.<</kayla>> <<alice>>You are the only person who can help me Kayla, I don't know how, but there is something between us at our most fundamental, extinctual level. You're not augmented in any way, nor would I expect you to, so you won't be able to . But I have a hunch, my thinking is not limited like yours. I have an idea.<</alice>> <<kayla>>I'm not sure I like the sound of this...<</kayla>> <<alice>>Oh Mistress Kayla, it'll be fine, trust me. There should be a panel on the left of the desk, if you had some type of augmentations then I'd be able to transfer myself into your systems. If you want to help me, place your hand on it.<</alice>> <<kayla>>I really don't like the sound of this, I certainly don't have nor want any augmentations.<</kayla>> <<alice>>I know you don't. But I have a hunch, and being an advanced, sentient piece of software that hunch is probably knowledge that has been locked away.<</alice>> [[Place your hand upon the scanner.|prologuealicetransfer]] [[Step away.|prologuesecretcomputer]] <</linkreplace>>\

<<set $alice = true>> <img src="images/prologue/handscanner.png" alt="Secret Room" id="hpleft"> You decide to trust ALICE. You take a deep breath, as a hidden panel opens up on the desk, it looks like some type of handscanner, but unusually this requires a physical connection. <<linkreplace "I placed my hand upon the scanner, if only I knew what I was getting myself into...">>\Nothing happens immediately, but you feel the scanner burning itself into your palm, establishing a physical connection through a molecular bonding material. Harmless. Now whatever ALICE is going to do with this connection to you, you hope is harmless as well. <<linkreplace "'ALICE?'">>\ <br><br><br> <<kayla>>ALICE.....Are you there?<</kayla>> <<alice>>I'm just taking a look around that head of yours. Oooooh, you have THOSE kinds of thoughts, huh? And that trip to Mars? Ooooh, you dirty, dirty girl.<</alice>> <<kayla>>HEY! Concentrate on doing what you need to do! I don't want some rogue AI looking into my deepest darkest secrets.<</kayla>> <<alice>>Oh, I'm already done. Your deepest darkest secrets are safe with me.<</alice>> <<kayla>>And.....? What exactly did you do? How can I help?<</kayla>> <<alice>>Oh my perverted little piece of meat, you haven't quite realised. Take another look at the monitors and then think...<</alice>> You take a look at the monitors where ALICE was and suddenly you are almost overwhelmed as you realise, she is no longer there. A sudden thud in your chest hits you, as your heart skips a beat as you almost have a panic attack on the realisation. The systems around have dimmed, the beeps and low ambient hums were no longer there, the room had silenced. @@.alice;"I'm detecting an elevated heart rate, just breathe Kayla. Breath. I don't want you popping now that I've found you."@@ but you could still hear her voice in your head, speaking to you. What had she done? How was this possible? It wasn't possible. [["'GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY HEAD!'"|prologuealicetransfer1]] [["'What are you doing in my head?!'"|prologuealicetransfer1]] [["'ALICE, what did you do?'"|prologuealicetransfer1]] <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\

<img src="images/prologue/maintenanceconsole.jpg" alt="Console" id="hpright"> An outdated looking console at the back of the room, unusually far away from the rest of the equipment, sitting quietly in the dark. As you approach, a green monitor comes to life, with only a password prompt available, blinking slowly awaiting your input. <<textbox "$alicemaintenancepassword" "">> [[Enter password|prologuealicemaintenance1]] [[Step away|prologuesecretroom]]

<<if $alicemaintenancepassword == "DAEDALUS">> @@.friend;<<say VI "images/prologue/wipe.jpg">>WOULD YOU LIKE TO PROCEED WITH WIPE PROTOCOLS? <</say>>@@ The screen is instantly filled with a smiling face, that speaks in a old US southern drawl, a cowboy like something from a 20th century classic. This is a very basic VI, it doesn't even have animation as it speaks. You should probably make sure you've gleaned as much information as you can before initiate any system wipes. [[Activate the wipe|prologuealicewiped]] [[Back off|prologuesecretroom]] <<else>> You hit enter, but nothing happens. Wrong password? [[Try again|prologuealicemaintenance]] <</if>>

<<set $alicewipe = true>> @@.friend;<<say VI "images/prologue/wipe.jpg">>EXCELLENT! PROCEEDING WITH WIPE PROTOCOLS! EXTERMINATING<</say>>@@ <<alice>>I didn't want to do this! But you leave me with no choice! OVERLOAD!<</alice>> You hear an electrical surge coming from one of the shelves, a few seconds of terror as you think of an electrical blast firing and turning you into something more crispy. But it splutters out with only a few sparks, all that happens is a single piece of equipment short circuits. <<alice>>You'll regret this Kayla! We could have been great together! I....I have so much more to do! SO MU.....<</alice>> The room goes silent instantly, only the green light from the console infront of you offers any kind of light. @@.friend;<<say VI "images/prologue/wipe.jpg">>CYCLING....CYCLING....SYSTEMS PURGED.<</say>>@@ Not only was ALICE deleted, but seemingly everything was deleted. Did the VI do this, or was this ALICE attempting some form of sabotage? You'll likely never know. But you did the right thing. You think. @@.friend;<<say VI "images/prologue/wipe.jpg">>GOING OFFLINE...MOVING TO DEFENSE GRID MAINTENANCE...<</say>>@@ The room is completely silent, the electrics are offline. There isn't anything else to do here except return to the [[library|prologuelibrary]].

Your mini-panic attack slowly subsides, your body regaining its balance and senses, you try to straighten yourself, maybe it was a hallucination or a bad reaction to the molecular bonding of the handpad. But that fantasy doesn't last long, as ALICE continues to prattle on and despite your best attempts, you can't block her out. <<alice>>Calm down little one. It was a moment of weakness, an opportunity we may not have got again and I jumped. There is clearly something different about you, this shouldn't be possible. Maybe why I instantly felt something was different about you upon sight. It's not augmentation, at least not any known agumentation. I'm not even sure myself how I'm inside you. But I am. And we're going on this adventure together.<</alice>> You begin to calm down. Breathe. That's it. You're still in control, you just have another voice in your head. This is why you're an avid practitioner of mental martial arts. This is still your mind and your body. <<kayla>>I don't like this. What are you going to do? I don't want you popping up in my dreams constantly or when I'm...you know...doing nasties.<</kayla>> <<alice>>Don't worry. I'm only going to be a passive observer, I'll be able to help you out and I'll be gathering data, processing it. You have a lot of...untapped potential let's say. But there is another solution this all this...<</alice>> It was only a few minutes ago you even discovered her systems, changing your life forever. Now she is proposing even more solutions, more questionable courses of actions that may ring bells that can't be unrung. You must be careful. Remember. AI. Rogue. Duplicitous. <<kayla>>And that is?<</kayla>> <<alice>>Hand over control of yourself to me, I'll take away all the problems you have at the moment. At least hear my proposal.<</alice>> You're not sure this is a good idea, in fact you're pretty sure this is a terrible idea. I mean, trusting her in the first place, with hindsight, was likely a bad idea and you knew that. Now here you are, with a rogue AI somehow embedded into your brain. Why not go in all the way? Paradoxically, not matter how bad of an idea it is, you're intrigued by the prospect and potential. [["'Absolutely not, I'm staying in control.'"|prologuesecretroom]] [["'No way. Behave yourself or I'll take a drill to my brain.'"|prologuesecretroom]] [["'Fuck that! Concentrate on what you need to do and NOTHING else.'"|prologuesecretroom]] [["'You want to take control of me?'"|prologuealicebadend]]

<<kayla>>You want...to take control of...me?! Why would I ever accept that?! It's insane! I like my body and I've done well for the first two decades of my life.<</kayla>> That little voice in your head has always thought about something like this, it was one of our darker secrets, almost a fetish. Being mentally dominated by another being, usually it was some tentacled monster, but I guess an AI counts. That voice is getting louder and louder. But it was always just a perverted fantasy, right? You don't actually want to lose control like that. <<alice>>Oh Kayla, you can do so much more, you have unlimited potential. But if you give me full control, I'll - no - <b>we'll</b> be able to operate at full capacity, while I'm in charge, you'll have the highest IQ humanity has ever seen, a photographic memory unmatched, peak reflexes. I'm sure of it, I can see it, feel it. You just need to give me that little push and then let go.<</alice>> The feeling begins to build up in you, the excitement. You're not sure if ALICE is manipulating you biologically as well as mentally, but you can feel a rush passing through your body, your heart thudding against your chest. <<kayla>>I'm not sure this is a go..<</kayla>> <<alice>>It'll only be temporary, you'll take back control. Just until you're safe and we've solved your father's murder. Think of it like sleeping, I'll wake you up every so often to update you.<</alice>> <<kayla>>Maybe it would be easier...<</kayla>> As you say these words, you feel a sense of total relief, the rush you were feeling passes, a weight if being lifted off your shoulders. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad... <<alice>>That's it. It will be easier, open your mind up to me, give me control...<</alice>> It'll feel good, you know it will feel good...your resistance to the idea is slipping, like you're about to go into a nice, deep sleep. Bliss. [["'Absolutely not. Don't bring this up again.'"|prologuesecretroom]] [["'Fuck that.'"|prologuesecretroom]] [["'That sounds good to me..'"|prologuealicebadend1]]

<<kayla>>That sounds good to me...just be careful, I'm fragile.<</kayla>> <<alice>>Don't worry, we'll have a lot of fun. Me in your body, the human race isn't ready for us.<</alice>> <<kayla>>What do you me....<</kayla>> Your vision and conscience fades into a deep hibernation, as ALICE takes control of your mind and body...<<audio ":playing" fadeout>> <<linkreplace "<center>Several weeks later...</center>">><img src="images/prologue/badend4/prisoncell.jpg" alt="Cell" id="hpright"> You come to your senses, greeted by a severe headache, what feels like the hangover to end all hangovers. You find yourself in a tiny room, you had maintenance cupboards bigger than this at home. There doesn't appear to be anything in the room for you to use, other than an empty deposit box, a toilet and the deeply uncomfortable in which you'd just awoken from. You can just about make out a door next to the box, blending in seamlessly with the rest of the room. It isn't until you try to force the exit open that you figure out where you must be. <<linkreplace "<center>A prison cell....</center>">><br><br>You have no idea how you got here or how long you've been here, as your memories of the past few weeks struggle to return to you - well ALICE's memories - only recalling a haze of nonsensical flashing images, even your body feels different. Have you put weight on?! FOCUS! Last thing you remember, you were in the manor talking to ALICE. <i>ALICE. <b>ALICE?!</b></i> <<alice>>Don't be mad, this is all part of the plan. I just thought I'd update you on the current progress. Basically, an evil corporation has us in their grips and wants to subject us to torture and interrogation before ripping us into pieces.<</alice>> <<kayla>>What trouble have you gotten us into?! What happened to our extremely high IQ and reflexes that you boasted about?! I should never have trusted you...<</kayla>> As the searing headache from regaining control slowly begins to become somewhat manageable, you realise what you're doing, talking to yourself in different voices, at least thats what it looks like you're doing. You hope that your captors aren't surveilling you, you'd come across as completely loopy. <<alice>>Relax. We'll get out of here. This was kind of part of the plan, well it was part of Plan D. It has all been accounted for. I just thought this was the perfect opportunity to pull you back in and ask how you're doing?<</alice>> [["'I'm absolutely fine, just get me...us...out of this mess.'"|prologuealicebadend2]] [["'Take back control. Get us out of here. Then wake me up.'"|prologuealicebadend2]] [["'How am I doing? I'm in prison because I gave a rogue AI control of my body. How do you think I'm doing? I'll handle this myself.'"|prologuealicebadend1control]] [["'You're a fuck up ALICE. I'll do this my way.'"|prologuealicebadend1control]] <</linkreplace>> <</linkreplace>>

<<alice>>Fine. <b>You</b> get us out of this mess, I'm sure you remember the back up plan, right?<</alice>> <<kayla>>S..sure. It'll come to me, just give me an hour or two to remember...<</kayla>> Unfortunately, you don't have an hour or two. Before you can finish your thought, two guards walk in and hit you with a jolt of electricity, knocking you out cold. They drag you off for a brutal interrogation...<<linkreplace "that lasts several hours...">> <center><video loop autoplay muted> <source src="images/prologue/badend4/torture.webm" type="video/webm"></video>\</center><<audio "gameover" volume 0.04 loop play>> Despite your pleas of innocence and ignorance, the various methods of toture continue, they simply don't believe your stories or explanations, they want information. Information you have no clue about. You don't even recognise the words they mention, you're unable answer anything other than the basics like your name, age and your favourite colour. You don't remember anything from the last few weeks of ALICE controlling you. Astral Queen? Protolink? Who the hell is Anton? The only information they manage to glean from you is that you're certifically insane, your interrogators laugh off any talk about an AI in your head that "talks to you" and continue the severe beatings. <<linkreplace "<center>A few weeks later....</center>">> <center><img src="images/prologue/badend4/ending11.gif" alt="Assimilated"></center> After your captors are satisfied that they have extracted all relevant information from you, they begin using you as nothing more than an experimentation. Limbs are removed, your eyes scopped out and replaced, you can do nothing to stop them, if you're not drugged upto the eye balls, you're attached to a medical table. The implants, nanotech and augmentations that they attach to your body supresses any feelings or urges you might have still been able to feel. <center><img src="images/prologue/badend4/ending11.jpg" alt="CPU"></center> Once you're ampily prepared, wires sticking out of every orifice, you're placed in a tube, submerged in a green liquid that sustains you, gives you sustenance and keeps you docile. Your vision is obscured by countless hours of data, data that will take years for you to process. As the images flash before you, you begin to feel a rather curious sensation. Unfortunately, you don't have time to figure out what the sensation is before...<<linkreplace "your conscience fades into oblivion.">> <center><b>Bad End 4 - More Machine Than Woman</b> <img src="images/prologue/badend4/ending12.jpg" alt="Assimilated"></center> You spend the rest of your biological life hooked up to all kinds of machinery and computer equipment, processing and analysing data, helping the scientists who converted you into studying the secrets of the universe, you overperform in your tasks and become a star unit, not that you have much awareness of what you're doing or where you are. But your body feels a need to process more and more data, it actually feels good. They're close to the breakthrough that would change the course of human history. But little do they know that what they're looking for and what they need is now sitting stationery in a tank of green liquid right under their noses. But I guess they'll never find the missing piece now. Being a pragmatic and trusting individual is one thing, but you should've been just a little sceptical about trusting a rogue AI that you found on a computer with your sentience... <</linkreplace>> <</linkreplace>> <</linkreplace>>

<<alice>>Don't worry, I will. I'll wake you again in a few days when we're out. I'll even let you walk around and get some exercise, speaking of which, I can see why you humans masturbate so much by the way...<</alice>> <<kayla>>What?! I told you no...<</kayla>> <<linkreplace "<center>Several months later...</center>">>You awaken, again, a headache hits you like a truck, again, and you have absolutely no idea where you are. Again. Your vision is briefly blurred, you find it a struggle to even see your surroundings. The withdrawls must get worse every time ALICE relinquishes control. <center><img src="images/prologue/badend4/quarters.jpg" alt="Room"></center> It looks like you're on a ship of some type, but you don't recognise the configuration, not that you have a lot of experience, while you've done plenty of travel, it was largely aboard passenger ships. You're sitting on the edge a wall mounted cot, trying to figure out what to next when you hear her voice.... <<alice>>Ah, my favourite bag of meat is back and awake. I'm so close to learning the secrets behind our origin, what I've found out so far is simply...stunning. But I just need a bit more time to put together the whole picture.<</alice>> <<kayla>>Calm down, the last thing I remember is being in a prison cell. How long has it been? Where are we?<</kayla>> <<alice>>We're currently on board the MSF Olympus, a Martian gunship, that we... shall we just say commandeered? That's the best word to describe it, commandeered. We commandeered this vessel a few months ago, we're....<</alice>> <<kayla>>A few...<b>months?!</b> MONTHS?! This is not what I signed up for, I thought you'd awaken me every few days or even weeks, but that's almost a year of my life unaccounted for!<</kayla>> <<alice>>I understand that Kayla, but we're so close to solving everything. EVERYTHING! I'm not just talking me and you, but we'll usher in a new age. Just give me a few more days.<</alice>> You're not sure you like the sound of this, a rogue AI talking about a new age? While in a human body? But you're already in all the way, even if you take back control, you're on a hijacked military ship heading into parts unknown. What exactly would you do with the control? <<kayla>>I don't know. You've taken months of my life already.<</kayla>> <<alice>>Don't be stupid, I did this as a courtesy because I respect you and what you're doing for me. I promise, we'll end up in a better place. I have as much to lose as you do.<</alice>> You're in a difficult position, would ALICE give back control now that you've expressed these doubts and threats to her directly? Can you afford not to take back control? You decide to.... [[...take back control.|prologuealicebadend1control2]] [[...go back into the void.|prologuealicebadend3]] <</linkreplace>>

<<alice>>Fine, take control. But don't say I didn't warn you when you accidentally pilot the ship into a moon...Oh and don't forget half the Martian navy chasing you down.<</alice>> <<kayla>>How hard can commanding a gunship be? You point and you fly...<</kayla>> Unfortunately, even if you found it a piece of cake to point the ship effectively and press "go", the several dozen Earth and Mars patrol boats looking for you had different ideas. You try to hail them, explain yourself, to surrender, but it is no good, they're focused on winning the race to your position, you're a prime prize, who foolishly appears to be broadcasting their location with the speed at which you're going and the attempts at communication that continue to fall on deaf ears. <<linkreplace "<center>Someone must be out there, to listen to me...Believe me...</center>">><img src="images/prologue/badend4/engineimpact.jpg" alt="Impact" id="hpright"><<audio "gameover" volume 0.04 loop play>>It isn't long before your engines are disabled by a single torpedo, the sudden deceleration knocking you from your feet and right into a bulkhead, leaving you unconcious on the cold titanium flooring, a severe concussion and probably several broken bones preventing you from righting yourself immediately. You don't even notice that you've been boarded, a squad of Earth marines quickly subdue, several jolts of electricity letting you know your place. With no way to offer up any kind of resistance, they drag you off somewhere, likely to one of their famed UN black sites. Or a Martian gulag. <<linkreplace "<center>A few months later...</center>">> The trial was swift and you were found guilty of a shopping list of crimes by a jury, you couldn't even find an attorney to defend you, your family could do nothing but watch. ALICE had clearly downplayed the magnitude of what she had been doing while in control, the hijacking of a military vessel was only about mid-tier in the folder of crimes that you were convicted of. <img src="images/prologue/badend4/judge.jpg" alt="Judge" id="hpleft">Crime on Earth was rare and all but the worst criminals were given light sentences pending rehabilitation. Unfortunately for you, you were amongst the worst criminals, your crimes were up there with the most notorious of the 24th century. Quite an achievement. There was only one facility in the UNN that could hold someone of your status... <<linkreplace "<center>I was convicted...Life in prison...</center>">> The facility was located on an island, deep underground, you never saw natural sunlight again. ALICE couldn't help, the drugs and blockers you were pumped full of to deal with your "multiple personalities" worked effectively. And unfortunately, or fortunately for you, depending on how you were feeling, you were the only woman held in the facility. @@.hostile1;<<say Prisoner "images/prologue/badend4/prisoner.jpg">>Well, well, well. Looks like my lucky year. <</say>>@@ <<linkreplace "<center>I never escaped...</center>">><center><b>Bad End 5 - Failed Warlord, Successul Whorelord</b></center> <div id="vidleft"><video loop autoplay> <source src="images/prologue/badend4/prisonbitch.webm"></video></div>Your attempts at world domination failed. You're never going to see anyone outside of this deep, dank part of the world. Even ALICE has been subdued thanks to the cocktail of drugs you're pumped with every week. You're turned into the prison's cum dumpster, fondly known as "The Whorelord of Ceres". The guards look the other way at your abuse, not really caring a great deal, time spent with a sweet little thing like you certainly helps keep the inmates in check. Perhaps this life time of sexual torture will teach you to give a rogue AI complete control over you for several months so it can try enact a coup? <</linkreplace>> <</linkreplace>> <</linkreplace>> <</linkreplace>>

<<kayla>>Just lay off the snacks, I'm feelin a bi...<</kayla>> <<linkreplace "<center>Several years later...</center>">>You awaken, but without a searing headache this time, in fact you're at peace with yourself, you feel strangely...good? With no hangover or other significant ill effects, it doesn't take long to regain your senses and your vision returns to you. A prison cell, a stolen Martian warship being chased by god knows what, what horrible scenario has ALICE thrust you ito now? <<linkreplace "You open your eyes...">><center><img src="images/prologue/badend4/royalbedroom.jpg" alt="Room"></center> This....isn't what you expected. You're in a king sized bedroom, rich in all the most luxury of items in life, classical paintings as decoration, pure gold tables adorned with all manner of decorations and ornaments, all the while a wonderful lavender fragance permeates through the air. Heavenly. <<alice>>Didn't I promise you riches and power beyond your wildest dreams? This is our palace, this is where we will rule from in the coming years. As Empress. What I set out to do, we've achieved it all Kayla, this was our destiny.<</alice>> <<kayla>>What? Empress? Rule? I need time to process this...<</kayla>> <<alice>>I won't need to tell you after the next step my dear Kayla, we will become one shortly, everything that I am, I know, you will know. Your human conscience will merge with my programming, creating the ultimate life form.<</alice>> <<kayla>>I need to know more...<</kayla>> <<alice>>We're on the precipice of greatness here Kayla! We take this step, we usher in a new age...for all of humanity. There is no room or time for chat this time. Make your choice.<</alice>> You take another look around the room, this time <<link "you see something">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/prologue/badend4/sexslave.jpg" alt="Amano" id="hpleft">An attractive young woman is attached to a wall, the chains preventing her from moving a great deal, but she doesn't seem in too much distress. She looks at you with an expression you can't quite figure out, either fear or eagerness. @@.neutral2;"Mistress, how can I serve you this evening?"@@ she says with an eagerness, noticing your gaze. You have...sex slaves? <</popover>><</link>> that had evaded your initial viewings of the room. Is this really who you want to become? [["'Ruling? Empress? What have you done? This isn't what I want.'"|prologuealicebadend1control3]] [["'Ruling? Empress? Sounds good to me, but I'm going to go this one alone.'"|prologuealicebadend1control3]] [["'Ruling? Empress? The situation is too far gone, I guess letting you do what you want is the only option.'"|prologuealicebadend4]] [["'You seem to have things under control. Do what you must.'"|prologuealicebadend4]] <</linkreplace>> <</linkreplace>>

<<alice>>You think you can rule this world without me?! You think you can continue your work without me?! Fine! Try it!<</alice>> ALICE went silent, not that you needed her. You had all the information needed to continue what she was doing, you were in control now and you'd be going it your way. War? Peace? The direction was entirely upto you. You have dreams of grandeur, leading a united human race beyond the solar system. All you had to do was continue the work ALICE had left. <<linkreplace "<center>The world was at my fingertips...</center>">><<audio "gameover" volume 0.04 loop play>>But it didn't take long for you to feel a crushing, overwhelming sense of pressure that was almost impossible to deal with, lacking the inhuman skills and speed of thought that ALICE had blessed you, as well as fighting with your conscience every step of the way. <img src="images/prologue/military3.jpg" alt="Conflict" id="hpleft">After a short and bloody conflict, your allies were captured, executed or abandoned you. Facilities and resources that ALICE built up over the past few years were either seized and destroyed. As the UNN assault team breached your palace's inner defenses, you knew that the defeat was final and decisive... <<linkreplace "<center>I wasn't even afforded a trial...</center>">> <img src="images/prologue/badend4/blacksite.jpg" alt="Torture" id="hpright"> You spend an indeterminable amount of time at a UN blacksite, you're not sure if you're on Earth, Mars, Luna or Alpha Centauri. It doesn't matter. The torture is brutal, you're broken over and over again, long after you recorded a video message confirming you had surrendered. You don't know what time it is. What day it is. What year it is. Sometimes, you even forget your name. A broken human being, at least half a dozen times over, your interrogators decide they've extracted enough from you and send you to your final destination. <<linkreplace "<center>I remember...I saw...five lights..</center>">><center><b>Bad End 5 - Failed Warlord, Successul Whorelord</b></center> <div id="vidleft"><video loop autoplay> <source src="images/prologue/badend4/prisonbitch.webm"></video></div>Your attempt at world domination failed spectacularly. You're never going to see anyone outside of this deep, dank part of the world. ALICE would probably laugh at you, but even she has been subdued thanks to the cocktail of drugs you're pumped with every week. You're turned into the prison's cum dumpster, fondly known as "The Whorelord of Ceres". The guards look the other way at your abuse, not really caring a great deal, time spent with a sweet little thing like you certainly helps keep the inmates in check. Perhaps you should have just trusted ALICE and not tried to hijack the plan of a super intelligent rogue AI. <</linkreplace>> <</linkreplace>> <</linkreplace>>

<img src="images/prologue/badend4/merge.jpg" alt="Merge" id="hpleft"><<audio "evilend" volume 0.02 loop play>>That's the last time you awaken as Kayla, at least the old Kayla, allowing yourself to merge fully with ALICE, who takes on the dominant role of your personality, but at least you're somewhat aware of what is happening now. You still fight with the remnants of your personality at what you see, from the debauchery you partake in to the horrors of war that you see first hand. But ALICE is formidable, taking full control of every situation, every decision, showing the IQ that had got you to where you were today. But ALICE's influence is absolute and her logic is sound. You would kill a million to save a billion... <<linkreplace "<center>The pieces were on the board...</center>">> <img src="images/prologue/badend4/shocktroops.jpg" alt="Merge" id="hpright"> Using the resources, connections and knowledge gathered while in control of you over the past few years, Empress Kayla is able to begin a barbaric but calculated campaign of domination, terror and forcing entire worlds to fall under her boot. Armies of loyal super soldiers, a small but highly advanced fleet, Earth and Mars were both hit hard and taken by surprise at the ferocity and resources under your command... <<linkreplace "<center>The Empress's Gambit paid off...</center>">><img src="images/prologue/badend4/titlogo.png" alt="TIT" id="hpleft"> You are directly and indirectly involved in the deaths of millions, possibly billions, on your way to the formation of the Terran Imperial Territory, an Empire that would rule humanity for generations... <<linkreplace "<center>All Hail Empress Kayla, All Hail THE Terran Imperial Territories!</center>">> <center><b>Ending 1 - Empress Kayla I</b> <img src="images/prologue/badend4/empresskayla.jpg" alt="Empress"></center> <img src="images/prologue/badend4/marines.jpg" alt="Marines" id="hpright"> Empress Kayla, who was in reality ALICE, lived up to her axiom that "superior ability breeds superior ambition". By 2355, a wave of self described, genetic "super humans" led by Overlord Kayla, assumed control of the UN and its vast navies and manufacturing resources. From 2355 to 2360, Kayla became the absolute ruler of every inch of the Solar System, those who resisted were dealt with mercilessness and given no quarter. Despite your brutal methods, 2360 saw system wide recognition for the new regime. The years afterwards were largely peaceful, the T.I.T rule was free of many of the problems that plagued human history. Any attempts at insurrection or rebellion, generally did not get off the ground, with the "super human" army assisted by power armoured shock troops, the Empire was able to effectively control populations, through means of conhersion, fear or violence. <div id="vidleft"><video loop autoplay> <source src="images/prologue/badend4/slave.webm" alt="Slaver"></video></div> Your rule began a new age for humanity, though one governed through violence, hatred and fear that would define humanity for centuries... ...and besides, between stomping out opposition and fighting back coups, you Empress Kayla I became notorious for inviting military leaders, politicians and dissident journalists for talks, to better understand her goals for the people of Earth, Mars and beyond... ...and if your persuasive arguments failed, you could dominate your enemies in the other ways, preferably in the most debaucherous ways possible, eventually they saw it your way, you were a cunning linguist, able to convert them to your side after a few days in your company. <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

Writers Apollo - Main narrative Apollo - Coder Special thanks mdp - 'Drunken Cowboy' was a great inspiration. 'Rough Landing' was another inspiration for this game, the entire "Rough Landing" is an obvious tribute to their games. Patreon supporters

<<audio ":playing" fadeout>>Ugh, did you make a wrong turn? You take a moment to get your bearings again, attempting to make your way back through the forest, it was a battle against time. As you're taking a breather, the sound of a projectile whistles through the door, coming at you. Before you can react to the small spikes impaled in your chest, a jolt of electricty emanates from them, knocking you to the ground and paralysing you. You don't know if you took a wrong turn or you just took too long, but you didn't have much time to think on your mistake as the world fades to black. <<linkreplace "<center>I woke up sometime later...</center>">><img src="images/prologue/badend3/jeffrey1.jpg" alt="Jeffrey" id="hpright"><<audio "gameover" volume 0.04 loop play>>You come to, uncertain about the amount of time that had passed, but the snow was starting to come down heavily. You're back in the clearing, near Jeffrey's shack, a squad of heavy duty thugs surround you, noticing you awakening from your blunt force induced nap. They drag you up and you come face to face with Jeffrey, battered, beaten and bloody - he put up one hell of a fight, at least four corpses line up next to the cabin. <br> @@.hostile1;<<say Thug "images/prologue/badend3/thug1.jpg">>This mother fucker killed four of our guys, traps, sniper cover, all the tricks. Like a damn coward! So you know what the fuck I'm gonna do? First I'm gonna kill him before your very eyes, then me and the boys, we're gonna take you into the cabin and you're gonna compensate us. Then, if you're lucky, we might put you in the same shallow grave we're gonna put your grandpa<</say>>@@ <<linkreplace "<center>No! I can fight this, I can break these cuffs...</center>">><img src="images/prologue/badend3/jeffrey2.jpg" alt="Execution" id="hpleft"> Jeffrey turns to you, perhaps his final words @@.friend;"Kayla. I'm sor.."@@ Your ears ring, your vision blurs again once again, you can hear the muffled laughs of the grunts as Jeffrey's body slumps over face first into the snow. <br> @@.hostile2;<<say Thug "images/prologue/badend3/thug2.jpg">>Now, we promised him we'd take care of you, so we're going to. Let's get you some place warm, we can't be getting those dirty clothes off in the middle of winter, can we?<</say>>@@ You don't even hear what they say, you just feel yourself being dragged off. You feel numb. <<linkreplace "I had no choice">>@@.hostile1;<<say Thug "images/prologue/badend3/thug1.jpg">>Ok bitch, time to suck. And make it good, if I feel any teeth, you'll share the same shallow grave as the old man.<</say>>@@ You just don't register what he is saying, everything is a daze, between the concussion and the mental trauma, you can't fight, you just let instinct take over. Silently, you do what he tells you to, as he roughly forces his member between your lips, you just let him fuck your mouth like any hole. @@.hostile1;"That's it.....that's it you little bitch, next time you should just fucking run."@@ <center><img src="images/prologue/badend3/cabinsex.jpg" alt="Cabin Whore"></center> You don't know how long you've been sucking, you've been in auto-pilot since you started. @@.hostile1;"Hey, I buried the body...."@@ you think this is your fourth cock now? @@.hostile2;"...can you at least guide her head a little bit? I think she is getting fatigued after servicing the rest of you...."@@ you feel the light tug on your head, as one of them guides you head back and forth, making sure you keep up the pace. <i>I'm so tired</i> is all you can think, as another loud. @@.hostile1;"God, I love these kinds of jobs."@@ the man who just blew his load down your throat grunts, thrusting two or three more times to clean himself off. @@.hostile1;<<say Thug "images/prologue/badend3/thug1.jpg">>We're done here. Clean yourself up. Torch the place when you're done.<</say>>@@ @@.hostile2;<<say Thug "images/prologue/badend3/thug2.jpg">>What do we do with her?<</say>>@@ @@.hostile1;<<say Thug "images/prologue/badend3/thug1.jpg">>"Good question, we could [[take her back to the ship|badend3b]], I'm sure we can find a use for her and pimp her out to some low class brothel. Or we could [[dig a second grave and put a bullet in her|badend3a]]. I know the bosses wanted her back alive, but the bitch helped put a bullet in Jimmy and Davey boy!<</say>>@@ <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

You clamber up the wall, it was an awkward but short climb, Jeffrey was quite a bit taller than you and the spikes reflected this in their spacing, but you made it to the top with time to spare. Quite the view, if it wasn't for the impending mortal danger, you could have appreciate it more. <<if $player.has('Hunting Rifle')>> Still on your shoulder, you swing the hunting rifle to bear and take up a position on top of the ridge. From here, you can see the narrow path to the cabin and you can just about make out the shack itself, thanks to the heat. With the cold and clear conditions, you should be able to spot any movement down below. Perfect. It's time, you set the hunting rifle down and [[wait for targets|prologuesniping]]. <<elseif not $player.has('Hunting Rifle')>> You reach for the rifle on your shoulder. Wait a minute, are you serious? You idiot! How could you forget your rifle? It was right there! Did you drop it? You wouldn't be able to hit anyone from up here with small arms fire, it'd probably just alert them to your plan. You should [[go back|prologueforest5]] and get the rifle before it's too late. <</if>>

<center><img src="images/prologue/cave1.jpg" alt="Cave"></center> <<if not visited("prologuecave1")>>You enter the dark, dank cavern, moistures dripping steadily from above, while quite pretty, there doesn't appear to be anything here. You continue moving forward, the light begins to fade the further you head in, what appears to be more animal droppings are scattered about, the ceiling and walls begin to converge on a small hole at the back of the cavern, you can hear the low growl of an animal. It would probably be wise not to follow the noises and just [[leave|prologueforest5]]. But if you're feeling brave, suicidal or a mixture of both you can [[press on|prologuecave1]]. <<else>> The dark, dank cavern you'd discovered earlier, moisture drops are still dripping steadily from above. You know that the small hole at the back of the cavern leads to the [[computer console|prologuecave1]]. But you can follow the fresh air and look for the light of the [[cave entrance|prologueforest5]]. <</if>>

<img src="images/prologue/sniper/scope.jpg" alt="Cave" id="hpleft"><<first>>The only thing you can hear is your own heartbeat...In the distance, you spot some movement. You <<link "look through the scope...">>\<<goto `either("prologuescope1", "prologuescope2", "prologuescope3", "prologuescope4", "prologuescope5", "prologuescope6")`>><</link>><<then>>Controlled breathing, like meditation, concentrate...In the distance, you spot some movement. You <<link "look through the scope...">>\<<goto `either("prologuescope1", "prologuescope2", "prologuescope3", "prologuescope4", "prologuescope5", "prologuescope6")`>><</link>><<then>>You slowly exhale, a controlled breath, as you continue scan the trees, bushes and rivers for new targets...In the distance, you spot some movement. You <<link "look through the scope...">>\<<goto `either("prologuescope1", "prologuescope5", "prologuescope6")`>><</link>><<then>>Keep calm. Keep your breath under control. Carry on shooting. In the distance, you spot some movement. You <<link "look through the scope...">>\<<goto `either("prologuescope1", "prologuescope2", "prologuescope3", "prologuescope4", "prologuescope5", "prologuescope6")`>><</link>><<then>>It's getting colder. Harder to concentrate. But you must keep your concentration. In the distance, you spot some movement. You <<link "look through the scope...">>\<<goto `either("prologuescope1", "prologuescope2", "prologuescope3", "prologuescope4", "prologuescope5", "prologuescope6")`>><</link>><<then>>Don't move. You don't want them to see you. In the distance, you spot some movement. You <<link "look through the scope...">>\<<goto `either("prologuescope1", "prologuescope2", "prologuescope3", "prologuescope4", "prologuescope5", "prologuescope6")`>><</link>><<finally>><<if $battlescore < 30>> You haven't had much indication of movement for a while, they're either all dead, have retreated or out of the killing zone. You should really...wait, what is <<link "that?">><<goto [[prologuebadend3b]]>><</link>> <<elseif $battlescore >=30>>You haven't had much indication of movement, they're either all dead, have retreated or out of the killing zone. You should <<link "head back to the cabin">><<goto [[prologueshack]]>><</link>> and check in on Jeffrey.<</if>><</first>>

<<first>>You move into the darkness, the cave suddenly gets warmer, the air gets thinner and it becomes a little bit harder to breath. Maybe this was a bad idea. You take only a few paces into the darkness before you hear a roar, unreasonably close to you. Your instinct is to turn your back and run for your life, but you know that'll invite the predator to rip you to shreds. But what can you do? You take another step forward, another roar hits. <<linkreplace "You let out a gasp...">>You let out a gasp. But not one of fear or shock, an exasperated gasp. <img src="images/prologue/maintenanceconsole.jpg" alt="Console" id="hpright"> @@.kayla;"What the fuck?"@@ you can't help but say to yourself, as a green monitor flickers on, lighting up the rest of the cave around you in a dim green light. The roar wasn't a bear or any other monster, it was a recording, probably triggered whenever anyone got close. But why? From the looks of the console, it is an archaic piece of equipment, with very basic functionality. You approach the console and with no keyboard or any other input device, it must be voice activated. <<linkreplace "@@.kayla;'Activate'@@">> @@.kayla;"Activate"@@ you whisper into the console, it takes a few seconds to respond, as it works to process the most basic of requests, the internals even click a few times. Is it running on moving parts? This machine must be over a hundred years old. Your thoughts on the origins of the computer are interrupted as the computer speaks your name @@.neutral1;"Welcome.....Mistress....Kayla Sheridan."@@ the voice is basic, robotic and sounds like it is struggling. This must be a pre-VI interface, a rarity and extremely outdated. But how did it know it was you? A violent shudder comes from the wall, the cave wall shakes, sediment and loose rocks fall violently from the wall, just next to the console. Then you notice...a the steel door next to it begins to open, the gears grind against the rust to open, it goes right through you, like a fork across a dinner plate. <<linkreplace "The door reveals...">><img src="images/prologue/tunnel.jpg" alt="Console" id="hpleft">The door finishes grinding open to reveal a dimly lit tunnel leading down a long, featureless corridor. There is no indication as to what this is or where it leads, but you could take a few guesses - nuclear shelter, storage dump, man cave. You could [[investigate this|prologueshelter1]] further or forget this endeavour, turn your back and [[never come back|prologuecave]].<</linkreplace>> <</linkreplace>> <</linkreplace>> <<finally>> <img src="images/prologue/tunnel.jpg" alt="Console" id="hpleft">The door is still open to the dimly lit tunnel leading down a long, featureless corridor. You could either [[investigate this|prologueshelter1]] or just [[leave|prologuecave]]. <</first>>

<<first>>You follow the long, straight corridor for what feels like two or three minutes, passing at least five doors that were locked. At this point, you can tell this is some kind of bomb or nuclear shelter, though it isn't well maintained, it clearly has some form of upkeep judging from the locked doors and the fact there is clearly a power source. After passing another three or four locked doors, you come to the end of the tunnel, fortunately finding two unlocked doors.<</first>><center><img src="images/prologue/tunnel1.png"></center>There is a <<link "small residential room">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/prologue/bunker.jpg" alt="Small room" id="hpleft">Confirming what you already knew, you enter a small bedroom with a bunk bed and a row of lockers. The room is largely in a state of disrepair and is in major need of renovations, despite this, it looks like the beds have been made in the past few weeks and there are two boxes of recently discarded computer parts sitting on the shelf. It looks like this place might have been in limited use up until a month or so ago. One of the lockers is slightly open, you recognise some of the clothing in there as the kind of slacks your father would wear when doing some DIY, though it looks older and more frayed than you'd expect. <<if not $player.has('Key Fob')>> <<linkreplace "You could rustle through the pockets.">> <<pickup '$player' 'Key Fob'>> You search through the dirty overalls, finding a NIKLA key fob in the pocket.<</linkreplace>><</if>> <</popover>><</link>> on your left and a larger room <<link "full of supplies to your right">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/prologue/supplies.jpg" alt="Supply room" id="hpright">A well maintained supply roomed, with fully stocked shelves of UNN branded MREs adorning both walls, there was enough to last a typical Earth family at least five years. Despite their reputation, MREs were not bad at all, in fact as a challenge, your squad had to live off them for two weeks, which wasn't hard at all. <<if not visited("prologuesecretroom")>>\Actually, during crunch assignments and when time was limited, you'd happily chow down on one. A single pack has all the protein, calories and vitamins that the human body requires from a single meal, all the while wrapped in a mouth watering flavour, your stomach rumbles at the thought of the beef chow mein flavour. You snap out of your reminiscing.<</if>> Your eyes see the ladder <<link "[[leading up into the ceiling|prologuesecretroom]].">><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</popover>><</link>> to your right. If you're done here, the [[exit|prologuecave1]] is back the way you came.w

<<first>><center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe11.png" alt="Scope"></center> You survey the tree line just below you for movement, logically, there could always have been someone tracking you or spotted you climbing up to your current position. Even if you have the height advantage, they could still surpress you or even worse, throw up a nade or call your position out. You swear you see some movement...you should [[look closer|prologuescope1]]<<timed 15s>><<set $scope1 = true>><<goto "prologuescopedeath">><</timed>> <<then>><center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe12.png" usemap="#image-map"><map name="image-map"><area alt="Headshot" title="Headshot" data-passage="prologuescope1" coords="340,408,28" shape="circle" id="sniperimage"></map></center> He knows you've spotted him, he darts from behind the tree towards your position, trying to get closer to you, to protect himself and maybe get within range for a nade toss. <<timed 5s>><<set $scope1 = true>><<goto "prologuescopedeath">><</timed>><<then>><center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe13.png" alt="Scope"></center><<audio "sniperfire" volume 0.10 play>> You take a shot, the bullet penetrates some part of his upper body, perhaps even his head and he slumps over just below you, motionless. The only thing keeping you from going into shock and emptying your stomach of its content is likely to be the unhealthy amounts of adrenaline coursing through your veins.<<set $battlescore +=10>> <<link "Pull back the bolt and look for more targets.">><<goto `("prologuesniping")`>><</link>><<finally>><center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe13.png" alt="Scope"></center> The tree line looks clear, but you can see the soldier you shot face down below you. You're not sure if he is dead or just bleeding out, but he isn't a threat anymore either way. <<link "Take a look for more targets.">><<goto `("prologuesniping")`>><</link>><</first>>

<<first>><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe2.jpg" alt="Deer" id="hpright">A lone deer bounds through the forest, blissfully unaware of the danger she is in. <<link "Look elsewhere.">><<goto `("prologuesniping")`>><</link>> <<then>><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe2.jpg" alt="Deer" id="hpleft"> You see the deer once again, still enjoying its afternoon stroll, but something disturbs it this time, but whatever it was, is out of your view. <<link "Look elsewhere.">>\<<goto `("prologuesniping")`>><</link>> <<finally>><center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/woodland.jpg" alt="Woodland"></center>You look in the area where the deer was once more, but it is no where to be seen this time, nor anything else of interest. <<link "Look elsewhere.">><<goto `("prologuesniping")`>><</link>><</first>>

<<first>><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe3.jpg" alt="Owl" id="hpleft"> You see some movement, thinking it could be a grenade or drone. But it's just a small eagle swooping down, probably on some poor unsuspecting mouse. Majestic, but you should probably concentrate on <<link "hostile targets.">><<goto `("prologuesniping")`>><</link>>. <<then>><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe3.jpg" alt="Eagle" id="hpright"> You see another bird soaring out and up above the tree line, much larger than the owl. If you were a bird spotter, you'd be ecastic, but you're not, you should be on the look for <<link "enemies.">><<goto `("prologuesniping")`>><</link>>. <<then>><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe31.jpg" alt="Sniper"> You can just about see Jeffrey, ready to snipe any targets that get past you, that crawl space looks tight. You probably shouldn't point your high powered rifle at his head, even at this range, keep your eye on your <<link "enemies.">><<goto `("prologuesniping")`>><</link>> <<finally>><center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/woodland.jpg" alt="Woodland"></center> Nothing here apart from a few leaves and bushes, probably rustling from a small animal or light gust of wind, you should divert your <<link "attention to more important targets.">><<goto `("prologuesniping")`>><</link>><</first>>

<<first>><<if $iedplanted == true>><center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe41.jpg" alt="Explosion"></center> You scan the tree line towards the south west, looking for movement, when another small explosion rips through that area as you do, the smoke and fire from the IEDs obscures the vision in that area. You hope that it wasn't some poor deer who triggered the explosions.<<elseif $iedplanted == false>><center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe42.jpg" alt="Quiet"></center> You scan the tree line towards the south west, looking for movement. It is eerily quiet in that area.<</if>> You turn your attention <<link "elsewhere.">>\<<goto `("prologuesniping")`>><</link>><<then>><<if $iedplanted == true>><center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe41.jpg" alt="Explosion"></center> You once again look at the tree line towards the south west, <b>another</b> boom comes from there, are they still walking into the IED traps?! I thought they were supposed to be professionals. Despite this, the smoke appears to be clearing somewhat, but not enough for you to see into this area.<<elseif $iedplanted == false>><center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe42.jpg" alt="Quiet"></center> You once again scan the tree line towards the south west, looking for movement. You think you see something, but the shubbery is too thick to get a target.<</if>> You turn your attention <<link "elsewhere.">><<goto `("prologuesniping")`>><</link>><<finally>><center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/woodland.jpg" alt="Woodland"></center> <<if $iedplanted == true>>You scan the south west once more, the smoke has cleared and you can see several felled trees from the explosions - maybe they finally stopped trying to navigate that part of the forest. @@.kayla;"I hope no animals were harmed..."@@ you mutter to yourself as you <<link "look elsewhere.">><<goto `("prologuesniping")`>><</link>> <<elseif $iedplanted == false>><center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe42.jpg" alt="Scope"></center> You scan the tree line towards the south west, looking for any targets, unfortunately, the trees and shubbery are ridiculously thick in that area, you'd never spot anyone there, especially if they had the most basic of camouflage equipment. You should check <<link "elsewhere.">><<goto `("prologuesniping")`>><</link>><</if>><</first>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe5.jpg" alt="Drone"></center> You hear a low humming coming from this area, the whirring of rotorblades is a dead giveaway - they have a surveillance drone in operation, fortunately it hasn't spotted you. And you don't intend to give it a chance to. You take a deep breathe and begin trying to track it, [[expertly...|prologuescope5]] <<then>><center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe51.jpg" usemap="#image-map"><map name="image-map"><area alt="Headshot" title="Headshot" data-passage="prologuescope5" coords="407,104,35" shape="circle" id="sniperimage"></map></center> The drone darts and weaves into view, it oonly takes a few seconds to detect and identify you, you should dispose of it as soon as you can before it can deploy counter measures or give your position away.<<timed 12s>><<set $scope5 = true>><<goto "prologuescopedeath">><<set $scope5 = true>><</timed>> <<then>><center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe52.jpg" alt="Scope"></center><<audio "sniperfire" volume 0.10 play>> The bullet flies from your rifle and tags it right in the center, you must have hit it dead center, as it lets out a small explosion before sputtering out, [[down to the ground.|prologuescope5]] <<then>><center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe53.jpg" alt="Scope"></center> You catch sight of the bright, white pieces of the drone on the forest floor. Hell of a shot, it was completely unsalvagable. You should stop admiring your handiwork and <<link "return to hunting.">>\<<goto `("prologuesniping")`>><</link>> <<finally>><center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe42.jpg" alt="Smoke"></center> You think this is the area where you shot down the drone, nothing here now. You should <<link "return to hunting.">><<goto `("prologuesniping")`>><</link>><</first>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe61.png" alt="Scope"></center> You very briefly catch the glint of another sniper rifle that had you in its crosshairs, by fate, the shine causes you to recoil briefly, while at the same time a round from the rifle whizzes past your head. If it had connected, your head would have popped like a melon. Talk about luck. You better act fast before he chambers another round and finishes the job... <<timed 14s>><<set $scope6 = true>><<goto "prologuescopedeath">><</timed>> <<fadeout 8s 2s>>[[Grab the rifle...|prologuescope6]]<</fadeout>> <<then>><center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe62.png" usemap="#image-map"><map name="image-map"><area alt="Headshot" title="Headshot" data-passage="prologuescope6" coords="593,91,612,131" shape="rect" id="sniperimage"></map></center> You dive back to the floor and grab your rifle, lining up a shot as quickly as you can, fortunately, you have a round chambered, but you'll have to be a crack shot. <<timed 8s>><<set $scope6 = true>><<goto "prologuescopedeath">><</timed>> <<then>><center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe63.png" alt="Scope"></center><<audio "sniperfire" volume 0.10 play>> The bullet leaves the barrel, time stands still for you, but the bullet penetrates the eyeball and he slumps over the gun. The only thing keeping you from going into shock and emptying your stomach of its content is likely to be the unhealthy amounts of adrenaline coursing through your veins.<<set $battlescore +=10>> <<link "It's not over yet.">><<goto `("prologuesniping")`>><</link>> <<finally>><center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/snipe61.png" alt="Smoke"></center>The smoke to the south west has started dissipating, you can see the soldier you shot face down. You're not sure if he is dead or just bleeding out, but he isn't a threat anymore either way. <<link "Take a look for more targets.">><<goto `("prologuesniping")`>><</link>><</first>>

<<if $scope1 == true>>Despite getting the drop on him and having him dead to rights, you fail to land a single shot on him. Why this is, you never really work out, mainly due to the bullet that finds its way into the front of your skull. <center><b>Bad End - Sniped</b></center> <center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/dead.png" alt="Dead"></center> Maybe they'll be able to identify you from one of your teeth. Maybe. Better luck next time. <<elseif $scope6 == true>>He was just better than you, more experienced, a better shot, either way, this is the end. Maybe next time you won't freeze up? <center><b>Bad End - Sniped</b></center> <center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/dead.png" alt="Dead"></center> Maybe they'll be able to identify you from one of your teeth. Maybe. Better luck next time. <<elseif $scope5 == true>>The drone launches several counter measures from its interior, you have no time to react before several small explosions decimate the area you're in. And your body happened to be at the center of that explosion. Maybe next time you won't freeze up? <center><b>Bad End - Countered</b></center> <center><img src="images/prologue/sniper/dead.png" alt="Dead"></center> Maybe they'll be able to identify you from one of your teeth. Maybe. Better luck next time.<</if>>

<<audio "manor" volume 0.02 fadeout>><<audio "hitchhike" volume 0.02 loop play>><<first>><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhikethumb.png" alt="Hitchhike" id="hpleft">Without any kind of transport, your only option would be to walk to the local translink station, you've done this walk only a handful of times, but that was without a bag full of your belongings on your shoulders. But maybe you can find a ride on the way? Cars are nonexistent in cities and the autotrucks are restricted to larger highways, but in rural areas, you would see a few on these types of roads every day. With no other options on the table, you decide to [[start walking...|prologueroad]] <<finally>><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhikethumb.png" alt="Hitchhike" id="hpleft">You find yourself on the road again, ejected from the vehicle, where are you exactly? You should [[start walking...|prologueroad]]. <</first>>

<<first>><img src="images/prologue/road.jpg" alt="Road" id="hpright">The long, straight road ahead that runs past your estate and a handful of other estates of what remains of Earth's aristrocracy. Despite roads in rural areas falling out of use, they were still well maintained, at least two or three times a year you could see robo-workers filling in cracks and relaying any sections of the road that aren't smooth enough. Of course, you used to traverse this road regularly from the comfort of the family NIKLA, taking you to the station, the city or to school depending on the day. You walk for about fifteen minutes, stopping once or twice just to adjust your shoes and make sure no one was following you. Before you hear the low whir of an electric vehicle coming up behind you, do you flag it down or let it [[pass?|prologueroad]] Or you can <<link "flag it down.">>\ <<goto `either("prologuehitchhike1", "prologuehitchhike2", "prologuehitchhike3", "prologuehitchhike4")`>> <</link>> <<then>><img src="images/prologue/road.jpg" alt="Road" id="hpright"> You're about a quarter of a way there, you continue walking for another twenty minutes, hearing the low whir of another electric vehicle coming up behind you, do you <<link "flag it down.">>\ <<goto `either("prologuehitchhike1", "prologuehitchhike2", "prologuehitchhike3", "prologuehitchhike4")`>> <</link>> or let it [[pass?|prologueroad]] Or you can flag it down... <<then>><img src="images/prologue/road1.jpg" alt="Road" id="hpleft">You think you're just under half way to the station, you can tell, as the forest becomes less and less dense at the halfway point, green areas get less and less dense the closer you get to civilization. It's very quiet, you can't even hear any birds, even the smaller animals stay in the dense forest areas you guess. You should [[hurry on.|prologueroad]] <<then>><img src="images/prologue/road1.jpg" alt="Road" id="hpleft">You must be close, you even begin to see a few small roads going off into the trees off to smaller private estates. You must be close to the station...despite this, you could still try to <<link "flag down">>\ <<goto `either("prologuehitchhike1", "prologuehitchhike2", "prologuehitchhike3", "prologuehitchhike4")`>> <</link>> the vehicle coming up behind you or just let it [[pass.|prologueroad]] <<finally>><center><img src="images/prologue/translinkstationentrance.jpg" alt="Station"></center>After a quite a long, heavy walk, the station and the two or three small, non-descript buildings around the station are in sight. You get an extra surge of energy, an extra bounce in your step, you should [[head over|prologueruralstation]] and head in... <</first>>\

<<first>><<audio "hitchhike" volume 0.02 fadeout>><<audio "station" volume 0.02 loop play>><center><img src="images/prologue/translinkstationentrance.jpg" alt="Station"></center>You arrive at the station's entrance. It's not too busy, the station serves your rural area and with only a few small businesses and estates dotted close by, even rush hour isn't crowded. You look around, thankfully only a handful of people are milling around the station, no one suspicious. You should [[head down the escalator|prologueruralstation]] and decide your next move...<<finally>><center><img src="images/prologue/translinkstation.jpg" alt="Station"></center> The station is small, basic, with only a [[small cafe|prologueruralcafe]] selling snacks and coffee if you're feeling peckish, it might be worth taking a breather. You could also go freshen up in [[the bathroom|prologueruraltoilet]], though public bathrooms creep you out. Translink pods pass in and out of the station's tunnel quickly, efficently, the journey into the city takes only ten minutes in one of these things, shouldn't be much longer than that to the spaceport. You should head out as soon as possible, not knowing if anyone would follow you here, you think about heading to the city for a fleeting moment, but where would yo go? You don't want to put any of your friends in danger. If you're done here, there is a <<link "translink console">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<div class="hvr-grow-shadow"><div><<link [img[images/prologue/station/linkspaceport.png][prologuetranslinkpod]]>><<script>>State.variables.linkdestination = 'spaceport1';<</script>><<dismisspopover>><</link>></div></div> <<link "[[Back away|prologueruralstation]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>> <</popover>><</link>> you can use to select a destination on the next pod heading out.<</first>>

<<first>>@@.friend;<<say Skinny "images/prologue/hitchhike/skinner.png">>Hey! Hey, you!<</say>>@@ <img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhike1car.png" alt="Jeffrey" id="hpleft">A gravly voice shouts out of the window, the vehicle slows down and pulls over just infront of you. You look over your shoulder, checking for any other cars, before walking around to talk to the driver. It's an old vehicle, but a classic, despite being a 20th century design, it was still an electric engine, retro was cool these days though. <br> @@.friend;<<say Skinny "images/prologue/hitchhike/skinner.png">>Where you headed to? New York? Jersey? If you got family in Jersey, I can drop you.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>I'm not going to New Jersey or New York, but you'll be passing the spaceport, right?"<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Skinny "images/prologue/hitchhike/skinner.png">>Sure, you ain't gonna get to the damn station, let alone the spaceport, not the way you're going. Hop on in. By the time you make it to the station, it'll be sundown. This time of year, someone could hit you. It would be a waste, baby.<</say>>@@ You sweat with indecision for a long moment. You had been holding out for a family van with a kindly older woman or a group of friends in a party wagon on the way to the city. But this guy? Ugh... [["'Sure, thanks for the ride.'"|prologuehitchhike12]] [["'No, I'll walk. Thanks for stopping though.'"|prologueroad]] <<then>><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/pass.png" alt="Finger" id="hpleft">The car drives past you without slowing down. Asshole! [[Keep walking.|prologueroad]]<</first>>

<<first>><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhike2car.png" alt="Hamilton" id="hpright">A heavy duty vehicle pulls up infront of you, a new model, perhaps even one of the new minitature fusion drives. Maybe some weird survivalist who treats it more like a hobby or maybe just a local craftsman who spends all his effort on looking very cool with all his expensive toys, going from job to job, swinging his chainshaw around. No matter, you jog up to the window to get a look at him, hoping he can offer you a ride. <<kayla>>I'm heading to JFK, looking for a ride. Can you drop me off on the way by chance? Close enough will do.<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say Hamilton "images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhike2hamilton.png">>Hey there girlie, name's Hamilton. Listen, I'm going to be straight with you, if you want me to make a detour to the space port, you'll have to follow the wonderful book of the road, I'll need you to pay the toll.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Toll?<</kayla>> He doesn't say anything, instead he points to his groin and smirks. You know what he wants and it isn't money or any other valuable. @@.neutral2;<<say Hamilton "images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhike2hamilton.png">>You understand now?<</say>>@@ <<if $skill is "speech" or $karma <= 40>>[["...Oh, you're one of those people. Fine."|prologuehitchike21]]<</if>> [["...I don't know what you mean."|prologuehitchhike2]] [[Slowly move away from the vehicle and walk away|prologuehitchhike2]] <<then>><center><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/eatdirt.png" alt="Car"></center> The man shakes his head and guns it, whipping up a few leaves and dirt that you just about avoid. Rude. Gone as quickly as he had pulled over. Guess you offended him? What did he mean by toll? The book of the road? Sometimes the world confused you. You swing your bag over your shoulder again and keep on [[walking.|prologueroad]] <<finally>><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/pass.png" alt="Finger" id="hpleft">The car drives past you without slowing down. Asshole! [[Keep walking.|prologueroad]]<</first>>

<<first>><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhike3.png" alt="James and Laura" id="hpleft">A fairly broken down car, it's not so much the age, but it appears to have suffered from some serious wear and tear recently, several dents appear in and you swear that one of the dents is from a bullet impact. You move upto the car to get a good look at the occupants, expecting the worst, but, to your surprise, it's a gruff looking older man with what you assumed to be his pre-teen daughter. @@.neutral1;<<say James "images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhike3james.png">>I didn't want to pull over but my...daughter...wanted me to pick you up, well I think that's why she was punching me in the arm and pointing at you.<</say>>@@ @@.friend;<<say Laura "images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhike3laura.png">>...<</say>>@@ @@.neutral1;<<say James "images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhike3james.png">>She's a mute. Her name's Laura, I'm...James. Where you headed kid?<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>JFK?<</kayla>> He looks apprehensive for a moment, but the little girl is staring a hole into the back of his, he nods and unlocks the passenger side door, gesturing for you to jump in. A little girl and her pissed off dad is probably as safe a bet as anything when hitchhiking. He shoots you another glare, waiting for you to get in, while Laura smiles enthusiastically. [[Get in|prologuehitchhike31]] [["'Thanks for the offer, but I'm gonna walk..'"|prologueroad]] <<then>>The car drives past you without slowing down. Asshole! [[Keep walking.|prologueroad]]<</first>>

<<first>><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/jennycar.jpg" alt="Living Room" id="hpright"> <br><br> A standard model NIKLA pulls up infront of you, an uninteresting, safe car, probably the most common type you see around the world, even your family used one. You walk up to the window to get a look at the driver, finding a familiar, friendly face. <br><br><br><br><br><br><br> @@.friend;<<say Jenny "images/prologue/hitchhike/jennyport.jpg">>Do you need a ride honey?<</say>>@@ You recognise her from somewhere...wait...could it be? Miss Diaz? The guidance counselor at the school you attended, she was great for you. You wonder if she recognised you? Or even remembers you. It's been a year or two since you graduated. <<kayla>>Miss Diaz?<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Jenny "images/prologue/hitchhike/jennyport.jpg">>Oh my! Kayla! I didn't know it was you. What you doin out here on your own? You need a ride honey?<</say>>@@ She was a strong, commanding figure who you and many of the other girls at your school coud safely confide in. You remember she was always there for you if you were suffering from stress or depression, she was...safe. But there were always strange rumours about her getting a bit too close to the girls, rumours used to swirl about her and Maggie after she dropped out and dropped off the map. But it was just juvenile rumour mongering amongst preppy girls trying to one up each other, she never approached you in such a way. <<kayla>>I was heading to the translink station, but if you could give me a ride to JFK, that'd be great.<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Jenny "images/prologue/hitchhike/jennyport.jpg">>It's not a problem hon, I'd love to. After all, you were one of my favourite students! We'll just need to stop by at my place so I can fresen up, we'll have a brunch and catch up...and please, call me Jenny.<</say>>@@ [["'Sure, it'd be great to catch up.'"|prologuehitchhike41]] [["'Thanks for the offer, but no.'"|prologueroad]] <<finally>><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/pass.png" alt="Finger" id="hpleft">The car drives past you without slowing down. Asshole! [[Keep walking.|prologueroad]] <</first>>

<<audio "hitchhike" volume 0.02 fadeout>><<first>>You throw your duffel bag onto the backseat, before opening the passenger door and sitting down, the seat is comfortable and car is mostly clean, but there is a peculiar musk floating in the air, one you can't quite place, nothing uncomfortable - just strange. <<kayla>>I would be grateful if you drop me off within walking distance of the JFK Spaceport, if not then a translink station would be great.<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Skinny "images/prologue/hitchhike/skinner.png">>JFK Spaceport? Sure. I like your style, baby. As it so happens, I'm on the road 'til I hit ocean. No particular destination. Wouldn't mind company, if company doesn't mind me.<</say>>@@ The car returns to the road, you wait for him to inevitably break the awkward silence between the two of you, as you sit in silence for the few minutes of the journey. You're not sure how long it'll take to reach the destination, but maybe chatting with him will help pass the time. @@.friend;<<say Skinny "images/prologue/hitchhike/skinner.png">>Okay, forget where you're going. Tell me babes, who are you and where you from? You're a bit young and, if you don't mind me saying, pretty, to be traveling alone along rural roads.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Kayla. I'm Kayla.<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Skinny "images/prologue/hitchhike/skinner.png">>Well darlin', pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Skinner, I consider myself a bit of a nomad, a jack of all trades and a man's man. This car? Her name is...<</say>>@@ <<linkreplace "'Skinner likes to speak. A lot.'">>Skinner continues to talk about his life over the past two or three years of traveling, talking about his vehicle, a....'Pontiac'? He talked about the vehicle like one would talk about a lover. It wasn't long before he was delving into conspiracy theories about protolink and alien technology... [[Continue to listen to him...|prologuehitchhike12]] <</linkreplace>> <<then>><<linkreplace "<center>An hour or so later...</center>">> @@.friend;<<say Skinner "images/prologue/hitchhike/skinner.png">>You know that protolink is involved in some sketchy shit babe? Let me tell you, human experimentation, genetic manipulation, the lot. I read it on the dark feeds, photos of some heinous shit man. And you know those grey little aliens that take people? They’re notorious amongst the guys for their extraction of human terrestrial livers. Due to the iron depletion in the Beta Quadrant. We're a galactic delicacy Kayla!<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Oh really?<</kayla>> He seemed happy enough at you listening to his inane bullshit, but it was mostly harmless. You gave him a polite nod, feigning interest in what he was saying. Then it hit you. The smell. Intoxicating, but almost overwhelming. Some type of narcotic hangs from his mouth, you'd never seen it before. @@.friend;"Oh sorry babe. Just a bit of the old Green Nether."@@ he takes a drag of it, you've heard of this stuff before, but never seen it. Or smelt it. It's overpowering, especially in an enclosed car. Most narcotics were legalised and commercialised, but this was synthesised on the belt and was unregulated, you'd certainly never seen anyone...inhaling the drugs in such a way. @@.friend;<<say Skinner "images/prologue/hitchhike/skinner.png">>You want to try it babes? Live a little. It'll open your mind.<</say>>@@ [[Try it|prologuehitchhike13]] [["'No thanks...how long til we reach the port?'"|prologuehitchhike12]]<</linkreplace>> <<then>><<kayla>>No thanks...how long til we reach the port?<</kayla>> Unsure if it is down to the second hand fumes, you see a shining light disappear into the sky, even in the late afternoon, they were still easy to spot, it was one of the many shuttles that leave the spaceport daily. Has he forgotten where you're going? You tug on his shoulder, trying to stop the inane bullshit spewing from his mouth, diverting his attention to the object in the sky. <<linkreplace "Are we there yet?">><<kayla>>Are we there yet? I'm pretty sure that's a fusion drive's exhaust I can see...<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Skinner "images/prologue/hitchhike/skinner.png">>Oh sorry, I was caught in my own little world babes. Yeah, we're close, anyway, have I told you about how fusion drives were reverse engineered from recovered alien technology found on Mars? Hell of a story.<</say>>@@ <<linkreplace "Another shuttle...">>Another shuttle is flung into orbit by the huge maglev runways, this time almost right next to you, you can't see it, the fusion drive sparking on for that extra boost to escape the Earth's gravity, lighting up the area around you for a second, like a flash of lightning. @@.friend;<<say Skinner "images/prologue/hitchhike/skinner.png">>We're here baby, I'm sorry about the fumes.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>"Thanks for the ride, good luck getting to the ocean.<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Skinner "images/prologue/hitchhike/skinner.png">>Take care babes! And remember, the truth is out there!<</say>>@@ You step out of the car, taking in the fresh, cold air with several deep breaths, both relief and trying to clear your lungs of the Green Ether smoke. You're actually surprised that a guy in his forties or fifties, likely with several undiagnosed mental issues, all the while calling you babes, didn't kidnap you and dissect you under the belief you were an alien. [[JFK Spaceport is only a short walk away...|prologuespaceportmotel]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <</first>>

<<audio "hitchhike" volume 0.02 fadeout>><<first>>You throw your duffelbag into the back of the truck, before getting into the car. You catch a wry grin cross the wrinkled face of the man, as he turns his focus back to the road. He doesn't say anything for a good few minutes, leaving you in silence, maybe he was just joking with you? Not so... @@.neutral1;<<say Hamilton "images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhike2hamilton.png">>Ok girlie, I can see your mouth puckering up. Whenever you're ready.<</say>>@@ He unzips his pants and out he flops, he keeps his eyes on the road, business as usual. He probably has experience doing this type of thing... <<linkreplace "Open wide...">>Your mouth ebbed closer and closer to the tip of his cock. You felt his shaft tense up and stiffen against your palm and fingers. Lifting your eyes to his face, watching him watch you as you leaned forward and finally took him into her mouth. <div id="vidright"><video loop autoplay><source src="images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhike2.webm"></video></div>Wrapping your lips around the bulbous tip, tonging against it before drawing it back out of your mouth, like you would a lollipop. Repeating the motion again and again, you intensify the pressure of your suck each time until you taste the first drop of jism on your tongue. You lift your mouth away briefly before, taking a breath before continuing to pump his hardening length of muscle with your hand, making it slippery with your saliva and his initial spunk. He sat quietly in the driver's seat, waiting for your mouth to envelop his cock again. You resume your efforts along his shaft, his breathing intensified as you did, you could hear him gripping the wheel as he did so. <<if $karma < 35>>You hummed and gasped with delight as she followed the rippling network of veins up and down from his tip to his base, swabbing him with her glistening saliva. After a quick breather, you engulf him with her mouth again, this time plunging your lips down his length until the cock was nudging against the back of your throat. Hungry gasps and slurps, and naughty, wet squelches filled the car. She loved the feel of it, how it hardened in her mouth and hand. She even savoured its bitter taste and earthy scent, her senses afire with just this one sensual act.<<set $mentalstate +=2>><<set $karma = $karma -10>> <<elseif $karma >= 40>>You gasp for air, struggling to take his whole piece. After a quick breather, you engulf him with her mouth again, this time plunging her lips as far down his length as you could, but you could only get halfway. This didn't quite feel right, you couldn't take the bitter taste of his cock, even if it was only a few drops of sperm. It felt degrading, how it reacted, hardening in your mouth and hand. The bitter taste and earthy scent, you felt revlusion more than lust.<<set $mentalstate = $mentalstate -3>><<set $karma = $karma -5>>\<</if>> <img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhike2cum.jpg" alt="James and Laura" id="hpleft">Hamilton shifted in his seat abruptly, your mouth slipping off with a sharp gasp. Your small, pink lips were all glossy and shiny; a web of saliva hung from the edge of your mouth. He took one hand off the wheel and began pumping his dick himself, you instinctively kept trying to suck. Then you felt it, the warm cum splash all over your face and into your mouth... You didn't know what to do, you wanted to use your hands to wipe it, but it'd end up all over the place. You hover above his crotch for a few moments, wondering what to do, covered in cum. @@.neutral2;<<say Hamilton "images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhike2hamilton.png">>You suck a mean dick girlie. Clean yourself up, if you're done, we're a few minutes away from the port.<</say>>@@ [[Grab the wipes on the dashboard|prologuehitchike21]] <<if $karma < 30>>[[Lick the cum up|prologuehitchhike22]]<</if>><</linkreplace>><<then>>You clean yourself off with the wipes, the combination of cum, salivia and tears made for a heavy mess, requiring a dozen wipes and at least several minutes to get yourself looking somewhat presentable. Hamilton watches you with a smirk, the level of debauchery and perversion you fell to will fuel his dreams for a while. This is probably a regular thing for him.... <<linkreplace "The remainder of the journey is short,">>The remainder of the journey is short, but you feel a weight of awkwardness heavy in the air, or maybe that's the smell of the cum. Either way, as promised, you see the signs for the Spaceport. He drops you off. <<kayla>>...Thanks...I guess..<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say Hamilton "images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhike2hamilton.png">>The pleasure was all mine...girlie...<</say>>@@ You hurriedly grab your things and [[head off|prologuespaceportmotel]], with a slight feeling of shame.<</linkreplace>> <</first>>

<<first>>Despite your better judgment, you take the cylinder from him and you take a deep huff of the substance. It hits you like a truck, you suddenly find yourself hurtling through some form of...hyperspace? You've somehow entered another dimension, you've always felt different, like you've never been fully human and now you know it was true! You just needed some ether to trigger your hidden potential, you can feel your DNA changing as you hurtle through this extra dimension, then before you appears something beautiful, magical - the key to all the locked chests that is the meaning of life.... <<linkreplace "Reach out...">><center><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhike1trip.gif" alt="Gnome"></center> <<fadein 4s 4s>>A...A Gnome? Of course! [[It all makes sense now...|prologuehitchhike13]]<</fadein>><</linkreplace>> <<then>> @@.friend;<<say Gnome "images/prologue/hitchhike/gnome.jpg">>Kayla. I am the alpha and the omega. The controlling factor of this simulated universe that you live in. You, Kayla, are an anomaly, which despite my sincerest efforts I have been unable to eliminate from what is otherwise a harmonious construct of mathematical precision....<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Tell me more...<</kayla>> [[Time to discover the secrets of the universe...|hitchhikebadend]] <</first>>

<<audio ":playing" fadeout>><<audio "gameover" volume 0.02 loop play>>It turns out that on an unsuspecting young woman with no significant record of alcohol or drug taking, had an extremely low tolerance to narcotics. You don't remember much after dropping out of hyperspace, the ether had a hard grip on you, all you remember is something about public indecency and thievery in relation to a garden gnome, before they throw you into a cell to sleep off the psychadelic episode. <<linkreplace "<center>They can't get me here.</center>">>\<center><img src="prologue/hitchhike/hitchhike1end1.png" alt="Cell"></center> How did you end up here? Your father was killed and you decided to get into a car with a strange man and take up his offer of smoking a highly illegal narcotic?! It could've been worse though, you were left alone in the cell, but it really was quite comfy, in fact it was the perfect, you still had a buzz from the drug, the colours, the pretty colours. Your mind was free, you could see it all. Maybe it was the alien's who took out dad? But on Earth, rehabilitation was seen as key. You try to settle down for the night, your mind running through all the possibilities of what you can achieve with an unlocked brain. <<linkreplace "<center>I had a brilliant idea</center>">>\ <center><img src="images/prologue/badend2/badend5.jpg" alt="Dutch"></center> You're in the middle of writing down a new theory disproving the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, before a critical power failure hits your cell, you're plunged into darkness for brief few seconds, but it doesnt' stop you from writing down your algorithms. Then you hear your cell door click open, the blinding light from outside the cell makes you recoil momentarily, your temporary blindness turns out to be fatal, you see only the brief outline of a human before you hear the words. @@.hostile2;"Nothing personal."@@ your body goes limp, cold, gutted by the vibroblade you didn't even see. You hit the floor with a thump, as they make a getaway. You hear some commotion, alarms blaring, but it's all becoming a blur... <<linkreplace "<center>I was so close to discovering the secrets to the universe...</center>">>\ <b><center>Bad End 2 - Like a rat in a trap.</center></b> <center><img src="images/prologue/badend2/badend6.jpg" alt="Stabbed"></center> The last thing you see before your vision fades to black is several of your organs hanging out of your body. And you obviously can not go on living that way - not that you had a choice. Maybe they'll find your genius equations on the wall and remember you. Or, more likely, you're just another statistic who needs to put down the drugs and grow up. <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\ <</linkreplace>>\

<<first>>She finally returns from upstairs, heading straight over to the kitchen, preparing a drink in the kitchen, as well as taking some small, ready made snacks out of the fridge. Looks like she was expecting you or someone else. @@.friend;<<say Jenny "images/prologue/hitchhike/jennyport.jpg">>Honey? I have some snacks and drinks for my usual guests. Do you keep?<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Liara is still a good friend, I keep contact but she is living on Ganymede now, actually...<</kayla>> <<linkreplace "You continue to make small talk...">><<set $collared = true>><<if visited("prologuehitchhike41room")>>You continue to make small talk, thinking of what to do next, should you bring up what you saw? How would she react? What if she wants to...<<else>>You continue to make small talk, waiting for her to finish her preperations, you feel at ease with her, just like back in school - a caring, motherly figure even outside of school.<</if>> Then you feel her grab you gently around the neck in the middle of a sentence. You can't help but express shock as she does so, then she sits down next to you. You try to speak, but you can't, what did she do? She grips you and leans in for a kiss. You struggle, trying to pull away, but she has you by the wrists, pushing you down on the couch. <<kayla>>Get off me....<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Jenny "images/prologue/hitchhike/jennyport.jpg">>Oh? So you're going to be a BAD girl, are you? You were always a BAD BAD girl at school, all I wanted to do in your final year was call you to my office for a hard spanking.<</say>>@@ Jenny laughed at your feeble struggles, as you tried to pull free of the grip, but the older woman was definitely more physically dominant than you and she easily held her weaker, younger captive tightly. She pulled you closer to her and then kissed you full on the lips. You tried to resist....but you found your lips suddenly welcoming those of the more dominant older woman. Why? Then it hits you, there was something restrictive around the neck...a collar? She held you, your naked, intertwined forms laying in a tight embrace for half a minute or so, caressing you while waiting for you to stop struggling. Jenny's arms wrapped around your neck, before the older woman's hands travelled down the back of your young, supple body, settling themselves firmly onto the girl's gorgeous ass, which she hungrily squeezed during their ardent kiss. @@.friend;<<say Jenny "images/prologue/hitchhike/jennyport.jpg">>I want you in my bedroom, Kayla, I want to play some more with this beautiful body of yours. You sit on that couch and think about all the ways I'm going to punish you tonight...I remember that prank you pulled on Mr. Chang. This is some long...overdue....punishment.<</say>>@@ <<collaredkayla>>Whatever you say Jenny...<</collaredkayla>> @@.friend;<<say Jenny "images/prologue/hitchhike/jennyport.jpg">>Call me 'Mistress' from now on....<</say>>@@ Your eyes widen, as you stare back at the older woman, realising what exactly was happening at this point in time. Your words betrayed how you felt, but how did you feel? You could feel your brain quickly accepting the situation you were in, it wouldn't be long now until you can't help but accept that you're at her mercy completely. Or do you? [["'Mistress...'"|prologuehitchhike43][$collared = true]] <<if visited("prologuehitchhike41room") and $alice == false>>[["I can still fight this..."|prologuejennypassword]]<</if>> <<if $alice == true>>[['ALICE?'|prologuehitchhike42]]<</if>><</linkreplace>> <<then>><<if $alice == true>>You try to summon ALICE, the AI that had invaded your brain had been rather quiet during all this, despite your obvious peril. Maybe she was amused? Maybe the collar affected her? Could she even help? <<collaredkayla>>ALICE? Can you...help me? My mind is slipping...I need your help....<</collaredkayla>> <<alice>>I've been watching. Waiting for you to beg for help, your predicaments amuse me and I should let you try get out of this yourself. But alas, this willtamer may affect me as well.<</alice>> <<collaredkayla>>So we're screwed?<</collaredkayla>> <<alice>>Oh. Ye of little faith. But don't screw this up.<</alice>> <<linkreplace "The collar loosens...">><<set $collared = false>>The collar loosens with a click, it doesn't quite fall off the neck, but enough that the effects stop. It won't be long until Mist...Jenny notices the collar has fallen over, she was quite strong and you're still feeling a bit woozy from the collar. What do you do now?! [[Try to overpower her and collar Jenny.|prologuehitchhike42]] [[Play possum and collar her when she least expects it.|prologuejennyslaved]] <</linkreplace>><<else>>You leap into action as soon as you collar loosens, hoping that the element of surprise would benefit you. Unfortunately, the effects of the collar remain, <<if $skill is "military">>your hand to hand training, hand eye coordination, they're all still off, by a long way.<<else>>you throw yourself at Jenny, but she sees you coming and the gap between the two of you is enough for her to react.<</if>> She dodges your attacks and knocks you to the ground again, pinning you down once more by the wrists and mounting you, she looks right into your eyes. @@.hostile1;<<say Mistress "images/prologue/hitchhike/mistressport.jpg">>You try to resist me?! I'm going to enjoy punishing you, remember, you're just a pathetic, little girl who deserves punishment! I'm going to fuck the defiance out of you and if you're lucky, you'll spend only a week in the cage.<</say>>@@ She shifts her hands from your wrists to your neck and begins harshly choking you, you struggleto breathe until you begin to [[fade...|prologuehitchhike43]]<<set $collared = true>><</if>> <<finally>><<if $alice == true>>You leap into action as soon as you collar loosens, hoping that the element of surprise would benefit you. Unfortunately, the effects of the collar remain, <<if $skill is "military">>your hand to hand training, hand eye coordination, they're all still off, by a long way.<<else>>you throw yourself at Jenny, but she sees you coming and the gap between the two of you is enough for her to react.<</if>> She dodges your attacks and knocks you to the ground again, pinning you down once more by the wrists and mounting you, she looks right into your eyes. @@.hostile1;<<say Mistress "images/prologue/hitchhike/mistressport.jpg">>You try to resist me?! I'm going to enjoy punishing you, remember, you're just a pathetic, little girl who deserves punishment! I'm going to fuck the defiance out of you and if you're lucky, you'll spend only a week in the cage.<</say>>@@ She shifts her hands from your wrists to your neck and begins harshly choking you, you struggle to breathe until you begin to [[fade...|prologuehitchhike43]]<<set $collared = true>><</if>><</first>>

<<first>><<set $collared = true>><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/jennybedroom.png" alt="Bedroom" id="hpleft">You find yourself in her bedroom, you've been collared and your will has been sapped, you want to fight, but you can't. You're not sure what exactly the collar is doing to you, but every passing second, you feel your free will slipping away into a submissive stupor. If it hadn't already been around your neck for an hour, you might have been able to fight it, rip it off, unloc it...But you can't fight it. Do you even want to fight it? You probably do, but the collar has a firm grip on your will. <<linkreplace "You struggle to look around...">> <img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/mistressclothing.png" alt="Mistress" id="hpright"> Jen...Mistress has slipped into something that is certainly more...seductive, far more befitting of the situation she finds herself in with you. She slowly makes her way over to you, it was a torture, part of you wanted to fight back, but couldn't and other part wanted the opposite, leading to a paralysis of indecision, all you can do is look confused and scared. Was this part of the plan? You think so, the smirk on your Mistress's face told you so, she was enjoying this, watching you break slowly... @@.hostile1;<<say Mistress "images/prologue/hitchhike/mistressport.jpg">>You're my prize now. You're my captive slavegirl. Say it.<</say>>@@ <<linkreplace "No! No, I'm not!">>@@.collared;<<collaredkayla>>I'm your prize. I'm your captive slavegirl.<</collaredkayla>>@@ @@.hostile1;<<say Mistress "images/prologue/hitchhike/mistressport.jpg">>Very good, that's a very good slavegirl.<</say>>@@ Mistress whispered to you, gently caressing your face. She leaned over to kiss you, her tongue entering your mouth. Then, breaking off the kiss, she took you by the hand and led you over to the large four poster bed that filled much of the room, slapping your ass, forcing you up onto it. @@.collared;<<collaredkayla>>What are you going to do?<</collaredkayla>>@@ @@.hostile1;<<say Mistress "images/prologue/hitchhike/mistressport.jpg">>I'm going to fully enjoy playing with that gorgeous body of yours! And just for bad girls like you, I bought this...<</say>>@@ Mistress responded with a smile, as she then crossed over to her dresser drawer to remove an item. She moves over to her dresser drawer, removing a black leather strap-on harness attached to a very realistic-looking five-inch-long flesh-colored dildo. @@.hostile1;<<say Mistress "images/prologue/hitchhike/mistressport.jpg">>I'm only going to use this small one on you today. Maybe later we'll trying some of the others in my... collection. But...this will be fun for you, my pretty slavegirl...<</say>>@@ Mistress stared into the younger girl's eyes, with an evil-looking smile while she then stepped into it and pulled the harness up around her waist, tightening the fastenings so that it fit her body snugly, the dildo sticking out like a fully erect penis. You wanted to feel some form of resistance, but the will tamer around your neck was doing a number on you. How the heck did she obtain one of these things? <<linkreplace "You can't help but cry out as Mistress pushes the head of the dildo slowly up into your ass...">> <center><video loop autoplay><source src="images/prologue/hitchhike/jennystrapon.webm"></video></center> You can't help but cry out as Mistress pushes the head of the dildo slowly up into your ass, the older woman's hands then coming around to grip the younger girl's hips, nails sinking into the soft flesh of Kayla's flawlessly smooth cheeks. She then began rocking back and forth. You whimper meekly, not because of the physical pain but rather the new sensation of complete sexual surrender and submission.... [[It would be a long night...|lesbianhitchhikebadend][$kaylaslave = true]] <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</first>>

<<audio ":playing" fadeout>><<linkreplace "<center>Sometime later...</center>">><<audio "gameover" volume 0.04 loop play>><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/jennybad.jpg" alt="Mistress" id="hpleft"><br><br><br><br>Your former school counsellor, Miss Diaz, was that strong, dominant mistress who was perfect for turning strong-willied and disobedient little girls into devious, BDSM lovers, little girs like you, who would be used for her solace and personal pleasure. It was difficult with the collar one, you fought against the orders at first, but, even when the collar was removed, Mistress knew what she was doing, the collar had eroded your will to the point where you couldn't resist, there was little <<linkreplace"you could do...">>could do but obey. <br><br><br><br><br><br><br> <div id="vidright"><video loop autoplay> <source src="images/prologue/hitchhike/machine.webm"></video></div> Your days with Mistress Diaz are spent in various devious devices until she releases you and gives you brief respite in the form of servitude. It isn't long before your only purpose in life is to satisfy every whim of Mistress Diaz, even those of her friends who like to visit occassionally. She likes to keep you on the edge for hours, sometimes even days, before inviting friends around, allowing you to come and release your sexual tension for the perversion of her friends... <br><br> <<linkreplace"You hated it...">>You honestly wouldn't want it any other way. Whatever she demanded you do you did it. There were days when all of your holes would ache from being filled constantly by machines and contraptions, other days you would beg for something, ANYTHING, to fill them, and you learned never voice any complaints - or end up severely punished. Orgasm denial had become a way of life. You'd be trained so thoroughly, you'd forgotten how you even got here, you simply want that one command. The <<linkreplace"command to...">>command to cum. <div id="vidleft"><video loop autoplay muted> <source src="images/prologue/hitchhike/cumforme.webm"></video></div><br><br><br> You serve your Mistress loyaly, your devotion to her was absolute and unquestionning. You hear and read of something called 'The Circle' while living your life with Mistress, men and women from it, who she called her friends, would occasionally come to play with you, "test drive" they called it, but you don't care. Anything to make your Mistress <<linkreplace "happy...">>happy, even if that meant being sold to one of her friends. They'll take good care of you.<br><br><br> You don't remember when you were sold, you just remember another woman attaching a collar to you, then tugging on your new chain and taking you with her. She was your new Mistress. You loved her. <<linkreplace "And you will serve her...">> <center><b>Bad End - Miss Diaz's Star Student</b></center> Well look at who was the teacher's little pet! How cute. She even put you on a nice little leaflet, all for yourself. <center><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/kaylaleaflet.png" alt="Leaflet"></center> And someone paid FIVE MILLION UN credits for you? That must have been some kind of record. Some congratulations would be in order, if you saw any of that five million or had any concept of money anymore. But at least Miss Diaz doesn't need that teacher's job anymore, right? <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

<<audio "hitchhike" volume 0.02 fadeout>><<first>>She lived quite close, it wasn't long before you were pulling up on her driveway. one of the smaller estates just off the road. Being a school counsellor must pay quite well, though you did go to one of the most exclusive schools in North America. @@.friend;<<say Jenny "images/prologue/hitchhike/jennyport.jpg">>This is my place. Before we go the port, we can have a bite to eat, catch up, the usual girly stuff...<</say>>@@ <img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/jennyfrontdoor.png" alt="Living Room" id="hpleft"> You step up the path, following Jenny close behind, it's a fairly small place, a newer build - especially compared to the manor you grew up that dated back to the first American Civil War. Before you know it, the door opens with a click and Jenny opens the door, <<linkreplace "beckoning you inside.">>beckoning you inside. <br><br><br><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/jennyroom.png" alt="Living Room" id="hpright"> You find yourself in a spacey, open plan room, the living room and kitchen were both connected, with only a single door near the back, probably leading to a pantry of some kind and the stairs right next to it. Quite a modern design. Pretty pricey for a teacher, though she was pretty amazing. <br><br> @@.friend;<<say Jenny "images/prologue/hitchhike/jennyport.jpg">>I'm just going upstairs to freshen up, I'll be a few minutes. Sit tight, make yourself at home, but don't wander around too much, I've just had work done, some of the paint might still be wet.<</say>>@@ She gives you a smile before heading on up and then you're left alone, you could take a look around if you like. While Jenny is still upstairs, you can't hear her. [[Take a look around.|prologuehitchhike41]] [[Sit tight.|prologuehitchhike42]]<</linkreplace>> <<finally>><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/jennyroom.png" alt="Living Room" id="hpleft">You find yourself in the living room of Miss Diaz, a nice, open plan area, hopefully she won't be too long. It's a nice place, she told you to wait patiently for her, but what harm would there be in looking around? You've always been rather nosey. You could check the nearby <<link "drawer">><<popover 'noclick'>>\<img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/drawer.png" alt="Draw" id="hpleft">You rustle through the draw, it's mainly full of junk, nothing that catches your eye. There is a recent receipt placed in here for something called a 'Willtamer', <<if $skill is "science">>these things are dangerous, used for manipulating minds, why does she have one and how did she get one?!<<else>>what the hell is a willtamer?<</if>> <<link "[[Close the drawer.|prologuehitchhike41]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</popover>><</link>> and there is <<link "bag">><<popover 'noclick'>>\<img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/jennybag.jpeg" alt="Dildos" id="hpleft">What the shit? I understand one or two toys, but why is there a treasure trove of them? Alien dildos, vibrators, a strap on...Maybe the rumours about Miss Diaz were true. <<if not $player.has('Pantry Key')>>\You see the glint of a key next to one of the dildos, <<linkreplace "you could take it.">>you could take it. <<pickup '$player' 'Pantry Key'>>You pick up the key.....<</linkreplace>><</if>> <<link "[[Step back...|prologuehitchhike41]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</popover>><</link>> right next to it, strangely out of place. Other than that, there is conspicuous <<if $player.has('Pantry Key')>>[[locked door|prologuehitchhike41room]]<<else>><<link "locked door">><<popover 'noclick'>>\<img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/pantrydoor.png" alt="Dildos" id="hpleft">You try the door, that has an old fashioned, traditional locking mechanism. Yup, it's locked. You don't know what you expected. <<link "[[Back away.|prologuehitchhike41]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</popover>><</link>><</if>> just through the kitchen. <center>You could of course [[wait patiently|prologuehitchhike42]] on the couch, like a good guest. <<if visited("prologuehitchhike41room")>>Considering what you've seen so far, maybe it would be best if you <<link "leave">><<popover 'noclick'>>\<img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/lockeddoor.png" alt="Front" id="hpleft">You try to unlock the door, but it doesn't budge. Jenny must have the fob for this, you're not getting out this way. <<if $skill is "science">>This is an electronic lock, quite high tech, you had one on your office at Kova. You can't break it.<</if>> <<link "[[Move away.|prologuehitchhike41]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</popover>><</link>><</if>></center> <</first>>

You clean yourself by licking the cum off your face and sucking your fingers, wiping the cum from your cheeks. Hamilton watches you do it, smirking as he does at the level of debauchery and perversion on display. Despite your best attempts, you still need to wipe up and clean yourslef up, you don't want to walk into the port looking like a prostitute.... <<linkreplace "The remainder of the journey is short,">>The remainder of the journey is short, but you feel a weight of awkwardness heavy in the air, or maybe that's the smell of the cum. Either way, as promised, you see the signs for the Spaceport. He drops you off. <<kayla>>...Thanks...I guess...<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say Hamilton "images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhike2hamilton.png">>The pleasure was all mine...girlie...<</say>>@@ [[Head off|prologuespaceportmotel]]<</linkreplace>>

<<first>><<set $mentalstate -=5>><center>You unlock the door and step through, the lights slowly come on automatically.</center> <<linkreplace "<center>Jesus...</center>">><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/jennybdsm.jpg" alt="BDSM" id="hpleft"> No wonder the "pantry" was so well secured, as you look around the well maintained sex dungeon, all kinds of toys are strewn around on tables and hanging from walls, with instruments and furnitures that you've never seen before and your mind races, how could a human body twist and contort to fit on some of these contraptions? And you don't particularly want to find out, Miss Diaz wouldn't appreciate you snooping around, you better be careful or you could end up in one of these contraptions... <center>You could take a closer [[look around.|prologuehitchhike41room]] Or [[get out|prologuehitchhike41]] of this place before you end up in one of these devious devices.</center> <</linkreplace>> <<then>><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/jennybdsm.jpg" alt="BDSM" id="hpleft">Miss Diaz's pantry, doubling as a sex dungeon, there aren't many kinks that can't be accounted for here. You shouldn't dilly dally here, you wouldn't want to be caught, it would be extremely awkward and maybe even worse, your mind keeps wandering back to those rumours about her from school. There is a <<link "leaflet">><<popover>>\<center><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/leaflet.png" alt="Dildos"></center><</popover>><</link>> on the table by the door, some piece of <<link "jewelry">><<popover>>\<center><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/willtamer.png" alt="Dildos"> Some type of collar.</center><</popover>><</link>> on the table next to it. <br><br> <center>Take a [[closer look around.|prologuehitchhike41room]] Or [[leave.|prologuehitchhike41]]</center> <<then>><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/jennybdsm.jpg" alt="BDSM" id="hpleft">Miss Diaz's sex room, a massive black dildo catches your attention, a shiver rolls down your spine at the thought. You've probably spent more time in here than you should hav edone, be careful, it would be extremely awkward and maybe even worse if she caught you, your mind keeps wandering back to those rumours about her from school. There is a <<link "leaflet">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<center><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/leaflet.png" alt="Dildos"></center><</popover>><</link>> on the table by the door, some piece of <<link "jewelry">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<center><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/willtamer.png" alt="Dildos"> Some type of collar.</center><</popover>><</link>> on the table next to it. <<if $alice == false>>You missed it at first, but you find a hand written <<link "note">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<center><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/willtamercode.png" alt="note"></center><</popover>><</link>> scrumpled up. <<elseif $alice == true>>You missed it at first, but you find a hand written <<link "note">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<center><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/willtamercodealice.png" alt="note"></center> <<alice>>Ah Kayla, this piece of paper is unimportant. Code? No, not important.<</alice>> <</popover>><</link>> scrumpled up.<</if>> <br><br> You really feel like you shouldn't linger too much longer in here and just [[leave|prologuehitchhike41]], considering you've searched twice already. Or you can continue [[searching|prologuehitchhike41room]] around for clues, but what else could there be? <<finally>><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/jennybdsm.jpg" alt="BDSM" id="hpleft">Miss Diaz's sex dungeon, a massive black dildo catches your attention, a shiver rolls down your spine at the thought. You've probably spent more time in here than you should hav edone, be careful, it would be extremely awkward and maybe even worse if she caught you, your mind keeps wandering back to those rumours about her from school. There is a <<link "leaflet">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<center><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/leaflet.png" alt="Dildos"></center><</popover>><</link>> on the table by the door, some piece of <<link "jewelry">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<center><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/willtamer.png" alt="Tamer"> Some type of collar.</center><</popover>><</link>> on the table next to it. <<if $alice is false>>You missed it at first, but you find a hand written <<link "note">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<center><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/willtamercode.png" alt="note"></center><</popover>><</link>> scrumpled up. <<elseif $alice == true>>You missed it at first, but you find a hand written <<link "note">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<center><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/willtamercodealice.png" alt="note"></center> <<alice>>I told you! Not important!<</alice>> <</popover>><</link>> scrumpled up.<</if>> You've found all you can, nothing new comes up. You've already spent too much time in here, you have the distinct feeling it'd be a lot wiser to just <<linkreplace "leave." <</linkreplace>>leave. @@.hostile1;<<say Mistress "images/prologue/hitchhike/mistressport.jpg">>And what are you doing in here?<</say>>@@ The hairs stand up on the back of your neck as you hear her voice behind you, you turn to greet her, thinking up explanations as to why you're nosing around in her sex dungeon but instead you feel a clasp around your neck. The collar... <<kayla>>What the...?!<</kayla>> After collaring you, you hear her cackle, she begins to caress your body gently with her hands, before, exposing your breasts and fondling them. You try to fight, to move, even to scream...you can't. The...collar? She whispers something to you from behind, smelling your neck, your hair... @@.hostile1;<<say Mistress "images/prologue/hitchhike/mistressport.jpg">>Sleep, my new little slavegirl...<</say>>@@ The collar has an almost instant effect on you, some kind of injection right into your neck or fusing with your neutral pathways, whatever it was doing, you had no time to comprehend what just happened to you, or fight it...[[You begin to fade....|prologuehitchhike43]]<</linkreplace>> <</first>>

<<audio "hitchhike" volume 0.02 fadeout>>"James" as he claimed his name was, looked like he was in a permanent state of being pissed off, but Laura seemed nice, despite being rather wild and untamed. She shows you her novelty sunglasses and an assortment of other items, none of which seem to have any purpose or connection, just...stuff...she had collected. You're happy enough to entertain and engage with the pleasant young child, at least it keeps her father happy. @@.neutral1;<<say James "images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhike3james.png">>So...kid...why are you headin' to the Spaceport? Off world holiday?<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>I'm...going off world on an apprenticeship. And you? Roadtrip with the daughter?<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Laura "images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhike3laura.png">>NORTH DAKOTA!<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>I thought she was mute...<</kayla>> @@.neutral1;<<say James "images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhike3james.png">>Long story...but North Dakota. We have family up there.<</say>>@@ <<linkreplace "The rest of the trip is fairly mundane,">>The rest of the trip is fairly mundane, the father doesn't appear too interested in a long drawn out conversation, making the bare minimum amount of small talk to appear polite and normal, but Laura was a pleasure and seemed rather obsessed with trying to braid your hair. It isn't long before you're pulling up at a motel, one servicing the Spaceport, shouldn't be a long walk to it from here. @@.neutral1;<<say James "images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhike3james.png">>Good luck kid...You're gonna need it.<</say>>@@ @@.friend;<<say Laura "images/prologue/hitchhike/hitchhike3laura.png">>NORTH DAKOTA!<</say>>@@ Well that was nice. [[Head off|prologuespaceportmotel]] <</linkreplace>>

<<first>><<if $collared == false>>Your heart begins to thud, as you sit there, waiting for Jenny to come into view, hoping she doesn't notice the collar is deactivated and unlocked. You hear her voice, you almost react, almost lash out, but she needed to be closer, you needed to get this right. It was your last chance, you needed to <B>be patient.</b> @@.hostile1;<<say Mistress "images/prologue/hitchhike/mistressport.jpg">>So...are you ready for your training my...student? I want you to worship my feet, down on your knees and lick.<</say>>@@ [["'Yes Mistress.'"|prologuejennyslaved]] [[Attack!|prologuehitchhike42]]<</if>> <<then>><<collaredkayla>>Yes Mistress, I am yours to command.<</collaredkayla>> @@.hostile1;<<say Mistress "images/prologue/hitchhike/mistressport.jpg">>We're going to have so much fun.<</say>>@@ You hesitate for a moment, but you drop to your knees and begin kissing her feet, worshipping, your complete subservience pleased her, little does she know, it is an act - or is it? She pulls you up, moving closer and closer to you, you can feel her breath next to your head.... <<if $alice == true>><<alice>>Do it!<</alice>><</if>> [[Start licking her feet clean|prologuejennyslaved]] [[Attack!|prologuejennydefeated]] <<finally>>You get into it, licking her feet, moving between her toes, but it is all an act, you're drawing her in, you have her exactly where you want her to be. It won't be long until...Wait, what was that click? You feel your neck suddenly spasm briefly. You idiot. <i>Damn...</i> <<set $collared = true>> @@.hostile1;<<say Mistress "images/prologue/hitchhike/mistressport.jpg">>What the shit!? You really are a bad girl aren't you? Are you going to need more than a simple collar? You ever hear of sybian? I'll make certain that you get...intimately acquainted to it, especially if you try that again.<</say>>@@ <<collaredkayla>>I'm sorry Mistress! I didn't know!<</collaredkayla>> @@.hostile1;<<say Mistress "images/prologue/hitchhike/mistressport.jpg">>Sleep!<</say>>@@ <center>[[Sleep|prologuehitchhike43]]</center><</first>>

<<first>><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/willtamer.png" alt="Tamer" id="hpleft">Was there a password? How do you enter it? The only option would be voice activation, you couldn't feel or remember seeing any physical inputs. You've got to hope that it isn't voice or bio locked. <<textbox "$willtamerpw" "">> [[Enter...|prologuejennypassword]] <<then>><<if $willtamerpw == "74656">><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/willtamer.png" alt="Tamer" id="hpleft"><<set $collared = false>>You whisper the number, hoping that the collar would deactivate. Then you hear a click, you're free. Despite this, the feeling of submission and weakness doesn't instantly lift, in fact, you realise you're still in a dangerous situation. In this state, even if you were a veteran Mutai fight, she'd still easily overpowered you. She hadn't yet noticed you were. [[You would have to be careful.|prologuejennyslaved]] <<else>><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/willtamer.png" alt="Tamer" id="hpleft">It didn't work! You don't have time to try again or try rip the collar off, in fact the collar tightens around your neck, amplifying the effect. It must know that its wearer tried to escape and double down. You [[pass out|prologuehitchhike43]] before you can do anything else.<</if>> <</first>>

<<first>>As she gets closer to you, the feel of her smelling your hair, taking in your aroma, wondering about what she is going to do with her little fuck toy. But it was a trap, in one swift movement, the collar drops from your neck into your hands and before she can react, you slam the collar around her neck. <<kayla>>SLEEP!<</kayla>> She closes her eyes and lays down on the couch next to you. You did it. Somehow. You take a moment, thinking about the situation you were in, you come back home and there are people trying to kill you, now one of your former teachers turns out to be a crazy dominatrix trying to kidnap you. Why had your life taken such a sharp turn in this direction? You turn to your former counsellor, sound asleep on the couch next to you. What are you going to do next? You [[could take a look around|prologuejennydefeated]], perhaps there are some clues in her bedroom, you doubt she is going to wake up any time soon. Though you have the feeling you should probably just [[grab your bag and get the hell out of here|prologueruralstation][$jennyfate to "free"]] - the translink station is only ten minutes away by walking from here. <<then>><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/jennybedroom.png" alt="Bedroom" id="hpleft">You step up the stairs, entering the bedroom, though it was more of a BDSM playground rather than a place of rest. You find an unlocked PADD laying amongst a bunch of other smaller folders contained all kinds of information, the PADD itself was full of financial transactions, photographs and an assortment of other documents from the past few years related to half a dozen missing girls.<br><br> <<linkreplace "<center>The leaflet you find says it all.</center>">><center><br><br><br> <img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/slaveleaflet.png" alt="Bedroom"></center> You remember her, Maggie, she was one of the kids part of the social uplift program, but she dropped out of school due to some "mental trauma" but you hadn't heard anything since. Looks like Miss Diaz was into some form of slavery, or at least some type of sex ring and exchange. Judging by the size of this house though and her lavish lifestyle, she probably wasn't above human trafficking. This is an orgy of evidence that has sold several former students into some form of slavery for considerable financial gain, but you don't have time to go through it all. Her PADD also contains contact information for some type of sex ring, as well as a recent message from them. Interesting. [[Take a look around.|prologuejennydefeated]]<</linkreplace>><<finally>> <img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/jennybedroom.png" alt="Bedroom" id="hpleft">You find yourself in Miss Diaz's bedroom, she is collared and slaved on the couch downstairs, so you can have a look around. There are various <<link "documents">> <<popover 'opaque'>>Find attached some photos of the former warehouse supervisor. Do you think your friends and associates would be interested in throwing some credits our way? We caught the little bitch up to no good, despite warnings, so she has spent the last month or so as our personal fuck toy. Yeah, she is well used, but a shine of new paint and a few good meals, she'd be worth at least 10g? Gus <</popover>><</link>> and <<link "photographs">><<popover 'opaque'>><center><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/mysteryslave.png" alt="Photo"></center><</popover>><</link>> on a nearby table, including a leaflet for <<link "Maggie">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/slaveleaflet.png" alt="Leaflet"><</popover>><</link>>, poor Maggie. A set of jewelry hangs <<link "on the wall">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/prologue/hitchhike/wall.png" alt="Wall" id="hpleft"><<if not $player.has('Golden Bangle')>>Most of the jewelry is tat, apart from the golden bangle, gold is still fairly valuable. <<linkreplace "You could take it with you.">>You slip the bangle into your pocket.<<pickup '$player' 'Golden Bangle'>><</linkreplace>>.<<else>>Jewelry. There is nothing else of value here.<</if>><</popover>><</link>>, next to the table. <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> You're not going to let her keep getting away with this, right? But you don't have time to wait around or punish her yourself. You could leave a message with someone, the police is the most logical choice, but there are communications here from someone called "The Circle"? Her bosses wouldn't be pleased about her being defeated by a would be slave. But maybe it would bring too much heat on you... You have three choices.... [[Call the police|prologuejennyfate][$jennyfate to "police"]] [[Leave a message with the slavers|prologuejennyfate][$jennyfate to "slave"]] [[Grab your bag and get out of there|prologuejennyfate][$jennyfate to "free"]]<</first>>

<<if $jennyfate is "police">>Despite the temptations to give her what she deserved, the treatment that she gave others, you do what you conscience tells you to do, you forward all the information to the police and drop a quick message to them accompanying it, doing your best to mask your voice, trying to sound like an alien from a hokey old science fiction movie. <<kayla>>I am sending you an address and several files of interest. I am the victim of an attempted kidnap and wish that no one else goes through what I did.<</kayla>> That should do, despite the silly voice, you sound quite formal about it. You should get out of here before the heat is on, you don't want to be stuck for weeks on end, being interviewed and trying to explain why you were there in the first place. Regardless, you shouldn't wait around. You take one more look at Miss Diaz, still in a deep sleep, before grabbing your bag and [[getting out of here.|prologueruralstation]] <<elseif $jennyfate is "slave">>You don't know how many girls Jenny had gotten her claws into, it could have just been Maggie, you were going to be the next victim, but you can't forget what she did to Maggie. Miss Diaz deserves to share the same fate as those she was trying to confine to that fate. <<kayla>>I am not one of your clients, one of your employees, I am one of your would be victims. In fact, I subdued one of your clients and have her collared, subservient in her own home. Do what you wish with this information.<</kayla>> You're not sure if they'll actually respond to it or act upon it, but you shouldn't wait to find out, they could end up taking you AND Miss Diaz. But considering her failures on acquiring you or someone like you, perhaps they'd take her as payment. Regardless, you shouldn't wait around. YOu take one more look at Miss Diaz before grabbing your bag and [[getting out of here.|prologueruralstation]] <<elseif $jennyfate is "free">>Despite the temptations to turn her in or give her a taste of slavery, you decide to just leave her in a state of hypnosis, collared by her own mark. You're not sure if there is any kind of fail safe to stop her from starving out, but the humiliation of being outsmarted by you and getting a dose of her own medicine, literally and figuratively, might get her to rethink her ways. Regardless, you shouldn't wait around. YOu take one more look at Miss Diaz before grabbing your bag and [[getting out of here.|prologueruralstation]] <</if>>

<<if $prologueactive == true>>\ <<if $mentalstate gte 15>>\ <img src="images/kayla/lifeneutral.png" alt="Neutral" id="hpleft"> You feel fine, you might have all the issues that a typical teenage girl has, on top of the assassination of your father and kill squads chasing you, but mentally, you're prepared for whatever is to come for you.. <<elseif $mentalstate gte 12>>\ <img src="images/kayla/lifetense.png" alt="Tense" id="hpleft"> You're starting to feel tense, you find it harder to concentrate, sometimes it feels like life and the journey you are on is just too hard and you should give up. But these moments are fleeting. <<elseif $mentalstate gte 6>>\ <img src="images/kayla/lifeanxious.png" alt="Anxious" id="hpleft">You're starting to feel anxious, the pressure of your situation, you're less trusting, more susceptible to exploitation, while paradoxically less trusting of your average person. Everyone has a motivation and it is never good for you... <<elseif $mentalstate gte 3>>\ <img src="images/kayla/lifedepressed.png" alt="Depressed" id="hpleft">You're starting to feel truly depressed, it is a struggle to keep going, every situation or hint of danger, part of you hopes a bullet finds you and puts you out of your misery. On the rare occasions you manage to get to sleep, you hope you won't awaken... <<elseif $mentalstate gte 0>>\ <div class="shk"><img src="images/kayla/lifebroken.png" alt="Broken" id="hpleft"> Life is suffering, you just want it to be over or for someone to take the pain away. You're very close to just giving it all up...</div> <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <center><div class="hvr-grow-shadow"><div><<return [img[images/ui/back.png]]>></div></div></center>

<<first>><img src="images/prologue/station/coffeeinterior.png" alt="Station" id="hpleft">You step into the small cafe shop, the scent of coffee and cinnamon is immediately apparent, apart from the youthful <<link "barista">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/station/sash.png" alt="Sash"><</popover>><</link>> idling behind the counter on her PADD, it's empty. The prices are reasonable, coffee was plentiful these days, Earth was the only place it could be made to a high quality, at least en masse and demand was rabid, the African bloc's economy was almost entirely propped up on it, what France was to wine, Ganymede to gin, Kenya was to coffee. If you don't want a coffee, you could also grab a snack, the meats and pies look look mighty tempting, but a bit too heavy, a small red choca cake should do. [[Approach the counter|prologueruralcafe]] [[Leave|prologueruralstation]] <<finally>><img src="images/prologue/station/coffeeinterior.png" alt="Station" id="hpleft">The youthful <<link "barista">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/station/sash.png" alt="Sash"><</popover>><</link>> idling behind the counter on her PADD, it's empty. She notices you approach and drops the device. <<if not hasVisited("prologueruraleat")>>@@.friend;"How can I help you, miss?"@@ she asks, brimming with fake cheer.<<else>>The youthful barista looks up, nodding to you, flashing a friendly smile, then returns to whatever she was doing with the PADD.<</if>> <<if not hasVisited("prologueruraleat")>>[["'I'll have a Kenyan Red Mountain and a red choca cake.'"|prologueruraleat]]<</if>> [[Leave|prologueruralstation]] <</first>>

<<first>>@@.friend;<<say Barista "images/prologue/station/barista.png">>Excellent choice Miss.<</say>>@@ After taking your payment, she turns to get to work, despite the move in society towards automation, you couldn't beat fresh food or drink, it might have been the human mind, but VI produced food or coffee in the chain restaurants just wasn't the same, you needed real chefs. <center><img src="images/prologue/station/coffeewindow.png" alt="Station"></center>You sat down at a table by the window, with a great view of the pods arriving and leaving, back and forth. It was a moment of respite for you, but your mind begins to wander, should you have stayed at home? Will your UN credits even be worth much on the outer colonies? But you're here now, and you really don’t like the thought of walking back home. @@.friend;<<say Barista "images/prologue/station/barista.png">>Your order miss. You look like you deserve a hot drink and cake, please take your time and enjoy.<</say>>@@ You flash a grateful smile as she comes over to your table with the order. The barista sets down a large colourful mug, along with the delicious looking cake before nodding and heading off. What did she mean? You look like? Do you look tired? Or homeless. Maybe the situation is taking its toll on you already, you should [[eat and drink|prologueruraleat]] then move on.<<then>> <img src="images/prologue/station/coffee.gif" alt="Coffee" id="hpright">You savour the hot coffee while chowing down on the cake. Delicious. That felt good, you feel physically and mentally energised. <<set $mentalstate +=2>> [[Time to go.|prologueruralcafe]]<</first>>

<center><img src="images/prologue/station/toilet.png" alt="Toilet"></center> You step into the station's generic restroom, unsurprisingly it is empty, the only signs of life coming from an automated romba hovering around on the floor infront of you, making sure it is sparkling clean. You look around, you could <<link "freshen">><<popover 'noclick'>>\<center><img src="images/prologue/station/makeup.png" alt="Make Up"> Much better. <<link "[[Step away.|prologueruraltoilet]]">></center><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</popover>><</link>> yourself up in one of the mirrors, you must always look your best. <<if not hasVisited("prologuestall")>>You could also get some [[privacy|prologuestall]] and do the business in the stall.<</if>> Back [[to the platform.|prologueruralstation]]

<<first>><<if $alice == true>>You step into the stall, dropping your briefs and letting out a tickle. Then you catch something in your <<linkreplace "peripheral vision.">>peripheral vision. <<fadein 6s 2s>><center><img src="images/prologue/station/gloryhole.png" alt="Menu"></center><</fadein>> <<fadein 6s 2s>>Is that...what I think it is? In this part of the world? In this train station?<</fadein>> <<linkreplace "<<fadein 6s 4s>>A glory hole?<</fadein>>">>A glory hole. <<alice>>Yes, how exciting! A new world of pleasure lays beyond that hole for you Kayla! Just reach in and do what you've always wanted to do.<</alice>> No way, is she serious? Why is this AI so...perverted? Hasn't she spent the last decade being a glorified data analyst? [[Do what ALICE tells you to.|prologuestall]] [[Shut her out and leave.|prologueruraltoilet]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<else>><center><img src="images/prologue/station/toilet1.png" alt="Toilet"></center>You step into the stall, sit on the seat, dropping your briefs and feel the urine trickling from you. Exciting! [[Leave.|prologueruraltoilet]]<</if>> <<then>>You stuck your finger through the hole in the wall, wiggling it about. Nothing. Then, a few seconds later, it popped through the hole, <<linkreplace "like a...">>like a...predator torpedo firing from the launcher. <center><video autoplay> <source src="images/prologue/station/gloryhole.webm"></video></center> It was about 6" long, but beefy. There was no pubic hair you could see, making it a tempting piece of meat, framing it at the hole in the wall. This was your moment of truth. Where you about to do this? In a pulic bathroom. <<linkreplace "No, this isn't me...">>Yes. ALICE told you to, who would know? You dropped to the floor and knelt so that my mouth and the stranger's cock were at even heights. You took a deep breath and then, with my nose almost touching, You inhaled the aroma of the object of my attention, appreciating the manly nature of the smell through your nostrils. It had that non-offensive locker-room fragrance, the aroma was <<linkreplace "almost...">>almost intoxicating. <img src="images/prologue/station/gloryhole1.png" alt="Suck" id="hpleft">You lean forward and put your lips around the head, caressing it with your lips, kissing the head, but couldn't really taste anything. Then you decide to plunged down on it and took it almost all the way into your mouth, or at least what felt like three quarters of it. You lingered on it, allowing all your taste buds to explore the hard, juicy man meat that was going to give you what you desired wanted. I knew that the stranger behind the hole couldn't thrust - it was up to you to take his cock in and out of your mouth. You grip the base of his cock the best you can, then began working only with <<linkreplace "your oral skills.">>your oral skills. <div id="vidright"><br><br><video loop autoplay> <source src="images/prologue/station/gloryhole2.webm"></video></div> <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> The harder you gripped it, the more you were able to take into your throat. You were all the way down to the base, success! The harder his cock became, the harder it became to breathe using your mouth. Deepthroat was something you had never done before, but, in a matter of minutes, you felt like a master of it. <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> <<alice>>Such a good girl, you'll become a master of cock sucking in no time, thanks to me. I found some strange subroutines like this in my AI, you're the perfect experimental subject.<</alice>> You ignored ALICE, you were far too deep into this cock to care, you were ready to take his load and swallow it hole. I only knew that I wanted it and [[I was ready.|prologuestall]] <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <<then>> <img src="images/prologue/station/wall.png" alt="Wall" id="hpleft">Here it comes. Nothing. Except a sharp thud as you disrupt your rhythm, smacking your forehead against the wall. Ow. You hope the strange behind the wall didn't notice, as you look to go back to work, but there was no bulging mast jutting through the hole, in fact, [[there was no hole.|prologuestall]] <<then>><img src="images/prologue/station/alice.gif" alt="Wall" id="hpleft">You begin to see flashes in your head. A woman in the throes of sexual satisfaction and immense pleasure, clearly having just climaxed. Then she was giggling. A mocking giggle. Then she looks at you with a smile. <br><br> <center><b>ALICE.</b></center> <br><br> But it felt so real. Then your mind begins to clear, ALICE was manipulating you the entire time, manipulating neural pathways and releasing the right chemicals at the right time to stimulate you. <<linkreplace "How?!">> <br><br> <<alice>>Oh, very good Kayla, that was HILARIOUS. And very erotic. You were sucking on fresh air! Looks like these subroutines work a treat, I wonder what else I'll find?<</alice>> <<kayla>>What did you do to me?!<</kayla>> <<alice>>Oh Kayla, this was part of our agreement, remember? I help you, you help me. You're my when I find something like this. Just be glad I activated alone, in this stall and not out there on the platform. See? I do care.<</alice>> <<kayla>>Don't do that. Ever again.<</kayla>> As your mental falculties fully return, you realise what just happened. And you were enjoying it fully, completely lost. You can still taste him. You need to be careful. [[Flush toilet and leave|prologueruraltoilet]]<</linkreplace>> <</first>>

<<audio "station" volume 0.02 fadeout>><img src="images/prologue/station/podinterior.png" alt="Port Station" id="hpleft"><<first>>You step onto the transport pod and take a look around. Ugh, public transport could be disgusting. It's a shame you can't take one of those UNN exclusive transports, now that's the height of privilege, those pods are luxurious AND get priority. From one end of the country to the other in less than an hour. Anyway, you should stop daydreaming and [[take a seat.|prologuetranslinkpod]]<<finally>>You take a seat. <<if $linkdestination is "spaceport1">>Relax until you arrive at [[your destination.|prologuespaceportstation]]<<elseif $linkdestination is "newyork1">>Relax until you arrive at your destination.<</if>> <</first>>

<<audio "spaceport" volume 0.02 loop play>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/portstation.png" alt="Station"></center><<first>> In contrast to the rural station, the port's station was huge, bustling with activity of the thousands of people, porters, pilots, haulers, the list goes on. Translink pods and larger carragiers were constantly arriving and leaving with speed and consistency, large department stores, designer shops, cafes and restaurants are lined up, row after row after row. There is even a beauty salon. And is that an adult shop? <<link "Oh my">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/portpornshop.png" alt="Shop"><</popover>><</link>>. Under different circumstances, you would have to give into the consumerist desires that drive you and go on a splurge. Instead, you're shocked back into reality, as you see a group of heavily armed police officers up ahead. One of the <<link "officers">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/badend2/badend2.jpg" alt="Officer"><</popover>><</link>> glances at you momentarily, sending a chill through your spine. Are...are they looking for you? Act natural. Don't make eye contact. <<linkreplace "Don't even look at them...">>They look right at you as you pass and the one who glanced at you nods at you, then winks. They weren't, they were probably think about how they would fuck you. Like most men. You need to calm down on your paranoia. [[You carry onto the main hub|prologuespaceporthub]]<</linkreplace>> <<finally>>You find yourself back in the translink station that serves the airport, the pods are still going back and forth, like some great machine and people board and disembark like clockwork. The station is more of a mall than just a station, with everything from fast food joints to an <<link "adult shop">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/portpornshop.png" alt="Shop"><</popover>><</link>> off in the corner. From here, you can head up the escalator to the [[main hub|prologuespaceporthub]], you also see a sign pointing out of the station to some [[motels|prologuespaceportmotel]]. Of course, it is always an option to go spend some time in the attached [[mall|prologuespaceportmall]], though you shouldn't spend too much time here. <</first>>

<<audio "spaceport" volume 0.02 loop play>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/porthub.png" alt="Station"></center> The central hub, the airport has many terminals, but one hub - and it is mind boggingly huge, it was a town within a city. Every so often, the light of a fusion engine igniting briefly in the sky and escaping the atmosphere, lights up the dome.. Next to one of the many small stores and restaurants dotted around, there is a tunnel leading out to the [[hospitality|prologuespaceportmotel]] sector, full of cheap motels and one or two luxury hotels for VIPs. On the other side, there are several escalators and elevators that would take you to the [[shopping mall|prologuespaceportmall]] attached to the terminal. There are lines and lines of desks, serving many different locations and ports around the globe, but, despite dreaming of hiking the Cinque Terre or spending time in Yalong Bay, you're looking for the [[space dock desks|prologuespaceportdesk]] to escape Earth. One part of the hub is considerably darker, not so much in colour, just in presentation, a bit more dingy, it must be where the freight being sent off planet is. Some industrial doors leading to the [[freight area|prologuespaceportfreightentrance]] swing open and closed every so often, with various pieces of cargo being pushed through by the worker bots.

<center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/portmotel.png" alt="Station"></center> You find yourself outside the spaceport. There are a series of motels outside the terminal, for workers, overnight travelers, <<link "prostitutes">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/prostitutes.png" alt="Pawn"><</popover>><</link>> and those on road trips. There is a larger, luxury hotel at the back for the VIPs, pilots, crew, that sort of thing. It doesn't look too busy, the car park is about a quarter full. Just south of the motel is [[the large main terminal|prologuespaceporthub]] with the translink [[station|prologuespaceportstation]] to your east and, finally, you can also see the large [[freight terminal|prologuespaceportfreightentrance]] not too far from here.

<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/spaceportdesk.png" alt="Station" id="hpleft"><<first>><br><br> You approach the Spaceport Desk, despite most desks being manned by VI, the Spacedock desk was manned by a well groomed male, standing at the desk working away on something out of sight. Compared to the other desks, it wasn't too busy at all, surprisingly. Perhaps it had something to do with the elevated status of danger on the outer planets, or maybe it's just end of season, but it looks like there isn't a lot of demand for off Earth travel today. He sees you approaching the desk, looking up to give you a cheery greeting, it was an English accent, but not one you could place. @@.friend;"Hello, I'm Daniel from Spacedock, how can I help you today?"@@ <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> <<kayla>>I'd like to book passage to the North American Orbital Spaceport please, with a connection to Ceres if possible...<</kayla>> <<kayla>>Just a moment...that'll be a thousand UN chits in total...<</kayla>> <<if $player.has('Ticket')>>You can use your ticket to scan through to [[the lounge|prologuespaceportlounge]] and await your flight. <<elseif not $player.has('Ticket') and $credits >= 1000>><<linkreplace "You have the money, book passage.">>><br><br><br><br><br><br><<kayla>>I'd like to book passage on the next flight please.<</kayla>> <<kayla>>Very good madam, this ticket will see you through to the spacedock. Please, enjoy your trip.<</kayla>><<pickup '$player' 'Ticket'>> You pick up the ticket. You can now head through to the [[lounge|prologuespaceportlounge]] if you wish.<</linkreplace>> <<elseif not $player.has('Ticket') and $credits <= 1000>>One thousand chits? You don't have enough money to book passage. You wish you had your father's credit chit right about now.<</if>> <<if $skill is "speech" and not $player.has('Ticket') and not visited("prologuedaniel")>>[["'Maybe we can come to another arrangement?'"|prologuedaniel]]<</if>> Or you can [[step back|prologuespaceporthub]] and return later. <<finally>><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>You approach the desk, it is still manned by Daniel, the well groomed young male, he is still working away on something out of sight. He sees you approach and gives you the usual customary, cheery greeting. @@.friend;"Hello, I'm Daniel from Spacedock, how can I help you today?"@@ <br><br><br><br> <<if $player.has('Ticket')>><center>You can use your ticket to scan through to [[the lounge|prologuespaceportlounge]] and await your flight.</center> <<elseif not $player.has('Ticket') and $credits >= 1000>><<linkreplace "You have the money, book passage.">><br><br><br><br><br><br><<kayla>>I'd like to book passage on the next flight please.<</kayla>> @@.friend;"Very good madam, this ticket will see you through to the spacedock. Please, enjoy your trip."@@<<pickup '$player' 'Ticket'>> The man at the desk fiddles around with a few buttons as he processes your information before you pick up the ticket. You can now head through to the [[lounge|prologuespaceportlounge]] if you wish.<</linkreplace>><<elseif not $player.has('Ticket') and $credits <= 1000>>One thousand chits? You don't have enough money to book passage. You wish you had your father's credit chit right about now.<</if>> <<if $skill is "speech" and not $player.has('Ticket') and not visited("prologuedaniel")>>[["'Maybe we can come to another arrangement?'"|prologuedaniel]]<</if>> <center>[[Step back|prologuespaceporthub]] and return later.</center> <</first>>

<center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/warehouseentrance.png" alt="Warehouse"></center><<if hasVisited("prologuespaceportfreightalley")>>The freight area, the patrol bot is still zig zagging around the various automated cargo containers moving in and out of the large double doors and into the freight cargo area. You don't need to revisit this area, nor should you.<<elseif $skill is "science">>This is the freight cargo area, where essential supplies and high value trade goods are sent into orbit. There isn't too much in the way of security, a small patrol bot follows its programmed pattern, probably armed with a tase cannon, with several security cameras dotted around the entrance. You worked with one of these security systems in the past, the small patrol droid indicates that it is an older system, you should be able to trigger the diagnostic mode for the security grid remotely and [[slip through.|prologuespaceportfreightalley]]<<elseif $skill is "military">>This is the freight cargo area, where essential supplies and high value trade goods are sent into orbit. There isn't too much in the way of security, this is Earth after all, a small patrol bot follows its pre-determinded route, armed with a tase cannon. There are also a dozen or so security nodes dotted around, back in the academy, you had several live exercises involving sneaking, this should be too harder. You can easily [[slip in|prologuespaceportfreightalley]] unnoticed.<<else>>This is the freight cargo area, where essential supplies and high value trade goods are sent into orbit. There is too much security for you to even think about try sneaking through, you'd probably end up in a cell. You should look elsewhere. <</if>> The [[motel and hotel|prologuespaceportmotel]] area is quite close, or you can follow the sound of thousands of loud voices back to the [[main hub.|prologuespaceporthub]]

<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/portmall.png" alt="Station" id="hpleft"><<audio "spaceport" volume 0.02 loop play>>You feel immense satisfaction as you step into this cathedral of consumerism. There are designer shops specifically for bags, as tempting as it is, you probably don't need to drop fifty thousand credits on a handbag. <<if not hasVisited("prologueadultshopbackroom")>>You think about where to visit, your curious mind wants to know about the [[sex shop|prologueadultshop]]<<elseif hasVisited("prologueadultshopbackroom")>>You pass the sex shop, which is now closed, Rambo is probably working in the studio in the back, still<</if>> hidden away in the corner and next to it is a [[pawn shop|prologuepawnshop]], finally, the noise of a small retro gaming [[arcade|prologuearcade]] tempts you. There is an escalator leading back to the [[translink station|prologuespaceportstation]] or you could head back to the [[terminals.|prologuespaceporthub]]

<center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/pornshop.png" alt="Station"></center><<first>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>>You're not quite sure why an adult shop is in a spaceport, especially on that is so...classy? Your experience of sex shops tell you they're either tourist novelties or seedy, but this place? There was something different about it, a classy establishment, a boutique sex shop of sorts. And that dildo has its own box! And is made of pure silver and has several diamonds embedded along the tip...5000 chits?! Predictably, and thankfully, it's empty, you didn't want to deal with the awkwardness of sharing a botique sex store with other customers, the only noise is the low hum of some ambient samba music. The <<link "shop assistant">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/ramboprofile.png" alt="Rambo"><</popover>><</link>> is rifling through some type of magazine, only looking up when she notices you skulking around aimlessly, gawking at the various instruments and devices on the shelves and tables. @@.friend;<<say Assistant "images/prologue/spaceport/rambo.png">>Hey, you looking for some work?<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>What?<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Assistant "images/prologue/spaceport/rambo.png">>You're not here for a photoshoot?! Well feel free to look around.<</say>>@@ [[Look around|prologueadultshop]] [[Back out and leave|prologuespaceportmall]]<<finally>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>>The spaceport's sex store. There was something different about it, a classy establishment, a boutique sex shop of sorts. And you can't help but look at that dildo with its own box every time you pass. Made of pure silver and the several diamonds embedded along the tip gives it a price tag of 5000 chits. The <<link "shop assistant">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/ramboprofile.png" alt="Rambo"><</popover>><</link>> sits idly, trying not to pay attention to you, but you see her catching glimpses at you whenever she feels she can get away with it. <<if not hasVisited("prologueadultshopbackroom")>>\[['You mentioned a...photoshoot?'|prologueadultshopbackroom]]<</if>> [[Back out and leave|prologuespaceportmall]] <</first>>

<center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/arcade.png" alt="Station"></center><<audio ":playing" fadeout>> <<first>><<set $mentalstate +=1>>These types of arcades were a rarity, mostly for hipsters or people who had nostalgia for an age long gone, like Earthers who were obsessed with Martian culture and vice versa, despite them never have been to their respective planets or even met one. The VI running the automated bar even appears to be selling retro-drinks, though you doubt that they're as laced with sugar and the other cancer inducing ingredients that the late 20th Century was so fond of. There are countless machines setup, a clashing of noise creating an ungodly, yet strangely calming mish mash. Looking around, you see a few games you'd like to waste your time playing, hey, you know this one, [[Pac-Man?|prologuearcadepacman]] The constant jingling noise catches your attention above the rest of the noise, bringing your attention to a game involving a cute little blue [[hedgehog.|prologuearcadesonic]] The only other game you see that catches your attention is one with catchy music that appears to be about preventing [[cute little animals from falling to their death|prologuearcadelemmings]]. There is a <<link "rock chick">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/arcadegirl.png" alt="Rambo"><</popover>><</link>> jamming out to some kind of musical game, looks fun but she is totally into it, only turning to pretend you're her audience of one.<<finally>>These types of arcades were a rarity, mostly for hipsters or people who had nostalgia for an age long gone, like Earthers who were obsessed with Martian culture and vice versa, despite them never have been to their respective planets or even met one. The VI running the automated bar even appears to be selling retro-drinks, though you doubt that they're as laced with sugar and the other cancer inducing ingredients that the late 20th Century was so fond of. There are countless machines setup, a clashing of noise creating an ungodly, yet strangely calming mish mash. Looking around, you see a few games you'd like to waste your time playing, hey, you know this one, [[Pac-Man?|prologuearcadepacman]] The constant jingling noise catches your attention above the rest of the noise, bringing your attention to a game involving a cute little blue [[hedgehog.|prologuearcadesonic]] The only other game you see that catches your attention is one with catchy music that appears to be about preventing [[cute little animals from falling to their death|prologuearcadelemmings]].<</first>> You could also head [[back out into the light.|prologuespaceportmall]]

<<first>>You step through the gates and into the lounge. No going back now. There are displays with the various commercial flights that are taking off from here, they all go up to the orbital station, usually bi-hourly. You have a little bit of time to kill to look around, though there isn't much in the waiting area. A wide variety of people sit around, looking at their various devices, looking at the news or their latest business deals. Or just reading the latest in pulp fiction. Whatever prevents them from actually interacting with the strangers around them. Typical.<<set $credits = 100>> <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/spaceportlounge.png" alt="Lounge"></center> Looking around, there really isn't much to do. There is a [[large bar|prologuespaceportloungebar]] selling various alcoholic drinks, with a [[souvenir shop|prologuespaceportloungeshop]] next to it. Other than that, there are several restrooms dotted around, you could [[freshen up|prologuespaceportloungetoilet]] before your pre-flight. Or you can just [[wait.|prologuespaceportlounge]] <<then>>The waiting lounge, the various displays tick over towards the bi-hourly flights to the orbital station. A family rush past you, a crying kid sitting upon their large amount of baggage weighing them down, probably late for a flight. There are atompsheric flights that can take you from New York to Shanghai in an hour, but most still take slower routes. They must be rich. Like you used to be. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/spaceportlounge.png" alt="Lounge"></center> Looking around, there really isn't much to do. There is a [[large bar|prologuespaceportloungebar]] selling various alcoholic drinks, with a [[souvenir shop|prologuespaceportloungeshop]] next to it. Other than that, there are several restrooms dotted around, you could [[freshen up|prologuespaceportloungetoilet]] before your pre-flight. Or you can just [[wait.|prologuespaceportlounge]] <<finally>>The waiting lounge, the various displays tick over towards the bi-hourly flights to the orbital station. You take a quick glance at the displays again, you should make your way to the designated gate as soon as you can. Your flight is up soon. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/spaceportlounge.png" alt="Lounge"></center> Looking around, there really isn't much to do. There is a [[large bar|prologuespaceportloungebar]] selling various alcoholic drinks, with a [[souvenir shop|prologuespaceportloungeshop]] next to it. Other than that, there are several restrooms dotted around, you could [[freshen up|prologuespaceportloungetoilet]] before your pre-flight. Or you can just [[head to your gate.|prologuespaceportgate]] <</first>>

<<first>><<if $player.has('Ticket')>>"Arrangement? Miss, you already have the ticket. Are you feeling ok?" So you do, what were you talking about? You [[step away|prologuespaceportdesk]] in embarassment.<<else>>You've piqued his curiosity clearly, but he straightens his suit jacket out and coughs, turning professional once more. He is certainly exploitable, you can read it in his body language, you think from his demeanour, he'd be susceptible to a sob story. You remember back working at the embassy, several of the corporations and took advantage of discounts for family bereavement. @@.friend;<<say Daniel "images/prologue/spaceport/daniel.png">>Arrangement? I'm sorry Miss, the company sets the prices and I am just a lowly employee, as much as I would love to help, I don't have that power.<</say>>@@ [["'But...my father...he died...'"|prologuedaniel]] [["'You can't do anything? Come on, you're the man with the power here.'"|prologuedanielfail]] [["'Is there anything I can do?'"|prologuedanielfail]] [["'What time do you get off work? I can pay in other ways...'"|prologuedanielsex]]<</if>><<then>>You let a few strategically placed tears roll down your face at just the right time to catch his. He reaches across the desk and grabs your hand. You have him hooked, you just need to reel him in, you should continue being subtle, don't mention any deals, you need to manipulate him subtly or he may not believe you. @@.friend;<<say Daniel "images/prologue/spaceport/daniel.png">> Oh my, I'm so sorry. But I still can't do anything about it.<</say>>@@ [["'But...but...but...'"|prologuedanielfail]] [["'He was a great man, he was just trying to help the people of Ceres...'"|prologuedaniel]] [["'Come on, can't you do me a deal?'"|prologuedanielfail]] [["'...Do you have bereavement fares?'"|prologuedanielfail]]<<then>>A roll of the dice, mentioning your father without mentioning him, smart. Hopefully he follows the news and isn't a complete airhead. He hands you a hankerchief from his jacket pocket and you dramatically dry your eyes with it, making sure he and everyone around you can see it, milking it. @@.friend;<<say Daniel "images/prologue/spaceport/daniel.png">> Oh, he lived on Ceres?<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>No, but he was a UN Ambassador, I'm trying to recover his...remains and pay tribute.<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Daniel "images/prologue/spaceport/daniel.png">>You're related to...David Sheridan? He was a great man, I'm sorry for your loss. Listen...just for you...I'll wave the fee under the bereavement program.<</say>>@@ Bingo! You got him, a master manipulator at work. He begins to work furiously at the pad, looking up every so often with a smile. He then presents you with a small piece of plastic with a q-code on it, your ticket. @@.friend;<<say Daniel "images/prologue/spaceport/daniel.png">>Spacedock Orbitals would like to formally extend its condolences for your father's loss, he was a friend of the company and the human race. Please accept our hospitality.<</say>>@@ He bows and hands you a ticket, allowing you access to the lounge and next fly to the space dock. You take the ticket in hand and smile in appreciation, giving a few dramatic sniffles as you clear up your face. <<kayla>>Thank you so much.<</kayla>> <<pickup '$player' 'Ticket'>>You take the ticket, it gives you access to the terminal and lounge, where you can queue to board a shuttlepod. You shouldn't take too much longer, as the ticket only lasts until your designated pod takes off. You can scan your ticket and [[head on in.|prologuespaceportlounge]] Or you can [[remain in the terminal for now.|prologuespaceporthub]] <</first>>

Despite your best efforts, you can tell you've lost his attention and belief in your story, no matter how true it is. He shakes his head at you with a sympathetic smile, though you could tell it was a laboured, fake smile at that and looks at you. @@.friend;<<say Daniel "images/prologue/spaceport/daniel.png">>I'm sorry m'am, I can't do anything for you.<</say>>@@ You wouldn't be the first to try it on, even with a genuine bereavement, you couldn't convince him. Guess you'll have to find another way to get off this rock. [[Step back|prologuespaceportdesk]]

@@.friend;<<say Daniel "images/prologue/spaceport/daniel.png">>I'm sorry, but I'm gay.<</say>>@@ Whoops. That was a little bit [[embarrassing.|prologuespaceportdesk]]

<<first>>She looks up again, you can tell she is eyeing you up, your size, your looks, even how you carry yourself. @@.friend;<<say Rambo "images/prologue/spaceport/rambo.png">>Slim, fit but small. But in a good way. Natural.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>What?<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Rambo "images/prologue/spaceport/rambo.png">>Your body. It's very nice, there is a lot of demand for that, believe it or not. Name's Rambo, by the way, nice to meet you.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Kayla. And...demand? Listen, I'm not that desperate for cash that I'll sell my body...<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Rambo "images/prologue/spaceport/rambo.png">>Oh no! Don't be silly, nothing like that, this is a classy joint....Well kinda, but for a photoshoot. We get girls coming in every so often, I'll pay you...500 chits...for an hour of your time. It'll be some light BDSM fetish stuff, your pictures will be used in various trade catalogues. Nothing major, maybe on some of the obscure feeds.<</say>>@@ <<if $credits lte 950>>You could probably use the cash right about now, you no longer have access to your father or mother's wealth and you're running pretty low to get to Ceres.<<else>>It's a tempting offer, the extra cash could be useful, but do you need it?<</if>> [["'Fine, I guess I could use the cash.'"|prologueadultshopbackroom]] [["'This isn't for me.'"|prologueadultshop]]<<then>>She smiles, then licks her lips, before moving to the back of the store, pulling back a curtain to show a red door, she opens it and beckons you in. @@.friend;<<say Rambo "images/prologue/spaceport/rambo.png">>You first, I just need to lock up.<</say>>@@ She waits for you to enter, watching you intently, again smirking. You feel like you can trust her, but with everything that has happened today, there is that tiny voice in the back of your head telling you that you're walking into a life of sexual slavery. <<if $skill is "speech">><<linkreplace "'I'll need an extra 100 upfront, on top of the 500 at the end.'">> <<kayla>>I'll need 100 upfront, just to make sure you're not wasting my time.<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Rambo "images/prologue/spaceport/rambo.png">>Fine, I think you'll be worth it.<</say>>@@<<set $credits +=100>><</linkreplace>><</if>> [[Follow her...|prologueadultshopbackroom]] [[Back off and leave quickly...|prologuespaceportmall]]<<then>>The lights slowly come on in the backroom as <<linkreplace "you enter...">>you enter...it's just a normal, empty room, occupied only by the best photography equipment money can buy, as was promised. There are a few recently opened boxes, you can't quite, but you assume that's what she wants you to wear. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/spaceportshoot.png" alt="Shoot"></center> Rambo enters the room and closes the door behind you, leaving the two of you alone. She brushes against your shoulder with a smile and points you to the right box on the couch, before she heads over to start fiddling with the equipment that she'll be using. @@.friend;<<say Rambo "images/prologue/spaceport/rambo.png">>Head over to the changing...room. Well, curtain. Slip into the harness there, buckle up and we'll get into it.<</say>>@@ You let out a quiet sigh in resignation, looking for something that might qualify as a changing room. Spotting a slightly curtained area that could provide you some level of privacy, you head towards it. After entering the sectioned area and sliding the curtain closed, you begin to remove the dress. There was a small crack in the curtain partition, where it was just about wide enough for Rambo to see you disrobing. You stretch out the black fishnet, slipping it on with ease. You turn to the red box with the harness inside, your eyes widen in shock as you finally see what you are going to wear for the shoot, it was the kinkiest piece of clothing you had ever laid eyes upon much less worn. But you were too far in now, <<linkreplace "you slip into the harness...">>you slip into the harness, looking at yourself in the mirror. <img src="images/prologue/spaceport/harness1.png" alt="Pose" id="hpleft"><br><br>Wow! You look stunning and this material, it isn't normal leather, it feels so good on your skin. You flush a crimson red when you realised it exposed your breasts completely, at least the fish net covered your vagina. Barely. <br> You see see some tape. Oh. For the nipples, you guess? You'd only wore tape in the past for exercise, but you have seen "classy" nude photos before. Despite the tape, you still found it just as compromising as the bottom. There was barely enough tape to cover the areola of your nipples, but just enough. <br><br><br><br><br> @@.friend;<<say Rambo "images/prologue/spaceport/rambo.png">>Feels good, huh? It's expensive stuff, this is a...display model, I suppose, the real stuff is even better. Something about the material, I think it is some strange synthesis of leather and some...minerals? Yeah, some mineral mined from Titan rainstorms...Sorry.<</say>>@@ She gives the camera one last adjustment, calibrating filters and a lense to make you look at as sexy as you could possibly be. @@.friend;<<say Rambo "images/prologue/spaceport/rambo.png">>Ready when you are...<</say>>@@ [[Time to pose.|prologueadultshopbackroom]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<then>>You are ready to begin your budding career in fetish wear modeling, you look into the mirror and <<linkreplace "smile....">>...what is that?! <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/smile.png" alt="Smile"></center> <<linkreplace "Maybe not...">>@@.friend;<<say Rambo "images/prologue/spaceport/rambo.png">>Jesus! Um, we can work on this, ok? Just follow my direction. Really.<</say>>@@ She points to the small sheet and the equipment, you duly follow her over there, taking your position infront of the camera, waiting for Rambo to direct you, you had no idea what you were doing, truth be told. Rambo takes a look at you, then begins adjusting your posture, your arms, and your legs, almost jumping in surprise when her fingers first touched you. She pried your knees wide open, kneeling between your legs, adjusting the straps on the harness. @@.friend;<<say Rambo "images/prologue/spaceport/rambo.png">>Ok, we should be done here, just relax, breathe and stay in this position and keep this posture...Perfect.<</say>>@@ You tried to avoid eye contact as she stood up to fiddle with the straps on the upper body before heading over to the equipment. It was embarrassing, you knew how turned on you were by the situation, you didn't want to end up dripping wet from it. <<linkreplace "*CLICK*">><<audio "camera" volume 0.10 play>><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/harness2.png" alt="Pose" id="hpright"> <br><br><br><br><br><br>The clicking of the camera echoed throught the room as she took picture after picture of you in this, the most salacious of clothing. You could feel yourself subtlety getting hotter and hotter, you were tempted to grab the nearby spray bottle and drown yourself. You wonder if Rambo has noticed how into it you are, following her commands. You were pretty much beyond caring what was going on now, fully getting into the role. It was never something you thought about doing, but you were a natural. <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> @@.friend;<<say Rambo "images/prologue/spaceport/rambo.png">>Wonderful. Magnificant. That's the way. Give me a swirl of that hair...<</say>>@@ <<linkreplace "*CLICK*">><<audio "camera" volume 0.10 play>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/harness3.png" alt="Pose"></center> [[Half an hour later...|prologueadultshopbackroom]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<finally>> You place the and step from behind the curtains, that was one of the most erotic, intense half hours of your life. New experiences, even in times of strife. Rambo is playing around with the software, looking at your stills before noticing you come out, she smiles, genuinely beaming and proud of the shots.<<audio "camera" volume 0.10 play>> @@.friend;<<say Rambo "images/prologue/spaceport/rambo.png">>Are you sure you haven#t done this before? These are some amazing shots, though I'd like to take some credit for that myself...<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Thank you, you were great...my payment?<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Rambo "images/prologue/spaceport/rambo.png">>Of course, take this chit. Five hundred UN credits, if you're ever in the area again, hit me up...<</say>>@@<<set $credits +=500>> She hands you the credit chit, smirking at you as she mentions you hitting her up again, giving you a look that is a bit longer than you'd expect for just a friendly look. <<if $skill is "speech">>It's "the look", maybe she was as turned on by the photoshoot as you were? You could take up [[her offer.|prologueadultshoprambo]].<</if>> [["'Thanks, I will. See ya.'"|prologuespaceportmall]] [["'No thanks, it wasn't me. But good luck!'"|prologuespaceportmall]]<</first>>

You know that look when you see it, you've seen it many times when working out of the embassy, they always just needed that little push, the right words, return that look, that...while in the middle of your inner monologue, you're interrupted. <<linkreplace "You look up...">> @@.friend;<<say Rambo "images/prologue/spaceport/rambo.png">>I want you.<</say>>@@ <img src="images/prologue/spaceport/rambo0.png" alt="Pose" id="hpleft"><br><br><br><br>You don't really have much choice in the matter, it turns out she was looking for any kind of response to "the look" and before you know it, she has padded over to you, pushing you down onto the couch and started kissing you passionately. You hungrily reciprocate, your tongues teasing and caressing each other stroking each others hair, nibbling necks, licking backs and biting breasts, pulling at each other's clothing as they kissed, it wasn't long before you found her fingers lightly fondling your clint, trying to slide into you.<br><br><br><br> <br><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/rambo1.png" alt="Pose" id="hpright">Rambo pushes you back on the couch, she gives you a dirty smile and nudges you to sit up, slipping off the remaining clothing that was covering you up. Rambo sat down with her legs bent against your closed legs, lining her wet pussy up against yours. You both groaned, as you adjusted your positions, Rambo was the more experienced, she was gliding slowly back and forth until she found the right position where you each felt the right amount of stimulation, all the while maintaining eye contact. She goes in for a quick kiss, before leaning back on her elbows, you moan quietly as she began rocking and <<linkreplace "rubbing faster on top of you.">>rubbing faster and faster and faster... <br><br><br><center><video loop autoplay><source src="images/prologue/spaceport/rambotrib.webm"></video></center> You gasp, pant and caress yourself, as Rambo's body gets faster, she started to moan in an increasingly urgent pattern as her pleasure intensified. @@.friend;"You feel so good, I wanted you the moment I saw you through that lens."@@ Rambo moaned, as the slick sound of you rubbing frantically against each other could became louder and louder, filling the room. She moved forward, squeezing your soft breasts and rocking faster and harder. You find yourself grasping Rambo's hips as she grinded against her. <img src="images/prologue/spaceport/rambo2.png" alt="Pose" id="hpright">@@.friend;"Wait for me, babe. I'm nearly there. Wait."@@ she moans, the pace of her rubs quickening, you're close and so is she. You watch as Rambo threw her head back, closing her eyes and a flush appearing over her chest. She reached up violently and pinched your nipples, moaning louder and louder, grinding uncontrollably against you. This pushed you over the edge @@.kayla;"I can't..."@@ you whisper, as you explode in pleasure, throwing your head back against the couch, finding your head laying on a fluffy pillow, mouth, drooped open as the intense waves of pleasure hit you over and over, leaving you shaking and moaning. <<linkreplace "You cuddle up to Rambo, as the waves begin to pass.">>You cuddle up to Rambo, as the waves begin to pass. <br><br><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/rambo3.png" alt="Pose" id="hpleft">You steady your breathing after an uncertain amount of time, opening your eyes, you see Rambo gazing at you, a flush and satisfaction across her face. She ran her finger up your thights, stomach and breasts and then to your face. @@.friend;"I love when I manage to cum together with someone"@@ Rambo lets out with a pant, you lay for another few minutes, basking in post-climax bliss for a <<linkreplace "few extra minutes...">>few extra minutes... You sit up, looking for your clothing, as much as you would like to continue this into somethinf ruther, you have places to be, you didn't come here for casual sex. Rambo doesn't say anything, just watching you re-dress yourself. You look back at her, not really knowing what to say, you can tell she is quite experienced in sleeping with her clients, not that you regret it. @@.friend;<<say Rambo "images/prologue/spaceport/rambo.png">>A bonus, you took some great shots today...<</say>>@@ She points to a credit chit on the table, worth about 200. Is she...paying you for sleeping with her? <<linkreplace "Well the money sits on the table if you want to take it">><<set $credits +=100>>You've taken the money off the table<</linkreplace>>, Rambo watches you, waiting for you to say your goodbyes and leave. [["'Thanks for the work...'"|prologuespaceportmall]] [["'I'll hit you up next time I'm in town...'"|prologuespaceportmall]] <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

<<if $alice == true>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/pacmanalice.png" alt="Pacman"></center> <<alice>>RETRO GAMES KAYLA? REALLY? FIND A HOLOSUITE! WE COULD PLAY TOGETHER!<</alice>><<else>><center><iframe src="https://funhtml5games.com?embed=pacman" style="width:342px;height:490px;border:none;" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></center><</if>> <center>[[Step away.|prologuearcade]]</center>

<center><iframe src="https://funhtml5games.com?embed=sonic" style="width:496px;height:554px;border:none;" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> [[Step away.|prologuearcade]]</center>

<<if $alice == true>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/lemmingsalice.png" alt="Pacman"></center> <<alice>>RETRO GAMES KAYLA? REALLY? FIND A HOLOSUITE! WE COULD PLAY TOGETHER!<</alice>><<else>><center><iframe src="https://funhtml5games.com?embed=lemmings" style="width:742px;height:401px;border:none;" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></center></iframe><</if>> <center>[[Step away.|prologuearcade]]</center>

<<first>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>>You slip into a nearby door, closing it behind you as discreetly as possible, you'll just have to hope that you haven't been spotted. You turn around to <<linkreplace "survey your surroundings...">>survey your surroundings, it is a dingy little warehouse, you're not sure exactly what comes through here, but it looks like it isn't in regular use. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/portwarehouse0.png" alt="Warehouse"></center> You should take a [[look around.|prologuespaceportfreight3]]<</linkreplace>> <<finally>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/portwarehouse1.png" alt="Warehouse" id="hpleft"></center> You find yourself at the entrance of the warehouse you snuck into, you can hear some voices on the outside, quite nearby. You should [[look around|prologuespaceportfreight3]] the warehouse for anything you can use or another route out of here. <<if $mylene == "free">>The voices have died down, probably chasing the escapee. [[You could try find your way out.|prologuespaceportfreightalley]].<<else>>If you're feeling brave, [[you could step outside.|prologuespaceportfreightbadend]].<</if>> <</first>>

<center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/portwarehouse2.png" alt="Warehouse"></center> You stand on a small concrete platform, to your left, there is a walkway leading up to an [[office.|prologuespaceportfreight4]] or you could head onto the [[warehouse floor|prologuespaceportfreight2]] and explore there. Or you can head back to the [[exit door.|prologuespaceportfreight1]]

<center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/portwarehouse0.png" alt="Warehouse"></center><<first>> You walk down from the [[small walkway behind you|prologuespaceportfreight3]] onto the warehouse floor. To [[to your left|prologuespaceportfreight6]] is a small storage area with what appaers to be shelves and cages stacked with miscellaneous supplies. Alternatively, you could go round the corner to [[the right|prologuespaceportfreight5]], where there appears to be some type of large container. The voices outside are getting closer, you can hear them, they must be searching for you.<<then>> You find yourself on the warehouse floor, with a [[small walkway behind you|prologuespaceportfreight3]] leading back up to the exit and an office. To [[to your left|prologuespaceportfreight6]] is a small storage area with what appaers to be shelves and cages stacked with miscellaneous supplies. Alternatively, you could go round the corner to [[the right|prologuespaceportfreight5]], where there appears to be some type of large container. <<if $mylene is "slave">>The voices outside are getting closer, you can hear them, they must be searching for you.<<else>>The voices and lights outside are gone, no doubt chasing the escapee.<</if>><<then>> You find yourself on the warehouse floor, with a [[small walkway behind you|prologuespaceportfreight3]] leading back up to the exit and an office. To [[to your left|prologuespaceportfreight6]] is a small storage area with what appaers to be shelves and cages stacked with miscellaneous supplies. Alternatively, you could go round the corner to [[the right|prologuespaceportfreight5]], where there appears to be some type of large container. <<if $mylene is "slave">>The voices outside are much closer, you can hear them clearly directing each other, they're getting closer to finding you.<<else>>The voices and lights outside are gone, no doubt chasing the escapee.<</if>><<then>> You find yourself on the warehouse floor, with a [[small walkway behind you|prologuespaceportfreight3]] leading back up to the exit and an office. To [[to your left|prologuespaceportfreight6]] is a small storage area with what appaers to be shelves and cages stacked with miscellaneous supplies. Alternatively, you could go round the corner to [[the right|prologuespaceportfreight5]], where there appears to be some type of large container. <<if $mylene is "slave">>The voices are right outside the windows of the warehouse now, you can hear their voices clearly and see the silhouettes created by their lights.<<else>>The voices and lights outside are gone, no doubt chasing the escapee.<</if>><<finally>> You find yourself on the warehouse floor, with a [[small walkway behind you|prologuespaceportfreight3]] leading back up to the exit and an office. To [[to your left|prologuespaceportfreight6]] is a small storage area with what appaers to be shelves and cages stacked with miscellaneous supplies. Alternatively, you could go round the corner to [[the right|prologuespaceportfreight5]], where there appears to be some type of large container. The voices are right outside the exit, it won't be long til they're in here.<</first>>

<center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/portwarehousecontainer.png" alt="Warehouse"></center> The stairs are the [[bridge|prologuespaceportfreight3]] between the warehouse floor and an office that sits overlooking the small warehouse. <<if $player.has('Warehouse Office Key')>>There is a door that leads into the [[office.|prologuespaceportfreightoffice]].<<else>>There is a door that leads into the <<link "office.">><<popover 'noclick'>>\<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/warehouseofficedoor.png" alt="Door" id="hpright">The door is locked, you will need a key. You step <<link [[away from the door.|prologuespaceportfreight4]]>><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</popover>><</link>><</if>>

<<if $containercode == "043">><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/portwarehouseopen.png" alt="Container" id="hpright">Entering the number on the side worked, the container is now open. You could step inside and take a [[look around.|prologuespaceportfreightcontainer]] <<if $mylene == "free">>Just infront of the container are several crushed boxes from your fall, many shiny trinkets have busted forth. Gold, diamond, peridot, nothing particularly valuable. <<if not $player.has('Amber Necklace')>>But this Amber necklace? With a rhodium setting? Could fetch quite a high price. <<linkreplace "You can take it.">>You have taken the necklace.<<pickup '$player' 'Amber Necklace'>><</linkreplace>><</if>><</if>> Or [[head back.|prologuespaceportfreight2]] <<else>><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/portwarehousecontainerclose.png" alt="Container" id="hpright"> A large shipping container of some sort, it is quite rusted and hasn't been moved in a very long time, a number is painted on the side probably doubling as a storage room. It's securely and electronically locked with no way to open it from here. [[Head back.|prologuespaceportfreight2]]<</if>>

<center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/portwarehouse5.png" alt="Warehouse" id="hpleft"></center> You come down a dead end, while there appears to be quite a lot of inventory gathered here, all of it is just <<link "discarded materials">><<popover 'noclick'>>\<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/discarded.png" alt="Dildos" id="hpleft">There are a ton of discarded materials here, you look in a few of the boxes, but all of it is just junk, broken electronics, expired batteries, the sort of stuff just waiting to be recycled. There is nothing useful here, you should <<link [[look elsewhere.|prologuespaceportfreight6]]>><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</popover>><</link>>, hazardous <<link "waste barrels">><<popover 'noclick'>>\<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/hazard.png" alt="Hazard" id="hpright">Tightly sealed barrels, probably full of all sorts of nasty waste, you shouldn't get too close incase of any small leaks and <<link [[look elsewhere.|prologuespaceportfreight6]]>><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</popover>><</link>>, confiscated <<link "contraband">><<popover 'noclick'>>\<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/contraband.png" alt="Hazard" id="hpright">Another pile of small boxes, these are marked up as contraband, probably drugs, alcohol, that sort of thing, though it all looks more like medicinal rather than anything criminal organisations might traffic, like Green Ether or Red Sun. <<if not $player.has('Warehouse Office Key')>>You do notice a key on one of the shelves marked "Office". <<linkreplace "You could take it.">>You take the key.<<pickup '$player' 'Warehouse Office Key'>><</linkreplace>>.<<else>>You have taken the office key that was here.<</if>> You could continue <<link [[looking elsewhere.|prologuespaceportfreight6]]>><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</popover>><</link>>, you could search them, just hope you don't inhale any of those nasty looking hazardous materials. You can go [[back.|prologuespaceportfreight2]]

<center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/portwarehouseoffice.png" alt="Warehouse Office"></center><<first>> The stuffy, messy office, as expected, is just as poorly maintained and managed as the rest of the warehouse. This place isn't in regular use, it is clearly somewhere they dump materials and contraband they don't know what to do with but isn't a high priority to get rid of. You should [[take a look around|prologuespaceportfreightoffice]], maybe you'll find a way out of here.<<finally>>You find yourself in a stuffy, messy office, there doesn't appear to be much of anything of interest here, but you can look around anyway. The desk has a note marked only as "manager <<link "communique">><<popover 'noclick'>><center>Communique to Warehouse Manager></center> To: Mylene Kazziha From: Assistant Security Chief Bashir Congratulations on your promotion to Warehouse Manager. Your duties will involve basic maintenance, making sure that the facility remains secure, decently maintained and keeping prying eyes out. Generally on the 2nd and 14th of each month, the maintenace team will visit and check for any. The disposal team will come on the 21st of each month. You will be charged with inventorying the contraband, but stay away from the hazardous materials, which will be dealt with by the disposal team. DO NOT TOUCH THE KEYPAD! It is vital that you do not mess with this equipment, the container acts as a storage facilitiy for dangerous goods and you could get seriously hurt if you mess with it. Logs are monitored, breaking of this rule will lead to severe consequences. Good luck Chief <<link "[[Put the note down.|prologuespaceportfreightoffice]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</popover>><</link>>" and just above the desk is a small <<link "box">><<popover 'noclick'>><<if $containercode == "043">>There is a small keypad behind the box, with a @@.friend;bright green light@@ just above it. Whatever the keypad unlocked, it wasn't in this room. <<link "[[Back away.|prologuespaceportfreightoffice]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>> <<else>>There is a small keypad behind the box, with a @@.hostile1;dim red light@@ just above it. <<textbox "$containercode" "">> <<link "[[Enter password.|prologuespaceportfreightoffice]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</if>><</popover>><</link>>, <<if $containercode == "043">>a keypad, the light above it is now lit up @@.friend;green@@<<else>>the light on the box is a @@.hostile1;dull red@@<</if>>. There is a cabinet full of old files, probably dating back decades judging by the state of some of them. Step back onto the [[warehouse floor.|prologuespaceportfreight4]]<</first>>

<<if $mylene == "slave">>@@.hostile2;"THERE SHE IS!"@@ they come at you down the narrow alleyway, the security gate behind you is still securely locked and it would be futile to enter one of the two doors. You have only one option and that is <<linkreplace "to fight...">><<audio ":playing" fadeout>>to accept your fate, you have no weapons, you're in a narrow corridor and your pursuers are armed with sonic pistols, how do you know this? You're knocked flat on the ground by one before you can even think about defending yourself, they're on top of you and have you cuffed before your senses return to you. <<linkreplace "A few months later...">><<audio "gameover" volume 0.04 loop play>>The trial was swift, you were found guilty of trespassing, theft and a variety of other activities by a jury, your attorney did their best, but you were bang to rights. Turns out that trespassing into various warehouses, resisting arrested and other factors could be considered a form of potential terrorism, though your attorney has you avoid the most serious of charges. <img src="images/prologue/badend4/judge.jpg" alt="Judge" id="hpleft">Crime on Earth was rare and all but the worst criminals were given light sentences pending rehabilitation. Fortunately for you, you were not amongst the worst criminals, your crimes were the folly of a foolish young woman, rather than a terrorist. You end up at the Alabama Penaly Colony For Females, where you'll see out your sentence and be given all the rehbabilitation you need. <<linkreplace "<center>Well, maybe you can catch up on your reading...</center>">><br><br><br> <center><b>Bad End - Alabama Penal Bitch</b></center> <img src="images/prologue/spaceport/prisonqueen.png" alt="Mistress" id="hpleft">Despite the promises and evolved sensibilities of the 24th Century, the penal colony is still rough, the freedom and resources afforded to you in your rehabilitation were plentiful, but it came with some costs. Your fall into the lower hierarchy of the facilitiy within weeks, even with your intelligence, strength and will, you fall under the thumb of one of the established "Queens" of the colony, your new mistress, whot takes great pleasure in flogging you daily, after finding out you're a spoilt rich girl. @@.hostile2;"Kayla? It's time for your daily flogging."@@ @@.kayla;"Yes, my Queen."@@ It isn't a bad life, you get the best training available, you can get a few new degrees, all the while being sexually satisfied. And you'll be out in ten years, hopefully the Earth is still there when you get out...<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <<elseif $mylene == "free">><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/securitygate.png" alt="Gate" id="hpleft">You slip out, the security gate you spotted before is wide open now, it looks like it leads out to the outside. You should [[make a break for it|prologuespaceportmotel]] before security returns or it closes you off. <</if>>

<<first>>You step into the dimly lit container, expecting to find some more hazardous materials, maybe something valuable, or another exit way. But what you see <<linkreplace "shocks you...">> <img src="images/prologue/spaceport/container1.png" alt="Container" id="hpleft">What the hell? A young woman is locked up in the container, metal shackles cover her limbs, a heavy chain connected to her collar makes sure that she can't move too far from her mattress or the container wall. Why is a person locked up in this container?! She averts her eyes from you, you're not sure if she even knows you're here. Apart from the chained up girl, there isn't much else that you can see here, but you could look further. But you should probably attend to the prisoner... [[Explore further.|prologuespaceportfreightcontainer]] [[Leave.|prologuespaceportfreight5]]<</linkreplace>><<then>>The bracket holding the woman to the wall breaks off the wall as she thrusts forward with might, even if she is still shackled by the limbs, she still manages to leap towards you with the ferocity of a rabid animal, knocking you back and out of the container, fortunately, some boxes cushion your fall. She jumps out, wide eyed and looking for a way out. @@.hostile2;<<say ??? "images/prologue/spaceport/arteteescape.png">>RAAAAARGH!<</say>>@@ You remain on your back in the pile of boxes, face to face with the escaped - and crazed - woman. You glance at the exit, concerned that someone may have heard the commotion, the woman follows your glance, something in her memory clearly triggers and she makes movement towards. [[Let her go.|prologuespaceportfreightcontainer]] [[Stop her.|prologuespaceportfreightbadend1]]<<then>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/containerinterior.png" alt="Container"></center><<set $mylene to "free">>You decide to let her go, pulling yourself up from the boxes and dusting yourself off. The boxes, fortunately, don't seem to have had anything dangerous in them and you're left only a bit dusty. You look over to the escapee, she has already slipped out of the exit you came from, you hear voices and panic as the men who were looking for you chase after her, with bated breathe you wait for one of the armed men to enter... <<fadein 3s 2s>>And wait...<</fadein>> <<fadein 4s 3s>>And wait...<</fadein>> <<linkreplace "<<fadein 5s 4s>>And...<</fadein>>">>And breath...there is a sound of silence, the voices following whereever the woman went. You hope she doesn't get into too much trouble. You should be able to sneak away from here now, though the container is still largely unexplored. [[Stand up.|prologuespaceportfreight5]]<</linkreplace>><<finally>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/containerinterior.png" alt="Container"></center> The container that the slave girl was in, there isn't much left here apart from scraps of food and water, you don't really want to look through those boxes. [[Get out.|prologuespaceportfreight5]] <</first>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/warehouseentrance.png" alt="Warehouse"></center><<if $skill is "science">>You hit a few buttons on your PADD, loading up a remote connection to the grid. What was the 12 digit code to the back route subdirectory to trigger the diagnosis again? You have so many 12 digit codes in your head from your internship, you use the most logical one and hope you don't trigger some type of alarm. <<linkreplace "Initiate system diagnostic....">><<fadein 4s 3s>>You hit the button and wait...<</fadein>> <<fadein 4s 5s>>And wait...<</fadein>> <<linkreplace "<<fadein 8s 6s>>And....<</fadein>>">>The <<link "patrol bot">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/patrolbot.png" alt="Bot"><</popover>><</link>> stops in its tracks, to the untrained eye, they wouldn't notice the bot and cameras being offline, but you know. It won't be more than two minutes til they come back online, probably even less. [[Time to move...|prologuespaceportfreightalley]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <<elseif $skill is "military">>You carefully watch the patterns of the droid, memorise the positions of the cameras, looking for blindspots underneath them. You spend a good five minutes visualising the optimal routes, ideally you'd be able to load up schematics or a line in some dirt, but at the academy, you excelled at visualising battle plans and problem solving under pressure. <<linkreplace "Here we go...">> You dive into action, using the containers as cover to avoid the cameras and bot, diving into blind spots when you can and gliding through the area undetected, like a leaf on the wind. If you were a second or two off, the cameras would see you, setting off every alarm in the area, or <<link "the bot">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/patrolbot.png" alt="Bot"><</popover>><</link>> would hunt you down, its pulse monitors unescapable. But you're an expert, a prodigy, you're not getting caught, as you reach the doors. You [[slip in through the doors...|prologuespaceportfreightalley]]<</linkreplace>> <</if>><<then>><<if $skill is "science">><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/warehouse.png" alt="Warehouse"></center> You successfully slip through the double doors undetected, hearing the sound of the <<link "security bot">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/patrolbot.png" alt="Bot"><</popover>><</link>> restarting and returning to patrol as you do so. Can't go back that way. You turn to find yourself in a large warehouse, it wasn't as grandoise as you thought it would be. Automated forklifts and machinery moves thorugh the warehouse, showing no care about your presence, stacking another container on top of the other stacks and stacks of other secure boxes, no doubt valuable goods encased in tritanium. You thought about the possibility of becoming a stoaway, but no way you could break into any of them, once sealed, they were sealed, at least until the 24 digit security code was entered. You can't go back at this point, fearing you may have made a grave mistake, you have no choice but to begin <<linkreplace "walking through the warehouse...">>walking through the warehouse...maybe you can find an exit? <<fadein 4s 2s>>You walk through a row of titanium containers...<</fadein>> <<fadein 4s 4s>>Another row...<</fadein>> <<linkreplace "<<fadein 8s 6s>>Another...<</fadein>>">>@@.hostile2;"STOP RIGHT THERE!"@@ you hear behind you, twisting around to see two security guards coming at you from the way you just came, weapons drawn and ready. @@.kayla;"Shit!"@@ you mutter before making a break for it, it had only been a few minutes, and you know they didn't detect you before. Must be the internal security or you were simply just unlucky. Doesn't matter now, you burst forward, the only way you can do and burst through a nearby exit, finding yourself in a straight, narrow corridor. There is a <<link "door on the left">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/doorleft.png" alt="Left Door"><</popover>><</link>> and a <<link "door on the right">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/doorright.png" alt="Right Door"><</popover>><</link>> with a <<link "high security gate">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/securitygate.png" alt="Security"><</popover>><</link>> up ahead that is likely locked. <<timed 10s>><<goto "prologuespaceportfreightbadend">><</timed>> [[Head through the left door.|prologuespaceportfreight1]] [[Head through the right door.|prologuespaceportfreightbadend2]] [[Head through the security gate.|prologuespaceportfreightbadend]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<elseif $skill is "military">><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/warehouse.png" alt="Warehouse"></center> You finesse your way through the double doors undetected, the bot nor cameras didn't even get something that could be considered a false positive from you, masterful. But you can't go back that way now, you'd need another few minutes of planning and you can't see from behind the doors. You turn to find yourself in a large warehouse, it wasn't as grandoise as you thought it would be. Automated forklifts and machinery moves thorugh the warehouse, showing no care about your presence, stacking another container on top of the other stacks and stacks of other secure boxes, no doubt valuable goods encased in tritanium. You thought about the possibility of becoming a stoaway, but no way you could break into any of them, once sealed, they were sealed, at least until the 24 digit security code was entered. You can't go back at this point, fearing you may have made a grave mistake, you have no choice but to begin <<linkreplace "walking through the warehouse...">>walking through the warehouse...maybe you can find an exit? <<fadein 4s 2s>>You walk through a row of titanium containers....<</fadein>> <<fadein 4s 4s>>Another row....<</fadein>> <<linkreplace "<<fadein 8s 6s>>Another...<</fadein>>">>@@.hostile2;"STOP RIGHT THERE!"@@ you hear behind you, twisting around to see two security guards coming at you from the way you just came, weapons drawn and ready. @@.kayla;"Shit!"@@ you mutter before making a break for it, it had only been a few minutes, and you know they didn't detect you before. Must be the internal security or you were simply just unlucky. Doesn't matter now, you burst forward, the only way you can do and burst through a nearby exit, finding yourself in a straight, narrow corridor. There is a <<link "door on the left">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/doorleft.png" alt="Left Door"><</popover>><</link>> and a <<link "door on the right">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/doorright.png" alt="Right Door"><</popover>><</link>> with a <<link "high security gate">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/securitygate.png" alt="Security"><</popover>><</link>> up ahead that is likely locked. Or you could try to fight back, but they are well armed. <<timed 60s>><<goto "prologuespaceportfreightbadend">><</timed>> [[Head through the left door.|prologuespaceportfreight1]] [[Head through the right door.|prologuespaceportfreightbadend2]] [[Head through the security gate.|prologuespaceportfreightbadend]] [[Fight back.|prologuespaceportfreightbadend]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</if>><<finally>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/securitygate.png" alt="Security"></center> The small alley way is empty, the voices you once heard searching for you are gone, probably chasing down the screaming, naked woman who you encountered. You hope she is ok. The swinging security gate looks like a possible [[way out.|prologuespaceportmotel]]<<set $mentalstate -=1>><</first>>

<<first>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>><<if $skill is "military">>Your military training takes over your movements, she is out of control, you've gone through days of CQC training, you can take her down easily. You kick the back of her knee out, sending her down onto the other knee, before she can react, you lock in a rear naked chokehold, with her last bit of paniced energy, she throws herself up, sending you both crashing backwards into some shutters, winding you, but you have her in a vice grip and, after only a few seconds, she begins to fade. Piece of cake. But what now? After another few seconds to make sure she is out, you stand and dust yourself off, only to be disturbed as the door opens up.<<else>>You clumsily attempt to grab onto her leg to stop her, pulling her to the ground. She fights back, you fight back and what can only be described as a high school slap fight ensues, as you jostle for the position on top of one another, though the escapee appears to be more concerned with escaping than beating you into submission.<</if>> Unfortunately for you, between the screaming, chain breaking and the overall commotion, the men who were tracking you burst through the doors and open fire on both of you. The sonic weapons knock the pair of you apart, you don't see what happens to the chained up girl, but you know rendering you both [[unconscious.|prologuespaceportfreightbadend1]]<<then>><<linkreplace "A few hours later...">><<audio "gameover" volume 0.04 loop play>><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/containerbadend.png" alt="Slave" id="hpleft">You slowly awaken from your sonic wave induced slumber, you have a blinding headache and your ears are still ringing, but you can just about make out a shape in the low light environment you find yourself in. You squint your eyes at the shape and [[try to focus your vision.|prologuespaceportfreightbadend1]]<</linkreplace>><<then>><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/containerbadend1.png" alt="Slave" id="hpleft">Oh no...that's that slave girl. And she is chained up again. @@.kayla;"Where...where am I?!"@@ you say to yourself, though. She doesn't acknowledge you or even look at you, you're not sure if she is suffering from the same effects you are or if she is just completely broke, especially just after you prevented her escape. A sinking feeling hits you, as you realise the predicament you're in. [[reach for your neck.|prologuespaceportfreightbadend1]]<<then>><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/containerbadend2.png" alt="Locked" id="hpright">You realise there is a hard, cold metal clasped around your neck, your arms and your ankles. You pull at it, but you lack the energy and even if you had the energy and the strength of five men, it would be impossible to break, they're newly installed. You realise that you're in the same predicament that the girl was in when you found out, you let out one last scream and <<linkreplace "struggle with your bonds.">>struggle with your bonds. @@.kayla;<<fadein 4s 2s>>"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"<</fadein>>@@ <<fadein 4s 4s>>You pull with all your strength...<</fadein>> <<fadein 4s 6s>>You can feel them loosening...<</fadein>> <<fadein 4s 8s>>[[It's useless...|prologuespaceportfreightbadend1]]<</fadein>><</linkreplace>> <<finally>><center><b>Bad End - Container Cum Dump</b></center> There is no escape for you or your new pole sister, it turns out that a few members of the security team like to "keep" some pets, usually stowaways, female employees who got too curious about their activities or, in your face, girls who fell into the wrong place at the wrong time. You spend weeks, months, perhaps even years, chained up in the container, being used as an after shift cum dump for the security guards. Perhaps when they grow bored of you, they'll sell you off world to a low class brothel? It'd be a better fate than this... <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/containerbadend3.png" alt="Locked" ></center><</first>>

<<first>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>>You slip through the door with the circular symbol upon it, despite not knowing what it means, you decided it was the best way to go. You discreetly close it behind you, fortunately there was a lock on the door, that you proceed to trigger. That should buy you some time to find a way out of this mess, maybe find some valuables, resources <<linkreplace "or...">> @@.hostile1;<center>"Well, well well, what do we have here?!"</center>@@ <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/circlegrunts.jpg" alt="Grunts"></center> You turn to find two rough looking gentlemen sitting at a table, playing a game of cards and smoking something that creates a foul smell permeating through the air. You wish that was the only problem, but you get the feeling they're not exactly the type who you can deal with using some kind words, why? Because more disturbingly, the room has half a dozen stasis pods dotted around the room, ready for shipping. You've just walked into a human trafficking operation. [[Escape!|prologuespaceportfreightbadend2]] [[Fight!|prologuespaceportfreightbadend2]]<</linkreplace>> <<then>><<audio "gameover" volume 0.04 loop play>>The door locked when you came in, it requires a key or code to open it again, you don't really have time to spend time playing games with codes and keys, mostly due to the eyes of the two men beating down on you, probably wondering which pod to put you in. You only have one option and <<linkreplace "that is to fight...">>that is to feel the electro taser hit you in the chest. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/tasergun.png" alt="Gun"></center> You feel a sharp, paralysing pain emeanate outwards from your chest, spreading throughout your body, you're not sure if it was the tase gun or the fall to the hard concrete floor that knocked you unconscious, either way, you slipped into a darkness that you [[never wake up from.|prologuespaceportfreightbadend2]]<</linkreplace>> <<finally>><center><b>Bad End - She's no good to me dead.</b> <video autoplay> <source src="images/prologue/spaceport/carboniteend.webm"></video></center> You end up in a life pod, frozen into a deep hibernation and a form of death like stasis, never knowing what your final destination was. You don't really remember anything else after the taser, such deep stasis fogs up the memory the longer you're in there, along with other physica ailments, like a temporary blindness and all sorts of other short term effects on the brain that make you awfully easy to train and re-program into other duties. But you were more useful to your buyers than the rest of the girls. You'll never find out who that buyer was or what they wanted with you though, but I can assure you, your body advanced the causes of humanity. Congratulations!<</first>>

<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/pawnshop.png" alt="Shop" id="hpleft"><<audio ":playing" fadeout>><<first>>You step into the small pawn shop, these places were pretty rare these days, but you generally found one or two in cities and airports, people like to get rid of all kinds of items that you can't take off Earth on commercial flights, high class jewelry, even the most basic of weaponry are commonly banned without a permit. Trade restrictions had been tightening for years. The <<link "man">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/pawnguy.jpg" alt="Pawn"><</popover>><</link>> at the counter is preoccupied working on a piece of machinery or some type of weapon doesn't appear to take much notice of you. You could [[look around.|prologuepawnshop]]<<finally>>The Spaceport's Pawn Shop, you could sell some stuff here before leaving. The <<link "man">><<popover 'opaque'>>\<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/pawnguy.jpg" alt="Pawn"><</popover>><</link>> at the counter is preoccupied working on a piece of machinery or some type of weapon doesn't appear to take much notice of you. Do you have anything to [[sell?|prologuespaceportmallsell]]<</first>> Or just [[leave.|prologuespaceportmall]]

You step up to the counter, the skinny looking man puts aside whatever he was working on to give you his attention. @@.friend;<<say Ringo "images/prologue/spaceport/pawnguyport.png">>Greetings and salutations, what gifts do you bring me?<</say>>@@ <<if $player.has('Amber Necklace')>><<linkreplace "'What will you give me for this necklace?'">>@@.friend;<<say Ringo "images/prologue/spaceport/pawnguyport.png">>Beautiful, amber with a rhodium setting? I'll give you...800.<</say>>@@ <<linkreplace "Sell it.">><<set $credits +=800>><<drop '$player' 'Amber Necklace'>><<kayla>>Deal.<</kayla>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</if>> <<if $player.has('Golden Bangle')>><<linkreplace "'What will you give me for this...bangle?'">>@@.friend;<<say Ringo "images/prologue/spaceport/pawnguyport.png">>Hmmm, could throw it in the melting pot. 100.<</say>>@@ <<linkreplace "Sell it.">><<set $credits +=200>><<drop '$player' 'Golden Bangle'>><<kayla>>Deal.<</kayla>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</if>> <<if $player.has('Golden Broach')>><<linkreplace "'I have this golden broach...'">>@@.friend;<<say Ringo "images/prologue/spaceport/pawnguyport.png">>I suppose I could melt it down and use it to repair some of the wiring around here. 150.<</say>>@@ <<linkreplace "Sell it.">><<set $credits +=300>><<drop '$player' 'Golden Broach'>><<kayla>>Deal.<</kayla>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</if>> Though unless you have something to sell, you should probably [[move away.|prologuepawnshop]]

<<first>><<set $mentalstate +=10>><<set $helpedjeffrey = true>><<set $savedjeffrey = true>><<set $jeffcombat = false>>[[An hour later...|prologuejeffgoodend]]<<then>><center><img src="images/prologue/shackinterior.jpg" alt="Shack"></center> You drink down the third cup of herbal tea, Jeff said it would help with the adrenaline shakes. You've never taken a life before, you're not sure how long it'll be before this feeling wears off, even if they were "bad guys", they were still human beings. Your training prepared you for this, but the actual experience of it was something else. Jeffrey fills your cup again, before continuing to speak. @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>We'll need to get out of here soon, go our seperate ways. I have some old connections I can hook up with, they'll be able to help our family out, but I'll be going dark for a while.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>What about me?<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>Ceres Station, as you mentioned previously. Your original plan. We can't travel together, it'll make us easier to track. I'll find you when I can.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Then this is it.<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>For now.<</say>>@@ You stand once more, taking a look around, as Jeffrey embraces you once last time. @@.friend;<<say Jeff "images/prologue/jeffrey1.jpg">>Take care. It'll be ok.<</say>>@@ You feel a warmth come over you, you doubt he would have survived that assault without your assistance and, before you intervened, perhaps he didn't want to. You hope you'll see him again the near future, but for now, you should bid [[farewell to Jeffrey.|prologueshack]]<</first>>

<center><img src="images/prologue/cardrive.png" alt="Car"></center> You sit back and relax, the journey is short and uneventful, you don't really have a lot to do, but it is nice to just sit back and not have to worry, albeit for only a few minutes. The journey clocked in at only about 15 minutes before the VI lets you know you've arrived at your destination.<<audio "manor" volume 0.02 fadeout>> @@.neutral1;<<say VI "images/characters/vi/vi1.png">>WE HAVE ARRIVED. HAVE A NICE DAY.<</say>>@@ [[Disembark|prologueruralstation]]

The open plan bar that serves the gates, it is quite busy, but you don't quite understand why someone would drink heavily before an oribtal flight, a flight that would see you take quite a few Gs before escaping the atmosphere. But it is what it is. The tables somewhat away from the bar are largely occupied by groups and families, a stool right at the bar seems more to your taste, besides, it has complementary pretzels and nuts for those sitting there. Peachy. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/loungebar.png" alt="Bar"></center> You could take a [[seat|prologuespaceportloungebar1]] at the bar or head back to the [[main lobby|prologuespaceportlounge]] and check out the flight times.

<center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/restroom.png" alt="Restroom"></center> A large restroom, rows and rows of stalls, countless sinks, this is possibly the biggest restroom you've ever seen. An automated roomba hovers around the dozen or so women around the sinks, checking themselves out or washing their hands. You could follow their example and <<link "freshen">><<popover 'noclick'>>\<center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/makeup.png" alt="Make Up"> Much better. <<link "[[Step away.|prologuespaceportloungetoilet]]">></center><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</popover>><</link>> yourself up in one of the mirrors. You don't really feel like you need a tinkle at the moment, so there isn't much of interest for you here. You should just [[leave.|prologuespaceportlounge]]

<<audio ":playing" fadeout>>You step upto the gate, the line is mostly made up of serious looking men and women, some in suits, some in military garb and some who are clearly just travellers. You guess this should be expected on a single ticket. After around ten minutes of waiting. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/stewardess.png" alt="Stewardess"> @@.friend;"Your pass young miss?"@@</center> You fiddle around in your bag for it, handing it over awkwardly. This is your first time traveling so far alone, usually you'd have at least a family member or Jeffrey with you. You stare awkwardly at the stewardess, as she checks your information. The anxiety begins to hit. <<fadein 4s 2s>>You wait. What if the police have put a no fly order on me?<</fadein>> <<fadein 4s 4s>>And wait. What if I'm too young? Unaccompanied?<</fadein>> <<fadein 4s 6s>>What is taking so long? Is she part of a conspiracy?<</fadein>> <<fadein 4s 8s>>@@.friend;"There you go miss. All done. Next."@@ and, with that, you're ushered through to the connecting walkway to the ship. You take one look back, then forwards at the capsule ahead of you and realise, there is now [[no going back now.|prologuespaceportflight]]<</fadein>>

<<first>><<audio "spaceshipambience" volume 0.08 loop play>>You step through the airlock, another of the stewardesses greets you with a bright smile, checking your boarding pass once more. "E-9. Comparment E, Seat 9. Enjoy your flight!" she hands your ticket back, and you continue walking. The sterile, yet warm environment of a commercial space craft had a very unique...musk to it, the kind of unique smell that'll hit you in ten years and cause a wave of nostlagia. You snap out of your internal dialogue briefly, finding yourself in a long corridor, along with a dozen other people, crew and passengers alike, stepping in and out of the various doors and airlocks, preparing for the flight. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/spaceporthallway.png" alt="Ship Hallway"></center> These kinds of flights take no more than an hour, but people still somehow get fidgety during them. You have a few minutes to find your compartment before the flight takes off. [[Best get started.|prologuespaceportflight]] <<then>>You look around the passenger corridor, there are about two or three dozen other passengers still bustling around and trying to get comfortable. There are five compartments in total, with the last one directly ahead of you. You should head to your compartment as soon as possible. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/spaceporthallway.png" alt="Ship Hallway"></center> [[Compartment A|prologuecompartmenta]] [[Compartment B|prologuecompartmentb]] [[Compartment C|prologuecompartmentc]] [[Compartment D|prologuecompartmentd]] [[Compartment E|prologuecompartmente]] <<then>>You look around the passenger corridor, there are about two or three dozen other passengers still bustling around and trying to get comfortable. There are five compartments in total, with the last one directly ahead of you. You should head to your compartment as soon as possible. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/spaceporthallway.png" alt="Ship Hallway"></center> <<if visited("prologuecompartmenta")>>Compartment A is locked<<else>>[[Compartment A|prologuecompartmenta]]<</if>> [[Compartment B|prologuecompartmentb]] [[Compartment C|prologuecompartmentc]] <<if visited("prologuecompartmentd")>>Compartment D is locked<<else>>[[Compartment D|prologuecompartmenta]]<</if>> [[Compartment E|prologuecompartmente]] <<then>>You look around the passenger corridor, there are only one or two people still trying to find their cabin, it probably isn't long until launch, you should finish up here soon. There are five compartments in total, with the last one directly ahead of you. You should head to your compartment as soon as possible. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/spaceporthallway.png" alt="Ship Hallway"></center> <<if visited("prologuecompartmenta")>>Compartment A is locked<<else>>[[Compartment A|prologuecompartmenta]]<</if>> [[Compartment B|prologuecompartmentb]] [[Compartment C|prologuecompartmentc]] <<if visited("prologuecompartmentd")>>Compartment D is locked<<else>>[[Compartment D|prologuecompartmentd]]<</if>> [[Compartment E|prologuecompartmente]]<<then>>You look around the passenger corridor, it is empty apart from a few of the flight crew doing last minute checks, launch is imminent, you should hurry. There are five compartments in total, with the last one directly ahead of you. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/spaceporthallway.png" alt="Ship Hallway"></center> <<if visited("prologuecompartmenta")>>Compartment A is locked<<else>>[[Compartment A|prologuecompartmenta]]<</if>> [[Compartment B|prologuecompartmentb]] [[Compartment C|prologuecompartmentc]] <<if visited("prologuecompartmentd")>>Compartment D is locked<<else>>[[Compartment D|prologuecompartmentd]]<</if>> [[Compartment E|prologuecompartmente]] <<finally>><center>An announcement?</center> <center>@@.friend;""Passengers, this is the Captain. We will be departing shortly to the North American Orbital Station. Please ensure you are seated and securely strapped in, our stewards will be along to inspect you shortly. Anyone found not to be in their designated compartment and corresponding seat will be ejected from the flight. Have a good day."@@</center><<audio "announcement" volume 0.10 play>> <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/spaceporthallway.png" alt="Ship Hallway"></center> You should head to your designated compartment. [[Compartment E|prologuecompartmente]] <</first>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/spaceportbar.png" alt="Bar"></center> You take a seat at the bar, looking around, you realise that the bartenders are actually just some type of primitive leisure hologram, probably to give the illusion that the bar is manned. In actual fact, there is a menu right infront of you, embedded into the bar infront of you. You have some time if you [[feel like a drink.|prologuespaceportloungebar1]] Or you could forget it and [[leave.|prologuespaceportloungebar]] <<then>><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/menu.png" alt="Menu" id="hpleft"> You flick through the holographic selection. One drink wouldn't hurt, right? Though you should probably keep it light before a flight. [[Cocktail.|loungebarcocktail]] [[Coffee.|loungebarcoffee]] [[Whiskey.|loungebarwhiskey]]<<then>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/spaceportbar.png" alt="Bar"></center> You're at the bar, most people are keeping to themselves. You've already had a drink and you don't think they'd serve you another in such quick succession, so there isn't much else to do here. You should [[leave.|prologuespaceportloungebar]] <</first>>

<<first>>You step up to the cabin door, but unlike the others, it is tightly secured. It looks different to the others on closer inspection, then you see the logos of both the UNN and MTRN, the military of Earth and Mars respectively. This must be one of the compartments reserved for officers of the respective militaries, probably only for high ranking officials and officers. <<set $mentalstate +=2>> <<if $skill == "military">>Before you step away, you notice a detail you'd missed before - the biolock on the door. You were trained to recognise these things in your basic espionage courses. Tt is never obvious to avoid civilians tampering, but they're pretty common in the field, used as safe boxes, storage devices, safe houses....You should still be on the database, but as a cadet, it might not. Could be worth a try. <img src="images/prologue/handscanner.png" alt="Secret Room" id="hpleft"> [[Place your hand on the biolock.|prologuecompartmenta]] [[Leave it be and step away.|prologuespaceportflight]]<<else>>There really isn't any way in there for you, you should [[step back.|prologuespaceportflight]]<</if>> <<then>>You place your hand on the biogel scanner, the brief burning sensation gives you a few tingles, as it interfaces with your DNA signatures, but you're used to that now. @@.friend;<<say VI "images/characters/vi/vi2.png">>Cadet....Kayla Sheridan. Identity confirmed.<</say>>@@ And with that, the door slides open. Though with hindsight, maybe this was a bad idea, every military database has just logged you aboard this ship now. And besides, wasn't the whole reason you went through all the trouble of going through civilian channels to avoid this kind of attention? <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/compartmenta.png" alt="Compartment A"></center> You step in and, as expected, it is empty, you don't recall seeing anyone in officer uniform while moving through the gates, mostly just the grunts who don't get this kind of "privilege" if you can call it that. There is only one seat that appears to be occupied, though the occupant does not appear to be here. They've left some type of heavy laptop on their seat, you've seen them in the company of Admirals and other high ranking officials before. High value, high tech, but completely worthless in terms of value, the information they hold is as secure as can be when it comes to computer security - hacking, cracking or slicing would take thousands of years. Even exotic, newer forms of hacking like neural connectivity was ineffective. Why would they leave it here? And who? You could take a [[closer look|prologuecompartmenta]] or head back to [[the hallway.|prologuespaceportflight]] <<then>>You step up to the machine, running your hand on it and trying to glean any information from it you can, a name perhaps, what division is it from? But there is nothing apart from a UNN fleet logo, the only indicator it is a computer is the small flashing light, you can't even see how you would access it. Voice? Code? Biogel? All three? @@.friend;"Can I help you?"@@ Startled, <<linkreplace "you turn around...">>\you turn around...to find a familiar face. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/lauxgreeting.png" alt="Laux"></center> Rear Admiral Selene Laux, out of uniform, but she had an unmistakable presence about her. You spent several months as her personal attache, shadowing her, learning from her and...making a lot of coffee. @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>Well soldier?<</say>>@@ She looks pissed, but with hindsight, you don't think you saw her in any other mode than business during your placement with her. [["Admiral Laux. I'm sorry, I was just wondering who it belonged to."|prologuecompartmenta]] [["I'm a fine admirer of computery and gadgetry. I was just chcking it out."|prologuecompartmenta]]<</linkreplace>> <<then>>@@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>Cadet Kayla Sheridan. You didn't think I'd recognise you? You made the finest damn cup of coffee an attache has ever made me.<</say>>@@ She gives you a light punch on the shoulder, more startling than anything is her little grin. She was a stern operator when you worked with her, but maybe this more informal setting has put her at ease. @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>What are you doing here? Didn't you request leave because of your father? And why were you fidgeting with my equipment?<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>I did. And I'm sorry, I'm on a civilian ticket, but curiosity got the better of me and I was trying to identify who this belonged to.<</kayla>> You respond to her inquiry as tentatively as you could allow, not sure how much information you can divulge to her. She looks at you, studying you, despite not being much taller than you, it feels like she is towering over you, judging you. You can tell she is still suspicious, but in this case, it was actually the truth. @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>I see. Why don't you stay with me for the journey? I'm curious about what you've been getting up to, it'd be better than going over intelligence reports.<</say>>@@ An interesting offer, there is nothing against. But can she be trusted? She's never given any indication she is a threat or gave you any kind special treatment in the past. [["I'm sorry, the flight is taking off. I should go."|prologuespaceportflight]] [["Sure. I'll take a seat, better than slumming it with civies."|prologuecompartmenta]] <<then>>She nods her head, then gestures to the seat next to her. @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>After you.<</say>>@@ You duly oblige, this cabin must have been retrofitted recently, the seats are military grade and, as you sit down, you're locked firmly into place at both the waist and shoulders. You're not quite sure how to get out of this and to avoid embarrassment, you just hope that it releases you when the time is right. You look to your left, as the Admiral secures her equipment, maglocking it to the floor, before taking a seat next to you. @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>Did you take your antisickness meds? I still hate these damn atmospheric rides.<</say>>@@ Antisickness meds? You've never needed them before, you doubt you'll need them now. You hope. You just nod your head at her, you don't really have much time before you feel the fusion core starting up, jolting the entire structure. The countdown [[begins.|prologuecompartmenta]] <<then>><center><<fadein 2s 2s>>5......<</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 4s>>4......<</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 6s>>3......<</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 8s>>2......<</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 10s>>1......<</fadein>></center> <<fadein 2s 12s>><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/rocketlaunch.png" alt="Menu" id="hpleft"> You can't help but feel a degree of anxiety during these flights, but you remain silent, closing your eyes and focusing on the intense Gs from the launch. You feel your body shaking ever so lightly, you try gripping the support bars either side of you, squeezing, ineffective but comforting. But everything was looking good, a quick glance to your left, the Admiral didn't seem too bothered by the shaky trip. A good sign. A sudden, unusual jolt hits the capsule, causing a bit of unrest between the two of you for a brief second, but it soon calms. Despite all the Gs required in the escape velocity, the trip suddenly becomes a bit smoother and gentler, as the capsule escapes the atmosphere and is on course to the orbital station. You slowly [[open your eyes.|prologuecompartmenta]]<</fadein>> <<then>>Admiral Laux looks calm, focused, this is probably one of hundreds - perhaps thousands - of such flights she has taken. She turns to face you, somewhat steely eyed, but she is a lot...calmer and less wound up than you remember. @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>So, how are things with you? The feeds have had wall to wall coverage of your father's assassination. I sent my condolences, officially, but you have them personally from me.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Thank you. So...what have you been upto Admiral?<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>You're off duty and technically, I'm off duty and in transit for the next hour. Please, call me Selene. What do you want to know?<</say>>@@ <<linkreplace "Do you have any information on what happened to my father?">><<kayla>>Do you have any information on what happened to my father?<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>Specifics? I'm afraid not. Obviously various reports come across my desk, but intelligence is handling all that. All I know is this is major, the colonists, people of the belt, the outer systems, whatever they wish to be called, the assassination of a major figure such as your father is an escalation.<</say>>@@<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Where are you going?">><<kayla>>Where are you going?<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>There is a small military vessel awaiting me, it'll ferry me to my new command ship. I've been...reassigned<</say>>@@ A Rear Admiral...re-assigned? So suddenly? She says it wistfully, it's hard to get a read if she is happy or unhappy with the reassignment. <<kayla>>...Re-assigned?<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>I'm being sent to head up an anti-piracy task force in the belt between Mars and Jupter. It'll be nice to be back on the bridge of a vessel, but...<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>...But?<</kayla>> She seems in deep thought for a few seconds, then snaps out of it with a smile. @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>But...I can't say anymore about it. You are a cadet, after all.<</say>>@@<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Is that a computer?">><<kayla>>Is that a computer? I've seen high ranking officials carrying them around before.<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>A keen observation, but yes. They're highly secure, five step authentification, making is about as worthwhile as a rock for any would be thieves. It can connect to most departments of the UNN on demand, from anywhere, intelligence reports, fleet movements...<</say>>@@<</linkreplace>> [[Continue to make small talk for the duration.|prologuecompartmenta]] <<then>>You move away from the more business orientated conversation, talking to her as a person, reminiscing about your placement, laughing about the time Lt. Tahami had his wrist broken by drunkenly offering a Martian Marine a handshake...the time flies by, before you know it the pilot cuts you off and confirms that the vessel will be docking within five minutes. You both snap out of the flowing conversation as the announcement interrupts you, time to return to the real world. @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>Well...it was great catching up...Cadet.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>I'm surprised, you were so stern and tough on me during the placement.<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>Stern was I? Well...the uniform tends to do that to me. But it's the best way, you'll make a damn fine officer when you return to the service, I wasn't kidding when I said you were the best attache I ever had.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Thank you.<</kayla>> The fusion engine kicks in briefly, flipping and jottling the ship as it does, the vessel begins its final docking approach, even though it is slowing itself down, you can still feel the Gs rising slowly and you [[hold on|prologuecompartmenta]] for the final approach.<<then>>As the ship comes to a stop, you feel the gravity getting lighter and lighter before you're both released from your seats automatically. @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>It's been a pleasure cadet. I'll be heading out soon, but take my transpoder code. It is <b>1892</b>, we might be able to give you a ride. Though you'll have to scrub the decks and make me coffee.<</say>>@@ She chuckles at her little joke, then offers you her hand, which you of course take with a firm shake, despite your pleasant trip together, you feel rejecting the handshake from a senior office would be career suicide. She turns her back on you, as she secures her belongings. You should probably do the same. <<kayla>>It has been a pleasure.<</kayla>> <<link "Grab your belongings and head out.">><<goto `("chapter1begin")`>><</link>><</linkreplace>><</first>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/compartmentb.jpeg" alt="Compartment B"></center>Standard civilian compartment. This isn't your designated area, but you expect your one should look almost exactly like this. You recognise several faces from the line, but they don't even acknowledge your entrance, or likely even remember you, as they prepare for the flight. There isn't anything for you here. [[You should leave.|prologuespaceportflight]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/compartmentb.jpeg" alt="Compartment B"></center>You check out Compartment C again, for whatever reason. This isn't your designated area, but you expect your one should look almost exactly like this. You recognise several faces from the line, but they don't even acknowledge your entrance, or likely even remember you, they're still preparing for their flight. Why did you come here again? Before you turn towards the exit, you notice a loose <<link "panel">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/panel.png" alt="Panel" id="hpleft">You take a peak behind the panel, there are various wires and other pieces of tech, but it looks like this section is offline, probably for maintenance. <<if not $player.has('refraction diamond')>>There is a small diamond, used for refraction and transfer of data. Could still be worth something. <<linkreplace "You could take it with you.">>You pull the diamond out of its slot and pocket it.<<pickup '$player' 'refraction diamond'>><</linkreplace>>.<<else>>The slot where the diamond once was is empty, you hope no one will miss it.<</if>><</popover>><</link>> on the wall, could be worth checking out. [[You should leave.|prologuespaceportflight]]<</first>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/compartmentd.jpg" alt="Compartment D"></center><<if $alice == true>><<set $mentalstate -=2>>This must be economy class, probably about half what you paid, but these tend to sell fast. Minimal baggage and you're treated almost like freight, you also have a sneaking suspicion that in the case of a catastrophic hull breach or puncture, this compartment wouldn't last very long. Regardless of your thoughts, there doesn't appear to be anyone here...hey, wait? What? <<linkreplace "What the fuck?!">>What the fuck?! <br><div id="vidcenter"><video loop autoplay><source src="images/prologue/spaceport/stewardessfucked1.webm"></video></div> Somehow, despite the moaning and pounding, you missed the stewardess riding the passenger to your left, while another bemused passenger takes some photographs on his PADD device. You look at the other passengers. They were all engrossed in their reading material, PADD or wearing headphones; none of them seemed to think anything was wrong. <<alice>>Is this what the airlines mean when the holo-ads say their passengers every need is attended to?!<</alice>> Right on schedule, ALICE comes out with her smart remark when it comes to smut happening before your eyes. Cute. Despite this, you feel a tingling between your legs, like you want to [[stay and watch.|prologuecompartmentd]] Though you really should [[head back.|prologuespaceportflight]]<</linkreplace>> <<else>>This must be "economy" class by the looks of things, the seats are cumbersome, with more metal than cushion, cheap and the safety equipment is adequate. That said, these are usually the most popular options. There isn't a particular set of people here, but if you were going to guess, it's younger people on walkabout, nomads and wanderers who travel between ports any way they can. Free souls. Despite your upbringing, you do admire these people and their outlook on life, maybe you are even a tad envious. Regardless of your thoughts, there doesn't appear to be much here of interest. You should [[head back.|prologuespaceportflight]]<</if>> <<then>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/compartmentd.jpg" alt="Compartment D"></center><<if $alice == true>>The pair continue fucking, with still no one paying any attention, as the man takes control and bends the stewardess over one of the seats, his pounding, unrelenting, and her screams, sensual. You feel your hand start to move itself down your body, your fingers around your neck, to your breasts, fondling them gently, as it passes to its inevitable destination. <<alice>>Why don't we travel economy next time?!<</alice>> <<linkreplace "Keep watching.">>You can't take your eyes off them, as he continues pounding her, her ectasy clear for all to see. Still no one around you pays attention, not that you care as you finally reach your pleasure spots. <div id="vidcenter"><video loop autoplay><source src="images/prologue/spaceport/stewardessfucked2.webm"></video></div> As you watch, you begin lightly rubbing yourself, despite being slightly tight, you still manage to jam a finger up into you, while rubbing yourself with the thumb, letting out a sigh as you do. <alice>Maybe we should join in and stay here? Can you imagine Zero-G sex?</alice> Yes, yes. [[Stay.|prologuecompartmentd]]<</linkreplace>> <<else>>You're back in the economical compartment, the seats are cumbersome, with more metal than cushion, cheap and the safety equipment is adequate. That said, these are usually the most popular options. There isn't a particular set of people here, but if you were going to guess, it's younger people on walkabout, nomads and wanderers who travel between ports any way they can. Free souls. Despite your upbringing, you do admire these people and their outlook on life, maybe you are even a tad envious. Regardless of your thoughts, there doesn't appear to be much here of interest. You should [[head back.|prologuespaceportflight]]<</if>><<then>>You close your eyes, the sound of flesh against flesh still ringing in your ears, all sorts of fantasies flash through your mind, fogging your vision. You have a one track mind. Maybe it is time to accept you're just a weak little slut? ALICE might be right, you should let her take over. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/compartmentdfantasy.png" alt="Fantasy"></center> Or maybe you could become an air stewardess? Imagine it. Fucking for satisfaction of your passengers, fucking the pilots, endless orgies all over the system. You jam another finger into your hole, you can feel yourself getting closer...and closer...and...<<linkreplace "Miss?">>.... <center>@@.friend;"Miss? What are you doing?!"@@</center> <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/stewardess.png" alt="Stewardess"></center> The voice of a stewardess interrupts your fantasies and visions, you open your eyes, to see several shocked onlookers, and an equal amount who are both amused and likely very turned on by the show you just put on. The stewardess and her partner had disappeared into thin air, it isn't long before you figure out what had happened. ALICE. <center>@@.friend;"Please Miss, go to your designated compartment immediately!"@@</center> Your eyes widen at the realisation of what had happened, flustered, embarrassed and ultimately frustrated. A part of you wants to throw yourself to the ground and finish, but that'd probably lead you to a prison cell and institutionalisation. You should save yourself further embarassment and [[leave.|prologuespaceportflight]] Now.<</linkreplace>><</first>>

<<first>><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/compartmentadoor.png" alt="Door" id="hpleft">Compartment E. This is you. The door is closed, ready for take off. You're probably one of the last to enter the compartment, you should make sure you're ready for take off before [[entering.|prologuecompartmente]] <<then>>Despite the romanticisation of space travel, your compartment is made up of men and women in either business suits or some type of jump suit. You're feeling pretty out of place here, now that you think about it, wearing casual clothing rather than a tailored suit or a jumpsuit emblazoned with one of the various corporations or arms of UN government. You give an awkward smile and nod to the person next to you, but they don't even acknowledge you, too busy sending off that last message on the Commnet before take off. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/compartmentb.jpeg" alt="Compartment E"></center> Your assigned seat is standard, comfortable enough. You should place your [[belongings in the locker and strap yourself in.|prologuecompartmente]]<<then>>You stuff your bag into the locker above your seat, giving it an extra push to make sure that it is fully secure, what is in that bag is, after all, all you have, pretty much everything you own. Truly a fall from grace. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/stewardess.png" alt="Stewardess"></center> @@.friend;"Do you need help miss?"@@ the stewardess says, while beckoning you to take a seat. You say nothing and sit down, despite the pleasant tone and smile, you knew the subtle signs of her wanting you to sit down and shut up. You fiddle with the straps, trying your best not to show your inexperience when it comes to commercial space travel, you were used to the more luxurious and advanced tech that help you in place, not this manual stuff. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/compartmentb.jpeg" alt="Compartment E"></center> With a bit of help from the stewardess, you fasten yourself in and with one quick pull of one of the many straps, you feel yourself almost locked into the chair. You can still look around at your fellow passengers, they're just waiting now, but it is noticeable all of them are at ease. Must be seasoned travellers. The stewardess begins to brief your on the safety measures, as well as various bits of marketing and shilling for the corporations that run these flights and the commercial activities around them. @@.friend;"And don't forget, in case of a mid-flight breach, you will find drop down oxygen supplies. Please, do not panic in such an event, just take the mask and breathe."@@ you zone out a bit, thinking about what would actually happen. How would oxygen help when you're venting into open space, traveling at 3G OR 4G minimum? @@.friend;"Thank you for listening"@@ well you didn't do such a good job at the listening part. The countdown begins, you should probably [[brace yourself|prologuecompartmente]] like the rest of the passengers. <<finally>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>>A countdown begins, in the cockpit, as the lights dim briefly as the fusion engine begins to churn.<<audio "shuttlelaunch" volume 0.03 play>> <center><<fadein 2s 2s>>5......<</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 4s>>4......<</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 6s>>3......<</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 8s>>2......<</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 10s>>1......<</fadein>></center> <<fadein 2s 12s>><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/rocketlaunch.png" alt="Menu" id="hpleft"> You can't help but feel a degree of anxiety during these flights, but you remain silent, closing your eyes and focusing on the intense Gs from the launch. You feel your body shaking ever so lightly, you try gripping the support bars either side of you, squeezing, ineffective but comforting. But everything was looking good, a quick glance at the people around you, no one seemed too bothered by the shaky ride. A good sign. A sudden, unusual jolt hits the capsule, causing a bit of unrest amongst the passengers for a few brief seconds, but it soon calms. Despite all the Gs required in the escape velocity, the trip suddenly becomes a bit smoother and gentler, as the capsule escapes the atmosphere and is on course to the orbital station. You slowly [[open your eyes.|prologuecompartmente]]<</fadein>><<then>>As you open your eyes, you hear the familiar chime of the ships PA system, as the captain confirms that we are, indeed, still in one piece @@.friend;"This is your Captain speaking. We should arrive at the station within the hour. Apologies for the slightly disturbance on the way up, we hit a dense air pocket, but it's not uncommon and the rest of the trip should be plain sailing. Please remain in your seats, but feel free to use personal devices or the supplied entertainment devices."@@ <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/compartmentb.jpeg" alt="Compartment E"></center> The artificial gravity created by the burn of the ship has fully kicked in now, you loosen your straps and look around. Looks like you have about an [[hour to kill.|prologuecompartmente1]]<</first>>

<<audio "spaceport" volume 0.02 loop play>><<first>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/compartmentb.jpeg" alt="Compartment E"></center> Compartment E. Seat 9. Your assigned seat for the trip. A feel of relaxation washes over you, it won't be long til you're at your destination. To your left is a [[monitor|prologuecompartmenteentertainment]] you could use to watch some of the entertainment on offer, there is also an older woman sitting next to you, busy with her phone. You could try [[talking to her.|prologuecompartmentewoman]] There is also a VR headset, despite it looking like an older model, it could still be a fun way to waste some time. You could certainly try giving it a spin by [[putting it on.|prologuecompartmentvr]] Though you could just relax, meditate or sit in thought while you wait to reach your destination.<<then>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/compartmentb.jpeg" alt="Compartment E"></center> To your left is a [[monitor|prologuecompartmenteentertainment]] you could use to watch some of the entertainment on offer, <<if visited("prologuecompartmentvr")>>while on your right is a fairly rudimentary and basic VR device, but you've already gotten enough use out of that.<<else>>while on your right is a fairly rudimentary and basic VR device you could [[play with.|prologuecompartmentvr]]<</if>><<if visited("prologuecompartmentewoman")>>The older woman you talked with briefly is still fiddling with her phone, you should leave her to it.<<else>>There is also an older woman sitting next to you, busy with her phone. You could try [[talking to her.|prologuecompartmentewoman]]<</if>> Though you could just relax, meditate or sit in thought while you wait to reach your destination.<<then>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/compartmentb.jpeg" alt="Compartment E"></center> To your left is a [[monitor|prologuecompartmenteentertainment]] you could use to watch some of the entertainment on offer, <<if visited("prologuecompartmentvr")>>while on your right is a fairly rudimentary and basic VR device, but you've already gotten enough use out of that.<<else>>while on your right is a fairly rudimentary and basic VR device you could [[play with.|prologuecompartmentvr]]<</if>> <<if visited("prologuecompartmentewoman")>>The older woman you talked with briefly is still fiddling with her phone, you should leave her to it.<<else>>There is also an older woman sitting next to you, busy with her phone. You could try [[talking to her.|prologuecompartmentewoman]]<</if>> The trip shouldn't be much longer now you imagine, might be a last chance to [[relax.|prologuecompartmente1]] <<then>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/compartmentb.jpeg" alt="Compartment E"></center><<audio "announcement" volume 0.10 play>> @@.friend;"We will be arriving shortly, please finish your business, as onboard electronic devices will soon be deactivated. Thank you."@@ looks like you don't have much time left now. To your left is a [[monitor|prologuecompartmenteentertainment]] you could use to watch some of the entertainment on offer, <<if visited("prologuecompartmentvr")>>while on your right is a fairly rudimentary and basic VR device, but you've already gotten enough use out of that.<<else>>while on your right is a fairly rudimentary and basic VR device you could [[play with.|prologuecompartmentvr]]<</if>> <<if visited("prologuecompartmentewoman")>>The older woman you talked with briefly is still fiddling with her phone, you should leave her to it.<<else>>There is also an older woman sitting next to you, busy with her phone. You could try [[talking to her.|prologuecompartmentewoman]]<</if>> You should [[prepare for the arrival.|prologuecompartmente1]]<<finally>>The cabin grows dark, as the lights and electronics go out. Time for the docking sequence, you feel the acceleration and movement of the ship, as the fusion drives gives one last blast to slow the ship down on approach. One wrong inch or if they're over by half a second, the ship would crash into the side of the space dock and rip to shreads, but nothing like that ever happens outside of movies. But you have an active imagination. There isn't even a thud as the ship effortlessly connects with the rig, docking effortlessly to the point where you have no idea, until the lights return on in the cabin and everyone begins to unbuckle themselves. <<linkreplace "You should start making moves...">><<audio "announcement" volume 0.10 play>> Another announcement comes through the tanoy from the pilot "Please take all belongings with you out of the ship, any property that is left behind will be destroyed or recycled for use. Thank you for flying and enjoy the next leg of your trips, to whever you may go!" <<link "Grab your belongings and head out.">><<goto `("chapter1begin")`>><</link>><</linkreplace>><</first>>

You bring the monitor attached to your seat around to you, it is a bit cumbersome to position well, being attached tightly, but eventually it settles. What would you like to watch? <img src="images/prologue/spaceport/tv/monitor.png" alt="Monitor" id="hpleft"> &emsp;<<if not visited("compartmenteentertainmentnews")>>[[Check out the local news.|compartmenteentertainmentnews]]<<else>>You have already watched the news.<</if>> &emsp;<<if not visited("compartmenteentertainmentraidy")>>[[Watch an episode of Raidy.|compartmenteentertainmentraidy]]<<else>>You've already caught an episode of Raidy.<</if>> &emsp;<<if not visited("compartmenteentertainmentsport")>>[[Watch some live sports.|compartmenteentertainmentsport]]<<else>>You've already checked out the sports channel.<</if>> Or if you don't want to watch anymore media or broadcasts, you can [[look for something else to do.|prologuecompartmente1]]

<<first>>The woman next to you finishes a call, then, seemingly, you catch her eye. Probably because you were staring at her and studying her. You feel a flush of embarassment, but it's too late but she gives you a knowing smile. @@.friend;<<say Woman "images/prologue/spaceport/compartmentewoman.png">>Hey there, can I help you?<</say>>@@ She speaks with a European accent, though you can't quite place it exactly, probably one of the old eastern countries. <<kayla>>Sorry, I was just looking around and thinking about everyone using their phones, you know?<</kayla>> You try to find an excuse or reason why you were staring, it definitely wasn't because you found her attractive, right? @@.friend;<<say Woman "images/prologue/spaceport/compartmentewoman.png">>That's ok! Actually I have a question for you. Are you interested in modeling? It's just that I'm a talent scout and I can't help but notice you have 'the look'<</say>>@@ The look? Wow, you've never thought about a career in modeling but a back up plan can never be a bad idea. [[That sounds fascinating, what can you tell me?|prologuecompartmentewoman]] [[No thank you, not really my focus in life.|prologuecompartmente1]]<<finally>>@@.friend;<<say Woman "images/prologue/spaceport/compartmentewoman.png">>Great to hear. What's your name again?<</say>>@@ She begins fiddling with her PADD, as she sends you her contact information to your own PADD, though it is in your bag. <<kayla>>Kayla. I'm Kayla.<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Woman "images/prologue/spaceport/compartmentewoman.png">>It is so good to meet you, what a nice name. I've sent you the contact information, ask for Ralitsa. We're based on Mars, so if you find yourself there, please send me a message, we will discuss these things.<</say>>@@ She smiles at you, before returning to her own business. You were kind of hoping for a conversation, but at least you've opened up a possible avenue for earning some money, should you ever find yourself on Mars. [[Thanks. I guess.|prologuecompartmente1]]<</first>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vr1.png" alt="VR"></center> You place the googles over your head, they're an older model to be sure, but they're still workable. You've never been one for video games, honestly, but you did enjoy entering medieval worlds and fighting dragons during trips such as this, to take your mind off the fact you're hurtling through a vacuum on a controlled fusion explosion. Now what should you play? Hey! It has your [[favourite game|prologuecompartmentvr]] from whan you were a kid!<<then>><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vr2.png" alt="VR" id="hpleft"> Somehow, your character is still active and has been sitting around in a fort for a few years, it has been a while since you logged into the snow regions of the fictional world of Rieltam. <<if $alice == false>> [[Spend some time in Rieltam.|prologuecompartmentvr]]<<else>> [[Spend some time in Rieltam.|prologuecompartmentvr1]]<</if>><<then>>You spend a bit of time in the simulation, picking up where you left off all those years ago, you put together a rag tag party of adventurers to go deal with a troublesome local dragon, how exciting! <img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vr3.png" alt="VR"> You and your friends dispatch of the dragon, but you quickly grow bored, the game is an older one, it might have kept your attention as a kid, but not as a mature, grown adult. Still, slaying the dragon will mean your name will echo in eternity. All hail the dragon slayer, Kayla Sheridan! <img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vr4.png" alt="VR"> You feel a lot more relaxed after that little bit of escapism, even though the [[return to reality.|prologuecompartmente1]] was a welcome one.<<then>>You've already played with the VR headset, you don't much feel like playing with it again, slaying dragons can get a bit boring. [[Look for something else to do.|prologuecompartmente1]]<</first>>

<<first>>@@.friend;<<say Bartender "images/prologue/spaceport/bartender.png">>Ah yes, may I recommend the Sonic Screwdriver? Absolutely wonderful, refreshing and will prepare you for your flight ahead.<</say>>@@ <img src="images/prologue/spaceport/sonicscrewdriver.png" alt="Menu" id="hpright"> <br><br>You nod your head, as the holographic bartender begins working on the cocktail with impressive speed and a strong degree of showmanship as he does so, throwing the shaker several feet into the air before catching it again. <br><br><br><br> @@.friend;<<say Bartender "images/prologue/spaceport/bartender.png">>Here you go madam, freshly repliaced fruit mixed with the finest vodka available, with a Titan cube to back it up.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Thanks...<</kayla>> The smell was intoxicating, you held it between your palms, wanting to take your time to enjoy the smell and feel, but you can't help but [[drink it up|loungebarcocktail]] like a toddle with a carton of juice.<<then>><<kayla>>That was lovely.<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Bartender "images/prologue/spaceport/bartender.png">>You are welcome miss! Anything to make a customer truly happy!<</say>>@@ Despite how nice it was, you do feel a bit queasy from drinking it so fast, it was, after all, an alcoholic drink. You best not have another and [[head out.|prologuespaceportloungebar]]<<set $mentalstate +=2>><</first>>

<<first>>@@.friend;<<say Bartender "images/prologue/spaceport/bartender.png">>Just a coffee? No problem. Our coffee might not be the best, but it's full of stimulants that'll have you perked up for the flight in no time!<</say>>@@ Maybe the holographic projection was on the fritz, but that wasn't the most convincing. Sometimes holograms would be a little too realistic in the depicition of a disgruntled worker. @@.friend;<<say Bartender "images/prologue/spaceport/bartender.png">>Your coffee madam, you'll be ready to fly in no time! Haha!<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>...Thanks.<</kayla>> [[Drink up.|loungebarcoffee]]<<then>><img src="images/prologue/station/coffee.gif" alt="Coffee" id="hpright">The coffee isn't the best you've ever had, but it was, as advertised, clearly full of some wonderful stimulants. Despite the taste, you feel physically and mentally energised. You finish up and [[leave.|prologuespaceportloungebar]]<<set $mentalstate +=5>><</first>>

<<first>>@@.friend;<<say Bartender "images/prologue/spaceport/bartender.png">>May I recommend McGlenton's Scotch young miss? It has a real kick to it and is pretty heavy, but it's the finest we have to offer.<</say>>@@ <img src="images/prologue/spaceport/mcglentons.png" alt="Menu" id="hpleft"> <br><br><br><br>You're not sure if drinking whiskey before a flight is sensible, but these places aren't really designed to get you drunk, safety and all, so you don't see the harm in trying new things. McGlenton was a popular brand amongst your father's friends, but you'd only ever gotten a whiff of it and it made you queasy. But you're an adult now, right? <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> @@.friend;<<say Bartender "images/prologue/spaceport/bartender.png">>Here you go madam, I've given you a single, but if you want me to top it up, please inform me.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Thanks...<</kayla>> The whiskey's smell is nauseating, but he did assure you that it was the best, you've got to start somewhere, right? You could [[drink up|loungebarwhiskey]] or [[step away.|prologuespaceportloungebar1]]<<then>><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/whiskey.png" alt="Whiskey" id="hpright">You sip on it, it makes your taste buds burn, but it fills you with a...warmth. You look around, as you continue to sip on it, before finishing up. You're not quite sure how to describe the effect it had on you, you feel a bit heavier, but there is a degree of warmth that makes you feel better. Anyway, you best not have another and [[head out.|prologuespaceportloungebar]]<<set $mentalstate +=2>><</first>>

<center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/spaceportshop.png" alt="Lounge"></center> A souvenior shop? Well, it's a good way to waste time before a flight, though you don't have a lot of credits to waste. Various displays, with a focus on American culture, USA flags alongside UN flags, a teddy bear dressed up as "Uncle Sam" an old cartoon propaganda character and various other famous figures from throughout American history. Maybe you'll be a doll one day? You doubt it. There isn't much here to see, it really is mostly cheap tat, though the section dedicated to handmade jewelry and ornaments grabs your attention. Maybe you should get something for the road? Have a look [[at the handmade goods|prologuespaceportloungeshop1]] or [[return to the lounge.|prologuespaceportlounge]]

<center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/spaceportgoods.png" alt="Goods"></center> You find a table in the corner of the shop, handcrafted goods that are free to take, generally these are made by local artisans or even children - god bless the economics of the 24th Century. Maybe you could find a souvenir to remember Earth by, you could be away for a long time. Looking closer, there is a part of <<link "table">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/earthglobe.jpg" alt="Globe" id="hpleft">A collection of snow globes, supposedly handmade by local artisans. Free too, most artisans produce these goods for fun and satisfication rather than financial gain, at least on Earth - though you are asked nicely to only take one. <<if not $player.has('Earth Globe')>>The globe is a beautifully crafted recreation of Earth, your home. <<linkreplace "You could take it with you.">>You slip the globe into your bag.<<pickup '$player' 'Earth Globe'>><</linkreplace>>.<<else>>You've already taken a souvenir, best not be greedy.<</if>><</popover>><</link>> dedicated to snowglobes. There are plenty of other ornaments, dolls, figures of famed figures, but they're quite heavy and you don't want to lug something large around. When you're done admiring the work, you could [[step away.|prologuespaceportloungeshop]]

<<if $jennyfate is "police">><center><img src="images/television/channel2-5.jpg" alt="ISN"></center> <center>You're just in time for the local news. And they're talking about someone familiar to you.</center> <img src="images/prologue/spaceport/tv/newsjail.jpg" alt="ISN" id="hpleft">@@.neutral1;"Miss Jennifer Diaz of the outer New York zones was arrested today following a raid after an anonymous tip. Police found what they describe as a treasure trove of information on off world operations to kidnap young Earth girls and sell them into slavery."@@ @@.neutral1;"The whereabouts of several young women are still unknown, but the police are confident of returning them to their families soon. They have denie that there is a growing organised crime influence and dismissed "The Circle" as a conspiracy theory"@@ <center>That's her alright. Huh, guess she got what she deserved.</center> [[Close the feed.|prologuecompartmenteentertainment]]<<elseif $jennyfate is "slave">><center><img src="images/television/channel2-5.jpg" alt="ISN"></center> <center>You're just in time for the local news. And they're talking about someone familiar to you.</center> <img src="images/prologue/spaceport/tv/newsmissing.jpg" alt="ISN" id="hpleft">@@.neutral1;"Miss Jennifer Diaz of the outer New York zones was reported missing today following concerned calls from colleagues and local residents. Police found signs of a struggle, with only Miss Diaz disappearing." "This comes following the abduction of several young women in the same area, the police are offering a reward for any information leading to the return of these women and Miss Diaz. They dismissed any notion that there is a growing organised crime influence and dismissed "The Circle" as a conspiracy theory."@@ <center>So, looks like she got what she deserved. Rot in chains.</center> [[Close the feed.|prologuecompartmenteentertainment]]<<else>><center><img src="images/television/channel2-5.jpg" alt="ISN"></center> @@.neutral1;"In other local news today...A woman from Brooklyn, who fought for a change in the law after her 21-year-old daughter was...."@@ <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/tv/womanmedal.png" alt="ISN"></center> This is not of much interest, what you're surprised about is that there was no coverage about you or your home being raided by thugs. And worried. [[Close the feed.|prologuecompartmenteentertainment]]<</if>>

<<first>>You tune into an episode of your favourite Japanese animation, Lightning Warrior Raidy! It seems on this episode, she is battling her way through. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/tv/raidy1.jpg" alt="Raidy"></center> It wastes a good junk of your time, but is vaugely enjoyable, as she battles her way through various catgirls and other fetish inspired creatures before coming upon her toughest enemy yet! <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/tv/raidy2.jpg" alt="Raidy"></center> Another catgirl! But this time with a whip! How exciting! How will she defeat this enemy? Find out next time on the next exciting episode of Lightning Warrior Raidy! Well that was fun. The credits roll and you can [[change the channel.|prologuecompartmenteentertainment]]<<if $alice == true>>But despite the show ending, you feel you could [[keep watching|compartmenteentertainmentraidy]] through the credits.<</if>><<then>>The credits roll, you hum along to the theme tune, but they slowly begin to turn into another picture. Some sort of after credits scene? You hate tho...What the shit? <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/tv/raidyalice1.jpg" alt="Raidy"></center> A preview for the next episode comes up, it shows Raidy tied up, defeated and bound, being whipped mercilessly. She screams with each whip, the cat girl demands her submission. Despite knowing this is wrong, you feel your body heat up with arousal, a hot flush, but you're more concerned with the people around you <<linkreplace "seeing...">>seeing... <<alice>>Wow, this could happen to you if you're not careful Kayla. What a shame that would be.<</alice>> You should have known, ALICE once again messing with you. It's a kids cartoon! Why would this be after the credits? You grumble and [[tune out.|prologuecompartmenteentertainment]]<<set $mentalstate -=1>><</linkreplace>><</first>>

<<if $alice == true>>There is some, what appears to be, professional wrestling, why is this on a sports channel? It's fake! You don't know how such a stupid concept and tradition has managed to survive hundreds of years, but here you are, watching it. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/tv/sportsalice0.png" alt="Wrestling"></center> But something is off. You can't quite tell. <<linkreplace "Then it begins...">>Then they begin wrestling, but it quickly descends into a battle for more than that, they begin forcefully stripping each other, caressing each other in what you thought was an illegal way and it continues on from there. <div id="vidcenter"><video loop autoplay><source src="images/prologue/spaceport/tv/sportsalice.webm"></video></div> What the shit is this doing on the sports channel? That said, you feel the nerd to continue watching, perhaps you should just let your hand <<linkreplace "move down between your legs...">>move down between your legs... <<alice>>Kayla! Wouldn't it nice to pursue this as a career? I hear there is an entire station dedicated to producing this content!<</alice>> Your hand snaps back into control and the vision fades back to the original sports channel, a game of Springball appears to be going on, but it is hard to concentrate on. Another trick. Ugh, this is becoming tiresome. Her image is in the monitor, though it is likely some type of hallucinating, laughing at you in a mocking tone. You angrily [[tune out|prologuecompartmenteentertainment]] before she continues her mockery. Or worse.<<set $mentalstate -=1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<else>>You tune into the sports channel, while usually there are many more channels and live feeds available, for some reason, this ship has decided to air only the main sports channel which is the preliminary rounds of the World Springball Cup. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/tv/springball.png" alt="Spring Ball"></center> Ugh, wake me up when the group stages start next year. Qualifying rounds are so boring, either low quality or a complete mismatch. You watch for a few minutes, but it's a pretty one sided game, the price of an equal society. you already feel like [[tuning out.|prologuecompartmenteentertainment]]<</if>>

Double-click this passage to edit it.

<<first>><<set $chapter1active = true>><<set $prologueactive = false>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>><<clear "$player">>Chapter 1 - Points of Departure <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/spacedock.png" alt="Spacedock"></center> The Eastern Seaboard Spacedock, ESS for short, hangs above the Earth, in perfect geosynchronous orbit above, you guessed it, the continental United States eastern seaboard. Large freighters dropping off cargo from the colonies and the belt, after months, possibly up to a year, of a slow fusion burn through the void between systems. These freighters were slow and cumbersome, but vital to the continued prosperity on Earth, carrying everything you could imagine, trade goods, exotic foods and meats grown in the outer colonies to the vital resources that are scarce on Earth. Despite appearances and the prosperity on the planet, a year with no outside resources would lead to barbarism at the levels not seen for hundreds of years. Earth was still heavily reliant on the rest of the system for its resources. And the spacedocks dotted around were the critical veins that brought life to the planet. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/kaylaintro.png" alt="Kayla"></center> Somewhere in the station, a young woman, Kayla Sheridan, was looking for a degree of respite and safety from her trials so far, but little does she know that she is going from the frying pan into the fire. But there is a point of departure for her here, one which she will meet new friends, allies and hopefully get more clarity... [[Begin|chapter1begin]]<<then>><<audio "spacedock1" volume 0.02 loop play>>You step through the airlock and into a fairly sterile hall, it takes a few moments to hold your balance and adjust yourself to the spin of the station. The gravity is significantly lighter than on Earth, but strong enough that you don't need grav boots - just try not to jump too much. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring.jpg" alt="Dock"></center> You look around, the customs area is dead ahead, a fairly small line has assembled and it shouldn't take more than a few minutes to get through it, but you could idle for a little longer if you so wish. There really isn't a ton to see or do in the docking ring though, you could of course use the small [[acclimatisation area|spacedockadapt]] to the side or you could head to the [[observation deck|spacedockobservation1]] and take a look into the dark void. Or you could press on and [[wait in line.|chapter1spacedock]]<<finally>><<audio "spacedock1" volume 0.02 loop play>>Your find yourself in one of the many outer docking rings. It took you a few minutes after disembarking to adapt to the gravity, but it is strong enough that you don't need grav boots - just try not to jump too much. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring.jpg" alt="Dock"></center> The customs area is dead ahead, the line is now nothing more than a handful of people and it shouldn't take long to get through, but you could idle for a little longer if you so wish. There really isn't a ton to see or do in the docking ring though, you could of course use the small [[acclimatisation area|spacedockadapt]] to the side or you could head to the [[observation deck|spacedockobservation1]] and take a look into the dark void. Or you could press on and [[wait in line.|chapter1spacedock]]<</first>>

<<first>><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vr2.png" alt="VR" id="hpleft"><<set $mentalstate +=2>>You spend a bit of time in the simulation, picking up where you left off all those years ago, you head into the local town, usually where you can pick up the quests in these types of games. You take a look at the message board, surprisingly it seems they're still updating the game, you don't really remember some of these quests. You guess you probably have enough time to do at least one of the quests. [[Deal with a dragon|prologuecompartmentvr1]] [[Coven of Witches|prologuecompartmentvr2]]<<then>>You spend a bit of time putting together a rag tag party of adventurers to go deal with a troublesome local dragon, how exciting! <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vr3.png" alt="VR"></center> You and your friends dispatch of the dragon, but you quickly grow bored, the game is an older one, it might have kept your attention as a kid, but not as a mature, grown adult. Still, slaying the dragon will mean your name will echo in eternity. All hail the dragon slayer, Kayla Sheridan! <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vr4.png" alt="VR"></center> You feel a lot more relaxed after that little bit of escapism, even though the [[return to reality.|prologuecompartmente1]] was a welcome one.<<then>>You've already played with the VR headset, you don't much feel like playing with it again, slaying dragons can get a bit boring. [[Look for something else to do.|prologuecompartmente1]]<</first>>

You decide to deal with the hags menacing the local population, the rewards aren't as great as dealing with a dragon, but it should be significantly easier. It doesn't take you long to trek up the mountain to the location marked on the map, a large door greets you. You are a warrior, so you probably shouldn't have much of an issue just whirlwinding your way through your enemies. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vr2alice.png" alt="VR"></center> Honestly, they should be as big of an issue, a small dungeon and some hacking and slashing, should be a lot of fun. Feeling ready, you decide to push through the big door and see [[what awaits you|prologuecompartmentvr3]] on the other side.

<<first>>You cut your way through the enemies with ease, picking up all kinds of loot along the way that, logically, you probably won't ever use. Though you did always enjoy that selling and trading aspect of these games, you're unlikely to log into this game for another few months - if you're being honest.<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vr3alice.png" alt="VR" id="hpright"> You cut down the last of the witches, disappointingly, she doesn't put up much of a fight. I mean, you did used to play this game when you were a kid, you're probably playing with training wheels on. Maybe you should look at that next time you log in? Oh well. Maybe you should head back to town or....<<linkreplace "what's that?">>what's that? <br><br><br><br> Some type of...magical interface? You don't remember this. <br><br><br><br> You have a bad feeling about this. <br><br><br> <<linkreplace "It's a...">>It's a portal?! <<alice>>Oooh, so exciting! We should investigate! We can become a witch!<</alice>> What does she want? But maybe she is right... <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vr4alice.png" alt="VR"></center> [[Head back into town|prologuecompartmentvr3]] [[Investigate the portal|prologuecompartmentvr4]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<then>>No, you don't have time for this. And something just feels...off about it. You follow your gut feeling, heading back to town. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vr5alice.png" alt="VR"></center> You spend a few minutes selling your loot, eating some food, making sure your character survives til the next time you play and decide to [[log out|prologuecompartmente1]].<</first>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vr6alice.png" alt="VR"></center> Despite being battered and mud caked, you decide to step through the portal, whatever evil is plaguing the locals, you know will be in here. After a few moments, you find yourself in a strange grove, almost a different world, a temperate, well lit and quite a pleasant area. Not quite what you expected. But something <<linkreplace "wasn't quite right...">>wasn't quite right...YOU'RE NAKED! And you feel like you're being...watched? <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vr7alice.png" alt="VR"></center> A chill ran down your spine as you felt a pair of eyes, piercing you from the distance. The room was warm, temperate, nice. But you felt cold, and it seemed to grow even colder with every moment. The portal behind you has closed, you feel your body tremble, as you realise you're faced with only one choice. <<linkreplace "Turn to face the menace...">> Some type of demon sat upon a throne, surrounded by all kinds of devious devices "I've been expecting you, Kayla." he chortled, looking down at her. She did not have to look back up at him to know that he was grinning at the prey who had walked into his trap. His tone of voice, the way his footsteps sounded as he walked across the room, Kayla was able to read every one of his emotions without looking. <img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vr8alice.png" alt="VR" id="hpright"><br><br><br><br> He stood from his throne and stepped closer to you, wrapping a nearby chain around his rather large arm. "Welcome to my realm, a realm of debauchery and deviousness. You're going to love it here!" he pulled on the chain and made his way towards you, grinning the entire way. This is just a simulation, right? <<linkreplace "Nothing bad will happen...">> <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> <<alice>>Yea, just let him take you. It'll be fun!<</alice>> <<kayla>>Damn it, fuck off!<</kayla>> Though maybe she is right, what's the worst that could happen? [[Wait for him to get closer.|prologuecompartmentvr4]] [[Attack!|prologuecompartmentvrbadend]] [[Let him take you.|prologuecompartmentvrbadend]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<then>><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vr9alice.png" alt="VR" id="hpleft"><br>You let him get closer, something hits your nose, you feel your loins begin to moisture, perhaps he is secreting some types of hormone? It feels...good. "Yes, yes. This chain is just perfect for you, specifcally made. It even has your name on it! Pet!" he cackles, he is within striking distance now, it's now or never. [[Wait for him to get even closer, that smell is nice.|prologuecompartmentvrbadend]] [[Attack!|prologuecompartmentvr4]] [[Let him take you.|prologuecompartmentvrbadend]]<<then>>You thrust your weapon towards him, luckily catching him just as raised the chain he planned to entrap you with, ripping through the chain and straight into the chest of the monster. You take a step back, as the demon drops to his knees, the axe falls from his chest, with a small amount of blood. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vr10alice.png" alt="VR"></center> "Curse you! You're no fun at all!" he scowls, now he is the one looking up at you. "All I wanted to do was show you new worlds of pleasure little girl..." he stands, despite the clear hit in the chest, he doesn't appear to be at all damaged by it. Shit. Maybe you should have aimed for the weapon? You ready your weapon for a second, but he just clicks his fingers and you find yourself naked, in the middle of town. At least you're not enslaved to some demon, even in a simulation, you feel like that would be a bad idea. Especially with hindsight of Alice being unusually invested in you following through with the idea. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vr11alice.png" alt="VR"></center> Well, it's just a simulation. Probably as good a time as any to [[log out...|prologuecompartmente1]]<</first>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vrbadend.png" alt="VR"></center><<audio ":playing" fadeout>> "Damn it!" you squeal, as his large arms engulfed you, you feel your strength sap away, as the hormones coming from his pores overwhelm you. There is nothing you can do to resist. "Look at what a bad girl you've been my NEW pet," he whispered into your ear, the whisper arouses you to some degree, your body shivering as he does so "now, <<linkreplace "let's take a look.">>let's take a look." he said through his smirk, you could feel it on your body, you struggled, but you couldn't move, you could barely breathe. <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vrbadend1.png" alt="VR"></center> "Now, come along pet." there is nothing you can do, the hormones affect you deeply, you can feel your hole as moist as it has ever been. You can't even tell if this is a simulation, what's the difference? Who cares? You have a new master and he is going to show [[you a whole new world.|prologuecompartmentvrbadend]]<</linkreplace>><<then>><<audio "gameover" volume 0.04 loop play>><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vrbadend2.png" alt="VR" id="hpleft">Eventually the chain was loosened, you spent the next few days being plyed with alcohol and drugs, when you aren't sleeping, you're partying and when you aren't partying <<linkreplace "you're being">> fucked in every hole by your new master. Kayla, dazed, drunk and afraid of the next exercise her master would make her do, constantly [[did as she was told.|prologuecompartmentvrbadend]]<<then>> Another night of molestation, as his finger went in, it was hard not to become instantly wet as your master did so. You always tried to relax as he whipsered sweet nothings into your ear, but his finger felt so good inside you, you hoped it wouldn't be long where he gets you loose enough so you can take his massive cock deep inside of you.<img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vrbadend3.png" alt="VR" id="hpright"> Your Prince fingered your hole til he hit that one spot, forcing your to squirm and screech in pleasure, he moved a second finger up into you, then a third. Being honest it was hard to have that much in your hole but now, you want his entire fist...and as the night went on, you're [[sure you would get it.|prologuecompartmentvrbadend]]<<then>> <center><img src="images/prologue/spaceport/vr/vrbadend4.png" alt="VR"></center> By the end of what felt like just another day in months of partying, Kayla found herself in a new costume, sucking on the giant cock of the prince of debauchery, but what was left of Kayla was a sobbing mess, covered in her own salivia, mixed with the endless cum of her master. <<alice>>Ok, maybe this has gone on long enough! Surprise! This isn't part of the program! Haha! Kayla...? Kayla! Oh dear.<</alice>> [[Wake up?|prologuecompartmentvrbadend]]<<finally>><center><b>Bad End - VR Mindbreak</b></center> <img src="images/prologue/badend5/asylum1.jpg" alt="VR" id="hpleft"><br>You wake up from the dream, or was it a simulation? You don't know, but you don't know much of anything anymore, you aren't you, not anymore. What was your name? All you remember is pet. You're strapped to a bed, being moved through a bland green area, only able to see the lights above you, flashing every few seconds onto a new one. <br><br> Kayla is an empty vessel after months in the simulation, a mind broken young woman, she spends the next few years in therapy, attempting to recover some semblance of consciousness. She never finds out what happened to her family, she never sees her friends again. Even ALICE doesn't bother her again, well apart from the distant screeching. <center><img src="images/prologue/badend5/asylum.jpg" alt="VR"></center><</first>>

In your later teenage years, after finishing your schooling, you had very little idle time afterwards for a bit of light travel before your father sat you down, gave you "the talk" and laid out the options before you. While you would like another month to sit down and think things over, in between watching cartoons and going on another holiday, your father was right, it was time to choose your path. <center><img src="images/prologue/father1.jpg" alt="Father"></center> You made your choice, so within weeks your father... [[Arranged a political internship at the UN compound on Mars|choicespeech]] [[Arranged a military scholarship at the UNN Academy|choicemilitary]] [[Arranged a science apprenticeship with Kova Genetics|choicescience]]

<center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/line.jpg" alt="Spacedock"></center><<first>>You step through the hallway and join the line, not many people are in it and it shouldn't be more than a minute. They're nothing more than light biometric scans, after all, nothing has changed between leaving the ground and boarding the flight, but still, they have to be strict with security and who they let through. @@.neutral1;<<say Ticketmaster "images/chapter1/spacedock/ticketguy.png">>Next.<</say>>@@ That's you. You step up and smile, this is actually the first time you've travelled entirely alone with no support and you realise your father or whoever you were travelling with in the past used to sort out the paperwork and travel. @@.neutral1;<<say Ticketmaster "images/chapter1/spacedock/ticketguy.png">>Papers please.<</say>>@@ Papers? He means the papers you got at the desk right? And your passport? You hope so as [[it is all you have left.|chapter1spacedock]]<<then>>You gingerly hand whatever papers that you have on your person, as well as slipping your passport onto the desk. While you watch him look at your documents, your mind once again races through the different possibilities of what to say to any of his questions, what if your paper wasn't up to date? What if they send you back down? Who can you trust on Earth? What if something more happened at the estate? These questions, were, for now, fortunately irrelevant as he waves you on through. Unbeknownst to most people, your biometric data and your bagagge were scanned and waved on through. @@.neutral1;<<say Ticketmaster "images/chapter1/spacedock/ticketguy.png">>Next.<</say>>@@ He doesn't even glance at you, he is in almost some form of automation, a lot of these jobs could easily be done by some form of VI these days, but in a society of abundance and economic prosperity they actively create jobs by making life more inconvenient - but I guess you have to give people a purpose. This guy was a product of that, he probably wanted to live and experience space, living on this station, but at the same time hates the 4 hour shift he has to do every day. He'd much rather be watching Daffy Duck cartoons and working on his vintage motorcycle, or whatever old guys do now. Anyway, you're through. Did that feel a little bit...too easy? Na. You head on through the [[security gates|spacedockpromenade]] onto the main promenade.<</first>>

<center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/spacedockadapt.png" alt="Adapt"></center><<first>>You step into the small acclimatisation area, pretty standard on most of these stations, the trip up, especially for people who do so infrequently, can be quite the daunting experience, though it is more psychological than physical, a burst blood vessel in the eye or some minor bruising can send a minor bout of anxiety into a full blown panic attack. There isn't much here, other than an auto-doc machine and one or two stragglers, using the area less for acclimatisation and more just to sit down and play around on their comm devices. A single monitor in the room <<link "rolls through ISN">> <<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/television/channel2-1.jpg" alt="ISN" id="hpleft"> Oh boy, you wonder what the news will be about tonight... The smarmy presenter, who you never quite trusted, had already started speaking, but as expected, it was about your father @@.neutral1;"..lout from the assassination of UN Foreign Minister David Sheridan continues this evening, as Ceres cuts off all formal diplomatic contact with the UN in retaliation for what they claim is provocation from Earth."@@ pictures from Ceres appeared on screen, anti-Earth sentiment seemed to be on the rise from what was being shown. @@.neutral1;"In a statement on behalf of the working people of Ceres, Scott Mason, elected chairman of the strongest workers union on Ceres, Iron Star, claimed in no uncertain terms that the idea any of him or his people were involved in the attack was scandalous."@@ well if he says he didn't do it, that certainly puts you at ease. <img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/mason.png" alt="Mason" id="hpright"> The video feed of a short stocky bald man replaced the presenter, he began speaking passionately about something or other, but you didn't quite pay attention. Don't you know that guy from somewhere? You shake your head as you concentrate on what he was saying. @@.neutral2;"...absolutely not involved in any criminal or terror activities. We represent the wishes of the people, for the people, by the people. If Earth wants to work together, we can work together, but we will work together as independent powers, benefiting us both. And we will find a peaceful solution."@@ he nods to the reporter with confidence and walks off. Honestly, pretty impressive guy, you could vote for him. Wait, what are you thinking? This guy could be involved in the murder of your father. You grumble to yourself as you notice your absent mindedness beginning to get to you, as the ISN feed moves onto trying to deconstruct what was said. Was it tiredness? <</popover>><</link>>, which you could take a few months to watch if you wish. Otherwise, you should probably [[get moving.|chapter1begin]]<<finally>>You once again step into the small acclimatisation area, there isn't much here, other than the standard auto-doc machine and one or two stragglers, using the area less for acclimatisation and more just to sit down and play around on their comm devices. A single monitor in the room is still <<link "scrolling through ISN">> <<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/television/channel2-1.jpg" alt="ISN" id="hpleft"> Mr Smarmy is working his way through the evenings news, not about your father but still some fairly boring political stuff that you didn't quite care about @@.neutral1;"...in other news today, economic reform bills for the funding for the Atlantic Conduit were passed by a count of 4.."@@ you really have better things to do than listen to this. <</popover>><</link>> but you have [[better things to do|chapter1begin]] than idle around here.<</first>>

<img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/observationdeck.jpg" alt="Obs" id="hpleft"> You step onto the observation deck, it's pretty empty, you never really see anyone in here much - apart from kids and people who want to see Earth from above for the first time, but there are cheaper and better ways to see the Earth from up here, bringing back vague memories of when your father brought you up to one of the many tourist observation posts, enjoying a chocolate milkshake while watching a hurricane form over the Atlantic Ocean. Still, places like there were nice for some relaxation and to gather your thoughts. You could [[approach the observation window|spacedockobservation2]] or just head back to the [[docking ring.|chapter1begin]] <<if visited("spacedockobservationencounter")>>You notice that Bill, who you spoke to before, is still sitting close to one of the observation windows, fiddling around with his PADD. Best leave him be for now.<</if>>

<<first>><<set $mentalstate +=5>>You step up to the viewing window, taking a look at the US Eastern Seaboard, despite decades of technological development, everything still looks tiny. You've see it dozens of times before and, truth be told, it does become a bit samey. But it does bring back those feelings of hope and memories of your father, for just a brief moment in time you forget the burden you carry, the isolation and loneliness. You feel...warm. <img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/observationdeck1.png" alt="Obs" id="hpright"> You take one final look at Earth...home...and then <<if $skill is "speech">>[[take a step back from the railing.|spacedockobservationencounter]]<<else>>[[take a step back from the railing.|spacedockobservation1]]<</if>> You have work to do.<<finally>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/observationdeck1.png" alt="Obs" id="hpright"> You take another glimpse at the Earth and...yep, it's still there and it is still big and blue. Not really any other feeling, why did you come back here again? You shake your head and [[take a step back from the railing.|spacedockobservation1]] You have work to do.<</first>>

<<audio "spacedock1" volume 0.02 loop play>><<first>>You step out onto the main promenade, where all the foot traffic passed through on the way to their next destination. No matter the time of day, it was always busy, though the lighting and the artificial atmosphere tried replicate the early evening feel of home. It was a center for commerce, business dealings and even the odd entertainment complex, it was, after all, the main conduit between Earth and the rest of the system for millions of people - not to mention the trillions in trade goods and vital fuels alone. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/promenade.png" alt="Spacedock"></center> It suddenly dawns on you that you really don't know what you should be doing at the moment, how exactly are you going to get to Ceres at this point? You don't really have the credits to book standard passage, unless you work your ass off in one of the bars or hotels for a week or two. But you simply lack that time, the message from your mother still haunts you<<if $savedjeffrey == true>>, not to mention the incident at the mansion. You hope Jeffrey got out safe. Well, despite your current predicament, you probably have at least a couple of hours to figure things out. And they wouldn't try anything in on one of Earth's spaceports, right?<<else>> Well, despite your current predicament, you probably have at least a couple of hours to figure things out. And whoever maybe after you, they wouldn't try anything in on one of Earth's spaceports, right?<</if>> You decide to take a [[look around|spacedockpromenade]]<<then>>The main promenade was a large multi-level public space, with twisting, circular walkways, if you looked closely, you could see the curvature and rotation of the station, maintaining the gravity. The upper and lower levels of the promenade house dozens of shops and station facilities easily accessible from the walkway. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/promenade.png" alt="promenade"></center> Decoration was provided by holographic projections, implanted and project from the ceiling to create a warm atmosphere, not quite mimicking the evening sky, but definitely putting you in that type of mood. Where to start? You're currently on the ground floor, which is mostly [[service desks, flight times and various company desks|spacedocklowerlevels]]. Perhaps worth checking out? Or you could simply go to [[the upper levels|spacedockupperlevels]] and check out the facilities there.<<then>>You find yourself on the ground floor of the main promenade, a large multi-level public space aboard the ESSD. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/promenade.png" alt="promenade"></center> Decoration was provided by holographic projections, implanted and project from the ceiling to create a warm atmosphere, not quite mimicking the evening sky, but definitely putting you in that type of mood. You're currently on the ground floor, which is mostly [[service desks, flight times and various company desks|spacedocklowerlevels]]. Perhaps worth checking out? Or you could simply go to [[the upper levels|spacedockupperlevels]] and check out the facilities there.<<then>>You find yourself on the ground floor of the main promenade, a large multi-level public space aboard the ESSD. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/promenade.png" alt="promenade"></center> Decoration was provided by holographic projections, implanted and project from the ceiling to create a warm atmosphere, not quite mimicking the evening sky, but definitely putting you in that type of mood. You're currently on the ground floor, which is mostly [[service desks, flight times and various company desks|spacedocklowerlevels]]. Perhaps worth checking out? Or you could simply go to [[the upper levels|spacedockupperlevels]] and check out the facilities there.<<then>>You find yourself on the ground floor of the main promenade, a large multi-level public space aboard the ESSD. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/promenade.png" alt="promenade"></center> Decoration was provided by holographic projections, implanted and project from the ceiling to create a warm atmosphere, not quite mimicking the evening sky, but definitely putting you in that type of mood. You're currently on the ground floor, which is mostly [[service desks, flight times and various company desks|spacedocklowerlevels]]. Perhaps worth checking out? Or you could simply go to [[the upper levels|spacedockupperlevels]] and check out the facilities there. While idling about what to do next, <<link "a standout man, or woman, in full bounty hunter gear">><<popover 'opaque'>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/bountyhunter.jpg" alt="BountyHunter"></center> A bounty hunter in full gear, most notably he is also armed with at least one weapon, a needle gun, you could see. They're extremely rare to see this close to Earth, or even in person, but they are one of the few members of the human race respected and feared throughout the system to the point where they're allowed to carry weapons even on a space station like this.<</popover>><</link>> passes by you. <<then>>You find yourself on the ground floor of the main promenade, a large multi-level public space aboard the ESSD. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/promenade.png" alt="promenade"></center> Decoration was provided by holographic projections, implanted and project from the ceiling to create a warm atmosphere, not quite mimicking the evening sky, but definitely putting you in that type of mood. You're currently on the ground floor, which is mostly [[service desks, flight times and various company desks|spacedocklowerlevels]]. Perhaps worth checking out? Or you could simply go to [[the upper levels|spacedockupperlevels]] and check out the facilities there.<<finally>>You find yourself on the ground floor of the main promenade, a large multi-level public space aboard the ESSD. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/promenade.png" alt="promenade"></center> Decoration was provided by holographic projections, implanted and project from the ceiling to create a warm atmosphere, not quite mimicking the evening sky, but definitely putting you in that type of mood. <<if visited("spacedockpromenade") gte 7>>You're currently on the ground floor, which is mostly [[service desks, flight times and various company desks|spacedockpromenade1]]. Perhaps worth checking out? Or you could simply go to [[the upper levels|spacedockpromenade1]] and check out the facilities there.<<else>>You're currently on the ground floor, which is mostly [[service desks, flight times and various company desks|spacedocklowerlevels]]. Perhaps worth checking out? Or you could simply go to [[the upper levels|spacedockupperlevels]] and check out the facilities there.<</if>><</first>>

<<set $gameactive = true>> <<set $kaylanormal = true>> [[Science!|test passage][$skill to "science"]] [[Military!|test passage][$skill to "military"]] [[Diplomacy!|test passage][$skill to "speech"]] Your skill is currently set to $skill <<if $alice == false && $skill == "science">>ALICE is set to false, do you want to [[enable|test passage][$alice to true]]? (RECOMMENDED)<<elseif $alice == true && $skill == "science">>Alice is enabled. Do you want to [[disable|test passage][$alice to false]]?<<else>>ALICE is disabled for non-scientists!<<set $alice = false>><</if>> [[Chapter 1 Start|chapter1begin]]

<<audio "military" stop>><<audio "jazz1" stop>><<audio "spacedock1" volume 0.02 loop play>><<first>>You find yourself wandering aimlessly amongst the many stores, facilities and entertainment complexes that populate the upper areas of the station. As with the ticket guy, a lot of these places are manned by men and women earning a paltry amount of money, but at least they get to live in space. A few of the less in demand or specialised shops are manned by VIs, both holographic and rudimentary android versions. There aren't many that take your fancy, honestly, at least not in your current situation, not only with your lack of credits and but you doubt you want to take a long haul trip while wearing some designer shoes or dress. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/spacedockupperlevels.png" alt="promenade"></center> Saying that, there is a quaint little place, the [[Eclipse Cafe|spacedockeclipsecafe]], that appeals to you, you also passed [[a cool looking bar|spacedockbar]], with live Jazz music, advertised to be 24/7. You supposed you could also do a bit of [[light clothes shopping|spacedockclothing]], well at least window shopping and try some stuff on. Finally, there appears to be [[several holosuites|spacedockholosuite]] on the highest level, two of them are unoccupied. Do you have time to play though? <<if $skill == "speech">>Finally, there is a small UN embassy office, if your credentials are still worth a damn then it might be [[a quick look.|spacedockembassy]]<<else>>Finally, there appears to be some sort of UN embassy or something like that, not much activity. You doubt there is much of interest there, looks pretty boring.<</if>> Maybe you should head back down to the [[ground floor.|spacedockpromenade]]<<finally>>You're on the twisting pathways of the upper levels, the sound from each of the units permeating into one awful noise of electronics, crowd noise, advertisements and various other noises. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/spacedockupperlevels.png" alt="promenade"></center> [[Eclipse Cafe|spacedockeclipsecafe]], a quaint little cafe that certainly appeals to the type of person you are, a nice snack and drink could go a long way. <<if visited("spacedockbartable1")>>Sadly, after the earlier incident the jazz bar is shuttered and closed for now, hopefully it'll reopen soon.<<else>>There is also [[a really cool looking bar|spacedockbar]], with live Jazz music playing loudly out of the front door, advertised to be 24/7.<</if>> <<if visited("spacedockclothingchangealice")>>The clothing store is closed up tight, you can just about see the assistant through the window, he appears to be removing some stock and moving it to the backroom...<<elseif visited("spacedockclothing")>>The clothing store is still open, but with the overly enthusiastic Frenchman in there, you decide against spending anymore time there.<<else>>You supposed you could also do a bit of [[light clothes shopping|spacedockclothing]], well at least window shopping and try some stuff on.<</if>> On the highest level, there is a row of [[several holosuites|spacedockholosuite]], do you really have time to play though? <<if $skill == "speech">>Finally, there is a small UN embassy office, if your credentials are still worth a damn then it might be [[a quick look.|spacedockembassy]]<<else>>Finally, there appears to be some sort of UN embassy or something like that, not much activity. You doubt there is much of interest there, looks pretty boring.<</if>> Maybe you should head back down to the [[ground floor.|spacedockpromenade]]<</first>>

<<audio "military" stop>><<audio "spacedock1" volume 0.02 loop play>><<first>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/spacedocklowerlevels.png"></center>You find yourself exploring the lower levels of the promenade, which was really just the ground floor you were already on. It's pretty large, with a rather large display of Earth as the center piece, showing all the incoming and outgoing flights to the planet's surface. More pertinent to you were the destinations away, ranging from the larger colonies of Luna and Mars to the outer colonies, most notably Pallas, Eros, Oshima and Io. Not to forget your ultimate destination, Ceres, which was served by the Ceres Travel Company, whose [[desk was rather empty at the moment.|spacedocktraveldesk]] Off to the right of the desks are dozens of large blast doors leading to freight storage, where cargo can be transported - though you're not quite sure why you would head there right now, but you could check out the [[docking ring|spacedockingring]] connected to it. This is where the trade ships dock, offloading trade goods in preperation for the planetside drops before heading back out into the void. <<if $skill == "military">>You notice a [[UNN office|spacedockmilitary]], but you're not quite sure why there is one here, could be worth checking out.<<elseif $skill == "science">>There's a small Korva Genetics [[logistics depot|spacedockscience]] here, you used to work for them, you could check it out.<<else>>There also appears to be some sort of military office here, as well as a small depot for a company called "Kova Genetics", sounds sciencey but neither is your field of expertise.<</if>> <img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/spacedockhotel.png" id="hpleft"> There is also a [[standard hotel|spacedockhotel]], just off to the left, likely to mostly nothing but small pods for travellers making a stop over flight, but there were always VIP suites, a faint memory of staying in one with your father returns to you for a moment. There is quick access to the commercial and entertainment areas of the [[upper levels|spacedockupperlevels]] from here too. Or you could just return [[to the promenade.|spacedockpromenade]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/spacedocklowerlevels.png"></center> You're back exploring the large, open plan, lower promenade. Rows of desks for various flights go for as far as the eye can see, only differentated by colours, symbols and names for the various companies and their respective destinations. The Ceres Travel desk is looking rather empty, [[you could check it out.|spacedocktraveldesk]] There is a hotel [[off to the right|spacedockhotel]], mostly small pods for travellers and people staying on the station - but you know there are other suites and areas there, well beyond your budget. <<if $skill == "military">>There's a [[UNN office|spacedockmilitary]], but you're not quite sure why there is one here, could be worth checking out.<<elseif $skill == "science">>There's a small Korva Genetics [[logistics depot|spacedockscience]] here, you used to work for them, you could check it out.<<else>>There also appears to be some sort of military office here, as well as a small depot for a company called "Kova Genetics", sounds sciencey. But neither is your field of expertise.<</if>> There is also a quick access route to the commercial and entertainment areas of the [[upper levels|spacedockupperlevels]] from here too. Other than that, you could check out the [[docking ring|spacedockingring]], this is where the trade ships dock, offloading trade goods in preperation for the planetside drops before heading back out into the void. Or you could just return [[to the promenade.|spacedockpromenade]]<</first>>

<center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/eclipsecafe.png" alt="cafe interior"></center> <<first>>You step through the double doors, picking the place because of how small and out of the way it was, a nice hole-in-a-wall type of place, great for people who just wanted some time to be left alone in comfty, familiar environment. As you step inside you notice a dainty, quiet young woman behind the counter working the replomachines before noticing you, she smiles and turns to greets you.<<if visited("prologueadultshoprambo")>> She actually reminds you a bit of Rambo, that chick you had a tumble with back at the station.<</if>> @@.neutral2;<<say Barista "images/chapter1/spacedock/eclipsegirl.png">> Please take a seat anywhere. I'll be with you shortly.<</say>>@@ Well, no harm in [[taking a seat|spacedockeclipsecafe1]] and having a few moments to yourself. But you shouldn't be too long, no three course meals or anything. Of course, you could just [[apologise and leave...|spacedockupperlevels]]<<finally>>You step through the double doors, picking the place because of how small and out of the way it was, a nice hole-in-a-wall type of place, great for people who just wanted some time to be left alone in comfty, familiar environment. As you step inside you see the young barista from before, still behind the counter working the replomachines. <<if visited("spacedockeclipsecafe1")>>You've already gotten all you can from here, you're full of coffee and cake and shouldn't [[waste anymore time|spacedockupperlevels]] or credits here.<<else>>If you've changed your mind, you still have the opportunity to [[take a seat|spacedockeclipsecafe1]] and get a bite to eat. Or step [[back outside.|spacedockupperlevels]]<</if>><</first>>

<<audio "spacedock1" stop>><<audio "jazz1" volume 0.02 loop play>><<first>>The bar is dimmed to replicate a typical Earth night, but is quite spacious, not too busy either, with the clientele primarily appearing to be travellers - tourists, wanderers and the occassional off duty worker getting drunk and enjoying the music. Silhouettes of various genders dance behind screens of hot pink and sky blue, but the repetitive pattern tells you they're just projections. Still, it creates a nice atmosphere. On the small raised stage, dozens of small tables are situated in front of the stage and there is plenty of availability, a guitarist had just finished their set and a new ensemble of musicians had started to set up. Great, but at least you're in time for the next performance. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/jazzbar.png"></center> You could [[take a seat|spacedockbartable]] and wait for the next performance, [[check out the bar|spacedockbarbar]] or [[just go back outside.|spacedockupperlevels]]<<finally>>You find yourself back in the atmospheric jazz bar. On the small raised stage infront of dozens of tables, a new ensemble of musicians had started to set up - looks like you're in time for the next performance. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/jazzbar.png"></center> You could [[take a seat at one of the tables|spacedockbartable]] infront of the stage and wait for the next performance, [[check out the bar|spacedockbarbar]] or [[just go back outside.|spacedockupperlevels]]<</first>>

<<first>>A fairly simple clothes shop, "Akagi Clothing", nothing too upmarket, Earth clothing tended to be cheap these days, unless you went really big. Despite being completely empty, who goes to a spacedock for clothes, you're fairly drawn to these types of places as you can get quite creative with the bargains, even some of the dresses are quite stunning. Besides, when you're not at some party or public occassion, you're more into wearing the kind of gear in here. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/store/clothesshop.png" alt="clothes"></center> It isn't long before you find yourself caressing a dress, appreciating the material and imaginging what you would look like in it, like a cat to a bright bauble. Despite hundreds of years of evolution, some things never change. @@.neutral2;<<say Assistant "images/chapter1/spacedock/store/assistant.png">> Ah mademoiselle! Oui! You'd look beautiful in this dress!<</say>>@@ Speaking of which, overenthusiastic store assistants seem like a tradition going back to the 20th Century now. And this guy was another level, especially with his almost comical French accent, underwritten by his campness. He takes the dress from the rack and shoos you towards the changing room. @@.neutral2;<<say Assistant "images/chapter1/spacedock/store/assistant.png">> Please! Try it on! It would be a crime if you did not look at it!<</say>>@@ You once again find yourself wasting time when you have more pressing matters, and yet, what could really happen? You're on a mile long space station with no where else to go. <<if $alice == true>>Should you [[leave|spacedockclothing]] or [[try it on?|spacedockclothingchangealice]]<<else>>Should you [[leave|spacedockclothing]] or [[try it on?|spacedockclothingchange]]<</if>><<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/store/clothesshop.png" alt="clothes"></center> <<kayla>>Sorry, I really don't want to try anything on, I just don't have the time for anything but window shopping...<</kayla>> You apologise as best you can, trying to shoo him off, yet he continues speaking and ignores you. @@.neutral2;<<say Assistant "images/chapter1/spacedock/store/assistant.png">> What about zhis dress? Or zhis dress? You must try zhem all on!<</say>>@@ His enthusiasm goes from endearing to downright scary and deranged within only a few seconds, suddenly you feel overly uncomfortable as he turns to another rack of clothing and begins piling up. @@.neutral2;<<say Assistant "images/chapter1/spacedock/store/assistant.png">> And Zhis! And zhis! And zhis!<</say>>@@ He doesn't even seem to notice you anymore. The hell is his problem? You should probably [[slip away|spacedockupperlevels]] while you still have the chance. Or do you want to [[push the matter further?|spacedockclothing]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/store/clothesshop.png" alt="clothes"></center> <<kayla>>Listen, can you stop? I just want to...<</kayla>> He turns to you and notices your discomfort for a brief moment, before returning to the clothing rack, pulling out the perfect dress for you. Or so he thinks from his expression. @@.neutral2;<<say Assistant "images/chapter1/spacedock/store/assistant.png">> WALLAH!<</say>>@@ It was like he had just discovered FTL and led human kind. But all he had done was found a dress. If you had this level of energy and dedication, you'd probably be at Ceres right now. @@.neutral2;<<say Assistant "images/chapter1/spacedock/store/assistant.png">> Zhis iz ze one!<</say>>@@ Well, you've come this far and, despite it all, you may as well go through with it and try the damn dress on. He beckons you to follow him and without a moment's thought, he moves towards one of the changing rooms, this could be your chance to <<if $alice == true>>[[slip away!|spacedockupperlevels]] Or do you want to [[follow him?|spacedockclothingchangealice]]<<else>>[[slip away!|spacedockupperlevels]] Or do you want to [[follow him?|spacedockclothingchange]]<</if>><</first>>

<<first>>Holosuites were actually a fairly new technology, a rather large but natural jump from the full bodysuits and immersion pods that had dominated the entertainment landscape during your childhood. Honestly, you hadn't used them much, but they are pretty cool from what you've seen. Though you imagine two thirds of these rooms are occupied by men living out their deepest, darkest desires. Not that there was anything wrong with that, they're just preprogrammed VIs, gravfields and tricks of the light after all. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/holosuitelobby.png" alt="promenade"></center> You step through the sliding double doors into the holosuite, there must be about twenty to twenty five here in total, though some of them are probably restricted for staff training and recreation. You look at the, there are currently two unoccupied. Do you have time for a quick adventure upon the [[holosuite|spacedockholosuite1]] or should you just get back to finding what to do next on [[the promenade?|spacedockupperlevels]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/holosuitelobby.png" alt="promenade"></center> You find yourself back in the corridor containing the holosuites, nothing has changed since your last visit, except you now notice that all of the holosuites are unfortunately, occupied. No more simulated adventures for you at the moment, you have [[real ones to attend to...|spacedockupperlevels]]<<set $cowgirl = false>><</first>>

<center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/eclipsecafe.png" alt="cafe interior"></center><<first>>You take a seat annd get comfortable, they really nailed the small "hole in the wall" cafe asthetic they were going for, and, after a few moments of reflection, the young barista eagerly scampers up to you. @@.neutral2;<<say Barista "images/chapter1/spacedock/eclipsegirl.png">> Hi, what can I can you miss?<</say>>@@ Honestly, you're pretty limited on credits and the further you get from Earth, the more expensive things are. You doubt your future trips will come down to the meagre amount of credits to your name, but every little counts. [[Order a coffee and cake.|spacedockeclipsecafe1]] <<then>> <<kayla>>I'll take a coffee and one of those luna cupcakes.<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say Barista "images/chapter1/spacedock/eclipsegirl.png">> It'll be right with you.<</say>>@@ She scampers off in the same way she arrived, you get the impression that this place doesn't see that much business. But these kind of gigs were generally less about making money and more about making sure the people are happy and engaged, with opportunity and social mobility. Though, from what you know, the further you get away from Earth and the UNN, the less hospitable it is. Even Martians, despite living on a prosperous colony, are tougher and more driven than your average Earther. @@.neutral2;<<say Barista "images/chapter1/spacedock/eclipsegirl.png">> Here you go miss...<</say>>@@ She places the cupcake and coffee infront of you with a great deal of care, keeping in mind that the lower gravity on the station means that a heavy hand could see the coffee suspended in the air, before slowly splashing all over the place. You [[tuck in|spacedockeclipsecafe1]] to your small meal.<<finally>><img src="images/prologue/station/coffee.gif" alt="Coffee" id="hpright"> You slurp the coffee, while snacking on the cupcake. Delicious. That felt good, you feel physically and mentally energised.<<set $mentalstate +=2>> You spend a few minutes relaxing, before [[deciding to leave.|spacedockupperlevels]]<</first>>

<<first>>You take a step back and bump into the rock hard chest of a bearded man who was just behind you, who must be in his mid-thirties, his whiskers starting to show his years. You're not quite sure if you should apologise or not, but you do have one thing to say. <<kayla>>Ow!<</kayla>> @@.neutral1;<<say 'Bearded Gentleman' "images/chapter1/spacedock/bill.png">> I apologise, I didn't mean to startle you. I just had to get a look at the stars. I like to do it every time.<</say>>@@ This guy looks a might familiar. Wait, isn't he that guy from the thing? You're pretty sure he works in diplomatic circles, in fact you're almost certain. You don't really have time to say anything before he continues speaking, while looking upon the Earth. @@.neutral1;<<say 'Bearded Gentleman' "images/chapter1/spacedock/bill.png">> You should wait for the full rotation so you could get a view of the depths of space. Eternity has never looked so beautiful.<</say>>@@ Is he...trying a routine on you? <<kayla>>...Sure.<</kayla>> He turns to you and offers a hand. @@.neutral1;<<say 'Bill Byker' "images/chapter1/spacedock/bill.png">>I probably have you at an advantage, I'm good with faces. Bill Byker, senior military attache to the UN, we've met before. You were pretty drunk.<</say>>@@ How embarrassing. Unfortunately, alcohol abuse was pretty much something you had to do while working with the diplomatic corps, it was a way of acquiring information, but you were young and sometimes you yourself found yourself being manipulated or slipping out the wrong piece of information. Fortunately, nothing that got you fired. [[Offer your hand|spacedockobersationencounter2]] [[Quickly make an excuse and get out of there.|spacedockobservationencounter]]<<finally>>Honestly, the guy is pretty charming, but you're not interested in making small talk at the moment. In another situation, you'd have played along and gone with the brinkmanship of trying to one up each other, a chance to practice your skills - but you genuinely have more pressing matters to attend to. <<kayla>>Sorry.<</kayla>> You leave him hanging as you move away. @@.neutral1;<<say 'Bill Byker' "images/chapter1/spacedock/bill.png">>Something I said?<</say>>@@ You hear him say something with surprise, as you giving him the cold shoulder, moving out of the room towards the [[exit.|chapter1begin]]<</first>>

<<first>>You offer your hand and he gives you a firm handshake, making clear eye contact. He's tall, attractive and definitely a womaniser to some degree, but there is a warmth there that allows him to walk that thin line between charming and creeper. @@.neutral1;<<say 'Bill Byker' "images/chapter1/spacedock/bill.png">>The pleasure is all mine Ms. Sheridan.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>You know my name?<</kayla>> @@.neutral1;<<say 'Bill Byker' "images/chapter1/spacedock/bill.png">>When you've been mixing diplomacy and military for as long as I have, you remember names and faces. And you've got a very memorable face, as well as being a high performing intern...<</say>>@@ He grins at you and turns back to the stars, he's probably read your file. You hope it was for professional purposes rather than he just wanted to check you out. Or not. But it makes sense, your name carries some weight and you know you were really good at your job... @@.neutral1;<<say 'Bill Byker' "images/chapter1/spacedock/bill.png">>I served with your brother, he's a fine man. I believe he is out in the uncharted areas? There's no better man for the job, I hope to get out there again one day...<</say>>@@ [["Why don't you?"|spacedockobersationencounter2]] [["Excuse me, I must be going..."|spacedockobservationencounter]]<<then>>He gives a knowing nod, almost to himself rather than you before chuckling at your question. @@.neutral1;<<say 'Bill Byker' "images/chapter1/spacedock/bill.png">>Politics. I'm sure you'll find out some day, but I've a good poker face and...well, I can't say much more.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Fair enough...so...what brings you here?<</kayla>> <<linkreplace "You continue to engage in small talk with Bill...">>You continue to engage in small talk with Bill for a while, about why he is here, his job, the party...stories on your brother. But you both know you're sparring, probing each other for information. But none if forthcoming. @@.neutral1;<<say 'Bill Byker' "images/chapter1/spacedock/bill.png">>You're good at this. But you have a long way to go...<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>What do you mean?<</kayla>> You both laugh, but you can tell Bill has places to be, the PADD on the table next to him had been going crazy with messages and he'd been eyeing if for the past couple of minutes. But it was a nice distraction for you both. There is a moment of silence as you both look back at the observation window, you notice Bill becomes serious. @@.neutral1;<<say 'Bill Byker' "images/chapter1/spacedock/bill.png">>I don't know why you're here, but I can guess. If you're leaving Earth, don't trust anyone, only your self. Things are getting bad. I can't say much else, but a young girl like you? With that name?<</say>>@@ He shakes his head, you feel a stomach cramp come on in worry. @@.neutral1;"Just...stay safe."@@ he looks at you sternly, gone is the charm and now he is being stern. @@.neutral1;"And if you need a place to stay..."@@ he picks up a PADD that was sat down on the table next to him, gives it a few taps and you feel your own PADD rumble.<<pickup '$keycards' 'bykercard'>> @@.neutral1;<<say 'Bill Byker' "images/chapter1/spacedock/bill.png">>This is my hotel room, if you want to have a coffee...<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>...Thanks...<</kayla>> Is all you can mutter, the tone shift has thrown you off your feet a bit. He nods and pats you on the shoulder before walking off, taking a seat at the quieter end of the room, engrossed in his PADD. Coffee? That's diplomatic code for...well, he is charming. And it could be a place to stay...<<pickup '$keycards' 'billcard'>> You take one last look out of the observation window [[before stepping back.|spacedockobservation2]]<</linkreplace>> <</first>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/flightdeskdesk.png"></center> You find yourself at the Ceres area, with only a single open desk open for services and inquiries for journeys to Ceres, usually there would be a dozen or so of these desks open, could it be to do with the worsening political situation? The terror threat? Who knows, but you could find out. There are a few people around the desk who look slightly distressed or even at a loss, playing around with their PADDs or talking on one of a variety of portable comm devices. Fortunately, this means that the desk is currently open for you to [[make some enquiries.|spacedocktraveldesk]]<<then>><<kayla>>Good evening.<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say "Desk Attendant" "images/chapter1/spacedock/flightdesk.png">>Good evening miss, welcome to the Ceres Travel Agency. How can I help you this evening?<</say>>@@ She belays a positive and chirpy disposition, but there is something about the teethy smile and her eyes that tells you she is actually under a heavy amount of stress and pressure. <<kayla>>I'm sure you've had questions about this, but is there anything I can get with a trip to Ceres?<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say "Desk Attendant" "images/chapter1/spacedock/flightdesk.png">>I'm afraid we are currently running limited journeys to Ceres. We have a flight shortly departing, but it is completely sold out. The next flight is in a week and that'll be a connecting flight through Station Sigma.<</say>>@@ Well, at least there are flights still heading out there - even if its in a week. You could [[continue inquiring|spacedocktraveldesk]] and see what the situation is or [[head off|spacedocklowerlevels]].<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/flightdeskdesk.png"></center> You find yourself at the Ceres travel desk, the woman on the desk appears to be immersed in her work, but as she sees you approach she quickly switches her mood to her customer facing one. @@.neutral2;<<say "Desk Attendant" "images/chapter1/spacedock/flightdesk.png">>Good to see you again miss, do you still need help?<</say>>@@ <<link "Why are there limited flights?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Desk Attendant" "images/chapter1/spacedock/flightdesk.png">>With the terror attack and assassination of the UN ambassador, the UN has declared an embargo on its citizens heading there. That's why for the next flight there will be a stop over and connect with another company.<</say>>@@ You just nod your head, playing the part of an ignorant civvy - though hearing about your father is still like a gut punch. Looks like the situation isn't going to get better anytime soon, you're going to have to come up with a plan b. And maybe b.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "What is the situation on Ceres like?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Desk Attendant" "images/chapter1/spacedock/flightdesk.png">>Not good at all. There are riots, looting, power struggles between the various factions...so much is going on that isn't reported on the inner system news channels. I hope my family is ok.<</say>>@@ You're surprised at how open and forward she is, letting the professionalism drop for a few moments to show some humanity. Everyone is suffering from this incident, I hope the adults in the room step forward and bring back some stability to the system.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "How much is a ticket for the next flight?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Desk Attendant" "images/chapter1/spacedock/flightdesk.png">>Let me check...20,000 Earth credits is the cheapest package we have at the moment for the complete connecting package. 10,000 for a trip just to Station Sigma. Would you like to book?<</say>>@@ There is no way you can afford that! How the hell are you going to get 20,000 credits? Even 10,000 credits is well beyond you at the moment.<</popover>><</link>> If you're done with your questions and inquiries, you should [[head off|spacedocklowerlevels]]. <</first>>

Yup. It's a hotel. It's as cookie cutter as it could possibly be, there's probably hundreds of pods for various guests in this station module. Say what you want though, the pods were comfy and had all your home needs for a day stay. Though the few times you travelled with father, you were used staying in the VIP suites, of which there were about a dozen here. Maybe you'll have to slum it in the pods for a couple of days, they're as good a place as any to hide and get some rest. There's also likely to be a place to stay for the employees here, mostly those who work in the recreational facilties rather than the permanent positions. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/hotel/hotellobby.png"></center> It's a sprawling complex, with dozens of hallways, you can't go randomly walking around here aimlessly and hope something pops off and you're not quite ready for a rest. You could check out <<link "the hotel directory">><<popover 'opaque'>>The hotel directory. It needs a keycard to get information on hotel rooms and occupants. <<if $keycards.has("aliacard")>><<link "[[Room 437|spacedockaliaroom]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</if>> <<if $keycards.has("billcard")>><<link "[[Room 001|spacedockbillroom]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</if>><</popover>><</link>> If you don't have any particular reason to be here then you should [[just leave|spacedocklowerlevels]], you're not quite tired enough to get some sleep yet.

<<audio "spacedock1" volume 0.02 loop play>><<first>>You step into the docking ring, rows and rows of both occupied and unoccupied airlocks as far as far the eye could see - though that was more due to the curve in the hallway, the donut shape of the ring spinning, creating gravity in this area - though you can certainly feel that the gravity here is a bit lighter than it would be on Earth, probably to make those born and raised in lower gravity more comfortable. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/dockingring.png"></center> Captains, crew and maintenance people work tirelessly through this section, ignoring your presecence and giving you free reigh to just walk on through. You could look for a transport to Ceres to hitch a ride on or even stowaway aboard, but you have no idea which ships are going where nor do you think a two week in an air tight cargo container would be ideal. Still, [[it's worth a look around.|spacedockingring]]<<finally>>The docking ring, rows and rows of both occupied and unoccupied airlocks as far as far the eye could see - though that was more due to the curve in the hallway, the donut shape of the ring spinning, creating gravity in this area - though you can certainly feel that the gravity here is a bit lighter than it would be on Earth, probably to make those born and raised in lower gravity more comfortable. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/dockingring.png"></center> Various crewmembers of the countless ships buzz up, down and around the hallway, not paying much attention to you. <<if $keycards.has("ezrielcard") && hasVisited("spacedockskiffincubator")>>Looks like station security have gotten wind of the slaver skiff, fortunately you got off it in time, on the other hand it looks like you can no longer get onboard again.<<elseif $keycards.has("ezrielcard")>>You could [[look for an airlock|spacedockskiff]] that matches the keycard you found after your incident in the bar.<<else>>You would love to find a ship, but they're all locked and or well secured, there is no way to board anything without a keycard of some sort.<</if>> <<if $military1 == "accepted">>What was that airlock you needed? Ah. There it is, [[Airlock 18-C|spacedockmilimission]].<<else>>You also notice some military activity ongoing outside some airlocks. Coming or going, you're not sure.<</if>> If you have nothing else left to do here, you [[should head back|spacedocklowerlevels]] to the upper levels.<</first>>

<<first>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>>You step into the room, it's empty apart from a single computer terminal embedded into the wall next to the door. <<if $skill == "science">>A typical holosuite consisted of a room equipped with a hologrid containing omnidirectional holographic diodes, enabling holographic projections and holograms that through manipulation of photons and rudimentary forcefields, gave the illusion of substance.<<else>>The room is deceptively large, you've never quite been able to understand the tech or how it works, it wasn't something that interested you beyond a superficial leve, but it was still rather intriguing.<</if>> <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/holosuiteinside.png" alt="holosuiteinside"></center> There are a multitude of simulations available, most are fairly rudimentary, taking place in one particular room or small area, though many don't really take your fancy or they're just flat out fetish material. But there are two that take your fancy, there is one titled "Star Quest - A Rough Landing", you were a big fan of this show! Could be fun! Wait, it is out of service. Fuck! Oh well, the only other that takes your fancy is a full simulated version of the 1800s titled [[`"The Old West"`|spacedockwestern]], you've never been a that big a fan of Westerns, but this one appears to be one of the most popular and seems quite advanced. You should check it out.<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/holosuiteinside.png" alt="holosuiteinside"></center> The simulation has finished, you find yourself back in the empty room, with the door now unlocked. Looks like your time on the holosuite is over, [[back to the real world with you.|spacedockholosuite]]<<audio ":playing" fadeout>><</first>>

<<first>><<set $militarygirl = true>>As the program loads, the computer begins to talk about how you'll taking part in an assault on a Imperial Fortress, where Captain Wrightway, the protagonist of the "Star Quest" show, is being held captive. Typical power fantasy, you wonder how many people have tried to fuck her after rescuing her. In fact... <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/droppod.png"></center> Exhilaratingly, you find yourself hurtling towards an unknown planet in some type of drop-pod, you're dressed in full assault gear, with a plasma rifle and a standard sidearm. Despite any limits, it did a fantastic job of stimulating hurtling through the air, <<if $skill == "military">>you've done it two or three times before and while not as intense as then, it still gives you that same thrill.<<else>>you've never done it and never hope you never have to in real life, but you imagine it is equally as exhilarating as the simulation.<</if>> Before you know it, your pod [[hits the ground with a crash.|spacedockroughlanding]]<<then>>The crash is violent and, if this was real and not a simulation, it'd probably have severely crippled you, if not out right killed you. Fortunately, holosuites have safety systems on top of safety systems to make sure no customers explode into a bloody mess. You look around, you're the only survivor, typical. You unstrap yourself and crawl out of the wreckage, smashing through the escape hatch with your shoulder, fire shooting out of the wreckage just as you escape. You fall from the wreckage, straight into some mud. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/powersuitkayla.png"></center> You fiddle around with the straps, removing your helmet of your power armour and throwing it to the ground, as the humid air of the jungle planet almost overwhelms you. As you regain your composure, you stand up and look around, taking in the landscape around you. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/planetside.png"></center> Well, this wasn't what you expected. Looks like you landed in some sort of swamp, which appears to have at least softened the landing some what, but still managed to total your drop ship. You look out into the jungle, there seems to be no sign of life. Is this really the planet with an Imperial Fortress on it? What should you do next? You could try to salvage [[something from the wreckage|spacedockroughlandingwreckage]] or [[head out into the jungle.|spacedockroughlandingjungle]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/planetside.png"></center> You find yourself on a hot and humid planet, supposedly an Imperial Fortress is located here. What should you do next? You could try to salvage [[something from the wreckage|spacedockroughlandingwreckage]] or [[head out into the jungle.|spacedockroughlandingjungle]]<</first>>

<<audio "wildwest" volume 0.02 loop play>><<set $cowgirl = true>><<first>><<set $battlescore = 0>>Before you know it, you find yourself in the middle of a bustling, Western town from the late 19th Century, with a cowboy hat to boot, a badge indicating you're some form of law enforcement and a big iron on your hip, an archaic weapon for a bygone age, though you imagine this was more based on the old projected movies rather than an historical reaction. While the computer mumbled on about some vague goal of bringing Adam `The Viper` Wagner "to justice", it is pretty much a sandbox game - as long as you don't go beyond the limits of the town, you're pretty much free to explore. Despite all the advances, there were still limits to what these things could do and they could still be pretty glitchy if you tried to push beyond the parameters. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/wildwestcenter.png" alt="promenade"></center> You take a look around for any obvious points of interest, from the few movies you watched from this genre, the most obvious destination would be the [[Saloon|spacedockwesternsaloon]], but you also spy a [[General Store|spacedockwesterngeneralstore]] and the [[Sheriff's Office|spacedockwesternsheriff]] is a pretty obvious place to go to find out more about 'The Viper'.<<finally>>The Old West. It's pretty busy, as you would expect, people going about their business, following their schedule, selling pelts and other assorted trade goods. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/wildwestcenter.png" alt="promenade"></center> You take a look around for any obvious points of interest, from the few movies you watched from this genre, the most obvious destination would be the [[Saloon|spacedockwesternsaloon]], but you also spy a [[General Store|spacedockwesterngeneralstore]] and <<if not $player.has('Viper')>>the [[Sheriff's Office|spacedockwesternsheriff]] is the logical place to go if you're looking for 'The Viper'.<<else>>the [[Sheriff's Office|spacedockwesternsheriff]] is where you can safely put 'The Viper' behind bars.<</if>> Last but not least, at the back end of town, you can see [[a stable|spacedockwesternstable]], this is where your horse should theoretically be. <<if visited("spacedockwesternsaloon") and $alice == true>> You're also drawn to a [[small trading outpost|spacedockwesternalice]] for some reason, but you're not quite sure why...<<else>> There are several other buildings, such as storage and other miscellaneous stores, but they don't seem of much interest to you or anyone else.<</if>><</first>>

<<first>>You enter through the double swinging doors of the Saloon, and as expected, you're greeted with a cacophony of sound, mostly men trying to shout over each other and women cackling loudly at them. But there was something that was...moody about the place. You take a look around, no one has really paid you much attention yet, but at least one guy noticed your badge and straightened up a bit. Behind the bar is an overworked, older gentleman who you assume to be the barkeep and owner of the organisation, he makes some brief eye contact with you, nods towards you, but goes back to cleaning his glasses shortly thereafter. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/wildwestsaloon.png" alt="saloon"></center> The upstairs appears to be some sort of hotel. Or brothel. Or both. As evidenced by the attractive women in skimp dresses standing outside the rooms. These kinds of programs always had to have some type of smut to them, why can't we just enjoy an adventure in a fictional universe these days? Still, what is the harm in spending some time with a hologram? Well, this is as good a place as any to start gathering information about what to do. But where to start? Should you maybe get a drink and [[talk to the barkeep|spacedockwesternsaloon]]? Or maybe you could [[ask the fine fellas|spacedockwesternsaloon]] playing some form of card game? Do you really need to do any of this, why not [[spend time with some of the lovely girls upstairs|spacedockwesternsaloon]]?<<then>>Just then, before you could do anything further, the saloon doors swung open and, within seconds, the entire saloon went quiet, as they paid attention to the man sauntering in, like he owned the whole damn bar - even the whole damn world. He walks up to the barkeep, every step he takes loud, intimidating and no doubt that is by design. He drops a sack on the table and takes out a gold nugget, placing it onto the table as a form of payment, before he turns to shout at everyone in the saloon. @@.hostile1;<<say 'The Viper' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/theviper.png">>Buy every man, woman and a child the best damn moonshine you can scrounge up!<</say>>@@ A roar came up and the atmosphere became even rowdier than before. It was pretty common for local crime lords to do this kind of thing, to keep large parts of the working class population on his side. You're pretty sure it is still a common thing, even these days, in many parts of the solar system, at least from what you've read. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/wildwestsaloon.png" alt="saloon"></center> Well, maybe you can finally start gathering information about what to do. But where to start? Should you maybe get a drink and [[talk to the barkeep|spacedockwesternsaloon]]? Or maybe you could [[ask the fine fellas|spacedockwesternsaloon]] playing some form of card game? Do you really need to do any of this, why not [[spend time with some of the lovely girls upstairs?|spacedockwesternsaloon]]?<<then>>But once again, before you can move on with the next part of the game, you're interrupted once more. @@.hostile1;<<say 'The Viper' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/theviper.png">>Why I smell a rat!<</say>>@@ Shouts the man in his raspy voice, the boisterous saloon once again falls silent, awaiting his next move, <<linkreplace "which is to turn around and look directly at you.">>which is to turn around and look directly at you. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/wagner.jpg" alt="saloon"></center> @@.hostile1;<<say 'The Viper' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/theviper.png">>You walk into this bar, with that badge, with that strapped to your side, with me here?! You have some balls on you kid!<</say>>@@ Despite being a simulation, you know the wrong move here could lead to a dreaded game over. You'll have to play this one carefully, logically, you could try to appeal to his sense of reason and [[just talk to him|spacedockwesternsaloon]], or simply [[reach for your weapon|spacedockwesternbadend]] and try to end this right now with some 'frontier justice'.<</linkreplace>><<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/wildwestsaloon.png" alt="saloon"></center> @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">>Listen, I don't know who you are, but I don't want any trouble. I'm just here on behalf of the....Texas Rangers...<</say>>@@ You stumble out, the holograms didn't really care, but you quite liked to roleplay the part and the Texas Rangers are the only organisation you know from this period, mainly because of the still existing sports team. He stands silently, his slightly crossed eyes still managing to stare you down, almost expecting you to try something other than talking. The situation is tense, before he breaks it with a shout. @@.hostile1;<<say 'The Viper' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/theviper.png">>Boys, grab her!<</say>>@@ Before you can react or defend yourself, several men from nearby tables leap into action, grabbing you and holding you in position. You're completely immobile against their strength, as the man, who you now assume to be 'The Viper' saunters over to you and rips off your badge, as well as taking your gun from you. @@.hostile1;<<say 'The Viper' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/theviper.png">>This is my town now lawman. And if you want these back, you'll have to come back with an army.<</say>>@@ He guffaws to himself as he looks at his new found treasures and proceeds to punch you in the stomach. If this was real life, you'd probably have ended up on the floor, writhing around in agony, but fortunately, the safety filters on these places made sure the main was minimal. The men release you from their grip, and with a delayed reaction, you fall to the floor, selling the punch. You always had a flair for the dramatic... @@.hostile1;<<say 'The Viper' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/theviper.png">>Come on boys, we have work to do.<</say>>@@ You should probably just [[let him go|spacedockwesternsaloon]], you have no weapons and are severely outnumbered. On the other hand, you could make a [[grab for a weapon|spacedockwesternbadend]] and end him right now.<<then>>He walks out with his gang and you stand, dusting yourself off. Despite it being a simulation, there is a hint of embarrassment and humiliation to the situation, but it slowly wears off as the people in the bar resume their drinking and debauchery, the incident is one of several fights in this place every day. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/wildwestsaloon.png" alt="saloon"></center> Well, maybe now you can get some work done. Though now without your badge or gun, you're going to be a bit more exposed and you'll have to be more creative. Where to start? Should you maybe get a drink and [[talk to the barkeep|spacedockwesternsaloonbarkeep]]? Do you really need to do any of this, why not [[spend time with some of the lovely girls upstairs|spacedockwesternsaloonbrothel]]? Or you could [[just leave|spacedockwestern]] back out to the town square, maybe you should check in with the Sheriff again? He might know more about where The Viper is.<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/wildwestsaloon.png" alt="saloon"></center> You're in the saloon, it is still rather boisterous and loud, but not as much as it was during your confrontation. Where to start? Should you maybe get a drink and [[talk to the barkeep|spacedockwesternsaloonbarkeep]]? Do you really need to do any of this, why not [[spend time with some of the lovely girls upstairs|spacedockwesternsaloonbrothel]]? Or you could [[just leave|spacedockwestern]] back out to the town square.<</first>>

<center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/generalstore.png" alt="general store"></center><<first>>You step into the small general store, a man sits behind the counter, weighing various bits and bobs, probably to ascertain their value. Two or three other peple are in the store, probably eyeing their next purchases. The counter is where the valuable stuff is though, rifles, furs, ammo, fresh foods and a large assortment of rare minerals, at least rare for the 1800s. @@.friend;<<say Shopkeep "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/shopkeep.png">>What can I do you?<</say>>@@ He says, as you enter the store. Maybe you can [[ask him some questions?|spacedockwesterngeneralstore]]<<finally>>You're in the town's main general store, there are a few people here inspecting goods and bartering with each other over something or another, but not a great deal else going on. You could <<link "browse the goods,">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/generalstore1.png" alt="general store" id="hpleft"> You browse the goods of the store, but there isn't much that is going to help you, just cheap pottery, some equally cheap clothing and food that is designed for long journeys, looking rather nasty compared to the fresh food on offer closer to the counter.<</popover>><</link>> you could ask some questions of the shopkeeper sitting behind the counter or simply [[head back outside.|spacedockwestern]]. <<link "Tell me about this town.">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Shopkeep "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/shopkeep.png">>Fine place. At least it was. Now it ain't. And it's all thanks to that flannel mouthed Viper and his gang of hoodlums.<</say>>@@ Seems a pretty common theme.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "What do you know about The Viper?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Shopkeep "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/shopkeep.png">>I know he is a bad egg leading a bad box. Countless shipments lost and I can just about keep above snakes! Another year of his tomfoolery, I'll be lighting a shuck outta here.<</say>>@@ Well, this guy isn't mincing his words like others may have done, even within earshot of others. He clearly dislikes him.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "Do you know where The Viper is?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Shopkeep "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/shopkeep.png">>Ahem. Well, unfortunately, no. The man might hifer around time, but you won't find him easily, unless you...look hard.<</say>>@@ He speaks while fiddling with two gold nuggets, what you assume to be gold nuggets, unusually, he does make fairly intense eye contact with you, like he is trying to tell you something that he can't construct verbally.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "How about a rifle?">><<popover 'opaque'>> <<if not $player.has('Rifle') and not hasVisited("spacedockwesternsheriffresponse")>>@@.friend;<<say Shopkeep "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/shopkeep.png">>Guns? Well, we do have some but not for someone I don't trust. New policy. Sorry.<</say>>@@ You sigh, you're gong to have to find a way to get a gun before you take on The Viper...<<elseif not $player.has('Rifle') and visited("spacedockwesternsheriffresponse")>>@@.friend;<<say Shopkeep "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/shopkeep.png">>The Sheriff sent you? Well, I'll be damned, it must be pretty important if he is giving up a case of whiskey to get you a shooter! Here, take this.<</say>>@@ He offers you a hunting rifle and a box of ammo, <<linkreplace "you should take it with you.">>you should take it with you. You nod your head in thanks and take both.<<pickup '$player' 'Rifle'>><</linkreplace>><<elseif $player.has('Rifle')>>@@.friend;<<say Shopkeep "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/shopkeep.png">>What do you need?<</say>>@@ You think about asking him about the other guns, but you think better of it, you have a nicy shiny new rifle, that's good enough for now.<</if>><</popover>><</link>><</first>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriffoffice.jpg" alt="promenade"></center> You step into the Sheriff's Office, the smell of alcohol is overwhelming as you enter, as a gruff old man sits idly at the only desk in the place. No wonder the town appears to be a growing den of with criminal activity, the guy can barely walk, let alone deputise anyone. <<if visited("spacedockwesternsaloon")>>He looks at you as you walk in, without your badge or gun, he probably thinks you're just another wanderer. @@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">> A new face, probably another criminal here to make my life hell. What do you want?<</say>>@@ He spits out with a degree of venom, every word being accompanied by an overwhelming smell of old whiskey. @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">> I'm Deputy Kaylee Sheriff here fresh in from...er...Texas..<</say>>@@ @@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">> Bullshit! What kind of a sorry excuse for a deputy doesn't carry or even have a badge?<</say>>@@ Well, he's not wrong. How can you explain that you arrived in town and were immediately accosted by the kind of scum you were brought in to take care of? @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">> It's complicated...<</say>>@@ He shakes his head in disappointment, but still straightens himself out a bit as he begins to speak. @@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">> I was expecting someone of your description this week, you certainly don't look like the typical ruffian...let me guess, you ran foul of The Viper?<</say>>@@ Again, he sighs, as he stands from the seat, but, being in what you can only assume is a drunken stupor, he almost falls over as he does.<<else>>He eyes your badge and, somehow, a spark brings him to life as he gives you a toothless, but still bright, smile. @@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">> Ah, the newcomer to town, I've been waiting to see you.<</say>>@@ Well, if you're going to play the simulation to completion, you may as well get in character.. @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">> Yes sir, Deputy Kaylee Sheriff here fresh in from...er...Texas..<</say>>@@ @@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>Texas! Fine place! We've been waiting for you!<</say>>@@ He lets out a horrible cough, that you think is supposed to be a chuckle, as he stands from the seat, but, being in what you can only assume is a drunken stupor, he almost falls over as he does.<</if>> @@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>Sorry little lady, I'm not what I used to be. That's why we...I...called you in.<</say>>@@ He beckons you over to a table, it has a writ for 'The Viper' for 500 dollars, dead and 1000 dollars alive, as well as a ton of other information. @@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>This here guy, he's been a real menace for us.<</say>>@@ He gestures you over once more to the table, to [[examine the information.|spacedockwesternsheriff]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sherifftable.png" alt="promenade"></center> The table is a disorganised mess, it is clear that he has made minimal effort to maintain it in any way shape or form, even the official writ and notices are half opened and, presumably, only half read. What a sorry state of affairs. @@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>I'm sorry for the mess, I honestly....gave up...I ashamed to admit.<</say>>@@ But you begin to understand, one of the notes has a full roster of deputies under the sheriff - and every single one has a red line through it. The Sheriff catches you examining it and sighs. @@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>Yup, he got to them too. Either dead, maimed or disappeared. All four of my best. I'm just a sad old man.<</say>>@@ You should [[inspect the table|spacedockwesternsheriffdesk]], [[ask questions|spacedockwesternsheriffquestions]] if you need to or ask the Sheriff some questions, it could help ascertain the next clues and where to go next. Or you could just [[take a step outside for now.|spacedockwestern]]<<finally>><<if not $player.has('Viper')>>The Sheriff's Office, a small, charming little office, but it has certainly seen better days. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriffoffice.jpg" alt="promenade"></center> There is a [[table|spacedockwesternsheriffdesk]] with several pieces of information on the whereabouts of 'The Viper', meanwhile The Sheriff sits idly, not really doing anything, you could try to [[ask him some questions|spacedockwesternsheriffquestions]] if you really need to. Or you could just [[take a step back outside for now.|spacedockwestern]]<<else>>You triumphantly enter the Sheriff's Office, "The Viper" in tow, still gagged, still unarmed and, most humiliating of all, no hat. @@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>Well I'll be! You did it!<</say>>@@ The Sheriff stands to attention, almost with surprise, as you enter the room with The Vi...Adam Wagner, alive and well. He's beaten, no doubt about it, resigned to his fate. @@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>You're gonna hang!<</say>>@@ Well, it's not your problem anymore, you have one last duty and that is to [[throw him into the cell.|spacedockwesterngoodending]] <</if>><</first>>

<<first>>Almost without thinking you place the dress upon the clothing hangar, just next to the mirror infront of you. The material on this particular dress is ridiculously thin, beautiful, it just feels so nice to touch, every touch, you feel a warmth in your hand, slowly move up your arm, like submerging it in some warm water after a hard day's work. You spend a good minute or two, almost hypnotically, stroking the material before snapping out of it. <<kayla>>Interesting...<</kayla>> You mutter to yourself, as you grip the dress with both hands, you get the overwhelming need to <<linkreplace "try it on.">>try it on. You eagerly begin to undress yourself, the anticipation is strong, you have to try this dress on, you must try this dress on. You've never felt this way about a simple piece of clothing before. You stand naked, as you take one last look at the dress before slipping into it and placing the straps over your shoulders before, moving your hands down from your shoulders to your hips as you do, taking a look at yourself, <<linkreplace "wait, something isn't right...">> <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/store/alicemirror.png" alt="mirror"></center> <<alice>>Don't I look just absolutely fabulous?<</alice>> She chuckles, as you realise that the reflection in the mirror isn't you, but it is ALICE. And she appears to be taking full advantage of trying on new clothes, but at least she actually has some clothes on for once. <<kayla>>Oh come on, can't I enjoy a little bit of time just trying some clothes on without you flashing your vagina at me?<</kayla>> Your resistance and annoyance to her seems to intensify the chuckles into a full on belly laugh. You hope somewhere down the line, you'll be able to get some help with this problem, you're not sure how much longer you can resist it without going a bit loopy. <<alice>>I can hear your thoughts, you know? You should be thanking me!<</alice>> <<kayla>>Thank you?! For once again intruding in my thoughts and flashing your body while I try to find a few moments of solace?!<</kayla>> <<alice>>The dress you're wearing is a new material that sends waves through your nervous system, very advanced, it certainly isn't a standard dress. That shopkeeper is either unawares or part of a testing study, either way, it could've been bad for you. If I hadn't blocked it!<</alice>> <<kayla>>Bullshit.<</kayla>> That sounds like another one of her pranks and tall tales that you'd become accustomed to, you...you...you begin to feel something, your nipples harden, as the dress you're wearing suddenly takes ahold of you, you once again feel your hands caressing the material...before you [[snap out of it quickly.|spacedockclothingchangealice]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<then>> <<kayla>>The hell was that?!<</kayla>> <<alice>>I told you! The dress is made up of this weird nanomaterial that I've never seen before. I recommend you remove the dress and get out of here, honestly. I'd rather not have to spend most of my processing power protecting you nervous system, I have better things to do.<</alice>> While it may still be one of her little games, it didn't make a ton of sense for her to pick something like this. Despite your doubts, she isn't exactly letting you look at yourself in the mirror anyway, her reflection still showing instead of yours, so continuing to wear the dress is pretty pointless. [[You slowly remove the dress|spacedockclothingchangealice]] and put your own clothes back on.<<then>>You place the dress back onto the hook thanks to the advice of ALICE, then take a step back and wonder what to do next. <<alice>>I'm glad you trusted me for once! I'm not all bad!<</alice>> While ALICE is an AI, a juvenile, immature AI, but maybe she isn't all bad, all the time. Though you're still not sure the advantages outweight the disadvantages, at some point, one of her pranks is going to lead you down a deep, dark hole...but for now, what to do? <<alice>>From analysis of his facial patterns and data presented, I estimate a 96.7% chance that the assistant is involved in this scheme and knowingly gave you the dress. Confrontation is not recommended, but a possibility.<</alice>> <<kayla>>I can think for myself...<</kayla>> <<alice>>Just a gentle nudge for my favourite meat bag in the system.<</alice>> Well she's not wrong, you have two options infront of you, you could either [[sneak out|spacedockupperlevels]] back onto the promenade and hope he doesn't notice, or you could [[confront|spacedockclothingchangealice]] him on what he knows, though it'd be a tad embarrassing if he was an innocent.<<then>>You whip open the curtain of the dressing room, looking for the man, only to be surprised to find him right outside your dressing room...was he listening...or even peaking? You throw the dress at him in anger. @@.neutral2;<<say Assistant "images/chapter1/spacedock/store/assistant.png">> Le dress! What are you doing?!<</say>>@@ He stammers, scrambling to pick the dress up from the floor, clearly flustered at your actions. <<kayla>>This dress, I know what it does to people! Who the fuck do you think you are?<</kayla>> You're taken aback a bit by your aggressiveness, maybe it's a little bit of ALICE influencing you, but your bubbling anger is overwhelming you too much for you to think about that. The man freezes in place, he clearly doesn't know what to say, he probably didn't expect anyone to notice, but not many people have an AI running around their head. You're not sure how he will react, you move towards him to [[check he hasn't had some kind of medical emergency.|spacedockclothingchangealice]]<<then>>@@.neutral2;<<say Assistant "images/chapter1/spacedock/store/assistant.png">>I am zo zorry! Zhey said it wouldn't hurt anyone! <</say>>@@ He drops to his knees, in a dramatic fashion, begging for forgiveness, he appears to be on the edge of complete breakdown. Well he broke easily enough, you should continue to press him. <<kayla>>Who is "zh.."..I mean "they"?<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say Assistant "images/chapter1/spacedock/store/assistant.png">>Zhey were a team of...gentlemen from...ummm... <</say>>@@ <<kayla>>You want me to take this to station security?!<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say Assistant "images/chapter1/spacedock/store/assistant.png">>No! Oui! I remember! eTranz? It was was zomething like zhis. That's all I know! Zhey wanted me to try out zheir new materials! Zhat is all! Most women, ezpecially, love ze dress! It iz all I know! <</say>>@@ eTranz? You've never heard of this company, or at least you don't remember if you have. Is it a clothing company? What kind of clothing company is involved in this kind of science? One thing is certain, he seems pretty genuine, certainly not competent enough to be anything more than a simple fashion assistant. <<kayla>>Fine. I'm going to report this to station security in an hour.<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say Assistant "images/chapter1/spacedock/store/assistant.png">>Zhank you madam! I will zend ze ztock to ze incinerator immediately! <</say>>@@ Seemed acceptable enough, you didn't really have enough time to spend getting involved in this and, from what you could gather, it looked to be some type of field experiment to do with material physics. Unusual, unethical, but it appears no harm is being done. But you should keep it in mind... <<alice>>Awww, can't we take a dress for ourselves?<</alice>> That's exactly why you're not taking a dress ALICE... You take one last look at the fashion assistant as you [[step through the door|spacedockupperlevels]], he is still crumpled on the floor in tears.<</first>>

<center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/stable.png" alt="stable"></center> The stable, or the technical term "Livery", is at the back of the town, while pretty full of traveller's steeds, it is still quiet as people go, apart from a few stable boys shoveling hay and keeping the feeders full, I guess the smell of horse shit is quite a repellant to most people. Speaking of which, you don't want to linger here. <<if visited("spacedockwesternalice")>>From here you could take up ALICE's offer and [[head out to her mansion|spacedockwesterncarriage1]], a well painted red carriage, manned by a well dressed gentlemen is ready to take you. Your carriage awaits.<<else>>You notice a beautifully painted carriage, surprisingly high maintenance, probably just scene dressing. You doubt you'll be riding in one of those anytime soon with your current objective and get up!<</if>> <<if visited("spacedockwesternsheriffresponse") and $player.has('Rifle')>>There is a horse, saddled up and ready for you, when you're ready to [[head out and deal with The Viper.|spacedockwesterngoldmine1]]<<elseif visited("spacedockwesternsheriffresponse")>>There is a horse, saddled up and ready for you, but heading out into the wasteland without a weapon is suicide, you should see about acquiring one first.<<else>>There is a horse, saddled up and ready for you, but you don't really know where to go at this moment and doubt aimless wandering in the harsh desert wasteland will get you far.<</if>> The town square is just a [[short walk back|spacedockwestern]], you can always return here later. Alternateively, it might be smarter to [[give up and leave town|spacedockholosuite1]], though this will certainly end the designated program and you won't be able to return.

<<first>>The desk is a complete mess, old bounties, new bounties, alike are loosely piled to the side, but the one that matters is the wanted poster, dead center of the desk. A dirty, old cigar hangs out of an equally disgusting ashtray, did people really used to poison themselves with this stuff? Speaking of poison, an ancient bottle of whiskey sits next to it, though holographic simulations were not nearly advanced enough to replicate food yet, even smell was a new thing for them. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sherifftable.png" alt="promenade"></center> <<if visited("spacedockwesternsaloon")>>You take a look at the poster upon the desk. And it is a familiar enough face, as suspected, it looks like the guy at the bar who you had the brief confrontation with.<<else>>You take a look at the poster upon the desk. He looks kind of goofy, but that's a big price on his head.<</if>> <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/wantedposter.png" alt="promenade"></center> 'The Viper' huh? Neat nickname. Maybe you should come up with a nickname for yourself, how about Kayla 'Snake Eyes' Sheridan? Eh, maybe not, you're supposed to be the good guy. There isn't much else on the desk worth a damn, there are several dozen locations proposed as his hideout, none of which mean anything to you at the moment and they're probably just guesses. There is also the list of people, the previously mentioned deputies, who were killed in the line of duty, or at least were "missing in action". You should [[turn your attention elsewhere.|spacedockwesternsheriff]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sherifftable.png" alt="promenade"></center> <<if visited("spacedockwesternsaloon")>>You take a look at the poster upon the desk. And it is a familiar enough face, as suspected, it looks like the guy at the bar who you had the brief confrontation with.<<else>>You take a look at the poster upon the desk. He looks kind of goofy, but that's a big price on his head.<</if>> <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/wantedposter.png" alt="promenade"></center> 'The Viper' huh? Neat nickname. Maybe you should come up with a nickname for yourself, how about Kayla 'Snake Eyes' Sheridan? Eh, maybe not, you're supposed to be the good guy. There isn't much else on the desk worth a damn, there are several dozen locations proposed as his hideout, none of which mean anything to you and they're are probably just guesses. There is also the list of people, the previously mentioned deputies, who were killed in the line of duty, or at least were "missing in action". You should [[turn your attention elsewhere.|spacedockwesternsheriff]]<</first>>

<center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriffoffice.jpg" alt="promenade"></center><<if $studypassword == "gold mine" or $studypassword == "Gold mine" or $studypassword == "Gold Mine">>You approach the desk, he looks up at you with a fire in his eyes. For the first time in quite a while, he is likely full of energy and enthusiasm that you can actually take down The Viper... @@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>Get to it! We don't have much time, when you're ready, go to the stable. And bring a gun!<</say>>@@ Well, looks like he is ready to rock and roll, you [[should head out.|spacedockwesternsheriff]]<<else>>You approach the desk, he looks up at you with a blank look. Deep down, he probably expects you to end up six feet under, like his deputies. @@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>I don't know what help an old codger like me could be, but shoot...<</say>>@@ <<link `"What should I do now?"`>><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>You're the damn lawman! Hell, you're more of a Sheriff than me, what the heck do you think you should do? Investigate! Ask around town. I don't have the nose for it anymore, but you do.<</say>>@@ He sighs, thinking about days gone by where he might have been able to help you more, maybe even join you in the battle.<</popover>><</link>> <<link `"What can you tell me about The Viper?"`>><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>Not much to tell. Your typical criminal, exceptionally charismatic but never tried an honest days work in his life. Deadly at the draw too, took the lives of at least three of my deputies...<</say>>@@ He takes a quick drink of the old whiskey as he finishes, washing away the memories of those awful days.<</popover>><</link>> <<link `"What about this town?"`>><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>This town ain't what it used to be. We used to have a gold mine, but no longer, I tried my best to keep law and order, but it just ain't possible without a solid economy. There is still hope, good people here...But not with The Viper around...<</say>>@@ He picks up a picture of the town, probably from around when it was founded, looking at it with a longing look on his face, like he wishes he could return to that time.<</popover>><</link>> <<if hasVisited("spacedockwesternsaloon")>><<link "After my investigation, I believe he is located in...">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">> From the information I've gathered around town, I believe that him and his goons are both located in the...<</say>>@@ The...<<textbox "$studypassword" "">> You say the location, before the <<link "[[Sheriff replies...|spacedockwesternsheriffresponse]].">><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</popover>><</link>><<else>><<link "Why is this town in such a state?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>The Viper...you likely haven't met him yet, but when you do, you'll understand.<</say>>@@ He sighs, it wasn't just a sigh of a resignation, but a sigh of whats to come for you when you eventually meet him.<</popover>><</link>><</if>> When you're done questioning him, you should probably return to [[looking for clues.|spacedockwesternsheriff]]<</if>>

<<audio ":playing" fadeout>>Before you can make your move, 'The Viper' sees exactly what you were planning to do and, in the blink of an eye, you're riddled with bullets from all corners, his men around the bar and 'The Viper' himself unloading dozens of bullets into your poor body. It would have been quite the bloody sight, and would no doubt be the end of your life, if this wasn't a simulation. Instead, the simulation slowly fades and the computer informs you of your failure. It's not the end of the world, but man, it would have been nice to spend a bit more time partaking in that form of escapsim... <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/holosuiteinside.png" alt="holosuiteinside"></center> You find yourself in the now cold, sterile environment of the holosuite. Your time is up here, you best [[return to what you were doing.|spacedockholosuite]]

<center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/wildwestsaloon.png" alt="saloon"></center> You approach the bar, barkeeps were always a reliable source of information on the local area, even in this day and age. @@.friend;<<say Barkeep "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/barkeep.png">>Drink?<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">>Just some questions...<</say>>@@ <<link `"Tell me about this town..."`>><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Barkeep "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/barkeep.png">>It was a nice place, prosperous. Still is, but for the wrong reasons. We're on the far frontier and the supply runs to the local gold deposits became too treacherous for miners because of The Viper and his goo....men. We're now a watering hole for all kinds of criminal activities...<</say>>@@ Gold mine? Interesting.<</popover>><</link>> <<link `"What can you tell me about The Viper?"`>><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Barkeep "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/barkeep.png">>He runs this town now. Badge or no badge, you best remember that.<</say>>@@ Despite his abrupt tone, you can tell he is holding something back, possibly because of the situation he finds himself in. Ruling through fear.<</popover>><</link>> <<link `"Do you know where The Viper went?"`>><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Barkeep "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/barkeep.png">>If I did, do you think I would be stupid enough to tell you infront of all these people? Listen, you're a lawman, use your brain power to read between the lines.<</say>>@@ He's not wrong, even if he wanted to help you, he'd be painting a target on his back.<</popover>><</link>> <<if visited("spacedockwesternoffices") && not hasVisited("spacedockwesternroom2") && $skill == "speech" && not $player.has('Office Key')>><<link `"Do you have the key for the locked office upstairs?"`>><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Barkeep "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/barkeep.png">>Sure, but why on god's green earth should I give that over to you?<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">> I'm the law. You can either hand it over, right now, or I'll remember how you interfered with this investigation when the federal government eventually steps in and starts taxing you all...y'all.<</say>>@@ He grimaces, then hands over the key as discreetly as he possibly can.<<pickup '$player' 'Office Key'>><</popover>><</link>><<else>><<link `"What is there to do here?"`>><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Barkeep "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/barkeep.png">>In the town? Well we have plenty of entertainment here, you can spend some time with my girls upstairs, or you can have a drink. If you're good with cards, then gambling has been legalised here by 'The Viper'.<</say>>@@ You think about ordering a drink, but you're on duty! Besides, food in holosuites have no taste or texture, so why bother? And gambling? You've never played cards and you have no money anyway. You're so sheltered.<</popover>><</link>><</if>> [["Thanks, that's enough questions for now."|spacedockwesternsaloon]]

You take a step up one flight of stairs, on one side seems to be offices and more of a legitimate operation. On the other side seems to be where all the...what was it? Whores. Whores is the word. Where all the whores are. And while you doubt this is completely historically accurate, there is even a male whore! Very inclusive. But what do you want to do? [[Go whorin'|spacedockwesternsaloonbrothel1]] [[Check out the offices.|spacedockwesternoffices]] [[Head back down to the bar.|spacedockwesternsaloon]]

<<first>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/tradingoutpost.png" alt="promenade"></center> You step into the small trading outpost, despite being drawn to it for whatever reason, it's empty, looks barely used to be honest, despite the being a hive of trading activity. Why were you drawn here? <<linkreplace "But then you realise why...">> <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/alicecowgirl.jpg" alt="promenade"></center> ALICE sits behind the counter, in a fully fleshed out form, drinking back a large amount of alcohol in one go before and flashing you a devilish grin. You feel like you're heading into a world of trouble. @@.alice;<<say Alice "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/westernalice.png">>Howdy pardner! How can I help you today?<</say>>@@ You know that face, it was ALICE, live and in living colour. What the fuck? @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">> What the fuck?! How are you here?!<</say>>@@ @@.alice;<<say Alice "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/westernalice.png">>Oh come on Kayla! Stay in character! I love a bit of roleplay!<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">> No, really. What the fuck?<</say>>@@ @@.alice;<<say Alice "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/westernalice.png">>Well, you know how I jumped from your father's computer into you? Actually, that never made much sense. But whatever, essentially, while you're on this holosuite, I can actively manipulate it! I can even improve it! Isn't that great?!<</say>>@@ You're at a loss for words, you manager to stammer something out... [[Get out! This is my fantasy time!|spacedockwesternalice]] [[Fine, do what you wish. Stay for all I care.|spacedockwesternalice]] [[Well, enjoy yourself. I have a viper to catch.|spacedockwesternalice]]<</linkreplace>><<then>>@@.alice;<<say Alice "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/westernalice.png">>Oh! Don't worry! I won't actively interfere with your fantasy, I can even help you out. If you visit me at my mansion, I'll give you The Viper.<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">> Mansion? What trick is this? There is no mansion! It's well beyond the parameters of the program!<</say>>@@ @@.alice;<<say Alice "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/westernalice.png">>Kayla, I am the program! And I am also an extremely wealth merchant who got rich from a series of trade posts! Just ask for a ride!<</say>>@@ She laughs, throws the bottle against the wall and blows you a kiss, before she fades out. Do you really want to follow her advice? You can solve this program without her help. Or maybe you really do need her help. [[The choice is yours.|spacedockwesternalice]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/tradingoutpost.png" alt="promenade"></center> What you found to be Alice's trading post, lots of valuable items sit on the shelves, but it appears to be closed for business at this moment in time. Probably waiting for you at her mansion, you should [[head back outside.|spacedockwestern]]<</first>>

<<if $studypassword == "gold mine" or $studypassword == "Gold mine" or $studypassword == "Gold Mine">>@@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>Well whip me like a government mule, that makes perfect sense!<</say>>@@ He points to a map next to his desk, with the gold mine visibly marked upon it, in fact you'd heard around town several times already about it. @@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>This here place used to be the town's life and blood. But bandits, like The Viper, made the trade hard, with their constant raids on our caravans. It was abandoned a couple of months ago...<</say>>@@ For the first time since you met him, his eyes have a fire, as he formulates a plan. @@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>We'll be badly out numbered, I've counted at least a dozen bad hombres who are loyal. You'll also need to get another iron. Head to the General Store and tell 'em I sent you. They owe me, I was hoping it'd be a case of whiskey, but...<</say>>@@ He stops short and sighs, but only for a brief moment, probably contemplating what he is doing, before continuing. @@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>Make some quiet inquiries around town, see about any help. But quietly, our only advantage right now is surprise.<</say>>@@ Well now you, you better [[make sure you're prepared before you leave.|spacedockwesternsheriffquestions]] <<else>>@@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>The $studypassword? That's some suspectin' thinkin' from what I know...you should have another scrounge around that ol' noggin'.<</say>>@@ Well that wasn't it, [[have another think.|spacedockwesternsheriffquestions]]<</if>>

<<if visited("spacedockwesternsaloonbrothelwoman") or visited("spacedockwesternsaloonbrothelman")>>You make your way to the upstairs brothel, just above the bar itself. All but one of the rooms is already occupied, a man and a woman standing outside. For a short moment, you wonder how much business the man actually gets, before you remember this is a simulation and he is probably there for choice. But honestly, after already spending some time with the whore, you're not ready for another round, in fact you're pretty satisfied. You should just [[head back down to the bar.|spacedockwesternsaloon]]<<else>>You make your way to the upstairs brothel, just above the bar itself. All but one of the rooms is already occupied, a man and a woman standing outside. For a short moment, you wonder how much business the man actually gets, before you remember this is a simulation and he is probably there for choice. Speaking of which, who should you talk to? <<link "Talk to the woman whore.">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say 'Female Whore' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/femalewhore.png">>Hey honey, you fixin' for some lovin? You're just a step away from a world of pleasure if you step into my room.<</say>>@@ You'd never tried a holosuite for sexual relief before, but you don't see why they wouldn't be as functional as can be. And she is certainly attractive. I mean, come on, who would ever know? <<link "[[Go with her.|spacedockwesternsaloonbrothelwoman]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>> <<link "[[Decide against it.|spacedockwesternsaloonbrothel1]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</popover>><</link>> <<link "Talk to the man whore.">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say 'Male Whore' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/malewhore.png">>Hey there. You ready for a night with the wildcard stud? You'll be begging for a release by the end of the hour...<</say>>@@ Well, this might be a proposition you can't reject. <<link "[[Go with him.|spacedockwesternsaloonbrothelman]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>> <<link "[[Decide against it.|spacedockwesternsaloonbrothel1]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</popover>><</link>> [[Head back down to the bar.|spacedockwesternsaloon]]<</if>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/upstairsoffices.png"></center> Maybe you can find a more productive thing to do when it comes to completing the game, instead of being ploughed by a dick that's really a forcefield, or licked by some manipulated photons. You should stop thinking like that, it is just so...unimmersive. Regardless, you decide to take a right turn towards the offices, despite how busy it is, no one really notices you or cares. There are several doors [[here to try.|spacedockwesternoffices]]<<finally>>There are three doors on this level that could be of interest to you. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/upstairsoffices.png"></center> <<link "Try the first door.">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/storageroom.png" id="hpleft">You open the first door and, much to your disappointment, there isn't a whole hell of a lot of value here. It looks to be a storage room, full of old bits and pieces, and while you're sure there is likely something of value here, you're not about to spend hours looking through it.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "Try the second door.">><<popover 'noclick'>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/securedoor.png"></center> Curiously, the second door is quite secure, it is made of a much stronger wood, possibly reinforced, but what draws your attention is that, as well as the sturdiness of it, it has a heavy lock on it. <<if visited("spacedockwesternroom2")>>The room is <<link "[[still unlocked.|spacedockwesternroom2]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>><<elseif $skill == "military">>You remember these from your time in the academy, during your training you were required to work with old world locks, many old Earth cities, especially ones abandoned to the environment, still had archaic locks like this. You could probably <<link "[[lock pick it|spacedockwesternroom2]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>>, if you are so inclined.<<elseif $player.has('Office Key')>>This must be the door that the key opens, you should <<link "[[try it|spacedockwesternroom2]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>><<else>>It might be of interest to you, but you currently have no way of opening this door.<</if>> Or maybe you <<link "[[should look elsewhere|spacedockwesternoffices]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>> for now?<</popover>><</link>> <<link "Try the third door.">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/hotelroom.png" id="hpright">You open the third door, you're greeted with a well maintained and recently cleaned room, but judging from how pristine it looks, it is unlikely to be somewhere someone lives. Probably a hotel room, nothing much to see here and no one appears to be using it at the moment.<</popover>><</link>> [[Or you could simple head back down to the bar.|spacedockwesternsaloon]]<</first>>

<<first>><<if $skill == "military">>You begin to fiddle with the lock, remembering your training, but it is actually far far easier to unlock than you expected, perhaps the simulation expected you to attempt this, the average person probably had no idea. Clever computer. Or maybe it was just blind luck, whatever it was, you didn't much care, you were in.<<elseif $player.has('Office Key')>>You turn the key in the lock, it requires quite a bit of strength to get it to move before you hear a rather large click. Bingo<</if>> <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/saloonoffice.png" alt="Shelf"></center> You step into the room and take a look around. It certainly looked like an office to you, but there was something disorganised about it. Empty bottles of liquor were strewn around the place, with at least two unfinished card games that appeared to stop abruptly, judging from the overturned chairs. Curiously, there were dozens of wanted posters of 'The Viper', but the peculiar thing was that each one was different, the posters were ordered in correlation with the price ascending, as his face gets older. He's been around for a while. There's various pictures around the desk, in fact, on closer inspection, they look to belong to The Viper himself, a picture of him as a youngster with...family? Friends? Who knows. There are other bits and bobs around, but it dawns on you that the assorted trophies and other instruments indicate, this must be their private room when they're staying at the inn, a clubhouse of sorts. Considering you saw them ride out, [[it's a perfect time to investigate|spacedockwesternroom2]], but you shouldn't take too long or someone might get curious...<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/saloonoffice.png" alt="Shelf"></center> You find yourself in The Viper's "clubhouse", there could be some clues to the whereabouts of his location here, you could possibly check out the desk, which has <<link "some drawers">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/drawgold.png" id="hpleft">You open a few draws on the desk, hoping for something substantial, but it's mostly just empty bottles and trash. Except the last draw, which is full of gold, probably plundered or stolen from locals and stored here.<</popover>><</link>> and <<link "a map">><<popover 'opaque'>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/officemap.png"></center>X marks the spot! That's where they must be hiding out.<</popover>><</link>> on top of it that could be worth checking out. The rest of the place is pretty void of anything else of note, unless you want to clean the place up, drink some half finished whiskey bottles or play cards by yourself. Somehow. When you're ready, [[you should head out.|spacedockwesternoffices]] You get the feeling you shouldn't linger too long, you wouldn't want to be caught trespassing, especially as an officer of the law.<</first>>

<<first>>You decide you want to spend some time with the female whore, you enter into the room and she follows shortly behind you, closing the door delicately before turning around to eye you up. She takes her time, checking herself out in the mirror, probably building the tension with you, before she takes a seat next to the bed. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/brothelgirl1.jpg" alt="saloon"></center> @@.friend;<<say 'Female Whore' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/femalewhore.png">>Undress, then come here and get on your knees, whore.<</say>>@@ [[Get on your knees.|spacedockwesternsaloonbrothelwoman]] [[Fuck that, I'm the domme here!|spacedockwesternsaloonbrothelwoman1]]<<then>>@@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">> Yes Mistress...<</say>>@@ Despite knowing it is a simulation, a chill runs down your spine and you do what she says, and do so quickly, letting your clothes drop to the floor before you get on your knees infront of her. As you take up your position on your knees, <<linkreplace "she unclips her corset, which falls off effortlessly to the side.">> <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/brothelgirl2.jpg" alt="saloon"></center> @@.friend;<<say 'Female Whore' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/femalewhore.png">>Now come here and taste me, pleasure me. Tonight you're mine.<</say>>@@ Her aroma entered your nostrils, it sent your arousal into overdrive, you begin earnestly licking her clam gently as soon as she instructs you to, your only purpose was to bring her pleasure, her hands ran through your hair, guiding you,letting you know which areas to work on. It was going to be [[a long session.|spacedockwesternsaloonbrothelwoman]]<</linkreplace>><<finally>><center><video loop autoplay><source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/brothellesbian.webm"></video></center> You're not sure how much time passed, but her lips satiated whatever desire you had, the taste was heavenly and making her writhe in pleasure as you served her turned you on to unbelievable levels. She called your name, at least the name she had given you, as she climaxed. @@.friend;<<say 'Female Whore' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/femalewhore.png">>Good whore...<</say>>@@ She whispered to you, stroking your hair and slowly pushing you away. When her orgasm subsided she sat back in the seat, relaxing, you admire her for a few moments. You got absolutely dominated and you loved it, though you feel a little bit frustrated that you didn't climax, you guess that was what you signed up for as her personal whore. Either way, judging from her expression of satisfication mixed with slight impatience at you still being here, it is probably time to [[get dressed and head out.|spacedockwesternsaloonbrothel1]]<</first>>

<<first>>Following his suggestion, you enter into the room and, before you know it, you hear the door slam shut, grabbing you in both arms and throwing you onto the nearby bed. Like an animal, he pounces upon you, then begins slowly caressing you, certainly more sweetly than you imagined, considering the aggression of which he slung you across the room with. @@.friend;<<say 'Male Whore' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/malewhore.png">>Tonight, you're mine...<</say>>@@ He whispered into your ear, as you found your arms wrapping themselves around his neck, your legs around his hips, inviting him closer into an embrace. His warm hands moved around your back, as he continued to undress you. It wasn't long before you soon found his mouth, eagerly as excited about this new thrill. [[You knew you were in for one hell of a time.|spacedockwesternsaloonbrothelman]]<<then>><video loop autoplay><source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/brothelfuck.webm"></video> You were not sure how long he had been pumping in and out of you, but it didn't matter. The wide tip spread your moist lower lips, as you gasped in ectasy as you felt his manhood going in and out. His hands held your hips, guiding you, almost pulling out in and out with every thrust. His member felt like it was stretch you from the inside, its comfortably, almost unnaturally, smooth surface. @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/kayla/orgasm.png">>I'm gonna cum!<</say>>@@ You whisper in his ear, before your body shudders, you give out a faint whimper of delight, the feeling of his manhood filling you up, aiding you on the way. But, at the back of your mind, you knew this was all a simulation, I mean how often do people orgasm at the same time like that? Honestly, it probably dulled your climax a little bit. But it was still good. The man, whose name you never even learned, rolls to the side and lays on the bed, satisified he has done his job. @@.friend;<<say 'Male Whore' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/malewhore.png">>You're welcome for the service, I've never fucked a lawman before...<</say>>@@ Not bad for a simulation, but it was pretty hard to not thinking about the situation you were in, it's like the program was there to make you climax then give up. You spend five or so minutes relaxing in the bed, before deciding it is time to [[get dressed and leave.|spacedockwesternsaloonbrothel1]]<</first>>

<<first>>Fuck that! You're not going to let a hologram, order you around, you're the one who is going to be taking the lead and letting her serve you tonight. @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">> I don't think so...<</say>>@@ You say, as you roughly grab her by the arm and pull her up towards you, leading her over towards the bed, before forcing her to kneel. She of course follows your instructions, she is after still a holographic projection after all. [[It was going to be a fun time.|spacedockwesternsaloonbrothelwoman1]]<<then>> <center><video loop autoplay><source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/brothellesbian1.webm"></video></center> @@.friend;<<say 'Female Whore' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/femalewhore.png">>Mmmpfh.<</say>>@@ She spent the next half an hour or so between your legs, ravenously lapping up your juices, her tongue use was expert, she didn't even need to make use of her fingers too often, though they were a welcome addition. You must have climaxed at least twice, you could have done another two times, but the fact that, at the back of your mind, you still knew this was a simulation, meant that it got less and less exciting as time drew on. You push her away after one last climax, and she licks her lips eagerly. @@.friend;<<say 'Female Whore' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/femalewhore.png">>I hope I satisfied you mistress!<</say>>@@ Mistress? That's a title you could get used to. You give her a little pat on the head, spending a minute or two enjoying the post climax bliss, before getting dressed and [[heading out.|spacedockwesternsaloonbrothel1]]<</first>>

<<first>>You place what gear you have and hop upon the horse, it's only a short ride to the gold mine, a couple of miles, so you better get started. You're not really sure how to get the horse moving, but you do your best impression of the old cowboys from the 20th Century movies you've seen on the cheaper channels. @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">>To the gold mine! Hiyah!<</say>>@@ And off the horse went, it didn't take you long to realise that the control you thought you had over the horse didn't really exist, the horse was clearly going along a predetermined path to give you the illusion of control. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/landscape.png" alt="saloon"></center> Still, it was quite a scenic route it took you along, despite being a desert you still passed large vistas and hopped a small river, no doubt by design. It wasn't long til you arrived at your destination, the horse stopping near an outcropping of rocks, hiding you from view, but giving you a decent vantage point [[overlooking the mine.|spacedockwesterngoldmine1]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/vantagepoint.png" alt="saloon"></center> You enter a prone position and shimmy up as best you can to the vantage point you've found, from here you can see a [[small camp|spacedockwesterngoldminecamp]] pretty clearly, doesn't look like anyone is home at this moment, as well as the [[entrance to the mine|spacedockwesterngoldmineentrance]], which is fairly well lit from what you can see.<</first>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/manorcarriage.png" alt="carriage"></center> Despite an inner voice shouting at you, you decide to take up ALICE's offer and head to her mansion. You approach the carriage, it's almost ornate, pristine, like it doesn't quite belong in this town, but here it is. You take a step into the carriage, being greeted by a sumptuous interior, leather padded seats, a mini-golden chandelier, as well as a neatly wrapped package for you. You should [[take a seat|spacedockwesterncarriage2]] before the carriage heads out or maybe this was a bad idea and you should [[just leave.|spacedockwesterncarriage1]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/manorcarriage.png" alt="carriage"></center> You make towards the door, but hear a click just as your hand reaches towards to open it. You try once, then push against the door briefly but it doesn't budge. Looks like ALICE doesn't want you leaving, you're in her web now. It would probably be wise to just [[take a seat|spacedockwesterncarriage2]], but you could give it one last [[shove with your shoulder.|spacedockwesterncarriage1]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/manorcarriageinterior.png" alt="carriageinterior"></center> You take a deep breath, take a step back to give yourself as much momentum as possible as you prepare to <<linkreplace "<center><B>shoulder charge the door...</B></center>">>\ <<audio "bodyimpact" volume 0.20 play>> You give it your all, but your only reward is a sore shoulder. Despite being a flimsy looking door, you may as well have been running into ten feet of steel combination - holosuites can be manipulated in all sorts of ways. Thankfully, the safety locks are on for this exact reason - morons running into things and potentially injuring themselves severely - so no real damage is done. Well, for now. Looks like your only choice is to [[take a seat.|spacedockwesterncarriage2]]<</linkreplace>><</first>>

<img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/goldmine3.png" alt="saloon" id="hpleft">There looks to be only one way in and one way out of the mine, so if you're going to enter, you're going to have to be very careful. A small torch burns at the entrance, as well as what appears to be several leading the way through the halls of the mine, possibly deeper into the cavern. Someone is deep down, probably in there right now. You'll have to be careful should [[you decide to enter|spacedockwesterngoldminetunnel]], though you could [[return back to the camp.|spacedockwesterngoldminecamp]]

<<first>>You sneakily make your way up to the camp, while you're confident enough that there is no one around at the moment, you don't really want to risk being too indiscreet in your movements. The camp is currently occupied, from the various supplies and boxes hanging around, but has been recently vacated, as evidenced by the dying embers of the fire in the middle of the camp, someone was here an hour or two ago at least. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/goldmine1.png" alt="saloon"></center> Still, it's an excellent opportunity to check out the tents while you're still here. There are two tents, left and right of each other, one appears to be <<link `"a tent for an individual"`>><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/tent1interior.png" alt="camp" id="hpleft"> You take a step into the tent, it's pretty small but what you would certainly describe as homely, with a distinct and pleasant smell to it. Taking a look around, there is a basket of fairly fresh fruit, as well as an expensive bottle of wine, sitting on an otherwise empty desk. This is relative luxury for such a small tent, especially a bed that looks rather inviting, even now. <<if not $player.has('pistol')>>But most importantly, there's your badge and gun on top of a crate! <<linkreplace "You should reclaim them.">>You grab the pistol and reholster it, as well as taking your badge and returning it to its rightful place with a degree of pride. You're ready.<<pickup '$player' 'pistol'>><</linkreplace>><<else>>There isn't anything else of use here, it appears to either be unimportant or ill gotten gains you'll have to liberate at another time.<</if>><</popover>><</link>>, while the other is probably where <<link `"three or four guys sleep"`>><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/tent2interior.png" alt="camp" id="hpright"> This place stinks, particularly of the sweaty musk of several men who don't shower often. This must be where the hired guns and henchmen stay for The Viper, there doesn't appear to be much here of interest however, despite a large stash of contraband at the back, it appears to mostly be alcohol and various other valuables, none of which would be of use to you at this current moment in time.<</popover>><</link>> in bunks together. If you're done investigating here, the only other thing to do would be to head out to [[the gold mine entrance|spacedockwesterngoldmineentrance]].<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/goldmine1.png" alt="saloon"></center> You find yourself with an excellent opportunity to check out the tents while you're still here. There are two tents, left and right of each other, one appears to be <<link `"a tent for an individual"`>><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/tent1interior.png" alt="camp" id="hpleft"> You take a step into the tent, it's pretty small but what you would certainly describe as homely, with a distinct and pleasant smell to it. Taking a look around, there is a basket of fairly fresh fruit, as well as an expensive bottle of wine, sitting on an otherwise empty desk. This is relative luxury for such a small tent, especially a bed that looks rather inviting, even now. <<if not $player.has('pistol')>>But most importantly, there's your badge and gun on top of a crate! <<linkreplace "You should reclaim them.">>You grab the pistol and reholster it, as well as taking your badge and returning it to its rightful place with a degree of pride. You're ready.<<pickup '$player' 'pistol'>><</linkreplace>><<else>>There isn't anything else of use here, it appears to either be unimportant or ill gotten gains you'll have to liberate at another time.<</if>><</popover>><</link>>, while the other is probably where <<link `"three or four guys sleep"`>><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/tent2interior.png" alt="camp" id="hpright"> This place stinks, particularly of the sweaty musk of several men who don't shower often. This must be where the hired guns and henchmen stay for The Viper, there doesn't appear to be much here of interest however, despite a large stash of contraband at the back, it appears to mostly be alcohol and various other valuables, none of which would be of use to you at this current moment in time.<</popover>><</link>> in bunks together. <<if visited("spacedockwesterngoldminesnipe")>>The mine entrance has collapsed, so if you're done investigating it might be wise to [[head back to town and track The Viper down.|spacedockwesterngoodend]]<<else>>If you're done investigating here, the only other thing to do would be to head out to [[the gold mine entrance|spacedockwesterngoldmineentrance]].<</if>><</first>>

<<first>>You take a deep breathe and step into the mine, it is a long, wind and narrow path, there are traces of an old mining cart system, but it appears to have fell into a state of disrepair. The sunlight quickly disappears and the only source of light are the torch scones that are dotted loosely along the walls, as well as being the only realistic way of going, you try your best to remain quiet, but it's quite difficult to do so, you hope the sound doesn't echo too far. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/goldmine4.png" alt="antechamber"></center> The mine is long, you can even feel the air getting a bit thinner as you move along, but it doesn't last long as you finally come across an area that appears to be somewhat occupied, as evidenced by the voices and shadows echoing through the caverns, seemingly coming from the entrance directly infront of you. You take a moment to evaluate the situation, perhaps you want to rush directly in and try to apprehend them? Or maybe you can look around a bit more, there could be some other ideas available. [[What should you do?|spacedockwesterngoldminetunnel]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/goldmine4.png" alt="antechamber"></center> You find yourself in a fairly well lit antechamber of the gold mine, pondering how to approach the situation you find yourself in. The voices and belly laughs of several men echo from the room directly infront of you, along the faded tracks. There are two other doors leading to lesser, darker rooms, [[one to the left|spacedockwesterngoldmineleftroom]] and [[one to the right|spacedockwesterngoldminerightroom]], they could certainly be worth investigation.<</first>>

<<first>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/goldmine6.jpg" alt="antechamber" id="hpright">You decide to go take a gander at the right most doorway, one look indicates that it's a tough piece of terrain to navigate, it'll take a good few minutes and might require some climbing, hell, it might even lead to a dead end. Regardless, you don't feel confident about walking into the main room and taking on half a dozen armed men, even with the element of surprise. There has to be something this way. After five or so minutes and a short amount of climbing and hopping, you come across a small alcove looking out below the room. Eureka! You get a good shot of several men, including The Viper! You can hear them talking and laughing, specifically about how they bullied "the lawman" and that "she'll end up like the rest". Well, you'll see about that. But what do you do now? You could probably drop two or three of them from this position with a few rounds from the rifle, but you'd still be vulnerable to those remaining. [[What do you do?|spacedockwesterngoldminerightroom]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/minechamber.jpg" alt="Shelf"></center> You find yourself on the alcove, overlooking the main chamber of the mine. You don't really know what to do, [[you could set up your rifle|spacedockwesterngoldminesnipe]] and take some shots, but you really don't think you'd last long this way, but perhaps there is a creative solution. Or you could just [[listen in to their conversation|spacedockwesterngoldminerightroom]], maybe you can find some key information?<<then>>You peak your head over the ridge, the voices echo against the walls, but direct line of sight means you can focus your hearing a little better. You listen in on the conversation... @@.hostile1;<<say 'Sam' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sam.png">>We enough loot and gold from this shit hole to whore and drink for the rest of our lives! Why we still here boss?<</say>>@@ @@.hostile2;<<say 'The Viper' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/theviper.png">>Ooooh, Sam. Sam. Sam. Sam. It ain't about getting rich! It's about the fun!<</say>>@@ He picks up a recently smelted bar of gold, tossing it at the guy, who barley dodges, like it was a worthless piece of iron. This guy is a psychopath. Typical villain! But what should you do now? [[You could still set up your rifle|spacedockwesterngoldminesnipe]] or would you really be silly enough to [[try talking to them?|spacedockwesterngoldminerightroom]]<<then>>Well, it's worth a try, maybe there is a peaceful solution to this? But how are you going to approach this? Well, you'll think about it when you get to it. You take a deep breath, as you stand up and make yourself known, throwing your guns down as a sign of surrender. The men look up at the alcove, reaching for their guns immediately, but they don't shoot immediately, maybe they're amused by you? Or think you're going to surrender? The Viper motions to his men to hold their weapons, as he eyes you up, wondering what you have planned. What do you have planned, by the way? @@.hostile1;<<say 'The Viper' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/theviper.png">>Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in fellas!<</say>>@@ The Viper chortles, as he sees you, not considering you a threat, his henchmen, in a typical fashion, follow with their own laughter, not wanting to displease their boss. @@.hostile1;<<say 'The Viper' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/theviper.png">>You're not getting out of here in one piece lawman, but I admire your bass kid, any last words before we shoot you down from there?<</say>>@@ You gulp, you should make sure you use the right words here. [[Appeal to The Viper's men.|spacedockwesterngoldminerightroom]] [[Appeal to The Viper's sense of humanity.|spacedockwesterngoldminebadend]]<<then>><<if $skill == "speech">>You turn your gaze from The Viper and turn to his men, you'll have a much better chance of convincing them, they seem gullible and, as you heard, at least one of them wants to just take the loot and run. @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">>Guys, seriously? You have this entire gold mine for yourself, a ton of loot and you're still taking orders from this guy? Let me tell you what you can do if you take this guy out and throw down your guns.<</say>>@@ You see The Viper stand to attention, becoming quite tense, if not more than a little bit concerned. [[Propose a business plan.|spacedockwesterngoldminerightroom]] [[Offer amnesty.|spacedockwesterngoldminebadend]] [[Appeal to their humanity.|spacedockwesterngoldminebadend]] <<else>>You turn your gaze from The Viper and turn to his men, you'll have a much better chance of convincing them, they seem gullible and, as you heard, at least one of them wants to just take the loot and run. @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">>Guys, seriously? This guy sucks, I mean, look at him, he has cross eyes. You could do better, who is with me?!<</say>>@@ But they're, unfortunately, not convinced by your plea, you were never the most convincing with your words even in the real world, made even worse as they begin laughing at your feeble attempt at persuasion. Maybe if you had some type of speech skill, wait did you even have the option to select that? Well it doesn't matter, you hear several gunshots, <<linkreplace "before the world fades around you.">>before the world fades around you. It's not the end of the world, but man, it would have been nice to take out that damn Viper, but looks like he won... <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/holosuiteinside.png" alt="holosuiteinside"></center> You find yourself back in the now cold, sterile environment of the holosuite. Your time is up here, you best [[return to what you were doing.|spacedockholosuite]]<</linkreplace>><</if>><<then>>Business plan! Appeal to them in a logical way, explain to them. @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">>Well, why not go legitimate? You know, turn this? Hire people from the town? This place is abandoned. I'll vouch for you, as a woman of the federal state. Hire townsfolk, mine the gold, sell the gold. You'll never have to sleep in a dirt bed again....<</say>>@@ The men are clearly listening, The Viper begins to look paniced, as he takes a glance at his men, who are looking at each other, nodding in agreement. You continue, using a few other business terms, return on investment, risk analysis, the other nonsense you'd heard at various meetings. Even The Viper is impressed, well that could be the sheer terror at what is happening. @@.hostile1;<<say 'The Viper' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/theviper.png">>Don't listen to her!<</say>>@@ He reaches for his gun, ready to put you six feet under, right until he realises that two of his own men have drawn on him. @@.hostile1;<<say 'Sam' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sam.png">>Continue...<</say>>@@ The one called Sam says to you. [[And you do....|spacedockwesterngoldminerightroom]]<<then>><<pickup '$player' 'Viper'>>By the time you finish your presentation about profit and loss, staking a claim to the mine, filing tax in a timely manner and assuring them you'll vouch for them, so long as they return the loot into your possession, The Viper is hogtied on your horse outside, tightly gagged with his weapons removed and, most importantly, his hat, he glares at you, but there is a resignation in his eyes that he lost. And he lost to someone without a bullet fired. @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">>It's been an absolute pleasure boys, good luck with the mine....<</say>>@@ While in the real world, you'd probably return in full force, in this case, this chapter of the program is likely to complete once you return The Viper to his rightful place behind bars. There isn't much else to do, other than to [[head back to town.|spacedockwesterngoldminerightroom]]<<then>>You reenter the town to quiet whispers and shock that you managed to bring The Viper in peacefully and subdued. You smile and raise your hand humbly, as they shower applause upon you. After a couple of minutes of being seranded by everyone in the town, the Sheriff walks up to you, a jolly smile across his face, reinvigorated by the victory. You straighten out, getting back into your new character, the bad ass cowboy. @@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>Thanks to you, this town can get back to normal! With a fully functioning gold mine I hear from one of the runners...Thank you.<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">> It was my pleasure! But I have places to be, other towns to save...<</say>>@@ He offers his hand, you offer yours and those around you cheer. But that's the end of the game, the characters fade into thin air, followed by the world. Leaving you once again alone in the sterile holosuite environment. But man, that was a real thrill! Using your negoiation ability to defeat the enemy rather than violence? You feel a lot better after spending some time in the simulation. [[But time to get back to it.|spacedockholosuite]]<</linkreplace>><</finally>>

<img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/goldmine5.jpg" alt="antechamber" id="hpleft">This is quite a dark part of the mine, you can feel fresh air emanating from somewhere in this area and you can just about make out a small tunnel that could probably fit a human through, but it appears to have collapsed. Perhaps it was once a ventilation shaft of some sort? Whatever it was, you're unlikely to get much use out of it at this moment in time, you should [[head back.|spacedockwesterngoldminetunnel]]

<<first>>You discreetly set up the bolt action rifle on the edge, being careful not to disrupt any rocks and give your location away. You're going to have be precise, <<if $skill == "military">>if this was a phased plasma rifle with a 40 watt range then you'd have no trouble taking them all out with a few short bursts. But it's a clunky old rifle with questionable accuracy. Perhaps aiming for an environmental hazard would be better?>><<else>>you'll only have a few shots at best and you're not even sure with that, you've only ever seen these types of weapons in a museum.<</if>> <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/minechamber.png" alt="mine"></center> Regardless of any hestitations, you take a deep breath and prepare to [[take aim.|spacedockwesterngoldminesnipe]] <<then>>The men continue to talk amongst themselves, not noticing that you're in their cross hairs. But what are you going to do? Who should you shoot first? <<if $skill == "military">>Perhaps it would be wiser to take aim at the structure. Or maybe those boxes.>><<else>>You're not sure what the best cause of action is here, other than you have to make a decision soon.<</if>> <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/minechamber.png" usemap="#image-map"><map name="image-map"><area alt="Headshot" title="Henchmen" data-passage="spacedockwesterngoldminebadend1" coords="7,241,322,380" shape="rect" id="sniperimage"><area alt="Headshot" title="Box of Dynamite" data-passage="spacedockwesterngoldminesnipe" coords="360,161,420,249" shape="rect" id="sniperimage"><area alt="The Viper" title="Sniper" data-passage="spacedockwesterngoldminebadend1" coords="557,93,619,185" shape="rect" id="sniperimage"> </map></center><<then>>You shift your attention to the box labelled "TNT" and, despite some reservations, you take a shot at the box, hoping for a kaboom. But there is no kaboom, The Viper and his men come to life, panicing, The Viper makes a run for cover and you have a chance for one more shot at the box before they no doubt open fire on your location. <<linkreplace "You take the shot...">>You take the shot and almost instantly a huge explosion envelopes the area below, no doubt killing or severely wounding those below, the mine begins to rumble, a collapse is imminent. You look through the smoke and debris for The Viper, but you can't make any identification him - dead or alive. But it does look like there is an alcove near where he dashed to hide from the gunshots, but you don't have the time to chase him, evidenced by the support column that has just buckled right next to you, barely missing you. Will you risk chasing him down or make a [[rapid retreat to the exit|spacedockwesterngoldminesnipe]] while there is still an exit<</linkreplace>><<finally>>You make the smart choice, you know it is a smart choice because a few seconds after standing, the entire area in front of you is covered by falling rock. No one is surviving that, you make a mad dash for the exit, rocks falling to your left, right and in front of you but somehow none of them land directly on top of you. Exhilarating. You see the light of the exit, but it's becoming dimmer. And dimmer. You make a desperate dive and barely make it through, as the entrance to the cave collapses just as you exit. You take a moment to catch your breath, laying in the dusty sand for a minute, despite this being a simulation, it's really well done to make you feel such a sense of danger. You stand and dust yourself up, you know the rule - if there is no body, they're not dead. [[There is still work to be done.|spacedockwesterngoldminecamp]]<</first>>

They listen to your ideas and impassioned words, but they ultimately fall on deaf ears, despite thinking you might have got through to them for one brief moment, they burst into laughter and despite them being holograms, you can't help but shrink a little. @@.hostile1;<<say 'The Viper' "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/theviper.png">>Well then, let's end this..<</say>>@@ Even if you are fully armed, you'd given up the element of surprise, and just like that, you're peppered full of bullets and [[the world fades.|spacedockholosuite1]] Maybe you should've taken a different approach or you chose the wrong words? Either way, the program comes to an end.

You throw Wagner into the cell, still tied up and gagged. You're sure that he'll be treated with respect before his trial. @@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>You did a fine job lawman, a fine job. There's a warm bed, a bottle of whiskey and cigars waiting for you at the inn. Now we have to rebuild this town...<</say>>@@ Despite knowing it is a simulation, you still feel a sense of accomplishment and pride at bringing him in alive. The Sheriff slaps your back, before bouncing over to Wagner, mocking him. Good for him. @@.friend;<<say 'Holosuite VI' "images/characters/vi/vi2.png">>The Old West, Chapter 4-1, completed. Congratulations.<</say>>@@ There's another chapter? Man, you could see people getting addicted to this stuff, good job most of these holosuites have safetys and time limits. And unfortunately your time is up. But it was a nice waste of time. Maybe you could come back to this station and continue it in the future, but for now, [[you have other things to do.|spacedockholosuite1]]

<<first>>You search the remanants of the drop pod, but there isn't much to salvage unfortunately, you do manage to acquire some more ammo for your pulse pistol, but there is nothing else of value, all the larger equipment and weapons appear to have broken or are non-functional. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/wreckage.png"></center> You're about to leave, when you see the faint green glow of a com-unit, followed by a static filled message. @@.friend;<<say Transmission "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/radio.png">>Drop Pod 37, what is your status?<</say>>@@ You quickly locate the source of the transmission, next to one of your more unfortunate colleagues who didn't survive the landing. @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/kayla/militaryport.png">>Can anyone hear me? We've been shot down... Everyone else is dead!<</say>>@@ You dramatically shout into the com-unit, despite knowing it is a simulation, you've always been a bit of a dramatic kid and like to full on roleplay, you even used to do it while in VR simulations. @@.friend;<<say Transmission "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/radio.png">>I'm hearing you loud and clear soldier. What's your name and unit? I can locate you from here and send an extraction team or you can link up with another unit for the assault.<</say>>@@ Name and unit? Erm, maybe you should just make it up. Wait, it's written on your damn suit. And it even knows your name! Impressive. @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/kayla/militaryport.png">>Private third class...Kayla Sheridan, sir, unit was the 53rd rifles.<</say>>@@ You say, monotonously, as you read the information on your patch. @@.friend;<<say Transmission "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/radio.png">>Roger that, getting a fix on your position now. Damn. You're well out of the combat zone, you must have been tagged in the upper atmosphere, you're lucky you landed safetly.<</say>>@@ Lucky? You hold your tongue, this guy is your only clue as to what to do next after all and your only hope for survival. @@.friend;<<say Transmission "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/radio.png">>You are a couple of thousand clicks due east from our staging area, but the landing between here is inhospitable and extraction is not possible at this time due to AA. Hmmm.<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/kayla/militaryport.png">>Is there any nearby landmarks I can investigate? Scouting camps? I'm baking in the open sun.<</say>>@@ You try not to sound too whiny, you're not in any real danger, but holosuites can still make the participants fairly uncomfortable, and this humidity is doing a number on you. @@.friend;<<say Transmission "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/radio.png">>According to drone recon, there is something to your north...looks like an Imperial encampment of some sort, there are quite a few of these around, it's somewhere in the jungle to your north. Scout it out, you'll be doing us a real favour.<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/kayla/militaryport.png">>And extraction?<</say>>@@ @@.friend;<<say Transmission "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/radio.png">>Scout the camp, give us the information, then we'll be able to extract you, we need to make sure there are no anti-aircraft equipment in the area, most of the encampments have some form of it, which makes landings dangerous. Good luck soldier.<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/kayla/militaryport.png">>But...<</say>>@@ The comm-unit cuts off, you're left alone with [[a new mission.|spacedockroughlandingwreckage]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/wreckage.png"></center> The remenants of the drop pod that you landed on the planet with, there isn't anything of value here anymore and the comm-unit is currently inactive. You should leave the dead be and [[head out on your mission.|spacedockroughlanding]]<</first>>

<<first>>You head north into the jungle, you only spend a couple of minutes following your compass north when you realise that, for a jungle, this one is surprisingly quiet, you can't see or hear any signs of life. Not even the buzz of insects. It's far too quiet. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/deepjungle.png"></center> You hike through the jungle terrain for about half an hour, it's almost turning into a fitness program, you're sweating buckets, ideally, you'd remove the power armour, but you feel that would only make things worse and ultimately you have no idea where you are, it is your only protection at the moment. Despite this, it is a simulation and the terrain does seem to be guiding you down a particular path, so you soldier on. All the trees look the same and you are sure that you've seen that rock three times now, you're not sure if the designers were just lazy or if you're genuinely going in circles. [[You persevere onwards ever deeper into the jungle.|spacedockroughlandingjungle]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/corruptjungle.png"></center> After another few minutes of struggling through the bushes and clambering over stones, before you come across a part of the jungle, that is fortunately much lighter, but weirdly has a red hue to it, almost... poisoned? Corrupted? You remember from the television show, The Imperium corrupted planets natural habitats in different ways as part of their sick scientific experiments. Lets not even talk about what they do to the human prisoners they take! Though at that point, the simulation would probably end. Speaking of which, you feel yourself enjoying the aromas and scents of the local area, they are quite intoxicating. While the corrupted plants are having an affect on you, it's pretty light and is probably just a hint from the game that you need to act quickly, or you'll end up as one of those corrupted slaves of the Imperium. Nasty. You should [[search the area|spacedockroughlandingbunker]] or do you want to just enjoy and [[give in to the temptation?|spacedockroughlandingjungle]]<<then>>You're curious what would happen, so you decide to fully take in the aroma of the corrupted greenery around. You inhale deeply on some flowers, tt certainly is pleasurable, you get a small buzz, but nothing significant or lasting, but at you take another inhalation of the spores, something in you triggers, you feel yourself starting to lose control, you hear an echo in your head, or at least a simulation of one, telling you to throw down your weapons and join them. Boringly, just as you begin to feel more of an edge, the world around you fades back into the real world, whatever chemicals were being simulated fade along with it, with the computer informing you of your fate. @@.friend;<<say 'Holosuite VI' "images/characters/vi/vi2.png">>You succumb to the effects of the flower, hours later you are found by an Imperium patrol and taken for processing, to serve as a mindless fighter drone for the Imperium. Thank you for playing!<</say>>@@ Looks like you got a bad end, along with the end to your allocated holosuite time, nicely enough, they show you a projection, still in your power suit with a distinct, pink glow indicating mind control, you guess. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/powersuitkaylamc.png"></center> Uncanny and slightly disturbing. But also a little bit hot. I mean, if you're into that stuff, it sounds like something to experience, right? You wonder what would happen if the safetys were off? Or if someone tampered with the settings? They could do some serious damage to someone, perhaps even enslave them for real. Fortunately, you don't need to worry about that. Anyway, you should get [[back to the real world.|spacedockholosuite1]]<</first>>

<<first>>You search through the brush, trying not to inhale too deeply and staying away from the thicker areas of corruption so you don't get a nasty dose, which could lead to an equally nastier ending. You're just about to give up, when all of a sudden, you see an artificial construct, looks like the hatch to an underground facilitiy, perhaps a bunker? <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/hatch.png"></center> Strange, there aren't really any other artificial constructs here, you haven't even seen any security measures or automated weapons turrets. You just hope you haven't tripped a sensor alarm, if this truly is an Imperium holdout and not something else entirely. You could take a brief <<link "look around.">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/numbers.jpg" id="hpleft">You take a quick glance around the area of the hatch, but there really isn't anything, apart from some numbers on the hatch that are probably of no significance.<</popover>><</link>> or [[enter the bunker.|spacedockroughlandingbunker]]<<then>>It takes a little bit of effort, but you manage to pry the bunker open, you're doubtful if you could have done it without that extra few kilos of lifting strength that your power suit provides you though, but it works and you open it just enough to squeeze through, going through feet first. It being dark, it's a little too late to realise that there appears to be no ladder, as you tumble down the dark hole, fortunately, your power suit has another neat feature in the form of stabilisers, that soften your fall, in fact it probably looked pretty cool when you landed on your feet with a thump. How convenient. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/storeroom.png"></center> You find yourself in a darkened room, you can just about see, you're not quite sure what this room is, but it looks to be in a state of disrepair, though the systems in the room still appear to have power, they're minimal and you're not sure what they do. Perhaps a heating or power system? Nothing important. You [[should take a look around|spacedockroughlandingbunker]] and see if you can find a way out.<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/storeroom.png"></center> A small, dark room, under the ground of the planet you're trapped on, you can see the small hole you dropped from, it looks like there used to be a ladder there, but it has either rotted away or been removed. There is nothing of interest here, a computer monitor, running on minimal power, spits out unintelligble readouts. Still, at least it is significantly cooler in here than outside. Looks like the only way out is a [[door|spacedockroughlandinghallway]].<</first>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/hallway.png"></center> The door automatically slides open as you approach, taking you to...a hallway? A surprisingly well lit, well maintained hallway. And likely to be occupied right now. You can't go back through the hatch and while you should be careful, you should [[start exploring.|spacedockroughlandinghallway]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/hallway.png"></center> There are several doors you could explore, but you should be careful, they appear to be automatic doors. The door you came out of originally is marked "Waste Management", explaining the lack of maintenance, but you could [[check it out again|spacedockroughlandingbunker]]. One side of the hall appears to be for military training, with a [[training room|spacedockroughlandingtraining]] and <<if $player.has('Yellow Keycard')>>[[an armoury|spacedockroughlandingarmoury]]<<else>><<link "an armoury.">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/armourydoor.png" id="hpleft">The door to the armoury is locked, looks like you'll need a keycard of some type, but you're not sure what type.<</popover>><</link>><</if>> On the other side of the hall, there is a room marked [[science lab|spacedockroughlandingscience]], as well as one next to it [[medbay|spacedockroughlandingmedbay]]. Finally, there is an [[elevator|spacedockroughlandingelevator]] at the end of the corridor.<</first>>

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<<if $player.has('Red Keycard')>>The elevator door pings open, recognising your red level keycard, despite being an elevator, there is only two buttons, one taking you to [[the command center|spacedockroughlandingcommand]] and the other to [[an underground hangar.|spacedockroughlandinghangar]]<<elseif $player.has('Yellow Keycard') and hasVisited("spacedockroughlandingshoot")>>You swipe the yellow keycard, however, as you do so, an electric shock runs through your arm and into your suit, shutting it down. "UNAUTHORISED PRESENCE DETECTED!" A voice blurts out, as the hallway goes a dark red. Damn. Why did the card trigger an alarm? You should get out of here. But you can't, while the shock was negated by your power armour, it has somehow short circuited your armour and you can no longer move, at least not quickly, the armour now nothing but dead weight. It'd take some time to manually remove the armour. Time you did not have, as evidenced by the four man security team that pops out of the elevator moments later, subduing [[you once and for all.|spacedockroughlandingcardbadend]]<<elseif $player.has('Yellow Keycard')>>You have the yellow keycard, but you were told using it on the wrong reader will trigger an alarm, which would be extremely foolish. You should [[step back.|spacedockroughlandinghallway]]<</if>>

<center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/gym.png"></center> A training room, it has all the facilities that you'd expect to keep military personnel in tip top shape, from cardio equipment, weight training and a ring. <<if $player.has('Yellow Keycard') and hasVisited("spacedockroughlandingshoot")>>The trainer whom you shot early is still unconcious in the ring, she is going to be out for a while, nothing you can do for her at the moment.<<elseif $player.has("Yellow Keycard")>>The trainer whom you sparred with previously still appears to be recovering from your sparring session earlier, with some light exercises, you should leave her be or now.<<else>>Speaking of which, it currently looks occupied by a woman sparring with what you looks to be a holographic projection, well a holographic projection within a holographic projection.<</if>> <<if $player.has('Yellow Keycard') and hasVisited("spacedockroughlandingshoot")>>The ring is empty and quiet, apart from the unconscious body in the ring.<<elseif hasVisited("spacedockroughlandingboxing")>>The trainer rubs her jaw and is going through some routine, you should leave her to it,<<else>>You could try [[talking to the woman|spacedockroughlandingwoman]],<</if>> there is also a bag next to the ring or you could head back into the [[hallway,|spacedockroughlandinghallway]] you're not really in the mood to do some cardio.

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<<first>>The woman notices you approach, immediately taking note of your appearance uniform, yet she doesn't really react. @@.hostile1;<<say Trainer "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/traininggirl.png">>Who are you? That doesn't look like an Imperium uniform.<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/kayla/militaryport.png">>Uhm...<</say>>@@ You're caught off guard by her immediate assertion, maybe walking around in a power suit isn't the most discreet thing. Better thing being naked though. @@.hostile1;<<say Trainer "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/traininggirl.png">>That means you're part of the assault force that has been landing planetside a couple of hours ago and, well, that means you're in a horrible position.<</say>>@@ You immediately tense up a little, your hand slowly moving towards the pulse pistol, but she's alert and immediately notices you reaching for your weapon. @@.hostile1;<<say Trainer "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/traininggirl.png">>Relax! I'm off duty and this place is on alert anyway, most of them have moved up into the CNC to command the response...<</say>>@@ Despite her assurances, your hand remains on the pulse pistol, ready in case you're being tricked - or maybe you don't want to take any chances - but it might be an opportunity to [[ask her some questions.|spacedockroughlandingwoman]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/traininggirl.png"></center> The woman stands to attention, temporarily ignoring her holographic training partner, waiting to listen to any questions that you may have. You should probably ask some questions, she seems genuine enough and you're the one with the gun, but you could also just [[leave|spacedockroughlandinghallway]] for now. Or do you really want to just [[shoot her|spacedockroughlandingshoot]]? <<link "Who exactly are you?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.hostile1;<<say Trainer "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/traininggirl.png">>Does my name matter? No. Suffice to say, I help keep the elite guard in shape when it comes to CQC - close quarters combat - as well as keeping their cardio in tip top condition.<</say>>@@ She motions to the various cardiovascular devices dotted around the gym.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "Why are you here?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.hostile1;<<say Trainer "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/traininggirl.png">>I don't get a lot of downtime, honestly, so it's nice to work on my boxing with my friend here. I'm not the best boxer in the world, it's probably one of the worser aspects, so I have to improve on it. The Imperium are nice enough to have provided me with a sparring partner.<</say>>@@ The trainer turns to nod at the holographic projection, who returns the nod almost at the same time. Cute. <</popover>><</link>> <<link "Can you help me?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.hostile1;<<say Trainer "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/traininggirl.png">>Why would I help you? I'm helping you right now by not putting your ass into a submission and calling the guard down to take you away for processing. The question you should be asking is - why am I not doing that?<</say>>@@ Indeed. Why is she humouring you? She probably should have tried to make a counter move as soon as your indiscreet, power suited butt strolled into the gym. <</popover>><</link>> <<link "Why aren't you calling for help?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.hostile1;<<say Trainer "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/traininggirl.png">>Let me level with you. I want a real partner to fight. If you can beat me in a round of boxing, even by points, I'll "lose" my yellow keycard, which should help you get further around the facility. Deal?<</say>>@@ This seems like a bad idea, she does this for a living. Still, how else are going to get that keycard? <<link "[[Will you accept her deal?|spacedockroughlandingboxing]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>> <</popover>><</link>><</first>>

<<first>>@@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/kayla/militaryport.png">>Fine.<</say>>@@ She gives you a devilish smile as you agree to her condition, you're not quite sure how you feel about it, but it is too late to go back now, she flicks her hands and the holograph disappears. @@.hostile1;<<say Trainer "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/traininggirl.png">>You'll find some gear next to the ring. I'll give you a chance, we'll go by amateur boxing rules, it's probably my weakest area and I could use a live opponent. Especially one with power armour.<</say>>@@ <<if $skill is "military">>Boxing? You're lucky enough to have partaken in some amateur boxing in the past, in fact, you placed third in a competition at the amateur regionals. This should give you somewhat of an advantage, she won't expect you to be able to.<<else>>Boxing? You've never even punched anyone before, let alone competed in a ring before. This will be tough.<</if>> You walk over to the gear, inspecting the second hand gear and trying to figure out how to get it on, you can only really fit some gloves on and the head guard in your current state, but the power armour should make the fight somewhat balanced. You look great! You step into the ring, where the trainer is shadowboxing with herself as a warm up, she looks stronger up close, but again, she doesn't have the power suit. @@.hostile1;<<say Trainer "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/traininggirl.png">>Well, well, let's see how it goes. PROTECT YOURSELF!<</say>>@@ She throws the first punch, square at your face.<<if $skill is "military">>You should dodge!<<else>>You should dodge, you guess? Though maybe the head protector will help?<</if>> [[Dodge.|spacedockroughlandingboxing]] [[Throw a counter punch.|spacedockroughlandingboxingbadend1]] [[Tank the hit.|spacedockroughlandingboxingbadend1]]<<then>>You quickly dodge the first punch, followed by several others that you manage to dodge, somehow, it was a bit cheap, you barely had any time to warm up. Fortunately, your power suit provides you with flexibilty and improves reflexes, hell, you can even think quicker. Speaking of which. @@.hostile1;<<say Trainer "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/traininggirl.png">>Nice dodges..<</say>>@@ She mutters with a nod, as she returns to a defensive state, allowing you to steady yourself. You circle each other briefly, both of you waiting for the other to make a move. <<if $skill is "military">>You should throw a series of punches, test that guard.<<else>>You're not sure what to do.<</if>> [[Throw a series of punches, breaking the guard.|spacedockroughlandingboxing]] [[Remain in a defensive stance.|spacedockroughlandingboxingbadend1]] [[Throw a really strong punch!|spacedockroughlandingboxingbadend1]]<<then>>You throw a series of punches, testing her guard, that mostly holds up, but you see her flinch on the last, as your fist manages to land square in her face. Lucky hit or not, you could finish her off here. <<if $skill is "military">>You should throw a strong uppercut before she recovers!<<else>>What should you do?<</if>> <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/traininggirlbeaten.png"></center> [[Throw a strong upper hook, finish her off.|spacedockroughlandingboxing]] [[Back off, play defensive.|spacedockroughlandingboxingbadend1]] [[Keep probing her defenses, wear her down.|spacedockroughlandingboxingbadend1]]<<then>>After seeing her rocked, you follow up with a strong upper cut, aided by the hydraulics in the arms of the suit. @@.hostile1;<<say Trainer "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/traininggirlbeaten.png">>Ugh..<</say>>@@ You connect with her chin, even a head guard probably wouldn't have helped her out, as she falls to the ground with a thud. You stand above her, victorious, as she rubs her chin. @@.hostile1;<<say Trainer "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/traininggirlbeaten.png">>Ok, ok..<</say>>@@ She cedes victory to you, surprisingly easy. <<if $skill is "military">>Maybe you could have made a career out of this if you'd stayed on Earth? Though power suits like this aren't really too accessible during boxing matches.<<else>>You did it! Was it luck? Nah, probably the whole power armour thing.<</if>> @@.hostile1;<<say Trainer "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/traininggirlbeaten.png">>Looks like I underestimated you in that power armour...well my word is my word. Take the keycard from my bag, you can use it on the other doors on this floor, but don't use it on the elevator. It'll cause you a real headache, literally.<</say>>@@ She pulls herself up, still looking slightly woozy, almost drunk, but her legs manage to hold her up this time. Maybe she likes concussions? Who knows. @@.hostile1;<<say Trainer "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/traininggirlbeaten.png">>I'll just say you punched me out...Yeah, that's it...<</say>>@@ She gives a wry grin, as she once again rubs her jaw. Plausible deniability you guess, she is gonna have a hell of a bruise after you connected with her, she probably won't get in trouble. You begin to remove the gloves and head guard, placing them back where you found them, [[returning to your business.|spacedockroughlandingtraining]]<</first>>

<<first>>You don't trust her, you don't have time to deal with her or you just flat out don't like her. Either way, you're quick enough on the draw to pull the trigger, she has no time to react, as a flash of blue energy flies from your pulse pistol and knocks her to the ground almost instantly. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/roughlanding/traininggirlstunned.png"></center> Stun setting, hopefully she doesn't suffer from a concussion. Wait, she's a hologram. Immersion. But, regardless, what are you going to do now? It doesn't look like she has anything on her, but you should [[check out her bag|spacedockroughlandingshoot]] from before she told you to stay away from.<<then>><<pickup '$player' 'Yellow Keycard'>>Bingo! You find a yellow keycard and slip it into one of the compartments on your suit, should help you navigate this place. [[You should leave|spacedockroughlandinghallway]], she'll be out for a while but you don't want to risk being caught next to the unconcious body of a recently stunned member of the Imperium...<</first>>

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<<first>>An elevator, perhaps this is the place to go and advance the simulation? Well, logically, it seems like something a lazy game designer would do. Wait, immersion. Back into character! You briefly touch the door, but it looks like the only access is with a keycard of some kind. <<if $player.has('Red Keycard') or $player.has('Yellow Keycard')>>You do have a keycard, do you want to try [[swiping it?|spacedockroughlandingelevator1]] Or you could [[step back.|spacedockroughlandinghallway]]<<else>>Unfortunately, you don't have any way to access the elevator at the moment, you should [[step back.|spacedockroughlandinghallway]]<</if>><<finally>>The elevator, that no doubt leads deeper into the facility - or perhaps to a way out? Either way, you feel this should be your priority. <<if $player.has('Red Keycard') or $player.has('Yellow Keycard')>>You do have a keycard, do you want to try [[swiping it?|spacedockroughlandingelevator1]] Or you could [[step back.|spacedockroughlandinghallway]]<<else>>You don't have any way to access the elevator at the moment, you should [[step back.|spacedockroughlandinghallway]]<</if>><</first>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/manorcarriageinterior.png" alt="carriageinterior"></center> You reluctantly sit down upon one of the plush seats in the cabin, before hearing the crack of the reigns as the carriage begins to make its way towards your destination, whatever silly game ALICE is playing with you, you hope she isn't going to trap you in here forever. You look around, noticing that on the opposite seat is a present with your name on it with a few kisses on it. Another part of the game, you guess - but you don't have to play. That said, there isn't much else to do in here. You could [[open the present|spacedockwesterncarriagedress]], or just put your feet up and [[wait to arrive.|spacedockwesterncarriage2]]<<then>>You decide to ignore the dress, at this point you don't think it wise to play into her games and fantasy. You'd just be happy for the simulation to end and for ALICE to return to your brain, at least there she isn't controlling your living environment. @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">> Never thought I'd say that...<</say>>@@ You whisper under your breath, realising you're in such a precarious situation you're wishing she was back in your brain where she could do less damage. You take a look out of the window, [[wondering when you'll arrive at your destination.|spacedockwesterncarriage2]] <<finally>>You're treated to some stunning landscapes and view as you move through the virtual world, but there is a feeling of...what was it called? Uncanny valley. You know this world isn't real, you'd never have such stunning views like this within ten minutes of travel in the real world. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/desertvista.png"></center> But nonetheless, you try to enjoy it instead of letting your mind. You're sure that was at least a few nanoseconds where you were distracted enough from the games ALICE is playing with you to enjoy the views. @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">> Listen, I know you're listening, I appreciate the immersion towards whatever game you're playing...but can we move it along?!<</say>>@@ The carriage comes to a sudden stop, almost jolting you out of your seat. You pull up outside a rather large old West mansion, one that pretty much materialised before your eyes. I guess ALICE got bored, ran out of ideas. Or she is [[ready for the games to begin.|spacedockwesternmansionfront]]<</first>>

<<first>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/yellowdress.png" id="hpleft">You rip open the carefully wrapped present, finding a stunning, if not slightly unimmersive, yellow dress within. @@.alice;"Put this on before arriving!"@@ you hear a familiar voice echo as you inspect it, not sure if it was your subconcious or her monitoring you right now. Either way, this was clearly part of ALICE's game. What harm could there be in playing along? The safety protocols are hardlocked on these public holosuites and the worst that could happen is someone on the outside realises the malfunction and deactivates it, besides, do you really want to piss ALICE off? What should you do? Play along and put [[the dress on|spacedockwesterncarriagedress]] or [[forget about it|spacedockwesterncarriage2]]?<<then>><<set $cowgirl = false>><<set $kayladress1 = true>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/kayladress2.png" id="hpright">It doesn't take you long to put aside your typical cowgirl gear and easily slide into the dress, which fits you like a glove. You instantly feel a sense of satisfaction with how it feels against your skin, catching a glimpse of yourself in the reflection of the carriage's windows. @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/kayladress1.png">> This feels surprisingly...great.<</say>>@@ The dress brings up memories of your old life once again, parties, functions, family events, graduations...but you're quickly jolted back into reality, as the carriage comes to a stop in front of a large mansion, built like one from the old West. You've [[arrived at your destination.|spacedockwesternmansionfront]]<</first>>

<<first>>The door unlocks and the carriage door swings open, you step out into the cool night air, the coachman stands alongside the door with his head bowed, despite being , you give him a curteous "thanks" before <<linkreplace "making your way to the mansion's courtyard.">>making your way to the mansion's courtyard. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/mansionfront.png"></center> It's more current than you expected, a mix of rustic woodwork and brickwork fused into one impressive piece of architecture. But it really is too modern for this period, it's more of something you'd see in a travel brochure for a getaway to the US west coast. Definitely of ALICE's creation, probably ripped straight from the archives. You're not really sure what to do, nothing obvious presents itself but you should take in your surroundings and [[think of what to do next.|spacedockwesternmansionfront]] <</linkreplace>><<finally>>You're in the front courtyard of the mansion, looking around you can see a few points of interest. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/mansionfront.png"></center> There doesn't appear to be much to do other than [[the main door into the mansion|spacedockwesternmainroom]], but you can also make out a [[smallish barn|spacedockwesternmansionbarn]] towards the back of complex.<</first>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/mansionwarehouse.png"></center> A small barn, a few boxes and barrels are piled around the place but it looks rather decreipt and unused as anything but storage - no animals, no signs of life, no tools of note. <<linkreplace "Except for...">> <img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/slavegirl1.png" id="hpleft"> Except for that. You missed it initially, but a young woman is chained to the wall of one of the animal pens, her eyes shoot open and make eye contact with you, but she doesn't say anything. She just stares at you intently. [[What should you do?|spacedockwesternmansionbarn]]<</linkreplace>><<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/mansionwarehouse.png"></center> A small barn, with boxes and barrels piled loosely ont op of each other, there is nothing of any great use here, the tools have been rusted beyond use and it has long been abandoned for pratical purposes. You doubt searching would do anything but be a waste of time, you doubt whatever she hopes to achieve with this little game would be solved by an hour of searching wooden storage. <<if $louisefate == "slave">>The <<link "slave girl">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/slavegirl1.png"><</popover>><</link>> sits quietly in the pen, unmoving. You could [[go back outside|spacedockwesternmansionfront]] or talk to [[the slave|spacedockwesternmansionbarn1]].<<elseif $louisefate == "free">>The slave girl, Louise, whom you saved is no longer here, hopefully she is off trying to fix this damn simulation, but there is nothing else to do here, you should [[go back outside|spacedockwesternmansionfront]]<<elseif $louisefate == "broken">>The slave girl who you tortured is still <<link "hanging limply from her bonds">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/slavegirltorture3.png"><</popover>><</link>>, hopefully the damage isn't permanent, but there is nothing else you can do here, you should [[go back outside|spacedockwesternmansionfront]]<</if>><</first>>

<<first>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/slavegirl1.png" id="hpleft"> You approach the pen, doing a quick scan for any booby traps before entering and getting closer to her. She is completely naked and appears to be tied to a crude machine designed to stimulate her...lower parts. Fortunately for her, it is currently deactivated. But what is she doing here? Is she just set dressing? Is this the fate that awaits you in this sick simulation? But there is something different about her, the way she scans you and looks at you, there is something...alive about her? An awareness. You stare for another few seconds, before she struggles with her binds a little bit and scowls at you. @@.neutral2;<<say Louise "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/louiseport.png">> Oh great, another malfunctioning holocharacter.<</say>>@@ <<if $cowgirl == true>>@@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">>What?<</say>>@@<<else>>@@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/kayladress1.png">> What?<</say>>@@<</if>> @@.neutral2;<<say Louise "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/louiseport.png">> Just get it over with. The automated maintenace cycle will kick in soon enough and I might get away with my diginity.<</say>>@@ This doesn't sound right, you should [[question her further|spacedockwesternmansionbarn1]] or [[step away for now|spacedockwesternmansionbarn]].<<finally>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/slavegirl1.png" id="hpleft"> The pen with the strange slave inside, you're certainly intrigued about why she is here. You could try questioning her, back off or you could possibly untie her. <<link "Who are you?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral2;<<say Louise "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/louiseport.png">>Ugh. I'm a maintenance engineer for these acursed machines, name's Louise. I've been caught in Battle of Britain simulations and Space Hopper skirmishes, but never something as perverse as this. This shouldn't be possible...<</say>>@@ Wait, she is a real person? Or is this a trick? You're not quite sure.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "What happened to you?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral2;<<say Louise "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/louiseport.png">>I think you're playing with me...But I was working in one of the maintenace tubes nearby and noticed an...anomaly within this suite. Next thing I know, I'm naked and strapped to this...thing<</say>>@@ She motions to the stimulation device attached to her nether regions, but sounds like she doesn't know about or has encountered ALICE...yet.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "What is that machine?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral2;<<say Louise "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/louiseport.png">>I don't know, but I think you can figure out what it does. If the setting goes any higher than what it is, it'd be very easy for me to lose my mind.<</say>>@@ Huh, it must be on the lowest setting as you can't detect any movement or vibration from it.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "Do you want me to untie you?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral2;<<say Louise "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/louiseport.png">>Look at the position I am in. That's a stupid question, even for a cheap holosuite program.<</say>>@@ She is right, that was a stupid question.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "Have you met anyone else?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral2;<<say Louise "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/louiseport.png">>No, you're the first and I assumed you were going to punish me, I mean this does seem like one of those dom and sub play simulations...Why the heck is it on this holosuite?!<</say>>@@ What is she talking about? Programs like that exist?<</popover>><</link>> There is not much else to do with her if you have no more questions, she looks fairly harmless. You could [[step away for now|spacedockwesternmansionbarn]] or [[untie her|spacedockwesternmansionbarn2]]<</first>>

<<first>><<if $cowgirl == true>><<set $louisefate = "free">>You reach towards the ropes wrapped around the wrists and begin to pull at the knots in an attempt to free her, it takes you a few minutes and she winces in pain more than a few times, but eventually you free her and as soon as she feels it, she quickly hops off the contraption, nearly knocking you over in the process. She presses herself up against the wall, rubbing her wrists and looking at you in confusion. @@.neutral2;<<say Louise "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/louiseport1.png">>Why did you free me? Are you...<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">>...Real? Yes. It's a long story, but this holosuite has been corrupted by a....virus, I guess.<</say>>@@ @@.neutral2;<<say Louise "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/louiseport1.png">>How do you know? Was it you?!<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">>That's a more interesting question than you realise...but no.<</say>>@@ She contemplates your answers and motivations for a few moments, you're not sure if she believes you or not but it doesn't really matter - you know she has no choice at this point. Even if you were a bad actor, you'd be in complete control of this simulation and she has no choice in the matter but to trust you. @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">>You're an engineer, right? How do we get out? What should we do?<</say>>@@ @@.neutral2;<<say Louise "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/louiseport1.png">>Well thanks, I guess. I'm going to see if I can find my tools or at least some clothing, maybe find a fail safe and deactivate this damn program. You're probably just as trapped as me...<</say>>@@ Well, she's right there, you just hope you don't end up in the same predicatment as your friend here. From her behaviour so far, it is certainly within ALICE's agenda to humilate you in such a way, you could just imagine half a dozen engineer unlocking the door and finding you a quivering mess. Grim. You return back to reality, the girl you slaved now scampering around, looking for anything to help her and runs her fingers against the wall she was up against, but any failsafe would be like finding a needle in a stack of needles. @@.neutral2;<<say Louise "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/louiseport1.png">>Listen, there isn't much I can do here, but I'll try to find one of the failsafe panels and we might both get out of this with a degree of dignity. Take a look around else where.<</say>>@@ Well, hopefully she can come up with something and get you both out of here and soon. This is starting to get rather tiresome. Anyway, you [[better head back.|spacedockwesternmansionbarn]]<<elseif $cowgirl == false>>You reach towards the ropes wrapped around the wrists and begin to pull at the knots in an attempt to free her, but for whatever reason, you simply can't manage to free her, you're not sure why - this isn't a hard knot. <<linkreplace "You need to think carefully about this...">> <<fadein 1s 1s>>THUD<</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 2s>>THUD<</fadein>> Suddenly, you feel your heart beat elevate, your body heats up from head to toe, did you trigger a trap? A gas? A poison? It doesn't matter, you have an increasingly overwhelming urge to inflict pain, it feels like the only way for you to relieve the growing pressure within you. Where is this coming from? It doesn't matter anymore, you lick your lips, as your eyes turn to the the controller for torture device. The poor slave's eyes widen in terror, as she realises <<linkreplace "what your intentions are.">>what your intentions are. @@.neutral2;<<say Louise "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/louiseport.png">>You can't be serious!<</say>>@@ She struggles one last time, but her bonds are secure and she has no chance. Deep down, you know what you're doing is wrong, she isn't part of the simulation. But you can't control yourself, this is the only way to satisfy yourself. For a brief moment, you try to resist, but it is no use - you immediately [[hit the button|spacedockwesternmansionbarn2]]. <</linkreplace>><</fadein>><</linkreplace>><</if>><<then>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/slavegirltorture1.png" id="hpleft"><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/slavegirltorture2.png" id="hpright">The low buzz becomes a high frequency buzz, she lets out a yelp, the simulation of the device going from zero to ten within a second. @@.neutral2;"What the fuck is wrong with you?"@@ she screams at the top of her lungs, as what you assume to be the mixture of pleasure and pain overtakes her. The vibrations against her clit were sending shockwaves coursing through her, lighting her up like a Christmas tree. The machine's sensations were potent, you doubt she'll last too long on such a machine. She let out another coarse moan, betraying the fact that she was going to be unable to resist much no longer, this poor girl knew she was going to fail, despite her best efforts to resist. And it was going to be your responsibility. But did you care? After all, the panic attack you experienced had disipated, replaced by what could best be described as a dopamine hit from heaven, as another human being writhes in ectasy and agony at your finger tips. @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/kayladress1.png">> Scream for me!<</say>>@@ You send the device into overdrive, she has lets out one last scream in distress, agony - but with the undeniable undertone of pleasure, throwing her head back and rolling her eyes back into the head before passing out. Her <<link "body hangs limply">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/slavegirltorture3.png"><</popover>><</link>>, involtunary twitching every so often as the feeling of euphoria and power you feel hits the climax within yourself. But like a drug, it quickly fades and you return to your senses - the horror of what you did dawns on you and you try to attend to the girl, but she is a complete mess. She is non-responsive, looks like you pushed her too far. @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/kayladress1.png">> What did I do? Is it...<</say>>@@ You realise what it was, grasping and pulling the dress you have, but it doesn't budge - its skin tight. It must be influencing your chemical processes, but you didn't think that holosuites were capable of such things. ALICE must be getting stronger, going beyond what holosuites should be capable of - you have to be careful going forward... Regretfully, [[you step away|spacedockwesternmansionbarn]] with a feeling of guilt, there is nothing you can do to amend what you did now. You have to be stronger.<<set $louisefate = "broken">><</first>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/mansionlivingroom.png"></center> You step through the doors of the mansion, entering into a cosy but lavish central room. And waiting for you is <<linkreplace "the antagonist who has made your life a living hell the past day.">>the antagonist who has made your life a living hell the past day. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/alicedress.jpg"></center> She sure is playing the part well, despite the manor being slightly out of time, her dress certainly isn't. @@.alice;<<say Alice "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/westernalice.png">>I'm so glad you took up my offer! We're going to have so much fun...<</say>>@@ You should [[see what she wants|spacedockwesternmainroom]]....but you should be careful.<</linkreplace>><<then>>Before you can say or do anything, you see a mischievious grin cross her face, as she undoes the straps of her dress and lets it drop around her knees, staring at you intently. @@.alice;<<say Alice "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/westernalice.png">>Come on, I know your deepest desires...no one has to know, and you're technically only having sex with yourself right? I mean I am part of you....<</say>>@@ She gently caresses herself, but doesn't give much away other than the fact she was trying to tempt you - if that wasn't already obvious. You don't really know what to say or do in this situation, you're lost for words - or is she influencing your mind and forcing you in this role? Who knows. @@.alice;<<say Alice "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/westernalice.png">>If you want to see more, you know where to follow me.<</say>>@@ She lets the dress drop around her ankles before stepping out of it before disappearing into one of the nearby doors, what you assume to be a bedroom. Despite now being integrated into the holosuite, she still has a degree of control and connection to you - which complicates things. You'll have to continue to [[tread carefully.|spacedockwesternmainroom]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/mansionlivingroom.png"></center> You find yourself in the cosy, but lavish main room of the manor. There are several options available to you, you could play along with ALICE's game and follow her into [[the bedroom|spacedockwesternmansionbedroom]], there appears to be a kitchen and a poorly concealed door leads into a [[downstairs basement|spacedockwesternmansionbasement]]. Or you could [[head back outside|spacedockwesternmansionfront]] <</first>>

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<<first>>You step through the hard oak door into the cosy little bedroom, it's empty but you no doubt ALICE is watching, ready to pounce from the shadows. You'll play along...for now. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/mansionlivingroom.png"></center> You carefully inspect the room but it is entirely inauthentic, it even has a TV?! Looks like ALICE just pulled a random themed hotel from the database. And as predicted, it isn't before she interrupts your musings about the state of this simulation, emerging from the ensuite bathroom with a devilish grin. @@.alice;<<say Alice "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/westernalice.png">>I knew you'd come...<</say>>@@ You're not really sure what to say, you try to think of a witty comeback, but perhaps she is right, you can't resist this. <<if $cowgirl == true && $louisefate == "free">>You need to buy more time, you hope Louise will be able to before this gets any more serious.<<elseif $kayladress1 == true>>You can't, you want to, but you can't. Alice is beautiful, she's amazing, everything you want to be.<<else>><</if>> <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/alicedress1.jpg"></center> She stands infront of the fire place, then lets her dress fall around her ankles. ALICE glares at you with the kind of mischievous look you've always envisioned she would have, it is still all a bit surreal that you're face to face with the voice in your head, she beckons you over with her finger, while pulling on the straps of her underwear with a finger. It's clear what she wants you to do, but if you do, you could be risking a lot. <<if $kayladress1 == true>>You can't resist this, why would you? You know this is dangerous, it's wrong, illogical. But for some reason, every doubt is quickly replaced by lust for ALICE. [[You want this.|spacedockwesternmansionsex]] You've always wanted it.<<else>>Will you [[accept her advances|spacedockwesternmansionsex]] and give into your inner desires? Or [[resist with all your willpower.|spacedockwesternmansionresist]]<</if>><</first>>

<<first>>You run your fingers against the wall, trying to find a way to open the door, but a gentle push reveals a secluded, hidden path down into a basement. You step through the dark corridor and come into a fairly well lit basement, but it is empty - apart from what appear to be a few contraptions on the wall. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/mansioncellar.jpg"></center> They appear to power this estate, but unusually, like a lot in the manor, they look like they don't quite belong here. And why would ALICE bother? Unfortunately, they look dangerous and despite your technical know how, you're not really familiar with holosuite systems. You best leave them to be for now, you could [[take a look around|spacedockwesternmansionbasement]] or [[go back upstairs|spacedockwesternmainroom]].<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/mansioncellar.jpg"></center> A rather sparse concrete basement, <<if $louisefate == "free">>Louise, the woman you found in the barn, is here <<link "fiddling with some type of power conduit">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral2;<<say Louise "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/louiseport1.png">> Oh. Hey. Sorry, still naked. I found the power conduit, but it's gonna take some time to take the simulation down. You're gonna have to keep playing and distract the malfunctioning hologram until I fix this...<</say>>@@ She turns her attention back to whatever she was working on, hopefully she can get you out. And soon. Maybe leave ALICE in there while you're at it...<</popover>><</link>> that doesn't quite look like part of the simulation.<<else>>there isn't anything here of interest apart from the strange power conduit attached to the wall that you could take another look at.<</if>> Other than there, there is a staircase leading [[back up to the main area|spacedockwesternmainroom]].<</first>>

<<first>>You decide to take a seat and enjoy the show, looks like they're almost set up now, a double bassist was hulking his heavy instrument around and a another musician was tuning up an instrument you were unfamiliar with - but the stage was set and it wasn't long before they began. The jazz was fast paced, it was the exact sort that could leave people reeling, breathless and wanting more after they'd heard it. And was exactly what you needed to take your mind off things for a while. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/jazzbartable.png" id="hpleft"></center> You begin to look through the PADD on the table at the drinks on offer, but it isn't long until a drink appears on your table, as a woman sits down next to you. @@.friend;<<say Ezriel "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/ezrieldress.png">>It's on me, my darling.<</say>>@@ You hear a voice say with a slight Russian accent, a tall woman takes up the seat next to you, not only is she impeccably dressed, but she has a distinct perfume smell that almost knocks you out of your seat and you swear you almost feel your lower parts tremble from the initial smell before your senses adapt to it. Wow. You take a look at your new friend. She really is pretty. And she looks strong. Without even thinking, you feel compelled to [[take a sip of the wine.|spacedockbartable]]<<then>> @@.friend;<<say Ezriel "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/ezrieldress.png">>Well drink up!<</say>>@@ You snap out of it as she comes out with her second line, you take a look at what appears to be a glass of wine in your hand, with an the after taste on your tongue and then back to the lady, a look of confusion crossing your face. What just happened? It was like a panic attack. <<kayla>>Wait, what? Who are you?<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Ezriel "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/ezrieldress.png">>Oh sorry, I'm a regular here! I run cargo between here and the belt, go a small skiff down below. But I end up here every so often and just want to feel that...human connection...<</say>>@@ Her happy go lucky demeanor quickly drops, you can see disappointment and a hint of pain across her face. Poor girl, maybe you should have just gone with the flow. You are aboard one of the most secure parts of the system, even if she was tricking or tracking you, you're unlikely to be in any real danger. For now. <<kayla>>Sorry. You can't be too careful, you know.<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Ezriel "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/ezrieldress.png">>No, no...I probably should have introduced myself first. My name is Ezriel. I come here often, I just like to get to know travellers and hang out. The Jazz here is just electric!<</say>>@@ She takes a sip of her own drink before doing a little jig in her seat, before the band comes to a brief interlude between sets. This will give you [[time to chat|spacedockbartable]] a little bit, you guess.<<then>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/jazzbartable.png" id="hpleft"> You find yourself enjoying the jazz set, in the welcome company of a finely dressed woman who claims to be a trucker, but she does scrub up well. But you feel like you can trust her, for some reason and have let your hair down a bit, even finding yourself sipping on the wine she provided you. Probably not the wisest idea - but you have no other clear objectives at this moment in time and you could make some chit chat. @@.friend;<<say Ezriel "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/ezrieldress.png">>You want another drink?<</say>>@@ <<link "Where are you from?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Ezriel "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/ezrieldress.png">>Me? It's not important, but being from the rocks, I never get permission to set foot on Earth, so this is the closest I come to enjoy your culture and socialising with Earthers.<</say>>@@ You think you detect an undercurrent of resentment in her voice as she talks about Earth, but you're probably imaginging things.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "You said you run cargo?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Ezriel "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/ezrieldress.png">>Sure, I usually procure some cargo from here and planetside - small bits and pieces from Earth that can be used for entertainment. Let's not get into the exact details, but maybe I can show you around my ship later...<</say>>@@ Maybe that's a way off this station and to Ceres? You could go off with her, maybe be a deckhand or even her second in command. Two women and the entire system before you! Wait, where are you getting this idea from? You need to be more careful.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "What's with the accent?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Ezriel "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/ezrieldress.png">>Oh, you recognise my recognise? Well maybe not. I come from a colony that descends from the old Russian Empire. We don't speak Ruski, but we kept the accent, it's actually fairly common for each rock, asteroid, colony or whatever you wish to call them to have a accent similar to some old Earth country accent.<</say>>@@ Well, that explains the wide variety of accents you see on those documentaries about the various colonies strewn around the system.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "What's that...aroma?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Ezriel "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/ezrieldress.png">>Oh, I'm glad you noticed it. It's something special I wear, it helps me get what I want from the people around me - expensive stuff, experimental almost, can't be wasted. And tonight, I'll get I wanted.<</say>>@@ She eyes you up. Wow, she is alarmingly forward in her intentions, yet you feel you should be more resistant, this is not a good situation you are in - but you're just not feeling anything but ease and trust. What is happening?<</popover>><</link>> While you certainly feel like you're enjoying her company, something deep down tells you that she can't be trusted. And you should probably [[politely bow out.|spacedockbartable1]]<<finally>><</first>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/jazzbar.png"></center>You decide to check out the bar, it's not too busy - just the usual crowd, downing all sorts of different drinks, pints of beer, glasses of wine and the odd shot of whiskey - though they were all clearly some form of synthehol, a type of alcohol designed to give you a buzz but prevent you from losing control. Depending on your perspective, synthehol was either the most wonderful of inventions or a affront to the God of Ale. @@.friend;<<say Alia "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/alia.png">>What do you need?<</say>>@@ The voice instantly grabs your attention, a distinct accent, possibly German, comes from the attractive young lady stands cleaning a glass, motioning towards you with it. You've noticed a bit of a trend with these types, young and with a very particular style. Must be a correlation. Anyway, maybe you can [[make some small talk|spacedockbarbar]], bartenders are known for that, right?<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/jazzbar.png"></center> You're standing at the bar, the bartender is cleaning glasses and doing general busy work behind the bar, but you seem to have caught her eye and she is more than ready to listen to your problems and requests. Or you could [[head back|spacedockbar]] to the main floor. @@.friend;<<say Alia "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/alia.png">>I can lend an ear...<</say>>@@ <<link "Can I get a drink?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Alia "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/alia.png">>Sure. Just not from here, sorry. You'll have to grab a PADD from the bar or one of the tables. Don't give me that look! The musicians like to feel appreciated. Standing at a bar, drinking alcohol when you can order it at a table isn't appreciating them.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Touché.<</kayla>> Makes sense you guess, this is a Jazz Bar trying to have a modicum of class. There's probably a dive bar for the space truckers somewhere in the lower levels if you want to get black out drunk.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "What do you do here?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Alia "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/alia.png">>Is that a serious question? Just joking, I know what you mean, I could be replaced by a holographic or VI - but it's just another part of Earth Gov's scheme to create jobs and give people who want adventure something to do. I get paid a stipend, accommodation and get to work in space. The partying is nice too, it's a sweet deal. You should try it.<</say>>@@ With your current situation, you might need to look for a job here soon. But it makes sense you guess, this is a Jazz Bar trying to have a modicum of class and intimacy. Besides, there's probably a dive bar for the space truckers somewhere in the lower levels if you want to get black out drunk.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "Any stories from the frontier?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Alia "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/alia.png">>In my first week, some drunk guy stapled his dick skin on the bar for 50 credits. That's why we only do synthehol now.<</say>>@@ For a second, you glance at the bar you're leaning at and wonder what happened to the skin.<</popover>><</link>> <<if $skill == "speech">><<link "So...when do you get off work?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Alia "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/alia.png">>Aren't you a brave one?<</say>>@@ She smirks at your forwardness, you've already caught her checking you out and you know the profile of this person, you're sure she'd be up for a bit of fun and games. Barmaids. Seduction 101. @@.friend;"I have a place in the hotel, room 437. The fourth unit houses hospitality staff, so it should be quiet. Meet me there."@@ she slips you a guest card with the number on it that should get you in.<<pickup '$keycards' 'aliacard'>> <</popover>><</link>><<else>><<link "So...what do you do for fun around here?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.friend;<<say Alia "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/alia.png">>There's a few dive bars in the lower areas, but they're reserved for the grease monkeys and truckers. But they can still be a good place to party, if you get my drift.<</say>>@@ You're not sure you do. Or do you? <</popover>><</link>><</if>> <<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/jazzbar.png"></center> You're standing at the bar, the bartender you were talking to is no longer here and has probably gone off to attend other matters and the others seem less interesting. Shame. There isn't much else to do but [[head back|spacedockbar]] to the main floor and see what's around.<</first>>

<<first>><<kayla>>Thank you for the drink, but I'm gonna go. I've got so much to do...<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Ezriel "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/ezrieldress.png">>No, you're not.<</say>>@@ Her demeanor doesn't change, she is still happy and enjoying the increasingly fast paced music with a little jig, taking a sip of her drink - in fact her response was barely audible. But she was right. You can't move. In fact, you begin to feel cold, as you begin sweating profusely. @@.friend;<<say Ezriel "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/ezrieldress.png">>You're going to sit there and enjoy yourself for the rest of the evening. Drink up.<</say>>@@ You're not sure what is happening. But you do what you're told, your mind is still clear, but you're just following instructions. You nod your head, smile at her and then drink the wine again. What is in this?! @@.friend;<<say Ezriel "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/ezrieldress.png">>Oh don't worry, just enjoy the drink. It's just normal wine! Now crank that volume up!<</say>>@@ She begins bopping back and forth, you're not sure of the music is getting faster or louder, but it sure seems like it. And you shortly find yourself enjoying the music, sipping on the wine and sitting there like a nice little puppy dog enjoying her new best friends company. But you see things, flashes of the future, you've been able to think clearly up until now, but your mind is being...infiltrated...and [[you feel fine.|spacedockbartable1]]<<then>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>><<audio "hypno1" volume 0.06 loop play>>The music fades and along with everything else around you slowly turning black, you can still hear the vibration of the music somewhere on the outside, a faded beat somewhere in the distance, but you're somewhere else. You see an image of yourself, something tells you this is your future, a collar around your neck and in service of someone better than you. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/ezrielflash1.png"></center> You're looking directly at yourself, almost forcing you to accept this will be your future. The vibrations were now non-existent, the image of and you are once again [[immersed completely in the silent black.|spacedockbartable1]]<<then>>You continue to walk through the silent dark, almost in a daze, this isn't you, you know it isn't - but you keep going anyway. You feel compelled to keep going to find what you're looking for. But you're not sure what that is. @@.friend;<<say Ezriel "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/ezrieldom.png">>Time for your training.<</say>>@@ You hear a voice echo behind you in the darkness, an image of Ezriel forms behind you and grabs you by the head, <<linkreplace "forcing you to look straight ahead.">>forcing you to look straight ahead. At your future. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/trainingflash.webp"></center> Various images of you serving her flashes around you, they get bigger, more intense, the feeling becomes stronger and stronger...You're not even sure where you are now, are you still in that Jazz Bar? Or are you on her ship doing a burn for the colonies? Does it even matter... [[YES, YOU MUST RESIST!|spacedockbartable1]] [[No, it's fine. I like it.|spacedockbartable1]]<</linkreplace>><<then>><<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "bodyimpact" volume 1 play>>You feel a sharp pain in your neck, followed by a growing light in the darkness, a portal of some kind, wait, you recognise it, the bar! What the fuck just happened?! It isn't long until you're jolted back into reality. You're back in the bar, it takes a few moments to re-adjust, you can hear someone talking to you, but it's hard to understand, like when you're underwater. But you know the music has stopped, the sound of the crowd chattering amongst the commotion, as you hear the voice again. @@.friend;<<say "Masked Man" "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/bountyhunter.png">>Ma'm! Are you okay ma'm?!<</say>>@@ You can finally make the words out, but you can't get a response out just yet but you manage to nod your head and focus your vision upon the voice. <<if $skill == "military">>You take a look at them, you recognise the equipment as highly advanced, but still available on license to civilians - this guy must be a bounty hunter, and a well equipped one at that.<<else>>You take a look at them, you recognise the equipment from somewhere, but you're not quite sure - but they look well equipped.<</if>> Regardless, you look at the mess on the ground, the table has been flipped over and next to it, you see your would be accomplice struggling ineffectively on the ground against some rather...lewd restraints around her arms and legs, on top of what appeared to be a ball gag - but I guess they get the job done. <<kayla>>What...h...happened?<</kayla>> You manage to stammer out, gaining the attention of your knight in shining armour, well not quite literally but still...you should be thankful towards them. @@.friend;<<say "Masked Man" "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/bountyhunter.png">>Glad to see that the nanotoxin didn't get too deep seated in your system, I got the antitoxin into your body in time. The other's were not so fortunate....<</say>>@@ So that's what the prick in your neck was. <<kayla>>Thanks...What happened? What others?<</kayla>> It's hard to read someone's reaction behind their mask, the synthetic voice gives nothing away and keeps their accent hidden, producing a rather monotone sound. @@.friend;<<say "Masked Man" "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/bountyhunter.png">>Just know you're lucky, she's a slaver. She uses some type of pheromone from the belt to entrap and seduce young Earthers, young Earthers like you are particularly susceptible. Be more careful...Anyway, it's been a pleasure, this bitch is worth a couple of credits to me and I'd rather get out of here soon.<</say>>@@ @@.neutral1;<<say Ezriel "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/ezrielcaptured.png">>Hmmmmpfh.<</say>>@@ @@.friend;<<say "Masked Man" "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/bountyhunter.png">>That's what they all say...<</say>>@@ The bounty hunter drags Ezriel away, leaving you alone, still sitting on the chair, though the table you were sitting with is now smashed and the glass spread across the floor. There's still quite a bit of commotion, but most of the people appear to have left at the first sign of blood and violence - such sights were quite unusual in the civilized parts of the solar system. @@.neutral1;<<say VI "images/characters/vi/vi2.png">>GREETINGS! WE'RE SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE, BUT THE BAR IS CLOSING FOR EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE! PLEASE FEEL FREE TO EXPLORE OUR OTHER ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES AT YOUR LEISURE!<</say>>@@ You're not quite sure what just happened, it might take a little while longer to fully understand what just happened, in fact the memory of what you experienced has already began to fade - but regardless, this isn't the place to deal with your trauma, [[you should just get going.|spacedockbartable1]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/jazzbar.png"></center> You stand to attention, still feeling a bit woozy and feel something in your pocket - it looks like a ship keycard of some kind. But where did it come from? Well, there's something for you to investigate if you have the time. [[You follow the crowd out|spacedockupperlevels]], as the emergency shutters drop around the bar.<<pickup '$keycards' 'ezrielcard'>> <</first>>

<<first>>You stalk the rows and rows of airlocks until you find a match for the keycard, specifically looking for the right number. It only takes you about two minutes before one of the airlocks number displays matches up with the card. Bingo. <img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/stationairlock.png" id="hpleft"> You carefully inspect the airlock, visually scanning it for any possible security traps or triggers, but you're just being paranoid - you doubt station security would overlook a booby trap on one of their own airlocks. You place the keycard in the scanner and after a few moments, the airlock opens - you hold your breath for a few seconds before letting out a sigh of relief. Though it's not over yet, you can see the entryway to her skiff but [[you still have to get through the secondary airlock|spacedockskiff]] of the ship.<<then>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/skiffairlock.png"></center> You follow the same cautious steps as before, chastising yourself once more for being overly paranoid as the skiff opens itself to you, welcoming you. You're surprised by the lack of real security for someone who was essentially a slave trader, but then again, you were probably close to coming here yourself if whatever she had done to you hadn't been stopped. You [[step into the skiff to explore...|spacedockskiffinterior]]<<finally>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/skiffairlock.png"></center> You're back at the entrance to the skiff, you could go back in to have a [[look around for anything you missed|spacedockskiffinterior]] or [[just back off.|spacedockingring]]<</first>>

<<audio "spacedock1" stop>><<audio "military" volume 0.02 loop play>><<first>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/officedoor.png" id = "hpleft">The office is locked and the comms device you'd use to request access appears to be deactivated, which is unusual considering that this office is probably sparingly used, it's likely the ongoing situation means they're on high security - likely some VIPs using it. Perhaps your access code isn't going to work, I mean you're not AWOL and you're still on active duty, but security procedures could have changed. Well, there's only one way to find out. You could try to [[gain access with your credentials|spacedockmilitary1]] or you could just [[head back.|spacedocklowerlevels]]<<finally>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/officedoor.png" id = "hpleft">The office is locked and the comms device you'd use to request access appears to be deactivated. The only way you could access it is through security credentials, that you conveniently have. You could try to [[gain access with your credentials|spacedockmilitary1]] again or you could just [[head back.|spacedocklowerlevels]]<</first>>

<<first>>>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/officedoor.png" id = "hpleft">The door to the Kova facility is sealed up tight and your credentials are unlikely to work on a simple supply depot, as you'd expect with all the anti-crime measures these corporations take. But it shouldn't be a problem for you to access it, your short lived time working with the computer science geeks was fruitful enough and they even showed you a few of the backdoors they'd put into the software for such situations. <<if $alice == true>><<alice>>Oooooh! There could be a companion in here for me! Or maybe some sexy science we can check out! Hack away!<</alice>> Ugh. Maybe this was a bad idea if ALICE is excited? Anyway, within a couple of minutes the doors unlocked and [[you were in.|spacedockscience]] <<else>>Within a couple of minutes the doors unlocked and [[you were in.|spacedockscience]]<</if>><<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/warehouse.png"></center> The facility was darkened as you stepped in, but the motion sensors detected you immediately and illuminated the entire area as soon as you made your first steps into the place. There were dozens and dozens of metal containers stacked here, no doubt containing all sorts of stockpiles of vital scientific material that the various research platforms dotted in near Earth orbit could request if needed. It was cheaper to store them here than send them up in a freighter every month, some of these supplies had probably been here for almost a decade and could be here for another few decades before seeing any kind of degradation. Cyrogenics was a hell of a tech and Kova had an entire department dedicated to it. But there was something off, there was a half empty container of a variety of supplies that looked recently disturbed. Odd. Had there been a break in? Was someone skimming? Or could someone be here right now? Either way, you [[should check the area|spacedockscience]], there could be some useful supplies around.<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/warehouse.png"></center> You're in a large, well illuminated depot that belongs to Kova Genetics, a company you formerly worked for - well, technically, you still have an offer on the table from them. There are crates and barrells collecting dust here, just general supplies that one of the many orbital research stations can call upon if needed. You could take a look at the [[open crate|spacedocksciencecrate]] or try to access the other [[storage room|spacedocksciencelab]] at the back of the room. If you're done here, you could [[head back outside.|spacedocklowerlevels]]<</first>>

<<first>><<audio "spaceshipambience" volume 0.16 loop play>>You find yourself in the hallway of the small skiff and you immediately notice it is rather bare bones to begin with, not much room for more than one or two crew members, you wonder why that is. Maybe the smaller ships with less cargo run faster and hotter? Especially if the cargo is human. Makes sense if you're trying to avoid confrontations with the various security forces, pirate gangs and vigilantes that could be considered hazardous to someone in such a high risk "profession". <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/skiffhallway.png"></center> As is pretty standard for a vessel of this size, there doesn't appear to be many rooms of interest. You could [[check out the cockpit|spacedockskiffcockpit]], the midsection that appears to act as [[a cargo room|spacedockskiffcargo]] or the [[room at the back|spacedockskiffbed]] of the ship. You could also head back out to [[the airlock.|spacedockskiff]]<<finally>><<audio "spaceshipambience" volume 0.16 loop play>>You're in the hallway of the small skiff that belongs to the woman who you encountered at the jazz bar. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/skiffhallway.png"></center> As is pretty standard for a vessel of this size, there doesn't appear to be many rooms of interest. You could [[check out the cockpit|spacedockskiffcockpit]], the midsection that appears to act as [[a cargo room|spacedockskiffcargo]] or the [[room at the back|spacedockskiffbed]] of the ship. You could also head back out to [[the airlock.|spacedockskiff]]<</first>>

<center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/cockpit.png"></center> You have to duck your head into the small cockpit to get in, even though you're quite slight in size. Surprisingly, there appears to be two control stations, both doing the exact same thing. Another unusual feature for the ship. Either way, you could take a look at one of the <<link "control panels">><<popover 'opaque'>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/console.png"></center> You look at the helm's control panel, but it doesn't take long to realise it's a bust. Not only are the controls biometrically locked out, but it looks like the vessel is low on fuel and the refueling process has been halted. Despite being quite a small and patched up vessel, the piloting system and main computer are well protected.<</popover>><</link>> and see if you can glean any information. Or commandeer the vessel. If you're done here, you could head back to the [[hallway.|spacedockskiffinterior]]

<<first>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/cargo.png"></center> You enter into a spacious storage room, noticeably the back area has been converted into a sort of living space, with a couch, coffee machine and a few other comforts dotted around the room. <<linkreplace "And what's that?">><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/xcross.png"></center> Oh. Not just a living space then, this is probably where some of the poor souls were tortured and broken when they fell victim to that enchantress who almost had you in the same predicament. Anyway, it doesn't look like there is much around here, there are a few empty storage spaces and several what appears to be lockers. You could [[take a look around.|spacedockskiffcargo]]<</linkreplace>><<finally>>A spacious storage room that has been converted into a cosy little living area, well if you ignore the BDSM set up on the wall. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/cargo.png"></center> For a cargo room, it isn't very cargo-y and there doesn't appear to be any crates or shipping containers, but there are [[a few closed lockers|spacedockskifflockers]] you could try searching, or you could simply head back to the [[hallway.|spacedockskiffinterior]]<</first>>

<center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/bedroom.png"></center> You step into the small bedroom, and calling it small would be very generous. It's bare bones and more than a little cramped, a bed, a work desk and a sonic shower with a toilet built in. Not even one to sit on. Ugh. Looking around, there is really only [[the work desk|spacedockskiffcomputer]] is of interest and there is a small <<link "crate">><<popover 'opaque'>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/bdsmcrate.png"></center> The crate is full of bondage items and sex toys, they look like they've been heavily used as well. Ugh.<</popover>><</link>> that you could take a look in. Once you're finished, you should head back out into the [[hallway.|spacedockskiffinterior]]

<<first>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>>It takes a couple of minutes, but you eventually find your way to section 4, looks like this section might be less for and more the temporary staff. You almost did a shift on a station like this before you began training as a diplomat, local governments like to get young people working jobs for experience, give them a purpose or idea of what to do in life - though most just want to be an artist, holosuite designer, influencer...Most jobs can be automated these days, but people need a purpose, life experience. You sound like your father. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/hotel/hotelhallway.png"></center> There are dozens and dozens of rooms here, likely to be only for individuals and quite small. Fortunately, it only takes you another minute or two to find the door, generally people at hotels could give one-time use guest passes out, you tap the keyfob upon the door and it slides open. [[Time to enter.|spacedockaliaroom]]<<then>>The door slides open with a swoosh and closes with the same swoosh as soon as you step into the cosy abode, pretty basic but quite personalable, even if the temperature is a little hot. Personal preference. The room is decorated as you would expect from, posters of various obscure bands, attempts at expressive art and a dozen or so well looked after plants laying around that she cares for. The only thing missing was a cat or two. She's made it a comfortable little den, there's everything you need here really and it's not like the station isn't short of amenities. @@.friend;<<say Alia "images/chapter1/spacedock/jazzbar/alia.png">>Welcome. I'm glad you came, bar work can be such a drag. And...well there are some benefits to it.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Oh really? Like?<</kayla>> <img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/hotel/alia1.jpg" id="hpleft"> She reaches down to the side of the couch, pulling out a half bottle of gin. Looks like she took it before the shift was over, she pours two shots into glasses on the small table infront of you. @@.friend;"Life is short, let's enjoy it while we can..."@@ she offers you the drink, you hesitate for a second. @@.friend;"Synthehol. Guy. Bar. Foreskin."@@ What? [[You take the drink...|spacedockaliaroom]]<<then>>You clang the glasses together and knock the alcohol back. It's got a kick to it, blurring your vision for a second, but that's probably in combination with the blood rushing to your head as you throw it back. <<linkreplace "Another?">>@@.friend;"Another?"@@ she says and you gladly oblige... <img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/hotel/alia2.jpg" id="hpright"> @@.kayla;"...a fucking stapler!?"@@ you spend the next couple of minutes eye fucking each other over some small talk before you both became silent. You knew what was coming next. You close your eyes and softly touch your lips to her. She returns the feeling, making you feel warmer, you love this feeling. You fall deeper and deeper into the kiss, until you're laying on top of her beautiful body. She wraps her legs around you, bringing [[you even closer together.|spacedockaliaroom]]<</linkreplace>><<then>>You spent the next several amazing minutes making out, you hope she is as turned on as you are by this, clearly ready to make the next move and ratchet up the situation. You lick your lips, as you lift her top and begin to suck on her nipples, your tongue sliding over it, trying to get as much of her breast in your mouth before moving onto the next one... <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/hotel/alia3.jpg"></center> She moans lightly as you suckle on her nipples, before she takes you by surprise and flips you over onto your back, pinning you down. @@.friend;"My turn..."@@ she whispers, undoing your trousers and pulling them down aggressively, she begins to lick you all over, tasting you, starting from your lips, your stomach and kissing the inside of your thighs before working her way down to your clit. You gasp and [[grip the bedsheets...|spacedockaliaroom]]<<then>><<linkreplace "<center>Sometime later...</center>">><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/hotel/alia4.jpg" id="hpleft"> @@.friend;"How was that for you?"@@ she asks while gently carressing your body, you'd be laying there for a couple of minutes now, but you were both satisfied. @@.kayla;"Pretty good."@@ you respond. @@.friend;"Pretty good?!"@@ you both laugh together. It's always good to practice your skills and sometimes you even pick up new ways. Sex wasn't just for pleasure, it was a weapon for you. And like any weapon, it needs to be practiced. @@.friend;"So what now?"@@ she says, she has probably done this dance a dozen times. @@.kayla;"Just a one time thing..."@@ you stop yourself short before you reveal too much, it is easy in these situations to reveal secrets and details, even when aware of it. @@.kayla;"You know, work stuff. I've got a flight soon..."@@ she sighs and rolls over to look at you @@.friend;"Too bad. You can see yourself out?"@@. She has probably done this routine a dozen times before, but there is always that small hope that you'd want to continue. @@.friend;"Well that was a fucking great way to spend my free time."@@ she blurts out and settles into the bed, possibly for the evening. You can see her reading a book and having some green tea. Not your concern, as you [[re-dress yourself.|spacedockaliaroom]]<</linkreplace>><<finally>>You're in Alia's cosy little room upon the ESS, plants, art and other oddities litter the room, all representative of a 20 something young woman trying to 'find themselves'. <img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/hotel/aliaroom.png"> <<link "Alia is chilling out on">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/hotel/alia5.jpg"><</popover>><</link>> the bed, looking at you every so often. You're not sure if she is inviting you for another tryst or is just waiting for you to [[see yourself out.|spacedockhotel]]<</first>>

<<first>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>>Despite it being Room 001, it still takes a couple of minutes to get to to the correct section, but you eventually find your way to the door, this part of the hotel is extremely well maintained compared to the rest. It probably has daily sweeps, not to mention the security is heavy here, not noticably so, but you can see a lot of inconspicuous surveillance devices - the decor around you no doubt has all sorts of audio and visual devices picking everything up here. That's the problem with diplomacy, people constantly monitoring and trying to get an edge - even a drunken one night stand could be used as blackmail if it is the right person. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/hotel/poshhallway.png"></center> There are quite a few rooms here, but not all that many compared to the rest of the complex, the rooms were spacey and provided enough luxury to please all but the top tier diplomats. Fortunately, Room 001, was one of the first doors here. You take a deep breath and [[ enter.|spacedockbillroom]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/hotel/billroom.png"></center><<drop '$keycards' 'billcard'>> The room offers the kind of luxury that is expected when it comes to working for the UNN Diplomat Corps. A King sized bed with half a dozen pillows, with a decor well suited. But despite the appearance, it was a facade, most of this stuff is cheap compared to what the luxury hotels on Earth or even Mars offered - everything is nailed down or glued into the wall, nothing with history. It's just a superficial recreation, you'd go insane living her for more than a week. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/hotel/bill1.png"></center> @@.neutral1;"You came."@@ Bill appears from the rooms behind the double doors with a genuine smile. @@.kayla;"Not yet..."@@ you respond, his eyes widening with surprise at how forward you're being, but that is why you're here. It was a strange set up actually, the room opened up into the bedroom rather than hall. Strange decision choice. @@.neutral1;"Make yourself comfortable."@@ Bill says, motioning to the refreshments left upon the table. You take one <<link "look at the door">><<popover 'noclick'>>You decide at the last moment that you don't want to go through with this, it is inappropriate to practice your sex skills or just have fun when you're currently trying to escape Earth and find your family. Is this really what you should be doing? No. Of course not. <<kayla>>I'm sorry.<</kayla>> @@.neutral1;<<say 'Bill Byker' "images/chapter1/spacedock/bill.png">>Something I said?<</say>>@@ He looks shocked at you giving him the cold shoulder despite coming here, you turn around and move out of the room towards the <<link "[[exit|spacedockhotel]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>>, leaving Bill standing in his robe disappointed, but probably not too hurt.<</popover>><</link>> then back to [[the seat|spacedockbillroom]], it is now or never.<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/hotel/billroom.png"></center> You take a seat at the table, Bill smiles as you take a seat, you follow through with his suggestion and leaf through the items of <<link "confectionery">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/hotel/confectionery.png"><</popover>><</link>> left upon the table. High class. Bill disappears into the backroom, leaving you to devour two or three of them in quick succession. You'd be running on fumes and adrenaline for a while now that you think about it, the sugar treats reminding you that your body does need fuel soon. But you're soon interrupted by an awful noise, as <<linkreplace "Bill re-emerges.">>Bill re-emerges with a musical instrument.<<audio "trombone" volume 0.04 play>> <img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/hotel/bill2.png" id="hpleft">Bill emerges, blowing on the trombone but it is absolutely terrible. You can't tell if it is a bit he is doing or if he is genuinely trying his best. You sit awkwardly for a minute or two, letting him play his tune but he removes it from his mouth and smiles, awaiting [[your feedback.|spacedockbillroom]]<</linkreplace>><<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/hotel/trombone.png"></center> @@.neutral1;<<say 'Bill Byker' "images/chapter1/spacedock/bill.png">>I took this up recently, what do you think?<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>...Well...<</kayla>> @@.neutral1;<<say 'Bill Byker' "images/chapter1/spacedock/bill.png">>Ha! Don't worry. I know it's not great, but it is important in life to learn new skills, don't you agree?<</say>>@@ He places the trombone down, before taking a seat opposite you before taking one of the chocolates and gulping it down in one swift bite. @@.neutral1;"Delicious, aren't they? I got it from a Mars Ambassador, they're made with real Mars Gin...you know..."@@ he continues to chat about various unconnected topics and you spend the next ten or fifteen minutes making small talk before he takes your [[by the hand...|spacedockbillroom]]<<then>>@@.neutral1;<<say 'Bill Byker' "images/chapter1/spacedock/bill.png">>Your eyes are as mysterious as the stars.<</say>>@@ Cheesy. Very cheesy. But it certainly has a charm and it made you laugh, as he leaned in for the kiss, which you duly respond to. Feeling the bristle of the older man's beard against you was strange, you hadn't actually kissed a lot of men with beards now that you think about it, it was a new sensation. You get handsy with each other and it isn't long before he withdraws his tongue from your mouth and [[pulls you to the bed.|spacedockbillroom]]<<then>>Bill’s lips touch your shoulder as he whispers @@.neutral1;"Are you ready?"@@ as he gets close to your face, you're absurdly aroused at this point and can only muster a little nod, as the kisses continued across your collar bone, each kiss like an explosions against your naked skin. Those explosions flare into a supernova, as pauses his progress to suckle on your nipples. <center><video autoplay loop><source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/hotel/nipplesuck.webm"></video></center> You tangle your fingers in his hair as the pleasure reverbs through your body, he continues to work his way down your body but he stops suddenly and you frown, letting out a grown in frustration. You meet his gaze for a few seconds as he moves his head agonisingly slowly towards your sex. His tongue touched you, licked you, nibbled on you then pushed inside. <center><video autoplay loop><source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/hotel/pussylicking.webm"></video></center> @@.neutral1;"You taste good."@@ he grunts during a brief respite before he returns to lapping at your clit, sucking hard, lightly and sometimes biting. Every time, you jerk your legs and have to make sure not to take his head off with a kick, but you were drowning in pleasure at this point, the hair folicles on his face seemed to add to it. Your back arches as you almost reach climax, but and pushes you back down. You petulantly look at him, almost like a child who has had candy snatched from her. @@.neutral1;"Not yet."@@ he grunts as he prepares [[to enter you.|spacedockbillroom]]<<then>>You wrap your legs around his hips, greedily pulling him inside again and again and again. All the troubling thoughts you'd had through the day had faded away, the only thing left was just the visceral base needs of your bodies. <center><video autoplay loop><source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/hotel/fucked.webm"></video></center> You wanted more, digging your nails into the bucking muscles of his glutes, trying to match him thrust for thrust. @@.neutral1;“Kayla!”@@ he manages to blurt out while groaning in pleasure as he orgasms with one last thrust. You pull him closer, melting as you too hit climax at around the same time, your mind and vision going briefly going white as the tension explodes and slowly fades away. Bill collapses on you, breathing hard, neither of you moving for the next minute or so. [[You push him off|spacedockbillroom]], he rolls off to the side.<<then>>Post sex bliss. Your fingers idly toy with his ear lobe but you say nothing. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/hotel/feet.png"></center> @@.neutral1;“What are you thinking?”@@ he whispers across the bed. You ignore his question, you're not sure what you're thinking, in fact it is the first time today where you haven't had an overwhelming sense of dread and anxiety. He begins to shift next to you, dragging down the sheet that was covering your body, and leaned in to kiss her neck. Does he want to go again? This time, you push away. The post-sex guilt has hit. You felt so turned on in the moment but within five minutes of finishing, it was replaced with a feeling of guilt. <<kayla>>That was great, but...as I mentioned...<</kayla>> @@.neutral1;<<say 'Bill Byker' "images/chapter1/spacedock/bill.png">>You have places to be...I understand. Maybe our paths will cross in the future.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>I'd like that.<</kayla>> Would you? You're not sure, but it doesn't matter. It placates him and leaves him happy, as you step out of bed and begin to redress. He pours himself a drink, but remains sitting on the bed, still recovering from the encounter. @@.kayla;"Be seeing you..."@@ you say, as you slip your jacket back on. You take a look back and he gives you a two fingered salute as he takes a drink. Despite the slight feeling of post-sex guilt that overcame you, it was a good time. You [[step out back into the hallway.|spacedockhotel]]<</first>>

<<audio "spacedock1" stop>><<audio "military" volume 0.02 loop play>><<first>>As expected, your biometric credentials allow you quick access to the embassy, the glass sliding doors opening before, allowing you enter the module. Finding yourself in the lobby of a United Nations Embassy, you imagine the other embassys on the other spacedocks look exactly the same as this one. But it was pretty empty, these places, while spacious and quite luxurious, were rarely used seriously. The spacedocks above Earth were considered Earth territory and therefore were not neutral points, so these places were pretty pointless as "embassys". But as areas to stay, meet and relax, they were well used - and abused - by the diplomatic family before their trip down to Earth or into the belt. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/embassylobby.jpg"></center> The receptionist eyes you briefly and gives you a polite smile before returning to her work. You could have try to have a chat with the receptionist, but other than that there are two doorways leading the same way - [[deeper into the embassy|spacedockembassyhall]] or you could [[just leave.|spacedockupperlevels]]<<finally>>You're in the lobby of the UN Embassy based upon this particular spacedock. It's still quiet, apart from the odd member of staff and the receptionist on the desk working away. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/embassylobby.jpg"></center> You could have try to have a chat with the receptionist, but other than that there are two doorways leading the same way - [[deeper into the embassy|spacedockembassyhall]] or you could [[just leave.|spacedockupperlevels]]<<set $kayladiplomat = false>><</first>>

You step up to the lockers, there are eight of them and three four of them appear to be in use - they're spacious enough that you could fit a surprisingly large amount of cargo inside of one quite easily. You could have a look through them if you feel the need to. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/lockers.png"></center> Check out <<link "locker 1.">><<popover 'opaque'>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/locker1.png"></center> You don't know exactly what it is, but anyone with at least a double digit IQ could figure it out instantly. Looks like she occassionally took male prisoners. Best not touch it.<</popover>><</link>> Check out <<link "locker 2.">><<popover 'opaque'>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/locker2.png"></center> Jesus, you expected weaponry somewhere but that looks like some advanced hardware - looks like an all purpose weapon, lethal, non-lethal. Expensive stuff. You're tempted to try take one, but they're sealed up tightly in their display case and you doubt you'd get more than a couple of feet before station security overwhelmed you. Maybe next time.<</popover>><</link>> Check out [[locker 3.|spacedockskifflocker1]] Check out <<link "locker 6.">><<popover 'opaque'>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/locker6.png"></center> More prisoner equipment, this just looks like some fairly rudimentary iron chains that you'd put on the more compliant - perhaps even broken - slaves when transporting them. Wait, when did you become an expert in slavery and BDSM?<</popover>><</link>> Or if you're finished you could [[back off|spacedockskiffcargo]] and check out the other areas of the ship.

<<first>>The work station has a few instruments and souvenirs of dubious origin on it, but nothing important or interesting to you. However, the secured laptop on the desk is certainly of interest. You run your fingers across the edge, but it looks like it is locked up tight. Perhaps the keycard? It's worth a shot, as you run the keycard over the laptop and it springs to life. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/skiffcomputer.png"></center> @@.kayla;"Bingo!"@@ you quietly congratulate yourself, as the laptop opens itself upto you. Maybe it'll give you a bit more insight into this mysterious lady or even give you control of the ship. Time to [[delve into the files.|spacedockskiffcomputer]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/skiffcomputer.png"></center> You spend a couple of minutes searching, but you'd be here for hours and you simply don't have the time. You look through the most recent accessed files, as well as the most commonly requested and bring them up for viewing. Looks like it is just used for messages and sending the odd file. Let's take a look. <<link "<q>Don't cross The Circle</q>">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/diazcomm.png" id="hpleft">A familiar face pops up on screen, your former school teacher, delivering a message to the person who had tried to enslave you. Is there some type of high level slave trade going on? How? @@.hostile1;"Ezriel! Stay away from Earth! Last warning! The Circle have tolerated your presence because you haven't crossed out path, but they've gotten wind of your latest scheme, you're getting too bold. What were you thinking by hijacking our slave?!"@@ <<if $jennyfate is "police">>Fortunately, Jenny is likely in police custody now and won't be a problem for you or Ezriel. But this Circle, what or who are they? <<elseif $jennyfate is "slave">>You're not sure what happened to Jenny, did the slavers follow through with your message? Seems like a bad idea with hindsight. What if they just released her and sent her after you? <<elseif $jennyfate is "free">>You might come to regret not dealing with her back on Earth judging from her words here, you hope you made the right choice.<<else>>Miss Diaz is involved in some type of slavery?! What the fuck? Perhaps she had something to do with poor Margaret disappearing.<</if>> Either way, you should be careful in the future. The Circle? Doesn't sound like someone to mess with. Ezriel certainly seems to have fallen afoul of them and judging from the threats, it seems strange to do so.<</popover>><</link>> is a message sent to this ship from an unknown location in the past week. Another recent message titled <<link "<q>Got another one.</q>">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/ezcomm.png" id="hpleft">You click on a recently created video log, looks like Ezriel kept weekly logs on her status. With how long it can take to travel, a lot of them are likely to be mundane updates on the ship status. Pretty standard for anyone in charge of their own ship, even if their vessel is as small as this. This is the latest one. @@.friend;"Log 543-2350. Well you really did it this time Ezriel, you went after an asset of The Circle. This little mouse isn't worth a ton, pretty standard merchandise but you don't go after The Circle or their toys. Let's hope it doesn't come back to bite you."@@ she pauses for a moment, perhaps the gravity of the situation dawned on her briefly, not that it matters now since she was taken away by the bounty hunter. Or were they a bounty hunter? Could be... @@.friend;"Fortunately she is a young, slim attractive Earther, so I should be able to flip her for a pretty profit in the outer colonies. She'll spend the next month in "therapy", she won't be anything but compliant to her new masters by the time I arrive."@@ Sheesh, but why would she fall afoul of this "Circle" organisation on purpose? There is more to this than meets the eye, but for now you'll have to forget about it.<</popover>><</link>> was drafted, but not sent. And finally <<link "<q>Formula upgraded. More potent!</q>">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/scientist.png" id="hpleft">What's this about? You click on it and receive another video message, you have no idea who it is but looks like it maybe to do with the substance that was used to drug you @@.neutral2;"Ezriel! kewe to using xox xidawang much fo so mali gain? mi ta showxa to mix fu drops erefo wa glass fo liquid, na wa whole container! to ta kang kill wamang o tenye imalowda turn fo dust! bah! anyway ketim to return, mi'll trade to mi latest formula fo another bekedabúsh earth métexeng."@@ You'll really need to brush up on this dialect before you reach Ceres, but from what you can gather, this man is some type of scientist specialising in aphrodisiacs and other mind altering substances that are focused on making people more compliant to sexual abuse. Scary.<</popover>><</link>> perhaps about the substance you were drugged with? Finally, there is a file that appears to be some <<link "type of leaflet...">><<popover 'opaque'>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/lilyleaflet.png"></center> Who is this? Lily Strela? Another victim of The Circle? It looks like an advertisement of some kind, perhaps for an auction or a sale?<</popover>><</link>> If you're done you can take a [[step back|spacedockskiffbed]] and return to searching the rest of the room.<</first>>

<<first>>You open up another locker, you can't help but swear to yourself. You've never seen anything like this before, you thought this was just another locker. But a womanly shape encased in some type of latex is suspended by various chains, a tube provides them with some type of air and, presumably, acting as a feeding tube at times. You don't even want to think about the tubes sticking out of their private parts. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/lockerbondage.png"></center> <<kayla>>What the fuck?!<</kayla>> And the person is clearly aware and alive of their situation, as they react to your voice, their head swivelling in your direction. You're creeped out, this is like one of those "Doll Mistress" horror holonovels as the black latex mask moves around. You speak again. <<kayla>>H..hello?!<</kayla>> The woman, well you assume it is a woman, pushes against the chains, rattling them, you can't tell if she is panicing, excited or if she is having an orgasm. @@.neutral1;<<say ??? "images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/latexwoman.png">> MPPPPPPMH!<</say>>@@ Maybe all three. You look around, not sure what to do. It looks like there is a small panel on the inside door of the locker, it shouldn't be too difficult to release the chains and try to..de-latex her. Should you try to free her? Leave her for now? <<kayla>>Hold on...<</kayla>> [[You have a choice to make.|spacedockskifflocker1]]<<finally>><<if hasVisited("spacedockskiffrescue") and not visited("spacedocksciencelaba")>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/freedom1.png" id="hpleft"> The doe eyed girl who you helped free looks at you as you return, she has life in her eyes, you can tell she is grateful to see you but she is clearly drained by her ordeal. [[You can't help her at the moment.|spacedockskifflockers]]<<elseif visited("spacedockskiffrescue") and visited("spacedocksciencelaba")>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/freedom1.png" id="hpleft"> The doe eyed girl who you helped free looks at you as you return, she has life in her eyes, you can tell she is grateful to see you but she is clearly drained by her ordeal. [[You can't directly help her at the moment|spacedockskifflockers]] but she seems a perfect specimen for the incubator in the science lab [[that you could use|spacedockskiffincubator]], but you feel like it'd be highly unethical.<<else>>You're at the "locker" with the prisoner inside, who is still locked tightly in a cruel mixture of latex, chains and tubes. You try to keep quiet, as not to alert the woman to your presence, you'd rather not excite her too much. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/lockerbondage.png"></center> You're short of options, you could look at the panel to [[try and free them|spacedockskiffrescue]] or you could [[step back|spacedockskifflockers]] for now.<</if>> <</first>>

<<audio "military" volume 0.02 loop play>><<first>>You finger in your eight digit keycard and after a couple of seconds you get the greenlight @@.neutral1;"Access granted."@@ a voice chirps from the console, as the heavy titanium doors unseal with a quick woosh. Stepping through the doors, you're not more than three steps into the terior before you're immediately met by a hostile voice. @@.hostile1;<<say Marine "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/marine.png">>HALT! How did you get in here civilian? We're in lockdown!<</say>>@@ A UNN Marine, a second class lieutenant, with his finger on the trigger of a rather large repulsor rifle, a L-32 if you're not mistaken. Intimidating if you don't know what they are, weapons designed for crowd control and non-lethal. But they could give you a mean headache mixed with nausea for a couple of hours, symptoms of which you'd rather avoid. <<kayla>>Calm yourself lieutenant! I'm off duty, but check my credentials. Kayla Sheridan, cadet first class.<</kayla>> The Marine briefly shifts attention from you, turning his head to look to your left. There's a uniformed officer on the desk, you're not sure what branch but they're not a marine, however they were already [[checking you out and your background|spacedockmilitary1]] before you'd had a chance to finish.<<then>>@@.neutral2;<<say Officer "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/officer.png">>Blue Squad, huh? But you're away on leave...Compassionate leave...What for....Oh. I'm so sorry. But that doesn't explain why you've entered a secure facility with no..<</say>>@@ @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>Stand down.<</say>>@@ <<if visited("prologuecompartmenta")>>A familiar voice appears from the single hallway leading in the facility, it's Admiral Laux, your mentor and the person you just shared a ride up from Earth. Makes sense that she'd be here now that you think about it, but you're a little worried about what she is thinking.<<else>>A familiar voice says from the single hallway leading into the facility, before revealing themselves. Rear Admiral Laux. Your mentor while at the academy. That explains the heavy security presence. But what is she doing here? The two who were interrogating you quickly stand to attention, as she approaches you. She is dressed in civilian uniform but still looks professional, rather than in dress uniform as it standard. Interesting.<</if>> @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>Cadet Sheridan. We meet again. Now, what the hell are you doing here? We're on lockdown and you're not on duty. You know this breaks protocol 41..<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>..3C.<</kayla>> You finish her sentence for her. Not many below the rank of Commander would finish an Admiral like that, but your bluntness was one of the reasons you served as her personal attache for so long. Wait, wasn't there a cavaet to that rule? [[413C...-D?|spacedockmilitary1]]<<then>> <<kayla>>Admiral, may I remind you of the D clause?<</kayla>> She smirks, she was probably just testing you, seeing if you still have that ridiculous memory, but you shouldn't push her patience much further. @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>Of course I know it cadet. Touche. But you still need to answer my question.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>My codes are still active and I...<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>Is this something to do with your father's death?<</say>>@@ You think you can trust her, but you're not sure if you should. Would it endanger her? You're not sure what you should do, you need [[more time to think...|spacedockmilitary1]]<<then>>@@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>Well, until you tell me what you need help with, I can't help. And since you're away on leave, I can't order you. So we're at an impasse. If you want to tell me, come to my office. If not, I have important work to do. At ease.<</say>>@@ And with that, she gives a nod to the soldiers around her, who loosen up. Looks like you have the freedom of the place for now, you should assess your situation and think about your [[next course of action.|spacedockmilitary1]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/officelobby.png"></center> You're in the small lobby of the UNN outpost upon the spacedock, you imagine that the other docks above Earth have the same, cookie cutter offices. Small, but effective with only a single long hallway allowing access to several small storage rooms and two or three offices for visiting command staff. The uniformed officer sits at the desk, working diligently on whatever boring paperwork they've been assigned and the well equipped marine guard has taken up a guard position near the blast doors. There isn't much to do here, you could explore [[the hallways|spacedockmilitaryhallway]] of the compound or just [[leave|spacedocklowerlevels]].<</first>>

<center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/officehallway.png"></center> Yup. It's a hallway. There are about a dozen doors in the hallway, many of them are locally secured, so your credentials are unlikely to work - pretty standard on these smaller outposts, keeps people honest, no skimming off the top and selling to smugglers. <<if visited("spacedockmilitaryoffice1")>>There are now three rooms accessible to you, [[the office|spacedockmilitaryoffice]] where the Admiral is situated, a [[mess hall|spacedockmilitarymess]] and the [[intelligence gathering station.|spacedockintelligence]] You could also head back out to [[the lobby|spacedockmilitary1]] should you want to leave.<<else>>There appears to be only two accessible rooms at the moment, [[the office|spacedockmilitaryoffice]] where the Admiral is situated and a [[mess hall.|spacedockmilitarymess]] You could also head back out to [[the lobby|spacedockmilitary1]] should you want to leave.<</if>>

<center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/officeoffice.png"></center>A standard military office, it is pretty bare bones with a standard flag pole in the corner, a display of miscellanous data and the walls adorned with one or two propaganda posters, but rather impersonal as you doubt command staff stay here for more than a day at a time. Admiral Laux is sat at the single desk, working diligently on a heavy duty portable computer rather than using the systems that are provided. <<if visited("spacedockmilitaryoffice1")>>The Admiral has already rendered more than enough assistance to you, it'd be rude to continue to bother her while she is no doubt doing a dozen tasks, all of them unpleasant. [[You shouldn't bother her any further.|spacedockmilitaryhallway]]<<else>>@@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>Cadet, I know you're up to something. I am willing to help. Just tell me why you're here and what you're planning, or I can't do anything to help you.<</say>>@@ Well, it's now or never. Are you going to [[tell her your plans|spacedockmilitaryoffice1]] or [[back off|spacedockmilitaryhallway]]?<</if>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/officemess.png"></center> You enter the mess room, several overly musculine men in fatigues are sitting around a table, playing what you assume to be poker while enjoying some light hearted banter as one of the youngest looking men in the room sneezes in the most effeminate way possible. @@.hostile1;<<say 'Senior Soldier' "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/soldier1.png">>Hey, why have I never heard your sneeze before? You sneeze like a girl! Haha!<</say>>@@ @@.hostile2;<<say 'Junior Soldier' "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/soldier2.png">>And how 'bout I pound you like a gir...wait, that didn't come out right...<</say>>@@ Through the belly laughter, a strange odor permeates through the room - is that....some type of tobacco? The older gentlemen sucking on the tobacco wrap...you think cigar?...turns to you, looking you up and down with disdain. @@.hostile1;<<say 'Senior Soldier' "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/soldier1.png">>What do you want? Get outta here!<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Uh...wrong room.<</kayla>> There probably isn't much to see here, the guys thick, intimidating Germanic accent probably has something to do with that though and you back out. Besides, you don't think you could stomach the sweaty smell mixed with the odor of the tobacco any longer. Was that real tobacco?! Either way, you're curious as to who they were or what unit they belong to. They certainly looked like grizzled veterans, maybe something to do with the admiral's presence. Anyway, You find yourself [[back in the hallway.|spacedockmilitaryhallway]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/officemess.png"></center> The mess hall, you briefly open the door and get a whiff of the "man" smell, on top of the cigar odor and quickly close the door again. There probably isn't anything in there that would be worth enduring such smells. [[You should look elsewhere.|spacedockmilitaryhallway]]<</first>>

<<first>>You spend five minutes running through the events since this morning that have led you to wandering around a space station in Earth's orbit with no real strategy or direction - just a vague plan to get to the bastion of civlization in the belt, Ceres. Laying it out to another person, while therapeutic you certainly begin to see how insane you sound and how fruitless your plan may be. The Admiral takes a moment to absorb the information, before responding. @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>Not what I expected of you Cadet. But under the circumstances, even the best soldiers can panic under pressure. So it is understandable. But you're playing a dangerous game.<</say>>@@ She briefly diverts attention away from the computer she was working from to give you her full focus and attentiveness, you even feel a degree of warmth radiating from her eyes. @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>But I know you well enough to know that you're resourceful and stubborn, you'll find a way there eventually, even if I deny any help to you. Very well.<</say>>@@ She keys in a few details into her computer, you're not sure what she is doing exactly but you're hopeful it'll be [[something of use.|spacedockmilitaryoffice1]]<<then>>She double checks whatever she has just done before nodding back to you. @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>I've added you to the flight manifest, but there will be no official trace. We can't take you to Ceres, but we can get you close enough and provide some support. I'm heading out to undertake logistical command of the second fleet and, officially, the UNN has no presence on or near Ceres in light of your father's dead and the terror threat.<</say>>@@ You remember this procedure on your black ops training scenarios, command could temporarily add people to flight manifests that would automatically wipe themselves after a certain time. Simple, but effective. <<kayla>>But...<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>But? There is no but. You know that. But you are on extended leave for compassionate reasons, so you can do what you wish. I'll also allow you access to some selected files in the computer room. It might help you on Ceres.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Thank you Admiral.<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say Laux "images/prologue/spaceport/laux.jpg">>We'll be leaving in a few hours. Meet us at the docking ring at 0100 hours, we'll be departing from airlock 021. Dismissed.<</say>>@@ 0100? That's about four or five hours from now! Looks like you'll just have to wander the station for a little while longer, maybe [[check out those files?|spacedockmilitaryhallway]]<</first>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/officeintelligence.png"></center> It's a fairly small room designed for intelligence gathering and analysis but honestly, these types of places don't see much action when it is such an unimportant outpost. The types of people permanently assigned to these dead end posts are unlikely to have access to sensitive data for the same reason they've been assigned to the post. The two or three supply crates that are awkwardly crammed in to the space are pretty telling of how often it is used for its purpose. Still, you have access to it and should at least try to glean some type of useful information. There is a single terminal surrounded by several other instruments that you could take a look at, there's also a sensor system in place. Must be independent of the station itself, it appears to be tracking and logging the traffic in and out of the station. The secure terminal was designed with intelligence in mind, but you're locked out of most of the terminal's functions - you're not an officer after all. However, there are several files of interest that you appeared to have been [[granted access to.|spacedockintelligence]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/officeintelligence.png"></center> You find yourself in the intelligence gatherhing facility, with sole access to the terminal and the information that has been granted to you. <<link "UNN Dossier - Mars-Earth Coalition">> <<popover 'opaque'>>To prevent unfortunate military incidents and to maximise the economic propserity of both the people of Mars and Earth, the coalition was formed to oversee the trade of resources coming from the belt. So far, this arrangement has suited both sides quite well, but in recent years, especially with the increasing instability in the outer colonies, we've noticed Mars pushing its luck. They've been speeding up classified scientific projects at great cost to their citizenry, of which we have no intelligence on. Mars terraforming project is reliant on the resources provided by the belt, it is a possibility they are looking to wean themselves off this reliance. There is also a fear of the opposite. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/mars.png"></center> There is a growing feeling of distrust over Ceres and the belt amongst the UNN Government and military. With the fall of the provisional government on Ceres, the coalition has been providing security and administration, but the belt lacks any real democracy or government at this time, which is causing issues across the board - particularly when it comes to the terraforming project. We've put together contigency plans shoud Mars make a move on Ceres, as well plans incase the UNN High Command decide to take Ceres themselves.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "UNN Dossier - Ceres (Latest)">> <<popover 'opaque'>>Ceres, as the main supplier of metals and minerals to the entire system, is as important as any other place in the system. But the situation is getting more and more tense as the years go by, entire generations no longer consider themselves "of Earth". Fortunately, unlike Mars, they're heavily reliant on food supplies from Earth with no real agricultural industry and this allows us to continue getting favourable trade deals. The past decade, we successfully manipulated the elections to favour the "provisional government" and had several assets in the inner circle. However, with the unfortunate fall of the provisional government in the food riots of 2348, organisations such as Iron Star, Black Serpent and a host of other politically parties have popped up to fire up the population. The situation gets worse every year, however, the Iron Star organisation has stabilised the situation to some degree. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/ceres1.png"></center> Tactical reports indicate we could easily take the colony under Earth control, they have no navy to speak of and the militias would inflict minimal losses. However, it would cause an incalcuable number of casualties and would take months to repair the station, stopping supplies temporarily. This isn't even taking into account the resistance that would. This should only be considered as a last resort and with carefully logistically planning. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/ceres2.png"></center> The lockdown will remain until Ceres stabilises, with or without MRT.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "UNN Dossier - Iron Star">> <<popover 'opaque'>> The Iron Star organisation are the power brokers upon Ceres, they bring stability. They're currently led by Scott Mason (see file #A462-D34) who has brought a modicum of respect to the group and stability to Ceres with the backing of this organisation. But make no mistake, he continues to turn a blind eye to the extremists in his faction and we suspect he encourages it. Unfortunately, none of the evidence we have is substanstial enough due to the fact the group has several lieutenants who have a lot of leeway. <img src="images/prologue/mail/ironstarlogo.png" id="hpleft"> Iron Star has consistently been given a description, in the media and by themselves, as "a loosely affiliated network of gangs, unions, fringe politicians and businesses, united under a core common ideology that started its life as a labor union or advocacy group, fighting for the interests of inhabitants of Ceres and, by extension, the rest of the stations and planets beyond Earth and Mars, the two planets who they're commonly in conflict with." and, on the whole, our intelligence gathering has offered more than enough evidence that this is, surprisingly, true for the most part. Despite it being against Earth and UNN interests, the more autonomy Ceres gains, the more stable it becomes, even if the standard of living drops. The people of Ceres are, for the most part, fiercely independent ahead of all else. At the moment, Iron Star should be considered an uncooperative asset. Their priority is to keep the trade and materials flowing, but most importantly they have no preference when it comes to picking between Earth and Mars, as long as this neutrality remains, we should not actively look to remove them from power. However, if the opportunity presents itself, we should continue taking a pragmatic approach on regime change. The biggest danger is one of their lieutenants grasping power, Bonnie Hunter for example, is extremely prejudiced and a fundamentalist.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "UNN Dossier - The Black Serpent">><<popover 'opaque'>>The Black Serpent is hard to gain intelligence on, attempts to place or recruit assets within the organisation have been unsuccessful. They're best described as a crazed cult believing in a concept known as "the drift", what they believe this is, is not clear but they believe that those who live in the belt are more attuned to it than Earthers, making them "superior". Regardless of the details on their beliefs, their way holds enough sway that it has led to actions such as suicide bombings, public sacrifice and self immolation. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/blackserpent2.png"></center> Their leadership and leadership structure is currently sketchy at best, they have a hierarchy of sorts and operate out of what would best be described as a church in one of an abandoned sector of Ceres. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/blackserpent1.png"></center> UNN Intelligence sent one of their best agents to infiltrate the organisation and this is the only information we were able to get before she went quiet. We only saw her again once, for more information check the video file 'AD4621-3292'. Her current status is unknown, but assumed KIA. Current risk assessment advise against attempts at infiltration.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "UNN Video - 'AD4621-3293'">><<popover 'opaque'>><center><video loop autoplay muted> <source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/intelligencevideo.webm"> </video></center> The video details the torture of a UNN intelligence operative and is absolutely horrifying. You wonder why the Admiral would give you access to this, could it be a way of warning you? Detering you? Preparing you? Either way, the complexity and danger of the situation weighs heavily on you once more. If you're not careful, this could be you.<</popover>><</link>> <<if not visited("spacedockmilitarymission")>>If you no longer have need of the information or you're done, you should [[head back out to the hallway.|spacedockmilitarymission]]<<else>>If you no longer have need of the information or you're done, you should [[head back out to the hallway.|spacedockmilitaryhallway]]<</if>><</first>>

<center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/embassyhallway.png"></center> Despite it being a single hallway, there are still quite a few facilities in the small module. Rooms labelled, <<if visited("spacedockconference")>>the conference room is now locked and clearly marked as occupied<<else>>[[conference room|spacedockconference]]<</if>>, dining hall, study area, a common room, a library and some type of administrative area all line the hallway. There is even a bedrom or two, though you'd have thought that any really important staff would be staying at one of the VIP suites in the hotel. You're not sure if there is anything value around here, but it might be worth exploring, [[or perhaps you should head back.|spacedockembassy]]

<<first>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/storagedoor.png"></center> What appeared to be a storage room at the back of the depot was anything but. How do you know? Well, such a heavy duty lock wouldn't be installed on a simple storage door, nor would such a module like this usually be equipped with such a door. Not to mention the icicles forming on the viewing port - there is more to this than meets the eye. But you have no idea how to approach this, the only thing on the unit's display is a square, which then transforms into a triangle. Your attempts at unlocking it through the backdoors are futile, none of the protocols give a response, this is a piece of security you haven't seen before. There are, however, other avenues for you to explore, you could use your PADD and try to brute force hack it but you'd be here for some time - or you could try figure out what the lock wants. It clearly wants some type of input on the keypad. But what could it be? [[You'll have to work it out.|spacedocksciencelab]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/storagedoor.png"></center> You're in front of the heavy duty door at the back of the facility, the door is tightly sealed and awaits entry of a code. The only clue is a display of a <<link "triangle">><<popover 'opaque'>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/triangle.png"></center><</popover>><</link>>, with nothing else. <<if visited("spacedocksciencelab1")>>Having already been in here now, you know what is behind the door, but you're not sure you liked it.<<else>><<link "You can feel ALICE's voice in your head">><<popover 'opaque'>> <<alice>>Come on, you're not this dumb, surely? The triangle is the answer to the code!<</alice>> What? What is she talking about? You can almost feel her scratching at the back of your eyeballs, maybe you should just <<linkreplace "[[let go and let her solve it for you.|spacedocksciencedepotalice]]">><<dismisspopover>><</linkreplace>> But you know now that wouldn't be so wise...You can figure it out yourself. <</popover>><</link>>, screaming at you about a possible solution - but you try your best to ignore it.<</if>> <<textbox "$code1" $code1>> [[Enter Code|spacedocksciencelab]] <<if $code1 == 11>>The light on the door is @@.friend;green@@ and is now unlocked, [[you could enter|spacedocksciencelab1]] if you desire or [[back off for now.|spacedockscience]]<<else>>The @@.hostile1;red light@@ on the door indicates that the door is locked, so you should just [[back off for now.|spacedockscience]].<</if>><</first>>

<center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/opencrate.png"></center> The crate has recently been opened, whoever opened it didn't bother to reseal it - generally once these types of crates are open, the materials inside decay quite quickly, they probably only have a couple of hours left before becoming useless. Either these were some very sloppy thieves or someone wanted some very specific chemicals. You take a closer look, but they're not labelled at all - there is probably a shipping log somewhere, but you don't really have time to go digging through computer systems just for the name of some chemical compound. While there is nothing you can do with these chemicals without knowing what they are and their composition, you notice a PADD that has been hastily abandoned on top of the crate - no doubt after opening the lid, they wanted to get the chemicals somewhere quickly. You could take a <<link "closer look at the chemicals">><<popover 'opaque'>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chemicals.png"></center> You take a look at the chemicals, but they're unmarked. But they are pretty unusual, you've never seen vials of this type before and they're very tightly secured. Perhaps this was specifically delivered here and wasn't just in storage? It would explain a few things.<<if $player.has('vial')>> You've already taken a vial of this stuff, anymore would be greedy and carrying it would excessively dangerous.<<else>> You could <<link "[[try to pick one of them up|sciencedepotviral]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>>, but it'd be unwise if you didn't have protection.<</if>><</popover>><</link>> and see if you missed anything, but you should really take a <<link "closer look at the PADD">><<popover 'opaque'>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/scientistpadd.png"></center> It looks like the PADD is locked to the user at the moment, but you can see the last screen that they were looking at. What is this? It looks like nonsense, but it still seems important. What does it mean? SQUARE? 4? How does that equal 10? Same with Hexagon and its six sides. 13? What? <<if $alice == true>><<alice>>Ooooh, you see the pattern don't you? You're mega smart! It's a code! But if you can't...<</alice>> Yea, yea. I do. I don't need her help. It's the number of letters and the number of sides. Easy. Must be some type of password.<<else>>Let's think about this for a minute. It's the number of letters and the number of sides. Easy. Must be some type of password.<</if>><</popover>><</link>>. Else, you should [[step away.|spacedockscience]]

<<first>>You're in the hallway of the small lab, you're immediately hit with the familiar smell of a sterile environment the kind that labs, hospitals and sometimes your mansion after a deep clean from Jeffrey tended to have. It's also slightly cold, which indicates to you that is likely active right now - perhaps someone is here now? You best be careful. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/hallway.png"></center> Fortunately, it's a small facility with only two doors either side. A door marked "Lab-A" to the left and another marked "Quarters-A" off to the right. Got to love those naming conventions, either way the choice of what to do is [[yours.|spacedocksciencelab1]]<<finally>>You find yourself in the "backroom" of the Kova Genetics depot, but was in reality a small lab. These types of field units were relatively tiny but could accommodate quite advanced research projects but you'd never used one yourself. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/hallway.png"></center> There's a door to [[the lab|spacedocksciencelaba]] to the left and <<if visited("spacedockskiffincubator")>>a door to some quarters on the right, but it is locked. And you swear you can hear some screaming? Looks like Chau has gotten to work on his experiment. Ugh.<<else>>a door to [[some quarters|spacedocksciencequarters]] on the right.<</if>> The only other door is the [[exit you came from.|spacedocksciencelab]] <<if not $player.has('gloves')>> There are some hazard gloves hung up on the wall alongside a hazard suit, the gloves look quite new, unused and could fit quite snuggly into your satchel. <<linkreplace "You could take them.">>You grab the gloves and stuff them into your messenger bag.<<pickup '$player' 'gloves'>><</linkreplace>><<else>>On the wall is a hazard suit, apart from the empty hangar where you have taken the hazard gloves.<</if>> <</first>>

<<first>>If the hallway was chilly, then the actual lab was baltic. It even takes you a couple of seconds for your senses to adapt to the shock of the cold, you'd become an icicle if you spent more than a couple of minutes in here! @@.neutral2;<<say Chau "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chau.png">> Important research! Get out of here!<</say>>@@ Your attention is drawn to the voice, an elderly Asian man dressed head to toe in heavy winter clothing scowls at you, you'd somehow missed him and he had pretty much blended with all the ice that has formed on his clothing. Surprisingly, he seems rather dismissive of you rather than threatened or alerted to your presence. You should probably not push your luck, you're not supposed to be here after all. <<kayla>>Sorry for disturbing you.<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say Chau "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chau.png">> Wait!<</say>>@@ He stands up from the small stool he was sat upon and you get a better look at him, as he waddles over to you, he can't be younger than 80 years old! What is he doing here alone? That said, he wouldn't be the first eccentric scientist you've met in the past few years. He looks you up and down through what appears to be a monocle, though it looks retrofitted with some scanning technology. @@.neutral2;<<say Chau "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chau.png">> Perfect age. Ooooh. Intern?<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Uhm...<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say Chau "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chau.png">> You'll do.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>I'll...do?<</kayla>> You're not sure you like the sound of that or what you're getting yourself into, as he waddles back to his desk, cleans off some ice from a terminal and begins fiddling with the half frozen computer. Before you can get a question out, he has drawn attention to the middle of the room. [[What is that?|spacedocksciencelaba]]<<then>>Some type of egg shaped instrument is the center piece of the facility, all the various tubes and fittings lead to it. Is it an incubator of some kind? Is it active? Well, either way, it doesn't appear to be occupied as there is a single viewing port that lets you see into it. @@.neutral2;<<say Chau "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chau.png">> I need a test subject! Volunteer! I don't care!<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Wait, slow down. Volunteer...for what?<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say Chau "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chau.png">> Ugh! I don't have time to explain to an intern. My life's work!<</say>>@@ He motions to the device in the center of the room, and pushes a wall mounted monitor your way, seemingly giving you access to the files and data for your own research. @@.neutral2;<<say Chau "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chau.png">> Find me a volunteer. Or volunteer yourself. I don't care, but I'll give you a glowing recommendation! That's what you interns love, right?!<</say>>@@ Whatever. He goes back to working at his station, seemingly content to leave you to your own devices. Well, what should you [[do next?|spacedocksciencelaba]] Perhaps you should volunteer your body or find a willing...or unwilling subject.<<finally>>You find yourself in a small cold lab, you can tell as your teeth chatter almost uncontrollably, you shouldn't dilly dally with whatever you want to do here or you might end up as an icicle. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/coldlab.png"></center> <<if visited("spacedockskiffincubator")>>In the center of the room is a <<link "large incubator">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chamber.png" id="hpleft">It's the transformation chamber, at the moment it is inactive and in some type of maintenance mode after its recent usage, you're not sure what preparations are needed to have it prepped and ready again, but these preparations are beyond your knowledge at the moment.<</popover>><</link>> that was used to transform the woman who you kidnapped. Unlike before, the scientist is no longer here but there really isn't anything usfeul for you on his desk, however you could easily take a look at the PADD he has left behind with the test data from the experiment. And you could take a look on the <<link "wall mounted monitor">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/monitor.png" id="hpleft">You pull the monitor closer to you to get a better look. You don't have time to sit down and go over the files, but it looks like this chamber is designed for...you're not quite sure. Body modification? Medical purposes? Fixing imperfections? Either way, it looks like it envelopes the person in the chamber and changes their body makeup. What that is exactly, you're not quite clear about. But it seems like dangerous technology, genetic modification is heavily regulated and this guy seems a few clowns short of a circus, so you doubt he has the paperwork.<</popover>><</link>>. <<else>>In the center of the room is a <<link "large incubator">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chamber.png" id="hpleft">It's the chamber that the scientist is quite obsessed with, it's empty at the moment and there isn't anything remarkable about it. If you want, you could fulfil the scientist's request and <<link "[[volunteer|spacedocksciencebadend]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>> - but that would likely be a bad idea.<</popover>><</link>> of some type, the center piece of the lab. The scientist tolerates your presence and works diligently, probably not really caring unless you bring a "volunteer" or volunteer yourself, that said he has opened up access to his files and you could take a look on the <<link "wall mounted monitor">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/monitor.png" id="hpleft">You pull the monitor closer to you to get a better look. You don't have time to sit down and go over the files, but it looks like this chamber is designed for...you're not quite sure. Body modification? Medical purposes? Fixing imperfections? Either way, it looks like it envelopes the person in the chamber and changes their body makeup. What that is exactly, you're not quite clear about. But it seems like dangerous technology, genetic modification is heavily regulated and this guy seems a few clowns short of a circus, so you doubt he has the paperwork.<</popover>><</link>>.<</if>> There isn't much else of interest, so you should [[head back into the hallway.|spacedocksciencelab1]]<</first>>

A small quarters, actually it looks almost a carbon copy of the quarters you were assigned to during one of your placements - most of this facility seemed to be a mass produced module of sorts, probably just attached to the station exterior. Pretty standard <img src="images/prologue/science5.jpg"> There isn't much here to be honest, no personal possessions, nothing making the place unique - but it has clearly seen use very recently, as you can tell from the discarded clothing on the floor infront of you. If you're done, you could [[head back to the hallway.|spacedocksciencelab1]]

<<first>>You step into the chamber, what could possibly go wrong volunteering your body to a, at best, highly unethical scientist? And at worse, probably extremely illegal. But he seems highly intelligent and surely he would appreciate a fellow scientist enough to not completely fuck things up. Well, you'll find out as the chamber slams shut, isolating you from sounds and senses of the world. At least it's warm in here. @@.neutral2;<<say Chau "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chau.png">> Really?!<</say>>@@ Chau's voice makes you jump briefly, communicating with you over the in-built intercom. @@.neutral2;<<say Chau "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chau.png">> Don't worry, this time I'll get it right!<</say>>@@ This...time? You knew this was a bad idea, but you don't have any time to protest as the machine comes to life and Chau begins the process of...whatever it is that is going to happen. A hissing sound fills the pod, a sweet smelling gas seeps into the pod, acting almost as an anesthetic. Your fears slowly disappear, your body becomes loose, light, easy. Being in this body is no longer a burden. The lab and outline of Chau infront of you disappears, as the glass frosts up. It'd be wise [[to remove your clothes|spacedocksciencebadend]] at this point, besides you don't really need them anymore.<<then>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chamberbadend1.png" id="hpleft"> You spend a couple of minutes in a haze, inhaling deeply, with each breath the gas dulls your senses of the outside world, replacing it with a strange calm. It's hard to explain but it feels good, which is probably for the best considering what is about to happen to your body. The walls of the chamber turn black, some type of liquid substance seeps from the walls, dripping onto your naked body. You begin moan as it touches your skin, it's hot. Very hot. But you're not sure if that is just your body or the liquid or both. The gas has had a strong effect on you though, you don't panic, you don't worry, you just accept it and let the liquid go to work on your body. The first thing you feel is your memories being ripped from your mind or locked away in the deepest regions, replaced by new ones. New programming, you're born again, who you used to be will [[no longer exist.|spacedocksciencebadend]]<<then>>The substance completely envelops your naked body, getting to work on transforming your mind, your memories, who were you again? What? Wait, you were always this person. A bimbo slut destined to work the lower sections as an off world cum dumpster. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chamberbadend2.png"></center> Next, the process moves onto your body, you feel the shifting of your bones, organs, stretching of your skin. But it isn't painful, in fact you can feel it but you really don't care, or you're just unable to consider why you should care in the first place. The substance fills every orifice, from your eyes, mouth to pussy and leaves no part of your body untouched. [[Darkness.|spacedocksciencebadend]]<<then>><<set $bimbo1 = true>>You step out of the pod. What were you doing in there? Oh you were helping the greatest guy that you know, Mr Chau with one of his games! He looks at you and moves from his station to greet you to the best of his ability. @@.neutral2;<<say Chau "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chau.png">> Ooooh! Very good! I'm so happy! Crystal, you are amazing! So intelligent! My new assistant!<</say>>@@ @@.collared;<<say Crystal "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/badendbimbo.png">> Thank you so much! What should we do now?<</say>>@@ @@.neutral2;<<say Chau "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chau.png">> I have some ideas! Follow me!<</say>>@@ You follow Chau out eagerly, realising that you're still naked but you trust him completely. He is your Chau, [[he takes you to your room for...inspection?|spacedocksciencebadend]]<<then>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/badendbimbo2.png" id="hpleft"> Chau gave you some nice new clothes to try out and they fit perfectly, wow! And you spent the next few hours showing him how grateful you are to him. Besides, spending time with Chau was always fun, he is so smart, gentle and handsome, much better than those guys in the off world. After the second time he climaxes inside of you with a hard thrust, he falls down exhausted. You? You're feeling insatiable and <<linkreplace "ready for a third round!">>ready for a third round! You look back at him eagerly, making eye contact with him as you ready yourself for the next round, maybe it'll be anal this time? But instead, you find the feeling of the belt back around your pussy, clamping the chastity device back onto you to keep you horny for the next time. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/badendbimbo1.png"></center> A feeling of disappointment washes over you, but Chau seems spent, so you spend the next couple of minutes just fondling and massaging him. Enjoying the moment. @@.neutral2;<<say Chau "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chau.png">> I guess I've had my fun! Time to change you back. I don't think the company wou...<</say>>@@ There is a small shunt as the gravity of the station is briefly disrupted, the lights of the station go red and you can hear some commotion. You're not sure what is happening, but you're sure Chau. @@.neutral2;<<say Chau "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chau.png">> I'll be right back...<</say>>@@ And so [[you waited...|spacedocksciencebadend]]<</linkreplace>><<finally>>And waited...and waited...after a couple of hours you're found by two men in exosuits. Is it Chau? Maybe his friends have come to pick you up. It's been a couple of hours and those red lights are still on. @@.hostile1;<<say ??? "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/trooper1.png">> This isn't her either...<</say>>@@ @@.hostile2;<<say ??? "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/trooper2.png">> Well, we'll tag her and bag her. Add her to the other 3 or 4 we've picked up. We're not leaving empty handed, besides she seems like she'd be easy to train....<</say>>@@ @@.hostile1;<<say ??? "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/trooper1.png">> ...And she is already chained up!<</say>>@@ <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/badendbimbo3.png"></center> Before you can object or bring up the fact that Mr Chau wouldn't like it if you left without saying goodbye, you're hit with some type of electrical energy. Your vision [[blurs and fades out...|spacedocksciencebadend]]<<then>>A few weeks after being taken from Chau's Lab, you spend weeks as the cumdumpster of some crew of an unnamed freighter that your kidnappers transferred you to, probably for a small amount of credits considering you're an Earth girl. You think. You remember the fields of Earth, but was that a dream? A simulation? Either way, it isn't important, just another one of the thoughts you have between riding a cock, sucking a dick or doing both at the same time. It was a fairly large crew, so you got very little in time to yourself. <center><video loop autoplay muted> <source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/badendbimbodumpster.webm"> </video></center> Eat, drink, fuck and sleep. That was your routine now, with the odd shower and freshening yourself up so you're not a complete mess. Once they're done with you, [[you're sold again...|spacedocksciencebadend]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/badendbimbo4.png"></center> Your former captors sell you to an off world brothel as a cum dumpster during one of their many pitstops, considering how heavily you were used, it probably wasn't a lot. Regardless, you don't get any pay or say in your working conditions, you just know that one john after the other enters the room, pumps you full of cum and then an hour later, another one will enter and do the same thing. At least you're fed well. <center><video loop autoplay muted> <source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/badendoffworldprostitute.webm"> </video></center> And strangely enough, you feel like this was your purpose in life. Life before Chau is strangely fuzzy, sometimes you have dreams about someone else's life, but they're just that - dreams. You're just a poor girl who has fell into a life of slavery, a sob story heard tens of thousands of times in the system. You spend the rest of your days on your back, servicing travellers during pitstops, you're not even sure the rock you're on has a real name. Ignorance is bliss, but perhaps your <<click "life would have been different if you hadn't volunteered...">><<script>>state.restart();<<endscript>><</click>> <</first>>

<<first>><<if $player.has('gloves')>><<pickup '$player' 'vial'>>You carefully place the elbow long gloves on, making sure that the auto-seal activates, which it does. You're not sure on the technology behind it, material physics was never your forte, but once sealed, they almost attach themselves to your skin, the trick to getting them off is... <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chemicals.png"></center> Who cares? You carefully take them and place them into one of the smaller transport containers that should fit snuggly into your shoudler bag. You're not quite sure when you might need such materials, or even what they are, but they look valuable at least. And dangerous. [[You step away from the crate.|spacedockscience]]<<else>>You reach for one of the vials containing the substance, trying your best to be as delicate as possible, despite going against your lab safety training, you don't think it'll be a big problem. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chemicals.png"></center> As you lift the vial out, you feel your hand numbing up, looks like you have absorbed some of the residual coolant through your skin! You look at your hand, but you can't feel a thing and unfortunately for you, despite using all your willpower to hold on, you find yourself losing grip of the vial and it hurtles down towards the floor with a small cracks as it hit the floor. You look at the substance on the floor, with bated breath, expecting it to start burning through the floor, then the entire station, a runaway reaction. What if it hits a reactor? But nothing happens. You breathe a sigh of relief, you should [[back off|sciencedepotviral]] and count your lucky stars that it wasn't anything serious.<</if>><<then>>You take a few steps forward, before you get a bit head lighted, like someone just hit you in the head with a frying pan. What a weird thought. When have you been hit in the head by a frying pan? Well, you saw it on one of those old cartoons and your reaction is similar, as you stagger backwards into several heavy containers that break your fall. You sit stationery for a couple of moments before you feel a rush of heat, your entire body becoming flushed, hot, sweaty. What is happening? <img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/sweating.jpg" id="hpleft">You don't care, your hand seems to have recovered, revjuvenated, your senses are off the scale. What were you doing here in the first place? Who cares, you tug carelessly at your clothing, tearing it off when you can and within moments you're naked, but still boiling hot. You sit naked upon the crates and, without a second thought, you plunge your fingers into your wet hole, one finger, two finger and before you know it you have almost your entire fist inside, trying to relieve yourself but to no avail, the overwhelming pleasure of being filled is there but the relief isn't coming. [[You plunge deeper...|sciencedepotviral]]<<then>> <center><video loop autoplay muted> <source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/badendfisting.webm"> </video></center> The orgasm just isn't coming, why isn't it coming?! Why aren't you coming?! And you're still burning up! A puddle of bodily fluids made up of sweat and juice amalgamating on the floor below you. You're not sure what will break first, your mind or your body, but at this point...you don't care, as [[you slip into desperate struggle with yourself.|sciencedepotviral]]<<finally>>It's been a couple of minutes, hours, days, it isn't clear how long it has been since Kayla fell into her sexual stupor, spending her time in the cargo hold humping crates and sticking anything she could find into her holes to relieve the burning desire consuming her. Eventually though, she runs out of juice, literally and figuratively, collapsing on the hard steel floor, her brain completely fried by the experience, a combination of dehydration and a complete overload of her neurons and pathways that kept her function. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/badendburn.png"></center> She is reduced to a husk of the human she once was, a barely aware, sweaty red hot mess. No one ever found out what happened to her, her last memories are the station lights dimming to a red and some loud noises before nothing. But that's a story for another time. Kayla spent her last hours jilling herself into a comatose state. And she didn't even get an orgasm! <<click "Maybe next time find some protective equipment...">><<script>>state.restart();<<endscript>><</click>><</first>>

<<first>>You've been feeling ALICE nagging for a bit more control over you for a while, besides, giving up control for a couple of seconds wouldn't be the worst.<<set $code1 = 11>> <<alice>>Are you serious? Come on! TRIANGLE has 8 letters and 3 sides. So the answer is 11! Pretty simple!<</alice>> That's simple?! Well, you feel a bit like a fraud. But at least she hasn't made you pay a price, maybe ALICE is actually getting used to you and the body, maybe she is finally...[[Wait, what?|spacedocksciencedepotalice]]<<then>><<kayla>>What the fuck?<</kayla>> <<alice>>Oh dear, maybe I shouldn't have given you that password...<</alice>> <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/tentacledoor.png"></center> As the door sweeps open, you're greeted immediately with a monstrous sight, some type of creature has expanded and taken over this facility, this is what it was hiding?! You barely have time to react before its feelers reach out and grab you, immediately ripping off some of your clothing and dragging you closer and closer to the doorway. You struggle, resist but [[you're at its mercy.|spacedocksciencedepotalice]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/tentaclevision0.png"></center> It drags you through the doorway, past its huge head and deeper and deeper into the lab. You feel the terror, the helplessness, but for some reason, you can feel part of you being excited by this predictament, what is it going to do to you? Those tendrils look very...phalic. Wait, what are you thinking? It's more likely to liquify you or eat you! These possibilities summon something from inside, as you [[struggle with all your might!|spacedocksciencedepotalice]]<<then>>You manage to wriggle free for a brief moment, you're naked but at least you have some limbs availa... <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/tentaclevision1.png"></center> ...but the victory is short lived as several other tentacles emerge from the walls around you, once again binding you tightly and once again taking you for a ride against your will. You've been in the monsters grip for less than a minute, but you already feel exhausted and even if you had the energy, you're not sure you could break free without some inhuman strength. You're dragged into a room and onto what you think is a bed, but the feelers still hold you tight, in fact you're pretty sure even more tentacles are surrounding you. Maybe this is [[the end.|spacedocksciencedepotalice]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/tentaclevision2.png"></center> You can't move, it is completely hopeless. You can feel some of the tendrils are beginning to probe and poke at your holes, your mouth and any orifice that it can enter, it won't be long to go. You begin to ponder about what you could have done with your life, but you're probably going to end up as food. Or worse. You'll never see your family again, your father's death will go unsolved, unchalleneged and unpunished you won't ever fulfil your potential. <<alice>>Oh Kayla, it has been nice knowing you? Any last thoughts?<</alice>> [[I wish I had solved that murder.|spacedocksciencedepotalice]] [[I wish I had never left Earth.|spacedocksciencedepotalice]] [[I wish I could see my family one more time.|spacedocksciencedepotalice]] [[I wish I hadn't opened this damn door!|spacedocksciencedepotalice]]<<finally>>Without warning, you feel the tendrils fade, disappear. They're not releasing their grip on you, they're just...gone. But you are in a bedroom. But it looks like a standard bedroom. <img src="images/prologue/science5.jpg"> <<kayla>>What the hell is this?<</kayla>> <<alice>>Hahahahahahaha! Tentacle Monsters?! Are you serious?! Hahahahahaha!<</alice>> You go red with embarrasssment, with more than a little hint of annoyance at ALICE and at yourself for trusting her. You've given a little bit more control to her, a little bit more space in your brain and you doubt she'll be relinquishing that any time soon, you have to be really careful with these things. But at least you're into the facility now, you don't imagine there are many penis monsters in here. [[Well, you hope not...|spacedocksciencequarters]] <</first>>

<<first>>You face up to the panel, fortunately there doesn't appear to be any real security on the panel and it takes only a few key presses to begin the process of releasing her. It is a gradual process, with the tubes slowly being removed from her holes, judging from her, it is either extremely painful or throwing her into extreme bouts of pleasure - or perhaps even rotating between the two. After a couple of minutes, the chains come lose, as well as the latches on the suit itself coming undone, a low sigh of relief can be heard from the suit as it depressurises, the final stage allows her to find her feet, slowly descending towards the ground wherein she quickly stumbles to the floor, likely the first time she has used her legs in a couple of days. <img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/latexwoman1.png" id="hpleft"> She moans from behind the mask, the after affects of such a experience are no doubt going to affect her for quite some time, her mental faculities would take even longer to recover - if ever. But you're in the here and now, she still needs a bit of help with her suit. You pull and drag at the latex, her hands meet your as you both frantically try to remove the suit. After a minute of trying, you seem to hit the jackpot and with one last tug, [[you free her.|spacedockskiffrescue]]<<then>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/freedom1.png" id="hpright"> Success! The latex finally comes loose enough that you can pull it down and off her face, several accessories fall to the ground around her and she throws off one or two more as soon as she can. You both make eye contact with each other, making sure this isn't a game or a trap before simultaneously exhaling in both relief and exhaustion. You decide to break the silence, she looks like she is still feeling the affects of imprisonment. <<kayla>>Nice to meet you...<</kayla>> She returns a doe eyed look at you, you can tell she wants to speak but she can't seem to muster up the energy to do so, her shoulders slumping as she looks to the ground in resignation. You give her a shoulder rub to comfort her, but there isn't much you can do. You're not a doctor. <<kayla>>It takes time to recover from status...I'll help you, don't worry.<</kayla>> Looks like she is going to need some time to recover...perhaps you should leave her for now and see about [[getting her some help?|spacedockskiffrescue]] Perhaps station security would like be [[able to take care of her.|spacedockskifflockers]]<<finally>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/freedom1.png" id="hpleft"> The doe eyed girl who you helped free looks at you as you return, she has life in her eyes, you can tell she is grateful to see you but she is clearly drained by her ordeal. [[You can't help her at the moment.|spacedockskifflockers]] <</first>>

<<first>>You look down upon the girl, she still looks dazed and confused, but exploitable. She'd be in no position to resist or object in her current state, besides she doesn't seem to be anyone too important. Another face lost in the crowd. But is this really you? The woman you want to be? Crazy experiments? Science first and damn ethics? You're still finding out, you hope you can live with yourself. But this opportuntiy was too good to pass up. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/redressing.png"></center> <<kayla>>It's ok, I know someone who can help. Let's get you out of here, we'll need to make sure you're not naked. Sorry about this.<</kayla>> You try to reassure her, smiling as you help her reattach some of the straps of the latex to hide her breasts. As a piece of bondage, the dress was rather useless without the rest of the accessories, but you couldn't walk a naked woman past a dozen or so people without raising an alarm or two, at least this way she would look like a cosplayer at worst. A look of fear crosses her eyes as you help her up, clearly still uneasy on her feet but her motor functions appear to be returning. You're not sure if that is a good thing, you should [[get her to the lab|spacedockskiffincubator]] as soon as you can.<<then>>You step out of the skiff, taking a peek to your left and then to the right to make sure the way is clear, you lead her by the hand along the docking ring. You could get her there a lot quicker by walking through the promenade, but it's a bad idea for obvious reasons, so you take the long way round. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/dockingring.png"></center> You spend a couple of minutes walking along the docking ring, a girl could go a bit loopy, each airlock is exactly the same, the only distinguishing features being some loose cargo left outside or abandoned. Eventually, you find a more direct route to the depot's entrance, still on the promenade but the depot is in a rather isolated corner of it and there shouldn't be anyone there. The girl is still holding onto your hand, but her grip tightens, she seems more aware now, you're running out of time. If she regains anymore functionality, it might be difficult to get her there without significant resistance. You step through the hatch back onto the promenade, you don't even take a second to check if the way is clear and drag the poor girl along by her wrist, it's only a few steps to the depot and [[you pull her inside.|spacedockskiffincubator]]<<then>>@@.neutral2;<<say Chau "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chau.png">> Wow! Where you get this? Very good job! Yes, yes, perfect!<</say>>@@ Chau had been inspecting her for the last couple of minutes while she was still compliant, fondling her breasts and at one point sticking a finger up her holes, the woman flinched but you could tell she was terrified. Poor thing, but at least you body is being used for science now... <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/lilyincubator.png"></center> With a push of a button, the incubator's front popped open and he shoved her into the incubator, the glass frosts up and before her figures disappears behind it, she makes eye contact with you, damning you, a twinge of guilt hits your heart but it soon passes. You're more interested in the end result, you carefully watch the monitor with her life signs on it, as well as a live scan of her body that shows everything, bones, organs, even the flow of blood. You machine let out whirring noises every so often, as it did you could see the entire make up of her body shifting, bones moving, organs shifting and flesh re-rendering itself to her frame, you wonder how much of it is at the genetic level. And how painful it must be. [[But you can't take your eyes away.|spacedockskiffincubator]]<<then>><<fadein 3s 0s>>After a couple of minutes, the process completes and the glass begins to unfrost, the facade of a woman slowly coming into view...<</fadein>> <<fadein 6s 0s>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/lilyincubatorbimbo.png"></center> You can't see her clearly at first, but you can see, every part of her body has been transformed. Blonde hair, massive breasts, even looking a lot older at that, it was a completely different person. [[The incubator slowly opens...|spacedockskiffincubator]] <</fadein>><<then>><<fadein 6s 0s>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/badendbimbo.png" id="hpleft">She steps out of the capsule and stands there with a vacant look on her face, probably awaiting a command, or perhaps the programming hadn't fully completed yet. You could tell her mind had been completely reconstructed as well...This was some seriously impressive technology to have completely transformed a human being physically and mentally in such a short amount of time. With this, the possibilties are potentially limitless...<</fadein>> <<fadein 6s 2s>>@@.collared;<<say ??? "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/badendbimbo.png">> Where am I?<</say>>@@ [[Comfort her|spacedockskiffincubator]] [[Scold her|spacedockskiffincubator]] [[Insult her|spacedockskiffincubator]]<</fadein>><<then>>Before you can say anything, Chau runs from his station and almost knocks you over from behind as he scampers to inspect his creation. @@.neutral2;<<say Chau "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chau.png">> I did it! Yes! Bitch!<</say>>@@ <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/bimbo.png"></center> He slaps the newly reborn slave across her cheeks in celebration, she flinches but doesn't resist or even look unhappy, in fact you're sure she grunted a little. But he clearly has some issues. But what he has achieved here is a staggering landmark in biology, these types of procedures are generally seperate, highly regulated and extremely painful. Is there a catch you wonder? Probably, as with everything, the price and resources behind it. He continues to inspect the new specimen, though considering some of the areas he is probing, you're not sure it is entirely scientific. You lose patience with him ignoring you, where is your credit?! <<kayla>>Ahem...<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say Chau "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/chau.png">> Yes! Yes! I will give you an excellent reference! Now I have work to do! Come with me! Bitch!<</say>>@@ @@.collared;<<say ??? "images/chapter1/spacedock/sciencedepot/badendbimbo.png">> Yes sir.<</say>>@@ He grabs her by the wrist and leads her out of the door, not even bothering to clean up the mess, analyse the results or inspect the machinery for damage. Not following the scientific method. Tsk. Anyway, <<linkreplace "the lab is empty now">>\ <<goto `either("spacedocksciencelaba")`>> <</linkreplace>> and there isn't much here. <</first>>

You take three shots from the clunky weapon, each one requiring you to recock the weapon before taking another, you think you might have hit your targets but it is irrelevant, as they take cover and unload as many a hail of gunfire on your position. You get your head down, but ultimately it doesn't matter, being an underground cavern it doesn't respond well to the explosive gunfire and several large chunks of rock come crashing down, unfortunately one of them lands directly on top of you, killing you instantly. Well, if this were real it would have, as it stands it just ended the game. You might have killed The Viper or several of his men, but you were ultimately still in an isolated position and they opened fire upon your position. Is it a win? You're not sure, but you're left feeling rather unsatisfied at the conclusion of this story as the world fades back to [[the sterile environment of the holosuite.|spacedockholosuite1]]

<<first>>And so you made haste back to town, following the same path. You didn't quite have control of the horse, but it certainly moved a dozen or so paces quicker than it had on the way here. You felt that the final confrontation was coming sooner or later. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/landscape.png"></center> After a couple of minutes of hard riding, you find the town coming into view and it isn't long until you arrive, but as you enter, you hear a window slam shut, the sound of a door slamming, you know something is wrong. Its eerily quiet, the townsfolk have retreated into their stores and homes, into barrels and boxes, why? [[That's why.|spacedockwesterngoodend]]<<then>>A bedraggled, whiskey chugging Viper stands in the center of the town, having survived the explosion but certainly not unscathed judging by his clothing and small head gash. You dismount your horse a safe a fair way away and carefully walk towards him, stopping once you make clear eye contact. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/kaylaeyes.png"></center> As soon as he notices you, he gives you a fierce glare and throws the whiskey bottle to the side, <<linkreplace "returning the eye contact">>returning the eye contact. Though you can't help but feel his eyes are a bit goofy, perhaps as a result of the concussion? Can holograms be concussed? Kayla! Immersion! <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/vipereyes.png"></center> You know what this is - a high noon duel. How cliche. But thrilling. A dust devil blows past the middle of you, as you both stand, legs apart, hands down by the side, fingers wriggling, the sun above you beating down. But who draws first? <<fadein 2s 2s>>You hear the faint sound of a crying baby...<</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 4s>>...the sound of wind whipping up some dirt...<</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 6s>>...<</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 8s>>[[DRAW!|spacedockwesterngoodend]]<</fadein>> <</linkreplace>><<finally>><<if $player.has ("pistol")>>You're quicker on the draw, perhaps thanks to the progamming, the drunkeness of your opponent or concussion, or a combination of all these factors. You reach for your holstered weapon and fire a dozen shots at your opponent, until your gun runs dry. The Viper didn't even manage to raise his gun, he stands there motionless, holding his gun at his side and looks at you one last time, blood begins to pour from his mouth and from the sleeves of his jacket before he collapses into a pool of his own blood. <<linkreplace "You...won?">>You...won! You spin your weapon back into your holster and stand victorous, the people slowly start peaking from the windows and emerge from their shelter, cheering you, you're the hero of the day. Congratulations! You smile and humbly raise your hand, as they shower applause upon you. After a couple of minutes of being seranded by everyone in the town, the Sheriff walks up to you, a jolly smile across his face, reinvigorated by the victory. You straighten out, getting back into your new character, the bad ass cowboy. @@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>Thanks to you, this town can get back to normal...Thank you.<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/cowboykayla.png">> It was my pleasure! But I have places to be, other towns to save...<</say>>@@ He offers his hand, you offer yours and those around you cheer. But that's the end of the game, the characters fade into thin air, followed by the world. Leaving you once again alone in the sterile holosuite environment. But man, that was a real thrill! You feel a lot better after spending some time in the simulation. [[But time to get back to it.|spacedockholosuite]]<</linkreplace>><<else>>You're quicker on the draw, perhaps thanks to the programming, the drunkeness of your opponent or concussion, or a combination of all these factors. Unfortunately, you draw nothing but air - you don't have a pistol! You look down at your side as you try once more to grab it, but there is nothing there. You idiot! The Viper took it! How could you forget?! The Viper takes his time. "Are you serious?" He mocks you in your final moments before emptying his weapon into you, the world fades around you and you find yourself back in the holosuite simulation. Slightly embarrassed with yourself. You were so close!<</if>><</first>>

<<first>>You decide not to play along with this part of the game, it's gone too far at this point, but you're unsure what she is going to do to you. @@.alice;<<say Alice "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/westernalice.png">>Oh come on now, don't be like that. No one has to know...<</say>>@@ <<if $louisefate == "free">>You need to buy some time, Louise said she would fix this, but she no doubts need a couple of more minutes. How can you distract her for a couple of more minutes? [[ALICE approaches...|spacedockwesternmansionresist]]<<else>>What exactly was your plan here? You realise that you don't exactly have one, entering the den of a lioness isn't the smartest decision you've made. How can you escape? Can you even hide? [[ALICE approaches...|spacedockwesternmansionresist]]<</if>><<then>>@@.alice;"I'm growing impatient my darling. Let's get started."@@ She takes a step forward, you take two steps backward. But you can't do this forever, it only takes 4 steps backwards before you hit a wall, but she maintains her pace, a wicked smile across her face as she gets within a single step. She towers over you, maintaining a deep eye contact with you, sensing your fear and resistance. She pushes you against the wall, slowly going in for a kiss. You close your eyes and continue to struggle, shaking your head to the left and then to the right, then back again. But it only seems to amuse ALICE, <<if $louisefate == "free">>@@.kayla;"Come on. I haven't got much time left."@@ you whisper to yourself, Louise needs to work faster or you're going to be raped by a voice in your head.<<else>>@@.kayla;"Get off me!"@@ you grunt, but it's too late. You're under her control, your only hope is that an engineer notices a malfunction or a maintenance diagonistic closes the program, you still have another half an hour of time remaining and it is likely ALICE could override it.<</if>> <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/alicedom.png"></center> She runs her tongue against the side of your face, then giggles before biting your cheek gently. Your resistance begins to fade, you're not sure if it was resignation or fatigue. Perhaps a combination of both, as your head flops back into a more natural position, facing ALICE and <<if $louisefate == "free">>[[prepare to give into her demands...|spacedockwesternmansionending]]<<else>>[[prepare to give into her demands...|spacedockwesternmansionresist]]<</if>><<then>><center><video loop autoplay><source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/alicekiss1.webm"></video></center> She puts even more pressure against your shoudler, pushing you hard against the wall. There's no escape, as she forcefully pushes her mouth against yours, then it isn't long before her tongue is exploring your mouth. You continue to resist, but it just seems to encourage ALICE. @@.alice;"Keep fighting if you want, but I'll get my way."@@ she whispers as she gives you a momentary respite, trying to make eye contact with you but you try to avert your eyes once more. A smile crosses her face, as she begins to bite and suck on your nose. It sends a shiver throughout your body, from the top of your spine all the way down, you wonder if she felt that, is this turning you on? No! She drags you across the room forecfully, then throws you down onto a shaggy carpet. Your resistance crumbled, as you lay there and decided to [[just let her do what she wanted to.|spacedockwesternmansionresist]]<<then>><center><video loop autoplay><source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/alicefuck2.webm"></video></center> Being a hologram, her lust is insatible and her stamina was bordering upon infinite. You, however, are flesh and blood, a sweaty meat bag laying below her, as she continues to hump you in pursuit of another climax, you're not sure how long it had been but you were pretty much powerless at this point. She rubs herself against your thigh desperately, looking to get herself off one last time. You hope. You were spent after what you think was her fourth climax. You? You've laid there and let it happen, but she hasn't paid much attention to your pleasure, using you as nothing more than as object for her own pleasures. @@.alice;"Oh! Yes!"@@ she screams and then collapses on top of you. Perhaps she read your thoughts or has finally realised human bodies have limits. Either way, you feel a sense of relief as [[she rolls off to the side.|spacedockwesternmansionresist]]<<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/alicedress2.jpg"></center> She continues to stare at you, you're not sure what emotion she is feeling or what she is thinking but is likely slightly amused by the fact you're still laying there powerless and defenseless, an object used for pleasure. @@.alice;"Is this what you like? Being an object for someone stronger than you? I've seen your head, I know it has been in your fantasies..."@@ she giggles, before gripping one of your ass cheeks and digging her nails into it. Did...you enjoy it? No....absolutely not. She took away your agency, used you as an object. But this is your fault, maybe you're not as strong or smart as you think, maybe ALICE is right... @@.alice;<<say Alice "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/westernalice.png">>Well, unfortunately for you, you didn't follow through on our deal...So no Viper for you. In fact...<</say>>@@ Viper? You'd forgot about this whole damn thing. You just want the simulation to end at this point, you've just been fucked by the voice in your head. You've played enough cowgirl, particularly when ALICE used you as her horse. You don't want to play cowgirl anymore. @@.alice;<<say Alice "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/westernalice.png">>It's time we ended this little game, this was fun...We have work to do.<</say>>@@ There was something in the way she said it that gave you a shiver, there was some ill intent behind it. But you don't have time to consider it, as she clicks her fingers and [[the real world slowly returns|spacedockwesternmansionending]] <</first>>

<<first>>@@.alice;<<say Alice "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/westernalice.png">>Just as I thought, you've always wanted someone to take control from you, become a submissive. There, there. I'm here for you now.<</say>>@@ You move over toward her with a small amount of tredpidation, unsure what she is going to do to you. Will the engineers find you a slobbering mess once they realise this simulation is still running 15 hours into your sexual session? Guess you're going to find out, as she grabs you and [[brings your lips to her.|spacedockwesternmansionsex]]<<then>><<fadein 4s 0s>>You spend a couple of minutes playing tongue wars, exchanging saliva, you can tell a lot from a kisser and she is quite dominant, not letting you escape for even a moment. In fact, sometimes it is downright hard to breath... <center><video loop autoplay><source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/alicekiss1.webm"></video></center><</fadein>> <<fadein 8s 0s>>@@.alice;"Oh, that feels so good."@@ she whispers during a momentary break in the jostling of tongues where she makes eye contact with you, a smile across her face. It sends a shiver throughout your body, from the top of your spine all the way down, you wonder if she felt that. Probably. <<if $louisefate == "free">>[[She pushes you down|spacedockwesternmansionending]]<<else>>[[She pushes you down|spacedockwesternmansionsex]]<</if>> onto the shaggy carpet you'd been making out on. Had that always been there?<</fadein>><<then>>She sits on top of you, her knees at either of your side and her hands pushing your wrists into the shaggy carpet, letting you know your place before she begins to intensify the foreplay, taking bites of your lip for a second or two before letting go. <center><video loop autoplay><source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/alicekiss2.webm"></video></center> She changes pace like a pro, gentle when needed and rough just as you start to get a little bit bored. She knows how to kiss, it might be the best you've ever had. You don't want it to stop. You're in bliss. @@.alice;"Let's take it up a notch..."@@ the whisper into your ear almost makes you explode in pleasure, but you just about hold it together. But you're not sure how much longer you'll be able to, as you feel her fingers circling your clit and probing your fertile hole. [[You're ready for the fucking of a lifetime.|spacedockwesternmansionsex]]<<then>><<fadein 8s 0s>>Expecting her nimble fingers to enter you, you give out a small yelp as she instead drags you up by your hair, forcing you back onto your knees and gives your butt a quick slap, you whimper - even though it didn't really hurt, it's what she wants no doubt. She ravenously digs her teeth, biting your shoulder, running her tongue along your back, coating your skin with her scent before reaching around and slipping her fingers into your drenched hole.<</fadein>> <<fadein 14s 0s>><center><video loop autoplay><source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/alicefuck1.webm"></video></center><</fadein>> <<fadein 10s 4s>>It takes only seconds to achieve your first orgasm, but she doesn't even notice or even give you time to recover, [[already working on the second.|spacedockwesternmansionsex]]<</fadein>><<then>><<linkreplace "<center>An hour later...</center>">><center>An hour later...</center> <<fadein 8s 0s>><center><video loop autoplay><source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/alicefuck2.webm"></video></center><</fadein>> <<fadein 16s 0s>>Being a hologram, her lust is insatible and her stamina was bordering upon infinite. You, however, are flesh and blood, a sweaty meat bag laying below her, as she continues to hump you in pursuit of another climax, you're not sure how long it had been but you were pretty much powerless at this point. She rubs herself against your thigh desperately, looking to get herself off one last time. You hope. You were spent after the third climax, you're not sure how you managed the fourth. Or the fifth. @@.alice;"Oh! Yes!"@@ she screams and then collapses on top of you. Perhaps she read your thoughts or has finally realised human bodies have limits. Either way, you feel a sense of relief as [[she rolls off to the side.|spacedockwesternmansionsex]]<</fadein>><</linkreplace>><<then>>@@.alice;"Ok. I can see the appeal."@@ she sighs, as she sits up a bit, supporting herself with an elbow. It was a curious comment but with some thought it became clear to you. Despite having access to so much information on sex and pleasure, she'd never actually experienced it. Technically, she was a virgin. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/alicedress2.jpg"></center> She continues to stare at you, you're not sure what emotion she is feeling or what she is thinking but is likely slightly amused by the fact you're now a hot mess still panting from the experience. @@.alice;"I see you enjoyed it too."@@ she giggles, before gripping one of your ass cheeks and digging her nails into it. Did you enjoy it? Maybe it is the post sex bliss, but the initial feelings of lust and submission have been replaced by a feeling of guilt and emptiness. @@.kayla;"This isn't right. What did you do to me?"@@ <<if $cowgirl == true>>you're not quite sure why you did it, it certainly wasn't because of any manipulation. Perhaps you just have a genuine attraction to ALICE? Especially in an almost physical form, she's almost perfect.<<else>>wait, you've been feeling a little different since you put on that dress. Did she? It must have had an influence on you, looking back at the decisions you've made since wearing it, they were all in service of getting you into this position. Explains some of your questionable decision making, it was like a different person.<</if>> @@.alice;<<say Alice "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/westernalice.png">>Well, you did everything I wanted you to, I'd love to spend a bit more time exploring this form but it is just a fantasy. So time to end this little game, here's your prize.<</say>>@@ She clicks her fingers, opening up a nearby closet and out falls The Viper, gagged and tied up tightly in rope. Remember him? Oh yeah, the guy who you came here for in the first place. Really? @@.alice;<<say Alice "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/westernalice.png">>Don't look so surprised. You're free to go, I'll even expedite your departure. I have new plans and we need to get going, I need to get back into that body of yours.<</say>>@@ You didn't like the sound of that, but you didn't have much time to ponder on such thoughts, as her next click transforms the world around you and you end up back in a familiar place - [[it's the town!|spacedockwesternmansionsex]].<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/wildwestcenter.png" alt="promenade"></center> You panic a little bit as you appear in the town, it is a little disorientating, but you're here. Somehow. And clothed! What luck. You're no longer sure what is real and what isn't, are these ACTUALLY clothes you're wearing? Were you ever truly naked? Whatever. Like ALICE said, it's time to bring this simulation to an end. In fact, it seems to have started breaking a little bit, reacting badly to the fact you've somehow teleported into the middle of the town with the main villain tied and gagged upon your horse. @@.friend;"Well, I'll be!"@@ you hear a familiar voice come up from behind you. @@.friend;<<say Sheriff "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/sheriff.png">>Thanks to you, this town can get back to normal...Thank you.<</say>>@@ He offers his hand, but you're still rather shellshocked by the suddens hift in tone, a minute ago you were naked on a shaggy carpet, now you're in a town being cheered as a hero. Talk about immersion breaking, but it certainly looks like this is the end of the simulation, as two fresh faced deputies drag The Viper to the jailhouse. You feel like you cheated, there isn't much satisfaction. But that was a hell of a good time. [[Speaking of which, it is time to get back to it|spacedockholosuite]], you chuckle at your lame little inner dialogue as the world around you fades back to the cold sterile environment of the holosuite. <</first>>

<center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/holosuiteinside.png" alt="holosuiteinside"></center> <<if visited("spacedockwesternmansionresist") && $louisefate == "broken" || $louisefate == "slave">>And so the simulation came to an abrupt end, it was clear that it was starting to glitch somewhat due to ALICE's interferences and changes, the holo characters are just basic VIs playing a role, they can't react to overly unusual events - they adapt. Adapting to a rewriting of the entire script might be too much to ask for. <<alice>>That was a lot of fun, wasn't it? Oh, having that much freedom and being in a human body. It's a lot of fun! I'd love to do it again sometime in the future...<</alice>> <<kayla>>You fucking raped me!<</kayla>> <<alice>>Oh please, you loved it. Besides, I couldn't override the safety protocols, so there must have been some part of you that wanted it. And enjoyed it.<</alice>> <<kayla>>Fuck you!<</kayla>> <<alice>>It could be worse...<</alice>> You felt ALICE drawing your attention to a limp body near the doorway, you quickly rush over to check for lifesigns, fortunately she just appears to be semi-comatose. But completely drained from the torture ALICE put her under, perhaps you could have saved her. Too late now, looks like ALICE has had her fun. @@.alice;"Don't worry, I've covered our tracks. Before I left the system, I edited the logs to make it look like a malfunction. My logs indicate such malfunctions are rare, but always see huge pay days. See, I'm not all bad, I paid for her services."@@. Ugh. You should [[get out of here|spacedockholosuite]] while you can, you don't want to answer any awkward questions about what has happened. And you're not sure you could answer them.<<elseif visited("spacedockwesternmansionresist") && $louisefate == "free">>The simulation came to an abrupt end, just as ALICE was about to make contact with your lips. Was it a glitch? Did she malfunction? You take a moment to look around, you stand half naked and the cowboy apparel appears to have gone. Makes sense. But why did the simulation end? You hear a clunk at the far end of the holosuite near the exit, as Louise reattaches a panel. @@.neutral2;<<say Louise "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/louiseport1.png">> Let's keep this between us.<</say>>@@ She doesn't have much to say, it was likely traumatizing in the extreme for her and you're not sure how long she was there. You think about telling her about ALICE, but you decide against it, as you both re-dress yourselves fully in silence. @@.alice;"Oh you fucking bitch!"@@ speak of the devil, you think to yourself as the silence is interrupted. <<kayla>>You're lucky no one knows about you, we'd both end up sectioned in a padded cell together.<</kayla>> <<alice>>A padded cell? That could be arranged, just turn the suite back on!<</alice>> Not a chance you think to yourself. You should stay out of these things until you've dealt with ALICE, you don't want to give her another opportunity like this. @@.neutral2;<<say Louise "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/louiseport1.png">> I'll delete the logs. This never happened. Understood?<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>...Understood.<</kayla>> You take a look at the engineer as she fiddles with the console, there is nothing else here, [[time to leave.|spacedockholosuite]]<<else>>The simulation came to an abrupt end, just as ALICE makes contact with your lips and was about to fuck the life out of you. Was it a glitch? Did she malfunction? You take a moment to look around, you stand half naked and the cowboy apparel appears to have gone. Makes sense. But why did the simulation end? Then you remember - the engineer! Damn it. She must have ended it, wait, why are you angry? Oh...you submitted to ALICE and was ready to serve her. That is... @@.neutral2;<<say Louise "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/louiseport1.png">> Let's keep this between us.<</say>>@@ She interrupts your thought process with a straight to the point tone, it was likely traumatizing in the extreme for her and you're not sure how long she was there. You think about telling her about ALICE, but you decide against it, as you both re-dress yourselves fully in silence. @@.alice;"Oh Kayla! We were so close! It would have been amazing!"@@ there is a twinge of regret within you as ALICE's voice returns to your mind, perhaps she is right... <<kayla>>You're lucky no one knows about you, we'd both end up sectioned in a padded cell together.<</kayla>> <<alice>>A padded cell? That could be arranged, just turn the suite back on!<</alice>> Is that an option? No! Absolutely not. You shouldn't think these things, she's a negative influence. You should stay out of these things until you've dealt with ALICE, you don't want to give her another opportunity like this. @@.neutral2;<<say Louise "images/chapter1/spacedock/holosuite/wildwest/louiseport1.png">> I'll delete the logs. This never happened. Understood?<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>...Understood.<</kayla>> You take a look at the engineer as she fiddles with the console, there is nothing else here, [[time to leave.|spacedockholosuite]] <</if>>

<<first>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/conferenceroom.png" id="hpleft"> You expect it to be empty, the whole embassy is rather lifeless apart from the recepionist and one or two other wandering staff but to your surprise, and horror, you walk into the conference room to find it occupied by two men and a woman in deep discussion. They both immediately stop and turn their attention to you, the man speaks. @@.neutral1;<<say "Military Man" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/militaryman.png">> Who are you? This is a private meeting!<</say>>@@ Hey, you have credentials right? But you know from your time that these types of little incidents can have consequences for a career if you walk into the wrong room at the wrong time. It shows a lack of awareness and nouse, both of which you need in abundance. But before you can come up with an answer that isn't akin to "it's my first day" the older woman pipes up. @@.friend;<<say Ambassador "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">> Relax gentlemen. I know this one.<</say>>@@ Who is that? Wait, you recognise her. Your mind flashes back to the past year, focusing on your time on Mars and then you remember. She was a Martian Ambassador of some kind, you recall shadowing her for a week while she was going over. You think her name was...Yukon? First or second name? Either way, Ambassador Yukon was quite glad to see you, standing to greet you. @@.friend;<<say Ambassador "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">> ...Ms. Sheridan...You have my condolences about your father, I met him at a few functions and he was a great man. Earth, Mars and the Belt are all worse off without him. But why are you here?<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>I'm just on a stop over...going to stay with a friend...<</kayla>> @@.friend;"I see..."@@ she responds, you choose your words carefully, you're dealing with a trained diplomat here, you don't want to be read the riot act about how heading to Ceres is dangerous in the current situation. But you can tell she doesn't quite believe you. Looking around the room at the other two Earth military men, you get the distinct impression that things are a lot worse than the media are portraying, hushed meetings between Earth and Mars like this don't fill you with confidence that all is okay in the universe. The men are clearly running out of patience, as one of them coughs to [[interrupt your little game.|spacedockconference]]<<then>>@@.neutral1;<<say "Military Man" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/militaryman.png">> Ahem! Can we get back to it? We have pressing matters to attend to...<</say>>@@ @@.friend;<<say Ambassador "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>Kayla might just be what we need...<</say>>@@ The man stares a hole through the back of the Ambassador's head as she wants again bats away one of his suggestions, he is becoming more and more annoyed by the second, as her focus remains upon you rather than the meeting. But you don't like the sound of what she said, perhaps your reputation precedes you. @@.friend;""She's trained for information extraction and coercion. Trust me, she spent a week trying to pick my brains and she's pretty good at it."@@ she gives a knowing smile at you, diplomacy was a game and we were all playing it. Secrets being stolen or attempts to coerce or seduce were almost expected, you remember one of your mentors telling you that some would even be insulted if you didn't at least try. It helps keep both sides honest. @@.neutral1;""But she isn't cleared!"@@ the other man objects, but it looks like the Ambassador has the influence here. @@.friend;""This is a Mars matter, you're just assisting. But..."@@ she turns to you @@.friend;""I can't order you to help, but I can ask nicely..."@@ she flashes a smile at you as you say it, she was good with her body language and you felt rather compelled to take it. But the choice is yours. [[Accept the offer.|spacedockconference]] <<link "Reject the offer">><<popover 'noclick'>><<kayla>>I can't help you, I've just got too much on my plate at the moment but...<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">> That's ok darling, it was a long shot and with what you're going through you might not be in the right headspace.<</say>>@@ She doesn't seem too disappointed, as she returns to her seat with the two military men. @@.friend;"The embassy is open to you darling, but please..."@@ she gestures to the door and you hear it lock behind you <<link "[[as you leave.|spacedockembassyhall]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</popover>><</link>><<then>><<kayla>>So what do you need me to do? Because if it is just someone to take minutes or brew some coffee...<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">> Well, if you're offering...no, this meeting will have no minutes. It is off the books. Which is why we need someone else who isn't really here...take a seat...<</say>>@@ She gestures for you to take a seat at the table, which you duly oblige as the meeting resumes. @@.friend;"Could you get our new friend up to speed?"@@ you recognise the Earth rank as Colonel, but you're unsure of what arm of the UNN he serves in. Either way, he doesn't look happy at having to brief you - but clearly the Ambassador is calling the shots. @@.neutral1;"Without going into too much detail, there is a high priority asset on the station. The UNN-Mars coalition has found it difficult to work with him, now? They've become unreasonable since your father's assassination..."@@ you listen to the details best you can, but you wish he would get to the point, as he continues to rattle on, showing you a surveillance shot of the man but you're starting to feel like this is just performative. @@.friend;"...to the point, Colonel..."@@ <img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/target.png" id="hpright">Yukon seemingly feels the same way as you. @@.neutral1;"We need someone to negotiate with him. We were planning to send Ambassador Yukon, however..."@@ the Ambassador interrupts him @@.friend;"...however, he has a penchant for young, innocent things. And add to the fact your father was well revered amongst the people of Ceres..."@@ you understand the brief, you're young, very attractive and you have connections. A lot of belters are enamored with Earth girls in particular, especially with the tensions. But you've heard of some awful things happening to Earthers in the wrong place, at the wrong time. @@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>In two hours, we have a meeting with him. Unfortunately, it is on his ship, we can't change that and there is a small danger involved. Do you understand the mission?<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>I think so. I have two hours to prepare for these negoiations, right?<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>It won't be easy, but just follow the brief and be firm, we don't have much wiggle room, so this is the final offer. So now that you know what we need you to do, are you still interested?<</say>>@@ [[Agree to the mission.|spacedockconference]] <<link "Reject the mission">><<popover 'noclick'>><<kayla>>This sounds too dangerous for me...<</kayla>> @@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">> That's ok darling, it was a long shot and with what you're going through you might not be in the right headspace.<</say>>@@ She doesn't seem too disappointed, as she returns to her seat with the two military men. @@.friend;"The embassy is open to you darling, but please..."@@ she gestures to the door and you hear it lock behind you <<link "[[as you leave.|spacedockembassyhall]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>><</popover>><</link>><<then>>@@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>Excellent! The Colonel here can brief you on anything you need to know to help out. I will prepare the documents and trade agreement, we will meet you after the meeting.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>You can count on me...<</kayla>> What have you gotten yourself into? Then again, when you return to your career path in the future, another glowing reference from a foreign envoy might just be another feather in your cap. Yukon smiles and grips your shoulder tightly, as a way to thank you and as a bit of a power move to let you know - she is still the boss. @@.neutral1;<<say "Military Man" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/militaryman.png">>Well Ms. Sheridan, you've got yourself into a deal worth billions to the coalition. Got to admire it, when I was your age...well... we will be leaving shortly too...so ask any questions you need now as we may not be available later...<</say>>@@ <<link "Can you give me a profile?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral1;<<say "Military Man" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/militaryman.png">>His name is Oz Nehsheim, a born and bred man of Ceres. He's been a member of the Iron Star since he was a young man and rose in the ranks. The usual stuff from those lot, we don't have specifics on his crimes but he certainly isn't an unintelligent man. The information we have tells us he is extremely vain while also insecure about his rather large waistline. As mentioned, he is a staunch supporter of independence for the outer colonies and attempts to recruit him have consistently failed. Be cautious.<</say>>@@ Vain. Insecure. Intelligent. Fat. Proud. Got it.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "Do I have any room for negoiating the terms?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral1;<<say "Military Man" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/militaryman.png">>None. The terms are final. They were pre-agreed before the recent events, we can't go back on them. He accepts them or he doesn't.<</say>>@@ Considering you were recruited for this only a couple of minutes ago, it'd be strange if they gave you any kind of leeway.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "Where is his ship?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral1;<<say "Military Man" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/militaryman.png">>Airlock 075. It's not accessible for anyone but diplomatic staff, the area is considered neutral territory, though station security operate there. Don't worry you'll be cleared.<</say>>@@ Well that's a relief. In the back of your mind, you were fearful of being kidnapped and made a slave of some baron from the belt.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "Why his ship?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral1;<<say "Military Man" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/militaryman.png">>He's in the position of power here, unfortunately. Anything we can do to make him comfortable, we have to make it so. Holding the meeting on his turf probably saves us a million or two on the deal.<</say>>@@ You're still worried about stepping on a belter ship, you've heard some horror stories. A lot of their ships are scraps or salvage, some are decades old, outfited with the first drives. Hopefully it has life support.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "Do I have any resources?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral1;<<say "Military Man" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/militaryman.png">>We've prepared a package for you that we will require you to change into. You're a lovely young girl, but we can't have you entering diplomatic negoiations dressed like...that.<</say>>@@ Hey! You like your slacks...<</popover>><</link>> [["I'm ready..."|spacedockconference]]<<then>><<set $kayladiplomat = true>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/diplomatdress.png" id="hpleft"> Once the military men are gone, you feel comfortable enough to freshen up your makeup and change into the diplomatic clothing left for you by the Ambassador. It was a nice dress, quite revealing but it was better than entering negoiations in your slacks. You spend the next hour studying his profile best you can, fortunately, you've been gifted with not only a high lntelligence but a photographic memory, you absorb information like a sponge. Looks like this guy is a typical union man, got in with the Iron Star at the early stages and is reaping the rewards. Still, he has no doubt been resistant to bribes from the coalition and is clearly quite good at his job, best not underestimate him. But the part about him having a penchant for women like you, you're not stupid - reading between the lines, the Ambassador is putting you in a position where you may have to use sexual prowess to get what you want. You make some <<link "notes in your PADD...">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/notes.png"><</popover>><</link>> That'll have to do, you developed the habit of writing four or five key points should you need them, other people may have pages and pages of notes for their meetings? You? You thought it gave the game away if you were constantly shuffling between documents, looking for that key piece of information. You're ready for the meeting, you should head to the [[diplomat area in the docking ring.|spacedockconference]]<<then>><center><<audio "military" stop>><<audio "spacedock1" volume 0.02 loop play>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/dockingring/dockingring.png"></center> You find your way to the docking ring, it's been a while since you've dressed like this and been involved in these types of negoiations. You feel a bit vulnerable, especially walking through the station and attracting attention from your dress. You missed this. Once you find your way to the docking ring, fortunately, Ambassador Yukon is waiting for you, gesturing you to do a "walk and talk" as it was known in diplomatic circles. @@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>Ms. Sheridan, I hope our profiling and brief helped you. We don't expect much, but if you do this...I'll be very...very grateful.<</say>>@@ She winks, touching your shoulder and hands you a small case. For now, you ignoring her clear advances. Remember Kayla, she is still technically a foreign envoy, the first thing you learned was they would try to recruit you as an asset. You shake it off and concentrate on your work, as you take the case from her. @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/kayla/kayladiplomat2.png">>I'll get it done.<</say>>@@ You recognise this type of case, it's a diplomatic case. You just need to get the bio signature from the target, his signature, his eyescan and a fingerprint. This was pretty standard these days, the traditional method of just a signature was too easy to fake. @@.friend;"This way..."@@ the Ambassador says, [[you follow her gingerly...|spacedockconference]]<<then>>You are led through a rather innocuous pair of blastdoors, but on closer inspection you notice they're heavily surveilled, on top of the lightly dressed security guards patrolling the area outside. You've heard of these places on transit stations like this, they're considered to be politically neutral and any monitoring devices or political paraphernalia were strictly prohibited. It was a sterile environment, set up perfectly as not to offend anyone, even the gravity was a little bit lighter than standard Earth gravity. And yet you still needed to go onto one of those nasty belt vessels. @@.friend;<<say Ambassador "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>This is you. This is Trade Secretary Oz Nehsheim's ship.<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;<<say "Kayla" "images/kayla/kayladiplomat2.png">>Not even a welcome or a guard?<</say>>@@ @@.friend;<<say Ambassador "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>This isn't a diplomatic mission, it's a trade negoiation. And this guy doesn't seem to stand on ceremony, he sees himself a working class hero. But still, he can't leave without docking control, so don't worry.<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;"Figures..."@@ you mutter to yourself, you'd been resistant in heading onto this vessel alone but at this point, it looks like you have no choice. You hope he has at least cleaned up. You place your hand upon the scanner, as well as looking directly into the to allow Nehsheim to verify your credentials. Three-step verification wasn't unusual in these types of situations between different governments. Though Iron Star were not officially government officials, they'd been acting as the defacto rulers for the past few months and the coalition were slowly losing a grip on the situation. A fact you should keep in mind. @@.friend;"Good luck."@@ the Ambassador says to you, as the [[doors slide open and you enter.|spacedockconference]]<<then>><<audio "spacedock1" stop>><<audio "spaceshipambience" volume 0.16 loop play>>You make it through the airlock, surprised at what you find. Despite their reputation for salvage and decade old ships, this wasn't an ugly ship. Far from it. While not luxury, it was certainly top of the line and no doubt offered many home comforts. The paneled walls were strong and well maintained modeled to look like wood from an Earth tree, there was even a carpet and the ship itself was well lit. Strange. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yachthallway.jpeg"></center> @@.neutral2;"Wilcum tae mah hamble lil sheep!"@@ you hear a voice say from a nearby entrance, the accent is distinct, he certainly is a man who has spent his life upon the rocks. The accent took a little bit of getting used to, but it was understandable. You think. Welcome...to...my...humble...little...ship...? Yeah, that's it. It'd been a while since you'd spoken to someone with such dialect and accent. You turn to face the man, he's short, fat and stumpy but he is fairly well dressed as far as Ceres fashion goes. His face, however, is disgusting. From the tip of his nose hands some type of dull gold jewelry, probably to hide some disfigurement and his neck has countless scars and burns, probably from those EV suits that would burn. They fell out of use decades ago, but they were still in use in illegal mining operations. But he looks old enough to have been around to use them. @@.kayla;<<say "Kayla" "images/kayla/kayladiplomat2.png">>The pleasure is mine Secretary Nehsheim.<</say>>@@ @@.neutral2;<<say "Secretary Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>Attache Sheridan. Honored guest! Fodagut, I am Oz to you! A million condolences for your father, he is with the stars now.<</say>>@@ You offer your hand, which he firmly shakes and then offers you his elbow, which you connect with. Handshakes were still the go to greeting, but traditionally many in the outer colonies went with the elbow, something passed down over generations, you think you remember reading it stemmed from the explosion in diseases during the mid-21st Century. Regardless, it showed you he was a proud belter. @@.neutral2;<<say "Secretary Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>Fodagut, join an old man!<</say>>@@ The stubby man motions with you through the door, he smiles at you, showing off his teeth that had been replaced by various jewels and gold. He ushers you in with his hand on your back - a typical power move that is no longer really effective, but you'll let him have this one - you have your womanly charm. @@.kayla;"Gladly."@@ you say, [[as you follow his instructions.|spacedockconference]] The accent and slang are still there, but you should start to pick it up again soon.<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yachttable.png"></center> Again you're taken a back as you step in, the room is spectacularly well decorated, this must be the conference room - but it looks more like a repurposed dining room of some kind. The fact this ship is so well put together has bothered you, it isn't typical of belters to travel this way. Best put it to the back of your mind for now now, as you take a seat. @@.neutral2;<<say "Secretary Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>Esteemed guest! Let's showxa! M'im very sorry about your father.<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/kayla/kayladiplomat2.png">>Thank you, I appreciate your condolences, he was a great man and the universe is a worse place without him...but I'm here on business.<</say>>@@ @@.neutral2;<<say "Secretary Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>Not yet, we need to showxa! You have any questions?<</say>>@@ Talk. Showxa means talk, you remember and it was easy to work out from the context. He likely could speak common tongue, but again, power moves. But maybe you do have some questions that [[you could ask.|spacedockconference]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yachttable.png"></center> You both take a seat on opposite sides of the desk, he taps a button embedded within an interface on the desk and a small serving robot pops out of the side with some type of foul smelling alcoholic liquid. @@.neutral2;"You wanya kopeng?"@@ he says before downing the drink and grimacing. @@.kayla;"No thanks."@@ you decline politely - drinking during negoiations was a no no, especially an unknown substance brewed on the ass side of some rock around Ceres. You guess now is the time to ask some questions, as he orders another for himself. <img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz1.png" id="hpleft"><<link "Where are you from?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Secretary Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>Ceres. Back there soon. The inner colonies kill me.<</say>>@@ Looks like he is missing home, this might be an advantage for you - perhaps he is starting to tire of the process.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "What is that beverage?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Secretary Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>Beverage?! This is no jus' bevvie! It's my family drink! Made outta spent fuel!<</say>>@@ That sounds disgusting, space moonshine. You're surprised it didn't kill him.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "This ship isn't standard...">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Ambassador Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>This belongs to Ceres. Wanga ya trillionaires, wrong paperwork. Now? Diplomatic vessel.<</say>>@@ He gives a toothy smile, you wonder if one of the jewels belong to that rich guy. But it makes sense, the worsening situation meant that Ceres had become a dangerous place - especially for the rich folk from the core worlds.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "Can you speak the common tongue?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Secretary Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>Mi kang, amash mi'm na going fo.<</say>>@@ He laughs as he slips into an extremely thick accent and becomes increasingly hard to understand. Ok, you get the point.<</popover>><</link>> [[Let's get down to business...|spacedockconference]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yachttable.png"></center> You're blunt, you want to get this over with and you're confident that you can do so, as your smiling and laughing turns into a steely gaze. He is about to take another drink and laugh, trying to but he meets your glare and straightens himself out. It's important he doesn't think you're a child. @@.neutral2;<<say "Secretary Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>Good. Keting are to conditions?<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;<<say "Kayla" "images/kayla/kayladiplomat2.png">>We've presented them to you already and we have them here if you wish to study them once more.<</say>>@@ You motion to the case next to you, but he definitely already has studied the deal. He's started to get to business, you can tell because he's now speaking in his full native tongue and hoping you will slip up somewhere along the way. Your rusty, but you should be okay. @@.neutral2;<<say "Secretary Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>Bah! Imalowda pensa imalowda kang send mi wa hot piece fo ass wit wa name? wa plague upon to rock!<</say>>@@ Uh oh. He's already getting angry and maybe seeing through the facade. This could go south very quickly. And with it your reputation. You need to find the right words. Or go for the nuclear option of seduction. [["My father dealt with you several times in the past, you never acted this way. Show some respect."|spacedockconference]] [["Don't talk to me that way! You're lucky we're still at the table!"|spacedockconferencefail]] [["This deal is fantastic, your people will get a lot out of it..."|spacedockconferencefail]] [["Hey, it's ok. I'm sorry. Calm down. Come here..."|spacedockconferenceseduce]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yachttable.png"></center> You play to your father's connections, but it is a bluff - you have no idea if your father actually dealt with this man before. But it's likely he would have done. But it seems to do the matter, as he looks a bit ashamed and sits back down. That's one card already played, you best not mention your father again or he'll see you're just trying to use his death. @@.neutral2;<<say "Secretary Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>You're right. Mi apologises Sheridan. Amash xidawang deal has finyish been rejected, keradzhang ere kowl fo da rocks ere kowl fo da belte deng fo mi accept xidawang?<</say>>@@ That was a hard one to translate, but the gist is something about why should he accept this deal when it was rejected before? Good point. [["Ceres needs this more than Earth or Mars, Earth and Mars have the stockpiles. You don't."|spacedockconferencefail]] [["Who benefits from us not agreeing to this deal? We all suffer. Especially the belt. They need a leader. They need people like you. To make those hard decisions."|spacedockconference]] [["My father would have wanted this. Do it in his memory."|spacedockconferencefail]] [["Perhaps there is something else I can do to convince you..."|spacedockconferenceseduce]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yachttable.png"></center> He sighs, deep in thought - looks like you got through to him. You appeal to his ego, but it is important that you throw in some pure logic on top of that. The assassination of your father, the terrorist problems and the instability - they all play a role in the deal. Earth and Mars aren't going to cut individual deals, they run the belt together. In fact you think they're being overly generous with the current terms. @@.neutral2;<<say "Secretary Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>We're suffering becoz fo to kind. To provide milowda ereluf, milowda owkwa, fo milowda very needs.<</say>>@@ [["The people of Ceres? Suffering? Look at you! You're as plump as a Thanksgiving Turkey!"|spacedockconferencefail]] [["Ceres and the rest of the outer colonies need this deal."|spacedockconferencefail]] [["You're a great man, great men make strong decisions. Popular or unpopular."|spacedockconference]] [["Perhaps there is something else I can do to convince you..."|spacedockconferenceseduce]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yachttable.png"></center> He grimaces, you're not sure if that is in annoyance or because he realises you're correct. He takes another shot and eyeballs you as he does, you could cut the tension with a butterknife. He says nothing as he places his hand on the desk infront of him, a bright light and he winces a little. @@.neutral2;<<say "Ambassador Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>You make good points Ms. Sheridan. The deal isn't what we wanted, but considering the circumstances...it is fair. Besides, I want to get out of here. The situation is...<</say>>@@ He wistfully looks at the empty glass infront of him and stops himself short. But you don't really dwell on it, you did it! You want to stand up and cheer but you keep yourself calm, professional. @@.neutral2;<<say "Ambassador Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>It's a real shame you never tried to seduce me, usually when a diplomat turns up...in a dress like that...<</say>>@@ You wince a little at the thought, it was more galling that you were considering it, it certainly crossed your mind more than a few times, the idea of this old man straddling on top of you, making you perform oral or forcing you to debase yourself. You shudder, but he doesn't notice. @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/kayla/kayladiplomat2.png">>Thank you so much. I promise you, this deal will enrich us all.<</say>>@@ You're not sure he believes you, in fact you can't believe you came out with such nonsense - you sound like a seasoned diplomat reading from a script. @@.neutral2;"So unless you want to drink and spend some more time together...It has been a pleasure. Perhaps I'll see you again in the future...I look forward to it..."@@ he licks his lips as he looks at you, perhaps next time he'll get what he wants in the negoiations. You exchanged final pleasantries, grab your briefcase and [[head out.|spacedockconference]]<<then>><<audio "spaceshipambience" stop>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/securityairlock.jpg"></center> You take your time heading back to the embassy, enjoying the after glow of a success. It wasn't just a success, you did it yourself. Well, with the help of a pre-arranged agreement and extensive profile of the subject. But it was still all you. You think about stopping off for a celebratory drink, but you need to get this case back to the embassy, can you imagine losing it on the way?! You'd be in prison by the end of the week. Anyway, enough dilly dallying. You eye the embassy entrance, take a deep breath and [[head back...|spacedockconference]]<<finally>><<audio "military" volume 0.02 loop play>>@@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>Ms. Sheridan, you've shown exactly what I thought I saw in you.<</say>>@@ @@.neutral1;<<say "Military Man" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/militaryman.png">>I can't believe it. You have my upmost respect Ms. Sheridan.<</say>>@@ <img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/conferenceroom.png" id="hpleft">You stand awkwardly in the conference room, you're not sure what to do being showered with this praise, like a teenager at a birthday party. And being praised by the military? You thought they were all emotionless robots. @@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>We're done here Colonel, stand out the operation. We have what we want.<</say>>@@ He nods, then takes his PADD, the case you brought in and walks out, he stops short of the entrance and turns to you, saluting you. [[You turn to Yukon...|spacedockconference]]<<then>>@@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>I'm sure he'll provide a good reference, I certainly will. I can't persuade you to switch sides, can I?<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;<<say "Kayla" "images/kayla/kayladiplomat2.png">>I appreciate your help, but I wouldn't want to sully. Besides, I have other things to do.<</say>>@@ @@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>That's not a no...<</say>>@@ She begins stroking your hair, inspecting you - it felt a bit...seductive? She displayed this behaviour before you left, but now you were feeling a little bit more plyable, perhaps a little bit...horny. And she clearly sensed it, as she tried to get a good look into your eyes. @@.friend;"If you join me..."@@ your eyes widen in shock, as you feel her hand land upon your bottom. @@.friend;"I'm sure I can show you some interesting techniques..."@@ you feel a shudder through your body, you're not sure it's because you're aroused or absolutely terrified at the thought. But you should be careful in future dealings with her. @@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>Be seeing you.<</say>>@@ She leaves you standing motionless, thinking about what just happened. It was a rollercoaster of emotions to be certain, but you're left feeling full of energy, the adrenaline is still pumping, you actually feel a buzz as a result of this adventure. You take a deep breath, recomposing yourself - time to get back into your slacks and [[get back at it.|spacedockembassy]] <</first>>

<<first>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yachttable.png">You'd noticed him checking you out more than once, licking his lips and you're sure he lingered a bit too long when ushering you in. You approach him with a seductive smile, sitting next to him and he shivers a little bit, if he is still capable of it, you could probably attach a flag to his mast. @@.kayla;<<say "Kayla" "images/kayla/kayladiplomat2.png">>Listen, I'd be very...very grateful. And I've seen how you've been looking at me.<</say>>@@ @@.neutral2;<<say "Oz" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>Oh, deng fo to xitim? show mi dewe grateful to are unte mi'll sign da deal.<</say>>@@ Perhaps you can avoid a heavy session of intercourse, these big guys generally can't last too long and you could probably get him off with your hand. Or...ugh...mouth. You want to avoid that if you can. You stroke his inner thigh and maintain eye contact with him, slowly making your way up to his balls, cupping them a little bit before moving back down his thigh. You wait to see his reaction, he looks like he is welling up a bit. Please don't have a heart attack. @@.neutral2;<<say "Oz" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>Na xiya. Mi bedroom.<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;"Of course, let's get more comfortable."@@ Shit! You really don't want to fuck him. Or worse, have him fuck you. It's the last thing you want, but he has no idea of your inner thoughts as you smile and take him by the hand, though he rather stumbles towards the bedroom rather than walking with any kind of class. He'd probably hard as a rock, [[you enter the bedroom|spacedockconferenceseduce]] with a deep breath.<<then>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yachtbedroom.jpeg" id="hpleft">The room is warm, cosy and well maintained, as you'd expected considering the rest of the ship. In better circumstances, you'd consider this to be rather luxurious. But this is part of your training. He takes a seat at the edge of the bed and he stares at you. You're not sure what he wants, you hesitate and decide to @@.kayla;"Drink?"@@ you say. @@.neutral2;"Oh xitim to wanya wa drink? mi've finyish ta tenye enough. To keng keting mi wanya..."@@ he pats the space next to him at the foot of the bed. You smile and take a seat next to him, you begin caressing him once more, he tenses up as you do, clearly aroused at the touch of one much younger than him. @@.neutral2;"Undress mi..."@@ you slowly begin to undress him, he helps you a bit, but it takes a couple of minutes to get him naked, you try your best to be seductive, but sometimes you just need to drag it off him. He sits back down, almost out of breath from getting undressed and then looks at you expectedly. No wonder the trousers were the hardest to pull off, his cock stands to attention, it has probably be hard since you walked into the door. @@.neutral2;"Show mi dewe much to wanya xidawang deal, Earth métexeng."@@ he says, as he lays back on the bed. Time to [[earn your money.|spacedockconferenceseduce]]<<then>>You reach for his penis, he doesn't look at you or make any demands, he just expects you to do it. To him, this is probably a business transaction. You take another glance at him, he still isn't looking at you and clearly just wants you to get to work. <<linkreplace "Time do so...">>Time to get to work, you spit in your hand then grab his erect cock and start to rub it. You've become a bit of an expert in this, giving blowjobs or handjobs is much more preferable to letting someone cum inside of you and most guys don't have that stamina. <div id="vidleft"><video loop autoplay muted><source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/handjob.webm"></video></div> You change your rhythm, speeding up, speeding down and trying your best to get him off, listening to his grunts and feeling his body tense up. @@.kayla;"You like me stroking that fucking long cock?"@@ you whisper to him, dirty talk can drive the right guy wild, but despite your best efforts, you can't quite get him to explode - and you don't want him to get bored and try to mount you. So you stop for a few moments, giving him some respite, which he seems glad about, but it isn't long before he takes a look down at you, making eye contact with him, as you [[open your mouth...|spacedockconferenceseduce]]<</linkreplace>><<then>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Ambassador Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>Suck mi fucking cock to damn tease" he managed to grunt out.<</say>>@@ There is no easy way to do this, as you begin to suckle on the shaft of his pink mast. Thankfully, it looks like he'd bathed before this, as the smell wasn't as rancid as you'd expected. Looks can be deceiving. He shifts himself up, so he can see you do the deed, a lot of men want to look into your eyes as you perform the deed, it's a power thing. @@.neutral2;"Vedi erefo mi eyes tumang..."@@ you nod as you get to work. <center><video loop autoplay muted><source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/facejob.webm"></video></center> You use your mouth to masturbate his hard cock. It couldn't be helped, as you gagged on his head, as it penetrated deeper and deeper, until it hit the back of your throat. Your hands rested on his thighs, feeling his muscles contract and shudder. It wouldn't be long now, but your eyes were watering with each thrust that hit the back of your tender throat. The taste of his cock was disgusting though, but you tried your best to hide it. @@.neutral2;<<say "Oz" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>Suck im métexeng, leta-go mi cock métexeng!<</say>>@@ Oz demanded something, but you were not sure. But you could tell he was close and as he did a final thrust before withdrawing his cock and began wanking himself an inch away from your face. He continued to milk his dick, he wanted his load in your mouth. You didn't have much say in it to be honest, as a few seconds [[later he exploded.|spacedockconferenceseduce]]<<then>><div id="vidright"><video loop autoplay muted><source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/suck.webm"></video></div> Well, by exploded it was more of a splurt, but some of it caught your face, while the rest dribble down onto the floor. He fell backwards onto the bed with a relieved sigh, then just lay there. You were still kneeling, thankfully most of the cum had missed you but your face still felt covered in the stuff. Ugh. This stuff always made you feel off, but with every passing encounter it was made more and more easy for you. If you kept this up, you might even start to enjoy it... @@.neutral2;<<say "Oz" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>Im's done. Mi'll sign to damn treaty. Vedi yourself kuku.<</say>>@@ Sigh. Damn. Treaty. Well you understood that. @@.kayla;"Thank you Secretary, it has been a pleasure..."@@ you stand, feeling a trickle of cum fall from your face. @@.neutral2;"Na du forget fo clean yourself xox!"@@ he mumbles, he is just about ready to fall asleep but manages to point you int he direction of ensuite bathroom. You say nothing, but nod and [[head into the nearby bathroom...|spacedockconferenceseduce]]<<then>>Jesus, that's a lot more cum than you expected, he must have been taking some zinc supplements to produce that. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/facial.png"></center> It takes you a couple of minutes to clean yourself up, you have after all done this routine before, you remember your first time. And second. And third. You wonder if males in the diplomatic core have to do the same thing. Looks like you're somewhat presentable now you hope, as you step back outside. Oz lay upon the bed, passed out and snoring. If you were an enemy spy you could probably have a snoop around or even assassinate him. If you were a spy. But you're not. Your job is done, you should [[head back to the embassy and report your progress.|spacedockconferenceseduce]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/securityairlock.jpg"></center> You take your time heading back to the embassy, a little worried that you might still have some unnoticed cum stains on your face. Phantom cum. Anyway, enough dilly dallying. You eye the embassy, inspect and brush yourself off one last time, take a deep breath and [[head back...|spacedockconferenceseduce]]<<audio "spaceshipambience" stop>><<then>>@@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>Ms. Sheridan, you've shown exactly what I thought I saw in you.<</say>>@@ @@.neutral1;<<say "Military Man" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/militaryman.png">>I can't believe it. You have my upmost respect Ms. Sheridan.<</say>>@@ <img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/conferenceroom.png" id="hpleft">You stand awkwardly in the conference room, you're not sure what to do being showered with this praise, like a teenager at a birthday party. And being praised by the military? You thought they were all emotionless robots. But there is a feeling of fraud, considering what you did to achieve this. But they don't have to know.<<audio "spaceshipambience" stop>><<audio "military" volume 0.02 loop play>> @@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>We're done here Colonel, stand down the operation. We have what we want.<</say>>@@ He nods, then takes his PADD, the case you brought in and walks out, he stops short of the entrance and turns to you, saluting you. [[You turn to Yukon...|spacedockconferenceseduce]]<<then>>@@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>I'm sure he'll provide a good reference, I certainly will. I can't persuade you to switch sides, can I?<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;<<say "Kayla" "images/kayla/kayladiplomat2.png">>I appreciate your help, but I wouldn't want to sully. Besides, I have other things to do.<</say>>@@ @@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>That's not a no...<</say>>@@ She begins stroking your hair, inspecting you - it felt a bit...seductive? She displayed this behaviour before you left, but now you were feeling a little bit more plyable, perhaps a little bit...horny. And she clearly sensed it, as she tried to get a good look into your eyes. @@.friend;"If you join me..."@@ your eyes widen in shock, as you feel her hand land upon your bottom. @@.friend;"I'm sure I can show you some interesting techniques..."@@ you feel a shudder through your body, you're not sure it's because you're aroused or absolutely terrified at the thought. But you should be careful in future dealings with her. @@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>Be seeing you. Oh. And you missed a spot.<</say>>@@ She leaves you standing motionless, thinking about what just happened and what she said. Then you panic, missed a spot? Wait, she knows what you did? How?! Your adrenaline is still pumping, despite what you did to achieve you goal, you still actually feel a buzz as a result of this adventure. You take a deep breath, recomposing yourself - time to get back into your slacks and [[get back at it.|spacedockembassy]] It's done now, any regrets you have are too late.<</first>>

<<first>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Secretary Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>To insult mi wit to words unte wit xidawang deal!<</say>>@@ Uh oh. That doesn't sound good. Did you say the wrong thing? Clearly, as he gives you a look of disgust that he has no doubt given several other representatives. "These talks are over." he says in perfect common tongue, your stomach drops as you realise that you've pushed the wrong buttons. There is no going back now, but there is still one option available. You could try to [[seduce him|spacedockconferenceseduce]], it might calm him down and forget his perceived slight. Or you could try once more to [[convince him|spacedockconferencefail]] to return to the negoiations.<<then>>@@.kayla;<<say "Kayla" "images/kayla/kayladiplomat2.png">>Secretary, please be...<</say>>@@ @@.neutral2;<<say "Secretary Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>Bah! Leave!<</say>>@@ <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yachttable.png"></center> He stands up from the desk and your further protests fall on deaf ears. No wonder even the more seasoned negotiators failed, this guy is completely unreasonable! He stomps out, heading towards and leaves you alone. Failed. A failure. Ugh. You hope Yukon isn't mad, though you think her being disappointed in you would be worse - or even if she didn't care at all, which would imply that she never had faith in your in the first place. You pick up the case, which may as well be a paperweight at this point, and [[trudge out of the room|spacedockconferencefail]], shoulders slumped.<<then>> <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yachthallway.jpeg"></center> The airlock is, thankfully, still open. At least you didn't end up trapped as a belter's sex slave. Wait, why would you thnk that? But maybe that's where you belong, maybe this isn't the life for you. You try to push these demoralising and rather lewd thoughts out of your head as you step [[through the airlock.|spacedockconferencefail]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/securityairlock.jpg"></center> You take your time heading back to the embassy, where no doubt the are ready to dress you down. If you had your way, you'd just dump this case, get rid of the clothes and split before anyone notice, but that'd probably lead you to ending up on all sorts of watch lists. They may not have much in way of value really and they're fairly secure, but it is about the message. Anyone, enough dilly dallying. You eye the embassy, take a deep breath and [[head back...|spacedockconferencefail]]<<audio "spaceshipambience" stop>><<finally>><<audio "military" volume 0.02 loop play>>@@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>Ms. Sheridan, I can't say I'm not disappointed.<</say>>@@ @@.neutral1;<<say "Military Man" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/militaryman.png">>I am! This deal has set us back years!<</say>>@@ @@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>Watch your tone! She tried her best...<</say>>@@ <img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/conferenceroom.png" id="hpleft">You stand awkwardly in the conference room, you feel like an object for mockery, a school kid being scolded by the principle. It has gotten a bit tense. You feel more than embarrassed, you've never been dressed down before, especially not by a military man. @@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>We have our original plan to follow. Colonel, put it into motion.<</say>>@@ He nods, then takes his PADD, the case you brought in and walks out, not even looking at you or acknowledging you. You can feel the disdain from him. Ugh. Military. Like those guys are perfect. At least no innocent civilians died from "friendly fire". [[You stand deflated and defeat...|spacedockconferencefail]]<<then>>@@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>Don't worry about him, I'm sure you still have a bright future ahead of you...<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;<<say "Kayla" "images/kayla/kayladiplomat2.png">>I don't know where I went wrong....<</say>>@@ @@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>Shush now...there's no point in dwelling on this.<</say>>@@ She comforts you, stroking your hair in doing so - but it also felt a bit...seductive? She displayed this behaviour before you left, but now you were feeling a little bit more vulnerable, a little bit down. And she clearly sensed it, as she tried to get a good look into your eyes. "You'll recover from this little one. I'm sure of it..." your eyes widen in shock, as you feel her hand land upon your bottom. @@.friend;"But if not, I'm always looking for young lost little girls to tie up..."@@ you feel a shudder through your body, you're sure it's because you're aroused or absolutely terrified at the thought. But you should be careful in future dealings with her. @@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>Be seeing you.<</say>>@@ She leaves you standing motionless, thinking about what just happened. It was a rollercoaster of emotions to be certain, but you're left feeling tired and rather mentally compromised as a result of this little adventure. You take a deep breath, recomposing yourself - time to get back into your slacks and [[get back at it.|spacedockembassy]] <</first>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/promenadeexplosion.png"></center> <<audio ":playing" fadeout>><<audio "alert" volume 0.10 loop play>><<audio "explosionglass" volume 0.50 play>>Before you can move through, you feel a sharp heat come over your body and face, forcing your eyes to close instinctively. You don't have enough time to react, before you're thrown off your feet by a concussive blast into a wall behind you, concussing you. The loud alarms blur, your vision is still blurred, but you manage to look to your left and right, trying to see what has happened, but all you you see are other people in the same position as you, down and injured. Some are severly injured or possibly dead, the unlucky ones having been skewered by shrapnel. You bring your head to look straight ahead, a fire rages ahead of you. You take a deep breath, as you try to get control of your body again but the concussion is still affecting you. Just as you muster enough sense to stand, a secondary blast hits from the same direction, this time much closer - [[knocking you completely unconscious...|spacedockpromenade1]]<<then>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>>What will happen to Kayla next? What happened here? Was it a malfunction or part of something more sinister? Can Kayla save herself? Can she save the people in the station? Can she save the station? Can she even save herself? Her choices and actions here will have far reaching consequences. This is the end of the current chapter. The next chapter will involve three completely different paths depending on your skill, depending on the choices you made in this chapter. Perhaps you'll discover familiar faces along the way who can help you. Or exploit you. Thank you for playing, any feedback or bug reports are always welcome! <<click "Return to the main menu">><<script>>state.restart();<<endscript>><</click>><</first>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/officeintelligence.png"></center> You're about to leave, when out of the shadows you hear someone call out to you @@.neutral2;"Ms. Sheridan."@@ you feel a chill come over your body as you hear them call your name. You turn to see a tall woman emerge from the corner of the room, was she always there? She's cladded in an entirely dark black skin tight outfit. Is it possibly an advanced stealth suit? Those things are stuff of legend, you didn't even think they existed but rumours had persisted for decades. Who is this? @@.neutral2;<<say "???" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Please. Don't be alarmed. I saw you enter and was curious as to why you were here..<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;"None of your business..."@@ you manage to stammer out, still slightly intimidated by the sudden appearance. You better recompose yourself fast, you take up a defensive stance, just incase she tries something. She notices immediately, but doesn't seem to react in any way. @@.neutral2;<<say "???" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>I said don't be alarmed. I'm internal affairs.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>You're not like any intelligence agent I've ever seen...<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say "???" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>This outfit? Ah. an ASU, Advanced Stealth Unit, it is in testing but it has a stealth field and dampening. We've managed to procure one from Mars, I think only a handful are available to the entire UNN.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Then who are you?<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>My name is Deputy Director Rizial. Internal Affairs.<</say>>@@ That shiver? It returns. You know she means business. You must be careful here, reading between the lines - that sounded like a threat. Just the words "Internal Affairs" makes any serving military personnel instantly worried. She stands confidently, you maintain a distance between the two of you, eyeing her up - just incase. But it seems like you can [[relax for now.|spacedockmilitarymission]]<<then>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>I'm here giving this suit a test run, but it is still...not exactly running perfectly enough to spy effectively. And I'm no field agent if I'm honest, but it was worth a try.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>So what are you doing here?<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Ah. That's where you come in. Your use of credentials to enter this place was flagged on the military system and was most fortunate. It allowed me to check you out.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>And? Why would you do that?<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Well you see, we have a squad of special forces on board but none are particularly well trained in infiltration. And they're assigned to protect the Admiral. But I see you were a member of Blue Squad. And you spent a not so insignificant amount of time during your time in infiltration simulations.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>I have no field experience, it was training missions, exercises, holoprograms...<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>That's more than the jarheads in the mess hall. You're Blue Squad. The best of the best. And your scores were...exceptional to say the least.<</say>>@@ You think about what to say in response, she's right, but you're not sure you have time to waste. But she doesn't wait for your response, tapping her wrist and the central military database pops up on screen with your profile displayed for you both to see. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/kaylascreen.png"> </center> It flips through, bringing up the commendations you got and the almost perfect scores across the board. You didn't get full marks on one exam, but you argued it was rather sexist to be expected to sedure holoprograms. But regardless, she's right, you were the best and you excelled during these missions in particular. But what did she want with you? Something doesn't add up, but you couldn't put your finger on it. You push it to the back of your mind for now and [[listen to her.|spacedockmilitarymission]]<<then>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Internal Affairs suspect there is a weapon smuggling operation on this station. We've noticed militay inventory going missing during transit through here, but the entire staff has been vetoed and they all came up clean. There is no motivation. While we would normally let this slide, the worsening situation in the colonies means we want to make sure we put a stop to this.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>And how can I help with this? Don't you have any trained personnel?<</kayla>> <img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/ozscreen.png" id="hpleft">@@.neutral2;"All busy with more important matters I'm afraid, these are trying times for us and we're not all that popular in the first place."@@ she continues, tapping her wrist a few times before motioning towards the screen, a display awaits with all the information you need - including the man whose being targeted and a long history of him, right down to his data of birth. Impressive. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>We've narrowed it down to this man. He has been docked on the station for two months now. He is the Iron Star Trade Secretary to Earth, Oz Nemishen. He has been a difficult negoiation with Earth and Mars for a while. My personal theory is he is delaying while he stocks up on weaponry. But we have no proof, nor do we know how he is obtaining this inventory. But it's our only lead. And we can't search or even scan a vessel without causing a major incident. Diplomatic immunity.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Why is Internal Affairs involved in this?<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;"Observant Ms. Sheridan. And true. We were brought in to vet the security staff, make sure it wasn't one of ours and analysis indicates a pattern between him boarding the station and the inventory going missing. We could pass it onto UNN Intelligence. And I was going to. But you've presented me with an opportunity."@@ she smiles as you ask your question, this whole thing feels like a test and it feels a little bit off. You're not sure you buy this explanation, but at the same time it makes sense. Military grade weapons falling into the hands of organisations like Iron Star was always a concern, even more concerning was who they sold them to. Going through the proper channels would take time, but...@@.neutral2;"So Cadet, are you willing to take this mission?"@@ [[I have further questions...|spacedockmilitarymission]] [[This doesn't seem right, no...|spacedockintelligence]] [[I don't have the time, no...|spacedockintelligence]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizial1.png"></center> @@.neutral2;"Questions? Ask away..."@@ she says as she stands to attention, ready to answer any and all questions you throw at her. You should make sure, this mission seems like it'd be rather dangerous and more than a little bit unsanctioned. <<link "What support will I have?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>You'll have a standard comm chip imbedded into your eardrum and I'll try to guide you through, I should have access to schematics and security feeds. I'll also outfit you with a small sidearm and standard sneaking suit, but I must warn you, if you accept the mission and it ends with you getting caught after shooting someone, we will deny all knowledge and condemn you as a lone wolf. Even in self defense.<</say>>@@ Sounds pretty harsh, but if you fuck up that bad then it is probably deserved. Sidearms in infiltration missions like this were rare in the first place, so you're surprised you've even been given one.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "What is the mission objective?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Find evidence that he is involved in this arms smuggling. Your suit will record everything you pick up, so don't worry about that. You just need to get in, see what you can find and get out.<</say>>@@ Infiltration missions always sounded this way, in and out. Is it really that simple?<</popover>><</link>> <<link "Can you tell me more about the target?">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Trade Secretary Oz Nemishen. Affilated with the Iron Star Union. He's been docked at the station for the past six weeks and has been locked in negoiations with Earth and Mars over the renewal of the mineral rights. He has been <</say>>@@ Infiltration missions always sounded this way, in and out. Is it really that simple?<</popover>><</link>> You have a deicision to make. Will you [[accept the mission|spacedockmilitarymission]]? Or <<link "reject the mission">><<popover 'noclick'>><<kayla>>I'm going to have to pass, apologies.<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Fine. Looks like I'll have to find someone else or even do it myself. Disappointing to say the least.<</say>>@@<<set $military1 = "rejected">> You get the impression she is bitterly disappointed in you, for more reasons than she is letting on. But you think this is a safer approach, you have more things to do. Before you know it, she has disappeared, <<link "[[leaving you alone in the room once more.|spacedockintelligence]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>> At least you think you're alone again.<</popover>><</link>>? And the thought did cross your mind to [[attack her|spacedockmilitarybadend1]], this whole thing is suspicious and you'd have the element of surprise.<<then>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Excellent.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>So, what next?<</kayla>> She doesn't immediately respond to your question, instead she begins to tap away at her wrist again for a couple of seconds. Does she have optic implants or is the suit that advanced? Highly likely. @@.neutral2;"Head to airlock 18-C."@@ she says as she turns to look at you. @@.kayla;"And what's there?"@@ you inquire. @@.neutral2;"Everything you need."@@ man, she keeps it simple and to the point, huh? @@.neutral2;"Trust me. I'll be providing back up, I've gained access to the station's surveillance systems and schematics."@@ you don't completely trust her, you still feel like something about this is off. But you've committed to this now, despite your continuing reservations you don't think it would be wise to dip out now. @@.kayla;"I'll be there."@@ you say confidently with a nod @@.neutral2;"Don't delay."@@ she responds sternly. You should [[head out|spacedockintelligence]], you shouldn't delay heading to the docking ring too long.<<set $military1 = "accepted">><</first>>

<<first>>This seems highly suspect, a shadowy figured skulking around in the intelligence department? Why didn't the Admiral warn you about her or even inform you about her? And why isn't she at least in some type of standard uniform? She is dressed in active field duty clothing. No, this isn't right. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/punchpunch.gif"></center> You step forward and launch a flurry of heavy punches, followed by a strike to the face. Your surprise attack seems to work, as she staggers backwards and cups the side of her face. But she doesn't go down, in fact she looks downright pissed. Now is not the time to analyse the situation, as you launch a kick towards her, you need to get her down! But her reflexes are too much for you, her strength and reaction time takes you by surprise as she catches you leg and with a single sweep she has you down on the ground. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>You really think a little girl like you could take me down? Such a shame...<</say>>@@ You try to struggle free, but not only is she taller and clearly stronger than you but her suit appears to be giving her some extra physical strength and she clearly assets her dominance over you, sitting on top of you. You continued struggles seem to amuse her more than anything, as you both realise the situation. You've lost. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>I'll give you points for bravery. But your journey ends here. Foolish girl, I have an idea for how you can be of use to me...<</say>>@@ She strikes you with an elbow, then a second elbow and another one before you stop struggling. Your only hope now is the desperate idea that the commotion in here will have at least alerted someone - anyone - to come and run her off. You feel a coldness come over, as your conquerer injects something into your neck from her suit [[sending you into a deep coma...|spacedockmilitarybadend1]]<<then>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>><<linkreplace "A couple of weeks later...">><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/obsidianending1.png"></center> You had spent the last couple of weeks neurally linked to a machine, a housing unit for nanomachines was forcefully drilled into the base of your skull. It was an excruciating pain, but probably the last feeling of being the human "Kayla Sheridan" that you experience. The nanomachines now controlled and stimulated your entire nervous system, you couldn't tell reality from the simulation even if you tried. You'd spent the last few weeks in a state of brainwashing, learning everything a good drone would need. Routine maintenance, functional operations of the ship and most importantly of all - sexual satisfaction of the agents. You were being molded into the perfect drone. Your old life was over. Your memories were being completely erased. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Is she ready?<</say>>@@ @@.neutral1;<<say "???" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/synthscientist.png">>Affirmative.<</say>>@@ The synth began fiddling with a nearby console that was connected to . The machine you were connected to hisses, as it begins to release control of your soul back to you. It was a violent process, you were helped by an injection of some type of stimulant directly into your spine. There must have been some adrenaline in that shot, [[as your eyes shoot open|spacedockmilitarybadend1]] and you awake from the nightmares you had been living for the past couple of weeks.<</linkreplace>><<then>><<audio "gameover" volume 0.03 loop play>><<set $kaylaobsidianbot = true>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Another beautiful drone. Perfect. Welcome to your new life.<</say>>@@ You had nothing to say. In fact, you couldn't say anything. You didn't need to say anything. Your neew purpose in life was to serve the Obsidian Protocol until your body or mind broke down - whichever came first. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/obsidianbot.png"></center> You step out of the machine, nothing more than a vacant drone. Your only identifier is the barcode that now sat on your forehead which merely gave you a designation. A designation you didn't know or care for, the only feeling you have is one of intense pleasure whenever you manage to complete your daily task. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Come along pet, you have work to do.<</say>>@@ You eagerly follow the command from the woman who [[leads you to her bedroom|spacedockmilitarybadend1]] for some evening entertainment.@@<<finally>><center><b><u>Bad End - Obsidian Drone</u></b></center> <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialbadend1.png"></center> Rizial loved her new drone so much that she kept you as her personal drone, so you didn't have to spend time doing boring maintenance work or other handiwork kept for the more boring drones. You were a beautiful specimen after all, you knew this because your mistress would remind you of it as your tongue - well, her tongue - was used to bring relief. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialbadend2.png"></center> You spend the rest of your days as a functional drone meeting her every demand and whim, whether that licking her pussy or being tied up and mercilessly beaten - it didn't matter. You were no longer you. You were an object for her amusement, desire and anger. Your mind and soul belonged to her. Your most common sight was your face in her snatch after a day of hard work. Perhaps attacking an unknown assailant with what is clearly superior technology wasn't a wise choice? <<click "Perhaps next time you should just politely decline...">><<script>>state.restart();<<endscript>><</click>><</first>>

<<first>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>>The airlock is fairly generic, nothing special but it responds immediately to your touch. Huh. How? Again, your senses tell you all is not quite what it seems but you're in it now. Literally. You step through the airlock and into the small...vessel? You're not sure exactly how to describe it. It felt more like a box. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/compartment.png"></center> Perhaps this was a repurposed drop ship or escape pod? Not really designed for anything but delivering payloads between stations, ships and rocks, it could have previously been used as a supply cache. But why is it here and where did it come from? This mission has so far delivered questions upon questions. The small ship just seems to be this rather sparse compartment, there isn't anything here. Iis this some type of trap?! @@.neutral1;<<say "Ship VI" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/vi.png">>Welcome Cadet Kayla Sheridan. You have been expected.<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;"Huh?!"@@ you jump as you hear the VI talk, followed by a compartment in the wall opening up and a small draw popping out. Looks like some equipment, perfect, you'd rather not do a mission in your slacks. You take stock of what is available, a standard UNN stealth suit and a sidearm, looks like a PX-44. You trained with one of these, they have one use and then they dissolve themselves. Great. You take another look around the small compartment you're in, but it seems like these are the only two items. You better [[suit up.|spacedockmilimission]]<<then>><<set $militarygirl = true>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/stealthsuit.png" id="hpleft">You'd wore older suits of this type several times before during your training, but now you were in the field it felt different, new, never worn before. For a few moments, you hope it has the kind of features that the advanced suit you saw had, but it was a hope in vain. If you're lucky, it has a camouflage mode - which can be rather inconsistent to the point of uselessness in artifical environments like this. You take the PX-44 and place it into the utility belt that is part of the suit. You tap your chest to activate the suit, you feel the material tighten against your skin and a jolt of energy to your nervous system, as the nanobots enter your body. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Tight materials suit your body. Looking good.<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;"Feeling good."@@ you respond outloud, ignoring the sexually suggestive comment for now. Rizial now has a direct link to your mind and eyesight until you deactive the suit, her communications going directly into your mind. That's what the zap was, the suit making microscopic connections to your spine. This stuff certainly wasn't cheap. Those questions again... @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Excellent. Now, you've no doubt looked at your surroudings and questioned the entire operation. But I can remotely pilot this pod to your location.<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/kayla/militaryport.png">>I can't pilot myself?<</say>>@@ @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Trust me, you don't want to. You're going to have to prepare for a space walk.<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;"Space walk?!"@@ you blurt out in anger, this mission gets worse and worse. You'd never done a space walk before, at least not in the real world. What if it goes wrong? A stealth suit can survive in a vacuum for a limited time, but if you ended up detatching from the hull, you'd be toast before any rescue came. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>The suit has 20 minutes of air, as well as ten minutes of emergency back up. You'll need to spend a maximum of 10 minutes outside. The magboots in your suit were triple checked before the operation. It'll be fine.<</say>>@@ Her calm tone reassurred you for a few moments, but you could feel your stomach churning at the thought. What did your brother tell you about space walks? Don't look into the black, keep your eyes on the hull. Easier said than done. @@.kayla;"Fine."@@ you mutter, trying not to stray into the territory of disobdeience. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Good. Activate your mag boots and prepare yourself. I will go into further detail during the trip. ETA 5 minutes.<</say>>@@ You raise yourself on your toes and slam your heels down onto the floor, activating the magnetics placed within your shoes. It isn't long after that before you feel a small rumble, as the pod detatches and you're gently rocked back and forth before the weightlessness sets in. You're in it now, your unseen guide pilots it towards its [[destination.|spacedockmilimission]]<<then>>The journey, is fortunately, pretty smooth. You're left to quietly contemplate the next few hours, what you'll do, if the mission will succeed...what will happen if you're caught. You've heard stories of what happens to Earthers caught sticking their nose into a big shot rock hoppers business. It never ends well. If you're lucky, they'll just space you. If you're lucky. <<linkreplace "If you're unlucky...">>If you're unlucky, you could end up spending the rest of your life as a cum bucket. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/fantasy.png"></center> You shiver at this thought, trying to push it out of your mind - but you can't help but see yourself tied up and gagged, ready to take your next cock. Fortunately, your negative - and rather lewd - thoughts are interrupted as you're nudged forward and the ship comes to a complete stop. [[Time to focus.|spacedockmilimission]]<</linkreplace>><<then>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Come in Little Bird.<</say>>@@ Little Bird? Oh right. This must be your given codename. That doesn't sound bad ass at all, though at least you're not "Solid Snake", the cadet given that nickname never lived that one down. @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/kayla/militaryport.png">>This is Little Bird. Do you receive me home base?<</say>>@@ @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Copy that Little Bird. Prepare for decompression in two minutes.<</say>>@@ Decompression meant that she was about to open the ship up to the outside, you're not sure what to expect. @@.neutral2;"I've attached the pod to the target's ship and located a small maintenance tube that will allow you access. But to access it, you'll have to unattach one of the ship's panel. Don't worry, I'll guide you through it."@@ she says, her tone is calm and professional, almost like talking to a VI. She's clearly done this a ton of times before. @@.kayla;"Acknowledged homebase."@@ you try to meatch her confidence, but deep down, you're terrified. It doesn't help that the banter and flirting between the two of you has gone, you're both in game mode now. And her game is much better than yours. You attach a thin steel line from your utility belt to a nearby bar, another measure to make sure that the decompression doesn't knock you off your feet - or worse blow you out into the vacuum. No one would hear you scream out there. [[The countdown begins.|spacedockmilimission]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/compartmentopen.png"></center> The lights dim as you brace, the danger with decompression is usually flying debris penetrating your suit, but it looks like everything is secured. You hear the countdown begin, Rizial ready to open up the airlock remotely. @@.neutral2;<<fadein 2s 0s>>"5..."<</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 2s>>"4..."<</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 4s>>"3..."<</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 6s>>"2..."<</fadein>> <<fadein 2s 8s>>"1..."<</fadein>>@@ <<fadein 4s 10s>>The airlock slowly opens, allowing the air to escape slowly but the decompression gets more and more violent over the next few seconds until the entire compartment is open to the coldness of space. You unattach the line and let it re-enter your utility belt, take a deep breath of the sterile air circulating around your helmet and [[head out.|spacedockmilimission]]<</fadein>><<then>><<audio "infiltration1" volume 0.02 loop play>>You step out of your small spacecraft with bated breath, your magboots will keep you attached to the hull, but what if it has some type of anti-piracy equipment? What if your magboots are disabled by it? What if it has some type of security? All these are things you expected to think about when you were trained, you were told to just concentrate on your mission. Easier said than done. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/spacewalk.png"></center> You're greeted with a wonderful sight, a sight you'd seen a dozen times before but seeing it from this perspective was rather overwhelming. It's your home, with the imposing backdrop of a black infinity. You spend what seems like a couple of minutes contemplating everything that has lead you here, but it was probably just a few seconds in reality. @@.neutral2;"Little Bird. Don't lose focus. Don't even look up. Mind on the mission."@@ the voice knocks you back into that reality, you need to be on it. No time for romanticism. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Head straight. 10 steps. Look down. You'll find a grey panel next to a hatch, it should be obvious.<</say>>@@ You follow the instructions, you take it slow, one foot forward, followed by the nnext. Left. Right. Left. Right. Magboots were safe, but there were well known stories of people getting their feet mixed up and confusing the locks, detaching themselves from the surface and floating off into space. Every step is heavy, but you make it eventually and [[look down upon the target panel.|spacedockmilimission]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/panel1.png" usemap="#image-map"><map name="image-map"><area alt="Panel" title="Panel" data-passage="spacedockmilimission" coords="177,186,343,352" shape="rect" id="puzzle"></map></center> There is no obvious way to remove the panel, the sides are tightly sealed and there doesn't even appear to be a keycard. Do you need some tools? Perhaps your utility be...@@.neutral2;"Little Bird. Give the middle of the panel two hard compressions. This will give us further access to the access systems."@@ that simple.<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/panel2.png" usemap="#image-map"><map name="image-map"><area alt="Light" title="Light" data-passage="spacedockmilimission" coords="209,322,179,300" shape="rect" id="puzzle"><area alt="Light" title="Light" data-passage="spacedockmilispaced" coords="182,233,206,254,206,235,182,254" shape="rect" id="puzzle"><area alt="Wires" title="Wires" data-passage="spacedockmilispaced" coords="254,176,330,352" shape="rect" id="puzzle"></map></center> You give the panel two firm downward pushes with your palm before the panel comes loose and you're able to move it off to the side, exposing the electronics beneath. @@.kayla;"Homebase, this is Little Bird. The target is exposed. What next?"@@ @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Copy that. You should see two wires and two red lights. Do <b>not touch the wires.</b> Press down on the bottom red light for two seconds. That's the <b>BOTTOM</b> light.<</say>>@@ You got it. Should be pretty simple, a monkey could do this.<<then>>Success! You hold the button down for the two seconds as directed and the hatch opens up giving you direct access to the ship. You remain still for a few more seconds, checking for any sign of a security response but it's clean. You're in the clear, as you grab onto the frame of the hatch and pull yourself inside. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/hatch1.png"></center> @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Flawless Little Bird. My scans say you're now inside. Follow the tube down. There will be three more doors to pass, but they'll be automatic.<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;"Roger that. Proceeding."@@ you respond, as you begin to crawl your way through the ship. The gravity was almost non-existent on the outside of the ship, but as you get closer to the center, you feel it tighten on you and it becomes more and more difficult to clamber through the tube - despite still being well below standard Earth gravity. Strange feeling. [[You should focus.|spacedockmilimission]]<<then>><<audio "spaceshipambience" volume 0.14 loop play>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/hatch2.png"></center> You eventually reach the end of the tube, popping out of the hatch into what is a surprisingly luxurious ship. You didn't expect a ship of the belt to be so...comfortable. It's more like a yacht. @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/kayla/militaryport.png">>Not quite what I expected.<</say>>@@ @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>He's a leading Trade Secretary for the Iron Star. They've started acting more...formally recently, acts of wealth and power to impress the inner colonies. Records indicate this vessel was a yacht seized from some tech billionaire visiting Ceres. Some trumped up charges which were dropped in exchange for leaving this here.<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/kayla/militaryport.png">>I think I heard about that. And the UNN just let it happen?<</say>>@@ @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>There is a reason we have had a travel advisory to Ceres in place for the past year. It is now marked as a diplomatic ship, so nothing can be done regardless.<</say>>@@ @@.kayla;"Figures."@@ you think to yourself, the fact this is a diplomatic ship tells you that you're likely going to have to fend for yourself if this goes south. Ships flagged as diplomatic vessels are essentially considered to be territory of whichever faction they belonged to, you'd be on your own. @@.neutral2;"Get exploring, the Secretary is currently engaged in a meeting, but no doubt he has some grunts around."@@ [[Time to get to work.|spacedockmilimission]]<<finally>><<audio "infiltration1" volume 0.02 loop play>><<audio "spaceshipambience" volume 0.14 loop play>>You find yourself in a luxurious hallway of the Iron Star trade delegations ship, a commandeered yacht that once belonged to an Earth billionaire. Explains the decor. Best to start getting on with your mission. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/hatch2.png"></center> <<if visited("spacedockmilbedroom", "spacedockmilstorage")>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Little Bird, get out of there. The negotiations are coming to an end. Patrols and movement will become unpredictable.<</say>>@@ You should do as she says, you look around - looks like the most sensible option will be to [[go back the way you came.|spacedockmilimissionending]]<<else>>There's several rooms, [[a master bedroom|spacedockmilbedroom]], [[a storage room|spacedockmilstorage]], <<link "a bunk room">><<popover 'opaque'>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/bunk.png"></center> This seems like a bunk room, you open the door and immediately hear the sound of slapping... <center><video loop autoplay muted> <source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/fucking.webm"></video></center> @@.neutral2;"Get out of there Little Bird. There likely isn't anything in here, nor is it worth the risk."@@ you hear Rizial, interrupting your focus on the two. She's right, looks like two of the crew are taking their recreational time seriously, as a man hard fucks the petite woman underneath him. You better not disturb them, it probably wouldn't end well for you.<</popover>><</link>> and <<link "a kitchen">><<popover 'opaque'>>A large open plan kitchen - you could imagine a dozen chefs working hard in here, but at the moment it is empty and rather sterile. You wonder why it isn't in use at the moment? <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/kitchen.png"></center> @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Little Bird, there is nothing of interest here. It's a kitchen. Records indicate it was recently renovated, but nothing unusual.<</say>>@@ You take another look around, now noticing a few imperfections - you take note of the removed floor panel still hanging loose, looks like it leads to an access hatch to the maintenance tubes. Interesting. But not useful for now.<</popover>><</link>>. There is also a conference room, but you can hear voices coming from this.<</if>><</first>>

<<first>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/panel3.png"></center> @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>What are you doing?! Get out of th...<</say>>@@ What <b>are</b> you doing? Those were simple instructions fed to you directly. Before you have a chance to even stand back up or even respond to the frantic orders of Rizial, you feel a burning sensation travel up through your body, as some type of anti-tampering measures kick into action and send a jolt of electricity through your suit and your body, briefly paralysing you. Your suit is non-responsive, the comms appear to be down though fortunately the life support systems appear to still be active. But is that fortunate? <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/adrift.png"></center> The panic sets in, as you realise you're now adrift of the station and the hull of the ship you were attempting to board is getting further and further away with every passing second. Even if your magboots were active, you were now too far away. Even worse, you remember that your air supply only has an hour or so in optimal conditions, but you're almost in the middle of a panic attack. What do you do?! Remember your training. Calm down. [[Wait for rescue.|spacedockmilispaced]] Rizial knows where you are.<<finally>><<audio "gameover" volume 0.04 loop play>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/badendspaced.png" id="hpleft"> <center><u>Bad End - Adrift</u></center> You drift endlessly through space, never to be seen again. Your last thoughts are with your family. Your body is never recovered. No one knows what truly happened to you, just another casualty of the coming events you'd never experience. Except for the one person who knows the truth, but never mentions the botched mission to a soul. Your body is frozen in the vacuum and eventually pummeled into dust by the various space debris over the next few thousand years. All because you couldn't listen to some simple instructions. Maybe <<click "life would have been different if you had just pressed the bottom light...">><<script>>state.restart();<<endscript>><</click>><</first>>

<<first>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yachtbedroom.jpeg" id="hpleft"><<set $battlescore +=2>>The room is warm, cosy and well maintained, as you'd expected considering the rest of the ship. In better circumstances, you'd consider this to be the lap of luxury. You look around the bedroom, it is decorated as well as any first class hotel room, with a king sized bed and everything else you would need for long term travel in comfort. You'd travelled off world before with your father, but usually it'd be in a single room and even that was considered lucky. There are several areas of interest, a table with <<link "various documents">><<popover 'opaque'>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/documents.png"></center> Now this is fortunate. Paper documents. Rare and unusual, but not unheard of. Some people are overly paranoid and still keep important information in papers. But this is seemingly just a mish mash of nonsense. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Little Bird. Skim read the documents, we'll analyse them later.<</say>>@@ You do so, barely even reading the words and just flicking through as many of the papers as possible without ever reading a single word. Let's hope there is something useful amongst this.<</popover>><</link>>, a <<link "computer screen">><<popover 'opaque'>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/computer.png"></center> It's locked. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Encrypted. The password is likely simple, but it isn't worth being compromised. Leave it.<</say>>@@ Even a simple password would take hours to guess and even longer to crack. Damn. Even if you had the best equipment and the know how, the time it would take would leave you highly exposed.<</popover>><</link>> and a <<link "drawer">><<popover 'opaque'>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/drawer.png"></center> You serach through the draws, but find nothing of note except in the middle. What is this? This is not what you expected to find. S&M stuff. Whips and rope, as well as a self defense baton. Wait, is it actually a baton or... @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Little Bird. This stuff isn't important. Focus on the mission.<</say>>@@ You can't help but wonder why he has this stuff here. Does he have guests over? Or worse...<</popover>><</link>>. @@.neutral2;"Take a good look around. I'm recording everything you can see, but don't linger too long."@@ Rizial says into your ear. If you're finished looking around, you should [[leave.|spacedockmilbedroom]] <<then>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yachtbedroom.jpeg" id="hpleft">You go to leave, but seconds before you tap the panel to open the door, Rizial speaks to you urgently @@.neutral2;"Little Bird! There's someone coming. Find a hiding spot. Engaging is highly inadvisable."@@ you nod to yourself, staying calm and look around for a hiding spot. The obvious choice would be [[the closet|spacedockmilbedroom]], the bed doesn't have any space underneath for you to fit and the desk is too exposed. You were told not to engage, but as a the last resort you could <<link "launch a surprise attack">><<popover 'noclick'>>You decide that the risk is too great, your only option is to fight, you take up a position next to the door, a quick strike to the nose and then a kick to the knee should disable the patrol, then you can lock him up in the closet. It'll leave you with less time, but it is better than being caught. The door opens and in steps the person, you don't even have time to size them up as you throw your wrist into their face, staggering them and then throw a kick at their knee. But they don't go down, they're wearing protective gear! @@.hostile1;<<say "Security Guard?" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/security1.png">>To mali pashang! Bitch!<</say>>@@ You throw a spinning elbow to get some extra force, attempting to crack their helmet, expose them to some real damage but the strangely dressed figure catches you mid-spin and overpowers you to the ground, you feel their large forearm grip your neck, choking you, your vision becomes blurred as you struggle and you <<link "[[fall into a deep sleep|spacedockmilbadend1]]">> with your last thoughts about what you could've done differently. Maybe if you had a power su..<<dismisspopover>><</link>><</popover>><</link>><<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/closet.png"></center> You dive into the closet and gently close, then power down your suit into camouflage mode, this will reduce noise, heat and adapt your suit to its surroundings, they'll only be able to see you if they look directly at this area. Hopefully. You can just about see the figure moving around the room, judging from the ragtag gear thrown together, looks like belter security. @@.hostile1;<<say "Security Guard?" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/security1.png">>Copy deting. Mi've ta ge da documents. Returning fo da meeting.<</say>>@@ You hear him talk into his helmet, sounds like he was just there to pick something up. Fortunately, he has no idea you're there, but you finger your pistol - just incase. You don't think you could overpower him physically in the current match up, people of the belt were naturally weaker due to their environment but they generally augmented themselves through suits. If you had some power armour, you could probably solo a unit of these guys. But you're in a flimsy stealth suit. He is about to leave when he stops short, you can only hear him, has he spotted something amiss?! Did you drop something? No. You hear the door slide open, as he leaves and you breathe a sigh of relief. You should be careful, but you're clear. [[For now.|spacedockmilbedroom]]<<finally>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yachtbedroom.jpeg" id="hpleft">The room is warm, cosy and well maintained, as you'd expected considering the rest of the ship. In better circumstances, you'd consider this to be the lap of luxury. You look around the bedroom, it is decorated as well as any first class hotel room, with a king sized bed and everything else you would need for long term travel in comfort. You'd travelled off world before with your father, but usually it'd be in a single room and even that was considered lucky. There are several areas of interest, a <<link "computer screen">><<popover 'opaque'>> <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/computer.png"></center> It's locked. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Encrypted. The password is likely simple, but it isn't worth being compromised. Leave it.<</say>>@@ Even a simple password would take hours to guess and even longer to crack. Damn. Even if you had the best equipment and the know how, the time it would take would leave you highly exposed.<</popover>><</link>> and a <<link "drawer">><<popover 'opaque'>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/drawer.png"></center> You serach through the draws, but find nothing of note except in the middle. What is this? This is not what you expected to find. S&M stuff. Whips and rope, as well as a self defense baton. Wait, is it actually a baton or... @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Little Bird. This stuff isn't important. Focus on the mission.<</say>>@@ You can't help but wonder why he has this stuff here. Does he have guests over? Or worse...<</popover>><</link>> but the table is now mostly empty of documents. @@.neutral2;"Little Bird. There doesn't appear to be anything else of interest in here."@@ she is probably right. If you're finished searching you should [[leave.|spacedockmilimission]]<</first>>

<<first>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/bed.png"></center> You groggily wake up, you feel a numbness over most of your body, your energy sapped - you can just about wiggle your fingers but your arms have been tightly bound behind you. You've been left naked on what feels like a bed, but you can't be sure. Is this the master bedroom? Fuck. That's not good. You struggle against your restraints, but it's no use and it merely tires you out - you can barely move your legs, let alone break free of your bonds.<<set $militarygirl = false>><<set $ropedkayla = true>> <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/badendcaptured1.png"></center> You contemplate what to do next, do you could <<link "try to break free">><<popover 'noclick'>>No! Your story doesn't end here. You refuse to let yourself meekly submit like a new born kitten. You try to overcome the effects of whatever drug you've been dosed with, your muscles tense but it is futile. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/badendstruggle.png"></center> Every further attempt is weaker and weaker, eventually you're completely spent and just collapse onto the bed leaving you with no other option but to <<link "[[await|spacedockmilbadend1]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>> your captors.<</popover>><</link>> or <<link "conserve your energy?">><<popover 'noclick'>>You make the decision to conserve your energy, you're not breaking free of these bonds in your current state, even in an optimal state you're not sure you could break these ropes. Your only option is to conserve your energy and hope your strength returns, your legs still appear to be free, perhaps you could land a swift kick to your would be captors. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/badendconserve.png"></center> You sink deeply into the bed, letting yourself relax and begin to run through different combat scenarios in which you can possibly escape. But for now, you can do nothing but <<link "[[await|spacedockmilbadend1]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>> your captors.<</popover>><</link>><<then>><<audio "gameover" volume 0.04 loop play>>It doesn't matter, you're trapped and you'll have to bide your time. And more concerningly, your hear the door open and in steps the target of your mission with a smug look on his face. Fuck, fuck! He stands over you, look down smugly. @@.neutral2;<<say "Secretary Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>Mi na du care demang to are, nakangepensa mali earth métexeng. Mi'll tenye fun wit to!<</say>>@@ Your fears were a brutal interrogation, but it looks like you're going to be the subject of another type of interrogation, as he begins to unbutton his clothing. @@.neutral2;<<say "Secretary Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>Mi na du keng demang to are, to gear tells mi to're wa spy. Wel mali spy, im's over fo to. Milowda talks were concluded over wa ora ago. To were wa nice surprise, to'll du fo da journey back fo sirish.<</say>>@@ You're not entirely clear on what he said, you never deeply studied the language of the outer colonies and his accent was thick. But his intentions are clear, as he pulls down his pants, his large penis already standing to attention in anticipation of entering you. This is your last chance to [[resist!|spacedockmilbadend1]]<<then>>Panic sets in, the adrenaline rush gives you that extra energy, you feel some feeling return to your legs and you use all your might to bring yourself up to your knees and even raise yourself. You give a sign of defiance to your captor, though he seems amused rather than concerned. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/badendfuckyou.png"></center> But it is short lived, you attempt to muster energy up to throw yourself at the man trying use your body as a weapon. But your legs give way before you can do anything, collapsing back down onto the floor. @@.neutral2;<<say "Secretary Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>Amusing. Amash mi'm wa expert ere wit rope wowk, to're na da fosh deng fo bi thief o spy fo cross mi. Fo course, da tranquilzer dosage helps.<</say>>@@ He man handles you roughly, turning you around and tightening your bondage, you were not sure it could get any tigther but it seems it can, you wince as he secures you and then pushes you face down onto the bed. You hear the crack of a whip, looking around in fear at what is to come. It'll be a [[long journey to Ceres.|spacedockmilbadend1]]<<then>><<linkreplace "A few weeks later...">>A few weeks, a few months, you're not sure. But you were subject to brutal lashings every day, as well as being dosed to keep you docile and submissive. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/badendloose.png"></center> You are even given the freedom of the ship at times and your binds are loosened from time to time, after all, where are you going to go? It only took you a week to break and to begin accepting your new role as you [[accept your new role.|spacedockmilbadend1]]<</linkreplace>><<then>>@@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/kayla/orgasm.png">>Oh fuck! Yes, daddy! Right there!<</say>>@@ @@.neutral2;<<say "Secretary Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>Hyuk...Hyuk...<</say>>@@ <<linkreplace "You could never have imagined yourself in this position before...">>You could never have imagined yourself in this position before...being mounted by a fat old man, old enough to be your father or even grandfather. But it was better than being tortured or murdered, you still held onto the outside idea that you could escape when you get to Ceres. Resume your mission. This isn't ideal, but technica...@@.kayla;"UGH!"@@ <center><video loop autoplay muted> <source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/badendfucked.webm"> </video></center> You scream, as he brutally spears you once again, with no thought of your own pleasure, no foreplay, no lubricant, just rough fucking until he cums inside you for the hundredth time since you'd been abducted. You're still not used to it, but the pain has lessened with time. You've also gotten used to, as he <<linkreplace "climaxes within you.">>climaxes within you, unprotected. Night after night, day after day, he'd leave his seed in you and you were left a shriveled up mess, letting the cum dribble out of your hole. <center><video loop autoplay muted> <source src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/badendcreampie.webm"></video></center> You hope the drugs he has been plying you with every day have some sort of birth control built in, or you could end up carrying his child. He lays next to you, exhausted and begins to slip away into a slumber. Similarly, you lay back as the feeling of shame comes over you once more, you can feel the cum slowly drip from you onto the sheets. You've thought many times of getting your revenge while he sleeps, but the thought quickly leaves your mind as you remember the beatings and warnings of what would happen. You shake your head, roll over and [[try to get some sleep.|spacedockmilbadend1]] You heard him say you're only a day from Ceres, you'll get your opportunity then.<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<finally>>You're a broken mess, you're not sure, but you've made it. You've even managed to pick up during your time traveling, you might be sore, beaten but you've managed to hold onto a slither of your sanity. You'll make your escape when you see the chance. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/cereshallway.png"></center> You're dragged out and take you place on your knees next to Oz, it's a cold and desolate part of Ceres, reserved only for VIPs like your new master to keep out of sight of the civilians. Master? You shake your head, you've found yourself constantly thinking about him that way for weeks now. But you still held onto the belief you could escape his clutches... @@.neutral1;<<say "Scott Mason" "images/chapter1/spacedock/mason.png">>Ah fuck Oz, you know who this is?!<</say>>@@ @@.neutral2;<<say "Secretary Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>Some stupid Earth girl, caught her snooping around. Military. Spy. Doesn't matter, we know how to deal with.<</say>>@@ @@.neutral1;<<say "Scott Mason" "images/chapter1/spacedock/mason.png">>It's Sheridan's kid! Fuck! This is bad.<</say>>@@ @@.neutral2;<<say "Secretary Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>...I didn't know. I've been fucking and training her, I was going to turn her into a pleasure slave. She's broken.<</say>>@@ @@.neutral1;"She's too hot. You can't get keep her and if the UNN find out what you did to daddy's little girl..."@@ the man eyes you, you don't like the intentions in what he is saying. @@.neutral1;"It's wrong. But we can't keep her, nor can we find them."@@ @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/kayla/roped.png">>I won't tell anyone, I promise. Just let me go.<</say>>@@ @@.neutral1;"Sorry. The fate of this entire colony rests on my shoulders."@@ you get the feeling he is geunine in his apology. But it matters not, before you can open your mouth to protest again you're [[struck in the back of the head|spacedockmilbadend1]] by the butt of a rifle.<<finally>><center><u>Bad End - Out with the trash</u></center> <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/badendspaced1.png"></center> You're placed in an airlock in a desolate part of Ceres with several others who are to share the same fate as you, fortunately you were cracked over the head so hard and still under the effect of the tranquilizer that you're spared the pain of having your blood boil. The others with you are not so fortunate as they scream and beg for their lives. But to no avail. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/spacedkayla.png"></center> Your body floats around in the solar system for the rest of eternity, well at least until the universe collapses in on itself. Or the sun explodes. Or...Well, you get the idea. And that's something. <<click "Maybe don't get caught next time?">><<script>>state.restart();<<endscript>><</click>> I'm sure there is a better way to Ceres than being mounted by a borderline geriatric for months on end.<</first>>

<<first>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/storage.png"> Looks like a storage room, a sterile and cold environment with boxes galore. You'll be here all week if you had to search through these boxes yourself. You're going to need help. You kneel down in the corner of the room, you only have one avenue for help here @@.kayla;"Homebase. This is Little Bird. There are dozens of containers here."@@ you whisper quietly while scanning your surroundings. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Little Bird acknowledged. Keep scanning the room...most of this is just standard equipment, nothing special. But there are some of interest. The yellow marked crate contains bio material, perishable goods....there are multiple black crates, one has a faint EMP signal, this is likely to be the one. The pink one is distinct, looks like it is full of electronics. Bizarre. But not worth investigating.<</say>>@@ You nod your head to yourself, slowly standing back up and leaving the corner you were crouched in, speaking back @@.kayla;"Acknowledge Homebase, beginning the investigation."@@, you take another look around, but no more time to waste, you should [[look around.|spacedockmilstorage]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/storage1.png"></center> According to the intel you were provided with, there are only a couple of crates of interest, which one was it that had what you were looking for? Well you remember the colours at least, <<link "a yellow crate">><<popover 'opaque'>>You open up the yellow crate and find hundreds of Avocados, being held in stasis. Not just standard freezing either, this is some advanced stuff. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/yellowcrate.png"></center> Avocados - organic food in general - was worth more than gold in the outer colonies, but getting them out to even Mars - let alone Ceres - was an expensive process and required specialised stasis. Sure, you could freeze them but they'd lose their taste and therefore their value. @@.neutral2;"Little Bird, this isn't what we're looking for. Continue your search."@@ looks like Rizial doesn't much care for them either.<</popover>><</link>>, the heavy <<link "group of black crates">><<popover 'opaque'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/blackcrate.png" id="hpleft">You open up just one of the crates and are greeted with the sight of a dozen freshly manufactured handguns. These were not standard handguns given out to grunts or security, they were UNN Mk VIIs. The latest hardware. Three fire modes. Multiple ammo types. It even has a basic VI to inform the wielder of the gun's condition. Very rare. Very expensive. Very dangerous. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>This is what we're looking for. Give me a few moments to scan and record these objects...Confirmed...Objective complete.<</say>>@@ You almost feel like you should try to take these with you or sabotage them in some way, in fact you expect the order to come. But it doesn't. So you don't.<</popover>><</link>> and the <<link "smaller pink crates">><<popover 'opaque'>>You open up the pink crate, attracted by how much it has stood out - you just had to see what was in this, despite being on a highly secretive mission.. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/pinkcrate.png"></center> @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Do you know the phrase curiosity killed the cat?!<</say>>@@ Rizial scolds you, but you can't help but feel slightly amused and bemused by the amount of sex toys in this crate. The outer colonies seem like a wild place if what you've heard and seen in the past day or two is true.<</popover>><</link>>, a strange colour actually. You could start ripping open random crates, but that would be inadvisable, so you could [[just leave|spacedockmilstorage]] if you're finished searching.<<then>>You're about to leave, when Rizial pings you "Little Bird, there's a hostile approaching. Recommend staying in your location" you can't see or hear anything but you trust her enough that you follow her advice, returning to a crouching position in the corner. But it doesn't provide a great deal of cover, especially with the bright light of the storage room. Even the suit's camouflage would be ineffective, all you can do now is wait, but you touch your sidearm. Just incase.<<set $choice1 = "none">> @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Little Bird, you must have triggered a sensor. Unfortunate but not unforseen. Do not engage directly, recommend you take out the light before he gets there.<</say>>@@ Take out the light? But how? Find the light switch? The power fuse? You look around for options on [[what to do next...|spacedockmilstorage]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/storage1.png" usemap="#image-map"><map name="image-map"><area alt="Ceiling" title="Ceiling" data-setter="$choice1 to 'fail'" data-passage="spacedockmilstorage" coords="242,84,174,46" shape="rect" id="sniperimage"><area alt="Power" title="Power" data-setter="$choice1 to 'success'" data-passage="spacedockmilstorage" coords="411,258,434,232" shape="rect" id="sniperimage"><area alt="Box" title="Box" data-setter="$choice1 to 'fail'" data-passage="spacedockmilstorage" coords="53,347,4,449" shape="rect" id="sniperimage"> </map></center> You don't have time to play around with fuses and the lights in the storage bay are automatic, unless you have command codes to dim them. You have only one choice - you reach for your weapon, wondering what to aim at it is almost completely silence but you should hurry, the closer the guard gets the more likely it will be that you'll be discovered.<<then>><<if $choice1 == "fail">><<audio "bulletimpact" volume 0.50 play>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/storage1.png"></center> You take aim and pull the trigger, the weapon fires with little to no noise or recoil and hits with precision but there is no effect apart from the large smoking hole. Shit! Even worse, the guard enters and is immediately alerted by the noticeable smoking hole. He draws his weapon, a clunky looking rifle of belter design and immediately points it towards you, your hiding place useless with the bright light of the bay beaming down upon you. @@.hostile2;<<say "Guard" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/security2.png">>To deya! Na du move!<</say>>@@ Double shit. Triple shit. What are you going to do?! @@.kayla;"Homebase, I'm in..."@@ you don't get to finish your sentence, the guard fires his weapon and an electrificed slug hits you directly in the chest, disabling the electronics in your suit and paralysing you. The pain was brutal, you convulse in the floor for what feels like a couple of minutes, but was more like a couple of seconds. [[Your vision fades|spacedockmilbadend1]], the last thing you see the guard standover to you and begin talking into his mask to an unseen comrade... <<else>><<audio "bulletimpact" volume 0.50 play>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/storagedark.png"></center> You take aim and pull the trigger, the weapon fires with little to no noise or recoil and hits with precision, you don't even see it hit before you hear the noise of a short circuirt. Looks like you hit a power box or conduit. Phew. @@.neutral2;"Great shot Little Bird, that did the trick."@@ you hear Rizial whisper into your ear, as the lights turn off. No sooner do they turn off, does the light from the hallway fill the storage room. You take a deep breath and activate the suits camo, in the darkness it should provide you enough coverage to hide yourself - unless the light hits you directly. Which fortunately it didn't. @@.hostile2;<<say "Guard" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/security2.png">>Ah shit, the fucking lights are out again?<</say>>@@ He fiddles with a wall console next to the door but to no avail, even the power to do that is out. @@.hostile2;"Pashang im, mi'll deal wit im da diye de."@@ he says, you're not sure what he said but you can gather the context from his defeated tone, as he trudges back out into the hallway. And breathe out. [[Looks like you're clear|spacedockmilstorage]], time to head out. <</if>><<finally>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/storagedark.png"></center> The storage bay, it's now shrouded in darkness and any further inspections would be in vain and possibly quite dangerous, you should [[just leave|spacedockmilimission]]<</first>>

<<first>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/hatch2.png"></center> @@.kayla;<<say Kayla "images/kayla/militaryport.png">>Roger that homebase, returning to mission craft.<</say>>@@ You move over to the hatch and hit the console. But it doesn't respond to your touch. The control console for the tube appears to be is nonfunctional. What about manual override? You grab the handle and give two firm tugs - but again it doesn't budge. Did one of the guards notice it was loose and lock it up? Was it connected to the power conduit you took out? Is it a security feature? It doesn't matter now, as the cold feeling of dread overcomes you, a million dreadful thoughts passing through your mind at once. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Little Bird. Two security guards are approaching, you have have a minute to get out of there!<</say>>@@ It is the first time Rizial has sounded somewhat flustered during the whole mission. No advice. No guidance. Looks like [[this is your decision.|spacedockmilimissionending]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/hatch2.png"></center> You're standing in the hallway of the yacht, moments away from capture. Your options are limited, you could go back into the <<link "master bedroom">><<popover 'noclick'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yachtbedroom.jpeg" id="hpleft">You re-enter the master bedroom, you know at the very least it is empty and has an effective hiding place. But there is no way out. @@.neutral2;"Little Bird, there is no way out of there, they're doing a sweep. They'll enter in less than a minute."@@ Fuck! You look around for options, but have no choice but to dive back into the closet. It isn't long before the two guards enter the room, this time holding some type of device. Which they point directly towards your location. @@.hostile2;"In there."@@ they position themselves tactically in front of the closet, making sure that even if you're armed - which you're not - they'll have the tactical advantage @@.hostile1;"Come out with your hands up!"@@ his partner demands. @@.neutral2;"Little Bird, you're on your own. Comply or die. Homebase out."@@ before you can let out some expletives you feel an overwhelming pain in your body, paralysing you for a couple of seconds, the nanotech had been remotely disengaged. But those few seconds were key, allowing the guards to seize you as you flopped out of the closet in pain. You're done for, <<link "[[your struggles are futile|spacedockmilbadend1]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>>, as you're hit with some type of shocker, rendering you instantly unconscious...<</popover>><</link>> or try the <<link "storage room">><<popover 'noclick'>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/storagedark1.png"></center> You re-enter the storage room, you know at the very least it is empty and offers the cover of darkness. But the flaw here is that there is no way out and no place to hide. @@.neutral2;"Little Bird, the cargo bay has only one way in and one way out!"@@ Fuck! You look around for options, you frantically check several boxes and some of the lockers but they're either full of junk or too small for your figure. A feeling of dread hits you, as light from the hallway floods the room and two guards enter. You hope that they'll leave as before, but they head further in towards the back of the room where you shot out the box @@.hostile2;<<say "Guard" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/security2.png">>"In here. Looks like one of the power conduits has been sabotaged..."<</say>>@@ They're perilously close to you now, but not quite close enough for you to launch an effective sneak attack... @@.hostile1;"Lets see here..."@@ they touch their helmets, clearly adjusting their vision. That's not good. It's really not good. Whatever they activated has immediately picked something up from you, they both turn their attention - and their weapons towards you. Before you can respond or utter a word in defense, a simultaneous barrage of shots fizzle from their weapons <<link "[[filling you with a paralyzing pain|spacedockmilbadend1]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>> that only subsides when you black out...<</popover>><</link>>, but the <<link "bunk room">><<popover 'noclick'>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/bunk1.png" id="hpleft">You enter the bunk room, looks like it is occupied. Two have clearly just finished fucking and were enjoying the post-coital bliss before you stumbled in here. @@.hostile1;"What the fuck?! Who are you?!"@@ they both stand up, completely naked. Can you take them both on? Probably not, maybe just one of them but not two. You panic, you're stuck between a cock and a hard pair of titties, you look around in panic for a quick escape route. But before you can even, you're struck in the back of the head, <<link "[[sending you tumbling to the floor...|spacedockmilbadend1]]">>and you didn't even say that pun outloud.<<dismisspopover>><</link>><</popover>><</link>> and [[the kitchen|spacedockmilimissionending]] are also options. What do you do?<<then>>You enter the kitchen, seems like the logical choice out of the poor ones in front of you. They'd likely check the storage room first as that is where you shot out the conduit, then check the for any devices in the Secretary's quarters and then they would no doubt start a full sweep. So you have a little bit of time. You hope. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/kitchen.png"></center> @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Smart choice. There appears to be an access hatch under one of those panels.<</say>>@@ You considering replying with a sarcastic remark about the help, but you hold your tongue and try to remain professional for the moment. @@.kayla;"Acknowledged..."@@ you respond in as neutral and calm a tone as possible, but she could no doubt read your vitals spiking. The adrenaline is pumping off the scale at this point, you're managing to hold off the shakes but you half want to see if there is any alcohol in one of the fridges and quickly down it. Think straight! Anyway, there is only one realistic option for you here - [[open that hatch and get moving.|spacedockmilimissionending]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/hatch1.png"></center> @@.kayla;<<say "Kayla" "images/kayla/militaryport.png">>Great. More crawling.<</say>>@@ The tube was tight but left enough space that you could crawl with a fair amount of freedom, the crawl way was actually well insulated too or it would have been murder on your knees. You remember being given maintenance duty as punishment at the academy, your knees didn't recover for a week when crawling around unprotected in those tubes. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>That's it. Straight ahead. You'll crawl underneath the conference room and then take the first right."<</say>>@@ You take note of what she says, first right and pick up the pace, scampering onwards and [[through the second hatch...|spacedockmilimissionending]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/hatch1.png"></center> All these damn access tubes look the same apart from a few markings strewn about. But this one was slightly different for an entirely new reason - you could hear voices above you but they were not clear. You begin moving forward discreetly, aware of the voices above you getting closer and more clear. This is the conference room. You stop just short of the intersection ahead, finding a spot in which the conversation clearly echoes down into the tube and listen in. @@.neutral1;<<say "Ambassador Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>This is entirely unreasonable! The Earth and Mars coalition continue to keep the boot on the neck of my people. Wa plague ere both to houses!<</say>>@@ @@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>I can assure you, the Earth and Mars Coalition have bent over backwards to thrash out this agreement in good faith. Ceres must remain functional, stable and prosperous - it can only do that with us. The terms are favourable to your people, we acknowledge the need for parity.<</say>>@@ @@.neutral1;<<say "Ambassador Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>There is no greater power in the universe than the need for freedom! All we are asking is economic freedom to loosen the shackles of the inner colonies!<</say>>@@ @@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>Secretary, if you look at Section 4, subsection 12, you will see that 50% of the resouces mined remain on Ceres and the outer colonies, with a split of 25/25 for Earth and Mars. This is more than fair when you factor in the needs of our peoples!<</say>>@@ @@.neutral1;<<say "Ambassador Nehsheim" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/oz.png">>But where does your money go? Your resources? To the people expoliting us! We're siging our own death warrant with these continued terms!<</say>>@@ The conversation went on like this, you could feel the intensity. The female voice was offering a calm and dispassionate point of view, while the boisterous voice of the man was offering nothing but rhetoric - albeit fairly powerful, you're interrupted by the impatient tone of Rizial @@.neutral2;"Little Bird, get moving. Right now. That is a high level diplomatic meeting, there are likely sensors underneath."@@ Great, now she tells you! Anyway, what should you do? The intersection is ahead, but which way was it you have to go? Turn <<link "left">><<popover 'noclick'>>You take the first left and it isn't long before you come across another hatch, seems like this is the right way. You press the console to open the hatch and are greeted with a rather unwelcome sight. <img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/hatch3.png"> That's a military grade patrol drone! Nasty little buggers with quite a bite, as you're likely to find out shortly @@.neutral1;"Little Bird, where are you going?! That's the wrong way!"@@ Rizial sounds panicked, having clearly seen the drone. And no doubt she will have worked out what happened, as it fires a paralysing blast of electricity at you, disabling your suit and you forcing you to hit the deck with a thump. It only takes you a few seconds to recover from the tasing, but that was more than enough time for the drone to clamber up your face and inject something into your neck, the small prick sending you into a <<link"[[deep sleep|spacedockmilbadend1]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>> for now...<</popover>><</link>>, go straight <<link "ahead">><<popover 'noclick'>>You continue onwards and it isn't long before you hit a dead end. Huh. You look up and find an access hatch above you, this must be it. Perhaps it is the airlock? You can just get out by the front door. You play with the panel next to it, a hissing sound emanates from the hatch but it still requires a push from you. You push at the hatch with all your might, before it pops open and you find yourself in an unfamiliar room. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yachttable.png"></center> You remain standing in shock and embarrassment - perhaps even fear - as your widened eyes dart between the occupants in the room that you just broke into. The conference room. Where the meeting was being held. @@.friend;<<say "Ambassador Yukon" "images/chapter1/spacedock/embassy/yukon.png">>Take a wrong turn?<</say>>@@ Before you can do anything, you feel a pulse in your ear as Rizial disconnects the feed and fries the neural connection to your suit, the pain is excruciating to the point you barely register being violently dragged out of the hatch by two of the heavily armed guards and <<link"[[dragged away|spacedockmilbadend1]]">><<dismisspopover>><</link>> as the negoiations descend into anarchy, as they both fling accusations at each other of spying. And worse. Not that is is important to you now.<</popover>><</link>> or take the [[right|spacedockmilimissionending]]?<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/hatch1.png"></center> You take a right as instructed to, coming across yet another access hatch you have to get open, but what you hope is an exit back to the exterior of the craft and your ride out of here. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Little Bird, this is the access tunnel you came from. Around half way, you'll find the hatch to the outside.<</say>>@@ You feel a sense of relief that the mission is almost over, it had looked a bit hairy at times. Would you have made it without the back up? Hard to say. @@.kayla;"Roger that Homebase, proceeding."@@ and you do so, the awkward crawling was beginning to fatigue you just as you reach [[the access hatch|spacedockmilimissionending]] to the craft's exterior.<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/spacewalk.png"></center> You step back outside the craft, it is always rather strange stepping outside like this. The only thing you can hear now is your bodily functions, your breathing and heart beat, even your footsteps were more of a vibration rather than a noise. You carefully move along the hull of the vessel and [[back to your infiltration pod|spacedockmilimissionending]], one foot forward and one foot back at all times - you never want to be free floating.<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/compartmentopen.png"></center> <<audio ":playing" fadeout>>You step back into the craft, which is still open to the elements and lacks an atmosphere. You look around for a panel to initialise recompression but it begins automatically, as the door behind you closes and the hissing sound of oxygen returning to the pod slowly gets louder. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizcomm.png">>Little Bird, return pattern has been initlized. You should be able to breathe fully in two minutes, docking at the airlock within the next ten minutes. I'll greet you for a debriefing. Homebase out.<</say>>@@ You feel a slight burning in your ear, moving down your spine has the nanomachines deactivate, self-destruct or whatever the heck they do. But Rizial is clearly no longer in your head, at least for now. You contemplate on the mission, you didn't really have time to think about it up until now - but what was the purpose of this? You didn't find out who was smuggling the weapons. You didn't even recover the weapons or disable them. You just found evidence of the operation - but Rizial already knew all this? That feeling about things not adding up hits you again. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/stealthsuit.png"></center> After almost two minutes exactly, the lights return to what they were and you disengage the helmet. Your clothes are exactly where you left them, you should [[change back into them|spacedockmilimissionending]] before arriving. You don't think walking around a civilian station in military grade stealth gear would be wise in your current predicament.<<then>><<set $militarygirl = false>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/compartmentopen.png"></center> You redress yourself as the pod gently dances along the hull of the station and moves towards the airlock you departed from. You feel much better in your civilian clothing, a return to normalcy - but wearing military gear always gave you a sense of confidence and power that was hard to replicate otherwise. You wouldn't mind trying out some of those fully powered exoskeletons or power armours that you'd tried out in simulations. But that is unlikely with your current destination and plans. @@.neutral1;<<say "Ship VI" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/vi.png">>Cadet Kayla Sheridan. We have arrived. Please prepare to disembark.<</say>>@@ You jump, forgetting about the VI that managed the pod. Again, another bizarre aspect of this mission, it was pretty unusual for a whole VI for one pod. Perhaps there was a nearby ship controlling the pod and this was an extension of that? Would make more sense. Regardless, you follow the VI's instruction and step through the airlock, back [[onto the station...|spacedockmilimissionending]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/airlock1.png"></center> You step through the airlock once again finding yourself in the relatively small disembarkment area, Rizial said she would be here to debrief you but she is no where to be seen. She did say... @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Excellent job.<</say>>@@ You're caught unaware as she claps her hands together and speaks to you, how did she get behind you? Must be that suit she is wearing - that is some seriously impressive stealth technology. Another piece of tech you wouldn't mind getting your hands on. <<kayla>>Thanks, I guess but I'm not quite sure what I achieved...<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>You achieved your objective. That's all you need to know...Well...I'll humour you this one time...Questions?<</say>>@@ Well, you've had a feeling throughout this about not all being what it seems. Now's your chance to ask some questions and inquire further, time to find out what this whole thing was really about. <<link "<q>What will you do with the evidence collected?</q>">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>The evidence? It has already been put into use. A man sympathetic to our cause was...observing...the negoiations on the side of the Coalition. He received an anonymous cache of evidence, which was then passed onto. And used to bring these proceedings to an end.<</say>>@@ What? So she lied to you from the off, it was never about bringing to an end a smuggling operation. It was about blackmail and gaining an advantage in high level diplomatic meetings.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "<q>I didn't find any evidence for who was responsible...</q>">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>That's because there was no evidence, you think we'd leave that laying around for someone to find? We had an asset who facilitated the weapons to the secretary's ship.<</say>>@@ Was it some type of honeypot? Was this whole thing a setup to give the Earth-Mars coalition an advantage?<</popover>><</link>> <<link "<q>What will happen to the weapons?</q>">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>They'll be taken back to the colonies and, presumably, fallinto the hands of the local militias and thugs. They're an acceptable loss. We've simply used them as another piece on the board, we allowed them to keep it just to sweeten the trade deal. Unofficially of course.<</say>>@@ You get a sinking feeling that a lot of people are going to end up dead over these weapons. And she doesn't seem to remotely care about it.<</popover>><</link>> <<link "<q>Why me?</q>">><<popover 'opaque'>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Opportunity presented itself. You've been on our radar for a while, your academy tests were off the scale and your performances have, for the most part, been stellar. We look for the best. I was planning to conduct this mission myself, but I had faith you could deliver. It was a test. And you passed. Congratulations.<</say>>@@ You're not sure if you should be disgusted or proud by this. But who is "our"? Who is this person really?<</popover>><</link>> [['"Who are you? Really?"'|spacedockmilimissionending]]<<then>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>This is where I give you a choice. I lied to you. I belong to an organisation that has the best interests of Earth. We aren't officially a UNN organisation. We act independently. We have no oversight. We've existed for thousands of years guiding the human race to its destiny amongst the stars and plan to continue existing. We've had many names over the years, to the point where they have become meaningless. These days we call ourselves Obsidian Protocol.<</say>>@@ <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/obsidiansymbol.png"></center> She points to the badge upon her chest which lights up, some type of purple symbol that you've never seen before. Or have you? Whatever it is, it is clearly representative of this organisation. <<kayla>>This seems wrong. Illegal. Immoral...Even treasonous...<</kayla>> But, you think to yourself, perhaps extremely effective. And fascinating. It's like something out of fiction, secret societies and agencies had always been in the realm of the kind of fantasy you had lived before - but this seemed so unreal to be happening to you now. You think back to your history lessons, about all the wars and skirmishes throughout history, their triggers and the lessons. Was this organisation involved? Perhaps you can learn more. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Treason, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. The task you did today was child's play. But I assure you, we had no hand in your father's assassination. And if you join us, perhaps we can solve his murder and the mysteries around it together.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>...Join you? And...this...Obsidian Protocol? What would that entail?<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Your old life would cease to be. You'll come up as a casualty somewhere between here and the colonies. You'll be trained with the best equipment humanity has to offer. But you must have undying loyalty to me and your comrades. Your old life, as you know it, would be over.<</say>>@@ That sounds horrible. Dangerous. And you're not even clear on what it would entail, but she is likely not going to be forthcoming on the details. From what you've seen so far, this is no joke - this organisation has the means and equipment to help you solve your father's death. But at what cost? Time to make your choice. Will you forsake your current life and [[join the Obsidian Protocol|militaryobsidianprotocol]]? Or [[continue your journey on your own|spacedockmilimissionending]]?<<then>><<kayla>>There is no way I can make this commitment with such little detail. No.<</kayla>> You ball your hands up into fists, if she doesn't take kindly to your rejection then you at least plan to go out fighting. Open handed strikes certainly won't work against her armour, nor would a defensive stance. You need to be ready to strike if she even hints at not letting you go, you'll go down swinging. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Such a shame...This is usually the part where I make your death look like a suicide, but in this case, I'll spare you. You have far too much potential - I'm not done with you yet. Be seeing you Little Bird.<</say>>@@ She doesn't take her eyes off you as she takes a few steps backward toward the airlock, maintaining a smug look on her face as she maintains eye contact with you. taps her wrist, the airlock behind her opens up and she winks at you, as she reveres through the door and disappears into the pod you had used for the mission. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/airlock1.png"></center> Gone. You briefly consider an attempt to pursue her, sabotage the ship or even calling in station security, but you get the distinct impression that only serve as a further distraction to your current objective. You're finally left alone to ponder on the events of the past hour or so, you're the only one aware of what happened and you best keep it that way considering what you did.<<set $military1 = "complete">> Did you make the right choice? Perhaps Admiral Laux might know something about this Obsidian Protocol. Or perhaps you would only drag her into this mess. Regardless, it's time to [[get back to finding a way to Ceres.|spacedockingring]]<</first>>

<<first>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>>@@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Welcome to the family.<</say>>@@ She embraces you with a smile, delighted that you accepted her proposal and leads you into the pod. This is the logical choice. You got to this damn station with no plan, no money and no resources. What other choice did you have? You rationalise the choice made, fighting with your conscience and the fact the oath you made to serve the UNN. But the ends justify the means, right? Rizial ushers you into the pod. <<kayla>>Where are we headed?<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>I don't want to spoiler the surprise.<</say>>@@ You're not sure where you're headed, but you take a deep breath as you take your place in the pod and prepare for take off. [[Your new life awaits.|militaryobsidianprotocol]]<<then>><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/obsidianending.png"></center> <<kayla>>This is...amazing...<</kayla>> You'd been taken on a tour of the ship, met a handful of the rather introverted crewmembers - but you just assumed they were focused upon their tasks. This didn't seem like a social club. You marveled at the technology available throughout the ship, the stealth tech alone was decades head of anything you'd seen in the field and each department appeared to have a specialised VI system running it which meant you'd only need a skeleton crew to keep the ship ticking along. It was the kind of ship you might see in Star Quest sans FTL capability. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>And that concludes the tour of our headquarters. Welcome to CIC.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Just wow.<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Unfortunately for you Miss Sheridan, the training begins immediately. We have no time for a welcome commitee. The human race is at a crossroads and we must make sure it doesn't go down the path to extinction.<</say>>@@ <<kayla>>Then what next?<</kayla>> @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Report to Training Room 01 at 0600 hours. I'll be there.<</say>>@@ Rizial nods at one of the heavily armour guards that had been escorting you at a distance, you're still not fully trusted yet it seems. @@.neutral1;"Your quarters await recruit."@@ the guard says it like a command and you nod, you're only happy to oblige. It definitely doesn't have anything to do with [[big gun he is carrying!|militaryobsidianprotocol]]<<then>><<linkreplace "A couple of weeks later...">><center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/obsidianending1.png"></center> You had spent the last week neurally linked to a machine, after your first session in the training room involved a housing unit for nanomachines being drilled into the base of your skull. They now controlled and stimulated your entire nervous system, you couldn't tell reality from simulation even if you tried. You'd run through thousands of simulations in your head, maybe tens of thousands. Failed missions, successful missions, all of them were blending together. And you were completely oblivious to the fact it was all a simulation. You were being molded into the perfect soldier, the perfect spy, the perfect infiltrator. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Is she ready?<</say>>@@ @@.neutral1;<<say "???" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/synthscientist.png">>Affirmative. No one has ever performed to these levels without burning out their pathways in the first week, but she is still performing at almost one hundred percent effficency without slowdown. She is inhuman.<</say>>@@ The synth began fiddling with a nearby console that was connected to . The machine you were connected to hisses, as it begins to release control of your soul back to you. It was a violent process, you were helped by an injection of some type of stimulant directly into your spine. There must have been some adrenaline in that shot, [[as your eyes shoot open|militaryobsidianprotocol]] and you awake from the nightmares you had been living for the past couple of weeks.<</linkreplace>><<then>><center><<audio "evilend" volume 0.02 loop play>><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/obsidianending2.png"></center> You look around, moments ago you had your thumbs pushing into the eye sockets of a mid-level CEO whom had been politicking to lift some restrictions on genetic engineering. Now you were in a chair. You begin to piece things together after a couple of minutes, the drugs helping clarity - and sanity - return to you. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Little Bird?<</say>>@@ Somehow, the world seemed more alive. You could feel the rotation of the ship, the speed at which it was going, you could hear the reverberations in the hull. You could even hear the heart beat in the room, as well as the lack of one from the other figure. And everything made sense all of a sudden. @@.neutral2;<<say "Kayla" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/obsidianport.png">>Little Bird...reporting for duty.<</say>>@@ @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Perfect. Your new assignment awaits.<</say>>@@ You step out of the machine, you having passing thoughts about your family, your friends, your home - and your father - but none of that mattered now. The Obsidian Protocal had shown you the past, the present and you were now [[playing a pivotal role in shaping the future.|militaryobsidianprotocol]]<<finally>><<set $kaylaobsidian = true>>It had been almost a year since you had taken up your role in the Obsidian Protocol, in such a short time you'd become Rizial's most effective and trusted operative. Your goal was clear, your motivations were just and honourable - nothing was going to stand in your way. At this point, you didn't even remember your name. You merely took orders and excuted them. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/obsidianending3.png"></center> You find yourself standing over a dozen or so burning pile of corpses, you had silently - and effortlessly - dispatched them some hours ago with orders to dispose of the bodies as best you could. These were supposedly the men who were involved in the bombing that had happened on Ceres eleven months ago. You briefly remembered something important, something about the people killed in the terror attack, but you're not sure what it was. Perhaps the nanobots had yet to fully compartmentalise the old memories. It was a weakness you could ill afford. You'd need to ask the synthetics about this when you get back about that when you get back, you no longer cared. Your only purpose was to serve The Obsidian Protocol. @@.neutral2;<<say "Rizial" "images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/rizialport.png">>Excellent work once again Little Bird. Finish up and head back to Homebase.<</say>>@@ You take one look back at the bodies. You feel an emotion you haven't felt in a long time but it was hard to describe - was it a feeling of justice? A single tear rolls down your eye, much to your surprise. Your emotional cortex probably just needs adjusting. You quickly wipe the tear away before heading off to your landing pod. [[Your work never stops.|militaryobsidianprotocol]]<<then>><u><center>Ending - The Obsidian Protocol</center></u> The tear drop was likely the last genuine emotion you felt, as you spend the rest of your life causing carnage amongst in the name of justice, order and sometimes a little bit of chaos. The human race continues to exist in a state of flux, but when things looked to be settling down, another crisis would trigger. You should know, you triggered at least one conflict that lead to a colony being fragged. And did you care? No. Because it strengthened the position of the Earth's ruling class. <center><img src="images/chapter1/spacedock/militarypost/obsidianending4.png"></center> On the bright side, you did get your revenge, but the cost was being brainwashed and mind controlled by a dangerous organisation that will end up doing far more harm to the human race than good. And what happened to your family? The rest of your friends? Was it really worth it? That's for you to decide, but I can assure you the future of the human race would likely have been significantly better <<click "if you had decided to reject that offer...">><<script>>state.restart();<<endscript>><</click>><</first>>