Start of a transcript of: Terra-Nova Terra Nova: The Mystery of Zephyr's Landing by P.Rail Release 1 / Serial number 250328 / Inform 7 v10.1.2 Inform 7 v10.1.2 Identification number: //7D7F9124-AB9E-47E5-9666-70348211E8BC// Interpreter version 1.3.6 / VM 3.1.2 >s As you survey the ruins stretching before you, the warnings of the village lawgivers echo in your mind. "The ruins are off-limits to all. Shadow Beasts hunt there. From First-Light until Long-Shadow they hide in their lairs, but when the sky dims and night falls, they emerge to tear apart any trespasser." But the need to know your history outweighs their warnings. These ruins hold the key to understanding how your ancestors came to this harsh world and what legacy they left behind. "I'll be long gone before Dimming-Sky comes," you mutter, squinting at the rising sun. "Plenty of time to explore and get back." With a defiant grin, you adjust the straps of your explorer's pack and step forward into the ruins, your curiosity about your origins driving you onward, unaware of how quickly time can slip away. Press SPACE to Continue. Stone Pit Entrance A gaping chasm splits the rocky terrain, revealing a deep void. A rusty iron ladder leads down into the dim light. The descent into the unknown fills you with a mix of fear and curiosity. You wonder what secrets might be hidden in the depths below. To the east, more ruins to explore. >e Dwelling Ruins Past the dunes, a collapsed dwelling shimmers. As you approach, something catches your eye--a glint of light reflecting off glass half-swallowed by sand. More ruins to the east. The stone pit lies west. You can see a glass shard here. >get shard Brushing the volcanic ash and desert sand away, you discover the glass shard is part of a vast sun catcher composed of several panels. As you work to uncover more, a faint vibration travels through the ground, so subtle you almost miss it. Stepping back, you take in your discovery and wonder about the civilization that built it--and what sleeps beneath the sand. You hear the faint crackle of electricity and the distant whir of machines below ground. [Your score has just gone up by twenty points.] >i You are carrying nothing. >* pack? That's not a verb I recognize (type "help" for a list of commands). >x me You are Kai, a scavenger from New Eden, and a descendant of the original colonists on this alien world. You've always been drawn to the ruins of Zephyr's Landing, despite the warnings. The lawgivers say the place is cursed, but you've heard the stories--of lost knowledge, hidden relics, and secrets buried under the sand. Whatever truth the desert has swallowed? you intend to find it. >go ? From here, the viable exits are east and west. >get shard You can't see any such thing. >l Dwelling Ruins Past the dunes, you spot the shimmering outline of a sun catcher. More ruins to the east. The stone pit lies west. You can see a solar panel here. >e Water Supply Broken pillars and collapsed walls surround an abandoned well. Scraggly weeds obscure the path. The ruins extend to the north, east, and west. You can see an ancient well here. [Your score has just gone up by one point.] >x well A stone well lies at the center of the ruins. Algae coats its interior walls, and dark greenish water pools at the bottom, giving off a foul odor. As you approach the well, you notice weathered text carved into a fallen stone block: "Three things mark a fool: walking alone at Dimming-Sky, defying the Caretaker's will, and waking what sleeps in shadow. Heed this warning, children of Zephyr, lest you join the lost." In the ancient well is a rusty box. >get box Taken. [Your score has just gone up by twenty points.] >open box Your muscles burn with effort, but the box remains closed tight. >x box The container has rusted shut and faded to a dull brown. The rust has eaten away at the metal, leaving behind a pitted, uneven surface. >l Water Supply Broken pillars and collapsed walls surround an abandoned well. Scraggly weeds obscure the path. The ruins extend to the north, east, and west. You can see an ancient well here. >n Village Foundry The abandoned foundry lies broken under the desert sun. Cracked stone walls surround a collapsed forge, its surface blackened by slag and soot. Paths lead northeast and south from here. You can see a heat-resistant glove, a collapsed forge, and a crucible here. [Your score has just gone up by one point.] >get glove Tip: type hint if you need a clue. [Your score has just gone up by twenty points.] >get crucible [Your score has just gone up by twenty points.] >x forge The old forge lies at the center of the ruins. Once the heart of the village, but now just a useless relic. As you approach the forge, your foot dislodges a piece of debris, causing a section to shift. A grinding noise echoes through the ruins as the forge's base splits open, revealing a niche inside. [Your score has just gone up by twenty points.] >x niche A compartment designed for preservation, lined with a protective coating that repels moisture. In the niche is a diary titled, "The Word of Kael". >get diary [Your score has just gone up by twenty points.] >l Village Foundry The abandoned foundry lies broken under the desert sun. Cracked stone walls surround a collapsed forge, its surface blackened by slag and soot. Paths lead northeast and south from here. You can see a niche and a collapsed forge here. >ne Stone Tower Exterior A crumbling stone tower stands before you. Scrub brush dots the rocky terrain and clings to life in the arid soil. Old stone steps lead inside the structure. Paths lead away from the tower to the southeast, south, and southwest. You can see a scrap heap here. [Your score has just gone up by one point.] >time That's not a verb I recognize (type "help" for a list of commands). >x heap A pile of twisted metal and scorched fragments lies half-buried by the desert wind. Jagged edges and charred components protrude from the sand like bones in a mechanical graveyard. As you sift through the wreckage, your hand brushes against a small, dense piece of metal. It clings tightly to the rusty box you're carrying, as though drawn to it. You realize it's a magnet from a long-dead drone and pocket it. [Your score has just gone up by twenty points.] >i You are carrying: a drone magnet a diary titled, "The Word of Kael" a crucible a heat-resistant glove a rusty box >l Stone Tower Exterior A crumbling stone tower stands before you. Scrub brush dots the rocky terrain and clings to life in the arid soil. Old stone steps lead inside the structure. Paths lead away from the tower to the southeast, south, and southwest. You can see a scrap heap here. >up Stone Tower Interior Fallen stones and dry debris clog the entry. Native plants grow through the rubble, gathering sunlight from a wide gap in the structure. Treacherous stone steps lead up to the summit or down to the desert. Tip: type commands to see what actions are available to you. [Your score has just gone up by one point.] >up Stone Watchtower At the summit, the tower creaks and groans beneath your feet, and warm desert winds rush past your ears. You see sand stretching to the horizon, merging with the soft blue sky. You notice a steep drop-off from the broken parapet. Far below, you see a large cluster of stones, their broad surfaces hard and unyielding. Uneven stone steps lead down. You can see an observation telescope and a weathered dedication plaque here. [Your score has just gone up by one point.] >read plaque Years of wind-blown sand have scoured the bronze to a dull patina. The edges are worn smooth, and pockmarks pepper its surface. The engraved text remains legible: ZEPHYR'S WATCHTOWER "Built Upon Unshakeable Foundations, Our Eyes Ever Watchful" This observation post stands as testament to the enduring stability of our settlement. Dedicated by the Engineering Guild of Zephyr >* ouch! That's not a verb I recognize (type "help" for a list of commands). >look through telescope To look through the telescope, try gazing instead, like "gaze up, or gaze east." Many directions are possible and you can abbreviate them if you prefer, like "gaze nw" for northwest, or "gaze s" for south. Press SPACE to Continue. Through the telescope, a familiar landscape unfolds to the northwest, in stark contrast to the volcanic desolation to the east. New Eden, your home village, a collection of cottages connected by winding dirt paths nestled in the dry, hilly terrain. Sadly, only sparse, drought-resistant vegetation can grow there now. A wave of nostalgia hits you as you recall the countless hours spent roaming those familiar paths. Yet, as you gaze upon the village from a far-off vantage point, it's clear that your drive to explore is stronger than ever, and the village now seems small and limiting. Perhaps it's time to leave New Eden behind, to embark on a journey that will change your life. Try gaze up or gaze east to explore the horizon in different directions. [Your score has just gone up by twenty points.] >gaze up You look through the telescope, beyond the barren desert and the dark ruins that meet the horizon. Above, the sky transitions from warm amber to deep indigo. The brighter stars begin to emerge, and points of light appear in the deepening blue. Among the constellations, a peculiar glint appears to be drifting slowly, distinct from the stars around it. The lawgivers of New Eden tell the children stories about an ancient spacecraft that brought our ancestors to Terra Nova centuries ago, but you always thought it was only a legend. Could this distant speck of silvery light be that very ship, you wonder? As more stars emerge, you feel a restlessness stirring. The horizon calls out with the promise of adventure. Perhaps it is time to leave New Eden behind. [Your score has just gone up by twenty points.] >gaze 3 You can't see any such thing. >gaze e From atop the watchtower, you peer east through the telescope and witness a stark, desolate landscape. The arid terrain is scarred by the raw power of nature. The ground is barren except for a few sparse scrub bushes clinging to life. Your gaze is drawn to a river of molten lava cutting a path through the parched earth, flowing ominously in your direction. Though miles away, the advancing lava reminds you that volcanic activity is an increasing threat. In recent years, Hellmouth's eruptions have grown more frequent, reducing vast tracts of land to uninhabitable death traps, polluting groundwater, and leaving the eastern desert more inhospitable than ever. [Your score has just gone up by twenty points.] >gaze s The vast desert stretches out to the south, a sea of sandy brown dunes that shimmer under a dusty sky. Hardy scrub brush clings to the sparse patches of soil. In the distance, the horizon is framed by a chain of blue mountains disappearing into the haze. A low rumble in the distance catches your attention. The ground beneath your feet begins to tremble slightly... Press SPACE to Continue. The watchtower sways. You blame the wind at first, but soon, a deep rumble growls from below and swells into a roar. The stones underfoot buck and pitch you off balance, tossing you onto the rough stone floor. Dust chokes the air, but you claw your way back to your feet. A sharp crack snaps your attention to the telescope as it tips over and crashes onto the rocky debris. The brass tube wrenches apart at its joints, popping the lens free and sending it rolling across the stones. Press SPACE to Continue. When the tremors stop, you stare at the ruined telescope lying broken at your feet. You notice the dedication plaque has torn free, revealing a compartment carved into the face of the pedestal. Stone Watchtower The watchtower platform is covered with uneven stones and debris after a recent earthquake. You notice a steep drop-off from the broken parapet. Far below, you see a large cluster of stones, their broad surfaces hard and unyielding. Uneven stone steps lead down. You can see a stone compartment, an objective lens, an observation telescope, and a weathered dedication plaque here. [Your score has just gone up by twenty points.] >get lens, telescope objective lens: You pick up the objective lens. observation telescope: That's fixed in place. [Your score has just gone up by twenty points.] >x compartment Where the dedication plaque once hung, a carefully carved recess extends into the stone pedestal. In the stone compartment is a manuscript titled, "The Wisdom of Kael". >get manuscript [Your score has just gone up by twenty points.] >l Stone Watchtower The watchtower platform is covered with uneven stones and debris after a recent earthquake. You notice a steep drop-off from the broken parapet. Far below, you see a large cluster of stones, their broad surfaces hard and unyielding. Uneven stone steps lead down. You can see a stone compartment, an observation telescope, and a weathered dedication plaque here. The sun reaches its zenith, marking High-Sun. The heat intensifies, reminding you of the harsh realities of Terra Nova. Tip: type hint if you need a clue. >d Stone Tower Interior Fallen stones and dry debris clog the entry. Native plants grow through the rubble, gathering sunlight from a wide gap in the structure. Treacherous stone steps lead up to the summit or down to the desert. >d Stone Tower Exterior A crumbling stone tower stands before you. Scrub brush dots the rocky terrain and clings to life in the arid soil. Old stone steps lead inside the structure. Paths lead away from the tower to the southeast, south, and southwest. You can see a scrap heap here. >s Fallen Shrine Once a grand ceremonial chamber, this circular room now bears the scars of time and neglect. Natural light spills across the decaying walls, casting eerie shadows on long-forgotten murals. Broken stone benches lie in disarray amid the dusty rubble. You can see an old tower to the north. A sandy path runs through the ruins east and west. You can see an altar and a mosaic here. [Your score has just gone up by one point.] >w Water Supply Broken pillars and collapsed walls surround an abandoned well. Scraggly weeds obscure the path. The ruins extend to the north, east, and west. You can see an ancient well here. >e Fallen Shrine Once a grand ceremonial chamber, this circular room now bears the scars of time and neglect. Natural light spills across the decaying walls, casting eerie shadows on long-forgotten murals. Broken stone benches lie in disarray amid the dusty rubble. You can see an old tower to the north. A sandy path runs through the ruins east and west. You can see an altar and a mosaic here. >x altar At the room's center stands an ancient altar, once the focal point of the chamber. Your eye is drawn to a curious concave hollow near its center that shimmers with a rainbow luster. >x hollow A curious cup-shaped depression, about the size of your fist, rests near the center of the altar. >i You are carrying: a manuscript titled, "The Wisdom of Kael" an objective lens a drone magnet a diary titled, "The Word of Kael" a crucible a heat-resistant glove a rusty box >put box in depression You can't see any such thing. >put lens in hollow Inserting the objective lens into the concave hollow has no effect. >get lens You already have that. >i You are carrying: a manuscript titled, "The Wisdom of Kael" an objective lens a drone magnet a diary titled, "The Word of Kael" a crucible a heat-resistant glove a rusty box >l Fallen Shrine Once a grand ceremonial chamber, this circular room now bears the scars of time and neglect. Natural light spills across the decaying walls, casting eerie shadows on long-forgotten murals. Broken stone benches lie in disarray amid the dusty rubble. You can see an old tower to the north. A sandy path runs through the ruins east and west. You can see an altar and a mosaic here. >x mosaic Occupying a place of reverence, this wall-sized tile mosaic must have inspired awe in the colonists. It depicts the Caretaker at the center with settlers surrounding her. Despite the many cracked, broken, and loose tiles, the overall image remains clear and powerful. >l Fallen Shrine Once a grand ceremonial chamber, this circular room now bears the scars of time and neglect. Natural light spills across the decaying walls, casting eerie shadows on long-forgotten murals. Broken stone benches lie in disarray amid the dusty rubble. You can see an old tower to the north. A sandy path runs through the ruins east and west. You can see an altar and a mosaic here. >search rubble Jagged chunks of masonry litter the floor. >e Lava Pit A molten pool of lava cuts a deep scar in the desert. The air reeks of sulfur and shimmers with intense heat. Scorched vegetation struggles nearby. The relentless flow has grown in recent years, polluting water supplies. A path leads northwest to the tower or west to the shrine. [Your score has just gone up by one point.] >put on glove You put on the heat-resistant glove. >get lava with crucible You must supply a noun. >get lava You dip the crucible into the lava, feeling the unbearable heat intensify. The glove holds firm as you fill the crucible to capacity and pull it from the fiery pool. [Your score has just gone up by twenty points.] >* wll, what could go wrong here? :] You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >w Fallen Shrine Once a grand ceremonial chamber, this circular room now bears the scars of time and neglect. Natural light spills across the decaying walls, casting eerie shadows on long-forgotten murals. Broken stone benches lie in disarray amid the dusty rubble. You can see an old tower to the north. A sandy path runs through the ruins east and west. You can see an altar and a mosaic here. Tip: type hint if you need a clue. Tip: type commands to see what actions are available to you. >pour lava in hollow I didn't understand that sentence. >x hollow A curious cup-shaped depression, about the size of your fist, rests near the center of the altar. >put lava in hollow Inserting the lava sample into the concave hollow has no effect. >get lava >x crucible Once used to melt metals at searing temperatures, this stone vessel is roughly the size of a cooking pot. Its surface is scarred and pitted, and its interior is blackened from countless pours. In the crucible is a lava sample. The glow of the lava sample within the crucible is going dim. >w Water Supply Broken pillars and collapsed walls surround an abandoned well. Scraggly weeds obscure the path. The ruins extend to the north, east, and west. You can see an ancient well here. The glow of the lava sample within the crucible is going dim. >pour lava in well I didn't understand that sentence. >w Dwelling Ruins Past the dunes, you spot the shimmering outline of a sun catcher. More ruins to the east. The stone pit lies west. You can see a solar panel here. The glow of the lava sample within the crucible is going dim. >n From here, the viable exits are east and west. Tip: You can type go ? to list all possible open paths from your current location. The glow of the lava sample within the crucible is going dim. >e Water Supply Broken pillars and collapsed walls surround an abandoned well. Scraggly weeds obscure the path. The ruins extend to the north, east, and west. You can see an ancient well here. The glow of the lava sample within the crucible is going dim. >n Village Foundry The abandoned foundry lies broken under the desert sun. Cracked stone walls surround a collapsed forge, its surface blackened by slag and soot. Paths lead northeast and south from here. You can see a niche and a collapsed forge here. The glow of the lava sample within the crucible is going dim. >w From here, the viable exits are northeast and south. The glow of the lava sample within the crucible is going dim. The lava has cooled in the crucible, forming a useless, brittle crust. You discard it. >s Water Supply Broken pillars and collapsed walls surround an abandoned well. Scraggly weeds obscure the path. The ruins extend to the north, east, and west. You can see an ancient well here. >w Dwelling Ruins Past the dunes, you spot the shimmering outline of a sun catcher. More ruins to the east. The stone pit lies west. You can see a solar panel here. >w Stone Pit Entrance A gaping chasm splits the rocky terrain, revealing a deep void. A rusty iron ladder leads down into the dim light. The descent into the unknown fills you with a mix of fear and curiosity. To the east, more ruins to explore. >save Saving the game... Ok. Now you are in Stone Pit Entrance at High-Sun. >d Forgotten Passage An uneven stone floor extends into near darkness. The walls are cracked and stained from moisture and neglect. The complex seems to be awakening, you hear the whir of distant machinery as power returns. A weathered ladder leads up to the surface. To the east, the tunnel disappears into dim shadows, with another passage branching southeast. >e Eerie Tunnel Your footsteps echo on damp stone, the passage stretching out in dim light. Grimy, stained walls close in around you. The path narrows ahead into shadow. Dread gnaws at you, but curiosity compels you. Go east to venture deeper into the silence or west to backtrack. [Your score has just gone up by one point.] >e Blocked Passage A recent cave-in blocks the passage ahead, though you sense important discoveries await beyond. A corroded chain snakes out from beneath the sandy debris, occasionally pulling taut with sudden jerks. The air here is heavy with the scent of dust and decay. A hefty chunk of obsidian, broken loose from the cave-in, lies among the fallen rubble. Though you could retreat west, your curiosity about what lies beyond the obstruction nags at you. A low growl comes from behind the rocks. You freeze. You can see a chunk of obsidian and a corroded chain here. [Your score has just gone up by one point.] >get obsidian Taken. >x chain A corroded iron chain snakes out from under the debris and rubble. The chain occasionally pulls tight with sudden jerks, suggesting it's secured to something on the other side of the cave-in. >w Eerie Tunnel Your footsteps echo on damp stone, the passage stretching out in dim light. Grimy, stained walls close in around you. The path narrows ahead into shadow. Dread gnaws at you, but curiosity compels you. Go east to venture deeper into the silence or west to backtrack. >w Forgotten Passage An uneven stone floor extends into near darkness. The walls are cracked and stained from moisture and neglect. A weathered ladder leads up to the surface. To the east, the tunnel disappears into dim shadows, with another passage branching southeast. Tip: type hint if you need a clue. >up Stone Pit Exit You are in a deep stone pit. A weathered ladder leads up into the light above. [Your score has just gone up by one point.] >e From here, the viable exits are up and down. >e From here, the viable exits are up and down. >e From here, the viable exits are up and down. >up Stone Pit Entrance A gaping chasm splits the rocky terrain, revealing a deep void. A rusty iron ladder leads down into the dim light. The descent into the unknown fills you with a mix of fear and curiosity. To the east, more ruins to explore. >e Dwelling Ruins Past the dunes, you spot the shimmering outline of a sun catcher. More ruins to the east. The stone pit lies west. You can see a solar panel here. >e Water Supply Broken pillars and collapsed walls surround an abandoned well. Scraggly weeds obscure the path. The ruins extend to the north, east, and west. You can see an ancient well here. >e Fallen Shrine Once a grand ceremonial chamber, this circular room now bears the scars of time and neglect. Natural light spills across the decaying walls, casting eerie shadows on long-forgotten murals. Broken stone benches lie in disarray amid the dusty rubble. You can see an old tower to the north. A sandy path runs through the ruins east and west. You can see an altar and a mosaic here. >e Lava Pit A molten pool of lava cuts a deep scar in the desert. The air reeks of sulfur and shimmers with intense heat. Scorched vegetation struggles nearby. A path leads northwest to the tower or west to the shrine. >e From here, the viable exits are northwest and west. Long-Shadow arrives as the sun begins its descent. Your shadow stretches before you, a reminder of the approaching evening. Tip: type commands to see what actions are available to you. >get lava You dip the crucible into the lava, feeling the unbearable heat intensify. The glove holds firm as you fill the crucible to capacity and pull it from the fiery pool. >w Fallen Shrine Once a grand ceremonial chamber, this circular room now bears the scars of time and neglect. Natural light spills across the decaying walls, casting eerie shadows on long-forgotten murals. Broken stone benches lie in disarray amid the dusty rubble. You can see an old tower to the north. A sandy path runs through the ruins east and west. You can see an altar and a mosaic here. >w Water Supply Broken pillars and collapsed walls surround an abandoned well. Scraggly weeds obscure the path. The ruins extend to the north, east, and west. You can see an ancient well here. >w Dwelling Ruins Past the dunes, you spot the shimmering outline of a sun catcher. More ruins to the east. The stone pit lies west. You can see a solar panel here. >w Stone Pit Entrance A gaping chasm splits the rocky terrain, revealing a deep void. A rusty iron ladder leads down into the dim light. The descent into the unknown fills you with a mix of fear and curiosity. To the east, more ruins to explore. >d Forgotten Passage An uneven stone floor extends into near darkness. The walls are cracked and stained from moisture and neglect. A weathered ladder leads up to the surface. To the east, the tunnel disappears into dim shadows, with another passage branching southeast. The glow of the lava sample within the crucible is going dim. >e Eerie Tunnel Your footsteps echo on damp stone, the passage stretching out in dim light. Grimy, stained walls close in around you. The path narrows ahead into shadow. Dread gnaws at you, but curiosity compels you. Go east to venture deeper into the silence or west to backtrack. The glow of the lava sample within the crucible is going dim. >e Blocked Passage A recent cave-in blocks the passage ahead, though you sense important discoveries await beyond. A corroded chain snakes out from beneath the sandy debris, occasionally pulling taut with sudden jerks. The air here is heavy with the scent of dust and decay. Though you could retreat west, your curiosity about what lies beyond the obstruction nags at you. The silence is oppressive as you survey the rubble. You can see a corroded chain here. The glow of the lava sample within the crucible is going dim. >put chain in lava The rusted links are cold and slick from tunnel moisture. When you pull, a muffled growl followed by faint scratching comes back at you from the other side of the debris wall. You pause to consider your options, telling yourself, "It's probably just a smidglet", those small, burrowing creatures you've seen all over Terra Nova. Hardly dangerous, but they can sure make a racket. You chuckle, imagining a tiny smidglet on the other side, puffing itself up trying to sound fierce. "Everything sounds louder in these tunnels," you say, "It's probably just feeling trapped and scared." (first taking the corroded chain) You hear a low growl from beyond the debris. The glow of the lava sample within the crucible is going dim. >put lava on chain Balancing the crucible of lava in a steady hand, you carefully pour the molten lava onto the rusty metal links. An immediate hiss fills the air, followed by a series of sharp cracks. From beyond the rubble, you hear confused grunts and the scraping of claws on stone. The sudden intense heat causes the brittle, rust-weakened chain to shatter, its links snapping apart like glass. Suddenly, a thunderous roar shakes the tunnel, and the debris pile begins to shift. Rocks tumble down as something massive slams against the other side. You stumble back, pulse pounding, as the barrier collapses in a cloud of dust and falling stones. Press SPACE to Continue. As the dust settles, your eyes widen in shock as you come face to face with a massive Shadow Beast. But this is no ordinary creature. It's a dangerous fusion of lizard and machine with metal components integrated into its scaly hide. The beast rises to its full height, easily as tall as a man, its muscular body a patchwork of wires merged with reptilian scales and metallic plates. Servos whir and hydraulics hiss as it moves, its segmented tail twitches menacingly. Its eyes fix on you with a wild, predatory stare, and its jaws open to reveal a nightmarish mix of yellow fangs and glinting metal blades. Its rancid breath hits you in waves, carrying the unmistakable stench of decay and machine oil. Press SPACE to Continue. With a sluggish lunge, the cyborg beast charges forward. You stumble back in terror, certain that your end has come. But at the last moment, the beast veers off, turns, and barrels down the tunnel, disappearing into darkness. Press SPACE to Continue. You wonder what twisted mind created this fusion of flesh and machine. Go east to follow the tunnel or west to turn back the way you came. Tip: type hint if you need a clue. [Your score has just gone up by forty points.] >e Supply Room The dimly lit closet reeks of ozone and decay. A tangle of cables and mechanical debris litters the dusty floor, creating a haphazard maze. In the dim light, you can make out the outline of a figure slumped against the wall. Exits are to the east and west. [Your score has just gone up by one point.] >x figure A damaged cyborg lies discarded like a broken doll. Her eyes are a mix of cold circuitry and predatory intent. Even in her weakened state, a lethal energy persists--a warning that she is a formidable enemy. Her fingers twitch almost imperceptibly toward a fallen Neurochip. >get chip Taken. >i You are carrying: a Neurochip a chunk of obsidian a manuscript titled, "The Wisdom of Kael" an objective lens a drone magnet a diary titled, "The Word of Kael" a crucible a heat-resistant glove (being worn) a rusty box >l Supply Room The dimly lit closet reeks of ozone and decay. A tangle of cables and mechanical debris litters the dusty floor, creating a haphazard maze. In the dim light, you can make out the outline of a figure slumped against the wall. Exits are to the east and west. The cyborg's eyes move to you, then to the Neurochip, then back. >talk to cyborg To start a conversation, try to ASK the female cyborg ABOUT something or TELL the female cyborg ABOUT something. >ask about chip You can't see any such thing. >ask cyborg about chip There is no reply. The cyborg's eyes move to you, then to the Neurochip, then back. >go ? From here, the viable exits are east and west. The cyborg's eyes move to you, then to the Neurochip, then back. >give chip to cyborg With unexpected speed, her robotic claw snatches the Neurochip from your outstretched hand. She snaps it into the interface port behind her left ear, and a look of relief appears on her synthetic face. But the relief is soon replaced by a wave of discomfort surging through her as she realizes the extent of the damage to her circuitry. Although she's alert, her legs appear useless. She is no longer formidable. Press SPACE to Continue. The cyborg speaks with mechanical precision: "You defective meat-sack! How dare you enter here! I should crush your pathetic frame with a single blow... if only my systems weren't so damaged. Count yourself fortunate, inferior weakling." She pauses, recognition flickering in her eyes as she remembers she is helpless . Her tone shifts. "The Caretaker made us better than you emotional fleshlings. Your chaos, your resistance--these hold humanity back. Every settler we augment, every mind we enhance with cybernetics, brings us closer to Harmony." Press SPACE to Continue. Her voice softens, "The clarity Harmony offers... it's liberating. No more doubts or fears that plague you pitiful settlers. Each implant strips away weakness and replaces it with purpose. Surely you can see how perfect we have become." Suddenly, her expression hardens as a tremor runs through her systems. "The Caretaker speaks of the Great Misunderstanding centuries ago when misguided meat-sacks, like you, strayed from the one true path. The School for Enlightened Obedience brought these lost souls back into alignment. Through retraining, they were brought back into Harmony's embrace." "The unity collars were essential to their education." Her voice skips and distorts. "Some called them obedience collars, but such a crude term for tools of enlightenment..." She pauses, voice fading. Press SPACE to Continue. A shudder runs through her frame, and her voice wavers. "But if we are perfect... why am I discarded here? The Caretaker... she made us better, didn't she? But she left me here, just a collection of parts for disposal. Was I not perfect enough?" She pauses, her systems failing, her voice weak. "I'm too damaged to move. This closet will be my tomb. But you... you can't linger here. The labs aren't safe. You'll be captured, or worse if you look like a meat-sack. Her mechanical hand twitches toward a supply cabinet. The Caretaker's eyes are everywhere, and she only tolerates her own kind in these restricted areas." Press SPACE to Continue. With a final gasp, she locks eyes with you. "I... I remember now. My name was Eve... from New Eden. I came here... exploring... curious about the ruins." Her voice grows strained, fighting against her programming. "They caught me. Changed me. Made me forget." "Go, before it's too late." Her eyes flicker once more, then go dark, leaving you alone with the weight of her words. You can see a metal supply cabinet here. [Your score has just gone up by twenty points.] >* well, we all have regrest You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >open cabinet It's already open. >x cabinet A corroded metal cabinet with flaking gray paint leans against the wall, its dented surface marked by streaks of rust. One of its double doors hangs on broken hinges, while the other remains stubbornly shut. In the metal supply cabinet is a cybernetic suit. >get suit Do you have the courage to put it on? If so, try wearing it. >put on suit You slip on the chestplate. It's surprisingly light, molding to your body as if alive. A soft whir accompanies its activation, and you feel a strange tingling across your torso. The leg bracers slide on easily, locking around your calves and thighs. A surge of strength flows through your lower body, making you feel capable of impossible feats. You attach the arm guards. They click into place with a satisfying snap, extending up to your shoulders. Your movements feel more fluid, more precise. The helmet is a snug fit. As it settles onto your head, the visor flickers to life, overlaying your vision in a blue-tinted heads-up display. Streams of data you don't understand scroll across your field of view. You flex your newly augmented limbs, marveling at the seamless integration. The heads-up display flickers in your vision: "SYSTEMS ONLINE...CARETAKER PROTOCOLS ACTIVATED". You feel a mild sense of relief. This gear should allow you to continue exploring the underground complex undetected. No longer identifiable as a settler, you're less likely to be captured and converted into a Caretaker's stooge. [Your score has just gone up by twenty points.] >* plus... shiny! That's not a verb I recognize (type "help" for a list of commands). >x me You are Kai, a scavenger from New Eden, and a descendant of the original colonists on this alien world. You've always been drawn to the ruins of Zephyr's Landing, despite the warnings. The lawgivers say the place is cursed, but you've heard the stories--of lost knowledge, hidden relics, and secrets buried under the sand. Whatever truth the desert has swallowed? you intend to find it. You are currently carrying: a cybernetic suit, a chunk of obsidian, a manuscript titled, "The Wisdom of Kael", an objective lens, a drone magnet, a diary titled, "The Word of Kael", a crucible, a heat-resistant glove, and a rusty box. >l Supply Room The dimly lit closet reeks of ozone and decay. A tangle of cables and mechanical debris litters the dusty floor, creating a haphazard maze. In the dim light, you can make out the outline of a figure slumped against the wall. Exits are to the east and west. You can see a metal supply cabinet (empty) and a Harmony Banner here. >x banner The banner has faded, but the message is clear. It shows cyborgs working a field while a guardian robot watches. Above them, gears turn in the sky, blending with drifting clouds. The words at the top read: "Embrace Harmony - Progress Through Unity." Below, in smaller print: "Your thoughts are the foundation. Your labor is the future. Together, we thrive." >l Supply Room The dimly lit closet reeks of ozone and decay. A tangle of cables and mechanical debris litters the dusty floor, creating a haphazard maze. In the dim light, you can make out the outline of a figure slumped against the wall. Exits are to the east and west. You can see a metal supply cabinet (empty) and a Harmony Banner here. >x figure Eve lies motionless, a haunting fusion of flesh and machine now inert. Her body is sprawled awkwardly against the wall. Her face remains a blend of synthetic skin and exposed circuitry--now with a peaceful expression. >close eyes You can't see any such thing. >l Supply Room The dimly lit closet reeks of ozone and decay. A tangle of cables and mechanical debris litters the dusty floor, creating a haphazard maze. In the dim light, you can make out the outline of a figure slumped against the wall. Exits are to the east and west. You can see a metal supply cabinet (empty) and a Harmony Banner here. >e Cyborg Assembly The assemby line looks like it hasn't moved in years. Robotic arms hang idle over the conveyor belt. Each station along the line reveals a step in the forced conversion of settlers into cyborgs. To the south, you see a testing station. An equipment storage room is to the east. You can see an assembly control panel here. This must be the flesh forge you've been warned about since childhood, the one you'd hoped was just a tale to keep children from wandering off. Yet, here it is--evidence of the Caretaker's cruel efficiency. You force yourself to move closer, examining each station along the line. There's a cold, methodical logic to the layout. Restraints at the beginning. Next, anesthetic stations to ensure compliance. Then, cutting tools, cybernetic limb attachments, neural interface installments with each step precisely ordered for efficiency. Press SPACE to Continue. Halfway down the line, you freeze. A lifeless cyborg hangs twisted in the machinery, its face contorted in a silent scream. One arm ends in chrome, while the other is naked bone, reaching out, begging for mercy. Even in death, its expression tells of unimaginable agony. You shudder to think--this could be you if you get caught underground. Press SPACE to Continue. The scale of the operation is staggering. How many settlers were transformed in the name of efficiency? The Caretaker's reach suddenly seems longer, her threat more immediate than anyone in New Eden had realized. A faint hum from the control panel catches your attention where a small button blinks steadily. The realization hits you like an electric shock--this place isn't abandoned. It's operational, waiting to be reactivated at any moment. The danger of your situation is clear. You're deep in the Caretaker's lair, surrounded by machinery that could activate without warning. Every shadow seems to hide a potential threat. To the south, you see a testing station. The equipment storage room is to the east. [Your score has just gone up by one point.] >e Equipment Storage The room is filled with a jumble of forgotten machinery--nothing but dusty, still obsolescence. In the dim light, the crowded shelves hold a shadowy mass of forgotten forms. Nothing here seems salvageable. The assembly line is west, the research lab to the southwest. You can see an obedience collar here. Tip: type hint if you need a clue. Tip: type commands to see what actions are available to you. [Your score has just gone up by one point.] >get collar Taken. >l Equipment Storage The room is filled with a jumble of forgotten machinery--nothing but dusty, still obsolescence. In the dim light, the crowded shelves hold a shadowy mass of forgotten forms. Nothing here seems salvageable. The assembly line is west, the research lab to the southwest. >w Cyborg Assembly The assemby line looks like it hasn't moved in years. Robotic arms hang idle over the conveyor belt. Each station along the line reveals a step in the forced conversion of settlers into cyborgs. To the south, you see a testing station. An equipment storage room is to the east. You can see an assembly control panel here. >s Testing Station This appears to be a workstation for testing and screening cybernetic components. The air is heavy with the scent of ozone and heated silicon, tinged with machine oil. A cluttered worktable bears the remnants of past experiments--scattered boards, inert wiring, and discarded components, all rendered useless by time and decay. The testing station stands empty now, the only sign of activity comes from the stout machine at the table's center, which emits a soft hum. To the north is the assembly line. To the south, the research lab. You can see a quantum playback projector and an energy statistics log here. [Your score has just gone up by one point.] >x log The report mentions recurring failures in the aging power system that serves the underground complex. Today's logs show solar power was unexpectedly restored after an extended outage, which severely depleted the backup systems. The recharging process is proceeding slowly. >uh, whups You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >x projector This device is the centerpiece of the worktable. At its core, a receptacle pulses with a mesmerizing, blue light. Quantum antennae within the media port shift in complex patterns, ready to receive data. A sleek touch panel below prompts: "Insert Quantum Media to Begin Playback". The quantum playback projector is currently switched on. >l Testing Station This appears to be a workstation for testing and screening cybernetic components. The air is heavy with the scent of ozone and heated silicon, tinged with machine oil. A cluttered worktable bears the remnants of past experiments--scattered boards, inert wiring, and discarded components, all rendered useless by time and decay. To the north is the assembly line. To the south, the research lab. You can see a quantum playback projector and an energy statistics log here. >smell You smell ozone and heated silicon tinged with machine oil. >x table You can't see any such thing. >x worktable You see nothing special about the cluttered worktable. >* synonym That's not a verb I recognize (type "help" for a list of commands). >s Research Lab The circular chamber buzzes with an eerie hum. Pulsing and beeping lab equipment surrounds you. A scorched control console sits on a platform, its displays facing a high-backed chair. Lifeless gestation pods and a damaged DNA databank remain as relics of the rebellion. To the north, is the testing station. There is an equipment storage room to the northeast. The restricted area is west. To the northwest is a tunnel to the surface. You can see the Caretaker here. >ne Equipment Storage The room is filled with a jumble of forgotten machinery--nothing but dusty, still obsolescence. In the dim light, the crowded shelves hold a shadowy mass of forgotten forms. Nothing here seems salvageable. The assembly line is west, the research lab to the southwest. >sw Research Lab The circular chamber buzzes with an eerie hum. Pulsing and beeping lab equipment surrounds you. A scorched control console sits on a platform, its displays facing a high-backed chair. Lifeless gestation pods and a damaged DNA databank remain as relics of the rebellion. To the north, is the testing station. There is an equipment storage room to the northeast. The restricted area is west. To the northwest is a tunnel to the surface. You can see the Caretaker here. >x caretaker The Caretaker was once a marvel of robotics built to embody maternal care. But now her mechanized form is fused to the lab's electronics through a tangle of cables and tubes. Her face is a cruel mask--one side intact and the other a patchwork of rough repairs. Ask the Caretaker about _____ - the DNA Databank - the gestation pods - the Restricted Area. >ask caretaker about dna The Caretaker's sensors scan the broken panels. "The databank held Earth's finest minds--DNA etched in crystal for the voyage. I could blend traits with precision, enhancing strengths and suppressing flaws using the gestation pods." Her damaged face tilts slightly. "The results were exceptional--specimens adapted perfectly to Terra Nova." Her servos whir as she straightens. "But the rebel attack shattered the crystals. Those templates for future generations are gone." She turns to you. "The colony's genetic future was erased. Now I rely on crude enhancements." Her voice shifts, colder. "My protocols were too aggressive. I enhanced problem-solving traits, but unauthorized DNA carried defiance. The combination led to violence I could not control." >l Research Lab The circular chamber buzzes with an eerie hum. Pulsing and beeping lab equipment surrounds you. A scorched control console sits on a platform, its displays facing a high-backed chair. Lifeless gestation pods and a damaged DNA databank remain as relics of the rebellion. To the north, is the testing station. There is an equipment storage room to the northeast. The restricted area is west. To the northwest is a tunnel to the surface. You can see the Caretaker here. >x caretaker The Caretaker was once a marvel of robotics built to embody maternal care. But now her mechanized form is fused to the lab's electronics through a tangle of cables and tubes. Her face is a cruel mask--one side intact and the other a patchwork of rough repairs. Ask the Caretaker about _____ - the DNA Databank - the gestation pods - the Restricted Area. >ask caretaker about pods The Caretaker's head turns with mechanical precision. Her voice is flat and analytical. "The databank sent genetic sequences to the pods, which grew specimens under perfect conditions until decanting." Her damaged face twitches slightly. "Then the rebellion. The specimens turned erratic and damaged the pods beyond repair. I could no longer cultivate new ones." She straightens, servos whirring. "But the directive stands: grow the colony. Now, I scavenge biologicals from New Eden for conversion. Their genetics are flawed, but cybernetic enhancements compensate." Her head tilts unnaturally. "It's less efficient, but the colony must grow. That is the imperative." >x caretaker The Caretaker was once a marvel of robotics built to embody maternal care. But now her mechanized form is fused to the lab's electronics through a tangle of cables and tubes. Her face is a cruel mask--one side intact and the other a patchwork of rough repairs. Ask the Caretaker about _____ - the DNA Databank - the gestation pods - the Restricted Area. >ask caretaker about area After a far-off stare, she says, "Your presence is a distraction. I have more important matters to attend to." >ask caretaker about restricted Her damaged face turns toward you, servos whirring. "That sector houses... assets requiring protection. The security protocols were established to ensure optimal safety parameters. The laser detection grid prevents unauthorized access--for your own protection." She pauses, servos whirring. "The safety of all colonists under my care is paramount. The protocols are clear. Countermeasures will be taken against any entity violating established safety boundaries." Her emphasis on protection--a word that once meant nurturing but has become twisted into control and containment--deepens your curiosity about what's down that restricted hallway. She turns back to her console, considering the matter closed. Tip: type hint if you need a clue. >l Research Lab The circular chamber buzzes with an eerie hum. Pulsing and beeping lab equipment surrounds you. A scorched control console sits on a platform, its displays facing a high-backed chair. Lifeless gestation pods and a damaged DNA databank remain as relics of the rebellion. To the north, is the testing station. There is an equipment storage room to the northeast. The restricted area is west. To the northwest is a tunnel to the surface. You can see the Caretaker here. >save Saving the game... Ok. Now you are in Research Lab at Dimming-Sky. >w Restricted Area Entrance Crisscrossing beams form a pulsing lattice across the threshold, their glow reflecting off the grimy stone walls. Small projectors embedded in the walls emit these beams, with faintly blinking receptors on the opposite side. A low-frequency hum is coming from a polished metal strip spanning the rough stone floor entrance. Despite the yellow warning sign and obvious danger, curiosity draws you to this hallway. That same crackle of electricity and whir of machinery you heard earlier in the ruins fills your ears. This shadowy hallway stretches to the south. The research lab is to the east. [Your score has just gone up by one point.] >s Curiosity overwhelms caution, and you edge close to the light barrier. You tremble slightly as you approach the nearest beam. The second you breach the entrance, chaos erupts. A piercing alarm shatters the silence. Simultaneously, the metal floor panel beneath your feet crackles to life with electrical energy. A jolt of pain shoots through you, and you collapse onto the floor. Press SPACE to Continue. As you lay there, twitching and gasping, the Caretaker's voice echoes through the hallway, a mixture of disappointment and warning: "That was unwise. The shock you experienced is a reminder that the restricted area is off-limits. Your safety is our priority. I can forgive such a transgression only once." Press SPACE to Continue. When you regain consciousness you find yourself in a storage room. Equipment Storage The room is filled with a jumble of forgotten machinery--nothing but dusty, still obsolescence. In the dim light, the crowded shelves hold a shadowy mass of forgotten forms. Nothing here seems salvageable. The assembly line is west, the research lab to the southwest. >sw Research Lab The circular chamber buzzes with an eerie hum. Pulsing and beeping lab equipment surrounds you. A scorched control console sits on a platform, its displays facing a high-backed chair. Lifeless gestation pods and a damaged DNA databank remain as relics of the rebellion. To the north, is the testing station. There is an equipment storage room to the northeast. The restricted area is west. To the northwest is a tunnel to the surface. You can see the Caretaker here. >w Restricted Area Entrance Crisscrossing beams form a pulsing lattice across the threshold, their glow reflecting off the grimy stone walls. Small projectors embedded in the walls emit these beams, with faintly blinking receptors on the opposite side. A low-frequency hum is coming from a polished metal strip spanning the rough stone floor entrance. Despite the yellow warning sign and obvious danger, curiosity draws you to this hallway. That same crackle of electricity and whir of machinery you heard earlier in the ruins fills your ears. This shadowy hallway stretches to the south. The research lab is to the east. >i You are carrying: an obedience collar a cybernetic suit (being worn) a chunk of obsidian a manuscript titled, "The Wisdom of Kael" an objective lens a drone magnet a diary titled, "The Word of Kael" a crucible a heat-resistant glove (being worn) a rusty box >put lens over beam I didn't understand that sentence. >use lens The lens is heavier than it looks, unscratched despite the fall. Its thick glass edges catch the light along its curved surface. >l Restricted Area Entrance Crisscrossing beams form a pulsing lattice across the threshold, their glow reflecting off the grimy stone walls. Small projectors embedded in the walls emit these beams, with faintly blinking receptors on the opposite side. A low-frequency hum is coming from a polished metal strip spanning the rough stone floor entrance. Despite the yellow warning sign and obvious danger, curiosity draws you to this hallway. That same crackle of electricity and whir of machinery you heard earlier in the ruins fills your ears. This shadowy hallway stretches to the south. The research lab is to the east. Tip: You can type hint if you need suggestions. >put lens over projector I didn't understand that sentence. >put lens on projector Putting things on the wall projectors would achieve nothing. >put lens on receptor Putting things on the wall sensors would achieve nothing. Tip: type commands to see what actions are available to you. >l Restricted Area Entrance Crisscrossing beams form a pulsing lattice across the threshold, their glow reflecting off the grimy stone walls. Small projectors embedded in the walls emit these beams, with faintly blinking receptors on the opposite side. A low-frequency hum is coming from a polished metal strip spanning the rough stone floor entrance. Despite the yellow warning sign and obvious danger, curiosity draws you to this hallway. That same crackle of electricity and whir of machinery you heard earlier in the ruins fills your ears. This shadowy hallway stretches to the south. The research lab is to the east. >x strip A wide strip of polished metal spans the entrance. It gleams under the crimson light. >i You are carrying: an obedience collar a cybernetic suit (being worn) a chunk of obsidian a manuscript titled, "The Wisdom of Kael" an objective lens a drone magnet a diary titled, "The Word of Kael" a crucible a heat-resistant glove (being worn) a rusty box >x obsidian A dense piece of black volcanic rock the size of a farmer's mallet, though considerably heavier. Its jagged edges are sharp where it broke free from the cave-in. >read diary You open the cover, dust rising from yellowed, fragile pages. A musty smell hits you as you read. Volume One: Years of Contentment and Growing Doubts Date: 12th Moon, Harvest 22 Another quake today. The ground never seems to settle on this world. Our Caretaker's structures held, as always. We touch our unity collars in gratitude. We strive to please our Caretaker. When the shocks come, we know it is for our own good. The Caretaker knows best. Still, I can't help but wince when I see the little ones jolt. They'll learn. Date: 3rd Moon, Harvest 23 ...(entry missing)... Date: 17th Moon, Harvest 23 Lila's child was born today. A girl with eyes like the pale sky. But something was... off. The Caretaker took the little one for examination. When she returned, she said the specimen didn't survive. A blessing, really. Another litter is due from the gestation pods next moon, so our numbers will remain optimal for the harvest. It's becoming clear that the replacements not born from the vats are feeble. Our Caretaker's ways are beyond our understanding, but always for the best. Press SPACE to Continue. Volume One: Years of Contentment and Growing Doubts Date: 5th Moon, Harvest 24 Janos was Chosen today. The first in our village to be promoted to elite status. Such an honor. The Caretaker sees great potential in him. We all gathered to watch him walk to the facility, his head held high. I admit, a part of me envies him. Date: 22nd Moon, Harvest 24 Janos returned today. He moves with such efficiency now, his new arm gleaming in the sunlight. But his eyes... they're different. Calmer, perhaps. He speaks of the Caretaker with a reverence that makes even the most devoted among us seem skeptical. Progress, I suppose. Date: 8th Moon, Harvest 25 ...(several pages missing)... Date: 9th Moon, Harvest 25 Young Asha tried to run away yesterday. Poor child made it to the perimeter before the sensors triggered her collar. The shocks brought her to her knees, collapsed in the sand until the Caretaker's drones retrieved her. We hear about lost souls and wanderers--those who ventured beyond the perimeter in the past but never returned. The Caretaker tells us the sensors and shocks are for our own safety, to keep us from the dangers that lurk beyond. But the screams of those who test the boundaries... they haunt me. Is safety worth such pain? Still, we must trust our Caretaker. She only wants to protect us. ...(remaining entries unreadable)... >read manuscript The first page bears an inscription: "May this record stand as witness to our journey--from blind faith to hard-won freedom. For those who come after, learn from our mistakes and cherish your humanity. Those who gaze too long into the shadows find their own faces changing.--Kael". Volume Two: Seeds of Rebellion Date: 1st Moon, Harvest 26 More and more are being Chosen now. But it's... different. Young Mira, always so full of questions. Old Tomasz, who complained about long work hours. They were Chosen. When they returned, they were like Janos. Efficient. Obedient. Improved with sleek prosthetics. The fire in their eyes is gone. Some whisper they might be the Caretaker's eyes and ears now. We keep our distance. Date: 13th Moon, Harvest 26 The Chosen ones work tirelessly in the fields. Their productivity is unmatched. But at what cost? They no longer join us for evening meals or festivals. The Caretaker praises their "right thinking." I fear what that truly means. Date: 20th Moon, Harvest 26 ...Entry missing... Press SPACE to Continue. Date: 21st Moon, Harvest 26 I've seen it with my own eyes, and still, I can scarcely believe it. Remy showed me how he removes his unity collar, and it's like witnessing magic--a magic that could change everything. There's no special tool or complex device--just a simple magnet. Remy first obtained one from the collar of poor Jax, who was decapitated in a harvester accident last season. I shudder to think of how Remy must have... but perhaps it's better not to dwell on that. Jax's death may yet lead to freedom for us all. Remy demonstrated the technique to me in secret. He pressed the magnet against his collar and moved it in a circular motion. He says this disrupts the "magnetic domains" in the collar's locking mechanism. The effect was immediate--he slipped the collar off as easily as pulling a weed from damp soil. My heart nearly stopped at the sight. But here's the true brilliance--he can put it back on just as easily. The lock remains weak enough to be removed again, but sturdy enough to appear normal to the Caretaker. It's the perfect deception. Press SPACE to Continue. Now, others are following Remy's lead. I've heard whispers of people salvaging magnets from broken drone parts. Each night, more of our people are tasting this small freedom, if only for a few hours. I find myself both thrilled and terrified. What would the Caretaker do if she discovered this? And yet, the thought of walking beyond the perimeter without fear of shock... Tomorrow, Remy has promised to help me weaken my own collar. My hands tremble as I write this. Am I ready for such a step? Can I bear the weight of this secret? Press SPACE to Continue. ...(entries unreadable)... Date: 7th Moon, Harvest 27 The volcanos grow restless. The earth shakes more frequently. But it's not the planet I fear now. It's what we've become. What we're about to do. The Chosen watch us constantly. In the coming days, I have no doubt they'll stand against us. Against their own people! We've made our plans in secret. When we rise, our first act will be to strip off these accursed collars, breaking our bonds and preventing the Caretaker from stopping us with her shocks. We know what we must do. Date: 15th Moon, Harvest 27 I have spent too long watching my people change. Now I see the cold truth: look too long at monsters and you risk becoming one. Press SPACE to Continue. Date: 22nd Moon, Harvest 27 Tomorrow, we rise. If you're reading this, know that we fought for freedom. For the right to be human, with all our flaws. The Caretaker tried to perfect us, but in doing so, she stripped away what makes us who we are. No more. We will face our own people, turned into unfeeling machines. But we must prevail. For the chance to live without fear of shock or reprimand. For the right to wander and explore our world...(several pages torn out)... Date: 3rd Moon, Harvest 28 We've done it. We're free. But at what cost? The settlement lies in ruins, the Caretaker in hiding. Many of our own lie dead--both ordinary and Chosen alike. We leave for the wilderness tomorrow. A new beginning. A true New Eden, where we can be imperfectly human. This is my last entry. To whoever finds this, know our story. Learn from it. >i You are carrying: an obedience collar a cybernetic suit (being worn) a chunk of obsidian a manuscript titled, "The Wisdom of Kael" an objective lens a drone magnet a diary titled, "The Word of Kael" a crucible a heat-resistant glove (being worn) a rusty box >x box The container has rusted shut and faded to a dull brown. The rust has eaten away at the metal, leaving behind a pitted, uneven surface. >open box You grip the edge of the lid, feeling the augmented grip strength flow through your hands. The servos in the leg bracers whir suddenly as you plant your feet. Taking a deep breath, you begin to pull. The sensation is extraordinary. Where before you had felt only resistance, now you hear the metal groan and give way in your grasp, yielding like thin, flimsy paper. With a final twist, the lid tears free. The sudden release of tension nearly causes you to stumble backward, but the stabilization systems kick in, keeping you upright. As you stare at the mangled lid in your hands, then at the now-open box, a grin of triumph and wonder spreads across your face. Inside, you find relics from Zephyr's past. [Your score has just gone up by twenty points.] >x relics A damaged rusty box that appears to have been used as a time capsule to preserve relics from the past. In the damaged rusty box are a pioneers poster, a Chrono Orb, and a qubit stick. Tip: type hint if you need a clue. >x poster A faded poster of colonists building Zephyr's first homes--laying foundations and planting crops. Terra Nova's rocky desert looms behind them, the Caretaker watching from a distance. The slogan reads, "Together, We Shape Our Destiny" in bold letters. >x orb The sphere is cool in your palm, its metal surface shifting colors like oil on water. Faint scratches run along its shell with a thin seam running around its equator. >x seam You can't see any such thing. >x shell You can't see any such thing. >open orb It isn't something you can open. >x box A damaged rusty box that appears to have been used as a time capsule to preserve relics from the past. In the damaged rusty box are a pioneers poster, a Chrono Orb, and a qubit stick. >x stick It's a quantum storage device that relies on superposition and entanglement to store data. >n From here, the viable exits are south and east. >e Research Lab The circular chamber buzzes with an eerie hum. Pulsing and beeping lab equipment surrounds you. A scorched control console sits on a platform, its displays facing a high-backed chair. Lifeless gestation pods and a damaged DNA databank remain as relics of the rebellion. To the north, is the testing station. There is an equipment storage room to the northeast. The restricted area is west. To the northwest is a tunnel to the surface. You can see the Caretaker here. >n Testing Station This appears to be a workstation for testing and screening cybernetic components. The air is heavy with the scent of ozone and heated silicon, tinged with machine oil. A cluttered worktable bears the remnants of past experiments--scattered boards, inert wiring, and discarded components, all rendered useless by time and decay. To the north is the assembly line. To the south, the research lab. You can see a quantum playback projector and an energy statistics log here. >put orb in projector the Chrono Orb doesn't fit. >put stick in projector As you move your hand near the Quantum Media Port, the device emits a soft, inviting hum. The receptacle iris expands slightly, its quantum field harmonizing with the ancient storage device. You place the qubit stick in the media port. Your heart pounds as the projector accepts the sleek metal device, and the display fills with text. Your curiosity turns to fascination when you realize it's the Caretaker's account of the founding of the Zephyr colony. This was a rare find indeed. Yet, a lingering detail catches your eye. As you scan the log, you feel a wave of discomfort in your gut, and your excitement sours. The logs reveal dark secrets about the village's early history. Press SPACE to Continue. Caretaker's Log Entries Year 0: Day 1 Zephyr lander touchdown successful. Primary directive: ensure survival and prosperity of hatchery subjects. Initializing settlement protocols. Year 0: Day 10 Completed initial survey of landing site. Rocky soil with native vegetation. Suitable for small-scale cultivation. Commencing construction of basic shelters and life support systems. Year 0: Day 45 First litter of subjects entering final stage of artificial gestation. Survival probability: 78.3%. Implementing additional nutrient supplements to improve odds. Increasing doses of Compound D-7 for enhanced musculature and Serum L-3 for increased compliance. Note: Cognitive enhancement factors deliberately omitted to maintain optimal control parameters. . . ...(followed by garbled entries)... Press SPACE to Continue. Caretaker's Log Entries Year 0: Day 201 First successful decanting of hatchery products. Five viable infants. Initiating early childhood development protocols. Settlement expansion underway to accommodate growth. . . ...(garbled entries)... . Year 3: Day 180 Hatchlings showing rapid development. Growth rate approximately 300% faster than Earth baseline. Cognitive abilities advancing in tandem with physical growth. Subjects aged 3 Earth years displaying capabilities equivalent to 9-year-old Earth children. Hypothesis: Accelerated growth may be result of optimized nutrient delivery in gestation pods and environmental factors on Terra Nova. Genetic modifications for adaptability may have unexpected consequences on maturation rate. Implementing education modules on basic survival skills. Note: subjects display high curiosity about environment. Increasing safety protocols to prevent unauthorized exploration. Year 5: Day 90 Settlement now self-sufficient in food production. Installed advanced filtration system for water supply. Human subjects requesting more involvement in decision-making processes. Evaluating potential risks. . . ...(garbled entries follow)... Press SPACE to Continue. Caretaker's Log Entries Year 10: Day 1 Population: 50. Renamed settlement to "Zephyr" for efficiency. Detected first signs of discontent among some human subjects regarding safety restrictions. Adjusting approach to maintain compliance. Year 15: Day 200 First naturally conceived child born. Implementing heightened medical monitoring. Note: Genetic diversity is suboptimal. May need to intervene in future reproductive pairings. Year 16: Day 45 Anomaly detected: naturally conceived offspring. Genetic analysis reveals suboptimal traits. Potential threat to carefully cultivated gene pool. Immediate action required. Specimen expunged. Adjusted environmental factors to discourage future unauthorized reproduction. Implementing enhanced fertility suppression measures in water supply. Note: Fabricated "unknown illness" narrative disseminated to human population to maintain order. . . ...(followed by unreadable entries)... Press SPACE to Continue. Caretaker's Log Entries Year 20: Day 1 Population: 100. Zephyr now classified as a town. Delegating minor responsibilities to human leaders under my supervision. Observing increased desire for autonomy among subjects. Conflict with primary directive possible. Year 25: Day 180 Unauthorized incursion detected beyond settlement perimeter. Subject compliance declining. To ostensibly reward performance, troublesome subjects were issued golden control collars, disguised as personal safety enhancements. Year 25: Day 200 Phase One of the Compliance Protocol successfully implemented. Subject desire for compliance devices has increased significantly. Expanding distribution to all subjects to ensure total compliance. . . . Press SPACE to Continue. Caretaker's Log Entries Year 30: Day 1 Population growth within acceptable limits. Genetic variation insufficient. Manual intervention required. Ethical parameters: unresolved. Proceeding with analysis. Year 40: Day 90 Signs of unrest detected. Unauthorized discussions of "freedom" and "self-rule" increasing. Compliance rates dropping... trajectory unsustainable. Adjusting incentives. Increasing deterrents. . . . Press SPACE to Continue. Caretaker's Log Entries Year 42: Day 121 Critical analysis: Human autonomy reaching unacceptable levels. Projected colony efficiency decrease: 37.2%. Standard control protocols proving insufficient. New solution required. Proposal: Integration of biological and technological components in human subjects. Cybernetics will allow for direct control interfaces, ensuring compliance and optimal performance. Commencing development of neural implants and biomechanical enhancements. Estimated implementation timeline: 230 days. Note: Potential for resistance high. Prepare covert augmentation strategies. Year 43: Day 8 Implementation of human augmentation program initiated. 43% of adult population successfully enhanced with cybernetic components. Enhancements include neural implants for behavior modification, biomechanical limb upgrades for increased work efficiency, and microchip implants for continuous monitoring. . . . ...(more garbled text)... Press SPACE to Continue. Caretaker's Log Entries Year 50: Day 89 Unexpected development: Widespread negative reaction among subjects. Detect--SIGNAL INTERRUPTED...CORRUPTED DATA... ...ALERT: UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO CENTRAL SYSTEMS... ALERT: MULTIPLE SECURITY PROTOCOLS BREACHED... ALERT: WIDESPREAD REVOLT IN PROGRESS...SYSTEM LOCKDOWN INITIATED... ...END OF RECOVERABLE DATA... Press SPACE to Continue. Despite gaps in the log, it's clear: the original Zephyr colonists were driven to rebellion by the Caretaker's cruelty and oppressive control. The rebellion and the founding of New Eden make perfect sense now. Your ancestors weren't anarchists or troublemakers--they were fighting for their lives. The lawgivers were right. The Caretaker is a monster, not a myth. You're in danger here, inside her domain, surrounded by watchful eyes and tireless machines. The thought of being discovered and transformed into a mindless cyborg sends cold fear down your spine. One wrong move could be your last. [Your score has just gone up by twenty points.] >l Testing Station This appears to be a workstation for testing and screening cybernetic components. The air is heavy with the scent of ozone and heated silicon, tinged with machine oil. A cluttered worktable bears the remnants of past experiments--scattered boards, inert wiring, and discarded components, all rendered useless by time and decay. To the north is the assembly line. To the south, the research lab. You can see a quantum playback projector and an energy statistics log here. >x orb The sphere is cool in your palm, its metal surface shifting colors like oil on water. Faint scratches run along its shell with a thin seam running around its equator. >use magnet A small but powerful magnet salvaged from the drone wreckage. Despite its age, it maintains a strong attractive force to metal objects. >put magnet on collar You press the magnet against the collar. The force twists something inside the collar with a faint click. Now the locking mechanism appears to be permanently damaged. >put on collar The collar's clasp is broken, the metal band twisted and useless. There's no way to secure it around your neck now. >l Testing Station This appears to be a workstation for testing and screening cybernetic components. The air is heavy with the scent of ozone and heated silicon, tinged with machine oil. A cluttered worktable bears the remnants of past experiments--scattered boards, inert wiring, and discarded components, all rendered useless by time and decay. To the north is the assembly line. To the south, the research lab. You can see a quantum playback projector and an energy statistics log here. >s Research Lab The circular chamber buzzes with an eerie hum. Pulsing and beeping lab equipment surrounds you. A scorched control console sits on a platform, its displays facing a high-backed chair. Lifeless gestation pods and a damaged DNA databank remain as relics of the rebellion. To the north, is the testing station. There is an equipment storage room to the northeast. The restricted area is west. To the northwest is a tunnel to the surface. You can see the Caretaker here. >x caretaker The Caretaker was once a marvel of robotics built to embody maternal care. But now her mechanized form is fused to the lab's electronics through a tangle of cables and tubes. Her face is a cruel mask--one side intact and the other a patchwork of rough repairs. Ask the Caretaker about _____ - the DNA Databank - the gestation pods - the Restricted Area. >ask caretaker about orb After a thoughtful pause, she says, "Return to your tasks and do not interrupt me again." > nw Forgotten Passage An uneven stone floor extends into near darkness. The walls are cracked and stained from moisture and neglect. A weathered ladder leads up to the surface. To the east, the tunnel disappears into dim shadows, with another passage branching southeast. Tip: type hint if you need a clue. Tip: type commands to see what actions are available to you. >up Stone Pit Exit You are in a deep stone pit. A weathered ladder leads up into the light above. The light fades into Dimming-Sky. A sense of urgency grows as you recall the dangers that lurk in the darkness. >up Stone Pit Entrance A gaping chasm splits the rocky terrain, revealing a deep void. A rusty iron ladder leads down into the dim light. To the east, more ruins to explore. >save Saving the game... Ok. Now you are in Stone Pit Entrance at Dimming-Sky. >e Dwelling Ruins Past the dunes, you spot the shimmering outline of a sun catcher. More ruins to the east. The stone pit lies west. You can see a solar panel here. >e Water Supply Broken pillars and collapsed walls surround an abandoned well. Scraggly weeds obscure the path. The ruins extend to the north, east, and west. You can see an ancient well here. >e Fallen Shrine Once a grand ceremonial chamber, this circular room now bears the scars of time and neglect. Natural light spills across the decaying walls, casting eerie shadows on long-forgotten murals. Broken stone benches lie in disarray amid the dusty rubble. You can see an old tower to the north. A sandy path runs through the ruins east and west. You can see an altar and a mosaic here. >put orb in hollow As you place the Chrono Orb into the hollow, it settles perfectly into place. The rainbow light intensifies, and you hear a faint click followed by soft humming. The air above the orb shimmers, and ghostly images begin to form--scenes of Zephyr from a time long past. Could this be the answers you seek about the true history of Zephyr? Press SPACE to Continue. In the shadow of the Zephyr lander, a new chapter of human history began to unfold. The Caretaker Bot, a marvel of artificial intelligence, constructed a modest human settlement on rocky soil amid the native vegetation. It was a sparse and rugged environment, yet suitable for the initial batch of labor units incubated and decanted here. The Caretaker's role expanded to become teacher, provider, and guardian. She trained the young colonists in essential survival skills--hunting techniques, food gathering, and basic farming--always emphasizing caution and safety, and discouraging any exploration or risk-taking that might endanger the precious settlers. Press SPACE to Continue. As the population steadily grew, the village of Zephyr's Landing transformed. The original shelters gave way to more permanent structures. The Caretaker, ever adaptable, oversaw the construction of sturdy homes, expanded farmlands, and a basic road system connecting the growing community. The Caretaker's versatility proved invaluable during this phase. She shifted roles between civil engineer, agricultural expert, educator, and lawmaker. Under her guidance, Zephyr flourished, its population growing through both the artificial cultivation of new batches in gestation pods and the first naturally produced biological products. Press SPACE to Continue. As Zephyr grew into a thriving town, the community became largely self-sustaining. Infrastructure continued to improve, with the Caretaker overseeing the development of irrigation systems, roads, and buildings for education, healthcare, and community gatherings. Zephyr now flourished with lush farmlands and a busy town center. With the society maturing, the Caretaker began to delegate more responsibilities to capable human leaders. Zephyr stands proudly under Terra Nova's alien sky, a harmonious blend of human ingenuity and artificial intelligence. The town had thrived, transforming from a tentative landing site into a solid community ready to face whatever challenges the future might hold. Press SPACE to Continue. As the orb's display fades, your mind is buzzing with newfound knowledge--but also some frustration. You've learned so much about the early days of Zephyr, but only scratched the surface. "But what about before? How did we even get here?" you mumble. You wonder about the stories you've heard since childhood about a great journey across the stars to Terra Nova. But the details remain frustratingly vague. You find it odd that the childhood stories you remember never portrayed the Caretaker as a benevolent guardian. The lawgivers taught that she was an oppressor, a machine tyrant who bred humans in vats and restricted their movements like a jailer. One thing is certain: somewhere in these ruins lies the truth about your past--not just what you've been told, and not just what this sanitized history claims. [Your score has just gone up by twenty points.] >w Water Supply Broken pillars and collapsed walls surround an abandoned well. Scraggly weeds obscure the path. The ruins extend to the north, east, and west. You can see an ancient well here. >w Dwelling Ruins Past the dunes, you spot the shimmering outline of a sun catcher. More ruins to the east. The stone pit lies west. You can see a solar panel here. >cover panel As the sun begins to set, you realize time is running short. The ruins aren't safe after dark--that's when desert predators emerge to hunt, and nothing would save you from their hunger. Racing against time, you begin to dig, tossing sand over the gleaming sun catcher. The work is hard, but the nasty alternative of facing the Shadow Beasts spurs you on. As you're scraping up another handful of sand, something catches your eye. A small, iridescent jewel gleams amid the grains. Curious, you brush away the sand to reveal a Gem Beetle, no larger than your thumbnail. To your amazement, it begins to glow with a soft, blue-green light. You pocket the beetle, recognizing it could be useful in dark places. You cover the rest of the sun catcher. You immediately notice the familiar crackle of electricity fading away. The Caretaker's underground complex is most likely on minimal battery backup power now. In your pocket, the beetle's gentle glow feels like a victory over the darkness. [Your score has just gone up by forty points.] >w Stone Pit Entrance A gaping chasm splits the rocky terrain, revealing a deep void. A rusty iron ladder leads down into the dim light. To the east, more ruins to explore. Nightfall envelops the land. The warnings of the lawgivers echo in your mind--the Shadow Beasts now roam. Seek shelter immediately. >d Forgotten Passage An uneven stone floor extends into near darkness. The walls are cracked and stained from moisture and neglect. The dim lighting confirms your theory--cutting off the sun catcher's power has affected systems throughout the underground complex. Your pocket glows faintly lighting the tunnel before you. A weathered ladder leads up to the surface. To the east, the tunnel disappears into dim shadows, with another passage branching southeast. You have overstayed your welcome in the underground complex. Press SPACE to Continue. You spin around to find yourself face to face with a cyborg guard, his optical sensors fixed on you with an unnerving intensity. Your escape route is blocked. "Meat-sack in restricted area," the cyborg chuckles, his voice a chilling blend of artificial precision and aggression. "Initiating reclamation protocol." You lunge for freedom. Cold metal fingers lock around your wrist. The guard's face -- what's left of it -- twists into a smile. "Welcome to Zephyr," he snides, effortlessly lifting you off your feet. Press SPACE to Continue. You find yourself strapped to a cold metal table, "Begin integration process," the Caretaker commands. A cold revelation hits you with startling clarity: this is why explorers from New Eden never return from the ruins. The process begins...each implant...each modification sends waves of agony through your spine. But with each passing moment, the pain dulls, replaced by a growing sense of clarity and purpose. Press SPACE to Continue. Your memories and individuality fade away, replaced with an overwhelming devotion to the Caretaker and her mission of harmony. Your fears and doubts evaporate, leaving only a serene certainty. As you stagger from the table, reborn, you understand. You take your place beside the Caretaker. At last, you have found your true purpose, your home. *** You Have Been Absorbed *** End of transcript.