Start of a transcript of Zozzled A Spirited Game by Steph Cherrywell Release 1 / Serial number 191002 / Inform 7 build 6M62 (I6/v6.33 lib 6/12N) Identification number: //0C0FB9BD-7976-4244-932F-0C15390B900B// Interpreter version 2.1.6 / VM 3.1.2 / Library serial number 080126 Standard Rules version 3/120430 by Graham Nelson Hybrid Choices version 4 by AW Freyr >x mermaid On closer inspection, not actually a mermaid - just some blonde sheba with a shiny fake tail wrapped around her gams and a couple of seashells stuck where they'll do her the most good. Her lung capacity must be posi-tutely amazing. The mermaid swims slowly in a sad circle. >talk to mermaid She glances your way as you tap on the glass, but it doesn't look like she can hear you. >wave at mermaid (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >i You are carrying: your best set of glad rags (being worn) >x me You are one swanky sheba, sister! You're dolled up in your best set of glad rags, suitable for turning a fella's head and doing plenty to the rest of him, too. >take all There are none at all available! >l Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, which is crawling with the fuzz, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. A mermaid is swimming lazily around in the tank. >x tank A huge cylindrical tank stretching from the floor to the ceiling. There's got to be about a million gallons of water in there. >search it You swore off searching years ago. That sort of prying is for the fuzz and your old lady. You'll stick with examining things, thank you very much. >heel tap You tap your heel. Whee! >toe tap You tap your toes. Whee! >click heels You click your heels together. Too bad you don't have a pair of silver shoes like that kid in the book, or you'd be out of here. >enter tank The solid glass wall goes all the way up to the ceiling. >x column A huge column molded to look like a waterspout houses a pair of golden elevator doors. A pearl button, used to call the elevator, is just to the side. >w The prohis have the front doors locked up tight. I guess you're staying here tonight! >n The party's over. Now the lounge is just a sad room full of bulls and sober people. You can't bear to see that right now. The mermaid drifts with the flow of the current. >e As you step into the corridor, a faint shimmer passes across your field of vision, as if you've just looked through a slightly warped window. For a second, just one sweet second, you can almost taste champagne. First Floor Corridor An east-west hall lined with pillars. Gilt-edged paintings decorate the walls. The hotel lobby lies to the west, and the scent of lightly chlorinated salt water drifts in from the east. >x pillars They're ionic, or doric, or one of the icks, and carved out of the same wood as the walls. >x paintings Subjects include sea serpents, sultry sirens, and ships being dragged to the inky depths. >e The corridor seems to stretch as you walk down it. You feel your mouth filling with something cold, but delicious. It's gin! Sweet, succulent gin! Only you can't seem to swallow it...or spit it out...and it's freezing. Your cheeks are already starting to feel numb. A woman in an old-fashioned dress, the sort your spinster-est spinster aunt would wear, is walking beside you, eyes fixed on the end of the hall. But the hall keeps going. And going. And your cheeks feel as if they're going to shatter from the cold. The woman whips her head around and fixes you with a stare, a pair of slate-gray eyes nailing into your own baby blues - and now you're stumbling out into the warm, steamy air of the natatorium. The woman walks north, her back to you, and strides into the gentlemen's changing room just as bold as anything. Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >x tiles If they're not genuine mother-of-pearl, they're at least pearl's very supportive aunt. >x baths For simulated beachside canoodling. >x pool A bubbling pool of hot saltwater. >x beach The painting glows with life - bright sands, blue skies, warm sun, bathers frolicking in the surf. In the foreground is lush beach grass and, off to one side, a whitewashed changing shed. The door of the shed looks so real, you just have to run your fingers over it - and you feel rough wood. It is real! Looks like there's a way east from here, cleverly concealed as part of the painting. >open door (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >e Boiler Room You pull open the cleverly concealed whitewashed door. Beyond is a dark, cramped boiler room. About ninety percent of the space inside is taken up by an immense, medieval-looking boiler, and about half of what's left is full of awkwardly-placed pipes and a large, rusty valve wheel. That leaves a whopping five percent of the room available for you to occupy, which isn't ideal for a girl with a six-percent-sized figure. You suck in your extra percentage point and just manage to scoot past the pipes. It's repulsively hot and cramped in here, and the sound of rushing water is deafening. The only way out is back west, to the natatorium. >turn valve The wheel squeaks as you turn it. The rush of water lessens. >turn valve It's getting harder to turn. The water sounds like a trickle now. >turn valve With a grunt, you turn the wheel as tight as it can go, shutting off the hot water entirely. The only way to turn it now is back in the other direction. >w Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >x pool A frozen sheet of ice. >touch it If you want it, take it. You feel nothing unexpected. >n You give the joint the old once-over first, just to make sure nobody's watching, and then in you go. Gents' Changing Room A snazzy locker room lined with gleaming, brand new lockers, each emblazoned with a burnished copper number. The woman you saw coming in here is nowhere to be seen, but you can hear heavy breathing coming from one of the lockers - number 77. >open locker 77 As soon as your fingertips brush the handle, the locker bursts beneath your fingers like an overripe melon in the sun, flooding your vision with purple light You stand on a vast plain drenched in light from the pendulous purple suns hanging overhead. Neon squiggles slice across your eyes like razor worms. This world is cold and dry, and your tongue feels like paper. The woman stands before you, a single dark spot in the brilliance, growing as the light drains into it, until she's all you can see and you're not even sure if you see that other world at all. There is a single moment of perfect silence. Then she explodes. You see...things...dozens of creepy-crawly little things rushing toward you, crawling over you, wriggling across your skin like eels, and they feel like boneless dead things, but something about how they smell is appealing and familiar. 1) Inhale. >1 [Inhale.] You inhale deeply as the things rush past you. Maybe a little too deeply. You feel dizzy. Then you feel the cement floor of the locker room smacking into the back of your head. You're dimly aware that people are standing over you, and thoughts drift through your mind - idle concerns like that you don't want people to think you're some wet dishrag who faints at the least little thing, and that you hope that the blood isn't ruining your new cloche, and that maybe you're dying. You feel strong arms around you and now you're looking up into the face of an angel carrying you off to heaven and apparently angels dress like elevator operators. And then it's off to Slumberland for who knows how long, but at least long enough to cart you to another room, because that's where you wake up. Specifically, you seem to be in a dark room, alone, lying on an uncomfortable cot made for someone shorter than you, lighter than you, and a whole lot less picky about where they park their person than you are. 1) Stand up. >1 [Stand up.] You haul yourself up, feeling like you've just gone ten rounds with Jack Dempsey after ten rounds of Jack Daniels. Unfortunately, the pleasant alcoholic haze is fading like a dream, while the just-got-the-back-of-my-head-smashed-in haze seems to be making itself right at home. Closet The inside of a dimly-lit storage closet, unfurnished except for an uncomfortable-looking cot pushed into the corner. One whole wall is covered with newspaper clippings, and a tower of dime novels teeters next to the cot. There's a door to the north. >take all There are none at all available! >x clippings The yellowing articles all describe ghost sightings, some as far away as Egypt and France, some not two blocks away. >read clippings The yellowing articles all describe ghost sightings, some as far away as Egypt and France, some not two blocks away. >take novels There's too many of 'em to carry. >read novels You pull a random novel from the pile and leaf through a few pages of The Police In Spectre. >read novels You pull a random novel from the pile and leaf through a few pages of In the Lair of the Living Tornado. >read novels You pull a random novel from the pile and leaf through a few pages of Who Stole My Golden Meathook?. >read novels You pull a random novel from the pile and leaf through a few pages of Lair of the Muck Ghoul. >read novels You pull a random novel from the pile and leaf through a few pages of The Bed That Walked. >n Second Floor Corridor, Right in the Middle You're standing around the midpoint of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. There's a small closet to the south, and the hallway continues to the east and west. >e Second Floor Corridor, East End You're standing at the eastern end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites, and the hallway continues to the west. A laundry cart trundles slowly along the edge of the hallway, brass wheels squeaking. >n The Arctic Suite This room doesn't look like it's been used in years. Everything's covered in a thick coat of dust-the Benzedrine bottles scattered on the floor, the drafting table shoved in the corner, and most especially the enormous scale model of the Poseidon Hotel which dominates the room. A typewritten note is affixed to the model. >take bottles (That's not something you need to take.) >read note FROM THE DESK OF ROWLAND STORK, ARCHITECTURAL GENIUS Dear Thieving Pieces of Excrement, From the day the first man took tool in hand and, brick by brick, built a palace for his inferiors, the noble Architect has toiled to provide comfort and civilization to the filthy subhman masses who despise him for his talents. Thus so it was with the latest chapter in this age-old tragedy, in which I, I, who set my glorious brain to laying the very foundations on which you crawl, you purulent, pus-sucking larvae, was hired to design a hotel under the EXPRESS CONDITION that not one detail of my art be DEFILED by pointless, mindless, stupid changes! It burst forth from the loins of my hands and mind as perfection - a true masterpiece. And was my masterpiece built properly, AS AGREED? No, says the man at the planning office, you can't build a structure this size out of gingerbread! No, says the man on the construction crew, we're going to use stone and cement instead! No, says the man at the front desk, you can't build a gigantic scale model in your room midway through construction, how will we ever get it out? We didn't give you our permission! Well, I didn't give permission for my designs to be stained by the crude droolings of a bunch of single-celled parasitic idiot orangutans. You took my rights from me, and I shall take my hotel from you. The gift I've hidden in my room will soon blast your brains into the lifeless goop they are - (The page is labeled "1 of 147", but the others seem to be missing.) >take it Taken. >x model A 1/10 scale model of the Poseidon Hotel which takes up nearly all the space in the room, and, oddly enough, looks like it's been put together entirely out of gingerbread. It's otherwise perfect down to the smallest detail. The doors are just big enough to squeeze IN. >in You manage to squeeze yourself through the tiny front doors and into a perfect model of the hotel. Gingerbread Hotel Lobby You're crouching on your hands and knees in a perfect stale-gingerbread recreation of the hotel's lobby. It should just be possible to crawl north or east, crawl OUT again, or go up the elevator shaft. >n You crawl north into the Neptune Lounge. Gingerbread Neptune Lounge You're on your hands and knees in a gingerbread recreation of the Neptune Lounge. You can back out to the south. >s You back up, returning to the hotel lobby. Gingerbread Hotel Lobby You're crouching on your hands and knees in a perfect stale-gingerbread recreation of the hotel's lobby. It should just be possible to crawl north or east, crawl OUT again, or go up the elevator shaft. >e You crawl east into the Natatorium. Gingerbread Natatorium You're on your hands and knees in a gingerbread recreation of the hotel natatorium. The pool has been faithfully recreated in blue buttercream frosting. You can back out to the west. >x pool It looks like it was probably creamy and delicious a couple of decades ago. >eat it It's hard as cement! It's gotta be awful old, too. >take it It's too old and hard to scoop up. >push it It is fixed in place. >w You back up, returning to the hotel lobby. Gingerbread Hotel Lobby You're crouching on your hands and knees in a perfect stale-gingerbread recreation of the hotel's lobby. It should just be possible to crawl north or east, crawl OUT again, or go up the elevator shaft. >u You push your way up the elevator shaft and scoot into the second floor hall. Gingerbread Second Floor Corridor You're lying on your stomach in a recreation of the second floor corridor. It's a very tight squeeze, and you can't do much here besides sliding back down. However, one of the gingerbread doors is open a crack to the northeast. >ne You can get your head through the door, but that's it; your shoulders are too wide, and forget about points south! Gingerbread Arctic Suite Your head is sticking into a recreation of the Arctic Suite. You can scrooch back to the southwest. You can see a scale model of the scale model of the Poseidon Hotel here. >take model You can't get your hands far enough into the room to do that. >eat model It does look like it's made of fresher gingerbread, but it's a few inches out of biting range. >x model A smaller model of the model you're currently inside, also made out of gingerbread. This one has wires coming out of it and it's ticking in a frankly kind of worrying way. A big red candy button on the hotel's face is marked "EMERGENCY DEFUSE". >push button You can't reach it from here. You can get your hands just about far enough into the room to touch your face, and that's it. Gee, if only your tongue was about a foot longer! For lots of reasons. >sw You pull your head out of the Arctic Suite and scoot a foot or so down the hall. Gingerbread Second Floor Corridor You're lying on your stomach in a recreation of the second floor corridor. It's a very tight squeeze, and you can't do much here besides sliding back down. However, one of the gingerbread doors is open a crack to the northeast. >put hand in door (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >d You slide backwards and drop back into the lobby. Gingerbread Hotel Lobby You're crouching on your hands and knees in a perfect stale-gingerbread recreation of the hotel's lobby. It should just be possible to crawl north or east, crawl OUT again, or go up the elevator shaft. >s You can't go that way. >out You crawl back out through the tiny front doors in the Arctic Suite. The Arctic Suite This room doesn't look like it's been used in years. Everything's covered in a thick coat of dust-the Benzedrine bottles scattered on the floor, the drafting table shoved in the corner, and most especially the enormous scale model of the Poseidon Hotel which dominates the room. >smash model Probably better not to start smashing up the place. You could get billed for it. >i You are carrying: a typewritten note your best set of glad rags (being worn) >l The Arctic Suite This room doesn't look like it's been used in years. Everything's covered in a thick coat of dust-the Benzedrine bottles scattered on the floor, the drafting table shoved in the corner, and most especially the enormous scale model of the Poseidon Hotel which dominates the room. >x table Looks like an ordinary drafting table. >search it You swore off searching years ago. That sort of prying is for the fuzz and your old lady. You'll stick with examining things, thank you very much. >look under it You find nothing of interest. >s Second Floor Corridor, East End You're standing at the eastern end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites, and the hallway continues to the west. A laundry cart trundles slowly along the edge of the hallway, brass wheels squeaking. >x cart The cart, already piled high, prowls as if looking for more dirty laundry to add to its haul. You wish you could show this to the old lady. She's always claiming laundry doesn't do itself. >s The Indian Suite You can barely see this suite beneath the dropcloth on the floor and the host of half-finished canvases leaning against every wall. The second floor hallway is to the north. Crispin Fourment slouches at an easel, staring at a blank canvas with a tortured expression on his face. A smallish display table sits a few feet from the easel. On it is an uninspiring bowl. >x bowl A bland, boring bowl. No artist could possibly be inspired by this. >search it You swore off searching years ago. That sort of prying is for the fuzz and your old lady. You'll stick with examining things, thank you very much. >take it Taken. >x table An elegant little white-draped table, perfect for displaying the subject to be painted. >sit on table You plop your posterior on the small table. Crispin sighs. (A real sigher, this one.) "If only I could paint you," he says. "But the rules are clear! It's a container of fruit, or nothing!" >talk to crispin Crispin looks up at you. His gorgeous peepers have lost their smoulder, and his complexion is pale and drained. "Go away!" he moans. "I don't deserve admirers. I'm no artist!" 1) "Why would you say that?" >1 ["Why would you say that?"] "Look how they laud me! Look how they applaud! Look how they clap and cheer for me, when I am but a fraud! A joke! A piglet of pigment!" Crispin looks sadly at the blank canvas. "I want to be a real artist, but I can only paint dames!" 1) "So paint dames." >1 ["So paint dames."] "Ha! My populist claptrap period is over! Never another dame shall spill from this brush, for I now only paint Real Art, and Real Art means but one thing - bowls of fruit!" 1) "So paint...fruit?" >1 ["So paint...fruit?"] "I only wish I could!" Crispin sighs deeply. "And yet, every container I find is so...uninspiring. A true artist would be inspired. A true artist would capture the hell out of that bowl!" He sighs again. "I...I am not a true artist." 1) "Who says bowls of fruit are the only real art?" 2) "Well, good luck, Crispin." >1 ["Who says bowls of fruit are the only real art?"] "They all say that! Every real artist!" Crispin says glumly. He hands you a thick art history textbook. "It's right here in black and white. Read it for yourself. I used to scoff at the opinions of my betters, but...but tonight, for some reason...I just can't stop thinking about what a failure of an artist I am." 1) "Why not just paint what you like?" 2) "What kind of container would inspire you?" 3) "Well, good luck, Crispin." >1 ["Why not just paint what you like?"] "I would never be accepted. They'd all keep laughing at me behind my back!" 1) "Why not just paint what you like?" 2) "What kind of container would inspire you?" 3) "Well, good luck, Crispin." >2 ["What kind of container would inspire you?"] "Oh, maybe something with a bowlish...vasish...dishish quality, maybe in blue. No, white. No, red. And...maybe if it was large? Or small?" He puts his head in his hands. "I just can't think of what kind of container I should put the fruit in, but...but I know if I saw the right container on that table, I would be inspired! 1) "Why not just paint what you like?" 2) "What kind of container would inspire you?" 3) "Well, good luck, Crispin." >3 ["Well, good luck, Crispin."] Crispin sighs and goes back to staring at the canvas. The Indian Suite You can barely see this suite beneath the dropcloth on the floor and the host of half-finished canvases leaning against every wall. The second floor hallway is to the north. Crispin Fourment slouches at an easel, staring at a blank canvas with a tortured expression on his face. A smallish display table sits a few feet from the easel. On it is nothing. >x easel It's a Codman's Uncollapsable Easel. "Canvases clattering to the carpet? Should gotta Codman's, chum!" >x canvas Crispin has painted a beautiful picture of a polar bear in a snowstorm! No, wait, it's blank. >x dropcloth It's covered in paint. >take it (That's not something you need to take.) >move it It is fixed in place. >look under it You find nothing of interest. >n Second Floor Corridor, East End You're standing at the eastern end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites, and the hallway continues to the west. A laundry cart trundles slowly along the edge of the hallway, brass wheels squeaking. >e You can't go that way. >w Second Floor Corridor, Right in the Middle You're standing around the midpoint of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. There's a small closet to the south, and the hallway continues to the east and west. >w Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >n "Ah," says a voice as you enter the darkened room. "The spirits inform me that a new seeker has arrived. That is well. Eight is a very powerful number. In the tongue of the Orient, 'eight' holds the same meaning as 'life.' Come, join us, pilgrim. SIT IN this chair, take our hands, and help us breach the very veil between this life and the next." As your eyes begin to the adjust the darkness, you see figures seated around a table. Looks like you wandered into a real live seance! Ain't that just the elephant's manicure? The Atlantic Suite The room is dark, the air thick with the smell of incense and burning spices. Half a dozen men and women are gathered around a table in the center of the room, holding hands, their eyes closed. The door back to the hall is to your south. Madame Ping Ping sits at the far side of the table, hands clasped with the other seance-goers, eyes closed in concentration. Directly across from her is an inviting-looking tasseled chair. >sit What do you want to sit on? >chair The Atlantic Suite (in the tasseled chair) The room is dark, the air thick with the smell of incense and burning spices. Half a dozen men and women are gathered around a table in the center of the room, holding hands, their eyes closed. The door back to the hall is to your south. Madame Ping Ping sits at the far side of the table, hands clasped with the other seance-goers, eyes closed in concentration. Directly across from her is an inviting-looking tasseled chair. You ease yourself into the comfortable tasseled chair and join hands with the seance-goers to either side of you. Across from you, Madame Ping Ping clears her throat, and the seance resumes. "Spirit", Madame Ping Ping says, "we beseech you to show your presence!" >x ping A plump woman about your mother's age, dressed in a shimmering Chinese dress and a silken cape. Her black wig looks like it came from a Cleopatra fancy-dress costume. "Knock once on the table, spirit!" >knock table I didn't understand that sentence. >knock on table You're holding hands with the people to either side, and if you let go, they're sure to smell something fishy. "Knock! Knock!" the assembled seance-goers repeat. >x seance-goers (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >take all There are none at all available! >l The Atlantic Suite (in the tasseled chair) The room is dark, the air thick with the smell of incense and burning spices. Half a dozen men and women are gathered around a table in the center of the room, holding hands, their eyes closed. The door back to the hall is to your south. Madame Ping Ping sits at the far side of the table, hands clasped with the other seance-goers, eyes closed in concentration. Directly across from her is an inviting-looking tasseled chair. "All it will take is one knock. We must know you are here!" >i You are carrying: an art theory textbook an uninspiring bowl a typewritten note your best set of glad rags (being worn) "Knock, spirit! Knock on the table!" >read textbook Chapter 1: The proper subject. (There's a lovely color painting of a bowl of fruit on this page.) No choice you make as an artist is as important as choosing the correct subject. Let the amateur scribblers, the mere dilettantes, content themselves with great battles and last suppers, with windy moors and noble beasts and shapeless bursts of color. You are a Real Artist, and for a Real Artist there is but one subject: The Container of Fruit. Find the most beautiful container you can. Fill it with at least three kinds of fruit. Then simply place it on any convenient table or pedestal in front of you. If you've chosen the right vessel, then inspiration will flow like milk from a pent-up Holstein. Then, and only then, will you know you are a Real Artist. "Spirit", Madame Ping Ping says, "we beseech you to show your presence!" >talk to ping Madame Ping Ping ignores you. "Knock once on the table, spirit!" >x table A round table, perfect for dancing on, covering with drinks, or (in a very distant third place) holding a seance around, apparently. The seance-goers mumble their agreement. >kick table I didn't understand that sentence. >tap heel I didn't understand that sentence. >heel tap You tap your heel. Whee! "All it will take is one knock. We must know you are here!" >klick heels I didn't understand that sentence. >click heels You click your heels together. Too bad you don't have a pair of silver shoes like that kid in the book, or you'd be out of here. "Knock, spirit! Knock on the table!" >toe tap You tap your toes. Whee! "Spirit", Madame Ping Ping says, "we beseech you to show your presence!" >z Time passes. "Knock once on the table, spirit!" >z Time passes. "Knock! Knock!" the assembled seance-goers repeat. >z Time passes. "All it will take is one knock. We must know you are here!" >z Time passes. "Knock, spirit! Knock on the table!" >stand You let go of the hands to either side of you and stand up. The Atlantic Suite The room is dark, the air thick with the smell of incense and burning spices. Half a dozen men and women are gathered around a table in the center of the room, holding hands, their eyes closed. The door back to the hall is to your south. Madame Ping Ping sits at the far side of the table, hands clasped with the other seance-goers, eyes closed in concentration. Directly across from her is an inviting-looking tasseled chair. >x chair A fancy-looking chair with long Oriental tassles. You can SIT IN it to join the seance. >x tassles (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >s Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >s The Pacific Suite An ordinary hotel room, neat as a pin. It doesn't look like anyone's staying in this one. A scenic picture hangs over the freshly-made bed. The only exit is north, back the way you came. >x picture It depicts a pirate ship sailing across rough seas, the pirates happily hoisting mugs of grog. You could sure go for some grog right now, and you're not even sure what it is. >take it It's firmly stuck to the wall. Oh well, the grog looked sour anyway. >move it It is fixed in place. >x pirate (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >x ship (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >x grog (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >x bed It sure looks cozy, the sort of bed a freshly schnockered girl could happily collapse into in happier times. >look under bed You find nothing of interest. >n Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >push button The elevator doors slide open, and there's the elevator operator, some cute little sheba in a fancy aquamarine uniform, young enough that she's proably still got a handprint on her hindquarters from when the doctor slapped her. "Oh, good!" she chirps when she sees you. "You're awake! Gosh, did you ever take a real whack-a-roo on the noggin!" 1) "And how! My head is still pounding." 2) "You couldn't have called a doctor?" >1 ["And how! My head is still pounding."] She nods. "That's one of the thirty telltale signs on a genuine ghostly encounter! Residual aches in the head, spine, shoulders, legs, or fundament, dizzyness, sallow complexion, general biliousness, distemper, soul rot, flashbacks, blackouts, inversions of balance, ennui, malaise, fever, generalized pox, itching, bloating, excess perspiration, not enough perspiration, wandering tongue--" 1) "Ghostly encounter?" >1 ["Ghostly encounter?"] "Oh, yes! This hotel is haunted, you know. All sorts of horrible things happened here!" She beams at you. "You were covered with spectral residue when we found you. Everyone else said that was just gunk from the locker room floor, but I knew the truth. I knew you'd touched the other world!" 1) "Kiddo, the only thing I want to touch right now is an ice pack and a few drinks to empty it into." >1 ["Kiddo, the only thing I want to touch right now is an ice pack and a few drinks to empty it into."] "Sorry, Miss, but there's not a drop in the whole place. I think that's the work of the ghost, too. Because I know who the ghost is!" She leans forward and sticks out one white-gloved hand. "Kipper Fanucci, student of the paranormal! Is me, I mean. Not the ghost." 1) "Hazel Greene, student of the alcoholic!" >1 ["Hazel Greene, student of the alcoholic!"] "Nice to meet you, Hazel!" Kipper pumps your hand up and down vigourously. "I can't believe I'm finally meeting someone with the Sight!" 1) "What is 'the Sight'?" 2) "Who is the ghost?" 3) "How did an elevator operator become a 'student of the paranormal'?" >1 ["What is 'the Sight'?"] "It means you can see into the spiritual realm...at least, a little bit. More than I can, anyway," she murmurs, a wistful look crossing her face. "You oughtta treasure it. It's a rare gift!" 1) "Who is the ghost?" 2) "How did an elevator operator become a 'student of the paranormal'?" >1 ["Who is the ghost?"] "Her name is Mildred Waverly. She was a temperance crusader who disappeared in this very hotel eight years ago tonight, give or take a couple of weeks, and her body was never found! There have been events for years! Drinks mysteriously going bad, strange sounds coming from the basement...but never anything like this!" 1) "So this bluenose from beyond the grave has got us all stuck in a bone-dry haunted house, and I'm the only one who can see her?" 2) "How did an elevator operator become a 'student of the paranormal'?" >1 ["So this bluenose from beyond the grave has got us all stuck in a bone-dry haunted house, and I'm the only one who can see her?"] Kipper nods vigorously. "Now you're on the trolley!" She pulls a battered pair of old-fashioned, wire-rimmed cheaters out of her pocket. "Take a gander at these! They were found in Mildred Waverly's room on the night she disappeared. She wore 'em everywhere, which means, according to Epstein's Principle of Sympathetic Resonance, they should be attuned to her. They might make it easier to find spectral traces. I've been looking through 'em all day, but if you don't have the Sight, they're just a pair of old glasses. Go ahead - try them on. Maybe you'll see something!" 1) Put on the glasses. >1 [Put on the glasses.] This still sounds like a barrel of banana oil to you, but you may as well humor the kid. You slip the glasses on, and - There's a mysterious patch on the wall of the elevator, a sort of glowing greasy stain of light. It twists and quivers, seeming to sense that you're taking a gander at it, and finally peels away and reforms and - holy smokes, there's a ghost here! There's a ghost right here, looking at you with its little piggy ghosty eyes, making itself comfortable with a nice perch right on Kipper's shoulder! You take off the cheaters and rub your eyes, but the ghost is still there. Looks like once they decide to come out to play, you don't need the glasses to see them. 1) >LOOK GHOST. 2) >KILL GHOST. 3) >TALK TO GHOST. >2 [>KILL GHOST.] You swat at the little specter, but your hand passes right through. It felt wet. Kipper blinks. "I got a fly on my cheek?" 1) >LOOK GHOST. 2) >KILL GHOST WITH HAT. 3) >TALK TO GHOST. >1 [>LOOK GHOST.] It looks a splash of liquid, like the moment when a drink got dumped out or tossed in someone's face was frozen forever. When it sees that you're looking at it, it vamps like Clara Bow. 1) >ASK KIPPER ABOUT GHOST. 2) >KILL GHOST WITH HAT. 3) >TALK TO GHOST. >1 [>ASK KIPPER ABOUT GHOST.] "You want to hear more about Mildred Waverly? Sure! According to Winslow's Three Precepts, a paranormal entity intersects the physical plane when one of Breznev's Five Conditions is met, and going by the Rule of Least Co-Corporeality..." Boy, this sheba can beat her gums when she gets going! 1) >KILL GHOST WITH HAT. 2) >TALK TO GHOST. 3) >OPEN GHOST. >2 [>TALK TO GHOST.] The ghost just giggles wetly. 1) >KILL GHOST WITH HAT. 2) >TAKE GHOST. 3) >OPEN GHOST. >2 [>TAKE GHOST.] You can't seem to get a grip on it. It's like trying to hold on to a damp tissue in a dream. 1) >KILL GHOST WITH HAT. 2) >OPEN GHOST. 3) >SMELL GHOST. >2 [>OPEN GHOST.] That's not something you can open! Use your head! 1) >KILL GHOST WITH HAT. 2) >SMELL GHOST. 3) >GHOST, GO NORTH. >2 [>SMELL GHOST.] It smells a lot like a bucket of gin. 1) >KILL GHOST WITH HAT. 2) >GHOST, GO NORTH. 3) >DRINK GHOST. >1 [>KILL GHOST WITH HAT.] Your fashionable cloche passes right through the ghost. Nerts! 1) >USE HAT WITH GHOST. 2) >GHOST, GO NORTH. 3) >DRINK GHOST. >1 [>USE HAT WITH GHOST.] You fumble with your cloche, trying to figure out how to do what you just decided to do. 1) >GHOST, GO NORTH. 2) >UNLOCK GHOST. 3) >DRINK GHOST. >1 [>GHOST, GO NORTH.] The ghost isn't listening to you and probably has no sense of direction anyway. 1) >UNLOCK GHOST. 2) >DRINK GHOST. 3) >HELLO, SAILOR. >1 [>UNLOCK GHOST.] What? Come on, think, Hazel, think! 1) >DRINK GHOST. 2) >HELLO, SAILOR. 3) >WAIT. >1 [>DRINK GHOST.] You lunge forward, put you lips on the ghost, and suck in, not really expecting it to work any better than anything else you've tried...but to your shock, it does! You slurp the ghost shrieking down your gullet. Not only did that get rid of the ghost, you really needed that drink! Apparently this is how you get rid of ghosts. Who knew? You draw back to see Kipper goggling at you. "W-what was that? One of those kisses they do to say hello in France?" She blushes. "Gee! I've never been French-kissed before!" 1) "No, I wasn't trying to kiss you! I was drinking a ghost off of your shoulder." >1 ["No, I wasn't trying to kiss you! I was drinking a ghost off of your shoulder."] Kipper rolls her eyes. "Sure, like I haven't heard that line before. Wait - you're serious, aren't you? You actually succeeded in enclosing a second-order roaming malevolent sub-spirit in an organic containment matrix? Oh, Miss Greene, that's just the cat's pajamas! You don't just have the Sight! You have the Taste!" She practically pushes you out of the elevator. "You put on those glasses and see what else you can find. I bet this place is just dripping with second-order roaming malevolent sub-spirits! Oooooh, gosh, this is exciting!" Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >n The Atlantic Suite The room is dark, the air thick with the smell of incense and burning spices. Half a dozen men and women are gathered around a table in the center of the room, holding hands, their eyes closed. The door back to the hall is to your south. Madame Ping Ping sits at the far side of the table, hands clasped with the other seance-goers, eyes closed in concentration. Directly across from her is an inviting-looking tasseled chair. >sit in chair The Atlantic Suite (in the tasseled chair) The room is dark, the air thick with the smell of incense and burning spices. Half a dozen men and women are gathered around a table in the center of the room, holding hands, their eyes closed. The door back to the hall is to your south. Madame Ping Ping sits at the far side of the table, hands clasped with the other seance-goers, eyes closed in concentration. Directly across from her is an inviting-looking tasseled chair. You ease yourself into the comfortable tasseled chair and join hands with the seance-goers to either side of you. Across from you, Madame Ping Ping clears her throat, and the seance resumes. "Spirit", Madame Ping Ping says, "we beseech you to show your presence!" >blow ghost (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >blow table Blowing that wouldn't do much. "Knock once on the table, spirit!" >ghost, knock on table You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >i You are carrying: a pair of spook-spotting cheaters an art theory textbook an uninspiring bowl a typewritten note your best set of glad rags (being worn) "Come on, don't be shy!" says the woman in the overcoat. >z Time passes. "All it will take is one knock. We must know you are here!" >exhale I didn't understand that sentence. >s You would have to get out of the tasseled chair first. "Knock, spirit! Knock on the table!" >out You let go of the hands to either side of you and stand up. The Atlantic Suite The room is dark, the air thick with the smell of incense and burning spices. Half a dozen men and women are gathered around a table in the center of the room, holding hands, their eyes closed. The door back to the hall is to your south. Madame Ping Ping sits at the far side of the table, hands clasped with the other seance-goers, eyes closed in concentration. Directly across from her is an inviting-looking tasseled chair. >s Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >s The Pacific Suite An ordinary hotel room, neat as a pin. It doesn't look like anyone's staying in this one. A scenic picture hangs over the freshly-made bed. The only exit is north, back the way you came. >n Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >e Second Floor Corridor, Right in the Middle You're standing around the midpoint of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. There's a small closet to the south, and the hallway continues to the east and west. >s Closet The inside of a dimly-lit storage closet, unfurnished except for an uncomfortable-looking cot pushed into the corner. One whole wall is covered with newspaper clippings, and a tower of dime novels teeters next to the cot. There's a door to the north. >n Second Floor Corridor, Right in the Middle You're standing around the midpoint of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. There's a small closet to the south, and the hallway continues to the east and west. >e Second Floor Corridor, East End You're standing at the eastern end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites, and the hallway continues to the west. A laundry cart trundles slowly along the edge of the hallway, brass wheels squeaking. >x cart The cart, already piled high, prowls as if looking for more dirty laundry to add to its haul. You wish you could show this to the old lady. She's always claiming laundry doesn't do itself. >i You are carrying: a pair of spook-spotting cheaters an art theory textbook an uninspiring bowl a typewritten note your best set of glad rags (being worn) >wear cheaters You slip them on. It's downright criminal to block the world's view of your kisser, but you've got to find where those ghosts are hiding! >x cart The cart, already piled high, prowls as if looking for more dirty laundry to add to its haul. You wish you could show this to the old lady. She's always claiming laundry doesn't do itself. Your spook-spotting cheaters reveal the source of the mysterious movement - this thing is possessed! Now if only you can find a way to satisfy this laundry cart's unfinished business... >push cart s The laundry cart cannot be pushed from place to place. >s The Indian Suite You can barely see this suite beneath the dropcloth on the floor and the host of half-finished canvases leaning against every wall. The second floor hallway is to the north. Crispin Fourment slouches at an easel, staring at a blank canvas with a tortured expression on his face. He appears to be possessed by one of the hotel ghosts! A smallish display table sits a few feet from the easel. On it is nothing. >take dropcloth (That's not something you need to take.) >push it It is fixed in place. >pull it It is fixed in place. >talk to crispin He sighs heavily. 1) "Why not just paint what you like?" 2) "What kind of container would inspire you?" 3) "Well, good luck, Crispin." >3 ["Well, good luck, Crispin."] Crispin sighs and goes back to staring at the canvas. The Indian Suite You can barely see this suite beneath the dropcloth on the floor and the host of half-finished canvases leaning against every wall. The second floor hallway is to the north. Crispin Fourment slouches at an easel, staring at a blank canvas with a tortured expression on his face. He appears to be possessed by one of the hotel ghosts! A smallish display table sits a few feet from the easel. On it is nothing. >n Second Floor Corridor, East End You're standing at the eastern end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites, and the hallway continues to the west. A laundry cart trundles slowly along the edge of the hallway, brass wheels squeaking. You can see a mysterious glow coming from the cart. Maybe if you took a closer look... >x cart The cart, already piled high, prowls as if looking for more dirty laundry to add to its haul. You wish you could show this to the old lady. She's always claiming laundry doesn't do itself. Your spook-spotting cheaters reveal the source of the mysterious movement - this thing is possessed! Now if only you can find a way to satisfy this laundry cart's unfinished business... >enter cart That's not something you can enter. >i You are carrying: a pair of spook-spotting cheaters (being worn) an art theory textbook an uninspiring bowl a typewritten note your best set of glad rags (being worn) >remove rags There's got to be a better place to get changed, somewhere where you won't be on the hook for causing heart attacks if someone gets an eyeful. >n The Arctic Suite This room doesn't look like it's been used in years. Everything's covered in a thick coat of dust-the Benzedrine bottles scattered on the floor, the drafting table shoved in the corner, and most especially the enormous scale model of the Poseidon Hotel which dominates the room. >remove rags There's got to be a better place to get changed, somewhere where you won't be on the hook for causing heart attacks if someone gets an eyeful. >in You manage to squeeze yourself through the tiny front doors and into a perfect model of the hotel. Gingerbread Hotel Lobby You're crouching on your hands and knees in a perfect stale-gingerbread recreation of the hotel's lobby. It should just be possible to crawl north or east, crawl OUT again, or go up the elevator shaft. >n You crawl north into the Neptune Lounge. Gingerbread Neptune Lounge You're on your hands and knees in a gingerbread recreation of the Neptune Lounge. You can back out to the south. >s You back up, returning to the hotel lobby. Gingerbread Hotel Lobby You're crouching on your hands and knees in a perfect stale-gingerbread recreation of the hotel's lobby. It should just be possible to crawl north or east, crawl OUT again, or go up the elevator shaft. >e You crawl east into the Natatorium. Gingerbread Natatorium You're on your hands and knees in a gingerbread recreation of the hotel natatorium. The pool has been faithfully recreated in blue buttercream frosting. You can back out to the west. >w You back up, returning to the hotel lobby. Gingerbread Hotel Lobby You're crouching on your hands and knees in a perfect stale-gingerbread recreation of the hotel's lobby. It should just be possible to crawl north or east, crawl OUT again, or go up the elevator shaft. >u You push your way up the elevator shaft and scoot into the second floor hall. Gingerbread Second Floor Corridor You're lying on your stomach in a recreation of the second floor corridor. It's a very tight squeeze, and you can't do much here besides sliding back down. However, one of the gingerbread doors is open a crack to the northeast. >ne You can get your head through the door, but that's it; your shoulders are too wide, and forget about points south! Gingerbread Arctic Suite Your head is sticking into a recreation of the Arctic Suite. You can scrooch back to the southwest. You can see a scale model of the scale model of the Poseidon Hotel here. >sw You pull your head out of the Arctic Suite and scoot a foot or so down the hall. Gingerbread Second Floor Corridor You're lying on your stomach in a recreation of the second floor corridor. It's a very tight squeeze, and you can't do much here besides sliding back down. However, one of the gingerbread doors is open a crack to the northeast. >d You slide backwards and drop back into the lobby. Gingerbread Hotel Lobby You're crouching on your hands and knees in a perfect stale-gingerbread recreation of the hotel's lobby. It should just be possible to crawl north or east, crawl OUT again, or go up the elevator shaft. >out You crawl back out through the tiny front doors in the Arctic Suite. The Arctic Suite This room doesn't look like it's been used in years. Everything's covered in a thick coat of dust-the Benzedrine bottles scattered on the floor, the drafting table shoved in the corner, and most especially the enormous scale model of the Poseidon Hotel which dominates the room. >s Second Floor Corridor, East End You're standing at the eastern end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites, and the hallway continues to the west. A laundry cart trundles slowly along the edge of the hallway, brass wheels squeaking. You can see a mysterious glow coming from the cart. Maybe if you took a closer look... >s The Indian Suite You can barely see this suite beneath the dropcloth on the floor and the host of half-finished canvases leaning against every wall. The second floor hallway is to the north. Crispin Fourment slouches at an easel, staring at a blank canvas with a tortured expression on his face. He appears to be possessed by one of the hotel ghosts! A smallish display table sits a few feet from the easel. On it is nothing. >x ghost (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >drink ghost (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >drink crispin If it doesn't have liquor it in, it doesn't go down your hatch! >kiss crispin Once you get started with that, it's awful hard to stop, and you've got work to do! >n Second Floor Corridor, East End You're standing at the eastern end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites, and the hallway continues to the west. A laundry cart trundles slowly along the edge of the hallway, brass wheels squeaking. You can see a mysterious glow coming from the cart. Maybe if you took a closer look... >w Second Floor Corridor, Right in the Middle You're standing around the midpoint of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. There's a small closet to the south, and the hallway continues to the east and west. >w Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >n The Atlantic Suite The room is dark, the air thick with the smell of incense and burning spices. Half a dozen men and women are gathered around a table in the center of the room, holding hands, their eyes closed. The door back to the hall is to your south. Madame Ping Ping sits at the far side of the table, hands clasped with the other seance-goers, eyes closed in concentration. Directly across from her is an inviting-looking tasseled chair. >sit in chair The Atlantic Suite (in the tasseled chair) The room is dark, the air thick with the smell of incense and burning spices. Half a dozen men and women are gathered around a table in the center of the room, holding hands, their eyes closed. The door back to the hall is to your south. Madame Ping Ping sits at the far side of the table, hands clasped with the other seance-goers, eyes closed in concentration. Directly across from her is an inviting-looking tasseled chair. You ease yourself into the comfortable tasseled chair and join hands with the seance-goers to either side of you. Across from you, Madame Ping Ping clears her throat, and the seance resumes. "Spirit", Madame Ping Ping says, "we beseech you to show your presence!" >i You are carrying: a pair of spook-spotting cheaters (being worn) an art theory textbook an uninspiring bowl a typewritten note your best set of glad rags (being worn) "Knock once on the table, spirit!" >l The Atlantic Suite (in the tasseled chair) The room is dark, the air thick with the smell of incense and burning spices. Half a dozen men and women are gathered around a table in the center of the room, holding hands, their eyes closed. The door back to the hall is to your south. Madame Ping Ping sits at the far side of the table, hands clasped with the other seance-goers, eyes closed in concentration. Directly across from her is an inviting-looking tasseled chair. "Knock! Knock!" the assembled seance-goers repeat. >x ping A plump woman about your mother's age, dressed in a shimmering Chinese dress and a silken cape. Her black wig looks like it came from a Cleopatra fancy-dress costume. It looks like she's possessed by a ghost. "All it will take is one knock. We must know you are here!" >x table A round table, perfect for dancing on, covering with drinks, or (in a very distant third place) holding a seance around, apparently. "Knock, spirit! Knock on the table!" >stand You let go of the hands to either side of you and stand up. The Atlantic Suite The room is dark, the air thick with the smell of incense and burning spices. Half a dozen men and women are gathered around a table in the center of the room, holding hands, their eyes closed. The door back to the hall is to your south. Madame Ping Ping sits at the far side of the table, hands clasped with the other seance-goers, eyes closed in concentration. Directly across from her is an inviting-looking tasseled chair. >s Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >s The Pacific Suite An ordinary hotel room, neat as a pin. It doesn't look like anyone's staying in this one. A scenic picture hangs over the freshly-made bed. The only exit is north, back the way you came. >x painting (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >x picture It depicts a pirate ship sailing across rough seas, the pirates happily hoisting mugs of grog. You could sure go for some grog right now, and you're not even sure what it is. >look under bed You find nothing of interest. >n Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >w You can't go that way. >push button "Hiya, Miss Greene! Where to now?" 1) "First floor, please." 2) "Third floor, please." 3) "Seeya, Kipper." >3 ["Seeya, Kipper."] "Seeya, Miss Greene!" Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >push button "Hiya, Miss Greene! Where to now?" 1) "First floor, please." 2) "Third floor, please." 3) "Seeya, Kipper." >3 ["Seeya, Kipper."] "Seeya, Miss Greene!" Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >push button "Hiya, Miss Greene! Where to now?" 1) "First floor, please." 2) "Third floor, please." 3) "Seeya, Kipper." >2 ["Third floor, please."] "Sure thing!" Third Floor It's real swanky up here, and there's a big door to the east that looks like it's gotta be a private suite. A smaller door is to the west. Just like with the other elevator stops, you can push the pearl button here to call Kipper. A stonefaced palooka stands at attention next to the door. >x palooka He's eyeing you suspiciously, which has gotta be one of your least favorite ways to be eyed. >talk to palooka He just growls at you. Guess this mook's not much for chit-chat. >w Damp Closet This is nothing but a small, dark, cramped, damp closet. A metal hatch is set into a particularly wet patch of carpet. >open hatch You swing the heavy metal hatch open, revealing water about a foot down. Light glints in the depths. >x light (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >x water (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >d You're not dressed for a dip! >i You are carrying: a pair of spook-spotting cheaters (being worn) an art theory textbook an uninspiring bowl a typewritten note your best set of glad rags (being worn) >x carpet (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >close door (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >close closet (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >e Third Floor It's real swanky up here, and there's a big door to the east that looks like it's gotta be a private suite. A smaller door is to the west. Just like with the other elevator stops, you can push the pearl button here to call Kipper. A stonefaced palooka stands at attention next to the door. >e The stonefaced palooka holds up a hand. "Dis is a private suite, see, toots? Nobody gets in here but the boss, the boss's gal, and the boss's employees what work for his establishment. Now scramola." >ask palooka about boss There is no reply. >l Third Floor It's real swanky up here, and there's a big door to the east that looks like it's gotta be a private suite. A smaller door is to the west. Just like with the other elevator stops, you can push the pearl button here to call Kipper. A stonefaced palooka stands at attention next to the door. >push button "Hiya, Miss Greene! Where to now?" 1) "First floor, please." 2) "Second floor, please." 3) "Seeya, Kipper." >1 ["First floor, please."] "Sure thing!" Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. >x tank A huge cylindrical tank stretching from the floor to the ceiling. There's got to be about a million gallons of water in there. >x mermaid (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >n Neptune Lounge A real fancy place for swells to come and take in a show - crystal chandeliers, napkins folded in the shape of fish, the whole kit and kaboodle. One wall is mostly taken up by a bar that serves "juice," another features a stage that serves up "talented" performers, and the third is dominated by an enormous mural. The hotel lobby is to the south, the dressing room is to the north, and double doors lead east to the kitchen. A discarded party blower lies on the floor. A dejected daiquiri sits abandoned on one of the tables. >take all party blower: Taken. dejected daiquiri: Taken. >x party It's one of those uncurling party favors you can BLOW to make a "whee!" noise. >blow party You pop it in your mouth and blow. The paper part uncoils with surprising force and a nice loud "wheeeeee!" noise. You feel a little more festive. >x daiquiri A single banana bobs fruitlessly in the non-alcoholic Misery Sauce. You can't bear to see this! You reach in and pluck it from its watery grave, then put the rest of the drink out of its misery by tossing it over your shoulder. >i You are carrying: a banana a party blower a pair of spook-spotting cheaters (being worn) an art theory textbook an uninspiring bowl a typewritten note your best set of glad rags (being worn) >x mural The mural depicts Nereid, Queen of the Saltwater Nymphs, leading her foam-drenched followers in an upriver charge against the brutal waterfall bulwarks of her freshwater archrival, Naiad. It's signed, in big looping letters, C. Fourment. >x nereid (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >x chandeliers Vast icebergs of glass dangling precariously over the tables. >x napkins They're shaped like marine life. >take napkins (That's not something you need to take.) >take napkin (That's not something you need to take.) >x bar The bar is untended. Or, to put it another way, the bar is unattended. All those bottles sitting out, unguarded, and you just know they're filled with nothing but water. It's enough to make a girl cry. >take bottle (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >take bottles (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >x performers (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >x stage It's a stage for acts of various degrees of quality. Currently the placard advertises "Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch", who's famous for his "Death-Defying Miracle Escapes." >enter stage You climb up onto the stage. >sing I didn't understand that sentence. >dance I didn't understand that sentence. >click heels You click your heels together. Too bad you don't have a pair of silver shoes like that kid in the book, or you'd be out of here. >toe tap You tap your toes. Whee! >heel tap You tap your heel. Whee! >l Neptune Lounge (on the stage) A real fancy place for swells to come and take in a show - crystal chandeliers, napkins folded in the shape of fish, the whole kit and kaboodle. One wall is mostly taken up by a bar that serves "juice," another features a stage that serves up "talented" performers, and the third is dominated by an enormous mural. The hotel lobby is to the south, the dressing room is to the north, and double doors lead east to the kitchen. >n (first getting off the stage) Dressing Room Props and costumes are scattered around this small dressing room. A full-length mirror leans against the wall. South leads back to the Neptune Lounge. A large wooden crate sits against one wall. A handwritten reminder is pasted to the wall. >read reminder "All right, numbskull! You're in charge of this leg of the tour. Don't screw it up. All you've gotta do is get a few commands through your thick head and the dog does the rest, see? Remember: Set him down first! He won't do this stuff if you're carryin' him. HEEL TAP to make him 'sing.' TOE TAP to make him 'dance'. Don't get 'em mixed up, and DON'T let the marks get wise to what you're really doing. We want 'em to think the dog's smarter than they are instead of just smarter than you are. Oh, and remember not to lock the crate, dummy! You put him in anything locked, he'll just break it and get out. You keep it nailed shut. He can't get out of that. Oh yeah, and whatever you do, don't CLICK your HEELS. If I ever find out it was you that taught him that trick, I'll wring your scrawny little chicken neck and nail you to the wall. Got it, you puke-faced mug? - Love, Mother." >take it Taken. >x mirror Wowee! You are one tempting tank of tomato juice, if you do say so yourself. And you do! >x props Wooden swords, wooden crowns, wooden crowns - the perfect accompaniments to wooden acting. Great if you were going to shake your moneymaker on stage, but right now about as useful as a mime with a megaphone. >x costumes There's a dazzling variety of outfits of every description. Unfortunately they belong to the traveling troupe of "Ingrid Von Vast, The Burliest Woman on Earth" and "Teacup Tommy, the Tiny Tijuanan Tumbler" and so none of them are anywhere close to your size. >x crate A wooden crate covered in stickers from exotic ports of call. It's securely nailed shut, and you hear a sad whine coming from within. It just might be possible to work the top loose from outside, if you really put your back into it, but it'd probably involve a whole lot of unladylike grunting. >open it A whole lot of unladylike grunting later, you've got the top open a crack, and that's about all this little pooch needed. You see a pair of furry paws slip into the crack, expertly working at the new weakness, and suddenly - KERPOWZO! The crate collapses into kindling, and a furry little fluffball explodes out of the wreckage. Barnaby Mooch, the Magnificent Pooch, is free at last! And he's using his freedom to lick your face, which is fine by you, 'cause there was some unladylike sweating involved too. >toe tap You tap your toes, and Barnaby Mooch leaps into the air! >heel tap You tap your heel, and Barnaby Mooch howls "Sweet Adeline." >click heels You click your heels together. At first nothing seems to happen. Then you smell the oh-so-unmistaken scent of rotten eggs, and Barnaby Mooch looks up you with a sheepish expression. This mutt's just violated the Geneva Gas Protocol! >take dog Barnaby barks happily and lets you scoop him up into your arms. >l Dressing Room Props and costumes are scattered around this small dressing room. A full-length mirror leans against the wall. South leads back to the Neptune Lounge. >s Neptune Lounge A real fancy place for swells to come and take in a show - crystal chandeliers, napkins folded in the shape of fish, the whole kit and kaboodle. One wall is mostly taken up by a bar that serves "juice," another features a stage that serves up "talented" performers, and the third is dominated by an enormous mural. The hotel lobby is to the south, the dressing room is to the north, and double doors lead east to the kitchen. >e The concierge appears, suggests perhaps madam would prefer an area of the hotel that's not restricted to employees only, and whisks away again. Looks like the kitchen is off-limits to guests. >s Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. >s The concierge appears, suggests perhaps madam would prefer an area of the hotel that's not restricted to employees only, and whisks away again. Looks like the hotel offices are off-limits to guests. >e First Floor Corridor An east-west hall lined with pillars. Gilt-edged paintings decorate the walls. The hotel lobby lies to the west, and the scent of lightly chlorinated salt water drifts in from the east. >x paintings Subjects include sea serpents, sultry sirens, and ships being dragged to the inky depths. >e Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >x pool A frozen sheet of ice. >s Ladies' Changing Room It's steamy and musty, with slick floors. Lockers line the walls. You can see a stinky stocking here. >take stocking You pick it up gingerly between two fingers. Yeecch! >x it Whew! Smells like someone wore this to cut a rug on the hottest day of July after winning an onion-eating/bath-avoiding biathalon and then stuffed it in her brassiere for a month. Which is all by way of saying you've smelled fresher. >x lockers Rows of metal lockers. They smell damp, moldy, and unappealing. >n Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >n You give the joint the old once-over first, just to make sure nobody's watching, and then in you go. Gents' Changing Room It's steamy and musty, with slick floors. Lockers line the walls. One of the lockers is blackened and slightly twisted, as if it's been through a fire. >x locker It's charcoal-black and twisted slightly out of shape. The number is missing, but you can see bare patches which look like a pair of sevens. >enter it That's not something you can enter. >s Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >e Boiler Room A dark, dripping boiler room. There's a large boiler here, connected to the water supply and the pools to the west by a spaghetti of metal pipes. A rusty valve wheel juts from the side of the largest pipe. The only exit is west, back to the natatorium. >turn valve You've barely touched the wheel when it begins spinning on its own, as the pent-up pressure from the boiler forces the valve fully open and water rushes loudly through the pipe. >turn valve The wheel squeaks as you turn it. The loud rush of water quiets slightly. >turn valve The wheel squeaks as you turn it. The rush of water lessens. >turn valve It's getting harder to turn. The water sounds like a trickle now. >turn valve With a grunt, you turn the wheel as tight as it can go, shutting off the hot water entirely. The only way to turn it now is back in the other direction. >turn valve You've barely touched the wheel when it begins spinning on its own, as the pent-up pressure from the boiler forces the valve fully open and water rushes loudly through the pipe. >w Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >x pool A boiling, bubbling cauldron of hot, salty water. >enter pool No thanks! That water's hot enough to cook you into tomato soup. >touch it If you want it, take it. You feel nothing unexpected. >take it (That's not something you need to take.) >e Boiler Room A dark, dripping boiler room. There's a large boiler here, connected to the water supply and the pools to the west by a spaghetti of metal pipes. A rusty valve wheel juts from the side of the largest pipe. The only exit is west, back to the natatorium. >turn valve The wheel squeaks as you turn it. The loud rush of water quiets slightly. >w Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >enter pool In your best party clothes? Too bad you didn't pack a swimsuit tonight. >remove clothes (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >take off clothes (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >take off rags There's got to be a better place to get changed, somewhere where you won't be on the hook for causing heart attacks if someone gets an eyeful. >touch water (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >x pool A bubbling pool of hot saltwater. >s Ladies' Changing Room It's steamy and musty, with slick floors. Lockers line the walls. >n Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >w First Floor Corridor An east-west hall lined with pillars. Gilt-edged paintings decorate the walls. The hotel lobby lies to the west, and the scent of lightly chlorinated salt water drifts in from the east. >w Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. >i You are carrying: a stinky stocking Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch a handwritten reminder a banana a party blower a pair of spook-spotting cheaters (being worn) an art theory textbook an uninspiring bowl a typewritten note your best set of glad rags (being worn) >w The prohis have the front doors locked up tight. I guess you're staying here tonight! >talk to mermaid (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >x tank A huge cylindrical tank stretching from the floor to the ceiling. There's got to be about a million gallons of water in there. >push button "Hiya, Miss Greene! Where to now?" 1) "Second floor, please." 2) "Third floor, please." 3) "Seeya, Kipper." >2 ["Third floor, please."] "Sure thing!" Third Floor It's real swanky up here, and there's a big door to the east that looks like it's gotta be a private suite. A smaller door is to the west. Just like with the other elevator stops, you can push the pearl button here to call Kipper. A stonefaced palooka stands at attention next to the door. >drop dog Barnaby hops out of your arms. >klick heels I didn't understand that sentence. >click heels You click your heels together. At first nothing seems to happen. Then you smell the oh-so-unmistaken scent of rotten eggs, and Barnaby Mooch looks up you with a sheepish expression. This mutt's just violated the Geneva Gas Protocol! >take dog Barnaby barks happily and lets you scoop him up into your arms. >e The stonefaced palooka holds up a hand. "Dis is a private suite, see, toots? Nobody gets in here but the boss, the boss's gal, and the boss's employees what work for his establishment. Now scramola." >w Damp Closet This is nothing but a small, dark, cramped, damp closet. A metal hatch is set into a particularly wet patch of carpet. You can see water below. >x water (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >d You're not dressed for a dip! >put dog in water (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >e Third Floor It's real swanky up here, and there's a big door to the east that looks like it's gotta be a private suite. A smaller door is to the west. Just like with the other elevator stops, you can push the pearl button here to call Kipper. A stonefaced palooka stands at attention next to the door. >push button "Hiya, Miss Greene! Where to now?" 1) "First floor, please." 2) "Second floor, please." 3) "Seeya, Kipper." >2 ["Second floor, please."] "Sure thing!" Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >s The Pacific Suite An ordinary hotel room, neat as a pin. It doesn't look like anyone's staying in this one. A scenic picture hangs over the freshly-made bed. The only exit is north, back the way you came. >put dog on bed Putting things on the freshly-made bed would achieve nothing. >drop dog Barnaby hops out of your arms. >click heels You click your heels together. At first nothing seems to happen. Then you smell the oh-so-unmistaken scent of rotten eggs, and Barnaby Mooch looks up you with a sheepish expression. This mutt's just violated the Geneva Gas Protocol! >n Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >s The Pacific Suite An ordinary hotel room, neat as a pin. It doesn't look like anyone's staying in this one. A scenic picture hangs over the freshly-made bed. The only exit is north, back the way you came. You can see Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch here. >dog, jump onto bed There is no reply. >dog, jump Better just to TALK TO them-maybe you can bring it up in conversation, all natural-like. >talk to dog Barnaby barks happily at you. >put dog on bed (first taking Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch) Barnaby barks happily and lets you scoop him up into your arms. Putting things on the freshly-made bed would achieve nothing. >n Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >n The Atlantic Suite The room is dark, the air thick with the smell of incense and burning spices. Half a dozen men and women are gathered around a table in the center of the room, holding hands, their eyes closed. The door back to the hall is to your south. Madame Ping Ping sits at the far side of the table, hands clasped with the other seance-goers, eyes closed in concentration. Directly across from her is an inviting-looking tasseled chair. >drop dog Barnaby hops out of your arms. >sit in chair The Atlantic Suite (in the tasseled chair) The room is dark, the air thick with the smell of incense and burning spices. Half a dozen men and women are gathered around a table in the center of the room, holding hands, their eyes closed. The door back to the hall is to your south. Madame Ping Ping sits at the far side of the table, hands clasped with the other seance-goers, eyes closed in concentration. Directly across from her is an inviting-looking tasseled chair. You can also see Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch here. You ease yourself into the comfortable tasseled chair and join hands with the seance-goers to either side of you. Across from you, Madame Ping Ping clears her throat, and the seance resumes. "Spirit", Madame Ping Ping says, "we beseech you to show your presence!" >toe tap You tap your toes, and Barnaby Mooch leaps into the air! Unfortunately the poor kid didn't reckon on anything being in the way, and he bashes his tender coconut into the underside of the table with a loud knocking noise. The seance-goers gasp. "He knocks!" Madame Ping says. "The ghost shows his presence! Oh, spirit! Speak! I beseech you in the name of Samurai, allow us to hear your mournful voice!" "Oh spirit, speak to us!", Madame Ping Ping cries. >heel tap You tap your heel, and Barnaby Mooch lets out a mournful howl. "The spirit cries out in pain!" Madam Ping Ping cries. The guests murmur amongst themselves, worried. "Are we quite completely sure this is a good spirit?" asks the nervous woman. "Not one from...one from...down there?" "You must abandon such Western ways and embrace the spirit of the honorable East," Madame Ping Ping chides. "Do not the ancestors wash away such distinctions when their spirits travel to Mount Fuji to bathe in the headwaters of the Yangtze?" She glances around the circle. "Ah, but I see you have not progressed far enough along the Eightfold Path to abandon such earthly conceits. Very well. I shall now ask the spirit to prove it comes not from any underworld, but from the ambrosia-soaked rice fields of the honorable deceased." "Ease our minds, spirit!" Madame Ping wails. "Show us you mean us well!" >click heels You click your heels together. A few seconds later, the air fills with the scent of rotten eggs. "Brimstone!" screams the nervous woman sitting next to you, releasing your hand. "Help! Help!" "It's a demon! A demon!" shouts the man with the walrus moustache, fumbling with a cross. "I knew this was a stupid idea. It's come for our souls!" "Not our souls!" the nervous woman screams. "Go away, demon! I'll never dabble in the occult again!" Madame Ping Ping abruptly stops ululating. "Now, there's no need to go that far-" But it's too late. An umbrella clobbers the medium on the back of her head as a woman in a dark coat vaults over the table and scrambles towards the door. "It's locked!" Dark Coat babbles, turning the knob the wrong way. Walrus Moustache lifts the tasseled chair off the carpet. "I'll soon have it down," he growls. "Scuse me, Mac!" you say, hanging onto the armrests for dear life. "This seat's taken! You want to give me a chance to vacate the premises before you go all Samson on the place?" Seeing the answer is apparently "no", you leap free just before the chair is sent hurtling through the door. The seance-goers rush out in blind panic, leaving you flat on your keister, the room in a shambles, and Madame Ping Ping sprawled unconscious across the table. You're lucky you can blame this one on the dog. The Atlantic Suite The room is dark, the air thick with the smell of incense, burning spices, and just a hint of dog wind. The door back to the hall is to your south. Madame Ping Ping is sprawled across the table, unconscious. You can also see Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch here. >take dog Barnaby barks happily and lets you scoop him up into your arms. >x ping A plump woman about your mother's age, dressed in a shimmering Chinese dress and a silken cape. Her black wig looks like it came from a Cleopatra fancy-dress costume. She's sprawled across the table, knocked out colder than a bluenose's boudoir. Looks like she didn't see that umbrella coming. >take wig (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >take dress You already have that. >move ping Madame Ping Ping might not like that. >push ping Madame Ping Ping might not like that. >x umbrella (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >take all mystic ghost: The ghost blows a raspberry as it floats out of your reach. >x ghost It looks like a pint of delicious booze come to life. >drink ghost You put your lips on the ghost and gulp it down. Mm! This stuff is posi-tutely the berries! It only takes a few swallows before the spectral killjoy is gone for good and the hotel is just a little less haunted. Gee, don't it feel swell to do a good deed? >l The Atlantic Suite The room is dark, the air thick with the smell of incense, burning spices, and just a hint of dog wind. The door back to the hall is to your south. Madame Ping Ping is sprawled across the table, unconscious. >s Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >e Second Floor Corridor, Right in the Middle You're standing around the midpoint of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. There's a small closet to the south, and the hallway continues to the east and west. >s Closet The inside of a dimly-lit storage closet, unfurnished except for an uncomfortable-looking cot pushed into the corner. One whole wall is covered with newspaper clippings, and a tower of dime novels teeters next to the cot. There's a door to the north. >n Second Floor Corridor, Right in the Middle You're standing around the midpoint of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. There's a small closet to the south, and the hallway continues to the east and west. >e Second Floor Corridor, East End You're standing at the eastern end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites, and the hallway continues to the west. A laundry cart trundles slowly along the edge of the hallway, brass wheels squeaking. You can see a mysterious glow coming from the cart. Maybe if you took a closer look... >drink ghost (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >x cart The cart, already piled high, prowls as if looking for more dirty laundry to add to its haul. You wish you could show this to the old lady. She's always claiming laundry doesn't do itself. Your spook-spotting cheaters reveal the source of the mysterious movement - this thing is possessed! Now if only you can find a way to satisfy this laundry cart's unfinished business... >i You are carrying: Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch a stinky stocking a handwritten reminder a banana a party blower a pair of spook-spotting cheaters (being worn) an art theory textbook an uninspiring bowl a typewritten note your best set of glad rags (being worn) >drop stocking Gladly! >x cart The cart, already piled high, prowls as if looking for more dirty laundry to add to its haul. You wish you could show this to the old lady. She's always claiming laundry doesn't do itself. Your spook-spotting cheaters reveal the source of the mysterious movement - this thing is possessed! Now if only you can find a way to satisfy this laundry cart's unfinished business... >take stocking You pick it up gingerly between two fingers. Yeecch! >put stocking on cart Putting things on the laundry cart would achieve nothing. >give stocking to cart You can only do that to something animate. >blow party You pop it in your mouth and blow. The paper part uncoils with surprising force and a nice loud "wheeeeee!" noise. You feel a little more festive. >show stocking to cart You can only do that to something animate. >throw stocking Gladly! >l Second Floor Corridor, East End You're standing at the eastern end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites, and the hallway continues to the west. A laundry cart trundles slowly along the edge of the hallway, brass wheels squeaking. You can see a mysterious glow coming from the cart. Maybe if you took a closer look... You can also see a stinky stocking here. >w Second Floor Corridor, Right in the Middle You're standing around the midpoint of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. There's a small closet to the south, and the hallway continues to the east and west. >e Second Floor Corridor, East End You're standing at the eastern end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites, and the hallway continues to the west. A laundry cart trundles slowly along the edge of the hallway, brass wheels squeaking. You can see a mysterious glow coming from the cart. Maybe if you took a closer look... You can also see a stinky stocking here. >take all stinky stocking: You pick it up gingerly between two fingers. Yeecch! >n The Arctic Suite This room doesn't look like it's been used in years. Everything's covered in a thick coat of dust-the Benzedrine bottles scattered on the floor, the drafting table shoved in the corner, and most especially the enormous scale model of the Poseidon Hotel which dominates the room. >in You manage to squeeze yourself through the tiny front doors and into a perfect model of the hotel. Gingerbread Hotel Lobby You're crouching on your hands and knees in a perfect stale-gingerbread recreation of the hotel's lobby. It should just be possible to crawl north or east, crawl OUT again, or go up the elevator shaft. >n You crawl north into the Neptune Lounge. Gingerbread Neptune Lounge You're on your hands and knees in a gingerbread recreation of the Neptune Lounge. You can back out to the south. >s You back up, returning to the hotel lobby. Gingerbread Hotel Lobby You're crouching on your hands and knees in a perfect stale-gingerbread recreation of the hotel's lobby. It should just be possible to crawl north or east, crawl OUT again, or go up the elevator shaft. >u You push your way up the elevator shaft and scoot into the second floor hall. Gingerbread Second Floor Corridor You're lying on your stomach in a recreation of the second floor corridor. It's a very tight squeeze, and you can't do much here besides sliding back down. However, one of the gingerbread doors is open a crack to the northeast. >ne You can get your head through the door, but that's it; your shoulders are too wide, and forget about points south! Gingerbread Arctic Suite Your head is sticking into a recreation of the Arctic Suite. You can scrooch back to the southwest. You can see a scale model of the scale model of the Poseidon Hotel here. >i You are carrying: a stinky stocking Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch a handwritten reminder a banana a party blower a pair of spook-spotting cheaters (being worn) an art theory textbook an uninspiring bowl a typewritten note your best set of glad rags (being worn) >blow party You fish out the party blower, work your hand far enough into the room to pop it into your mouth, and blow. The paper roll is just long enough to smack the candy-colored button dead center, depressing it and shutting off the bomb. A ghost bubbles out of the bomb, sloshes around in the tiny room, and pours out the window into the other, bigger Arctic Suite. >out But you aren't in anything at the moment. >sw You pull your head out of the Arctic Suite and scoot a foot or so down the hall. Gingerbread Second Floor Corridor You're lying on your stomach in a recreation of the second floor corridor. It's a very tight squeeze, and you can't do much here besides sliding back down. However, one of the gingerbread doors is open a crack to the northeast. >d You slide backwards and drop back into the lobby. Gingerbread Hotel Lobby You're crouching on your hands and knees in a perfect stale-gingerbread recreation of the hotel's lobby. It should just be possible to crawl north or east, crawl OUT again, or go up the elevator shaft. >out You crawl back out through the tiny front doors in the Arctic Suite. The Arctic Suite This room doesn't look like it's been used in years. Everything's covered in a thick coat of dust-the Benzedrine bottles scattered on the floor, the drafting table shoved in the corner, and most especially the enormous scale model of the Poseidon Hotel which dominates the room. A smug-looking ghost floats in midair. >drink ghost You smack your lips against the ectoplasmic creep and take a good long slurp. Pretty soon the ghost has been sent to that big old bloodstream in the sky. Too bad these little things don't have sheets, or you'd have three of 'em to be to the wind right now. >l The Arctic Suite This room doesn't look like it's been used in years. Everything's covered in a thick coat of dust-the Benzedrine bottles scattered on the floor, the drafting table shoved in the corner, and most especially the enormous scale model of the Poseidon Hotel which dominates the room. >i You are carrying: a stinky stocking Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch a handwritten reminder a banana a party blower a pair of spook-spotting cheaters (being worn) an art theory textbook an uninspiring bowl a typewritten note your best set of glad rags (being worn) >s Second Floor Corridor, East End You're standing at the eastern end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites, and the hallway continues to the west. A laundry cart trundles slowly along the edge of the hallway, brass wheels squeaking. You can see a mysterious glow coming from the cart. Maybe if you took a closer look... >s The Indian Suite You can barely see this suite beneath the dropcloth on the floor and the host of half-finished canvases leaning against every wall. The second floor hallway is to the north. Crispin Fourment slouches at an easel, staring at a blank canvas with a tortured expression on his face. He appears to be possessed by one of the hotel ghosts! A smallish display table sits a few feet from the easel. On it is nothing. >put stocking on table You put the stinky stocking on the small table. >talk to crispin He sighs heavily. 1) "Why not just paint what you like?" 2) "What kind of container would inspire you?" 3) "Well, good luck, Crispin." >2 ["What kind of container would inspire you?"] "Oh, maybe something with a bowlish...vasish...dishish quality, maybe in blue. No, white. No, red. And...maybe if it was large? Or small?" He puts his head in his hands. "I just can't think of what kind of container I should put the fruit in, but...but I know if I saw the right container on that table, I would be inspired! 1) "Why not just paint what you like?" 2) "What kind of container would inspire you?" 3) "Well, good luck, Crispin." >3 ["Well, good luck, Crispin."] Crispin sighs and goes back to staring at the canvas. The Indian Suite You can barely see this suite beneath the dropcloth on the floor and the host of half-finished canvases leaning against every wall. The second floor hallway is to the north. Crispin Fourment slouches at an easel, staring at a blank canvas with a tortured expression on his face. He appears to be possessed by one of the hotel ghosts! A smallish display table sits a few feet from the easel. On it is a stinky stocking. >take all stinky stocking: You pick it up gingerly between two fingers. Yeecch! >i You are carrying: a stinky stocking Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch a handwritten reminder a banana a party blower a pair of spook-spotting cheaters (being worn) an art theory textbook an uninspiring bowl a typewritten note your best set of glad rags (being worn) >put dog on table You put Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch on the small table. >take dog Barnaby barks happily and lets you scoop him up into your arms. >n Second Floor Corridor, East End You're standing at the eastern end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites, and the hallway continues to the west. A laundry cart trundles slowly along the edge of the hallway, brass wheels squeaking. You can see a mysterious glow coming from the cart. Maybe if you took a closer look... >w Second Floor Corridor, Right in the Middle You're standing around the midpoint of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. There's a small closet to the south, and the hallway continues to the east and west. >drop stocking Gladly! >z Time passes. >take all stinky stocking: You pick it up gingerly between two fingers. Yeecch! >w Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >s The Pacific Suite An ordinary hotel room, neat as a pin. It doesn't look like anyone's staying in this one. A scenic picture hangs over the freshly-made bed. The only exit is north, back the way you came. >put stocking on bed Putting things on the freshly-made bed would achieve nothing. >pull bed It is fixed in place. >i You are carrying: a stinky stocking Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch a handwritten reminder a banana a party blower a pair of spook-spotting cheaters (being worn) an art theory textbook an uninspiring bowl a typewritten note your best set of glad rags (being worn) >smash bowl Probably better not to start smashing up the place. You could get billed for it. >e You can't go that way. >n Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >push button "Hiya, Miss Greene! Where to now?" 1) "First floor, please." 2) "Third floor, please." 3) "Seeya, Kipper." >1 ["First floor, please."] "Sure thing!" Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. >e First Floor Corridor An east-west hall lined with pillars. Gilt-edged paintings decorate the walls. The hotel lobby lies to the west, and the scent of lightly chlorinated salt water drifts in from the east. >e Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >fill bowl with water I didn't understand that sentence. >put bowl in pool You put the uninspiring bowl into the saltwater pool. >put dog in pool You put Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch into the saltwater pool. >x pool A bubbling pool of hot saltwater. In the saltwater pool are Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch and an uninspiring bowl. >take all uninspiring bowl: You fish it out of the water. Taken. >put all in pool uninspiring bowl: Done. stinky stocking: Done. handwritten reminder: Done. banana: Done. party blower: Done. art theory textbook: Done. typewritten note: Done. >x pool A bubbling pool of hot saltwater. In the saltwater pool are a typewritten note, an art theory textbook, a party blower, a banana, a handwritten reminder, a stinky stocking, an uninspiring bowl and Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch. >take all typewritten note: You fish it out of the water. Taken. art theory textbook: You fish it out of the water. Taken. party blower: You fish it out of the water. Taken. banana: You fish it out of the water. Taken. handwritten reminder: You fish it out of the water. Taken. stinky stocking: You fish it out of the water. You pick it up gingerly between two fingers. Yeecch! uninspiring bowl: You fish it out of the water. Taken. >x bowl A bland, boring bowl. No artist could possibly be inspired by this. >put banana in stocking That can't contain things. >rip stocking I didn't understand that sentence. >l Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >s Ladies' Changing Room It's steamy and musty, with slick floors. Lockers line the walls. >s You can't go that way. >x floors (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >n Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >n You give the joint the old once-over first, just to make sure nobody's watching, and then in you go. Gents' Changing Room It's steamy and musty, with slick floors. Lockers line the walls. One of the lockers is blackened and slightly twisted, as if it's been through a fire. >x locker It's charcoal-black and twisted slightly out of shape. The number is missing, but you can see bare patches which look like a pair of sevens. >take sevens (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >take seven (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >s Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >save Ok. >put dog in pool (first taking Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch) Barnaby barks happily and lets you scoop him up into your arms. You put Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch into the saltwater pool. >e Boiler Room A dark, dripping boiler room. There's a large boiler here, connected to the water supply and the pools to the west by a spaghetti of metal pipes. A rusty valve wheel juts from the side of the largest pipe. The only exit is west, back to the natatorium. >turn valve The wheel squeaks as you turn it. The rush of water lessens. >turn valve It's getting harder to turn. The water sounds like a trickle now. >turn valve With a grunt, you turn the wheel as tight as it can go, shutting off the hot water entirely. The only way to turn it now is back in the other direction. >w Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >x pool A frozen sheet of ice. In the saltwater pool is Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch. >take dog Barnaby barks happily and lets you scoop him up into your arms. >e Boiler Room A dark, dripping boiler room. There's a large boiler here, connected to the water supply and the pools to the west by a spaghetti of metal pipes. A rusty valve wheel juts from the side of the largest pipe. The only exit is west, back to the natatorium. >turn valve You've barely touched the wheel when it begins spinning on its own, as the pent-up pressure from the boiler forces the valve fully open and water rushes loudly through the pipe. >turn valve The wheel squeaks as you turn it. The loud rush of water quiets slightly. >turn valve The wheel squeaks as you turn it. The rush of water lessens. >w Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >x pool A lukewarm pool of saltwater. >enter it In your best party clothes? Too bad you didn't pack a swimsuit tonight. >touch it If you want it, take it. You feel nothing unexpected. >drink it Bleah! Salty! Water! >l Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >w First Floor Corridor An east-west hall lined with pillars. Gilt-edged paintings decorate the walls. The hotel lobby lies to the west, and the scent of lightly chlorinated salt water drifts in from the east. >move paintings It is fixed in place. >w Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. >s The concierge appears, suggests perhaps madam would prefer an area of the hotel that's not restricted to employees only, and whisks away again. Looks like the hotel offices are off-limits to guests. >x concierge (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >x couches An expensive place to park a classy caboose. >x paneling Looks expensive. >n Neptune Lounge A real fancy place for swells to come and take in a show - crystal chandeliers, napkins folded in the shape of fish, the whole kit and kaboodle. One wall is mostly taken up by a bar that serves "juice," another features a stage that serves up "talented" performers, and the third is dominated by an enormous mural. The hotel lobby is to the south, the dressing room is to the north, and double doors lead east to the kitchen. >enter bar That's not something you can enter. >x bar The bar is untended. Or, to put it another way, the bar is unattended. All those bottles sitting out, unguarded, and you just know they're filled with nothing but water. It's enough to make a girl cry. >n Dressing Room Props and costumes are scattered around this small dressing room. A full-length mirror leans against the wall. South leads back to the Neptune Lounge. >smash mirror Probably better not to start smashing up the place. You could get billed for it. >move mirror It is fixed in place. >push mirror It is fixed in place. >talk to mirror No point beating your gums there. >s Neptune Lounge A real fancy place for swells to come and take in a show - crystal chandeliers, napkins folded in the shape of fish, the whole kit and kaboodle. One wall is mostly taken up by a bar that serves "juice," another features a stage that serves up "talented" performers, and the third is dominated by an enormous mural. The hotel lobby is to the south, the dressing room is to the north, and double doors lead east to the kitchen. >x doors (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >x e You see nothing unexpected in that direction. >e The concierge appears, suggests perhaps madam would prefer an area of the hotel that's not restricted to employees only, and whisks away again. Looks like the kitchen is off-limits to guests. >s Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. >push button "Hiya, Miss Greene! Where to now?" 1) "Second floor, please." 2) "Third floor, please." 3) "Seeya, Kipper." >1 ["Second floor, please."] "Sure thing!" Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >e Second Floor Corridor, Right in the Middle You're standing around the midpoint of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. There's a small closet to the south, and the hallway continues to the east and west. >e Second Floor Corridor, East End You're standing at the eastern end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites, and the hallway continues to the west. A laundry cart trundles slowly along the edge of the hallway, brass wheels squeaking. You can see a mysterious glow coming from the cart. Maybe if you took a closer look... >s The Indian Suite You can barely see this suite beneath the dropcloth on the floor and the host of half-finished canvases leaning against every wall. The second floor hallway is to the north. Crispin Fourment slouches at an easel, staring at a blank canvas with a tortured expression on his face. He appears to be possessed by one of the hotel ghosts! A smallish display table sits a few feet from the easel. On it is nothing. >ask crispin about mural There is no reply. >put all on table uninspiring bowl: You set the bowl on the table. Crispin groans. "Not that terrible old thing again! It's the least inspiring bowl I've ever seen!" stinky stocking: Done. handwritten reminder: Done. banana: Done. party blower: Done. art theory textbook: Done. typewritten note: Done. >l The Indian Suite You can barely see this suite beneath the dropcloth on the floor and the host of half-finished canvases leaning against every wall. The second floor hallway is to the north. Crispin Fourment slouches at an easel, staring at a blank canvas with a tortured expression on his face. He appears to be possessed by one of the hotel ghosts! A smallish display table sits a few feet from the easel. On it is a typewritten note, an art theory textbook, a party blower, a banana, a handwritten reminder, a stinky stocking and an uninspiring bowl. >take all typewritten note: Taken. art theory textbook: Taken. party blower: Taken. banana: Taken. handwritten reminder: Taken. stinky stocking: You pick it up gingerly between two fingers. Yeecch! uninspiring bowl: Taken. >w You can't go that way. >n Second Floor Corridor, East End You're standing at the eastern end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites, and the hallway continues to the west. A laundry cart trundles slowly along the edge of the hallway, brass wheels squeaking. You can see a mysterious glow coming from the cart. Maybe if you took a closer look... >n The Arctic Suite This room doesn't look like it's been used in years. Everything's covered in a thick coat of dust-the Benzedrine bottles scattered on the floor, the drafting table shoved in the corner, and most especially the enormous scale model of the Poseidon Hotel which dominates the room. >take bottle (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >take bottles (That's not something you need to take.) >push table It is fixed in place. >enter it That's not something you can enter. >climb it Oof. That sounds like exercise. >s Second Floor Corridor, East End You're standing at the eastern end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites, and the hallway continues to the west. A laundry cart trundles slowly along the edge of the hallway, brass wheels squeaking. You can see a mysterious glow coming from the cart. Maybe if you took a closer look... >i You are carrying: an uninspiring bowl a stinky stocking a handwritten reminder a banana a party blower an art theory textbook a typewritten note Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch a pair of spook-spotting cheaters (being worn) your best set of glad rags (being worn) >smash bowl Probably better not to start smashing up the place. You could get billed for it. >drop it Dropped. >drop all stinky stocking: Gladly! handwritten reminder: Dropped. banana: Dropped. party blower: Dropped. art theory textbook: Dropped. typewritten note: Dropped. >l Second Floor Corridor, East End You're standing at the eastern end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites, and the hallway continues to the west. A laundry cart trundles slowly along the edge of the hallway, brass wheels squeaking. You can see a mysterious glow coming from the cart. Maybe if you took a closer look... You can also see a typewritten note, an art theory textbook, a party blower, a banana, a handwritten reminder, a stinky stocking and an uninspiring bowl (empty) here. >x cart The cart, already piled high, prowls as if looking for more dirty laundry to add to its haul. You wish you could show this to the old lady. She's always claiming laundry doesn't do itself. Your spook-spotting cheaters reveal the source of the mysterious movement - this thing is possessed! Now if only you can find a way to satisfy this laundry cart's unfinished business... >take all typewritten note: Taken. art theory textbook: Taken. party blower: Taken. banana: Taken. handwritten reminder: Taken. stinky stocking: You pick it up gingerly between two fingers. Yeecch! uninspiring bowl: Taken. >put all on cart uninspiring bowl: Putting things on the laundry cart would achieve nothing. stinky stocking: Putting things on the laundry cart would achieve nothing. handwritten reminder: Putting things on the laundry cart would achieve nothing. banana: Putting things on the laundry cart would achieve nothing. party blower: Putting things on the laundry cart would achieve nothing. art theory textbook: Putting things on the laundry cart would achieve nothing. typewritten note: Putting things on the laundry cart would achieve nothing. >cart, go north You can't talk to the laundry cart. >push cart It is fixed in place. >pull it It is fixed in place. >enter it That's not something you can enter. >climb it Oof. That sounds like exercise. >move it It is fixed in place. >give bowl to cart You can only do that to something animate. >show bowl to cart You can only do that to something animate. >x laundry The cart, already piled high, prowls as if looking for more dirty laundry to add to its haul. You wish you could show this to the old lady. She's always claiming laundry doesn't do itself. Your spook-spotting cheaters reveal the source of the mysterious movement - this thing is possessed! Now if only you can find a way to satisfy this laundry cart's unfinished business... >w Second Floor Corridor, Right in the Middle You're standing around the midpoint of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. There's a small closet to the south, and the hallway continues to the east and west. >s Closet The inside of a dimly-lit storage closet, unfurnished except for an uncomfortable-looking cot pushed into the corner. One whole wall is covered with newspaper clippings, and a tower of dime novels teeters next to the cot. There's a door to the north. >s You can't go that way. >x clippings The yellowing articles all describe ghost sightings, some as far away as Egypt and France, some not two blocks away. >read novels You pull a random novel from the pile and leaf through a few pages of Lair of the Muck Ghoul. >n Second Floor Corridor, Right in the Middle You're standing around the midpoint of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. There's a small closet to the south, and the hallway continues to the east and west. >w Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >n The Atlantic Suite The room is dark, the air thick with the smell of incense, burning spices, and just a hint of dog wind. The door back to the hall is to your south. Madame Ping Ping is sprawled across the table, unconscious. >s Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >s The Pacific Suite An ordinary hotel room, neat as a pin. It doesn't look like anyone's staying in this one. A scenic picture hangs over the freshly-made bed. The only exit is north, back the way you came. >x picture It depicts a pirate ship sailing across rough seas, the pirates happily hoisting mugs of grog. You could sure go for some grog right now, and you're not even sure what it is. >x pirates (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >i You are carrying: an uninspiring bowl a stinky stocking a handwritten reminder a banana a party blower an art theory textbook a typewritten note Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch a pair of spook-spotting cheaters (being worn) your best set of glad rags (being worn) >drop dog Barnaby hops out of your arms. >toe tap You tap your toes, and Barnaby Mooch leaps into the air! >heel tap You tap your heel, and Barnaby Mooch howls "Sweet Adeline." >give stocking to dog Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch doesn't seem interested. >take all There are none at all available! >take dog Barnaby barks happily and lets you scoop him up into your arms. >l The Pacific Suite An ordinary hotel room, neat as a pin. It doesn't look like anyone's staying in this one. A scenic picture hangs over the freshly-made bed. The only exit is north, back the way you came. >lie on bed I didn't understand that sentence. >enter bed This is no time for sleeping! There are important supernatural matters afoot, and if you don't deal with them, who will? Also, if you fall asleep in here you might get charged for the room. >sit in bed This is no time for sleeping! There are important supernatural matters afoot, and if you don't deal with them, who will? Also, if you fall asleep in here you might get charged for the room. >eat banana You swallow the banana in a few bites. Yum! >l The Pacific Suite An ordinary hotel room, neat as a pin. It doesn't look like anyone's staying in this one. A scenic picture hangs over the freshly-made bed. The only exit is north, back the way you came. >e You can't go that way. >n Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >push button "Hiya, Miss Greene! Where to now?" 1) "First floor, please." 2) "Third floor, please." 3) "Seeya, Kipper." >1 ["First floor, please."] "Sure thing!" Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. >n Neptune Lounge A real fancy place for swells to come and take in a show - crystal chandeliers, napkins folded in the shape of fish, the whole kit and kaboodle. One wall is mostly taken up by a bar that serves "juice," another features a stage that serves up "talented" performers, and the third is dominated by an enormous mural. The hotel lobby is to the south, the dressing room is to the north, and double doors lead east to the kitchen. >x bar The bar is untended. Or, to put it another way, the bar is unattended. All those bottles sitting out, unguarded, and you just know they're filled with nothing but water. It's enough to make a girl cry. >take all There are none at all available! >n Dressing Room Props and costumes are scattered around this small dressing room. A full-length mirror leans against the wall. South leads back to the Neptune Lounge. >help Sure thing! If this is the first time you've ever played a game like this, you might wanna aim your peepers at, ahem... A Beginner's Guide to Interactive Fiction (located at http://brasslantern.org/beginners/beginnersguide.html) before you play. It could save you a whole lotta frustration! Now, here's the commands you'll use in the game: Directional commands (N, E, W, S, NW, NE, SE, SW, U, D, IN, OUT) Numbers (only in the choice-based sections) INVENTORY/I LOOK EXAMINE/X/LOOK AT (noun) TAKE (object) DROP (object) TALK TO (person) EAT (object) DRINK (object) WEAR (clothes) TAKE OFF (clothes) PUSH (object) TURN (object) READ (object) BLOW (object - and I really mean just OBJECT! Don't go getting any ideas, see?) OPEN (container) CLOSE (container) PUT (object) IN (container) SIT IN (object) ENTER/GET IN (object) STAND HEEL TAP TOE TAP CLICK HEELS Not saying these are the only things I'll do, but they're the only things I really need to do tonight. If you ask me to do something else, well, maybe I'll do it and maybe I won't. This is my chassis you're piloting, after all. You shouldn't ever need to use UNDO, but it's there, just in case. Me, I prefer to live with no regrets! Oh, and just type HELP if you ever want to see this stuff again. >move mirror It is fixed in place. >take all There are none at all available! >s Neptune Lounge A real fancy place for swells to come and take in a show - crystal chandeliers, napkins folded in the shape of fish, the whole kit and kaboodle. One wall is mostly taken up by a bar that serves "juice," another features a stage that serves up "talented" performers, and the third is dominated by an enormous mural. The hotel lobby is to the south, the dressing room is to the north, and double doors lead east to the kitchen. >take all There are none at all available! >hide I didn't understand that sentence. >take chandeliers (That's not something you need to take.) >s Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. >x tank A huge cylindrical tank stretching from the floor to the ceiling. There's got to be about a million gallons of water in there. >x desk It stretches along the southern side of the lobby. You can see the hotel office past it. >x office (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >x column A huge column molded to look like a waterspout houses a pair of golden elevator doors. A pearl button, used to call the elevator, is just to the side. >push button "Hiya, Miss Greene! Where to now?" 1) "Second floor, please." 2) "Third floor, please." 3) "Seeya, Kipper." >2 ["Third floor, please."] "Sure thing!" Third Floor It's real swanky up here, and there's a big door to the east that looks like it's gotta be a private suite. A smaller door is to the west. Just like with the other elevator stops, you can push the pearl button here to call Kipper. A stonefaced palooka stands at attention next to the door. >drop dog Barnaby hops out of your arms. >toe tap You tap your toes, and Barnaby Mooch leaps into the air! >heel tap You tap your heel, and Barnaby Mooch howls "Sweet Adeline." >click heels You click your heels together. At first nothing seems to happen. Then you smell the oh-so-unmistaken scent of rotten eggs, and Barnaby Mooch looks up you with a sheepish expression. This mutt's just violated the Geneva Gas Protocol! >x palooka He's eyeing you suspiciously, which has gotta be one of your least favorite ways to be eyed. >i You are carrying: an uninspiring bowl a stinky stocking a handwritten reminder a party blower an art theory textbook a typewritten note a pair of spook-spotting cheaters (being worn) your best set of glad rags (being worn) >give stocking to him The stonefaced palooka doesn't seem interested. >give bowl to him The stonefaced palooka doesn't seem interested. >blow party You pop it in your mouth and blow. The paper part uncoils with surprising force and a nice loud "wheeeeee!" noise. You feel a little more festive. >x door (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >e The stonefaced palooka holds up a hand. "Dis is a private suite, see, toots? Nobody gets in here but the boss, the boss's gal, and the boss's employees what work for his establishment. Now scramola." >x suite (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >throw bowl at him You lack the nerve when it comes to the crucial moment. >w Damp Closet This is nothing but a small, dark, cramped, damp closet. A metal hatch is set into a particularly wet patch of carpet. You can see water below. >touch water (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >x hatch It's made of metal, and about two feet on a side. >smell water (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >e Third Floor It's real swanky up here, and there's a big door to the east that looks like it's gotta be a private suite. A smaller door is to the west. Just like with the other elevator stops, you can push the pearl button here to call Kipper. A stonefaced palooka stands at attention next to the door. You can also see Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch here. >push button "Hiya, Miss Greene! Where to now?" 1) "First floor, please." 2) "Second floor, please." 3) "Seeya, Kipper." >2 ["Second floor, please."] "Sure thing!" Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >e Second Floor Corridor, Right in the Middle You're standing around the midpoint of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. There's a small closet to the south, and the hallway continues to the east and west. >e Second Floor Corridor, East End You're standing at the eastern end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites, and the hallway continues to the west. A laundry cart trundles slowly along the edge of the hallway, brass wheels squeaking. You can see a mysterious glow coming from the cart. Maybe if you took a closer look... >put stocking on cart Putting things on the laundry cart would achieve nothing. >put stocking in cart The cart accepts the repulsive thing with ecstasy. Taking such a wretched little rag to be washed must be a laundry cart's dream. With a lurch, it overturns, spilling undergarments, towels, and a fancy bellhop's uniform out onto the floor...and then a ghost erupts from the piles of laundry! >drink ghost You're starting to get the hang of this! The ghost goes down the hatch faster than a sailor who just heard Clara Bow was berthed in his bunk, and with four drinks in you, you're starting to feel nicely haunted. >l Second Floor Corridor, East End You're standing at the eastern end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites, and the hallway continues to the west. You can see a bellhop's uniform and an overturned cart here. >take uniform Taken. >x cart It lies overturned in the middle of the hallway. There are no further signs of life, or of undeath. >wear uniform You really oughta take off the glad rags before putting anything else on. >w Second Floor Corridor, Right in the Middle You're standing around the midpoint of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. There's a small closet to the south, and the hallway continues to the east and west. >s Closet The inside of a dimly-lit storage closet, unfurnished except for an uncomfortable-looking cot pushed into the corner. One whole wall is covered with newspaper clippings, and a tower of dime novels teeters next to the cot. There's a door to the north. >remove rags You shuck off your dress, hat, and pearls. >wear uniform You shrug on the uniform and do up the buttons. Anyone who sees you would take you for an (unusually good-looking) hotel employee. >n Second Floor Corridor, Right in the Middle You're standing around the midpoint of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. There's a small closet to the south, and the hallway continues to the east and west. >w Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >push button "Hiya, Miss Greene! Where to now?" 1) "First floor, please." 2) "Third floor, please." 3) "Seeya, Kipper." >1 ["First floor, please."] "Sure thing!" Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. >n Neptune Lounge A real fancy place for swells to come and take in a show - crystal chandeliers, napkins folded in the shape of fish, the whole kit and kaboodle. One wall is mostly taken up by a bar that serves "juice," another features a stage that serves up "talented" performers, and the third is dominated by an enormous mural. The hotel lobby is to the south, the dressing room is to the north, and double doors lead east to the kitchen. >e Cleverly disguised as the Grand Poseidon's most beautiful bellhop, you slip through the swinging doors and into an employees-only area. Kitchen It looks a lot like other kitchens, probably; you make it a point to spend as little time in them as possible. There's a big industrial refrigerator and lots of counters. Swinging double doors to the west lead back to the lounge. >open fridge You swing the heavy door open and get a blast of arctic air in the face. A lone orange rests on the top shelf. >take orange Taken. >x fridge This refrigerator, much like the old lady that time she chaperoned your senior year homecoming dance, is sitting in the corner, humming quietly and radiating bitter cold. The refrigerator is open. >close it You swing the heavy door closed. >x counters (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >w Neptune Lounge A real fancy place for swells to come and take in a show - crystal chandeliers, napkins folded in the shape of fish, the whole kit and kaboodle. One wall is mostly taken up by a bar that serves "juice," another features a stage that serves up "talented" performers, and the third is dominated by an enormous mural. The hotel lobby is to the south, the dressing room is to the north, and double doors lead east to the kitchen. >s Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. >s Cleverly disguised as the Grand Poseidon's most beautiful bellhop, you hop over the counter and into an employees-only area. Hotel Office Oof, this room's a real step down in the fanciness department. Looks like everyone cleared out after the raid, leaving nothing but a room full of desks and paperwork. The lobby is to the north. To the east is the door to the hotel's high security vault. There's an apple sitting on one of the desks. >take apple Taken. >e Vault This is the hotel's vault, where guests can drop off their high-priced losables so they can debauch in peace. Nobody is at the teller's window, but the vault door has a deposit slot, for after-hours drop-offs. You can see a ghostly outline moving around beyond the vault door! >drink ghost (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >x slot It's big enough to fit most hoity-toity valuables, up to and including crystal skulls and rhinestone-studded bowling balls, while being slightly too small for the typical urchin or daring midget contortionist. >i You are carrying: an apple an orange a bellhop's uniform (being worn) an uninspiring bowl a handwritten reminder a party blower an art theory textbook a typewritten note a pair of spook-spotting cheaters (being worn) your best set of glad rags >l Vault This is the hotel's vault, where guests can drop off their high-priced losables so they can debauch in peace. Nobody is at the teller's window, but the vault door has a deposit slot, for after-hours drop-offs. You can see a ghostly outline moving around beyond the vault door! >e You can't go that way. >enter vault That's not something you can enter. >x window A caged window where the teller would stand, if the teller was here, which the teller isn't. You can see a few valuables tagged and numbered on the back shelves, but there's absolutely no way to reach them. >x valuables Just a few odds and ends that guests have deposited - brass baubles, golden eggs, platinum bars, ivory torches, sapphire bracelets, that sort of thing. Looking at them makes your bank account itchy, but there's no way to get them. >talk to ghost (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >n You can't go that way. >s You can't go that way. >ne You can't go that way. >se You can't go that way. >nw You can't go that way. >sw You can't go that way. >w Hotel Office Oof, this room's a real step down in the fanciness department. Looks like everyone cleared out after the raid, leaving nothing but a room full of desks and paperwork. The lobby is to the north. To the east is the door to the hotel's high security vault. >x desks They're just regular old desks, made out of cheap wood and without a single decorative fish or ornately carved siren in sight. They don't even have drawers. Donnie Cantaloupe really cheaped out on this place compared to the stuff the guests see. >x paperwork It's mostly long lists of people who've checked in and checked out of the hotel at various times. Looks like Mr. and Mrs. John Smith are frequent guests. >take it (That's not something you need to take.) >n Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. >e First Floor Corridor An east-west hall lined with pillars. Gilt-edged paintings decorate the walls. The hotel lobby lies to the west, and the scent of lightly chlorinated salt water drifts in from the east. >e Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >n You give the joint the old once-over first, just to make sure nobody's watching, and then in you go. Gents' Changing Room It's steamy and musty, with slick floors. Lockers line the walls. One of the lockers is blackened and slightly twisted, as if it's been through a fire. >s Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >s Ladies' Changing Room It's steamy and musty, with slick floors. Lockers line the walls. >n Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >w First Floor Corridor An east-west hall lined with pillars. Gilt-edged paintings decorate the walls. The hotel lobby lies to the west, and the scent of lightly chlorinated salt water drifts in from the east. >w Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. >push button "Hiya, Miss Greene! Where to now?" 1) "Second floor, please." 2) "Third floor, please." 3) "Seeya, Kipper." >2 ["Third floor, please."] "Sure thing!" Third Floor It's real swanky up here, and there's a big door to the east that looks like it's gotta be a private suite. A smaller door is to the west. Just like with the other elevator stops, you can push the pearl button here to call Kipper. A stonefaced palooka stands at attention next to the door. You can also see Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch here. >e The stonefaced palooka opens the door for you. The Imbrium Suite This swanky private suite makes everything on the floor below look like yesterday's day-old donuts. White leather couches, silver fittings, wall-to-wall carpeting so plush you could sink into it like quicksand. A pair of goldfish float languidly in a crystal aquarium on the coffee table. There's a bedroom to the east, and the suite exit is to the west. A mermaid getup is tossed carelessly on the floor. >take getup Taken. >take fish (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >e Master Bedroom Hot dog, now this is a bedroom! It's about the size of a barn, with a huge four-poster bed slathered with shimmering draperies plopped right in the middle. The rest of the suite opens up to the west. Gams Gillespie is here, combing her hair at the vanity. >x gams This is the famous Gams Gillespie, former chorus girl and current girlfriend of Donnie Cantaloupes. Dressed in a diaphanous dressing gown, she's seated at a vanity, combing out her long, damp blonde hair. It looks like she's possessed by a ghost! >talk to gams Gams Gillespie stops brushing her hair and looks up at you. "Whaddaya want? I didn't call for no room service." 1) "You look a little blue." >1 ["You look a little blue."] "Well, whaddaya expect when I spend all evening underwater in that damn fish suit gettin' my anemones ogled for the edification of Donnie's payin' customers? It's cold in there! I keep tellin' 'im to put a heater in it, but no." She sighs. "Anyway, I got a bigger problem than a little gooseflesh." 1) "What kind of problem?" >1 ["What kind of problem?"] "A love problem, that's what kind!" she cries, clutching the hairbrush to her chest. "It...it haunts me. Almost like a literal ghost or somethin'. I wish there was somethin' you could do, but it just ain't the sort of thing a kid like you could understand." 1) "Try me! I've been around the block a few times." >1 ["Try me! I've been around the block a few times."] "You ain't even been outta the garage, babyface, but all right. It's like this. Ya know how when a couple is together for a long time, they sorta...drift apart? He's off doin' his thing and she's off doin' her thing and pretty soon all the passion just wheezes outta the whole relationship like a fallen souffle, and one day she looks around her beautiful, expensive home and realizes she ain't been given the business, in a marital kinda way I mean, since who knows when. If you get what I'm sayin'?" She pauses a moment to make sure you get what she's sayin'. "Anyway, it so happens that this exact situation has befallen a certain pair o' lovebirds I know who shall remain nameless. I need some way to spice things up. One of those, y'know, whaddaya ya call 'em, acromegliacs!" 1) "Aphrodisiacs?" >1 ["Aphrodisiacs?"] She brightens. "Yeah! Those! You run down to the kitchen and get me one of those aphrodizzyacs! For the couple I know." 1) "And what sort of aphrodisiacs am I looking for again?" 2) "So tell me about this...'other couple'." 3) "How did you and Donnie meet?" 4) "Hey, do you work part time as a mermaid?" 5) "Guess I'd better go get your order!" >1 ["And what sort of aphrodisiacs am I looking for again?"] "Something romantical. Something like...the meal Donnie and I had on our first anniversary. Just a pile of boiled oysters. No spices or nothin'. They called it Oysters Amour." She sighs and flutters her eyelashes. "It was magical." 1) "And what sort of aphrodisiacs am I looking for again?" 2) "So tell me about this...'other couple'." 3) "How did you and Donnie meet?" 4) "Hey, do you work part time as a mermaid?" 5) "Guess I'd better go get your order!" >1 ["And what sort of aphrodisiacs am I looking for again?"] "Something romantical. Something like...the meal Donnie and I had on our first anniversary. Just a pile of boiled oysters. No spices or nothin'. They called it Oysters Amour." She sighs and flutters her eyelashes. "It was magical." 1) "And what sort of aphrodisiacs am I looking for again?" 2) "So tell me about this...'other couple'." 3) "How did you and Donnie meet?" 4) "Hey, do you work part time as a mermaid?" 5) "Guess I'd better go get your order!" >2 ["So tell me about this...'other couple'."] "Aw, well, I ain't namin' any names or nothin', so let's just call 'em Mr. and Mrs. X. They've been together for, oh, a while now, and things aren't goin' so great. But Mr. X just needs a little shot of spice in the old whatchamacannon and he'll be all ready for romance again. I just know it!" 1) "And what sort of aphrodisiacs am I looking for again?" 2) "So tell me about this...'other couple'." 3) "How did you and Donnie meet?" 4) "Hey, do you work part time as a mermaid?" 5) "Guess I'd better go get your order!" >3 ["How did you and Donnie meet?"] "Well, he usta be a bouncer at the hotel, y'know. Back when I was just a kid, I was workin' a show at the Neptune here, and I asked if this was the Poseidon Grand and he said no. Got me real turned around! Later on I learned that trick where you ask him "what would you say if I asked you if this was the Poseidon Grand" and that made it a lot easier to talk with 'im, and we hit it off like gangbusters." She squints. "Only I guess not like gangbusters. More like gang...promoters? We got along real good, is what I mean. He's a lot more interestin' than that other doorman who only told the truth." 1) "And what sort of aphrodisiacs am I looking for again?" 2) "So tell me about this...'other couple'." 3) "How did you and Donnie meet?" 4) "Hey, do you work part time as a mermaid?" 5) "Guess I'd better go get your order!" >4 ["Hey, do you work part time as a mermaid?"] "I sure do. Guess you saw my act, huh? Feels good to get outta that wacky getup for the night." 1) "And what sort of aphrodisiacs am I looking for again?" 2) "So tell me about this...'other couple'." 3) "How did you and Donnie meet?" 4) "Hey, do you work part time as a mermaid?" 5) "Guess I'd better go get your order!" >5 ["Guess I'd better go get your order!"] "Shake a leg, wouldya?". Master Bedroom Hot dog, now this is a bedroom! It's about the size of a barn, with a huge four-poster bed slathered with shimmering draperies plopped right in the middle. The rest of the suite opens up to the west. Gams Gillespie is here, combing her hair at the vanity. >w The Imbrium Suite This swanky private suite makes everything on the floor below look like yesterday's day-old donuts. White leather couches, silver fittings, wall-to-wall carpeting so plush you could sink into it like quicksand. A pair of goldfish float languidly in a crystal aquarium on the coffee table. There's a bedroom to the east, and the suite exit is to the west. >x aquarium It contains a hundred gallons of water and two goldfish. >take fish (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >x fish (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >w Third Floor It's real swanky up here, and there's a big door to the east that looks like it's gotta be a private suite. A smaller door is to the west. Just like with the other elevator stops, you can push the pearl button here to call Kipper. A stonefaced palooka stands at attention next to the door. You can also see Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch here. >take dog Barnaby barks happily and lets you scoop him up into your arms. >i You are carrying: Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch a mermaid getup an apple an orange a bellhop's uniform (being worn) an uninspiring bowl a handwritten reminder a party blower an art theory textbook a typewritten note a pair of spook-spotting cheaters (being worn) your best set of glad rags >w Damp Closet This is nothing but a small, dark, cramped, damp closet. A metal hatch is set into a particularly wet patch of carpet. You can see water below. >d You're not dressed for a dip! >remove uniform You take off the uniform, ending your short career as a Grand Poseidon employee, at least for now. >wear mermaid You wriggle into the shiny, scale-covered trousers. Boy, these are tight! No wonder they tell you not to overfeed fish if they're expected to get into these pants. The seashell brassiere isn't the easiest to get on either. Eventually you're in it, though, and you make a pretty darn swell mermaid, if you do say so yourself. >d You sit down and slide into the water. Inside the Tank You're floating inside the huge lobby fishtank. The hotel looks weird and distorted through the glass. The hidden exit hatch is in the ceiling above you, and the tank's pebbly floor lies far below. >d Tank Bottom You're floating just above the layer of pebbles at the bottom of the tank. Patches of seaweed sway in the gentle currents. Outside, you can see the hotel lobby. An enormous oyster is nestled in the seaweed. >take oyster Taken. >take seaweed (That's not something you need to take.) >l Tank Bottom You're floating just above the layer of pebbles at the bottom of the tank. Patches of seaweed sway in the gentle currents. Outside, you can see the hotel lobby. >d You can't go that way. >u You swim up closer to the top of the tank. Inside the Tank You're floating inside the huge lobby fishtank. The hotel looks weird and distorted through the glass. The hidden exit hatch is in the ceiling above you, and the tank's pebbly floor lies far below. >u You pump your powerful tail and return to the surface. Damp Closet This is nothing but a small, dark, cramped, damp closet. A metal hatch is set into a particularly wet patch of carpet. You can see water below. >e Third Floor It's real swanky up here, and there's a big door to the east that looks like it's gotta be a private suite. A smaller door is to the west. Just like with the other elevator stops, you can push the pearl button here to call Kipper. A stonefaced palooka stands at attention next to the door. >push button "Hiya, Miss Greene! Where to now?" 1) "First floor, please." 2) "Second floor, please." 3) "Seeya, Kipper." >3 ["Seeya, Kipper."] "Seeya, Miss Greene!" Third Floor It's real swanky up here, and there's a big door to the east that looks like it's gotta be a private suite. A smaller door is to the west. Just like with the other elevator stops, you can push the pearl button here to call Kipper. A stonefaced palooka stands at attention next to the door. >e The stonefaced palooka holds up a hand. "Dis is a private suite, see, toots? Nobody gets in here but the boss, the boss's gal, and the boss's employees what work for his establishment. Now scramola." >w Damp Closet This is nothing but a small, dark, cramped, damp closet. A metal hatch is set into a particularly wet patch of carpet. You can see water below. >remove mermaid You peel off the mermaid getup and neatly fold it into a scandalously small package. >wear uniform You shrug on the uniform and do up the buttons. Anyone who sees you would take you for an (unusually good-looking) hotel employee. >e Third Floor It's real swanky up here, and there's a big door to the east that looks like it's gotta be a private suite. A smaller door is to the west. Just like with the other elevator stops, you can push the pearl button here to call Kipper. A stonefaced palooka stands at attention next to the door. >e The stonefaced palooka opens the door for you. The Imbrium Suite This swanky private suite makes everything on the floor below look like yesterday's day-old donuts. White leather couches, silver fittings, wall-to-wall carpeting so plush you could sink into it like quicksand. A pair of goldfish float languidly in a crystal aquarium on the coffee table. There's a bedroom to the east, and the suite exit is to the west. >e Master Bedroom Hot dog, now this is a bedroom! It's about the size of a barn, with a huge four-poster bed slathered with shimmering draperies plopped right in the middle. The rest of the suite opens up to the west. Gams Gillespie is here, combing her hair at the vanity. >give oyster to gams Gams Gillespie doesn't seem interested. >x oyster This thing is huge! It's got to be at least thirty pounds if it's an ounce, and it's a lot more than an ounce! >w The Imbrium Suite This swanky private suite makes everything on the floor below look like yesterday's day-old donuts. White leather couches, silver fittings, wall-to-wall carpeting so plush you could sink into it like quicksand. A pair of goldfish float languidly in a crystal aquarium on the coffee table. There's a bedroom to the east, and the suite exit is to the west. >w Third Floor It's real swanky up here, and there's a big door to the east that looks like it's gotta be a private suite. A smaller door is to the west. Just like with the other elevator stops, you can push the pearl button here to call Kipper. A stonefaced palooka stands at attention next to the door. >w Damp Closet This is nothing but a small, dark, cramped, damp closet. A metal hatch is set into a particularly wet patch of carpet. You can see water below. >e Third Floor It's real swanky up here, and there's a big door to the east that looks like it's gotta be a private suite. A smaller door is to the west. Just like with the other elevator stops, you can push the pearl button here to call Kipper. A stonefaced palooka stands at attention next to the door. >push button "Hiya, Miss Greene! Where to now?" 1) "First floor, please." 2) "Second floor, please." 3) "Seeya, Kipper." >1 ["First floor, please."] "Sure thing!" Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. >e First Floor Corridor An east-west hall lined with pillars. Gilt-edged paintings decorate the walls. The hotel lobby lies to the west, and the scent of lightly chlorinated salt water drifts in from the east. >e Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >put oyster in pool You huck the oyster into the pool and watch it sink to the bottom like a stone. >e Boiler Room A dark, dripping boiler room. There's a large boiler here, connected to the water supply and the pools to the west by a spaghetti of metal pipes. A rusty valve wheel juts from the side of the largest pipe. The only exit is west, back to the natatorium. >turn valve It's getting harder to turn. The water sounds like a trickle now. >turn valve With a grunt, you turn the wheel as tight as it can go, shutting off the hot water entirely. The only way to turn it now is back in the other direction. >turn valve You've barely touched the wheel when it begins spinning on its own, as the pent-up pressure from the boiler forces the valve fully open and water rushes loudly through the pipe. >w Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >x oyster (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >x pool A boiling, bubbling cauldron of hot, salty water. In the saltwater pool is an Oysters Amour. >take oyster (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >take oysters You can see it from here, but that pond's hot enough to boil up a batch of Hazel stew! >e Boiler Room A dark, dripping boiler room. There's a large boiler here, connected to the water supply and the pools to the west by a spaghetti of metal pipes. A rusty valve wheel juts from the side of the largest pipe. The only exit is west, back to the natatorium. >turn valve The wheel squeaks as you turn it. The loud rush of water quiets slightly. >w Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >take oyster (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >take oysters You fish it out of the water. Taken. >x it The thirty-pound oyster has cracked open and boiled to pallid white perfection. This is Oysters Amour, the dish of passionate love, guaranteed to put the wowsers in your trousers with a single bite. >x me You are one swanky sheba, sister! You're dressed as a Grand Poseidon bellhop, but you don't plan on carrying anyone's bags tonight. >n You give the joint the old once-over first, just to make sure nobody's watching, and then in you go. Gents' Changing Room It's steamy and musty, with slick floors. Lockers line the walls. One of the lockers is blackened and slightly twisted, as if it's been through a fire. >s Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >w First Floor Corridor An east-west hall lined with pillars. Gilt-edged paintings decorate the walls. The hotel lobby lies to the west, and the scent of lightly chlorinated salt water drifts in from the east. >w Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. >push button "Hiya, Miss Greene! Where to now?" 1) "Second floor, please." 2) "Third floor, please." 3) "Seeya, Kipper." >2 ["Third floor, please."] "Sure thing!" Third Floor It's real swanky up here, and there's a big door to the east that looks like it's gotta be a private suite. A smaller door is to the west. Just like with the other elevator stops, you can push the pearl button here to call Kipper. A stonefaced palooka stands at attention next to the door. >e The stonefaced palooka opens the door for you. The Imbrium Suite This swanky private suite makes everything on the floor below look like yesterday's day-old donuts. White leather couches, silver fittings, wall-to-wall carpeting so plush you could sink into it like quicksand. A pair of goldfish float languidly in a crystal aquarium on the coffee table. There's a bedroom to the east, and the suite exit is to the west. >e Master Bedroom Hot dog, now this is a bedroom! It's about the size of a barn, with a huge four-poster bed slathered with shimmering draperies plopped right in the middle. The rest of the suite opens up to the west. Gams Gillespie is here, combing her hair at the vanity. >give oysters to gams Gams Gillespie doesn't seem interested. >show oysters to gams Gams Gillespie is unimpressed. >talk to gams She stops brushing and looks at you. 1) "And what sort of aphrodisiacs am I looking for again?" 2) "So tell me about this...'other couple'." 3) "How did you and Donnie meet?" 4) "Hey, do you work part time as a mermaid?" 5) "One extra-large order of Oysters Amour, boiled to perfection!" 6) "Guess I'd better go get your order!" >5 ["One extra-large order of Oysters Amour, boiled to perfection!"] "You brought it!" Gams squeals, leaping to her feet. "Oh, thank you, thank you! This'll reignite the passion. I just know it!" She shoulders the oversized oyster and, staggering under the weight, hauls it into the main suite. "Cookie! Vincent! It's feedin' time for Mommy's little treasures!" You hear a splash as she drops the oyster into the aquarium. Gams reappears in the doorway, her eyes bright. "It's workin'! They're eatin', and once they're done, they're gonna be frisky as fry. My poor lonely goldfish'll be in love again, just like they used to be!" She gives you a peck on the cheek, followed by a wink. "Now, let's get out of here. My little babies are gonna be needin' their privacy!" Throwing on a bathrobe, she dances happily out of the suite, leaving the ghost that was haunting her behind. Master Bedroom Hot dog, now this is a bedroom! It's about the size of a barn, with a huge four-poster bed slathered with shimmering draperies plopped right in the middle. The rest of the suite opens up to the west. A giggling ghost floats in midair. >drink ghost Y'know, these things could really use a little garnish. An olive or something. But there's nothing for it now, so you deploy your drinker and soon the ghost is nothing more than a hiccup and a grin. >l Master Bedroom Hot dog, now this is a bedroom! It's about the size of a barn, with a huge four-poster bed slathered with shimmering draperies plopped right in the middle. The rest of the suite opens up to the west. >x bed You could just sink into this and never be seen again, which makes it honestly kinda scary, when you think about it. >w The Imbrium Suite This swanky private suite makes everything on the floor below look like yesterday's day-old donuts. White leather couches, silver fittings, wall-to-wall carpeting so plush you could sink into it like quicksand. A pair of goldfish float languidly in a crystal aquarium on the coffee table. There's a bedroom to the east, and the suite exit is to the west. >x gish (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >x fish (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >w Third Floor It's real swanky up here, and there's a big door to the east that looks like it's gotta be a private suite. A smaller door is to the west. Just like with the other elevator stops, you can push the pearl button here to call Kipper. A stonefaced palooka stands at attention next to the door. >i You are carrying: Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch a mermaid getup an apple an orange a bellhop's uniform (being worn) an uninspiring bowl a handwritten reminder a party blower an art theory textbook a typewritten note a pair of spook-spotting cheaters (being worn) your best set of glad rags >d You can't go that way. >push button "Hiya, Miss Greene! Where to now?" 1) "First floor, please." 2) "Second floor, please." 3) "Seeya, Kipper." >1 ["First floor, please."] "Sure thing!" Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. >n Neptune Lounge A real fancy place for swells to come and take in a show - crystal chandeliers, napkins folded in the shape of fish, the whole kit and kaboodle. One wall is mostly taken up by a bar that serves "juice," another features a stage that serves up "talented" performers, and the third is dominated by an enormous mural. The hotel lobby is to the south, the dressing room is to the north, and double doors lead east to the kitchen. >x bar The bar is untended. Or, to put it another way, the bar is unattended. All those bottles sitting out, unguarded, and you just know they're filled with nothing but water. It's enough to make a girl cry. >n Dressing Room Props and costumes are scattered around this small dressing room. A full-length mirror leans against the wall. South leads back to the Neptune Lounge. >s Neptune Lounge A real fancy place for swells to come and take in a show - crystal chandeliers, napkins folded in the shape of fish, the whole kit and kaboodle. One wall is mostly taken up by a bar that serves "juice," another features a stage that serves up "talented" performers, and the third is dominated by an enormous mural. The hotel lobby is to the south, the dressing room is to the north, and double doors lead east to the kitchen. >e Cleverly disguised as the Grand Poseidon's most beautiful bellhop, you slip through the swinging doors and into an employees-only area. Kitchen It looks a lot like other kitchens, probably; you make it a point to spend as little time in them as possible. There's a big industrial refrigerator and lots of counters. Swinging double doors to the west lead back to the lounge. >e You can't go that way. >w Neptune Lounge A real fancy place for swells to come and take in a show - crystal chandeliers, napkins folded in the shape of fish, the whole kit and kaboodle. One wall is mostly taken up by a bar that serves "juice," another features a stage that serves up "talented" performers, and the third is dominated by an enormous mural. The hotel lobby is to the south, the dressing room is to the north, and double doors lead east to the kitchen. >s Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. >s Cleverly disguised as the Grand Poseidon's most beautiful bellhop, you hop over the counter and into an employees-only area. Hotel Office Oof, this room's a real step down in the fanciness department. Looks like everyone cleared out after the raid, leaving nothing but a room full of desks and paperwork. The lobby is to the north. To the east is the door to the hotel's high security vault. >e Vault This is the hotel's vault, where guests can drop off their high-priced losables so they can debauch in peace. Nobody is at the teller's window, but the vault door has a deposit slot, for after-hours drop-offs. You can see a ghostly outline moving around beyond the vault door! >i You are carrying: Barnaby Mooch the Magnificent Pooch a mermaid getup an apple an orange a bellhop's uniform (being worn) an uninspiring bowl a handwritten reminder a party blower an art theory textbook a typewritten note a pair of spook-spotting cheaters (being worn) your best set of glad rags >put reminder in slot Whoops! The teller's not around. If you put that in, you'd never get it back. >put note in slot Whoops! The teller's not around. If you put that in, you'd never get it back. >blow party You pop it in your mouth and blow. The paper part uncoils with surprising force and a nice loud "wheeeeee!" noise. You feel a little more festive. >put dog in slot Barnaby just fits through the slot, and wriggles out of your arms with a determined bark. Can Barnaby Mooch the Magificent Pooch escape from the Vault of Doom? Will he do it, folks? A minute passes... Two minutes.... When the tension is almost more than you can bear, there's a "kerchunk", and the vault door swings open. There, amid a fanfare of trumpets, stands Barnaby! He takes a bow, trots forward and thoughtfully kicks the door shut behind him - but not before the vault's ghost has slithered out as well. >drink ghost Slurp! Now you've got an even half-dozen of these little things gurgling around down there. You're starting to feel like a slightly plastered egg carton. >take dog Barnaby barks happily and lets you scoop him up into your arms. >l Vault This is the hotel's vault, where guests can drop off their high-priced losables so they can debauch in peace. Nobody is at the teller's window, but the vault door has a deposit slot, for after-hours drop-offs. >x vault An extremely heavy and secure metal door. You can't see any way to open it, but there's a deposit slot in it for dropping off valuables. >l Vault This is the hotel's vault, where guests can drop off their high-priced losables so they can debauch in peace. Nobody is at the teller's window, but the vault door has a deposit slot, for after-hours drop-offs. >w Hotel Office Oof, this room's a real step down in the fanciness department. Looks like everyone cleared out after the raid, leaving nothing but a room full of desks and paperwork. The lobby is to the north. To the east is the door to the hotel's high security vault. >n Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. >e First Floor Corridor An east-west hall lined with pillars. Gilt-edged paintings decorate the walls. The hotel lobby lies to the west, and the scent of lightly chlorinated salt water drifts in from the east. >s You can't go that way. >e Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >w First Floor Corridor An east-west hall lined with pillars. Gilt-edged paintings decorate the walls. The hotel lobby lies to the west, and the scent of lightly chlorinated salt water drifts in from the east. >w Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. >n Neptune Lounge A real fancy place for swells to come and take in a show - crystal chandeliers, napkins folded in the shape of fish, the whole kit and kaboodle. One wall is mostly taken up by a bar that serves "juice," another features a stage that serves up "talented" performers, and the third is dominated by an enormous mural. The hotel lobby is to the south, the dressing room is to the north, and double doors lead east to the kitchen. >n Dressing Room Props and costumes are scattered around this small dressing room. A full-length mirror leans against the wall. South leads back to the Neptune Lounge. >s Neptune Lounge A real fancy place for swells to come and take in a show - crystal chandeliers, napkins folded in the shape of fish, the whole kit and kaboodle. One wall is mostly taken up by a bar that serves "juice," another features a stage that serves up "talented" performers, and the third is dominated by an enormous mural. The hotel lobby is to the south, the dressing room is to the north, and double doors lead east to the kitchen. >e Cleverly disguised as the Grand Poseidon's most beautiful bellhop, you slip through the swinging doors and into an employees-only area. Kitchen It looks a lot like other kitchens, probably; you make it a point to spend as little time in them as possible. There's a big industrial refrigerator and lots of counters. Swinging double doors to the west lead back to the lounge. >w Neptune Lounge A real fancy place for swells to come and take in a show - crystal chandeliers, napkins folded in the shape of fish, the whole kit and kaboodle. One wall is mostly taken up by a bar that serves "juice," another features a stage that serves up "talented" performers, and the third is dominated by an enormous mural. The hotel lobby is to the south, the dressing room is to the north, and double doors lead east to the kitchen. >s Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. >n Neptune Lounge A real fancy place for swells to come and take in a show - crystal chandeliers, napkins folded in the shape of fish, the whole kit and kaboodle. One wall is mostly taken up by a bar that serves "juice," another features a stage that serves up "talented" performers, and the third is dominated by an enormous mural. The hotel lobby is to the south, the dressing room is to the north, and double doors lead east to the kitchen. >s Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. >push button "Hiya, Miss Greene! Where to now?" 1) "Second floor, please." 2) "Third floor, please." 3) "Seeya, Kipper." >1 ["Second floor, please."] "Sure thing!" Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >e Second Floor Corridor, Right in the Middle You're standing around the midpoint of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. There's a small closet to the south, and the hallway continues to the east and west. >e Second Floor Corridor, East End You're standing at the eastern end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites, and the hallway continues to the west. You can see an overturned cart here. >s The Indian Suite You can barely see this suite beneath the dropcloth on the floor and the host of half-finished canvases leaning against every wall. The second floor hallway is to the north. Crispin Fourment slouches at an easel, staring at a blank canvas with a tortured expression on his face. He appears to be possessed by one of the hotel ghosts! A smallish display table sits a few feet from the easel. On it is nothing. >eat orange You peel and eat the orange. It's round, sweet, and a little tart, which are fine things for an orange, or anyone, to be. Yum! >eat apple Crunch! So long, apple! >sit on table You plop your posterior on the small table. Crispin sighs. (A real sigher, this one.) "If only I could paint you," he says. "But the rules are clear! It's a container of fruit, or noth - "So who's not a container of fruit? I've eaten a banana, an orange, and an apple. I'm a regular fruit salad." "You mean - you - really?" Crispin brightens. "Then I can paint you! I can paint you! Oh, this is wonderful. Hold this! I have to capture you, now!" As Crispin picks up his paint brush, the ghostly presence erupts from his body. Now's your chance to get rid of - "Up-bup-bup! Let's keep that pose." Two hours later, Crispin finishes the painting and leaves, a tune on his lips. >drink ghost You slurp down the fermented fiend with the skill of an expert...and the coordination of a gal with six drinks in her already, but never mind that, you catch it eventually. Something tells you, as the ghost giggles its way down your gullet, that you've just polished off the penultimate poltergeist. Now, half-ghostfaced and armed with your wily wits and a stomach sloshing with snagged spirits, it's time to return to the gents' locker room and finish off the last and worst of the bunch. >x painting (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >d You can't go that way. >l The Indian Suite You can barely see this suite beneath the dropcloth on the floor and the host of half-finished canvases leaning against every wall. The second floor hallway is to the north. A smallish display table sits a few feet from the easel. On it is nothing. You can also see a portrait of a stunningly beautiful girl here. >x portrait It's a picture of a beautiful bellhop, eagerly clutching a suitcase. >take it Taken. >take all There are none at all available! >n Second Floor Corridor, East End You're standing at the eastern end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites, and the hallway continues to the west. You can see an overturned cart here. >w Second Floor Corridor, Right in the Middle You're standing around the midpoint of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. There's a small closet to the south, and the hallway continues to the east and west. >w Second Floor Corridor, West End You're standing at the western end of a long hall that runs the length of the Grand Poseidon's second floor. Doors to the north and south lead to luxury suites. The hallway continues to the east. This is also the 2nd floor elevator stop, and you can push the pearl button to summon an elevator. >push button "Hiya, Miss Greene! Where to now?" 1) "First floor, please." 2) "Third floor, please." 3) "Seeya, Kipper." >1 ["First floor, please."] "Sure thing!" Hotel Lobby The sumptuous entrance lobby of the Grand Poseidon Hotel. Aquamarine lights play over the leather couches and rich mahogany paneling, making the whole room look like it's underwater. Outside to the west, you can see the hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown Seattle. In the center of the room is an enormous fish tank. To the north is the Neptune Lounge, to the south, past the front desk, is the hotel office, and a hallway leads east. A crystal column houses the elevator. >e First Floor Corridor An east-west hall lined with pillars. Gilt-edged paintings decorate the walls. The hotel lobby lies to the west, and the scent of lightly chlorinated salt water drifts in from the east. >e Natatorium A huge room lined with pearly tiles. A stepped series of circular baths are laid out like tidepools, but one large saltwater pool dominates the room. The eastern wall is painted with a bright, sunny beach scene in which is concealed a doorway leading east. The ladies' changing room is to the south, while gents have to head north. >n You give the joint the old once-over first, just to make sure nobody's watching, and then in you go. Gents' Changing Room It's steamy and musty, with slick floors. Lockers line the walls. One of the lockers is blackened and slightly twisted, as if it's been through a fire. >x locker It's charcoal-black and twisted slightly out of shape. The number is missing, but you can see bare patches which look like a pair of sevens. >enter it That's not something you can enter. >drink ghost (That's not something you need to fiddle with.) >l Gents' Changing Room It's steamy and musty, with slick floors. Lockers line the walls. One of the lockers is blackened and slightly twisted, as if it's been through a fire. >open locker The locker pulses under your hands, and you feel the seal cracking. You're confident, secure, and half in the bag. You've cleared the hotel of the other ghosts. All that's left to do is polish off this one last one. 1) I'm done with this place! Let's guzzle us a ghost! 2) Nah, I'm not ready yet. >1 [I'm done with this place! Let's guzzle us a ghost!] You throw the locker open and- Nothin'. Just an empty locker. What a royal platter of the phonus balonus! Until you realize that the musty room is somehow brand new, the tiles less cracked, the lockers gleaming. It's like you've stepped back into the past, like in that Christmas book, except instead of watching some crusty old bluenose waste his childhood working, you're seeing what happened here, in this very room, some eight years ago. Donnie Cantaloupes swaggers in, dressed in a bathing suit, a towel around his neck. He's still huge, but in a different order, with more of his bulk filed under "M" for muscles, or maybe "M" for "Mamma mia, what a dish!" It's enough to make you want to run right out of here, find your younger self, and tell her to ditch the hopscotch a couple of years early. 1) Try to attract his attention. 2) Duck behind the lockers. >1 [Try to attract his attention.] You wave at Donnie, but he doesn't seem to see you. You whistle. You stand behind him and tap him on the shoulder. Your finger goes straight through, but he turns around anyway and looks right at you, which pretty much makes you jump out of your skin. He's not looking at you, though, but at the woman entering the room. 1) Who's the dame? >1 [Who's the dame?] She bears more than a passing resemblance to Agent Byrd - a tall, severe-looking brunette in businesslike tweed. This woman is older, though, with a sharp chin and a streak of gray in her hair. She storms up to Donnie, waving a finger in his face. "Don't think you can run away from me, Mister Cantaloupes!" "Didn't I tell ya to back off, ya dizzy harpy?" Donnie roars back. "One of your goons did mention it, yes," the woman says. "I believe his exact words were "one of these days, they'll find you floating face down in the Sound." I told him that was an ugly threat, and he said, and I quote, "It could be uglier. They could find you floating face up." Donnie chuckles. "I fail to see what's so funny, Mr. Cantaloupes. What would you friends at City Hall say if they knew you consorted with such ruffians?" Donnie crosses his arms. "And what would your fancy-schmancy Temperance ladies say if they knew Mildred Waverly hung around in men's changing rooms?" Waverly grins. "I made very sure that nobody saw me come in here, Mr. Cantaloupes. You can't hide behind your goons anymore. It's just you and me." "Just you and me, huh?" Donnie says, casually approaching. She looks so much smaller than he does, and yet she stands straight and proud. "No witnesses?" And that's when he lunges for her. -------------------- It's nearly a minute before Waverly finally breaks the kiss to shoot a nervous look around the room. "You're quite sure we're really alone?" "Isn't it a little late to be worried about that? Besides, didn't I tell you I gave them the night off?" Donnie says, stroking her hair." "I thought you meant you didn't - oh, I'm sorry, it's just impossible, the way you talk. Poor Rosie used to have the same problem, but we fixed it years ago, thank goodness." "Didn't I explain I can get around it by putting everything in the form of a question?" "Like a stutterer learning to sing his words instead of saying them, yes, I understand. It's just confusing, that's all." She gives him a teasing grin. "Sometimes I think things would had been easier if I'd fallen for the other doorman. The one who always tells the truth." "And what fun would that be?" "Not much," Waverly admits. "And we wouldn't have Rosie." -------------------- "How is Rosie, anyway?" Donnie says. "Got to be getting pretty big by now, isn't she?" "Nearly fifteen, and no, thank goodness, given that Walter is five foot two and weighs less than I do we're lucky she didn't end up with your body structure." "Any girl would be lucky not to end up with my body structure, don't you think?" "Now, that's not what I meant! You're very handsome for a mountain." She puts her head on his shoulders. "Oh, Donnie. I wish you could see her. I wish we didn't have to play around like this." "Don't you think I wish that too, Millie?" "I know you do. You're a good man, Donnie, but you've made a choice to do evil things." She sighs. "Those I suppose I'm hardly one to talk about that, am I? Nevertheless, as long as you continue to sell this poison -" "What if I stop?" -------------------- "What, just like that?" "What do I need more money for? Wouldn't it be nice if we could all be a family?" He reaches into the locker and pulls out a bottle of champagne. "What would you say if I told you I picked this up today, and it'll be the last bottle of booze I ever buy? Now - how about a toast?" -------------------- "You know I never touch-" "It's okay just this once, isn't it? You don't think I'll tell any of your hoity-toity friends, do you?" "I supposed not," Mildred says, blushing. She allows Donnie to pour her a glass and clinks it against his. "Very well. Just one. To us!" She gulps it down and makes a face. "Honestly, Donnie, I don't know where you get this cheap - " And then her hand flies to her throat and she collapses to the tile, her face ashen. -------------------- Poisoned. How? Not by Donnie. Any thought of that leaves your head when you see the look on his face as she falls, and the way he holds her as she dies. He's still holding her when one of his weaselly looking henchmen saunters in. The goon's eyes widen as he takes in the scene. "Holy smokes, boss. You actually kacked the broad." Donnie turns to look and him. Silently, he nods. Suddenly, you smell strong spirits. You turn - and you're face-to-face with the ghost of Mildred Waverly. -------------------- Her ectoplasmic body ripples and shimmers in the light. She's holey, like a hunk of Swiss cheese, the liquid weeping from the spots where the missing chunks of her body should be. She raises one hand and crooks her fingers towards you. Your belly gurgles. The spirits in the hotel, you realize, weren't really ghosts at all, but fragments of Mildred she left behind...and she's calling them back. A dizzying wave of sobriety crashes over you as the liquid leaches from your body and returns to hers. When your vision clears, she stands in front of you, whole. She looks down at her hands, turning them over and over, observing their translucency. "I was so...confused," she says. "But I remember now. I thought the alcohol killed me, but...but it was denatured alcohol. Poison. We knew it was out there, and we didn't do anything to take it out of the supply. We decided - " She smiles sadly. "We decided that anyone who drank it deserved what they got." She pulls a bottle from...somewhere...and pours a glass of something sparkling. "Seems so silly, now. Here, drink this. I'll explain in a moment." 1) Drink. >1 [Drink.] -------------------- You drain the glass It's pure and refreshing, with a surprising kick. "There you go, Hazel. You know, you really ought to cut back a bit. You're a smart girl, but you'd be smarter if you weren't plastered on cheap hooch all the time." The light suddenly brightens. It's coming from a direction you can't quite make out, except that it's not a cardinal direction, or up, or down, or even in or out. Mildred turns to look in that same impossible direction and smiles. "But I supposed that's up to you, now. It's time for me to go. No more meddling in the world of the living for me." She steps not-north-or-south-or-up-or-down, and she's gone, leaving you alone in the locker room. The very warm locker room. The very warm and wobbly locker room with the moving floor. Mildred pops back in from wherever she went. "Oh, I did say I would explain, didn't I? This is going to sound awfully hypocritical, but I had to return what I took, and I needed a vessel through which to symbolically return it, so that drink I just poured you was, in a spiritual sense, anyway, several thousand drinks, and I'm afraid you're going to be rather seriously inebriated in a moment, so..." She's already fading out, again, or maybe your vision is blurring. "...say goodbye to Rosie for me..." 1) And that's about where you pass out. >1 [And that's about where you pass out.] Or maybe you're actually passing back in, because all of a sudden you've got the cold locker room floor pressed against your back and Agent Byrd slapping you in the face. "Wake up!" she says, before turning to someone you can't see because you can't move your head without everything smearing like a Picasso. "It's no use, she's too drunk. Get me a bucket of cold water." "I'm not drunk!", you try to protest, but it comes out more like "Amm nawww rarrrunk" because you are, in fact, ossified right out of your little blonde skull. The same skull which Agent Byrd proceeds to lubricate with a gallon of ice water. "You're lucky to be alive," she says, helping you sit up. "The explosion shook the whole hotel." Donny Cantaloupes rushes into the room, shoving onlookers out of the way. "What's goin' on in here?" he bellows. "Don't you know this is the gentleman's changing area?" Agent Byrd stands up, triumphant. "It's clear to me exactly what's happened," she says. "You were hiding a cache of highly flammable contraband in this locker room, trusting that it's the one place I'd never dare check. This unfortunate girl snuck in to sample the merchandise, overindulged, lost her head enough to light up a quick jazz cigarette and - BOOM!" "That's exactly what happened," Donnie says. "A-ha!" "Nah, you're takin' the boss out of context," says Donnie's right-hand man, weaseling up. "You gotta remember his speech impediment. And say, boss, I gotta tell you, I was checking the 'mineral water' and it's back to being 'mineral water', not, uh, mineral water, if you get me, see?" "A-ha, again!" Agent Byrd says. "Don't think I don't know what you're talking about. Men, search the place! We've got you this time, Cantaloupes. And when I bust this place up from stem to stern, not only will we uncover your operation, we'll find evidence for the rest of it too. You'll finally face justice for the murder of Mildred Waverly." She leans forward, getting right in the big man's face. "You killed my mother," she hisses. "And pretty soon I'll be able to prove it." Suddenly all business again, she backs off and kneels to face you. "Miss, we're going to need a statement." You don't want to give a statement. In fact, you don't really feel like moving. You feel - peaceful. Mildred Waverly is in a better place. The hotel has been re-boozed, and even if the bar's closed, you're already nicely sloshed. You just want to put your head back on the floor and go to sleep. But Agent Byrd is waiting. You're going to have to tell her something.... 1) It's about your mother... >1 [It's about your mother...] "Your mother did this," you say. "Or...her ghost did. She was angry with the hotel, and I don't blame her, because the way she died would have steamed anyone's celery. But it wasn't Donnie Cantaloupes who killed her!" "No, it wasn't," Donnie Cantaloupes says suddenly. "I didn't kill her." Gasps ring out from the crowd as people work out what he just said. "Uh, Boss," says Weaselly, "let's not say anything we shouldn't outta say in front of Janey Law here..." ""I didn't kill her!" Cantaloupes says again. "I haven't been carrying this secret around for eight long years. I'm not tired of it. No, I didn't kill her. It wasn't an accident, but that means I'm not responsible. It's not time for me to take responsibility for that. I don't deserve to go to jail." "Nah, she wouldn't want that," you say. "The ghost showed me how she died, see, and-" "The ghost?" Agent Byrd explodes. "The ghost? This is a serious investigation, not a showcase for your D.T.s!" "No, really, there was a ghost. Lots of ghosts. I've got this pair of cheaters, see, and - " You put your hand to your face. Where are your special glasses? They're gone! "And just where exactly is this ghost now? "Um, I'm not sure. Heaven, I think?" "That's what I thought. And why, pray tell, do you think my mother would want me to show any regard to the criminal who killed her? Even 'accidentally'?" 1) It's like this... >1 [It's like this...] Well, what the heck. It's not over until the slightly-curvier-than-average lady sings, so you might as well get singing. "Because I'm pretty sure this criminal is your father." "WHAT?" Agent Byrd says. "See, she and Cantaloupes were passionately in love. They were talking about you in the vision just before she died, which, incidentally, happened because she drank from a bottle of denatured alcohol by accident. He's your father, all right. Look, I've got parental issues too. Although at least my parents are married and, hoo boy, maybe I shouldn't have spilled this in front of all your co-workers, but oh well. There it is. Cantaloupes is your dad." "Well, if the girl I found lying drunk in the men's changing room babbling about ghosts says it, I suppose it must be true! Tell me, do you have even one single solitary shred of proof?" "Uh. I didn't think of that. I don't suppose you've both got webbed toes or a funny birthmark on the moneymaker, anything like that?" "That's what I thought." "Wait! I just remembered something! Mildred said...when you were young, you had the same speech impediment Cantaloupes does. You always said the reverse of what you meant!" "That's ridiculous. I never did that." "You must have been really young! You might not remember, but maybe if you talk to someone who knew you back then - " "I said I never did that!" Agent Byrd says, her face turning purple. "Donnie Cantaloupes can be my father! It's possible!" She claps a hand over her mouth. "That's what I meant to say...I don't mean...I..." She swallows. "It never happens when I'm...that is to say...it only happens when I'm upset. And it doesn't prove anything." She looks at Donnie, her face a mix of curiousity and fear. "But...but I suppose you're not the only one who's made an accusation they can't prove tonight. Perhaps I was too hasty, Mr. Cantaloupes. Perhaps there was more to my mother's disappearance than I know. The booze, however...that, I'm shutting you down for." It wasn't exactly the tearful reunion you might have hoped for, but it'll have to do. -------------------- And so you find yourself staggering home at six-thirty in the morning, exhausted, reeking of liquor, and with instructions to talk to the police later. The old lady's going to have your hide. And you've already tossed your guts out onto two different lawns and one very surprised gardener who got in the way of the third lawn at the last second. It's just about your usual morning, in other words. But y'know what, kid? Last night you un-haunted a hotel with nothing more than pluck, moxie, and your own talented kisser. Last night, you got past every problem the Poseidon Grand could throw at you. "Roof! Roof!" Barnaby barks happily at your feet. Oh, yeah, there's that, too. You got yourself a dog. All in all, not a bad night. Not a bad night at all! THE END. >l -------------------- And so you find yourself staggering home at six-thirty in the morning, exhausted, reeking of liquor, and with instructions to talk to the police later. The old lady's going to have your hide. And you've already tossed your guts out onto two different lawns and one very surprised gardener who got in the way of the third lawn at the last second. It's just about your usual morning, in other words. But y'know what, kid? Last night you un-haunted a hotel with nothing more than pluck, moxie, and your own talented kisser. Last night, you got past every problem the Poseidon Grand could throw at you. "Roof! Roof!" Barnaby barks happily at your feet. Oh, yeah, there's that, too. You got yourself a dog. All in all, not a bad night. Not a bad night at all! THE END. >s That command isn't available in choice mode. >e That command isn't available in choice mode. >1 There is no choice corresponding to that number. > (Cat got your tongue?) >exit That command isn't available in choice mode. >quit Are you sure you want to quit? n >q Are you sure you want to quit? n >0 There is no choice corresponding to that number. >1 There is no choice corresponding to that number. >2 There is no choice corresponding to that number. >r That command isn't available in choice mode. >1 There is no choice corresponding to that number. >d That command isn't available in choice mode. >q Are you sure you want to quit?