As Socrates approached his death, one of his pupils asked him: "Master, after we've washed you and put on your shroud, where ought we to bury you?" Socrates answered: "If you can find me, well! bury me wherever it suits you. But I can't imagine how you'll find me after I'm dead; in all my life, I never found myself." — Attar of Nishapur 何謂四靈？麟鳳龜龍，謂之四靈。 — 禮運 The Little Match Girl Approaches the Golden Firmament a real-time fairy-tale by Hans Christian Andersen Release 1 / Serial number 250401 / Inform 7 v10.1.2 Vorple version 4.0.1 Hello. My name is Hans Christian Andersen. Perhaps you are familiar with the little match girl, a character I came up with out of my own head, and with her many adventures. So many adventures—and what convoluted adventures they are! Before you enter the START command, you really ought to take a moment to look at Ebenezabeth (the little match girl's name is "Ebenezabeth") and note her various possessions and abilities. >i You are carrying: a tiger's eye pendant (being worn) the skeletonic key a scanning lens (being worn) a velvet capelet (being worn) your revolver >x ebenezabeth As of 1849, Ebenezabeth Scrooge is twenty years old. She is a strong young woman with flaxen curls and hard eyes, a woman who rarely smiles, a woman whose conscience forbids her any rest. As her powers and reputation grow, she finds her heroism increasingly in demand. Her primary ability is this: Whenever she looks at fire, she travels through space and time. There's no apparent regularity to her destinations, but she trusts fire to take her where she needs to be. Ebenezabeth carries a revolver (among other tools you will find in her inventory), and although she finds violence as distasteful as you or I do, she often finds it necessary to shoot things. Lately she has developed a wholly benign method of shooting things: If she first focuses her mind, she can cause her revolver to fire a blast of purifying flame, capable of melting away the insidious shards of the Mirror of Belial. She can also transform into a little mouse. >transcript Start of a transcript of: The Little Match Girl Approaches the Golden Firmament a real-time fairy-tale by Hans Christian Andersen Release 1 / Serial number 250401 / Inform 7 v10.1.2 Vorple version 4.0.1 Inform 7 v10.1.2 Identification number: //51789FD7-20B6-4AEF-8762-C7D2E828B6DC// Interpreter version 2.1.6 / VM 3.1.2 Skeleton Keys version 1 by Emily Short >i You are carrying: a tiger's eye pendant (being worn) the skeletonic key a scanning lens (being worn) a velvet capelet (being worn) your revolver >x ebenezabeth As of 1849, Ebenezabeth Scrooge is twenty years old. She is a strong young woman with flaxen curls and hard eyes, a woman who rarely smiles, a woman whose conscience forbids her any rest. As her powers and reputation grow, she finds her heroism increasingly in demand. Her primary ability is this: Whenever she looks at fire, she travels through space and time. There's no apparent regularity to her destinations, but she trusts fire to take her where she needs to be. Ebenezabeth carries a revolver (among other tools you will find in her inventory), and although she finds violence as distasteful as you or I do, she often finds it necessary to shoot things. Lately she has developed a wholly benign method of shooting things: If she first focuses her mind, she can cause her revolver to fire a blast of purifying flame, capable of melting away the insidious shards of the Mirror of Belial. She can also transform into a little mouse. >help (Ebenezabeth's powers at this particular moment include: LOOK AT FIRE to travel through time FOCUS to imbue blessed revolver with purifying flame, to destroy shards of the Mirror of Belial SHOOT things, when necessary SCAN THINGS to learn about them UNLOCK THINGS (with the skeletonic key) SQUEEZE PENDANT (the tiger's eye pendant) to see in the dark TRANSFORM to change into a mouse, or back into a young lady Endure deadly cold thanks to the velvet capelet, no action required RAGE (while in mouse form) to flail around as violently as a mouse can For more specific hints, enter the command HINT 2.) >command That's not a verb I recognize. >commands That's not a verb I recognize. >start Are you sure you're ready? I hope you can play this one in a single sitting, without distractions. >yes All right then! Please press any key to continue. The story you are about to play is true. HHS Atgeir - 4419 The docking bay force field flickers as the Quartal Star slips inside. THIRTY MINUTES ON THE DOT, the scanning lens tells you. The ship slows to a stop, nestling itself between rows of combat drones. blandford needs half an hour of thrust to achieve a collision trajectory so, be faster than that You jump out of the pilot's seat as the airlock pressurizes. oh and i'm tuned into their ansible frequency if you want to eavesdrop "Sure," you mutter. The airlock hisses open, and you leap outside. Docking Bay 1 Your ship is a bit conspicuous among the fighter drones. Just hope nobody comes around to notice. On the far side of the force field are the stars, spinning upsettingly quickly. The exit is starboard. All you have to do is get to the reactor, find the Simurgh, and bring it back here. Fast. A message appears in the scanning lens: um intruder alert WHAT WHERE albedo deck. i think it's SCROOGE. i told you she wouldn't give up KILL HER How do you know it's Scrooge? who else would it be? KILL HER RIGHT NOW k working on it >starboard Docking Bay Access There are two docking bays, to port (where your ship is) and starboard. The rest of the ship is forward. A wall monitor shows the position of the Atgeir relative to the Golden Firmament. >starboard Docking Bay Hundreds more fighter drones stand here, waiting for activation. Your ship is parked in the other docking bay. The way out is port. >x drones A couple hundred unmanned killing machines, lined up in perfect legions. Prince Blandford opted for a design with garish wings and horns. >port Docking Bay Access There are two docking bays, to port (where your ship is) and starboard. The rest of the ship is forward. A wall monitor shows the position of the Atgeir relative to the Golden Firmament. >forward Albedo Junction A creased poster hangs on the wall near a map terminal. White tape marks paths leading port, starboard, and aft (to the docking bays). Stairs leading deeper into the ship are consigned to an inconvenient corner. >port Albedo Port Station The port door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO CITRINITAS DECK." The corridor continues to starboard. A document is open on a nearby console. >read document The message reads: My child, I am greatly humbled by your worshipful missive. Be sure, my child, that the path of asceticism on which I travel is not to be trod by the weak of spirit. To attain my mastery of the mucomantic Art, I underwent such self-mortification as would SOMETHING SOMETHING your SOMETHING were you not fully prepared, my child. After Prince Blandford's righteous campaign succeeds and I make my return to the material plane, you and I will schedule a private seminar. SOMETHING ABOUT PAYING IN ADVANCE. Your Mentor, Archdervish Chymeis SAVE AS DRAFT >port Once you step close enough to the ouroboros, the mechanism yanks you violently forward until you're inside. The tiny car runs along its gossamer rail, arcing from one deck to the next. she just got in the ouroboros JETTISON THE OUROBOROS Far below, you think you can see the tiny black hole at the center of the ship. ...i don't know how to do that I have an idea. I'll meet her on Citrinitas Deck. The car barely slows down as it approaches the next station. It just lurches to a halt and spits you out. Citrinitas Starboard Station The starboard door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO ALBEDO DECK." The corridor continues to port. A laminated notice is taped to the wall. >x notice There's a lot of text here: PASTOR DELLA GARDELLA'S DO'S, DON'T'S, and TRIE'S for NOT GETTING YOUR HEAD BIT OFF - DON'T say you're sorry. Ever. You're admitting weakness. - DON'T say "please." Act like an adult. - NEVER THANK ANYBODY FOR ANYTHING, this bothers me so much. If I hear a single "thank you" I will walk all the way across the ship to bite your head off - DO NOT MESS WITH MY STUFF - TRY not to stare at my chest when we're talking, I know it's hard. If I catch you ogling, just apologize and move on. - DO stare at my butt when I walk away, you little pervert, winky face >starboard This time you're ready: You relax, you take a step, and the ouroboros draws you inside. You lean over for a better look. You can't quite see the black hole, but there's a spot where the far side of the ship looks weirdly lensed. That must be it. what's she doing she's back in the ouroboros did she change her mind? Hmm. You brace yourself as the car approaches the Albedo deck. Albedo Port Station The port door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO CITRINITAS DECK." The corridor continues to starboard. A document is open on a nearby console. >port You step confidently into the ouroboros. okay she's BACK in the ouroboros AGAIN heading to citrinitas deck WHAT IS THIS GIRL'S PROBLEM Perfect. I'll be there, waiting for her. Citrinitas Starboard Station The starboard door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO ALBEDO DECK." The corridor continues to port. A laminated notice is taped to the wall. >port Life Support Access The walkway runs from port to starboard, past a security gate leading aft to the life support cortex. Off to the side, a stairway leads downward. >aft (first opening the life support security gate) (first unlocking the life support security gate) (with the skeletonic key) Life Support Cortex The chamber is crowded with huge machines, and the air is noisy, stuffy, charged with static. Atmosphere generators are notoriously inefficient, and these are running on full blast. High overhead, massive ducts convey the synthesized air to the rest of the ship. The way out is fore. >enter duct You can't do much more than look from down here. >fore Life Support Access The walkway runs from port to starboard, past a security gate leading aft to the life support cortex. Off to the side, a stairway leads downward. >down Stairway A band of garish striped tape separates the top and bottom of the stairs, attempting to halt your progress. A sign nearby says: "RELATIVISTIC EXCLUSION ZONE - KEEP OUT." >down Before you can pass over the tape, the scanning lens emits a harsh beep, right in your ear. lady we really should not be stepping into any relativistic exclusion zones. they call it a "exclusion zone" because it is bad news >up Life Support Access The walkway runs from port to starboard, past a security gate leading aft to the life support cortex. Off to the side, a stairway leads downward. >port Corridor The walkway continues to port and starboard, passing various unimportant-looking components. Professor Alxifar's hulking frame blocks the passage. You raise your revolver. "Please, Professor—" "Quiet," he snaps, lifting his own weapon—the size of a cannon. "It's already over." The huge gun roars, and flames engulf the corridor, filling your vision. Custer State Park - 1988 Road The highway runs east and west, between scattered aspens and birches. Far to the west, a plume of smoke rises over the trees. The heat is obscene. ugh relativity the scanning lens grumbles. RECALCULATING what happened? I set the Citrinitas corridor on fire. so she's gone? im getting a metatime trace on her shes in 20th century... Excellent! Well done, Professor. …SOUTH DAKOTA yesssss!!! see this is proof that Providence favors our efforts have fun chomping on a woolly mammoth burger, SCROOGE is there mammoths in the 20th century Pastor Gardella: I thought that "Providence" was a metaphor/metonym for God (genuine question)? no no no no no no no no PROVIDENCE is the invisible hand of fate that makes sure people get what they deserve GOD is an old man with a long white beard you might be thinking of mastodons Ah. (who will be dead in about half an hour) If God concedes our military superiority I'm willing to make him a prisoner. That would be quite the coup, should circumstances permit. I predict a strong response from the forces of Heaven as soon as we transcend the Golden Firmament... oh BUFFALOS ...but within minutes the angelic armies will be decimated, and the survivors will be forced to surrender. <3 <3 <3 i looked it up THEN THE THRONE OF GOD WILL BE MINE Archdervish Chymeis: What are you talking about (genuine question)? the burgers scrooge is chomping on Ah. and the three of you will sit at my right hand. Prince Blandford: I'm glad we're finally getting these details ironed out (gentle sarcasm). professor alxifar: shut up > l Road The highway runs east and west, between scattered aspens and birches. Far to the west, a plume of smoke rises over the trees. The heat is obscene. >e There's nothing for you out that way. >w Roadblock A row of plastic barriers crosses the road, patrolled by a sweaty park ranger. The smoke is still some distance to the west. "The park's closed," the ranger says, once he notices you. "We got a bad fire. You better turn around." >e Road The highway runs east and west, between scattered aspens and birches. Far to the west, a plume of smoke rises over the trees. The heat is obscene. >transform You close your eyes. Molecules coil and uncoil, tensing, releasing. And then you're a little mouse. >w Roadblock A row of plastic barriers crosses the road, patrolled by a sweaty park ranger. The smoke is still some distance to the west. >w Parking Lot Personnel are hurrying back and forth across the road, carrying equipment and barking orders. Someone reacts to the appearance of a flaxen-furred mouse with mild surprise for half a second, then marches away. You can see the plume of smoke a little better from here. It's rising from somewhere to the southwest. >sw Gully A number of rodents, insects, reptiles, and small birds have congregated in the dry creek bed. The fire is somewhere southwest from here. "Wait, we have to start over," a voice grouses. "Someone got here late." "Your tone isn't very helpful. The chair will be happy to begin the proceedings again." The prairie dog pauses significantly before announcing: "This committee is convened to explore options for responding to the recent forest fire." >ask prairie dog about fire (Use TALK TO to interact with characters.) "And to determine a course of action!" the hummingbird adds. "I'm sorry I have to say it again, but no. The agenda only provides for suggestions, discussions of suggestions, and straw polls to gauge the popularity of suggestions." >talk to prairie dog The prairie dog shushes you, waving you awway. "I move to add a final decision to the agenda!" cries the hummingbird. >sw The redbelly snake darts in front of you. "This meeting isn't over yet," the prairie dog says. "Please respect the rules of order and wait until we've adjourned." "And I'm very sorry that I have to say this again, but I'm afraid it's too late to amend the agenda. If there are no more interruptions, the floor is now open for suggestions." No one wants to speak first. So you speak first: "You should be running away from the fire. Right now." >sw This time, the chickadee blocks your path. "This meeting isn't over yet," the prairie dog says, overenunciating without raising his voice. "Please respect the rules of order and wait until we've adjourned." The prairie dog clicks his teeth. "Let the record show the mouse suggests that one possible course of action is to run away from the fire. Who would like to make a case for or against?" >transform The problem with that idea is, the rangers would see you right away, and then they would drag you as far away from the fire as possible. "I can speak in favor of the suggestion," says the longhorn beetle. "If we evade the fire, we'll be physically safer (probably), and stay alive longer (if only temporarily). We can use the opportunity to reproduce, perpetuating our various species, as is our tendency." "Well said," says the prairie dog. "Now, who will take up the opposite view?" >i You are carrying: a scanning lens (being worn) "I don't mind speaking against myself, if no one else will," says the beetle. "The fire is a part of nature, as are each of us; we should not resist nature by resisting its effects. Should a wing or a leg hope to escape its incorporating body?" >talk to beetle The longhorn beetle fixes you with an angry glare. "Shut up!" she hisses. can we please get kicked out asks the scanning lens. The chickadee answers: "It troubles me—not that you speak both for and against the same suggestion, which I find quite impressive, well done—but that both your opposing arguments are rooted in appeals to the notion of our roles in nature. I would hope that arguments proceeding from the same premises, if they are well-formed arguments, should arrive at the same conclusions." >bite beetle You dig your little teeth into the longhorn beetle, eliciting a shocked shriek. "That's enough!" barks the prairie dog. "If you can't be civil," he says, "then I'm afraid I have to dismiss you." And he drags you out of the creek bed. Field Tall grass surrounds you, but you can see now: The smoke is rising from behind the trees to the south. As soon as the prairie dog is gone, you hear a whine at your ear: "Thanks a hundred, lady! I was trying to get out of there too, but I wasn't having any luck until you whipped up a distraction." Now you see her: a tiny mosquito. "Happy to help," you tell her. >talk to mosquito "Is it all right if I tag along?" asks the mosquito. "If you can resist biting me," you tell her. "Oh, no problem!" "So, you got a name?" the mosquito asks. "Ebenezabeth. What's yours?" "Wow, that's a good one! Uh, mosquitoes don't get names." "Oh! I'm sorry." She shrugs (you think). "No big deal. I know it's different for mice." >s Forest The smoke overhead is thick, but you can see flames licking at the underbrush. Better hurry. >x flames The flames know your business is urgent, and carry you away at once. oh great says the scanning lens. now i gotta recalibrate the thing again HHS Atgeir - 4419 She's back. Darkness It is pitch dark, and you can't see a thing. WHAT. WHERE Citrinitas deck. In the ventilation system. oh perfect im right by there >fore You can't see where you're going. ill take care of this B^) >i You are carrying: a scanning lens (being worn) >transform You close your eyes—and then you open them. >squeeze What do you want to squeeze? >pendant You squeeze the pendant, and the surrounding darkness becomes somehow transparent. Air Duct This spacious tube curves from aft to starboard. Cool air flows down the tunnel past you. >starboard Air Duct This stretch of tube goes port in one direction and starboard in the other. A coolant pipe passes vertically through the duct here. Something is buzzing nearby—Oh. It's that mosquito. >talk to mosquito You don't speak any language the mosquito would understand. >starboard Air Duct The tube turns from port to aft. >aft Air Duct The tube curves from fore to port here. >port Air Duct The tube runs from port to starboard. There's a hatch in the bottom of the duct here. >down (first opening the hatch) (first unlocking the hatch) (with the skeletonic key) "Not so fast," a voice warbles, as a pseudopod stretches between you and the hatch. You look up to see a brain and two eyeballs, suspended in a mass of transparent slime. Chymeis raises a viscid tentacle toward your face—You jump back. HAHAAAA is she dead???? not yet but im really close >down (first opening the hatch) (first unlocking the hatch) (with the skeletonic key) You lean down, bringing the skeletonic key toward the hatch. "Silly little girl," Chymeis gurgles. A tentacle tries to pull the key out of your hand—You scramble away. Don't try anything fancy. Just kill her and get it over with. im not trying anything fancy! calm down NEVER TELL ME TO CALM DOWN If you ever tell me to calm down again, I will blend you into a fine paste. we will make a smoothie out of you and we will DRINK YOU THROUGH A STRAW >focus You close your eyes. You squeeze your revolver. Warmth spreads through your body, into the gun—the heat of Jovian lightning, the heat of a rippling desert— You open your eyes. He takes the opportunity to reach out with several pseudopods, wrapping around your arms, your legs—you are engulfed in his body. MASH KEYBOARD TO ESCAPE You struggle—gritting your teeth— The slime presses in on you—up your nose— You burst free, stumbling down the tunnel. Air Duct The tube turns from fore to starboard here. Yes. okay okay sorry >shoot (You must specify what you are shooting at.) NEVER APOLOGIZE TO ME >shoot chymeis (You can't see that, or it's not implemented.) >fore Air Duct This spacious tube curves from aft to starboard. Cool air flows down the tunnel past you. You can hear Chymeis gurgling through the ducts. >starboard Air Duct This stretch of tube goes port in one direction and starboard in the other. A coolant pipe passes vertically through the duct here. >starboard Air Duct The tube turns from port to aft. "Wait for meeeee, my child!" Chymeis giggles. The heat in your revolver fades away. >aft Air Duct The tube curves from fore to port here. >fore Air Duct The tube turns from port to aft. The sticky sound of Chymeis is getting closer. >focus You close your eyes. You squeeze your revolver. Warmth spreads through your body, into the gun—the heat of a jet engine, the heat of a rippling desert— You open your eyes. >port Air Duct This stretch of tube goes port in one direction and starboard in the other. A coolant pipe passes vertically through the duct here. "You can't get away, my child!" Chymeis burbles. >shoot chymeis (You can't see that, or it's not implemented.) >port Air Duct This spacious tube curves from aft to starboard. Cool air flows down the tunnel past you. >aft Air Duct The tube turns from fore to starboard here. The sticky sound of Chymeis is getting closer. >starboard Air Duct The tube runs from port to starboard. There's a hatch in the bottom of the duct here. The heat in your revolver fades away. >focus You close your eyes. You squeeze your revolver. Warmth spreads through your body, into the gun—the heat of Venusian storms, the heat of a blazing furnace— You open your eyes. Chymeis sloshes into view. >shoot chymeis You blast the walking ooze with blinding light, but he only giggles moistly. "Not gonna work, my child!" >down (first opening the hatch) (first unlocking the hatch) (with the skeletonic key) You lean down, bringing the skeletonic key toward the hatch. "Silly little girl," Chymeis gurgles. A tentacle tries to pull the key out of your hand—You scramble away. >port Air Duct The tube turns from fore to starboard here. >fore Air Duct This spacious tube curves from aft to starboard. Cool air flows down the tunnel past you. "You can't get away, my child!" Chymeis burbles. >starboard Air Duct This stretch of tube goes port in one direction and starboard in the other. A coolant pipe passes vertically through the duct here. The scanning lens subtly moves its reticle over the coolant pipe. >x pipe This pipe probably isn't supposed to be here. hey says the scanning lens. check out that coolant pipe The sticky sound of Chymeis is getting closer. >shoot pipe You fire at the pipe. It bursts open, filling the air with frigid gas and irate hissing. Thanks to Estella's capelet, though, you barely feel the cold. awesome now we just lure him over here i guess >starboard Air Duct The tube turns from port to aft. You can hear Chymeis gurgling through the ducts. >aft Air Duct The tube curves from fore to port here. You hear a sudden shriek from down the tunnel—but it's cut off quickly. uh heheheh Archdervish Chymeis: What's the problem? >port Air Duct The tube runs from port to starboard. There's a hatch in the bottom of the duct here. she froze me, nbd >down (first opening the hatch) (first unlocking the hatch) (with the skeletonic key) You drop yourself through the hatch, and land as lightly as you can manage on a very hard floor. Life Support Cortex The chamber is crowded with huge machines, and the air is noisy, stuffy, charged with static. Atmosphere generators are notoriously inefficient, and these are running on full blast. High overhead is an open hatch in the ducts. The way out is fore. just come thaw me out when you get a chance YOU SIMPERING CRETIN Well, where is she headed? im still tracing her hold on i gotta figure out how to stop them tracking us everywhere What? Who are you? sorry wrong chat WHO WAS THAT hey im gonna figure out how to stop them tracking us everywhere can someone come thaw me out pls whoa that was actually really easy >fore Life Support Access The walkway runs from port to starboard, past a security gate leading aft to the life support cortex. The port exit is blocked by a fire-suppression bulkhead. Off to the side, a stairway leads downward. "Which way to the reactor?" um, port the scanning lens tells you. but it looks like we gotta take the long way around ok i just lost the trace IDIOT I WILL POUR YOU DOWN THE TOILET AND FLUSH YOU INTO SPACE WELL YOULL HAVE TO THAW ME OUT FIRST IDIOT >port (first opening the fire-suppression bulkhead) (first unlocking the fire-suppression bulkhead) (with the skeletonic key) The skeletonic key unlocks the fire-suppression bulkhead easily. Then the fire-suppression bulkhead detects a fire on the other side, and immediately locks itself again. >starboard Citrinitas Starboard Station The starboard door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO ALBEDO DECK." The corridor continues to port. A laminated notice is taped to the wall. >starboard You step confidently into the ouroboros. does scrooge really think god is a good guy but also he needs her help??? I've been assuming she's one of those ancient aliens conspiracy theorists. Deluded people can react very violently when you threaten to dismantle their illusions. i never understood this theory if the other side of the golden firmament isn't heaven then what the h*ck is over there? Albedo Port Station The port door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO CITRINITAS DECK." The corridor continues to starboard. A document is open on a nearby console. The mosquito passes your ear with a faint whine. You'd have to ask the ancient aliens. >transform You take a deep breath. You feel very ticklish for a second... ...and then you've changed. >talk to mosquito "Are you doing okay?" "Of course!" says the mosquito. >talk to mosquito "Are you doing okay?" "Of course!" says the mosquito. >transform You close your eyes—and when you open them, you're a young lady again. >starboard Albedo Junction A creased poster hangs on the wall near a map terminal. White tape marks paths leading port, starboard, and aft (to the docking bays). Stairs leading deeper into the ship are consigned to an inconvenient corner. >starboard Albedo Starboard Station The starboard door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO NIGREDO DECK." Notes are scribbled on a nearby whiteboard. The corridor continues to port. >x notes How does a Cibatio drive WORK? WHAT does it convert into energy? Benificence - physical quality? hmm Wisdom - not a physical quality Purity - can see this as a state of low entropy? extract energy by increasing entropy? does any of this make sense >starboard You step confidently into the ouroboros. "Are they finally being quiet?" you ask the scanning lens. no they're jabbering away i'm trying to just relay the interesting parts to you, i know you're busy "Thanks. It's somewhat interesting," you say. "Not as unpleasant as I was expecting." oh you mean you thought there'd be more cusses i've been cutting out lots and lots of cusses Nigredo Port Station The portward door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO ALBEDO DECK." The corridor continues to starboard. Prince Blandford smirks at you from a wall-length display screen. "Oh. Thank you." the whole thing has mostly been cusses >scan display You scan the monitor, and the scanning lens reports: oh nice i can analyze his armor for weaknesses { ANALYZING } nope this is just a bunch of marketing nonsense >talk to lens don't worry about me the scanning lens tells you. i can take care of myself, as long as i don't fall off your capable face >starboard Corridor A cramped hallway runs from port to starboard. >starboard Navigation Access A broad security gate leads aft; signage indicates this is the way to the navigation cortex. Narrow passages lead port and starboard, and the stairway into the depths of the ship is even narrower. >down Stairway Striped tape draws a line across one stair, tracing an altitude across the walls. The nearby sign says "RELATIVISTIC EXCLUSION ZONE" in huge letters, easy to read even in the dim red light. "KEEP OUT," it adds. You feel noticeably heavier down here. >up Navigation Access A broad security gate leads aft; signage indicates this is the way to the navigation cortex. Narrow passages lead port and starboard, and the stairway into the depths of the ship is even narrower. >starboard Nigredo Starboard Station The starboard door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO RUBEDO DECK." The corridor continues to port. >starboard You step confidently into the ouroboros. The ouroboros lurches, as if it's about to fall off its track. "What was that?" you ask. The scanning lens blinks: uh stand by i do not know Rubedo Port Station The portward door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO NIGREDO DECK." The corridor continues to starboard. The monitor here has a status report left open on it. >x report This report is about a month old. The Simurgh is contained at last. Its variable nature proved a stimulating challenge, worthy of my particular expertise (as an undergraduate, I minored in ambiguity). With no sign of any reprisal in the offing, it looks as though our trip to the Golden Firmament will be an uneventful one. When a free moment presented itself, I used the opportunity to confirm a detail that had rankled me. Indeed, one member of the Simurgh does not match with available records. The discrepancy is interesting, but apparently inconsequential; the reactor is in perfect working order. >starboard Reactor Access Passages from port and starboard meet in front of a massive blast shield aft. This is the entrance to the reactor. A set of stairs leads deeper into the ship. >aft (first opening the blast shield) (first unlocking the blast shield) (with the skeletonic key) You try the skeletonic key—nothing happens. Apparently the blast shield isn't locked, per se; it might be welded in place. "There must be a way in," you grumble. lady i'm telling you there completely is not "We'll figure something out. Can we buy some time?" uh... we could take out their navigation system. wanna take out their navigation system? "Sure." okay it's on 'nigredo deck,' which is... we were there earlier >starboard Rubedo Starboard Station The starboard door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO CITRINITAS DECK." The corridor continues to port. A progress report glows on a nearby console. >starboard You step confidently into the ouroboros. You grab the pole tight, ready for the car to lurch again. But it smoothly follows the rail to the next station. Citrinitas Port Station The portward door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO RUBEDO DECK." The corridor continues to starboard. Someone left a memo open on the console here. >port You step confidently into the ouroboros. You grab the pole tight, ready for the car to lurch again. But it smoothly follows the rail to the next station. Rubedo Starboard Station The starboard door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO CITRINITAS DECK." The corridor continues to port. A progress report glows on a nearby console. >starboard You step confidently into the ouroboros. You grab the pole tight, ready for the car to lurch again. But it smoothly follows the rail to the next station. Citrinitas Port Station The portward door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO RUBEDO DECK." The corridor continues to starboard. Someone left a memo open on the console here. >starboard (first opening the fire-suppression bulkhead) (first unlocking the fire-suppression bulkhead) (with the skeletonic key) The skeletonic key unlocks the fire-suppression bulkhead easily. Then the fire-suppression bulkhead detects a fire on the other side, and immediately locks itself again. >port You step confidently into the ouroboros. You grab the pole tight, ready for the car to lurch again. But it smoothly follows the rail to the next station. Rubedo Starboard Station The starboard door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO CITRINITAS DECK." The corridor continues to port. A progress report glows on a nearby console. >port Reactor Access Passages from port and starboard meet in front of a massive blast shield aft. This is the entrance to the reactor. A set of stairs leads deeper into the ship. >port Rubedo Port Station The portward door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO NIGREDO DECK." The corridor continues to starboard. The monitor here has a status report left open on it. >port You step confidently into the ouroboros. The mosquito flits at the corner of your vision, never straying far. You grab the pole tight, ready for the car to lurch again. But it smoothly follows the rail to the next station. Nigredo Starboard Station The starboard door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO RUBEDO DECK." The corridor continues to port. >fore You can go starboard and port. >port Navigation Access A broad security gate leads aft; signage indicates this is the way to the navigation cortex. Narrow passages lead port and starboard, and the stairway into the depths of the ship is even narrower. >aft (first opening the navigation security gate) (first unlocking the navigation security gate) (with the skeletonic key) Navigation Cortex Sickly light and greenish vapors diffuse from cracks in a gnarled mound on the floor, resolving on the domed ceiling as charts and calculations. The only exit is the passage forward. >x mound The carapace of a long-dead cosmic tortoise serves as the Atgeir's navigation cortex, releasing necrotic fumes as it slowly decays. You are appalled, but not surprised. >shoot mound You raise your weapon, you pull the trigger. Your bullet ignites the putrid gas surrounding the shell, and the navigation cortex erupts into flames. yeah that'll slow them down a LOT Adelaide Express - 1929 Passenger Car The train lurches onto a bridge, and you stagger. People are packed tight together, most of them reading newspapers or trying to sleep. Outside the cramped windows, gum trees and yellow fields hurtle in and out of view. The engine must be somewhere, let's say, "fore" from here. I'm afraid we've lost primary navigational control. WHAT HOW Scrooge blew it up. WHERE IS SHE looking I'll just steer us manually since I HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING MYSELF Even if I have to use the aux nav kiosk in the EXCLUSION ZONE >fore (first opening the door) A red-faced man interpolates himself between you and the door. "Sit down, girl! No moving between cars while the train is in motion!" "I need to examine the engine," you say, attempting to maneuver around the man without success. "It's very important." He scoffs. "Important! You young people have no idea what's important. I ought to throw you from the train, is what I ought to do..." A little boy pulls your sleeve, takes you a step back. "I'm awfully sorry. Father's been so quarrelsome lately. Don't know what's gotten into him." You consider this. "Did he get something stuck in his eye? A little piece of glass?" "Um. Maybe?" That shouldn't be necessary. I can patch control to your console. oh that's perfect thank you I intended for the auxiliary navigation kiosk to be used only while the ship was under construction. It's far too dangerous to go down there now. OKAY I GET IT I'M STEERING FROM MY CONSOLE STOP BOTHERING THE PRINCE I apologize. yeah be nice >focus You close your eyes. You squeeze your revolver. Warmth spreads through your body, into the gun—the heat of Jovian lightning, the heat of a wrathful star— You open your eyes. >shoot man You fire from the hip, too fast for anyone to notice or object. Brilliant light fills the passenger car. The mirror shard flies from the man's eye, hisses away into nothing. His son rushes to him as he stumbles to the floor. "Gracious," he mutters. "I don't know what came over me. Very sorry, young lady. Go on, see the engine if you must—none of my business." And they find their seats. >fore (first opening the door) (first unlocking the door) (with the skeletonic key) Post Office Car The postal workers are busily sorting mail, paying you minimal attention. When one does look up at you, it's with unsettling trepidation. Doors lead fore and aft to adjacent cars. >fore (first opening the fore door) (first unlocking the fore door) (with the skeletonic key) Baggage Car Suitcases, packages, bags of mail. It's not as cramped in here as it is in the passenger car. Doors lead fore and aft to adjacent cars. >fore (first opening the fore door) (first unlocking the fore door) (with the skeletonic key) Guard's Van An iron crank protrudes from the floor in the center of this compartment. An angel is sitting on the bench nearby. Doors lead fore and aft to adjacent cars. >talk to angel "Can I help you?" He nods. "I and my associates all hope for your victory, Ebenezabeth Scrooge. Of course, we're not at all concerned about Prince Blandford's experiment succeeding; it makes absolutely no sense. A mortal has no more hope of reaching Heaven by throwing a black hole—" "I'm in a hurry, Zephon." "—But the consequences of his attempt will be dire indeed, if he is not stopped. To that end, I am authorized to grant you this." A crystal ampoule, smaller than a wren's egg. Red liquid swirls inside. "A drop of my own blood, an alkahest to dissolve any substance, to unmake any obstacle. Wield it toward a righteous end." It feels like a coal burning in your hand. "Why doesn't it dissolve the vial? Zephon huffs. "It must be some sort of miracle." >thank zephon "Thank you, Zephon." "You're welcome, Ebenezabeth Scrooge. Now, hurry." >fore (first opening the fore door) (first unlocking the fore door) (with the skeletonic key) Tender A very narrow corridor twists around the coal bunker. The locomotive should be through the forward door. >forward (first opening the fore door) (first unlocking the fore door) (with the skeletonic key) Locomotive The pipes, gauges, and valves are more than you can take in all at once, but you're only interested in one thing. The conductor stands with his hat in his hands, staring at you in awe. >x fire The firehole—the little door over the firebox—is closed. >open firehole The engine is very, very hot. It'd be safer not to get too close. >shoot firehole The engine is very, very hot. It'd be safer not to get too close. >l Locomotive The pipes, gauges, and valves are more than you can take in all at once, but you're only interested in one thing. The conductor stands with his hat in his hands, staring at you in awe. >talk to conductor The man swallows heavily before he speaks. "Are you the little girl—whose coming was foretold to us by the angel?" Heavy sigh. "Yes. Would you mind opening the firehole for me, just for a moment?" "I would be honored!" he blubbers, and with his thick glove he pulls the little door open, releasing a blast of heat. >x firehole You lean down to glance inside the firebox, and immediately you are gone. HHS Atgeir - 4419 Docking Bay Access There are two docking bays, to port (where your ship is) and starboard. The rest of the ship is forward. A wall monitor shows the position of the Atgeir relative to the Golden Firmament. I'm receiving a transmission. It appears that GENDGALAC has issued another warrant for our arrest. hahaha what now >fore Albedo Junction A creased poster hangs on the wall near a map terminal. White tape marks paths leading port, starboard, and aft (to the docking bays). Stairs leading deeper into the ship are consigned to an inconvenient corner. They've identified the asteroid from which I fashioned our all-important black hole. why does gendgalac care about an asteroid Well, this asteroid happened to be a memorial to the victims of some interstellar plague. LM*O Thank you. I had hoped you might find that amusing. how many charges is that? >port Albedo Port Station The port door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO CITRINITAS DECK." The corridor continues to starboard. A document is open on a nearby console. I'm sure I can remember. Begin list: One for freeing Archdervish Chymeis from incarceration, One for compelling the Gnomes of Hyl to assist in constructing this ship, >port You step confidently into the ouroboros. Eighteen for the other planets we compelled to assist in constructing this ship, Eight for incidental treaty violations, One for impersonating a member of the clergy, I'M NOT IMPERSONATING ANYTHING Well, now I've lost my concentration. The rest comprises roughly two hundred instances of fraud, bribery, coercion, wrongful imprisonment, &c. Citrinitas Starboard Station The starboard door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO ALBEDO DECK." The corridor continues to port. A laminated notice is taped to the wall. GENDGALAC has classified the destruction of the plague memorial as "high vandalism." End list. >port Life Support Access The walkway runs from port to starboard, past a security gate leading aft to the life support cortex. The port exit is blocked by a fire-suppression bulkhead. Off to the side, a stairway leads downward. how do you keep track of all that stuff Archdervish Chymeis: I can't really help it. I suppose attention to detail comes naturally to me. >down Stairway A band of garish striped tape separates the top and bottom of the stairs, attempting to halt your progress. A sign nearby says: "RELATIVISTIC EXCLUSION ZONE - KEEP OUT." That's why I invited you to the team! I'm not sure "invited" is the right word (dry humor). >up Life Support Access The walkway runs from port to starboard, past a security gate leading aft to the life support cortex. The port exit is blocked by a fire-suppression bulkhead. Off to the side, a stairway leads downward. >aft Life Support Cortex The chamber is crowded with huge machines, and the air is noisy, stuffy, charged with static. Atmosphere generators are notoriously inefficient, and these are running on full blast. High overhead is an open hatch in the ducts. The way out is fore. The mosquito is still here. >fore Life Support Access The walkway runs from port to starboard, past a security gate leading aft to the life support cortex. The port exit is blocked by a fire-suppression bulkhead. Off to the side, a stairway leads downward. >port (first opening the fire-suppression bulkhead) (first unlocking the fire-suppression bulkhead) (with the skeletonic key) The skeletonic key unlocks the fire-suppression bulkhead easily. Then the fire-suppression bulkhead detects a fire on the other side, and immediately locks itself again. >starboard Citrinitas Starboard Station The starboard door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO ALBEDO DECK." The corridor continues to port. A laminated notice is taped to the wall. >starboard You step confidently into the ouroboros. The ouroboros speeds down the rail. Through the forward window you can see the Firmament: An impossibly huge sphere of gold. Albedo Port Station The port door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO CITRINITAS DECK." The corridor continues to starboard. A document is open on a nearby console. >starboard Albedo Junction A creased poster hangs on the wall near a map terminal. White tape marks paths leading port, starboard, and aft (to the docking bays). Stairs leading deeper into the ship are consigned to an inconvenient corner. >starboard Albedo Starboard Station The starboard door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO NIGREDO DECK." Notes are scribbled on a nearby whiteboard. The corridor continues to port. >starboard You step confidently into the ouroboros. The ouroboros follows the arcing rail to the next station. are we going the right way asks the scanning lens. "I hope so," you mutter. Nigredo Port Station The portward door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO ALBEDO DECK." The corridor continues to starboard. Prince Blandford smirks at you from a wall-length display screen. >starboard Corridor A cramped hallway runs from port to starboard. >starboard Navigation Access A broad security gate leads aft; signage indicates this is the way to the navigation cortex. Narrow passages lead port and starboard, and the stairway into the depths of the ship is even narrower. >starboard Nigredo Starboard Station The starboard door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO RUBEDO DECK." The corridor continues to port. >starboard You step confidently into the ouroboros. remember the scanning lens says. the reactor is on rubedo deck "Isn't that where we're going?" um yes Rubedo Port Station The portward door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO NIGREDO DECK." The corridor continues to starboard. The monitor here has a status report left open on it. >fore You can go starboard and port. >starboard Reactor Access Passages from port and starboard meet in front of a massive blast shield aft. This is the entrance to the reactor. A set of stairs leads deeper into the ship. >aft (first opening the blast shield) (first unlocking the blast shield) (with the skeletonic key) You try the skeletonic key—nothing happens. Apparently the blast shield isn't locked, per se; it might be welded in place. >i You are carrying: an ampoule a scanning lens (being worn) a tiger's eye pendant (being worn) the skeletonic key a velvet capelet (being worn) your revolver >put ampoule on blast shield You toss the vial at the blast shield. The crystal shatters, and flecks of blood spray across the smaragdinum surface. In the next instant, the metal is melting away, vanishing like hoarfrost in sunlight. The way aft is open. >aft Power Modulator The component overhead makes your skull vibrate. You want to vomit, but you're too busy. More noisy machines to aft and starboard. The way out is fore. >aft Reactor Core Passages from fore, starboard, and port converge around a huge ovoid force field. Inside is the Simurgh. >x simurgh A gigantic bird, majestic even in captivity. Its eyes are bolts of lightning; its beak a blade of adamantine. It beats its fiery wings against the force field, howling in almighty rage. It is also thirty birds, all lying half-dead on the floor as their power is siphoned away. Among them is a crow you know. >talk to crow Hrieman coughs, and your heart sinks. "Hey, you made it!" he groans. tell him thank you for blandford's ansible frequency You wipe at a tear, and the scanning lens dismisses its own message. "I'll get you out of here as fast as I can," you tell Hrieman. "Do you know how to take down the force field?" He lifts a wing toward the port passage. "That way," he croaks. "I think." >port Secondary Generator The secondary generator is considerably quieter than the rest of the machinery around here. A raised platform provides access to the control panel. The way to the main reactor is starboard. hmmm what is it >x control panel The controls and a few key components for the generator are exposed in a spot accessible only from the catwalk. The mosquito flits at the corner of your vision, never straying far. >up You scramble up the ladder and onto the platform. hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm >x control panel The controls and a few key components for the generator are exposed here—none of them intelligible to you. WHAT ARE YOU HMMING ABOUT >shoot control panel You fire a conventional bullet into the tangle of electronics, to no discernible effect. i don't see how you're gonna do any damage with that pea shooter observes the ever-helpful scanning lens. I'm gonna go check something out >focus You close your eyes. You squeeze your revolver. Warmth spreads through your body, into the gun—the heat of Jovian lightning, the heat of a furious volcano— You open your eyes. >shoot control panel You fire, and purifying light engulfs the exposed components. When it fades, nothing looks any different. i don't see how you're gonna do any damage with that pea shooter observes the ever-helpful scanning lens. >talk to lens don't worry about me the scanning lens tells you. i can take care of myself, as long as i don't fall off your capable face >transform You take a deep breath. You feel very ticklish for a second... ...and then you've changed. >talk to mosquito "You're sure you're doing okay?" The mosquito nods emphatically. "This is the most fun I've had in my life!" >transform You close your eyes—and when you open them, you're a young lady again. >i You are carrying: a scanning lens (being worn) a tiger's eye pendant (being worn) the skeletonic key a velvet capelet (being worn) your revolver >l Secondary Generator (on the raised platform) The secondary generator is considerably quieter than the rest of the machinery around here. A raised platform provides access to the control panel. The way to the main reactor is starboard. >x machinery (You can't see that, or it's not implemented.) >turn off switch (You can't see that, or it's not implemented.) >x control panel The controls and a few key components for the generator are exposed here—none of them intelligible to you. >x component The controls and a few key components for the generator are exposed here—none of them intelligible to you. >shoot components You fire a conventional bullet into the tangle of electronics, to no discernible effect. i don't see how you're gonna do any damage with that pea shooter observes the ever-helpful scanning lens. >starboard (first getting off the raised platform) You hurry back to the floor. Reactor Core Passages from fore, starboard, and port converge around a huge ovoid force field. Inside is the Simurgh. >starboard Power Rectifier The air ripples over the rectifier's various heatsinks. It's so hot, you can barely breathe. The ways out are fore and port. >fore Power Limiters Carbon-ceramic towers surround you, thrumming hypnotically. You can see ways out to aft and port. >shoot tower Your 19th-century lead bullets won't even put a dent in the power limiters. >port Power Modulator The component overhead makes your skull vibrate. You want to vomit, but you're too busy. More noisy machines to aft and starboard. The way out is fore. A winged woman hovers over the blast shield's ruined threshold. Pastor Gardella. "Scrooge!" she shrieks, raising her quark rifle. The quark rifle hums as Della takes aim. The rifle's droning rises into a piercing whine. "See you in Heaven!" Della cackles. Della fires. Somehow you move fast enough. The burst of quarks collides with the side of the modulator, leaving a large scorch mark. >starboard Power Limiters Carbon-ceramic towers surround you, thrumming hypnotically. You can see ways out to aft and port. Della recovers from the recoil. >z Time passes. Della readies her weapon, adding a low drone to the general din of the reactor. >aft Power Rectifier The air ripples over the rectifier's various heatsinks. It's so hot, you can barely breathe. The ways out are fore and port. The quark rifle hums louder and louder. >z Time passes. The rifle's droning rises into a piercing whine. Della is wheezing ecstatically. >port Reactor Core Passages from fore, starboard, and port converge around a huge ovoid force field. Inside is the Simurgh. >port Secondary Generator The secondary generator is considerably quieter than the rest of the machinery around here. A raised platform provides access to the control panel. The way to the main reactor is starboard. Della fires just as you duck behind some equipment. The volley of quarks slams into the side of the generator, leaving a large scorch mark. Della shakes her head. i kinda wish we had one of those says the scanning lens. >up You scramble up the ladder and onto the platform. Della cocks her rifle. >z Time passes. The quark rifle is getting louder. >transform You take a deep breath. You feel very ticklish for a second... ...and then you've changed. >z Time passes. The rifle's droning rises into a piercing whine. Della hisses at you: "Hold still, you little tease!" >transform You close your eyes—and when you open them, you're a young lady again. You step to the side as Della fires. The blast of quark-matter strikes the control panel, and the secondary generator explodes. Spånga Kyrka - 1715 Tower Unearthly twilight. The sun is black. The domed tower ahead doesn't resemble the building it's attached to at all. A path leads west, past a jagged standing stone. >w Path The path runs parallel with the church wall, past a chipped runestone. In the corners of your vision, metatime echoes of yourself plod along the path, pause to examine the stone, continue to the west. >x runestone One corner of the stone has broken away, but most of the runes are still legible. At the beginning and end of the inscription, the ribbon transforms into an intricately-knotted serpent. >x echoes The echoes disappear as you focus on them—You glimpse one shaking its head. >read runes One corner of the stone has broken away, but most of the runes are still legible. At the beginning and end of the inscription, the ribbon transforms into an intricately-knotted serpent. >w Entrance A third runestone is hidden away at this end of the church. A wire sundial is mounted over the door to the north. Melix is here, smirking absentmindedly. Then he recognizes you, and his face falls. "Okay okay okay, fine. But before you take me in, will you let me explain one thing?" You shake your head. "I'm not here to arrest you." Now he's confused. "Then are you here to ask me for a hint?" "I'm not looking for you at all," you tell him, and he brightens up. "But next time I am, I'll try looking in an eclipse." Back to smirking. "Pretty clever, huh?" >talk to melix He leans forward, waiting for you to ask: "Who are you hiding from?" "Misguided people. What about you?" "I'm not hiding. I ended up here by accident, and I need a way back." Melix glances around. "You need fire. And I need... Hey, can you still turn into a mouse?" what does he mean STILL "Why do you ask?" "Lyle—my cat—is hiding in this church. Maybe you could encourage him to come out?" come on throw the guy a bone the scanning lens whines, and you roll your eyes. From his smile, it seems Melix takes this as a yes. >x sundial The numbers are hard to read from down here, but the sundial isn't casting any shadow anyway. >n Nave Painted vines climb the columns and arches; faded figures cover the vaulted ceiling. Dozens of candles sit in sconces along the walls, none of them lit. The pews face the chancel to the east. The way out is south. >x candles A couple candles look like they were just blown out—but what does that even mean, when time has stopped? >light candle You don't have a safe way of doing that. >e Chancel Images of saints cover the wall; the vaults here are reserved for the loftiest subjects. The way out is west. A marble archway leads east, behind the altar and its looming crucifix. >x altar The marble archway and the room to the east frame the image of Christ, diverting much of your attention from what ought to be the church's focal point. >e Tomb Dozens of escutcheons hang from the pilasters, leaning in like a crowd of anxious faces. The floor is tiled in jagged black and white. The tower's height can't ease the claustrophobia of a mausoleum. A plinth and marble bust stand against one wall; a family tree is painted on another. A grand archway leads west. >x bust A white marble bust on a black marble plinth, flanked by white marble cherubs, over an epitaph in black marble, over a skull and crossed bones in white marble. The epitaph reads: BONDIUS HOC POSUIT CINERES HOC MARMORE VULTUS QVEM VETUIT FATUM VIVERE FAMA MORI NATURA INGENIUM FORS STEMMATA VITA LABORES PUBLICA RES PLAUSUS SED DEDIT ASTRA FIDES >x family tree Each branch on the tree bears a name and short biography; each name has a tiny coat of arms attached. The painted text is very, very small. In the background are a runestone and an obelisk. The caduceus seems to imply that the family ultimately descends from Hermes (or maybe Odin). >transform You take a deep breath. You feel very ticklish for a second... ...and then you've changed. "So, why was that lady shooting at you?" The mosquito is still here. "She and her friends are doing something very foolish and dangerous," you tell her. "I'm trying to stop them." "Something in outer space? I've only been picking up a few details." "Yeah, outer space." Deep breath. Where to begin? >talk to mosquito "A few million years ago," you explain, "life started evolving on a certain planet. Very far from Earth. Then some sort of megacomet came by and threw off the planet's orbit. It started drifting away from its sun." "So it got cold." "Right. And if it got too far from the sun, it'd be exposed to a bunch of radiation, too. The developing lifeforms were doomed." >talk to mosquito "But some incredibly advanced creatures had already taken an interest in this planet, and they didn't want to see it snuffed out. They set up a giant support system around it, to provide heat and light. And to block the worst of the radiation, they covered it in a layer of gold." "Why not just push the planet back into orbit?" "You'd have to ask the incredibly advanced creatures." >talk to mosquito "But they evolved into energy or something, and left their pet planet drifting through interstellar space. When other beings found this huge gold sphere in the middle of nowhere, they came up with a bunch of wild theories." Heavy sigh: "Prince Blandford believes the 'Golden Firmament' is the edge of the universe, and that if he breaks through, he'll be able to pass out of mortal space and into Heaven. But all he'll do is expose that planet to a bunch of harmful rays." >talk to mosquito Suddenly the mosquito is very excited: "So you have to stop those guys to save all the people on the entire planet!" "Not 'people,' exactly. I don't think they've had time to evolve beyond squishy little things." "Well, sure. Like me!" You shake your head. "Quite a bit smaller than you." >talk to mosquito The mosquito is silent. >talk to mosquito "A planet of squishy things," the mosquito mutters. "Too small to see." "It's all relative," a solemn voice intones, and a huge orange tabby waddles around a corner. "From any given point of view, almost the entire universe is too small to see—too distant to concern oneself with." You take a careful step forward. "Hello, Lyle. Melix is looking for you." "He deserved to be abandoned, momentarily—but I have forgiven him. Carry me to him." And he sits on the floor, tucking his paws under his chest. >talk to omsquito (You can't see that, or it's not implemented.) >talk to mosquito "Beautiful, isn't it?" The mosquito glances around. "Oh! Yeah, it is. Just, not what I'm used to." >talk to mosquito "Beautiful, isn't it?" The mosquito glances around. "Oh! Yeah, it is. Just, not what I'm used to." >transform You close your eyes—and when you open them, you're a young lady again. >pick up lyle Lyle meows miserably as you lay hands on him, but he doesn't put up much of a fight. Soon he's wrapped up in your arms, purring in spite of how disappointed he is. You'll take him back to Melix when you're done looking around. >w Chancel Images of saints cover the wall; the vaults here are reserved for the loftiest subjects. The way out is west. A marble archway leads east, behind the altar and its looming crucifix. >w Nave Painted vines climb the columns and arches; faded figures cover the vaulted ceiling. Dozens of candles sit in sconces along the walls, none of them lit. The pews face the chancel to the east. The way out is south. >s Entrance A third runestone is hidden away at this end of the church. A wire sundial is mounted over the door to the north. "Hey, Lyle!" Melix cries. Lyle meows. The mosquito is still here. >give lyle to melix "Here you go." You pass the heavy load to Melix, and he holds Lyle's face up to his. "Why you gotta run off like that, you little ratbag?" He snorts. "I guess I'm one to talk. Anyway, you wanted some fire!" He sets Lyle down, freeing his hands to pull a matchbook from his pocket. "It was nice to see you, Ebenezabeth. Say hi to Linus for me." "I'm not speaking to Linus," you grunt through clenched teeth. "Then say something rude to him for me!" Melix strikes a match, and you stare into the flame before he can say anything else. HHS Atgeir - 4419 Crawlspace You're stuck between a couple of bulkheads. You can't move. oh cr*d what now >transform You take a deep breath. You feel very ticklish for a second... ...and then you've changed. Now that you can look around properly, you see the crawlspace extends fore and starboard. why are we on reserve power >fore Dusty Corner It looks like much of the dirt and dust and hair that falls between the floor panels ends up here. The tunnels continue to aft and starboard. A loop of wire sticks out from the pile of dust. why is the REACTOR OFFLINE DELLA um i have to go now my parish needs me are we allowed to leave? >get wire You take the loop of wire. DELLA YOU SCUMB*G >starboard Monument Four tiny construction helmets hang on four posts welded into the floor. Words in an unfamiliar script are carved into the wall. The crawlspace continues to aft and port. GET BACK HERE i'll be back right away i promise ;) >x helmets The helmets are somewhat larger than mouse-sized. Each is mounted as if leaning solemnly downward. byeeeeeeeeeeeeee >get helmet You wouldn't disturb this memorial. DELLA I WILL FIND YOU AS SOON AS I DETHRONE GOD I WILL HUNT YOU DOWN >aft Intersection Your human form couldn't even crawl through here, but for a mouse it's quite spacious, if not exactly comfortable. The tunnels go on to fore, starboard, and port. A nasty-looking bent screw leans against the aft wall. I WILL TURN YOU INSIDE OUT she already left the chat >get screw You take the bent screw. I WILL FEED YOU TO BEES HHHHHHHHRGAKLSJDJFIAGJWI!#*O&%IGEQT*734%&QM)V*JE9R8TQ*FF >port Crawlspace Now that you can look around properly, you see the crawlspace extends fore and starboard. ALSID@AGH&%@%OIWE^@GHALSH >starboard Intersection Your human form couldn't even crawl through here, but for a mouse it's quite spacious, if not exactly comfortable. The tunnels go on to fore, starboard, and port. >starboard Missing Panel There should be more floor to starboard, but a panel has fallen away. Now there's just a pit. On the far side is a bundle of cables. The crawlspace continues to fore and port. QWOIE^@&&TUM!^!@%VQG@##TEOIGRN >starboard There's no way over the pit. >fore Dead End This tunnel is oddly free of dust or other debris. It must have slowly been sucked down the aft passage. An odd sort of tool rests here. >x tool An odd contraption. It has every appearance of being spring-loaded, except there's no place for a spring. oh huh says the scanning lens. >talk to lens don't worry about me the scanning lens tells you. i can take care of myself, as long as i don't fall off your capable face >get tool You take the odd tool. >aft Missing Panel There should be more floor to starboard, but a panel has fallen away. Now there's just a pit. On the far side is a bundle of cables. The crawlspace continues to fore and port. >transform There's not enough room for your human form down here. >down You can go starboard, port, and fore. >starboard There's no way over the pit. >port Intersection Your human form couldn't even crawl through here, but for a mouse it's quite spacious, if not exactly comfortable. The tunnels go on to fore, starboard, and port. >fore Monument Four tiny construction helmets hang on four posts welded into the floor. Words in an unfamiliar script are carved into the wall. The crawlspace continues to aft and port. >port Dusty Corner It looks like much of the dirt and dust and hair that falls between the floor panels ends up here. The tunnels continue to aft and starboard. >aft Crawlspace Now that you can look around properly, you see the crawlspace extends fore and starboard. >starboard Intersection Your human form couldn't even crawl through here, but for a mouse it's quite spacious, if not exactly comfortable. The tunnels go on to fore, starboard, and port. >fore Monument Four tiny construction helmets hang on four posts welded into the floor. Words in an unfamiliar script are carved into the wall. The crawlspace continues to aft and port. >aft Intersection Your human form couldn't even crawl through here, but for a mouse it's quite spacious, if not exactly comfortable. The tunnels go on to fore, starboard, and port. >starboard Missing Panel There should be more floor to starboard, but a panel has fallen away. Now there's just a pit. On the far side is a bundle of cables. The crawlspace continues to fore and port. >fore Dead End This tunnel is oddly free of dust or other debris. It must have slowly been sucked down the aft passage. >exits The only way to go from here would be aft. >aft Missing Panel There should be more floor to starboard, but a panel has fallen away. Now there's just a pit. On the far side is a bundle of cables. The crawlspace continues to fore and port. >put screw in tool You place the bent screw in the odd tool, and the contraption winds itself back. >shoot tool Shooting the screw across the pit won't accomplish anything if there's nothing attached to the screw. >i You are carrying: an odd tool a bent screw a loop of wire a scanning lens (being worn) >attach wire to screw With some guidance from the scanning lens, you tie one end of the wire securely around the screw. >shoot tool You pull the trigger, and the screw is launched across the pit. Immediately it gets tangled in the cables on the far side. You grab the other end of the wire and tie it around the cables on this side. Now the gap is bridged by a single incredibly thin wire. >starboard You grab the wire, find your balance, take a few cautious steps over the pit. It turns out this is not as scary as you were expecting. You dash along the wire and hop safely to the other side. Shaft There's plenty of space for a human to stand in here. >transform You close your eyes—and when you open them, you're a young lady again. The walls look solid, except for the fore panel. >fore That panel is in the way. >shoot panel You fire—the panel falls away. Now there's a way out. And now your ears are ringing. >fore You step through the hole in the wall. Nigredo Starboard Station The starboard door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO RUBEDO DECK." The corridor continues to port. There's also a big hole in the aft wall. >starboard You step confidently into the ouroboros. The ouroboros car zips along. should be pretty easy, says the scanning lens. we got plenty of time Here comes the next station. Rubedo Port Station The portward door says "OUROBOROS ACCESS TO NIGREDO DECK." The corridor continues to starboard. The monitor here has a status report left open on it. Professor Alxifar is here. You raise your revolver, and he sneers. "Stop bluffing, girl. We both know you're not foolish enough to harm a unicorn." "You haven't been acting much like a unicorn, Professor." He chuckles. "Thanks to this," he says, pointing at a lump in his neck. "A Belçebu cyst. Prince Blandford had it implanted to suppress my innate morality." "Then you know he's manipulating you! Why don't you resist him?" He lays a massive hand on your shoulder, holding you in place. "Why should I want to resist? He let me build this ship—the greatest feat of engineering in millennia! Finally, technology—my technology—will throw open the gates of Paradise!" "It won't do that, Professor." His eyes narrow condescendingly. "As soon as Prince Blandford calms down, he and I will recontain the Simurgh. The mission will continue, despite your attempts at delay." "Then in the meantime, why aren't you killing me?" "Because I—" Alxifar's head and shoulders spasm. His huge eyes roll back in his head—then he recovers. "I'm reserving that privilege for His Highness." >focus You close your eyes. You squeeze your revolver. Warmth spreads through your body, into the gun—the heat of Jovian lightning, the heat of a rippling desert— You open your eyes. >shoot alifax (You can't see that, or it's not implemented.) >shoot lump "Don't be stupid—" Alxifar grunts, but you fire before he can stop you. Radiance fills the corridor. Alxifar screams. The shadow of the cyst withers like a dead leech and disintegrates. As the light disperses, the professor staggers. His hands turn back into hooves. With a wail of anguish he falls to all fours: "Wh-what have I done? What have I become? M-miss Scrooge—" Glittering tears fall from his opalescent eyes. "I'm a monster." "You're not a monster anymore, Professor. There's still time to stop this." "Yes. Yes. Y-you take care of the Simurgh. I'll disconnect Blandford's navigational controls. Then I'll—" A sob cuts him off. "First things first," you tell him. He nods, and gallops into the ouroboros. >exits You can go starboard and port. >starboard Reactor Access Passages from port and starboard meet in front of a massive blast shield aft, now mostly melted away. This is the entrance to the reactor. A set of stairs leads deeper into the ship. >aft Power Modulator The sickening thrum is gone, replaced by the thumping and crackling of half-operational machinery. The rest of the reactor is aft and starboard. The way out is fore. A great number of feeble-looking birds are assembled here. "Twenty-six, twenty-seven, twenty-eight." Hrieman waves a feather from one bird to the next. "And I make twenty-nine. We're still still missing one." He turns to face you. "Well done, by the way." "We're not done yet," you tell him. "Stay here—I'll find the last one." >aft Reactor Core Passages from fore and starboard cross at a circular containment zone. The force field is gone. A fire-suppression bulkhead bars the port passage. >port (first opening the fire-suppression bulkhead) (first unlocking the fire-suppression bulkhead) (with the skeletonic key) The skeletonic key unlocks the fire-suppression bulkhead easily. Then the fire-suppression bulkhead detects a fire on the other side, and immediately locks itself again. >starboard Power Rectifier The air isn't rippling anymore, but it's still hot in here. The ways out are fore and port. The hoopoe lies here, wings splayed over the floor. >x hoopoe His crest is bent, his beak hangs open. He's barely breathing. >transform You take a deep breath. You feel very ticklish for a second... ...and then you've changed. >talk to hoopoe "Are you okay?" The bird doesn't respond. >transform You close your eyes—and when you open them, you're a young lady again. >scan hoopoe The scanning lens has this to say about the hoopoe: uh he'll be fine if we get him back to the others fast >get hoopoe You carefully take the little bird up in your arms. >port Reactor Core Passages from fore and starboard cross at a circular containment zone. The force field is gone. A fire-suppression bulkhead bars the port passage. >fore Power Modulator The sickening thrum is gone, replaced by the thumping and crackling of half-operational machinery. The rest of the reactor is aft and starboard. The way out is fore. A great number of feeble-looking birds are assembled here. >give hoopoe to crow You carefully set the hoopoe down among his fellow birds. Immediately a change comes over him: His crest rises, he gets to his feet. He opens his beak: "That which you seek is here—" The thirty birds speak with one vast voice: "I am the King of Birds." It stands before you, its fiery wings still furled. "We are the Simurgh," it says. "Now, let us fly." "Wait—" you gasp, raising your hand too late. The Simurgh spreads its wings in a wave of brilliant flame. Why did we stop accelerating. Prince Blandford: I've disabled your navigational control. what what I'm putting a stop to this heinous experiment of yours (completely serious). SCROOGE Yes. She extracted the cyst, and now it is my duty to undo as much of the evil I've committed as I can. ALXIFAR. LISTEN TO ME. Without the cyst, are you as wise and benevolent and pure as a unicorn is supposed to be? It appears so. I see. Cerro Gordo County - 2008 Corn Thunder crashes, and your chest shakes. The tall stalks are tangled in the clawing wind, lashed by sheets of ruthless rain. East and west between fields runs a track of thick mud, barely visible in the darkness. >e Corn The space between corn fields narrows. The mud doesn't get any thinner. The trail runs east and west. >e Glasses The trail emerges from the corn fields and meets a gravel road running north and south. A giant pair of Wayfarers marks the spot. The drainage ditches are overflowing. >get wayfarers They're welded in place. >n You trudge a few steps north before concluding there's nothing up there. The mosquito flits at the corner of your vision, never straying far. >transform You take a deep breath. You feel very ticklish for a second... ...and then you've changed. >talk to mosquito "Don't worry about me," says the mosquito. "I've gotten through worse." >transform You close your eyes—and when you open them, you're a young lady again. >s Road A grain silo sticks out of the darkness to the south. Those glasses are back to the north. >s Silo The silo is dented and decaying. But the wind and rain can't knock it down. Those glasses are up the road to the north. >enter silo The only way in would be through that tiny rusty hole. >transform You take a deep breath. You feel very ticklish for a second... ...and then you've changed. >enter silo You slip through the hole. Darkness It is pitch dark, and you can't see a thing. Wind and rain pound on the walls. >transform You close your eyes—and then you open them. >squeeze pendant You squeeze the pendant, and the surrounding darkness becomes somehow transparent. Inside the Silo The floor is only a little damp, except for a small puddle near the hole through which you entered. It would be very comfortable, if not for the rain thrashing against the walls. >l Inside the Silo The floor is only a little damp, except for a small puddle near the hole through which you entered. It would be very comfortable, if not for the rain thrashing against the walls. >up The only way to go from here would be outside. >think You take a moment to consider the situation. >talk to lens don't worry about me the scanning lens tells you. i can take care of myself, as long as i don't fall off your capable face >transform You take a deep breath. You feel very ticklish for a second... ...and then you've changed. >out You slip through the hole. Silo The silo is dented and decaying. But the wind and rain can't knock it down. Those glasses are up the road to the north. >n Road A grain silo sticks out of the darkness to the south. Those glasses are back to the north. >e You can go north and south. >n Glasses The trail emerges from the corn fields and meets a gravel road running north and south. A giant pair of Wayfarers marks the spot. The drainage ditches are overflowing. >e You can go north or south or west. >w Corn The space between corn fields narrows. The mud doesn't get any thinner. The trail runs east and west. >w Corn The tall stalks are tangled in the clawing wind, lashed by sheets of ruthless rain. East and west between fields runs a track of thick mud, barely visible in the darkness. >w Corn The path sinks into a torrent of black rainwater, rushing from one field to the next. On either side the mud continues east and west. >w You can't swim across in this shape—you'd be washed away. >e Corn The tall stalks are tangled in the clawing wind, lashed by sheets of ruthless rain. East and west between fields runs a track of thick mud, barely visible in the darkness. >e Corn The space between corn fields narrows. The mud doesn't get any thinner. The trail runs east and west. >e Glasses The trail emerges from the corn fields and meets a gravel road running north and south. A giant pair of Wayfarers marks the spot. The drainage ditches are overflowing. >s Road A grain silo sticks out of the darkness to the south. Those glasses are back to the north. >s Silo The silo is dented and decaying. But the wind and rain can't knock it down. Those glasses are up the road to the north. >s You can go north and inside. >transform You close your eyes—and when you open them, you're a young lady again. >transform You take a deep breath. You feel very ticklish for a second... ...and then you've changed. >n Road A grain silo sticks out of the darkness to the south. Those glasses are back to the north. >n Glasses The trail emerges from the corn fields and meets a gravel road running north and south. A giant pair of Wayfarers marks the spot. The drainage ditches are overflowing. >n You trudge a few steps north before concluding there's nothing up there. >w Corn The space between corn fields narrows. The mud doesn't get any thinner. The trail runs east and west. >w Corn The tall stalks are tangled in the clawing wind, lashed by sheets of ruthless rain. East and west between fields runs a track of thick mud, barely visible in the darkness. >w Corn The path sinks into a torrent of black rainwater, rushing from one field to the next. On either side the mud continues east and west. >w You can't swim across in this shape—you'd be washed away. >transform You close your eyes—and when you open them, you're a young lady again. >w You trudge across the creek, against the current tugging at your ankles. Memorial The path from the east stops here, where silhouettes of a guitar and three records hang over the mud. >x guitar Rain pours over the smooth steel surfaces. Letters are cut into the metal—it's too dark to read. A cigarette lighter hangs on a chain from the guitar's neck. >x records Rain pours over the smooth steel surfaces. Letters are cut into the metal—it's too dark to read. A cigarette lighter hangs on a chain from the guitar's neck. >light lighter You're not holding the lighter. >get lighter You lift the lighter from the neck of the guitar. The ground shakes, and your spine twinges. >light lighter You flick the lighter—There's a spark—but the rain stifles it in an instant. >e Corn The path sinks into a torrent of black rainwater, rushing from one field to the next. On either side the mud continues east and west. hey were moving again >e You drag your feet back across the channel. Corn The tall stalks are tangled in the clawing wind, lashed by sheets of ruthless rain. East and west between fields runs a track of thick mud, barely visible in the darkness. The thunder calls down to you: DEFILER. FAST WOW howd you do that >e Corn The space between corn fields narrows. The mud doesn't get any thinner. The trail runs east and west. The storm winds its black fingers through your hair, around your neck. YOU WILL BE PUNISHED. You call up to the sky: "I only need—" But the thunder swallows your voice. I found another power source. >e Glasses The trail emerges from the corn fields and meets a gravel road running north and south. A giant pair of Wayfarers marks the spot. The drainage ditches are overflowing. A figure is following you, stalking across the clouds. THERE IS NO EXCUSE. "If there were any other way—" It's hopeless. nice so wheres the professor >s Road A grain silo sticks out of the darkness to the south. Those glasses are back to the north. The voice in the storm is closing in. THERE IS NO FORGIVENESS. You need to get out of here. OHHHHHHHHHH >s Silo The silo is dented and decaying. But the wind and rain can't knock it down. Those glasses are up the road to the north. The specter is on top of you. You can feel his breath, his rage. THERE IS NO ESCAPE. >transform You take a deep breath. You feel very ticklish for a second... ...and then you've changed. >inside You slip through the hole. Inside the Silo The floor is only a little damp, except for a small puddle near the hole through which you entered. It would be very comfortable, if not for the rain thrashing against the walls. >transform You close your eyes—and when you open them, you're a young lady again. >light lighter You flick the lighter. A tiny spark flickers and dies. "Come on," you mutter, trying to shake the water out. >light lighter You flick it again. Again. A flame appears—and disappears. YOU WILL BE PUNISHED. "Not now!" >light lighter You flick the switch desperately. At last, a tiny tongue of flame stands before your eyes. THERE IS NO ESCAPE. Alxifar's meddling has forced me to use the auxiliary navigation kiosk. The effects of the exclusion zone may interfere with communications. oh uh, ok HHS Atgeir - 4419 Albedo Junction A creased poster hangs on the wall near a map terminal. White tape marks paths leading port, starboard, and aft (to the docking bays). Stairs leading deeper into the ship are consigned to an inconvenient corner. Hrieman is here. "Are we good?" "Not quite. Blandford is steering from the exclusion zone." oh no "Well," Hrieman says, "let's go take care of that. Oh! Nice to meet you." He's talking to the mosquito. >transform You take a deep breath. You feel very ticklish for a second... ...and then you've changed. >talk to mosquito You look at the mosquito very soberly: "If you turn back now, you can probably make it to my ship." She shakes her head. "I'm sticking with you, Ebenezabeth. Turning back is not an option." >talk to hrieman "What about the Simurgh?" "Oh, they're in great shape," Hrieman squawks bitterly. "They can get along just fine without me, apparently." >transform You close your eyes—and when you open them, you're a young lady again. Something is buzzing nearby—Oh. It's that mosquito. >d Stairway A faint red light pulses fitfully. Your steps feel heavier and heavier with each step you descend, until you reach one marked with striped tape. The nearby sign reads: "RELATIVISTIC EXCLUSION ZONE - KEEP OUT." >d A message appears in the scanning lens: ugh okay fine You step down, across the striped tape. Exclusion Zone The roaring of air generators fills your ears. Gravity drags beads of condensation down the walls. It's pulling you down the stairs. >d Catwalk The immense sphere of the Golden Firmament hangs outside the force field, floating closer and closer. Hrieman stands at your side, awaiting your guidance. Some distance below the catwalk, directly beneath you, is a tiny black hole. Beyond that, on an opposing catwalk, Prince Blandford operates the auxiliary navigation kiosk. >talk to hrieman "Are you sure you're okay?" you ask. Hrieman stretches his wings. "I was just in the Simurgh! I feel like I could fly through a brick wall!" "How about around a black hole?" He scoffs. "I expect it's just like flying around a planet," he says. >exits The only way to go from here would be up. >shoot kiosk You take careful aim at the kiosk, trying to account for the odd gravity. But when you fire, the bullet goes wide regardless. >focus You close your eyes. You squeeze your revolver. Warmth spreads through your body, into the gun—the heat of a furious volcano, the heat of a jet engine— You open your eyes. >shoot kiosk A burst of white light erupts from the barrel of your revolver, dispersing before it reaches the kiosk. >d It looks like the catwalk used to continue port and starboard, but those parts of the walkway are not here anymore. >u You're not turning back now. >port It looks like the catwalk used to continue port and starboard, but those parts of the walkway are not here anymore. >starboard It looks like the catwalk used to continue port and starboard, but those parts of the walkway are not here anymore. >jump No way. >shoot black hole Leaning over the railing to shoot at the black hole directly beneath your feet is something someone might try if they were considerably stupider than you are. >lean over railing That's not a verb I recognize. >focus You close your eyes. You squeeze your revolver. Warmth spreads through your body, into the gun—the heat of Venusian storms, the heat of a wrathful star— You open your eyes. >shoot black hole Leaning over the railing to shoot at the black hole directly beneath your feet is something someone might try if they were considerably stupider than you are. >think You take a moment to consider the situation. >l Catwalk The immense sphere of the Golden Firmament hangs outside the force field, floating closer and closer. Hrieman stands at your side, awaiting your guidance. Some distance below the catwalk, directly beneath you, is a tiny black hole. Beyond that, on an opposing catwalk, Prince Blandford operates the auxiliary navigation kiosk. >talk to blandford You can't do much more than look from over here. The heat in your revolver fades away. >talk to hrieman "Are you sure you're okay?" you ask. Hrieman stretches his wings. "I was just in the Simurgh! I feel like I could fly through a brick wall!" "How about around a black hole?" He scoffs. "I expect it's just like flying around a planet," he says. >transform You take a deep breath. You feel very ticklish for a second... ...and then you've changed. >talk to hrieman "Are you sure you're okay?" you ask. Hrieman stretches his wings. "I was just in the Simurgh! I feel like I could fly through a brick wall!" "How about around a black hole?" He scoffs. "I expect it's just like flying around a planet," he says. >hrieman, carry me (You don't need to boss people around in this story.) >talk to hrieman "Are you sure you're okay?" you ask. Hrieman stretches his wings. "I was just in the Simurgh! I feel like I could fly through a brick wall!" "How about around a black hole?" He scoffs. "I expect it's just like flying around a planet," he says. >d It looks like the catwalk used to continue port and starboard, but those parts of the walkway are not here anymore. >port It looks like the catwalk used to continue port and starboard, but those parts of the walkway are not here anymore. >starboard It looks like the catwalk used to continue port and starboard, but those parts of the walkway are not here anymore. >jump You jump a few inches in the air—which feels like a considerable height. >talk to mosquito You look at the mosquito very soberly: "If you turn back now, you can probably make it to my ship." She shakes her head. "I'm sticking with you, Ebenezabeth. Turning back is not an option." >ask hrieman to carry me (You can't see that, or it's not implemented.) >d It looks like the catwalk used to continue port and starboard, but those parts of the walkway are not here anymore. >x black hole If you look straight down through the catwalk, you can see a circle of distortion at the very center of the ship. The black hole itself is incredibly tiny—a pinprick in space—but impossible to miss. >x blandford Blandford is in full armor, cape billowing in the turbulent atmosphere, yellow eyes burning under his visor. He's steering the ship with one hand, his other gauntlet clutching the narrow railing. Every movement, every clenched muscle conveys his rage and determination, even though from your perspective he is mostly upside-down. Somehow you have to get to his side of the black hole. >x kiosk A console for steering the ship. You can't see it very well from this angle. >i You are carrying: a scanning lens (being worn) an odd tool >shoot tool (You must specify what you are shooting the odd tool at.) >shoot tool at black hole Leaning over the railing to shoot at the black hole directly beneath your feet is something someone might try if they were considerably stupider than you are. >shoot tool at kiosk You have no desire to harm the auxiliary navigation kiosk. >shoot tool at blandford You have no desire to harm Prince Blandford. >transform You close your eyes—and when you open them, you're a young lady again. >i You are carrying: a scanning lens (being worn) a tiger's eye pendant (being worn) the skeletonic key a velvet capelet (being worn) your revolver >scan black hole You scan the black hole: PLEASE DON'T POINT ME AT THAT >scan kiosk ugh i wish i could just hack that thing from over here and this'd be over with but i can't >scan blandford KORESH MANDAKINYA BLANDFORD - HUMAN PRINCE DENOMINATION: 'DECLINE TO STATE' MOOD: INTENSE AFFINITY: METAL THREAT LEVEL: PRODIGIOUS ANALYZING ENEMY DEFENSE SYSTEM: the armor is mostly for show by 45th century standards but your 19th century caveman gun isn't gonna do much to it at this range >talk to hrieman "Are you sure you're okay?" you ask. Hrieman stretches his wings. "I was just in the Simurgh! I feel like I could fly through a brick wall!" "How about around a black hole?" He scoffs. "I expect it's just like flying around a planet," he says. >give lens to hrieman Hrieman has no response. >shoot kiosk You take careful aim at the kiosk, trying to account for the odd gravity. But when you fire, the bullet goes wide regardless. >focus You close your eyes. You squeeze your revolver. Warmth spreads through your body, into the gun—the heat of Jovian lightning, the heat of a furious volcano— You open your eyes. >shoot black hole Leaning over the railing to shoot at the black hole directly beneath your feet is something someone might try if they were considerably stupider than you are. >focus You close your eyes and focus—but your willpower is already fixed in your revolver. >shoot blandford A burst of white light erupts from the barrel of your revolver, dispersing before it reaches Blandford's side of the black hole. >focus You close your eyes. You squeeze your revolver. Warmth spreads through your body, into the gun—the heat of Jovian lightning, the heat of a blazing furnace— You open your eyes. >shoot black hole Leaning over the railing to shoot at the black hole directly beneath your feet is something someone might try if they were considerably stupider than you are. >jump No way. >i You are carrying: a scanning lens (being worn) a tiger's eye pendant (being worn) the skeletonic key a velvet capelet (being worn) your revolver (focused) The mosquito flits at the corner of your vision, never straying far. >u You're not turning back now. The heat in your revolver fades away. >d It looks like the catwalk used to continue port and starboard, but those parts of the walkway are not here anymore. >jump No way. >port It looks like the catwalk used to continue port and starboard, but those parts of the walkway are not here anymore. >starboard It looks like the catwalk used to continue port and starboard, but those parts of the walkway are not here anymore. >n It looks like the catwalk used to continue port and starboard, but those parts of the walkway are not here anymore. >e It looks like the catwalk used to continue port and starboard, but those parts of the walkway are not here anymore. >w It looks like the catwalk used to continue port and starboard, but those parts of the walkway are not here anymore. >s It looks like the catwalk used to continue port and starboard, but those parts of the walkway are not here anymore. >enter black hole You are close enough to the black hole already. >exit black hole You're not turning back now. >scan black hole PLEASE DON'T POINT ME AT THAT >x self You are a flaxen-haired young woman with a very urgent mission. At this particular moment your powers include: LOOK AT FIRE to travel through time FOCUS to imbue blessed revolver with purifying flame, to destroy shards of the Mirror of Belial SHOOT things, when necessary SCAN THINGS to learn about them UNLOCK THINGS (with the skeletonic key) SQUEEZE PENDANT (the tiger's eye pendant) to see in the dark TRANSFORM to change into a mouse, or back into a young lady Endure deadly cold thanks to the velvet capelet, no action required RAGE (while in mouse form) to flail around as violently as a mouse can >transform You take a deep breath. You feel very ticklish for a second... ...and then you've changed. >rage You let loose a primal squeak, twisting and thrashing your mouse-body viciously. >rage You let loose a primal squeak, twisting and thrashing your mouse-body viciously. >transform You close your eyes—and when you open them, you're a young lady again. >give gun to hrieman Hrieman has no response. >transfrom That's not a verb I recognize. >transform You take a deep breath. You feel very ticklish for a second... ...and then you've changed. >talk to mosquito You look at the mosquito very soberly: "If you turn back now, you can probably make it to my ship." She shakes her head. "I'm sticking with you, Ebenezabeth. Turning back is not an option." >bite hrieman You do not approve of violence, especially against helpless animals. >jump on hrieman Hrieman leans down so you can scurry onto his back. "Hold tight," he tells you. "What exactly are we doing?" asks the mosquito. something dumb says the scanning lens. "We're flying over there," you tell her. She clings tight to your fur; you cling tight to Hrieman. Hrieman flaps noisily and takes off. Above the Black Hole Hrieman is beating his wings as hard as he can, trying not to lose any altitude. You're about ninety degrees from Blandford. "Get ready!" Hrieman shouts. >z Time passes. Now you can see him right-side-up, clinging madly to the railing as he steers the ship. Still too far to reach. "Can you get any closer?" you ask Hrieman. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. Hrieman's orbit is taking you away from Blandford now. "Crud," he says. "This is as high as I can get." >transform That's a bad idea. >jump You're not close enough. You soar under the catwalk where you took off. It's too high for Hrieman to land, too high for you to risk jumping. "What now?" you mutter. Swinging back toward Blandford. "Let me try," the mosquito says. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. "Can you get up there?" You're back on Blandford's side. He doesn't notice you; he doesn't look up from the navigation kiosk. "If you give me a boost," the mosquito tells you. Now you're flying away from Blandford. "Just toss me up there—the next time around." >z Time passes. Back on the far side from Blandford. You might be losing altitude. "I don't think she can throw you very far with those tiny arms," Hrieman says. "No offense." >z Time passes. >z Time passes. You're coming back toward Blandford. oh! i know what to do >z Time passes. >z Time passes. "The scanning lens has an idea," you tell the others, as you come close to Blandford. the crossbow thingy. the gnome nailbow! >z Time passes. Deep breath. "Mosquito, do you want to try getting shot out of this crossbow?" "Sure!" "All right. That's what we'll do." Now you just have to load a crossbow without letting go of Hrieman. >put mosquito in crossbow Fortunately, once you get the nailbow into position, the mosquito doesn't need much help loading herself into the ammunition rail. okay now let me calculate the correct time to fire Coming toward Blandford. dangit. not yet... >z Time passes. >z Time passes. You're flying past Blandford. not yet......... >z Time passes. Departing from Blandford. wait for it................ >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. You're back on the far side of the black hole from Blandford. NOW >shoot crossbow You aim straight forward—pull the trigger—and the mosquito is shot out into a higher orbit. You swing toward Blandford, the mosquito whizzing above you. You can just barely see the mosquito landing on his mask. As you recede from Blandford, you hear a frustrated grunt. The grunt rises into a howl of rage. Blandford tears off his mask, thrashes his head— —trying to shake something out of his ear. He lets go of the railing, swats furiously at his own face. He smacks himself hard, staggers. A smear of blood runs down his cheek. He tumbles backward over the railing. Prince Blandford flails through empty air, reaching at nothing. His gauntlet is stained with blood and dark smudges. You close your eyes. "Come on!" Hrieman squawks, shocking you to awareness. "Let's get out of here." You nod, and wake up. [...] With Ebenezabeth's assistance, agents of the galactic police force GENDGALAC boarded the Atgeir to extricate its passengers and navigate the ship safely away from the Golden Firmament. Professor Alxifar and Archdervish Chymeis were arrested on various charges relating to their roles in Prince Blandford's interstellar reign of terror. [...] To the rescuers' surprise, the Simurgh had already managed to escape the Atgeir in Ebenezabeth's borrowed starship. After wresting control of the Quartal Star from the scanning lens, the Simurgh returned the ship to its owner, the notorious bounty hunter Sunao Jakusen. [...] GENDGALAC agents tracked Pastor Della Gardella's ship to a nearby nebula. After she was apprehended, she was made to stand trial along with Professor Alxifar and Archdervish Chymeis. In a moment, the results of that trial. [...] Some contend that, from Prince Blandford's perspective, time slowed down to an infinite degree in the vicinity of the black hole, and he will never experience actually entering it. Others say that Blandford must certainly have lost consciousness around the time spaghettification set in. [...] Melix Kaznelson remains at large. [...] On February 3, 1959, American rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper" J. P. Richardson were killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, together with pilot Roger Peterson. Peterson's spirit will wreak grisly vengeance on any who dare to desecrate the musicians' solemn memorial. [...] At the trial of Prince Blandford's accomplices, Ebenezabeth Scrooge recommended leniency for Professor Alxifar, testifying that his collusion in Blandford's crimes was motivated not by malice or greed, but by a Belçebu cyst inserted into his neck. In his own testimony, Professor Alxifar rejected any special treatment, accepting full responsibility for his deeds. [...] Professor Alxifar, Archdervis Chymeis, and Pastor Gardella were found guilty of nineteen counts of planetary conquest and 263 lesser charges. Chymeis and Gardella were both sentenced to lifetime rehabilitation in a maximum security pocket dimension. In light of his contrition and Scrooge's testimony, Alxifar was instead sentenced to three hundred years' house arrest, with provisions to allow for his return to teaching after one hundred years. [...] After the trial, Ebenezabeth Scrooge, the scanning lens, and Hrieman the crow returned to 19th-century London to enjoy a well-earned (if brief) repose. [...] The story you have just played is true. The names have not been changed. [...] *** The End *** DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF A MOSQUITO 1988-4419 Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, QUIT, or UNDO the last command? >restore Restore failed. >load What do you want to load? >transcript Transcripting is already on. >download That's not a verb I recognize. >restore Restore failed.