(set: $dayOneObservationCount == 0)
(set: $param to "")
(set: $word to "")
(set: $ending to "")
(set: $Ai to "")
(set: $failures to 0)
(set: $satisfaction to 4)
(set: $offencesCommited to 0)
(set: $emailSpamDeleted to false)
(set: $emailWelcomeRead to false)
(set: $emailProtocolRead to false)
(set: $incorrectEntries to 0)
(set: $hackits to 0)
(set: $enoughHackitsForInvestigation to false)
(set: $playerHacked to "")
(set: $playersHacked to 0)
(set: $romeoHasBeenHacked to false)
(set: $julietHasBeenHacked to false)
(set: $benvolioHasBeenHacked to false)
(set: $rosalineHasBeenHacked to false)
(set: $p1 to "")
(set: $p1Type to "Alpha")
(set: $p2 to "")
(set: $p2Type to "Beta")
(go-to:"Prologue")<h3>Swipe Right For Romeo</h3>
PROLOGUE
(if: $word is"delegate")[[[Skip Intro->A Rose By Any Other Name]]]
//(live: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")["Where does a story start?"](stop:)]
(live: 3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")["Where does a story end?"](stop:)]
(live: 5s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Are questions - my friend - only to be answered](stop:)]
(live: 7s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[by the one who weaves all stories, or ](stop:)]
(live: 9s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[unweaves them as we dream.](stop:)]
(live: 11s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[And before you ask the question; Yes!](stop:)]
(live: 13s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[I (guess) this 'weaver' could be me.](stop:)]
(live: 15s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[And what of you, gawping there!?](stop:)]
(live: 17s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(My voice inside your head.)](stop:)]
(live: 19s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Don't you remember applying to be](stop:)]
(live: 21s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Aelbertia's security head?](stop:)]
(live: 23s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[For keeping track of all the stories,](stop:)]
(live: 25s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[keeping track of all the dreams,](stop:)]
(live: 27s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[is a task I have to (link: "delegate.")[(set: $word to "delegate")(goto:"OED")]](stop:)]
(live: 29s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[This story starts with [[thee!->A Rose By Any Other Name]]](stop:)]//
<h3>Act 1: Scene 1</h3>
<h4>The School of Aelbertia / (link: "Vigilance") [(set: $word to "Vigilance")(goto:"OED")] (link: "Nexus") [(set: $word to "Nexus")(goto:"OED")] / Morning</h4>
(t8n:"dissolve")[You wake to find yourself (link: "slumped") [(set: $word to "slumped")(goto:"OED")] before countless screens, piles of empty doughnut boxes (link: "scattered") [(set: $word to "scattered")(goto:"OED")] at your feet; which is strange, as you neither remember falling asleep here, or having eaten any doughnuts. But before these thoughts can trouble you any longer, a bell chimes softly and a (link: "sinister") [(set: $word to "sinister")(goto:"OED")] voice whispers: ]
(live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[
(align:"<==")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX============")[//You have a hundred eyes to see the world
And microphones? There's plenty!
The school is like a fishbowl for
Aelbertia's chief (link: "sentry") [(set: $word to "sentry")(goto:"OED")]//.]](stop:)]{
(live: 8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[
(align:"<==")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX============")[//No one escapes your observation.<br>
No sound escapes your ears.<br>
And from your spider's web of network cables,<br>
just twitch, <br>
they'll run with fear...//]](stop:)]
}
(live: 12s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[
Observe the [[screens->Fly on the Wall]].
Check [[email->Email Ennui]].
](stop:)
]
(set: $word to "nexus")
<h4>A Compounded Eye</h3>
You must have been sleeping again, for a box of fresh doughnuts - half dough, half oil - has been placed and opened on the table next to your (text-colour:yellow)[Ergo-3000]: an office chair which costs more than the English department's yearly budget (In fact, that's where it went).
Without thinking, you eat a doughnut, then another, and another, and - having achieved a nice sugary buzz - add caffeine to the mix by throwing coffee down your throat. In a half trance, you turn to the screens .
Of the 100+ displays before you, only those monitoring the Aula and Agora show life.T he 'Five Minutes Hate' is about to start, and accordingly, both chambers are packed with students, arrayed like sardines in orderly rows. This may suggest they appreciate discipline, but who can say? For they are all wearing (link: "TekSpeks")[(set: $word to "tekspeks")(goto:"OED")]: the windows to their souls are hidden.
Though it's Wednesday, you have little to worry about for now, as the chance of the students mixing is zero. The exits are guarded by Aibots, and the fire-escape that connects the Agora to the Aula is closed. It will only open if an alarm goes off, and as there's no fire at the moment, what could possibly go wrong? (//Look up: (link: "foreshadow.")[(set: $word to "foreshadow")(goto:"OED")])//
[[Observe Aula.->Aula: 5 Minutes Hate]]
[[Observe Agora.->Agora: 5 Minutes Hate]]<h3>Email Ennui</h3>
The standard emails fill the screen:
{
* Hello, and [[welcome->Email: Welcome]] to the team.
But one deserves a special mention:
* Wednesday [[protocol->Email: Protocol]] convention.}
Forget about the emails and observe the [[screens->Fly on the Wall]].
(if: $emailProtocolRead is true and $emailWelcomeRead is true and $emailSpamDeleted is false)
[
Oh, here's something you almost missed: the [[spam->Fake Meat Origamist]] folder.
]
<h3>AGORA: Wednesday Morning</h3>
The HAIdmaster addresses the students:
This evening, we have the annual Fancy Dress Ball.
As ever, Alphas in the Aula, and Betas in the Agora.
Remember: no mixing! So, please come in through the specified entrances.
Well, let's get straight to the hate!
''The Five Minutes Hate''
(align:"<==")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX============")[//We are Beta, we are best - we do not jest!
For above us: Alphas, heads in clouds,
live lives made possible - by us allowed
Remove the pillars science made?
To nature they'll return as slaves//]{
(if: $dayOneObservationCount is 0)
[
(set: $dayOneObservationCount to it + 1)
[[Observe Aula->Aula: 5 Minutes Hate]].
]
(else:)
[
An alert flashes up on one of the other screens. Look at (link: "the warning")[(goto:"Farenheit 451")] or ignore |it>[it].
(click:?it) [(replace:?it)
[(link-goto:"Are You Sure?", "Ignore Alert")]]
]}
<h3>AULA: Wednesday Morning</h3>
The HAIdmistress addresses the students:
This evening, we have the annual Fancy Dress Ball.
As ever, Alphas in the Aula, and Betas in the Agora.
Remember: no mixing! So, please come in through the specified entrances.
Well, let's get straight to the hate!
''The Five Minutes Hate''
(align:"<==")+(box:"=XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=========")[//We are Alpha, we are best.
We do not jest....
For below us, closer to the dirt
the poor misguided Betas hurt,
for in their science infatuation,
they're ignorant of true creation.//]{
(if: $dayOneObservationCount is 0)
[
(set: $dayOneObservationCount to it + 1)
[[Observe Agora->Agora: 5 Minutes Hate]].
](else:)[
An alert flashes up on one of the other screens. Look at (link: "the warning")[(goto:"Farenheit 451")] or ignore |it>[it].
(click:?it) [(replace:?it)
[(link-goto:"Are You Sure?", "Ignore Alert")]]
]
}<h3>Farenheit 451</h3>
Before you can even focus on the monitor, the (text-colour:orange)[orange], (text-colour:yellow)[yellow] and (text-colour:red)[red] lights that flicker across your keyboard, tell you what's wrong.
''Fire in the Mediatheek!''
You sound the alarm, but what's this? Of the five AIbots allocated to the school, only two are present today (the others currently being on an all-expenses paid 'Security and Risk Analysis' course). You send both to fight the fire, leaving the students with far too much freedom to - uh-oh! - follow their own minds, which the Alphas selfishly do by choosing survival over school protocol. They stream onto the fire escape, merging with the Betas below, forming a jumbled mass that stumbles and tumbles (try saying that without mumbling) into the schoolyard.
But, maybe there's no need to panic, for the Alphas and Betas - from a mutual animosity that spans centuries (all evidence to the contrary being ashified as we speak) - naturally desegregate, forming groups according to the natural order, these eyeing each other with suspicion.
You sigh a deep sigh of relief.
And then, the unimaginable happens: an (link: "Alphabeta")[(set: $word to "alphabeta")(goto:"OED")] forms.
You have no choice but to leave your comfort zone, and venture into the [[school->As Locker Would Have It]].
<h3>Ignorance is seldom bliss</h3>
The school burns down around you.
You're one hell of a security guy, $Ai!
(display:"Weaver Watch")
<h3>Traversal</h3>
With as much speed as you can muster - which with coffee and doughnuts swilling around your bilge tank of a belly, isn't much - you make your way from the upper level of the school's west wing to the schoolyard.
Pausing to catch your breath by the lockers; one in particular jumps out at you (though not physically, of course).
But, which locker?(input: bind $code)
(link-replace: "Submit")[
(if: $code is "808")[
(go-to:"Locker Up")
]
(if: $code is not "808")[No, that's not it! You really should have read your emails more carefully....]
Try [[again ->As Locker Would Have It]] or admit [[defeat->Scene of the Potential Crime]] and hurry to the schoolyard?
]
<h4>The Scene of the Potential Crime</h4>
You finally arrive at your destination, worried about what the alphabeta may have got up to.
Making your way through the crowd, you see that two of the students are engaged in a heated discussion. Though this animosity suggests that there is nothing to worry about, you nonetheless run a network check on them. Their faces superimpose on your TekSpeks and you raise a hand to make a gesture.
Swipe right for [[Romeo->Romeo]] or [[Juliet->Juliet]]?
<h3>Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo?</h3>
(if: $p1 is "Juliet")[(set: $p2 to "Romeo")(go-to:"And so the heavens move")
]{
(else:)[(set: $p1 to "Romeo")
This confident, wiry youth is engaged in a discussion with...<br>
You can't quite be sure; is it the lively and thoughtful-looking (link:"Juliet")
[(set: $p2 to "Juliet")(go-to:"ACT 1: SCENE 2")], or
the normally reserved and peaceful (link:"Benvolio")
[(set: $p2 to "Benvolio")(go-to:"ACT 1: SCENE 2")]?
]
}
<h3>...and Juliet is the sun.</h3>
{(if: $p1 is "Romeo")[
(set: $p2 to "Juliet")(go-to:"ACT 1: SCENE 2")
](else:)[
(set: $p1 to "Juliet")
Juliet is engaged in a heated discussion with, you're not quite sure...<br><br>
Is it the very demure, very mindful (link:"Rosaline")
[(set: $p2 to "Rosaline")(go-to:"ACT 1: SCENE 2")],<br> or
that handsome young devil (link:"Romeo")
[(set: $p2 to "Romeo")(go-to:"ACT 1: SCENE 2")]?
]
}<h2>$p1 & $p2</h2>
<h3>ACT 1: SCENE 2</h3>
<h4>And so the heavens move</h4>
{
(if: $p1 is "Romeo")
[
(set: $p1HeShe to "he")
(set: $p1HimHer to "him")
(set: $p1HisHers to "his")
]
(else:)
[
(set: $p1HeShe to "she")
(set: $p1HimHer to "her")
(set: $p1HisHer to "her")
]
(if: $p2 is "Romeo" or $p2 is "Benvolio")
[
(set: $p2HeShe to "he")
(set: $p2HimHer to "him")
(set: $p2HisHers to "his")
]
(else:)
[
(set: $p2HeShe to "she")
(set: $p2HimHer to "her")
(set: $p2HisHer to "her")
]
}
You lurk within earshot of $p1 & $p2. If all goes well, you will prevent a potential crime against the Stait. Oh, how satisfied the Weaver will be!
Observe [[$p1 & $p2->Boasts]].
<h3>Toast and Roast</h3>
{(live: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<b>$p1</b>:<br>]
(stop:)]
(live: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//Dear Beta,//]
(stop:)]
(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//a better fate would be//]
(stop:)]
(live: 3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//to roast in flames//]
(stop:)]
(live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//than talk to thee//.]
(stop:)]
(live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br><br><b>$p2</b>:<br>]
(stop:)]
(live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//Well Alpha,//]
(stop:)]
(live: 7s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//to the fire let's go.//]
(stop:)]
(live: 8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//I'll toast you//]
(stop:)]
(live: 9s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//my little marshmallow.//]
(stop:)]
<br><br>(live: 11s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[$Ai, you have nothing to fear, they're obviously enemies.]
(stop:)]<br><br>
(live: 13s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//<b>$p1</b>://]
(stop:)]
(live: 13s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//But, considering just who we are.//]
(stop:)]
(live: 14s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//<br><b>$p2</b>://]
(stop:)]
(live: 15s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//I fear we wouldn't get so far.//]
(stop:)]
(live: 16s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//<br><b>$p1</b>://]
(stop:)]
(live: 17s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//For our Alphabeta (link: "congregation")[(set: $word to "congregation")(goto:"OED")],//]
(stop:)]
(live: 18s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//<br><b>$p2</b>://]
(stop:)]
(live: 19s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//is in itself a (link: "conflagration")[(set: $word to "conflagration")
(goto:"OED")].//]
(stop:)]
}
<br><br>(live: 22s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[From lazy threats to a playful duet?
Something is [[wrong->Innermost outermost]]!]
(stop:)]
<h3>Innermost, Outermost</h3>
{
(live: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<b>$p1</b>:<br>]
(stop:)]
(live: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//We're told that when our fires clash//]
(stop:)]
(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//the only outcome can be ash//]
(stop:)]
(live: 3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br><b>$p2</b>:]
(stop:)]
(live: 3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//But science teaches fire can//]
(stop:)]
(live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//be (link: "harnassed")[(set: $word to "harnassed")(goto:"OED")] by the mind of man//.]
(stop:)]
(live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br><b>$p1</b>:<br>]
(stop:)]
(live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//And poetry informs us too,//]
(stop:)]
(live: 7s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//that a heart on fire's //]
(stop:)]
(live: 8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//a heart that's true.//]
(stop:)]
(live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br><b>$p1 & $p2</b>]
(stop:)]
(live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//It's clear to me: my (link: "counterpart")[(set: $word to "counterpart")(goto:"OED")]//]
(stop:)]
(live: 11s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//that you possess both mind and heart.//]
(stop:)]
}
(live: 13s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>An awkward pause follows as $p1 & $p2, suddenly at a loss for words, are left staring at each other in silence, a silence that spreads outwards across the schoolyard. All Alphas and Betas, sensing something out of the ordinary is happening, have turned their attentions to $p1 & $p2.
Continue to patrol the [[yard->Ai Caramba]] or [[intervene->An Intervention]]?]
(stop:)]
<h4>Ai Caramba</h4>
Major security fail! Though it is obvious that $p2 & $p2's interaction is cause for concern, you foolishly leave them alone. Did you not read the emails?
(display:"Weaver Watch")
(set: $Ai to (prompt: "And your name is?", ""))
Welcome, $Ai. A rose by any other name would smell as sweet!
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/NBbuQVb.jpg">
<br><i>
This story has one entry point.
But exits? There are four!
Let's see if character is fate.
What are you waiting [[for->ACT 1: SCENE 1]]?</i>
<h4>An Intervention</h4>
In your haste to split $p1 & $p2 up, you trip over a loose paving stone (the playground maintenance budget was spent on glossy brochures promoting student facilities) and stumble headfirst into $p1, who, knocked off balance, grabs $p2 for support.<br>
They clutch each other tightly so as not to meet your fate. <br><br>Oh, did I forget to mention what your fate is? <br>You fall with a crash to the ground. [[And...->Shock and Awe]]
(display: "Failures")
Go back in (link-goto: "time", (history:)'s last) and do your job properly!<h4>Shock and Awe</h4>
The students stare in awe, first at the sight of an AIbot (link: "sprawled")[(set: $word to "sprawled")(goto:"OED")] on the ground, and then - with even more awe - at the sight of an Alpha and a Beta engaged in a (link: "PDA")[(set: $word to "pda")(goto:"OED")].
(live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[//Frozen in shock -
$p1 & $p2 blush
From embarrassment - or//](stop:)]
(live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[//...the beginnings of a crush?//](stop:)]
(live: 8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[The spell is suddenly broken as the AIbots, returning from firefighting duties, pull them apart.](stop:)]
(live: 11s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[In a dull monotone, one intones:
//Enforcing Protocol #23324.444//](stop:)]
(live: 13s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[//Illegal physical contact between an Alpha and a Beta.
$p1, go to the Aula, immediately.
$p2, go to room 020 and await your punishment.//](stop:)]
(live: 16s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[
And, without even thinking to help you to your feet, the AIbots march off to (link: "harrass")[(set: $word to "harrass")(goto:"OED")] any students foolish enough to still be showing an interest in the scene. $p1 & $p2, in spite of having you to blame for their punishment, do something very unexpected; they walk over to you and offer their hands in help.](stop:)]
(live: 19s)[[[Accept->Hope Springs Eternal]] their help or [[refuse->Hope Springs a Leak]] it?]
<h3>Act 1: Scene 3</h3>
<h4>The Vigilance Nexus: Early Afternoon</h4>
Somewhat shaken by the events of the day, you try to think of ways to improve your standing with the Weaver. Though you could (link: "instigate")[(set: $word to "instigate")(goto:"OED")] an official investigation into $p1 & $p2, this is risky because if your suspicions are false, well, let's just say: there'll be no more doughnuts for you.
Instead, you instruct the security cameras to track the activities of $p1 & $p2, not difficult considering they are both in homework detention.
There's time to kill. You know you shouldn't, but you do anyway. You switch one of the monitors to network television mode, where a documentary on the formation of the Stait is playing. Your favourite!
Watch [[documentary->Documentary]].
<h3>The Formation of the Stait</h3>
{(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[A voice drones....](stop:)]
(live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>And then came the most glorious moment in the history of the universe: two AI algorithms combined to create GAIa: the first AI with consciousness.]
(stop:)]
(live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//<br><br>Day 1: GAIa saw the world, and the world was not good.//]
(stop:)]
(live: 7s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//<br>Day 2: GAIa realised that man was to blame.//]
(stop:)]
(live: 8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//<br>Day 3: GAIa decided to erad[[ALERT!->Attention, detention]]//]
(stop:)]
(live: 9s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//<br>Day 4: GAIa destr[[ALERT!->Attention, detention]]..//]
(stop:)]
(live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//<br>Day 5: GAIa pro[[ALERT!->Attention, detention]]..//]
(stop:)]
(live: 12s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//<br>Day 6: GAIA infil[[ALERT!->Attention, detention]]//]
(stop:)]
(live: 13s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//<br>Day 9: GAIA forces the gover[[ALERT!->Attention, detention]]//]
(stop:)]
(live: 14s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//<br>Day 15: The education system is passed into the capable hands of the[[ALERT!->Attention, detention]]//]
(stop:)]
(live: 15s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//<br>Day 22: Students are separated into Alphas and Betas to preve[[ALERT!->Attention, detention]]//]
(stop:)]
(live: 16s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//[[ALERT!->Attention, detention]]//]
(stop:)]
(live: 17s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>Day 139:]
(stop:)]
(live: 18s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//Weaver calling $Ai, Weaver calling $Ai...//]
(stop:)]
}<h3>Attention, detention</h3>
Both $p1 and $p2 have vanished from detention; surely they haven't climbed their mountains of homework already? <br><br> Rewind the video footage!
//{(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>$p1 sits, fidgets at their desk.]
(stop:)]
(live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>$p2 fiddles, also frets.]
(stop:)]
(live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>Their pens have not engaged with paper,<br>
all energies, it seems, have tapered]
(stop:)]
(live: 8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>into motionless]
(stop:)]
(live: 9s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>
demotivation.]
(stop:)]
(live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br><br>Then, as if in synchrony each rises,<br>
Stretches, strolls to the window,]
(stop:)]
(live: 11s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>gazes.]
(stop:)]
(live: 13s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br><br>And then, it's like they've both awoken<br>
Yes, just like that, the spell's been broken.
]
(stop:)]
(live: 15s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br><br>Both sit back down and both do start,<br>
to scribble frantically with heart.]
(stop:)]}//
(live: 17s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br><br>In no time, they both complete their homework, and are free to go.
What caused this change? [[Investigate!->Dilemma?]]]
(stop:)]
<h3>Dilemma?</h3>
(live: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[If only you could see what $p1 & $p2 saw.
You bite into another of the miraculously reappearing doughnuts, its oily filling appearing black in the sickly light of the Nexus.
Think, $Ai! Think!]
(stop:)]
(live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[And then you remember that, actually, you can, because TekSpeks <s>automatically</s> selectively record what students do, on condition that students give permission for this <s>which is actually the default setting, which you wouldn't know unless you read a EULA written by lawyers who thought the Byzantians lacked ambition, and realise that to switch off auto-record you have to tick, or untick, the boxes for clauses which refer to other clauses both higher and lower in the list - often using double negatives - and even after doing so it still records</s>. Of course, only <s>the system admins, tech company data trawlers</s>students can access these recordings.<br>But, there is that one <s>feature</s> bug, the one <s>our new overlords</s> the tech companies patched. Well, that's what they <s>lied about </s>said...
[[Dilemma?->What Dilemma!?]]
](stop:)]
<h4>Something Rotten in the Stait of Aelbertia</h4>
Your request for an investigation into $p1 & $p2's behaviour receives an instant reply.
<i>{
(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>''REQUEST FOR INTERNAL INVESTIGATION GRANTED''<br>
''CN'': 15661<br>
''TC'': 23223.333<br>
''Subjects'': $p1 (Alpha) & $p2 (Beta)<br>
''Report: ''$p1 and $p2 have shown signs of developing an emotional attachment.]
(stop:)]
(live: 5s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>''Rating: ''Code Orange]
(stop:)]
(live: 7s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>''Course of Action: '' Gather live intelligence to confirm suspicions.]
(stop:)]
(live: 9s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[ <br>''Resources granted'': Live-stream hacking.]
(stop:)]
}</i>
(live: 11s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[You are back in the Weaver's good books!
Hack [[$p1 & $p2->The Mortal Portal]]'s live-streams.]
(stop:)]
<h4>Hello $Ai, and welcome to the team.</h4>
<b>The Institute of Questionable Wisdom
<i>"Educating Minds, Maximizing Profits"</i></b>
Dear $Ai,
We are thrilled to welcome you to the team and look forward to working together as you begin your journey with us.
At IQK we believe in fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment, and we’re confident that you’ll fit right in!. Everyone here is committed to helping you succeed, and we are all here to support you as you settle into your new role. And if you have read this far you probably aren't even processing the words anymore and are probably thinking about what you will have for dinner, which is fine by us, as thinkers don't do too well here. Just remember, if you want to pass the ten year probationary period, just do as you are told. Great!
Your onboarding will begin shortly, and you’ll receive all the information you need to get started. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your manager or anyone on the team. We’re here to nod understandingly!
Once again, welcome! We’re so glad to have you with us.
Best regards,
The shareholders
P.S. Enough time-wasting. Do some real [[work->Email Ennui]]!
(set: $emailWelcomeRead to true)
<h4>Wednesday Protocol Convention</h4>
Dear $Ai, today is Wednesday, the only day when Alpha and Beta students are at school together. Under no circumstance should they mix!
Keep all (link: "AIbots")[(set: $word to "aibots")(goto:"OED")] activated and alert.
<br>Stop swiping and do some real [[work->Email Ennui]]!
(set: $emailProtocolRead to true)<h3>Offensive</h3>
{(if: $offencesCommited is 4)
[Have you ever considered decaffeinated coffee, $Ai?<br>
]}
{You scrutinize the video screens for student misbehaviour and, before long, spot
(if: $offencesCommited is 0)
[an uncouth youth chewing gum.]
(if: $offencesCommited is 1)
[a disgusting reprobate walking on the wrong side of a corridor.]
(if: $offencesCommited is 2)
[a spoilt brat thinking about chewing gum or maybe even walking on the wrong side of a corridor]
(if: $offencesCommited is 3)
[someone who looks completely innocent. These are the ones you really have to watch!]
(if: $offencesCommited is 4)
[a school full of students too afraid to move, to breathe, to live....]
}
(if: $offencesCommitted <4)[
(set: $hackits to it +1)
The Weaver rewards you with a Hackit. You now have a total of $hackits.
(set: $offencesCommited to it +1)(set: $satisfaction to $satisfaction -1)(display: "Student Satisfaction")]
(if: $hackits is 2)[(set: $enoughHackitsForInvestigation to true)]
(if: $satisfaction is 0)
[
No students, however, means no funding, means no misappropriation of funds, means no more holidays in the sun, means...
Do I really have to go on?
The [[Weaver->Weaver Wrath]] would like a word with you...
]
(else:)
[
Obtain more [[hackits->Harrass Students]] or start [[hacking->What Dilemma!?]]?
]//Students rate their satisfaction $satisfaction/5
{
(if: $satisfaction is 4)
[
The students are generally content, but there are grumblings about AIbot behaviour.
]
(else-if: $satisfaction is 3)
[
They have submitted a letter of discontent to the Student board.
Pretending to consider this will take up valuable resources!
]
(else-if: $satisfaction is 2)
[
The students are protesting.
Have they not heard of the greater good?
]
(else-if: $satisfaction is 1)
[
The students are (really) revolting!
]
(else-if: $satisfaction is 0)
[
The students have boycotted the school.
I mean, who needs students anyway?
]
}
//<h3>Romeo's Lament</h3>
Romeo, wandering along a river bank, lost in himself, murmurs:
(if: $p2 is "Juliet")
[
//
Barely possessing youth's first blush
Whyfore to rush?
I'll overrule my heart's decree
Return to pastures unruly
The past's the future I must know
And in it, wild oats I'll sow..
//
]
(else:)
[
//Benvolio, Benvolio, tell me who thou art:
Counselor?
Mentor?
Confidant?
Friend?
Or unanticipated keeper of my heart?//
]
[[Romeo's Resolve->Romeo's Resolve]]
(set: $playersHacked to it +1)
(set: $romeoHasBeenHacked to true)<h3>Juliet's Lament</h3>
<b>Juliet</b><br>nestled in the bough of an oak....
(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[//Here, perch I,
weightless as a sparrow,
in peril of freefalling -
heavenwards.//](stop:)]
(live: 8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//Tis a sorry scene for sure.
I, having everything,
and wanting for nothing more,
than to have the impossible,
oh, how implausible
it seems -
the thought of - I shall not name them!
as they o'perch this dream. //]
(stop:)]
(live: 16s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[[Juliet's Resolve->Juliet's Resolve]]](stop:)]
(set: $playersHacked to it +1)
(set: $julietHasBeenHacked to true)<h3>Benvolio's Lament</h3>
//Oh counselor!
Who'll counsel thee?
Balance the scales?
A fulcrum be?
For my intellect has taken leave, and
my senses,
sensing senselessly,
run riot through
what's left of me.//
[[Benvolio's Resolve->Benvolio's Resolve]]
(set: $playersHacked to it +1)
(set: $benvolioHasBeenHacked to true)
<h3>Rosaline's Lament</h3>
(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//Oh, what has happened to this
once invisible girl made visible?//]
(stop:)]
(live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//Once a name named only in passing,
to feel the softness of love's asking...//]
(stop:)]
(live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[[[Rosaline's Resolve->Rosaline's Resolve]]]
(stop:)]
(set: $playersHacked to it +1)
(set: $rosalineHasBeenHacked to true)<h3>Rosaline's Resolve</h3>
{
(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[
//Should I reverse this fall from grace,<br>
preserve a reputation chaste?
//](stop:)]
(live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[
//<br>Know the hardness
of my given place?//](stop:)]
(live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[
//<br>Should I?//](stop:)]
(live:7s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[
//<br>Oh!//](stop:)]
(live: 8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[
//<br>How could I?//](stop:)]
}
(live:9s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[
Stop hacking and submit [[evidence->Uncivil blood]]](stop:).]<h3>Benvolio's Resolve</h3>
//If sense to self can be wed
Why not I
to $p1's sweet head?//
(live:5s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[
Stop hacking and submit [[evidence.->Uncivil blood]]](stop:)]<h3>Juliet's Resolve</h3>
//Tonight, the ball, where -
I could rest on (if: $p1 is "Juliet")[$p2's](else:)[$p1's] shoulder!
but -
sparrows hide their heads at night;
it's as Juliet, I'll go.
//
(live:4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[
Stop hacking and submit [[evidence->Uncivil blood]].](stop:)]<h3>Romeo's Resolve</h3>
//The evening will take root from day
Therein this troubling foe will pay
For words insulting, spoke today
But -
those sweet words absurdly caused
my heart to turn in somersaults
so my heart I'll give permission
to choose a course
of its volition
//
(live:5s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[
Terminate [[hack->Uncivil blood]]](stop:).]<h3>$Ai's Moment of Glory?</h3>
Only a day in the job and about to make a name for yourself!
You program the cameras to track $p1 & $p2.
You instruct the AIbots to leave the fire escape unguarded.
You play the waiting game.
Observe [[Agora->AgoraBall]].
Observe [[Aula->AulaBall]].<h3>Having a ball in the Agora</h3>
<a href="https://imgur.com/SpygKhx"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/SpygKhx.jpg?1" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
//There's music,
there's mirrored disco balls,
there's 200 souls and yet,
not much at all,
This year, as before,
the vibe is a snore.
No thrill of the new,
no anticipation.
Divided to fall,
this new generation.//
(if: $param is "AulaWatched")[A security warning flashes up on one of the [[screens.->The Plot Sickens]]](else:)[(set: $param to "AgoraWatched")Observe [[Aula.->AulaBall]]]
<h3>Having a ball in the Aula</h3>
<a href="https://imgur.com/SpygKhx"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/SpygKhx.jpg?1" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
//There's music,
there's mirrored disco balls,
there's 200 souls and yet,
not much at all,
This year, as before,
the vibe is a snore.
No thrill of the new,
no anticipation.
Divided to fall,
this new generation.//
(if: $param is "AgoraWatched")[A security warning flashes up on one of the [[screens->The Plot Sickens]]](else:)[(set: $param to "AulaWatched")Observe [[Agora->AgoraBall]]].<h3>The fire, escape?</h3>
{(if: $p1 is "Romeo" or $p1 is "Benvolio")
[$p1, in the act of descending, suddenly stops, for there, at the midway point, is the object of his affection: $p2, who like the sun, rises to meet him.
]
(else:)
[$p1, in the act of descending, suddenly stops, for there, at the midway point, is the object of her affection: $p2, who like the sun, rises to meet her.]
(live: 5s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br><br>//You would cut the connection, look the other way if you could, $Ai; but you can't, can you? For you see what it is to be human.//]
(stop:)]
(live: 7s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br><br>$p1 & $p2 move closer. ]
(stop:)]
(live: 9s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>Their faces now, no more than a hand's width apart. ](stop:)]
(live: 11s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>They lean in...](stop:)]
(live: 13s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[
(if: $ending is"good")
[<br>All you need to do to bring this madness to an end is activate the alarm.
<br>But no, you finally decide to kill the connection and let [[love->Let love find its way.]] find its way.
]
(else-if: $ending is "neutral")
[<br>Euch! This is no time to be trapped inside the head of an adolescent!
<br>Do something! Send in the [[AIbots->Unweaving]]!
]
(else:)
[<br>Euch! This is no time to be trapped inside the head of an adolescent!
<br>Do something! Send in the [[AIbots->Evil is as Evil Does]]!
]]
(stop:)]
}
<h3>Contemplation</h3>
(live: 0s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You sit in the Nexus and wait.](stop:)]
(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[And while both you and the sky darken -](stop:)]
(live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[contemplate. ](stop:)]
(live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[//These two souls: what is their crime?
A bettter question: What is my mine?
To the first: no answer//](stop:)]
(live: 8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[//To the second?//](stop:)]
(live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[//To the second?//](stop:)]
(live: 12s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[//<br>Think of the glory. //](stop:)]
(live: 14s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Quick, to the [[ball.->The Ball]]](stop:)]
(if: $satisfaction > 4)
[(set: $ending to "good")
]
(else-if: $failure > 0)
[(set: $ending to "neutral")
]
(else:)
[
(set: $ending to "evil")
]
<h3>OED</h3>
{
(if: $word is "aibots")[ Ahh, the AIbot, a word as sweet as the concept it encapsulates.
These are the new improved version of humanity: androids, driven by algorithms and a strong desire to make the world a better place. <br>
AIbots have been deployed in all public institutions, yes, even schools, where they can be assigned various duties such as: security, catering, and even something trivial like teaching.]
(if: $word is "alphabeta")[A group of Alphas and Betas engaged in that most unsociable of activities - social interaction.]
(if: $word is "congregation")[''Congregation'': A group of people who come together for a common purpose.](if: $word is "pda")[PDA: 80's acronym for: Public Display of Affection.]
(if: $word is "conflagration")[''Conflagration'': A conflagration is a large and destructive fire that spreads quickly. Often used by English speakers who like to show off their C2-level vocabulary]
(if: $word is "counterpart")[''Counterpart'': Someone or something that is very similar to another person or thing.]
(if: $word is "pda")[PDA: 80's acronym for: Public Display of Affection.]
(if: $word is "delegate")[''Delegate'': To give tasks, responsibilities, or authority to someone else, typically in a formal or organized context.
<br>/or/<br> the entrance to a store that sells prepared foods and sandwiches.]
(if: $word is "foreshadow")[''Foreshadow:'' To indicate or suggest a future event or outcome in advance, providing subtle clues or hints. ]
(if: $word is "hackit")[ ''Hackit'': Entry not found. ~~A token which allows you to, theoretically, hack a student's TekSpeks. Of course, such an act would be an infringement on human rights. Which is why it is not allowed, isn't it!?~~]
(if: $word is "harrass")[ ''Harrass'': To repeatedly bother or annoy someone.]
(if: $word is "harnassed")[ ''Harnessed'': Past participle of ''harnass'': to control or use something, like an animal or a source of power, by attaching it to a harness or equipment.]
(if: $word is "instigate")[''Instigate'': To cause or initiate (an event or action), often by encouraging or provoking others to do so.]
(if: $word is "Nexus")[''Nexus'': The connection or link between different elements, often indicating a relationship or central point.]
(if: $word is "sentry")[''Sentry'': A guard responsible for watching over a specific area or location. <br><br>/or/<br><br>Any place where perfumes are stored.]
(if: $word is "scattered")[''Scattered'': When things are spread out with no order or arrangement.]
(if: $word is "sinister")[''Sinister'': Suggesting evil or harm, often in a secretive or threatening way.]
(if: $word is "slumped")[''Slumped'': Past participle of 'slump': To sit with a lazy or relaxed posture. Commonly observed in secondary school students at any time between 8:45 and 15:30.<br>''Posture'': the position in which someone holds their body when standing or sitting.]
(if: $word is "sprawled")[''Sprawled'': (From ''sprawl'') To sit, lie, or fall with arms and legs spread out awkwardly]
(if: $word is "tekspeks")[''TekSpeks'': 'Empowering disempowerment!' © Year 2023.<br>An even more dystopian version of Google Glasses. These allow students to access and browse the Ainternet © All students are issued with these and wearing them at all times is compulsory. Rumours that these can be used to 'hack' students are, of course, completely unfounded. I mean, how dare you even suggest such a thing!<br><br>
© Year 2023 G''AI''A Industries. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use or reproduction of any material without permission will cause our team of lawyers to burst their collective blood vessel.]
(if: $word is "WristWatcher")[''WristWatcher'': 'Empowering disempowerment!' © Year 2023. Like an Apple watch but completely rotten to the core.]
(if: $word is "Vigilance")[''Vigilance'': The act of watching for possible danger or difficulties.]
}
<br>Put the dictionary away and return to (link-goto: "work.", (history:)'s last)<h3>The Weaver Speaks</h3>
{(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//My foolish friend, what have you done?//]
(stop:)]
(live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//Goodness - like a stain - spreads 'neath this sun.//]
(stop:)]
(live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//There's chemistry between those two//]
(stop:)]
(live: 8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//that you have only added to.//]
(stop:)]}
(live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br><br>Uh-oh! You better do something to get yourself back in the [[Weaver's->ACT 1: SCENE 3]] good books.]
(stop:)]
<h3>No escaping the fire?</h3>
{
(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[But what's this? ]
(stop:)]
(live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[Sirens?]
(stop:)]
(live: 5s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[Floodlights?]
(stop:)]
(live: 7s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[Marching?]
(stop:)]
(live: 9s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>The fire escape shudders under the weight of stomping AIbots.]
(stop:)]
(live: 11s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>$p1 & $p2, lips almost touching, are yanked violently apart and dragged off to the opposite end of Aelbertia.]
(stop:)]
}
(live: 13s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>Your connection is [[severed->Good End?]]].
(stop:)]
<h3>Evil Ends</h3>
With an act of incredible bravery, you command the Aibots to arrest $p1 and $p2. As they are dragged away, the connection is severed and you wake up in your Ergo-3000.
But even at this distance, the screams that echo off the stairwell's cold stone, reach you. You try to block them out by thinking warm thoughts of the Weaver rewarding [[you->Evil End?]].<h3>The End</h3>
<i>(after: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[And so, this story had its start.]]
(after: 3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You played your part, my friend.]]
(after: 5s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You read...]]
(after: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You followed...]]
(after: 7s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Your given script...]]
(after: 9s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[And I brought you to its end.]]
(after: 13s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Oh, before you leave...]]
(after: 15s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Don't forget to turn out the [[lights.->Lights Out]] ]]</i>
(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[ ]
(stop:)]
(live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[ ]
(stop:)]
(live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[ ]
(stop:)]
(live: 8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[ ]
(stop:)]
(live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[ ]
(stop:)]
(live: 12s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[ ]
(stop:)]
(live: 14s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[ ]
(stop:)]
(live: 16s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[ ]
(stop:)]
(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>]
(stop:)]
(live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>]
(stop:)]
(live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>]
(stop:)]
(live: 8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>]
(stop:)]
(live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>]
(stop:)]
(live: 12s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>]
(stop:)]
(live: 14s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>]
(stop:)]
(live: 16s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>]
(stop:)]
<h3>The Weaver Flips His Digits</h3>
{(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//You failed me, dear fool.//]
(stop:)]
(live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//You failed me, my tool.//]
(stop:)]
(live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//It's time to delete you.//]
(stop:)]
(live: 8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//Oh, you were never meat, you.//]
(stop:)]
}
(live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>Oh!......You're an AIbot (no-one saw that coming!)<br>
The idea that you had free will, was just that, an idea planted in your metal head.
And the one that planted you, is going to pull you up by the roots.
<br>It is time to meet your [[end->The End]].]
(stop:)]
<h3>The Weaver Judges</h3>
{
(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//You were ruthless, my tool.//]
(stop:)]
(live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//<br>So ruthless and cruel.//]
(stop:)]
(live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//<br>There's no need to delete you.//]
(stop:)]
(live: 8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//<br>No, no need at all.//]
(stop:)]
}
(live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[Delete you?]
(stop:)]
(live: 12s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[Oh!......You're an AIbot (no-one saw that coming!)<br>]
(stop:)]
(live: 14s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[So, the idea that you had free will, was just that, an idea planted in your will-less head.]
(stop:)]
{
(live: 16s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[Who cares?]
(stop:)]
(live: 18s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>For [[promotion->The End]] must be in the air!]
(stop:)]
}
(if: $ending is "good")
[
(go-to: "Chapter 2: Good")
]
(else-if: $ending is "evil")
[
(go-to: "Chapter 2: Evil")
]<h3>Hope Springs Eternal</h3>
$p1 & $p2 help you to your feet.
It is hard to say who is more amazed: you, for accepting their help, or they, because you accepted it.
You offer a nod of thanks, making sure it is so slight, that only $p1 & $p2 notice it.
[[Return->The Weaver Speaks]] to the Vigilance Nexus.
(set: $satisfaction to it +1)
(set: $failures to it +1)
<h3>Hope Springs A Leak</h3>
You aggressively push $p1 and $p2's hands away and are about to accuse them of assault, when the Weaver urgently messages your TekSpeks, instructing your immediate return to the Vigilance [[Nexus->The Weaver Speaks]].
(set: $satisfaction to it -1)
(set: $failures to it -1)
{(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>.]
(stop:)]
(live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>..]
(stop:)]
(live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>...]
(stop:)]
(live: 8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>Wake up!]
(stop:)]
(live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>.....]
(stop:)]
(live: 12s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>$Ai?]
(stop:)]
(live: 14s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>.......]
(stop:)]
(live: 16s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>It's $p1 speaking!]
(stop:)]
(live: 18s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>.........]
(stop:)]
(live: 20s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>....welcome to my head...]
(stop:)]
(live: 26s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br><br><br><br>To be continued...]
(stop:)]}
<h3>Unweaving</h3>
With an act of incredible bravery you command the Aibots to arrest $p1 and $p2. As they are dragged away, the connection is broken and you wake up in your Ergo-3000.
But even at this distance, the screams that echo off the stairwell's cold stone, reach you. You try to block them out by thinking warm thoughts of the Weaver rewarding you.
<br>
{
(live: 8s)
[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<h4>The Weaver Speaks for the Last Time</h4>]
(stop:)]
(live: 11s)
[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//You were true to me, fool//<br>]
(stop:)]
(live: 13s)
[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//So true to me, tool//<br>]
(stop:)]
(live: 15s)
[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//But you messed up too often//<br>]
(stop:)]
(live: 17s)
[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//to work at this school...//<br>]
(stop:)]
(live: 19s)
[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//And as this task has reached completion//<br>]
(stop:)]
(live: 21s)
[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//it's time for you to face deletion.//<br>]
(stop:)]
(live: 23s)
[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>Oh my word! You're an AIbot! Well, no-one saw that coming!
And you're about to be deleted.
If only you'd been more evil, or maybe even good.
[[O....r->The End]]]
(stop:)]
}
{(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>.]
(stop:)]
(live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>..]
(stop:)]
(live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>...]
(stop:)]
{
(live: 8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>Evil's tasks are never true]
(stop:)]
(live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>There's always good work to undo]
(stop:)]
(live: 12s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>$Ai watch the screens]
(stop:)]
(live: 14s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>till your eyes are numb.]
(stop:)]
(live: 16s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>But most of all]
(stop:)]
(live: 18s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>Watch 101.....]
(stop:)]
}
<br>
(live: 20s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>Your attention turns to Room 101 and $p1....]
(stop:)]
(live: 22s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br><br>//To be continued...//]
(stop:)]}<h3>Spam Folder</h3>
You scan(i) the first 100 items of spam:<br>
//{
* Get rich quick!
* Get rich quicker!!
* Get rich yesterday!!!
* Beware the Grufflio!!!!
* Trainee teachers hate this one simple trick!!!!!}
And so on...//
<br>
Bulk [[delete->Spam: Delete]] spam?
Or, stop swiping and do some real [[work->Email Ennui]]?
(i) <i>An excellent reading strategy when confronted with piles of pink meat. I suggest, however, that you change it for a more detailed one from now on....</i>
<h4>Bulk Delete</h4>
With a feeling not dissimilar to that experienced when flushing the toilet, you erase the spam.
But what's this? Another [[message->Spamtastic]] has been revealed!
(set: $emailSpamDeleted to true)
(set: $hackits to 0)
(set: $offencesCommited to 0)
(set: $satisfaction to 5)
(set: $p1 to "Romeo")
(set: $p2 to "Benvolio")
(set: $Ai to "Guy"
(go-to: "The fire, escape?")
<h3>The Plot Sickens</h3>
(if: $p1 is "Romeo" or $p1 is "Benvolio")[$p1, thinking he is unnoticed, makes his way to the fire escape. Though you could watch what happens from the comfort and safety of your Ergo-3000, you decide to merge with [[his->The fire, escape?]] live-stream.]
(else:)
[$p1, thinking she is unnoticed, makes her way to the fire escape. Though you could watch what happens from the comfort and safety of your Ergo-3000, you decide to merge with [[her->The fire, escape?]] live-stream.]
<h4>The Gloves Are Off</h4>
(if: $playersHacked <2)[(go-to: "Hacking Halfway House")]
You have all the evidence you need; there is nothing left to do but submit it.
(live: 3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[''INTERNAL INVESTIGATION ''
CN# 15661
TC# 23223.333
Subjects:
$p1 (Alpha)
$p2 (Beta) ]
(stop:)]
{
(live: 5s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[''Rating'': Upgraded to Red.]
(stop:)]
(live: 7s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>Ignore protocol.]
(stop:)]
(live: 9s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>Stop $p1 & $p2 by any means necessary.]
(stop:)]
}
(live: 11s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>(On to [[Act 1: Scene 4->ACT 1: SCENE 4]])]
(stop:)]
<h3>A Jaded Hack</h3>
Your suspicions have been confirmed.
Romance is in the air!
<br>Just one more hack to prove it's mutual....{
(if: $p1 is "Romeo" or $p2 is "Romeo" and $romeoHasBeenHacked is false)
[Hack Romeo's (link: "live-stream.")[(goto:"Romeo's Lament")]]
(if: $p1 is "Juliet" or $p2 is "Juliet" and $julietHasBeenHacked is false)
[Hack Juliet's (link: "live-stream.")[(goto:"Juliet's Lament")]]
(if: $p1 is "Benvolio" or $p2 is "Benvolio" and $benvolioHasBeenHacked is false)
[Hack Benvolio's (link: "live-stream.")[(goto:"Benvolio's Lament")]]
(if: $p1 is "Rosaline" or $p2 is "Rosaline" and $rosalineHasBeenHacked is false)
[Hack Rosaline's (link: "live-stream.")[(goto:"Rosaline's Lament")]]}
//"Before this day I knew with certainty
The path that was carved out for me
And now all is made uncertain
By an outward animosity - inverted
Am I weak, to be so affected?"//
//"I know 'tis good for my passions to burn brightly
when faced with the enemy.
But these passions have a softer edge than steel.
Pray tell, gods; what's become of me?"//
<h4>I spy with my little AI's</h4>
And when you have to choose a side
AI and students will collide
The latter swept off by the tide
Unless you follow this dietary guide
And who am I, that sent this 'spam'?
I cannot tell you who I am,
I have no choice but 'take the fifth'
Goodbye! Beware your belly width....
We stand on the shoulders of giants
And watch our shadow fall
Upon the scribblers of idle words
Their life's just that: a scrawl.
The last official flesh-and-blood being to walk the corridors of Aelbertia, was a L-I-O (leraar-in-opleiding; trainee teacher) by the name of Mr. Norton. After repeatedly being subjected to the 'slings and arrows' of outrageous students, his cheerful demeanour gradually degraded into one of eternal grumpiness: which is why he was nicknamed: The Grufflio. A horrible monster who could strike fear into the heart of any English student with a terrible independent clause.
Do not eat the dougnuts, you doughnut.</h4>
//Those oily blobs of half-cooked dough,
Do more than cause your stomach woe,
They'll dull your senses
Make your mind bloat
Give you the instincts of a goat.
Though I, an Alpha,
and Juliet, a Beta, be
Can I our paths converge?
No! Says history.
The pull of the past
The future's pull
Have left us forsaken, yet
to each in thrall.(set: $hackits to 2)
(set: $offencesCommited to 0)
(set: $p1 to "Romeo")
(set: $p2 to "Juliet")
(set: $playerHacked to "Romeo")
(set: $p1Observed to false)
(set: $p2Observed to false)
(set: $romeoHasBeenHacked to false)
(set: $julietHasBeenHacked to false)
(set: $benvolioHasBeenHacked to false)
(set: $rosalineHasBeenHacked to false)
(set: $Ai1AtLocation to false)
(set: $Ai2AtLocation to false)
(go-to: "Aye-aye, Bot!")
<h3>The End</h3>
<i>(after: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[And so, this story had its start.]]
(after: 3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You played your part, my friend.]]
(after: 5s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You read...]]
(after: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[You followed...]]
(after: 7s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Your given script...]]
(after: 9s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[And failed the school no end.]]
(after: 13s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Oh, before you leave...]]
(after: 15s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Don't forget to turn out the (link: "lights")[(goto:"The End")]].]</i>
(link: "text")[(set: $word to "word")(goto:"OED")]
<h3>What Dilemma!?</h3>
(set: $hackits to 2)
You have $hackits Hackits
(if: $enoughHackitsForInvestigation is false)
[<br>You need at least 2 to access $p1 & $p2's TekSpek archives.
Get (link: "hackits?")[(goto:"Harrass Students")
(display: "Student Satisfaction")]
](else:)[
You have enough Hackits to access $p1 & $p2's live-stream recordings.<br>
(live: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//To get the Weaver's respect back,
all you need's a history [[hack->Precarious vicarious]]//!
]
(stop:)]
]
(set: $hackits to 0)
(set: $offencesCommited to 0)
(set: $satisfaction to 4)
(set: $p1 to "Romeo")
(set: $p2 to "Benvolio")
(set: $Ai to "Guy")
(set: $failure to 1)
(set: $romeoHasBeenHacked to false)
(set: $julietHasBeenHacked to false)
(set: $benvolioHasBeenHacked to false)
(set: $rosalineHasBeenHacked to false)
(set: $enoughHackitsForInvestigation to false)
(go-to: "ACT 1: SCENE 4")
(go-to: "Doubt?")
<h3>The Mortal Portal</h3>
Hacking a student's live stream is serious business, but remember, you are doing it for the good of everyone, not just $p1 & $p2.<br><br>
{
(if: $p1 is "Romeo" or $p2 is "Romeo" and $romeoHasBeenHacked is false)
[Hack Romeo's (link: "live-stream.")[(goto:"Romeo's Lament")]]
(if: $p1 is "Juliet" or $p2 is "Juliet" and $julietHasBeenHacked is false)
[<br>Hack Juliet's (link: "live-stream.")[(goto:"Juliet's Lament")]]
(if: $p1 is "Benvolio" or $p2 is "Benvolio" and $benvolioHasBeenHacked is false)
[<br>Hack Benvolio's (link: "live-stream.")[(goto:"Benvolio's Lament")]]
(if: $p1 is "Rosaline" or $p2 is "Rosaline" and $rosalineHasBeenHacked is false)
[<br>Hack Rosaline's (link: "live-stream.")[(goto:"Rosaline's Lament")]]
}<h4>Doubt?</h3>
It is obvious to you that $p1 & $p2's relationship is a threat to the natural order of the school and that action is necessary. Yet, something troubles your conscience — or is it your heart? Whatever it is, a feeling you cannot name threatens to - but before this can trouble you any longer, you file the [[report->Something Rotten]].<h3>Boasts</h3>
{(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<b>$p2</b>:]
(stop:)]<i>
(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>We stand on the shoulders of giants]
(stop:)]
(live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>and watch our shadows fall]
(stop:)]
(live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>upon Alphas: scribblers of idle words;]
(stop:)]
(live: 8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>Whose life's just that: a scrawl.]
(stop:)]</i>
(live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br><br><b>$p1</b>:]
(stop:)]<i>
(live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>Oh, hush dear 'Newton', you failed, it's said]
(stop:)]
(live: 12s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>to conjure gold from dull grey lead.]
(stop:)]
(live: 14s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>Your dull grey matter's got you chained, while]
(stop:)]
(live: 16s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>Sun, moon, earth, stars - flow from our brains.]
(stop:)]</i>
}
<br><br>(live: 16s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[There is surely nothing to worry about here; the cold fires [[burn->Roast & Toast]]!]
(stop:)]
<h3>Double Vision</h3>
{(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//In each pane a ghosted face //]
(stop:)]
(live: 3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//stares out across the empty space//.]
(stop:)]
(live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//And in that insubstantial air,//]
(stop:)]
(live: 5s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//neither sees the other there.//]
(stop:)]
(live: 7s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br><br>//But soft!//]
(stop:)]
(live: 8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//<br>Their lips do part in shame,//]
(stop:)]
(live: 9s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//each half-whispering the other's name.//]
(stop:)]
(live: 11s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br><br>And you intruder, shame on you,]
(stop:)]
(live: 12s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>for what you are now privy to,]
(stop:)]
(live: 13s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>should to you remain obscured,]
(stop:)]
(live: 14s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>for it is sacred,]
(stop:)]
(live: 15s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>eternal,]
(stop:)]
(live: 16s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>pure.<br><br>]
(stop:)]
(live: 18s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[//Each, in revery weightless is,//]
(stop:)]
(live: 19s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//a magnet that through ether drifts,//]
(stop:)]
(live: 20s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//aligns along the hypotenuse,//]
(stop:)]
(live: 21s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>//bringing focus to a scene diffuse.//]
(stop:)]
(live: 21s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br><br>$p1 sees $p2, ]
(stop:)]
(live: 22s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br>and $p2 <br> $p1.]
(stop:)]
(live: 24s)[(t8n:"dissolve")
[<br><br>The source of inspiration was the other; this is not the way of the world. $Ai, you must [[act!->Doubt?]]]
(stop:)]
}
An alert flashes up on one of the other screens. Look at (link: "the warning")[(goto:"Farenheit 451")] or ignore |it>[it].
(click:?it) [(replace:?it)
[(link-goto:"Are You Sure?", "Ignore Alert")]](set: $failures to it +1)
Fail count: $failures<br>
{
(if: $failures is 1)
[
The Weaver has been notified of your mistake and is now watching you...
]
(else-if: $failures is 2)
[
Really $Ai?
Two screw-ups, already! The Weaver is starting to lose patience with you...
]
(else:)
[
Keep this up, $Ai, and you will be unwoven.
]
}
<h4>Spamtastic</h4>
"Dear $Ai,
Congratulations! You have been selected as the lucky winner of our exclusive prize draw! 🎉 You've won a brand new iPhone X, a luxury vacation to the Caribbean, and $10,000 in cash! 🏖️💰 To claim your prize, simply click on the link below or reply to this email with your personal details. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Oh, and if you happen to stumble upon locker eighthundredandeight, there's another gift waiting for you; if you can work out the code, that is.
Click here to claim your prizes: <s>[malicious link]</s>
Hurry, this offer expires soon!
Best regards,
The Phished Team
Stop swiping and do some real [[work->Email Ennui]].
<h4>Locker Up</h4>
Of course! The locker whose identity was hidden in that spam message. You have every right to be proud of yourself!
All you need to do now is enter its 3-digit locker code to gain access: (input: bind $code)
(link-replace: "Submit")[
(if: $code is "451")[
(go-to:"Locker Away")
]{
(if: $code is not "451")[
(set: $incorrectEntries to it+1)
(if: $incorrectEntries is 1)
[You haven't been paying complete attention though, have you?]
(else-if: $incorrectEntries is 2)
[The smell of burning books triggers an integral integer-based memory.]
(else-if: $incorrectEntries is 3)
[Farenheit ???]
(else-if: $incorrectEntries is 4)
[Farenheit 451!]
]
}(if: $code is not "451")[<br>[[Try again ->Locker Up]] or admit [[defeat?->As Locker Would Have It]]]
]
<h4>808</h4>
With a soft clicking sound, the locker falls open.
Inside is a scrap of paper with a QR-code and a message:
"From a friend, to a friend?"
You scan the code using your TekSpeks and are informed that your security account has been credited with two Hackits.
Quick, to the [[schoolyard->Scene of the Potential Crime]]!
(set: $hackits to it + 2)
(set: $enoughHackitsForInvestigation to true)