(if:$TotalDates is 0)[You stand at the foot of the mountain. On its slopes, black crystals twinkle in the evening sun. Night will come soon, and with it the aurora, its first appearance in twenty years.
The best view will be from the summit, and the only way up is a dilapidated funicular on rusted tracks. You climb aboard, the rickety doors clatter shut behind you, and the funicular begins its ascent.
There are four other passengers. Their accoutrements give clues as to their identities. Which of them will you sit next to?
(if:$MeenaDate > 0)[[[Meena|Meena]]](if:$MeenaDate is 0)[[[The scientist|Meena]]]
(if:$LucasDate > 0)[[[Lucas|Lucas]]](if:$LucasDate is 0)[[[The artist|Lucas]]]
(if:$RayDate > 0)[[[Ray|Ray]]](if:$RayDate is 0)[[[The student|Ray]]]
(if:$SofiaDate > 0)[[[Sofia|Sofia]]](if:$SofiaDate is 0)[[[The pilgrim|Sofia]]]](if:$TotalDates is 1)[The funicular has seen better days, but streaks of faded blue paint still cling to its wooden flanks. As soon as you climb aboard, the doors swing closed behind you, and the funicular begins its ascent with a jolt that reminds you of something.(click-replace: "something")+(t8n:"blur")[something you cannot quite place]
There are four other passengers. Which of them will you sit next to?
(if:$MeenaDate > 0)[[[Meena|Meena]]](if:$MeenaDate is 0)[[[The scientist|Meena]]]
(if:$LucasDate > 0)[[[Lucas|Lucas]]](if:$LucasDate is 0)[[[The artist|Lucas]]]
(if:$RayDate > 0)[[[Ray|Ray]]](if:$RayDate is 0)[[[The student|Ray]]]
(if:$SofiaDate > 0)[[[Sofia|Sofia]]](if:$SofiaDate is 0)[[[The pilgrim|Sofia]]]](if:$TotalDates is 2)[The funicular's blue paint is a little faded, but its brass fittings still gleam in the evening sun. As soon as you climb aboard, the doors close behind you, and the funicular begins its familiar ascent.(click-replace: "familiar ascent")+(t8n:"blur")[ascent]
There are four other passengers. Which of them will you sit next to?
(if:$MeenaDate > 0)[[[Meena|Meena]]](if:$MeenaDate is 0)[[[The scientist|Meena]]]
(if:$LucasDate > 0)[[[Lucas|Lucas]]](if:$LucasDate is 0)[[[The artist|Lucas]]]
(if:$RayDate > 0)[[[Ray|Ray]]](if:$RayDate is 0)[[[The student|Ray]]]
(if:$SofiaDate > 0)[[[Sofia|Sofia]]](if:$SofiaDate is 0)[[[The pilgrim|Sofia]]]](if:$TotalDates is 3)[The funicular's sapphire blue paint gleams in the evening sun. A garland of crystal lanterns encircles its roof, scattering fragments of coloured light over the ground. As soon as you climb aboard, the doors slide shut behind you, and you experience a wave of déjà vu.(click-replace: "you experience a wave of déjà vu")+(t8n:"blur")[the funicular starts to climb]
There are four other passengers. Which of them will you sit next to?
(if:$MeenaDate > 0)[[[Meena|Meena]]](if:$MeenaDate is 0)[[[The scientist|Meena]]]
(if:$LucasDate > 0)[[[Lucas|Lucas]]](if:$LucasDate is 0)[[[The artist|Lucas]]]
(if:$RayDate > 0)[[[Ray|Ray]]](if:$RayDate is 0)[[[The student|Ray]]]
(if:$SofiaDate > 0)[[[Sofia|Sofia]]](if:$SofiaDate is 0)[[[The pilgrim|Sofia]]]]
(set: $GameProgress to "day")(if:$RayDate is 0)[You take a seat beside the person clasping a small stack of books. They are swathed in a black hoodie, and their green eyes glint from beneath the cowl.
They fiddle with a black crystal pendant around their neck.](if:$RayDate > 0)[You take a seat beside Ray, who is clasping a small stack of books. They are swathed in a black hoodie, and their green eyes glint from beneath the cowl.
They fiddle with a xenoglass crystal pendant around their neck.]
[[Look at the pendant->RayStareNecklace]]
[[Compliment the pendant->RayComplimentNecklace]](if:$RayDate is 0)[Your seatmate narrows their eyes at you. "//Thanks//," they say cautiously. "It's xenoglass, the crystal that's all over this mountain." They hold the black shard up to the sun, and beams shoot through it, scattering kaleidoscopic light across both your faces. You lean in close—](if:$RayDate > 0)[Ray narrows their eyes at you. "//Thanks//," they say cautiously. "It's xenoglass, the crystal that's all over this mountain." They hold the black shard up to the sun, and beams shoot through it, scattering kaleidoscopic light across both your faces. You lean in close—]
(link:"It's warm!")[(set: $warm to true)(go-to:"RayCrystal")]
(link:"Is it <em>humming</em>?")[(set: $warm to false)(go-to:"RayCrystal")]
(set: $RayTrust to it + 1)(if:$RayDate is 0)["You can have a closer look if you want," your seatmate sighs as they catch you peering at their pendant. "It's xenoglass, the crystal that's all over this mountain." They hold the black shard up to the sun, and beams shoot through it, scattering kaleidoscopic light across both your faces. You lean in close—](if:$RayDate > 0)["You can have a closer look if you want," Ray sighs as they catch you peering at their pendant. "It's xenoglass, the crystal that's all over this mountain." They hold the black shard up to the sun, and beams shoot through it, scattering kaleidoscopic light across both your faces. You lean in close—]
(link:"It's warm!")[(set: $warm to true)(go-to:"RayCrystal")]
(link:"Is it <em>humming</em>?")[(set: $warm to false)(go-to:"RayCrystal")](if:$RayDate is 0)[They drop ](if:$RayDate > 0)[Ray drops ](if: ($warm is true))[the pendant back against their chest before you can determine whether the warmth came from the crystal or the sinking sun.](if: ($warm is false))[the pendant back against their chest before you can determine whether the hum came from the crystal or the funicular.]
"I'm Ray," they say, adjusting the books on their lap. You glimpse strange symbols on the jackets before Ray self-consciously covers them with their voluminous sleeves. "I come here a lot, but I haven't seen you before. How come you're here—" they narrow their eyes, "—//tonight//?"
[[To see the aurora->RayStudyAurora]]
[[To get away from everything->RayGetAway]]
(if:$TotalDates > 0)[[[Actually, you have been here before->RayBeenBefore]]
][[You'd prefer not to say->RayNoAnswer]]"Me too," says Ray. "I want to get away for a long time. Maybe forever." They look out of the window as the funicular passes a huddle of crystal pillars.
(t8n:"blur")+(link:"Look at the crystals")[=The black columns look as though they erupted from the earth like teeth, but they are as geometrically regular as prisms. Their forbidding faces are etched with patterns.
[[Ask Ray what the patterns are->RayAskAboutRuins]]
(if:$TotalDates > 0)[[[Tell Ray you know what the patterns are->RayKnowAboutRuins]]
][[Watch the pillars pass in silence->RayLookAtRuins]]
(set: $GameProgress to "late")"I get it," says Ray. "People can be judgemental." They shrug, and look out of the window as the funicular passes a huddle of crystal pillars.
(t8n:"blur")+(link:"Look at the crystals")[=The black columns look as though they erupted from the earth like teeth, but they are as geometrically regular as prisms. Their forbidding faces are etched with patterns.
[[Ask Ray what the patterns are->RayAskAboutRuins]]
(if:$TotalDates > 0)[[[Tell Ray you know what the patterns are->RayKnowAboutRuins]]
][[Watch the pillars pass in silence->RayLookAtRuins]]
(set: $GameProgress to "late")Ray lowers their voice. "//Aliens// carved them," they whisper.
[[Express disbelief->RayDisbelief]]
[[Ask Ray to explain->RayTellMeMore]]Ray frowns at you. "Oh yeah? What do you think they are?"
[[The inscrutable script of a lost civilisation->RayAncientCivilisation]]
(if:$RayDate > 0)[[[Alien glyphs->RayAliensMadeRuins]]
](if:$MeenaDate > 0)[[[Natural cracks in the crystals->RayMeenaDateComment]]
](if:$LucasDate > 0)[[[Runes carved by ancient druids->RayLucasDateComment]]
](if:$SofiaDate > 0)[[[A message from the mountain spirit->RaySofiaDateComment]]]Ray presses their palm against the window. "See those patterns etched onto the sides of the xenoglass pillars?" they whisper. "They're glyphs. //Aliens// carved them."
[[Express disbelief->RayDisbelief]]
[[Ask Ray to explain->RayTellMeMore]]"Yeah, well," says Ray, "most people don't believe it. But that's the whole point. It's a test."
They cast a furtive eye around the funicular. "The aliens were here millennia ago. They were the ones who left the xenoglass here – it's mined from their home planet. The carvings are glyphs that explain when they'll be back, and who they're coming for. If you can't decode them—" Ray shrugs, "—the aliens don't want you."
They fiddle with their pendant. "The aurora is a landing beacon for the alien ship. They're coming back tonight, and I'm ready for them to take me."
[[Explain how unlikely that is->RayUnlikely]]
[[Wish them luck->RayGoodLuck]]
[[Ask to come with them->RayTogether]]
(set: $RayTrust to it - 1)"The aliens came millennia ago," whispers Ray. "They were the ones who left the xenoglass here – it's mined from their home planet."
They cast a furtive eye around the funicular. "The crystal pillars are like tablets. The aliens carved glyphs on them to explain when they'll be back, and who they're coming for. If you can decode them, the aliens know you're worthy of joining their society."
Ray fiddles with their pendant. "The aurora is a landing beacon for the alien ship. They're coming back tonight, and I'm ready for them to take me."
[[Explain how unlikely that is->RayUnlikely]]
[[Wish them luck->RayGoodLuck]]
[[Ask if you can come with them->RayTogether]]
(set: $RayTrust to it + 1)"You're right," says Ray, "except the civilisation isn't really lost, and the script isn't inscrutable to everyone. The xenoglass was mined from a distant planet and left here millennia ago by—" they lower their voice, "—//aliens//."
They cast a furtive eye around the funicular. "The pillars are like tablets. The aliens carved glyphs on them to explain when they'll be back, and who they're coming for. If you can decode them, the aliens know you're worthy of joining their society."
Ray fiddles with their pendant. "The aurora is a landing beacon for the alien ship. They're coming back tonight, and I'm ready for them to take me."
[[Explain how unlikely that is->RayUnlikely]]
[[Wish them luck->RayGoodLuck]]
[[Ask if you can come with them->RayTogether]]
(set: $RayTrust to it + 1)"I knew it!" gasps Ray. "You decoded the glyphs too, and that's why you're here. I never thought anyone else would manage it."
They lean in close to you. "The aurora is the landing beacon, right? For the alien ship? They're coming back tonight, and I'm ready for them to take me."
[[Explain how unlikely that is->RayUnlikely]]
[[Wish Ray luck->RayGoodLuck]]
[[Tell them you'll be abducted together->RayTogether]]
(set: $RayTrust to it + 1)
(set: $KnowAboutAliens to true)The funicular clanks steadily upwards. Ray rummages in the pocket of their hoodie, and retrieves a battered packet with a grinning cartoon sailor on the label. The typeface is as inscrutable as any alien glyph. "Do you want a bit?" they ask.
(link: "Share the mysterious snack")[(set: $Snack to true)(go-to: "RayQuestions")]
(link: "Decline")[(set: $Snack to false)(go-to: "RayQuestions")]
(set: $GameProgress to "dusk")"Thanks," says Ray. "I've waited so long for tonight. The aliens – they don't have problems like we do down here. Their society's fair, and they respect the environment, and no one's lonely."
They sigh. "Maybe we should talk about something else. I don't want to get too excited."
[[Be quiet->RayBeQuiet]]
[[Ask Ray what they'd like to talk about instead->RayChangeSubject]]
(set: $RayTrust to it + 1)(if:$KnowAboutAliens is true)["I know," says Ray, smiling at you for the first time. "I thought I was the only one who knew what this place was really for, who'd put in the time, who wanted to—" they cut themselves off.
"We should stop talking about this. I don't want to jinx it."](if: ($KnowAboutAliens is not true) and ($RayTrust < 0))["It's not up to me," says Ray, "it's up to <em>them</em>, and they only want people who believe, who took the time to interpret their clues." They pull their sleeves down over their hands. "I don't fancy your chances."](if: ($KnowAboutAliens is not true) and ($RayTrust > -1))["It's not up to me," says Ray, "it's up to <em>them</em>, but if you're with me, they might take you, too."
They sigh. "We should stop talking about this. I don't want to jinx it."]
[[Be quiet->RayBeQuiet]]
[[Ask Ray what they'd like to talk about instead->RayChangeSubject]]
(set: $AbductedTogether to true)(if:$KnowAboutAliens is true)["Why do you think it's unlikely?" asks Ray. "Because you think the aliens won't come back, or because you think they won't want <em>us</em>? Either way, if you don't trust them, you shouldn't be here."
Ray frowns. "I don't want to talk about this any more. This is supposed to be the greatest night of my life, and you're spoiling it."](if:$KnowAboutAliens is not true)["Doesn't anything sound unlikely out of context?" says Ray. "If you told people from hundreds of years ago about aeroplanes, or even funiculars, they'd say—" they adopt your tone and mannerisms, "—<em>that sounds unlikely</em>."
Ray frowns. "This is supposed to be the greatest night of my life, and you're spoiling it."]
[[Be quiet->RayBeQuiet]]
[[Ask Ray what they'd like to talk about instead->RayChangeSubject]]
(set: $RayTrust to it - 1)Ray frowns. "I don't actually know. I guess I haven't thought about anything besides aliens for a long time."
The funicular clanks steadily upwards. Ray rummages in the pocket of their hoodie, and retrieves a battered packet with a grinning cartoon sailor on the label. The typeface is as inscrutable as any alien glyph. "Do you want a bit?" they ask.
(link: "Share the mysterious snack")[(set: $Snack to true)(go-to: "RayQuestions")]
(link: "Decline")[(set: $Snack to false)(go-to: "RayQuestions")]
(set: $GameProgress to "dusk")(if: ($Snack is true) and ($QuestionsRay is 0))[Ray rips open the packet to reveal a shiny green rectangle, and breaks off a piece for you. The savoury flavour develops as you chew, and it is more subtle than its garish wrapper suggested. "It's mostly seaweed," says Ray through a mouthful. "Pretty nutritious, for human food."
There is plenty of time to ask them questions.
[[Where did they grow up?->RayGrowUp]]
[[What do they know about the mountain?->RayMountain]]
[[How did they find out about the aliens?->RayLearning]]
[[There's nothing you wish to ask->RayNoInterest]]](if: ($Snack is true) and ($QuestionsRay is 1))[A mountain stream snakes past the funicular, sparkling pink in the sunset. "I haven't shared a meal with someone for a long time," they say, passing you another chunk of the seaweed bar.
There is time to ask them some questions.
(if: $GrowUpRay is 0)[[[Where did they grow up?->RayGrowUp]]
](if: $MountainRay is 0)[[[What do they know about the mountain?->RayMountain]]
](if: $LearningRay is 0)[[[How did they find out about the aliens?->RayLearning]]
][[There's nothing else you wish to ask->RayNoInterest]]](if: ($Snack is true) and ($QuestionsRay is 2))["These bars may actually be my favourite food," says Ray, breaking the last piece in two, and giving you half. "Shame I'll never eat one again."
There is time to ask them another question.
(if: $GrowUpRay is 0)[[[Where did they grow up?->RayGrowUp]]
](if: $MountainRay is 0)[[[What do they know about the mountain?->RayMountain]]
](if: $LearningRay is 0)[[[How did they find out about the aliens?->RayLearning]]
][[There's nothing else you wish to ask->RayNoInterest]]](if: ($Snack is false) and ($QuestionsRay is 0))[Ray looks down at the crumpled wrapper. "It's nicer than it looks," they mumble. They tear open the packet a little, and nibble the contents.
There is plenty of time to ask them questions.
[[Where did they grow up?->RayGrowUp]]
[[What do they know about the mountain?->RayMountain]]
[[How did they find out about the aliens?->RayLearning]]
[[There's nothing you wish to ask->RayNoInterest]]](if: ($Snack is false) and ($QuestionsRay is 1))[A mountain stream snakes past the funicular, sparkling pink in the sunset. Ray breaks off a piece of the green bar and eats it. "It's very nutritious," they say, a little defensively, "for human food."
There is time to ask them some questions.
(if: $GrowUpRay is 0)[[[Where did they grow up?->RayGrowUp]]
](if: $MountainRay is 0)[[[What do they know about the mountain?->RayMountain]]
](if: $LearningRay is 0)[[[How did they find out about the aliens?->RayLearning]]
][[There's nothing else you wish to ask->RayNoInterest]]](if: ($Snack is false) and ($QuestionsRay is 2))["These bars may actually be my favourite food," says Ray, considering the almost empty packet. "Shame I'll never eat one again."
There is time to ask them another question.
(if: $GrowUpRay is 0)[[[Where did they grow up?->RayGrowUp]]
](if: $MountainRay is 0)[[[What do they know about the mountain?->RayMountain]]
](if: $LearningRay is 0)[[[How did they find out about the aliens?->RayLearning]]
][[There's nothing else you wish to ask->RayNoInterest]]]"A small village far away from here, in the countryside," says Ray. "Farmers built it, or miners. Anyway, they'd all gone by the time I was born. It was sort of wild there. Lots of empty houses. A group of us used to go into the woods to make fires, play music, cast spells. That kind of thing."
A cloud crosses the sinking sun. "Most of my friends left," says Ray, "because there weren't any jobs. The ones who stayed, well, nothing good happened. Lots of drugs in a place like that. I couldn't keep watching, so I left."
(if: ($QuestionsRay < 2))[[[Look out of the window|RayQuestions]]](if: ($QuestionsRay > 1))[[[Look out of the window->RayInterest]]]
(set: $QuestionsRay to it + 1)(set: $GrowUpRay to 1)"According to this book," Ray pulls out a slim volume, "the aliens buried pieces of xenoglass //inside// the mountain." They hold their crystal pendant up to the setting sun again. "See how it distorts light? It's doing the same for time. It means people who come here age at a slightly accelerated rate. The long-term effects aren't clear, but I'll be alright. The aliens have incredible medical technology."
(if: ($QuestionsRay < 2))[[[Look out of the window|RayQuestions]]](if: ($QuestionsRay > 1))[[[Look out of the window->RayInterest]]]
(set: $QuestionsRay to it + 1)(set: $MountainRay to 1)(if:$KnowAboutAliens is true)["Reading mostly," says Ray, adjusting the stack of books on their lap. "I actually planned to do some last-minute studying on the ride up, just in case there was anything I'd missed."
They run a black-polished finger fondly over the tattered covers. "The right books are hard to find because they're mostly self-published, but I've got all the important ones. Though as far as I can tell, no one besides me has decoded the glyphs. I thought about writing to the authors and telling them what I'd found, but I don't think the aliens would want me to do that. They want people to solve it themselves. Like we did."
](if:$KnowAboutAliens is not true)["Reading mostly," says Ray, adjusting the stack of books on their lap. "I actually planned to do some last-minute studying on the ride up, just in case there was anything I'd missed."
They run a black-polished finger fondly over the tattered covers. "The right books are hard to find because they're mostly self-published, but I've got all the important ones. Though as far as I can tell, no one besides me has decoded the glyphs. I thought about writing to the authors and telling them what I'd found, but I don't think the aliens would want me to do that. They want people to solve it themselves." Ray frowns. "Probably shouldn't have told you, really."
]
(if: ($QuestionsRay < 2))[[[Look out of the window|RayQuestions]]](if: ($QuestionsRay > 1))[[[Look out of the window->RayInterest]]]
(set: $QuestionsRay to it + 1)(set: $LearningRay to 1)The mountain is shrouded in darkness. Above you, the peak is now visible. It is a single fragment of crystal, like the tip of a black iceberg. Gradually, shards of green pierce the black velvet sky above it. They grow and twist into ribbons that drift down over the mountain. "The aurora," whispers Ray.
They look at you with serious eyes. (if:$RayTrust > 0)[(if:$AbductedTogether is true)["We'll be gone soon."](if:$AbductedTogether is not true)["I'll be gone soon."]](if:$RayTrust < 1)[(if:$AbductedTogether is true)["I'll be gone soon. Maybe you too."](if:$AbductedTogether is not true)["I'll be gone soon."]]
(if:$AbductedTogether is true)[[[You're ready for the aliens to take you|RayComeWith]]
](if:$AbductedTogether is true)[[[You've decided to stay – ask Ray to stay too|RayPleaseStay]]
](if:$AbductedTogether is not true)[[[Ask Ray to stay|RayPleaseStay]]
](if:$AbductedTogether is true)[[[You've decided to stay – bid Ray farewell|RayGoodLuckFarewell]]
](if:$AbductedTogether is not true)[[[Bid Ray farewell|RayGoodLuckFarewell]]
](if:$AbductedTogether is not true)[[[Ask Ray to take you with them|RayComeWith]]
][[Tell Ray they won't be abducted|RayWontHappen]]
(set: $GameProgress to "aurora")The last rays of sunlight ignite the landscape as the funicular nears the end of its track, but Ray is looking at you instead.
"I haven't ever said any of that stuff out loud," they say. "I don't know if you were really interested or just making conversation, but I've been on my own for a long time and, you know—" they shrug, "—//thanks//."
[[Tell Ray they're welcome|RayAurora]]
[[Say nothing|RayAurora]]
(set: $RayTrust to it + 1)
(set: $GameProgress to "sunset")(if: ($Snack is true))[You share the rest of the bar in silence as the last rays of sunlight ignite the landscape.](if: ($Snack is false))[Ray finishes the rest of the bar in silence as the last rays of sunlight ignite the landscape.]
[[Watch the sun go down|RayAurora]]
(set: $RayTrust to it - 1)
(set: $GameProgress to "sunset")(if:$AbductedTogether is true)["So you've changed your mind about being abducted?" says Ray. "That's fine, but I haven't."
They look out across the landscape, the aurora dancing across their eyes. "There's nothing left here for me," they say quietly. "Why should I stay?"](if:$AbductedTogether is not true)["Why should I stay?" asks Ray, the aurora dancing across their eyes. "There's nothing here for me.]
[[Ray shouldn't give up on this planet|RayDontGiveUp]]
[[You like Ray, and don't want them to leave|RayLike]](if:$RayTrust > 0)["Are you sure you want to come?" asks Ray. "It's forever, you know."](if:$RayTrust < 1)[(if:$AbductedTogether is true)["//Are// you?" asks Ray. "It's just that I've studied the aliens for a long time, and you don't seem—"
They trail off, finishing the sentence with a shrug. "I guess I'm asking, given everything you've said, why would you want to come with us?"](if:$AbductedTogether is not true)["Really?" Ray furrows their brow. "I didn't think you were that interested. Why do you want to come with us, all of a sudden?"]]
[[You like Ray, and want to go where they're going|RayBeWith]]
[[You're ready to leave this planet|RayLeavePlanet]](if:$AbductedTogether is true)[Ray glares at you, eyes flashing. "So you think they'll want you but not me?"
[[You just don't want them to be disappointed|RayDisappointment]]
[[The aliens might not want them|RayDontWant]]](if:$AbductedTogether is not true)["After everything I've told you," says Ray, "why would you say that to me?"
[[You don't want Ray to be disappointed|RayDisappointment]]
[[The aliens might not want Ray after all|RayDontWant]]](if:$RayTrust > 0)["I know you mean well," says Ray, "but you don't understand. I've experienced more disappointment than most people ever will. It's not that I'm immune to it or anything, it's just that, well, at some point you've got to believe."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain.
[[Disembark|RayAlone]]](if:$RayTrust < 1)["Yeah, well," says Ray with a shrug, "It's not really your problem. I've experienced more disappointment than most people ever will, so I think I can handle it. Not that I'll have to, because they're coming for me."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain.
[[Disembark|RayAlone]]](if:$RayTrust > 0)[Ray is quiet for a long time. "I get suspicious when people say they like me," they say eventually. "As if they're only saying it to get something from me. But you see things other people miss, so I think you mean it." They look up at the aurora. "And I think the aliens will be happy to take you with them, too."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain.
[[Disembark|RayGetAbducted]]](if:$RayTrust < 1)["That's nice of you to say," says Ray, "but it's not up to me. If the aliens take you too I'll be happy for you, but you should know we're on separate journeys."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain.
[[Disembark|RayAlone]]](if:$RayTrust > 0)["This planet was good once," says Ray, "but you and I were born at the wrong time. There's nothing people like us can do to make it better—" their voice cracks, "—and there's nothing noble about staying and watching as it just gets worse. But it's ok. We'll be gone soon." Ray wipes their eyes with the sleeve of their hoodie.
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain.
[[Disembark|RayGetAbducted]]](if:$RayTrust < 1)["I know how you feel," says Ray. "This planet is getting worse all the time, and there's nothing noble about watching it die, unable to fix it. But it takes more than being sad about that for the aliens to want you. Maybe they will take you — I don't understand everything they do — but that's their business. Our time together ends here."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain.
[[Disembark|RayAlone]]](if:$RayTrust > 0)[Ray is quiet for a long time. "I thought I knew how things went in this world. That things only got worse, and the only surprises were bad ones. But of all the seats on the funicular, you chose the one next to me, and we had this talk. It's not much. But now I'm wondering, if I stayed, maybe other unexpected things could happen, and they'd make me feel good. Like tonight did."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain.
[[Disembark|RayStayWith]]](if:$RayTrust < 1)["I appreciate what you're trying to do," says Ray, "but you don't know me, and you don't know what I've been through. I've exhausted the possibilities of this world, and there's only one way forward. Up."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain.
[[Disembark|RayAlone]]](if:$RayTrust > 0)[Ray opens their mouth to reply, but stops. They look away, blinking.
"I was going to ask how you can possibly know whether you like me, after we've spent so little time together," they say, not meeting your eyes, "but then I realised I have a good feeling about you too. It's like how as soon as I heard about the aliens, I knew I had to follow them. Sometimes when you get a feeling, you just have to trust it."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain.
[[Disembark|RayStayWith]]](if:$RayTrust < 1)["I appreciate that," says Ray, "but we hardly know each other. I've spent my life preparing for this night, and I'm not changing my mind after one conversation."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain.
[[Disembark|RayAlone]]](if:$RayTrust > 0)["I know you mean well," says Ray, "but I know everything it's possible to know about the aliens. They travelled light years across the galaxy just so they could welcome people like me onto their ship. I know what rejection feels like, believe me, but that's not what's happening tonight."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain.
[[Disembark|RayAlone]]](if:$RayTrust < 1)["It's ok that you think that," says Ray. "Some of the things you've said made me realise that you just don't understand, or maybe even that you're jealous, so when you say they might not want me—" they shrug, "—it just makes me more certain that they will."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain.
[[Disembark|RayAlone]]]Ray grabs your sleeve to keep you back until all the other passengers have filed off the funicular onto the rocks. Above them, the mountain's crystal peak sparkles in the light of the aurora. "What if you're part of the test?" they say, once you are alone. "You wouldn't know if you were – the aliens probably used subliminal messaging to get you here – but what if you being here means I'm supposed to stay? What if the glyphs weren't meant to lead me to the abduction site, but to //you//? So we could have this conversation and I could see there's hope for me on this planet after all?"
Ray looks up at the aurora. "The aliens are still coming – the glyphs are clear about that – but I think they'll be happy for me to stay." They smile. "Follow me. There's a xenoglass outcrop by the summit that no one else knows about. We can watch the landing from there."
[[Follow Ray to the outcrop->DateLoop]]
(set: $RayDate to it + 1)
(set: $RayTogether to it + 1)
(set: $TotalDates to $RayDate + $SofiaDate + $MeenaDate + $LucasDate)Ray grabs your sleeve to keep you back until all the other passengers have filed off the funicular onto the rocks. Above them, the mountain's crystal peak sparkles in the light of the aurora.
"You know," Ray says eventually, "you're the last person I'll ever speak to on this planet. So even when I'm sailing through the galaxy, and the aliens have taught me the meaning of the universe—" they grip their xenoglass pendant, "—sometimes I'll think of you."
[[Watch Ray leave->DateLoop]]
(set: $RayDate to it + 1)
(set: $TotalDates to $RayDate + $SofiaDate + $MeenaDate + $LucasDate)Ray grabs your sleeve to keep you back until all the other passengers have filed off the funicular onto the rocks outside. Above them, the mountain's crystal peak sparkles in the light of the aurora.
"Follow me," they say once the two of you are alone. "There's a xenoglass outcrop by the summit that no one else knows about. I think it's where the aliens will land."
[[Follow Ray to the outcrop->DateLoop]]
(set: $RayDate to it + 1)
(set: $RayTogether to it + 1)
(set: $TotalDates to $RayDate + $SofiaDate + $MeenaDate + $LucasDate)(if:$SofiaDate is 0)[The woman in the white robe is holding a delicate spray of purple flowers in her lap. She gestures for you to sit down, and a single bloom falls from the bouquet and onto the seat beside her.](if:$SofiaDate > 0)[Sofia is holding a delicate spray of moon violets in her lap. She gestures for you to sit down, and a single bloom falls from the bouquet and onto the seat beside her.]
[[Return the flower->SofiaGiveFlower]]
[[Keep the flower->SofiaKeepFlower]](if:$SofiaDate is 0)["Thank you," she says, taking the flower and tucking it behind her ear. "It's a moon violet. I picked it at the base of the mountain. Did you know they only bloom right before the aurora? They're a sign the mountain spirit's going to appear."](if:$SofiaDate > 0)["Thank you," she says, taking the moon violet and tucking it behind her ear. "I picked it at the base of the mountain. It's a moon violet – did you know they only bloom right before the aurora? They're a sign the mountain spirit's going to appear."]
[[<em>Mountain spirit</em>?->SofiaMiracle]]
[[You don't believe in spirits->SofiaDontBelieve]]
(set: $Flower to "ear")(if:$SofiaDate is 0)[The purple petals unfurl as you hold the flower in the palm of your hand. "It's a moon violet," says the woman, tucking a coil of dark hair behind her ear. "They grow on the mountain, and only bloom right before the aurora. They're a sign the mountain spirit's going to appear."](if:$SofiaDate > 0)[The purple petals unfurl as you hold the flower in the palm of your hand. "It's a moon violet," says Sofia, tucking a coil of dark hair behind her ear. "They grow on the mountain, and only bloom right before the aurora. They're a sign the mountain spirit's going to appear."]
[[<em>Mountain spirit</em>?->SofiaMiracle]]
[[You don't believe in spirits->SofiaDontBelieve]]
(set: $Flower to "you")(if:$SofiaDate is 0)["It lives in the mountain," says the woman, "or maybe it //is// the mountain. Either way, the aurora means it's waking up. I know it sounds silly," she says with a shrug, "but I feel something, even here, on the funicular. Don't you?"](if:$SofiaDate > 0)["It lives in the mountain," says Sofia, "or maybe it //is// the mountain. Either way, the aurora means it's waking up. I know it sounds silly," she says with a shrug, "but I feel something, even here, on the funicular. Don't you?"]
[[You do feel something->SofiaFeelSomething]]
[[You don't feel anything->SofiaFeelNothing]]
(set: $DontBelieveInMiracles to false)
(if:$SofiaDate is 0)["Neither did I," says the woman, "until my life took a few unexpected turns. I know it sounds silly," she says with a shrug, "but I feel something, even here, on the funicular. Don't you?"](if:$SofiaDate > 0)["Neither did I," says Sofia, "until my life took a few unexpected turns. I know it sounds silly," she says with a shrug, "but I feel something, even here, on the funicular. Don't you?"]
[[You do feel something->SofiaFeelSomething]]
[[You don't feel anything->SofiaFeelNothing]]
(set: $DontBelieveInMiracles to true)"I hope the sky stays clear, so we have a good view," says Sofia. "I think the aurora will feel like a blessing from the mountain spirit. A reminder that we're loved."
[[That's a beautiful sentiment->SofiaBeautifulSentiment]]
[[What nonsense->SofiaNonsense]]
[[Say nothing->SofiaSilence]]
(set: $GameProgress to "late")"I hope the mountain spirit gives you what you seek," says Sofia, fixing her soft brown eyes on yours. "I believe all it asks is an open mind."
[[That's a beautiful sentiment->SofiaBeautifulSentiment]]
[[Say nothing->SofiaSilence]]
(set: $GameProgress to "late")"I understand," says Sofia. "Some pilgrimages are best taken alone. I expected to be alone today. I thought that way I'd feel the mountain spirit more strongly."
[[That's a beautiful sentiment->SofiaBeautifulSentiment]]
[[What nonsense->SofiaNonsense]]
[[Say nothing->SofiaSilence]]
(set: $GameProgress to "late")"Do you really think so?" asks Sofia. "I'd never even have <em>thought</em> anything like that a while ago, much less said it to a stranger. I had no time for mountain spirits, or anything I couldn't see or touch." She sighs. "But things change. I'm dying, you see."
[[Surely medical science has a solution?->SofiaMedical science]]
[[Offer your condolences->SofiaCondolences]]
(set: $SofiaLike to it + 1)"I know how it sounds," sighs Sofia, "but I'm rather past caring. I'm dying, you see."
[[Surely medical science has a solution?->SofiaMedical science]]
[[Offer your condolences->SofiaCondolences]]
(set: $SofiaLike to it - 1)"I'm afraid there's nothing that can be done," says Sofia. "I'm a doctor myself, specialising in the very condition that's killing me. It's not contagious—" she says hurriedly, "—just an awful coincidence. It helps if I focus on making the most of the time I have left. I'm going to ask the mountain spirit to help me pass easily from this life."
(if:$Flower is "ear")[A purple petal falls from the moon violet behind Sofia's ear. By the time it lands in her lap, it has turned pink. "Well isn't that something," she whispers. She picks up the delicate petal and strokes it. "Shall we play a game?"](if:$Flower is "you")[A purple petal falls from the moon violet in your hand. By the time it lands in your lap, it has turned pink. "Well isn't that something," whispers Sofia. She looks at the delicate petal, then into your eyes. "Shall we play a game?"]
[[Alright->SofiaGame]]
[[What sort of game?->SofiaRulesPlease]]"Thank you," says Sofia. "I'm going to ask the mountain spirit to help me pass easily from this life. I believe it can, but—" she gazes out at the glistening crystals, "—even if it doesn't grant my request, it's still led me to this beautiful place. And I'm thankful."
(if:$Flower is "ear")[A purple petal falls from the moon violet behind Sofia's ear. By the time it lands in her lap, it has turned pink. "Well isn't that something," she whispers. She picks up the delicate petal and strokes it. "Shall we play a game?"](if:$Flower is "you")[A purple petal falls from the moon violet in your hand. By the time it lands in your lap, it has turned pink. "Well isn't that something," whispers Sofia. She looks at the delicate petal, then into your eyes. "Shall we play a game?"]
[[Alright->SofiaGame]]
[[What sort of game?->SofiaRulesPlease]]
(set: $SofiaLike to it + 1)Sofia looks down at her hands. The short fingernails are clean, and carefully shaped. "I didn't used to care about blessings and mountain spirits, or any of that, but things change. I'm dying."
[[Surely medical science has a solution?->SofiaMedical science]]
[[Offer your condolences->SofiaCondolences]](if:$SofiaDate is 0)[The woman blushes. "I'm Sofia," she says, "and I'm glad you sat next to me. I've never ridden a funicular before, and it's nice to share the experience with someone."](if:$SofiaDate > 0)[Sofia blushes. "I'm Sofia," she says, "and I'm glad you sat next to me. I've never ridden a funicular before, and it's nice to share the experience with someone."]
As she speaks, a cluster of black crystal columns slides into view. They are taller than the funicular, and scatter multicoloured sunbeams throughout the carriage. "No one knows what those crystals are, exactly," says Sofia, "but I think they're manifestations of the mountain spirit's magic. When I first read about them I felt //drawn// here. I can't explain – it's like I was being summoned by a higher power. I think at some point, you've got to trust your feelings."
"If you don't mind me asking," she continues, "why did you come here tonight?"
[[To see the aurora->SofiaSeeAurora]]
(if:$RayDate > 0)[[[To be abducted by aliens->SofiaRayDateComment]]
](if:$MeenaDate > 0)[[[To study the mountain, scientifically->SofiaMeenaDateComment]]
](if:$LucasDate > 0)[[[To eat the mushrooms that grow here->SofiaLucasDateComment]]
](if:$SofiaDate > 0)[(if:$DontBelieveInMiracles is true)[](if:$DontBelieveInMiracles is false)[[[Actually, you're here for the mountain spirit too->SofiaMountainSpirit]]
]][[You aren't sure, exactly->SofiaNotSureWhy]]
[[Tell Sofia you prefer not to say->SofiaDontSay]]
(set: $SofiaLike to it + 1)(if:$SofiaDate is 0)["Oh well," she says. "I think I probably feel enough for both of us. I spent my whole life being resolutely rational, but then one day I read about this place—" she gives a flourish with her hand as if casting a spell, "—and it's like I was enchanted."
She laughs. "I haven't even told you my name! I'm Sofia." As she speaks, a cluster of black crystal columns slides into view. They are taller than the funicular, and scatter multicoloured sunbeams throughout the carriage. "If you don't mind me asking," says Sofia, "why did you come here tonight?"](if:$SofiaDate > 0)["Oh well," says Sofia. "I think I probably feel enough for both of us. I spent my whole life being resolutely rational, but then one day I read about this place—" she gives a flourish with her hand as if casting a spell, "—and it's like I was enchanted."
She laughs. "I haven't even told you my name! I'm Sofia." As she speaks, a cluster of black crystal columns slides into view. They are taller than the funicular, and scatter multicoloured sunbeams throughout the carriage. "If you don't mind me asking," says Sofia, "why did you come here tonight?"]
[[To see the aurora->SofiaSeeAurora]]
(if:$RayDate > 0)[[[To be abducted by aliens->SofiaRayDateComment]]
](if:$MeenaDate > 0)[[[To study the mountain, scientifically->SofiaMeenaDateComment]]
](if:$LucasDate > 0)[[[To eat the mushrooms that grow here->SofiaLucasDateComment]]
](if:$SofiaDate > 0)[(if:$DontBelieveInMiracles is true)[](if:$DontBelieveInMiracles is false)[[[Actually, you're here for the mountain spirit too->SofiaMountainSpirit]]
]][[You aren't sure, exactly->SofiaNotSureWhy]]
[[Tell Sofia you prefer not to say->SofiaDontSay]](if:$Flower is "ear")[Sofia's brown eyes gleam as she takes the flower from her hair and holds it between the two of you.](if:$Flower is "you")[Sofia's brown eyes gleam as she gently takes the flower from your hand and holds it between the two of you.] "Once a moon violet sheds its first petal, the rest follow. Each one turns either pink or blue. So if a petal turns one colour, you can ask me a question. If it turns the other, I'll ask you one. Which colour do you want?"
(link: "Pink")[(set: $Colour to "pink")(go-to: "SofiaFlowerGame1")]
(link: "Blue")[(set: $Colour to "blue")(go-to: "SofiaFlowerGame1")]
(set: $GameProgress to "dusk")"A fun one, I hope," says Sofia. (if:$Flower is "ear")[She takes the flower from her hair and holds it between the two of you.](if:$Flower is "you")[She gently takes the flower from your hand and holds it between the two of you.] "Once a moon violet sheds its first petal, the rest follow. Each one turns either pink or blue. So if a petal turns one colour, you can ask me a question. If it turns the other, I'll ask you one. Which colour do you want?"
(link: "Pink")[(set: $Colour to "pink")(go-to: "SofiaFlowerGame1")]
(link: "Blue")[(set: $Colour to "blue")(go-to: "SofiaFlowerGame1")]
(set: $GameProgress to "dusk")(if:$Colour is "pink")["Pink it is," says Sofia. "Now all we have to do is wait."](if:$Colour is "blue")["Blue it is," says Sofia. "Now all we have to do is wait."]
(t8n:"blur")+(link:"Wait for the next petal to fall")[=Slowly, a single petal falls from the moon violet in Sofia's hand, and flutters onto your leg. (if:$Colour is "pink")[The two of you watch as it slowly fades to pink. "Well," she says, "the first question is yours."](if:$Colour is "blue")[The two of you watch as it slowly deepens to blue. "Well," she says, "the first question is yours."]
[[What does she do for fun?->SofiaFun]]
[[Is she in pain?->SofiaPain]]
[[Why is she wearing a white robe?->SofiaRobe]]
[[What does she want to do with the time she has left?->SofiaTime]]
[[Actually, you don't want to play->SofiaEnough]]
(set: $SofiaFun to "NotAsked")
(set: $SofiaPain to "NotAsked")
(set: $SofiaRobe to "NotAsked")
(set: $SofiaTime to "NotAsked")
(set: $GameProgress to "dusk")Sofia grimaces. "I never used to have much time for fun. Or even friends. Too busy working." She looks down at the wilting moon violet. "I've decided not to have regrets. Only that I'll do my best to live differently."(set: $SofiaGameProgress to it + 1)
(if:$SofiaGameProgress is 1)[[[Wait for the next petal to fall->SofiaFlowerGame2]]](if:$SofiaGameProgress is 2)[[[Wait for the next petal to fall->SofiaFlowerGame4]]](if:$SofiaGameProgress is 3)[[[Wait for the next petal to fall->SofiaFlowerGame5]]](if:$SofiaGameProgress is 4)[[[Wait for the next petal to fall->SofiaFlowerGame6]]]
(set: $SofiaFun to "asked")"Some days are painful," says Sofia. "On those days, it's hard to think about anything besides my illness. But then the wave of pain rolls back, and it leaves behind this fresh beach of possibility. There's nothing holding me back on days like that." She gazes into your eyes. "Days like today."(set: $SofiaGameProgress to it + 1)
(if:$SofiaGameProgress is 1)[[[Wait for the next petal to fall->SofiaFlowerGame2]]](if:$SofiaGameProgress is 2)[[[Wait for the next petal to fall->SofiaFlowerGame4]]](if:$SofiaGameProgress is 3)[[[Wait for the next petal to fall->SofiaFlowerGame5]]](if:$SofiaGameProgress is 4)[[[Wait for the next petal to fall->SofiaFlowerGame6]]]
(set: $SofiaPain to "asked")"I know it's not practical to wear white on a mountain walk," says Sofia with a smile, "but it feels right. In some cultures, white represents purity, and I want to feel pure today. Like I've left all my worries at the bottom of the mountain."
She smooths the fabric covering her lap. "Of course, in other cultures, white represents death. But there's peace in that. Death's just the beginning of a new state."(set: $SofiaGameProgress to it + 1)
(if:$SofiaGameProgress is 1)[[[Wait for the next petal to fall->SofiaFlowerGame2]]](if:$SofiaGameProgress is 2)[[[Wait for the next petal to fall->SofiaFlowerGame4]]](if:$SofiaGameProgress is 3)[[[Wait for the next petal to fall->SofiaFlowerGame5]]](if:$SofiaGameProgress is 4)[[[Wait for the next petal to fall->SofiaFlowerGame6]]]
(set: $SofiaRobe to "asked")"It would be nice to meet someone," Sofia says softly.(set: $SofiaGameProgress to it + 1)
(if:$SofiaGameProgress is 1)[[[Wait for the next petal to fall->SofiaFlowerGame2]]](if:$SofiaGameProgress is 2)[[[Wait for the next petal to fall->SofiaFlowerGame4]]](if:$SofiaGameProgress is 3)[[[Wait for the next petal to fall->SofiaFlowerGame5]]](if:$SofiaGameProgress is 4)[[[Wait for the next petal to fall->SofiaFlowerGame6]]]
(set: $SofiaTime to "asked")Sofia blinks, as if she's just awakened from a dream. "Oh, of course. I suppose it's quite an intimate game, and we've only just met."
She places the flower on her knee, a few petals still clinging to it, and looks out at the setting sun.
[[Follow her gaze->SofiaSettingSun]]
(set: $SofiaLike to it - 1)
(set: $Attracted to "NotAskedSkippedGame")
(set: $GameProgress to "sunset")As Sofia stares at the moon violet, another petal droops, then falls onto her white robe and turns (if:$Colour is "pink")[blue.](if:$Colour is "blue")[pink.]
"My turn!" says Sofia. She thinks for a moment. "Alright, I've got a question. Do you believe in reincarnation?"
[[Yes->SofiaReincarnationYes]]
[[No->SofiaReincarnationNo]]
[[You are unsure->SofiaReincarnationNotSure]]You hear rushing water, growing louder as the funicular ascends. "The mountain stream!" says Sofia. "I think it emerges from a crystal grotto at the top of the mountain. I'm no geologist, but I do know springs don't usually emerge hundreds of feet above the water table."
At that moment, a third petal falls from the moon violet, landing on the seat between you. It remains purple for a moment, then turns (if:$Colour is "pink")[pink](if:$Colour is "blue")[blue]. "Your turn," says Sofia.
(if:$SofiaFun is "asked")[](if:$SofiaFun is "NotAsked")[[[What does she do for fun?->SofiaFun]]
](if:$SofiaPain is "asked")[](if:$SofiaPain is "NotAsked")[[[Is she in pain?->SofiaPain]]
](if:$SofiaRobe is "asked")[](if:$SofiaRobe is "NotAsked")[[[Why is she wearing a white robe?->SofiaRobe]]
](if:$SofiaTime is "asked")[](if:$SofiaTime is "NotAsked")[[[What does she want to do with the time she has left?->SofiaTime]]
][[You don't want to play any more->SofiaEnough]]"Just three petals left," says Sofia. (if:$Colour is "pink")[She holds her breath as another falls into her outstretched hand, and turns pink. "You again," she says with a smile.](if:$Colour is "blue")[She holds her breath as another falls into her outstretched hand, and turns blue. "You again," she says with a smile.]
(if:$SofiaFun is "asked")[](if:$SofiaFun is "NotAsked")[[[What does she do for fun?->SofiaFun]]
](if:$SofiaPain is "asked")[](if:$SofiaPain is "NotAsked")[[[Is she in pain?->SofiaPain]]
](if:$SofiaRobe is "asked")[](if:$SofiaRobe is "NotAsked")[[[Why is she wearing a white robe?->SofiaRobe]]
](if:$SofiaTime is "asked")[](if:$SofiaTime is "NotAsked")[[[What does she want to do with the time she has left?->SofiaTime]]
][[You don't want to play any more->SofiaEnough]]"These are good questions," says Sofia. (if:$Colour is "pink")[She keeps her eyes fixed on yours as another petal drifts onto your lap. "Pink again," she says.](if:$Colour is "blue")[She keeps her eyes fixed on yours as another petal drifts onto your lap. "Blue again," she says.]
(if:$SofiaFun is "asked")[](if:$SofiaFun is "NotAsked")[[[What does she do for fun?->SofiaFun]]
](if:$SofiaPain is "asked")[](if:$SofiaPain is "NotAsked")[[[Is she in pain?->SofiaPain]]
](if:$SofiaRobe is "asked")[](if:$SofiaRobe is "NotAsked")[[[Why is she wearing a white robe?->SofiaRobe]]
](if:$SofiaTime is "asked")[](if:$SofiaTime is "NotAsked")[[[What does she want to do with the time she has left?->SofiaTime]]
][[You don't want to play any more->SofiaEnough]]The sun sets, casting golden light across Sofia's face. She holds her breath as the last petal comes loose from the moon violet and flutters into your hand. It turns (if:$Colour is "pink")[blue.](if:$Colour is "blue")[pink.]
(if:$SofiaLike > 0)["Finally," whispers Sofia. She looks into your eyes. "Are you attracted to me?"
[[Yes->SofiaAttracted]]
[[No->SofiaNotAttracted]]](if:$SofiaLike < 1)[Sofia hesitates. "Do you think what I'm doing is silly? Asking the mountain spirit to help me pass easily?"
[[Yes->SofiaFutile]]
[[No->SofiaNotFutile]]]
(set: $GameProgress to "sunset")The mountain is now shrouded in darkness. Gradually, shards of green pierce the black sky. "The aurora!" gasps Sofia. "The mountain spirit is going to grant a gift."
(if:$Attracted is "Attracted")[She looks at you. "What are you going to ask for?"
[[To be with her, if only for tonight->SofiaBeWithHer]]
[[For her to get better->SofiaGetBetter]]
[[Nothing->SofiaNoWish]]
[[You do not wish to tell her->SofiaSecretWish]]](if:$Attracted is "NotAttracted")[She looks at you. "What are you going to ask for?"
[[For her to get better->SofiaGetBetter]]
[[Nothing->SofiaNoWish]]
[[You do not wish to tell her->SofiaSecretWish]]](if:$Attracted is "NotAsked")[She looks at you. "What are you going to ask for?"
[[For her to get better->SofiaGetBetter]]
[[Nothing->SofiaNoWish]]
[[You do not wish to tell her->SofiaSecretWish]]](if:$Attracted is "NotAskedSkippedGame")[She looks at you. "What are you going to ask for?"
[[For her to get better->SofiaGetBetter]]
[[Nothing->SofiaNoWish]]
[[You do not wish to tell her->SofiaSecretWish]]]
(set: $GameProgress to "aurora")"You know," says Sofia, "one of the myths about the mountain spirit is that it can grant people new life. Maybe even the chance to live the <em>same</em> life over again, so they can make different choices." She shrugs. "I don't think I'd want that. All things considered, I'm happy with the way I've lived. It's best not to have regrets."
[[Wait for the next petal to fall->SofiaFlowerGame3]]"I didn't used to believe in reincarnation either," says Sofia. "I thought it was irresponsible, somehow, like I'd be letting myself off the hook for my mistakes because I could always try again in my next life." She sighs. "I don't think like that any more."
[[Wait for the next petal to fall->SofiaFlowerGame3]]"I'm not sure whether I believe in reincarnation either," says Sofia, "although I've been thinking about it a lot lately. For obvious reasons."
[[Wait for the next petal to fall->SofiaFlowerGame3]]"The feeling's mutual," says Sofia. She places the remains of the flower on her knee, and looks out at the mountain as its crystal peak slides into view.
[[Follow her gaze->SofiaSettingSun]]
(set: $Attracted to "Attracted")
(set: $SofiaLike to it + 1)
(set: $GameProgress to "pre-aurora")"Oh well," says Sofia. "Better to know." She places the remains of the flower on her knee, and looks out at the mountain as its crystal peak slides into view.
[[Follow her gaze->SofiaSettingSun]]
(set: $Attracted to "NotAttracted")
(set: $GameProgress to "pre-aurora")"We don't need the mountain spirit to grant us that," whispers Sofia. "That crystal grotto, the one I told you about? Hardly anyone knows it exists. We could go there. I don't think the mountain spirit would mind."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain, and Sofia puts her hand on yours. "We're here," she says.
[[Disembark|SofiaWithRomance]](if:$SofiaLike > 0)[(if:$Attracted is "Attracted")["Thank you," says Sofia. "I was going to ask for a gentle passage from this life, but now? I think I'd like something different." She lowers her voice. "That crystal grotto I mentioned? I don't think many people know it exists. We could go there. I don't think the mountain spirit would mind."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain. "We're here," says Sofia. "Would you like to come with me?
[[Yes|SofiaWithRomance]]
[[No|SofiaWithout]]](if:$Attracted is "NotAttracted")["I've accepted that I won't recover," says Sofia, "but it means a great deal to me that you would ask for that."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain. "We're here," says Sofia. "I'm going to that crystal grotto, the one I told you about. I think the spirit's presence will be strongest there. Would you like to come with me? As a friend?"
[[Yes|SofiaWithAsFriends]]
[[No|SofiaWithout]]](if:$Attracted is "NotAsked")["I've accepted that I won't recover," says Sofia, "but it means a great deal to me that you would ask for that."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain. "We're here," says Sofia. "I'm going to that crystal grotto, the one I told you about. I think the spirit's presence will be strongest there. Would you like to come with me? As a friend?"
[[Yes|SofiaWithAsFriends]]
[[No|SofiaWithout]]](if:$Attracted is "NotAskedSkippedGame")["I've accepted that I won't recover," says Sofia, "but it means a great deal to me that you would ask for that."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain. "I suppose this is it. Goodbye—" she smiles, "—and thank you for making my journey a little more interesting."
[[Bid her farewell|SofiaWithout]]]](else:)["I've accepted that I won't recover," says Sofia, "but it means a great deal to me that you would ask for that."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain. "I suppose this is it. Goodbye—" she smiles, "—and thank you for making my journey a little more interesting."
[[Bid her farewell|SofiaWithout]]](if:$SofiaLike > 0)[(if:$Attracted is "Attracted")["Very wise," says Sofia. "They say desire is the root of all suffering. Although that's only if the desire is unfulfilled." She pauses. "When I came here, I thought I wanted a gentle passage from this life, but now? I think I'd like something different." She puts her hand on yours. "That crystal grotto, the one I told you about? I don't think many people know about it. We could go there. I don't think the mountain spirit would mind."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain. "We're here," says Sofia. "Come with me?"
[[Yes|SofiaWithRomance]]
[[No|SofiaWithout]]](if:$Attracted is "NotAttracted")["Very wise," says Sofia. "They say desire is the root of all suffering. All the same, I'm still going to ask for a gentle passage from this life. However the mountain spirit sees fit."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain. "We're here," says Sofia. "I'm going to that crystal grotto, the one I told you about. I think the spirit's presence will be strongest there. Would you like to come with me? As a friend?"
[[Yes|SofiaWithAsFriends]]
[[No|SofiaWithout]]](if:$Attracted is "NotAsked")["Very wise," says Sofia. "They say desire is the root of all suffering. All the same, I'm still going to ask for a gentle passage from this life. However the mountain spirit sees fit."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain. "We're here," says Sofia. "I'm going to that crystal grotto, the one I told you about. I think the spirit's presence will be strongest there. Would you like to come with me? As a friend?"
[[Yes|SofiaWithAsFriends]]
[[No|SofiaWithout]]](if:$Attracted is "NotAskedSkippedGame")["Very wise," says Sofia. "They say desire is the root of all suffering. All the same, I'm still going to ask for a gentle passage from this life. However the mountain spirit sees fit."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain. "I suppose this is it. Goodbye—" she smiles, "—and thank you for making my journey a little more interesting."
[[Bid her farewell|SofiaWithout]]]](else:)["Very wise," says Sofia. "They say desire is the root of all suffering. All the same, I'm still going to ask for a gentle passage from this life. However the mountain spirit sees fit."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain. "I suppose this is it. Goodbye—" she smiles, "—and thank you for making my journey a little more interesting."
[[Bid her farewell|SofiaWithout]]](if:$SofiaLike > 0)[(if:$Attracted is "Attracted")["I understand," says Sofia. "I <em>was</em> going to ask for a gentle passage from this life, but now?" She puts her hand on yours. "That crystal grotto I mentioned? I don't think many people know it exists. We could go there. I don't think the mountain spirit would mind."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain. "We're here," says Sofia. "Would you like to come with me?
[[Yes|SofiaWithRomance]]
[[No|SofiaWithout]]](if:$Attracted is "NotAttracted")["I understand," says Sofia. "Still, I don't mind you knowing that I'm going to ask for a gentle passage from this life."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain. "We're here," says Sofia. "I'm going to that crystal grotto, the one I told you about. I think the spirit's presence will be strongest there. Would you like to come with me? As a friend?"
[[Yes|SofiaWithAsFriends]]
[[No|SofiaWithout]]](if:$Attracted is "NotAsked")["I understand," says Sofia. "Still, I don't mind you knowing that I'm going to ask for a gentle passage from this life."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain. "We're here," says Sofia. "I'm going to that crystal grotto, the one I told you about. I think the spirit's presence will be strongest there. Would you like to come with me? As a friend?"
[[Yes|SofiaWithAsFriends]]
[[No|SofiaWithout]]](if:$Attracted is "NotAskedSkippedGame")["I understand," says Sofia. "Still, I don't mind you knowing that I'm going to ask for a gentle passage from this life."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain. "I suppose this is it. Goodbye—" she smiles, "—and thank you for making my journey a little more interesting."
[[Bid her farewell|SofiaWithout]]]](else:)["I understand," says Sofia. "Still, I don't mind you knowing that I'm going to ask for a gentle passage from this life."
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain. "I suppose this is it. Goodbye—" she smiles, "—and thank you for making my journey a little more interesting."
[[Bid her farewell|SofiaWithout]]]You step out of the funicular onto the flat rocks beneath the mountain's crystal peak. From there, Sofia leads you through a carpet of moon violets to an opening in the side of the mountain. Beyond is a stone tunnel. She takes your arm to steady herself, and together you follow the sound of running water to an underground pool in a crystal-lined cavern. "The lights—" whispers Sofia, and indeed shards of colour dance beneath the surface of the water like a shoal of tropical fish.
Slowly, she removes her robe and steps into the twinkling pool. For a moment she is still, but then she turns back to you, her hand outstretched. "My body has been a battleground for too long," she says.
[[Join her->DateLoop]]
(set: $SofiaDate to it + 1)
(set: $SofiaTogether to it + 1)
(set: $TotalDates to $RayDate + $SofiaDate + $MeenaDate + $LucasDate)(if:$SofiaLike > 0)[(if:$Attracted is "Attracted")[Sofia's face falters, but she quickly composes herself. "Well," she says, "perhaps this is a journey I should take on my own, after all." She kisses your cheek, then steps out of the funicular onto the flat rocks beneath the mountain's crystal peak. Glowing in the soft light of the aurora, she walks away across a carpet of moon violets.](if:$Attracted is "NotAttracted")["I suppose you're right," says Sofia. "I came this far on my own, after all." She smiles warmly at you, then steps out of the funicular onto the flat rocks beneath the mountain's crystal peak. Glowing in the soft light of the aurora, she walks away across a carpet of moon violets.](if:$Attracted is "NotAsked")["I suppose you're right," says Sofia. "I came this far on my own, after all." She smiles warmly at you, then steps out of the funicular onto the flat rocks beneath the mountain's crystal peak. Glowing in the soft light of the aurora, she walks away across a carpet of moon violets.](if:$Attracted is "NotAskedSkippedGame")[She smiles warmly at you, then steps out of the funicular onto the flat rocks beneath the mountain's crystal peak. Glowing in the soft light of the aurora, she walks away across a carpet of moon violets.]](else:)[She smiles warmly at you, then steps out of the funicular onto the flat rocks beneath the mountain's crystal peak. Glowing in the soft light of the aurora, she walks away across a carpet of moon violets.]
[[Watch Sofia leave->DateLoop]]
(set: $SofiaDate to it + 1)
(set: $TotalDates to $RayDate + $SofiaDate + $MeenaDate + $LucasDate)You step out of the funicular onto the flat rocks beneath the mountain's crystal peak. From there, Sofia leads you through a carpet of moon violets to an opening in the side of the mountain. Beyond is a stone tunnel. She takes your arm to steady herself, and together you follow the sound of running water to an underground pool in a crystal-lined cavern. "The lights—" whispers Sofia, and indeed shards of colour dance beneath the surface of the water like a shoal of tropical fish.
She lets go of your arm and steps into the twinkling pool, her white robe billowing out behind her. With one last glance at you, she takes a deep breath and submerges herself, ready to receive the blessing of the mountain spirit.
[[Wait->DateLoop]]
(set: $SofiaDate to it + 1)
(set: $SofiaTogether to it + 1)
(set: $TotalDates to $RayDate + $SofiaDate + $MeenaDate + $LucasDate)Sofia is quiet for a while, contemplating the remains of the flower. "That's alright," she says eventually. "It actually makes me more sure that asking the mountain spirit to help me pass is the right thing to do. Even if it's only a myth, it means acknowledging that I'm ready to go." She looks out at the mountain as its crystal peak slides into view.
(t8n:"blur")+(link:"Follow her gaze")[=The sun sets. For a moment the mountain is shrouded in darkness, but then shards of green pierce the black sky. "The aurora!" gasps Sofia. "Look, I know you have your doubts, but imagine the mountain spirit <em>could</em> help you. What would you ask for?"
[[For her to get better->SofiaGetBetter]]
[[Nothing->SofiaNoWish]]
[[You do not wish to tell her->SofiaSecretWish]]
(set: $Attracted to "NotAsked")
(set: $GameProgress to "aurora")
(set: $SofiaLike to it - 1)"Thank you," says Sofia. "I suppose it shouldn't make a difference to me, but I enjoyed that game, and I appreciated your questions. This funicular journey will always be a part of my memories of tonight, so I wanted to know."
She places the remains of the flower on her knee, and looks out at the mountain as its crystal peak slides into view.
[[Follow her gaze->SofiaSettingSun]]
(set: $Attracted to "NotAsked")
(set: $GameProgress to "pre-aurora")"Let me guess," says Ray, "it was an evening just like this? You //haven't// actually been here before, at least, not in this timeline. You just think you have because a lot of dimensions are overlapping right now, and your mind can't grasp what's actually happening." They shrug, and look out of the window as the funicular passes a huddle of crystal pillars.
(t8n:"blur")+(link:"Look at the crystals")[=The black columns look as though they erupted from the earth like teeth, but they are as geometrically regular as prisms. Their forbidding faces are etched with patterns.
[[Ask Ray what the patterns are->RayAskAboutRuins]]
(if:$TotalDates > 0)[[[Tell Ray you know what the patterns are->RayKnowAboutRuins]]
][[Watch the pillars pass in silence->RayLookAtRuins]]
(set: $GameProgress to "late")"The pillars are meant to look natural," says Ray, "but they're not. The xenoglass they're made from was mined from a distant planet and left here millennia ago by—" they lower their voice, "—//aliens//."
They cast a furtive eye around the funicular. "The pillars are like tablets. The aliens carved glyphs on them to explain when they'll be back, and who they're coming for. If you can decode them, the aliens know you're worthy of joining their society."
Ray fiddles with their pendant. "The aurora is a landing beacon for the alien ship. They're coming back tonight, and I'm ready for them to take me."
[[Explain how unlikely that is->RayUnlikely]]
[[Wish them luck->RayGoodLuck]]
[[Ask if you can come with them->RayTogether]]
(set: $RayTrust to it + 1)"If there were druids here," says Ray, "they came //because// of the markings on the pillars – they didn't make them. The xenoglass was mined from a distant planet and left here millennia ago by—" they lower their voice, "—//aliens//."
They cast a furtive eye around the funicular. "The pillars are like tablets. The aliens carved glyphs on them to explain when they'll be back, and who they're coming for. If you can decode them, the aliens know you're worthy of joining their society."
Ray fiddles with their pendant. "The aurora is a landing beacon for the alien ship. They're coming back tonight, and I'm ready for them to take me."
[[Explain how unlikely that is->RayUnlikely]]
[[Wish them luck->RayGoodLuck]]
[[Ask if you can come with them->RayTogether]]
(set: $RayTrust to it + 1)"I think I've heard of the mountain spirit," says Ray, "but it's just something people made up to explain what was //really// going on. The mountain's special because it's a landing site used by—" they lower their voice, "—//aliens//."
They cast a furtive eye around the funicular. "The xenoglass was mined from the aliens' planet, and left here as tablets. Instructions. The glyphs explain when the aliens will be back, and who they're coming for. If you can decode them, the aliens know you're worthy of joining their society."
Ray fiddles with their pendant. "The aurora is a beacon for the alien ship. They're coming back tonight, and I'm ready for them to take me."
[[Explain how unlikely that is->RayUnlikely]]
[[Wish them luck->RayGoodLuck]]
[[Ask if you can come with them->RayTogether]]
(set: $RayTrust to it + 1)(if:$TotalDates is 1)[(t8n:"dissolve")+(t8n-time:5s)[After some time – you cannot tell how much – you find yourself sitting on the mountainside beneath the aurora.]
(t8n:"blur")+(link:"Watch the sky")[=The sky grows a little lighter. At first it looks as though the aurora is growing stronger, but the light is emanating from one corner of the sky – the sun is rising from the same horizon beneath which it set. As you watch the rays coalesce, the ground beneath you starts to shake.
[[Don't be afraid->Intro]]](if:$TotalDates is 2)[(t8n:"dissolve")+(t8n-time:5s)[After some time – you cannot tell how much – you find yourself sitting on the mountainside beneath the aurora. A high-pitched sound emanates from the mountain's crystal summit.]
(t8n:"blur")+(link:"Listen")[=The sound is coming from the mountain's black crystal summit, which is now vibrating at a high frequency. As its wail grows louder, the sky grows lighter, as if the sound is summoning the sun back from beneath the horizon. The ground beneath you starts to shake.
[[Don't be afraid->Intro]]](if:$TotalDates is 3)[(t8n:"dissolve")+(t8n-time:5s)[After some time – you cannot tell how much – you find yourself sitting on the mountainside beneath the aurora. The ground beneath you grows warm.]
(t8n:"blur")+(link:"Place your hands on the rock")[=The heat spills into your body. Far above you, the aurora fades as the sun rises from the same horizon beneath which it set, and the ground beneath you starts to shake.
[[Don't be afraid->Intro]]](if:$TotalDates is 4)[(t8n:"dissolve")+(t8n-time:5s)[After some time – you cannot tell how much – you find yourself sitting on the mountainside beneath the aurora. The stars start to dance. As you watch, they expand and become crystalline, until the heavens are a single vast geode, its innards glittering with iridescent light. The universe shakes, and shards of crystal tumble from the geode onto the mountain.]
(link:"Retreat to the funicular")[=You scramble onto the funicular just as a crystal boulder crashes onto the ground where you were sitting. The carriage starts to move, clanking slowly upwards past the end of the track. The other passengers are already aboard, and together the five of you gaze out at the mountain below as it crumbles to a pile of crystal dust.
The cable pulls the funicular up through space towards the centre of the geode, yawning before you like a sparkling mouth.
(if:$RayTogether is > 0)[[[Grab Ray's hand->FinalEndingRay]]
](if:$MeenaTogether is > 0)[[[Grab Meena's hand->FinalEndingMeena]]
](if:$SofiaTogether is > 0)[[[Grab Sofia's hand->FinalEndingSofia]]
](if:$LucasTogether is > 0)[[[Grab Lucas' hand->FinalEndingLucas]]
][[Ride the funicular into the geode alone->FinalEndingAlone]]
]
{
(set: $RayTrust to 0)
(set: $warm to false)
(set: $KnowAboutAliens to false)
(set: $AbductedTogether to false)
(set: $Snack to false)
(set: $QuestionsRay to 0)
(set: $GrowUpRay to 0)
(set: $MountainRay to 0)
(set: $LearningRay to 0)
(set: $SofiaLike to 0)
(set: $FlowerEar to false)
(set: $DontBelieveInMiracles to false)
(set: $ToldSofiaAboutAliens to false)
(set: $Colour to 0)
(set: $SofiaFun to 0)
(set: $SofiaPain to 0)
(set: $SofiaRobe to 0)
(set: $SofiaTime to 0)
(set: $SofiaGameProgress to 0)
(set: $Attracted to 0)
(set: $ScientificMind to 0)
(set: $NoAnswer to false)
(set: $CrystalName to false)
(set: $CrystalNameMeena to false)
(set: $MeenaBelief to 0)
(set: $MeenaDiscovery to false)
(set: $TimeTravelPlayer to false)
(set: $TimeTravelMeena to false)
(set: $MagnetismDejaVu to false)
(set: $MeenaCrystals to false)
(set: $Adventure to 0)
(set: $LucasRomance to 0)
(set: $Shrooms to 0)
(set: $LucasSecret to false)
(set: $Busybody to false)
(set: $BeautifulToLucas to false)
(set: $LoveLife to false)
(set: $LucasAttracted to false)
(set: $LucasMarriage to false)
(set: $LucasEnjoyTonight to false)
(set: $LucasSuffocating to false)
(set: $CaughtLucas to false)
(set: $Nudge to false)
(set: $Personality to "adventurous")
(set: $LifeTime to "live many years")
(set: $PalmReading to false)
}"I used to think about everything scientifically," muses Sofia, "but it made me ignore things I didn't have proof for, and those were the most important things of all. Now that I've stopped looking for evidence of its existence, I can actually hear what the mountain spirit is saying to me."
[[That's a beautiful sentiment->SofiaBeautifulSentiment]]
[[What nonsense->SofiaNonsense]]
[[Say nothing->SofiaSilence]]
(set: $GameProgress to "late")"I know the ones," says Sofia. "They grow by the moon violets. I've read about them – they contain a psychoactive chemical that makes people feel like they're accessing a new spiritual realm. Once, I'd have been interested in trying them, but I don't think I need to now. The mountain spirit speaks to me without their help. I feel //held// by it."
[[That's a beautiful sentiment->SofiaBeautifulSentiment]]
[[What nonsense->SofiaNonsense]]
[[Say nothing->SofiaSilence]]
(set: $GameProgress to "late")Sofia considers this. "It's funny. I've spent so much time thinking about the mountain spirit, and yet I've never given aliens much thought. Silly, really, when you consider that there's an overwhelming probability that life exists on other worlds." She smiles. "Well, I hope your aliens and my mountain spirit are friends."
[[That's a beautiful sentiment->SofiaBeautifulSentiment]]
[[What nonsense->SofiaNonsense]]
[[Say nothing->SofiaSilence]]
(set: $ToldSofiaAboutAliens to true)
(set: $GameProgress to "late")Ray squeezes your hand as the funicular is pulled into the yawning mouth of the geode. "It's the ship!" they gasp. "It's //made// of xenoglass!"
Individual crystals start to pulse with light. "They're signalling to us," says Ray, eyes glistening. "They're saying we were right, all along." The pulses grow brighter. The last thing you see before you close your eyes is Ray's face, wet with tears and illuminated with alien light.
(t8n:"blur")+(link:"Ascend")[=Elastic threads of information flow around you, and you run your fingers through them. They are timelines, you realise, and yet have always known. You open your mouth and drink them in, letting them fill you with coordinates and stories and formulae and songs.
Beside and all around and through you, Ray plucks at strings of time, setting in motion chains of events that will send messages to those who dare to understand them.
[[The end->Actual Intro]]
(set: $TotalDates to 0)
(set: $RayDate to 0)
(set: $SofiaDate to 0)
(set: $MeenaDate to 0)
(set: $LucasDate to 0)
(set: $RayTogether to 0)
(set: $SofiaTogether to 0)
(set: $MeenaTogether to 0)
(set: $LucasTogether to 0)Meena turns to you, a look of realisation on her face. "I knew it," she says. "Whatever is about to happen, we'll be the first people in history to see it—" she squeezes your hand, "—or maybe we already were."
The funicular accelerates towards the geode's core. Beams of light bounce off the gyrusite from some unseen source, and shatter into a spray of colours. Meena watches with wonder, her black eyes glittering in the gleaming facets of her face. Your clasped hands start to crystallise.
(t8n:"blur")+(link:"Crash")[=You and Meena burst through the great wall of crystal to the universe beyond. For centuries you hurtle through space until you are caught by the gravity of a tiny planet, and pulled through the burning atmosphere to the rock below. Life is just beginning here, and you refract timelines into infinite realities, watching as billions of species and civilisations and biomes and epochs bloom around your twin peaks.
[[The end->Actual Intro]]
(set: $TotalDates to 0)
(set: $RayDate to 0)
(set: $SofiaDate to 0)
(set: $MeenaDate to 0)
(set: $LucasDate to 0)
(set: $RayTogether to 0)
(set: $SofiaTogether to 0)
(set: $MeenaTogether to 0)
(set: $LucasTogether to 0)Sofia grips your hand tightly. "I'm dying, aren't I," she whispers. The funicular accelerates and she huddles into you, her hair still damp from the pool. The geode engulfs the speeding funicular until you are surrounded on all sides by crystal.
(t8n:"blur")+(link:"Hold her")[=Sofia brushes her lips against your cheek. Her kiss is cold, like a mountain stream. You run a hand through her hair, and it turns to water. With one last breath, Sofia melts, flowing away through your arms. You reach out to stop her, but you turn to liquid too, and together the two of you swirl deep into the heart of the geode.
There is a presence here in the crystal depths. It runs ghostly fingers through you in blessing.
[[The end->Actual Intro]]
(set: $TotalDates to 0)
(set: $RayDate to 0)
(set: $SofiaDate to 0)
(set: $MeenaDate to 0)
(set: $LucasDate to 0)
(set: $RayTogether to 0)
(set: $SofiaTogether to 0)
(set: $MeenaTogether to 0)
(set: $LucasTogether to 0)Lucas encloses your hand in his. "I don't know what I would have done if I'd lost you," he says.
The funicular shakes violently as it accelerates into an ever steeper ascent. As it climbs towards the centre of the geode, the air within the carriage grows hotter. You smell scorched hair. Lucas turns to you, smiling as the smoke curls around his head like a halo. Behind him, the funicular's brass fittings are beginning to melt.
(t8n:"blur")+(link:"Burn")[=You stream through the night sky, your tail of viridian light playing carelessly behind you. You cross Lucas' path for an instant, and you glow with bright recognition. Then he is gone, one of the countless thousands of lights in the aurora, and you shine ever on, an eternity of peaceful solitude broken only by the ephemeral delight of contact.
[[The end->Actual Intro]]
(set: $TotalDates to 0)
(set: $RayDate to 0)
(set: $SofiaDate to 0)
(set: $MeenaDate to 0)
(set: $LucasDate to 0)
(set: $RayTogether to 0)
(set: $SofiaTogether to 0)
(set: $MeenaTogether to 0)
(set: $LucasTogether to 0)The geode engulfs the funicular, and the opening through which you passed begins to close until the space in which the carriage is suspended is completely dark. The funicular stops moving, hanging in a black void.
It is silent here, and yet your ears start to hurt.
(t8n:"blur")+(link:"Listen")[=The funicular begins to moan, a torturous metallic creak. Then there is a bang as its metal ribs buckle. Pressure, the kind that turns dust to diamonds, is pushing in on you. There is pain, but it is the pain of change, of aching muscles, of experience. Your body is changing now, its atoms rearranging.
It is strange, you think as your mind becomes something else, how pressure can create a machine such as this, with windows, and a cable, and wheels.
[[The end->Actual Intro]]
(set: $TotalDates to 0)
(set: $RayDate to 0)
(set: $SofiaDate to 0)
(set: $MeenaDate to 0)
(set: $LucasDate to 0)
(set: $RayTogether to 0)
(set: $SofiaTogether to 0)
(set: $MeenaTogether to 0)
(set: $LucasTogether to 0)(if: $MeenaDate > 0)[Meena](else:)[The woman] is fiddling intently with something inside an enormous backpack, and doesn't notice you approaching. She is outfitted in a purple windbreaker and sturdy hiking boots. There is a sleek telescope propped up on the seat beside her.
[[Ask whether you can sit down->Meena Telescope]]
[[Peer into her backpack->Meena Backpack]]Startled, (if: $MeenaDate > 0)[Meena](else:)[the woman] zips up her backpack and pulls the telescope aside. "Sorry about all this paraphernalia," she says, flustered, "I'm here to study the aurora. It's actually an indicator of ionospheric disturbance that's been affecting radio propagation in this region and—"
She stops herself. "Sorry, you don't need to know that. I'm just used to pitching my work to the committees that hand out research grants. Very tiresome. Let's start again. I'm Meena. What brings you here?"
[[The aurora->Meena Aurora]]
[[The crystal formations->Meena Crystal Grotto]]
[[You aren't sure->Meena No Answer]](if: $MeenaDate > 0)[Meena is fiddling with a strange device. As you lean in for a better view, a red message flashes urgently on its small screen. She gasps and looks up, startled, thrusting the device into her backpack.](else:)[The woman is fiddling with a strange device with a small grey screen. As you lean in for a better view, she looks up, startled, and thrusts it into her backpack.]
"Sorry about the paraphernalia," she says, flustered, "I'm here to study the aurora. It's actually an indicator of ionospheric disturbance that's been affecting radio propagation in this region and—"
She stops herself. "Sorry, you don't need to know that. I'm just used to pitching my work to the committees that hand out research grants. Very tiresome. Let's start again. I'm Meena. What brings you here?"
[[The aurora->Meena Aurora]]
[[The crystal formations->Meena Crystal Grotto]]
[[You aren't sure->Meena No Answer]](if:$LucasDate is 0)[The man is drawing intently in a sketchbook, dark hair falling into his eyes. His loose linen shirt is open just enough to reveal a tanned chest.](if:$LucasDate > 0)[Lucas is drawing intently in a sketchbook, dark hair falling into his eyes. His loose linen shirt is open just enough to reveal a tanned chest.]
As soon as he sees you approach, he slams the sketchbook shut and arranges his face into a smile. "Hey, I'm Lucas," he says, holding out a graphite-stained hand for you to shake.
[[Shake his hand->Lucas Shake Hands]]
[[Don't shake it->Lucas Don't Shake]]"You too?" says Meena. "People have been coming here for thousands of years to witness it. It has great scientific significance, but //some people// believe it's a sign from their gods."
She sighs. "Sorry. I hope I haven't offended you."
(link: "You believe the aurora has spiritual significance")[(set: $ScientificMind to it - 1)(go-to: "Meena Reasons")]
(link: "You think the aurora has //scientific// significance")[(set: $ScientificMind to it + 1)(go-to: "Meena Reasons")]"The crystals are extraordinary," says Meena. "The mountain's riddled with them. Because they're totally unique, some people even think they're sacred, when actually—"
She stops herself. "I hope I haven't offended you. You don't think the crystals are sacred, do you?"
(link: "You do")[(set: $ScientificMind to it - 1)(go-to: "Meena Reasons")]
(link: "You don't")[(set: $ScientificMind to it + 1)(go-to: "Meena Reasons")]"Believe it or not, I know how you feel," says Meena, looking askance at her pile of equipment.
[[Wish her luck all the same->Meena Reasons]]
(set: $NoAnswer to true)(if: $GameProgress is "late")[<script>$('tw-story').addClass('late');$('tw-story').removeClass('day');$('tw-story').removeClass('dusk');$('tw-story').removeClass('sunset');$('tw-story').removeClass('pre-aurora');$('tw-story').removeClass('aurora');$('tw-story').removeClass('night');</script>]\
(else-if: $GameProgress is "dusk")[<script>$('tw-story').addClass('dusk');$('tw-story').removeClass('day');$('tw-story').removeClass('late');$('tw-story').removeClass('sunset');$('tw-story').removeClass('pre-aurora');$('tw-story').removeClass('aurora');$('tw-story').removeClass('night');</script>]\
(else-if: $GameProgress is "sunset")[<script>$('tw-story').addClass('sunset');$('tw-story').removeClass('day');$('tw-story').removeClass('late');$('tw-story').removeClass('dusk');$('tw-story').removeClass('pre-aurora');$('tw-story').removeClass('aurora');$('tw-story').removeClass('night');</script>]\
(else-if: $GameProgress is "pre-aurora")[<script>$('tw-story').addClass('pre-aurora');$('tw-story').removeClass('day');$('tw-story').removeClass('late');$('tw-story').removeClass('dusk');$('tw-story').removeClass('sunset');$('tw-story').removeClass('aurora');$('tw-story').removeClass('night');$('tw-link').addClass('dark');</script>]\
(else-if: $GameProgress is "aurora")[<script>$('tw-story').addClass('aurora');$('tw-story').removeClass('day');$('tw-story').removeClass('late');$('tw-story').removeClass('dusk');$('tw-story').removeClass('sunset');$('tw-story').removeClass('pre-aurora');$('tw-story').removeClass('night');$('tw-link').addClass('dark');</script>]\
(else-if: $GameProgress is "night")[<script>$('tw-story').addClass('night');$('tw-story').removeClass('day');$('tw-story').removeClass('late');$('tw-story').removeClass('dusk');$('tw-story').removeClass('sunset');$('tw-story').removeClass('pre-aurora');$('tw-story').removeClass('aurora');$('tw-link').addClass('dark');</script>]\
(else-if: $GameProgress is "day")[<script>$('tw-story').addClass('day');$('tw-story').removeClass('late');$('tw-story').removeClass('dusk');$('tw-story').removeClass('sunset');$('tw-story').removeClass('pre-aurora');$('tw-story').removeClass('aurora');$('tw-story').removeClass('night');$('tw-link').removeClass('dark');</script>](if: $CrystalName is true)["The crystals are actually a magnetic mineral called gyrusite," says Meena, "but xenoglass is a good name – the crystals do come from far away. Space, in fact. They were deposited by a meteorite millions of years ago. See those cracks in the surface? They formed as the gyrusite cooled after entering the atmosphere. But that's not the half of it."](if: $CrystalNameMeena is true)["That's right," says Meena, smiling, "you must have done your research. I suppose you also know that gyrusite is a magnetic mineral deposited by a meteorite, millions of years ago. See those cracks in the surface? They formed as the gyrusite cooled after entering the atmosphere. But that's not the half of it."(set: $ScientificMind to it + 1)](if: ($CrystalNameMeena is not true) and ($CrystalName is not true))["The crystals are called gyrusite," says Meena, "a magnetic mineral deposited by a meteorite millions of years ago. See those cracks in the surface? They formed as the gyrusite cooled after entering the atmosphere. But that's not the half of it."]
She lowers her voice. "My hypothesis is that gyrusite isn't just magnetic, but //chronomagnetic//. I believe it emits particles which span not just space, but time. The particles collide, resulting in—" she holds out her empty hands, "—well, I don't know. I'm supposed to spend my funding on studying the aurora, not chasing wild theories about time travel." She sighs.
[[Tell her you believe her->Meena Believe Theory]]
[[Ask her whether she has any evidence->Meena Sceptical Theory]]
[[Tell her the theory sounds implausible->Meena Disbelieve Theory]]Meena beams at you, then rummages in her backpack. "I secretly used a large chunk of my research grant to build this—" she says, retrieving a device with dials and a grey screen, "—so I'll be in trouble if you tell anyone about it."
She switches on the device. "Every chronomagnetic collision produces something called a //chronon//. I have a theory that a critical mass of chronons will cause some kind of event, but before I can explore that, I need to measure the volume of chronons generated by certain objects. That's what this device does."
Meena gives it to you. "Would you like to do the honours?"
[[Take the device->Meena Point The Device]]
(set: $MeenaBelief to it + 1)
(set: $ScientificMind to it + 1)
(set: $GameProgress to "dusk")"As a matter of fact, I do," says Meena, and rummages in her backpack. "I secretly used a large chunk of my research grant to build this—" she says, retrieving a device with dials and a grey screen, "—so I'll be in trouble if you tell anyone about it."
She switches the device on. "Every chronomagnetic collision produces something called a //chronon//. I have a theory that a critical mass of chronons will cause some kind of event, but before I can explore that, I need to measure the volume of chronons generated by certain objects. That's what this device does."
Meena gives you the device. "Would you like to do the honours?"
[[Take the device->Meena Point The Device]]
(set: $ScientificMind to it + 1)
(set: $GameProgress to "dusk")"I know it sounds implausible," says Meena, "and that's why I had to resort to subterfuge to explore it." She rummages in her backpack. "I used a large chunk of my research grant to build this—" she says, retrieving a device with dials and a grey screen, "—so I'll be in trouble if you tell anyone about it."
She switches the device on. "Every chronomagnetic collision produces something called a //chronon//. I have a theory that a critical mass of chronons will cause some kind of event, but before I can explore that, I need to measure the volume of chronons generated by certain objects. That's what this device does."
Meena gives you the device. "Would you like to do the honours?"
[[Take the device->Meena Point The Device]]
(set: $ScientificMind to it - 1)
(set: $MeenaBelief to it - 1)
(set: $GameProgress to "dusk"){
(set: $TargetText to "[You point the device at (if: $Target is 'mountain')[an outcrop of crystals on the mountain](else-if: $Target is 'Meena')[Meena](else-if: $Target is 'player')[yourself].]<TargetText|")
(set: $TargetMountain to "|TargetMountain>[The mountain](click: ?TargetMountain)[(set: $Target to 'mountain')(replace: ?TargetText)[$TargetText](set: $OptimalFrequency to 717)(replace: ?TargetMountain)[](replace: ?TargetMeena)[$TargetMeena](replace: ?TargetPlayer)[$TargetPlayer]]")
(set: $TargetMeena to "|TargetMeena>[Meena](click: ?TargetMeena)[(set: $Target to 'Meena')(replace: ?TargetText)[$TargetText](set: $OptimalFrequency to 358)(replace: ?TargetMeena)[](replace: ?TargetMountain)[$TargetMountain](replace: ?TargetPlayer)[$TargetPlayer]]")
(set: $TargetPlayer to "|TargetPlayer>[Yourself](click: ?TargetPlayer)[(set: $Target to 'player')(replace: ?TargetText)[$TargetText](set: $OptimalFrequency to 179)(replace: ?TargetPlayer)[](replace: ?TargetMountain)[$TargetMountain](replace: ?TargetMeena)[$TargetMeena]]")
(click: ?TargetMountain)[(set: $Target to "mountain")(replace: ?TargetText)[$TargetText](set: $OptimalFrequency to 717)(replace: ?TargetMountain)[](replace: ?TargetMeena)[$TargetMeena](replace: ?TargetPlayer)[$TargetPlayer]]
(click: ?TargetMeena)[(set: $Target to "Meena")(replace: ?TargetText)[$TargetText](set: $OptimalFrequency to 358)(replace: ?TargetMeena)[](replace: ?TargetMountain)[$TargetMountain](replace: ?TargetPlayer)[$TargetPlayer]]
(click: ?TargetPlayer)[(set: $Target to "player")(replace: ?TargetText)[$TargetText](set: $OptimalFrequency to 179)(replace: ?TargetPlayer)[](replace: ?TargetMountain)[$TargetMountain](replace: ?TargetMeena)[$TargetMeena]]
}<div class="screen">(text-style:"bold","blink")+(text-colour:#ca0000)[|WarningMessage>[ ] ]
|ChrononCounter>[CHRONONS DETECTED: 0]
|Signal>[SIGNAL:]
FREQUENCY: |Frequency>[ 500 MHz]
|Controls>[{(link: "+100")[(if: ($CurrentFrequency + 100) > 1000)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to 1000)](else:)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to it + 100)]] | (link: "+10")[(if: ($CurrentFrequency + 10) > 1000)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to 1000)](else:)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to it + 10)]] | (link: "+1")[(if: ($CurrentFrequency + 1) > 1000)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to 1000)](else:)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to it + 1)]]<br>
(link: "-100")[(if: ($CurrentFrequency - 100) < 0)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to 0)](else:)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to it - 100)]] | (link: "-10")[(if: ($CurrentFrequency - 10) < 0)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to 0)](else:)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to it - 10)]] | (link: "-1")[(if: ($CurrentFrequency - 1) < 0)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to 0)](else:)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to it - 1)]
]}]</div>
Point the device at:
{$TargetMountain}
{$TargetMeena}
{$TargetPlayer}
[ ]<TargetText|
[[[Ask Meena to explain how to use the device again->Meena Point The Device]]]<MoveOn|
{
(set: $MeenaBelief to it + 1)
(set: $ChrononCount to 0)
(set: $TimeElapsed to 0)
(set: $CurrentFrequency to 500)
(if: $Target is "mountain")[(set: $OptimalFrequency to 717)(replace: ?TargetMountain)[](replace: ?TargetMeena)[$TargetMeena](replace: ?TargetPlayer)[$TargetPlayer]]
(if: $Target is "Meena")[(set: $Target to "Meena")(set: $OptimalFrequency to 358)(replace: ?TargetMeena)[](replace: ?TargetMountain)[$TargetMountain](replace: ?TargetPlayer)[$TargetPlayer]]
(if: $Target is "player")[(set: $Target to "player")(set: $OptimalFrequency to 179)(replace: ?TargetPlayer)[](replace: ?TargetMountain)[$TargetMountain](replace: ?TargetMeena)[$TargetMeena]]
(live: 1.5s)[
(set: $TimeElapsed to it + 1)
(replace: ?Controls)[(link: "+100")[(if: ($CurrentFrequency + 100) > 1000)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to 1000)](else:)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to it + 100)]] | (link: "+10")[(if: ($CurrentFrequency + 10) > 1000)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to 1000)](else:)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to it + 10)]] | (link: "+1")[(if: ($CurrentFrequency + 1) > 1000)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to 1000)](else:)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to it + 1)]]<br>
(link: "-100")[(if: ($CurrentFrequency - 100) < 0)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to 0)](else:)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to it - 100)]] | (link: "-10")[(if: ($CurrentFrequency - 10) < 0)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to 0)](else:)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to it - 10)]] | (link: "-1")[(if: ($CurrentFrequency - 1) < 0)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to 0)](else:)[(set: $CurrentFrequency to it - 1)]]
]
(replace: ?Frequency)[ $CurrentFrequency MHz]
(replace: ?ChrononCounter)[CHRONONS DETECTED: (round: $ChrononCount)]
(replace: ?Signal)[SIGNAL: ||(if:$OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency > 0)[(if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency <200)[||](if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency <150)[|||](if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency <100)[|||](if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency <50)[||](if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency <20)[||||||](if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency <10)[||||||||](if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency <5)[|||||||](if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency <3)[|||||||||]](else:)[(if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency >-200)[||](if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency >-150)[|||](if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency >-100)[|||](if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency >-50)[||](if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency >-20)[|||||](if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency >-10)[|||||||](if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency >-5)[||||||](if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency >-3)[|||||||]]
]
(if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency is 0)[
(set: $UpdateRate to 2048)
]
(if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency is 1)[
(set: $UpdateRate to 2048)
]
(if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency is -1)[
(set: $UpdateRate to 2048)
]
(if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency is 2)[
(set: $UpdateRate to 2048)
]
(if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency is -2)[
(set: $UpdateRate to 2048)
]
(if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency > 2)[
(set: $UpdateRate to (pow: (100/($OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency)),2))
]
(if: $OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency < -2)[
(set: $UpdateRate to (pow: (100/($OptimalFrequency - $CurrentFrequency)),2))
]
(if: ($Target is "player") and ($MeenaDate > 0))[(set: $UpdateRate to 11565)(replace: ?Signal)[SIGNAL: ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||]]
(if: $UpdateRate < 0)[
(set: $ChrononCount to it - $UpdateRate)
]
(if: $UpdateRate > 0)[
(set: $ChrononCount to it + $UpdateRate)
]
(if: $UpdateRate is 2048)[
(set: $MeenaDiscovery to true)
(replace: ?WarningMessage)[CHRONON SURGE DETECTED]
(replace: ?MoveOn)[The device flashes. "What happened?" Meena gasps. "Can I see?"
<br>
[[Give the device back to Meena->Meena What does it mean]]]
(if: $Target is "Meena")[(set: $TimeTravelMeena to true)]
(if: $Target is "player")[(set: $TimeTravelPlayer to true)]
]
(if: $UpdateRate is 11565)[
(set: $MeenaDiscovery to true)
(replace: ?WarningMessage)[CHRONON SURGE DETECTED]
(replace: ?MoveOn)[The device flashes. "What happened?" Meena gasps. "Can I see?"
<br>
[[Give the device back to Meena->Meena What does it mean]]]
(if: $Target is "Meena")[(set: $TimeTravelMeena to true)]
(if: $Target is "player")[(set: $TimeTravelPlayer to true)]
]
(if: $UpdateRate < 2048)[
(replace: ?WarningMessage)[ ]
]
(if: ($TimeElapsed > 40) and ($MeenaDiscovery is not true))[
(replace: ?MoveOn)["Have you detected anything?" Meena asks. "Pass the device back to me when you're finished."
<br>
[[Give the device back to Meena->Meena What does it mean]]]
]
]}Momentarily silhouetted against the setting sun, Meena looks from the device to you, and back again. "Do you know what this means?"
(if: $TimeTravelPlayer is true)[[[You've travelled through time->Meena Believe Time Travel]]
](if: $TimeTravelMeena is true)[[[Meena has travelled through time->Meena Believe Time Travel]]
][[Her theory is correct->Meena Believe Time Travel]]
[[She needs more evidence->Meena Sceptical Time Travel]]
[[There must be something wrong with the device->Meena Disbelieve Time Travel]]
[[No, you don't know what it means->Meena Ask Meena Device]]
(set: $GameProgress to "sunset")"This is it," says Meena as the funicular doors open. "We'll set up the telescope at the mountain's peak for the best view of the aurora." She picks up the chronon-detecting device, its screen still racing with numbers. "I suppose we won't be needing this," she sighs, and zips it away in her backpack.
Together, you step off the funicular onto a small plateau of rock. Meena leads you up the path to the mountain's gyrusite summit. The pale green light of the aurora casts dancing shadows across Meena's face, and for a moment it looks as though her face is flickering beneath a ghostly shadow of itself.
[[Follow Meena up the mountain->DateLoop]]
(set: $MeenaTogether to it + 1)
(set: $MeenaDate to it + 1)
(set: $TotalDates to $RayDate + $SofiaDate + $MeenaDate + $LucasDate)"Time to go," says Meena as the funicular doors open. "We have to set up the equipment before the chronomagnetic activity peaks. Here—" she hands you the telescope bag with a laugh, "—we won't be needing this, but I hope you don't mind carrying it."
Together, you step off the funicular onto a small plateau of rock and hurry along a winding path. The pale green light of the aurora casts dancing shadows across Meena's face. Eventually, you reach an entrance to a cave densely filled with gyrusite crystals. It pulses with multicoloured light.
"This is it," Meena says, a slight tremble in her voice. "Follow me."
[[Follow Meena in->DateLoop]]
(set: $MeenaTogether to it + 1)
(set: $MeenaDate to it + 1)
(set: $TotalDates to $RayDate + $SofiaDate + $MeenaDate + $LucasDate)(if: $NoAnswer is true)["Thank you," says Meena. "I have to take some precise measurements from the aurora tonight. If anything goes wrong, or I get distracted, I'll lose my research grant. The aurora only appears once every twenty years, so my career might never recover."](else:)[(if: $ScientificMind >= 0)["People are entitled to their beliefs," says Meena, "but since science provides such awe-inspiring answers, I've never understood why anyone needs to believe in magic, too."
She sighs. "You'll have to excuse me if I'm a little impatient. I have to take some precise measurements from the aurora tonight. If anything goes wrong, or I get distracted, I'll lose my research grant. The aurora only appears once every twenty years, so my career might never recover."](else:)["You'll have to excuse my scepticism," says Meena, "it's the nature of my job. I have to take some precise measurements from the aurora tonight. If anything goes wrong, or I get distracted, I'll lose my research grant. The aurora only appears once every twenty years, so my career might never recover."]]
She smiles tightly. "It's best that I just focus on getting the work done."
[[Ask her what causes the aurora->Meena Aurora Explanation Meena]]
[[Tell her you know what causes the aurora->Meena Aurora Explanation Player]]"Interesting," says Meena. "I wonder where you saw them – the crystals are unique to this mountain. "They're gyrusite, a magnetic mineral deposited by a meteorite millions of years ago. Those cracks formed as the gyrusite cooled after entering the atmosphere. But that's not the half of it."
She lowers her voice. "My hypothesis is that gyrusite isn't just magnetic, but //chronomagnetic//. I believe it emits particles which span not just space, but time, attracting other chronomagnetic particles until—" she holds out her empty hands, "—well, I don't know. I'm only supposed to spend my funding on studying the aurora, not chasing wild theories about time travel." She sighs.
[[Tell her you believe her->Meena Believe Theory]]
[[Ask her whether she has any evidence->Meena Sceptical Theory]]
[[Tell her the theory sounds implausible->Meena Disbelieve Theory]]"If there really is a mountain spirit sending us signs," says Meena drily, "I wish it would be a little less cryptic."
She sighs. "Listen. Most aurorae are caused by planetary magnetic fields, but //this// aurora's field appears to be generated by the mountain itself. I'm supposed to spend my research grant finding a way to mitigate its effects, because the ionospheric disturbance is causing some rich people some problems, but in doing so I discovered—"
She stops, suddenly transfixed by something on the other side of the funicular window.
[[Follow her gaze->Meena Crystal Outcrops]]
(set: $ScientificMind to it - 1)The funicular passes an imposing formation of black, glass-like columns. They refract the fading sunlight into a spray of rainbow colours, and their smooth surfaces are etched with shapes. "The crystals are unique to this mountain," Meena says. "They're also the real source of its magnetic field."
[[Ask Meena what the crystals are->Meena Crystals]]
[[Ask Meena who made the etchings->Meena Glyphs]](if: $RayDate > 0)[
(link: "Tell Meena you've seen the crystals before - they're called xenoglass")[(set: $CrystalName to true)(go-to: "Meena Crystals")]](if: $MeenaDate > 0)[
(link: "Tell Meena you've seen the crystals before - they're called gyrusite")[(set: $CrystalNameMeena to true)(go-to: "Meena Crystals")]](if: $RayDate < 1 and $MeenaDate < 1)[
(link: "Tell Meena you've seen the crystals before")[(set: $CrystalName to true)(go-to: "Meena Crystal Deja Vu")]]
(set: $GameProgress to "late") Meena blinks. "Well," she says eventually, "there's certainly no proof that your theory isn't true, but you might struggle to obtain funding to research it."
She sighs. "Listen. Most aurorae are caused by planetary magnetic fields, but //this// aurora's field appears to be generated by the mountain itself. I'm supposed to spend my research grant finding a way to mitigate its effects, because the ionospheric disturbance is causing some rich people some problems, but in doing so I discovered—"
She stops, suddenly transfixed by something on the other side of the funicular window.
[[Follow her gaze->Meena Crystal Outcrops]](if: $MagnetismDejaVu is true)[(set: $ScientificMind to it + 2)(set: $MeenaBelief to it + 1)Meena looks at you with wide eyes. "That's right! I'm supposed to spend my research grant finding a way to mitigate the effects of the magnetic field, because the ionospheric disturbance is causing some rich people some problems, but in doing so I discovered—"](else:)[(set: $ScientificMind to it + 1)"Well," says Meena, "most aurorae are caused by planetary magnetic fields, but //this// aurora's field appears to be generated by the mountain itself. I'm supposed to spend my research grant finding a way to mitigate its effects, because the ionospheric disturbance is causing some rich people some problems, but in doing so I discovered—"]
She stops, suddenly transfixed by something on the other side of the funicular window.
[[Follow her gaze->Meena Crystal Outcrops]]Green waves of light ripple through the night sky over the crystal peak. "The aurora," Meena sighs, "right on time. If I observe it, like I'm supposed to, I'll fulfil my professional obligations. I'll be able to move on with my career. With my //life//."
She looks at you, her face illuminated. "But tonight is also my only opportunity to detect enough chronons to prove my time travel theory. To make a discovery like that, which would change the way we understand time? It's the reason I became a scientist."
Meena tugs at the sleeve of her windbreaker. "There's only a narrow window in which I can collect useful data from either the aurora or the chronons. I have to choose one."
[[She should study the aurora->Meena Study Aurora]]
[[She should study the chronons->Meena Study Crystals]]
(set: $GameProgress to "aurora")Meena sits in silence for a while, staring at her hands. (if: $MeenaBelief >= 3)[(set: $MeenaCrystals to true)"No," she says eventually. "I'm going to measure the chronons while I have this chance. I know I'm right. I have to be."
Above the mountain's crystal peak, the dark sky is shot through with dancing green ribbons. A streak of viridian flashes across Meena's face. "I do appreciate your advice," she says with a smile, "and I'll remember it when I'm out of a job."](if: $MeenaBelief < 3)[(set: $MeenaCrystals to false)"You're right," she says eventually, "I can't risk my job.
Above the mountain's crystal peak, the darkening sky is shot through with dancing green ribbons. A streak of viridian flashes across Meena's face. "I'll just have to come back in twenty years," she says.]
(if: $MeenaCrystals is true)[[[Ask to come with her and study the chronons->Meena Go With Her]]](if: $MeenaCrystals is not true)[[[Ask to come with her and study the aurora->Meena Go With Her]]]
[[Wish Meena luck->Meena Wish Her Luck]]Meena sits in silence, staring down at her hands in her lap. (if: $MeenaBelief >= 3)[(set: $MeenaCrystals to true)"Yes," she says eventually, "I have to do this while I have the chance. I know I'm right. I have to be."
Above the mountain's crystal peak, the dark sky is shot through with dancing green ribbons. A streak of viridian flashes across Meena's face. "Thank you for believing in me," she says with a smile.](if: $MeenaBelief < 3)[(set: $MeenaCrystals to false)"I wish I could," she says eventually, "but I can't risk my livelihood."
Above the mountain's crystal peak, the darkening sky is shot through with dancing green ribbons. A streak of viridian flashes across Meena's face. "I'll just have to come back in twenty years," she says.]
(if: $MeenaCrystals is true)[[[Ask to come with her and study the chronons->Meena Go With Her]]](if: $MeenaCrystals is not true)[[[Ask to come with her and study the aurora->Meena Go With Her]]]
[[Wish Meena luck->Meena Wish Her Luck]]"This could change everything—" says Meena, "—if I had more evidence". She places the device on her lap with shaking hands.
Outside, the mountain's peak slides into view. It is a single shard of black gyrusite.
[[Look at the peak->Meena Aurora Deja Vu]]
(set: $MeenaBelief to it +2)
(set: $GameProgress to "pre-aurora")"You're right," says Meena. "And if that evidence could prove my theory—" she looks down at the device, "—it would change everything."
Outside, the mountain's peak slides into view. It is a single shard of black gyrusite.
[[Look at the peak->Meena Aurora Deja Vu]]
(set: $MeenaBelief to it +1)
(set: $ScientificMind to it +1)
(set: $GameProgress to "pre-aurora")"Unless all my work was wrong," Meena says quietly, "time travel is the only explanation." She places the device protectively in her lap.
Outside, the mountain's peak slides into view. It is a single shard of black gyrusite.
[[Look at the peak->Meena Aurora Deja Vu]]
(set: $MeenaBelief to it -1)
(set: $GameProgress to "pre-aurora")(if: $TimeTravelPlayer is true)[(if: $TimeTravelMeena is not true)["The device is detecting a vast surge of chronons," says Meena, "and they're coming from you. You're the site of a chronomagnetic event, which must mean—" she looks at you in wonder, "—that you've travelled through time."](if: $TimeTravelMeena is true)["The device is detecting a vast surge of chronons," says Meena, "and they're coming from us. We're the site of a chronomagnetic event, which must mean—" she looks at you in wonder, "—that we've travelled through time."]](if: $TimeTravelPlayer is not true)[(if: $TimeTravelMeena is true)["The device is detecting a vast surge of chronons," says Meena, "and they're coming from me. I'm the site of a chronomagnetic event, which must mean—" she looks at her hands in wonder, "—that I've travelled through time."](if: $TimeTravelMeena is not true)["The device is detecting a vast surge of chronons," says Meena, "and they're coming from the mountain. It's the site of a chronomagnetic event, which must mean—" she looks out of the window in wonder, "—that it's travelled through time."]]
Meena is trembling slightly. "Do you think it's possible?" she asks.
[[Yes->Meena Believe Time Travel]]
[[She needs more evidence->Meena Sceptical Time Travel]]
[[No->Meena Disbelieve Time Travel]]
(set: $GameProgress to "pre-aurora")(if: $ScientificMind >= 2 and $MeenaCrystals is true)[Meena's eyes light up. "I would love your help. You obviously understand what I'm trying to do, and—" she grows serious, "—why it matters."
The funicular slows to a halt as it reaches the top of the mountain.
[[Disembark->With Meena Crystals]]](if: $ScientificMind >= 2 and $MeenaCrystals is not true)[Meena's eyes light up. "I would love your help. If I must observe the aurora, it would be nice to have some company."
The funicular slows to a halt as it reaches the top of the mountain.
[[Disembark together->With Meena Aurora]]](if: $ScientificMind <2 and $MeenaCrystals is true)["It's kind of you to offer," says Meena, "but I've come this far on my own, and I think that's how I'd prefer to see it through."
The funicular slows to a halt as it reaches the top of the mountain.
[[Disembark->Part With Meena Crystals]]](if: $ScientificMind <2 and $MeenaCrystals is not true)["It's kind of you to offer," says Meena, "but there's really nothing you can help with. It's easier for me to observe the aurora alone.
The funicular slows to a halt as it reaches the top of the mountain.
[[Disembark->Part With Meena Aurora]]](if: $MeenaCrystals is true)["Thank you," says Meena. She grins. "I'll need it."
The funicular slows to a halt as it reaches the top of the mountain.
[[Disembark->Part With Meena Crystals]]](if: $MeenaCrystals is not true)["Thank you," says Meena, "but I don't think I'll need it. Observing the aurora is fairly straightforward."
The funicular slows to a halt as it reaches the top of the mountain.
[[Disembark->Part With Meena Aurora]]]"This is it," says Meena as the funicular doors open. "I need to get the equipment set up before the chronomagnetic activity peaks."
You step off the funicular onto a small plateau of rock. Above you, the mountain's gyrusite summit is bathed in the eerie green light of the aurora. "Thank you for helping me make up my mind," she says. "If I publish my research, and it changes everything, well, you'll have played a part in that."
You watch her hurry down an aurora-lit mountain path until she disappears round a corner, leaving nothing but a fading after-image of her luminous form.
[[Watch Meena leave->DateLoop]]
(set: $MeenaDate to it + 1)
(set: $TotalDates to $RayDate + $SofiaDate + $MeenaDate + $LucasDate)"This is it," says Meena as the funicular doors open. "I'd better get the telescope set up before the aurora fades." She picks up the chronon-detecting device, its screen still racing with numbers. "I suppose I won't be needing this," she says, regarding it longingly before zipping it away in her backpack.
You step off the funicular onto a small plateau of rock. Above you, the mountain's gyrusite summit is bathed in the eerie green light of the aurora. "Thank you for helping me make up my mind," says Meena. "I'll make sure to credit you when my research is published."
You watch her climb the aurora-lit path until she disappears from view, leaving nothing but a fading after-image of her luminous form.
[[Watch Meena leave->DateLoop]]
(set: $MeenaDate to it + 1)
(set: $TotalDates to $RayDate + $SofiaDate + $MeenaDate + $LucasDate)"Really?" says Meena, raising an eyebrow. "What's your theory?"
[[The aurora is caused by the planet's magnetic field->Meena Aurora Explanation Magnetism]]
(if: $MeenaDate > 0)[(link: "This particular aurora is caused by the //mountain's// magnetic field")[(set:$MagnetismDejaVu to true)(go-to:"Meena Aurora Explanation Meena")]
](if: $LucasDate > 0)[[[The lights of the aurora are lost souls->Meena Aurora Explanation Lucas]]
](if: $SofiaDate > 0)[[[The aurora is a sign from the mountain spirit->Meena Aurora Mountain Spirit]]
](if: $RayDate > 0)[[[The aurora is a landing beacon for an alien spacecraft->Meena Aurora Aliens]]
][[On second thought, you don't know what causes it->Meena Aurora Explanation Meena]]"I suppose those markings do look like cuneiform, or maybe runes," says Meena, "but they're natural. The crystals are gyrusite, a magnetic mineral deposited by a meteorite millions of years ago. Those cracks formed as the gyrusite cooled after entering the atmosphere. But that's not the half of it."
She lowers her voice. "My hypothesis is that gyrusite isn't just magnetic, but //chronomagnetic//. I believe it emits particles which span not just space, but time, attracting other chronomagnetic particles until—" she holds out her empty hands, "—well, I don't know. I'm only supposed to spend my funding on studying the aurora, not chasing wild theories about time travel." She sighs.
[[Tell her you believe her->Meena Believe Theory]]
[[Ask her whether she has any evidence->Meena Sceptical Theory]]
[[Tell her the theory sounds implausible->Meena Disbelieve Theory]]"You're right in that most aurorae are caused by planetary magnetic fields," says Meena, "but //this// aurora's field appears to be generated by the mountain itself. I'm supposed to spend my research grant finding a way to mitigate its effects, because the ionospheric disturbance is causing some rich people some problems, but in doing so I discovered—"
She stops, suddenly transfixed by something on the other side of the funicular window.
[[Follow her gaze->Meena Crystal Outcrops]]
(set: $ScientificMind to it + 1)Meena lets out a scornful chuckle, before trying to pass it off as a cough. "That's very poetic, but perhaps not the most robust hypothesis."
She sighs. "Listen. Most aurorae are caused by planetary magnetic fields, but //this// aurora's field appears to be generated by the mountain itself. I'm supposed to spend my research grant finding a way to mitigate its effects, because the ionospheric disturbance is causing some rich people some problems, but in doing so I discovered—"
She stops, suddenly transfixed by something on the other side of the funicular window.
[[Follow her gaze->Meena Crystal Outcrops]]
(set: $ScientificMind to it - 1)"No! Of course not," says Lucas, colouring. "I was drawing—" he casts his eyes desperately about the carriage, "—the funicular! From the inside." He pushes his sketchbook behind him, out of sight.
"So, um, why did you come here?" he asks, changing the subject.
[[For the view from the summit->Lucas Reasons View]]
[[To see the crystals->Lucas Reasons Ruins]]
[[You'd rather not say->Lucas No Answer]]"Oh, this?" Lucas lays a protective hand over his sketchbook. "It's nothing. I just like to draw. I'm not very good."
He colours a little, and slips the book behind him. "So, why did //you// come here?"
[[For the view from the summit->Lucas Reasons View]]
[[To see the crystals->Lucas Reasons Ruins]]
[[You'd rather not say->Lucas No Answer]]"I'm here for the view too," says Lucas. "Actually, I'm here to //draw// the view." He cranes his neck to look upwards, although the mountaintop isn't visible yet. "The funicular should take me most of the way, but I'll have to climb the peak to find the best vantage."
[[That sounds amazing->Lucas Climbing Fun]]
[[Won't that be dangerous?->Lucas Climbing Danger]]"Oh yeah, I've heard the crystals are pretty cool," says Lucas, nodding. "They're all over the mountain, aren't they? They must look amazing from the top." He cranes his neck to look upwards, although the mountaintop isn't visible yet. "I'm here to draw the view from the summit. The funicular should take me most of the way, but I'll have to climb the peak to find the best vantage."
[[That sounds amazing->Lucas Climbing Fun]]
[[Won't that be dangerous?->Lucas Climbing Danger]]"Oh, totally, no worries," says Lucas, quickly. "You're on your own journey, I get it. It's cool." He shifts in his seat. "I'm here to draw the view from the summit." He cranes his neck to look upwards, although the mountaintop isn't visible yet. "The funicular should take me most of the way, but I'll have to climb the peak to find the best vantage."
[[That sounds amazing->Lucas Climbing Fun]]
[[Won't that be dangerous?->Lucas Climbing Danger]]"As soon as I saw you, I knew you were the adventurous type," says Lucas, beaming.
The funicular rolls slowly up the mountainside, passing a formation of black crystal obelisks growing out of the rock. They refract sunbeams into prismatic sweeps of colour. "//Trippy//," breathes Lucas, his face illuminated in ripples of pink and green.
"Look, they've got carvings all over them," he says, pointing to rows of delicate markings on the crystals' gleaming surfaces.
[[Ask him what the carvings mean->Lucas Glyphs]]
(if: $RayDate > 0)[[[Tell him the carvings are alien glyphs->Lucas Glyphs Ray]]
](if: $SofiaDate > 0)[[[Tell him the carvings speak of the mountain spirit->Lucas Glyphs Sofia]]
](if: $MeenaDate > 0)[[[Tell him the carvings are natural cracks in the crystal->Lucas Glyphs Meena]]]
(set: $Adventure to it + 1)
(set: $GameProgress to "late")"Only if you don't know what you're doing," says Lucas with a shrug. "I used to climb trees all the time as a kid, so I should be fine."
The funicular rolls slowly up the mountainside, passing a formation of black crystal obelisks growing out of the rock. They refract sunbeams into prismatic sweeps of colour. "//Trippy//," breathes Lucas, his face illuminated in ripples of pink and green.
"Look, they've got carvings all over them," he says, pointing to rows of delicate markings on the crystals' gleaming surfaces.
[[Ask him what the carvings mean->Lucas Glyphs]]
(if: $RayDate > 0)[[[Tell him the carvings are alien glyphs->Lucas Glyphs Ray]]
](if: $SofiaDate > 0)[[[Tell him the carvings speak of the mountain spirit->Lucas Glyphs Sofia]]
](if: $MeenaDate > 0)[[[Tell him the carvings are natural cracks in the crystal->Lucas Glyphs Meena]]]
(set: $Adventure to it - 1)
(set: $GameProgress to "late")Lucas contemplates your question. "I thought maybe ancient druids carved the pillars, because they kind of look like a temple. I bet druids used to pray for good luck here. You know, before major events," he swallows, "like weddings."
Lucas forces a smile. "It doesn't matter. I'm just here for the view. And the company." He playfully nudges your foot with his under the seat.
(link: "Nudge him back")[(set: $LucasRomance to it + 1)(set: $Nudge to "yes")(go-to: "Lucas Mushrooms")]
(link: "Move your foot away")[(set: $LucasRomance to it - 1)(set: $Nudge to "move")(go-to: "Lucas Mushrooms")]
(link: "Tell him not to flirt with you")[(set: $LucasRomance to it - 1)(set: $Nudge to "no")(go-to: "Lucas Mushrooms")]"Whoa," says Lucas. "So you think those carvings are alien art? I //love// that." He tilts his head to one side to examine the crystal pillars. "See, I thought maybe ancient druids carved the pillars, because they kind of look like a temple. I bet druids used to pray for good luck here. You know, before major events," he swallows, "like weddings."
Lucas forces a smile. "It doesn't matter. I'm just here for the view. And the company." He playfully nudges your foot with his under the seat.
(link: "Nudge him back")[(set: $LucasRomance to it + 1)(set: $Nudge to "yes")(go-to: "Lucas Mushrooms")]
(link: "Move your foot away")[(set: $LucasRomance to it - 1)(set: $Nudge to "move")(go-to: "Lucas Mushrooms")]
(link: "Tell him not to flirt with you")[(set: $LucasRomance to it - 1)(set: $Nudge to "no")(go-to: "Lucas Mushrooms")]Lucas contemplates this. "I've never heard of a mountain spirit," he says eventually, "but I definitely feel a kind of //force// here, you know?" He tilts his head to one side to examine the crystal pillars. "See, I thought ancient druids made those carvings. Maybe they worshipped your mountain spirit? The pillars kind of look like a temple. I bet druids used to pray for good luck here. You know, before major events," he swallows, "like weddings."
Lucas forces a smile. "It doesn't matter. I'm just here for the view. And the company." He playfully nudges your foot with his under the seat.
(link: "Nudge him back")[(set: $LucasRomance to it + 1)(set: $Nudge to "yes")(go-to: "Lucas Mushrooms")]
(link: "Move your foot away")[(set: $LucasRomance to it - 1)(set: $Nudge to "move")(go-to: "Lucas Mushrooms")]
(link: "Tell him not to flirt with you")[(set: $LucasRomance to it - 1)(set: $Nudge to "no")(go-to: "Lucas Mushrooms")]"The markings are too beautiful to just be cracks," says Lucas. "Someone must have carved them. I reckon it was ancient druids. Don't the crystal pillars kind of look like a temple? I bet druids used to pray for good luck here. You know, before major events," he swallows, "like weddings."
Lucas forces a smile. "It doesn't matter. I'm just here for the view. And the company." He playfully nudges your foot with his under the seat.
(link: "Nudge him back")[(set: $LucasRomance to it + 1)(set: $Nudge to "yes")(go-to: "Lucas Mushrooms")]
(link: "Move your foot away")[(set: $LucasRomance to it - 1)(set: $Nudge to "move")(go-to: "Lucas Mushrooms")]
(link: "Tell him not to flirt with you")[(set: $LucasRomance to it - 1)(set: $Nudge to "no")(go-to: "Lucas Mushrooms")](if: $Nudge is "yes")[Lucas flashes you a mischievous smile. Dappled light plays across his face as the funicular passes beneath a canopy of trees.
](if: $Nudge is "no")["I'm sorry," Lucas says. "I guess I got carried away." Dappled light plays across his face as the funicular passes beneath a canopy of trees.
](if: $Nudge is "move")[Lucas shuffles in his seat as you move, perhaps in an effort to disguise his flirtatious nudge.
](if: $Nudge is "no")["Let me make it up to you," he says. ](if: $Adventure > 0)["Seeing as you're so adventurous, ](else:)["I know you're not a big risk-taker, but] do you want to do something fun?" He reaches into the pocket of his shorts and produces a small plastic bag of tiny pink mushrooms. "I picked these at the base of the mountain. They're safe. Trust me—" he grins, "—I know about these things. This species only grows alongside a purple flower, so they're easy to identify(if: $SofiaDate > 0)[." He proceeds to describe what could only be a moon violet. "](else:)[. ]Do you want to take some with me? It'll just be a short trip."
[[Take the mushrooms with Lucas->Lucas Shrooms Together]]
[[Don't take the mushrooms->Lucas Shrooms Alone]]{(set: $mushrooms to "[The mushrooms are sour and chewy.]<mushrooms| (live: 2s)[(replace: ?mushrooms)[$mushrooms1](stop:)]")(set: $mushrooms1 to "[Your body feels warm and weightless.]<mushrooms1| (live: 3s)[(replace: ?mushrooms1)[$mushrooms2](stop:)]")(set: $mushrooms2 to "[Colours and forms bleed into each other.]<mushrooms2|(live: 4s)[(replace: ?mushrooms2)[$mushrooms3](stop:)]")(set: $mushrooms3 to "[The scenery pulses with hypnotic light.]<mushrooms3|(live: 2s)[(replace: ?mushrooms3)[$mushrooms4](stop:)]")(set: $mushrooms4 to "[The scenery pulses with hypnotic light.]<mushrooms4|<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>[[Breathe->Lucas Ghost Trip]]")}$mushrooms
(set: $Shrooms to 2)
(set: $Adventure to it + 1)"I thought you might want to try something new," murmurs Lucas. He extricates a pinch of tangled pink fungi from the bag and puts them in his mouth, closing his eyes as he chews.
"Don't worry," he says after he swallows. "I'll only be gone for a few minutes."
[[Watch Lucas->Lucas Shroom Trip]]
(set: $Shrooms to 1)
(set: $Adventure to it - 1)(if: $LucasSecret is true)[Lucas puts his face close to yours. "//I'm engaged//," he whispers, then snorts with laughter. He keeps chuckling to himself until he abruptly seems to forget what was so funny, and falls silent. Glassy-eyed, he lets his head loll against the window and stares vacantly out at the scenery as the funicular passes through the cloud layer.](if: $LucasSecret is not true)[Glassy-eyed, Lucas shrugs and lets his head loll against the window. He stares vacantly out at the sparkling mountainside.]
As he shifts in his seat, Lucas knocks his sketchbook onto the floor. He doesn't notice.
[[Look through the sketchbook->Lucas Open Sketchbook]]
[[Put the sketchbook back without looking at it->Lucas Return Sketchbook]]Clouds of light float through the funicular carriage.
(t8n:"blur")+(link:"Reach out and touch one")[=Your hand evaporates, followed by the rest of your body until you are incandescent mist. With formless eyes, you watch as the other clouds of light coalesce into ghostly figures. They walk through the funicular and sit down next to the other passengers.
|Ghosts>[<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>(link: "Watch the ghosts")[(replace: ?Outside)[](replace: ?Ghosts)[<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>The spectral forms speak, though you cannot make out their words. They rise, then file out of the funicular before another group drifts in. The cycle repeats amid a polyphony of ghostly voices.
(link: "Look out of the window")[=The funicular is picking up speed, rocking as it barrels up the mountain on a seething river of luminescent flowers. The sky outside grows dark, then suddenly light again, then dark, then—<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>[[Enjoy the ride->Lucas Shroom Trip]]
[[Freak out->Lucas Freaky Shroom Trip]]
]]]|Outside>[
(link: "Look out of the window")[(replace: ?Ghosts)[](replace: ?Outside)[<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>The funicular crawls upward. On the mountainside, the carpet of flowers ripples as if underwater. You gaze at it, serene beneath the blue sky, which turns pink, then black, then blue, then pink, then—
<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>(link: "Look back at the ghosts")[=The spectral forms whirl around the carriage, frenzied. They stand up and sit down and file in and out at a dizzying speed, their voices filling the carriage with polyphonic chatter.<tw-consecutive-br></tw-consecutive-br>[[Enjoy the ride->Lucas Shroom Trip]]
[[Freak out->Lucas Freaky Shroom Trip]]
]]](if: $Shrooms > 1)[It is as if the funicular has taken flight. You feel safe in the company of the spectral figures. They seem familiar somehow, and you drift into a blissful reverie.
You awaken after what feels like hours. Beside you, Lucas is looking around the funicular, eyes wide. Every now and again he shakes his head and giggles to himself. Suddenly he catches sight of you. As if seeing you for the first time, he reaches out and touches the side of your face. His pupils are vast. "I want to tell you a secret," he says.](if: $Shrooms < 2)[Gradually, Lucas' amiable smile melts into an expression of awe. His expanding pupils dart around the funicular carriage, and he starts giggling to himself.
Suddenly he catches sight of you. As if seeing you for the first time, he reaches out and touches the side of your face. His pupils are vast. "I want to tell you a secret," he says.]
[(link: "Listen to his secret")[(set: $LucasSecret to true)(go-to: "Lucas Sketchbook")]]
[(link: "Ask him not to tell you")[(set: $LucasSecret to false)(go-to: "Lucas Sketchbook")]]Lucas is still staring out of the window, and doesn't notice as you slip his sketchbook back onto the seat beside him. Outside, the sky darkens as the sun begins to creep towards the horizon.
Perhaps the sunset rouses him from his mushroom-induced reverie, because he suddenly sits up, blinking. His dilated eyes dart around the carriage and alight on your hand, which is resting on the bench between the two of you.
"Can I read your palm?" he blurts.
[[Let him read your palm->Lucas Palm Reading]]
[[Decline->Lucas Pull Away]]
(if: $LucasSecret is true)[[[Ask about his engagement instead->Lucas Woman]]]
(set: $GameProgress to "dusk")Lucas' sketchbook is full of quick but accomplished sketches of plants and landscapes. It's obvious that he is a talented artist. Scattered throughout are vivid portraits of the same young woman. However, the most recent drawing is of you, framed by the funicular window. Lucas must have made it as you were waiting to board.
Outside, the sky darkens as the sun sinks towards the horizon. Lucas blinks as the effects of the mushrooms wear off, and his gaze falls on the sketchbook, open in your lap. "It's funny," he says in a dreamy voice, "I draw because I want to express myself, but I'm afraid to show anyone. I'm glad you looked."
He takes the book back and runs a finger over the drawing of you. "When I saw you through the window I thought you were, well, beautiful.(if: $CaughtLucas is true)[ I didn't mean to lie about drawing you earlier, but you caught me off guard.] Do you like your portrait?"
[[You're flattered->Lucas Flattered]]
[[You're offended->Lucas Offended]]
(set: $BeautifulToLucas to true)
(set: $Busybody to true)
(set: $GameProgress to "dusk")(set:$PalmReading to true)(if: $LucasDate < 1)[(set: $Personality to "adventurous")(set: $LifeTime to "live many years")(set: $LoveLife to "find your true love in the end")](if: $LucasDate > 0)[(set: $Personality to "prone to changing your mind")(set: $LifeTime to "live many lives")(set: $LoveLife to "be in love more than once")]Lucas takes your hand in his and turns it gently, studying the back, then the side, and finally the palm. (if: $LucasDate > 0)["Huh, I've never seen a hand quite like this. It's almost as if the lines are from two different people," he says uncertainly.
]"This line—" he gently traces the length of your palm with his forefinger, "—means that you'll $LifeTime, and this—" he runs his finger in a circle around the bottom of your palm, "—tells me you're $Personality. All of these small lines—" he brushes his fingers down the side of your hand, "—mean that you'll $LoveLife."
He looks up. "Did I get it right?"
|Yes>[[[Yes->Lucas Yes]]]
(link:"No")[(replace: ?Yes)["I'm still learning," says Lucas with a smile. "Why don't you tell me what you're really like?"
You'll (cycling-link: $LifeTime, "live to over 100", "live a short but very full life", "die young").
You're (cycling-link: bind $Personality, $Personality, "intuitive","introspective","passionate","insecure","artistic","practical","creative","thoughtful","private","generous").
And you'll (cycling-link: $LoveLife, "have many loves", "only love once", "never find love").
[[Tell him your answers->Lucas No]]]](if: $PalmReading is not true)["Of course," says Lucas. "It's not for everyone."
](if: $PalmReading is true)[Lucas releases your hand. ]He flexes his own fingers and lets them rest in his lap. As he does this, you notice a pale band of skin around his otherwise tanned ring finger.
(link: "Ask whether he usually wears a ring")[(set: $LucasRing to true)(go-to:"Lucas Woman Ring")]
(link: "Ask whether there's anything he wants to talk about")[(set: $LucasTalk to true)(go-to:"Lucas Woman Ring")]
[[Ignore it->Lucas Ignorance is Bliss]]
(set: $GameProgress to "dusk")(if: $LucasSecret is true)["How did you—" says Lucas, then stops. "Oh. Right. I thought telling you about her was just a mushroom dream." He sighs and lies back against the seat, staring up at the ceiling.
"She's just my friend," he says in a monotone. "Though we are supposed to be getting married soon."](if: $LucasSecret is not true)[Lucas sighs. "She's my friend," he says in a monotone. "Well, more than that. Sort of. We're supposed to be getting married soon."]
[[//Supposed// to be?->Lucas Wedding]]
[[How soon?->Lucas Wedding]]You try to close your eyes, but you have no eyes, and the images won't stop. The funicular lurches off its track and tumbles into the crystal depths of the mountain. Sparkling walls close in on you as—
"//It's alright//," slurs Lucas, his voice drifting towards you from far away. "We're just stardust, swirling through space and time. Nothing matters." He stares at you with vast pupils. "I have to tell you a secret," he says, swaying.
[(link: "Listen to his secret")[(set: $LucasSecret to true)(go-to: "Lucas Sketchbook")]]
[(link: "Ask him not to tell you")[(set: $LucasSecret to false)(go-to: "Lucas Sketchbook")]]"I knew it," Lucas says, squeezing your hand a little more tightly. "I feel like I know you already.
[[Keep your hand in his->Lucas Hold Hands]]
[[Take your hand back->Lucas Pull Away]]"I guess I need to get to know you better," Lucas says. He doesn't let go of your hand.
[[Keep your hand in his->Lucas Hold Hands]]
[[Take your hand back->Lucas Pull Away]]The setting sun glows warmly, painting the interior of the funicular in a wash of pastel shades.
(if: $LucasRomance > 0)[Lucas looks into your eyes. "Maybe I shouldn't say this—" he asks hesitantly, "—but I feel something between us. You and me. Am I wrong?"
[[You feel something too->Lucas Attracted]]
[[You don't feel anything->Lucas Not Interested]]
](if: $LucasRomance < 1)[[[Look out the window->Lucas Aurora]]]
(set: $GameProgress to "sunset")(if: $LucasDate > 0)["It's funny," says Lucas, "this doesn't feel like the first time we've met." He ](if: $LucasDate < 1)[Lucas] gently strokes your palm. As he does, you notice a pale band of skin around his otherwise tanned ring finger.
[[Ask whether he usually wears a ring->Lucas Woman Ring]]
[[Ignore it->Lucas Ignorance is Bliss]]
(set: $LucasRomance to it + 1)"I know we've only just met," says Lucas, "but it doesn't feel that way. When I first saw you, it was as if I'd always known you. And now we're here. Just you and me."
Outside, the sky is black, the mountain's crystal summit shrouded in darkness.
[[Look into his eyes->Lucas Aurora]]
(set: $LucasRomance to it + 1)
(set: $LucasAttracted to true)
(set: $GameProgress to "pre-aurora")"Right," says Lucas. "I just thought—" he turns away. Outside, the sky is black, the mountain's crystal summit shrouded in darkness.
[[Look out the window->Lucas Aurora]]
(set: $LucasRomance to 0)
(set: $LucasAttracted to false)
(set: $GameProgress to "pre-aurora")(if: $LucasAttracted is true)[Lucas' eyes flash with a blaze of green light, and he breaks your gaze with a gasp.](else:)[Lucas' reflection is superimposed over the darkening landscape. Suddenly, both are lit by a blaze of green light.]
"Look!" He points to the sky. "//The aurora.//" Above the mountain, the inky sky is shot through with emerald streaks which dance and twist, pulled apart and back together by some unseen force. Lucas stares transfixed, tiny lights reflected in his eyes. "They say each light in the aurora is a lost soul," he says softly, "trying to find its mate."
[[You hope Lucas finds his soulmate->Lucas Decision]]
[[You hope everyone finds their soulmate->Lucas Decision]]
[[Souls don't need mates to stop being lost->Lucas Decision]]
(set: $GameProgress to "aurora")"Well in that case," says Lucas, "it's yours." He carefully tears out the drawing of you, folds it in two, and slips it onto your knee.
(if: $LucasSecret is true)[[[Ask whether the woman in the drawings is his fiancée->Lucas Woman]]](else:)[[[Ask who the woman in the drawings is->Lucas Woman]]]
[[Don't mention the woman->Lucas Let It Go]]
(set: $LucasRomance to it + 1)"Well," says Lucas, raising an eyebrow, "I didn't think you'd ever see it. Here—" he tears out the drawing and gives it to you, "—do what you like with it."
(if: $LucasSecret is true)[[[Ask whether the woman in the drawings is his fiancée->Lucas Woman]]](else:)[[[Ask who the woman in the drawings is->Lucas Woman]]]
[[Don't mention the woman->Lucas Let It Go]]
(set: $LucasRomance to it - 1)"Actually," says Lucas, "we're getting married tomorrow." He runs a hand through his hair. "I'm supposed to be at our wreathing ceremony tonight. It's tradition, in our families, to crown each other with flower garlands the night before the wedding. //To bless the union//," he says, wincing. "You must think it's pretty bad for me to come here instead."
[[He should have gone to the ceremony->Lucas Tell Him Off]]
[[You're sure he had his reasons->Lucas Not Together]]"I've been to so many ceremonies," says Lucas. "All my life. I never got to choose. This morning, something just snapped, and before I knew it I was here."
He slumps against the window. Behind him, a small town is just visible in the distance, a huddle of tiny lights against the evening landscape. "They keep telling me the aurora's a portent," Lucas continues, more to himself than you. "//A marriage anointed under the burning sky//—"
[[Keep listening->Lucas Parents]]"I didn't, actually," says Lucas. "I just woke up this morning, snuck out of the house while everyone was preparing, and before I knew it I was here. I don't know why I did it."
He slumps against the window. Behind him, a small town is just visible in the distance, a huddle of tiny lights against the evening landscape. "They keep telling me the aurora's a portent," Lucas continues, more to himself than you. "//A marriage anointed under the burning sky//—"
[[Keep listening to him->Lucas Parents]]"I hope so," Lucas whispers.
Gradually, the funicular slows as it reaches the end of the track. Lucas looks out at the dancing lights, then back at you. (if: ($LucasAttracted is true) or (($LucasRomance > 1) and ($LucasAttracted is not false)))["I was planning to draw the view from the summit," he says, "but I would much rather draw you under the light of the aurora—" he adds hastily, "—if you'll let me?"](else:)["Doesn't the landscape look beautiful?" he says. "You can see for miles." He sighs. "I thought I wanted to be alone tonight. Just draw. But now that I'm almost at the summit, I'd much rather have some company. Would you like to come with me?"]
(if: $LucasAttracted is true)[[[Go with him and let him draw you->With Lucas Portrait]]
][[Go with him while he draws the view->With Lucas View]]
[[Go your separate ways->Part With Lucas]]The funicular slows to a stop, and the doors open. You and Lucas file out alongside the other passengers onto a small plateau of rock beneath the mountain's crystal peak. Its dark facets are lit only by the emerald flares of the aurora.
Lucas waits for the others to disperse. "I'm still glad you sat next to me," he says eventually. "You gave me a lot to think about." He opens his mouth as if to say something more, but thinks better of it. Instead, he gives you a cheerful wave before turning and walking away, ignoring the main track in favour of a winding path half-hidden by an overhanging tree.
[[Watch Lucas leave->DateLoop]]
(set: $LucasDate to it + 1)
(set: $TotalDates to $RayDate + $SofiaDate + $MeenaDate + $LucasDate)The funicular slows to a stop, and the doors open. You and Lucas file out alongside the other passengers onto a small plateau of rock beneath the mountain's crystal peak. Its dark facets are lit only by the emerald flares of the aurora.
"I think it's this way," he says, leading you along a winding trail half-hidden by an overhanging tree. Eventually, you emerge onto a secluded promontory with an uninterrupted view of the landscape. Together, you sit in the lee of the mountain's crystal peak. Far below, the thin lights of a distant town are eclipsed by the brilliant emerald flares of the aurora.
[[Watch the aurora together->DateLoop]]
(set: $LucasTogether to it + 1)
(set: $LucasDate to it + 1)
(set: $TotalDates to $RayDate + $SofiaDate + $MeenaDate + $LucasDate)"She loves me, I think. And I would be a good husband to her." He looks down, then adds, "I love her too. In a way."
[[That's enough->Lucas Enough]]
[[That's not enough->Lucas Not Enough]]"It could be," says Lucas, "couldn't it?" He brushes the dark hair out of his eyes. "I've been dreading the moment when we reach the top of the mountain," he says quietly. "Because once we do, there'll be nowhere to go but down."
He gives you an imploring look. "I know we've only just met, but I don't have anyone else I can ask. What do you think I should do?"
(link:"Marry her")[(set: $LucasMarriage to true)(go-to:"Lucas Marriage Decision")]
(link:"Don't marry her")[(set: $LucasMarriage to false)(go-to:"Lucas Marriage Decision")]
(link:"You can't make the decision for him")[(set: $LucasMarriage to false)(go-to:"Lucas Marriage Decision")]Lucas hangs his head, and his dark hair falls over his face. "I've been dreading the moment when we reach the top of the mountain," he says quietly. "Because once we do, there'll be nowhere to go but down."
He gives you an imploring look. "I know we've only just met, but I don't have anyone else I can ask. What do you think I should do?"
(link:"Marry her")[(set: $LucasMarriage to true)(go-to:"Lucas Marriage Decision")]
(link:"Don't marry her")[(set: $LucasMarriage to false)(go-to:"Lucas Marriage Decision")]
(link:"You can't make the decision for him")[(set: $LucasMarriage to false)(go-to:"Lucas Marriage Decision")]Lucas nods, but doesn't reply. Behind him, the setting sun glows warmly, painting the interior of the funicular in a wash of pastel shades.(if: $LucasRomance > 0)[
His face illuminated by the soft light, Lucas looks into your eyes. "Maybe it's wrong to say this, after everything, but perhaps that makes it even more important. I—" he hesitates, "—I feel something between us. You and me. Am I wrong?"
[[You feel something too->Lucas Attracted After Family Talk]]
[[You don't feel anything->Lucas Not Interested]]](if: $LucasRomance < 1)[
[[Look out the window->Lucas Aurora]]]
(set: $GameProgress to "sunset")"Point the device at the object you wish to test for chronomagnetic activity," says Meena, "and use the dials to adjust the frequency. It's like tuning into a radio station. I usually adjust the frequency by increments of 100 MHz at first, then make smaller adjustments once I detect a spike in chronons. You'll need to re-tune the device if you change what you're pointing at."
She frowns. "Does that make sense? I've never explained it to anyone before. Maybe start by pointing at the crystals on the mountain. They should give you a good reading."
(link: "Point the device at the mountain")[(set: $Target to "mountain")(go-to: "Meena Test The Device")]
(link: "Point the device at Meena")[(set: $Target to "Meena")(go-to: "Meena Test The Device")]
(link: "Point the device at yourself")[(set: $Target to "player")(go-to: "Meena Test The Device")]Lucas shakes your hand warmly, looking into your eyes. "I'm glad you sat next to me," he says.
[[Ask to see his sketchbook->Lucas Ask Sketchbook]]
[[Ask him whether he was drawing you->Lucas Ask Drawing]](if: $LucasDate > 0)[
[[Tell him you know he was drawing you->Lucas Know Drawing]]]Lucas looks down at his outstretched hand and wipes it on his shorts, leaving grey graphite smears on the fabric. "Sorry about that," he says, blushing.
[[Ask to see his sketchbook->Lucas Ask Sketchbook]]
[[Ask him whether he was drawing you->Lucas Ask Drawing]](if: $LucasDate > 0)[
[[Tell him you know he was drawing you->Lucas Know Drawing]]]"She and I were betrothed under the last aurora," says Lucas, "twenty years ago. It's a tradition, where I'm from, but these days most parents wait until their children are old enough to decide for themselves. Ours still follow the old ways."
He exhales, closing his eyes and slumping back on the bench beside you.
[[Traditions are important->Lucas Keep The Old Ways]]
[[Couldn't he break this one tradition?->Lucas Break Tradition]]
(link:"His family's traditions sound suffocating")[(set: $LucasSuffocating to true)(go-to:"Lucas Break Tradition")]"That's what my parents would say," says Lucas. "And tradition //is// important. It's like an invisible thread linking generations together, connecting us to something bigger than ourselves."
He pulls his legs up onto the bench and hugs them close to his chest. "I've thought about it a lot. Plenty of people make marriages like this work. Why shouldn't I?"
[[Would the marriage be a happy one?->Lucas You Happy]](if: $LucasSuffocating is true)["Maybe it's hard to understand if you didn't grow up with it," says Lucas. "My parents love me, and I've never doubted that. They only ever wanted the best for me. If I back out now, it would break their hearts."](else:)["It's not as easy as that," Lucas says. "Our parents have been planning this wedding for years. If I back out now, it would break their hearts."]
He pulls his legs up onto the bench and hugs them close to his chest. "I've thought about it a lot. Plenty of people make marriages like this work. Why shouldn't I?"
[[Would the marriage be a happy one?->Lucas You Happy]]Lucas gapes at you. "How did you—" he stops himself. "Look, it doesn't matter. I'm not a real artist or anything." He blushes and slips his sketchbook behind him, out of sight.
"So, um, why did //you// come here?" he asks, changing the subject.
[[For the view from the summit->Lucas Reasons View]]
[[To see the crystals->Lucas Reasons Ruins]]
[[You'd rather not say->Lucas No Answer]]
(set: $CaughtLucas to true)"How did you—" says Lucas, then stops. He follows your gaze down to his finger. "Oh. Right." He sighs and lies back against the seat, staring up at the ceiling.
"I have a fiancée," he says in a monotone. "Well, she's my friend really. But we are supposed to be getting married. Soon."
[[//Supposed// to be?->Lucas Wedding]]
[[How soon?->Lucas Wedding]]The funicular slows to a stop, and the doors open. You and Lucas file out alongside the other passengers onto a small plateau of rock beneath the mountain's crystal peak. Its dark facets are lit only by the emerald flares of the aurora.
"I think it's this way," he says, leading you along a winding trail half-hidden by an overhanging tree. Eventually, you emerge onto a secluded promontory with an uninterrupted view of the landscape. "Here," says Lucas, picking a spot for you to sit. With a gentle movement, he lifts your chin with finger and thumb until the soft glow of the aurora falls across your face just so.
He studies you for a moment, then picks up his sketchbook. "Now sit still," he says with a smile.(if: $BeautifulToLucas is true)[ "I promise this drawing will be better than the last."]
[[Do your best to stay still->DateLoop]]
(set: $LucasTogether to it + 1)
(set: $LucasDate to it + 1)
(set: $TotalDates to $RayDate + $SofiaDate + $MeenaDate + $LucasDate)Lucas rubs his eyes, ridding himself of the last of the mushrooms' effects. "Hey, can I read your palm?" he asks. "I'm learning, and I could use the practice."
[[Hold out your palm->Lucas Palm Reading]]
[[Decline->Lucas Pull Away]]Lucas takes your hand in his. "I know we've only just met, but I feel something for you that I've never felt for—" he stops himself. "No one else matters. //We're// here now, you and me."
Outside, the sky is black, the mountain's crystal summit shrouded in darkness.
[[Look into his eyes->Lucas Aurora]]
(set: $LucasRomance to it + 1)
(set: $LucasAttracted to true)
(set: $GameProgress to "pre-aurora")"I figured," says Ray. "That's what everyone's here for. But they don't know what they're really seeing. Anyone who tells the truth gets called crazy." They shrug and look out of the window as the funicular passes a huddle of crystal pillars.
(t8n:"blur")+(link:"Look at the crystals")[=The black columns look as though they erupted from the earth like teeth, but they are as geometrically regular as prisms. Their forbidding faces are etched with patterns.
[[Ask Ray what the patterns are->RayAskAboutRuins]]
(if:$TotalDates > 0)[[[Tell Ray you know what the patterns are->RayKnowAboutRuins]]
][[Watch the pillars pass in silence->RayLookAtRuins]]
(set: $GameProgress to "late")(if:$AbductedTogether is true)["I don't understand," says Ray, frowning, "why would you give up this chance? The aliens won't be back again for—" they stop, and hold up a hand. "Actually, don't tell me. I can't get distracted. Not now. Not when I'm so close."](if:$AbductedTogether is not true)["Thanks," says Ray. "I wasn't expecting to say goodbye to anyone before I left."]
The funicular clanks to a stop at the top of the mountain.
[[Disembark|RayAlone]]<h1 id="main-title">Funicular<br>Simulator<br>2021</h1>On-screen navigational arrows will be available if you need them, but the game is designed to be played using hyperlinks only.
There are no wrong choices, so enjoy the ride.
[[Begin->Intro]]
[[About->Credits]]
(set: $GameProgress to "day")"I know what you mean," says Sofia. "I've spent most of my life trying to understand how the world works, but lately I've realised it's alright not to be sure. I don't know how the mountain spirit is communicating with me, exactly, but I feel it."
[[That's a beautiful sentiment->SofiaBeautifulSentiment]]
[[What nonsense->SofiaNonsense]]
[[Say nothing->SofiaSilence]]
(set: $GameProgress to "late")Funicular Simulator 2021 was written for the 27th Annual Interactive Fiction Competition, IFComp 2021.
<h1 id="credits-game">Game</h1><a href="https://www.marygoodden.com/">Mary Goodden</a>
<a href="https://ifdb.org/showuser?id=vwbicc8k1334hgze">Tom Leather</a>
<h1 id="credits-art">Cover Art</h1>Tom Leather
<h1 id="credits-playtesters">Playtesters</h1>Claire Burgess
Shaun Hurst
Liam Richards
Olivia Wood
[[Back->Actual Intro]]
↶↷Funicular
Simulator
2021
On-screen navigational arrows will be available if you need them, but the game is designed to be played using hyperlinks only.
There are no wrong choices, so enjoy the ride.
Begin
About