You come to what looks like a row of old airport counters from your Human History books. There are terminals every few feet, and behind each terminal is a small cubicle. A porter, it seems, is a helper assigned to each newcomer whose job it is to get them settled in and documented. As you look from terminal to terminal, you notice that the porters all seem to be assigned to beings of their own Planetary Race. It makes sense, you guess, to make the transition a little smoother. You imagine that some folks might find it too jarring to show up and be faced with someone who looks and sounds entirely foreign, and in some cases, downright scary. Esperith leads you to a terminal all the way at the end of the row closest to the rear of the courtyard. There's no line, which seems odd to you since every other terminal was overflowing. You walk up to the counter and look around. It would seem that your porter isn't here. *page_break "Sekk!" Esperith's voice is impatient. "Incoming Outie!" Without warning, a head pops up from under the counter, and a Delhuman wearing an odd apparatus on his head takes his place in front of you behind the terminal. Come to think of it, you saw quite a few of those things on the heads of residents in the courtyard. They must be a common piece of tech here on Doldes. "Esper, my favorite Losthesian goddess, welcome home!" He lets out a tremendous yawn, clearly exaggerating for show. "I see you've brought me another splendid new addition to our fair society!" Esperith waves her hand in the air as a sarcastic gesture of royalty. "And this one missed the escort speech." she says as she executes a particularly wobbly pirouette. You weren't sure she was capable of joking around. *page_break Sekk turns his attention to you for the first time. Upon actually laying eyes on you, he is obviously concerned by what stands before him, though he does his best to keep his demeanor in tact. He leans in and whispers something in Esperith's ear, and they both share a hushed chortle and do a terrible job of not looking at you. You wonder how you must look after your little ordeal. If it's even close to resembling how you feel, Sekk's reaction is subdued, if anything. You stand silently as the two exchange pleasantries and trade inside jokes. Then, Esperith seems ready to make her exit. You straighten up, hoping to at least say what's on your mind before she leaves. She kisses Sekk on the hand and promises she'll call him once she's unpacked. They say their goodbyes like old friends. You can tell that they're very fond of one another. It's a side of Esperith you're not sure she means for you to see. She then turns to you with barely any regard, seemingly waiting for you to say something. What do you do? *choice #Politely thank Esperith for her help You give your genuine thanks, letting her know that you understand the potential outcome. She didn't have to come to your aid, but she did, and so you're grateful. *set esperith - 2 *set kindness -3 *line_break *goto esperleave #Tell Esperith off for her conceited behavior Without hesitation, you launch into your vicious attack, making sure she knows how little weight her air of importance actually carries, and that she is hardly deserving of snobbery. You even pepper in some expletives to really drive your tirade home. When you're through, you stare at her, waiting for what you're sure will be an equally scathing rebuttal. Instead, you see her purple eyes begin to well with tears, and she rushes off back through the courtyard without a word. *set esperith + 5 *set kindness + 7 *line_break *goto esperleave #Nod, but say nothing Given your past interactions today, you decide it's best not to say anything at all. Instead, you just give a friendly gesture of acknowledgment. Esperith nods back, seemingly unfazed and unaffected, before turning to briskly walk away. *set guard + 2 *line_break *goto esperleave #Ignore Esperith and turn your attention to Sekk Without even the slightest acknowledgment, you turn away from her, instead asking Sekk to hurry the intake process along so you can get yourself a hot shower and a strong drink before you collapse. Esperith's skin turns an odd shade of maroon, and she draws her arm back as if to strike you. Instead, she brings her fist down against her own leg and bellows, "I should have let you go blind! I should have let you [b]DIE[/b]!" With a great huff, she turns and stomps off in the direction from which you came. Sekk clicks his tongue at you and holds his head. "You shouldn't have done that." Feeling proud of yourself, you just shrug and smile back at him. "I don't think you understand, darling." His mouth curls into a theatrical frown. "Esper works in Employment. And she has a lot of pull there." Of course you would piss off the one Doldesian who could ensure that your life here will be difficult. Still, it felt pretty good to get that off of your chest. *set esperith + 10 *set kindness + 5 *line_break *goto esperleave *selectable_if (esperith <= 45) #Thank Esperith and ask if you can see her again "You know, I should really thank you properly for everything you did for me today." You feel a wry smile slide across your lips. "How about dinner?" *line_break *if (esperith <= 40) *achieve esper_high *set bonus1 true Esperith's cold exterior softens, and you notice a slight change in the hue of her cheeks. She's blushing. She immediately tries to hide her face, but lets you know that she'll get your contact information from Sekk after your intake is completed. For a moment, there's an awkward silence in which you're both trapped, but Sekk, by all that is wonderful and necessary in the world, clears his throat and nods at the cubicle while mouthing the word "intake" in an animated fashion. Esperith nods at him and gives a small wave before flitting off through the crowd. *set esperith - 5 *set sexuality + 5 *line_break *goto esperleave *else Esperith's face remains perfectly composed. "Not dinner," she says, "but maybe I'll have some other business with you in the future. After all, I work in the Employment sector. I'll have Sekk send me your information." With that, she turns and walks off with a gait that seems far too confident for her small stature. When you turn to Sekk, he raises an eyebrow at you as if to show his admiration. Clearly you've made an impression. *set esperith - 2 *line_break *goto esperleave *label esperleave You watch as she heads off and wonder if you've done the right thing, but you can't worry too much about it now. You have to get this intake survey over with so that you can finally get some rest. *page_break The Intake After finger printing, ID photos, and a rundown of the general rules and regulations of living on Doldes, Sekk has you sit at a small desk in the cubicle. "Close your eyes and stay very still." He commands, and suddenly you feel the protective film being lifted from your eyes. A bolt of terror strikes and you feel yourself begin to shake. Sekk lays a comforting hand on your shoulder and shushes you lightly. "Relax, friend," he says, "This is all a part of the procedure for Delhumans. I'm going to place a Comm Visor on your head. It's the same as the one I'm wearing. It'll protect your eyes from the UV issues you ran into earlier, and allow you to view public information on a wide variety of subjects, including other residents." "Information?" Your voice breaks a bit as the device is fitted onto your head. Sekk finishes adjusting the visor so that it's snug but comfortable, then answers brightly: "Open your eyes now and you'll see what I mean." *page_break You slowly allow your eyelids to part, unsure of just what the world will look like when you do, and breathe a sigh of relief when everything looks normal. Even the colors look exactly the way you would see them back home. Still, it takes a moment to adjust your eyes to the screen. It's a little like using those old Magic Eye books Grandfather gave you when you were a child. You almost have to look through it in order to see what's right in front of you. You suppose, over time, you'll get used to it. "Now try to focus on me." Sekk's voice chimes in from behind you. You turn to look at him, surprised at how easily you can maneuver in the unit. As you concentrate on his head, a display pops up in the left hand side of the screen. Name: Sekk Surname: Visalia Gender: Male Planetary Race: Delhuman Age: 25 Occupation: Reception Porter *page_break Sekk waves at you and you can see a wide smile just below his visor. "It seems you can see all of my particulars, so that's some good news. A lot of the time, we have to make adjustments and it can take forever." He draws the last word out to illustrate his point before continuing. "You can also access information about your Doldesian standings and personality profile, interpersonal relationships, and various reference materials that you come across, including little rewards you might earn from time to time, by selecting the "Show Stats" button at the top of your visor screen. You can check your Stats out at any time using your visor, or using your Comm Tab at home." *set visor_explain true *page_break "Now we just need to set up your Doldesian profile," Sekk says with a hint of reassurance behind his words. "It helps to understand your specific personality profile, and gives us an idea of where to put you when you're just starting out." He must have noticed the confusion on your face, because he quickly adds, "Oh, but don't worry! Where we sort you isn't permanent. You can choose to do anything you like here. We've just found that, given the size and scope of Doldes, it helps to give everyone a kind of jumping off point. That way, you can familiarize yourself with the planet while still generating an income. Doldesians take productivity and upward mobility very seriously, so we want to give everyone who comes here an immediate opportunity to do well." Hearing this, you allow yourself to relax a bit more. The idea of being stuck in a job you hate for the remainder of your time on Doldes is a terrible one, so you're glad to know that's not the case. "Just direct your eyes to the lighted 'Survey' button on your comm screen. Blink twice in rapid succession to begin." You look at the visor's comm screen and see the button appear out of nowhere. As directed, you focus your eyes on the button and blink twice. What is your first name? *choice #Xochitl *set name "Xochitl" *goto surname #Undine *set name "Undine" *goto surname #Flynn *set name "Flynn" *goto surname #Evesin *set name "Evesin" *goto surname #Horoth *set name "Horoth" *goto surname #Other *input_text name *goto surname *label surname Progress Saved What is your surname? *choice #Tama *set surname "Tama" *goto gender #Roman *set surname "Roman" *goto gender #Lovell *set surname "Lovell" *goto gender #Smith *set surname "Smith" *goto gender #Other *input_text surname *goto gender #None *set surname "N/A" *goto gender *label gender Thank you, ${name} ${surname} What is your gender identity? *choice #Male *set gender "Male" *goto genderspec #Female *set gender "Female" *goto genderspec #Androgyne *set gender "Andro" *goto genderspec *label genderspec *if (gender = "Female") *set him "her" *set his "her" *set she "she" *set herself "herself" *goto age *elseif (gender = "Male") *set him "him" *set his "his" *set she "he" *set herself "himself" *goto age *else *set him "ver" *set his "vis" *set she "ve" *set herself "verself" *goto age *label age Progress Saved Records show that you are in the 20-30 age group. What is your exact age? *input_number age 20 30 *goto skills1 *label skills1 Progress Saved Records show that you have been invited to Doldes based on your Em-Sec scores. In what area did you score the highest? *set intake true *choice #Strength *set strength + 25 *goto skills2 #Intellect *set intellect + 25 *goto skills2 #Technology *set technology + 25 *goto skills2 #Weapons *set weapons + 25 *set strength + 3 *goto skills2 #Eloquence *set eloquence + 25 *set intellect +3 *set cunning + 3 *goto skills2 #Cunning *set cunning + 25 *set strength + 3 *Set intellect +3 *goto skills2 *label skills2 Progress Saved In what area did you score the next highest? *choice *selectable_if (strength < 25) #Strength *set strength + 20 *goto skills3 *selectable_if (intellect < 25) #Intellect *set intellect + 20 *goto skills3 *selectable_if (technology < 25) #Technology *set technology + 20 *goto skills3 *selectable_if (weapons < 25) #Weapons *set weapons + 20 *set strength + 3 *goto skills3 *selectable_if (eloquence < 25) #Eloquence *set eloquence + 20 *set intellect +3 *set cunning + 3 *goto skills3 *selectable_if (cunning < 25) #Cunning *set cunning + 20 *set strength + 3 *Set intellect +3 *goto skills3 *label skills3 Progress Saved In what area did you score the third highest? *choice *selectable_if (strength < 20) #Strength *set strength + 15 *goto skills4 *selectable_if (intellect < 20) #Intellect *set intellect + 15 *goto skills4 *selectable_if (technology < 20) #Technology *set technology + 15 *goto skills4 *selectable_if (weapons < 20) #Weapons *set weapons + 15 *set strength + 3 *goto skills4 *selectable_if (eloquence < 20) #Eloquence *set eloquence + 15 *set intellect +3 *set cunning + 3 *goto skills4 *selectable_if (cunning < 20) #Cunning *set cunning + 15 *set strength + 3 *Set intellect +3 *goto skills4 *label skills4 Progress Saved Finally, in what area did you score the fourth highest? *choice *selectable_if (strength < 15) #Strength *set strength + 10 *goto weapons *selectable_if (intellect < 15) #Intellect *set intellect + 10 *goto weapons *selectable_if (technology < 15) #Technology *set technology + 10 *goto weapons *selectable_if (weapons < 15) #Weapons *set weapons + 10 *set strength + 3 *goto weapons *selectable_if (eloquence < 15) #Eloquence *set eloquence + 10 *set intellect +3 *set cunning + 3 *goto weapons *selectable_if (cunning < 15) #Cunning *set cunning + 10 *set strength + 3 *set intellect +3 *goto weapons *label weapons *if (weapons >= 10) In which weapon sub-class are you most proficient? *choice #Firearms *set strength +5 *page_break Finish Survey *goto complete #Knives *set strength + 1 *set cunning + 3 *page_break Finish Survey *goto complete #Ranged *set cunning + 3 *page_break Finish Survey *goto complete #Improvised *set intellect + 3 *set cunning + 3 *page_break Finish Survey *goto complete #Tech *set strength + 3 *set technology + 3 *page_break Finish Survey *goto complete *else *page_break Finish Survey *goto complete *label complete The word "Complete" flashes in bold, green letters before your eyes. You instinctively blink twice to clear the screen and sit back. You're not really sure what happens next, but you're definitely starting to feel the exhaustion of the day's events come over you. You slump a little in your chair and let your head hang forward. It feels heavier than it did when you started. It seems that Sekk notices your fatigue and slides back into his cheerful voice. "Great," he half-sings, "It looks like you're all set. It'll take a day or two for Em-Sec to run your responses and match you with the appropriate work options. You'll get a notification on your comm screen when the info is available. In the meantime, you can relax and familiarize yourself with Doldes. Believe me, darling, there's plenty to see and do here!" You stand and stretch for a moment before thanking Sekk for all of his help. He gives another big smile and pats you on the shoulder. "No problem at all. It's kind of my job, after all, but I like you, too." He straightens himself up and puts on a professional tone. "Is there anything else I can help you with, ${name}?" *goto help *label help *fake_choice *hide_reuse #About my living arrangement. . . Sekk looks over your paperwork, then laughs excitedly. "Well, what do you know about all this? It looks like you and I are going to be neighbors! You've been assigned to Sublima Estates. It's one of the nicest Delhuman friendly areas on Doldes. Somebody must have really been impressed with you, honey." You smile a little wider than you probably should, but it feels so good to be recognized and appreciated and you can't help yourself. This wouldn't have been the case back home, you're certain. "You deserve that smirk!" Sekk says happily. "Is there anything else you wanted to know? *page_break Back *goto help *hide_reuse #About the visor. . . "Oh, it'll take a little getting used to, but it isn't so bad." He knocks on the top of the visor. "Oh! And you can take it off when you're in your home. All Delhuman living quarters are outfitted with UV blocking window treatments, so you can be yourself while you're there. Just don't forget to put it on before you leave, or. . . Well, you've already been through that nightmare. Anything else?" *page_break Back *goto help *hide_reuse #About Doldes. . . "Oh, honey, I could fill a book! Is there anything specific you want to know?" *goto doldes *label doldes *fake_choice *hide_reuse #"Tell me about the nightlife." "That's my scene! You've got The Sovereign, a pretty upscale place over on the Main. You see a lot of Losthesians in there, but there's a decent mix of all the PRs. Then there's Lime, that's actually pretty close to Sublima. It's a high-energy dance club that's full of Dels, and folks there don't mess around. A lotta one-night-stand action at Lime, but not really an element of danger. For that, you want to head over to Nebulous. It's a cagey dive with a pretty name, and a good place to pick up information, or a bloody lip on a bad night. You'll want to keep your wallet well hidden, and maybe take something to defend yourself. Any other info you need about Doldes?" *page_break *goto doldes *hide_reuse #"What are the dangers on Doldes?" "Doldes is actually one of the safest planets in the TI. It kind of has to be, you know, with FCS and all. You damn near die from a paper cut, let alone an actual wound. Still, things do happen here and there, so it's never a bad idea to be vigilant. It also can't hurt too much to get yourself a weapon, though they aren't exactly legal. You just have to ask the right people. What else to do you need?" *page_break *goto doldes *hide_reuse #"What about off-world travel?" "That can be a little complicated. Of course, there [i]is[/i] off-world travel, but not for you. Not yet, anyway. There's a lot that needs to happen in order for you to get clearance to leave Doldes once you're here. They cite ridiculous things like health, safety, and security as the purpose of keeping people here, but, between you and me, I think it's another way to control us, that's all. And, I swear, it almost seems like they don't want anyone to talk about Doldes on other worlds. Like it's some crazy bunch of secrets we have going on, here. Makes me wonder what really is going on here. Anyway, did you have other questions?" *page_break *goto doldes *hide_reuse #"What can you tell me about the Planetary Races?" "I do not have the time or patience to explain all of that, but it just so happens that there's a Reference section on your comm screen where you can find info on all of the PRs, plus some other handy, Doldesian tidbits. *set races true Something else?" *page_break *goto doldes *hide_reuse #"Who is in charge here?" "Officially, that would be the Kothraki Ambassador, Ni'ikk Taliri. But leadership on Doldes is a little different than what you and I might expect. We have this one person who is the face of Doldes, Taliri at the moment, but the government is made up of ambassadors from each incorporated Planetary Race. The idea is that they work together for the good of the Incorporate, but politics is the same all across the universe, babe. Follow the money, you'll find the one in charge. Need to know anything else?" *page_break *goto doldes #That's all. *goto help *hide_reuse #About Esperith. . . He lets out a heavy sigh and sits down. "That girl has more going on in her head than anyone I have ever met. She's all hard on the outside, but let me tell you, she is always on the lookout for someone to help. You know, I met her in a similar way you did? I was fumbling all over myself to figure out where to go and how to get my translator working, and she came over to me with her snotty attitude acting like I was some hick Delhuman, but, you know, she helped me get myself together. Girl called me up out of the blue a week later telling me she had a job offer in Reception. You know I didn't qualify into a position like this. But Esper, she liked me, I guess, so here I am. She's a handful, but I'll be damned if she isn't the most warm-hearted handful I'll ever know." Sekk smiles and stands back up. "Sorry about that. Someone [i]that[/i] complicated, I could talk about for centuries. Was there something else you wanted to ask about?" *page_break Back *goto help #I'm all set, thanks! *goto home *label home *set met_sekk true "I really appreciate you helping me with all of this," you say with a smile, "I would have been literally lost without you." Sekk smiles back and pats you on the shoulder. "My pleasure, muffin." There's something very kind about him, but also a hint of condescension in everything he says. You can't tell if it's annoying or endearing. "By the way, have you decided on how you'll handle the FCS procedure? It's a pretty big decision, and it'll definitely have an effect on where you stand here on Doldes." You place your hand to your forehead and startle at the concurrent [i]thunk[/i] it makes when it hits the plastic of the visor. That's going to take some getting used to. Your thoughts return quickly to the question, however. How [i]will[/i] you handle FCS? In all of the confusion and craziness, you haven't had time to give it much thought. Given everything you know about the issue of FCS on Doldes, you say: *choice #I think FCS is great! I would love to be immortal! *set fcs 0 *set intake_done true Sekk smiles. "Well, that'll definitely help you fit in around here. Even if you don't agree with FCS, becoming an Eld and joining with the Linear Path is a good way to make some enemies." *goto end_chapter_1 #I think the Elds are right. Delhumans aren't supposed to live forever! *set fcs 100 *set intake_done true Sekk's lips bow into a frown. "So you'll join the Linear Path people, huh?" He sighs, "Well, just do it quietly, right? Don't draw attention to yourself. If you do, you'll be in for a headache that's ten times as bad as the one you had today. Be careful, ${name}." *goto end_chapter_1 #I haven't made up my mind about it, yet. "That's fine," he says cheerfully, "There's still plenty of time to figure it out. And there's no sense in rushing a decision like this until you have all of the info you think you need. Being cautious with a concept like this one could be a real boon." *set fcs 50 *set intake_done true *goto end_chapter_1 *label end_chapter_1 *achieve chapter_1 *line_break You consider Sekk's words as you thank him again, then you make your way back through the now emptying courtyard toward Sublima Estates. Now able to really take in its full beauty, you're overwhelmed with happiness. You have survived your first day on a new planet, even if only barely. You've met some interesting characters, and you've been able to learn a fair bit about Doldes. Even though you feel as though you might just pass out on the path, you take your time as you walk, and you think about all of things you'll tell Esme in your first letter home. *sm_save 0 | true | End Chapter 1 *finish