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Transcripts:Embassy: Difference between revisions

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= Moth Dialogue =
= Moth Dialogue =
<section begin="embassymoth" />
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
start
start
Line 16: Line 17:
loop
loop
RESPOBJ::mthembresp
RESPOBJ::mthembresp
</syntaxhighlight>


== Responses ==
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
RESPOBJ::
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::self
RESPONSES::self
Line 43: Line 47:
SHOWIF::"mth++embassy-gamegood"
SHOWIF::"mth++embassy-gamegood"
perspective swap?<+>perspective
perspective swap?<+>perspective
SHOWIF::"embassy__d1_start"
other memories locked?<+>locked
other memories locked?<+>locked
SHOWIF::[["embassy_d2_complete", true],["embassy_d1_complete", true],["fbx__ep2intro-end", false]]
SHOWIF::[["embassy_d2_complete", true],["embassy_d1_complete", true],["fbx__ep2intro-end", false]]
Line 51: Line 56:
=== Game Sucks ===
=== Game Sucks ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
gamebad
self
self
game sucks
game sucks
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fine<+>structureloop
fine<+>structureloop
FAKEEND::(back)
FAKEEND::(back)
</syntaxhighlight>

=== Actually The Game Is Ok ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
gamegood
self
self
actually the game is ok
actually the game is ok
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yes!!<+>structureloop
yes!!<+>structureloop
FAKEEND::(back)
FAKEEND::(back)
</syntaxhighlight>


=== But It Needs Some Work ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
gameok
gameok
self
self
Line 91: Line 103:
=== Perspective Swap? ===
=== Perspective Swap? ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
perspective
self
self
why can i swap perspectives?
why can i swap perspectives?
Line 109: Line 122:
=== Other memories locked? ===
=== Other memories locked? ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
locked
self
self
why are these other two memories not opening up?
why are these other two memories not opening up?
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== About obesk ==
== About obesk ==
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
obeskloop
RESPONSES::self
RESPONSES::self
kazki guns?<+>kazkiguns
kazki guns?<+>kazkiguns
SHOWIF::"embassy__d3r2-end"
SHOWIF::"embassy__d3r2-end"
weird looking obesk?<+>weirdlook
weird looking obesk?<+>weirdlook
SHOWIF::"embassy__d1_start"
is the embassy still around?<+>state
is the embassy still around?<+>state
team members still around?<+>team
team members still around?<+>team
SHOWIF::"embassy__d1_kazkibozko"
groundsmind?<+>groundsmind
groundsmind?<+>groundsmind
SHOWIF::"exm|embassy|attendant"
SHOWIF::"exm|embassy|attendant"
Line 151: Line 168:
=== Kazki guns? ===
=== Kazki guns? ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
kazkiguns
self
self
where did kazki get guns?
where did kazki get guns?
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=== Weird looking obesk? ===
=== Weird looking obesk? ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
weirdlook
self
self
why do the obesk look like that?
why do the obesk look like that?
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=== Is the embassy still around? ===
=== Is the embassy still around? ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
state
self
self
is the embassy still around?
is the embassy still around?
Line 204: Line 224:
=== Team members still around? ===
=== Team members still around? ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
team
self
self
are akizet's team members still around?
are akizet's team members still around?
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=== Groundsmind? ===
=== Groundsmind? ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
groundsmind
self
self
what is a groundsmind?
what is a groundsmind?
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=== What is a kalstik? ===
=== What is a kalstik? ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
kalstik
self
self
what is a kalstik?
what is a kalstik?
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=== What is an archival vein? ===
=== What is an archival vein? ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
archives
self
self
what is an archival vein?
what is an archival vein?
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== About the collapse ==
== About the collapse ==
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
collapseloop
RESPONSES::self
RESPONSES::self
cavik?<+>cavik
cavik?<+>cavik
Line 300: Line 325:
=== Cavik? ===
=== Cavik? ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
cavik
self
self
AKIZET SAID SOMETHING ABOUT CAVIK...
AKIZET SAID SOMETHING ABOUT CAVIK...
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=== The signal? ===
=== The signal? ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
signal
self
self
do we know anything about the signal?
do we know anything about the signal?
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=== Casualties? ===
=== Casualties? ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
casualties
self
self
how many casualties were there in the collapse?
how many casualties were there in the collapse?
Line 353: Line 381:
=== Attacks outside the embassy? ===
=== Attacks outside the embassy? ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
otherattacks
self
self
when the collapse started,
when the collapse started,
Line 411: Line 440:
== Moth Comment ==
== Moth Comment ==
<syntaxhighlight lang="javascript" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="javascript" line=1>
var moth
switch(check("PAGE!!embassy_day")) {
switch(check("PAGE!!embassy_day")) {
case 3:
case 3:
Line 438: Line 468:
} else if(check("embassy_d1_complete")) {
} else if(check("embassy_d1_complete")) {
if(check("citystreet__envoychat-end")) moth = "jesus... well that first memory lines up with what akizet told gordon. but why would she go to us if they agreed to keep it quiet?"
if(check("citystreet__envoychat-end")) moth = "jesus... well that first memory lines up with what akizet told gordon. but why would she go to us if they agreed to keep it quiet?"
else moth = "holy smokes. yeah i dont think we ever heard about this part of the call... hey--there's another memory that's been fixed, open it"
else moth = "holy smokes. yeah i don't think we ever heard about this part of the call... hey--there's another memory that's been fixed, open it"
} else {
} else {
moth = "this is the most dense thoughtform i think i've ever seen... they have such a strange way of storing data"
moth = "this is the most dense thoughtform i think i've ever seen... they have such a strange way of storing data"
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if(env.currentDialogue.justChanged) moth = "anything else on your mind?"
if(env.currentDialogue.justChanged) moth = "anything else on your mind?"
return moth
</syntaxhighlight>
</syntaxhighlight>
<section end="embassymoth" />

= Embassy, non-collapse =
= Embassy, non-collapse =


Line 453: Line 484:
start
start
sourceless
sourceless
THE BARFRIEND STANDS BEFORE A DISPLAY OF SIMULACRA
the barfriend stands before a display of simulacra
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true)
IT IS RARE THAT THE URGE TO INTERACT WITH IT EVER STRIKES ME
it is rare that the urge to interact with it ever strikes me
HOWEVER, THIS IS ONE OF THOSE TIMES
however, this is one of those times
____SHOWIF::[["netstat|<", 0], ["citystreet_gotdrinks"]]
THAT CITRIC DRINK I HAD IN THE ENVOY'S CITY...
that citric drink i had in the envoy's city...
SHOWIF::[["citystreet_gotdrinks"]]
TERRIBLE AS IT WAS,
terrible as it was,
it has awoken something
SHOWIF::[["citystreet_gotdrinks"]]
____SHOWIF::[["netstat|>=", 0]]
IT HAS AWOKEN SOMETHING
another gaze upon this bright planet...
SHOWIF::[["citystreet_gotdrinks"]]
it calls for an equally bright beverage
____END
akizet
akizet
Line 474: Line 507:
orange
orange
sourceless
sourceless
YES... <span definition="NOTE::'no translation required'">ORANGE</span> JUICE
yes... <span definition="NOTE::'no translation required'">ORANGE</span> JUICE
THAT IS WHAT I WANT
that is what i want
AN EXOTIC TASTE--WITH THE BUZZ OF CITRIC ACID!
an exotic taste--with the buzz of citric acid!


akizet
akizet
Line 482: Line 515:
barfriend
barfriend
OK!
ok!
sourceless
sourceless
THE BARFRIEND EXTENDS A TENDRIL TO THE ORANGE SIMULACRA DISPLAY
the barfriend extends a tendril to the orange simulacra display
IT PASSES THROUGH THE CYSTIC WALL LIKE A HAND THROUGH WATER
it passes through the cystic wall like a hand through water
EVENTUALLY PRODUCING A SPHERICAL CUP WITH THE GLOW OF ORANGE JUICE
eventually producing a spherical cup with the glow of orange juice
ALTHOUGH... REAL ORANGE JUICE DOES NOT GLOW
although... real orange juice does not glow
____SHOWIF::[["netstat|<", 0]]
BUT IT LOOKS KIND OF COOL
but it looks kind of cool
____SHOWIF::[["netstat|>=", 0]]
but it evokes the glow of a ripe celki
befitting the flavor
____END
barfriend
barfriend
HERE YOU GO!
here you go!
EXEC::document.querySelectorAll('.drinklayer').forEach(e=>e.setAttribute('drink', 'orange'))
EXEC::document.querySelectorAll('.drinklayer').forEach(e=>e.setAttribute('drink', 'orange'))
PLEASE ENJOY!!
please enjoy!!
akizet
akizet
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RESPONSES::akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
depart<+>END
depart<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)
</syntaxhighlight>
</syntaxhighlight>


== Movefriend ==
== Movefriend ==
=== Responses ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
RESPOBJ::
RESPOBJ::
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nevermind<+>END
nevermind<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false);
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false);
</syntaxhighlight>


=== Dialogue ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
start
start
movefriend
movefriend
HI AKIZETESCHE!
HI AKIZETESCHE!
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true)
WHERE TO!
WHERE TO!
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movefriend
movefriend
OK!
ok!
sourceless
sourceless
THE PATH I TOOK TO THE RELOCATOR SEALS
the path i took to the relocator seals
A MOMENT LATER, A NEW HALLWAY OPENS IN PLACE OF THE OLD ONE
a moment later, a new hallway opens in place of the old one
EXEC::env.embassy.relocatorDestination('personnel')
EXEC::env.embassy.relocatorDestination('personnel')


movefriend
movefriend
SEE YA!
see ya!
RESPONSES::akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
thank you<+>END
thank you<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)


recreation
recreation
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sourceless
sourceless
THE PATH I TOOK TO THE RELOCATOR SEALS
the path i took to the relocator seals
A MOMENT LATER, A NEW HALLWAY OPENS IN PLACE OF THE OLD ONE
a moment later, a new hallway opens in place of the old one
EXEC::env.embassy.relocatorDestination('recreation')
EXEC::env.embassy.relocatorDestination('recreation')


movefriend
movefriend
HAVE FUN!
have fun!
RESPONSES::akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
thank you<+>END
thank you<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)


research
research
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sourceless
sourceless
THE PATH I TOOK TO THE RELOCATOR SEALS
the path i took to the relocator seals
A MOMENT LATER, A NEW HALLWAY OPENS IN PLACE OF THE OLD ONE
a moment later, a new hallway opens in place of the old one
EXEC::env.embassy.relocatorDestination('research')
EXEC::env.embassy.relocatorDestination('research')


movefriend
movefriend
ENJOY YOUR WORK!
enjoy your work!
RESPONSES::akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
thank you<+>END
thank you<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)
</syntaxhighlight>
</syntaxhighlight>


Line 592: Line 634:
start
start
sourceless
sourceless
MY CONSCIOUSNESS RESUMES
my consciousness resumes
THE REJUVENATION CHAMBER OPENS, AND FROM OUTSIDE FLOWS THE GLOW OF THE EMBASSY'S CYSTIC GLASS
the rejuvenation chamber opens, and from outside flows the glow of the embassy's cystic glass
through the distant dull contrivance, i feel another gaze has begun
THROUGH THE DISTANT DULL CONTRIVANCE, I FEEL ANOTHER GAZE HAS BEGUN


RESPONSES::akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
Line 602: Line 644:
emerge
emerge
sourceless
sourceless
I CLAMBER OUT THE CHAMBER, MY QOU-BODY REFRESHED
i clamber out the chamber, my qou-body refreshed
IT FEELS THE SAME AS IT DID AFTER MY ASCENSION
it feels the same as it did after my ascension
A RARE, LOVELY FEELING - AS THOUGH I COULD TWIST IT INTO ANY SHAPE
a rare, lovely feeling - as though i could twist it into any shape
BUT I HAVE WORK TO DO...
but i have work to do...
A FOCUSED MEETING OF THE CALL INITIATIVE IS APPROACHING
a focused meeting of my call research initiative is approaching
AND A FINE OCCASION IT IS - WE HAVE SOME PARTICULARLY UNIQUE EQUIPMENT THIS TIME!
and a fine occasion it is - we have some particularly unique equipment this time!
I MUST ASSEMBLE THE TEAM, THEN WE MAY BEGIN
i must assemble the team, then we may begin
RESPONSES::akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
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start
start
sourceless
sourceless
I SHOULD CHECK IN WITH THE TEAM... OUR FOCUS APPROACHES
i should check in with the team... our focus approaches
SHOWIF::["PAGE!!beenToResearch", false]
SHOWIF::["PAGE!!beenToResearch", false]
KAZKI AND BOZKO MUST BE PRESENT BEFORE WE CAN BEGIN... WHERE ARE THEY?
kazki and bozko must be present before we can begin... where are they?
SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!d1_kbcollected", false], ["PAGE!!beenToResearch", true]]
SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!d1_kbcollected", false], ["PAGE!!beenToResearch", true]]
IT IS TIME TO BEGIN - I SHOULD SIT! MY SEAT IS THE FURTHEST ONE FROM THE DOOR, NEAR THE LISTENERS
it is time to begin - i should sit! my seat is the furthest one from the door, near the listeners
SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!d1_kbcollected", true], ["PAGE!!beenToResearch", true]]
SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!d1_kbcollected", true], ["PAGE!!beenToResearch", true]]


Line 634: Line 676:
interact
interact
self
self
HELLO, AKIZET?
hello, akizet?
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
can you hear me?


moth
moth
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start
start
sourceless
sourceless
tozik sits in a terminal chair, connected by a receptor to the timestopper
TOZIK SITS IN A TERMINAL CHAIR, CONNECTED BY A RECEPTOR TO THE <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">TIME-STOPPER</span>
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true);
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true);
THE TIME CONSTRICTION THAT GIVES THE GRAND CYST ITS NAME HAS NOT BEEN ACTIVATED
the time constriction that gives the grand cyst its name has not been activated
HE MUST BE USING IT SIMPLY FOR ITS ARCHIVAL CONNECTIONS
he must be using it simply for its archival connections
i clamber over the curve of the timestopper to greet him


akizet
akizet
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sourceless
sourceless
I SEE HIS ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF ME WITH A SMALL GLANCE
i see his acknowledgment of me with a small glance
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, tozik: "show"})
HOWEVER HIS FOCUS IS INWARD, THROUGH THE CORRUCYSTIC VEIN
TOZIK DETESTS IDLE CHATTER, SO I OPT TO KEEP THIS QUICK
however his focus is inward, through the corrucystic vein
tozik detests idle chatter, so i opt to keep this quick
akizet
akizet
Line 678: Line 722:
yes
yes
i am organizing the connected archival cysts
i am organizing the connected archival cysts
something very interesting happened barely a wink ago
something very interesting happened barely a θwink ago
you will hear about it in the focus
you will hear about it in the focus
Line 687: Line 731:
RESPONSES::akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
fare well<+>END
fare well<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false);
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false);vn.done()
</syntaxhighlight>
</syntaxhighlight>


Line 694: Line 738:
start
start
sourceless
sourceless
GAKVU LEANS AGAINST A LISTENER, EYES DISTANT
gakvu leans against a listener, eyes distant
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true);
A FALSE ENVIRONMENT CYST SITS UPON ONE OF HER RECEPTORS
a false environment cyst sits upon one of her receptors
WHEN I APPROACH AND LEAN MY HEAD TO EITHER SIDE, I CANNOT DISCERN A LOGO UPON IT
when i approach and lean my head to either side, i cannot discern a logo upon it
I WONDER - IS IT ANOTHER SURFACE SIMULATION? SHE HAS A MORBID OBSESSION WITH THEM
i wonder - is it another surface simulation? she has a morbid obsession with them
OF COURSE, THIS EARNS HER ATTENTION, AND SHE GIVES ME A JOVIAL RECEPTOR GESTURE
of course, this earns her attention, and she gives me a jovial receptor gesture
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, gakvu: "show"})
gakvu
gakvu
Line 715: Line 760:
sourceless
sourceless
SHE GLANCES TOWARDS TOZIK, WHO STARES INWARD
she glances towards tozik, who stares inward
gakvu
gakvu
well, he found it really
well, he found it, really
but there was a spike in the call
but there was a spike in the call
a distinct break from the normal baseline
a distinct break from the normal baseline
Line 728: Line 773:
gakvu
gakvu
have you seen him? he has fused his skin to the chair!
have you seen him? he has fused his skin to the chair!
i had to fetch all of the archival cysts and feed them to the <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">time-stopper</span> myself
i had to fetch all of the archival cysts and feed them to the timestopper myself
ah, with some help from cavik, of course
ah, with some help from cavik, of course


sourceless
sourceless
I CHUCKLE, AND SO DOES SHE, BUT I SENSE IT IS FOR A DIFFERENT REASON
i chuckle, and so does she, but i sense it is for a different reason
gakvu
gakvu
Line 739: Line 784:


sourceless
sourceless
IT PAINS ME TO DO THIS
it pains me to do this
BUT I SHOULD PROBABLY BRING UP THE COMPLAINT
but i should probably bring up the complaint
RESPOBJ::d1_gakvuresp
RESPOBJ::d1_gakvuresp
</syntaxhighlight>


=== Responses ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
RESPOBJ::
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
Line 751: Line 799:
SHOWIF::'gakpause'
SHOWIF::'gakpause'
fare well for now<+>END
fare well for now<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false);vn.done()
</syntaxhighlight>
</syntaxhighlight>


=== False environment? ===
=== False environment? ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
false
akizet
akizet
what is that false environment you have on?
what is that false environment you have on?
Line 763: Line 812:
sourceless
sourceless
I SPY A STRANGE, SUBTLE APPREHENSION IN HER RECEPTOR MOVEMENTS
i spy a strange, subtle apprehension in her receptor movements
HOWEVER SHE QUICKLY LAUNCHES INTO A SPIRITED DESCRIPTION
however she quickly launches into a spirited description


gakvu
gakvu
Line 774: Line 823:


sourceless
sourceless
BY THE GESTICULATIONS OF HER RECEPTORS AND HANDS,
by the gesticulations of her receptors and hands,
IT IS AS IF SHE IS TRYING TO BARTER WITH ME
it is as if she is trying to barter with me
akizet
akizet
Line 798: Line 847:


sourceless
sourceless
WHAT
what
DID BOZKO SPEAK WITH HER ALREADY??
did bozko speak with her already??
MY CONFUSION IS LAID BARE IN MY RECEPTORS' CURL
my confusion is laid bare in my receptors' curl
gakvu
gakvu
was it not him?
was it not him?
i know it was him!
i know it was him!
he just has a problem with <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'ethnic implication'">ekivik</span>
he just has a problem with ekivik
sourceless
sourceless
I LAUGH, AND URGENTLY WAVE MY HANDS AND RECEPTORS DISMISSIVELY
i laugh, and urgently wave my hands and receptors dismissively
she laughs, too--i am certain she appreciates my understanding of the dry ekivik wit
SHE LAUGHS, TOO--I AM CERTAIN SHE APPRECIATES MY UNDERSTANDING OF THE DRY <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'ethnic implication'">EKIVIK</span> WIT
akizet
akizet
Line 821: Line 870:
sourceless
sourceless
I PAUSE TO THINK OF AN ELEGANT WAY TO SAY THIS...
i pause to think of an elegant way to say this...
"AT LEAST PRETEND TO LOOK BUSY WHEN YOU ARE IN HERE"?
"at least pretend to look busy when you are in here"?
GAKVU WRINGS HER RECEPTORS SMUGLY, KNOWING FULL WELL WHAT I MEAN TO SAY
gakvu wrings her receptors smugly, knowing full well what i mean to say


gakvu
gakvu
Line 842: Line 891:
sourceless
sourceless
GAKVU DRAWS HER ATTENTION OUTWARDS, TO STARE DOWN AT IT
gakvu draws her attention outwards, to stare down at it
SHE PULLS AT THE FALSE FABRIC, RECEPTORS SLIGHTLY TWISTING IN CONFUSION
she pulls at the false fabric, receptors slightly twisting in confusion
gakvu
gakvu
Line 851: Line 900:
sourceless
sourceless
THE TWIST IN HER RECEPTORS SLOWLY GROWS MORE PRONOUNCED
the twist in her receptors slowly grows more pronounced


gakvu
gakvu
Line 862: Line 911:
sourceless
sourceless
I WATCH HER WITH SOME CONCERN - SHE IS SAYING THINGS I ALREADY KNOW
i watch her with some concern - she is saying things i already know
LIKE SHE IS CONVINCING HERSELF... BUT, WHY? THIS IS VERY STRANGE
like she is convincing herself... but, why? this is very strange
akizet
akizet
Line 878: Line 927:


sourceless
sourceless
THE LIGHTS OF HER COAT RESUME
the lights of her coat resume
EXEC::change("gakpause", false);content.classList.remove('gakpause')
EXEC::change("gakpause", false);content.classList.remove('gakpause')


Line 897: Line 946:
sourceless
sourceless
BOZKO AND KAZKI IDLE NEAR THE INNER WALL, THEIR CHATTER DROWNED OUT BY THE NUMEROUS OTHERS NEARBY
BOZKO AND KAZKI IDLE NEAR THE INNER WALL, THEIR CHATTER DROWNED OUT BY THE NUMEROUS OTHERS NEARBY
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true);
KAZKI'S BRANCHED RECEPTORS GESTICULATE AS WILDLY AS HER HANDS WHILE SHE SPEAKS TO BOZKO
KAZKI'S BRANCHED RECEPTORS GESTICULATE AS WILDLY AS HER HANDS WHILE SHE SPEAKS TO BOZKO
HIS FOCUS LAY MOSTLY UPON THE <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'implied closest functional equivalent';'technological implication'">WINDOW</span>, OBSERVING THE COUSINS' RESEARCH VESSEL
HIS FOCUS LIES MOSTLY UPON THE <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'implied closest functional equivalent';'technological implication'">WINDOW</span>, OBSERVING THE COUSINS' RESEARCH VESSEL
HER TALE BECOMES MORE DISTINCT AS I APPROACH
HER TALE BECOMES MORE DISTINCT AS I APPROACH
kazki
kazki
... so i said, it is because my larval form was <span definition="ERROR::TRANSLATION_FAILED:'no equivalent internal meaning';'no relevant inherited context'::ROMANIZATION SUCCESSFUL">tir</span>! and i told him of the function that entails...
... so i said, it is because my larval form was tir! and i told him of the function that entails...
i even talked a little about that story from the kozazni excavation--you know the one, ah, when i was first starting work there
i even talked a little about that story from the kozazni excavation--you know the one, ah, when i was first starting work there
Line 919: Line 968:
HE LOOKS FROM THE WINDOW TO KAZKI, WITNESSING MY APPROACH INCIDENTALLY
HE LOOKS FROM THE WINDOW TO KAZKI, WITNESSING MY APPROACH INCIDENTALLY
WITH ANOTHER LITTLE RECEPTOR GESTURE, KAZKI TURNS TO FACE ME AS WELL, DELIGHTED
WITH ANOTHER LITTLE RECEPTOR GESTURE, KAZKI TURNS TO FACE ME AS WELL, DELIGHTED
EXEC::env.embassy.specialCam('kazkibozko')
EXEC::specialCam('kazkibozko');vnp({bg: true, kazki: "show", bozko: "show"})


bozko
bozko
Line 931: Line 980:
RESPOBJ::d1_kazkibozkoresp
RESPOBJ::d1_kazkibozkoresp
</syntaxhighlight>

=== Responses ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
RESPOBJ::
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
Line 939: Line 990:
anything happening?<+>talk
anything happening?<+>talk
fare well for now<+>END
fare well for now<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.specialCam(false);env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
EXEC::specialCam(false);pauseSwapCam(false);vn.done()
</syntaxhighlight>
</syntaxhighlight>


Line 957: Line 1,008:
akizet
akizet
good! report to the signal chamber when you are ready
good! report to the signal chamber when you are ready
i arranged for the <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">time-stopper</span> to be used this time, so it will be quick
i arranged for the timestopper to be used this time, so it will be quick
bozko
bozko
Line 1,024: Line 1,075:
sourceless
sourceless
BOZKO REACHES INTO THE WINDOW, DISRUPTING THE DISPLAY, TO PULL A CONNECTIVE CYST FROM ITS INTERNAL DOCK
BOZKO REACHES INTO THE WINDOW, DISRUPTING THE DISPLAY, TO PULL A CONNECTIVE CYST FROM ITS INTERNAL DOCK
EXEC::content.classList.add('bozkoceptor')
EXEC::content.classList.add('bozkoceptor');vnp({fade: true})
HE AFFIXES IT TO HIS CLOSEST RECEPTOR, AND ADJUSTS THE DISPLAY TO A RECOLLECTION
HE AFFIXES IT TO HIS CLOSEST RECEPTOR, AND ADJUSTS THE DISPLAY TO A RECOLLECTION
THE WINDOW'S COLORS RIPPLE UNTIL THEY FIX UPON A MENTAL PROJECTION
THE WINDOW'S COLORS RIPPLE UNTIL THEY FIX UPON A MENTAL PROJECTION
Line 1,041: Line 1,092:
EXEC::content.classList.remove('bozkoceptor')
EXEC::content.classList.remove('bozkoceptor')
THE IMAGE SOON DISSIPATES
THE IMAGE SOON DISSIPATES
EXEC::content.classList.remove('fishies')
EXEC::content.classList.remove('fishies');vnp({fade: false})
HE GESTURES TOWARDS KAZKI TEASINGLY AFTER A MOMENT'S SILENCE
HE GESTURES TOWARDS KAZKI TEASINGLY AFTER A MOMENT'S SILENCE


Line 1,058: Line 1,109:
kazki
kazki
fine, fine!
fine, fine!
EXEC::vnp({kazki: "focus"})
it is an experiment i am doing, akizet
it is an experiment i am doing, akizet
well, hmm, sort of
well, hmm, sort of
Line 1,063: Line 1,115:
so, i looked closer... and it had eight legs, vibrant stripes, and many large eyes! and it was staring at me!
so, i looked closer... and it had eight legs, vibrant stripes, and many large eyes! and it was staring at me!
it even had armored skin, just like a <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">cave keeper!</span>
it even had armored skin, just like a <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">cave keeper!</span>
and and i thought, 'ah, how cute!' and i wanted to keep it!
and--and i thought, 'ah, how cute!' and i wanted to keep it!


sourceless
sourceless
Line 1,071: Line 1,123:
bozko
bozko
so she made a cavity in her head
so she made a cavity in her head
EXEC::vnp({kazki: "defocus"})
akizet
akizet
Line 1,077: Line 1,130:
kazki
kazki
i am getting to that!!
i am getting to that!!
EXEC::vnp({kazki: "focus"})
so... i went to pick it up, but it leaped into my hand!
so... i went to pick it up, but it leaped into my hand!
like it wanted to be with me! ah, but, by this time, some bright cousins were coming to see what i was doing...
like it wanted to be with me! ah, but, by this time, some bright cousins were coming to see what i was doing...
Line 1,100: Line 1,154:
sourceless
sourceless
KAZKI DIPS HER HEAD FORWARD, THE FEATURES OF HER FACE MELTING AWAY, AND THE COLOR OF HER SKIN FADING TO TRANSPARENCY
KAZKI DIPS HER HEAD FORWARD, THE FEATURES OF HER FACE MELTING AWAY, AND THE COLOR OF HER SKIN FADING TO TRANSPARENCY
EXEC::env.embassy.specialCam('kazkihead');content.classList.add('kazkihead')
EXEC::specialCam('kazkihead');content.classList.add('kazkihead')
IT IS EMPTY, CLEAR AS THE BRIGHT COUSINS' GLASS, CONTAINING ONLY A SPACIOUS SPHERICAL CAVITY
IT IS EMPTY, CLEAR AS THE BRIGHT COUSINS' GLASS, CONTAINING ONLY A SPACIOUS SPHERICAL CAVITY
I TILT MY HEAD FROM SIDE TO SIDE, EVEN ADJUST THE ACCURACY OF MY EYES, BUT DO NOT SEE IT
I TILT MY HEAD FROM SIDE TO SIDE, EVEN ADJUST THE ACCURACY OF MY EYES, BUT DO NOT SEE IT
Line 1,123: Line 1,177:
sourceless
sourceless
KAZKI REPLACES HER FACIAL FEATURES, PULLING HER HEAD BACK
KAZKI REPLACES HER FACIAL FEATURES, PULLING HER HEAD BACK
EXEC::env.embassy.specialCam('kazkibozko');content.classList.remove('kazkihead')
EXEC::specialCam('kazkibozko');content.classList.remove('kazkihead')
kazki
kazki
such life in its little eyes!
such life in its little eyes!
EXEC::content.classList.remove('spider')
EXEC::content.classList.remove('spider');vnp({kazki: "defocus"})


RESPOBJ::d1_kazkibozkoresp
RESPOBJ::d1_kazkibozkoresp
Line 1,172: Line 1,226:
sourceless
sourceless
CAVIK ATTENDS TO THE ARCHIVAL CYSTS, OCCASIONALLY AFFIXING ONE TO A STOUT RECEPTOR
CAVIK ATTENDS TO THE ARCHIVAL CYSTS, OCCASIONALLY AFFIXING ONE TO A STOUT RECEPTOR
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true);
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true);
THE CYSTS ARE ARRANGED IN NEAT PILES, SORTED BY THE SHADE OF THEIR VISCERA
THE CYSTS ARE ARRANGED IN NEAT PILES, SORTED BY THE SHADE OF THEIR VISCERA
THOUGH HIS REGULAR UPKEEP ENSURES THAT NONE GROW TOO DARK OR STARVE
THOUGH HIS REGULAR UPKEEP ENSURES THAT NONE GROW TOO DARK OR STARVE
HE SENSES MY APPROACH AND TURNS, CORDIALLY BOWING HIS HEAD AND RECEPTORS
HE SENSES MY APPROACH AND TURNS, CORDIALLY BOWING HIS HEAD AND RECEPTORS
EXEC::vnp({cavik: "show", hideStage: true})
cavik
cavik
Line 1,204: Line 1,259:
RESPOBJ::d1_cavikresp
RESPOBJ::d1_cavikresp
</syntaxhighlight>

=== Responses ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
RESPOBJ::
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
Line 1,211: Line 1,268:
anything happening?<+>talk
anything happening?<+>talk
fare well for now<+>END
fare well for now<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false);vn.done()
</syntaxhighlight>
</syntaxhighlight>


Line 1,246: Line 1,303:
=== Closed loop theory? ===
=== Closed loop theory? ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
theory
sourceless
sourceless
I WOULD PREFER NOT TO CRUSH HIS INVESTIGATIVE SPIRIT
I WOULD PREFER NOT TO CRUSH HIS INVESTIGATIVE SPIRIT
BUT THESE EARLY THEORIES CARRY LESS WORTH THAN <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">WALL-ROT</span>
BUT THESE EARLY THEORIES CARRY LESS WORTH THAN <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">WALL-ROT</span>
ESPECIALLY DULLZKOVIK'S, <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'religious implication'">VELZIE'S SMILE UPON HIM</span>
ESPECIALLY DULLZKOVIK'S, VELZIE'S SMILE UPON HIM
akizet
akizet
Line 1,269: Line 1,327:
and it is! especially as it goes on, hehe
and it is! especially as it goes on, hehe
but is it not inevitable at the same time?
but is it not inevitable at the same time?
in our deaths, there is enough time to unwravel any mystery--time manipulation included!
in our θdeaths, there is enough time to unravel any mystery--time manipulation included!
akizet
akizet
Line 1,318: Line 1,376:
=== Anything happening? ===
=== Anything happening? ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
talk
akizet
akizet
cavik, my friend, tell me
cavik, my friend, tell me
Line 1,369: Line 1,428:
sourceless
sourceless
I APPROACH THE ATTENDANT DRONE
I APPROACH THE ATTENDANT DRONE
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true)
IT IS FACELESS AT THE MOMENT
IT IS FACELESS AT THE MOMENT
SO IT REGARDS ME WITH A SIMPLE STARE
SO IT REGARDS ME WITH A SIMPLE STARE
Line 1,376: Line 1,435:
speak with groundsmind<+>groundsmind
speak with groundsmind<+>groundsmind
nevermind<+>END
nevermind<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false);
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false);
groundsmind
groundsmind
Line 1,400: Line 1,459:
timestopper
timestopper
akizet
akizet
i appreciate you affording us the <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">time-stopper</span>
i appreciate you affording us the timestopper
how long was it again that we have it?
how long was it again that we have it?


groundsmind
groundsmind
originally you had it for only a few gazes...
originally you had it for only a few gazes...
however: as of a few winks prior, it is indefinitely in the care of the call initiative
however: as of a few θwinks prior, it is indefinitely in the care of the call initiative
the schedule has shifted due to materials no longer needing an upcoming simulation
the schedule has shifted due to materials no longer needing an upcoming simulation
once another initiative has need of it, it will be transferred
once another initiative has need of it, it will be transferred
Line 1,439: Line 1,498:
RESPONSES::akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
leave<+>END
leave<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false);
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false);

END::content.classList.remove('groundsminded');
</syntaxhighlight>
</syntaxhighlight>


=== Responses ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
timestopper<+>timestopper
that is all<+>leave
FAKEEND::(leave)
</syntaxhighlight>
== Timestopper ==
== Timestopper ==


Line 1,448: Line 1,517:
start
start
sourceless
sourceless
THIS IS WHERE I WILL SIT...
this is where i will sit...
ONCE I HAVE THE TEAM ASSEMBLED.
once i have the team assembled.
GAKVU, TOZIK, AND CAVIK ARE ALL HERE
gakvu, tozik, and cavik are all here
ALL BUT KAZKI AND BOZKO
all but kazki and bozko
I SHOULD TELL THEM IT IS TIME FOR THE FOCUS
i should tell them it is time for the focus
THEY ARE PROBABLY IN THE RECREATIONAL AREA!
they are probably in the recreational area!
RESPONSES::akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
Line 1,463: Line 1,532:
start
start
sourceless
sourceless
THE TEAM IS ASSEMBLED AROUND THEIR SEATS, SO I SIT
the team is assembled around their seats, so i sit
akizet
akizet
Line 1,470: Line 1,539:
sourceless
sourceless
I DIP MY HEAD TOWARDS TOZIK, AS HE HAS ALREADY CONNECTED
i dip my head towards tozik, as he has already connected
WITH AN IMPULSE, HE INSTRUCTS THE GRAND CYST TO LOWER WIRED CYSTS BEFORE EACH OF US
with an impulse, he instructs the grand cyst to lower wired cysts before each of us
WHAT A RARE OPPORTUNITY! I AM CERTAIN THAT EVEN GAKVU IS EXCITED
what a rare opportunity! i am certain that even gakvu is excited
I RAISE THE CYST TO MY RIGHT RECEPTOR, AND ITS SHELL SOFTENS, BECOMING AS VISCOUS LIQUID
i raise the cyst to my right receptor, and its shell softens, becoming as viscous liquid
it settles over my receptor, and the timestopper connects to me
IT SETTLES OVER MY RECEPTOR, AND THE <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">TIME-STOPPER</span> CONNECTS TO ME
MY MIND IS DRAWN INTO IT, WITH THE OTHERS - EVERYONE IS CONNECTED
my mind is drawn into it, with the others - everyone is connected
EXEC::content.classList.add('innerfocus')
EXEC::content.classList.add('innerfocus')
Line 1,483: Line 1,552:
sourceless
sourceless
WITH A SIMPLE INSTRUCTION, THE GRAND CYST'S ADDITIONAL NEURAL PROCESSING ACTIVATES
with a simple instruction, the grand cyst's additional neural processing activates
ITS STRENGTH AND PROCESSING SPEED IS SUCH THAT TIME... STOPS
its strength and processing speed is such that time... stops
SUCH A PECULIAR SENSATION - TO OBSERVE IN FULL COGNITIVE CAPACITY A WORLD AND BODY THAT CANNOT MOVE
such a peculiar sensation - to observe in full cognitive capacity a world and body that cannot move
THOUGH THE CORES OF OUR MINDS ARE SHELLED FROM ONE ANOTHER
though the cores of our minds are shelled from one another
WE EACH CARRY A NEW MIND THAT FEELS AS IF IT WAS ALWAYS THERE - THE GRAND CYST
we each carry a new mind that feels as if it was always there - the grand cyst
EXEC::content.classList.add('showfocus')
EXEC::content.classList.add('showfocus')
AND IT THINKS WITH US AS ONE
and it thinks with us as one
EXEC::content.classList.add('cull-stage')
EXEC::content.classList.add('cull-stage')
timestopper
timestopper
IS THIS NOT PECULIAR?
is this not peculiar?
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus(false)
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus(false)
AHAHA! HOW FUN!
ahaha! how fun!
OH BUT I CANNOT TELL WHICH THOUGHT IS MINE
oh but i cannot tell which thought is mine
HOW DO WE STAY DISTINCT AGAIN?
how do we stay distinct again?
SILLY! THE LAST ONE WAS NOT SO LONG AGO
silly! the last one was not so long ago
BUT I WILL REMIND YOU
but i will remind you
YOU DO IT LIKE THIS
you do it like this
sourceless
sourceless
WE EACH UNDERSTAND SIMPLY: THINK OUTWARDLY
we each understand simply: think outwardly


akizet
akizet
Line 1,514: Line 1,583:


timestopper
timestopper
YES! YES! YES STOP
yes! yes! yes stop
YES OH I THINK I AM YES
yes oh i think i am yes
ECHOING IT SORRY YES
echoing it sorry yes
cavik
cavik
Line 1,524: Line 1,593:
timestopper
timestopper
IT IS OK!
it is ok!
kazki
kazki
Line 1,533: Line 1,602:
timestopper
timestopper
ARE WE GOOD? YES! OK
are we good? yes! ok
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus(false)
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus(false)
NOW ONTO THE MATTERS OF THE CALL
now onto the matters of the call
sourceless
sourceless
A GREAT DEAL OF INFORMATION IS TRANSMITTED BETWEEN US
a great deal of information is transmitted between us
LONG-OVERDUE DISCUSSIONS AND PLANNING FOR EXPEDITIONS
long-overdue discussions and planning for expeditions
IN AN INSTANT, FAST EVEN WITHIN THE ALTERED TIME OF THE GRAND CYST,
in an instant, fast even within the altered time of the grand cyst,
WORDLESS KNOWLEDGE IS UNDERSTOOD, ASSIGNED WORDS ONLY IN AFTERTHOUGHT
wordless knowledge is understood, assigned words only in afterthought
timestopper
timestopper
Line 1,578: Line 1,647:


timestopper
timestopper
MAKES SENSE! NO ARGUMENT!
makes sense! no argument!
NO OTHER LEADS YET ANYWAY AHAHA
no other leads yet anyway ahaha
ANYTHING ELSE BEFORE WE DISENGAGE?
anything else before we disengage?
NO
no
WAIT YES WE HAVE THE SPIKE
wait yes we have the spike
SEE!
see!
sourceless
sourceless
IN OUR COLLECTIVE MINDS EYE, A VISUALIZATION OF THE SIGNAL IS SHOWN
in our collective minds eye, a visualization of the signal is shown
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus(false);content.classList.add('signal')
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus(false);content.classList.add('signal')
A STRANGE SPIKE... BUT NOT UNEXPECTED GIVEN THE DULL CONTRIVANCE'S PROXIMITY
a strange spike... but not unexpected given the dull contrivance's proximity
timestopper
timestopper
THAT IS PECULIAR
that is peculiar
IT LOOKS UNNATURAL GIVEN THE BASELINE
this frequency looks unnatural
BUT WHAT ABOUT IT? COULD IT BE AN ERROR?
it is too far from the call's baseline activity
NO THIS IS AGGREGATE DATA
could it be an error?
no - this is aggregate data from many listeners all across this planet
AND IT DID NOT HELP POLYGONATION REGRETTABLY
SO WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT IT?
did not help polygonation regrettably
DO WE JUST MARK IT DOWN?
so what do we do about it?
do we just mark it down?
tozik
tozik
Line 1,603: Line 1,673:


sourceless
sourceless
IDENTICAL MEMORIZED DATA FROM AN ARCHIVAL CYST MANIFESTS
identical memorized data from an archival cyst manifests
EXEC::env.bgm.rate(0.9);content.classList.add('signal2')
EXEC::env.bgm.rate(0.9);content.classList.add('signal2')
DID HE BRING UP THE SAME RECORD BY ACCIDENT?
did he bring up the same record by accident?
EXEC::env.bgm.rate(0.8)
EXEC::env.bgm.rate(0.8)
NO... THIS IS DIFFERENT
no... this is different
EXEC::env.bgm.rate(0.7)
EXEC::env.bgm.rate(0.7)
tozik
tozik
i have been searching through approximately twelve eyes of data
i have been searching through approximately twelve θeyes of data
this has happened once before. see?
this has happened once before. see?
the same type of spike, with the same duration
timestopper
timestopper
HOW MANY EYES AGO WAS THAT? SEVEN? EIGHT?
how many θeyes ago was that? seven? eight?
gakvu
gakvu
Line 1,627: Line 1,698:
timestopper
timestopper
HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? COULD IT BE A COINCIDENCE?
how is that possible? could it be a coincidence?
ABSOLUTELY NOT
absolutely not
tozik
tozik
Line 1,634: Line 1,705:
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('tozik')
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('tozik')
in my early studies, maybe even larval
in my early studies, maybe even larval
this is raw thought - unoptimized, primal
these are markers of raw thought - unoptimized, primal
what corru knows and broadcasts instinctively,
what corru knows and broadcasts instinctively,
and what early corrucystic pioneers used for communication
and what early corrucystic pioneers used for communication
sourceless
sourceless
A STRANGE DREAD SPREADS THROUGH OUR SHARED MIND
a strange dread spreads through our shared mind
WHY DO I FEEL IT TOO? IS IT MINE? AM I SCARED?
why do i feel it too? is it mine? am i scared?
THIS DOES NOT MEAN ANYTHING
this does not mean anything
tozik
tozik
at regular intervals the signal spikes
in raw thought transmission, the signal spikes at regular intervals
five equidistant times, once at the beginning
five equidistant times, once at the beginning
and there are no recordings of the exact beginning...
and there are no recordings of the exact beginning...
Line 1,651: Line 1,722:
timestopper
timestopper
...
...
BUT IT HAS BEEN BROADCAST FOR HOW LONG?
but it has been broadcast for how long?
HOW COULD A THOUGHT BE THAT LARGE?
how could a thought be that large?
COULD WE EVEN
could we even
...
...
EXEC::content.classList.remove('signal', 'signal2')
EXEC::content.classList.remove('signal', 'signal2')


sourceless
sourceless
THE DREAD'S CLAW BITES INTO ME, PARALYZING MY THOUGHTS
the dread's claw bites into me, paralyzing my thoughts
IS IT MINE?? NO ONE ELSE IS THINKING ABOUT IT BUT IT IS SHARED
is it mine?? no one is commenting upon it - perhaps confused, themselves...
WHO IS SCARED? IT IS OVERWHELMING
so then who is scared? it is overwhelming
I FEEL LIKE TEARING THE CYST FROM MY RECEPTOR, BUT I CANNOT MOVE
i feel like tearing the cyst from my receptor, but i cannot move
NOT WITHOUT FIRST TURNING OFF THE TIME CONSTRICTION
not without first turning off the time constriction
timestopper
timestopper
IT COULD BE SOMETHING ELSE
it could be something else
THERE ARE ONLY TWO DATA POINTS HERE
there are only two data points here
A COMPELLING THEORY BUT THAT MEANS WE MUST WAIT A LONG TIME
a compelling theory but that means we must wait a long time
ARE WE ALL IN AGREEMENT THAT WE SHOULD PROBABLY TELL NO ONE ABOUT THIS
are we all in agreement that we should probably tell no one about this
WHAT!
what!
cavik
cavik
wait, why! this is huge!
wait, why! this is huge!
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('cavik')
EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('cavik')
this changes everything!
even just the possibility changes everything...
you know what this means, right?
akizet
akizet
Line 1,683: Line 1,755:
timestopper
timestopper
RIGHT YES WE NEED MORE
right yes we need more
WE CANNOT SIMPLY SHARE IT
we cannot simply share it
NOT WHILE THE EVIDENCE IS INCOMPLETE
not while the evidence is incomplete


akizet
akizet
Line 1,691: Line 1,763:
sourceless
sourceless
I SENSE A MIXTURE OF FRUSTRATION AND RELIEF
i sense a mixture of frustration and relief
INDEED, THIS IS COMPELLING, BUT IT IS SIMPLY A THEORY
indeed, this is compelling, but it is simply a theory
judging by the team's reactions, even sharing it as a possibility would be quite an upset
ESPECIALLY WITHOUT THE THEORETICAL FIRST SPIKE BEING RECORDED
without the theoretical first spike being recorded, it is hard to justify
EITHER WAY IT IS NOT WORTH INTERROGATING AT THIS TIME
either way it is not worth interrogating at this time - we need only wait
I TAKE EVERYONE'S SILENCE AS CONFIRMATION
i take everyone's silence as confirmation
akizet
akizet
Line 1,702: Line 1,775:


timestopper
timestopper
BYE EVERYONE!
bye everyone!
EXEC::content.classList.remove('cull-stage', 'showfocus')
EXEC::content.classList.remove('cull-stage', 'showfocus')


sourceless
sourceless
THE TIME CONSTRICTION DISENGAGES. I REMOVE THE CYST FROM MY RECEPTOR
the time constriction disengages. i remove the cyst from my receptor
EXEC::content.classList.remove('innerfocus');env.bgm.rate(1)
EXEC::env.bgm.rate(1)
IN REAL TIME, WE HAD BEEN SITTING ONLY FOR THE LENGTH OF A LARVAL BREATH
in real time, we had been sitting only for the length of a larval breath
BUT IMMEDIATELY, EVERYONE STANDS, RELIEVED AT THEIR FREEDOM
but immediately, everyone stands, relieved at their freedom
EXEC::content.classList.remove('innerfocus')
I DIP MY HEAD AND RECEPTORS TOWARDS THE TEAM, AND RETURN TO MY QUARTERS
i dip my head and receptors towards the team, and return to my quarters
RESPONSES::sys
RESPONSES::sys
end recollection<+>END
end recollection<+>END
EXEC::change("embassy_d1_complete", true);env.bgm.pause();moveTo("/local/ocean/embassy/")
EXEC::change("embassy_d1_complete", true);corruRefresh()
</syntaxhighlight>
</syntaxhighlight>


Line 1,723: Line 1,797:
start
start
sourceless
sourceless
I AWAKEN FROM THE STILLNESS OF MY REJUVENATION
I AWAKEN FROM THE STILLNESS OF MY REJUVENATION
THROUGH THE DISTANT DULL CONTRIVANCE, I FEEL ANOTHER GAZE HAS BEGUN
THROUGH THE DISTANT DULL CONTRIVANCE, I FEEL ANOTHER GAZE HAS BEGUN
EXEC::env.embassy.slowCam()
EXEC::env.embassy.slowCam()


AND AS I CLAMBER OUT FROM MY CHAMBER, I SEE SOMETHING NEW...
AND AS I CLAMBER OUT FROM MY CHAMBER, I SEE SOMETHING NEW...
EXEC::env.embassy.specialCam('cystfocus')
EXEC::specialCam('cystfocus')


AN UNFAMILIAR CYST LAID UPON MY DESK
AN UNFAMILIAR CYST LAID UPON MY DESK
Line 1,740: Line 1,814:
RESPONSES::akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
curious<+>END
curious<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.specialCam(false);env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
EXEC::specialCam(false);pauseSwapCam(false)
</syntaxhighlight>
</syntaxhighlight>


Line 1,789: Line 1,863:


== Mystery Cyst ==
== Mystery Cyst ==
=== Connection ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>start
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>start
sourceless
sourceless
PECULIAR...
PECULIAR...
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true)
THIS CYST HAS NO DISTINCT SHELL
THIS CYST HAS NO DISTINCT SHELL
A FLOURISHING SPIRAL MARKS IT... BUT I DO NOT KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS
A FLOURISHING SPIRAL MARKS IT... BUT I DO NOT KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS
Line 1,799: Line 1,874:
sys
sys
ATTENTION::"event required for continued stream";"skip ahead?"
ATTENTION::"event required for continued stream";"skip ahead?"
SHOWIF::"embassy__cyst-end"
SHOWIF::"embassy__echo3"
RESPONSES::akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
connect<+>connection
connect<+>connection
leave it<+>END
leave it<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false);
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false);


RESPONSES::sys
RESPONSES::sys
skip<+>END
skip<+>END
SHOWIF::"embassy__cyst-end"
SHOWIF::"embassy__echo3"
EXEC::change("PAGE!!akiroomunlocked", true);change("PAGE!!cystmelted", true);content.classList.add('cystmelted');step();env.embassy.pauseSwap(false);
EXEC::change("PAGE!!akiroomunlocked", true);change("PAGE!!cystmelted", true);content.classList.add('cystmelted');step();pauseSwapCam(false);
FAKEEND::(skip sequence)
FAKEEND::(skip sequence)


Line 1,816: Line 1,891:
I RAISE THE CYST TO A RECEPTOR AND SETTLE IT
I RAISE THE CYST TO A RECEPTOR AND SETTLE IT
AFTER A SMALL DELAY, IT ACTIVATES, AND A CONSCIOUSNESS MAKES ITSELF KNOWN
AFTER A SMALL DELAY, IT ACTIVATES, AND A CONSCIOUSNESS MAKES ITSELF KNOWN
EXEC::content.classList.add('innerfocus', 'cystfocus', 'showfocus')
AN ECHO WITH A MESSAGE LEFT FOR ME...
AN ECHO WITH A MESSAGE LEFT FOR ME...
EXEC::content.classList.add('cystavatar')
EXEC::vnp({echo: "show"})
WE EXCHANGE WORDLESS MEANING, FORMING INTO THOUGHTS
WE EXCHANGE WORDLESS MEANING, FORMING INTO THOUGHTS
Line 1,830: Line 1,904:
I DO NOT KNOW. ALL MEMORY SAVE FOR MY MESSAGE HAS BEEN STRIPPED
I DO NOT KNOW. ALL MEMORY SAVE FOR MY MESSAGE HAS BEEN STRIPPED
I FEEL THAT MY SPEAKER WANTED THIS MESSAGE TO BE DISCREET
I FEEL THAT MY SPEAKER WANTED THIS MESSAGE TO BE DISCREET
EXEC::content.classList.add('cullstage')
EXEC::content.classList.add('fade-stage')
sourceless
sourceless
Line 1,839: Line 1,913:
I WILL CONVEY THE MESSAGE TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY
I WILL CONVEY THE MESSAGE TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY
HENCEFORTH: "I" WILL REFERENCE MY SPEAKER
HENCEFORTH: "I" WILL REFERENCE MY SPEAKER

...
AKIZET: IT IS WITH WORRY FOR YOUR WELL-BEING THAT THIS MESSAGE FINDS YOU
INFORMATION REGARDING THE TEAM'S FINDINGS MUST NOT BE SHARED WITH ANYONE AT ANY POINT
EXEC::env.embassy.toggleMusic(env.embassy.music_suspense)
sourceless
sourceless
the echo's message forms into imagery - a false environment that i allow my mind to enter
WHAT?
EXEC::changeStage("echovision");vn.done()
WHY?
it is simple... simple enough that it should only occupy a fraction of a blink
the echo awaits my engagement to continue


RESPONSES::akizet
go ahead<+>END
FAKEEND::continue
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false);body.classList.add("pathstep0");env.embassy.echoChatter(1)
</syntaxhighlight>
=== Echo Chatter 1 ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="javascript" line=1>
case 1:
body.classList.add('nomenus')

chatter({actor: "echo", text: "hello akizet, i am glad it is you who connected", delay: delay += 3000})
chatter({actor: "echo", text: "as it is with worry for your well-being that this message finds you", delay: delay += 4000})
chatter({actor: "echo", text: "it must be said immediately:", delay: delay += 3000})
chatter({actor: "echo", text: "information regarding our team's latest findings must not be shared with anyone at any point", delay: delay += 4000})

env.setTimeout(()=>{
changeBgm(env.embassy.music_suspense, {length: 9000})
}, delay - 10)

chatter({actor: "akizet", text: "yes... as we had agreed", delay: delay += 3000, readout: true})
chatter({actor: "akizet", text: "what is the purpose of this message?", delay: delay += 3000, readout: true})

chatter({actor: "echo", text: "we are in great danger, akizet", delay: delay += 3000})
chatter({actor: "echo", text: "though we agreed in work, there can be no casual hints of our knowledge", delay: delay += 4000})
chatter({actor: "echo", text: "no sharing with larval relations", delay: delay += 3000})
chatter({actor: "echo", text: "not anyone you think you can trust", delay: delay += 3000})
chatter({actor: "echo", text: "no one", delay: delay += 2000})

chatter({actor: "sourceless", text: "apprehension from the echo saturates the environment", delay: delay += 3000, readout: true})
chatter({actor: "sourceless", text: "i can feel that this delusional paranoia is not even its true message", delay: delay += 3000, readout: true})
chatter({actor: "sourceless", text: `in my <span definition="NOTE::INHERITED CONTEXT::'implies altered living state'">death</span>, i have never had patience for such meandering exchanges`, delay: delay += 3000, readout: true})

chatter({actor: "akizet", text: "why? do not waste my time, cease with this drama", delay: delay += 4000, readout: true})

chatter({actor: "echo", text: "i presumed you might react this way", delay: delay += 3000})
chatter({actor: "echo", text: "but i had to place my warning first, out of precaution", delay: delay += 3000})
chatter({actor: "echo", text: "you want to know why:", delay: delay += 3000})
chatter({actor: "echo", text: "come and see", delay: delay += 3000})

env.setTimeout(()=>{
body.classList.add("pathstep1")
}, delay + 2000)
break
</syntaxhighlight>
=== Echo Dialogue 1 ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
start
echo
echo
the call, akizet
THERE ARE CERTAIN GROUPS WITHIN THE INITIATIVE
EXEC::content.setAttribute("ech", "call");forceSwapCam(true);specialCam("ecall");change("PAGE!!e1", true)
WE HAVE ALWAYS KNOWN WHAT THE ORIGIN OF THE CALL IS
the initiative to study it, both here and home, holds certain conflicting groups
EXEC::content.setAttribute("ech", "calleye");specialCam("eclaw")
they have always known <em>what</em> its origin truly is,
and they will resort to violence to keep this secret
EXEC::content.setAttribute("ech", "calleyeclaw")
while what we have discovered is indirect,
a smaller organ in the whole of the truth,
it is dangerous to hold as we do
to share even a hint of it could meet us all with our final deaths
EXEC::content.setAttribute("ech", "calleyeclawcrush")
sourceless
sourceless
THIS NOTION ALONE IS ENOUGH TO SPARK ANGER...
this notion alone is enough to spark anger
IT IS A BAD TIME TO PLAY A JOKE
the type of baseless theory a paranoid kiv might concoct

akizet
the council would never have approved our research if this were the case
EXEC::specialCam("eaki")
are you simply sowing suspicion? is this a threat?
or is this a poorly timed prank?
velzie would be unimpressed

echo
echo
THERE IS STILL MUCH WE DO NOT KNOW
please understand, there is much we still do not know
EXEC::specialCam("echoclose")
OUR RESEARCH IS ENTIRELY NECESSARY
BUT KNOW THAT WE ARE IN TERRIBLE DANGER
our research is entirely necessary
especially with the unaffiliated, the unbiased, like you
TO KNOW EVEN A SLIVER OF THE TRUTH PLACES YOU IN A TERRIBLE GAME
ONE THAT VELZIE'S CRUEL HUMOR COULD NOT DREAM
and i care about you, akizet
ATTEMPTING TO SHARE WHAT WE HAVE FOUND...
you should not have to be a part of this
but this sliver of truth we carry places us all in a terrible game
WILL MEET US ALL WITH OUR FINAL DEATHS
one that velzie's cruel humor could not dream

sourceless
akizet
WHAT? WHAT??
so it was you who broadcast that dread in our focus
CEASE WITH THIS DRAMA
SPEAK CLEARLY
IS THIS A THREAT?


echo
echo
I CARE ABOUT YOU AKIZET
a fraction of it, yes,
YOU SHOULD NOT BE A PART OF THIS
but i am not the only one involved with this game
THERE ARE SEVERAL OF US ON THE TEAM...
i suspect others operate within our team
AND THOUGH THEY ARE FRIENDS ALL
and though they are friends all,
THIS CONFLICT PLACES SOME OF US AS FOES
this conflict seeks to place us as foes
the claws of it reach far beyond us, too
PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT NONE OF US - EVEN WOULD-BE FOES - WANT THIS TO ESCALATE
EXEC::content.setAttribute("ech", "crowd");specialCam("ecrowd")
SO I PLEAD
it is a cold wind that suffuses the entire embassy
DO NOT SHARE ANYTHING
but this discovery of the raw thought pattern...
WITH ANYONE
ALL RIGHT?
it will become like a spirestorm
none of us - not even would-be foes - want this to escalate
so hear my plea:
EXEC::content.removeAttribute("ech")
you must take every measure to hide this
we cannot risk any sliver of our knowledge escaping
do you understand?


sourceless
sourceless
THIS WAS UNNECESSARY
despite my skepticism,
WE ALL AGREED NOT TO SPEAK OF THIS
EXEC::specialCam("eaki")
ARE YOU SIMPLY SOWING SUSPICION?
i feel that this is heartfelt, truthful
WAS IT YOU WHO BROADCAST THAT DREAD IN OUR FOCUS?
a difficult feeling to fake with an echo
indeed, the tone is one of defensive panic
so i must respond,
echo
IT WAS ALL OF US, THOSE IN THE GAME
RESPONSES::akizet
THE DISCOVERY OF THE RAW THOUGHT PATTERN HAS DISRUPTED EVERYTHING
AND THIS MESSAGE IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY
yes, i understand<+>END
BECAUSE YOU CANNOT SHARE THIS
FAKEEND::continue
WITH A N Y O N E
EXEC::forceSwapCam(false);specialCam("")

NO CLOSE FRIENDS, NO LARVAL RELATIONS,
END::env.embassy.echoChatter(2)
NOT A SINGLE PERSON YOU THINK YOU TRUST
</syntaxhighlight>
DO YOU UNDERSTAND?

=== Echo Chatter 2 ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="javascript" line=1>
case 2:
MUI("on")
body.classList.add("pathstep2")
chatter({actor: "akizet", text: "yes, i understand"})

chatter({actor: "echo", text: "thank you", delay: delay += 3000})
chatter({actor: "echo", text: "if only i could truly hear you agree", delay: delay += 2000})
chatter({actor: "echo", text: "but i cannot risk any side knowing i have told you", delay: delay += 3000})
chatter({actor: "echo", text: "so this cyst will erase its purpose shortly", delay: delay += 4000})

env.setTimeout(()=>{
body.classList.add("pathstep3")
}, delay + 2000)

chatter({actor: "echo", text: "but trust that i will know your response based on your actions", delay: delay += 4000})
env.setTimeout(()=>{
startDialogue("echo2")
}, delay + 3000)
break
</syntaxhighlight>

=== Echo Dialogue 2 ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
start
sourceless
sourceless
despite my agreement, i cannot dispel this uneasy coil in my receptors
...
DESPITE MY SKEPTICISM...
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true)
I FEEL THAT THIS MESSAGE IS HEARTFELT, TRUTHFUL
to have this dangled before me as a vague threat...
INDEED, THE TONE WITH WHICH IT COMES IS ONE OF DEFENSIVE PANIC
but how else am i to respond, whether this is true or not?
it is not as if i intended to share it in the first place...
SO I RESPOND: YES
do they simply fear what might happen if i examine our theory more closely?
in case there is a connection back to the source, i must continue my agreement

akizet
what happens next?

echo
echo
THANK YOU
for you, nothing
IF I COULD HEAR YOUR RESPONSE I WOULD BE SO RELIEVED
i am taking every measure to protect our team
even the misled traitors
BUT I CANNOT RISK THEM KNOWING I HAVE EVEN TOLD YOU ANYTHING
SO THIS CYST WILL ERASE ITS PURPOSE WHEN WE ARE DONE
i have already hidden the archived discussion from our focus
BUT TRUST THAT I WILL KNOW YOUR RESPONSE BASED ON YOUR ACTIONS
we will not speak, we will not share, you will not know who i am
eventually, we will be forced to share our findings and reveal the truth
but there is time to prepare the stage
if this is not handled delicately,
all of us - bright cousins included - will suffer terrible consequences
they are innocent bystanders, they do not deserve what may come
but if you allow me,
if you can trust this echo as i have pleaded to velzie you might,
everything will be fine
that is truly all i can tell you
goodbye akizet
EXEC::content.setAttribute("ech", "bye")

akizet
wait
is there any proof you can share?
anything at all?
i want to trust you
but i must know it to be true
and what if we find something else?
how much of our work is truly at risk??
RESPONSES::akizet
...<+>END
FAKEEND::continue
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)

END::env.embassy.echoChatter(3)
</syntaxhighlight>

=== Echo Chatter 3 ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="javascript" line=1>
case 3:
MUI("on")
chatter({actor: "sourceless", text: "there is no response - no thought, no meaning", delay: delay += 3000, readout: true})
chatter({actor: "sourceless", text: "in reality, i feel a strange runoff near my cyst-bearing receptor", delay: delay += 3000, readout: true})
let warningBgm = env.bgm

env.setTimeout(()=>{
play("criticalError", 0.65)
env.stage.current.detonate()
forceSwapCam(true)
ratween(env.bgm, 2, 5000)
}, delay += 4000)

chatter({actor: "sourceless quiet", text: "it is destroying itself...", delay, readout: true})
env.setTimeout(()=>{
forceSwapCam(false)
}, delay + 5000)

env.setTimeout(()=>{
changeStage("embassy_quarters", 10, "down")
startDialogue("echo3")
body.classList.remove('nomenus')
}, delay + 5100)

env.setTimeout(()=>{ // reset for closeout of this day
warningBgm.rate(1)
}, delay + 6500)
break
</syntaxhighlight>

=== Echo Dialogue 3 ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
env.dialogues["echo3"] = generateDialogueObject(`
start
sourceless quiet
i tear the cyst from my receptor before it can fully melt, throwing it to the table
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true);change("PAGE!!cystmelted", true);content.classList.add('cystmelted')

sourceless
sourceless
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
the echo cyst self-destructed...
what do i do? what can i do?
i need guidance
echo
NOTHING. WORK CONTINUES
funfriend!! activate
AWAIT FURTHER CORRESPONDENCE
AND REST ASSURED THAT I AM TAKING EVERY MEASURE TO PROTECT THE TEAM
EVEN THE TRAITOROUS, MISLED MEMBERS
EVENTUALLY WE WILL BE FORCED TO SHARE OUR FINDINGS WITH ALL OF OBESKI
PERHAPS EVEN THE BRIGHT COUSINS... BUT THEY SHOULD BE SPARED
EITHER WAY, BY THEN, WE WILL HAVE ESTABLISHED A NEW NARRATIVE TO PRESERVE ORDER
SO IT WILL BE FINE
THAT IS TRULY ALL I CAN TELL YOU
GOODBYE AKIZET
EXEC::content.classList.remove('cystavatar')
sourceless
WAIT
HOW CAN I KNOW THIS IS TRUE?
...
EXEC::env.embassy.toggleMusic(env.embassy.music)
I FEEL A STRANGE RUNOFF NEAR MY CONNECTED RECEPTOR
EXEC::change("PAGE!!cystmelted", true);content.classList.add('cystmelted')
MY CLAW SINKS DEEPLY INTO THE CYST WHEN I GRASP AND REMOVE IT, AND I THROW IT TO THE TABLE
EXEC::content.classList.remove('innerfocus', 'cullstage', 'cystfocus', 'showfocus')
THE ECHO'S CYST IS SELF-DESTRUCTING
K«¾ƒq^'Â
WHAT DO I DO?
I NEED GUIDANCE...
FUNFRIEND!! ACTIVATE


funfriend
funfriend
Line 1,949: Line 2,165:
sourceless
sourceless
SHOULD I EVEN TRY ASKING WHO LEFT IT?
should i even try asking who left it?
BUT WHAT IF I ASK THE WRONG PERSON?
but what if i ask the wrong person?
THESE... FACTIONS. WILL THEY THINK ONE SIDE HAS TRIED TO SWAY ME?
these... groups. will one side think the other has tried to sway me?
WHAT COULD THEY POSSIBLY BE QUARRELING OVER?
and what could they even be quarreling over?
I HAVE NEVER HEARD ONCE OF ANY CONFLICT
i have never heard once of any conflict
funfriend
funfriend
Line 1,960: Line 2,176:
sourceless
sourceless
I GRANT FUNFRIEND ACCESS TO MY SHORT-TERM MEMORY WITH AN IMPULSE
i grant funfriend access to my short-term memory with an impulse
BUT THAT DOES NOT MATTER, BECAUSE I ALREADY HAVE COME TO A CONCLUSION
but that does not matter, for i have already come to a conclusion
yes--i know!
YES--I KNOW! I CAN HIDE THE DETAILS - I CAN ASK WHO RETURNED MY CYST
I WILL SAY IT IS SOME MUNDANE THING, BUT THE SPEAKER WHO PLACED IT
i can ask the team, one by one--hide the details!
i will say it is some mundane thing, some borrowed cyst being returned,
THEY WILL KNOW WHAT I REALLY MEAN
but the speaker who placed it...
funfriend
funfriend
AKIZET IT DOES NOT SEEM LIKE THEY WANT YOU INVOLVED
AKIZET IT DOES NOT SEEM LIKE THEY WANT YOU INVOLVED
WOULD IT NOT BE BETTER TO SIMPLY STAY QUIET LIKE THEY WANT?
WOULD IT NOT BE BETTER TO SIMPLY STAY QUIET LIKE THEY WANT?
IF THEY HAVE TAKEN THIS MEASURE
LIKE YOU ALREADY AGREED ANYWAY!
IF THEY HAVE TAKEN THIS MEASURE, ASSUMING IT IS TRUTHFUL
WHY WOULD THEY EVEN GIVE A SLIGHT HINT TO YOU IN-PERSON?
WHY WOULD THEY EVEN GIVE A SLIGHT HINT TO YOU IN-PERSON?


sourceless
sourceless
THEY MAY HINT UNWILLINGLY
they may hint unwillingly
funfriend, i cannot simply let such claims go uninvestigated
I CANNOT SIMPLY LET SUCH CLAIMS GO UNINVESTIGATED
AND THE SPEAKER MUST KNOW THIS
the speaker must know this as well
BUT THEY ARE ALSO WATCHING MY ACTIONS, SO...
doubly so if they are within our team
I SHOULD STILL BE CAREFUL WITH MY WORDS
but they are also watching my actions, so...
i should still be careful with my words
funfriend
funfriend
Line 1,983: Line 2,202:


sourceless
sourceless
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT FUNFRIEND
thank you for your input funfriend
EXEC::change("PAGE!!akiroomunlocked", true);step()
EXEC::change("PAGE!!akiroomunlocked", true);step()


RESPONSES::akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
i must investigate<+>END
i must investigate<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)
`)
</syntaxhighlight>
</syntaxhighlight>


Line 1,996: Line 2,216:
sourceless
sourceless
I APPROACH THE ATTENDANT DRONE
I APPROACH THE ATTENDANT DRONE
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true)
IT IS FACELESS AT THE MOMENT
IT IS FACELESS AT THE MOMENT
SO IT REGARDS ME WITH A SIMPLE STARE
SO IT REGARDS ME WITH A SIMPLE STARE
Line 2,006: Line 2,226:
SHOWIF::[['embassy__d2_attendant-personnel']]
SHOWIF::[['embassy__d2_attendant-personnel']]
goodbye<+>END
goodbye<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)
personnel
personnel
Line 2,019: Line 2,239:
attendant
attendant
A SPINDLE-LEGGED CORRUCYST ENTERED SOME WINKS AGO
A SPINDLE-LEGGED CORRUCYST ENTERED SOME θwinks AGO
IT WAS ASSUMED TO BE A SELF-DELIVERING DEVICE
IT WAS ASSUMED TO BE A SELF-DELIVERING DEVICE
Line 2,035: Line 2,255:
SHOWIF::[['embassy__d2_attendant-personnel']]
SHOWIF::[['embassy__d2_attendant-personnel']]
no thank you<+>END
no thank you<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)


groundsmind
groundsmind
Line 2,065: Line 2,285:


sourceless
sourceless
åADÉ:!±(:
åADÉ:!±(:
IT SELF DESTRUCTED...
IT SELF DESTRUCTED...
SHOULD I MENTION THE SPIRAL?
SHOULD I MENTION THE SPIRAL?
Line 2,104: Line 2,324:
RESPONSES::akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
how embarrassing<+>END
how embarrassing<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)


leave
leave
Line 2,121: Line 2,341:
RESPONSES::akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
leave<+>END
leave<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)


END::content.classList.remove('groundsminded')
END::content.classList.remove('groundsminded')
Line 2,131: Line 2,351:
sourceless
sourceless
CAVIK AND BOZKO SPEAK JOVIALLY BETWEEN A SET OF QUARTERS
CAVIK AND BOZKO SPEAK JOVIALLY BETWEEN A SET OF QUARTERS
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true)
CURIOUS... THEIRS ARE NOT WITHIN THIS BRANCH
CURIOUS... THEIRS ARE NOT WITHIN THIS BRANCH
I APPROACH, MASKING MY SUSPICION WELL
I APPROACH, MASKING MY SUSPICION WELL
Line 2,137: Line 2,357:
akizet
akizet
bozko! cavik! hello! great gaze!
bozko! cavik! hello! great gaze!
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, cavik: "show", bozko: "show"})


bozko
bozko
Line 2,145: Line 2,366:


akizet
akizet
what brings you to this branch of the spire?
what brings you to this branch of the segment?


cavik
cavik
Line 2,155: Line 2,376:
funfriend
funfriend
OFFLOADED MEMORY: MOKKANESCHE, FROM MATERIALS!
OFFLOADED MEMORY: MOKKANESCHE, AN EXCHANGE FROM MATERIALS!
sourceless
sourceless
Line 2,176: Line 2,397:
did either of you return a cyst?<+>cyst
did either of you return a cyst?<+>cyst
enjoy your trip<+>END
enjoy your trip<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false);
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false);vn.done()


cyst
cyst
Line 2,200: Line 2,421:
oh, it was just, a,
oh, it was just, a,
archival cyst
archival cyst
on <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'predator';'infection';'terror'">secri</span>... hunting habits
on secri... hunting habits
sourceless
sourceless
Line 2,251: Line 2,472:
RESPONSES::akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
bye<+>END
bye<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false);vn.done()
</syntaxhighlight>
</syntaxhighlight>


Line 2,259: Line 2,480:
sourceless
sourceless
GAKVU SLOUCHES BEFORE A COMMUNAL CYST, CONNECTED BY A RECEPTOR
GAKVU SLOUCHES BEFORE A COMMUNAL CYST, CONNECTED BY A RECEPTOR
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true)
AS I APPROACH, THE CHAIR ACROSS FROM HER SCUTTLES OUTWARDS FOR ME TO SIT
AS I APPROACH, THE CHAIR ACROSS FROM HER SCUTTLES OUTWARDS FOR ME TO SIT
THE CLICK OF ITS LITTLE LEGS AGAINST THE GLASSY FLOOR DRAWS GAKVU'S ATTENTION OUT OF HER CONNECTION
THE CLICK OF ITS LITTLE LEGS AGAINST THE GLASSY FLOOR DRAWS GAKVU'S ATTENTION OUT OF HER CONNECTION
Line 2,268: Line 2,489:
akizet
akizet
i am not interrupting anything, am i?
i am not interrupting anything, am i?
EXEC::env.embassy.specialCam("gakvusit")
EXEC::specialCam("gakvusit")
gakvu
gakvu
Line 2,277: Line 2,498:
RESPOBJ::d2_gakvuresp
RESPOBJ::d2_gakvuresp
</syntaxhighlight>


=== Responses ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
RESPOBJ::
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
Line 2,285: Line 2,509:
goodbye for now<+>bye
goodbye for now<+>bye
FAKEEND::(leave)
FAKEEND::(leave)

bye
akizet
i should be going
goodbye for now, my friend
sourceless
GAKVU WAVES HER FREE RECEPTOR ABSENTLY
RESPONSES::akizet
leave<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)

END::env.embassy.specialCam(false)
</syntaxhighlight>
</syntaxhighlight>


Line 2,326: Line 2,536:
akizet
akizet
ah, it was an... archival cyst, it appeared sometime during my rejuvenation
ah, it was an... archival cyst, it appeared sometime during my rejuvenation
it was on <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'predator';'infection';'terror'">secri</span> hunting habits
it was on secri hunting habits
i had given it to someone a while back... but i could not remember who
i had given it to someone a while back... but i could not remember who
and there it was! sitting on my table
and there it was! sitting on my table
Line 2,377: Line 2,587:
akizet
akizet
gakvu,
gakvu,
<span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'idiom';'how does velzies gaze behold you'">how beholds you</span>?
how beholds you?
sourceless
sourceless
Line 2,438: Line 2,648:
RESPOBJ::d2_gakvuresp
RESPOBJ::d2_gakvuresp
</syntaxhighlight>

=== Goodbye ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
bye
akizet
i should be going
goodbye for now, my friend
sourceless
GAKVU WAVES HER FREE RECEPTOR ABSENTLY
RESPONSES::akizet
leave<+>END
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)

END::specialCam(false)
</syntaxhighlight>
</syntaxhighlight>


Line 2,445: Line 2,672:
sourceless
sourceless
TOZIK STANDS NEAR THE ORANGE BAR, GRASPING A TASTE SIMULACRUM
TOZIK STANDS NEAR THE ORANGE BAR, GRASPING A TASTE SIMULACRUM
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true)
AN ODD HABIT... I COULD NEVER QUITE CONNECT WITH IT
AN ODD HABIT... I COULD NEVER QUITE CONNECT WITH IT
HIS ATTENTION IS INWARD, YET I SEE NO EXTERNAL CYST CONNECTED
HIS ATTENTION IS INWARD, YET I SEE NO EXTERNAL CYST CONNECTED
Line 2,455: Line 2,682:
sourceless
sourceless
HE LOOKS AT ME AND TWISTS A STOUT RECEPTOR IN A SHORT GREETING
HE LOOKS AT ME AND TWISTS A STOUT RECEPTOR IN A SHORT GREETING
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, tozik: "show"})
tozik
tozik
Line 2,460: Line 2,688:
RESPOBJ::d2_tozikresp
RESPOBJ::d2_tozikresp
</syntaxhighlight>
=== Responses ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
RESPOBJ::
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
Line 2,466: Line 2,697:
your thoughts<+>thoughts
your thoughts<+>thoughts
fare well for now<+>bye
fare well for now<+>bye
EXEC::vn.done()
FAKEEND::(leave)
FAKEEND::(leave)

bye
akizet
bye tozik!

sourceless
HE NODS A RECEPTOR AT ME
RESPONSES::akizet
leave<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
</syntaxhighlight>
</syntaxhighlight>


Line 2,580: Line 2,801:


RESPOBJ::d2_tozikresp
RESPOBJ::d2_tozikresp
</syntaxhighlight>

=== Farewell ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
bye
akizet
bye tozik!

sourceless
HE NODS A RECEPTOR AT ME
RESPONSES::akizet
leave<+>END
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)
</syntaxhighlight>
</syntaxhighlight>


Line 2,587: Line 2,822:
sourceless
sourceless
SURPRISINGLY, KAZKI STANDS WITHIN THE VERY SAME RELOCATOR AS ME
SURPRISINGLY, KAZKI STANDS WITHIN THE VERY SAME RELOCATOR AS ME
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(true)
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true)
THE CHANCES OF THIS ARE SLIM, BUT SHE APPEARS TO BE LOITERING, WAITING FOR SOMETHING
THE CHANCES OF THIS ARE SLIM, BUT SHE APPEARS TO BE LOITERING, WAITING FOR SOMETHING
IS SHE WAITING FOR ME?
IS SHE WAITING FOR ME?
HELD WITHIN ONE OF HER BRANCHED RECEPTORS IS A COMMUNICATIONS CYST
HELD WITHIN ONE OF HER BRANCHED RECEPTORS IS A COMMUNICATIONS CYST
WITH THE OTHER, SHE GIVES ME A KIND GREETING
WITH THE OTHER, SHE GIVES ME A KIND GREETING
EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, kazki: "show"})
kazki
kazki
Line 2,598: Line 2,834:
akizet
akizet
kazki!
kazki!
this is a surprise--i do not often see you in this segment
this is a surprise--i do not often see you linger in this segment
what brings you here?
what brings you here?
Line 2,611: Line 2,847:


RESPOBJ::d2_kazkiresp
RESPOBJ::d2_kazkiresp
</syntaxhighlight>


=== Responses ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
RESPOBJ::
RESPOBJ::
RESPONSES::akizet
RESPONSES::akizet
Line 2,618: Line 2,857:
your creature<+>creature
your creature<+>creature
fare well for now<+>bye
fare well for now<+>bye
EXEC::vn.done()
FAKEEND::(leave)
FAKEEND::(leave)
</syntaxhighlight>


bye
akizet
bye kazki!

kazki
bye!!
RESPONSES::akizet
leave<+>END
EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false)
</syntaxhighlight>


=== The cyst ===
=== The cyst ===
Line 2,660: Line 2,890:
sourceless
sourceless
…¤,¿…¶¡Øn
…¤,¿…¡Øn


funfriend
funfriend
Line 2,729: Line 2,959:
and she says it is a 'arthropod'!
and she says it is a 'arthropod'!
so--i thought, i will call it 'arthur'!
so--i thought, i will call it 'arthur'!
after the bureau contact!
after the bureau construction contact!


sourceless
sourceless
Line 2,746: Line 2,976:
akizet
akizet
kazki, you know it is not an issue if you are
kazki, you know it is not an issue if you are
the silent veil has long been drawn
but--how are you communicating?
but--how are you communicating?
Line 2,751: Line 2,982:
oh!!
oh!!
you have not heard?
you have not heard?
it is a new development by the <span definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'engineers';'caste'">jut</span>
it is a new development by the θjut
very recent! these new communicators...
very recent! these new communicators...
they allow a sort of connection to the human collective!
they allow a sort of connection to the human collective!
Line 2,775: Line 3,006:


RESPOBJ::d2_kazkiresp
RESPOBJ::d2_kazkiresp
</syntaxhighlight>

=== Farewell ===
<syntaxhighlight lang="python" line=1>
bye
akizet
bye kazki!

kazki
bye!!
RESPONSES::akizet
leave<+>END
EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)
</syntaxhighlight>
</syntaxhighlight>


Line 2,785: Line 3,030:


funfriend
funfriend
HELLO AKIZET!!
hello akizet!!


sourceless
sourceless
THAT IS EVERYONE...
that is everyone...
funfriend
funfriend
YES IT WAS!
yes it was!


sourceless
sourceless
AND NOTHING. I SURELY SPOKE TO THE SPEAKER AT SOME POINT
and nothing. i surely spoke to the speaker at some point
BUT THEY MUST BE WELL-PRACTICED IN SUBTERFUGE
but they must be well-practiced in subterfuge
and did you notice - no one else seemed concerned
...

SO...
funfriend
I CANNOT INVESTIGATE FURTHER WITH MY OWN TEAM,
AND I CANNOT SEEK OUTSIDE HELP,
what about gakvu? she seemed surprised
FOR ANYONE COULD BE COMPROMISED, A PART OF THIS 'GAME'
sourceless
CAN I DO ANYTHING? DO I SIMPLY WAIT?
IT WILL BE SO LONG...
true, but it is a strange matter to begin with
what if none of this is real to begin with, and the message was simply made to confuse me?
no, no joke would ever be taken this far
they would simply have cracked at my confrontration...
and to that end - could i be the only one who received this message?
why not cavik?! i would have seen it in his receptors if he was also contacted!
and he is the greatest threat of all to any secrecy!!
so what if he is a part of this conflict, too??
funfriend
funfriend
I DO NOT KNOW!
akizet everything is fine
i understand your worry but there is no urgency here
YOU KNOW MY INCLINATION TOWARDS STASIS
I FEEL THAT YOU SHOULD SIMPLY WAIT
IT SOUNDS LIKE THEY HAVE THIS UNDER CONTROL
AND GETTING INVOLVED WILL PROBABLY NOT LEAD TO ANYTHING GOOD


sourceless
sourceless
AH!
...yes, you are right
I KNOW!
thank you funfriend
i must calm myself, approach this rationally
YES!
but you understand: i cannot trust my own team
nor any qou--here or home
it is like i am in a city usurped by <span class="code" definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'violent parasitic surface fauna';'hijacks mind of victim for use as social camouflage';'ekivik profanity';'not intended to be profane here'">zuzucri</span>
anyone could be compromised, a part of this 'game'
and even if we continue our research work,
what if we find something else too close to the truth?
will we be under even greater threat?
do i do anything? do i simply wait for the truth?
it will be so long... so many θeyes
funfriend you know i cannot simply stop my work
especially if we are just beyond the threshold of understanding the call
this is everything
funfriend
akizet, i cannot know what is right
but you know what i will say already
i feel that you should simply wait
they said the team's research is still important
and it sounds like they have this under control
getting involved will probably not lead to anything good
perhaps you could simply continue with your team,

sourceless
ah!
i know!
yes!
funfriend
funfriend
AKIZET YOU REALLY SHOULD PROBABLY NOT
akizet you really should probably not


sourceless
sourceless
THE BRIGHT COUSINS...
the bright cousins...
THE ECHO IMPLIED THEY KNOW NOTHING!
the echo implied they know nothing!
THE ENVOY!
the envoy!
YES, I MUST SPEAK TO HIM
yes, i must speak to him
PERHAPS... IF I PLACE MY WORDS CORRECTLY,
perhaps... if i place my words correctly,
my research efforts could become two-fold
HIS BUREAU WILL ASSIST ME IN AN INVESTIGATION OF MY OWN
one here, with my team, careful not to cross this invisible line...
DISCREETLY
and another, more discreetly, with his bureau!
where we may discover what these groups seek to hide
yes, if i can simply know <em>what</em> it is, then...
funfriend
funfriend
WHAT OF HIS LEADERS?
wait!!
HE IS A PART OF A LARGER SYSTEM
gordon has limited control, he is a part of a larger system!
what of his leaders?
sourceless
sourceless
HE IS...
he is...
BUT THEY KNOW SO MUCH THAT COULD RAISE CONCERN ALREADY
but our bright cousins are good with secrets
they know so much that could raise concern already
AND NOT ONCE HAS ANY OF IT EVER HIT THE PUBLIC MIND OF THE COUSINS
and not once has any of it ever hit their public mind
INDEED, THEY HAVE VERY LITTLE CORRESPONDENCE OUTSIDE OF DIRECT CONTACTS
indeed, they have very little correspondence outside of direct contacts
AND I AM THE ONLY DIRECT CONTACT FOR THE CALL RESEARCH INITIATIVE
and i am the only direct contact for the call research initiative
though, there is kazki's construction contact...
our cross-initiative ties will make for some sensitive matters to avoid


funfriend
funfriend
THEY CANNOT DETECT THE CALL WITH THEIR OWN TECHNOLOGY
they cannot detect the call with their own technology
AND THEY DO NOT POSSESS THE BIOLOGY TO INTERACT WITH OURS
and they do not possess the biology to interact with ours
HOW DO YOU EXPECT THEM TO HELP YOU?
how do you expect them to help you?
sourceless
sourceless
PERHAPS WE CAN SHARE A FEW THINGS...
perhaps we can share a few things...
DO YOU RECALL THE MURMURS OF 'INTEGRATED BRIGHT TECHNOLOGY'?
do you recall the murmurs of 'integrated bright technology'?
SINCE IT WAS SHELVED...
since it was shelved...
THE TECHNOLOGY DIVISION HAS STORED MUCH OF THE SCHEMATICS PLAINLY WITHIN EMBASSY ARCHIVES
the technology division has stored much of the schematics plainly within embassy archives
OH YES, THIS IS COMING TOGETHER, IS IT NOT? HOW EXCITING
oh yes, this is coming together, is it not? how exciting


funfriend
funfriend
AKIZET I DO NOT LIKE THIS IDEA! AHAHAHA
akizet i do not like this idea! ahahaha
BUT I WILL SUPPORT YOU REGARDLESS
but i will support you regardless


sourceless
sourceless
EXCELLENT...
excellent...
TO THE VESSEL, THEN
to the vessel, then
PLEASE CONTACT HIM AND TELL HIM I AM COMING IN PERSON
please contact him and tell him i am coming in person
SAY THAT I HAVE NEWS OF THE CALL AND THAT WE MUST SPEAK PRIVATELY
say that i have news of the call and that we must speak privately


funfriend
funfriend
UNDERSTOOD
understood


sys
sys
ATTENTION::'memory stream continues externally';'follow stream?'
ATTENTION::'memory stream continues externally';'follow stream?'


____SHOWONCE::
moth
moth
looks like this will take you to the street spatial thoughtform...
looks like this will take you to the street spatial thoughtform...
SHOWONCE::
i'm reading that it leads directly to something that's accessible there already
i'm reading that it leads directly to something that's accessible there already
SHOWONCE::
weird... looks like it has more than before? specifically that chat with gordon
weird... looks like it has more than before? specifically that chat with gordon
SHOWIF::"citystreet__envoychat-start"
SHOWIF::"citystreet__envoychat-start"
SHOWONCE::
i think funfriend fixed it? i didn't even know that part of it was busted
i think funfriend fixed it? i didn't even know that part of it was busted
SHOWIF::"citystreet__envoychat-start"
SHOWIF::"citystreet__envoychat-start"
SHOWONCE::
or... maybe this thoughtform and the street are interwoven somehow.
or... maybe this thoughtform and the street are interwoven somehow.
SHOWIF::"citystreet__envoychat-start"
SHOWIF::"citystreet__envoychat-start"
SHOWONCE::
you said you hear music, right? does any of it sound familiar?
you said you hear music, right? does any of it sound familiar?
SHOWIF::[["++mothglobal-why_music"],["citystreet__envoychat-start"]]
SHOWIF::[["++mothglobal-why_music"],["citystreet__envoychat-start"]]
SHOWONCE::
because, it could be that when funfriend repaired this thoughtform,
because, it could be that when funfriend repaired this thoughtform,
SHOWIF::"citystreet__envoychat-start"
SHOWIF::"citystreet__envoychat-start"
SHOWONCE::
he also repaired this memory stream into the city that had more data
he also repaired this memory stream into the city that had more data
SHOWIF::"citystreet__envoychat-start"
SHOWIF::"citystreet__envoychat-start"
SHOWONCE::
so if you don't follow the stream right now, you should still just be able to go there later and see it anyway
so if you don't follow the stream right now, you should still just be able to go there later and see it anyway
____END
SHOWONCE::


RESPONSES::sys
RESPONSES::sys
Line 2,897: Line 3,172:
EXEC::change("embassy_d2_complete", true);change("TEMP!!ep1_goingtogordon", true);moveTo("/local/city/street/")
EXEC::change("embassy_d2_complete", true);change("TEMP!!ep1_goingtogordon", true);moveTo("/local/city/street/")
end recollection<+>END
end recollection<+>END
EXEC::change("embassy_d2_complete", true);env.bgm.pause();moveTo("/local/ocean/embassy/")
EXEC::change("embassy_d2_complete", true);env.bgm.pause();corruRefresh()
</syntaxhighlight>
</syntaxhighlight>
{{DEFAULTSORT:Embassy}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Embassy}}

Latest revision as of 11:01, 13 June 2024




Moth Dialogue

start
    self
        i have a question about the embassy

    moth
        well, i'll do my best, lol
    
    RESPOBJ::mthembresp

loop
    RESPOBJ::mthembresp

Responses

RESPOBJ::
    RESPONSES::self
        about thoughtform structure<+>structureloop
        about obesk<+>obeskloop
        about collapse<+>collapseloop
            SHOWIF::"embassy__d3_start-end"
        about bstrd<+>bstrd
            SHOWIF::"embassy__d3_bstrdintro-start"
        nevermind<+>CHANGE::++moth
            FAKEEND::(back)

About Thoughtform Structure

structureloop
    RESPONSES::self
        game sucks<+>gamebad
            SHOWONCE::
            SHOWIF::"embassy__d3_rec_clear-end"
        actually the game is ok<+>gamegood
            SHOWONCE::
            SHOWIF::"mth++embassy-gamebad"
        but it needs some work<+>gameok
            SHOWONCE::
            SHOWIF::"mth++embassy-gamegood"
        perspective swap?<+>perspective
            SHOWIF::"embassy__d1_start"
        other memories locked?<+>locked
            SHOWIF::[["embassy_d2_complete", true],["embassy_d1_complete", true],["fbx__ep2intro-end", false]]
        back<+>loop
            FAKEEND::(back)

Game Sucks

gamebad
    self
        game sucks
    
    moth
        ok, first, that's not a question
        second, you're gonna have to deal with it
        the only way we can access this data is with a framing device
        and this is the only one i could get without drawing attention
    
    RESPONSES::self
        fine<+>structureloop
            FAKEEND::(back)

Actually The Game Is Ok

gamegood
    self
        actually the game is ok
    
    moth
        ok?
        great
    
    RESPONSES::self
        yes!!<+>structureloop
            FAKEEND::(back)

But It Needs Some Work

gameok
    self
        i've been thinking some more
        the game is ok but it needs some work

    moth
        i'll forward that to the hacker i got it from for you
        i'm sure they'll get right on it
    
    RESPONSES::self
        thanks<+>structureloop
            FAKEEND::(back)

Perspective Swap?

perspective
    self
        why can i swap perspectives?
        isn't this a memory from akizet's POV?
    
    moth
        wait, you couldn't swap before?
        that's a stock feature, it's part of the FBX patch
        huh... 
        i guess the other spatial thoughtforms must have been too unstable
        maybe they'll get that too once funfriend gets to them
    
    RESPONSES::self
        that would be nice<+>structureloop
            FAKEEND::(back)

Other memories locked?

locked
    self
        why are these other two memories not opening up?

    moth
        looking at the data i can access here,
        these two are still totally busted. 
        something to talk to funfriend about for sure
        and the last one... holy smokes
        i don't think your mindspike will even let you render it?
        it's still busted, but i'm also reading that it has 'aggressive action'
        even if we get it repaired,
        your mindspike will block out combat simulations
        it's, like... a legal thing. remember that big mindsci lawsuit?
        although, i do have an idea...
        but, we'll get to that if this ever gets fixed
    
    RESPONSES::self
        i see<+>structureloop
            FAKEEND::(back)

About obesk

obeskloop
    RESPONSES::self
        kazki guns?<+>kazkiguns
            SHOWIF::"embassy__d3r2-end"
        weird looking obesk?<+>weirdlook
            SHOWIF::"embassy__d1_start"
        is the embassy still around?<+>state
        team members still around?<+>team
            SHOWIF::"embassy__d1_kazkibozko"
        groundsmind?<+>groundsmind
            SHOWIF::"exm|embassy|attendant"
        what is a kalstik?<+>kalstik
            SHOWIF::"exm|embassy|kalstik stand"
        what is an archival vein?<+>archives
            SHOWIF::"embassy__d3_bstrdintro-start"

        back<+>loop
            FAKEEND::(back)

Kazki guns?

kazkiguns
    self
        where did kazki get guns?

    moth
        one of the internal initiatives the obesk had involved the exchange of materials
        like, everything - from plastic bottles, to assault rifles
        they gave us stuff too, although obviously it was a little one sided...
        this was like 20+ years ago so idk exactly what the circumstances were,
        but when aliens were new, people probably didn't hesitate to give them whatever
    
    RESPONSES::self
        i see<+>obeskloop
            FAKEEND::(back)

Weird looking obesk?

weirdlook
    self
        why do the obesk look like that?

    moth
        well, funfriend said visual data was totally gone, 
        so he had to use cached 'network signatures' from 'the collective'
        which... i guess is like something like their internet
        they've talked about it a few times in old interviews
        particularly when they first got access to <em>our</em> internet
        looks like they had a lot of fun coming up with stuff
    
    RESPONSES::self
        yes it does<+>obeskloop
            FAKEEND::(back)

Is the embassy still around?

state
    self
        is the embassy still around?

    moth
        there is <em>an</em> embassy, but it ain't this one
        this one collapsed, like it completely melted
        nobody really knows why, that's when the obesk started closing up
        stopped sending out visitors to cities, fbx contacts made themselves sparse...
        it was a whole thing
        and the ocean around the embassy hasn't really been the same since
    
    RESPONSES::self
        i see<+>obeskloop
            FAKEEND::(back)

Team members still around?

team
    self
        are akizet's team members still around?

    moth
        no idea
        i mean, people say they all disappeared, but...
        honestly, like, all the obesk pulled back
        i wouldn't be surprised if they just went back home
        whatever happened with the embassy collapse completely spooked all of them
    
    RESPONSES::self
        i see<+>obeskloop
            FAKEEND::(back)

Groundsmind?

groundsmind
    self
        what is a groundsmind?

    moth
        oh, you don't know?
        it's pretty cool
        basically, they assign someone to be the 'groundsmind' of major structures
        they connect to this gigantic corrucyst that's hooked up to the walls
        and they kind of just control everything
        it's like they become the building
        sounds familiar, right?
        that idea ended up inspiring the whole mindspike industry
        it's one of those little bits of history that gets forgotten all the time
    
    RESPONSES::self
        i see<+>obeskloop
            FAKEEND::(back)

What is a kalstik?

kalstik
    self
        what is a kalstik?
    
    moth
        i have absolutely no idea
        sorry lol
    
    RESPONSES::self
        its ok<+>obeskloop
            FAKEEND::(back)

What is an archival vein?

archives
    self
        what is an archival vein?
    
    moth
        well, i can see from surface-level context that it's part of the groundsmindry system
            SHOWIF::[["exm|embassy|archive", false]]
        there are apparently a lot of them, and since it uses the word 'vein'...
            SHOWIF::[["exm|embassy|archive", false]]
        there's probably a whole lot of them?
            SHOWIF::[["exm|embassy|archive", false]]
        that's the best i can do buddy, do some more scanning and i might be able to help more
            SHOWIF::[["exm|embassy|archive", false]]

        from the context of what you've scanned, i can get a pretty good idea...
            SHOWIF::[["exm|embassy|archive", true]]
        everything is implying that there was an entire vascular system of them throughout the embassy
            SHOWIF::[["exm|embassy|archive", true]]
        and all of them had the obesk's data cysts loaded up in bulk amounts...
            SHOWIF::[["exm|embassy|archive", true]]
        ...which all funnelled knowledge down to the groundsmind for 'operational omniscience'
            SHOWIF::[["exm|embassy|archive", true]]
        that's a pretty cool idea, but i can only imagine it made the collapse happen faster
            SHOWIF::[["exm|embassy|archive", true]]
        seems like there'd be a lot of structural failure points if it was an entire tunnel system
            SHOWIF::[["exm|embassy|archive", true]]

    RESPONSES::self
        ok<+>obeskloop
            FAKEEND::(back)

About the collapse

collapseloop
    RESPONSES::self
        cavik?<+>cavik
        the signal?<+>signal
        casualties?<+>casualties
        attacks outside embassy?<+>otherattacks
        back<+>loop
            FAKEEND::(back)

Cavik?

cavik
    self
        AKIZET SAID SOMETHING ABOUT CAVIK...
        POTENTIALLY GETTING THEM KILLED?
    
    moth
        yeah, i saw that too...
        i think this memory is further ahead than the other ones
        we're definitely missing something

    RESPONSES::self
        i see<+>collapseloop
            FAKEEND::(back)

The signal?

signal
    self
        do we know anything about the signal?
        the one that triggered the start of this?

    moth
        no, actually
        i mean, that's me making an assumption
        because if we knew anything, we'd probably have already connected it to the collapse somehow
        we didn't and still don't have any tools that can detect dull signals
        but the fact we didn't know about it does at least confirm that it was a dull signal            

    RESPONSES::self
        that's too bad<+>collapseloop
            FAKEEND::(back)

Casualties?

casualties
    self
        how many casualties were there in the collapse?

    moth
        we never really got any solid numbers...
        all we know is enough permanently died that very few physically visit earth anymore
        i've been told it's mostly out of fear now, but...
        i have to wonder if most of the existing qou were actually killed in the collapse
        see, the population of the embassy was only something like a few hundred
        but the obesk have a really low population, like, as a whole
        so when one of them dies, especially a qou, it's a big deal

    RESPONSES::self
        i see<+>collapseloop
            FAKEEND::(back)

Attacks outside the embassy?

otherattacks
    self
        when the collapse started,
        were there any attacks anywhere else?
    
    moth
        not attacks, really
        but there was some really weird stuff that happened at the same time
        see, the obesk had these things they called polygonation spires
        put them all around the world, used them to track the call's origin point
        looked like big purple spikes that stuck out of the ground, like radio tower height
        they were big tourist attractions for a while, actually
        anyway, when this started, they all melted
        every single one just collapsed on itself
        popular theory was that they relied on something in the embassy that broke...
        but i'm not really sure that's the case anymore
        there are also these old archived videos from way back when of obesk ships acting strangely
        like, darting around in the air and not really going anywhere, nearly crashing into buildings
        nothing bad ever really happened, and some news sites debunked them as CGI hoaxes
        remember, that was also about when the AI shit hit the fan, so...
        man, i'm just rambling - there was all kinds of weird stuff that happened, ok?
    
    RESPONSES::self
        ok<+>collapseloop
            FAKEEND::(back)

About bstrd

bstrd
    self
        WHAT IS THIS BSTRD THING
    
    moth
        i gave the data a closer look, at least as close as i can see without a spike myself
        as far as i can tell, it's an autonomous, iteration-limited memory modifier
        it picks one spot in a memory based on its importance, and operates only there
        the fact it can alter the memory at all is honestly incredible
        it's intended for human memories, specifically combat recordings, but...
        maybe the loose structure of obesk memory is actually helping it work?
        anyway don't worry about it spreading, it's limited to the framing device
        which, by the way, i got from a college pal, not off the spike trade
        we'd be boiling in internal affairs already if i got it off the spike trade lol
        but i gotta tell you, this pal of mine...
        they got the spike a few years ago and they've been really strange ever since
        and not in a fun way like with you
        i mean, bless them, they're great, they're just...
        they would say we aren't getting the full experience of their work without a "hard mode"
        despite this being an <em>important operation</em>
        that kind of person, you know?
        at least this one didn't have a title screen

    RESPONSES::self
        i see<+>loop
            FAKEEND::(back)

Moth Comment

    var moth
    switch(check("PAGE!!embassy_day")) {
        case 3:
            if(env.stage.name.includes("archiv") && check("embassy__d3_bstrdintro")) {
                moth = "i have to give it to this bstrd thing, general cohesion is still pretty solid. it's still hard to tell for sure what is real and what isn't though"
            } else {
                moth = "how did we never hear about this?? they always said it was some sort of structural failure due to the gravity differences or some bullshit like that"
            }
        break

        case 2:
            if(check("PAGE!!cystmelted")) moth = "this is fucked up dude, imagine if you couldn't trust any of us"
            else moth = "did she really label this memory as 'suspicion'? or was that funfriend? that's kinda ominous"
        break

        case 1:
            moth = "there are so few distinct thoughtforms here... then again it could just be one part of the embassy"
        break

        default:
            if(check("embassy__d3_movefriend_finish-end")) {
                moth = "seems like funfriend is still working on the rest of the collapse memory for now"
            } else if(check("fbx__ep2intro-end")) {
                moth = "time to get into the collapse, buddy"
            } else if(check("embassy_d1_complete") && check("embassy_d2_complete")){
                moth = "if those were two of the memories she chose to store, what are these other ones??"
            } else if(check("embassy_d1_complete")) {
                if(check("citystreet__envoychat-end")) moth = "jesus... well that first memory lines up with what akizet told gordon. but why would she go to us if they agreed to keep it quiet?"
                else moth = "holy smokes. yeah i don't think we ever heard about this part of the call... hey--there's another memory that's been fixed, open it"
            } else {
                moth = "this is the most dense thoughtform i think i've ever seen... they have such a strange way of storing data"
            }
    }

    if(env.currentDialogue.justChanged) moth = "anything else on your mind?"
    return moth

Embassy, non-collapse

Barfriend

start
    sourceless
        the barfriend stands before a display of simulacra
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true)
        it is rare that the urge to interact with it ever strikes me
        however, this is one of those times
____SHOWIF::[["netstat|<", 0], ["citystreet_gotdrinks"]]
        that citric drink i had in the envoy's city...
        terrible as it was,
        it has awoken something
____SHOWIF::[["netstat|>=", 0]]
        another gaze upon this bright planet...
        it calls for an equally bright beverage
____END
    
    akizet
        barfriend!
    
    barfriend
        HELLO AKIZETESCHE

    RESPOBJ::barfriendresp

orange
    sourceless
        yes... <span definition="NOTE::'no translation required'">ORANGE</span> JUICE
        that is what i want
        an exotic taste--with the buzz of citric acid!

    akizet
        an orange juice simulacrum, please
    
    barfriend
        ok!
    
    sourceless
        the barfriend extends a tendril to the orange simulacra display
        it passes through the cystic wall like a hand through water
        eventually producing a spherical cup with the glow of orange juice
        although... real orange juice does not glow
____SHOWIF::[["netstat|<", 0]]
        but it looks kind of cool
____SHOWIF::[["netstat|>=", 0]]
        but it evokes the glow of a ripe celki
        befitting the flavor
____END
    
    barfriend
        here you go!
            EXEC::document.querySelectorAll('.drinklayer').forEach(e=>e.setAttribute('drink', 'orange'))
        please enjoy!!
    
    akizet
        thank you, barfriend

    RESPONSES::akizet
        depart<+>END
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)

Movefriend

Responses

RESPOBJ::
    RESPONSES::akizet
        personnel<+>personnel
            SHOWIF::[['EXEC::env.embassy.relocatorReturn != \`personnel\`']]
            HIDEREAD::
        recreation<+>recreation
            SHOWIF::[['EXEC::env.embassy.relocatorReturn != \`recreation\`']]
            HIDEREAD::
        call research<+>research
            SHOWIF::[['EXEC::env.embassy.relocatorReturn != \`research\`']]
            HIDEREAD::
        nevermind<+>END
            EXEC::env.embassy.pauseSwap(false);

Dialogue

start
    movefriend
        HI AKIZETESCHE!
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true)
        WHERE TO!
    
    RESPOBJ::embassyRelocatorResponses

personnel
    akizet
        personnel, please

    movefriend
        ok!
    
    sourceless
        the path i took to the relocator seals
        a moment later, a new hallway opens in place of the old one
            EXEC::env.embassy.relocatorDestination('personnel')

    movefriend
        see ya!
    
    RESPONSES::akizet
        thank you<+>END
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)

recreation
    akizet
        the lower-away recreation hub, please

    movefriend
        OK!
    
    sourceless
        the path i took to the relocator seals
        a moment later, a new hallway opens in place of the old one
            EXEC::env.embassy.relocatorDestination('recreation')

    movefriend
        have fun!
    
    RESPONSES::akizet
        thank you<+>END
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)

research
    akizet
        the call research center, please

    movefriend
        OK!
    
    sourceless
        the path i took to the relocator seals
        a moment later, a new hallway opens in place of the old one
            EXEC::env.embassy.relocatorDestination('research')

    movefriend
        enjoy your work!
    
    RESPONSES::akizet
        thank you<+>END
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)

Embassy 'Discovery'

Starting text

start
    sourceless
        my consciousness resumes
        the rejuvenation chamber opens, and from outside flows the glow of the embassy's cystic glass
        through the distant dull contrivance, i feel another gaze has begun

    RESPONSES::akizet
        emerge from the chamber<+>emerge
            EXEC::content.classList.add('swapcam')
    
emerge
    sourceless
        i clamber out the chamber, my qou-body refreshed
        it feels the same as it did after my ascension
        a rare, lovely feeling - as though i could twist it into any shape
        but i have work to do...
        a focused meeting of my call research initiative is approaching
        and a fine occasion it is - we have some particularly unique equipment this time!
        i must assemble the team, then we may begin
    
    RESPONSES::akizet
        off to work<+>END

Akizet self-talk

start
    sourceless
        i should check in with the team... our focus approaches
            SHOWIF::["PAGE!!beenToResearch", false]
        kazki and bozko must be present before we can begin... where are they?
            SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!d1_kbcollected", false], ["PAGE!!beenToResearch", true]]
        it is time to begin - i should sit! my seat is the furthest one from the door, near the listeners
            SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!d1_kbcollected", true], ["PAGE!!beenToResearch", true]]

    RESPONSES::akizet
        there is work to do<+>END
    
    RESPONSES::self
        attempt to interact<+>interact
            SHOWONCE::

interact
    self
        hello, akizet?
        can you hear me?

    moth
        huh?
        oh... i get it

    sourceless
        ...

    moth
        i don't think that's going to work
        this memory is too coherent
        if we had a way to, like... damage thoughtforms, maybe
        but funfriend would be pissed
    
    RESPONSES::self
        damn<+>END

Tozik

start
    sourceless
        tozik sits in a terminal chair, connected by a receptor to the timestopper
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true);
        the time constriction that gives the grand cyst its name has not been activated
        he must be using it simply for its archival connections
        i clamber over the curve of the timestopper to greet him

    akizet
        hello, tozik!

    sourceless
        i see his acknowledgment of me with a small glance
            EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, tozik: "show"})
        however his focus is inward, through the corrucystic vein
        tozik detests idle chatter, so i opt to keep this quick
    
    akizet
        are you prepared for the focus?
        actually, is that what you have been doing?
    
    tozik
        yes
        i am organizing the connected archival cysts
        something very interesting happened barely a θwink ago
        you will hear about it in the focus
    
    akizet
        excellent
        we will speak soon, then
    
    RESPONSES::akizet
        fare well<+>END
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false);vn.done()

Gakvu

start
    sourceless
        gakvu leans against a listener, eyes distant
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true);
        a false environment cyst sits upon one of her receptors
        when i approach and lean my head to either side, i cannot discern a logo upon it
        i wonder - is it another surface simulation? she has a morbid obsession with them
        of course, this earns her attention, and she gives me a jovial receptor gesture
            EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, gakvu: "show"})
        
    gakvu
        hi akizet!
        ready for the focus?

    akizet
        yes!
        i was coming to ask you the same thing, actually
        do you have something?
    
    gakvu
        oh yeah!!
        tozik and i were tracking the call earlier, and...
    
    sourceless
        she glances towards tozik, who stares inward
    
    gakvu
        well, he found it, really
        but there was a spike in the call
        a distinct break from the normal baseline
        very interesting!
    
    akizet
        and what did you do?
    
    gakvu
        have you seen him? he has fused his skin to the chair!
        i had to fetch all of the archival cysts and feed them to the timestopper myself
        ah, with some help from cavik, of course

    sourceless
        i chuckle, and so does she, but i sense it is for a different reason
    
    gakvu
        did you need anything else?
        otherwise i will be here until the focus starts

    sourceless
        it pains me to do this
        but i should probably bring up the complaint
        
    RESPOBJ::d1_gakvuresp

Responses

RESPOBJ::
    RESPONSES::akizet
        false environment?<+>false
        the complaint...<+>complaint
        your coat<+>coat
            SHOWIF::'gakpause'
        fare well for now<+>END
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false);vn.done()

False environment?

false
    akizet
        what is that false environment you have on?

    gakvu
        ah! you see,
    
    sourceless
        i spy a strange, subtle apprehension in her receptor movements
        however she quickly launches into a spirited description

    gakvu
        this is one from my home
        a skilled veilk-hopper's memories, gamified
        so the veilk march towards the weather wall,
        and you must leap from veilk to veilk while they grow faster
        or else you are subsumed beyond the air's border!

    sourceless
        by the gesticulations of her receptors and hands,
        it is as if she is trying to barter with me
    
    akizet
        that sounds terrifying
    
    gakvu
        that is why it is so fun! you must try it sometime

    RESPOBJ::d1_gakvuresp

The complaint...

complaint
    akizet
        there is a matter i must mention
        gakvu, you and i, we understand
        however... the balance of work, has
    
    gakvu
        bozko!

    sourceless
        what
        did bozko speak with her already??
        my confusion is laid bare in my receptors' curl
    
    gakvu
        was it not him?
        i know it was him!
        he just has a problem with ekivik
        
    sourceless
        i laugh, and urgently wave my hands and receptors dismissively
        she laughs, too--i am certain she appreciates my understanding of the dry ekivik wit
        
    akizet
        no no, gakvu...
        it does not matter who brought this to my attention
        i know you enjoy your efforts here,
        and above all else i know your ability to strike
        but to certain others, it is not so clear
        and with enough of these complaints, it will start to turn eyes towards me
        so, for my sake, 
        
    sourceless
        i pause to think of an elegant way to say this...
        "at least pretend to look busy when you are in here"?
        gakvu wrings her receptors smugly, knowing full well what i mean to say

    gakvu
        do not worry, i understand
    
    akizet
        good!

    RESPOBJ::d1_gakvuresp

Your coat

coat
    akizet
        your coat...
        i have never seen it off like that before!
        
    sourceless
        gakvu draws her attention outwards, to stare down at it
        she pulls at the false fabric, receptors slightly twisting in confusion
    
    gakvu
        oh
        that is strange!
        i never turn this off
    
    sourceless
        the twist in her receptors slowly grows more pronounced

    gakvu
        what did i just say?
            EXEC::ratween(env.bgm, 0.75, 3000);content.classList.add('incoherence')
        'turn it off'?
        it is fungus...
        wait, no--it is, a representation of fungus...
        that i emulate with my clothing!
    
    sourceless
        i watch her with some concern - she is saying things i already know
        like she is convincing herself... but, why? this is very strange
    
    akizet
        are you ok?

    gakvu
        ah...
        yes!
            EXEC::ratween(env.bgm, 1, 3000);content.classList.remove('incoherence')
        sorry... sometimes when i am using these false environments,
        i get context overlap!
        for a second, it is like i was my signature rather than myself!
        i should really start pausing these things when talking, hehe

    sourceless
        the lights of her coat resume
            EXEC::change("gakpause", false);content.classList.remove('gakpause')

    moth
        interesting... that was some sort of memory leak
            SHOWONCE::
        incoherence spiked pretty bad
            SHOWONCE::
        avoid doing that kind of thing, ok?
            SHOWONCE::

    RESPOBJ::d1_gakvuresp

Kazki+Bozko (Recreation)

start
    sourceless
        BOZKO AND KAZKI IDLE NEAR THE INNER WALL, THEIR CHATTER DROWNED OUT BY THE NUMEROUS OTHERS NEARBY
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true);
        KAZKI'S BRANCHED RECEPTORS GESTICULATE AS WILDLY AS HER HANDS WHILE SHE SPEAKS TO BOZKO
        HIS FOCUS LIES MOSTLY UPON THE <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'implied closest functional equivalent';'technological implication'">WINDOW</span>, OBSERVING THE COUSINS' RESEARCH VESSEL
        HER TALE BECOMES MORE DISTINCT AS I APPROACH
    
    kazki
        ... so i said, it is because my larval form was tir! and i told him of the function that entails...
        i even talked a little about that story from the kozazni excavation--you know the one, ah, when i was first starting work there
    
    bozko
        oh, no

    kazki
        and while i was saying these things, my funfriend was attempting to warn me about something, but i kept talking...
        and then when i was done, i checked to see what it was, and it was telling me to stop! 
        he was apparently expressing terror on his face! as though i might drench him in acid at random! 
        ahahaha!!

    sourceless
        BOZKO CHUCKLES AND ROLLS HIS RECEPTORS SLIGHTLY
        HE LOOKS FROM THE WINDOW TO KAZKI, WITNESSING MY APPROACH INCIDENTALLY
        WITH ANOTHER LITTLE RECEPTOR GESTURE, KAZKI TURNS TO FACE ME AS WELL, DELIGHTED
            EXEC::specialCam('kazkibozko');vnp({bg: true, kazki: "show", bozko: "show"})

    bozko
        hello, akizet

    kazki
        hi akizet!!
    
    akizet
        hello my friends
    
    RESPOBJ::d1_kazkibozkoresp

Responses

RESPOBJ::
    RESPONSES::akizet
        our focus approaches<+>focus
            EXEC::change('PAGE!!d1_kbcollected', true)
        what was that about?<+>story
        anything happening?<+>talk
        fare well for now<+>END
            EXEC::specialCam(false);pauseSwapCam(false);vn.done()

Our focus approaches

focus
    akizet
        our focus approaches, my friends
        are you prepared? do you have any topics to bring?
    
    sourceless
        THEY BOTH DIP THEIR RECEPTORS AFFIRMATIVELY

    kazki
        yes!
    
    akizet
        good! report to the signal chamber when you are ready
        i arranged for the timestopper to be used this time, so it will be quick
    
    bozko
        excellent
        we will be there shortly, you go ahead

    RESPOBJ::d1_kazkibozkoresp

What was that about?

story
    sourceless
        I CANNOT CONTAIN MY CURIOSITY
        KAZKI'S STORIES, EVEN IF HYPERBOLIC, ARE ALWAYS ENTERTAINING

    akizet
        what was that story you were telling, kazki?
    
    sourceless
        HER BRANCHED RECEPTORS FAN OUTWARDS EXCITEDLY

    kazki
        ah! i was in the nation of australia recently! 
        for the polygonation spire meeting, you see
        it went well, but my contact was curious, because he had not seen a once-tir before, 
        and so he had a number of questions unrelated to the construction approval
        mostly about my receptors...
        which!! by the way! the construction was approved!
    
    bozko
        through some giggle of velzie, it occurred to her to share the events of her early larval work
    
    sourceless
        THE KOZAZNI EXCAVATION STORY...
        OF COURSE A CLUELESS BRIGHT COUSIN WOULD FEAR FOR THEIR LIFE AFTER HEARING THAT

    kazki
        it was in good nature! he found it funny after i explained away his fears!
    
    akizet
        i say this with a deep respect, kazki,
        with how much you share so readily with the cousins,
        your diplomatic successes always come as a surprise

    RESPOBJ::d1_kazkibozkoresp

Anything happening?

    
talk
    akizet
        my friends, what news do you carry?
        for yourselves, of course
        we have the imminent focus to share our works
    
    sourceless
        BOZKO PEERS INTO THE ESTIMATION OF THE <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'implied closest functional equivalent';'technological implication'">WINDOW</span>
    
    bozko
        outside of our works,
        i have been observing the creatures of the water nearby
        a few dispatched <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'implied closest cultural equivalent'">golems</span> with relays
        here, look at this--see how they form great organized clouds?

    sourceless
        BOZKO REACHES INTO THE WINDOW, DISRUPTING THE DISPLAY, TO PULL A CONNECTIVE CYST FROM ITS INTERNAL DOCK
            EXEC::content.classList.add('bozkoceptor');vnp({fade: true})
        HE AFFIXES IT TO HIS CLOSEST RECEPTOR, AND ADJUSTS THE DISPLAY TO A RECOLLECTION
        THE WINDOW'S COLORS RIPPLE UNTIL THEY FIX UPON A MENTAL PROJECTION
            EXEC::content.classList.add('fishies')
        IT IS AS HE SAYS - A CLOUD OF IMPECCABLY ORIENTED WATER INHABITANTS
        HOW DO THEY DO IT? 

    akizet
        remarkable

    bozko
        and i am not the sole observer of the bright world's creatures among us
    
    sourceless
        BOZKO RETURNS THE CONNECTOR BENEATH THE WINDOW'S SURFACE
            EXEC::content.classList.remove('bozkoceptor')
        THE IMAGE SOON DISSIPATES
            EXEC::content.classList.remove('fishies');vnp({fade: false})
        HE GESTURES TOWARDS KAZKI TEASINGLY AFTER A MOMENT'S SILENCE

    kazki
        bozko!
    
    bozko
        although, she is taking a more live approach

    kazki
        bozko!!

    sourceless
        HER RECEPTORS CURL INTO THEMSELVES, LIKE BALLED FISTS

    kazki
        fine, fine!
            EXEC::vnp({kazki: "focus"})
        it is an experiment i am doing, akizet
        well, hmm, sort of
        on my trip to australia i found this little creature skittering around on a window
        so, i looked closer... and it had eight legs, vibrant stripes, and many large eyes! and it was staring at me!
        it even had armored skin, just like a <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">cave keeper!</span>
        and--and i thought, 'ah, how cute!' and i wanted to keep it!

    sourceless
        WITH HOW EMOTIONALLY SHE WEIGHTS HER WORDS
        IT IS LIKE SHE EXPECTS ME TO SAY SHE SHOULD PUT IT BACK

    bozko
        so she made a cavity in her head
            EXEC::vnp({kazki: "defocus"})
    
    akizet
        what? are you--?

    kazki
        i am getting to that!!
            EXEC::vnp({kazki: "focus"})
        so... i went to pick it up, but it leaped into my hand!
        like it wanted to be with me! ah, but, by this time, some bright cousins were coming to see what i was doing...
        so i excused myself and went back to my vessel
        and i realized--there is no life support in our vessels, so, if i wanted to keep it alive... i had to think!
        with my head!
    
    akizet
        so you hollowed out your head,
        and are keeping it in an air pocket?

    kazki
        exactly!! do you want to see it???
    
    sourceless
        MY RECEPTORS DROOP SLIGHTLY, AND I CHUCKLE EXASPERATEDLY
        BOZKO FINDS MY REACTION VERY FUNNY
        INDEED, THIS IS BOTH A PROBLEM AND SOLUTION THAT ONLY A ONCE-TIR WOULD COME TO
    
    akizet
        of course i do

    sourceless
        KAZKI DIPS HER HEAD FORWARD, THE FEATURES OF HER FACE MELTING AWAY, AND THE COLOR OF HER SKIN FADING TO TRANSPARENCY
            EXEC::specialCam('kazkihead');content.classList.add('kazkihead')
        IT IS EMPTY, CLEAR AS THE BRIGHT COUSINS' GLASS, CONTAINING ONLY A SPACIOUS SPHERICAL CAVITY
        I TILT MY HEAD FROM SIDE TO SIDE, EVEN ADJUST THE ACCURACY OF MY EYES, BUT DO NOT SEE IT
        AT LEAST, NOT AT FIRST... BUT THEN IT IS THERE, SITTING SUSPENDED ON BARELY VISIBLE STRANDS OF ITS OWN CREATION
    
    sys
        ALERT::'memory of arachnid detected';'render?'

    RESPONSES::sys
        render<+>arthur
            EXEC::content.classList.add('spider')
        omit<+>arthur

arthur
    sourceless
        IT LOOKS AT ME, THEN RAISES ITS FORELEGS AND WAVES THEM BOTH FROM SIDE TO SIDE
        I IMAGINE THIS IS SOME SORT OF THREAT
    
    akizet
        i can see why you chose to keep it
    
    sourceless
        KAZKI REPLACES HER FACIAL FEATURES, PULLING HER HEAD BACK
            EXEC::specialCam('kazkibozko');content.classList.remove('kazkihead')
    
    kazki
        such life in its little eyes!
            EXEC::content.classList.remove('spider');vnp({kazki: "defocus"})

    RESPOBJ::d1_kazkibozkoresp

Kazki (Call research)

start
    akizet
        ready to proceed, kazki?
    
    kazki
        <span definition="NOTE::'common phrase';'original pun untranslateable';'generated alternate pun';'retains level of wit'">absoqoutely!</span>
    
    akizet
        hehe, excellent
    
    RESPONSES::akizet
        we will start soon<+>END

Bozko (Call research)

start
    akizet
        ready to proceed, bozko?
    
    bozko
        of course
        i only wish i had more to share given our amenities this gaze
    
    akizet
        true!
        with the timestopper,
        it often seems like there is never enough
    
    RESPONSES::akizet
        we will start soon<+>END

Cavik

start
    sourceless
        CAVIK ATTENDS TO THE ARCHIVAL CYSTS, OCCASIONALLY AFFIXING ONE TO A STOUT RECEPTOR
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true);
        THE CYSTS ARE ARRANGED IN NEAT PILES, SORTED BY THE SHADE OF THEIR VISCERA
        THOUGH HIS REGULAR UPKEEP ENSURES THAT NONE GROW TOO DARK OR STARVE
        HE SENSES MY APPROACH AND TURNS, CORDIALLY BOWING HIS HEAD AND RECEPTORS
            EXEC::vnp({cavik: "show", hideStage: true})
    
    cavik
        akizet! great gaze!
            
    akizet
        likewise, my friend
        what are you doing?

    cavik
        i was just conducting maintenance on some of our older archives
        and reminiscing! oh, the wild and obeski-centric theories they used to toss about!
        there is this old one i have been running through--a joint theory by none other than dullzkovik and azkavinesche!
        they called it the 'closed loop' - have you heard of it?
    
    akizet
        ah...

    sourceless
        OH NO
        OF COURSE I HAVE
        I SHOULD ENSURE HE DOES NOT FEEL IT APPROPRIATE TO SHARE THIS WITH THE BRIGHT COUSINS

    cavik
        i feel that it was almost formed as a satire of the more outlandish ones from the early era, but...
        there is something oddly compelling about it!
        oh--sorry, do you have need of me?
    
    RESPOBJ::d1_cavikresp

Responses

RESPOBJ::
    RESPONSES::akizet
        our focus approaches<+>focus
        closed loop theory?<+>theory
        anything happening?<+>talk
        fare well for now<+>END
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false);vn.done()

Our focus approaches

focus
    akizet
        our focus approaches, my friend
        are you prepared? do you have any topics to bring?
    
    sourceless
        I SENSE UNEASE FROM HIS STANCE

    cavik
        ahh!! it is really time already?
        oh, these old cysts do not have any time constriction... no wonder!
        ah, yes, yes, i will be ready!
        yes!
    
    akizet
        you do not need to press yourself, my friend
        it is a simple one
    
    cavik
        i know, i just hate when this happens
        i do not have anything to bring this time... but i will be ready!
    
    akizet
        excellent
    
    RESPOBJ::d1_cavikresp

Closed loop theory?

theory
    sourceless
        I WOULD PREFER NOT TO CRUSH HIS INVESTIGATIVE SPIRIT
        BUT THESE EARLY THEORIES CARRY LESS WORTH THAN <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">WALL-ROT</span>
        ESPECIALLY DULLZKOVIK'S, VELZIE'S SMILE UPON HIM
    
    akizet
        closed loop...
        is that the time--
    
    cavik
        time manipulation!! yes! let me remind you! 
        dullzkovik posited that one era... we learn to use the dull plane to traverse space four-dimensionally
        and our future selves eventually discover the home of the bright cousins, but far too late to meet them
        so--we create a contrivance just big enough to release a message to ourselves and signal its location!

    sourceless
        OH, CAVIK
        I TWIST MY RECEPTORS THOUGHTLESSLY, ACCIDENTALLY BARING MY SKEPTICISM
        
    cavik
        now--i know you must think it is ridiculous, 
        and it is! especially as it goes on, hehe
        but is it not inevitable at the same time?
        in our θdeaths, there is enough time to unravel any mystery--time manipulation included!
    
    akizet
        first...
        i do not think dullzkovik understood the full implication of creating a contrivance inside a planet at that point
        that was before the incident with the shared moon, you know
        and, time manipulation... 
        if we ever were to manage it,
        the mistakes that created us and our world would be gradually undone to right old wrongs
    
    cavik
        but we would never know if it was happening, would we? it would just 'be'!
        anyway, i will not seriously debate it with you--it is just a bit of fun
    
    sourceless
        TO BE SURE...
    
    akizet
        yes, of course!
        and--you are not going to share this with any cousins, correct?

    sourceless
        I SEE THE DEJECTION EVEN AS HE TRIES TO HIDE IT BENEATH AN ARCHIVAL CYST
        HOW JOYLESS I MUST SEEM, SUCH A TERRIBLE INVERSION OF OUR YOUTH
        BUT I REALLY WOULD PREFER NOT NEEDING TO FIX ANOTHER OVERSHARING INCIDENT
    
    cavik
        aki...
        i would not seriously entertain sharing <em>this</em> one.
        did you really think that?
        i know i made an incorrect step, but
    
    akizet
        cavik, cavik! i trust you, be at ease
        you know how i must be during these times
        do not feel at fault
    
    cavik
        of course, no, no, i understand

    sourceless
        ¥IÁÈiæb4
        ANOTHER LITTLE DEATH TO HAUNT ME
    
    RESPOBJ::d1_cavikresp

Anything happening?

talk
    akizet
        cavik, my friend, tell me
        what news do you carry?
        have you been enjoying your role?
        it is not often that we have time to speak plainly anymore

    cavik
        i have! the oceans are truly mesmerizing, nothing at all like home
        you should see all the artifacts that the cousins have simply left to the water!
        and on our expeditions, so many little creatures come up to examine our vessels
        has bozko told you about the one he has taken?
    
    sourceless
        FOR THAT MOMENT I HEARD AN ECHO OF LARVAL JOY IN HIS VOICE
        BUT IN THE SUBTLE TURN OF A RECEPTOR, I SEE HE FEELS HE SHOULD NOT HAVE SAID THAT
    
    cavik
        that is fine, right?
        you heard that from a veilk's whisper, not me
    
    akizet
        haha! it is! it is perfectly fine
        well, the groundsmind says we should not, since the cousins could get mad, but...
        i do not really care
        tell me - have you contributed any more to the <span definition="NOTE::'partial translation';'inherited description-generated noun'">life-pod</span> project?
    
    cavik
        ahh! no! not in some time
        but i hear they recently succeeded in sending a 'grain' back to obeski
        it is, of course, being held in deep quarantine, but...
        that it worked is promising alone
        even if the cyst itself was bigger than both of us combined!

    akizet
        remarkable, i must check in with them to see how they did it
        as trade continues, i imagine that organic materials will be the next leap in relations
        if you find the time again, you should join the effort!
        last i spoke with the team, they asked when they would see you again
    
    cavik
        really??
        i should! i will check in again with them!
    
    RESPOBJ::d1_cavikresp

Attendant

start
    sourceless
        I APPROACH THE ATTENDANT DRONE
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true)
        IT IS FACELESS AT THE MOMENT
        SO IT REGARDS ME WITH A SIMPLE STARE

    RESPONSES::akizet
        speak with groundsmind<+>groundsmind
        nevermind<+>END
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false);
    
groundsmind
    akizet
        the groundsmind, please

    attendant
        OF COURSE!

    sourceless
        THE DRONE STRAIGHTENS, AND A CONNECTIVE RIPPLE PASSES THROUGH ITS SKIN
        OUR GROUNDSMIND'S SYMBOL IS FORMED OVER ITS FACEPLATE
            EXEC::content.classList.add('groundsminded')
        
    akizet
        hello vekoa!!
    
    groundsmind
        akizetesche. speak

    RESPOBJ::d1_attendantresp
    
timestopper
    akizet
        i appreciate you affording us the timestopper
        how long was it again that we have it?

    groundsmind
        originally you had it for only a few gazes... 
        however: as of a few θwinks prior, it is indefinitely in the care of the call initiative
        the schedule has shifted due to materials no longer needing an upcoming simulation
        once another initiative has need of it, it will be transferred

    akizet
        really? we moved quite a bit of cystery to acommodate it,
        and still only the top barely fits in the room...
    
    groundsmind
        is this a request to have it removed post-use?
        this can be arranged
    
    akizet
        hmm... no, no
        the cysts were not vital, and this may be a boon
        it does shorten our meetings and plans by orders of magnitude
        if it becomes a bother, i will reach out again

    RESPOBJ::d1_attendantresp

leave
    akizet
        that is all!
    
    groundsmind
        excellent
        fare well
    
    sourceless
        THE DRONE DISCONNECTS FROM THE GROUNDSMIND AND STANDS STILL ONCE MORE
            EXEC::content.classList.remove('groundsminded')
    
    RESPONSES::akizet
        leave<+>END
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false);

END::content.classList.remove('groundsminded');

Responses

RESPOBJ::
    RESPONSES::akizet
        timestopper<+>timestopper
        that is all<+>leave
            FAKEEND::(leave)

Timestopper

Not everyone here

start
    sourceless
        this is where i will sit...
        once i have the team assembled.
        gakvu, tozik, and cavik are all here
        all but kazki and bozko
        i should tell them it is time for the focus
        they are probably in the recreational area!
    
    RESPONSES::akizet
        to recreation!<+>END

Discovery

start
    sourceless
        the team is assembled around their seats, so i sit
    
    akizet
        everyone!
        let us begin
    
    sourceless
        i dip my head towards tozik, as he has already connected
        with an impulse, he instructs the grand cyst to lower wired cysts before each of us
        what a rare opportunity! i am certain that even gakvu is excited
        i raise the cyst to my right receptor, and its shell softens, becoming as viscous liquid
        it settles over my receptor, and the timestopper connects to me
        my mind is drawn into it, with the others - everyone is connected
            EXEC::content.classList.add('innerfocus')
    
    akizet
        commencing now!
            EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('akizet')
    
    sourceless
        with a simple instruction, the grand cyst's additional neural processing activates
        its strength and processing speed is such that time... stops
        such a peculiar sensation - to observe in full cognitive capacity a world and body that cannot move
        though the cores of our minds are shelled from one another
        we each carry a new mind that feels as if it was always there - the grand cyst
            EXEC::content.classList.add('showfocus')
        and it thinks with us as one
            EXEC::content.classList.add('cull-stage')
    
    timestopper
        is this not peculiar?
            EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus(false)
        ahaha! how fun! 
        oh but i cannot tell which thought is mine
        how do we stay distinct again?
        silly! the last one was not so long ago
        but i will remind you
        you do it like this
    
    sourceless
        we each understand simply: think outwardly

    akizet
        you see?
            EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('akizet')
        a reminder of our best practice here...
        it will be simpler to convey things of importance indistinctly
        but for discussion, you should stay distinct
        understood?

    timestopper
        yes! yes! yes stop
        yes oh i think i am yes
        echoing it sorry yes
    
    cavik
        that was me sorry
            EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('cavik')
        this is only my second time using one of these
    
    timestopper
        it is ok!
    
    kazki
        you are too tense!
            EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('kazki')
        just let it pass through you!
        that is how i stop echoing
    
    timestopper
        are we good? yes! ok
            EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus(false)
        now onto the matters of the call
    
    sourceless
        a great deal of information is transmitted between us
        long-overdue discussions and planning for expeditions
        in an instant, fast even within the altered time of the grand cyst,
        wordless knowledge is understood, assigned words only in afterthought
    
    timestopper
        Êü€ßÑúŽÞRùãÝ™÷ûÜ›ö±Ü¨õ*ÜRômÜÜóŒÜéóSÝÚ
        óêñXò…ñôð¨ñAðÝòÌï_ô°ï€õîï
        ÿßÅûýÞhúGÞáøþÜzöøÛÆó]ÛäðƒÛ©í¾Ú˜é×Ú9
        ôŸÞó]á‘óUåAô)êô
    
    sys
        ATTENTION::'large amount of unprocessable data';'advancing stream to next coherent data'
            EXEC::flash(true)
    
    sourceless
        ...
            EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('kazki')
        ...
            EXEC::flash(false)
    
    timestopper
        POLYGONATION SPIRE IN GUAM IS LIKELY EASIEST
        KAZKI AGREES?
    
    kazki
        yes! i will organize a meeting
        they liked the last time we visited because it drew lots of attention!
        so a spire would be lucrative for us both! 

    bozko
        it does not need to be of the highest strength or quality
            EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('bozko')
        there is no hard data backing my decision
        but... kazki's contacts have suggested the trench multiple times
        and if what they say is true, 
        it is one of the least explored places on this planet
        so there is certainly potential for the origin to be there, never seen 

    timestopper
        makes sense! no argument!
        no other leads yet anyway ahaha
        anything else before we disengage?
        no
        wait yes we have the spike
        see!
    
    sourceless
        in our collective minds eye, a visualization of the signal is shown
            EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus(false);content.classList.add('signal')
        a strange spike... but not unexpected given the dull contrivance's proximity
    
    timestopper
        that is peculiar
        this frequency looks unnatural
        it is too far from the call's baseline activity
        could it be an error?
        no - this is aggregate data from many listeners all across this planet
        did not help polygonation regrettably
        so what do we do about it?
        do we just mark it down?
    
    tozik
        wait

    sourceless
        identical memorized data from an archival cyst manifests
            EXEC::env.bgm.rate(0.9);content.classList.add('signal2')
        did he bring up the same record by accident?
            EXEC::env.bgm.rate(0.8)
        no... this is different
            EXEC::env.bgm.rate(0.7)
    
    tozik
        i have been searching through approximately twelve θeyes of data
        this has happened once before. see?
        the same type of spike, with the same duration
    
    timestopper
        how many θeyes ago was that? seven? eight?
    
    gakvu
        look
            EXEC::content.classList.add('signal3')
        that is exactly equidistant from the start of the call
    
    tozik
        exactly
        the exact same spike, at exactly fifty percent of the call
    
    timestopper
        how is that possible? could it be a coincidence?
        absolutely not
    
    tozik
        i have seen this before
            EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('tozik')
        in my early studies, maybe even larval
        these are markers of raw thought - unoptimized, primal
        what corru knows and broadcasts instinctively, 
        and what early corrucystic pioneers used for communication
    
    sourceless
        a strange dread spreads through our shared mind
        why do i feel it too? is it mine? am i scared?
        this does not mean anything
        
    tozik
        in raw thought transmission, the signal spikes at regular intervals
        five equidistant times, once at the beginning
        and there are no recordings of the exact beginning...
        so that means it could be halfway done, if this is true
        
    timestopper
        ...
        but it has been broadcast for how long?
        how could a thought be that large?
        could we even
        ...
            EXEC::content.classList.remove('signal', 'signal2')

    sourceless
        the dread's claw bites into me, paralyzing my thoughts
        is it mine?? no one is commenting upon it - perhaps confused, themselves...
        so then who is scared? it is overwhelming
        i feel like tearing the cyst from my receptor, but i cannot move
        not without first turning off the time constriction
    
    timestopper
        it could be something else
        there are only two data points here
        a compelling theory but that means we must wait a long time
        are we all in agreement that we should probably tell no one about this
        what!
    
    cavik
        wait, why! this is huge!
            EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('cavik')
        even just the possibility changes everything...
        you know what this means, right?
    
    akizet
        cavik... this is not a theory of fancy
            EXEC::env.embassy.setFocus('akizet')
        it is true that this does change everything...
        but we are still missing data. right?
    
    timestopper
        right yes we need more
        we cannot simply share it
        not while the evidence is incomplete

    akizet
        is anyone in disagreement?
    
    sourceless
        i sense a mixture of frustration and relief
        indeed, this is compelling, but it is simply a theory
        judging by the team's reactions, even sharing it as a possibility would be quite an upset
        without the theoretical first spike being recorded, it is hard to justify
        either way it is not worth interrogating at this time - we need only wait
        i take everyone's silence as confirmation
        
    akizet
        excellent
        adjourning

    timestopper
        bye everyone!
            EXEC::content.classList.remove('cull-stage', 'showfocus')

    sourceless
        the time constriction disengages. i remove the cyst from my receptor
            EXEC::env.bgm.rate(1)
        in real time, we had been sitting only for the length of a larval breath
        but immediately, everyone stands, relieved at their freedom
            EXEC::content.classList.remove('innerfocus')
        i dip my head and receptors towards the team, and return to my quarters
    
    RESPONSES::sys
        end recollection<+>END
            EXEC::change("embassy_d1_complete", true);corruRefresh()

Embassy 'Suspicion'

Starting Text

start
    sourceless
        I AWAKEN FROM THE STILLNESS OF MY REJUVENATION
        THROUGH THE DISTANT DULL CONTRIVANCE, I FEEL ANOTHER GAZE HAS BEGUN
            EXEC::env.embassy.slowCam()

        AND AS I CLAMBER OUT FROM MY CHAMBER, I SEE SOMETHING NEW...
            EXEC::specialCam('cystfocus')

        AN UNFAMILIAR CYST LAID UPON MY DESK
        WAS THIS THE ONE I LENT TO CAVIK, RETURNED IN MY SLUMBER?
        MAYBE THE DESIGN ARCHIVE FROM HOME I GAVE TO KAZKI...
        OR PERHAPS GAKVU'S FALSE ENVIRONMENT GAME?
            SHOWIF::[["embassy__d1_gakvu-false"]]
        I SHOULD CHECK TO BE SURE
            EXEC::env.embassy.slowCam()

    RESPONSES::akizet
        curious<+>END
            EXEC::specialCam(false);pauseSwapCam(false)

Akizet self-talk

start
    sourceless
        I MUST CHECK THAT CYST, OTHERWISE IT WILL CONSUME MY THOUGHTS
            SHOWIF::["PAGE!!cystmelted", false]
        THERE ARE STILL SOME TEAM-MEMBERS I SHOULD SPEAK WITH... IT HAS TO BE SOMEONE I KNOW!!
            SHOWIF::["PAGE!!cystmelted", true]
        LET ME THINK, WHO IS LEFT?
            SHOWIF::["PAGE!!cystmelted", true]
        KAZKI...
            SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!cystmelted", true], ["PAGE!!d2kazkicyst", false]]
        BOZKO...
            SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!cystmelted", true], ["PAGE!!d2bozkocavikcyst", false]]
        CAVIK...
            SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!cystmelted", true], ["PAGE!!d2bozkocavikcyst", false]]
        TOZIK...
            SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!cystmelted", true], ["PAGE!!d2tozikcyst", false]]
        GAKVU...
            SHOWIF::[["PAGE!!cystmelted", true], ["PAGE!!d2gakvucyst", false]]
        YES, THAT IS IT
            SHOWIF::["PAGE!!cystmelted", true]

    RESPONSES::akizet
        my suspicions<+>who
            SHOWIF::["PAGE!!cystmelted", true]
        there is work to do<+>END

who
    sourceless
        IT IS ONLY THOSE WHO ATTENDED THE FOCUS WHO WOULD KNOW
        AND THEY ARE ALL PRESENT IN THE EMBASSY AT THIS POINT IN THE GAZE
        I SHOULD SPEAK TO KAZKI, EVEN IF SHE ALWAYS SEEMS INNOCENT
        BOZKO IS STRONG WILLED AND I CAN IMAGINE HE WOULD TAKE SUCH STRANGE ACTIONS
        THEN THERE IS CAVIK, WHO... MAYBE NOT HIM ACTUALLY
        OR, WELL, IT IS IN HIS NATURE TO SHARE THINGS LIKE THIS, SO, MAYBE...?
        TOZIK TOO! 
        THOUGH THE LISTENER SAID THEY 'CARED FOR ME', SO, PROBABLY NOT HIM
        GAKVU... IS PROBABLY THE MOST LIKELY SUSPECT
        BUT I SHOULD SPEAK TO EVERYONE

    RESPONSES::akizet
        there is work to do<+>END

Mystery Cyst

Connection

start
    sourceless
        PECULIAR...
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true)
        THIS CYST HAS NO DISTINCT SHELL
        A FLOURISHING SPIRAL MARKS IT... BUT I DO NOT KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS
        I SUPPOSE I SHOULD TRY IT ON AND SEE WHAT IT IS

    sys
        ATTENTION::"event required for continued stream";"skip ahead?"
            SHOWIF::"embassy__echo3"
    
    RESPONSES::akizet
        connect<+>connection
        leave it<+>END
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false);

    RESPONSES::sys
        skip<+>END
            SHOWIF::"embassy__echo3"
            EXEC::change("PAGE!!akiroomunlocked", true);change("PAGE!!cystmelted", true);content.classList.add('cystmelted');step();pauseSwapCam(false);
            FAKEEND::(skip sequence)

connection
    sourceless
        I RAISE THE CYST TO A RECEPTOR AND SETTLE IT
        AFTER A SMALL DELAY, IT ACTIVATES, AND A CONSCIOUSNESS MAKES ITSELF KNOWN
        AN ECHO WITH A MESSAGE LEFT FOR ME... 
            EXEC::vnp({echo: "show"})
        WE EXCHANGE WORDLESS MEANING, FORMING INTO THOUGHTS
    
    echo
        HELLO AKIZETESCHE!
    
    sourceless
        HELLO FRIEND! WHO IS THIS?
    
    echo
        I DO NOT KNOW. ALL MEMORY SAVE FOR MY MESSAGE HAS BEEN STRIPPED
        I FEEL THAT MY SPEAKER WANTED THIS MESSAGE TO BE DISCREET
            EXEC::content.classList.add('fade-stage')
        
    sourceless
        CURIOUS! BUT PLEASE GO ON
        
    echo
        EXCELLENT
        I WILL CONVEY THE MESSAGE TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY
        HENCEFORTH: "I" WILL REFERENCE MY SPEAKER

    sourceless
        the echo's message forms into imagery - a false environment that i allow my mind to enter
            EXEC::changeStage("echovision");vn.done()
        it is simple... simple enough that it should only occupy a fraction of a blink
        the echo awaits my engagement to continue

    RESPONSES::akizet
        go ahead<+>END
            FAKEEND::continue
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false);body.classList.add("pathstep0");env.embassy.echoChatter(1)

Echo Chatter 1

            case 1:
                body.classList.add('nomenus')

                chatter({actor: "echo", text: "hello akizet, i am glad it is you who connected", delay: delay += 3000})
                chatter({actor: "echo", text: "as it is with worry for your well-being that this message finds you", delay: delay += 4000})
                chatter({actor: "echo", text: "it must be said immediately:", delay: delay += 3000})
                chatter({actor: "echo", text: "information regarding our team's latest findings must not be shared with anyone at any point", delay: delay += 4000})

                env.setTimeout(()=>{
                    changeBgm(env.embassy.music_suspense, {length: 9000})
                }, delay - 10)

                chatter({actor: "akizet", text: "yes... as we had agreed", delay: delay += 3000, readout: true})
                chatter({actor: "akizet", text: "what is the purpose of this message?", delay: delay += 3000, readout: true})

                chatter({actor: "echo", text: "we are in great danger, akizet", delay: delay += 3000})
                chatter({actor: "echo", text: "though we agreed in work, there can be no casual hints of our knowledge", delay: delay += 4000})
                chatter({actor: "echo", text: "no sharing with larval relations", delay: delay += 3000})
                chatter({actor: "echo", text: "not anyone you think you can trust", delay: delay += 3000})
                chatter({actor: "echo", text: "no one", delay: delay += 2000})

                chatter({actor: "sourceless", text: "apprehension from the echo saturates the environment", delay: delay += 3000, readout: true})
                chatter({actor: "sourceless", text: "i can feel that this delusional paranoia is not even its true message", delay: delay += 3000, readout: true})
                chatter({actor: "sourceless", text: `in my <span definition="NOTE::INHERITED CONTEXT::'implies altered living state'">death</span>, i have never had patience for such meandering exchanges`, delay: delay += 3000, readout: true})

                chatter({actor: "akizet", text: "why? do not waste my time, cease with this drama", delay: delay += 4000, readout: true})

                chatter({actor: "echo", text: "i presumed you might react this way", delay: delay += 3000})
                chatter({actor: "echo", text: "but i had to place my warning first, out of precaution", delay: delay += 3000})
                chatter({actor: "echo", text: "you want to know why:", delay: delay += 3000})
                chatter({actor: "echo", text: "come and see", delay: delay += 3000})

                env.setTimeout(()=>{
                    body.classList.add("pathstep1")
                }, delay + 2000)
            break

Echo Dialogue 1

start
    echo
        the call, akizet
            EXEC::content.setAttribute("ech", "call");forceSwapCam(true);specialCam("ecall");change("PAGE!!e1", true)
        the initiative to study it, both here and home, holds certain conflicting groups
            EXEC::content.setAttribute("ech", "calleye");specialCam("eclaw")
        they have always known <em>what</em> its origin truly is,
        and they will resort to violence to keep this secret
            EXEC::content.setAttribute("ech", "calleyeclaw")
        while what we have discovered is indirect,
        a smaller organ in the whole of the truth,
        it is dangerous to hold as we do
        to share even a hint of it could meet us all with our final deaths
            EXEC::content.setAttribute("ech", "calleyeclawcrush")
        
    sourceless
        this notion alone is enough to spark anger
        the type of baseless theory a paranoid kiv might concoct

    akizet
        the council would never have approved our research if this were the case
            EXEC::specialCam("eaki")
        are you simply sowing suspicion? is this a threat?
        or is this a poorly timed prank? 
        velzie would be unimpressed

    echo
        please understand, there is much we still do not know
            EXEC::specialCam("echoclose")
        our research is entirely necessary
        especially with the unaffiliated, the unbiased, like you
        and i care about you, akizet
        you should not have to be a part of this
        but this sliver of truth we carry places us all in a terrible game
        one that velzie's cruel humor could not dream

    akizet
        so it was you who broadcast that dread in our focus

    echo
        a fraction of it, yes,
        but i am not the only one involved with this game
        i suspect others operate within our team
        and though they are friends all,
        this conflict seeks to place us as foes
        the claws of it reach far beyond us, too
            EXEC::content.setAttribute("ech", "crowd");specialCam("ecrowd")
        it is a cold wind that suffuses the entire embassy
        but this discovery of the raw thought pattern...
        it will become like a spirestorm
        none of us - not even would-be foes - want this to escalate
        so hear my plea:
            EXEC::content.removeAttribute("ech")
        you must take every measure to hide this
        we cannot risk any sliver of our knowledge escaping
        do you understand?

    sourceless
        despite my skepticism,
            EXEC::specialCam("eaki")
        i feel that this is heartfelt, truthful
        a difficult feeling to fake with an echo
        indeed, the tone is one of defensive panic
        so i must respond,
        
    RESPONSES::akizet
        yes, i understand<+>END
            FAKEEND::continue
            EXEC::forceSwapCam(false);specialCam("")

END::env.embassy.echoChatter(2)

Echo Chatter 2

            case 2:
                MUI("on")
                body.classList.add("pathstep2")
                chatter({actor: "akizet", text: "yes, i understand"})

                chatter({actor: "echo", text: "thank you", delay: delay += 3000})
                chatter({actor: "echo", text: "if only i could truly hear you agree", delay: delay += 2000})
                chatter({actor: "echo", text: "but i cannot risk any side knowing i have told you", delay: delay += 3000})
                chatter({actor: "echo", text: "so this cyst will erase its purpose shortly", delay: delay += 4000})

                env.setTimeout(()=>{
                    body.classList.add("pathstep3")
                }, delay + 2000)

                chatter({actor: "echo", text: "but trust that i will know your response based on your actions", delay: delay += 4000})
                
                env.setTimeout(()=>{
                    startDialogue("echo2")
                }, delay + 3000)
            break

Echo Dialogue 2

start
    sourceless
        despite my agreement, i cannot dispel this uneasy coil in my receptors
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true)
        to have this dangled before me as a vague threat...
        but how else am i to respond, whether this is true or not?
        it is not as if i intended to share it in the first place...
        do they simply fear what might happen if i examine our theory more closely?
        in case there is a connection back to the source, i must continue my agreement

    akizet
        what happens next?

    echo
        for you, nothing
        i am taking every measure to protect our team
        even the misled traitors
        i have already hidden the archived discussion from our focus
        we will not speak, we will not share, you will not know who i am
        eventually, we will be forced to share our findings and reveal the truth
        but there is time to prepare the stage
        if this is not handled delicately,
        all of us - bright cousins included - will suffer terrible consequences
        they are innocent bystanders, they do not deserve what may come
        but if you allow me, 
        if you can trust this echo as i have pleaded to velzie you might,
        everything will be fine
        that is truly all i can tell you
        goodbye akizet
            EXEC::content.setAttribute("ech", "bye")

    akizet
        wait
        is there any proof you can share?
        anything at all?
        i want to trust you
        but i must know it to be true
        and what if we find something else?
        how much of our work is truly at risk??
    
    RESPONSES::akizet
        ...<+>END
            FAKEEND::continue
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)

END::env.embassy.echoChatter(3)

Echo Chatter 3

            case 3:
                MUI("on")
                chatter({actor: "sourceless", text: "there is no response - no thought, no meaning", delay: delay += 3000, readout: true})
                chatter({actor: "sourceless", text: "in reality, i feel a strange runoff near my cyst-bearing receptor", delay: delay += 3000, readout: true})
                let warningBgm = env.bgm

                env.setTimeout(()=>{
                    play("criticalError", 0.65)
                    env.stage.current.detonate()
                    forceSwapCam(true)
                    ratween(env.bgm, 2, 5000)
                }, delay += 4000)

                chatter({actor: "sourceless quiet", text: "it is destroying itself...", delay, readout: true})
                
                env.setTimeout(()=>{
                    forceSwapCam(false)
                }, delay + 5000)

                env.setTimeout(()=>{
                    changeStage("embassy_quarters", 10, "down")
                    startDialogue("echo3")
                    body.classList.remove('nomenus')
                }, delay + 5100)

                env.setTimeout(()=>{ // reset for closeout of this day
                    warningBgm.rate(1)
                }, delay + 6500)
            break

Echo Dialogue 3

env.dialogues["echo3"] = generateDialogueObject(` 
start
    sourceless quiet
        i tear the cyst from my receptor before it can fully melt, throwing it to the table
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true);change("PAGE!!cystmelted", true);content.classList.add('cystmelted')

    sourceless
        the echo cyst self-destructed...
        what do i do? what can i do?
        i need guidance
        funfriend!! activate

    funfriend
        HELLO AKIZET!!
        HOW ARE Y
    
    sourceless
        should i even try asking who left it?
        but what if i ask the wrong person?
        these... groups. will one side think the other has tried to sway me?
        and what could they even be quarreling over?
        i have never heard once of any conflict
    
    funfriend
        SLOW DOWN I DO NOT EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT!
        LET ME SEE YOUR RECENT MEMORY PLEASE!
    
    sourceless
        i grant funfriend access to my short-term memory with an impulse
        but that does not matter, for i have already come to a conclusion
        yes--i know!
        i can ask the team, one by one--hide the details!
        i will say it is some mundane thing, some borrowed cyst being returned,
        but the speaker who placed it...
    
    funfriend
        AKIZET IT DOES NOT SEEM LIKE THEY WANT YOU INVOLVED
        WOULD IT NOT BE BETTER TO SIMPLY STAY QUIET LIKE THEY WANT?
        LIKE YOU ALREADY AGREED ANYWAY!
        IF THEY HAVE TAKEN THIS MEASURE, ASSUMING IT IS TRUTHFUL
        WHY WOULD THEY EVEN GIVE A SLIGHT HINT TO YOU IN-PERSON?

    sourceless
        they may hint unwillingly
        funfriend, i cannot simply let such claims go uninvestigated
        the speaker must know this as well
        doubly so if they are within our team
        but they are also watching my actions, so...
        i should still be careful with my words
        
    funfriend
        THIS IS A BAD IDEA

    sourceless
        thank you for your input funfriend
            EXEC::change("PAGE!!akiroomunlocked", true);step()

    RESPONSES::akizet
        i must investigate<+>END
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)
`)

Attendant

start
    sourceless
        I APPROACH THE ATTENDANT DRONE
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true)
        IT IS FACELESS AT THE MOMENT
        SO IT REGARDS ME WITH A SIMPLE STARE

    RESPONSES::akizet
        did you see something?<+>personnel
            SHOWIF::[['stageroom', 'embassy_personnel']]
        speak with groundsmind<+>groundsmind
            SHOWIF::[['embassy__d2_attendant-personnel']]
        goodbye<+>END
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)
    
personnel
    sourceless
        THOUGH THE DRONE IS FACELESS...
        THE SIMPLE ECHO THAT OBSERVES MAY STILL HAVE SEEN SOMETHING
    
    akizet
        hello! no connection required
        did you...
        see anything, go into my room?
    
    attendant
        A SPINDLE-LEGGED CORRUCYST ENTERED SOME θwinks AGO
        IT WAS ASSUMED TO BE A SELF-DELIVERING DEVICE
    
    sourceless
        INTERESTING... I SUPPOSE THAT MAKES SENSE
        THE SPEAKER MUST HAVE KNOWN THE ATTENDANT WOULD BE HERE
    
    attendant
        DO YOU REQUIRE ANYTHING ELSE

    RESPONSES::akizet
        did you see something?<+>personnel
            SHOWIF::[['stageroom', 'embassy_personnel']]
        speak with groundsmind<+>groundsmind
            SHOWIF::[['embassy__d2_attendant-personnel']]
        no thank you<+>END
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)

groundsmind
    akizet
        the groundsmind, please

    sourceless
        THE DRONE STRAIGHTENS, AND A CONNECTIVE RIPPLE PASSES THROUGH ITS SKIN
        OUR GROUNDSMIND'S SYMBOL IS FORMED OVER ITS FACEPLATE
            EXEC::content.classList.add('groundsminded')
    
    groundsmind
        akizetesche. speak

    RESPONSES::akizet
        the cyst<+>cyst
        nevermind gotta go<+>leave
            FAKEEND::(leave)
    
cyst
    akizet
        i had a self-delivered cyst on my desk, arriving during my slumber
        do you have any records of it?

    groundsmind
        that will depend on its features
        if you have it, present it
        otherwise: describe it

    sourceless
        åADÉ:!±(:
        IT SELF DESTRUCTED...
        SHOULD I MENTION THE SPIRAL?
        NO--WHAT IF IT IS AN IDENTIFIER SOMEHOW?
        IT COULD MEAN SOMETHING DANGEROUS

    akizet
        umm,
        i do not really remember how it looked
        can you cross-check it with other attendants?
        did it form any relocation hallways?
    
    sourceless
        THE GROUNDSMIND IS SILENT FOR A MOMENT
        SHE MUST SEE ME LIKE A LARVAL FOOL
    
    groundsmind
        akizetesche,
        i cannot help you without a point of reference
        an innumerable amount of cysts are self-delivered every gaze
        and each are mundane in nature.
        what has you seeking information about this one in particular?

    sourceless
        BAD IDEA

    akizet
        it was, ah...
        actually, you know, i think i realize who sent it actually
        yes, it was a team-member, ahaha
        i will just go ask them!
        goodbye!

    sourceless
        I CASUALLY WALK AWAY IN A PANIC
        WHAT IF THE GROUNDSMIND IS A PART OF THIS?

    RESPONSES::akizet
        how embarrassing<+>END
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)

leave
    akizet
        nothing! nevermind
        apologies for drawing your attention
    
    groundsmind
        excellent
        fare well
    
    sourceless
        THE DRONE DISCONNECTS FROM THE GROUNDSMIND AND STANDS STILL ONCE MORE
            EXEC::content.classList.remove('groundsminded')
    
    RESPONSES::akizet
        leave<+>END
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)

END::content.classList.remove('groundsminded')

Bozko+Cavik

start
    sourceless
        CAVIK AND BOZKO SPEAK JOVIALLY BETWEEN A SET OF QUARTERS
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true)
        CURIOUS... THEIRS ARE NOT WITHIN THIS BRANCH
        I APPROACH, MASKING MY SUSPICION WELL
    
    akizet
        bozko! cavik! hello! great gaze!
            EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, cavik: "show", bozko: "show"})

    bozko
        akizet
    
    cavik
        hey akizet!! 

    akizet
        what brings you to this branch of the segment?

    cavik
        ah, we are just waiting for mokka!
        there is that brief marianas expedition we must attend today
    
    sourceless
        MOKKA... WHO IS THAT? 
        
    funfriend
        OFFLOADED MEMORY: MOKKANESCHE, AN EXCHANGE FROM MATERIALS!
        
    sourceless
        AH! YES. I FORGOT SHE WAS IN THIS BRANCH, TOO.
        I HAVE NOT SEEN HER IN A WHILE... 
        OUR AREAS OF OPERATION RARELY INTERSECT
    
    akizet
        from materials? what for?
    
    bozko
        thought it might be fun
        also... if there are any essential deposits in the area,
        that could speed up construction of the polygonation spire
    
    akizet
        ah, of course

    RESPONSES::akizet
        did either of you return a cyst?<+>cyst
        enjoy your trip<+>END
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false);vn.done()

cyst
    akizet
        my friends,
        did either of you return a cyst to my quarters recently?
        i awoke from my rejuvenation, and there was one waiting for me!
    
    cavik
        huh! no, not me!
        what was on it?
    
    sourceless
        FUNFRIEND: ASSUME NON-VERBAL MOTOR CONTROL
        DIRECTIVE: ACT NORMAL
    
    funfriend
        OK! AHAHA
        UTILIZING ARCHIVED MOVEMENTS!
        YOU LOOK SO CASUAL RIGHT NOW!

    akizet
        oh, it was just, a,
        archival cyst
        on secri... hunting habits
    
    sourceless
        IS IT JUST ME OR DOES BOZKO SEEM SKEPTICAL
        DID I MAKE A MISTAKE
    
    funfriend
        RELAX
        YOU DID MESS UP
        BUT THEY PROBABLY THINK YOU ARE LYING FOR ANOTHER REASON
    
    cavik
        oh!
        cool

    sourceless
        ...

    akizet
        bozko?
    
    sourceless
        HE TWISTS HIS RECEPTORS NEGATIVELY
    
    bozko
        the less i know about secri, the better
        why would someone leave you that?
    
    akizet
        oh, it was mine to begin with,
        i had lent it out to someone at some point
        i, ah, had it, because of a morbid fascination
        you know how it is--surface running
    
    bozko
        yeah, i get it

    funfriend
        RECOMMENDATION: BACK OUT
    
    akizet
        well, thank you anyway
        i need to get going
        enjoy your expedition
    
    cavik
        bye akizet!
            EXEC::env.embassy.d2progress('bozkocavik')
    
    RESPONSES::akizet
        bye<+>END
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false);vn.done()

Gakvu

start
    sourceless
        GAKVU SLOUCHES BEFORE A COMMUNAL CYST, CONNECTED BY A RECEPTOR
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true)
        AS I APPROACH, THE CHAIR ACROSS FROM HER SCUTTLES OUTWARDS FOR ME TO SIT
        THE CLICK OF ITS LITTLE LEGS AGAINST THE GLASSY FLOOR DRAWS GAKVU'S ATTENTION OUT OF HER CONNECTION
    
    gakvu
        oh, akizet! come, sit!

    akizet
        i am not interrupting anything, am i?
            EXEC::specialCam("gakvusit")
    
    gakvu
        not right now, just browsing environments
        i tire of mine
        the surface is exhilarating and terrifying, yes, but...
        you can only die so many times before it is boring!
    
    RESPOBJ::d2_gakvuresp

Responses

RESPOBJ::
    RESPONSES::akizet
        cyst in my room<+>cyst
            EXEC::env.embassy.d2progress('gakvu')
        how is it going<+>how
        goodbye for now<+>bye
            FAKEEND::(leave)

Cyst in my room

cyst
    akizet
        gakvu, did you happen to have a cyst self-deliver to my room recently?
    
    gakvu
        huh?
    
    sourceless
        GAKVU'S ATTENTION IS DRAWN FULLY OUTWARDS, TOWARDS ME, WITH A WORRIED STARE
        AN UNCOMMON SIGHT, ONE THAT CATCHES ME OFF-GUARD
        SHE SEES MY SURPRISE CLEARLY FOR AN INSTANT
        FUNFRIEND - ASSUME MOTOR CONTROL. LOOK NORMAL
    
    funfriend
        OK!
        SHE WILL NOT SUSPECT A THING!

    gakvu
        no. what was it?
        when did it arrive?

    akizet
        ah, it was an... archival cyst, it appeared sometime during my rejuvenation
        it was on secri hunting habits
        i had given it to someone a while back... but i could not remember who
        and there it was! sitting on my table
        i thought, perhaps it was you--given your preoccupation with the surface
    
    sourceless
        DOES IT LOOK LIKE SHE SUSPECTS SOMETHING?
    
    funfriend
        NO - SHE ALWAYS LOOKS LIKE THAT

    gakvu
        oh, no no.
        huh... self-delivered
        someone on the team would have just given it to you in-person
        that is very, very strange
    
    sourceless
        THAT IS MOST CERTAINLY CONCERN IN HER VOICE
    
    akizet
        haha yes maybe it is a little strange hehe
        but it was just my secri cyst
    
    gakvu
        if i remember correctly, you are deathly afraid of them, right?
        why would you have that?
        recreational terror?
    
    funfriend
        OK SHE ACTUALLY PROBABLY THINKS YOU ARE LYING NOW
    
    sourceless
        BEHOLD, MY REDIRECTION:
    
    akizet
        shut up!!
        it is no different from your false environments!

    sourceless
        SHE LAUGHS QUIETLY, HAVING NO DEFENSE
        AND NOTHING MORE TO ADD ON THE MATTER, IT SEEMS

    RESPOBJ::d2_gakvuresp

How is it going

how
    akizet
        gakvu,
        how beholds you?
    
    sourceless
        A HARMLESS, COMMON QUESTION
        BUT I HAVE POSED IT SUCH THAT SHE KNOWS WHAT I MEAN
        SHE KIND OF LAUGHS, A CYNICAL DISAPPOINTMENT IN HER TONE
    
    gakvu
        well, my work is for nothing
        it does not bother me as much as it should,
        maybe because we never really knew what we were dealing with...

    akizet
        even if the theory is true, it was through your and tozik's work that this discovery occurred!
        besides, we still do not have all of the data
    
    gakvu
        yeah...

    akizet
        you could always join bozko's field expeditions
        perhaps we shift you and tozik to work more frequently with the bright cousins?

    sourceless
        HER EYES GROW DISTANT, HER ATTENTION DRAWN THROUGH THE CYST'S CONNECTION
        EVEN SO, SHE SPEAKS - SHE IS GOOD AT JUGGLING REALITY AND COLLECTIVE
    
    gakvu
        akizet,
        do you think anything else is possible?
        
    akizet
        ah, of course! there is the construction of, ah,

    gakvu
        no no, not work... i mean, the call.

    sourceless
        SHE CHOOSES HER WORDS CAREFULLY HERE IN PUBLIC
        BUT I KNOW WHAT SHE MEANS

    akizet
        truthfully... i am not sure
        it is in velzie's nature to place the truth before us, just out of reach
        and just as fitting for it to be an illusion
        i am not comfortable accepting it until we can prove it without doubt
    
    sourceless
        GAKVU IS QUIET FOR A LONG MOMENT, HER FACE STILL DISTANT
        I WORRY FOR AN INSTANT THAT SHE BALANCED TOO FAR INTO THE COLLECTIVE AND DID NOT HEAR ME
        BUT SHE EVENTUALLY RESPONDS, TEASING ME
    
    gakvu
        do you think every wall is a lie before you touch it?
        sometimes things are as simple as they seem
        velzie is not out to get you
        anyway, i do not really care
        i am fine with me and tozik continuing pattern identification
        that just means i have more time for my false environments
    
    RESPOBJ::d2_gakvuresp

Goodbye

bye
    akizet
        i should be going
        goodbye for now, my friend
    
    sourceless
        GAKVU WAVES HER FREE RECEPTOR ABSENTLY
    
    RESPONSES::akizet
        leave<+>END
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)

END::specialCam(false)

Tozik

start
    sourceless
        TOZIK STANDS NEAR THE ORANGE BAR, GRASPING A TASTE SIMULACRUM
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true)
        AN ODD HABIT... I COULD NEVER QUITE CONNECT WITH IT
        HIS ATTENTION IS INWARD, YET I SEE NO EXTERNAL CYST CONNECTED
        LOST IN THOUGHT, PERHAPS

    akizet
        hello tozik

    sourceless
        HE LOOKS AT ME AND TWISTS A STOUT RECEPTOR IN A SHORT GREETING
            EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, tozik: "show"})
    
    tozik
        do you need something?
    
    RESPOBJ::d2_tozikresp

Responses

RESPOBJ::
    RESPONSES::akizet
        the cyst<+>cyst
            EXEC::env.embassy.d2progress('tozik')
        your thoughts<+>thoughts
        fare well for now<+>bye
            EXEC::vn.done()
            FAKEEND::(leave)

The cyst

cyst
    akizet
        tozik, did you direct a cyst to my room recently?
        i found one on my desk after i awoke from rejuvenation
    
    tozik
        no
    
    sourceless
        HIS ANSWER IS STONY, FOCUS REMAINING INWARD, NOT EVEN LOOKING AT ME
        I RESPECT THAT HE DOES NOT PRY INTO THE MATTER
        SHOULD I PUSH HIM ON IT?
        
    funfriend
        THAT COULD BE FATAL AKIZET
        IF YOU MUST, AT LEAST BE GENTLE ABOUT IT

    akizet
        are you sure?
    
    sourceless
        MY REPEATED QUESTION EARNS HIS OUTWARD ATTENTION
        HE REGARDS ME WITH SILENCE, BUT SUCH PALPABLE DISINTEREST
        AFTER AN INSTANT OF GAZING, PERHAPS TO INTUIT WHAT I REALLY MEAN, HE RESPONDS
    
    tozik
        yes

    akizet
        all right
    
    sourceless
        WHEN I RELENT, HE RETURNS TO HIS THOUGHTS
        I DOUBT IT IS HIM... OR IF IT IS, HE TRULY WANTS TO GIVE NO HINTS

    RESPOBJ::d2_tozikresp

Your thoughts

thoughts
    akizet
        you seem troubled
        as do we all, i suppose...
        but is something specific on your mind?
    
    sourceless
        A SOMEWHAT POINTED QUESTION...
        BUT IF HE HAD INVOLVEMENT WITH THE CYST, SURELY HE WOULD FLINCH
        ...
        AND... HE MERELY SIPS FROM THE BRIGHT SIMULACRUM
        IN THE SUBTLE MOVEMENTS OF HIS RECEPTORS, I SEE DISINTEREST
        BUT HE CONTINUES ANYWAY, TROUBLED ENOUGH TO SUSTAIN A RARE CONVERSATION
    
    tozik
        i had been curious... about whether the spike was observed from obeski
        surely others would have come to the same conclusion as us, there is a following of the call back home
        so i peered into a number of discussions through the collective...
        and discussion is rare. they seem to dismiss it as an error, or something to do with the contrivance

    sourceless
        HE PAUSES, INCONSPICUOUSLY LOOKING AROUND
        THE SAME EXPRESSION AS A SURFACE RUNNER AT REST
        DID HE RECEIVE A MESSAGE TOO?
        WHEN HE CONTINUES, HE LOWERS HIS VOICE
    
    tozik
        but the collective has all of our information available, including older records of the call
        the same ones we used to come to our... theory. in theory.
        so i checked, and... there is no record of the first spike
        no... that is incorrect
        the record exists, but, it is... wrong
        it is wrong
        there is no spike in the public version
        why is there one in ours?
    
    sourceless
        HE PAUSES AGAIN, LOOKING DOWN AT HIS TASTE SIMULACRUM
        I FIND MYSELF UNABLE TO ANSWER - THIS IS A BIZARRE DEVELOPMENT
        OUR ARCHIVES ARE PRIMARY SOURCES FROM THE VAZNIAN LISTENERS, THE OLDEST OF ALL
        AND PERHAPS THE MOST RELIABLE
        WHAT ARE THE ODDS OF A RECORDING ERROR HAPPENING AT THAT EXACT TIME?
        I NOTICE HIS GAZE HAS DRAWN BACK UP TO ME, AND HE IS ENTERTAINED BY MY CONFUSION
    
    tozik
        you see now

    akizet
        i do... that is...
    
    tozik
        error or no, there is nothing to do but wait

    sourceless
        HE PUNCTUATES HIMSELF BY SIPPING AGAIN FROM HIS SIMULACRUM
        A LOOK AWAY AND WAGGLE OF A RECEPTOR TELLS ME ALL - LET US SPEAK NO MORE OF THIS

    RESPOBJ::d2_tozikresp

Farewell

bye
    akizet
        bye tozik!

    sourceless
        HE NODS A RECEPTOR AT ME
    
    RESPONSES::akizet
        leave<+>END
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)

Kazki

start
    sourceless
        SURPRISINGLY, KAZKI STANDS WITHIN THE VERY SAME RELOCATOR AS ME
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(true)
        THE CHANCES OF THIS ARE SLIM, BUT SHE APPEARS TO BE LOITERING, WAITING FOR SOMETHING
        IS SHE WAITING FOR ME?
        HELD WITHIN ONE OF HER BRANCHED RECEPTORS IS A COMMUNICATIONS CYST
        WITH THE OTHER, SHE GIVES ME A KIND GREETING
            EXEC::vnp({hideStage: true, kazki: "show"})
    
    kazki
        hii akizet!
    
    akizet
        kazki!
        this is a surprise--i do not often see you linger in this segment
        what brings you here?
    
    kazki
        ohh, i am waiting for the crew!
        they are having their little expedition, 
        and i am headed to the shores to discuss the next polygonation spire... again
        but!! we are all setting out together
    
    akizet
        ah, of course

    RESPOBJ::d2_kazkiresp

Responses

RESPOBJ::
    RESPONSES::akizet
        the cyst<+>cyst
            EXEC::env.embassy.d2progress('kazki')
        your creature<+>creature
        fare well for now<+>bye
            EXEC::vn.done()
            FAKEEND::(leave)


The cyst

cyst
    sourceless
        THIS SHOULD BE EASY
        KAZKI SIMPLY CANNOT HIDE ANY EMOTION

    akizet
        kazki, did you have a cyst delivered to my room recently?
    
    kazki
        huh? no!

    sourceless
        NOTHING... IT IS NOT HER

    kazki
        i have been so busy coordinating all of this!
        but i do have a few cysts i need to return to you...
        what was it?
    
    akizet
        ah, it was nothing of note, a mundane collection of memories
        
    kazki
        i can ask around for you!
    
    sourceless
        …¤,¿…¡Øn

    funfriend
        RECOMMENDATION: DEFINITELY STOP THAT NOW

    sourceless
        I HAD NOT CONSIDERED THIS POSSIBILITY...
        BUT SHE ALWAYS GETS INVOLVED
        IF WORD SPREADS, THE SPEAKER WILL SUSPECT SOMETHING STRANGE IS HAPPENING

    akizet
        ah--no, no no
        no no, it is all right
    
    kazki
        are you sure??
        i have my communicator on right now, i could help!
    
    sourceless
        I WAVE MY RECEPTORS NEGATIVELY WITH PERHAPS TOO MUCH EMPHASIS, AND SHE RELENTS
        SHE SMILES LIKE A BRIGHT COUSIN WOULD, HER RECEPTORS TAKING ON A TEASING POSTURE

    kazki
        oh, i think i get it
        it was one of <em>those</em> cysts

    akizet
        no!! no no no

    kazki
        uh-huh!!

    funfriend
        ACTUALLY MAYBE LET HER THINK THAT SO SHE WILL STAY QUIET
    
    sourceless
        UUGH
        YOU ARE RIGHT... FINE
        I WILL ABIDE THIS EMBARRASSMENT
    
    akizet
        ...
        ok, it was,
        but please do not tell anyone
        
    kazki
        do not worry!!
        it is between us and the arthropod!

    RESPOBJ::d2_kazkiresp

Your creature

creature
    akizet
        how is the little creature faring?

    kazki
        it is alive!!
        it does not move very much... but it reacts very quickly to my prodding!
        i have been speaking with a contact of mine, a bright cousin

    sourceless
        SHE WAGS THE COMMUNICATOR-BEARING RECEPTOR SLIGHTLY

    kazki
        and she says it is a 'arthropod'!
        so--i thought, i will call it 'arthur'!
        after the bureau construction contact!

    sourceless
        AH--ARTHUR
        A JITTERY ONE...
        IF ONLY I COULD BE THERE WHEN SHE OPENS HER HEAD TO SHOW THE CREATURE WITHIN TO HIM
        WAIT--WHAT WAS THAT SHE SAID?
    
    akizet
        you are on casual speaking terms with a bright cousin?
    
    sourceless
        WITH HER LARGE RECEPTORS, HER BASHFUL EXPRESSION IS DIFFICULT TO HIDE
        SHE MUST THINK I WILL TAKE ISSUE--WHY DOES SHE ALWAYS ASSUME THIS?

    akizet
        kazki, you know it is not an issue if you are
        the silent veil has long been drawn
        but--how are you communicating? 
    
    kazki
        oh!!
        you have not heard?
        it is a new development by the θjut
        very recent! these new communicators...
        they allow a sort of connection to the human collective!
        the 'internet' they call it!
        it is very flat... and there are many problems with the connection
        but it is not so different from ours aside from that!

    sourceless
        HOW COULD THAT POSSIBLY WORK?
        THEIRS IS NOT DICTATED BY THOUGHT...
        AH, IT DOES NOT MATTER - SHE WOULD NOT KNOW ANYWAY

    akizet
        and you are using it to speak with a bright cousin?
    
    kazki
        yes!!
        is that not remarkable?? it is COOL!!!

    akizet
        fascinating...
        i must see about getting one of those

    RESPOBJ::d2_kazkiresp

Farewell

bye
    akizet
        bye kazki!

    kazki
        bye!!
    
    RESPONSES::akizet
        leave<+>END
            EXEC::pauseSwapCam(false)

Realization

start
    sourceless
        FUNFRIEND
            EXEC::content.classList.add('showaki');

    funfriend
        hello akizet!!

    sourceless
        that is everyone...
    
    funfriend
        yes it was!

    sourceless
        and nothing. i surely spoke to the speaker at some point
        but they must be well-practiced in subterfuge
        and did you notice - no one else seemed concerned

    funfriend
        what about gakvu? she seemed surprised
        
    sourceless
        true, but it is a strange matter to begin with
        what if none of this is real to begin with, and the message was simply made to confuse me?
        no, no joke would ever be taken this far
        they would simply have cracked at my confrontration...
        and to that end - could i be the only one who received this message?
        why not cavik?! i would have seen it in his receptors if he was also contacted!
        and he is the greatest threat of all to any secrecy!!
        so what if he is a part of this conflict, too??
    
    funfriend
        akizet everything is fine
        i understand your worry but there is no urgency here

    sourceless
        ...yes, you are right
        thank you funfriend
        i must calm myself, approach this rationally
        but you understand: i cannot trust my own team
        nor any qou--here or home
        it is like i am in a city usurped by <span class="code" definition="INHERITED CONTEXT::'violent parasitic surface fauna';'hijacks mind of victim for use as social camouflage';'ekivik profanity';'not intended to be profane here'">zuzucri</span>
        anyone could be compromised, a part of this 'game'
        and even if we continue our research work,
        what if we find something else too close to the truth? 
        will we be under even greater threat?
        do i do anything? do i simply wait for the truth?
        it will be so long... so many θeyes
        funfriend you know i cannot simply stop my work
        especially if we are just beyond the threshold of understanding the call
        this is everything
    
    funfriend
        akizet, i cannot know what is right
        but you know what i will say already
        i feel that you should simply wait
        they said the team's research is still important
        and it sounds like they have this under control
        getting involved will probably not lead to anything good
        perhaps you could simply continue with your team,

    sourceless
        ah!
        i know!
        yes!
    
    funfriend
        akizet you really should probably not

    sourceless
        the bright cousins...
        the echo implied they know nothing!
        the envoy!
        yes, i must speak to him
        perhaps... if i place my words correctly,
        my research efforts could become two-fold
        one here, with my team, careful not to cross this invisible line...
        and another, more discreetly, with his bureau!
        where we may discover what these groups seek to hide
        yes, if i can simply know <em>what</em> it is, then...
    
    funfriend
        wait!!
        gordon has limited control, he is a part of a larger system!
        what of his leaders?
    
    sourceless
        he is...
        but our bright cousins are good with secrets
        they know so much that could raise concern already
        and not once has any of it ever hit their public mind
        indeed, they have very little correspondence outside of direct contacts
        and i am the only direct contact for the call research initiative
        though, there is kazki's construction contact...
        our cross-initiative ties will make for some sensitive matters to avoid

    funfriend
        they cannot detect the call with their own technology
        and they do not possess the biology to interact with ours
        how do you expect them to help you?
    
    sourceless
        perhaps we can share a few things...
        do you recall the murmurs of 'integrated bright technology'?
        since it was shelved...
        the technology division has stored much of the schematics plainly within embassy archives
        oh yes, this is coming together, is it not? how exciting

    funfriend
        akizet i do not like this idea! ahahaha
        but i will support you regardless

    sourceless
        excellent...
        to the vessel, then
        please contact him and tell him i am coming in person
        say that i have news of the call and that we must speak privately

    funfriend
        understood

    sys
        ATTENTION::'memory stream continues externally';'follow stream?'

____SHOWONCE::
    moth
        looks like this will take you to the street spatial thoughtform...
        i'm reading that it leads directly to something that's accessible there already
        weird... looks like it has more than before? specifically that chat with gordon
            SHOWIF::"citystreet__envoychat-start"
        i think funfriend fixed it? i didn't even know that part of it was busted
            SHOWIF::"citystreet__envoychat-start"
        or... maybe this thoughtform and the street are interwoven somehow.
            SHOWIF::"citystreet__envoychat-start"
        you said you hear music, right? does any of it sound familiar?
            SHOWIF::[["++mothglobal-why_music"],["citystreet__envoychat-start"]]
        because, it could be that when funfriend repaired this thoughtform, 
            SHOWIF::"citystreet__envoychat-start"
        he also repaired this memory stream into the city that had more data
            SHOWIF::"citystreet__envoychat-start"
        so if you don't follow the stream right now, you should still just be able to go there later and see it anyway
____END

    RESPONSES::sys
        follow stream<+>END
            EXEC::change("embassy_d2_complete", true);change("TEMP!!ep1_goingtogordon", true);moveTo("/local/city/street/")
        end recollection<+>END
            EXEC::change("embassy_d2_complete", true);env.bgm.pause();corruRefresh()
Retrieved from "https://corru.wiki/wiki/Transcripts:Embassy?oldid=2188"
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This page was last edited on 13 June 2024, at 11:01.
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