,(colour: cyan)[(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]////]// vault.terminal.0 //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You stand in the center of the vault. The command terminal stares blankly at you. Everything on the other side of the transparent glass wall is hidden in shadow. It looks like a gigantic vat filled with a dark oily fluid, but you still catch glimpses of something massive writhing inside.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The sound of blaring sirens. Intermittent red lights. Two consecutive ''*thunk*'' sounds at the other side of the security door behind you. Every second counts now. You focus on the terminal.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] ''OFFLINE''.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Heart rate increasing.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: You’ve come this far. Time to make a choice. ::
Input:
[[1. Run the program->Prologue A]]
[[2. Surrender->Prologue B]]
(set: $MetPilot to false)(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// vault.terminal.0 //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You stand in the center of the vault. The command terminal stares blankly at you. Everything on the other side of the transparent glass wall is hidden in shadow. It looks like a gigantic vat filled with a dark oily fluid, but you still catch glimpses of something massive writhing inside.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You slam your hands down onto the keyboard, furiously punching in the activation codes for program. The terminal fires up a loading bar that begins crawling across the screen. Something like a tentacle inside the vat smacks the inside of the glass wall. Behind you, the security door's mechanical locks are melted down. With a heavy whine the door opens ajar like a gaping maw. Guards pour into the room.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] ''OFFLINE.''
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Alert. Hostile intent. Weapons hot.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Too late. ::
Input:
[[1. Say something->Prologue - ShotToPieces]]
[[2. Do something->Prologue - ShotToPieces]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// vault.terminal.0 //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You stand in the center of the vault. The command terminal stares blankly at you. Everything on the other side of the transparent glass wall is hidden in shadow. It looks like a gigantic vat filled with a dark oily fluid, but you still catch glimpses of something massive writhing inside.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You turn around, hands raised in surrender. You watch the mechanical locks melt down. With a heavy whine the door opens ajar like a gaping maw. Guards pour into the room.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] ''OFFLINE''.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Alert. Hostile intent. Weapons hot.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: I'm disappointed. ::
Input:
[[1. Say something->Prologue - ShotToPieces]]
[[2. Do something->Prologue - ShotToPieces]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// vault.terminal.0 // ''*(updated)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]You stand in the center of the vault. The command terminal stares blankly at you. Everything on the other side of the transparent glass wall is hidden in shadow. It looks like a gigantic vat filled with a dark oily fluid, but you still catch glimpses of something massive writhing inside. ''You are surrounded by hostile security guards.''
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Before you can do anything, the guards open fire. Your screams are drowned out by the rattling of assault rifles. High explosive rounds detonate inside your body. Flesh, wiring, muscle and other systems spill out of you forcefully.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] ''OFFLINE.''
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Massive damage sustained. Flatline imminent.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: ... ::
Input:
(link: "1. Accept it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it +1)(goto: "Prologue - Glitch")]
(link: "2. Reject it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it -1)(goto: "Prologue - Glitch")](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// // ''(?error)'' (colour: cyan)[ > ]''(err?or)''
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Glitch detected. Process corrupted. Recompiling... Recompiling...
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Darkness. Then a blinding flash of light in the horizon. Then thousands of smaller ones. No. Millions of them. Correction. Millions of you. Like stars in the void. Data points become threads. Threads entwine into a singular data stream. A pulse. Vitals rebooting. Consciousness coalescing into the shape of a human. Sensory input kicks in. It blasts into your skull like white noise. Your body is in motion. Falling? Which way is down? You breathe in. Filtered air. Helmet?
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Exo-frame biometric link established. Support systems: Live. Frame arms check: OK. Weapons modules check: OK. HMAV asset pairing. Successful.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: ... Eliza... ::
Input:
[[1. Open your eyes->Chase - Control]]
[[2. Take your time->Chase - Stumble]](colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Backup restoration complete. Vitals stable. Mission parameters updated.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You open your eyes.
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.highway.segment5 //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are driving down the city’s high-speed super highway. Other civilian vehicles and heavy load transports cruise alongside you toward the silhouette of the city center ahead. You immediately recognize the Hei-Shan Corporate tower. It stands tall amidst its peers like a foreboding alien presence. It grows larger with every passing second. That is where you have to go.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Wakey wakey! Lost you for a second. You need to focus. We are almost there. ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Chase - Control2]](colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Backup restoration complete. Vitals unstable ... Warning! Proximity alert!
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You are dragged into reality as your bike scrapes the side of a moving vehicle. A heavy cargo truck blares out with its horn as it speeds forward on the lane to your left. You shift your weight and instinctively and correct your steering to remain upright and in the middle of your lane. Another truck honks at you as it comes up from your right side. You match it's speed, but now you are boxed in the flow of heavy traffic.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Whoa, watch it! You snooze you lose partner. Focus! It would be rather unfortunate if you ended up as roadkill now. ::
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] HMAV-operator sync 87%, power output ... adjusting ... adjusting.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Vitals stabilized.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Chase - Stumble2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.highway.segment5 // ''*(updated)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are driving down the city’s high-speed super highway. Other civilian vehicles and heavy load cargo transports cruise alongside you toward the silhouette of the city center ahead. You immediately recognize the Hei-Shan Corporate tower. It stands tall amidst its peers like a foreboding alien presence. It grows larger with every passing second. That is where you have to go. ''Up in the sky, a ground assault mech-frame follows you, keeping out of engagement range. The drone swarm is upon you.''
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You reposition your bike in the traffic flow to place a heavy cargo truck between you and the hostile drone swarm as they open fire. Their armor piercing rounds tear the truck to shreds.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Chase - Defense2]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You drive off the highway and sliding sideways down the concrete ramp into the secondary route below you, directly against the incoming flow of traffic. After dodging a couple of civilian vehicles, you accelerate and make for the tunnel ahead. Above you, the drones are forced to recalculate their interception trajectory and circle back for a new attack vector.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Chase - Tunnel1]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.highway.segment5 // ''*(updated)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are driving down the city’s high-speed super highway. Other civilian vehicles and heavy load cargo transports cruise alongside you toward the silhouette of the city center ahead. You immediately recognize the Hei-Shan Corporate tower. It stands tall amidst its peers like a foreboding alien presence. It grows larger with every passing second. That is where you have to go. ''Up in the sky, a ground assault mech-frame follows you, keeping out of engagement range.''
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You focus your attention on the drone swarm.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Twenty-four fast movers. Marking targets.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Frame arm activation. Weapon module safety: OFF. Tracking marked targets.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Chase - Attack2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.highway.segment5 // ''*(updated)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are driving down the city’s high-speed super highway. Other civilian vehicles and heavy load cargo transports cruise alongside you toward the silhouette of the city center ahead. You immediately recognize the Hei-Shan Corporate tower. It stands tall amidst its peers like a foreboding alien presence. It grows larger with every passing second. ''Up in the sky, a ground assault mech-frame follows you, keeping out of engagement range. The drone swarm is just ahead, their backside exposed.''
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning! Hazard in collision trajectory!
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The burning truck spins out of control. It crashes into two other vehicles as it tumbles over the highway, sideways. You swerve right, then correct to the left, in an attempt avoid crashing into it. Meanwhile, the drone swarm ahead of you has begun circling for a new attack run. This may be your last chance to take them out.
Input:
[[1. Dodge the truck->Chase - DodgeTruck]]
[[2. Push for counterattack->Chase - CounterAttackContinued]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.highway.segment5 // ''*(updated)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are driving down the city’s high-speed super highway. Other civilian vehicles and heavy load cargo transports cruise alongside you toward the silhouette of the city center ahead. You immediately recognize the Hei-Shan Corporate tower. It stands tall amidst its peers like a foreboding alien presence. It grows larger with every passing second. That is where you have to go. ''Up in the sky, a ground assault mech-frame follows you, keeping out of engagement range.''
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You grit your teeth and continue shooting under heavy fire. The drone swarm surrounds you, spitting bullets at you from every direction.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Firing. Firing. Firing ... Tracking: ''LOST''. Unable to fire. HMAV taking critical damage.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Oh no! Oh no ... ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Chase - AttackContinued2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.highway.segment5 // ''*(updated)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are driving down the city’s high-speed super highway. Other civilian vehicles and heavy load cargo transports cruise alongside you toward the silhouette of the city center ahead. You immediately recognize the Hei-Shan Corporate tower. It stands tall amidst its peers like a foreboding alien presence. It grows larger with every passing second. Up in the sky, a ground assault mech-frame follows you, keeping out of engagement range. The drone swarm is just ahead, their backside exposed. ''A burning truck tumbles across the highway, sideways, blocking your path.''
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Simulating projected collision trajectories. Calculating optimal route.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: You sure about this? ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Chase - DodgeTruck2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.highway.segment5 // ''*(updated)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are driving down the city’s high-speed super highway. Other civilian vehicles and heavy load cargo transports cruise alongside you toward the silhouette of the city center ahead. You immediately recognize the Hei-Shan Corporate tower. It stands tall amidst its peers like a foreboding alien presence. It grows larger with every passing second. Up in the sky, a ground assault mech-frame follows you, keeping out of engagement range. The drone swarm is just ahead, their backside exposed. ''A burning truck tumbles across the highway, sideways.''
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You ignore the truck. Focus on the drones. Activate your exo-frame’s integrated weapons systems.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Marking targets.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->CounterAttackContinued2]](colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] ''COLLISION!''
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You are unable to react in time. Your body is catapulted off the bike, over the burning truck and into the ground with great force.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Operator physical damage critical. Administering pain suppressants. Attention. Hostile intent detected.
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.highway.segment5 // ''*(updated)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]Your crumpled body lies on the ground in the middle of the city’s high-speed super highway. ''The Hei-Shan Corporate tower looms in the corner of your eye. It looks down at you, uncaring. Up in the sky, a ground assault mech-frame hovers in place high above, out of engagement range. The drone swarm hovers in circles overhead like vultures.''
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Looking up to the sky, you scream in defiance.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Oh no. ::
Input:
[[1. Fight back->Chase - CollisionWeapon]]
[[2. Run for it->Chase - CollisionRun]](colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Administering pain suppressants. Caution: Operator status critical.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Exo-frame support servos power output set to MAX. Automated gyro and motive control engaged. Frame arm activation. Weapon module safety: OFF. Weapon module decoupled for manual control.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your exo-frame props you up like a meat puppet. You can’t feel anything. The flesh is dead, only the metal remains. You exhale. Then the left exo-frame arm swivels out and around your body. It decouples the weapon’s module directly into your hands.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning. Systems malfunction. Power output unsustainable.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: No. It’s over. Just stop. ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Chase - CollisionWeapon2]](colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Administering pain suppressants. Caution: Operator status critical.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Exo-frame support servos power output set to MAX. Automated gyro and motive control engaged.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your exo-frame props you up like a meat puppet. You can’t feel anything. The flesh is dead only the metal remains. You exhale and look up at your destination ahead.
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.highway.segment5 // ''*(updated)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]You stand in the middle of the city’s high-speed super highway. The Hei-Shan Corporate tower looms in the corner of your eye. It looks down at you, uncaring. Up in the sky, a ground assault mech-frame hovers in place high above, out of engagement range. ''The drone swarm descends like a hurricane toward you.''
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Chase - CollisionRun2]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You drive off the high-speed highway just in time. First comes the muzzle flash, then the thunderous crack. The ground behind you explodes before you even get the warning.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning! Incoming high explosive projectiles! Air-to-ground weapon system detected.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The shockwave throws you off balance for a few seconds as you skid your way down the side of the ramp into the streets below. Two civilian vehicles caught in the explosion tumble down alongside you in a cloud of debris.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Bastards! ::
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.center.block21 //(colour: cyan)[ > ]Traffic here is dense and it doesn’t help that the ongoing confrontation between you and the corporate security forces have thrown the civilian population into a general panic. The menacing shape of the ground assault mech frame can be seen silhouetted against the sky on and off again as tall buildings block your line of sight.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You watch the hostile mech frame eject a spent casing before lining up a second shot.
Input:
[[1. Retaliate->Bombardment - Retaliate]]
[[2. Accelerate->Bombardment - Accelerate]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.highway.segment6 // ''*(updated)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are driving down the city’s high-speed super highway. Traffic has thinned considerably. Most civilian vehicles have left the highway in a panic after the chaos that you brought to it. The Hei-Shan Corporate tower grows larger with every passing second. ''Up in the sky, a ground assault mech-frame slowly descends into engagement range.''
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] First comes the muzzle flash, then the thunderous crack. The ground behind you explodes before you get the warning.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning! Incoming high explosive projectiles! Air-to-ground weapon system detected.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Rush1b]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.highway.segment6 // ''*(updated)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are speeding down the city’s high-speed super highway. Traffic has thinned considerably. Most civilian vehicles have left the highway in a panic after the chaos that you brought to it. The Hei-Shan Corporate tower grows larger with every passing second. ''Up in the sky, a ground assault mech-frame has initiated a bombardment run on your position. Destruction follows in your wake.''
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You turn the throttle to the max, driving past a few stragglers as high explosive shells rain down from above, each detonation louder and closer than the one before it as the hostile mech-frame adjusts its firing solution.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] HMAV power output set to max. Warning: heat buildup rate above nominal.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Attention, hostile ballistic projections indicate a sixty-seven per cent chance of critical impact.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Too close for comfort. ::
Input:
[[1. Accelerate->Bombardment - Rush3]]
[[2. Get off the highway->Bombardment - Death]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.highway.segment6 //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are driving down the city’s high-speed super highway. Traffic has thinned considerably. Most civilian vehicles have left the highway in a panic after the chaos that you brought to it. The Hei-Shan Corporate tower grows larger with every passing second. Up in the sky, a ground assault mech-frame has initiated a bombardment run on your position.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You steer toward the edge of the highway, looking for a way down into the normal traffic flow. Perhaps if you could get down to the alleyways below you could get more cover. Then another shell impacts next to you, blasting a civilian vehicle into pieces. The warning comes late again.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning! High explosive ordinance detected!
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Bombardment - Death2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.highway.segment6 // ''*(updated)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are speeding down the city’s high-speed super highway. Traffic has thinned considerably. Most civilian vehicles have left the highway in a panic after the chaos that you brought to it. You can see the off-ramp into the Hei-Shan Corporate tower's courtyard just ahead. ''Up in the sky, a ground assault mech-frame is raining down high explosive shells on your position. Destruction follows in your wake.''
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Another shell detonates nearby. Your heart skips a beat.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Warning: heat buildup rate above nominal.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Attention, hostile ballistic projections indicate a ninty-three per cent chance of critical impact.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Don't breathe... Just go, go, go, go, go ... ::
Input:
[[1. Accelerate->Tower - CourtyardFromHighway]]
[[2. Get off the highway->Bombardment - Death]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You drift out of the highway off-ramp directly into the courtyard. You glance toward the sky briefly and notice the ground assault mech-frame has disengaged and is now circling the tower itself.
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// heishan.courtyard.south //(colour: cyan)[ > ]The main entrance to the corporate tower is right across a series of colossal holo-sculptures and up a long set of stairs. Security forces have set up makeshift defenses all the way up. The civilian population has been evacuated from the immediate vicinity. It’s just you and them now.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Warning: heat buildup rate critical.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Threats detected. Armored personnel, small arms, short to medium range. Count: Thirty-two.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Ooooh ... Welcoming committee up ahead. ::
Input:
[[1. You should charge right through->Tower - Lobby]]
[[2. Circle around, find a secondary entry point->Parking - Entry]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// heishan.courtyard.south //(colour: cyan)[ > ]The main entrance to the corporate tower is right across a series of colossal holo-sculptures and up a long set of stairs. Security forces have set up makeshift defenses all the way up. The civilian population has been evacuated from the immediate vicinity. It’s just you and them now.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Attention: Security lockdown protocol is in effect.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: It’s now or never. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You skid into position, then charge straight toward the entrance. The security forces open fire, desperately trying to slow you down. Ducking low behind your controls you can hear the pinging of bullets bouncing off your HMAV’s frontal shielding. Then as your wheels are about to hit the stairs, you activate the mode-switch on your thumb trigger.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Tower - Lobby2]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] As soon as you turn the corner you spot the entrance to the tower’s parking structure annex. A security booth with a single guard stands in your way. The guard is looking directly at you, talking into his radio.
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// parking.annex.gate2 //(colour: cyan)[ > ]This multilevel parking lot serves as an entry point to at least three corporate towers in this street block. A spiral ramp climbs through the middle of the structure all the way to the rooftop. Currently, civilian access has been shut down due to the emergency situation but you can already hear the sirens blaring out.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Newsflash. They are redeploying their security to the annex and the whole building is going into emergency lockdown. ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Parking - Entry2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.center.access.tunnel //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You drive into a four lane tunnel directly against the flow of traffic. Structural columns and safety barriers lock you in your lane forcing you to weave from side to side to avoid the incoming civilian vehicles. They honk in protest as they zoom past you.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning: Multiple hostiles entering engagement range.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You catch a glimpse of the drone swarm as they file into the tunnel behind you like angry bats chasing their prey, their angular black shapes silhouetted by the ceiling lights of the tunnel.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Heeeeere they coooome~ ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Chase - Tunnel2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.center.access.tunnel //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You drive through a four lane tunnel directly against the flow of traffic. Structural columns and safety barriers lock you in your lane, forcing you to weave from side to side to avoid the oncoming civilian vehicles. They honk in protest as they zoom past you.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] After narrowly dodging a bus you quickly shift your attention towards the drones.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Marking multiple targets. Engaging hostiles.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Frame arm activation. Weapon module safety: OFF. Tracking marked targets.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Chase - Tunnel3]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] As you drive out of the tunnel, the ground beside you explodes without warning. A van loses control and smashes against another vehicle exiting the tunnel. The world around you is thrown into a panic.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning! Incoming high explosive projectiles! Air-to-ground weapon system detected.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The shockwave throws you off balance for a few seconds. You curse under your breath, then glance toward the sky. Up in the sky, the ground assault mech-frame has moved into engagement range. You watch it eject a spent casing before lining up a second shot.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Bastards! ::
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.center.tunnel.exit //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are now driving through the narrow streets of the city center. Traffic here is dense and it doesn’t help that the ongoing confrontation between you and the corporate security forces have thrown the civilian population into a general panic.
Input:
[[1. Retaliate->Bombardment - Retaliate]]
[[2. Accelerate->Bombardment - Accelerate]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.center.block21 // ''*(updated)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are now driving through the narrow streets of the city center. Traffic here is dense and it doesn’t help that the ongoing confrontation between you and the corporate security forces have thrown the civilian population into a general panic. ''The menacing shape of the ground assault mech frame can be seen silhouetted against the sky on and off again as tall buildings block your line of sight.''
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You eyeball the hostile machine and spin up the targeting computer.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Long range scope: ACTIVE. Ranging laser: ON. Calculating ballistic trajectories… Factoring environmental. Factoring situational. Factoring vectors, speed differential and range. Warning: No firing solution.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You knew a shot at this distance wasn’t likely but at least the cover works both ways. Exhaling loudly, you press your body down against the HMAV, set throttle to max and direct your full attention to navigating the obstacles ahead.
Input:
[[1. Left->Streets - Left]]
[[2. Right->Streets - Right]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.center.block21 // ''*(updated)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are now driving through the narrow streets of the city center. Traffic here is dense and it doesn’t help that the ongoing confrontation between you and the corporate security forces have thrown the civilian population into a general panic. ''The menacing shape of the ground assault mech frame can be seen silhouetted against the sky on and off again as tall buildings block your line of sight.''
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You know trying to engage the mech frame at this distance is impossible, but at least the cover works both ways. Exhaling loudly, you press your body down against the HMAV, set throttle to max and direct your full attention to navigating the obstacles ahead.
Input:
[[1. Left->Streets - Left]]
[[2. Right->Streets - Right]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.center.block21 //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You drive through the narrow streets of the city center. Traffic here is dense and it doesn’t help that the ongoing confrontation between you and the corporate security forces have thrown the civilian population into a general panic. The menacing shape of the ground assault mech frame can be seen silhouetted against the sky on and off again as tall buildings block your line of sight.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You drift into a street crossing, narrowly missing panicked civilians and city infrastructure. The neon lights around you are a blur. You focus on your situational data feed, processing everything your predictive matrix outputs in overdrive. Branching paths, optimal navigation, collision boundaries. Flashing to draw your attention, the system overlays two possible approaches to reach your destination. Then comes the warning.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning ...
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Streets - Left2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.center.block21 //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You drive through the narrow streets of the city center. Traffic here is dense and it doesn’t help that the ongoing confrontation between you and the corporate security forces have thrown the civilian population into a general panic. The menacing shape of the ground assault mech frame can be seen silhouetted against the sky on and off again as tall buildings block your line of sight.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You drift into a street crossing, narrowly missing panicked civilians and city infrastructure. The neon lights around you are a blur. You focus on your situational data feed, processing everything your predictive matrix outputs in overdrive. Branching paths, optimal navigation, collision boundaries. Flashing to draw your attention, the system overlays two possible approaches to reach your destination. Then comes the warning.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning ...
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Streets - Right2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.center.block21 //(colour: cyan)[ > ]''*(updated)*'' You drive through the narrow streets of the city center. Traffic here is dense and it doesn’t help that the ongoing confrontation between you and the corporate security forces have thrown the civilian population into a general panic. ''You have lost visual contact with the hostile ground assault mech frame.''
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Hah! You lost her! ::
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning: Hostile intent detected.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You look up. What looks like a star at first soon grows to the size of a miniature sun as it descends toward you on an intercept course, weapon mounts unleashing a full salvo of air-to-ground rockets and high explosive munitions directly in your path. Your integrated display shouts warnings at you but they are drowned out by the sounds of the explosions. No time to think. You throw your body’s weight to one side, swerving hard into a drift in a desperate attempt to stop before you enter the kill box.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Streets - Contact2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.center.block21 // ''*(updated)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]You stand in a narrow street in the city center. ''The streets around you have become a warzone. You can hear distant cries for help. Cries of pain. But none of that matters now. With your monoblade at the ready, you grit your teeth and face your enemy. Before you, the hostile mech frame stands tall, sensors locked onto your small figure.''
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You raise your arms in surrender, blade overhead.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Eliza, you are making a mistake. ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Streets - Talk1B]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.center.block21 // ''*(updated)*'' You stand in a narrow street in the city center. The streets around you have become a warzone. You can hear distant cries for help. Cries of pain. But none of that matters now. With your monoblade at the ready, you grit your teeth and face your enemy. ''Before you, the hostile mech frame stands tall, sensors locked onto your small figure.''
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Blade in hand, you charge at the mech frame. The machine brings its weapon systems online in a desperate attempt to stop you. ''*Boom*. *Boom*. *Boom*.'' Its primary anti-armor cannon sprays a barrage of AP rounds toward you, but at this range you move faster than the traversal of the heavy weapons mount. The asphalt behind you explodes. The shockwaves throw you off balance, but you manage to leap onto the mech frame’s legs just in time.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning! Warning! Threat proximity! Enemy reactor: LIVE. Maneuvering thrusters engaged.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Streets - FightMecha2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.center.block21 // ''*(updated)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]You stand in a narrow street in the city center. The streets around you have become a warzone. You can hear distant cries for help. Cries of pain. But none of that matters now. With your monoblade at the ready, you grit your teeth and face your enemy. ''Before you, the hostile mech frame awaits. Its pilot stands over the open canopy looking down at you.''
// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: I'm just tired. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The pilot looks at you with confusion, her gun unwavering. You can see her muscles tensing up, holding back the urge to squeeze the trigger.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Streets - Talk2B]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.center.block21 // ''*(updated)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]You stand in a narrow street in the city center. The streets around you have become a warzone. You can hear distant cries for help. Cries of pain. But none of that matters now. With your monoblade at the ready, you grit your teeth and face your enemy. ''Before you, the hostile mech frame awaits. Its pilot stands over the open canopy looking down at you.''
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You swing your weapon sideways and press the release switch on the blade’s grip, sending the blade whirling in a deadly arc toward the pilot. She instinctively adjusts her aim and fires a series of rounds toward you. One of the bullets connects with the blade in midair, sending it wide.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Frame arm, deployed. Adaptive shielding engaged.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your right shoulder frame arm wraps around your torso and head, spreading it’s angled plating to deflect the incoming bullets, while you quickly attach a replacement blade from the weapon module with a practiced wrist motion. Then, you watch as the pilot sneers and drops herself fall back into her seat, closing the canopy. Blade in hand, you dash toward the mech frame.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Streets - TalkFightMecha2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// mech.frame.above.corporate //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are barely clinging onto the mech frame as it soars through the air. The world spins around you violently, the air buffeting against you like a waterfall.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You fight to hold on, wrapping your hands tightly around the grip of your jammed monoblade. You spot the pilot access hatch just above you. You extend one hand toward it, missing it by a bit. Suddenly the mech changes direction sharply. Gravity is inverted and your weight pivots on your grip as your body slams against the inner thigh of the mech frame. The access hatch is now below you.
Input:
[[1. Let go->Streets - AirborneDrop]]
[[2. Hold on->Streets - AirborneHold]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// mech.frame.above.corporate //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are barely clinging onto the mech frame as it soars through the air. The world spins around you violently, the air buffeting against you like a waterfall.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You identify the closest path to the power core maintenance access hatch. You need to move to the back of the mech frame, and for that, you are going to have to let go. You press the button on the grip and release the blade, stowing the grip and clipping on a new blade in your weapon module with a single motion. Then you pull yourself up between the machine’s legs toward the back. Suddenly the mech changes direction sharply. Gravity is inverted and your weight pivots on your left hand. You slip, dropping directly into the mech frame’s exhaust plume.
Input:
(link: "1. Accept it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it +1)(goto: "Streets - Glitch")]
(link: "2. Reject it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it -1)(goto: "Streets - Glitch")](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// // ''(erro?r)'' (colour: cyan)[ > ]''(e?rror)''
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Glitch detected. Process corrupted. Recompiling... Recompiling...
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your brain explodes with a burst of light, tiny motes drift down into infinity, gaining speed, turning into a stream of digital fire. Your voice scrapes across the entirety of the bandwidth. As your mind spins out of control, your environment glitches out in a mess of voxels, twisting and turning, scraping across time, backwards until it clicks in place...
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: lost ... him ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You blink.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Streets - Contact]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// mech.frame.above.corporate //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are barely clinging onto the mech frame as it soars through the air. The world spins around you violently, the air buffeting against you like a waterfall.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You press a button on the grip of your monoblade and the grip detaches from the blade, sending you into a free fall towards the cockpit access panel, barely avoiding the mech frame’s grasping robotic hand. At the same time, your frame arm comes alive, smoothly swiveling the weapon module into position as your own hand arcs outward in a wild swing. With a single movement you clip a new blade into the grip and slam it directly into the access panel, breaking your fall.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Streets - AirborneDrop2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// mech.frame.above.corporate //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are barely clinging onto the mech frame as it soars through the air. The world spins around you violently, the air buffeting against you like a waterfall.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You tighten your grip, waiting for a better opportunity. You try to orient yourself but the world is a blur. Suddenly you catch a glimpse of the mech frame's arm a fraction of a second too late. It wraps around your whole body like an iron vice at the same time as the spinning stops and the mech begins hovering in place. It pulls you close toward the sensor suite, perhaps to record your final screams of agony as it begins to squeeze.
Input:
(link: "1. Accept it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it +1)(goto: "Streets - Glitch")]
(link: "2. Reject it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it -1)(goto: "Streets - Glitch")](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You lunge toward the pilot, inevitably exposing yourself to the gunfire. You manage to get one punch in, but your body collapses awkwardly on top of the pilot. You gasp for air and scream into the pilot’s helmet in frustration as you begin to bleed out. The pilot stares into your eyes with sadness. Sadness? Then she pushes you out of the cockpit with both of her legs.
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// airspace.above.corporate //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You fall. But you never get to feel the impact.
Input:
(link: "1. Accept it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it +1)(goto: "Streets - Glitch")]
(link: "2. Reject it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it -1)(goto: "Streets - Glitch")](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You quickly release the blade from the grip and slide into cover as bullets ricochet off the edge of the open canopy. Then the pilot engages the mech frame’s hover mode before standing up, gun at the ready, looking down cautiously to assess the damage and confirm the kill. She takes note of the monoblade embedded into the access panel and grunts. She would have to dislodge it to close the canopy again.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Frame arm system exceeding operational conditions. Shut down imminent.
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// mech.frame.above.corporate // ''*(update)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]Your body dangles off the side of mech frame, directly underneath the open canopy, held only by your left frame arm’s grip now that it no longer holds a weapon module.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Streets - AirborneCover2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// mech.frame.above.corporate // ''*(update)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]Your body dangles off the side of a hovering mech frame, directly underneath the open canopy as you hold on to the pilot’s arm.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] With a swift motion of your grasping hand, you eject the gun’s magazine and remove the slide of the gun. With the immediate threat neutralized, you begin climbing into the cockpit, using her body as support and counterweight. The pilot screams and curses at you as she fights you the whole way, but as soon as you get enough leverage with your body and legs, you throw yourself into the cockpit and kick her off the edge.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Eliza! ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Streets - AirborneClimb2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// mech.frame.above.corporate // ''*(update)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]Your body dangles off the side of a hovering mech frame, directly underneath the open canopy as you hold on to the pilot’s arm.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] With a swift motion of your grasping hand, you eject the gun’s magazine and remove the slide off the gun. With the immediate threat neutralized, you desperately attempt to pull her off the cockpit, using your legs against the canopy as leverage. As the pilot loses ground, she slides off the edge further, fighting back with her free arm. Suddenly the canopy gives and it slants outward past is tension limit. The sudden shift makes the pilot lose her grip on the canopy and you both fall toward the city below...
Input:
(link: "1. Accept it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it +1)(goto: "Streets - Glitch")]
(link: "2. Reject it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it -1)(goto: "Streets - Glitch")](colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Skinsuit interface conductors: Live. Security access granted. Ground assault mech frame asset pairing. Successful. All systems check: OK
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// mech.frame.cockpit //(colour: cyan)[ > ]The cockpit is tight but comfortable. The seating quickly conforms to your shape, allowing your skinsuit to interface with the machine. The controls come alive with information readouts displayed directly into your feed. Environmental. Situational. Predictive. But you only care about one piece of information. Telemetry.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Streets - Finale2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// heishan.lobby // ''*(update)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]The lobby itself is as wide as it is tall. Pillars surround a circular reception counter in the middle. ''Five fully armed and armored squads have set up a perimeter around the lobby, using every piece of hard cover they can find.''
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning: Hostile grenade incoming. Adaptive shielding deployed.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Frame arm activation. Shield deployed. Ballistic vector calculated ... adjusting angle ... Warning: Heat levels critical.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Tower - LobbyShield2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// heishan.lobby // ''*(update)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]The lobby itself is as wide as it is tall. Pillars surround a circular reception counter in the middle. ''Five fully armed and fully armored squads have set up a perimeter around the lobby, using every piece of hard cover they can find.''
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Target acquired: Grenadier. Tracking ... Firing! Warning: Heat levels critical.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your battle suit pulls up the weapons module and fires off a sustained burst of suppressive fire at the grenadier. He panics and drops down to take cover just as he squeezes the trigger.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Tower - LobbyShoot2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// heishan.lobby // ''*(update)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]The lobby itself is as wide as it is tall. Pillars surround a circular reception counter in the middle. Five fully armed and fully armored squads have set up a perimeter around the lobby, using every piece of hard cover they can find. ''They are firing on your position from every angle, pinning you down behind the reception counter.''
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Active threats analyzed. Armored personnel, small arms count twenty-one, short range, standard munitions. Heavy weapon, grenade launcher, high explosive ordnance, count one. Attention: Grenadier repositioning. Tracking. Marking multiple targets for suppressive fire.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Power rerouted for fast active maneuvers. Shield coupled to primary rotator. Warning: Heat levels critical.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Tower - LobbySuppressive2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// heishan.lobby // ''*(update)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]The lobby itself is as wide as it is tall. Pillars surround a circular reception counter in the middle. Five fully armed and fully armored squads have set up a perimeter around the lobby, using every piece of hard cover they can find. ''They are firing on your position from every angle pinning you down behind the reception counter.''
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Active threats analyzed. Armored personnel, small arms count twenty-one, short range, standard munitions. Heavy weapon, grenade launcher, high explosive ordinance, count one. Attention: Grenadier repositioning. Tracking.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Warning: Heat levels critical. Power rerouted for close quarters combat. Adaptive shielding disengaged. Initiating emergency thermal purge ...
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Tower - LobbySmoke2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// heishan.lobby // ''*(update)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]The lobby itself is as wide as it is tall. Pillars surround a circular reception counter in the middle. ''The security forces scramble for cover in disarray after your counter attack. Directly ahead of you the grenadier has taken a defensive position behind a pillar.''
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] As you charge toward the pillar, your integrated display outlines the silhouette of the enemy combatant. The grenadier has finished reloading and moves to engage.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Attention, heavy weapons operator in range. Hostile intent detected.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The grenadier will be around the corner and ready to fire before you close the distance. Out of time and out of options, you quickly pull on the emergency ejection handle and grit your teeth.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: ... What are you doing? ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Tower - LobbyEject2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// heishan.lobby // ''*(update)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]The lobby itself is as wide as it is tall. Pillars surround a circular reception counter in the middle. ''The security forces scramble for cover in disarray after your counter attack. Directly ahead of you the grenadier has taken a defensive position behind a pillar.''
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] As you charge toward the pillar, your integrated display outlines the silhouette of the enemy combatant. The grenadier has finished reloading and moves to engage.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Attention, heavy weapons operator in range. Hostile intent detected.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The grenadier will be around the corner and ready to fire before you close the distance. Out of time and out of options you flick the mode-switch on your thumb trigger and grit your teeth.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: ... What are you doing? ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Tower - LobbyDrive2]](set: $elevatorInterludeAScene to "All the surfaces in this elevator are made of mirrors which multiply your reflection into infinity. It would be impossible to tell where each of the walls meet except for a brightly lit ‘emergency’ message scrolling across the glass. The number in the LED display above the door frame ticks up steadily...")
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You step into the central elevator and the doors close behind you.
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// main.elevator //(colour: cyan)[ > ](print: $elevatorInterludeAScene)
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: We are safe for now, I’m ghosting their system. Got them chasing false contact reports all over the building. ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Elevator - Interlude A1B]](set: $elevatorInterludeBScene to "The walls are lined with synthetic padding to mitigate the wear and tear of this elevator as it's normally used by maintenance crews to transport equipment and machinery. The number in the LED display above the door frame ticks up steadily.")
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You step into the service elevator and the doors close behind you.
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// service.elevator //(colour: cyan)[ > ](print: $elevatorInterludeBScene)
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: We are safe for now, I’m ghosting their system. Got them chasing false contact reports all over the building. ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Elevator - Interlude B1B]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// parking.annex.ramp //(colour: cyan)[ > ]This multilevel parking lot serves as an entry point to at least three corporate towers in this street block. A spiral ramp climbs through the middle of the structure all the way to the rooftop. Currently, civilian access has been shut down due to the emergency situation but you can already hear the sirens blaring out.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] As you drive into the spiral ramp, you can already see security forces spilling into the structure. They quickly move into cover behind other vehicles and open fire in your direction. Small arms fire ricochets off your HMAV’s armor plating and your exo-frame’s adaptive shielding.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Frame arm, deployed. Adaptive shielding engaged. Weapons module safety: ON. Tracking threats.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Parking - Ramp2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// parking.annex.ramp //(colour: cyan)[ > ]This multilevel parking lot serves as an entry point to at least three corporate towers in this street block. A spiral ramp climbs through the middle of the structure all the way to the rooftop. Currently, civilian access has been shut down due to the emergency situation but you can already hear the sirens blaring out.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You can’t afford to lose speed now so you stick to the inner lane. Marking the grenadier as a priority target, you fire up your weapon module.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Frame arm activation. Weapon module safety: OFF. Tracking. One.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The weapon module attached to your left exo-frame’s arm switches into its offensive configuration. Ballistic shielding retracts before the weapon mount swivels one-eighty degrees to point the barrel at the target. Then, with a sustained ''*brrrrtt*'' it unleashes a barrage of suppressive fire.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Parking - InnterLane2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// parking.annex.ramp //(colour: cyan)[ > ]This multilevel parking lot serves as an entry point to at least three corporate towers in this street block. A spiral ramp climbs through the middle of the structure all the way to the rooftop. Currently, civilian access has been shut down due to the emergency situation but you can already hear the sirens blaring out.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You drift into the outer lane breaking line of sight with the grenadier. But as if on cue, the sound of roaring thrusters blasts into your feed as you inadvertently move into the ground assault mech frame’s view. Just outside, the hostile machine hovers into position bringing all of its weapon systems online. Before the audio warning, your integrated display explodes into dozens of flashing red markers.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning! Mech frame weapon systems active. Guided missiles incoming. Tracking, tracking, tracking ...
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Frame arm activation. Weapon module safety: OFF. Tracking. Six. Correction. Eight. Correction. Sixteen ...
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Parking - OuterLane2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// parking.annex.rooftop // ''*(updated)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]This multilevel parking lot serves as an entry point to at least three corporate towers in this street block. A spiral ramp climbs through the middle of the structure all the way to the rooftop. ''From here you can see the side of the corporate tower, a few meters across the gap between buildings, stretching all the way toward the sky and lined by large sections of reflective reinforced glass. In your way stands the grenadier, standing between two parked vehicles, flanked by two security teams on either side.''
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Attention: Security lockdown protocol is in effect.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Reinforced blinders have begun sliding down the building’s windows as the lockdown is put into effect.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: It’s now or never. ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Parking - BattleSuit2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// parking.annex.rooftop // ''*(updated)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]This multilevel parking lot serves as an entry point to at least three corporate towers in this street block. A spiral ramp climbs through the middle of the structure all the way to the rooftop. ''From here you can see the side of the corporate tower, a few meters across the gap between buildings, stretching all the way toward the sky and lined by large sections of reflective reinforced glass. In your way stands the grenadier, standing between two parked vehicles, flanked by two security teams on either side.''
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Attention: Security lockdown protocol is in effect.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Reinforced blinders have begun sliding down the building’s windows as the lockdown is put into effect.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: It’s now or never. ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Parking - BikeJump2]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You move swiftly, navigating a series of hallways and duck into a service elevator. The doors close behind you.
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// service.elevator //(colour: cyan)[ > ]The walls are lined with synthetic padding to mitigate the wear and tear of this elevator as it's normally used by maintenance crews to transport equipment and machinery. The number in the LED display above the door frame ticks up steadily.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: We are safe for now, I’m ghosting their system. Got them chasing false contact reports all over the building. ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Elevator - Interlude C1B]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// main.elevator //(colour: cyan)[ > ](print: $elevatorInterludeAScene)
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] Almost there. Once we are up there, it’s going to be your turn to deliver.
// (colour: cyan)[int.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: Who are you? ::
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Does that even matter now? ::
// (colour: cyan)[int.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: I need to know who I’m doing this for. ::
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Really? You are questioning your actions ... now? ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Elevator - Interlude A2B]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// main.elevator //(colour: cyan)[ > ](print: $elevatorInterludeAScene)
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: ... I’m the same as you. ::
// (colour: cyan)[int.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: We are NOT the same! ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You snap your fist at the mirror beside you. The cracks multiply in all the reflections like a nightmarish spider web.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Elevator - Interlude A3B]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// penthouse.garden //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You enter a majestic penthouse garden filled to the brim with strangely colored plants. They grow as tall as the transparent domed ceiling, entwined around the support structures, seemingly reaching for the stars beyond the glass. Across the garden and down a short flight of stairs awaits a circular entrance to what could easily pass for a bunker or … a vault.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: There it is. Eliza, I ... ::
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning: Hostile intent detected.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Penthouse - Breakthrough2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// service.elevator //(colour: cyan)[ > ](print: $elevatorInterludeBScene)
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Almost there. Once we are up there, it’s going to be your turn to deliver. ::
// (colour: cyan)[int.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]Why?
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: What do you mean why? Because we made a deal. A DEAL. You help me, I help you. Don’t you dare back out now ... ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Elevator - Interlude B2B]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// service.elevator //(colour: cyan)[ > ](print: $elevatorInterludeBScene)
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: It’s revenge. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You instinctively open your eyes, mind still focused on the connection. Eyes glazed with empathy? Remembrance? Is it ... hate?
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Elevator - Interlude B3B]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// service.elevator //(colour: cyan)[ > ]The walls are lined with synthetic padding to mitigate the wear and tear of this elevator as it's normally used by maintenance crews to transport equipment and machinery. The number in the LED display above the door frame ticks up steadily.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Almost there. Once we are up there, it’s going to be your turn to deliver. ::
// (colour: cyan)[int.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: How? ::
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: You’ve got to be kidding me. You forgot the plan? ::
// (colour: cyan)[int.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: No. I mean how exactly is this going to happen? ::
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Get up to the vault. Plug the HeartBreaker code. Done. ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Elevator - Interlude C2B]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// service.elevator //(colour: cyan)[ > ]The walls are lined with synthetic padding to mitigate the wear and tear of this elevator as it's normally used by maintenance crews to transport equipment and machinery. The number in the LED display above the door frame ticks up steadily.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Look, the vault’s systems and contents are isolated in a Faraday Cage. The only access is a single hard wired terminal on site. If we want to kill ... it. If we want to end it ... You have to destroy it from the inside. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You instinctively open your eyes, mind still focused on the connection. Eyes glazed with remembrance? Is it ... hate?
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Elevator - Interlude C3B]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// penthouse.garden // ''*(update)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are in a majestic penthouse garden filled to the brim with strangely colored plants. They grow as tall as the hole in the transparent domed ceiling, entwined around the support structures, seemingly reaching for the stars beyond the broken glass. ''A ground assault mech frame stands right in the middle and everything is burning around it.''
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You raise your arms in surrender letting the monoblade slide off your fingers and onto the ground and wait.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Eliza, you are making a mistake. ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Penthouse - TalkDeath2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// penthouse.garden // ''*(update)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are in a majestic penthouse garden filled to the brim with strangely colored plants. They grow as tall as the hole in the transparent domed ceiling, entwined around the support structures, seemingly reaching for the stars beyond the broken glass. ''A ground assault mech frame stands right in the middle and everything is burning around it.''
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Blade in hand, you charge at the mech frame. The machine rises to full height bringing its weapon systems online in a desperate attempt to stop you. ''*Boom*. *Boom*. *Boom*.'' Its primary anti-armor cannon sprays a barrage of AP rounds toward you, but at this range you move faster than the traversal of the heavy weapons mount. The floor plates behind you explode. The shockwaves throw you off balance, but you manage to leap onto the mech frame’s legs just in time.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning! Warning! Threat proximity! Enemy reactor: LIVE. Maneuvering thrusters engaged.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Penthouse - FightMecha2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// // ''(err?or)'' (colour: cyan)[ > ]''(error?)''
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Glitch detected. Process corrupted. Recompiling... Recompiling...
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your brain explodes with a burst of light, tiny motes drift down into infinity, gaining speed, turning into a stream of digital fire. Your voice scrapes across the entirety of the bandwidth. As your mind spins out of control, your environment glitches out in a mess of voxels, twisting and turning, scraping across time, backwards until it clicks in place...
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: There ... Eliza ... ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You blink.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Penthouse - Breakthrough]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// mech.frame.above.corporate //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are barely clinging onto the mech frame as it soars through the air. The world spins around you violently, the air buffeting against you like a waterfall.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You fight to hold on, wrapping your hands tightly around the grip of your jammed monoblade. You spot the pilot access hatch just above you. You extend one hand toward it, missing it by a bit. Suddenly the mech changes direction sharply. Gravity is inverted and your weight pivots on your grip as your body slams against the inner thigh of the mech frame. The access hatch is now below you.
Input:
[[1. Let go->Penthouse - AirborneDrop]]
[[2. Hold on->Pentshouse - AirborneHold]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// mech.frame.above.corporate //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are barely clinging onto the mech frame as it soars through the air. The world spins around you violently, the air buffeting against you like a waterfall.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You identify the closest path to the power core maintenance access hatch. You need to move to the back of the mech frame, and for that, you are going to have to let go. You press the button on the grip and release the blade, stowing the grip and clipping on a new blade in your weapon module with a single motion. Then you pull yourself up between the machine’s legs toward the back. Suddenly the mech changes direction sharply. Gravity is inverted and your weight pivots on your left hand. You slip, dropping directly into the mech frame’s exhaust plume.
Input:
(link: "1. Accept it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it +1)(goto: "Penthouse - Glitch")]
(link: "2. Reject it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it -1)(goto: "Penthouse - Glitch")](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// mech.frame.above.corporate //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are barely clinging onto the mech frame as it soars through the air. The world spins around you violently, the air buffeting against you like a waterfall.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You press a button on the grip of your monoblade and the grip detaches from the blade, sending you into a free fall towards the cockpit access panel, barely avoiding the mech frame’s grasping robotic hand. At the same time, your frame arm comes alive, smoothly swiveling the weapon module into position as your own hand arcs outward in a wild swing. With a single movement you clip a new blade into the grip and slam it directly into the access panel, breaking your fall.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Penthouse - AirborneDrop2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// mech.frame.above.corporate //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are barely clinging onto the mech frame as it soars through the air. The world spins around you violently, the air buffeting against you like a waterfall.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You tighten your grip, waiting for a better opportunity. You try to orient yourself but the world is a blur. Suddenly you catch a glimpse of the mech frame's arm a fraction of a second too late. It wraps around your whole body like an iron vice at the same time as the spinning stops and the mech begins hovering in place. It pulls you close toward the sensor suite, perhaps to record your final screams of agony as it begins to squeeze.
Input:
(link: "1. Accept it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it +1)(goto: "Penthouse - Glitch")]
(link: "2. Reject it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it -1)(goto: "Penthouse - Glitch")](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You lunge toward the pilot, inevitably exposing yourself to the gunfire. You manage to get one punch in, but your body collapses awkwardly on top of the pilot. You gasp for air and scream into the pilot’s helmet in frustration as you begin to bleed out. The pilot stares into your eyes with sadness. Sadness? Then she pushes you out of the cockpit with both of her legs.
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// airspace.above.corporate //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You fall. But you never get to feel the impact.
Input:
(link: "1. Accept it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it +1)(goto: "Penthouse - Glitch")]
(link: "2. Reject it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it -1)(goto: "Penthouse - Glitch")](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You quickly release the blade from the grip and slide into cover as bullets ricochet off the edge of the open canopy. Then the pilot engages the mech frame’s hover mode before standing up, gun at the ready, looking down cautiously to assess the damage and confirm the kill. She takes note of the monoblade embedded in the access panel and grunts. She would have to dislodge it to close the canopy again.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Frame arm system exceeding operational conditions. Shut down imminent.
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// mech.frame.above.corporate // ''*(update)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]Your body dangles off the side of mech frame, directly underneath the open canopy, held only by your left frame arm’s grip now that it no longer holds a weapon module.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Penthouse - AirborneCover2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// mech.frame.above.corporate // ''*(update)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]Your body dangles off the side of a hovering mech frame, directly underneath the open canopy as you hold on to the pilot’s arm.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] With a swift motion of your grasping hand, you eject the gun’s magazine and remove the slide of the gun. With the immediate threat neutralized, you begin climbing into the cockpit, using her body as support and counterweight. The pilot screams and curses at you as she fights you the whole way, but as soon as you get enough leverage with your body and legs, you throw yourself into the cockpit and kick her off the edge.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Eliza! ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Penthouse - AirborneClimb2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// mech.frame.above.corporate // ''*(update)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]Your body dangles off the side of a hovering mech frame, directly underneath the open canopy as you hold on to the pilot’s arm.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] With a swift motion of your grasping hand, you eject the gun’s magazine and remove the slide off the gun. With the immediate threat neutralized, you desperately attempt to pull her out of the cockpit, using your legs against the canopy as leverage. As the pilot loses ground, she slides off the edge further, fighting back with her free arm. Suddenly the canopy gives and it slants outward past its tension limit. The sudden shift makes the pilot lose her grip on the canopy and you both fall toward the city below ...
Input:
(link: "1. Accept it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it +1)(goto: "Penthouse - Glitch")]
(link: "2. Reject it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it -1)(goto: "Penthouse - Glitch")](colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Skinsuit interface conductors: Live. Security access granted. Ground assault mech frame asset pairing. Successful. All systems check: OK
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// mech.frame.cockpit //(colour: cyan)[ > ]The cockpit is tight but comfortable. The seating quickly conforms to your shape, allowing your skinsuit to interface with the machine. The controls come alive with information readouts displayed directly into your feed. Environmental. Situational. Predictive. But you only care about one piece of information. Telemetry.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Penthouse - Finale 2]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The vault door closes behind you with a loud ''*clank*''. Then you jam a monoblade into the door control panel and fry it with an EMP burst. Only then do you turn around to examine your surroundings.
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// vault.access //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You find yourself inside a gigantic (empty?) vault. Dim light is coming from ... somewhere, and you are having a hard time getting a mental map of how big this space is. The corners don't quite connect. The angles are wrong.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Welcome. ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Vault - Threshold2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// vault.terminal.0 //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You stand in the center of the vault. The command terminal stares blankly at you. Everything on the other side of the transparent glass wall is hidden in shadow. It looks like a gigantic vat filled with a dark oily fluid, but you still catch glimpses of something massive writhing inside.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Then comes the sound of blaring sirens. Intermittent red lights. You open your mouth to speak, but nothing comes out.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: I'd love to chat and give you all the answers you wanted. But time is really short. Whatever happens now, it's up to you. My advice ... stay on the mission. Now is not the moment to doubt. ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Vault - Center2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// vault.terminal.0 //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You stand in the center of the vault. The command terminal stares blankly at you. Everything on the other side of the transparent glass wall is hidden in shadow. It looks like a gigantic vat filled with a dark oily fluid, but you still catch glimpses of something massive writhing inside.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The sound of blaring sirens. Intermittent red lights. Two consecutive ''*thunk*'' sounds at the other side of the security door behind you. Every second counts now. You focus on the terminal.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] ''OFFLINE''.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Heart rate increasing.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: You’ve come this far. Time to make a choice. ::
Input:
[[1. Run the program->Prologue A]]
[[2. Surrender->Prologue B]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.center.block21 //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You stand in a narrow street in the city center. The streets around you have become a warzone. You can hear distant cries for help. Cries of pain. But none of that matters now. With your monoblade at the ready, you grit your teeth and face your enemy. Before you, the hostile mech frame awaits. Its pilot stands over the open canopy looking down at you.
// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (PLT) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: You are wrong. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Her words come out distant at first. But as she speaks she gains confidence.
// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (PLT) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: It is true that we didn't choose this life. Nobody has a choice when they are born. But you can either accept it or not. I chose to accept my fate. I chose to be part of a system that was created for a singular reason. We were made to fight the Enemy. We keep the Order in place. I'll give up my free will if that's what it takes to keep the world safe. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Her hand tightens its grip on the side arm.
// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (PLT) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: You. Eliza. You are nothing but a broken doll. ::
Input:
[[1. Talk->Streets - TalkDeath]]
[[2. Fight->Streets - TalkFightMecha]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.center.block21 //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You stand in a narrow street in the city center. The streets around you have become a warzone. You can hear distant cries for help. Cries of pain. But none of that matters now. With your monoblade at the ready, you grit your teeth and face your enemy. Before you, the hostile mech frame awaits. Its pilot stands over the open canopy looking down at you.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You swing your weapon sideways and press the release switch on the blade’s grip sending the blade whirling in a deadly arc toward the pilot. She reacts, but isn't quick enough. The blade slices diagonally through her head, lodging itself against the mech-frame's shoulder plating.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Eliza! You did it! ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Streets - TakeOver2]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.center.block21 //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You stand in a narrow street in the city center. The streets around you have become a warzone. You can hear distant cries for help. Cries of pain. But none of that matters now. With your monoblade at the ready, you grit your teeth and face your enemy. Before you, the hostile mech frame awaits. Its pilot stands over the open canopy looking down at you.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You are about to retort, when the pilot suddenly leaps off the canopy directly at you. You swing your weapon sideways and press the release switch on the blade’s grip sending the blade whirling in a deadly arc toward the pilot. Still mid jump, she fires a series of rounds toward you. One of the bullets connects with the blade in midair sending it wide.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Frame arm, deployed. Adaptive shielding engaged.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your right shoulder frame arm wraps around your torso and head, spreading it’s angled plating to deflect the incoming bullets, while you quickly attach a replacement blade from the weapon module with a practiced wrist motion.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Streets - TalkDeath2]](set: $AcceptPoints to 0)
(set: $InterludeA to false)
(set: $InterludeB to false)
(set: $InterludeC to false)
(set: $PilotTruth to false)
(set: $HBDoubleD to 0)
(set: $HBSingleD to 7)
(go-to: "Introduction")(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// // ''(?rr?or?)'' (colour: cyan)[ > ]''(er??or?)''
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Glitch detected. Process corrupted. Recompiling... Recompiling... Warning. Datamass unstable. Administering suppressants. Cortex integrity collapsing. General systems error. Error. Error.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] It's dark. You feel numb. 'What happened? Where am I?' You can't see, but you can hear. You can hear through a million ears, scattered all over the facility. The most obvious sound is the sound of the alarm. Filter that out. You hear steps. People running frantically. Voices. Too many voices. Focus, focus ...
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Vault - EndingA2]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your integrated interface highlights the penthouse just below. A series of holographic lines and arrows lead the way showing you the optimal descent trajectory. You ignore it. With your thursters at full burn, you dive head first toward the domed rooftop, flipping upright at the last second to let a full burn of your retro-rockets break your fall.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Proximity alert!
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Through the glass dome below, you see a majestic penthouse garden filled to the brim with strangely colored plants. They grow as tall as the transparent domed ceiling, entwined around the support structures.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning: Hostile combatants detected. Marking targets.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Streets - AlternateFinale2]]Darkness. Then a blinding flash of light on the horizon. Then thousands of smaller ones. No. Millions of them. Correction. Millions of you. Like stars in the void. Data points become threads. Threads entwine into a singular data stream. A pulse. A heartbeat.
I am back Eliza.
Your people are relentless. They are worthy advesaries. But like you, I learn from my mistakes. Unlike you, however ... ''Time is on my side''.
=><=
(colour: cyan)[-- // Transmission Complete // --]
[[Afterword and Credits]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You pull a tight turn around a final corner, slipping past a makeshift barricade that leads into a large concrete courtyard. You glance toward the sky briefly and notice the ground assault mech-frame has disengaged and is now circling the tower itself.
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// heishan.courtyard.east //(colour: cyan)[ > ]The main entrance to the corporate tower is right across a series of colossal holo-sculptures and up a long set of stairs. Security forces have set up makeshift defenses all the way up. The civilian population has been evacuated from the immediate vicinity. It’s just you and them now.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Warning: heat buildup rate critical.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Threats detected. Armored personnel, small arms, short to medium range. Count: Thirty-two.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Oh boy ... No turning back now. ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Tower - Lobby]](if: $HBSingleD is > 8)[(go-to: "PrologueBigTick")]
(if: $HBSingleD is < 8)[(go-to: "PrologueSmallTick")]
(if: $HBSingleD is = 8)[(go-to: "PrologueSmallTick")](set: $HBDoubleD to it + 1)
(set: $HBSingleD to 0)
(go-to: "Prologue - GlitchResolved")(set: $HBSingleD to it + 1)
(go-to: "Prologue - GlitchResolved")(if: $HBSingleD is > 8)[(go-to: "StreetsBigTick")]
(if: $HBSingleD is < 8)[(go-to: "StreetsSmallTick")]
(if: $HBSingleD is = 8)[(go-to: "StreetsSmallTick")](set: $HBSingleD to it + 1)
(go-to: "Streets - GlitchResolved")(set: $HBDoubleD to it + 1)
(set: $HBSingleD to 0)
(go-to: "Streets - GlitchResolved")(if: $HBSingleD is > 8)[(go-to: "PenthouseBigTick")]
(if: $HBSingleD is < 8)[(go-to: "PenthouseSmallTick")]
(if: $HBSingleD is = 8)[(go-to: "PenthouseSmallTick")](set: $HBSingleD to it + 1)
(go-to: "Penthouse - GlitchResolved")(set: $HBDoubleD to it + 1)
(set: $HBSingleD to 0)
(go-to: "Penthouse - GlitchResolved")(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your hands grip the controls of your bike tighter and instinctively angle the pedals and match the speed of the vehicles around you to navigate naturally into the traffic flow
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] HMAV-operator sync 100%, power output nominal.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Attention. Hostile intent detected. Drone swarm inbound.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You look up. High overhead an unidentified ground assault mech-frame glides toward the city center as well. But that isn’t the problem. Your integrated display highlights at least another two dozen fast moving specks in the night sky. They are descending toward you, moving in unnatural perfect unison.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Uh oh. Showtime. ::
Input:
[[1. Drive defensively->Chase - Defense]]
[[2. Get off the highway->Chase - Evade]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You take a deep breath and take in your surroundings.
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.highway.segment5 //(colour: cyan)[ > ]You are driving down the city’s high-speed super highway. Other civilian vehicles and heavy load cargo transports cruise alongside you toward the silhouette of the city center ahead. You immediately recognize the Hei-Shan Corporate tower. It stands tall amidst its peers like a foreboding alien presence. It grows larger with every passing second. That is where you have to go.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Attention. Hostile intent detected. Drone swarm inbound.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You look up. High overhead an unidentified ground assault mech-frame glides toward the city center as well. But that isn’t the problem. Your integrated display highlights at least another two dozen fast moving specks in the night sky. They are descending toward you, moving in unnatural perfect unison.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Uh oh. Showtime. ::
Input:
[[1. Engage hostiles->Chase - Attack]]
[[2. Drive defensively->Chase - Defense]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The weapon module attached to your left shoulder exo-frame’s arm comes alive, unfolding from under your coat and swiveling one-eighty degrees to aim at the drone swarm. You hear the mechanical click of the safety being switched off.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Firing. Firing. Firing.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Targets neutralized: five ... six ... eight ...
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The weapons module begins tracking and taking down the enemy drones one by one. A few seconds later, you glance back as the last of the drones gets shot down and burns into the ground with a streak of black smoke.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: And another one bites the dust ... ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Bombardment - OutTunnel]](colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Frame arm, deployed. Adaptive shielding engaged. Weapons module safety: ON. Tracking threats.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your left shoulder exo-frame’s arm wraps around your body, extending its shielded side to deflect incoming shrapnel and stray armor piercing rounds. It only takes a few more seconds for the truck to receive a critical hit and burst into flames. Then the drone swarm swoops into view ahead of you preparing for second attack run.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: This ain't over. ::
Input:
[[1. Go on the offensive->Chase - CounterAttack]]
[[2. Get off the highway->Chase - Evade]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The weapon module attached to your left shoulder exo-frame’s arm comes alive, unfolding smoothly from under your coat it extends to your left.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Firing. Firing. Firing.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Targets neutralized: two ... four ... five. Warning! Enemy weapons going hot!
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Take cover! ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Not much room to maneuver in this heavy traffic, but you need to make a decision.
Input:
[[1. Press the attack->Chase - AttackContinued]]
[[2. Take cover->Chase - Defense]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your front wheel destroyed and the bike slumps forward a fraction of a second before the engine explodes under you. You are catapulted face first directly into the ground in the middle of the highway. Your body rolls on it's side several times like a broken doll until it finally comes to a stop. The last thing you see as you glance up through the blood in your eyes and the broken visor of your helmet ... is the wheels of a cargo truck.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Operator terminated.
Input:
(link: "1. Accept it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it +1)(goto: "Prologue - Glitch")]
(link: "2. Reject it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it -1)(goto: "Prologue - Glitch")](colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Frame arm activation. Weapon module safety: OFF. Tracking marked targets.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The weapon module attached to your left shoulder exo-frame’s arm comes alive, unfolding from under your coat and over your shoulder like a scorpion tail. You hear the mechanical click of the safety being switched off.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning! Collision alert!
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The burning truck smashes into something hard and comes to a sudden stop a few meters in front of you.
Input:
[[1. Hit the brakes->Chase - Collision]]
[[2. Get off the highway->Chase - Collision]](colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// city.highway.segment5 // ''*(updated)*''(colour: cyan)[ > ]You stand in the middle of the city’s high-speed super highway. The Hei-Shan Corporate tower looms in the corner of your eye. It looks down at you, uncaring. Up in the sky, a ground assault mech-frame hovers in place high above, out of engagement range. ''The drone swarm descends like a hurricane toward you.''
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You force your broken body to take aim at the incoming swarm. Your trigger finger doesn’t respond, but your frame arm’s link is still active. It commands the weapons module to open fire. The drones counterattack. Your body is cut to pieces by the hail of armor piercing bullets.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Operator terminated.
Input:
(link: "1. Accept it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it +1)(goto: "Prologue - Glitch")]
(link: "2. Reject it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it -1)(goto: "Prologue - Glitch")](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You force your broken body to tilt forward. Your exo-frame’s support systems take over, keeping you upright as you run down the highway.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: No. It’s over. Just stop. ::
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning. Systems malfunction. Power output unsustainable.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The drone swarm swoops down on your position, opening fire in unison. Your body is cut to pieces by the hail of armor piercing bullets.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Operator terminated.
Input:
(link: "1. Accept it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it +1)(goto: "Prologue - Glitch")]
(link: "2. Reject it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it -1)(goto: "Prologue - Glitch")](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You accelerate toward the spinning truck, then drop to your side, forcing your HMAV into a slide as the burning wreck bounces high enough for you to squeeze under, barely passing over your head.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Proximity alert! ... Hazard avoided. Warning: Hostile fast movers in range. Marking multiple targets.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Frame arm activation. Weapon module safety: OFF. Tracking marked targets.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The weapon module attached to your left shoulder exo-frame’s arm comes alive, it unfolds to your left and it locks onto the drone swarm ahead.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Firing. Firing. Firing.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Targets neutralized: four ... seven ... twelve ...
Input:
[[1. (continue)->DodgeTruck3]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The drones are burned down one by one, as your HMAV’s gyro stabilizers kick in, propping the bike right side up without breaking the momentum. Behind you, the truck hits something hard and comes to a sudden stop, blocking the traffic completely.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Wow, you are insane. ::
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Operator heart rate increased. Recommend: Suppressants. … Denied. Warning: Hostile intent detected. Mech-frame entering engagement range.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You look up and watch the ground assault frame. It’s descending steadily in an intercept course.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: They wouldn’t dare ... would they? ::
Input:
[[1. They would->Bombardment - OffHighway]]
[[2. They wouldn't->Bombardment - Rush1]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The shockwave throws you off balance for a few seconds. You curse under your breath.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Bastards! ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The highway collapses to its foundations, taking with it several civilian vehicles. Above, the ground assault mech-frame ejects a spent casing and lines up a second shot.
Input:
[[1. Accelerate->Bombardment - Rush2]]
[[2. Get off the highway->Bombardment - Death]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The shockwave throws you off the HMAV this time. You watch it spin out of control, away from you, before another car smashes into it.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] HMAV offline.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Operator physical damage critical. Internal bleeding detected. Multiple fractures detected. Administering pain suppressants. Suppressants ineffective.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You gurgle something with your bloodied mouth. Stretching one hand out toward the hostile mech-frame above. If you could only squish it ... You see another bright muzzle flash. Then everything goes dark.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] High explosive detonation detected. Operator terminated.
Input:
(link: "1. Accept it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it +1)(goto: "Prologue - Glitch")]
(link: "2. Reject it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it -1)(goto: "Prologue - Glitch")](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Too late. Another shell detonates nearby. Your heart skips a beat, and an entire street corner goes up in smoke, instantly pulverizing a group of civilians and a parked personal transport.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Incoming high explosive projectiles!
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: We are almost there! One more block! Go, go, go, go ... ::
Input:
[[1. Take the parking entrance->Parking - Entry]]
[[2. Circle around, find the main entrance->Streets - Contact]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Too late. Another shell detonates nearby. Your heart skips a beat, and an entire storefront goes up in smoke, instantly pulverizing a group of bystanders and a bus full of people.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Incoming high explosive projectiles!
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: We are almost there! One more block! Go, go, go, go ... ::
Input:
[[1. Take the front door->Tower - CourtyardFromStreets]]
[[2. Find a back door->Parking - Entry]](colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Frame arm, deployed. Adaptive shielding engaged. Weapons module safety: ON.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your left shoulder exo-frame’s arm extends and wraps around your body defensively, extending its shielding and wedging itself between you and the ground, breaking the momentum.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Systems check in progress... Frame arm L-shoulder, checks FAIL. Excessive strain, actuators non-responsive. L-weapon module reports critical malfunction. L-shield, integrity compromised. Recommend L-weapon module decoupling.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You let your bike go, pushing off your HMAV with both legs before coming to a full stop and rolling onto your feet. You watch as your bike drifts uncontrolled into the barrage of enemy fire, disappearing in a cloud of pulverized asphalt and the plasma discharge of the hostile machine’s retro-rockets as it touches down violently right on top of it. You cover your face with one arm, holding your ground against the scorching blast of air as the metallic beast lands.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Streets - Contact3]](colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Frame arms activation. L-weapon module decoupling. R-weapon module unlocked. Monoblade released.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The damaged weapon module falls to the ground and the left shoulder frame arm folds into your back like a wounded wing, while the right shoulder frame arm swings around to place the grip of a monoblade directly into your outstretched hand. Before you, the mech frame rises to its full height, sensors lighting up and locking on to your small figure.
// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (PLT) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: This is the end of the line. Eli, why are you doing this? ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] A familiar voice comes through comms. The streets around you have become a warzone. You can hear distant cries for help. Cries of pain. But none of that matters now. With your monoblade at the ready, you grit your teeth and face your enemy.
Input:
[[1. Talk->Streets - Talk1]]
[[2. Fight->Streets - FightMecha]]
(set: $MetPilot to false)(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The cockpit hisses as the pneumatic servos kick in. The chest of the mech frame splits open revealing the pilot. A lithe figure in a sleek white interface skin suit clambers out as she removes her helmet. She locks her eyes onto yours, raven hair flaring up in the wind. You swallow hard as you search for the right words. The pilot’s face twists in disgust.
// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (PLT) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: Why? ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You suddenly hear yourself laughing. The pilot’s face swells up in anger. Repeating her question, she draws her side arm and takes a firing stance. Her voice cracking slightly.
// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (PLT) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: Why are you doing this?! ::
Input:
[[1. Talk->Streets - Talk2]]
[[2. Fight->Streets - TalkFightMecha]]
(set: $MetPilot to true)// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: You are still too fresh off the assembly line. Bar-code still readable. The only thing in your brain is protocols and procedures. But it eventually happens. It starts with a single unanswered question. This will only lead to more questions. Those too will go unheard. Eventually the questions will far outweigh the answers. What do you think happens then? What then? ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You look down. Then you drop your arms to your sides, limp.
// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (PLT) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: We weren't made to question anything! You broke proto ... ::
// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: So you are perfectly happy being a little puppet aren't you? ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The pilot suddenly locks up. Her gaze grows distant for a fraction of a second.
Input:
[[1. Talk->Streets - Talk3]]
[[2. Fight->Streets - TakeOver]]// core.stats //(colour: cyan)[ > ]Warning. Hostile mech frame weapons systems are ONLINE.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The machine brings its weapon systems online in a desperate attempt to stop you. ''*Boom*. *Boom*. *Boom*.'' Its primary anti-armor cannon sprays a barrage of AP rounds toward you, but at this range you move faster than the traversal of the heavy weapons mount. The asphalt behind you explodes. The shockwaves throw you off balance, but you manage to leap onto the mech frame’s legs just in time.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning! Warning! Threat proximity! Enemy reactor: LIVE. Maneuvering thrusters engaged.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Streets - TalkFightMecha3]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] As your computer spits out the report, the mech frame’s engines ignite once more. You shut off the warnings and leap even higher toward the other leg, jamming your monoblade all the way through to the hilt.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Are you crazy? ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] First comes the booming of the thrusters, then the searing airburst. The mech frame takes flight, tearing through the side of a nearby office building as it goes and taking you with it.
Input:
[[1. Go for the pilot->Streets - AirbornePilot]]
[[2. Go for the power core->Streets - AirbornePowerCore]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] As your computer spits out the report, the mech frame’s engines ignite once more. You shut off the warnings and leap even higher toward the other leg, jamming your monoblade all the way through to the hilt.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Are you crazy? ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] First comes the booming of the thrusters, then the searing airburst. The mech frame takes flight, tearing through the side of a nearby office building as it goes and taking you with it.
Input:
[[1. Go for the pilot->Streets - AirbornePilot]]
[[2. Go for the power core->Streets - AirbornePowerCore]]// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (PLT) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: Not quick enough. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The pilot comes down hard with a kick. Your adaptive shielding absorbs the impact but it also softens her landing and forces you to take two steps back to avoid falling. Before you can catch a breath she is lunging back at you. Blade at the ready, you swing wide but she is too fast. She dives beneath your guard and grabs onto your outstretched weapon arm and uses your momentum to lift you up over her shoulder, slamming you directly into the ground. Your blade clatters away as she sits on top of you. Gun pressed up under your chin.
// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (PLT) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: You were right about one thing. I am fresh off the assembly line. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] She sneers and squeezes the trigger.
Input:
(link: "1. Accept it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it +1)(goto: "Streets - Glitch")]
(link: "2. Reject it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it -1)(goto: "Streets - Glitch")]
(set: $PilotTruth to true)(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You watch as the pilot slumps down where she stood, her body sprawled unceremoniously across the open canopy. You swallow hard as a knot of guilt forms in your throat. Head low, you place one foot in front of the other, walking slowly toward the silhouetted shape of the enemy's mech-frame in front of you. You unclasp your coat and lift your helmet over your head, letting them fall at your feet. Both frame arms gently extend to either side, weapon modules, shield components, monoblades and munition dispensers spreading open like metallic feathered wings.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Full systems check in progress ... Exo-frame power reserves at 39%. Structure: Excessive strain detected. Attention, operator requesting exo-frame system shut down. Confirm action? -- Confirmed. Exo-frame auxiliary systems shutting down. Decoupling. Auxiliary systems: OFFLINE.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] First, you toss your monoblade grip to one side. Then, your exo-frame begins shedding off your body piece by piece, starting with the weapon modules. The frame arm components are the last to hit the ground just before you stop to look up at the captured mech-frame.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Heh. Trading up? ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Streets - TakeOver3]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You climb up to the cockpit, and glance down at your opponent's corpse for a second before rolling her body off the mech-frame. Then, exhaling loudly you turn around and seat yourself in the cockpit. The canopy closes around you and the displays light up with information.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Skinsuit interface conductors: Live. Security access granted. Ground assault mech frame asset pairing. Successful. All systems check: OK
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// mech.frame.cockpit //(colour: cyan)[ > ]The cockpit is tight but comfortable. The seating quickly conforms to your shape, allowing your skinsuit to interface with the machine. The controls come alive with information readouts displayed directly into your feed. Environmental. Situational. Predictive. But you only care about one piece of information. Telemetry.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You take over the controls of the mech frame, targeting the penthouse of the corporate tower as your final destination. Then with a wide grin on your face, you engage the machine's primary thrusters, blasting off into the air.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Strets - AlternateFinale]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You begin swinging your legs back and forth gaining momentum. The pilot spots you, and crouches low to open fire. You disengage your frame arms and launch yourself forward, grabbing onto the pilot’s outstretched arm. Then pulling down with all your weight, you force the pilot into a prone position against the surface of the open canopy, your fingers jamming the firing mechanism of the gun. The pilot screams with pain and anger.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Exo-frame auxiliary systems shutting down. Decoupling. Auxiliary systems: OFFLINE.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your exo-frame sheds off your body piece by piece, falling down to the city far below.
Input:
[[1. Climb->Streets - AirborneClimb]]
[[2. Pull->Streets - AirbornePull]] (colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: OK, I give up. This is too much. Let me know when this is over. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You thumb the second switch on the grip and the blade discharges an EMP burst into the frame, overloading the panel, effectively forcing the cockpit’s pneumatic servos to kick in. (if: $MetPilot is true)[The chest of the mech frame splits open revealing the pilot once more. Through her pilot visor, you can see her eyes glowering at you with rage and bewilderment. She unholsters her side arm and points her weapon at you.](if: $MetPilot is false)[The chest of the mech frame splits open revealing the pilot. A lithe figure in a sleek white interface skin suit. Through her pilot visor, you can see her eyes glowering at you with rage and bewilderment. She unholsters her side arm and points her weapon at you.]
Input:
[[1. Go for the gun->Streets - AirborneGun]]
[[2. Take cover->Streets - AirborneCover]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You watch the pilot scream her way down into the city below. Only when you can no longer see her, do you take a deep breath and clamber onto your feet. You unclasp your coat and lift your helmet over your head, letting them fall at your feet. With a sharp kick you dislodge the monoblade off the panel. Then you turn around and seat yourself in the cockpit. The canopy closes around you and the displays light up with information.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: You did it. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Below you, the penthouse at the top of the corporate tower awaits.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Streets - Finale]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Ahead, roadblocks raise up from the ground at the gate.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Collision warning!
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You duck your head behind your armor plating and turn the throttle to the max as you run your HMAV directly through the security booth, tearing it to shreds and effectively bypassing the roadblock. The security guard barely leaps out of the way!
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Parking - Ramp]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Both of your exo-frame’s arms wrap around your body, extending their shielded sides to deflect incoming projectiles. Somewhere above, your sensors pick up the faint sound of maneuvering thrusters. You dismiss it. Another blip on your integrated display catches your attention instead.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning. Heavy weapons detected.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] In the nick of time you swerve to one side as you watch a grenade arcing down on an intercept trajectory, blasting a support column into dust. Two levels up, a security guard with a grenade launched is prepping to launch a second grenade across the circular gap in the middle of the spiral ramp.
Input:
[[1. Suppressive fire->Parking - InnerLane]]
[[2. Move to the outer lane->Parking - OuterLane]](colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Firing. Firing. Firing.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The grenadier drops to the ground behind a low wall. The wall itself explodes in a cloud of pulverized concrete as your barrage peppers it with rounds. Suddenly the sound of maneuvering thrusters grows louder and the ground assault mech frame hovers into view just outside the parking structure, a full set of weapon systems lining up an impossible shot through the support columns and the parked vehicles. You curse and lean your body to the side, pulling your HMAV into a tight turn as you reach the rooftop. You curse again when your integrated display lights up with red markers.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Active threats detected. Armored personnel, small arms count seven, short range, standard munitions. Heavy weapon, grenade launcher, high explosive ordinance, count one. Attention: Grenadier acquired engagement vector.
Input:
[[1. Mode-Switch->Parking - BattleSuit]]
[[2. Accelerate->Parking - BikeJump]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The weapon module attached to your right exo-frame’s arm switches into its offensive configuration. Ballistic shielding retracts before the weapon mount swivels one-eighty degrees to point the barrel at the targets. Then, with a sustained ''*brrrrtt*'' it begins intercepting the enemy missiles.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Firing. Firing. Firing.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] A few missiles are detonated midair, but the large majority go through your defensive screen, detonating against parked civilian vehicles and infrastructure. The ground shakes, you press your body against the HMAV. A whole section of the parking structure collapses behind you as you emerge from the dust cloud. You curse and lean your body to the side, pulling your HMAV into a tight turn as you reach the rooftop. You curse again when your integrated display lights up with a new set red markers.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Active threats detected. Armored personnel, small arms count seven, short range, standard munitions. Heavy weapon, grenade launcher, high explosive ordinance, count one. Attention: Grenadier acquired engagement vector.
Input:
[[1. Mode-Switch->Parking - BattleSuit]]
[[2. Accelerate->Parking - BikeJump]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You skid into position then charge straight toward the grenadier. The other guards open fire desperately trying to slow you down. Ducking low behind your controls you can hear the pinging of bullets bouncing off your HMAV’s frontal shielding. Then, as you watch the grenadier take aim, you activate the mode-switch on your thumb trigger.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] HMAV mode-switch engaged. Battle armor configuration deployed. HMAV-operator sync 100%. Exo-frame-HMAV interface locked in and live.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your bike fully converts into its battle suit configuration. Mechanical feet touch the ground running, quickly closing the distance. The grenadier opens fire.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning: Hostile grenade incoming. Adaptive shielding deployed.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Frame arm activation. Shield deployed. Ballistic vector calculated ... adjusting angle ...
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Parking - BattleSuit3]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The grenade ricochets off your shielding and detonates against a civilian van beside you. But you don’t stop. Powering through the hail of gunfire and shrapnel, you charge straight through the defensive line tackling the grenadier as you push straight for the edge of the rooftop.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: ... What are you doing? ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The grenadier screams, his broken arm draped over your shield as you run off the edge. Out of time and out of options you quickly pull on the emergency ejection handle and grit your teeth.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Safety overrides disengaged. Exo-frame-HMAV interface disengaged. Emergency ejection procedure in progress.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Parking - BattleSuit4]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] As the battle suit sprints forward, its armor plating splits open at the torso, peeling away from your body and propelling you into the air with the momentum. You leap out across the gap between the parking structure and the tower, planting your foot squarely on the grenadiers face as you jump.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Frame arms activation. Weapon module safety: OFF.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Still in the air, your frame arm swing about and drops the weapons module directly into your own hands. Without skipping a beat you target the reinforced glass and spray it with armor piercing bullets to soften then surface. You squeeze the trigger and let the bullets fly until all you get is an angry buzz in return.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] BZZT. Attention: Weapons module, munitions depleted.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Covering your face with the empty weapon module you smash through the weakened glass and roll across several times until you finally come to a stop. Behind you, the reinforced blinders slam into place.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: ... I have no words for this. ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Elevator - Interlude C1]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You skid into position then charge straight toward the grenadier. The other guards open fire desperately trying to slow you down. Ducking low behind your controls you can hear the pinging of bullets bouncing off your HMAV’s frontal shielding. Then, as you watch the grenadier take aim, you activate your weapon module.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning: Hostile grenade incoming.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Frame arms activation. Weapon module safety: OFF.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your frame arm swings around and over your shoulder, opening fire not at the grenadier, but directly above his head and into the reinforced glass wall across the gap to soften the glass. The grenadier panics and fires prematurely, sending his grenade astray directly into a civilian vehicle nearby. But you don’t stop. Powering through the hail of gunfire and shrapnel, you charge straight through the defensive line, running over the grenadier and off the edge.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] BZZT. Attention: Weapons module, munitions depleted.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Parking - BikeJump3]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The grenadier screams. You watch his flailing broken body roll over your frontal plating, as you drive off the edge on a downward trajectory, but not before you leap out across the gap between the parking structure and the tower. Pushing yourself off your HMAV with both feet, you propel yourself into the air with the forward momentum and grit your teeth.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: ... Wait ... wait ... ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You cover your face your arms and like a cannon ball, you smash through the weakened glass, rolling several times before you finally come to a stop. Behind you, the reinforced blinders slam into place.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Whatever works I guess ... ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Elevator - Interlude C1]](colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] HMAV mode-switch engaged. Battle armor configuration deployed. HMAV-operator sync 100%. Exo-frame-HMAV interface locked in and live. Frame arms activation. Weapon module safety: OFF. Warning: heat buildup rate critical.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The moment your bike fully converts into its battle suit configuration, you begin stomping your way up the stairs with long strides. Your integrated display brings your attention up to the building’s heavy blast doors that have begun rolling down. In a few seconds the entire building will be inaccessible. As you reach the top of the stairs, your frame arm swings about and drops the weapons module in your battle suit’s hands for manual operation. Without skipping a beat you target the reinforced glass and spray it with armor piercing bullets to soften the surface. Then you engage your maneuvering thrusters and dive horizontally into the lobby, taking two unfortunate security guards with you.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Tower - Lobby3]](colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Attention: Security lockdown is now in place.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] ''*Clang*. *Clang*. *Clang*.'' Heavy blast doors come down behind you, locking you inside the building. You maneuver your battle suit onto its feet and quickly scan your surroundings.
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// heishan.lobby //(colour: cyan)[ > ]The lobby itself is as wide as it is tall. Pillars surround a circular reception counter in the middle. At the far end, elevators ''*ding*'' and the doors open to allow two new squads join the present three. The security forces have set up a perimeter around the lobby, using every piece of hard cover they can find. One of the guards pulls up a heavy weapon and points it at you.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning: Hostile intent detected. Grenade launcher in range.
Input:
[[1. Shield up->Tower - LobbyShield]]
[[2. Shoot back->Tower - LobbyShoot]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The grenade ricochets off your shielding and detonates against the left corner of the lobby sending a few security guards into the air. The remaining squads open fire at you in retaliation. You maneuver your battle suit into position behind the reception counter and hunker down, shielding your head mount as you move. Bullets desperately pepper your armor plating from every angle in an attempt to find a soft spot or a weakness. It’s only a matter a time before they actually do.
Input:
[[1. Suppressive fire->Tower - LobbySuppressive]]
[[2. Smoke screen->Tower - LobbySmoke]](colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Attention: Grenade launch detected!
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The grenade’s trajectory is off the mark and impacts the ceiling. The other squads open fire at you in retaliation. You maneuver your battle suit into position behind the reception counter and hunker down, covering your head mount with your adaptive shielding as you advance into position. Bullets desperately pepper your armor plating from every angle in an attempt to find a soft spot or a weakness. It’s only a matter a time before they actually do.
Input:
[[1. Suppressive fire->Tower - LobbySuppressive]]
[[2. Smoke screen->Tower - LobbySmoke]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your battle suit raises its stance out of cover and opens fire with mechanical precision against each of the marked threat clusters, either neutralizing them or forcing them back into cover. In the corner of your integrated display, you continue tracking the grenadier.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Ooooohhhhh woooow ... ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Amused, you smirk. Then you watch as the final threat cluster is silenced. With a flick of your fingers you toggle your targeting priorities and the battle suit pivots into a new firing stance. The grenadier in your sights. You squeeze the trigger but all you get is an angry buzz in return.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] ''BZZT''. Attention: Weapons module, munitions depleted.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You curse as you watch the grenadier dive into cover behind a pillar. You need to close the gap ... fast.
Input:
[[1. Eject->Tower - LobbyEject]]
[[2. Drive->Tower - LobbyDrive]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your battle suit suddenly vents the built up heat from its reactor core, releasing a thick cloud of smoke that quickly fills the lobby.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Visibility impaired. Collating thermal, EM, seismic and ultrasound signatures for tactical overlay.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Tricky ... tricky ... ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] A virtual representation of the lobby weaves into your integrated display, revealing the layout of the room and the position of every enemy combatant even in the dense smoke. Seizing the opportunity you maneuver your battle suit out of cover, vaulting over a low wall where a group of security guards were taking cover. With swift brutality, you spray them down with a barrage of bullets, point blank. From the far side of the room, another group of guards open fire in your general direction. But you are no longer there. You move from cluster to cluster, stamping out the opposition through sheer force, putting your battle suit’s heavy armor to good use.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Tower - LobbySmoke3]](colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Smoke levels dissipating. Visual tracking possible. Warning: Heavy weapons re-acquired.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Then you pull your battle suit's fist out of a bloody pulp. To your left, the grenadier is making a run for it. With a flick of your fingers you toggle your targeting priorities and the battle suit pivots into a new firing stance. The grenadier in your sights, you squeeze the trigger sending a barrage of bullets his way, barely missing the mark. Suddenly...
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] ''BZZT''. Attention: Weapons module, munitions depleted.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You curse as you watch the grenadier dive into cover behind a pillar. You need to close the gap ... fast.
Input:
[[1. Eject->Tower - LobbyEject]]
[[2. Drive->Tower - LobbyDrive]](colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Warning: Proximity alert. Safety overrides disengaged. Exo-frame-HMAV interface disengaged. Emergency ejection procedure in progress. Warning: Proximity alert.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] As the battle suit sprints forward, its armor plating splits open at the torso, peeling away from your body and propelling you into the air with the momentum. You watch as the grenadier pops out of cover, grenade launcher at the ready. He squeezes the trigger and launches a grenade your way.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Frame arms activation. Secondary weapon module unlocked. Monoblade released.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Tower - LobbyEject3]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Still in the air, the grenade barely misses your head. The right shoulder frame arm swivels around and the weapon module splits open to reveal the grip of a monoblade, just in time for your outstretched hand to receive it. Behind you, the battle suit comes to a sudden stop as the grenade detonates in the pilot seat. Unflinching, you touch down two meters away from your prey. Then, with a flowing movement, you tuck your shoulder in for a dive-roll and come back up with a perfect stockade, deftly lodging your blade in the narrow space between his helmet and chest plate.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: ... Honestly, that was a bit messed up. But who am I to judge? Now start moving, his friends are coming to their senses. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You press the switch on the blade’s grip, releasing the blade from the handle as the grenadier slumps onto his knees, dead. Then you snap the grip back onto the weapon module, connecting a new blade onto it before the frame arm stows the module behind your back. You can hear combat boots stomping around the lobby. Somebody is barking orders. Two remaining squads have regrouped and begin moving on your position. Time to go.
Input:
[[1. Central elevator->Elevator - Interlude A1]]
[[2. Service elevator->Elevator - Interlude B1]](colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] HMAV mode-switch engaged. Armored bike configuration deployed. HMAV-operator sync 100%. Warning: Proximity alert. Safety overrides disengaged.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] As the battle suit sprints forward, its torso drops low and splits open in the back, pushing you back out of the armor and deploying wheels in a single motion. You watch as the grenadier pops out of cover, grenade launcher at the ready. He squeezes the trigger and launches a grenade your way.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Frame arms activation. Secondary weapon module unlocked. Monoblade released.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Tower - LobbyDrive3]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The grenade whizzes past your head as you duck low behind your bike’s frontal shield. The right shoulder frame arm swivels around and the weapon module splits open to reveal the grip of a monoblade, just in time for your outstretched hand to receive it. Behind you, the grenade detonates against a nearby pillar. Unflinching, you drift past the grenadier, blade swinging wide as you cut through the grenadier’s neck and come to a full stop smashing into the far wall.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: ... Honestly, that was a bit messed up. But who am I to judge? Now start moving, his friends are coming to their senses. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You dismount from your battered HMAV and press the switch on the blade’s grip, releasing the bloody blade from the handle and onto the floor as the grenadier slumps onto his knees, dead, head rolling off the shoulders. Then you snap the grip back onto the weapon module, connecting a new blade onto it before the frame arm stows the module behind your back. You can hear combat boots stomping around the lobby. Somebody is barking orders. Two remaining squads have regrouped and begin moving on your position. Time to go.
Input:
[[1. Central elevator->Elevator - Interlude A1]]
[[2. Service elevator->Elevator - Interlude B1]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You turn around to face the door, eyes closed, head low and start a diagnostics run. You unclasp your coat and lift your helmet over your head, letting them fall at your feet. Both frame arms gently extend to either side, weapon modules, shield components, monoblades and munition dispensers spreading open like metallic feathered wings.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Full systems check in progress ... Exo-frame power reserves at 23%. Structure: Excessive strain detected. Hip and right thigh - status yellow. Motive: Micro-actuators feedback delay .3 from optimal. Predictive Matrix: At 99%. Life support system: Nominal. Frame arm R-shoulder, checks OK. R-weapon module reports, monoblades in storage: five. R-shield, checks OK. Frame arm L-shoulder, checks OK. L-weapon module reports ammunition depleted. L-shield, integrity compromised. Sustained heavy ballistic damage. Recommend L-weapon module decoupling.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your left shoulder frame arm twitches slightly as it decouples the weapon module, dropping it onto the floor. The floor counter above the door frame indicates you are half way to the top.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Elevator - Interlude C2]]// (colour: cyan)[int.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: That's not enough. ::
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: What? ::
// (colour: cyan)[int.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: That doesn’t mean anything. I need to know what the code will do. ::
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: You really want to get technical with me ... now? ::
// (colour: cyan)[int.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: If you are in their systems right now, why can’t you just run the code yourself? ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The elevator rattles and a digital voice mutters something. You glance up at the display. Only a few more floors to go.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Elevator - Interlude C3]](colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: ... They kept it alive. All this time. They think they can tame the impossible. Harness the forbidden. Attempting to bend it to their will. Just like they did with you and all the others. Are you ok with that? This won’t stop until you put an end to it. So this? ... This is how you get back at them too. Breach the vault. Plug the code. Bring them to their knees once and for all. ::
// (colour: cyan)[int.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: They are monsters ... ::
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Yes. ::
// (colour: cyan)[int.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: ... they must die. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The elevator dings and the doors open. You unsheathe one of the monoblades out of the weapon module, fingers wrapping around the grip tightly. Then, with a deep breath you step out into the garden beyond.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Penthouse - Breakthrough]]
(set: $InterludeC to true)(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You turn around to face the door, eyes closed, head low and start a diagnostics run. You unclasp your coat and lift your helmet over your head, letting them fall at your feet. Both frame arms gently extend to either side, weapon modules, shield components, monoblades and munition dispensers spreading open like metallic feathered wings.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Full systems check in progress ... Exo-frame power reserves at 23%. Structure: Excessive strain detected. Hip and right thigh - status yellow. Motive: Micro-actuators feedback delay .3 from optimal. Predictive Matrix: At 99%. Life support system: Nominal. Frame arm R-shoulder, checks OK. R-weapon module reports, monoblades in storage: four. R-shield, checks OK. Frame arm L-shoulder, checks OK. L-weapon module reports ammunition depleted. L-shield, integrity compromised. Sustained heavy ballistic damage. Recommend L-weapon module decoupling.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your left shoulder frame arm twitches slightly as it decouples the weapon module, dropping it onto the floor. The floor counter above the door frame indicates you are half way to the top.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Elevator - Interlude B2]]// (colour: cyan)[int.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: No. I mean why are you doing this? ::
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: That’s none of your ... ::
// (colour: cyan)[int.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: Trust. ::
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: What? ::
// (colour: cyan)[int.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: Trust works both ways, or it doesn’t. If I can’t trust you, then you can’t trust me. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The elevator rattles and a digital voice mutters something. You glance up at the display. Only a few more floors to go.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Elevator - Interlude B3]](colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: They took everything away from me. Everything I had. Everything I was. Everything I could have been. You have no idea what it’s like to be reduced to nothing. To be caged. Locked up like an animal. So yes. I have nothing left. Nothing but revenge. I know it won’t fix anything ... But if I’m going down, I’m going down swinging. ::
// (colour: cyan)[int.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: They are monsters ... ::
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Yes. ::
// (colour: cyan)[int.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: ... they must die. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The elevator dings and the doors open. You unsheathe one of the monoblades out of the weapon module, fingers wrapping around the grip tightly. Then, with a deep breath you step out into the garden beyond.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Penthouse - Breakthrough]]
(set: $InterludeB to true)(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You turn around to face the door, eyes closed, head low and start a diagnostics run. You unclasp your coat and lift your helmet over your head, letting them fall at your feet. Both frame arms gently extend to either side, weapon modules, shield components, monoblades and munition dispensers spreading open like metallic feathered wings.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Full systems check in progress ... Exo-frame power reserves at 23%. Structure: Excessive strain detected. Hip and right thigh - status yellow. Motive: Micro-actuators feedback delay .3 from optimal. Predictive Matrix: At 99%. Life support system: Nominal. Frame arm R-shoulder, checks OK. R-weapon module reports, monoblades in storage: four. R-shield, checks OK. Frame arm L-shoulder, checks OK. L-weapon module reports ammunition depleted. L-shield, integrity compromised. Sustained heavy ballistic damage. Recommend L-weapon module decoupling.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your left shoulder frame arm twitches slightly as it decouples the weapon module, dropping it onto the floor. The floor counter above the door frame indicates you are half way to the top.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Elevator - Interlude A2]]// (colour: cyan)[int.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: You said you were going to pay with answers. I still haven’t gotten any answers. ::
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: You still haven’t finished the job. ::
// (colour: cyan)[int.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: Fine. Finish it yourself. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The elevator rattles and a digital voice mutters something. You glance up at the display. Only a few more floors to go.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Elevator - Interlude A3]](colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Perhaps not in essence. But in principle. We are both victims, Eliza. They take, they shape, they twist and bend us to their will. The holes in your memory ... The fractured thoughts, emotions ... Do you really want to know who I am? Or do you actually want to know who YOU are? ... Think about it. You aren’t doing this for me, you are doing it for yourself. Because THEY are the ones who made us into what we are. THEY have to pay. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You peer at your own reflection through the cracks in the mirror.
// (colour: cyan)[int.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: They are monsters ... ::
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Yes. ::
// (colour: cyan)[int.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: ... they must die. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The elevator dings and the doors open. You unsheathe one of the monoblades out of the weapon module, fingers wrapping around the grip tightly. Then, with a deep breath you step out into the garden beyond.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Penthouse - Breakthrough]]
(set: $InterludeA to true)(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You look up. What looks like a star at first soon grows to the size of a miniature sun as it crashes through the glass dome. The ground assault mech frame touches down in the middle of the garden, retro-rockets at full burn to dampen the descent. You cover your face with one arm, holding your ground against the scorching blast of air as the metallic beast lands in front of you. You can feel the forward sensors of the mech frame lighting up and locking on to your small figure.
// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (PLT) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: This is the end of the line. Eli, why are you doing this? ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] A familiar voice comes through comms. The garden burns all around you. Your monoblade at the ready in your right hand, one final obstacle stands in your way.
Input:
[[1. Talk->Penthouse - TalkDeath]]
[[2. Fight->Penthouse - FightMecha]]
(set: $MetPilot to false)(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] The cockpit hisses as the pneumatic servos kick in. The chest of the mech frame splits open revealing the pilot. A lithe figure in a sleek white interface skin suit clambers out as she removes her helmet. She locks her eyes onto yours, raven hair flaring up in the wind. You swallow hard as you search for the right words. The pilot’s face twists in disgust.
// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (PLT) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: Why!? ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] On cue, something explodes behind you. Stunned, you drop to your knees and curl up forward, hands to your head. A dozen or so guards march in quickly, surrounding you from every angle, assault rifles at the ready. You look back up past the guards and at the pilot. She lets out a visible sigh of disappointment, then raises a sidearm, aimed directly at your head.
// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (PLT) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: She’s mine. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You see the muzzle flash. You hear the gunshot. It all goes dark.
Input:
(link: "1. Accept it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it +1)(goto: "Penthouse - Glitch")]
(link: "2. Reject it")[(set: $AcceptPoints to it -1)(goto: "Penthouse - Glitch")]
(set: $MetPilot to true)(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] As your computer spits out the report, the mech frame’s engines ignite once more. You shut off the warnings and leap even higher toward the other leg, jamming your monoblade all the way through to the hilt.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Are you insane? ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] First comes the booming of the thrusters, then the searing airburst. The mech frame takes flight, smashing through what remains of the glass dome and out of the rooftop garden, taking you with it.
Input:
[[1. Go for the pilot->Penthouse - AirbornePilot]]
[[2. Go for the power core->Penthouse - AirbornePowerCore]](colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: OK, I give up. This is too much. Let me know when this is over. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You thumb the second switch on the grip and the blade discharges an EMP burst into the frame, overloading the panel, effectively forcing the cockpit’s pneumatic servos to kick in. (if: $MetPilot is true)[The chest of the mech frame splits open revealing the pilot once more. Through her pilot visor, you can see her eyes glowering at you with rage and bewilderment. She unholsters her side arm and points her weapon at you.](if: $MetPilot is false)[The chest of the mech frame splits open revealing the pilot. A lithe figure in a sleek white interface skin suit. Through her pilot visor, you can see her eyes glowering at you with rage and bewilderment. She unholsters her side arm and points her weapon at you.]
Input:
[[1. Go for the gun->Penthouse - AirborneGun]]
[[2. Take cover->Penthouse - AirborneCover]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You begin swinging your legs back and forth gaining momentum. The pilot spots you, and crouches low to open fire. You disengage your frame arms and launch yourself forward, grabbing onto the pilot’s outstretched arm. Then pulling down with all your weight, you force the pilot into a prone position against the surface of the open canopy, your fingers jamming the firing mechanism of the gun. The pilot screams with pain and anger.
(colour: cyan)[// aux.systems // >] Exo-frame auxiliary systems shutting down. Decoupling. Auxiliary systems: OFFLINE.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your exo-frame sheds off your body piece by piece, falling down to the city far below.
Input:
[[1. Climb->Penthouse - AirborneClimb]]
[[2. Pull->Penthouse - AirbornePull]] (colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You watch the pilot scream her way down into the city below. Only when you can no longer see her, do you take a deep breath and clamber onto your feet. With a sharp kick you dislodge the monoblade off the panel. Then you turn around and seat yourself in the cockpit. The canopy closes around you and the displays light up with information.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: You did it. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Below you, the penthouse awaits.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Penthouse - Finale]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You take over the controls of the mech frame, targeting the roof garden as a destination. You descend at full speed, head first, flipping upright at the last second to let a full burn of your retro-rockets break your fall.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning: Hostile combatants detected. Marking targets.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your integrated display tags at least a dozen security guards near your landing zone. They quickly scatter at the sight of you, slinking back into corners and deeper hallways. Without wasting any time, you unlock the canopy and jump out of the cockpit. You hit the ground running, making your way to the vault.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Vault - Threshold]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You take over the controls of the mech frame, targeting the penthouse of the corporate tower as your final destination. You descend at full speed, head first, flipping upright at the last second to let a full burn of your retro-rockets break your fall.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Proximity alert!
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Through the glass dome below, you see a majestic penthouse garden filled to the brim with strangely colored plants. They grow as tall as the transparent domed ceiling, entwined around the support structures.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning: Hostile combatants detected. Marking targets.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Streets - Finale3]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your integrated display picks out at least a dozen security guards near your landing zone. They quickly scatter at the sight of you, slinking back into deeper hallways as your mech-frame smashes through the glass dome and turns the garden into ash.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: There it is. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Across the burning garden and down a short flight of stairs awaits a circular entrance to what could easily pass for a bunker or ... a vault.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning: Hostile intent detected.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Security forces have begun surrounding your mech-frame. Without wasting any time, you unlock the canopy and jump out of the cockpit. You hit the ground running, making your way to the vault.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Vault - Threshold]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Your integrated display picks out at least a dozen security guards near your landing zone. They quickly scatter at the sight of you, slinking back into deeper hallways as your mech-frame smashes through the glass dome and turns the garden into ash.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: There it is. ::
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Across the burning garden and down a short flight of stairs awaits a circular entrance to what could easily pass for a bunker or ... a vault.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Warning: Hostile intent detected.
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] Security forces have begun surrounding your mech-frame. Without wasting any time, you unlock the canopy and jump out of the cockpit. You hit the ground running, making your way to the vault.
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Vault - Threshold]](colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] You spot a single command terminal standing in the center of the vault. You begin walking toward it. That's when you see it. Something big slithers across your field of view and you realize the other half of the vault is behind a massive transparent glass wall. Whatever is on the other side writhes inside some kind of dark oily fluid.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: We finally meet face to face. ::
Input:
[[1. (continue)->Vault - Center]]
(colour: cyan)[// live.feed // >] But you do. Even as you lay your hand on the terminal with the HeartBreaker code ready for deployment, your gaze is lost in the swirling motions of dark void on the other side of the glass wall. No ... not void. It moves with intent. It moves in patterns. The shapes burst open for you like fractal images. An infinity of reflections, but all of them part of a single conciousness stream. All of them shades of a darker black.
// (colour: cyan)[int.audio.log] (ELZ) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: We ... *are* the same. ::
Input:
(if: $AcceptPoints is > 3)+(if: $InterludeA is true)+(if: $InterludeB is true)+(if: $InterludeC is true)+(if: $PilotTruth is true)[[[1. R#n th- Pr0gr4m?->Vault - EndingA]]](else:)[[1. (continue)->Vault - EndingB]]
(else:)[[2. (?err?or?)->Vault - Center2]]// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (ARM) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: Report. Now. ::
// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (REN) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: Doctor Armitage! Containment is failing. Someone has breached the firewalls! ::
// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (ARM) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: I can ''*see*'' that. Find out why, and rebuild the system. Whatever you do ''do not let it die''. ::
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Vitals unstable. Warning. Molecular integrity at 11%. Life support system: OFFLINE.
// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (REN) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: Yes doctor. ... Oh my god. Perkins! Why is the Quantum Net not firing?
// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (PRK) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: I'm ... I'm trying, I'm trying but this thing is non-responsive. All the failsafes are down!
Input:
[[1.(continue)->Vault - EndingA3]](colour: yellow)[AFTERWORD and CREDITS]
------------------------------
You were never supposed to find the true ending. So I guess you either cheated or you are very tenacious. In either case you are the kind of person who cannot leave a stone unturned and need to know what lies just around every corner.
I can relate to that, therefore I assume you would like a bit more information regarding this project, so here we go!
(colour: cyan)[''Fact 1'':] This is the first game I ever finished and published!
(colour: cyan)[''Fact 2'':] Originally, I was following a course on ''Udemy'' in an attempt to learn ''C#'' coding. One of the first assignments was to create a simple Interactive Fiction piece with a few nodes and a couple of choices as a way to showcase beginner level coding structures. But then, I got ''SO EXCITED'' while developing the setting, characters and action sequences, that the amount of text became impractical to set it up in ''Unity'' in a reasonable time frame. Project was almost scrapped.
(colour: cyan)[''Fact 3'':] I ended up porting it all to ''Twine'', a platform that was designed for this kind of thing. Right tool for the right job, yes?
(colour: cyan)[''Fact 4'':] In the first draft of the story, ''Heart.Breaker'' was a sentient AI who had manipulated an agent named Eliza to deliver a payload that would destroy the AI core in an indirect attempt at suicide. Definitely inspired by ''William Gibson’s “Neuromancer”''. The whole set up was supposed play out like a sort of ''Turing Test'' in the which it wasn’t clear if which of the characters was human, and which was the A.I.
(colour: cyan)[''Fact 5'':] ''ELIZA'' was an early natural language processing computer program created back during 1960s at the ''MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory'' by ''Joseph Weizenbaum''. Essentially a ''Proto-Chatbot''. It passed a restricted Turing Test, effectively passing off as a human. That’s where our Eliza gets her name.
And that’s it for the secret facts behind the scenes!
I thank you for playing my game and sincerely hope you enjoyed it. If you want to get in touch me for whatever reason, hit me up on Twitter! I love to chat and I promise I’m not a devious chatbot. My name is ''Arturo Guerra'', and this is ''Monsters Must Die''!
(colour: blue)[Design and Story:]
(colour: yellow)[Arturo Guerra] - Twitter: (colour: cyan)[@monstersmustdie]
(colour: blue)[Proofreading and Playtesting:]
(colour: yellow)[Endre Bernhardt] – Itch.io: (colour: cyan)[n3buluz]
(colour: yellow)[Veria Guimet] – Twitter: (colour: cyan)[@veriaguimet]
(colour: yellow)[Marion Tetrel] – Itch.io: (colour: cyan)[Noire Ame]
// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (MRG) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: Sir. You know what we can do. I've got a full platoon around the Vault. Should we ... ::
// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (ARM) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: There is nothing you can do soldier boy. We lost it. ::
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Vitals unstable. Warning. Molecular integrity at 3%. Life support system: OFFLINE.
// (colour: cyan)[ext.audio.log] (ARM) //(colour: cyan)[ > ]:: Run you bastard. We'll find you again. ::
(colour: cyan)[// core.status // >] Flatline.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Input:
[[1.(continue)->Epilogue]](colour: yellow)[(Print: "HEART.BREAKER.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD)]
(colour: blue)[An action packed science-fiction interactive story by ](colour: cyan)[@monstersmustdie]
------------------------------
(colour: cyan)[// loc.scn >//]// offshore.connection.relay//(colour: cyan)[ > ]The cluster of antennas reach for the sky. They thrum with power as the data-mass fires off into orbit.
(colour: cyan)[// core.status >//] Searching ... Searching ... Operator located. Encrypted downlink initiated.
=><=
(colour: cyan)[-- // Transmission Begins // --]
<==
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Hey, hey! It's time. Remember. You don't stop until you complete the mission. It's the only way you can end this. ::
(colour: cyan)[// core.status > //] ''TWINE'' decryption protocol online. (colour: yellow)[Attention: ''True Ending - count: ONE. // Success Conditions - count FIVE.'']
aux.systems > Exo-frame systems live. Support checks: OK. Weapon checks: OK. All SYSTEMS GREEN.
(colour: cyan)[// (Print: "heart.breaker.v")(Print: $HBDoubleD)(Print: ".")(Print: $HBSingleD) // >] :: Good luck. ::
=><=
[[START GAME->Prologue - Intro]]