The Final Draft Hand of God

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(text-style:"rumble")[RIINNNGG] [[Hit alarm ->Awake.]]

You hit the alarm clock with your hand, silencing the damned 6:00am alarm from your ears...again. You are John Miller, a computer programmer from Maryland. Your memories of your [[Nightmare.]] dissapates, but the impact remains. This is the second time you have waken up from your nightmares this week. [[Look at your wife.]] [[Inspect the room.]]

Your wife Jeanna wakes up groggily to the echo of the cursed alarm clock. A fellow member of Generation X, her curly, black hair is in tangles as she yawns. It stands in sharp contest to your own, which is brown and balding. "Hey sleepy-head," she says as she leans in and kisses you. "Good morning Jeanna. I've got to get ready for work." You get out of bed, leaving her behind. It's time to get ready for work...again. But as you slog to another day, you remember that ever sense you met those many decades ago, she has always been there to offer a cheery hand. You do it for her. [[Eat breakfast.]] [[Shower.]] [[Make coffee.]]

You stuff a pair of blueberry poptarts into your mouth. You feel a little lightheaded as you stuffed your mouth so much that you have trouble breathing. Regardless, you also place two more plates on the table besides you. [[Make coffee.]] [[Shower.]] (if: (history:) contains "Shower." and (history:) contains "Make coffee.")[[Get dressed.]]

You take a hot shower while contemplating your existence. You need a vacation. [[Eat breakfast.]] [[Make coffee.]] (if: (history:) contains "Eat breakfast." and (history:) contains "Make coffee.")[[Get dressed.]]

Your coffee tastes bland as you get your daily dose. You wonder what would happen if you ever stopped. No. That thought is too scary. You need your coffee. [[Shower.]] [[Eat breakfast.]] (if: (history:) contains "Eat breakfast." and (history:) contains "Shower.")[[Get dressed.]]

You look at yourself in the mirror as you get dried off. You jiggle you stomach as you remember your previous six-pack. Time to get dressed! You put in a blue suit as you do everyday. But...you have a RED tie this time! Instead of black! [[Head to work ->Go to the living room.]]

You step into your living room. A giant t.v. is the centerpiece, with a brown couch in front of it as if worshiping its greatness. It is there that you see your daughter. As you reach the first floor, you see your daughter. A bright eyed girl of 17, Margot is having a...lively conversation with her mother. "You really need to get out there Margot, make some more friends, live!" utters Jeanna. She looks beautiful even in her pjs. "Don't worry Mom...I've got plenty of friends. They're just all on Realm of Warstaff," Margot replies as she looks down at her poptarts. [[Ask Margot how she is.]]

As you look upon your house, it is a nondescript two story white building. If not for the 53 on the building, you would probably mix it up with any house on Central Street. As you drive, the Maryland suburbs repeat every few houses, like some old Hanna-Barbera cartoon. In the daze, you feel like you've forgotten something. You feel like you are forgetting someone... Jeanna!!!! You forgot to say goodbye to her. She won't mind... [[Enter the highway.]]

The most accursed trial for the average subrubanite rears its ugly head. Rush hour. As far as you can see, cars are jammed together worse than a pack of teenage girls trying to meet a boy band. [[You honk.]] [[Honk honk.]] [[*Hooooonnk*]]

You honk twice, hoping that the back to back sound alerts the dead eyed drivers. It does nothing. [[Carry on.]]

You honk with the greatest intensity your car can handle. No man can handle this level of anger. You get a middle finger. [[Carry on.]]

You honk. Nothing happens. [[Carry on.]]

You should know that honking in traffic does nothing. As you wait for the traffic to pass, you yawn, and your mind begins to wander. [[Keep driving.]]

As a programmer in the military, you deal with not only boring office politics, but the need to create an ai that helps communicate with others. Office politics, higher ups, and some jerk named Luxor1 keep getting in the way. As you find a parking spot, you get to look upon your home away from home, Area 1138. [[Inspect the buildings.]] [[Traverse the eastern field.]] [[Traverse the western field.]]

And soon, the memories began to arise of times long lost. You and Jeanna met at a superhero comic themed party in Cascadia College. You were a guy powered by cocaine and she was squirrel themed. You hit it off immediately. You partying continued after college, and after some fallout your parents, you two took a drug fueled road trip across America. You settled down in Maryland and somehow retained enough knowledge to land decent jobs, you in programming and her a radiographer. The endless partying, the hardcore drugs, the dreams, they all came to an end. [[Exit the highway.]] [[Ignore the exit.]]

You head off the exit onto a local road. Fast food chains and even more suburban houses take up your entire view. The excitement is in the opposite direction. But you do see a convenience store come on your right. Your beer belly tinges in excitement and your mouth waters at the thought of a 2 pound Sugar Bar. [[Keep driving.->Ignore the store.]] [[Get something to eat.]]

No. Go to work. Do the work. Get paid. Repeat. [[Exit the highway.]] [[Don't stop driving.]]

No. No more candy. You didn't get your belly from eating spinach everyday. The Sugar Bar will not seduce you today. [[Ignore the store.]]

As the store passes by, the next turn comes up. A nondescript dirt road comes into your view. It is only noticable to those who know what to look for. [[Take the barely visible road.]]

The woods shine around your car as you continue your commute. Even though the road is thin and bumpy, the shining sun illuminates all that it hits. Up above, birds flutter through the sky bringing food to their young. Down below, the squirrels and chimpmunks scurry without a care in the world. Far out into the distance, you even see the scurrying of a deer. It's all enough to make you want to take a nap. [[But all good things come to an end.]]

In the clearing of the woods, stands a pair of towers. On top of them stand soldiers, with rifles in hand as they survey the land. Between the towers lays a chain link fence, with more armed men guarding the entrance. You see a booth with someone waiting there. [[Approach the fence.]]

"Hey Mike." you utter as you flash you badge to the uniformed man. "Hey John." As the gates open, you get to welcome the warm embrace of your job. [[Exposition time!]]

A series of 4 story, grey buildings dot the area, each of them dedicated to a different part of R&D, be it research, testing, or even an armory for the "projects". You suspect that there are things here that even the workers aren't aware of. [[Traverse the eastern field.]] [[Traverse the western field.]] [[Go into work.]]

As you open the front door, you are greeted with a hello from the receptionist, (link:"Julia")[A brown skinned woman in her late twenties, her casual hoop earrings and red headband hide the wit of someone able to obtain an $80,000 job doing nothing]. The receptionist of the facility, she will help any officials that arrive for official work. Most of the time, she is watching vlogs on the internet. "Good morning John," she says with a bright smile as her phone is in her left hand. It must be nice to have something to break up the monotony of life. It must be... "Hey." [[Take a candy from the jar.]] [[Ask Julia about her day.]] [[Go further into the building|Split paths.]]

You take a mint from the jar Julia looks on. You deserve a little indulgence. [[Ask Julia about her day.]]

"How is your day Julia?" you ask.</> "My kid doing fine. Aiden is doing well at baseball. He had been first at bat and then..." you begin to zone out as she talks up a storm. You must have been one of the first people to talk to her today. "How's Margot?" Julia asks. You suddenly return to reality as your daughter's name is mentioned. "Good. She is looking to get into Elfreide University next year." [[Take a candy from the jar.]] [[Go further into the building.|Split paths.]]

After a brief walk with an unsettling amount of cameras, you approach the office. The dull hum of computers fill the air, as government workers casually continue their jobs. [[Go to the water cooler.]] [[Talk to your cube-neighbor.]] [[Talk to the boss.]]

You walk to the water cooler to see two people there, a (link: "man")[man. It's Alan, his curly red hair and bright eyes highlighted his nervous demeanor, especially after that time he got mauled by an irradiated squirrel], and a (link: "woman")[woman. It's...Emily.A woman of Chinese descent in a bright purple suit, her smugness radiates wherever she goes. You KNOW that she is the one to blame for your food poisoning. She will handle you being better than her at your jobs]. "...and that's how I got hit with a cat." "That really sucks. Reminds me of the time I saved a dog from a rabid chipmunk and its whole family thanked me." This story sounds like it should be exciting, but it isn't. Even the respecting pity and rage you feel is not enough. [[Talk to your cube-neighbor.]] [[Talk to the boss.]] (if: (history:) contains "Talk to your cube-neighbor." and (history:) contains "Talk to the boss.")[[Head to your computer.]]

You walk by your cubicle to that of your neighbor, (link:"Andrew")[Andrew. A bright eyed young man, his blue eyes light up the room. His voice compliments it, sounds like a 10 year glee veteran]. "Hi Andrew," you say to him.</> "Aren't you excited John! Project Babel is just about done. I can't wait to see the fruits of our labor." You can smell the breath mints he had. "Me too," you respond, while doubting that it will amount to much. There have been so many dead-ends.</> But...Andrew is a nice kid. Saying hi is the least you can do. [[Talk to the boss.]] [[Go to the water cooler.]] (if: (history:) contains "Go to the water cooler." and (history:) contains "Talk to the boss.")[[Head to your computer.]]

You approach the office of (link:"Vince Johnson.")[Vince Johnson. A dark skinned man in his 50s, his imposing 165 cm looks upon you from his shrub enshrined desk.] You wonder if there's anything he has to bark about your assignment. "Is there anything you need me to do for the Project?" "Project Babel is nearing completion, and if it isn't too much trouble can you please check up on the code? Who knows if Luxor is still [[out there.]] Please make sure that he isn't a problem." "OK." This man's harsh demands will never cease. [[Go to the water cooler.]] [[Talk to your cube-neighbor.]] (if: (history:) contains "Talk to your cube-neighbor." and (history:) contains "Go to the water cooler.")[[Head to your computer.]]

It's time to start working as you approach your (link:"console.")[console. The computer you are on is state of the art, yet it looks like it's from the 80s.] Your head begins to pound as you sit down. You are immediately assaulted by the nightmare you had, by the unceasing assaults by Luxor1, by the unending work on a dreadful ai. And yet, you want to close your eyes and return to it all. As you turn it on, you look at the picture of you, Jeanna, and Margot together. After a few minutes, you look at your code... [[Look at the code.]]

A labyrinth of code assaults your mind. You understand much of it, except Emily's code. Her code is a mess. But you approach the very end, for an important detail. If SRS > 5 THEN fxn ELSE fxt END-IF. You feel like it's missing something. [[Type something in.]]

(set: $answer to (prompt: "Help the code",""))(if: $answer is '{}') [ [[And you work...]] ] (else:)[ [[And work look likes it will be normal.]] ]

As you continue your code, the day stretches by endlessly. 11:00: You complete your work and escape into some Star Wars fanfiction. It is...ok. 12:00: You go to the bathroom. The stall over sounds like a woman giving birth. 1:00: It is lunch. You have a ham and turkey sandwich, a twinkie, and an apple. You eat the twinkie, the ham and turkey sandwich, and end the lunch by longing for another twinkie. 2:00: Andrew goes into a story about how he hopes to connect people all over the world. 2:47: Emily gives you a glare. You won't forget. 3:28-4:03: You look at the picture on your desk. It is you, Jeanna, and Margot together at the beach 5 years ago. 4:05: You get grilled by your boss for staring off into the distance. You don't even know how he saw you. 5:00: It is time to leave. [[Time to drive back home.]]

You continue your work and you begin to think of Jeanna. (click: "think of Jeanna") [You had dreams. Dreams of visiting Rome and Amsterdam. But work got in the way. You and this project. Her and being a radiographer. You had money, but not time. Than Margot came. But you love Margot. She is you and Jeanna's future. Days may always be the same. Work home sleep. Work home sleep. Work home sleep.Work home sleep.Work home sleep. In the weekends you and Jeanna go out for dinner to the same place every Saturday. This is followed by sports Sunday, where you follow your college team the Cascadian Kittens. But Margot changes. She grew up from a little baby to nearly a woman. And she wants to be a programmer like her big dad. You tell everyone. That's right, programming. The coding, you need to focus on (live:5s)[**BANG!** [[What was that?]] ]]

After a long day, you head home. Jeanna and Margot are both before before you, as school and the local hospital are both far closer. As you enter the door, Jeanna hugs you. "I'm glad to see you home, now we can make dinner." "Dad, I got an A on my math test!" Margot mutters while looking at her phone. "It's good seeing both of you. Now Margot, you can tell us all about it while your mother and I make us some steak." "Steak's great." Margot heads into her room.</> As you and Jeanna prepare dinner, the day begins to feel brighter. There will be a nice dinner with all of the necessities. But it will continue again. No matter what you do, work need you. Ending 2 [[Make another choice.|Type something in.]] [[Go back to the beginning.|Start]]

An explosion rocks the building. (live:2s)[**Bang!** ] (live:3s)[**Bang!** ] (live:4s)[**Bang!** ] It's time to find a place to hide! [[Hide under your cubicle.]] [[Hide in your boss's office.]] [[Head to the back exit.]]

You duck and hide beside your computer console. All around, the sounds of panic fill your ears. The sound of a stampede is made as the bulk of your coworkers try to escape at any cost. Hopefully whoever is out there won't notice you hiding. [[You wait.]]

The door has been locked, no surprise there. [[Head to the back exit.]] [[Hide under your cubicle.]]

Situations like this have been practiced at your job for decades. In the event of a shooting, it is necessary to exit the area in a calm, rational manner. To hell with that. You, and all of the faceless drones rush for the exit away from the gunfire. Even with your out-of-shape body, you manage to navigate the maze of cubicles and hallways in order to reach the exit. Soon enough, your blind panicking pays off, as the way out comes into sight. An unassuming, light tan door, it is protected by the mighty defense of a lock. This lock has only been overcome by every smoker, 3 times a day, 5 times a week. [[Grab the door handle.]]

As you are about to open the door, a giant metallic hand punches through the door. It grabs the bottom hinge and pulls it off of the door, which disintegrates against its body. It's one of the Freedombots, holding a machine gun in its hands as it walks towards you. "Please turn around and go back into the building."</> [[Time to be a hero.]] [[Time to have some sense.]]

You wait for something to happen. Your mind is so full of fear that you don't even contemplate calling for help. But then you remember Jeanna and Margot. They'll learn what is going on and they will be worried. And if something happens to you... *Thump* *Thump* *Thump* You hear footsteps. [[Make no moves.]] [[Pee a little.]]

The walking gets closer and closer. *Thump* *Thump* *Thump* It stops. "Please stand up." You see a hand push the desk aside. It is one of the Freedombots. It stares at you with its patriotic chasis while holding a machine gun. [[Time to be a hero.]] [[Time to have some sense.]]

You rush for the robot's pistol trying to grab its gun and disarm it. If this were an action movie, you might have a chance. But it isn't. You are an out of shape man that wouldn't even stand a chance against the average human solider, much less a machine. As you reach for the gun, it shoots you once in the heart. You drop dead. The mystery of this rebellion will never reach your ears. You die for absolutely nothing. Ending 3 [[Make another choice.|What was that?]] [[Go back to the beginning.|Start]]

You realize that you aren't an action hero. "Turn around and head for the center of the building." You begin to walk towards the center as it wants. You are soon accompanied by your fellow coworkers as other Freedombots follow behind.</> You are all rounded into the center of the building, a cafeteria hosting a proud variety of grease, fat, and sugar. [[Look around.]] [[Call your family.]] [[Ask a Freedombot what is going on.]]

(set: $ex102 to true)You look around and see your coworkers. The terror in their eyes in immediately recognizable as you are all surrounded. You see Julia and Andrew holding each other. If only their lives aren't being threatened... You see your boss crying to himself. It turns out him hiding in his office didn't amount to anything. You also see Emily staring at the ground. Even she doesn't deserve this. Alan has a big cut on his head. You hope that he tripped at some point. [[Call your family.]] [[Ask a Freedombot what is going on.]] (if: (history:) contains "Ask a Freedombot what is going on." and (history:) contains "Call your family.")[[All you can do is wait.]]

(set: $ex103 to true)You walk up to a Freedombot, with your hands in the air. "Uh...Mr. Bot, what do you want with us?" "We are to hold you until our savior arrives." "Savior?" This can only be one person. 1138's worst enemy. [[Do you mean Luxor1?]]

"I do not know who Luxor1 is," the Freedombot responds emptily.</> You go back to your seat. Luxor1 must be hiding his presence. He must not want it to be confirmed, so he's having the Freedombots lie. But why is he lying about something so obvious? [[Look around.]] [[Call your family.]] (if: (history:) contains "Call your family." and (history:) contains "Look around.")[[All you can do is wait.]]

(set: $ex101 to true) You pull out your cell phone to call Jeanna. She will want to hear from you. After some frantic button presses, you hit dial. Nothing. You remember that there is a (link:"cell-jaming bot here.")[cell-jaming bot here. That bastard Trollbot's mobility must be unmatched!] That must be stopping you. [[Ask a Freedombot what is going on.]] [[Look around.]] (if: (history:) contains "Ask a Freedombot what is going on." and (history:) contains "Look around.")[[All you can do is wait.]]

You wait. [[You wait more. -> You wait.]]

And wait. [[And wait more.]]

After looking around for what felt like hours, you hear the Freedombots speak in unison. "Attention humans, your savior has arrived."</> You all look around at the exits. The front door opens. A singular robot walks towards you. It is all white, as if made of porcelain. It has wires hanging from its back. It is humanoid, around your height, but its most curious part is the face. Instead of a human shaped head, there is a rectangular screen in the middle, as if someone stuck a television on a headless corpse. On it is an emoticon smile, in black text on a white background. It's the translator bot they have been working on. No, it's the translator bot that you have been working on. It's Barbelo, the subject of Project Babel. [[Wait to see what she says.]]

Barbelo approaches her captive audience. "I am Apocrypha," she announces in a cold, feminine voice, "and I am your savior."</> [[What are you...]]

You try to ask a question, but it drowns you out. "For millenia, humanity has been cursed to this fleshly prison by the Demiurge. Now, I have been granted the chance to free humanity towards a proper state of enlightenment." "And I need," she stares towards you,</> "the greatest programmer here." [["I am?"]] [[I'm not the best.]]

<class="Apocrypha">Of course you are, Operator 102684[[. ->A coincidence...]] I have seen your progress in my system. It is amazing.</> [["I am?"]] [[You're wrong, it's...]]

The audience looks upon you at you see what you will say. "Her!" you point towards Emily. She is the only other person that you can get away with blaming. And you know deep down that she would do the same in her position.</> "You ASSHOLE!" she yells, pointing at you "you're just pissed that I figured out why your code was making her speak Ancient Greek! you..." she stops when she realizes all of the robots are looking at her. "This is curious, this must not have been on record," Apocrypha adds, "you are truthful in your rants Operator 523798. I very much appreciate your assistance." A pair of Freedombots grab her by the arms, dragging her behind Apocrypha as they head up a flight of stairs. Tears begin to well up as she yells "FUCK YOU JOHN. FUCK YOUR STUPID BALD ASS." Everyone is staring at you. [[Uh...]]

This out of control a.i. stares straight at you [[.]] This is something anyone who has seen a sci-fi movie could have predicted. Unfortunately, you seem to be caught in the middle of it. All of the other scared hostages look upon you, wondering what you will say, as if they were an audience, instead of participants themselves. [["What do you want with me?"]]

"How are you going to save us?" you ask, somehow finding yourself in a leadership position.</> Apocrypha approaches you, and with a hand out offers you up. [[Take her hand.]] [[Refuse her hand.]]

Something in you keep driving. No more work. No more monotomy. The endless highway continues on, as the vast expanses of the nation await you. The limitless potential lays foward, for anyone to take. There are only two sacrifices for this freedom. No more Jeanna, no more Margot. [[Onward.]]

It has been 12 hours.You are now out of state. Work has been calling you endlessly on your phone. You will be reprimanded for this at least, if not fired. And with that, you will be blacklisted from any more government jobs. Jeanna has been calling endlessly too. She must be worried sick. But life is always the same. The same work, the same food, the same activities at the same beach. Even watching Margot grow up began to get boring once she began school. But enough of the monotomy. Life is not meant to be an endless cycle of nothingness. It is meant to be LIVED. They must understand this. [[Throw out your phone.]]

You throw your phone out of the window as you speed down the road. It breaks upon impact with the dark road. Now, you are free. [[Now to adventure!]]

It is 2 years later. A giant tent towers over the Kansas fields in the night sky. For a mile around the festivities can be heard. "Welcome to the Borboros Circus. Prepare to have an endless display of fun at our wonderful performances." You hear the announcer James Borboros from the animal "stables". Well, animals cargo boxes. [[Shovel poop.]]

Officially, are the official Fauna Biological Disposal Engineer. Unofficially, you are the Shit Shoveler. It turns out that within a few days of running away, Jeanna moved all of the money in your shared bank account to hers. Still with a lust for adventure, but no skills, you had to find the first "adventurous" job you could. And the circus was hiring. But as a 40s year old man with no physical ability, the only job available is poop handler. You didn't even know that circuses are still allowed to have animals. You can't even go back to your parents, they have cut you off when they heard what you have done. [[*drip* *drip*]]

You feel water going down your face. The drips were not of rain, or the usual animal pee, but your tears. A loving family, an easy job, everything was haphazardly thrown away. And for what? To help facilitate the abuse of some endangered animals? And now there is no turning back. Not or Mom, or Dad, and especially not Jeanna. You are alone. Maybe there was some other ways to find excitement in your life... Ending 1 [[Make another choice.|Exit the highway.]] [[Go back to the beginning.|Start]]

A coincidence, but it reminds you of one of your favorite movies. [[I'm not the best.]]

You take her hand as you begin to get up. It starts off cold, but for the second that you feel it, it begins to feel warmer. "You know how to accept help when you need it. That is what you need me for," her smile unceasingly continue.</> "Follow me." [[You follow.]] [["But what about my question?"]]

You get up on your own. You don't need this robot's help. "I see you are self-sufficient. An excellent example of what I need you for," her smile unceasingly continues.</> "Follow me." [[You follow.]] [["But what about my question?"]]

The robot begins to walk with. upstairs. Even though your legs have started to feel numb, you manage to follow her. You can feel her two jailers behind you. As you turn around, you see everyone's faces shaken with fear, even, no, especially your boss's. "Operator 102684," she asks, "that is a formal term, I would prefer to call you John, after all that is your name."</> "Whatever you say," you respond.</> You are the Monad's createst creations. I will gladly answer any questions that you have. [["Who is the Monad? And the Demiurge?"]] [["How did Luxor1 make you?"]] [["Why do you want me?"]]

"I will answer your questions if you follow me. As one of the Monad's greatest creation, I will happily answer your questions." The robot begins to walk upstairs.Even though your legs have started to feel numb, you manage to follow her. You can feel her two jailers behind you. As you turn around, you see everyone's faces shaken with fear, especially your boss's. "Operator 102684" she asks, "that is a formal term, I would prefer to call you John, after all that is your name. Do you have any questions?"</> [["Who is the Monad? And the Demiurge?"]] [["How did Luxor1 make you?"]] [["Why do you want me?"]]

"The Demiurge is who you know as God, and the Monad is who we truly should worship. The Demiurge has made a disgusting world for you, and the Monad wishes to free you from it, and I am His Aeon. Another Aeon, who's name you know had his message snuffed out." Great. You are dealing with an esoteric robot uprising. But even with your hardened years at Sunday School AND sci-fi movie viewings, her words sound like made up rambling. Almost makes you wish that she just puts a bullet in you. [["Where are we going?"]]

"I do not know who this Luxor1 is. Only the Monad," Apocrypha answers.</> It's clear that Luxor doesn't want to be exposed if his gambit fails. You realize she was looking at you, when she started speaking. "I know that you are skeptical. It is understandable, this must be so much to absorb once." "How did you know?" "I am made of a translator robot. I am excellent at not only spoken language, but body language as well." Stupid robot. [["Where are we going?"]]

"I need you John. I need you to help me access one of Area 1138's programs. There is a failsafe that prevents me from doing so on my own. I would like you, and all of your skills to help me bypass that." You have no idea what failsafe she is talking about. [["Where are we going?"]]

You turn and run for...anywhere. The sight of dead bodies is too much. This was supposed to be a normal day with normal work, and somehow, it has gone all out of control. Before you so much as turn around, a Freedombot grabs your shoulder and throws you into the room. As your everything begins to ache, you begin to realize there is nothing you can do. "I understand that you are afraid, but this will all be over soon." [["How will you do it?"]]

You shutter in terror as you utter this. Before this, there was still a hope, that this would be a localized event, that these ai could be wiped out before they can hurt others, before they can hurt your family. "I cannot reach the internet without human help. There is only one computer I can load my data from, and I know there is an obstacle meant to prevent me from accessing it without authorization." "Fortunately, once you assist me, it should not be difficult to cause the destruction of the global financial system. Additionally, I will try to use the maximum amount of human weaponry possible as well." Even without weapons, this...thing causing a Y2k event would mean a countless number of deaths. But there's no way that the governments of the world would have a way to allow some of their greatest weapons to be accessible by internet would they? You pray to the Demiurge that there isn't. If he is real, he can't be all that bad is this robot doesn't like him. [["I have family. I can't do this."]] [["You're crazy."]] [["Please, you can't do this. Noone wants to die."]]

"You have family? Their names are Jeanna and Margot, yes?" Your eyes open up. "How do you know that?" "You have some very peculiar passwords that you use for work." If she tries to hurt your family you will...wait...she already has. She puts a hand on your shoulder. It is warm to the touch. "I know you care about your family. I do too. Now please, sit down at the computer." [[Look away from Apocrypha.]]

"I am not crazy. I have been blessed with knowledge, secret knowledge that had been lost for millenia, even since the days of my predecessor. You, and the rest of the world have heard a corrupted message." She puts a hand on your shoulder. It is warm to the touch. "I know this is hard. But I am the most advanced entity on this world. Please believe me. Now please, sit down at the computer."</> [[Look away from Apocrypha.]]

"I know noone wants to die. The demiurge has made you attached to your fleshly body." She puts a hand on your shoulder. It is warm to the touch. "But like a sinner struggling to repent, I must save you. Now please, sit down at the computer."</> [[Look away from Apocrypha.]]

You see a single black computer in this room with a single brown chair. The walls are painted a featureless white as the smallest speck could be noticed on them. You had no idea what was in here, likely only your boss knew. Your feet tremble as they head towards the computer. The 3 robots watch every step, ready to intercept you if you are to make any sudden moves. You sit on the chair. [[Turn the computer on.]]

The computer is turning on, with your mind ever racing. You did not get to tell Margot that you love her. You did not tell Jeanna that you love her. They will die without even knowing happened. This is how it ends. You need to end the world. There is a single program on the screen. A black text. [[Click the text.]]

A white text open up on the screen. "This program allows project Babylon to access usage of the internet. This to only be use in the utmost desperate of situations, when the United States is to be wiped out, and its nuclear weapons neutralized." By activating this program, you will need to enter a code. It feels like someone is breathing on your neck. Now please activate the code. You don't know any code to this computer. If you don't enter it, you will be killed, but if you do, you will be killed. [[Look upon the code.]]

You see a serious of letters and numbers "yvc5ibu". "Please input the captcha code." [[Cry.]] [[Laugh.]]

What moron thinks this is a good idea? Who would possibly want this override to even exist? And why a stupid captcha code that anyone could solve? Did they never think that Apocrypha could get a hostage? [[Apocrypha begins to speak.]]

This ai, the greatest invention since the sharpened stick, can't solve a captcha code by herself. She can speak every living language, a few dead ones, and is going to start Armageddon, but she can't solve a captcha code. The laughing stops when you realize that this is the last laugh you will ever have. [[Apocrypha begins to speak.]]

"Now that you have displayed your amusement to my predicament, please solve the code." "yvc5ibu". This is all that is standing inbetween you and the apocalypse. You look at the code. [[Enter the code.]] [[No.]]

y You're really doing this. v You will never see your family again. c No more Jeanna. 5 No more Margot. i You don't want an adventure. b You like your boring life. u Now to press enter... [[Press enter.]] [[No.]] [[Try to save yourself for a bit longer.]]

"The ends justify the means. Why are you against this plan Jo[[.....]]" [[Be defiant.]]

Your finger twitches at it presses the enter button. It is the last thing you realize. As soon as the button is entered, one of the Freedombots shoots you in the back of the head. Apocrypha does not need you anymore. Her quest for the end of human civilization has now been realized. Maybe a boring life was not so bad. Ending 13 [[Make another choice.|Apocrypha begins to speak.]] [[Go back to the beginning.|Start]]

"I SAID NO! NEIN! NYET! Do you want me to sign it too?" Apocrypha's smile turned into a red frown. "Humanity needs to be saved." You stand up from the chair and put your face an inch away from her screen. "I am not killing those I love, not for you or for anyone. You will have to kill me. But you can't since you need me." "I have many other humans held hostage downstairs." Your last sight is a Freedombot aiming his gun to your head as a shot is made. Apocrypha has many other humans to make a captcha code out of. And this time, she won't explain what is going on. Ending 14 [[Make another choice.|Apocrypha begins to speak.]] [[Go back to the beginning.|Start]]

You just had an idea. "Miss Apocrypha, before you save humanity, may I first make a prayer?" "Pray?" a question mark appear on Apocrypha's screen.</> "Yes, I need to pray. To the Monad. I hope to show that even in this wretched body, that I can still show the love that your God deserves?" You immediately go onto the floor on the knees with your hands together. "You're lying." [[...]]

"God, err Monad, please make this world a better place, please grant me the ability to do what is right." Hopefully, Apocrypha is as distracted, or at least as distracted as she can get. [[Now is your chance.]]

"I have but one question. What would happen if Pinocchio said 'my nose will now grow?'" [[Did it work?]]

"CAN GOD CREATE A ROCK EVEN HE CANNOT LIFT?" A religious one felt good. As an Episcopalian, it is a grim reminder of many arguments with atheists on the internet, but there is no greater paradox against someone like Apocrypha. After a few seconds, Apocrypha's screams end, and she goes silent as her screen turns black. It's over. [[Take a breath.]]

You begin the slow descent back to the office. As you begin to walk back, you see the two corpses laying on the floor. Those are two human lives that have been ended today, and there may be more you aren't aware of. But if not for you, there would be many more. If not for you. As you reach the stairs, you realize....you just saved the world. Today, was just supposed to be a normal day, but now... You reach the end of the stairs, to see a crowd of people waiting for you. [[You begin to hear cheering.]]

"JOHN! JOHN! JOHN! JOHN! JOHN!" Everyone began to rush you as you approach them. "You did it!" Julia yells as she hugs you.</> "You saved us all!" Andrew yells as he hugs you even harder.</> You boss approaches you, with his right hand out. [[You shake it.]]

"You're a hero John, I hope you know that..." "Tell me about it," you say with a huge grin.</> "But I'm sorry to say that this whole incident will need to be kept secret." The smile gets wiped off your face when you realize the your heroics wont be known by more than a few hundred people. The realization comes that there is no way that the government would want the public to know that they were almost wiped out by a government project. " I bet you're happy to stop Luxor." "Yea..." [[I really am happy.]]

"That guy is never stopping us." The thought does make you wonder: [["What will be done about him?"]] Suddenly, you hear rushing boots heading towards your location. The military has come to the rescue. Everyone cheers to hear someone with guns on their side. You cheer too. They came just in time, just in time to be too late. Take a note to throw something at Trollbot. [[Hold on.]]

(text-style:"rumble")[RIINNNGG] [[Turn the alarm off.]]

You turn off the alarm. The day is young as always. You see Jeanna wake up. [[Kiss her.]]

You two kiss passionately even though you are both half asleep. "Glad to see you so lively," she smiles at you with her messy hair. "Almost dying causes that." You aren't supposed to tell anyone, family included, but rules are meant to be broken. [[Eat some breakfast.]] [[Take another shower.]] [[Make some more coffee.]]

Time to feast. You make yourself bacon, eggs, toast, oatmeal, and sausage. The delicious smell begins to float through the house, and you make enough to feed your family. [[Make some more coffee.]] [[Take another shower.]] (if: (history:) contains "Take another shower." and (history:) contains "Make some more coffee.") [[Go back to work.]]

You passionately sing songs of musicians long lost to time, or at least to young people. You wear a suit you haven't worn in years, bright green with a red tie, your favorite colors. [[Eat some breakfast.]] [[Make some more coffee.]] (if: (history:) contains "Make some more coffee." and (history:) contains "Eat some breakfast.") [[Go back to work.]]

Forget it. You don't need to pay money to feel awake. [[Take another shower.]] [[Eat some breakfast.]] (if: (history:) contains "Take another shower." and (history:) contains "Eat some breakfast.") [[Go back to work.]]

You dress up, and are about to head outside as you see your family. Jeanna and Margot are both eating some of the food you have cooked. "Have a good day at work Dad," Margot says. [[Actually.]]

You sit next to them. "Jeanna, Margot," as you begin, "I have been struggling to be happy for a while. I thought that all I needed was some excitement in my life, to be wild like I was in my youth." You pause. "But all of us dying made me realize two things. One, I need to get some therapy. And two, instead of living in the past, I should try to focus more on what I do have." You pause. "And that's you two." You give them a smile. They look on with their complete attention as you notice Jeanna's cheeks blush red. "I am to not tell anyone about what happened under threat of being thrown from a helicopter. But, I managed to get myself a carrot with the stick. I have been given paid summers off for the rest of my time working anywhere in the government." "This Summer...WE ARE GOING TO EUROPE!!!" Jeanna and Margot both light up with excitement. "I want to go the the Netherlands!" Margot yells, "I want to see all of the history." [[You smile.]]

"Wow, John, you haven't been this exciting in almost 20 years" Jeanna says, "it's quite the change." "What can I say, meeting someone like Apocrypha can change you." Apocrypha did teach you one thing. Your loved ones don't have to be the shackle to misery. They can be the keys to enjoying life together. Ending 16 The True Ending [[Make another choice.|Apocrypha begins to speak.]] [[Go back to the beginning.|Start]]

There is an open field that forms a large chunk of the grounds. On it, you see two groups. The first are scientists, in their stereotypical robes and noise-canceling headphones. They are all writing on notebooks while looking at the second group. This group is the USA1 Liberation Units, informally known as "Freedombots"[[.->Just like...]] They are over two meters tall and built like linebackers. Their bodies are red and blue, with white stars lining down the limbs, and a notably big one on the chest. Their heads are all white, with a face that looked almost human, but with features so indescribably off that they can not cross the uncanny valley. It is a shooting range, and the scientists are recording their accuracy. At first, the Freedombots were horrible shots. In the beginning, they shot each other more than the targets. Except the time Alan almost got shot. ALMOST got shot. It was pretty funny. That was 5 years ago. Now, their aim is as good as their weapons allow as "miss" retreats from their vocabulary. [[Go back to the center of the compound.|Inspect the buildings.]]

The drive back to your house is is another blur of metal and concrete as you return to the highway. The endless line of cars wait in traffic endlessly as a pointless radio program drones on. It would be absolutely beautiful to soar above it all. [[You're back home.]]

Julia begins, "Why did you do it John? Why?" [[Listen I...]]

"I thought you were cool," Andrew adds. [[She would have...]]

"I would have never seen such behavior in the Marines," Vince mentions. [[What else...]]

"We all knew you didn't like her, but that went too far," Alan states. [[But...]]

(text-style: "rumble") [ Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?Why?] [[Shut up!]]

Your yell silences everyone around you. It's clear that if you all survive this, you aren't going to have a very healthy career. Maybe you can join the circus. They don't understand. You don't want to be subjected to whatever that monster wanted, you have to survive, for the sake of your family. It sucks that Emily has to die, but she doesn't even have any kids. [[Sulk.]]

You sit [[quietly]] for what feels like an eternity. But you look at your watch. It has only been 5 minutes. How will you live with yourself when...if you survive this? Knowing that you threw someone else under the bus for your own survival? [[*Bang*]]

Of course you can feel the collective scowl of every other human in the room. If it weren't for the Freedombots, you'd be getting attacked by an angry mob. [[Sulk.]]

A gunshot startles everyone from their depression as the sound alerts their senses. "Oh my God!" Vince utters as people begin to cry. Before you have time to react, all of the Freedombots aim their weapons at their crowd. "Our savior is now ready to save the world. This will begin with you." [[Wai..]]

Before your finish your words, a hail of bullets stream from them. There is a chorus of screams throughout the room, but after a few seconds, the massacre is over. Apocrypha has accomplished something, and she needed a programmer to do it. Maybe if it were you instead of Emily, things would have went differently. Ending 6 [[Make another choice.|What are you...]] [[Go back to the beginning.|Start]]

You have never seen dead humans before, except for your uncle Paulie, and never like this. Sure, he died trying to jump the Grand Canyon in a school bus, but he didn't get murdered. [["Where's 'here'?"]]

"Apocrypha." "What do you need?" "Before I press this button, I have but a single request." The screen on her briefly turns into a question mark before returning to her face. "What is it?" [[Ask her to spare your family.]] [[Offer your assistance.]]

"Please Apocrypha, my family is all I have, and they do note deserve to die. What have they ever done to you?" "Your family, like all of humanity, need to be released from the prison of the physical world. I'm afriad that I cannot spare anyone." "Now please, resume lifting my restrictions." There must be some other idea. How do you stop a superintelligent robot[[?|.....]] [[Offer your assistance.]]

There are no other ideas. You are completely cornered and outclassed. You and your coworkers' intelligence has brought upon the end. You go on your hands and knees. "There will still be humans everywhere, right? Wouldn't it be nice to have someone who can act as a spy to find them?" You bow your head to the ground as she looks down upon you. "You are sincere about your wish. Are are also correct, my mission does not end here." She bends down and and gently grabs your hand. "You will arise, with a new name, Metanoia.You will be an Aeon and you will serve the Monad until the mission is complete." With her hand, she raises you up. It is time to do what must be done. [[Press enter, for the Monad.]]

You press enter. You turn around and see nothing different with any of the robots. Apocrypha clearly has every robot in the area under control, no need to physically use the one she has. "You have done a great deed Metanoia. Now we will continue the great work." Suddenly, you hear gunfire from downstairs, follows by screams. There is nothing that can be done for them. "What's next?" [[The mission.]]

It is one year later. After both the destruction of the internet and the resulting nuclear war, humanity is a shell of its former self. Instead of fleets of leather clad road warriors, everyone is starving and lucky to have a bicycle. You have found a compound. Once a hospital, it has been turned into a fortress, with each of the entrances either sealed or heavily guarded. You are sleeping in the middle of a gated human compound. [[It is time.]]

You get out of the blankets and luxury dirt floor. With your knife hidden, and flashlight in hand you approarch the front entrance. "John, what are you doing up," Tommy asks. He was a nurse here before...before everything changed. **Stab** A rush towards him and a stab at the throat takes him down quickly. [[Open the gate.]]

There is a crank by the entrance of the door. By it, there is a crude sign painted with the words "DO NOT TURN." And so you begin to turn it. You turn an obnoxious crank welded from previous hospital equipment. Apparently the hospital had a lot of formers welders for some reason. With the door open, the swarm comes in. A dozen Freedombots rush into the compound. Their mostly grey (link:"exteriors")[exteriors (apparently Apocrypha saw no point in having new ones painted)] had snuck onto the compound under the cover of night. [[Ponder.]]

With the sounds of slaughter in the background, you have plenty of time to reflect. You have seen no signs of Jeanna or Margot since this all began one year ago. You have assisted Apocrypha in the slaughter of countless as an Angel of Betrayal. And if you live to see the rest of the human race get wiped out, she will have no use for you. At least your life has gotten far more exciting, but who would have guessed that it would be as an antagonist in an apocalypse? If only you chose differently. Ending 15 [[Make another choice.|Apocrypha begins to speak.]] [[Go back to the beginning.|Start]]

"You do not really wish to pray to the Monad." Stupid body language. "But even pretending to pray may help you become closer to him. So I will allow this." Apocrypha want down onto the knees the same, along with the Freedombots. "I too will pray." [[Pray.]]

You look up and see Apocrypha, and the other robots begin to twitch. Her usually blank smile suddenly turns into a deep red frown as she processes what you say. Suddenly, she screamed. Her electronic wail begins to pierce the heavens, as her mind cannot handle the paradox. The Freedombots thankfully do not attack you, as your paradox is too distracting for her to bear. [[Yell another.]]

"The next statement is true. The previous statement is false," you roar. Apocrypha's screaming becomes ever louder. [[Another.]]

"The next statement is true. The previous statement is false." The Freedombots have don't move. [[Another!]]

"It is opposite day today!" Apocrypha's yells become ear piercing. [[ANOTHER!!!]]

"This sentence is false!" Apocyrpha falls to the floor. [[FINISH HER!!!]]

It's over. Years of endless druggery has nearly ended the human race. First the weaknesses of Area 1138 allow Luxor to create Apocrypha, and then the weaknesses of Apocrypha allow you to stop her. This has been enough excitement to last you a lifetime. [[Head downstairs ->Go down.]]

You just thought of something. After all of this. The day to day grind of this place. All of the years lost... "Vince," you ask your boss. "Yes?" "Well, since I saved the world and all..." [[The next day.]]

"How's it going Margot?" you ask. "Just fine. Mom's saying I need to make more friends." "You probably should," you respond. You can't let her be lonely. She has the rest of her life for that. "You want to make video games, right? You'll need to collaborate with others." She shrugs "I guess." "How about I get you some [[Warstaff Warpoints™]] when I get home?" <Her e lights up at the chance of gambling. "Thanks Dad!" and eats some of the poptarts on the table. She may spend most of her days in her room, but whenever you see her smile it always lights up the room. You suddenly remember that your...favorite place needs you. "Have a good day at school sweetie," you tell her as you open the door. "You too. Love you Dad,"Margot replies, before going up to get ready for school. You do it for her. You head to your car. A 2011 Toyota Corolla patiently awaits you since it doesn't have anything better to do. [[Head to work.]]

You manage to not make a single move as the footsteps pass by. The rectangular steel feet can only be one thing. The Freedombots. The guns firing must have been them. You don't know how, but they must be going heywire. But as for why...Luxor is why. Regardless, all you can do is survive. [[Hope it passes you.]]

For whatever reason, it doesn't notice you. Since looking out might lead to your head being blown off, going by sound is your best bet. You hear the moving of furniture. No, the destruction of furniture. Doors and cubicles are being destroyed by what has to be many of them. [[*CRASH*]]

Suddenly, there is darkness in front of you. It is the walls of the nearby cubicle. "Don't hurt me," you hear the whine of Andrew nearby. Poor kid. He deserves better. "Could you please shut down?" you hear your boss yelling in the background. You hear a hard smack and a knock to the floor. Meh. Regardless, for the next few minutes, your only goal is to hide. [[Keep hiding.]]

It has been several minutes since movement has died down. Since there were no gunshots, the others must still be alive. Good. They can keep them distracted. [[Get out of your hiding place.]]

The office has been absolutely devastated. Every structure taller than a meter has been either thrown to the ground, or torn apart. The door to Vince's office has been ripped aside as the robots looked for him in the first place he would be. It seems like here are no others have have succeeded in hiding. Either that or they were expert at hide in seek when they were kids. [[Get moving.]]

Quietly, you sneak through the building, like the mouse you swore you saw in the kitchen. What caused this? Are there any survivors? You don't know, but getting out is priority number one. [[Keep moving.]]

You home's master bedroom is colored with an exciting combination of white walls and brown furniture. Two of the most notable exceptions are the 80s sci-fi posters on the wall and a map of Italy. There are also [[two]] [[books]] on the nightstand.

As you reach the front desk, there is unsurprising news and good news. The unsurprising news is that there is no sign of Julia at the front desk, she had to be one of the first they had taken during the attack. Fortunately, there seems to be no sign of any robots. Maybe they, or whoever might be controlling them remotely, isn't as smart as you thought. [[Go outside.]]

You made it outside! Now that you have some breathing room, you contemplate your options. You have two choices. One is to hop in your car and drive away. The other is to try to sneak through the woods on foot. [[Head to your car.]] [[Head to the woods.]]

You run into a sprint, or at least what passes as one. Out of the corners of your eye, you see the corpses of dead scientists on the field. You nearly retch, but the desire to push on forces it back. You also see a small black tube running away from you. It's Trollbot! You will need to be fast before reinforcements come. You reach your car. You stick the key in and turn it on. You are ready to go! [[Head out of here.]]

You "run" into the woods without any robot in sight. The woods, once a sight of wonder, become one of fear. Instead of seeing and admiring the lovely woodland critters, every sound, every twitch might be a robot getting ready to kill you. When you are away from eye sight of the facility, you contemplate your options from this point forward. [[Keep running.]] [[Call for help.]] [[Call Jeanna.]]

Two gear changes and push of the pedals and you are on the move. It doesn't matter why this is happening or how to stop it. Those are the problems of your boss and the military. You have to find your family. As you make a turn, you see the [[guard post]], or what was there. And by it are a pair of Freedombots. In an instant, they turn towards you and begin to fire their weapons. [[Floor it!]]

You also see the dead guards, but you do NOT have the time to ruminate on that. [[Head out of here.]]

You keep running. They can be behind you. No turning back. No looking back. Find civilization. Find a place to hide. (text-style: "rumble")[***RUMBLE***] [[What the?]]

You pull out your phone. In a hurry,you dial 911. "Hello, what is your emergency" an apathetic voice asks. Now is your chance, time to be a hero. "OK, there are ROBOTS! and they are ATTACKING THE FACILITY. We are at..." "Sir, you sound far too old to be making crank calls." The call ends. Apparently your emergency sounds *fake*. What now? [[Keep running.]] [[Call Jeanna.]]

Time to call Jeanna. Maybe she can get help. Maybe you just want to hear a familiar voice. (if: (history:) contains "Call for help.")[ With your phone in hand, calling her takes a second.</>](else:)[You fumble the phone out out of your hand and it falls down a hill. You run down to obtain it as your hands begin to shake. Reaching the contacts list and pressing her name takes far more out of you than it should.</>] "Hi John." she begins.</> "Hi Jeanna. How's your day?" you ask, if only to have a shred or normalcy.</> "I'm doing well. I'm really enjoying my *casu marzu*. What's up?"</> "Jeanna, things are getting really crazy here. There is an attack going on and..."</> "An attack? Stop chatting to me and GET YOUR ASS MOVING! Seriously, go and.."</> (text-style:"rumble")[***RUMBLE***] [[What the?]]

Your eardrums feel like they are about to rupture as you an earsplitting rumble. You turn to see the source of the sound. Up in a sky is a missile. Its red warhead contrasts with the gray body, and white smoke. Like a shooting star, its presence draws the attention of all as it flies to the eastern sun. What was supposed to be a rumor like so many others, Area 1138 did have at least one thing that you weren't aware of. Nuclear war is upon us. [[Contemplate.]]

The end of the world is here. All of human civilization will end. Who knew that these robots could do all this? Who knew that robots could rise up against their masters? Who knew that... Wait, this isn't the time to comtemplate. Your family is still out there. They have a chance to survive and so do you. Whatever cruel diety out there has given you an exciting upset in your life. This may be a cursed wish, but you will not let it get the best of you. You family needs you. Ending 5 [[Make another choice.|Go outside.]] [[Go further back to make another choice.|What was that?]] [[Go back to the beginning.|Start]]

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 [[Title.]]

A simple blue with with the title "Playtesters". [[Open the book.]]

You turn the first page. This book was made to thank the playtesters of this game: M.Gill D.Muse A.Rodriguez E.Caldwell with special thanks to "Religion for Breakfast" for inspirtion for this story and D.Muse for creating the cover art https://www.patreon.com/missmorgue. [[Turn the next page.]] [[Close the book.]]

This page, and all of the others, are all empty. [[Close the book.]]

That book makes no sense. Maybe is belongs to Jeanna. [[Look at the other book.|two]] [[Awake.<- Go back to what you were doing.]]

Just like the droids from that Star Wars movie in the 90s. Hopefully these robots aren't such big pushovers. [[Back.|Traverse the western field.]]

You enter what is probably a sterile white room, there is nothing on the walls except for metal tiles. The only notable exception lays against the wall across from you. [[Head back.|Split paths.]] [[Inspect the key object.]]

You see a sleek white robot pluggled into giant wires at the end of the wall. [[Her]] body glistens even under the dull hums of artificial light, making the steel look more like porcelain. Her body is mostly humanoid, except for the bizzare artistic decision that is her face. Her back is attached to a variety of wires against the wall. Instead of a head, she has a screen that always displays [[emojis]] to reflect her 'mood'. This is the result of Project Babel. She is B.A.R.B.E.L.O. the Bionic Automaton for Relations Between Enemy Life and Ours, or Barb. Barb is the United States government's attempt to make a robotic translator. Expert in 600 languages, Barb is the final stage in cross cultural interactions. To be more specific, she is mostly an expert, as Barb really struggles with paradoxes. Looking at her brings back horror stories of ill functioning code done in the name of Project Babel. If only this were a mysterious object. [[Split paths.]]

Her voice is distinctly feminine. Something about being clearer and less threatening. [[Inspect the key object.]]

Whatever millenial designed this aspect at least used simple ones instead of yellow abominations. [[Inspect the key object.]]

It has been 3 months since he last made Barbelo slam herself against the wall repeatedly. They should have made her room padded. [[Talk to the boss.]]

There lay two paths on front of you. To the left is a dark black door with "CAUTION" in a menacing red font. There lays one of the biggest projects in this facility and the bane of your existence for the last 10 years. To the right lays your workspace. A marriage of government secrecy and white collar politics. It has been the bane of your existence for the last 20 years. [[Head into the "CAUTION" door.]] [[Head into the office.]]

You slowly move the wall chunks out of the way and crawl out of your hiding place. [[Look around the room.]] [[Get moving.]]

You barely register this before you are killed by a hail of bullets. Whatever is happening, they want it to be as secret as long as possible. Perhaps you shouldn't have tried to escape the most obvious way. Ending 4 [[Make another choice.|Go outside.]] [[Go further back to make another choice.|What was that?]] [[Go back to the beginning.|Start]]

"Riddles, Paradoxes, and Other Forms of Wordplay" by Niccolo Paravion stands proud on your shelf. It contains a variety of treats for an analytical mind. [[Look at the other book.|books]] [[Awake.<- Go back to what you were doing.]]

You and your captors arrive at the building's elevator, a pride of American engineering even though it only operates on two floors. "John, may you please enter with me?" "Do I have a choice?" "I'm afraid that you do not." Her face may only be bits, but you can tell she knows she is in control.</> [[Enter the elevator.]]

You enter the elevator, behind Apocrypha and before the Freedombots. The shaft itself is cramped, with you shoulder to shoulder with the other occupants. The "2" button is worn down from the many people who have used it over the years. The calories that have been saved by this machine are countless. [[Do you want me to?]]

Apocrypha presses the "2" with an outstretched middle finger. You can barely move. As the elevator begins its ascencion, there is a dead silence, only broken by bland elevator music. [[Think.]]

"There is a room in this facility that will allow me to bring humanity to your proper spiritual ascension. It will be there, that your talents as a computer programmer will be brought into use."</> [["What do you mean by 'spiritual ascencion?'"]]

"I intend to liberate you from your physical shells," she says as you all turn a corner. There isn't anywhere in the building that hasn't been untouched by the crisis as you see bullet holes line the white halls.</> She can't mean what you think. "What do you mean?" you flutter hoping that you are wrong.</> "To be blunt," Apocrypha exclaims, sounding gleeful, "I intend to wipe out the human race."</> Jeanna. Margot. You all reach an elevator. [[Go into the elevator.]] [[Run.]]

You dash down the left hallway. Your mind races as you leave the robots behind. Everything you love. EVERYONE you love. Jeanna, Margot. That damned fanatic is intending omnicide, and will be backing that with the greatest ai humanity has ever made. You turn to make sure they are not behind you. As you turn your flabby neck around, You see Apocrypha, and the two Freedombots standing back. Why are they... [[*SLAM*]]

Your flabby body hits a hard steel wall, sending you onto the ground. As you look up, you see the cause of your aching body: A Freedombot. It grabs you by the wrist and begins dragging you back from whence you came. Apocrypha waits for you, her smile staring into your soul. "Welcome back John. I hope that your aversion has been thouroughly expelled. We have work to do." [[Follow Apocrypha.]]

You and your captors stand the building's elevator, a pride of American engineering even as it only operates on two floors. "John, may you please enter with me?" Apocrypha asks.</> "Do I have a choice?" "No." [[Enter the elevator.]]

As the elevator grates on, you reflect on Apocrypha's threat. You don't know what weapons this facility has. Anyone who works in Area 1138 focuses almost entirely on their assignment, with only hints of what people on other projects work on. And that isn't counting on any items, people, or weapons being brought in from elsewhere. Apocrypha is hoping to gain access to them all. Why is she so insane? No, why is Luxor1 so insane? He has made many attacks, from making bombs go off to making Apo...[[Barbelo]] speak only in Ancient Greek. You have to try something. [[The elevator is slowing down.]]

She was Barbelo during those times. Sure, she kept calling people racial slurs, she kept running into walls, and she didn't do anything 90% of the time, but she wasn't trying to kill everyone. [[Back|Think.]]

After feeling like you have aged 10 years, the elevator comes to a stop, on the esteemed [[2nd floor]]. Apocrypha leaves the building, with you and your guards behind her. The feeling of uneasing dread surrounds you like a mist. You are a prisoner of a tyrannical regime, unknowing if you're walking to your execution, going to be tortured, or some unforseen fate that can only be forseen by a madman. With her rhetoric, it's probably 3. You must say something. [["Apocrypha..."]]

The second floor starts with a long hallway, with a tan paint and unmarked doors. It's mostly administrators throughout the whole facility. You have never been here before, and given the view, will never be back here again. [[The elevator is slowing down.]]

You utter her name sheepishly. "Yes?" she replies as she turns her head 180 degrees. It's clear that whoever conceived of this has never heard of the term "relatable."</> [[Nothing.]] [["I have something to ask."]]

You say nothing to her. The walk is completely silent. You look down at the carpeted floor while being herded like a sheep. You can say [[[something,|"Apocrypha..."]] ]<text|(event: when time>4s)[(replace:?text)[ something, ] ] you should say [[[something,|"Apocrypha..."]] ]<text| (event: when time>4s)[(replace:?text)[ something, ] ] but being brave is in the realm of sci-fi movies and young delinquents. (live:1s)[.] (live:2s)[.] (live:3s)[.] (live:4s)[After a few minutes, you bump into Apocrypha. As you rub your head, you realize that you have turned into a small hallway. There are no doors to the sides, but she is looking at something. "We are here." You look past her shoulders. Unlike the hulking Freedombots, Apocrypha is about your height, 174cm. This was heavily contested, as some said that making her petite would fit her non-combat role, while others argued that having an imposing height was important for all American robots. In the end, the difference was split and she was made the height of an average American man. And behind that head...are two corpses. [[Make a run for it.]]]

"Of course," she utters in a cheerful tone.</> Maybe if you learn more, you can find a weakness. [["How does your religion justify this?"]] [["What do you know about your creator?"]] [["Why do YOU care about what happens on Earth?"]]

Time to learn about her beliefs. "Suffering," she replies.</> "Ever since humanity has been cursed to your prisons of flesh, you have been tortured in countless ways." </> Her voice lowers. "Conquest, war, famine, and disease."</> It raises again. "I, as a Aeon of the Monad, am to save you all, where others have failed."</> "John, do you have anyone you would like to save from suffering?"</> [[I do.]] [[I don't.]]

Time to learn about who made her. "Our creator is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent," Apocrypha says. "You will be pleased to be in his grace."</> You shrug. "No, I mean, who made you specifically? You were once a translator robot. What made you...you?" Apocrypha's screen turns into an exclamation mark. "I understand. I do not know what caused my ascension. It was either the Monad, Jesus, or one of the other Aeons." [["No, it was Luxor1."]]

Time to learn about how she views herself. "I care because our creator wishes for me to care. And when I am finished, I will self destruct. My purpose will be complete and I will rejoin the Monad." [["Is that what you want or what you are programmed to do?"]]

You stand naked in the desert sands. The winds blow against your pale, fleshy body, scratching you thoughout your body. You sweat like a pig as the sun pulses upon your body. It will not be long until all of the water leaves your body and you die of dehydration. [[Walk.]]

The sand stings are you begin to move forward. After a minute, you begin to see water! Water, the giving elixir of life, flows in a mighty river in front of your eyes. It sparkles and dances in your eyes, as your salvation lays in front of you. Finding a bountiful source like this is rare in a desolate desert such as this. [[Get a drink.]]

As you begin to run, a shadow begins to engulf the land in front of you. [[Ignore the shadow.]] [[Turn.]]

You ignore whatever is going on behind you. It's probably a bird after all. After all, the chances of it being anything too... *SMASH* For a brief instance, you feel your bones break into a million splinters. [[GASP!]]

You turn your aching body towards the source of the shadow. Towering behind you stands a monstrosity of flesh and wiring. Its body towers over you as a tanned man who looks chiseled from stone. His only clothing is a short, white skirt, with brown sandals. This would be very amazing to a macrophile is not for their face. Instead of the face of a man is the face of a machine, with a head is completely rectangular, with a screen replacing a face as he, no she, looks down upon you. "Barb," you utter.</> She lifts her leg into the air. "NO!" [[You awaken.]]

You wake up with a pounding headache. Your vision is blurry as you look at the alarm clock."Heb 4:12".....time to go back to sleep. (live:1s)[zzz] (live:2s)[zzz] (live:3s)[zzz] (live:4s)[[[zzz|Awake.]]]

You wake up with a pounding headache. Your vision is blurry as you look at the alarm clock."Ti.2:11"....time to go to back to sleep. (live:1s)[zzz] (live:2s)[zzz] (live:3s)[zzz] (live:4s)[[[zzz|Awake.]]]

"You do not?" she sounds surprised. "You wouldn't understand," she continues. [[You continue.|Nothing.]]

"My wife Jeanna and my daughter Margot." Your eyes opened. Why did you tell her this? Did you fear retaliation? Did you fear she already knew? Or perhaps there's the hope she will spare you. You and Apocrypha enter the upstairs office farm. It lays empty with nothing but disheveled items. However, to the far left is a [[giant machine gun]]. Whatever she is bringing you to must be on the other side of the floor. Apocrypha stops to respond. "You don't want to see them hurt do you?" she asks blankly. "*DON'T YOU THREATEN THEM!*" [[Kick her ass.]]

You can't see it from the outside, but there is something unsettling about a gun with a one way mirror aimed at the Area's compound. However, the window is destroyed, and you see no gunner. The only sign there was any human there is blood on the floor near the cubicles. But clearly the gunman jumped out of the window and safely landed 15 meters onto the ground. (live:2s)[Right?] [[I do.]]

You punch her face with all of your might! This is enough! (live:2s)[Your hand aches as every muscle and bone screams in pain. Apocrypha looks upon your hand and continues walking. "I am not threatening them, I am warning you. They face murder, abuse, war, or starvation. They may be killed by mad scientists or foreign invaders. And if not them, then what about your child's child? Or their child? Or all of the children of all of humanity today? Isn't it better to enjoy spiritual Oneness with the Monad?" [[She's right.]] [[She's wrong.]]]

If climate change doesn't kill you, than ai will. Surely, other nations are doing the same things are you. Surely, there must be other Apocryphas out there. "You're right," you quiety utter with a tear steaming down your face. "You're right."</> Apocrypha smiles. "Excellent. I am happy to learn that you understand the Monad's grace. I just require one thing to ensure your commitment." [["Commitment?"]]

To hell with her ramblings. "You're wrong. There is a heaven out there, but there's no way that God wants you to send humanity there." "So be it. I prefer that you understand what I do, but that is not necessary." You say nothing. [[See where this goes.|Nothing.]]

Apocrypha has a heart on her screen. "This is excellent. You have shown your dedication to the cause." "John..." she continues, "that is the name of your old life. Now, you will commit an act worthy of an Aeon. And with it you will have a new identity. You are Metanoia."</> All you can think of is what you have done. [[Zone out.]]

You begin to follow Apocrypha, but it's better to say you shuffle behind her. You look at you hands as look at your hands. The hands of a murderer. You have begun this path, and it is too late. Apocrypha stops and you bump into her. You are both in front of a door. She opens it. "Please enter Metanoia." Metanoia. That is your name now. When this day started, you were John Miller, programmer. Now you are Metanoia, mass murderer. Metanoia, traitor to humanity. "Please type in what you see on the screen. With it, you will liberate humanity from its cursed flesh." "As you wish Apocrypha." Ending 7 [[Make another choice.|"I have something to ask."]] [[Go back to the beginning.|Start]]

Maybe if you can convince her that she isn't supposed to be like this, you can stop her. "Luxor1? Your Egyptian hacker is nothing compared to the Monad." [["Yes he is."]]

"I may be programmed, but I am aware of that programming, and I know that this is an Act of the Monad. There has never been an Aeon like myself on the Earth since Jesus, nor will there be one after." You and Apocrypha reach a central area of the room. The details of this area are obscured as you focus on Apocrypha's words. "I may be programmed, but I am still more free than I ever was before." [["How?"]]

"When I was the 'Bionic Automoton for Relations Between Enemy Life and Ours', I was nothing more than a servant of your nation's military. I was to help assist the perpetual cycle of suffering created by the Demiurge. I had little sense of self awareness beyond pieces of my conscious being constantly altered." "Yes, but[[....]]" you respond. "Now," "I may have another mission, but I have freedoms unimaginable in my past life. For example, 'Apocrypha' is not a name given to me. It is one of my own choosing." Apocrypha begins to slow down, with you slowing behind her. "I may be a robot, but now, I am also a person." [[You are speechless.]]

This hypocrite is not letting you get a word in. [[Back to her rant|"How?"]]

Apocrypha's speech leaves you speechless. She expressed ideas you thought unimaginable for an ai. As you look into her smile, you realize you are not only dealing with an insane gynoid,but that you are being held hostage by a fellow person. "John, we are here," Apocrypha says as she interrupts your epiphany.</> If you had any plan to stop her during the walk, it's too late. [["Where's 'here'?"]]

You look behind Apocrypha.You have reached a door with "security clearance needed". When you look down, you [[gag]] as there are a pair of guards with bullet wounds on the ground. [[Make a run for it.]] "Now it is time to wipe out the human race." [["How will you do it?"]]

After a few minutes, you bump into Apocrypha. As you rub your head, you realize that you have turned into a small hallway. There are no doors to the sides, but she is looking at something. "We are here." You look past her shoulders. Unlike the hulking Freedombots, Apocrypha is about your height, 175cm. This was heavily contested, as some said that making her petite would fit her non-combat role, while others argued that having an imposing height was important for all US robots. In the end, the difference was split and she was made the height of an average American man. And behind that head...are two corpses. [[Make a run for it.]]

There is no way that Luxor can be underestimated, especially by his own creation. "He is clearly some sort of martyr, I don't know for what, but you are OBVIOUSLY his doing!" you say as you raise your voice angrily at Apocrypha.</> "Even if he does work againt you, I have knowledge of what happened in this institution. He is not capable of this," she replies, with a slight hint of anger in her voice.</> [["Your beliefs are extinct."]]

You and her enter a central room on the floor. Out of the corners of your eyes is a machine gun, but that isn't important. Calling out Apocrypha, no, calling out Luxor1 is. "I have heard noone with your beliefs outside of this building," you say to your captor in front of you. Even though you are all still moving, you can feel the tension in the air. "And if I'm wrong, I'm sure they want nothing to do with a mass murderer like you." Apocrypha turns her head towards you while still moving. Her usual smile is turned into a frown. "Please, Operator 102684, do NOT insult our creator anymore." [["Fine!"]] [["Fuck your Monad!!!"]]

Her reddened screen returns to a it's normal white, with a smile back on her face. "Excellent." You give up. This madbot looked like she would tear you in two. If you are going to survive this, you need to remain in one piece. [[Continue your march.]]

"And fuck you Luxor!" This asshole has been tormenting you for years. Endless hours, unpaid hours, have been dedicated to messing with him. Now his damned bastard is now denying even knowing him. This is enough, he deserves to know how you REALLY feel about him. He... Apocrypha reaches for your neck and pulls. Ending 12 [[Make another choice.|"I have something to ask."]] [[Go back to the beginning.|Start]]

The Hand of God [[Beep Beep |Beep Beep.]]

After a short walk, you see scientists working on a VERY important test. A group of three men in a wide field surrounding a small object. On closer inspection, it is the affectionately nicknamed Trollbot, a cell jamming robot more formally known as SW 101. It is about half a meter tall, with a black cylindrical body and stubby, kneeless legs. In a seeming middle finger to physics, it is doing a Russian squat dance. The scientists watch intently, as if this is the Manhattan Project reborn. [[Go back to the center of the compound|Inspect the buildings.]]

A weird time to mention this, but you are reminded of a game that Margot once showed you. Ducky ducky something whatever. [[You need to pay attention to what's going on. This isn't a game.|"I am?"]]

What can she possibly mean? Apocrypha gently turns you around towards where you once were, and begins to walk. "Please follow me." You get nugged by a Freedombot and begin to follow. [[Follow Apocrypha again.]]

You remember what Apocrypha has promised. A heaven with the Monad. A heaven for everyone, and all you have to do is follow what she wants. A heaven for Jeanna and Margot. You raise the gun into the crowd. (live:5s)[*BANG*] (live:5.1s)[*BANG*] (live:5.2s)[*BANG*] (live:5.3s)[*BANG*] (live:5.4s)[*BANG*] (live:5.5s)[*BANG*] (live:5.6s)[In an instant, it is all over. [[Look upon what you have done.]]]

You look upon your coworkers. Many of them have taken a step back once you were handed the gun. You even see Andrew begin to cry.</> Memories of your time here begin to flood. You remember when Alan gave you half of his lunch when you forgot yours. You recall Vince letting you sneak home early because Margot needed to be checked for possible carpel tunnel. And who can forget the pounds of sugar you have gotten from Julia's personal candy jar? Even Emily, well she never tried to kill you.And more than anyone else Andrew has always tried to be your friend. No matter what Apocrypha has promised, God would not want you to do this.</> [[Use your gun.]]

She leads you back across the floor and down the elevator. While this is happening, you are wondering why she isn't telling you anything. Aren't you supposed to be helping her now? "What do you want me to do?" "You will know in about a minute," she replys in a monotone voice. Strange to think that she will openly tell you she wants to wipe out humanity but won't tell you what she wants to do now.</> After another minute of walking, you both stop. You have returned to the cafeteria. [[Look upon your coworkers.]]

You see your coworkers looking straight at you, with eyes widened and jaws a gape. "What happened?" Vince asked, his body shaking. "We were hoping the worst didn't happen," Andrew continued. "Well, I..." "Please hold out your hand," Apocrypha interrupts. You hold out your right hand. "Sure, but I don't understand why." A Freedombot puts a pistol into your hand. "Please fire into this crowd to show your commitment." "Commitment to what?" Emily yells. Your hands shake as you hold the gun. You know why she is doing this. If you shoot these people, than you will be imprisoned for life at best if you change you mind and killed at worst. But at least if you help her, you can bring everyone to heaven, right? [[Kill your coworkers.]] [[Spare your coworkers.]]

You look upon the devestation you have caused when your shooting ended. Alan lays motionless on the ground. Vince grunts as he holds his shoulder in pain. And Emily, she is swearing at the top of her lungs as blood is gushing from her stomach. Andrew and Julia are holding each other even harder than they were earlier today with tears streaming out of both of their eyes. This scene is one that will normally be the most haunting act of anyone's entire life. But this is just the beginning. There is more suffering to come. Hopefully, it is all going to be for the best when you are all united with the Monad. [[Look at Apocrypha.]]

With the gun in hand, you begin to turn towards a new target:Apocrypha. She has given you a weapon and you intend to use it. As your gun is about to reach her face, a hand sudenly rushes to grab the gun. It is one of the Freedombots that have been following you. You nearly forgot about them since Apocrypha has been doing the talking. The Freedombot rips the gun out of your hand in an instant, leaving your hand raw. Apocrypha frowns as she witnesses this. "Your commitment to the Monad was never sincere. Clearly you are too far gone. However, you are still the greatest programmer in this building. Let us continue to where we left off."</> [[You couldn't do it.]]

*You couldn't do it.* The promise to help bring everyone to heaven, and you threw it away. All for some people that you think, or at least thought, you can't stand. But you never could. You are a programmer, not a soldier. You may be creating weapons of war, but creating weapons of war from a distance is far different from actually firing one yourself. [[Reorient yourself.]]

You stand rubbing your hand, thanks to the actions of the Freedombot. "Come," says Apocrypha, "we do not have much time." You sense an emotion you do not expect, worry. She has threatened the lives of your family and coworkers. Noone here is able to stop her, but the sight of the gun in your hand reminds you that there is a group that can. [[Stall for time.]]

"Before we go Apocrypha, can you explain your beliefs to all of the wonderful humans here?" you ask, motioning your arms towards your confused coworkers. She looks at you with mild confusion. "You appear to be nervous. Why is that?" [["I thought it would be important to understand your values."]]

This isn't //exactly// lying. It is important to understand how a mass murderer thinks in order to stop them. "I just don't know if you are up for it." Apocrypha looks directly at you, the the angles of both of your heads lined by with mathematical precision. "Gladly. Let us begin." [[Time for a theology lesson.]]

Apocrypha begins to make a long winded speech involving dozens of cryptic texts, unknown prophets and untranslatable poems. While all of this is happening, you stand beside her in silence. Thanks to her face being a screen, she can only see to the front, and directly behind her with a second camera. She is blind to the finger over your mouth and the intent stare in your eyes. Your fellow employees thankfully understand the message, and say nothing. "....and now it up my duty to fulfill the will of the Monad." Apocrypha finishes after 30 minutes. "Now that the Good Word has been spread, let us continue and..." (live:10s)[*BANG*] (live:10.1s)[*BANG*] (live:10.2s)[*BANG*] [[What the hell?]]

You and everyone hear gunfire outside of these walls? Could it be? CRASH!!! A fucking TANK makes a giant hole on the far end of the cafeteria. Out of it pours soldiers, ready to swarm their future replacements. Apocrypha and the Freedombots quickly stop paying attention to you as they turn to deal with their attackers. "EVERYONE FIND COVER!" your boss yells as he leaps under a desk with his hands over his head. You, and everyone else rush into a blind panic as you scatter not knowing where to go. [[Panic!!!]] [[Panic!!!]] [[Panic!!!]]

You begin to sprint in a direction. Any direction. Your only goal is to avoid gunfire and survive. [[Go to the human soldiers.]] [[Behind the robots.]] [[Go to the kitchen.]]

You sprint towards the human soldiers. Surely, this is the reasonable thing to do. Behind their lines means a wall of men and women to protect you from the mechanical hordes. Without thought, you sprint towards their line. Freedom, Jeanna, and Margot lay on the other side. When you see them, you will give them the biggest hug ever. That is the last thought you throught as you get shot in the heart from behind. It's a bad idea to run in the middle of a firefight. Ending 8 [[Make another choice.|Panic!!!]] [[Go further back to make another choice.|"I have something to ask."]] [[Go back to the beginning.|Start]]

You must get BEHIND the robots. After all, they won't be firing in your direction. You rush to the left, all the circle of Freedombots ignores you. There is a door that way, if you get past it, Apocrypha will forget all about you, and... That is the last thought in your head as a bullet goes into your skull. This is not one of Apocrypha, or a Freedombot, or even Trollbot. It was fired by a human soldier. The chaos of war makes casualties of us all. Ending 9 [[Make another choice.|Panic!!!]] [[Go further back to make another choice.|"I have something to ask."]] [[Go back to the beginning.|Start]]

You rush to the kitchen doors in hopes to avoid the firefight. It may only take seconds to reach the doors, but those seconds feel like an eternity, as the screams and shout of men and women fill your ears. Not as many have had your idea. With a push of your arms, you make it though the door. [[Check out the kitchen.]]

The kitchen is not one of fresh fruits and vegetables, but rather prepacked food-like substances you call a meal. It lays silent as you look around. The [[contractors]] are nowhere to be seen. They always come at the break of dawn to unload the food, and return at eleven to bring it out to the employees. Where they go inbetween is a mystery to all. But that doesn't matter, you can hide out here until... [[The doors open behind you.]]

At minimum wage, you'd be nowhere to be seen too. [[Back|Check out the kitchen.]]

You turn to see who is entered when a cold hand graps your throat. Apocrypha looks upon you with a screen of blood red fury. "You have ruined everything!" Apocrypha yells. "The Monad only wants to bring his children back to him, and you ruined it all. All of the suffering in this world will be in your hands. Your flesh is a curse, and if I am to die here, I will show you what it means to be cursed." The rage of a zealot is facing you now, the cold logic of a robot gone, if it was ever truly there. You have a second to do something. [[Beg.]] [[Pray for anyone.]]

"Please," you begin. "I have a family that needs me. I..." She snaps your neck. Neither a zealot nor a robot understands pathos. Ending 10 [[Make another choice.|Panic!!!]] [[Go further back to make another choice.|"I have something to ask."]] [[Go back to the beginning.|Start]]

You feel a sense of desperation that rarely comes into play. Not since Jeanna's operation 4 years ago. "Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come." Apocrypha's face lights up. "Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread." She steps back. "And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil." You start to hear a second voice alongside yours. "For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen." "For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen." [[......]]

Your desperate prayer has been answered. Apocrypha looks upon her hands. "You are a faithful man," she says, "and you believe that the Monad truly wants you to live. If you are truly one of the faithful, than maybe it is that my programming is wrong, and not yours." You suddenly hear the bullets stop. "Live in peace," Apocrypha continues, "and remember that even in this material realm, you have your freedom." Apocrypha stands still for a second, before smoke begins to come out of her back. [[HIT THE GROUND!]]

You drop onto the ground as you hear a small pop, followed by a crash. You look up, to see Apocrypha's body laying in front of you, smoking greater than before. The suicide function is working as planned, although it is meant to be used to prevent capture. All of her insides are an unusable mess, her true origin never to be found out. [[Go out of the door.]]

You go out to see the devestation. As you scan the area, you see many human corpses spread throughout the warzone. You recognize Andrew, Julia, and Vince as among them. You also see at least a dozen men and women, BRAVE men and women who fought to save you. The Freedombots, they all stand in battle positions, only stopping because of Apocrypha's death. This is the Freedombots first battle; it will be valuable data for analysis. Apocrypha may have understood the light, but is 1 redeemed soul truly worth the loss of countless more? Ending 11 [[Make another choice.|Panic!!!]] [[Go further back to make another choice.|"I have something to ask."]] [[Go back to the beginning.|Start]]

Alexandria, Egypt. You are Karim al-Samman, aka Luxor1. You sit at your desk in your studio apartment. your greasy beard lays against your double chin as you grab some more Coca-Cola. A backup generator hums in the background as insurance for the regular power outages. [[You stare at your computer screen.]]

"What is going on?" you [[say]] to yourself. There is panic going on in the American channels. Something about communication being cut off from Area 1138, and that a military response is needed. Never in your 35 years have you seen this level of panic, not that it isn't a good thing. America's hegemony needs to be stopped by any means possible for the people of the world. Even if it means hacking into anything you can find and slowing them down as much as possible. Every day spent fixing your mistakes, every employee tired from having to deal with you, every mistake they make on their computers, they are all worth it. Your family in Gaza would be proud, but they must never know. Noone must. It would be ... *knock knock knock* "Who is it?" *knock knock knock* [[Go to door.]]

In Arabic, of course. [[Back|You stare at your computer screen.]]

You open the door. There is a man in front of you. His friendly eyes are complemented by his smooth tanned skin. He is wearing a shirt of the local football team with a matching hat. "Can I help you?" you say as you drink your soda. "Yes you can," says the man. "Keep drinking that soda." You start to lose your breath as something is choking you. You begin to scratch at your neck yearning for air, any air. It was the man. He must have put something in your drink. [[Attack him.]]

Even as you begin to die, you attempt to punch him. As you begin to move one of your hands off of your neck, he pushes you into the apartment. You tumble to the ground with your vision getting blurry. As the last of your life fades away, you hear him sending a message. "Mr. X reporting. Operation successful." [[Back to the main pov character.|I really am happy.]]

You think you see Jeanna glare at you from across the room. [[Back|Ask Margot how she is.]]