PERIHELION

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PERIHELION

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Age rating: Teen+

Trigger warning: Contains sudden bright colour transitions! Turn off transitions (see below) if you may be at risk of seizures, or if you have colour blindness.

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<<include "time_advance_loop">><<include "render_sky">>It doesn't take them long to recover the body. It passes down the skylane, in its cocoon of metal and ice. I can see the alien inside. Their hair is [[supermarine|skin][$hair to [1, "supermarine"]]] [[indigo stone|skin][$hair to [2, "indigo stone"]]] [[acquiescence|skin][$hair to [3, "acquiescence"]]]

<<include "render_sky">><<print $hair[1].toUpperFirst()>>. Their skin is the colour of [[bronze ash|city][$skin to [1, "bronze ash"]]] [[red collocation|city][$skin to [2, "red collocation"]]] [[paper moon|city][$skin to [3, "paper moon"]]]

<<include "render_sky">><<print $skin[1].toUpperFirst()>>. I follow the procession down the lane into the heart of Nemesity. The stalactite spires hang from the mountainous clouds, windows lighting against the oncoming [[change|firsthub]].

<<include "time_advance_loop">><<include "render_sky">><<include "plaza_flavour">>/* <<include debug_time>> DEBUG [[View +1|debug_hub_view]] DEBUG [[Time pass custom|debug_hub_view_custom]]*/ North, on the edge of the suburbs, is the [[Mausoleum Museum|hub_to_prison]] where the alien is kept. Beyond the city to the north-east, a long glide away, are the [[Cloud Mountains|hub_to_observe]]. A league west of the plaza is the [[Anonymous Interchange|hub_to_interchange]]. <<if $been_home eq true>>[[Home|home_hub]]<<else>>[[Home|home1]]<<endif>> is just over there, in Strata Tower. [[I fly|walk]]./* DEBUG [[Add 4 days|debug_add_4_days]] DEBUG [[set for quest cloud|debug_set_quest_cloud]] DEBUG [[set for quest observatory|debug_set_quest_observe]] DEBUG NAMES TESTING <<silently>> <<set $tempvar1 to 1>> <<set $tempvar2 to 2>> <<set $tempvar3 to 1>> <<set $temp to String.format("{0}{1}{2}", $tempvar1, $tempvar2, $tempvar3)>><</silently>> alien_name = <<print $alien_names[$temp]>> */

<<addclass "body" "black">><<timed 2s>><<goto arrival>><</timed>>

/* default initialisation passage time periods */ <<set $time to []>> <<set $period1 to ["dawn", "Green haze segues through dark clouds."]>> <<set $period2 to ["midday", "The brown sun obliterates retreating shadows."]>> <<set $period3 to ["afternoon", "Dark rust creeps across the sky."]>> <<set $period4 to ["sunset", "Golden streaks touch the city."]>> <<set $period5 to ["dusk", "The first signs of shade."]>> <<set $period6 to ["twilight", "The beginning blues of the end."]>> <<set $period7 to ["night", "A gaping purple devours all."]>> <<set $period8 to ["white", ""]>> <<set $time[1] to $period1>> /* not zero indexed */ <<set $time[2] to $period2>> <<set $time[3] to $period3>> <<set $time[4] to $period4>> <<set $time[5] to $period5>> <<set $time[6] to $period6>> <<set $time[7] to $period7>> <<set $time[8] to $period8>> <<set $num_periods to 7>> /* used in time advance calcs */ <<set $time_index to 3>> /* current time of day, of 7 */ <<set $total_days to 0>> /* track total days */ /* day names */ <<set $days to []>> <<set $days[1] to "Moon Day">> /* not zero indexed */ <<set $days[2] to "Mars Day">> <<set $days[3] to "Venus Day">> <<set $days[4] to "Saturn Day">> <<set $days[5] to "Sun Day">> <<set $week_days to 5>> <<set $day_index to 3>> /* start on Fri, 3/5 */ <<set $ending_ctr to 0>> <<set $transitions to 1>> /* alien and human names */ <<set $alien_names to []>> <<set $human_names to []>> <<set $alien_names["111"] to "Genota">> <<set $alien_names["121"] to "Incona">> <<set $alien_names["131"] to "Whinfoe">> <<set $alien_names["112"] to "Ospassion">> <<set $alien_names["122"] to "Feldianna">> <<set $alien_names["132"] to "Shinsok">> <<set $alien_names["113"] to "Impeeda">> <<set $alien_names["123"] to "Yurtreya">> <<set $alien_names["133"] to "Comalia">> <<set $alien_names["211"] to "Wedella">> <<set $alien_names["221"] to "Brighcean">> <<set $alien_names["231"] to "Renea">> <<set $alien_names["212"] to "Polonia">> <<set $alien_names["222"] to "Maya">> <<set $alien_names["232"] to "Qelsey">> <<set $alien_names["213"] to "Xoki">> <<set $alien_names["223"] to "Ziivoa">> <<set $alien_names["233"] to "Brakun">> <<set $alien_names["311"] to "Gleanna">> <<set $alien_names["321"] to "Nayrosa">> <<set $alien_names["331"] to "Septeema">> <<set $alien_names["312"] to "Jupicus">> <<set $alien_names["322"] to "Sleeaida">> <<set $alien_names["332"] to "Vanquase">> <<set $alien_names["313"] to "Shifgren">> <<set $alien_names["323"] to "Tarna">> <<set $alien_names["333"] to "Laytona">> <<set $human_names["111"] to "Berg">> <<set $human_names["121"] to "Sinclair">> <<set $human_names["131"] to "Benitez">> <<set $human_names["112"] to "Cairn">> <<set $human_names["122"] to "Kinkade">> <<set $human_names["132"] to "Lin">> <<set $human_names["113"] to "Jones">> <<set $human_names["123"] to "Porter">> <<set $human_names["133"] to "Owens">> <<set $human_names["211"] to "Bishop">> <<set $human_names["221"] to "Ochoa">> <<set $human_names["231"] to "Huang">> <<set $human_names["212"] to "Keir">> <<set $human_names["222"] to "Pittman">> <<set $human_names["232"] to "Truman">> <<set $human_names["213"] to "Brooks">> <<set $human_names["223"] to "Sedgmore">> <<set $human_names["233"] to "Shah">> <<set $human_names["311"] to "Laine">> <<set $human_names["321"] to "Ellis">> <<set $human_names["331"] to "Peralta">> <<set $human_names["312"] to "Saunders">> <<set $human_names["322"] to "Bathgate">> <<set $human_names["332"] to "Hurley">> <<set $human_names["313"] to "Barton">> <<set $human_names["323"] to "Settle">> <<set $human_names["333"] to "Warren">> /* Random view texts for cloud mountains, Snow Town, sand down (can't do no repeat then refresh as no while loops) */ <<set $views_mountains to []>> <<set $views_mountains[0] to "The clouds spin in furious winds.">> <<set $views_mountains[1] to "The horizon is curved like a cradle.">> <<set $views_mountains[2] to "There are too many peaks to count.">> <<set $views_mountains[3] to "I see endless white.">> <<set $views_mountains[4] to "I see far, and the wind blows through me.">> <<set $views_mountains[5] to "Clouds cast vast shadows upon clouds.">> <<set $views_mountains[6] to "The world below looks tiny and quaint.">> <<set $views_mountains[7] to "The highest of the peaks seem to climb into space.">> <<set $views_mountains[8] to "One wrong manoeuvre up here and you'd fall far.">> <<set $views_mountains[9] to "The clouds are soft, but move on jagged-sharp winds.">> <<set $views_mountains[10] to "In the shadow of the mountains am I significant?">> <<set $views_cloud to []>> <<set $views_cloud[0] to "Even at this altitude, the snowy clouds don't melt.">> <<set $views_cloud[1] to "Puffs of cloud powder the sky in furrows.">> <<set $views_cloud[2] to "Dense homesteads nestle in the shallow valleys.">> <<set $views_cloud[3] to "The centre of town is a busy, hazy whiteout.">> <<set $views_cloud[4] to "The snow here clumps into foothills, beneath the vast Cloud Mountains.">> <<set $views_cloud[5] to "I see the ocean far below, glistening like snow.">> <<set $views_cloud[6] to "Clouds mingle and merge, but they do not break.">> <<set $views_cloud[7] to "The wind here is steady, and so is life.">> <<set $views_cloud[8] to "What did our ancestors think when they first flew here?">> <<set $views_cloud[9] to "Orderly lanes of traffic criss-cross the cloudy sky.">> <<set $views_cloud[10] to "The snow blown from town sometimes melts into rain.">> <<set $views_sand to []>> <<set $views_sand[0] to "It is hot and shimmering, all the way to the horizon.">> <<set $views_sand[1] to "Columns of water rise and fall like only ancient architecture can.">> <<set $views_sand[2] to "To think my ancestors emerged from these pools.">> <<set $views_sand[3] to "This is what made us: water and wind.">> <<set $views_sand[4] to "The longer I look the more my soul is quenched.">> <<set $views_sand[5] to "If I stare too long the radiance hurts my eyes.">> <<set $views_sand[6] to "The rhythms here are melodic, the waves always coming and going.">> <<set $views_sand[7] to "There is no shade - even the clouds cannot dull this place.">> <<set $views_sand[8] to "I can hear the colours, and see the sounds.">> <<set $views_sand[9] to "On the horizon a sunshower, warm and refreshing no doubt.">> <<set $views_sand[10] to "The leaves of the inland jungle flutter like plumage.">> <<set $views_sand[11] to "The volcano's summit is concealed in cloud.">> /* Random dream texts */ <<set $dreams_alien_talk to []>> <<set $dreams_alien_talk[0] to "I dream I'm running from someone that wants to speak with me.">> <<set $dreams_alien_talk[1] to "I dream of being caged in a foreign land far from home.">> <<set $dreams_alien_talk[2] to "I dream of falling into the arms of another, and looking up to realise I am fortunate.">> <<set $dreams_alien_talk[3] to "I dream of reaching out and touching someone I've never met, and the ensuing release.">> <<set $dreams_observatory to []>> <<set $dreams_observatory[0] to "I dream of looking at the sky, and seeing a tail alive and kicking.">> <<set $dreams_observatory[1] to "I dream of searching the sky, but lenses blur my vision.">> <<set $dreams_observatory[2] to "I dream of a vessel that comes from beyond the night.">> <<set $dreams_observatory[3] to "I dream of going higher than the mountains, higher than even my eyes can see.">> <<set $dreams_turbine to []>> <<set $dreams_turbine[0] to "I dream of twisting blades attacking the air.">> <<set $dreams_turbine[1] to "I dream of snow drifts blowing on the wind, and I'm blowing with them.">> <<set $dreams_turbine[2] to "I dream of energy transformed to serve a higher purpose. Repurposed.">> <<set $dreams_turbine[3] to "I dream of spinning knives that could help and harm.">> <<set $dreams_volcano to []>> <<set $dreams_volcano[0] to "I dream of liquid fire older than our world.">> <<set $dreams_volcano[1] to "I dream of swelling oceans and sweating skies.">> <<set $dreams_volcano[2] to "I dream of a sun quenched by an ocean.">> <<set $dreams_volcano[3] to "I dream of columns of water soaring into the sky.">> <<set $dreams_alien_free to []>> <<set $dreams_alien_free[0] to "I dream of ice parting as freely as cloud.">> <<set $dreams_alien_free[1] to "I dream of coming home after a long time away.">> <<set $dreams_alien_free[2] to "I dream of being a prisoner of the sky, when all I need is the ground.">> <<set $dreams_alien_free[3] to "I dream of leaving and never coming back.">> <<set $walk_normal to []>> <<set $walk_normal[0] to "I fly in the shadows of the spires.">> <<set $walk_normal[1] to "I glide by the windows, plentiful like stars in the sky.">> <<set $walk_normal[2] to "I pass my fellows, and they pass through me.">> <<set $walk_normal[3] to "I loop around towers and pass through parks, wherever the wind will carry me.">> <<set $walk_alien to []>> <<set $walk_alien[0] to "Those who once looked at me do so no longer.">> <<set $walk_alien[1] to "\"Leave,\" someone says, but they are gone before I can see them.">> <<set $walk_alien[2] to "I try to fly straight, but thinking of the alien, I struggle to do it.">> <<set $walk_alien[3] to "I fly through backstreets, where they won't see me anymore.">> <<set $pet_play to []>> <<set $pet_play[0] to "$pet flees from my chasing hand - he's fast for a skrat.">> <<set $pet_play[1] to "I ruffle his vapour and he whistles gently.">> <<set $pet_play[2] to "I break the ice; $pet chews and crunches it.">> <<set $pet_play[3] to "$pet knows this game and runs into the tornado - he's tossed high.">> <<set $pet_play[4] to "I chase $pet and he lets me catch him. He rolls over and over like a wave.">> <<set $human_asked to false>> <<set $earth_asked to false>> <<set $she_asked to false>> <<set $pc_gender to "they">> /*<<goto hub>>*/

<<include "render_sky">>The Great Comet is here! White explosion in red sky. [[Look away|arrival2][$next = "I look to the azure clouds beneath me, then shut my eyes tight."]] [[My Gods|arrival2][$next = "It's like the end of the world."]] [[Take cover|arrival2][$next = "For protection I glide behind the fin of the hovercraft."]]

<<include "render_sky">>$next But it's too bright. A million crystals shimmer through the afternoon, their youthful tails streaming before premature [[death|arrival3]].

<<include "render_sky">>A glimmer of a different kind streams past. A glimmer like metal. "A lifepod?" someone says. We look to the ocean far [[below|recovery]].

/* Places don't normally have bespoke intro passages, but only done here to choose name of pet */<<include "render_sky">><<set $been_home to true>>I board the elevator at the top, and ascend to the fifty-seventh floor. My window overlooks the main lane through the city. My skrat is on the sofa, rolling on the ice slab. I call his name. [[Laken!|home_gender][$pet to "Laken"]] [[Hubret!|home_gender][$pet to "Hubret"]] [[Fenee!|home_gender][$pet to "Fenee"]]

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 2>><<set $goto to "hub">><<include "time_delay_goto">><> <<set $walk_rand to random(0,3)>> <<if $prison_escape neq true>> <<print $walk_normal[$walk_rand]>> <<else>> <<print $walk_alien[$walk_rand]>> <</if>> <>

<<include "time_advance_loop">><<include "render_sky">><<include "time_of_day">> From here I see the whole planet before me. Mountains roll and rotate all around. The winds are fierce and ice is on the air. The fractured observatory sits lonely on the summit.<<if $observe_done is true>> Here I saw the alien's comet, coming back.<</if>> [[Go inside|observe_interior]] [[Admire the view|observe_view]] [[Sleep|observe_sleep]] [[Return to Nemesity|observe_to_hub]]

<<include "time_advance_loop">><<include "render_sky">><<include "time_of_day">> <<if $day_index neq 5>>The icy lines of the Anonymous Interchange invite passengers to the platforms. Ice and air trains of people arrive and depart.<<else>>The smell of melting ice fuel permeates the Anonymous Interchange, rising from beneath the tracks. The station is quiet.<</if>> [[Snow Town|interchange_to_cloud]] is a half-day journey to the south, at a much lower altitude. [[Sand Down|interchange_to_sand]] is almost a full day's journey to the ocean far below. I go back to the [[plaza|interchange_to_hub]].

<<silently>> /* Increment time index by 1, and track whether or not a new day is reached */ <<set $time_index +=1>> /* new day reached? */ <<if $time_index > $num_periods>> <<set $total_days += 1>> <<set $day_index += 1>> <<set $time_index = 1>> /* new week reached? */ <<if $day_index > $week_days>> <<set $day_index = 1>> <</if>> <</if>> /* time_index = $time_index/$num_periods day_index = $day_index/$week_days total_days = $total_days */ <</silently>>

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 4>><<set $goto to "home_hub">><<include "time_delay_goto">><<include "dreaming">>

<<silently>> <<if $transitions eq 1>> <<set $time_of_day = $time[$time_index][0]>> <<addclass "body" $time_of_day>> <<else>> <<addclass "body" "black">> <</if>> <</silently>>

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 1>><<set $goto to "hub">><<include "time_delay_goto">><<include "quick_load">>

<<include "time_advance_loop">><<include "render_sky">><<include "time_of_day">> <> /* if end game */ <<if $turbine_done is true and $volcano_done is true and $observe_done is true>> <<include "prison_ending">> <<else>> <<include "prison_main">> <</if>> <>

<<include "time_advance_loop">><<include "render_sky">><<if $local_pronoun neq false>><<print $local_pronoun.toUpperFirst()>>.<<set $local_pronoun to false>> <</if>>$pet is looking at me. My unremarkable apartment gapes uninviting. [["Play with " + $pet|pet]] [[Sleep|sleep]] [[Return to the plaza|hub]]

It's $days[$day_index] <<print $time[$time_index][0]>> in the plaza. <<print $time[$time_index][1]>>/* time of day flavour, considering weekend too */ <> <<if $time[$time_index][0] eq "dusk">> <<if $day_index neq 5>>The city lights are bright like hail. <<else>>The transistion goes unseen by the sleeping city. <</if>> <<elseif $time[$time_index][0] eq "twilight">> <<if $day_index neq 5>>Stars join the spire lights and lane lights. <<else>>Stars twinkle with renewed zeal. <</if>> <<elseif $time[$time_index][0] eq "night">> <<if $day_index neq 5>>The last lights of the people go out, leaving only stars and empty clouds. <<else>>The lights of the people remain out. The stars have only clouds as companions. <</if>> <<elseif $time[$time_index][0] eq "dawn">> <<if $day_index neq 5>>The sky wakes prosperous over empty thoroughfares. <<else>>The day of contemplation comes. <</if>> <<elseif $time[$time_index][0] eq "midday">> <<if $day_index neq 5>>Hot air swirls around unflinching gridlock. <<else>>Hot air blows down empty lanes. <</if>> <<elseif $time[$time_index][0] eq "afternoon">> <<if $day_index neq 5>>The day drones on amongst the spires. <<else>>The day drones on and the lanes remain empty. <</if>> <<elseif $time[$time_index][0] eq "sunset">> <<if $day_index neq 5>>The icicle spires glow warm and ready for bed. <<else>>The icicle spires are drained of light. <</if>> <<else>> <</if>><>

<<include "time_advance_loop">><<include "render_sky">><<include "time_of_day">> <> <<if $turbine_realign isnot true>> Snow Town is a huge snow drift, scattered across the lengthening clouds. The towering stalagmite turbines slash the air, setting the rhythmic pace of life here. <<else>> Light flickers from within clouds, a sign of the power drain. The edge of Snow Town is now streaked across the sky. The air there is mournful, and silent as snow. <</if>> <> [[Visit a turbine|turbine]] [[Admire the view|cloud_view]] [[Sleep|cloud_sleep]] [[Return to Nemesity|cloud_to_interchange]]

<<silently>> /* call time_advance for the number of times required */ <<for _i to 0; _i lt $time_pass; _i++>> <<include "time_advance">> <</for>> <<set $time_pass to 0>> /* reset to prevent unwanted usage */ <</silently>>

<<silently>> /* based on $time_pass, set the time delay (since can't use variables in a <<timed>> call), then go to the passed passage. Needs to handle the maximum possible time delay, currently 1 day or 7 periods */ /* DEBUG <<timed 0s>><<goto $goto>><</timed>>*/ /* ACTUAL */ <<switch $time_pass>> <<case 1>> <<timed 3s>><<goto $goto>><</timed>> <<case 2>> <<timed 4s>><<goto $goto>><</timed>> <<case 3>> <<timed 5s>><<goto $goto>><</timed>> <<case 4>> <<timed 5s>><<goto $goto>><</timed>> <<case 5>> <<timed 5s>><<goto $goto>><</timed>> <<case 6>> <<timed 6s>><<goto $goto>><</timed>> <<case 7>> <<timed 7s>><<goto $goto>><</timed>> <<case 8>> <<timed 7s>><<goto $goto>><</timed>> <</switch>> <</silently>>

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 1>><<set $goto to "interchange">><<include "time_delay_goto">><<include "quick_load">>

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 1>><<set $goto to "hub">><<include "time_delay_goto">><<include "quick_load">>

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 3>><<set $goto to "cloud">><<include "time_delay_goto">>It takes half a day's flight for the ice train to reach down into the cold.

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 3>><<set $goto to "interchange">><<include "time_delay_goto">>In half a day the ice train rises back up high.

<<include "render_sky">>/*<<include debug_time>>*/<> /* if turbine quest not done */ <<if $turbine_done isnot true>> /* if corret time frame */ <<if ($day_index eq 4 or $day_index eq 5) and ($time_index eq 6 or $time_index eq 7)>> /* if already know of prisoner */ <<if $prison_escape is true>> The turbine's control hollow is about halfway up, and unguarded. I slip [[through|turbine_hack]]. <<else>> The turbine's control hollow is about halfway up, and unusually is unguarded. I leave for [[now|cloud]]. <</if>> /* if wrong time frame */ <<else>> /* if already know of prisoner */ <<if $prison_escape is true>> Guards patrol up and down, left and right, before the control hollow. When are they off duty? Most weekend nights, I would have [[thought|cloud]]. <<else>> Guards patrol up and down, left and right, before the control hollow. I leave for [[now|cloud]]. <</if>> <</if>> /* else if turbine quest done */ <<else>> <<if $turbine_realign is true>>The turbine spins inverted, pushing <<if $volcano_done is true>>the cumulo from Sand Down <</if>>towards Nemesity. Some of the snowy clouds are dimmed in partial blackout; the distant old districts of Snow Town lay dusted away in rips and curls. They were mostly abandoned, I [[think|cloud]]. <<else>>The turbine remains as it was, spinning with the wind. It will pull <<if $volcano_done is true>>the cumulo from Sand Down <</if>>towards Nemesity. Snow Town remains buoyant and [[bright|cloud]]. <</if>> <</if>> <>

<<include "render_sky">><<set $eyes to [1, "green quasar"]>><<set $prison_escape to true>><<set $time_pass to 42>><<set $goto to "hub">><<include "goto_no_delay">> /*<<set $day_index to 10>> <<set $time_index to 2>> <<set $goto to "hub">><<include "goto_no_delay">>*/

<<goto $goto>>

day_index = $day_index/5 time_index = $time_index/7 (total_days = $total_days)

<<include "render_sky">><<set $turbine_done to true>>If I invert the turbine it will push <<if $volcano_done is true>>the cumulo rising from Sand Down <</if>>potently towards Nemesity, rather than merely pulling, which could help the alien. But doing this would disperse patches of Snow Town, and reduce the energy to its remainder. [[Invert it|turbine_realign][$turbine_realign to true]] [[Leave it alone|turbine][$ending_ctr to $ending_ctr+1]]

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 1>><<set $goto to "prison">><<include "time_delay_goto">><<include "quick_load">>

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 1>><<set $goto to "hub">><<include "time_delay_goto">><<include "quick_load">>

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 1>><<set $goto to "hair">><<include "time_delay_goto">>Ascending.

/* emulate the time setting of the normal intro */ <<set $time_pass to 2>> <<set $hair to [2, "indigo stone"]>> <<set $skin to [1, "bronze ash"]>> <<set $goto to "hub">> <<include "goto_no_delay">>

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 8>><<set $goto to "hub">><<include "time_delay_goto">>A day passes as I glide back down, emerging from the shadows of the mountainous clouds.

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 8>><<set $goto to "observe">><<include "time_delay_goto">>A day passes as I glide towards the mountainous clouds.

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 6>><<set $goto to "sand">><<include "time_delay_goto">>It takes the air train almost an entire day to reach the heat.

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 6>><<set $goto to "interchange">><<include "time_delay_goto">>I travel back in nearly a day, the air train barrelling on up high.

<<include "time_advance_loop">><<include "render_sky">><<include "time_of_day">> <> <<if $volcano_done isnot true>> Sand Down floats on the edge of the cyan lagoon, the flowing homesteads rising in arches and awnings of water. The translucent inhabitants shimmer inside. <<else>> <<if $volcano_wide is true>> Some homesteads along the Bay of Sand Down have evaporated, their columns of water now dead clouds, floating lonely at high altitude. Hopefully they were uninhabited. Is it me, or is the air sweating in the heat haze? <<else>> Several uninhabited homesteads along the Bay of Sand Down have evaporated, their columns of water now dead clouds, floating lonely at high altitude. Is it me, or is the air sweating in the heat haze? <</if>> <</if>> <> I am at the very base of the world. Boats blink into existence on the horizon, then wink out again. Towering above is the stalagmite volcano, One Mons. [[Visit the volcano|volcano]] [[Admire the view|volcano_view]] [[Sleep|volcano_sleep]] [[Return to Nemesity|sand_to_interchange]]

<<include "render_sky">>/*<<include debug_time>>*/<> /* if volcano quest not done */ <<if $volcano_done isnot true>> The lava river rolls down the mountain and into the dam, which meters out energy into the Bay of Sand Down. /* if already know of prisoner */ <<if $prison_escape is true>> I float closer to the [[sluice gate|sluice]]. <<else>> The sluice gate meters out the energy into the Bay of Sand Down. Sometimes it is widened, sometimes it is narrowed. Right now it is [[shut|sand]]. <</if>> /* else if volcano quest done */ <<else>> <<if $volcano_wide is true>> The lava has invaded the lagoon, evaporating outlying homesteads; a new cumulo has risen<<if $turbine_done is true>>, which the turbine in Snow Town is moving<</if>>. The cloud casts a huge shadow all the way to [[Nemesity|sand]]. <<else>> The lava has warmed the lagoon; a new cumulo has risen<<if $turbine_done is true>>, which the turbine in Snow Town is moving<</if>>. It's spreading towards [[Nemesity|sand]]. <</if>> <</if>> <>

<<include "render_sky">>They turn their head towards me. They understand? Their $hair[1] hair swings in the wind. Their eyes spin, each a [[green quasar|prison_2_eyes][$eyes to [1, "green quasar"]]] [[navy singularity|prison_2_eyes][$eyes to [2, "navy singularity"]]] [[turquoise whirlpool|prison_2_eyes][$eyes to [3, "turquoise whirlpool"]]]

<<include "render_sky">><<print $eyes[1].toUpperFirst()>>. Sound leaves them and I receive. It is abnormal and inverted, but I think I know. They said: "Where am I?" [[Nemesity|prison_3_comprehend]] [[Imprisoned|prison_3_comprehend]] [[What's the last thing you remember?|prison_3_remember]]

<<include "render_sky">>They do not comprehend. [[You fell from the sky|prison_3_remember]] [[I don't know why they keep you here|prison_4_release]] [[They are afraid you|prison_4_release]]

<<include "render_sky">>"Comet stability compromised." Their voice somehow crosses the wind. "Mission in jeopardy. Recommendation: Eject." They turn away from me and look down through the clouds. "I was [[falling|prison_4_release]]."

<<include "render_sky">><<set $prison_escape to true>>"Can you help me escape?" [[Yes|prison_5_help]] [[I will|prison_5_help]] [[I don't know|prison_5_no_help]] [[No|prison_5_no_help]]

<<include "render_sky">><<set $alien_help to true>>They understand. "Thank you. But hurry, I'm freezing cold. I don't know how much longer I can last." [[I'm leaving but I'll come back|prison_to_hub]] [[I am curious what you are|prison_who_what]]

<<include "render_sky">>They understand. "Then why are you here?" [[I wanted to look at you|prison_6_no_help]] [[I've never seen someone like you|prison_6_no_help]] [[I dislike what they've done to you|prison_6_help]]

<<include "render_sky">>Clouds breach the observatory's walls like impolite ghosts. I swing the ice lenses of the telescope. [[North|observe_looking][$telescope to "north"]] [[West|observe_looking][$telescope to "west"]] [[South|observe_looking][$telescope to "south"]] [[East|observe_looking][$telescope to "east"]] I return [[outside|observe]].

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 1>><<set $goto to "observe">><<include "time_delay_goto">><<set $view_rand to random(0,10) >><<print $views_mountains[$view_rand]>>

<<include "time_advance_loop">><<include "render_sky">><<print $telescope.toUpperFirst()>>./*<<include debug_time>>*/<<set $encounter_order to (((($total_days - 4) / 5) % 4) + 1)>> /*DEBUG encounter order = $encounter_order */ <> /* if corret time frame */ <<if $day_index eq 2>> <<if $prison_escape is true>> /* if west and encounter order is 1; encounter order is (((total days - 4) / 5) % 4) + 1; minus 4 to get total days passed since first occurance; divide by 5 to get total weeks passed; modulus 4 since encounter order resets every 4 weeks; plus 1 to find which encounter order we are on, 1 to 4. */ /* west works on encounter order 1 */ <<if $telescope is "west">> <<switch $encounter_order>> <<case 1>> <<include "observe_comet">> <<case 2>> <<include "observe_moon">> <<case 3>> <<include "observe_oort">> <<case 4>> <<include "observe_stars">> <</switch>> /* south works on encounter order 2 */ <<elseif $telescope is "south">> <<switch $encounter_order>> <<case 1>> <<include "observe_stars">> <<case 2>> <<include "observe_comet">> <<case 3>> <<include "observe_moon">> <<case 4>> <<include "observe_oort">> <</switch>> /* east works on encounter order 3 */ <<elseif $telescope is "east">> <<switch $encounter_order>> <<case 1>> <<include "observe_oort">> <<case 2>> <<include "observe_stars">> <<case 3>> <<include "observe_comet">> <<case 4>> <<include "observe_moon">> <</switch>> /* north works on encounter order 4 */ <<elseif $telescope is "north">> <<switch $encounter_order>> <<case 1>> <<include "observe_moon">> <<case 2>> <<include "observe_oort">> <<case 3>> <<include "observe_stars">> <<case 4>> <<include "observe_comet">> <</switch>> <</if>> <<else>> The sky is clear and the view is beautiful, but I'm not sure what I'm looking [[for|observe_interior]]. <</if>> /* if wrong time frame */ <<else>> <<if $prison_escape is true>> The sky is too cloudy. They say Mars Day usually brings clear [[skies|observe_interior]]. <<else>> The sky is too cloudy, and I'm not sure what I'm looking [[for|observe_interior]]. <</if>> <</if>> <>

<<include "render_sky">><<set $eyes to [1, "green quasar"]>><<set $prison_escape to true>><<set $time_pass to 51>><<set $goto to "hub">><<include "goto_no_delay">>

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 28>><<set $goto to "hub">><<include "goto_no_delay">>

It's $days[$day_index] <<print $time[$time_index][0]>>.

The sky is clear and the scope penetrates deep. The brown corona fades away as I pan. White light, like clouds in space, draws my aim./* if observe quest not done */<<if $observe_done isnot true>> The Great Comet remains! The alien could [[escape then|observe_interior][$observe_done to true]]./* if observe quest done */<<else>> The Great Comet comes closer [[still|observe_interior]]. <</if>>

The reticent moon is all I can see this <<print $time[$time_index][0]>>, pale green and [[lonely|observe_interior]].

The myriad bodies of the outer reaches fill my vision. We are certainly not [[alone|observe_interior]].

I spy the bright stars far away; and beyond them a thrushed backdrop of grey [[cosmos|observe_interior]].

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 1>><<set $goto to "sand">><<include "time_delay_goto">><<set $view_rand to random(0,11) >><<print $views_sand[$view_rand]>>

<<include "render_sky">><<set $volcano_done to true>>The sluice gate is closed. If I open it the lava will flow into the lagoon and bear a new cloud<<if $turbine_done is true>> into the path of the turbine in Snow Town<</if>> - a new cloud with destructive potential, which could help the alien. The wider I open the gate, the more destructive the potential. But there's a reason they rarely open the gate. [[Open the gate wide|volcano_wide][$volcano_wide to true]] [[Partly open the gate|volcano][$ending_ctr to $ending_ctr+1]]

<<if $prison_escape isnot true>>Off the skylane is a cul-de-sac of cloud, where the alien lies behind bars of ice. The air is still and stale. They stand. Their $skin[1] skin is bumpy. They look cold like death, but they are alive. How can I speak with them? [[Hello|prison_1_look]] [[Are you okay?|prison_1_look]] [[Hey you!|prison_1_look]]<<else>>In a cul-de-sac of cloud, the alien lies behind bars of ice. Their $skin[1] skin is bumpy. Their $hair[1] hair swings in the wind. Their eyes spin, each a $eyes[1]. They are waiting. I return to the [[plaza|prison_to_hub]]. <</if>>

/*DEBUG ENDING CTR = <<print $ending_ctr>>*/The shadow of the cumulo has surrounded the museum, risen from Sand Down, and <<if $turbine_realign is true>>pushed<<else>>pulled<</if>> in from Snow Town. I'm surrounded by colliding particles, and I begin. The quiet cul-de-sac of the alien's prison is churning. I taste electricity on the wind. A <<switch $ending_ctr>><<case 2>>squall is rising<<case 3>>cyclone is turning<<case 4>>hurricane is ascending<</switch>>. "What's happening?" echoes the alien from their cage of ice. Is their voice weaker now? Or are they drowning in the wind? <<print $hair[1].toUpperFirst()>> hair rides high, $eyes[1] eyes flash, $skin[1] skin plumes with colour. No, there is life. [[I'm releasing you|ending_1_explain]] [[The storm will set you free|ending_1_explain]] [[Your comet is coming back|ending_2_comet]]

<<include "render_sky">>They gesture at their body. "Well here I am. But I won't last much longer in this cold. So let me die with dignity." [[Leave|prison_to_hub]] [[I am curious what you are|prison_who_what]]

<<include "render_sky">>"Then help me. Please. I won't survive much longer in this cold." [[I'm leaving but I'll come back|prison_to_hub]] [[I am curious what you are|prison_who_what]]

<<include "render_sky">><<if $alien_help is true>>"You kept your word." <</if>>Their ice prison rocks violently. "But where shall I go? I'll fall." [[You cannot fly?|ending_2_fall][$temp to "fly"]] [[And I will catch you|ending_2_fall][$temp to "catch"]] [[Your comet is coming back|ending_2_comet]]

<<include "render_sky">>"But it was destroyed!" The <<switch $ending_ctr>><<case 2>>squall is increasing my confidence<<case 3>>cyclone is attuning my senses<<case 4>>hurricane is feeding my form<</switch>>. I move closer to the cage and touch the icy bars. The crystalline structure is <<switch $ending_ctr>><<case 2>>coming apart<<case 3>>splitting apart<<case 4>>being obliterated<</switch>>. [[I saw it through the telescope|ending_3_explode]] [[Get away from the bars!|ending_3_explode]] [[It's your way home, is it not?|ending_3_explode]]

<<include "render_sky">>The cell explodes. Shards race for their freedom as far as the wind will let them. The alien [[plummets|ending_4_fall]].

<<include "render_sky">><<if $temp is "fly">>"Humans don't fly."<<else>>"I'm heavier than I look."<</if>> Fascinating. But I cannot waste time comprehending this. [[Your comet is coming back|ending_2_comet]]

<<include "render_sky">>The downdraught is punishing. I <<switch $ending_ctr>><<case 2>>grasp at the alien, and try to invert the current<<case 3>>twist and turn about the alien, turning the winds vertical<<case 4>>exhale the hurricane winds inside my chest, and catch the alien completely<</switch>>. They are [[screaming|ending_5_transition]].

/* should be 5s */<<include "render_sky">><<timed 3s>><<goto "ending_6_lift">><</timed>>

<<include "render_sky">><<include "set_pc_gender_pronouns">>//"I was falling. And then I was flying. Spinning and screaming, but flying. "I steadied, only for a moment, and was able to perceive my surroundings. As unbelievable as it may seem, there was a tunnel of cloud holding me aloft. An inverted tornado, if you will. Burnt air stung my nostrils. I saw cloud banks far below, and beyond them a sparkling ocean. "My mission had succeeded. That's when I knew that after everything, I had done it, thanks to the [[alien|ending_7_lift]]."//

//<<include "render_sky">><<print $hair_pc[1].toUpperFirst()>>. "<<print $pc_gender_pronoun_their.toUpperFirst()>> skin, if you could call it that, was [[twinkling like the sun beneath the sea|ending_8_eyes][$skin_pc to [1, "twinkling like the sun beneath the sea"]]] [[glistening like wet sand|ending_8_eyes][$skin_pc to [2, "glistening like wet sand"]]] [[deep like a clear night sky|ending_8_eyes][$skin_pc to [3, "deep like a clear night sky"]]]//

//<<include "render_sky">><<print $skin_pc[1].toUpperFirst()>>. "I can see <<print $pc_gender_pronoun_them>> looking at me, eyes like [[emerald islands|ending_9_ship][$eyes_pc to [1, "emerald islands"]]] [[trinary suns|ending_9_ship][$eyes_pc to [2, "trinary suns"]]] [[sinking portholes|ending_9_ship][$eyes_pc to [3, "sinking portholes"]]]//

//<<include "render_sky">><<print $eyes_pc[1].toUpperFirst()>>./*DEBUG ENDING CTR = <<print $ending_ctr>>*/ "The light of the clouds disappeared. I thought I had closed my eyes, until I saw the alien against the blackness of space. <<switch $ending_ctr>><<case 2>>"But <<print $pc_gender_pronoun_they_were>> clearly weakened, and our exposure to the vacuum was prolonged. From what I observed, I don't see how <<print $pc_gender_pronoun_they>> could have survived. And as you can see, I did only [[barely|ending_10_transition]]<<case 3>>"<<print $pc_gender_pronoun_they.toUpperFirst()>> had strength, but our exposure to the vacuum was not short. From what I observed, I have serious doubts about <<print $pc_gender_pronoun_their>> survival. But instead of standing here injured, I wouldn't be standing here at all if it wasn't for <<print $pc_gender_pronoun_their>> [[actions|ending_10_transition]]<<case 4>>"<<print $pc_gender_pronoun_they.toUpperFirst()>> radiated power and light, and we rocketed towards the ship. How quickly? Well, I believe my current condition shows how little exposure to the vacuum I sustained. Yet with such expulsion of energy, <<print $pc_gender_pronoun_they>> may not have survived. I'm uncertain, but I'm [[hopeful|ending_10_transition]]<</switch>>."//

//<<include "render_sky">>"<<print $pc_gender_pronoun_they.toUpperFirst()>> flew beneath me, spiralling, difficult to see even when I looked straight at <<print $pc_gender_pronoun_them>>. But if I close my eyes I can see <<print $pc_gender_pronoun_them>>, a figurine frozen in time. "Where do I begin? <<print $pc_gender_pronoun_their.toUpperFirst()>> hair was [[rolling like an infinite ocean|ending_7_skin][$hair_pc to [1, "rolling like an infinite ocean"]]] [[turning like rainbow mist|ending_7_skin][$hair_pc to [2, "turning like rainbow mist"]]] [[shearing like green lightning|ending_7_skin][$hair_pc to [3, "shearing like green lightning"]]]//

/* set to whiteout */<<set $time_index to 8>><<include "render_sky">><<set $alien_name_key to String.format("{0}{1}{2}", $hair_pc[0], $skin_pc[0], $eyes_pc[0])>>//"I must have blacked out, because I came to sometime later in the icy white of the ship. Yet I recalled a distinct whisper reverberating around the cockpit. I choose to believe that this was <<print $pc_gender_pronoun_their>> name. [[$alien_names[$alien_name_key]|ending_11_name]]."//

/* should be 5s */<<addclass "body" "black">><<timed 3s>><<goto "ending_10_ship">><</timed>>

//<<include "render_sky">><<silently>> <<set $human_name_key to String.format("{0}{1}{2}", $hair[0], $skin[0], $eyes[0])>> <</silently>>"And so it is with great pleasure that I would like to announce the redesignation of this comet as: C/4169 K2 ($alien_names[$alien_name_key]-<<print $human_names[$human_name_key]>>). "Thank you for your patience this evening. Now, I do believe we have time for [[questions|end_card_transition]]."//

<<include "render_sky">><<timed 6s>><<goto "total_days_transition">><</timed>>''PERIHELION''

<<addclass "body" "black">>''PERIHELION'' [[Begin|Start]] [[About|about]] //Expand the sidebar at any time to save/load or restart the game ''Age rating:'' Teen+ ''Trigger warning:'' Contains sudden bright colour transitions! Turn off transitions (see below) if you may be at risk of seizures, or if you have colour blindness. ''Colour transitions are:'' <<if $transitions eq 1>>[[On|colour-blind-mode]]<<else>>[[Off|colour-blind-mode]]<</if>> (click to toggle)//

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 1>><<set $goto to "cloud">><<include "time_delay_goto">><<set $view_rand to random(0,10) >><<print $views_cloud[$view_rand]>>

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 1>><<set $goto to "observe_direction">><<include "time_delay_goto">>Looking.

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 1>><<set $ending_ctr to $ending_ctr+2>><<set $goto to "turbine">><<include "time_delay_goto">>Working.

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 1>><<set $ending_ctr to $ending_ctr+2>><<set $goto to "volcano">><<include "time_delay_goto">>Working.

<<set $time_pass to 1>> <<set $hair to [2, "indigo stone"]>> <<set $skin to [3, "paper moon"]>> <<set $eyes to [3, "turquoise whirlpool"]>> <<set $ending_ctr to 3>> <<set $pc_gender to "they">> <<set $total_days to 14>> /*<<set $pc_gender to "she">>*/ /*<<set $pc_gender to "he">>*/ <<set $goto to "ending_6_lift">> <<include "time_delay_goto">>

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 2>><<set $goto to "home_hub">><<include "time_delay_goto">><<set $pet_rand to random(0,4)>><<print $pet_play[$pet_rand]>>

Flying.

<> <<set $dreams_rand to random(0,3) >> <<if $prison_escape neq true>> <<print $dreams_alien_talk[$dreams_rand]>> <<elseif $observe_done neq true>> <<print $dreams_observatory[$dreams_rand]>> <<elseif $turbine_done neq true>> <<print $dreams_turbine[$dreams_rand]>> <<elseif $volcano_done neq true>> <<print $dreams_volcano[$dreams_rand]>> <<else>> <<print $dreams_alien_free[$dreams_rand]>> <</if>> <>

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 4>><<set $goto to "observe">><<include "time_delay_goto">><<include "dreaming">>

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 4>><<set $goto to "cloud">><<include "time_delay_goto">><<include "dreaming">>

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 4>><<set $goto to "sand">><<include "time_delay_goto">><<include "dreaming">>

<<set $time_pass to 1>> <<set $hair to [2, "indigo stone"]>> <<set $skin to [2, "red collocation"]>> <<set $eyes to [3, "turquoise whirlpool"]>> <<set $ending_ctr to 4>> <<set $goto to "prison_ending">> /*<<set $pc_gender to "he">>*/ /*<<set $pc_gender to "she">>*/ <<set $pc_gender to "they">> <<include "time_delay_goto">>

<<include "render_sky">><<timed 1s>><<goto "end_card">><</timed>>

<<include "render_sky">>"I'm human. I came from Earth." [[What is human?|prison_human]] [[Where is Earth?|prison_earth]]

<<include "render_sky">><<set $earth_asked to true>>"It's a planet, third from the Sun. Am I still in the Outer Solar System?" [[What's the Solar System?|prison_solar_system]]<<if $human_asked eq false>> [[You said you're human. What's that?|prison_human]]<</if>>

<<include "render_sky">><<set $human_asked to true>>"It's my species. What's yours?" [[What is species?|prison_my_species]]<<if $earth_asked eq false>> [[Where is Earth?|prison_earth]]<</if>>

<<include "render_sky">><<if $alien_help eq true>>"Look, I need rest now. I'm sorry."<<else>>"Go away now, please."<</if>> They lie back down. I return to the [[plaza|prison_to_hub]].

<<include "render_sky">>"Oh. Well, it's our system of planets... never mind. <<if $alien_help eq true>>"Look, my head hurts, I'm sorry."<<else>>"Look, my head hurts. Go away please."<</if>> They lie back down. I return to the [[plaza|prison_to_hub]].

<<if $pc_gender eq "they">><<set $pc_gender_pronoun_they to "they">><<elseif $pc_gender eq "he">><<set $pc_gender_pronoun_they to "he">><<elseif $pc_gender eq "she">><<set $pc_gender_pronoun_they to "she">><<else>><<set $pc_gender_pronoun_they to "missing">><</if>>

<<if $pc_gender eq "they">><<set $pc_gender_pronoun_their to "their">><<elseif $pc_gender eq "he">><<set $pc_gender_pronoun_their to "his">><<elseif $pc_gender eq "she">><<set $pc_gender_pronoun_their to "her">><<else>><<set $pc_gender_pronoun_their to "missing">><</if>>

<<include "pc_gender_pronoun_they">><<include "pc_gender_pronoun_their">><<include "pc_gender_pronoun_them">><<include "pc_gender_pronoun_they_were">>

<<if $pc_gender eq "they">><<set $pc_gender_pronoun_them to "them">><<elseif $pc_gender eq "he">><<set $pc_gender_pronoun_them to "him">><<elseif $pc_gender eq "she">><<set $pc_gender_pronoun_them to "her">><<else>><<set $pc_gender_pronoun_them to "missing">><</if>>

<<if $pc_gender eq "they">><<set $pc_gender_pronoun_they_were to "they were">><<elseif $pc_gender eq "he">><<set $pc_gender_pronoun_they_were to "he was">><<elseif $pc_gender eq "she">><<set $pc_gender_pronoun_they_were to "she was">><<else>><<set $pc_gender_pronoun_they_were to "missing">><</if>>

<<addclass "body" "black">>Created by Tim White ([[@TimAlanWhite|https://twitter.com/TimAlanWhite]]) Special thanks to Lesleyann White ([[@Fuzzlette|https://twitter.com/Fuzzlette]]) Created for [[Spring Thing|https://www.springthing.net/]] 2021 Created with [[Twine 2|https://twinery.org/]] (version 2.1.3), story format: [[SugarCube|http://www.motoslave.net/sugarcube/2/]] (version 2.18.0) Game version: 1.0 Thank you for playing [[Back|title_screen]]

<<if $transitions eq 1>><<set $transitions to 0>><<else>><<set $transitions to 1>><</if>><<goto title_screen>>

<<include "render_sky">><<set $time_pass to 1>><<set $goto to "hub">><<include "time_delay_goto">><<set $view_rand to random(0,10) >><<print $views_mountains[$view_rand]>>

<<include "render_sky">>$pet! Aww, he knows his [[mama|home_hub][$local_pronoun to "mama"]] [[mummy|home_hub][$local_pronoun to "mummy"]] [[mother|home_hub][$local_pronoun to "mother"]] [[papa|home_hub][$local_pronoun to "papa"]] [[daddy|home_hub][$local_pronoun to "daddy"]] [[father|home_hub][$local_pronoun to "father"]] [[keeper|home_hub][$local_pronoun to "keeper"]] [[guardian|home_hub][$local_pronoun to "guardian"]] [[friend|home_hub][$local_pronoun to "friend"]]

<<addclass "body" "black">>Your Perihelion took [[$total_days + " days"|restart_story]]

<<addclass "body" "black">><<script>>state.restart();<<endscript>>

<<addclass "body" "black">><<timed 1s>><<goto "total_days">><</timed>>