<span id="content"><div style="text-align: center"><h4>DESTORY HISTORY</h4>
Version 1.0
A game by Lucas Coyne
[[Start a new game.->ms1]]
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(set: $tsion to false)</span>
<span id="content">(set: $sAbe to false)(set: $sBot to false)(set: $zMan to false)Your head spins as you fall out of the portal, landing in a heap on the ground.
A nearby man helps you to your feet. He's dressed in a rather old-fashioned style, with a vest and overcoat. As he looks you up and down, muttering something under his breath, you realize that your lab coat and goggles must be odd to him as well.
But then he's distracted again by a commotion nearby.
[[Take a look around.->address]]
(link:"ZAPP the man!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+3)(set:$zGetMan to true)(go-to:"zGetMan")]</span>
<span id="content">There's lots of people crowded around a platform here. It looks like you're... in a cemetery? But there's definitely an event of some kind going on.
Everyone is currently staring up at the platform, and it's not hard to guess why. There's (if: $sBot)[Dr. Malevolus's robot, Boltsworth,](else:)[[[a robot in a stovepipe hat->boltsworth]]] at the podium, giving some kind of a speech. (if: $sAbe)[Abraham Lincoln](else:)[A [[tall man->abe]]] is off to the side, watching with a mixture of confusion and bemusement.
(if: $sBot)[(link:"ZAPP Boltsworth!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos-6)(set:$zBot to true)(go-to:"zBoltsworth")]](else:)[(link:"ZAPP the robot!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos-6)(set:$zBot to true)(go-to:"zBoltsworth")]]
(if: $sAbe)[(link:"ZAPP Abraham Lincoln!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+7)(set:$zAbe to true)(go-to:"zAbe")]](else:)[(link:"ZAPP the tall man!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+7)(set:$zAbe to true)(go-to:"zAbe")]]
(if: $zGetMan is false)[(link:"No, really, ZAPP that first man!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+3)(set:$zGetMan to true)(go-to:"zGetMan")]]</span>
<span id="content"><h1>ZAPP!!!</h1>
The man has disappeared, all memory of him erased from existence. Somewhere out there, some amateur genealogist suddenly hits a dead-end on researching their family. You feel a little bit bad about that.
You look down to notice the TSI tick up to $chaos%.
[[Look at the platform->address]]</span>
[[<img src="http://www.sundialtime.com/sundial/images/kids/spiral.gif" alt="You fall through a portal...">->Gettysburg]]
(set:$tsitime to "NOV 19, 1863 C.E.")
(set:$tsiplace to "GETTYSBURG, PA")
(set:$tsion to true)
{
(print: "<script>$('html').removeClass(\)</script>")
(if: (passage:)'s tags's length > 0)[
(print: "<script>$('html').addClass('" + (passage:)'s tags.join(' ') + "'\)</script>")
]
}
<span id="content"><h1>ZAPP!!!</h1>
Goodbye, (if: $sBot)[friend Boltsworth](else:)[strange robot]. It's not your fault that you were used for evil. As soon as the robot has vanished, (if: $sAbe)[Abraham Lincoln](else:)[the tall man on stage] walks up to the podium and the crowd applauds respectfully.
The TSI chirps as the ambient historical chaos ticks down to $chaos%.
That's one thing fixed. As much as you'd like to stick around and hear the speech, you know it's time to go.
(link:"Continue onwards.")[(set:$tsitime to "???")
(set:$tsiplace to "???")
(go-to:"portal2-1")]</span>
<span id="content"><h1>ZAPP!!!</h1>
Great work. (if: $sAbe)[You just erased Abraham Lincoln from history. Boy, this is sure going to make a mess out of the history books...](else:)[You just erased someone from history. Better hope they weren't important. And... you kind of get the feeling that they probably were.]
The TSI beeps loudly as the ambient historical chaos ticks up to $chaos%.
Maybe you should get out of here. (if: $sBot)[You figure *someone* ought to give the Gettysburg Address and Boltsworth isn't doing too badly. More pressingly,](else:)[It looks like] several people in the crowd have noticed you, and are staring.
(link:"Continue onwards.")[(set:$tsitime to "???")
(set:$tsiplace to "???")
(go-to:"portal2-1")]</span>
<span id="content">Hey, it's Boltsworth! You'd recognize him anywhere. He's another one of Dr. Malevolus's inventions, built to help out around the lab. What's he doing here?
As you watch, Boltsworth raises one arm and starts speaking.
"FOUR SCORE AND *BZZZT* SEVEN YEARS AGO"
"THE GREAT *BZZZZZZZT* DOCTOR MALEVOLUS FOUNDED"
"*BZZT* THESE UNITED STATES BECAUSE HE IS GREAT"
Oh. That's what he's doing here.
(set: $sBot to true)
[[Take another look around.->address]]
</span>
<span id="content"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ab/Abraham_Lincoln_O-77_matte_collodion_print.jpg">
This guy looks pretty familiar! Which means... Yes, you're starting to think you know where you're at now.
[[Take another look around.->address]]
(set: $sAbe to true)</span>
[[<img src="http://www.sundialtime.com/sundial/images/kids/spiral.gif" alt="You fall through a portal...">->basilica]]
(set:$tsitime to "DEC 25, 800 C.E.")
(set:$tsiplace to "ROME, ITALY")
(set:$tsion to true)
<span id="content">You tumble out onto a hard surface, banging your knee pretty good in the process. You're in another crowd of people, but this time, the nearest person just studiously ignores you.
If the last crowd was old-fashioned, however, this one is practically <em>medieval</em>, with robes and silks and tunics. You stand out like a sore thumb, but once again everyone else is preoccupied and not paying attention to you.
[[Take a look around.->coronation]]
(set: $sLeo to false)(set: $sCha to 0)(set: $sHat to false)</span>
<span id="content">You're in a big stone building with all sorts of columns and arched ceilings. Judging from the elaborate altar and the big golden cross, it's definitely a church.
Up a few marble steps, (if: $sCha is 0)[[[a regal man->charlie]]](else:)[(if: $sCha is 1)[Charlemagne](else:)[a king]] kneels on a silken pillow. (if: $sLeo)[The Pope](else:)[A [[robed man->leo]]] stands nearby, holding (if: $sHat)[a trucker hat](else:)[[[some kind of headwear->hat]]].
(if: $sCha is 0)[(link:"ZAPP the regal man!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+8)(go-to:"zCha")]](else:)[(if: $sCha is 1)[(link:"ZAPP Charlemagne!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+8)(go-to:"zCha")]](else:)[(link:"ZAPP the king!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+8)(go-to:"zCha")]]]
(if: $sLeo)[(link:"ZAPP the Pope!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+5)(go-to:"zLeo")]](else:)[(link:"ZAPP the robed man!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+5)(go-to:"zLeo")]]
(if: $sHat)[(link:"ZAPP the trucker hat!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos-6)(go-to:"zHat")]](else:)[(link:"ZAPP the headwear!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos-6)(go-to:"zHat")]]</span>
<span id="content">This guy is quite tall, particularly compared to everyone else in the room. He's got the kind of face you put on money, with strong features and sharp eyes. And given that everyone in the crowd has their eyes glued to him, you can tell that he's the one in charge here.
If you had to guess, you'd say this was...
[[Henry VIII?->charwrong]]
[[Charlemagne?->charlie2]]
[[Louis XIV?->charwrong]]</span>
<span id="content">The man is wearing some seriously ornate robes, and a pretty distinctive hat. While a few aspects of his clothing seem different than you'd expect, you're pretty certain that this is the Pope!
He is looking down at the (if: $sHat)[trucker hat](else:)[[[headwear->hat]]] in his hands, with his brow furrowed.
[[Take another look around.->coronation]]
(set: $sLeo to true)</span>
<span id="content">Charlemagne! Of course.
You feel like you've seen paintings of this moment. Or maybe tapestries.
(set: $sCha to 1)
[[Take another look around.->coronation]]</span>
<span id="content">Hm. Something about that doesn't seem right, though. Everyone here is dressed a little too old-fashioned.
Oh well, he's probably a king of some kind!
(set: $sCha to 2)
[[Take another look around.->coronation]]</span>
<span id="content">Upon closer inspection, this is definitely a trucker hat, the kind with plastic snaps in the back to adjust it to your head's size.
On the front of it, big black letters proclaim:
**DR MALEVOLUS RULZ OK?**
(set: $sHat to true)
[[Take another look around.->coronation]]</span>
<span id="content"><h1>ZAPP!!!</h1>
(if: $sCha is 1)[Okay, so, you definitely just erased the first Holy Roman Emperor from history. You feel like for a moment you can sense a great disturbance in academia, as if thousands of medievalists cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced.](else:)[Boy, as soon as you make that decision, you start to feel not great about it. It definitely seems like this was an important guy you just erased.]
The TSI bleeps as the ambient historical chaos climbs to $chaos%.
Everyone suddenly seems a bit confused about what they're all doing here. When a few notice your presence and odd clothing, they start whispering to one another, so you decide it's time to go.
(link:"Continue onwards.")[(set:$tsitime to "???")
(set:$tsiplace to "???")
(go-to:"portal3-1")]</span>
<span id="content"><h1>ZAPP!!!</h1>
(if: $sLeo)[Well, there goes the Pope. It's okay. History had a lot of those, right? You hope this wasn't one of the important ones.](else:)[That's another problem solved. You hope. Maybe the whole strategy of firing blindly at historical figures based on gut instinct isn't the optimal way to preserve history.]
The TSI bleeps as the ambient historical chaos climbs to $chaos%.
Everyone suddenly seems a bit confused about what they're all doing here. A few notice you and start whispering in suspicion, so it's probably a good idea to get out of here.
(link:"Continue onwards.")[(set:$tsitime to "???")
(set:$tsiplace to "???")
(go-to:"portal3-1")]</span>
<span id="content"><h1>ZAPP!!!</h1>
(if: $sHat)[The trucker hat](else:)[The headwear] vanishes, and the (if: $sLeo)[Pope](else:)[robed man] blinks in confusion. Then another man walks up with a much more regal-looking crown on a small pillow, and the coronation resumes.
The TSI whirrs as the ambient historical chaos diminishes to $chaos%.
As people start to cheer, you briefly wonder if there's going to be cake. But since you're unsure if cake has been invented yet, you decide that it's time to go.
(link:"Continue onwards.")[(set:$tsitime to "???")
(set:$tsiplace to "???")
(go-to:"portal3-1")]</span>
[[<img src="http://www.sundialtime.com/sundial/images/kids/spiral.gif" alt="You fall through a portal...">->chicago]]
(set:$tsitime to "JUN 21, 1893 C.E.")
(set:$tsiplace to "CHICAGO, IL")
(set:$tsion to true)
(set:$malevWin to false)
<span id="content">This time, as you fall out of the time portal, you manage to catch yourself without landing face-first in the dirt. You're getting the hang of this!
[[Take a look around.->worldsfair]]
(set: $sWhe to false)(set: $sWhD to false)(set: $sMan to false)</span>
<span id="content">There's lots of people around again, but this time they're strolling to and fro along a boulevard shaded by carefully-planted trees. Up and down either side of the path are different carnival rides and sideshows, with the operators noisily trying to attract customers.
Ahead of you, however, (if: $sWhe)[the Ferris Wheel](else:)[a [[giant metal wheel->wheel]]] dominates the entire midway. A (if: $sMan)[worker](else:)[[[man in overalls->malev]]] seems to be tinkering with the machinery at its base.
(if: $sMan)[(link:"ZAPP the worker!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos-6)(go-to:"zMan")]](else:)[(link:"ZAPP the man!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos-6)(go-to:"zMan")]]
(if: $sWhe)[(link:"ZAPP the Ferris Wheel!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+4)(go-to:"zWhe")]](else:)[(link:"ZAPP the wheel!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+4)(go-to:"zWhe")]]
(if: $sMan)[[[Confront the worker!->cMan]]]</span>
<span id="content">Well, this one is pretty obvious. It's a Ferris Wheel!
A particularly big one though. At the end of each spoke it looks like a whole train car full of seating. Thinking about it some more, you have to think that this has to be *the* Ferris Wheel. Y'know, the very first one.
(set: $sWhe to true)
[[Take another look around.->worldsfair]]</span>
<span id="content"><h1>ZAPP!!!</h1>
(if: $sMan is false)[A moment before he disappears, the man looks up and you realize that it was Dr. Malevolus! Boy, sometimes shooting first and asking questions later actually pays off.](else:)[Dr. Malevolus disappears, erased from history.] You breathe a sigh of relief, trying not to think about dwell on what that actually means for the guy.
Still, one way or another, it seems like you've done it. You've saved history.
The TSI bloops as the ambient historical chaos declines to $chaos%.
It's only now that you realize a pretty big problem: you're not sure how to get back to the present. You can't control where your prototype history-rewinder sends you, and Dr. Malevolus's working one vanished along with him. I guess you'll just have to hope you figure something else out. Maybe you can make sure nothing else is going wrong with history in the meantime?
(link:"Continue onwards.")[(set:$tsitime to "???")
(set:$tsiplace to "???")
(go-to:"portal4-1")]</span>
<span id="content"><h1>ZAPP!!!</h1>
There goes the Ferris Wheel. Good riddance, I guess? Do you have a phobia of heights or do you just hate carnival rides??
The TSI chimes as the ambient historical chaos ticks up to $chaos%.
You suddenly hear someone shout, "No! My magnificent plan!"
[[Look around for the voice.->cMan]](set: $sWhD to true)</span>
<span id="content">(if: $sWhD is false)["Hey, you!" you yell out. "Hold it right there!"
The man in overalls leaps up, and turns towards you with a snarl on his face.](else:)[The man who was working on the machinery is advancing in your direction.]
As soon as you see his face, you immediately recognize him. That malicious glint in his eyes and arrogant sneer on his face... it's Dr. Malevolus!
And he looks quite upset that you've interrupted him! He reaches into the pocket of his overalls and pulls out his freeze ray.
(link:"ZAPP him!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos-6)(go-to:"zMan")](set: $sMan2 to true)
[[No, wait, let's talk this out.->dTalk]]</span>
<span id="content">This guy looks like an worker, probably hired out to fix any of the rides that aren't working. A few people are milling around the boulevard, waiting to see if he will finish and if the wheel will start moving.
The worker is bent over with his head inside an access hatch to the machinery, so you can't really get a good look at his face. But when he reaches back to grab a wrench you notice he's wearing a Rolex.
(set: $sMan to true)
[[Take another look around.->worldsfair]]</span>
<span id="content">"Look, maybe we can talk about this," you say. "I think you're just worried about your own place in history, and I understand that."
He pauses, narrowing his eyes at you.
"But this isn't the way to do things," you continue. "I've seen what you're capable of. Why not use your knowledge for good? I know you could change the world in a positive way, and secure a *real* legacy for yourself in history."
He rubs his chin thoughtfully. Then he smiles brightly, having come to a conclusion.
"Nah," Dr. Malevolus says as he points the freeze ray at you.
<h3>(link:"ZING!!")[(set:$malevWin to true)(set: $chaos to $chaos+10)(go-to:"contMalev")]</h3></span>
<span id="content"><h1>ZAPP!!!</h1>
It's a strange and painful feeling, being erased from history. On the bright side, it's not like you feel that way for more than an instant.
Police find you a few days later, wandering down the street in a daze. You can't remember anything about yourself. And despite all their work in tracing your fingerprints, no one else can either.
On the plus side, you don't feel bad about having screwed up, because you won't ever remember it in the first place.
(set: $tsion to false)
<h4>**GAME OVER**</h4>
<h5>([[*try again from the beginning?*->Start]])</h5></span>
[[<img src="http://www.sundialtime.com/sundial/images/kids/spiral.gif" alt="You fall through a portal...">->colonialbeach]]
(set:$tsitime to "APR 7, 1743 C.E.")
(set:$tsiplace to "FERRY FARM, VA")
(set:$tsion to true)
<span id="content">
This time, when you fall out of the portal you land on your feet. Unfortunately, your feet end up right in a mud puddle, splashing all over your nice white lab coat. Aw, dang.
It's a lot quieter here than anywhere else you've been. You're surprised by the comparative lack of people. Where did you end up this time?
Or, I guess, <em>when</em>?
[[Take a look around.->cherrytree]]
(set: $sBoy to false)(set: $sTre to false)(set: $treechop to false)</span>
<span id="content">You're standing in a field, next to a large, rustic farmhouse with a (if: $sTre)[big cherry tree](else:)[[[big tree->treelook]]] standing in the front yard. It's a very nice day, mud puddles aside, with the sun shining and not a cloud in the sky. It fact, it's kind of *eerily* nice.
(if: $sBoy)[The boy marches across the yard, whistling Yankee Doodle Dandy as he swings his hatchet back and forth. He's heading right for the tree.](elseif: $sTre)[[[The boy->boylook]] marches across the yard, whistling Yankee Doodle Dandy as he swings his hatchet idly. He's heading right for the tree.](else:)[As you watch, the door of the farmhouse opens, and [[a boy->boylook]] in a tricorn hat walks out, holding a hatchet. He doesn't seem to notice you.]
(link:"ZAPP the boy!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+7)(go-to:"zBoy")]
(if: $sTre)[(link:"ZAPP the cherry tree!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+3)(go-to:"zTree")]](else:)[(link:"ZAPP the tree!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+3)(go-to:"zTree")]]
[[Wait and see what happens.->cherrywait]]</span>
<span id="content">This big tree looks positively ancient, with a broad, gnarled trunk. Up in the leaves you see... cherries! Oh, how lovely.
You pause for a minute, glancing again at your TSI on your wrist. Shouldn't cherries be just blossoming this time of year? The ones on this tree look awfully full and ripe.
(set: $sTre to true)
[[Take another look around.->cherrytree]]</span>
<span id="content"><h1>ZAPP!!!</h1>
The boy vanishes, written out of history. A moment later, the door to the farmhouse opens again, and an older man walks out. (if: $treechop is true)[He takes one look at the fallen cherry tree and his mouth falls open in shock.](else:)[He looks around for a minute, as if he'd forgotten why he came outside in the first place.]
The TSI dings as the ambient historical chaos raises to $chaos%. Hm, looks like whatever you did caused more problems than it solved. Was that kid important, after all?
(if: $treechop is true)["Who chopped down my cherry tree?" the man demands. Then he notices you, and starts storming across the field in your direction.](else:)["Hey, you!" the man says. "What are you doing here on my farm?"]
(link:"Beat a hasty retreat.")[(set:$tsitime to "???")
(set:$tsiplace to "???")
(go-to:"portal5-1")]</span>
<span id="content"><h1>ZAPP!!!</h1>
The tree pops out of existence(if: $treechop)[, causing the boy to tumble onto the grass. He slowly gets back up on his feet, picking up the hatchet and staring at it in confusion.](else:)[. The boy suddenly halts in the middle of the yard, looking down at his hatchet with confusion. He takes another step forward and then stops again, frowning as he tries to remember what he was doing.]
The TSI clicks as the ambient historical chaos climbs ever-so-slightly to $chaos%. Hm.
The door to the farmhouse opens and a man leans out. "George? What are you doing? Come back inside." The boy skips back towards the farmhouse again.
Hm, there's not much more going on here.
(link:"Continue onwards.")[(set:$tsitime to "???")
(set:$tsiplace to "???")
(go-to:"portal5-1")]</span>
<span id="content">The boy grins as he strolls over to the the tree. With a few swift chops, he cuts right through the trunk and the whole tree crashes to the ground, sending leaves and cherries scattering everywhere.
He nods to himself, and then climbs up to sit on the fallen trunk, the hatchet in his lap.(set: $treechop to true)
(link:"ZAPP the boy!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+7)(go-to:"zBoy")]
(if: $sTre)[(link:"ZAPP the cherry tree!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+3)(go-to:"zTree")]](else:)[(link:"ZAPP the tree!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+3)(go-to:"zTree")]]
(link:"Nah, let's just move on.")[(set:$tsitime to "???")
(set:$tsiplace to "???")
(go-to:"portal5-1")]</span>
<span id="content">He looks to be about eleven or twelve years old, and is dressed in his tricorn hat and trousers and a little blue vest. There's something very... presidential about this boy. As he hefts his hatchet, he grins slyly and you also can't help notice that his teeth are made of wood.
Something about this whole situation strikes you as very, very off.
(set: $sBoy to true)
[[Take another look around.->cherrytree]]</span>
<span id="content">You land with another splash, this time knee-deep in a decorative fountain.
At least that seemed to wash some of the mud off. That's what you keep telling yourself as you step out and try to wring the water out of your labcoat.
[[Take a look around.->romeburning]]
(set: $sNer to false)(set: $sFid to false)(set: $fiddleprog to 0)</span>
<span id="content">It's night, but you don't see any stars in the sky. It doesn't take long to realize why. A cloud of thick smoke hangs above you, with soot and ash floating down in occasional flakes.
You're in a lavish garden, the greenery and flowers interspersed with marble columns and statuary. Off in the distance, you see a large hill, with raging flames enveloping the houses crowded along its slopes.
A (if: $sNer)[portly man](else:)[[[portly man->Nero]]] sits on a bench, fiddling with the knobs of (if: $sFid)[a fiddle](else:)[[[some instrument->Fiddle]]].
(link:"ZAPP the man!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+9)(go-to:"zNero")]
(if: $sFid)[(link:"ZAPP the fiddle!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+2)(go-to:"zFiddle")]](else:)[(link:"ZAPP the instrument!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+2)(go-to:"zFiddle")]]
(link:"Wait and see what happens.")[(set:$fiddleprog to $fiddleprog+1)(go-to:"Rome2")]</span>
<span id="content">This man is a little on the large side, and wears a white toga and some sort of crown of golden leaves. He seems entirely unconcerned with the fires currently raging a mile or so away.
When he looks up and notices you, he smiles broadly. It's the kind of expression that leaves you a little uneasy.
(set: $sNer to true)
(link:"Quick, ZAPP him!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+9)(go-to:"zNero")]
(if: $fiddleprog is 0)[(link:"Take another look around.")[(set:$fiddleprog to $fiddleprog+1)(go-to:"Rome2")]](elseif: $fiddleprog is 1)[(link:"Take another look around.")[(set:$fiddleprog to $fiddleprog+1)(go-to:"Rome3")]](elseif: $fiddleprog is 2)[(link:"Take another look around.")[(set:$fiddleprog to $fiddleprog+1)(go-to:"Rome4")]](else:)[(link:"Take another look around.")[(set:$fiddleprog to $fiddleprog+1)(go-to:"Rome5")]]</span>
<span id="content">The instrument is a violin, and a rather nice one. Or maybe it's a fiddle? Or is that two names for the same instrument?
You would look it up on Wikipedia, but it's not like you're going to get 4G coverage here. Still, you're pretty certain the thing was invented way later than the times when people hung out in togas.
(set: $sFid to true)
(link:"ZAPP the fiddle!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+2)(go-to:"zFiddle")]
(if: $fiddleprog is 0)[(link:"Take another look around.")[(set:$fiddleprog to $fiddleprog+1)(go-to:"Rome2")]](elseif: $fiddleprog is 1)[(link:"Take another look around.")[(set:$fiddleprog to $fiddleprog+1)(go-to:"Rome3")]](elseif: $fiddleprog is 2)[(link:"Take another look around.")[(set:$fiddleprog to $fiddleprog+1)(go-to:"Rome4")]](else:)[(link:"Take another look around.")[(set:$fiddleprog to $fiddleprog+1)(go-to:"Rome5")]]</span>
<span id="content"><h1>ZAPP!!!</h1>
The man and his toga vanish, leaving behind his instrument and the solitary circlet of golden leaves he was wearing. How important could he have been though, really? Right?
The TSI buzzes as the ambient historical chaos raises to $chaos%.
A guard in golden armor strolls through the garden, and when he sees you, he yells out something in a language you don't understand and raises a spear threateningly.
(link:"Time to get out of here!")[(set:$tsitime to "???")
(set:$tsiplace to "???")
(go-to:"portal6-1")]</span>
<span id="content"><h1>ZAPP!!!</h1>
The fiddle poofs away, eliminated from the flow of history. You smile, happy to have corrected something, no matter how minor.
Then you frown, as the TSI whirrs and shows the historical instability raising to $chaos%.
The man is glaring in your direction, much less happy without his instrument. He yells out something you don't understand, and two guards holding spears arrive from behind some hedges.
(link:"Time to get out of here!")[(set:$tsitime to "???")
(set:$tsiplace to "???")
(go-to:"portal6-1")]</span>
<span id="content">The (if: $sNer)[man](else:)[[[man->Nero]]] finally finishes tuning his (if: $sFid)[fiddle](else:)[[[instrument->Fiddle]]] and stands up. He balances it against his collarbone and gracefully lays a bow across the (if: $sFid)[fiddle](else:)[instrument]'s strings.
In the distance you can hear the faint sounds of screams, coming from the direction of the fire.
(link:"ZAPP the man!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+9)(go-to:"zNero")]
(if: $sFid)[(link:"ZAPP the fiddle!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+2)(go-to:"zFiddle")]](else:)[(link:"ZAPP the instrument!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+2)(go-to:"zFiddle")]]
(link:"Wait and see what happens.")[(set:$fiddleprog to $fiddleprog+1)(go-to:"Rome3")]</span>
<span id="content">Flames flicker on the distant hill. You cough, as even this far away, the air is hazy with smoke.
The (if: $sNer)[man](else:)[[[man->Nero]]] draws the bow across the strings of the (if: $sFid)[fiddle](else:)[[[instrument->Fiddle]]]. A single note hangs in the air, and it's pretty nice.
(link:"ZAPP the man!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+9)(go-to:"zNero")]
(if: $sFid)[(link:"ZAPP the fiddle!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+2)(go-to:"zFiddle")]](else:)[(link:"ZAPP the instrument!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+2)(go-to:"zFiddle")]]
(link:"Wait and see what happens.")[(set:$fiddleprog to $fiddleprog+1)(go-to:"Rome4")]</span>
<span id="content">Nevermind. The (if: $sNer)[man](else:)[[[man->Nero]]] begins playing in earnest, and it's clear that he's never touched a(if: $sFid)[ fiddle](else:)[n [[instrument->Fiddle]]] before in his life. This is really, really dreadful.
(link:"ZAPP the man!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+9)(go-to:"zNero")]
(if: $sFid)[(link:"ZAPP the fiddle!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+2)(go-to:"zFiddle")]](else:)[(link:"ZAPP the instrument!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+2)(go-to:"zFiddle")]]
(link:"Wait and see what happens.")[(set:$fiddleprog to $fiddleprog+1)(go-to:"Rome5")]</span>
<span id="content">You know what? No more waiting. You're beginning to envy the people dealing with the fire right now, as it's just about that bad, somehow.
Plus, the guy is staring right at you now with a creepy smile on his face. You're pretty certain when he finishes, he's going to ask you how much you enjoyed the music, and you get the feeling he's not a fan of constructive criticism.
(link:"ZAPP the man!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+9)(go-to:"zNero")]
(if: $sFid)[(link:"ZAPP the fiddle!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+2)(go-to:"zFiddle")]](else:)[(link:"ZAPP the instrument!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+2)(go-to:"zFiddle")]]
(link:"Continue onwards.")[(set:$tsitime to "???")
(set:$tsiplace to "???")
(go-to:"portal6-1")]</span>
[[<img src="http://www.sundialtime.com/sundial/images/kids/spiral.gif" alt="You fall through a portal...">->versailles]]
(set:$tsitime to "OCT 5, 1789 C.E.")
(set:$tsiplace to "VERSAILLES, FRANCE")
(set:$tsion to true)
[[<img src="http://www.sundialtime.com/sundial/images/kids/spiral.gif" alt="You fall through a portal...">->romelanding]]
(set:$tsitime to "JUL 7, 64 C.E.")
(set:$tsiplace to "ROME, ITALY")
(set:$tsion to true)
<span id="content">You fall out of the portal, landing with cat-like agility. Ha! Not getting wet *this* time.
(set: $sMar to false)(set: $sCake to false)(set: $zHarp to false)(set: $hasCake to false)
You're still no closer to finding a way back home, and that's starting to worry you. Will your broken history-rewinder not send you back until you've fixed everything? But it doesn't seem like Dr. Malevolus was involved with the last couple of places you've landed in, either. Regardless, you're not making any forward progress.
What if you're stuck careening from time to time for the rest of your natural life? Even if you do find sometime that you could stay in, would it even be real? It hurts your head to think about it all.
[[Take a look around.->palace]]</span>
<span id="content">You're standing in a fabulously ornate parlor, with high ceilings that are decorated with elaborate paintings. Just about everything in here is covered in a layer of gold, including the furniture and the clocks and the fireplace.
A (if: $sMar)[noblewoman](else:)[[[woman->marie]]] reclines on a chaise longue. In one hand she holds a china plate with a delectable (if: $sCake)[piece of red velvet cake](else:)[[[piece of cake->cake]]] on it. In the background you can hear the melody of a harpsichord, played by a servant in one corner of the room.
(link:"ZAPP the woman!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+8)(go-to:"zMarie")]
(link:"ZAPP the harpsichord!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+1)(go-to:"zHarp")]
(if: $sCake)[(link:"ZAPP the cake!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+3)(go-to:"zCake")]
][[Wait and see what happens.->waitVersailles]]</span>
<span id="content">This woman wears an elaborate dress, and her hair is powdered and pulled up into a bouffant. Given her attire and the decoration of the room, you're quite certain she's a noblewoman. Probably royalty at that.
(set: $sMar to true)
Your history-rewinder seems to keep bringing you to people like this. Is it because there's something wrong? Or is it just because they're important? Or because people <em>think</em> they're important? Is there a difference? Hm.
[[Take another look around.->palace]]</span>
<span id="content">Ooh, red velvet. Looks delicious.
(set: $sCake to true)
(link:"ZAPP the cake!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+3)(go-to:"zCake")]
[[Take another look around.->palace]]</span>
<span id="content"><h1>ZAPP!!!</h1>
The woman vanishes, leaving behind her cake. You are just considering whether it'd be proper to take it when the servant swoops in and beats you to the punch.
The TSI buzzes as the ambient historical chaos climbs to $chaos%.
(link:"ZAPP the servant!")[(set: $chaos to $chaos+2)(go-to:"zServant")]
[[Walk out onto the balcony.->balcony]]</span>
<span id="content"><h1>ZAPP!!!</h1>
Given the abrupt lack of harpsichord, the servant looks remarkably confused. He stands and begins polishing the mantel of the room's fireplace.
The TSI clicks as the ambient historical chaos increments to $chaos%.
[[You hear a commotion outside...->waitVersailles]]</span>
<span id="content">(if: $zHarp is false)[The dulcet plinking of the harpsichord is momentarily interrupted by some commotion outside.] The woman gestures, and the servant gets up to go open a door and step out onto a balcony.
A moment later, the servant rushes back in. "Madame!" he cries out. "The people are revolting!"
The woman raises one hand to her mouth in shock. "What? Why?"
"Because they have no bread," the servant explains.
(link:"ZAPP the woman!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+8)(go-to:"zMarie")]
(if: $sCake)[(link:"ZAPP the cake!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+3)(go-to:"zCake")]
][[Wait and see what happens.->wait2Versailles]]</span>
<span id="content"><h1>ZAPP!!!</h1>
You briefly mourn the loss of a perfectly good piece of cake, but some sacrifices must be made for the greater good.
The TSI dings as the ambient historical chaos ticks up to $chaos%.
Try as you might, none of this seems to be working out quite right.
[[Walk out onto the balcony.->balcony]]</span>
<span id="content">The woman's eyes drift down to the plate in her hand. She smiles, looking a little relieved.
"Well, then, let them eat cake!"
(link:"ZAPP the woman!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+8)(go-to:"zMarie")]
[[Walk out onto the balcony.->balcony]]</span>
<span id="content">When you step outside, you can see more clearly what's going on. You're standing on the second floor balcony of a palace, looking out into a large open courtyard. Right now that courtyard is full of angry, shouting people, many of them women.
This whole traveling through history thing is starting to look like a total disaster. You've got to find a solution, because you're rapidly losing hope that you'll ever get out of here.(if: $hasCake)[
At least you have some cake. You take a bite. It's really good!]
(link:"Continue onwards.")[(set:$tsitime to "???")
(set:$tsiplace to "???")
(go-to:"portal7-1")]</span>
<span id="content"><h1>ZAPP!!!</h1>
Okay, that was just *mean*. But now you have a plate of cake, I guess, and no one else to stop you from enjoying it.
The TSI bings as the ambient historical chaos ticks up to $chaos%.
(set: $hasCake to true)
[[Walk out onto the balcony.->balcony]]</span>
<span id="content">So here you are, in the basement laboratory, about to embark upon an adventure and/or explode. There's a lot of bubbling chemicals(click-replace: "a lot of bubbling chemicals")[several machines that beep and occasionally emit sparks(click-replace: "several machines that beep and occasionally emit sparks")[some human skulls with candles on them]] but you're pretty certain those are just for show. The really important device is clipped to your belt.
"Pay attention!" Dr. Malevolus says. "You must follow my instructions <em>exactly</em>. I will not tolerate failure!"
He jams a piece of paper into your hands, and then scuttles off to hide behind a piece of radiation shielding.
[[Check all your equipment one more time.->ms3]]
[[No time, let's go!->portal0-1]]
</span>
<span id="content">You never should have taken a job working for a mad scientist.
I mean, <em>sure</em> the pay was alright, and you didn't have a lot of other options, and you figured you would get used to the occasional bouts of maniacal laughter. At first, he seemed totally harmless, a rich eccentric playing around with science experiments that would never work.
And now, here you are, about to activate an experimental device that will either work and send you hurtling backwards through history, or fail and possibly explode.
[[And the job doesn't even cover health insurance!->ms2]]
</span>
<span id="content">The history-rewinder is pretty unassuming. It just looks like an egg timer that you've clipped to your belt. According to Dr. Malevolus though, there's a microfusion reactor inside it, so you should probably make sure not to drop it or anything. It's not exactly a time machine, but instead sends you into the collective unconscious of the past. So... theoretically you can't change what happens in the past, only the way those things are remembered.
On one wrist, you have the TSI, or temporal stability index. It's like a big clunky watch that tells you vital information about when and where you are, as well as giving a very general indication of how much history deviates from reality.
Finally, you have the Zero-degree Anomalous Potentiality Purger, which looks like a space-age raygun. You just point and shoot this thing and whatever you hit gets erased from the timeline. That is, if <em>any</em> of this stuff actually works.
Oh, and you have your labcoat and plastic goggles. Safety first!
[[Okay, let's go!->portal0-1]]
</span>
[[<img src="http://www.sundialtime.com/sundial/images/kids/spiral.gif" alt="You fall through a portal...">->ph1]]
<span id="titlebox"><h2>DESTORY HISTORY</h2> (link:"save")[(if:(savegame:"dhsave"))[saved!](else:)[Error: Could not save.]] (if:(saved-games:) contains "dhsave")[(link:"load")[(loadgame:"dhsave")]](else:)[load] [[restart->Start]]
(if:$tsion)[<span id="tsibox"><div id="tsititle">T.S.I. v0.9</div> CHRONOLOGIC LOCATION: (if: $tsitime is "N/A" or $tsitime is "???")[<div id="tsibad">$tsitime</div>](else:)[<div id="tsiright">$tsitime</div>] GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: (if: $tsiplace is "N/A" or $tsiplace is "???")[<div id="tsibad">$tsiplace</div>](else:)[<div id="tsiright">$tsiplace</div>] HISTORICAL INSTABILITY: (if:$chaos<10)[<div id="tsigood">$chaos%</div>](elseif:$chaos<30)[<div id="tsimed">$chaos%</div>](else:)[<div id="tsibad">$chaos%</div>] Z.A.P.P. STATUS: <div id="zappright">READY</div></span>]</span>
<span id="content">You tumble out onto some grass, your head still swirling from the journey. That was certainly an experience!
Amazingly, the history-rewinder seemed to work! You feel a little bit giddy, even though this raises a whole lot of questions. You're not certain if you're actually in the past, but you're definitely somewhere other than the lab.
As you stand up and take a look around, it seems like you're in a small clearing in the middle of a jungle. The plants here are out of control. Some of the ferns are twice as tall as you are!
[[Read Dr. Malevolus's instructions.->ph2]]
</span>
<span id="content">You take another look at the piece of paper Dr. Malevolus left you.
<div style="font: small-caps bold 24px Book Antiqua, serif; background-color:ghostwhite; padding: 20px 20px 20px 20px; width: 600px">Testing Requirements
1) Activate the History-Rewinder
2) Calibrate the Temporal Stability Index
3) Enact a controlled alteration of the timeline
DO NOT FAIL ME!!!</div>
Boy, that guy needs to chill out. You definitely did the first thing already, so you can move onto the second step.
[[Calibrate the TSI->ph3]]</span>
<span id="content">You check the device on your wrist. For a second, you think it might be broken, until realizing you just need to turn it on.
(link:"Turn it on.")[(set:$tsion to true)
(set:$tsitime to "APR 10, 147231392 B.C.E.")
(set:$tsiplace to "PREHISTORIC EUROPE")
(set:$chaos to 1)(go-to:"ph4")]
</span>
<span id="content">With a beep, the temporal stability index comes on. Numbers scroll across its readouts quickly for a moment before stabilizing.
Wow, according to this, you're in the very very very distant past. That can't possibly be right. Right?
A dinosaur runs out from behind a fern and freezes as it sees you. It chirps and then scurries away back into the underbrush.
Whoa.
[[Time to change history.->ph5]]</span>
<span id="content">Right, so, now you should change something. I mean, presumably even being here is changing history very slightly, but Dr. Malevolus assured you that natural temporal elasticity means that you would have to do something very deliberate for it to 'stick.'
That's why you have the ZAPPer. Just point and shoot, and something will vanish from history forever! You don't understand exactly how that works, but figure it's worth a try. It's not like you have to worry about time paradoxes - you're not <em>actually</em> in the past, but rather in <em>history</em>, a kind of collective unconscious about the past. So you can only change what people remember, not what actually happened.
Still, it feels like an awfully big decision to have to make. A butterfly flutters into the clearing while you ponder.
(link:"ZAPP the butterfly!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+2)(set:$zBut to true)(go-to:"zButterfly")]
(link:"ZAPP a fern or something!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+1)(set:$zFern to true)(go-to:"zFern")]
[[Actually, let's not ZAPP anything.->phNoZap]]
</span>(set: $zBut to false)(set: $zFern to false)
(set:$tsion to false)
<span id="content"><h1>ZAPP!!!</h1>
The butterfly vanishes, erased from history. You're not sure how much people remember about a single butterfly that's millions and millions of years in the past, but... presumably that one point of decision must have affected a tremendous amount of other things over time?
The TSI boops as the ambient historical chaos rises to $chaos%. Guess it couldn't have affected <em>that</em> much, then. Time must be pretty elastic after all.
Still, that should work as a test. Maybe you should report back to Dr. Malevolus?
(link:"Head back to the present.")[(set:$tsitime to "???")
(set:$tsiplace to "???")
(go-to:"portalp-1")]
(if:$zFern is false)[(link:"Actually, let's ZAPP a fern, too.")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+1)(set:$zFern to true)(go-to:"zFern")]]
</span>
<span id="content"><h1>ZAPP!!!</h1>
You fire randomly out into the jungle. It looks like you hit something or another, because the TSI beeps and the historical instability raises marginally to $chaos.
Worst case scenario, there's probably some poor botanical paleontologist in the present who suddenly can't remember what they've been studying for the past year. But at least you've finished the test for Dr. Malevolus.
(link:"Head back to the present.")[(set:$tsitime to "???")
(set:$tsiplace to "???")
(go-to:"portalp-1")]
(if: $zBut is false)[(link:"Actually, let's ZAPP that butterfly too.")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+2)(set:$zBut to true)(go-to:"zButterfly")]]
</span>
<span id="content">On second thought, you're not certain how comfortable you are with erasing things from history, even if they're relatively minor.
You've proven you can travel back in history... that's got to be good enough, right? Dr. Malevolus will probably be angry, but he's <em>always</em> angry, so it's a wash.
You hang around a moment, marveling at the gargantuan prehistoric flora. Then you hear something very big roar nearby and decide that you'd rather skip admiring the fauna.
(link:"Head back to the present.")[(set:$tsitime to "???")
(set:$tsiplace to "???")
(go-to:"portalp-1")]</span>
[[<img src="http://www.sundialtime.com/sundial/images/kids/spiral.gif" alt="You fall through a portal...">->lab1]]
(set:$tsitime to "N/A")
(set:$tsiplace to "N/A")
<span id="content">As you stumble out of the portal, you find yourself back in the basement laboratory of Dr. Malevolus. He pokes his head up above the radiation shielding to peer at you.
"You're back!" he exclaims. "Did you successfully complete the tests??"
(if: $zFern or $zBut)["Yes," you say.](else:)["Uh... yes," you say.] "I can hardly believe it, but your time machine actually works."
"It's not a time machine," Dr. Malevolus snaps. "But no matter! The first phase of my nefarious plan is complete!"
As he breaks out into hysterical laughter, you begin to have second thoughts about trusting him with the history-rewinder.
[[Try to sneak away.->lab2a]]
[[Ask about his plan.->lab2b]]</span>
<span id="content">You back away from Dr. Malevolus, edging towards the door. You're almost there when he notices.
"Hold it!" he yells out, and steps forward. He's got a device in his hand that looks a little like the ZAPPer. "Just where do you think you're going?"
"I think it's time for my break," you say, and then turn to flee.
<h3>(link:"ZING!!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+21)
(go-to:"lab3")]</h3></span>
<span id="content">"Oh, I'm going to rewrite history so that I'm the supreme ruler of the world," he says offhandedly. "You know, the standard supervillain stuff."
"How evil!" you say.
"Yes, yes, thank you." He pauses, pondering. "Oh, and I suppose I'll no longer have any need of your services. You've been a terribly incompetent employee, but I suppose things turned out alright in the end."
[[Ask if you get a severance package.->lab3a]]
[[Appeal to his better nature.->lab3b]]
[[Try to slip away.->lab2a]]</span>
<span id="content">Your vision blurs and a wave of nausea hits you. When it passes, you realize that Dr. Malevolus is gone. Looking up at the clock on the wall, you also realize that somehow an hour has passed.
His freeze ray works <em>too</em>? Boy, you really underestimated his inventions.
The history-rewinder is gone, of course, but you still have the ZAPPer and your TSI. From the looks of the TSI, Dr. Malevolus has already been busy with making alterations to the historical timeline. But maybe there's still something you can do to stop him.
[[Look around the lab.->lab4]]
[[Give up and go home.->endGiveUp]]</span>
<span id="content">"Why yes!" he says, grinning. "I have a particular reward for your service."
He reaches into one pocket and pulls out a raygun that looks kind of like the ZAPPer.
"Uh, that's not exactly what I meant," you say. "Aw, da--"
<h3>(link:"ZING!!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+21)
(go-to:"lab3")]</h3></span>
<span id="content">"I don't think you understand," Dr. Malevolus says. "If I wanted to create inventions to benefit humanity, I'd just go off and do that. But I dislike other people and would rather use technology to further my own selfish goals. It's nothing personal."
"Well, I won't let you," you say. "I have the history-rewinder. Take one step closer and--"
He points a raygun at you that looks kind of like the ZAPPer.
<h3>(link:"ZING!!")[(set:$chaos to $chaos+21)
(go-to:"lab3")]</h3></span>
<span id="content">You frantically search the lab, looking for something that might help. Finally, on a workbench you discover the prototype history-rewinder that Dr. Malevolus had first tinkered with.
It's not in great shape, and when you shake it, you hear something rattling around inside. You remember him ranting about the problems with it at one point: it causes the user to wind up at random distorted points in the timeline, rather than being able to pick their destination.
Still, it might be your best option. If you use this, you might be able to travel to where Dr. Malevolus has tampered with history and undo the worst of the damage.
(link:"Let's do it!")[(set:$tsitime to "???")
(set:$tsiplace to "???")
(go-to:"portal1-1")]</span>
<span id="content">After a while, you get used to living in Malevolia.
It only took a few weeks for Dr. Malevolus to use the history-rewinder to completely rewrite the past so that he's the most important person who ever existed. And then it was fairly trivial for him to assume control of the world.
Sure, everything is mostly awful now, but on the bright side, ever since 95% of the population was forced into compulsory industrial work for Malevolia, there are no wars or unemployment. It's definitely nothing worth complaining about. Because then the Doctor's secret police will drag you away for compulsory reeducation.
(set: $tsion to false)
<h4>**GAME OVER**</h4>
<h5>([[*try again from the beginning?*->Start]])</h5></span>
[[<img src="http://www.sundialtime.com/sundial/images/kids/spiral.gif" alt="You fall through a portal...">->convo1]]
<span id="content">You land in a crouch in the middle of a small clearing. Lush, overgrown jungle surrounds you. This all looks so familiar, and glancing at the TSI only confirms your suspicion.
You close your eyes and try really really hard to remember a time only a couple of hours in your (relative) past.
Behind you, you hear a *pop* sound, and when you open your eyes and turn around, you're face to face with yourself.
"Whoa," both of you say, at the same time.
[[Explain the situation.->convo2]]</span>
<span id="content">The other you looks a little doubtful. "How do I know that this isn't some kind of trick? Prove that you're me."
You go ahead and tell them the most embarrassing thing you can possibly say about yourself. You know, *that*.
"Fine," the other you says, their face red. "But still. I could give you the working history-rewinder, but then I'd be stuck here, right?"
You frown. "I'm pretty certain you're a memory and not real," you say.
"Boy, that's easy for *you* to decide. How do you know that I'm not the real one and you're fake?"
[[Point out that you're further ahead in time.->convo3]]</span>
<span id="content">"I guess that's true," they admit.
"Look, I'll leave you the broken rewinder," you say. "But you have to promise not to do anything crazy."
"Well, I wouldn't do anything you wouldn't do," they point out.
"Fair."
"There's just one more thing," they say. "So, say you do use this, and get back to the present, what then? What will you do with the history-rewinder?"
(if:$chaos<30)[[[Say that you'll destroy the device.->cStop1]]
](if:$chaos<5)[[[Say that you'll use it to fix history.->cFix1a]]](elseif:$chaos>30)[[[Say that you'll use it to fix history.->cFix1c]]](else:)[[[Say that you'll use it to fix history.->cFix1b]]]
(if:$chaos>30)[[[Say that you'll use it to destroy history.->cDest1]]]</span>
<span id="content">The other you nods. "Maybe that's for the best."
"You're not going to try and dissuade me?" you ask. "Convince me that it's too important of an opportunity to waste?"
They shrug. "I don't know. You've obviously thought it through, right? So there's some reason why you think this technology shouldn't be used."
[[Say that it's too dangerous to use.->cDangerous]]
[[Say that you don't have the right to decide history.->cNoRight]]
[[Say that it's too bothersome.->cBother]]</span>
<span id="content">(if:$chaos<10)["Hmm," the other you says. "Does history really `need` fixing?"]
</span>
"Hmm," the other you says. "Does history really `need` fixing?"
You point at the TSI. "Of course. See, there's still some instability in the timeline. Obviously, something is wrong."
"Yeah, but how well has fixing it worked out so far?"
"Cleaning up after Dr. Malevolus was good." You sigh. "But ever since then it's only made things worse."
"Exactly."
Suggest that maybe the TSI is wrong.
Insist you just need to try harder.
Note that the history you keep seeing is stupid.
"Hmm," the other you says. "Does history really `need` fixing? What exactly have you changed?"
"Nothing yet," you say. "Well, aside from getting rid of Dr. Malevolus and his anomalys. But this is too important and powerful `not` to use."
"But what makes you think you have the right to make those decisions?
Argue that you're smarter than most people.
Point out that people `already` change history.
Decide that you shouldn't change things, after all.
<span id="content">"What?!" the other you exclaims. "Why??"
[[Argue we'd be better off without the past.->cDestPast]]
[[Theorize that starting with a blank slate would be good.->cBlankSlate]]
[[Admit you just wanted to see what would happen.->cTrolling]]</span>
<span id="content">"Okay," the other you says. "But does history really *need* fixing? What exactly have you changed?"
"Nothing yet," you say. "Well, aside from getting rid of Dr. Malevolus and his anomalys. But this is too important and powerful not to use."
"But what makes you think you have the right to make those decisions?
[[Argue that you're smarter than most people.->cFixMalevolus]]
[[Point out that people *already* change history.->cFixAlreadyChange]]
[[Decide that you shouldn't change things, after all.->cFixDecideNo]]</span>
<span id="content">The other you stares at you. "You know that I can see the historical instability numbers too, right? I'd say you've done a pretty spectacularly poor job of 'fixing' anything so far."
[[Suggest that maybe the TSI is wrong.->cFixTSIWrong]]
[[Insist you just need to try harder.->cFixTryHarder]]
[[Admit you were doing things badly on purpose.->cDest1]]
</span>
<span id="content">"Okay," the other you says. "But does history really *need* fixing?"
You point at the TSI. "Of course. See, there's still some instability in the timeline. Obviously, something is wrong."
"Yeah, but how well has fixing it worked out so far?"
"Cleaning up after Dr. Malevolus was good." You sigh. "But ever since then it's only made things worse."
"Exactly."
[[Suggest that maybe the TSI is wrong.->cFixTSIWrong]]
[[Insist you just need to try harder.->cFixTryHarder]]
[[Note that the history you keep seeing is stupid.->cFixHistStupid]]</span>
<span id="content">"Hmm," the other you says. "But what, exactly, makes you any different from Dr. Malevolus, then? Other than the fact that he seems to realize that what he's doing is wrong, and is okay with that."
"It's different," you insist. "I'll be doing good."
"I see," they say, looking completely unconvinced.
[[Take the device by force!->cStealDevice]]
[[Point out that people `already` change history.->cFixAlreadyChange]]
[[Decide that you shouldn't change things, after all.->cFixDecideNo]]</span>
<span id="content">The other you throws their hands up. "Yes, people change history, but not with magic science guns! They write books or make websites or teach classes or film documentaries or work in museums."
"Well, they don't have this technology," you say. "I do. I can't waste that opportunity."
"I'm just saying, maybe this isn't the right way to do things." They look down at the history-rewinder. "But I don't know that I can argue any more with myself."
[[Assure them that you will be careful->cFixDecideYes]]
[[Decide that you shouldn't change things, after all.->cFixDecideNo]]</span>
<span id="content">The other you looks relieved. "Okay, good." They look down at the history-rewinder. "This is a big responsibility, so I'm holding you to your word."
You try to smile reassuringly.
They hand over the history-rewinder and you give them your broken one in turn. There's a moment of awkward pause.
"Good luck," you say at the same time. Then you share a laugh.
(link:"Continue onwards.")[(set:$tsitime to "???")
(set:$tsiplace to "???")
(go-to:"portal8-2")]</span>
<span id="content">Enough of this!
You dart forward, trying to grab the history-rewinder off of the other-you's belt. You catch them off guard, and snatch it, shoving them to the ground in the process.
"Ha ha!" you exclaim. "What do you have to say to *that*, past me?"
Then as you look down at them, you remember that they have a copy of the ZAPPer, too. Whoops.
<h1>ZAPP!!!</h1>
[[Try to figure out what happened.->endZAPPed]]</span>
<span id="content">It's a strange and painful feeling, being erased from history. On the bright side, it's not like you feel that way for more than an instant.
Police find you a few days later, wandering down the street in a daze. You can't remember anything about yourself. And despite all their work in tracing your fingerprints, no one else can either.
On the plus side, you don't feel bad about having screwed up, because you won't ever remember it in the first place.
(set: $tsion to false)
<h4>**GAME OVER**</h4>
<h5>([[*try again from the beginning?*->Start]])</h5></span>
<span id="content">"Yes, maybe it's wrong, but maybe it's *right*," the other you argues. "I'm a little worried that if that number gets too high something really bad will happen."
"I'll be careful," you say.
"Sure, but is it even worth that risk?"
[[Argue that it's important that things get fixed.->cFixHistStupid]]
[[Decide that you shouldn't change things, after all.->cFixDecideNo]]</span>
<span id="content">The other you glances at the TSI again. "I'd say you trying hard is the problem to begin with."
"Ouch. That's kind of mean."
"Sorry!"
[[Suggest that maybe the TSI is wrong.->cFixTSIWrong]]
[[Argue that it's important that things get fixed.->cFixHistStupid]]
[[Decide that you shouldn't change things, after all.->cFixDecideNo]]</span>
<span id="content">The other you blinks. "What do you mean?"
"Well, look at all the things I've seen. Historical misconceptions and myths that aren't even true."
"Yeah, but they still *matter*, right? Just because these things may or may not have happened the way people remember them doesn't mean that it's not important how they're remembered."
[[Argue that only facts should matter.->cFixFacts]]
[[Point out that history should be more inclusive.->cFixInclusive]]
[[Decide that you shouldn't change things, after all.->cFixDecideNo]]</span>
<span id="content">"That's pretty idealistic," the other you says.
"Thank you!"
"It wasn't a compliment. What about the ways that even these myths matter, historically? Even when not true, they say something about how people understand their past, and their relationship with the present. There's a reason why these things resonate and stick in people's heads, right?
[[Insist that myths should be erased.->cFixErasure]]
[[Point out that history should be more inclusive.->cFixInclusive]]
[[Decide that you shouldn't change things, after all.->cFixDecideNo]]</span>
<span id="content">"Huh?" the other you says.
"I mean, everywhere I've ended up at it's rich, powerful white people. And most of them men. Are those really the only people worth remembering? What about all the other people living during these times? Who's remembering their stories?"
"I guess you have a point..." the other you admits.
[[Assure them that you can make things better.->cFixErasure]]</span>
<span id="content">"Is erasure really fixing things, though?" the other you says. "Is that the right approach to dealing with even admittedly problematic history?"
"As compared to what?"
The other you shrugs. "Any number of alternatives. But providing more context or correcting the mistaken impressions, most obviously."
"That's a lot harder and less effective."
"Maybe. But what gives you the right to make such big changes like this without anyone else's input or consent?"
[[Argue that you're smarter than most people.->cFixMalevolus]]
[[Point out that people *already* change history.->cFixAlreadyChange]]
[[Decide that you shouldn't change things, after all.->cFixDecideNo]]
</span>
<span id="content">The other you frowns, still looking very uncertain. "Okay," they say. "I hope I don't regret this."
You try to smile reassuringly. "If it's any consolation, I'm pretty certain you're just a memory and will cease existing or whatever when I leave."
"Yeah, that definitely doesn't help," they grumble. They hand over the history-rewinder and you give them your broken one in turn. There's a moment of awkward pause.
"Good luck," you say. The other you just shakes their head and walks off to stare into the jungle.
(link:"Continue onwards.")[(set:$tsitime to "???")
(set:$tsiplace to "???")
(go-to:"portal8-1")]</span>
<span id="content">"But without the past, the present is incomprehensible," the other you argues. "I can barely even imagine a world without our understanding of the forces that shape it. I mean, maybe that's complete societal collapse. 'I have no idea!'"
[[Say that you're optimistic.->cShowdown]]
[[Say that you don't care.->cShowdown]]</span>
<span id="content">"How could that be good *in any way*?" the other you demands.
"Well, you know, sometimes a forest fire helps clear out the underbrush and provides room for new growth."
"Yes, but it also kills everything inside of it to do so. And guess what? We're *all* inside history."
You shrug. "It will probably be fine."
"What makes you think that?"
[[Shrug and say you're optimistic.->cShowdown]]
[[Admit you don't really care.->cShowdown]]
(if: $chaos >64)[[[Argue that the game gave you the options, so...->cMeta]]]</span>
<span id="content">The other you stares at you, open-mouthed. "You've got to be kidding, right? I never would have thought I could be so impulsive."
"Search your feelings, you know it to be true."
"Shut up."
[[Insist that maybe this is for the best.->cBlankSlate]]
[[Agree to stop breaking things now.->cFixDecideNo]]
(if: $chaos >64)[[[Argue that the game gave you the options, so...->cMeta]]]</span>
<span id="content">"Okay, now this is getting meta, and that makes my head hurt," the other you says. "If the game gave you the option to shoot yourself with the ZAPPer, would you?"
[[ZAPP yourself!->endZAPPed]]
[[Say that you've already seen that ending.->cMeta2]]</span>
[[<img src="http://www.sundialtime.com/sundial/images/kids/spiral.gif" alt="You fall through a portal...">->endAmbig]]
(set:$tsitime to "N/A")
(set:$tsiplace to "N/A")
(set:$tsion to true)
[[<img src="http://www.sundialtime.com/sundial/images/kids/spiral.gif" alt="You fall through a portal...">->endAmbig]]
(set:$tsitime to "DEC 25, 800 C.E.")
(set:$tsiplace to "ROME, ITALY")
(set:$tsion to true)
<span id="content">The other you throws their hands up in frustration. "Well then, what do you want? A good ending?"
You shrug.
"Okay, how about you win and everything is fine forever."
[[Ask if you can have some cake too->cMeta3]]</span>
<span id="content">"Didn't you already get some in Versailles?"
(if:$hasCake)["Yes, but I'm still hungry," you say.](else:)["No...?" you say.]
"Fine. Cake too."
"Oh, and..."
"Okay, no, since we're being meta I'm just going to decide that you're going to have your ending now, and you're going to *enjoy* it too."
[[Enjoy your ending.->endMeta]]</span>
<span id="content">Good news! Everything works out perfectly, and you change history to be exactly the kind of thing that you have always wanted it to be.
Also, Dr. Malevolus is alright and he's good now, and you work together to do great things. Unless you'd rather find fulfillment in some other way in your life, in which case you do that. Congratulations!
Also you have cake, I guess. It's delicious. So delicious that you start thinking about going and getting cake in real life. See what I did there?
(set: $tsion to false)
<h4>**THE END**</h4>
<h5>([[*start over from the beginning?*->Start]])
<span id="content">The other you's eyes narrow. "It doesn't matter how you feel. I... I can't let you do this."
In a flash, they point their ZAPPer in your direction. Alarmed, you raise your own in turn, so that the both of you are in a standoff, waiting for the first person to pull the trigger.
The other you grins. "I think there's something you don't realize. No matter who shoots who, *I win*."
<h1>ZAPP!!!</h1>
[[Try to figure out what happened.->endZAPPed]]</span>
<span id="content">The other you nods. "Yeah, you probably have that right. History is complicated! There's no telling how anything you do might affect everything else. And if things really get messed up... well, there's no telling what could happen."
"Exactly. So you'll give me the working history-rewinder?"
They nod.
[[Exchange rewinders.->cRewindGood]]</span>
<span id="content">The other you nods. "It's a big decision alright. You're effectively rummaging around in the minds of everyone on the planet, and that's pretty creepy."
"Exactly. So you'll give me the working history-rewinder?"
They nod.
[[Exchange rewinders.->cRewindGood]]</span>
<span id="content">The other you gives you a funny look. "So you're just too *lazy*? Well, that's certainly a reason. But I suppose it's good enough.
"So you'll give me the working history-rewinder?"
They nod.
[[Exchange rewinders.->cRewindGood]]</span>
<span id="content">They hand over the history-rewinder and you give them your broken one in turn. There's a moment of awkward pause.
"Good luck," you say at the same time. Then you share a laugh.
(link:"Continue onwards.")[(set:$tsitime to "???")
(set:$tsiplace to "???")
(go-to:"portal8-2")]</span>
<span id="content">You land back in the lab again, and everything is exactly like you remember it. You breathe a sigh of relief when you glance at your TSI. You're finally out of history and back to real life.
(if: $malevWin)[Dr. Malevolus looks up from a workbench where he's tinkering with something. "You!" he cries out. Then he points his freeze ray at you and tries to fire, but only gets a fizzling sound. "Hold on a minute while I find some more batteries," he says, and then scurries off deeper into the lab.](else:)[Dr. Malevolus wanders out from behind a machine. "Hello," he says amiably. "I hate to be a bother but... Where am I?" He frowns. "Also, who am I?"
Huh. Looks like erasing him from history had some unintended consequences. You're not sure how you feel about that. But you'll deal with it later.]
You still hold the history-rewinder in your hand.
What's next is up to you.
(set: $tsion to false)
<h4>**THE END**</h4>
<h5>([[*start over from the beginning?*->Start]])
<span id="content">When you're finally unfrozen again, you see that the Ferris Wheel is up and running. And there's a giant W spelled out in electric lights along it.
Wait, as it continues turning, you realize that must actually be an M. You start to get the feeling that insane mechanical genius or no, Dr. Malevolus isn't actually that clever in his attempts to upset history.
You still have your ZAPPer and the broken history-rewinder, but Dr. Malevolus has a good head start on you now. It's time to pick up the pace.
(link:"Continue onwards.")[(set:$tsitime to "???")
(set:$tsiplace to "???")
(go-to:"portal4-1")]</span>