Project Proteus

{ (if: (savedgames:) contains "bananarchy")[ (display: "bananarchy")] (elseif: (savedgames:) contains "thing")[ (display: "thing")] (elseif: (savedgames:) contains "thralls")[ (display: "thralls")] (elseif: (savedgames:) contains "fox")[ (display: "fox")] (else:)[ (either: (display: "bananarchy"), (display: "thing"), (display: "thralls"), (display: "fox"))] }

(savegame: "bananarchy", "Project Proteus")The shutters open. The eyes of the man in the teal suit grow wide with horror. "Dear God..." he breathes. "The botanical containment field has been breached!" In the room beyond the antechamber, a group of...forms...wearing lab coats stand, twitching faintly. Their skin--if skin it can be called--is waxy and yellow. In places, it appears to be peeling. "Banana?" groans one of the creatures. It turns toward the man in the teal suit. [[It takes an unsteady step forwards.]]

(savegame: "thing", "Project Proteus")(display: "object logic")(display: "description logic")The shutters rumble upwards, revealing... "It's (display: "objectdetail a or an") $objectdetail (display: "description intro") $descriptiondetail," you say. "Exactly!" cries the man in the teal suit. "Project Proteus will combine { (if: $object is "animal")[(either: "adorableness", "fluffiness", "cuteness", "ruthless animal intelligence", "natural animal instinct", "fuzziness")] }{ (elseif: $object is "vegetable")[(either: "nutritional value", "ancient plant energies", "the plant-concentrated power of the sun", "the mysterious power of deliciousness", "deliciousness", "leafy goodness")] }{ (else:)[(either: "this most mysterious of objects", "this noble item", "this timeless object")] } with { (if: $description is "clothing")[(either: "undeniable stylishness", "impeccable dress sense", "a bold new direction in fashion", "eye-melting fabulousness")] }{ (elseif: $description is "condiment")[(either: "the mouth-watering taste of $descriptiondetail", "the great taste of $descriptiondetail", "a bold, hard-hitting flavour", "this most noble of condiments")] }{ (else:)[(either: "this unconventional container", "the convenience of a $descriptiondetail", "a bold, innovative package")] } (either:"in a way the world has never seen before", "in an unprecedented display of ingenuity", "in a way that shall surely benefit all mankind", "and, in time, revolutionise our outlook on the world!")!!!" (colour: yellow)[This is not what you'd consider to be the story of a lifetime.]

(savegame: "thralls", "Project Proteus")The shutters open. You spend a moment trying to work out what, exactly, you are looking at before it turns and lunges for the man in the teal suit. [[It is on him before he has time to scream.]]

"Can I offer you a drink?" asks the man in the teal suit. "[[Tea|drink]]? [[Coffee|drink]]?" He flashes a smile. "Perhaps [[something stronger|drink]]?" You suppose the offer is only polite, but you can't help but wish he would [[cut to the chase]]. If this really is "the story of a lifetime," you want to know what it is. You were expecting a whistleblower, some small cheese with a big secret. Not this toff in a tailored suit. And certainly not his bald, hulking bodyguard, breathing down your neck.

(set: $drink to true)You give your answer. It is only polite, after all. The man in the teal suit nods to his bodyguard. "Hans? Be a dear." Hans walks over to the sideboard, moving quietly for someone so large. You become suddenly aware of the sound of the waves breaking against the harbour wall outside. The beam of the lighthouse sweeps across the window, momentarily making the dim room bright. "I expect you're eager to find out what I have to tell you," says the man in the teal suit, after a lengthy pause. You admit that you are. "Yes..." he grimaces. "Well you see, I'm afraid that while I can assure you I am indeed offering the story of a lifetime, I'm not quite certain that what I'm offering is the story of //your// lifetime. This story would require a very...particular voice to do it justice, and while I was most impressed with your work in the Gazette...it's always different meeting someone face to face. [[Don't you agree?]]"

(set: $drink to false)You point out to the man in the teal suit that the hour is somewhat unsociable and that you would like to get right down to business, if at all possible. "Yes..." he grimaces. "Well you see, I'm afraid that while I can assure you I am indeed offering the story of a lifetime, I'm not quite certain that what I'm offering is the story of //your// lifetime. This story would require a very...particular voice to do it justice, and while I was most impressed with your work in the Gazette...it's always different meeting someone face to face. [[Don't you agree?]]"

You do agree. You agree because trying to argue otherwise would only derail the conversation, and you want to know where this is all going. "Excellent." There's that smile again. "I had a feeling you would understand. It will take a keen mind to appreciate what I am to show you--if I am to show you--and a keen pen to describe it to the masses." (if: $drink is true)[ The bodyguard brings a tray over to the table and sets it down without a sound. There is only one drink on the tray. It is yours. You take a sip. It is only polite, after all.](else:)[ There is a pause. A pause that continues for just a little too long.] "Tell me," says the man in the teal suit. "Do you believe in fate?" This isn't the sort of question you thought you'd have to answer: not that you thought you'd have to answer at all. It is precisely the sort of question an employer would ask when trying to single out a candidate based on personality, rather than skill. The sort of question that says "I don't care how qualified you are: I just want to know that you'll fit in with the yes-men I already have." You're half-tempted to [[tell him "no"]] just to be contrary, but the odds are 50-50 that's what he wants to hear. Also, you're not certain that deep down you don't [[believe in something more]]. Since there's no way to guess what kind of response would serve you best, you suppose you might as well answer honestly.

{  (set: $drink to false) (set: $fate to false) (set: $gunseen to false) (set: $Hans to "alive")   (set: $object to "none") (set: $objectdetail to "none") (set: $description to "none") (set: $descriptiondetail to "none")  (set: $chase to 0) (set: $foe to "none") (set: $monitor to 0)  (set: $name to "Todd") (set: $disposition to 0) (set: $questions to 0) (set: $Lawson to false) (set: $cage to "none") (set: $pills to "none") (set: $code1 to "none") (set: $code2 to "none") (set: $code3 to "none") (set: $code4 to "none") }

(set: $fate to false)The man in the teal suit laughs. "It's true. We all make our own choices in life." He stands(if: $drink is true)[, leaving you to your beverage,] and walks to the window. He stares out at the lighthouse across the harbour, watching as the beam sweeps out across the sea. "But," he continues, after what seems like an unnecessarily long dramatic pause, "not every choice is ours to make. You chose to come here, but it was I who chose to extend the invitation. I shall choose whether or not you are the right person for this task, but it is for you to choose whether or not you accept it. No matter what choices either of us make individually, the outcome--the way in which these events change our lives--is beyond our power to influence for ourselves. Choice is ours, but change...[[change is beyond our control]]."

(set: $fate to true)"Yes," says the man in the teal suit. "I too think that there is something...some force...leading us onwards." He stands(if: $drink is true)[, leaving you to your beverage,] and walks to the window. He stares out at the lighthouse across the harbour, watching as the beam sweeps out across the sea. "But," he continues, after what seems like an unnecessarily long dramatic pause, "there are also things we can choose for yourselves. You chose to come here, while I chose to extend the invitation. I shall choose whether or not you are the right person for this task, and it is for you to choose whether or not you accept it. However, no matter what choices either of us make individually, the outcome--the way in which these events change our lives--is beyond our power to influence for ourselves. Choice is ours, but change...[[change is beyond our control]]."

"What I have to show you will undoubtedly change the world. The time has come to present my work to the world, though practical considerations prevent me from revealing absolutely everything. Hans?" The bodyguard retrieves a piece of black fabric from his inside suit pocket. "Though the people must be made aware of what I wish to show you, I'm afraid I cannot allow anyone to know where it is. Not now. Not yet. I must regrettably, therefore, make certain provisions for the journey there." The man in the teal suit indicates for Hans to step forward. He does so, handing you the piece of black fabric. You see now that it is a sack. You gather that you are expected to [[put the sack over your head]], though you are inclined to [[refuse]].

You tell yourself that this is not unheard of. That it would make a degree of sense, if what the man in the teal suit wishes to share is as ground-breaking as he suggests. Nevertheless, you feel very vulnerable as [[Hans leads you towards the door]].

(set: $gunseen to true)The man in the teal suit gives a disappointed sigh. "I assure you, if I meant you any harm, you would know by now." Hans tugs at the lapel of his jacket, revealing a revolver in a shoulder holster. His point made, he smooths the fabric with a chunky hand. "This is a rather remote area of the docks. There is no paperwork linking me or my company to this office, and I very much doubt that anybody would notice the sound of a gunshot." He smiles again. "I realise this all sounds suspicious, but the point to take away is that were I //not// about to reveal a discovery of international significance, the bag would not be necessary." You suppose that this is true. Given the situation you're already in, choosing to [[put the sack over your head]] would hardly make any difference. But still, you are more inclined to take the opportunity to [[walk away]].

You step out into the night and make a series of sharp turns through what you gather are narrow alleys between warehouses. You're not sure if this is a necessary part of the journey or if Hans and his employer are simply trying to disorient you. Finally, you step out into a more open space. You can make out bright dock lights through the fabric of the sack, and the smell of the sea is strong. You are at [[the waterfront]].

This whole situation is very suspicious. You thank the man in the teal suit for offering you this opportunity--it is only polite, after all--but make known your intention to leave. "A shame," says the man in the teal suit. "Perhaps you weren't the right person for this task after all." You step out of the office and into the night. It is only a minute or so later that you begin to think about the long, cold walk home, and the next day's story: a politician in scandal, perhaps, or some petty crime. Have you made a mistake in passing up this chance? Was this [[the right thing to do]], or should you [[return to the office]].

You push all doubt from your mind. Yes, this sounded like quite the opportunity. It //could// have been the story of a lifetime. But all in all you feel as though you were right to avoid the risk. (colour: yellow)[You make your long way home.]

You walk briskly back to the office and push open the door. The room is empty. (colour: yellow)[The man in the teal suit is gone.]

Hans leads you up a steeply sloping ramp. The ground sways beneath you: this is the gangway to a ship. Wherever you are going, it is not on the mainland. You are guided carefully down a steep set of stairs. A floor above, [[a metal hatch is locked down tight]]. You hear the wheel squealing as it is turned.

The ship's engines rumble into life. You are led to a narrow wooden bench, where you sit, wondering with some embarrassment whether or not you were expected to take the bag off your head by now. "Stop engines!" calls a voice far ahead of you. "Switch to battery power!" There is a faint shudder through the ship as the engines stop once more. You're not quite sure why the man in the teal suit made such a fuss over such a short journey. Surely you're still in sight of the docks... "Close main induction and prepare to dive!" Wherever you are going, [[it is not on the surface]].

Aware of nothing but the hum of motors and the beating of propellers, you have no idea what distance you have travelled by the time the journey ends: only that it has taken quite a while. Someone--you assume Hans--leads you back up the stairs and back down the ramp: though of course you are not going back to the same place as before. You walk a short distance and pass through a doorway: though you only realise that this is the case when you hear the door click shut behind you. "You may take the bag off now," says the man in the teal suit. "I'm sorry for the inconvenience." You pull the sack off your head, taking a welcome breath of fresh--if chilly and metallic--air. You discover that you are in a sort of antechamber. From the crates stacked nearby, and the two large sets of shutters in opposite walls, it appears that this is a temporary storage area for items unloaded from the submarine, but not yet taken into the...whatever this place is. The teal suit enters a keycode to open the inner set of shutters. "Welcome," he says with a flourish, "to [[Project Proteus]]."

"This was supposed to solve world hunger!" sobs the man in the teal suit, apparently oblivious to the triploid horror advancing on him. "But now we're doomed! Soft fruit of doooooooomed!!!" Hans whips (if: $gunseen is true)[the](else:)[a] revolver from his jacket, but it is too late. The creature is too close. There is no saving the man in the teal suit. "Bananaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!!!" he yells, as the manbanana mauls him. The noise seems to spur the other creatures into action. They begin to shamble forwards. "Banana banana banana banana..." they moan. The urge to [[flee this room]] is almost overpowering, but you force yourself to consider other options. Hans is armed: you might do well to [[stick with him]]. Alternatively, you may still be able to [[get back on board the submarine]].

You flee the room, running toward you know not what, but knowing that there is no hope for you here. "Banana banana banana banana..." mumbles the small crowd of manbananas as they begin to pursue you. One of them slips up, which you suppose is to be expected given that their feet are made of banana peel. It would be funny if it wasn't trying to kill you, and if the creature itself weren't a lost, tormented thing: man reduced to nightmarish parody of man. You turn down a hallway and find yourself at a junction. There is a sign, indicating that turning left will take you to the [[Plantain Processing Platform]], while turning right will take you to the [[Banana Boson Battery|Banana Boson Battery Bad]].

Hans brutally blasts the bananas with bullets, administering agricultural aggression against atrocious odds. Peel and pulp pepper the place, the horticultural horde howling horribly. Suddenly, the shooting (and also the alliteration) stops. "Gott im Himmell!" cries Hans, staring at his revolver (which is suddenly bendy, yellow, and rich in potassium). "It's spreading!" The mass of manbananas closing in, he makes a brave last stand. "Pew! Pew!" he shouts optimistically, making shooting motions with the banana in his hand. The manbananas don't play along. One of Hans' foes draws just a little too close, and he kicks it into the crowd, clearing some space. He turns to you. "There's a banana slicing machine at the centre of the facility. Get to it! It's your only hope!" The circle closes in. "Aaaaaaargh!" yells Hans, as he is overpowered by deliciousness. "Go! Get to the choppa!!!" His shouts echo in your ears as you [[flee the room|flee this room]].

You tug open the door you just came through and dash back into the submarine bay. But there is no submarine. There is only a giant, floating banana. "We all live in a yellow submarine!" wails a sodden submariner, huddled in a foetal position by the waterside. "A yellow submarine! A yellow submarine!!!" As the horde of manbananas bursts through the door after you, you consider that, somewhat ironically, your hunt for Red October has proven fruitless. (colour: red)[In Soviet Russia, banana eats you!]

There are a lot of buttons and switches in this palce. A //lot// of buttons and switches. There's a [[small, blinking button]], (if: (history:) contains "unlit yellow button" is false)[an [[unlit yellow button]]](else:)[a pre-sucked yellow Jolly Rancher], a [[white button labelled "S.A.P.T.R.]], and of course a [[big red button]]. There's also (if: (history:) contains "small switch with a protective cover" is false)[a [[small switch with a protective cover]]](else:)[the switch to activate the console's cup holder], and a [[whopping big lever]] on the wall: the sort of whopping big lever a mad scientist might use to reanimate a bolt-necked monster.

You turn down the corridor towards the Banana Boson Battery, and immediately experience an overwhelming sensation of banana. It is as though all your life has been banana one banana, and suddenly banana banana truly banana. The feeling is both unsettling and banana. It banana you to question banana banana banana banana. Banana only course banana action banana banana [[press onwards]], however banana banana [[banana banana banana]].

You press the small, blinking button. It stops blinking. You press it again. It starts blinking again. Unsure whether or not this has accomplished anything, you elect to [[try something else|Plantain Processing Platform]].

You press the unlit yellow button. It's very sticky. Nothing happens. You press harder. On closer inspection, this is not a button. It is a Jolly Rancher. At some point, somebody has started eating a Jolly Rancher, then for whatever reason taken it out of their mouth and stuck it to this console. Gross. You should probably [[try again|Plantain Processing Platform]].

A hidden panel in a nearby wall slides upwards, revealing a metallic robo-skeleton with glowing red eyes. It strides purposefully from its alcove before turning sharply to face you. "Hi!" it says, with an amicable wave. "I'm S.A.P.T.R., the Self-Aware Pie-Throwing Robot. What task would you like--" "Banana banana banana banana!" clamours the crowd of ravenous manbananas, bursting into the room. "Oh, never mind," says S.A.P.T.R. "I'm supposed to feed these guys, right? They look pretty hungry." Ducking back into the alcove whence it came, the robot picks up a precarious tower of golden-brown pies. It hurls one like a frisbee, the metal pie tin decapitating one manbanana and splattering three nearby with scalding apple centre. "I was designed to deliver pies to starving children in Africa," says S.A.P.T.R., hurling another pie with enough force to knock another manbanana off its feet and through a plate glass window. "The lab boys still haven't managed to get approval for it, though. There's a lot of red tape." A third pastry missile punches a neat, pie-shaped hole through a banana torso. "Bureaucracy, huh?" You're not quite sure what to say to this. "You should probably go ahead and get over to the [[Banana Boson Battery]]," says S.A.P.T.R. "I'm no expert, but it looks as though there might be some kind of problem with the botanical containment field."

You hit the big red button. "SELF-DESTRUCT SEQUENCE INITIATED," bellows a sexy robot voice. "DO YOU WISH TO ABORT SEQUENCE?" =><= [[YES]] / [[NO]]

You lift the protective cover and flip the switch. (text-style: "rumble")[The room shakes momentarily as some behemoth of a machine shudders into life.] (text-style: "blink")[(colour: red)[Red hazard lights flash on and off.]] A sexy robot voice bellows an announcement: "BEVERAGE RETENTION DEVICE ACTIVATED!" Slowly, ponderously, the console in front of you puts forth a mysterious plastic...it's a cup holder. You've found the switch for the cup holder. You should probably [[have another go|Plantain Processing Platform]]

You pull the whopping big lever. Chains rattle. Lightning flashes across spires of mysterious machinery. A hanging table with a giant humanoid banana on it descends from the ceiling. All is quiet for a moment. Then, the banana's fingers begin to twitch. "Raaah..." it groans, sprouting neck bolts. "Raaaah...RAAAAH!!!" The giant manbanana breaks its bonds and begins to stomp around the room, tearing heavy banana processing machinery from the floor and hurling it around as though it were mere apple juicing equipment. "Fuitenstein smash!!!" bellows the giant, beneckbolted manbanana. "Raaaah!" The crowd of manbananas that had been pursuing you enters the room, sees Fruitenstein, and flees. Fruitenstein gives chase. That's...not what you expected to happen, but it does leave you free to make your way over to the [[Banana Boson Battery]]. Something tells you that place probably has something to do with all this oddness you're experiencing right now.

"I WISH I HAD A MILLION DOLLARS AND A PONY," says the sexy robot voice. "BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN." You begin to suspect that this computer runs on Windows Vista. (colour: red)[However, you can't finish suspecting this because you explode.]

"GREAT," says the sexy robot voice. "THAT MAKES MY JOB A WHOLE LOT EASIER." On the plus side, you've got rid of all those nasty manbananas. (colour: red)[On the not-so plus side, you explode.]

You turn right...right into a swarm of lurking manbananas! "BANANABANANABANANABANANABANANABANANABANANA!!!" yells the swarm of manbananas. (colour: red)["NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" yells you.]

You come to banana place at the centre banana all things: banana place banana all points banana, and banana unfathomable reaches banana banana banana banana. At banana heart of banana Banana Banana Battery, you come upon banana. Banana is banana amorphous blight of nethermost confusion, banana blasphemes and bubbles at banana banana of all infinity: banana boundless banana-banana Banazathoth, whose banana no lips banana banana aloud! (text-style: "smear")["BEHOLD BALEFUL BLAZE BEYOND BLIND BEATING,"] gargles Banazathoth. (text-style: "smear")["BEING BEYOND BRIGHTNESS, BLEAK BEYOND BREAKING, BRILLIANT BEYOND BRINGERS' BOUNTY, BANANA BANANA BANANA!"] The very banana of Banazathoth banana your eyes banana and banana banana prickle banana agony. Banana scream with banana banana reality asunder. Banana you banana. Banana must banana. Banana banana [[resist]].

[[About half-past two.|press onwards]]

Banazathoth banana banana displeasure. (text-style: "smear")["BOLD, BARBAROUS! BRAZEN BLOKE, BE BEWITCHED BY BANAZATHOTH! BOILING BEYOND BRILLIANCE, BROODING BEYOND BETRAYAL! BOW! BE BELITTLED BY BAFFLING BRIGHTNESS!!!] (if: (history:) contains "small, blinking button")[Banana curious banana. You banana banana growing banana. Slowly banana surely, [[banana come to see banana]].](else:)[Banana futile. Banana banana banana banana [[yield]].]

Banana banana banana. Banana? Banana. Thousand years' torment banana. Banazathoth's banana banana banana uncontested banana. Banana banana banana banana, banana never banana. Even banana banana grows banana, the whole world banana. In time, banana stretches banana banana banana, and then only banana. (colour: red)[Banana banana banana banana banana banana, banana banana banana banana.]

Banazathoth banana banana. A hint of banana flashes banana billion eyes, banana like a ripple. Terror banana banana terrible, fear banana fearsome, doubt banana dubious! (text-style: "smear")["BLINKING BUTTON?"] Banazathoth banana, its banana the whisper banana ten thousand dread banana. (text-style: "smear")["BE BOUNTEOUS: BREAK BLINKING BUTTON. BANISH BARBAROUS BLINKING BUTTON! BEHIND BIGGEST BETRAYAL, BLINKING BUTTON!!! BEAUTEOUS BANAZATHOTH BE BANANAAAAAAAaaaaaaaa......."] You hear the unmistakable sound of a multidimensional banana vortex peeling itself inside out, and Banazathoth is gone. (colour: green)[You're not quite sure how, but you seem to have sorted this all out. Now to write your story! The people have a right to know.]

(either: (display: "clothing"), (display: "condiment"), (display: "container"))

(either: (display: "animal"), (display: "vegetable"), (display: "mineral"))

{ (set: $object to "animal") (set: $objectdetail to (either: "ferret", "mole rat", "capybara", "mallard", "squashed-looking pug", "gibbon", "mongoose", "weasel", "stoat", "big ugly rat", "Shetland pony", "grizzly bear")) }

{ (set: $object to "vegetable") (set: $objectdetail to (either: "orange", "banana", "grapefruit", "celery stalk", "ugly fruit", "head of lettuce", "aubergine", "carrot", "bag of mushrooms", "bunch of bananas", "lemon", "lime", "rose bush")) }

{ (set: $object to "mineral") (set: $objectdetail to (either: "cardboard box", "bowling ball", "can of beans", "giant bronze statue of an anteater", "big chunk of asbestos", "small clay nugget", "limited edition Pikachu lampshade", "'80s VCR", "floppy disc", "floppy disc drive", "pair of binoculars", "signed photo of Nick Clegg", "//Ghost Rider// DVD", "iPod Nano", "creepy-looking mannequin", "lava lamp")) }

{ (if: $objectdetail's 1st is "a")[an] (elseif: $objectdetail's 1st is "e")[an] (elseif: $objectdetail's 1st is "i")[an] (elseif: $objectdetail's 1st is "o")[an] (elseif: $objectdetail's 1st is "u")[an] (elseif: $objectdetail's 1st is "'")[an] (else:)[a] }

{ (set: $description to "clothing") (set: $descriptiondetail to (either: "top hat and monocle", "Hawaiian shirt", "leopardprint onesie", "mankini", "pink, frilly tutu", "silk suit", "French maid's outfit", "police uniform", "cowboy hat", "bright orange t-shirt", "day-glo vest", "pair of threadbare clown trousers")) }

{ (set: $description to "condiment") (set: $descriptiondetail to (either: "gravy", "melted cheese", "salad cream", "mayonnaise", "salt and vinegar", "Thousand Island dressing", "Worcestershire sauce", "Tabasco", "garlic and herb salad dressing")) }

{ (set: $description to "container") (set: $descriptiondetail to (either: "children's play house", "cauldron of goat milk", "large glass bucket", "giant, hollowed-out pumpkin", "big fuzzy slipper", "hastily improvised nuclear bunker", "makeshift tent", "rustic alpine chalet", "bungalow", "cardboard box with the words 'time machine' scrawled in crayon on the side")) }

(if: $description is "clothing")[dressed in (display: "descriptiondetail a or an")](elseif: $description is "condiment")[covered in](elseif: $description is "container")[in (display: "descriptiondetail a or an")]

{ (if: $descriptiondetail's 1st is "a")[an] (elseif: $descriptiondetail's 1st is "e")[an] (elseif: $descriptiondetail's 1st is "i")[an] (elseif: $descriptiondetail's 1st is "o")[an] (elseif: $descriptiondetail's 1st is "u")[an] (else:)[a] }

Red stains spread rapidly across teal fabric. Hans whips (if: $gunseen is true)[the](else:)[a] revolver from his jacket, places the muzzle against the creature's head, and fires. A wash of grey-green sludge splatters across the floor, and a strong smell of mussels fills the air. You stand there in shock, wondering what this hideous thing could be, before realising that its lifeless form is wearing a white linen shirt. You may not know what it is, but you know what it was. The man in the teal suit lies motionless, his neck a mass of torn skin and loose tendons. From somewhere deeper within the facility, there is an angry screech. Hans stares at the body of his employer a moment longer, his free hand pressed to his head. "I have to stop this," he says. "I have to lock this place down. If Project Proteus escapes the facility..." Another screech, closer this time. You hear something rattle in the pipes running along the wall beside you. "[[Go back to the sub]]," he says, hastily, extracting the spent cartridges from his gun and replacing them with new ones. "I'm going to [[make a break for the main control room]]. It should be safe there, but if I can't stop this..." There are heavy footfalls--many heavy footfalls--in the hallway beyond the shutters. "People need to know."

You hurry back through the door to the submarine bay. The water is choppy, as though stirred by a propeller. Your stomach lurches: is the submarine leaving without you? Then you realise that the water is alive with...something. Human forms--encrusted with barnacles, draped with kelp--are clawing their way up the sides of the submarine. More still tumble out of drains by the dock and into the water. One sailor on deck beats at them with a wrench as they try to fight their way on board. Another waits at the hatch, anxious to close it. If you are going to [[board the submarine]], this will be your only chance. Otherwise, you will have to [[take your chances with Hans|make a break for the main control room]].

(if: (history:) contains "Go back to the sub")[You consider the mad leap onto the slick metal hull, and think better of it. Instead, you rush back through the antechamber, back to Hans. There is strength in numbers, which, given the frenzied horde you have just witnessed, is not much of a comfort. ]You explain to Hans that, under the circumstances, you think it would be best to stick together. And if the facility has to be locked down, you suppose it only makes sense to help any way you can. Hans leads you down a narrow hallway, towards a junction. He takes a left. You prepare to follow, but start back in surprise as you hear a gunshot. There are screeches from the left and the right. Hans backs into you, shooting at a crowd of figures in overalls that swarm towards the pair of you. One, hefting a length of pipe, falls, but almost immediately there is another in its place. Hans swings his empty weapon at its head, but there are still two more. You see the fallen body, seaweed growing out of its skull, splitting the scalp. You see the pipe. You could pick it up, could [[try to save Hans]], or [[you could run]].

The gangway having been knocked into the water during the struggle, you are forced to make a leap for the rail running around the deck. You succeed in grabbing hold of it. One of the creatures succeeds in grabbing hold of your legs. (colour: red)[The sailor with the wrench attempts to pull you aboard, but despite his efforts you are quickly dragged into the churning sea.]

(set: $Hans to "infected")You pick up the length of pipe and swing it at one of the approaching creatures, the metal crushing its limpet-encrusted head with a wet crunch. Hans succeeds in throwing his assailant to the ground, but another is upon him before he has a chance to turn around. You strike at it with the pipe, but it has already sunk its teeth into Hans' shoulder. Between the two of you, you manage to overpower it: the struggle is over, for now. With shaking hands, Hans reloads his weapon. "There's bound to be a medical kit in the control room," he says, grimacing. "I'll...I'll be able to clean it out." You take a look at the bodies littering the floor. With the growths, the plants and algae, the parasitic molluscs...they look unwell. //Infected//. Hans seems keen to [[move on]], but you've got half a mind to [[demand to know what's been going on here]].

(set: $Hans to "dead")You shove roughly past Hans and the creatures, trusting that you'll be able to find the control room on your own. As Hans' screams die away, you become aware of heavy footfalls behind you. At least one followed the moment you ran: it sounds as though there are more not far behind. This place is a maze of metal hallways. You turn a sharp corner and find yourself face to face with another of the creatures, saltwater streaming from its very pores. You shove it aside before it can react, feeling sodden skin yield beneath your fingers. At last you come to a door. You shove it closed and turn the hand wheel, feeling bodies thud against the other side. There is a junction here. You can turn [[left|left 1]] or [[right|right 1]], but without Hans to guide you there's no way of knowing which passage to take.

You pass through a sturdy metal door: the kind that might hold back water on a flooding ship. "[[This way.]]" Hans nods towards an unassuming corridor to your right. You start with surprise. There are little lumps running up his neck, apparently emanating from the bite on his shoulder. They seem to move, pulsing faintly. You tighten your grip on the pipe. Hans begins to walk down the corridor, [[his back to you|right 1]].

"There is a reason this place is at the bottom of the ocean," says Hans, pressing a hand to his injury. "It's not just to keep it secret. Mr. Lawson found something down here. Animal or artefact, we're not sure, but it..." There is a pause as he struggles to find the right words. "...it thinks. It speaks, in a way. Originally we tried to move it, but it would not be moved. It has power." He too looks at the misshapen forms littering the floor. "We just had no idea how much." Hans' expression suggests that he knows little more than you. This gives you no comfort. With a shudder, you suggest that it is time to [[move on]].

"Now..." Hans pauses at another junction, leaning heavily on the wall, "left, I think." The lumps on his neck are sharp, well defined, writhing beneath the skin. He is sweating profusely. At least, you think that's sweat. There is a briny smell in the air: a smell you last detected when your pipe connected with that creature's head. Hans begins to [[head down the hallway]]. Your hands tremble. You're not sure it's safe to follow, but you can think of only [[one alternative|left 2]], and the thought is not pleasant.

"We're here. Right...right at the centre." You have reached something of a dead end, but there are two doors, both closed. Hans opens the one on the left, sweeping the revolver across the room before stepping through. He slumps down in an office chair in front of a large security console. You shut the door and turn the large metal wheel in the centre to secure it. Hans stares at the computer screen in front of him. You hope he knows how to use the equipment here: it looks significantly more complicated than you were expecting. (if: (history:) contains "Go back to the sub")[Remembering how those creatures moved through the pipes in the submarine bay, y](else:)[Y]ou scan the walls and ceiling for vents, ducts, any possible way anyone--or anything--could get into the room besides that one door. A metallic thud makes you jump, but when you turn around you see that it is only that Hans has dropped his revolver. He turns to face you. (colour: red)[Hans' mouth extends all the way down to his collarbone on one side, teeth like a shark's protruding from the tendons of his neck. You raise the pipe, but he is upon you before you can bring it back down.]

(set: $chase to it + 1)(set: $foe to $gurgler)The passage does not go very far. At the end, you find only a single door, left ajar. You move to push it open, slowly, but stop just before your fingers reach the handle. There is a crash of metal inside--pans tumbling from a cupboard--and something gurgles. A shadow crawls across the floor as the thing in the room drags itself towards the doorway. You [[turn back and take the other passage|right 1]]. Whatever awaits you beyond this door, it is not the control room.

(if: (history:) contains "move on")[(set: $Hans to "dead")You lift the length of pipe, swinging it down onto the back of Hans' head with a sickening crack. He crumples to the floor. You stand for a moment, feeling oddly absent. It is as if all this is happening to another person entirely, and you are merely watching it unfold. Shrieks from the hallway behind you bring you back to the present. You step over Hans' body, trusting that you will be able to find the control room on your own. You tell yourself that this was necessary. That there was no other way. You hope that it's true. ](if: $chase > 0)[You hear feet dragging wetly behind you as you hurry through the facility. Whatever is following you is not moving quickly, but if you are forced to backtrack again you will have no choice but to face it. ]You come to another junction, one passage to the [[left|left 2]], another to the [[right|right 2]].

(if: (history:) contains "This way.")[(set: $Hans to "dead")You lift the length of pipe, swinging it down onto the back of Hans' head with a sickening crack. He crumples to the floor. You stand for a moment, feeling oddly absent. It is as if all this is happening to another person entirely, and you are merely watching it unfold. Shrieks from the hallway behind you bring you back to the present. You step over Hans' body, trusting that you will be able to find the control room on your own. You tell yourself that this was necessary. That there was no other way. ](if: $foe is "gurglur")[You press on, the dragging footfalls behind you fainter now, but still determined. Every now and then, a gurgling cry echoes through the halls. ](if: $foe is "clicker")[You run madly through the facility, the clicking, bristling monstrosity close behind you. ]You come to a dead end. There are two watertight doors, both sealed tightly. Rugged and utilitarian, there is nothing to set them apart. If the control room lies behind either, it could be on the [[left|left 3]] or the [[right| right 3]].

(set: $chase to it + 1)You pass storerooms, electrical closets, a row of lockers. You sense that this is not the way. The corridor turns to the left, and you begin to wonder if you are following the outer wall of the underwater facility. You push cautiously through a door at the end of the hallway. You hear engines, machinery: could this be the control room? No. It is some kind of pumping station, working to counteract the myriad of little leaks that must find their way into this place. You hear a rapid click. For just a moment, you assume it is one of the pumps. Then you see the monstrosity charging towards you, its head a mass of long, red spines: a sea urchin, bulbous and grotesque. You run. (if: $chase > 1)[Halfway down the corridor, you stumble into the creature that you first disturbed. Grey and bloated, it clutches at you. You attempt to beat it back with the pipe, but its sodden flesh absorbs the impact. (colour: red)[You are dead before the urchin reaches you.]](else:)[(set: $foe to "clicker")You rush back to the junction, taking the [[left passage|left 2]] this time.]

The control room. You hastily shut the door and turn the wheel to secure it. (if: $chase > 0)[You are not a moment too soon: as you step back, you hear fists, feet, beating at the steel, trying to get in. ] (if: (history:) contains "Go back to the sub")[Remembering how those creatures moved through the pipes in the submarine bay, y](else:)[Y]ou take a minute to scan the room for vents, ducts, any possible way anyone--or anything--could get into the room besides that one door, but besides the large console against one wall, the place is spartan, bare. The pipes here seem to carry gas, rather than water, and are too narrow for a body to possibly squeeze through. Reasonably certain that you are safe for the time being, you take a seat in front of [[the console]].

(set: $chase to it +1)You push open the door (text-style: "blur")[(text-style: "upside-down")[(colour: #000030)[witness me witness my glory]]] and immediately feel a wave (text-style: "blur")[(text-style: "upside-down")[(colour: #000035)[so long forgotton so great renewed]]] of nausea pass over you (text-style: "blur")[(text-style: "upside-down")[(colour: #000040)[a legacy writ in blood and skin]]] forcing you to double over, (text-style: "blur")[(text-style: "upside-down")[(colour: #000045)[risen from the abyss to rule from the depths]]] looking at nothing but the floor. The thing at the centre of the room is made of stone, or something resembling stone, but it is fluid, changing. It stands motionless, imposing, but at the same time seethes with life. It thrashes in its pool, sigils contorting, angles flailing, and the water is still as glass. Monolith and maker, idol and god, it is a thing both of this world and the void beyond. It rules this place now. And while you hold its gaze, it rules you too. It is only your body's weakness--your instinctive drive to look away from the boiling chaos of its material form--that prevents it from holding your mind in thrall. (if: $chase > 1)[(colour: red)[When your pursuer bursts through the door behind you, it is almost a relief.]](else:)[You back out of the room, eyes on the floor, and seal it off once more. Stil dizzy, fighting the urge to vomit, you [[open the other door|left 3]] and step inside.]

You are faced with a daunting array of options.(font: "Courier")[ (background: black)[=><= ''PROJECT PROTEUS'' <= SENSOR READOUT RUN DIAGNOSTICS DRAIN HOLDING TANK FLOOD SPECIMEN CHAMBER INITIATE QUARANTINE PROCEDURE ]]{(click-replace: "SENSOR READOUT")[(text-style: "blur")[(text-style: "shudder")[(set: $monitor to it + 1)i see without eyes(if: $monitor > 4)[(live: 5s)[(goto: "testify")]]]]] (click-replace: "RUN DIAGNOSTICS")[(text-style: "blur")[(text-style: "shudder")[(set: $monitor to it + 1)even dead life serves my will(if: $monitor > 4)[(live: 5s)[(goto: "testify")]]]]] (click-replace: "DRAIN HOLDING TANK")[(text-style: "blur")[(text-style: "shudder")[(set: $monitor to it + 1)i am the sea i am the tide(if: $monitor > 4)[(live: 5s)[(goto: "testify")]]]]] (click-replace: "FLOOD SPECIMEN CHAMBER")[(text-style: "blur")[(text-style: "shudder")[(set: $monitor to it + 1)no man no king can stop my rise(if: $monitor > 4)[(live: 5s)[(goto: "testify")]]]]] (click-replace: "INITIATE QUARANTINE PROCEDURE")[(text-style: "blur")[(text-style: "shudder")[(set: $monitor to it + 1)witness my glory testify to my greatness(if: $monitor > 4)[(live: 5s)[(goto: "testify")]]]]]}

You hear the wheel turn. Before you can stop it, the door is open. The man in the teal suit steps into the room. A small crab crawls up from his collar and burrows into the gaping wound in his neck. He opens his mouth, and a gout of seawater escapes. (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[(text-style: "upside-down")[through your silicon thrall]]] (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[(text-style: "upside-down")[i tire of projecting my words]]] (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[i tire of projecting my words]] (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[through your silicon thrall]] He does not so much stand as float, clothes and hair rippling, buoyed up by a force beyond your comprehension. He is no more than a puppet now, if he ever was before. (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[(text-style: "upside-down")[and the people must be told of my return]]] (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[(text-style: "upside-down")[my banishment of eons is at an end]]] (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[my banishment of eons is at an end]] (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[and the people must be told of my return]] The man in the teal suit smiles. (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[(text-style: "upside-down")[of this occasion]]] (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[(text-style: "upside-down")[to convey the proper gravity]]] (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[(text-style: "upside-down")[it will take a very particular voice]]] (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[it will take a very particular voice]] (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[to convey the proper gravity]] (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[of this occasion]] You are being offered an opportunity to [[serve]], though this is also an opportunity to [[resist|resist proteus]]

You nod, once, slightly. The contract is complete. You make your way back towards the submarine bay, the other servants of the rising god shambling alongside you. It's strange. Despite everything that's happened, despite this unbelievable, horrifying series of events, you've done exactly what you set out to do. (colour: "yellow")[You have your story.]

The spirit in the man senses your hesitation. (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[(text-style: "upside-down")[Will you [[serve]]?]]] (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[Will you [[serve]]?]] He...it...smiles again. (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[(text-style: "upside-down")[Or will you attempt to [[kill a god]] with a length of pipe]]] (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[Or will you attempt to [[kill a god]] with a length of pipe?]]

You strike not at the man in the teal suit, but at the narrow copper pipes running along the wall. The unmistakable smell of gas fills the room. (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[(text-style: "upside-down")[what will this achieve]]] (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[what will this achieve]] The man in the teal suit laughs. Then you drive the pipe into the screen of the console. His dead eyes widen in something like horror (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[(text-style: "upside-down")[no]]] (text-style: "smear")[(colour: black)[no]] He dives for the console, as though he could smother the sparking wire with his hands. You [[dive for the door]].

You dash out of the room and turn right, down the hallway. The creatures here stand silent, still, every ounce of the rising god's terrible mind apparently focused on the sparking screen and hissing pipes. Every ounce of your mind is focused on remembering whether you need to turn at [[the junction ahead|right 4]].

There is a deafening boom from the corridor behind you. No time to turn and look. You reach a junction: another [[left|left 5]], another [[right|right 5]].

The explosion is followed a moment later by the sound of water washing down the hall: a raging torrent flooding all behind you. Another [[left|left 6]]. Another [[right|right 6]].

A dead end. You attempt to turn back, but water is already washing down the hall: a raging torrent blocking your escape. (colour: yellow)[But still, you have stopped the rising god.]

(if: (history:) contains "you could run")[The water catches you, sweeping you off your feet. You slide down the hallway and into the door you shut to hold back the creatures that chased you after you abandoned Hans. Frantically turning the wheel, you haul it open before the water has a chance to rise high enough to prevent you from doing so. You step through. The creatures that pursued you before now lie motionless, the rushing seawater stripping the barnacles and kelp from their skin. ](else:)[The water catches you, sweeping you off your feet. You slide down the corridor, searching desperately for something to cling onto, and spot the floodproof door you first passed through with Hans. You succeed in stopping yourself against the doorframe, grasping the hand wheel before you are carried through. ]You tug the door closed and turn the wheel. (colour: green)[You have stopped the tide.]

The water catches you, sweeping you off your feet. For a moment, you wonder whether you will still be able to reach the submarine bay, perhaps swim to safety. But this corridor does not lead to the submarine bay: it leads only to an employee kitchen, and from there there is no way out. (colour: yellow)[But still, you have stopped the rising god.]

(savegame: "fox", "Project Proteus")The shutters rumble upwards, revealing...a room lined with bookshelves, furnished with leather armchairs and a thick carpet. You're not sure what you were expecting, but it certainly wasn't this. "Jarring, isn't it?" The man in the teal suit gives a small chuckle. "The transition between rooms is a little more sudden than what I originally had in mind, but it turns out there's just no good way to furnish a submarine bay. It's a very utilitarian space. We had the same problem with [[the laboratory]], though I imagine you'll want to get right on with [[the interview]]."

The beating at the door [[stops abruptly]].

The man in the teal suit pulls back a sleeve to check what is surely a very expensive watch. "I suppose there's time for a brief tour..." Hans looks at you, then leans down to whisper something in his ear. The man in the teal suit gives a short laugh. "I hardly think we need to concern Security with this." He turns to you. "This facility is entirely self-sufficient and its waste heat is distributed through a very sophisticated sea floor heat sink. Naturally I couldn't risk you snapping a photo of any coordinates on the submarine, but now that you're here? There's very little I can't allow you to see." Hans says no more on the matter, and the three of you head off [[towards the laboratory]].

The three of you set off into what is apparently a sizeable library. You remark that you can understand why the man in the teal suit would want to be interviewed here, rather than back in that dingy waterside office. "Interviewed?" he laughs. "A phone call would have sufficed if you were only going to interview me. No. I'm giving you an opportunity to speak to [[Todd]]." You are about to ask who, when you realise you are being led towards someone in one of the leather armchairs: someone hidden behind a very large newspaper.

The laboratory is actually rather small and unassuming. A slightly confused-looking technician points out some interesting pieces of equipment, but most of the discussion goes over your head. You gather that they're testing some kind of medicine: there are rabbits in cages at the back of the room, and the technician is keen to point out that the animal trials alone have more than justified the cost of development. You begin to get the impression that he's mistaken you for some kind of investor. The man in the teal suit seems similarly disappointed. "Well, hopefully this has given you...some idea what we do here. But I really think [[Todd]] is the best person to give you an introduction. He guides you back out into the library and towards someone in one of the leather armchairs: someone hidden behind a very large newspaper.

You notice very quickly that something is...off here. Though the person on the chair is //totally// obscured by the newspaper--presumably he has his legs tucked up behind it--the pages are only opened at a comparatively narrow angle. For a moment you wonder if he is simply very, very short, but something in the movement as a page turns suggests that there is far more to it than this. The paper folds shut, and you are too shocked even to jump in surprise. The man in the teal suit smiles. "I'd like to introduce Todd." Todd gives him a look. However, since Todd has the head of a fox, you'd have a hard time guessing exactly what the look means. "Please," he says, turning to you, "call me Proteus. 'Todd' is...[[a little on the nose]]." Todd, or Proteus, hops down from the armchair, landing neatly on little fox paws. If you hadn't seen this--hadn't seen him talk and move without any trace of wire or string--you might have thought that this was some elaborate, animatronic puppet. Some April Fools' joke. But no. The creature standing before you--standing upright and talking like a perfectly ordinary person--is a fox. A fox wearing a somewhat garish little suit. The man in the teal suit gives a nervous laugh. "It may seem a little obvious a name, but we had to choose something appropriately fitting for our mascot...our spokesman. For the purposes of your article, I trust you'll [[stick with the name we've selected]]. After all, "Proteus" was only ever a cryptonym for our project as a whole."

(set: $name to "Proteus")(set: $disposition to it + 1)You suggest that their spokesman should be able to speak for himself. The fox smiles. It's a little unnerving. "Thank you." "Well." The man in the teal suit is visibly displeased. "I certainly trust him to give a good account of our work here. And you to represent it to the general public. You must have questions?" (display: "questions")

(set: $name to "Todd")(set: $disposition to it -1)Naturally you agree to use whichever name would be most proper. The fox gives what you take to be a dismissive shake of the head. "Very well. You must have questions?" (display: "questions")

(if: $disposition > 1)[$name seems relaxed, happy to talk(if: $disposition > 5)[, but (display: "tealsuit") appears uneasy. You consider that your avenues of discussion have tended towards the fox himself rather than the project as a whole]. ](if: $disposition < -1)[(display: "tealsuitcap") seems happy with how the interview is going(if: $disposition < -2)[, but $name has become somewhat distant. You consider that your avenues of discussion have tended towards the project as a whole rather than the fox himself]. ](if: (history:) contains "What are you?")[(text-style: "strike")[What are you?]](else:)[ [[What are you?]]] (if: (history:) contains "Where are we?")[(text-style: "strike")[Where are we?]](else:)[ [[Where are we?]]] (if: (history:) contains "What do you do here?")[(text-style: "strike")[What do you do here?]](else:)[ [[What do you do here?]]] (if: (history:) contains "What is Project Proteus?")[(text-style: "strike")[What is Project Proteus?]](else:)[ [[What is Project Proteus?]]] (if: (history:) contains "Who is the man in the teal suit?")[(text-style: "strike")[Who is the man in the teal suit?]](else:)[ [[Who is the man in the teal suit?]]] (if: $questions < 5)[(if: $questions > 2)[You're conscious that the interview has gone on for a while now. It may be time to [[end it]].]](else:)[That covers everything. Your interview is [[at an end]].]

(set: $disposition to it - 1)(set: $questions to it + 1)(display: "tealsuitcap") gives a little start to hear you ask this. Nevertheless it is $name who speaks. "Do you mean '[[Where is this facility?]]' or '[[What is this room we're in now?]]'?"

(set: $disposition to it + 1)(set: $questions to it + 1)"[[I learn]]." $name spreads his arms. "That's what I'm asked to do. But I've developed a particular [[penchant for tailoring]]. You might have noticed my work even before you came here." He gestures to (display: "tealsuit").

(set: $disposition to it - 1)(set: $questions to it + 1)"Project Proteus was originally an effort to develop a powerful smart drug." "The animal trials were //extremely// promising," puts in (display: "tealsuit"). "All signs pointed to something that would allow a person of average mental capacity to learn a language in a weekend, memorise an encyclopaedia in a week..." "But for one drawback," interjects $name. "Project Proteus [[only works on animals]]." "Since then, [[the focus of the project]] has changed."

(set: $questions to it + 1)(set: $Lawson to true)"That would be Mr. Lawson, the brains behind this entire facility." The man in the teal suit leans over to look at your notepad. "It's actually //Doctor// Lawson, if you feel the need to mention me by name." "You might also mention that his PhD is in Economics," says $name. You share a smile, but consider that it would be best to move onto [[another question|questions]].

(set: $disposition to it + 1)(set: $questions to it + 1)(set: $Lawson to true)"The more typical question would be '[[//Who// are you?|Who are you?]]' but as to 'what,' I am a common or garden fox in a most uncommon situation. This project has produced [[others like me]], but so far..." $name gives a sharp yelp of laughter. "If you were to talk to them, you wouldn't get much of an interview."

(set: $disposition to it + 1)"I am Proteus: the face of this project, now that it is ready to be given a face. As the first [[small, fluffy animal]] with a human-like level of intelligence, this kind of media attention was [[always inevitable]].

(set: $disposition to it - 1)"In training rooms. In cages. Everything's been very hush-hush so far, but in the press to [[go public with the project]], it was decided that there would be only one spokesman. The others have been held back somewhat, I'm afraid. I can't help but [[feel partly responsible]]."

(set: $disposition to it - 1)You're curious as to why $name chose to specify "small" and "fluffy." Did anything...else come before? "Various dolphins. Chimpanzees. Gorillas. And a few billion humans, of course. Given the number of creatures that show something like human intelligence without the aid of drugs, I rather think the success of Project Proteus lies in producing one that can play its part in polite society." The conversation comes to a natural break: an opportunity for [[another question|questions]]

(set: $disposition to it + 1)You get the impression that $name is not entirely happy to be interviewed. "I don't object to the attention per se. However, ultimately I'd like to be known for what I've done, while it looks as though I'm going to be known more for what I am. But please, there must be [[more you want to know|questions]]."

(if: $Lawson is true)[Mr. Lawson](else:)[the man in the teal suit]

(set: $disposition to it - 1)(display: "tealsuitcap") takes this opportunity to speak. "A project of this sort simply wouldn't be worthwhile if we didn't eventually make it known to the public. Which, of course, is where you come in. Project Proteus could fundamentally change our understanding of the world--of life itself--and if these techniques are allowed outside the lab? Who can say what effect intelligent animals like Todd might have on society? Who can say what they might do?" "Quite," says $name. A silence falls. You sense that it is up to you to [[fill it|questions]].

(set: $disposition to it + 1)"It wasn't really up to me, of course, but if there wasn't this push to make me known to the world, then they might have been allowed to progress further. Just now they're not quite animal and not quite man. And it's...rather lonely, being the only one." (display: "tealsuitcap") quickly puts a word in: "Naturally we'll be hoping to repeat this success very soon. We just don't want to stretch ourselves too thin." There is a pause. (display: "tealsuitcap") speaks up again. "Surely you have [[other questions|questions]]?"

(if: $Lawson is true)[Mr. Lawson](else:)[The man in the teal suit]

(display: "interview resolution")

(set: $disposition to it - 1)"I'm afraid I don't know. And if I did, I wouldn't be at liberty to say. As it is, I imagine your guess is probably far better than mine." $name pauses for a moment. "My knowledge of the world is embarrassingly limited, I'm sorry to say. I remember London, which is to say I remember a lot of bins and dropped kebabs." He shudders. This might be an opportunity for [[another question|questions]].

(set: $disposition to it + 1)(set: $Lawson to true)"This is the library. For a place so far out of the way--I understand--the amenities here are really quite splended. There's also a rather large kitchen and a very quaint little lounge." He nods at the man in the teal suit. "Mr. Lawson is a man of impeccable taste. One simply couldn't expect to introduce an animal into polite society if their environment until then had been all breeze blocks and bare pipes." There is a pause. You consider asking [[another question|questions]], but $name continues. "It's still something of a gilded cage, mind you. As much as I welcome the freedom to wander about the facility, that freedom only extends a hundred yards or so in any direction." He shrugs. "It's a necessarily small place."

(set: $disposition to it - 1)"Since the purpose of Project Proteus is to demonstrate the intelligence-boosting effect of this drug, naturally I'm obliged to demonstrate some kind of intelligence myself. The [[tailoring]] is a part of that--a part I chose--though for the sake of appearances I've been instructed in [[various other areas]] as well."

(set: $disposition to it + 1)"Oh yes," continues $name. "It's frightfully difficult to find clothes to fit me. Naturally my first set had to be made by [[one of the staff]] here, and I suppose seeing the process while all this..." he gestures about the library "was new to me was what made me take an interest in it. I feel I do a pretty good job, though I gather [[my sense of colour]] is a little different to most."

(set: $disposition to it - 1)"One of the lab technicians. Certainly not anyone who really knew what they were doing. It's rare for anyone new to come here, and it's rare for anyone who's already here to leave. I believe you're the first 'visitor' we've had." You say that you're honoured. "Quite," says $name. You [[move on with the interview|questions]].

(set: $disposition to it + 1)$name looks up at you, his eyes narrowing to slits in the glare of the ceiling light. "I can see in the dark just fine, but colour is a challenge: especially at a distance. I've been told that the fabrics I choose tend to be a little brighter than most would go for--perhaps even a smidge garish. But to me, anything duller looks grey." That does go some way to explaining $name's brightly patterned jacket. Next to that, the teal suit you first noticed looks almost drab. You [[move on with the interview|questions]].

(set: $disposition to it + 1)"Certain animals, at least," says $name. "Given that the drug is rather difficult to synthesise, there are practical considerations as well. The animal must be large enough to study, with a reasonable level of intelligence, but not so large that providing an effective dose becomes prohibitively expensive. Foxes are one of the most viable options, rabbits another." $name laughs, or barks. You're not sure which. "Though that introduces its own problems..." "We tried cats at first," says (display: "tealsuit"). "They were...unpopular with the technicians." When pressed, (display: "tealsuit") will not shed any more light on the matter, though $name seems to find it quite amusing. You [[choose another topic of conversation|questions]].

(set: $disposition to it - 1)"We're still hopeful that we'll be able to develop a compound that works on humans," explains (display: "tealsuit"), "but for the time being this is still a remarkable breakthrough." "Yes," says $name. "I should say so." There is an [[uncomfortable silence|questions]], (display: "tealsuit") apparently oblivious to it.

(set: $disposition to it + 1)"A necessity in some ways--I can hardly buy clothes off the rack, don't you know--but a welcome diversion all the same. I'd like to make more of it, someday." $name seems to be thinking. You try to [[recall the questions|questions]] you were planning to ask.

(set: $disposition to it - 1)"This library is quite well stocked. I've had a reasonable education all round, but naturally there has been a focus on chemistry, biology, pharmacology..." He sighs. "I won't bore you with the specifics." There is an uncomfortable pause. You hasten to think of [[another question|questions]].

(if: $disposition > 5)[(display: "tealsuitcap") turns to you. "Marvellous," he says, flatly. "Thank you very much for your time. I'm sure you'll want to get all this written up and published as soon as possible. My secretary will pass on an information pack covering the basics of our work here, just to fill in any minor details our mascot may have neglected to mention..." He begins to lead you back towards the shutters to the submarine bay. "I dare say I'll have neglected quite a lot." $name is following. "Surely you don't intend to have your years of work conveyed through an interview of just a few minutes?" (display: "tealsuitcap") stops. ](unless: $disposition < -2)["Have you seen [[the laboratory|laboratory 2]]?" asks $name. "Or perhaps you'd care to [[take a look at my work]]?"(unless: $disposition > 5)[ (display: "tealsuitcap") nods approvingly.]]{ }(if: $disposition < -2)["Excellent!" says (display: "tealsuit"), beaming. "I can tell I was right to bring you here. I'm sure you'll produce a very good article indeed." "Yes," says $name, taking a few steps towards the shutters to the submarine bay. "I'm quite sure you'll want to begin working on it right away." "Oh," says (display: "tealsuit"). "Was there nothing you wanted to ask? Nothing about how you'll be presented to the world?" "No, no." The fox looks at you. "I'm sure you've chosen a journalist who'll tell precisely the story you want." You make your way [[back to the submarine]].]

$name leads you eagerly through the facility, stopping at a door which he opens with some ceremony. The room inside is small enough to make this whole affair seem somewhat comical. "My workshop," says $name. "It was originally just a storeroom--space comes at a premium here beneath the waves--but when it comes to working on this sort of thing I find it's more important to have a little peace and quiet than a lot of floorspace." You're not sure you agree. A number of brightly coloured garments hang from pipes on the ceiling in various stages of completeness. $name is short enough to walk comfortably beneath them--which makes you wonder how he managed to get them up there in the first place--but for you, stepping into the room feels like pushing your way through several sets of heavy curtains. When the fox points you towards a small, fold-up table, you're quite sure the group behind you can't even see it. This, you soon realise, is [[exactly the point]].

(if: (history:) contains "towards the laboratory")[You explain that you have seen the laboratory, actually. "Ah," says $name. "But I'll wager that you haven't seen what the animals there can do! Even on a comparatively small dose, the effects are quite striking."](else:)[$name gives a disapproving look at (display: "tealsuit"). "I would have thought that would be the first place to visit! You simply must see what the animals there can do." He looks at you. "I insist."] The fox gives you a gentle push towards the door to the lab. It seems an unusual gesture, until you realise that it was merely an excuse to drop something into your pocket.(set: $pills to "held") As you walk towards the lab with $name, Hans, and (display: "tealsuit"), you surreptitiously reach into your pocket. The "something," you discover, is a small handful of chalky white pills. Does the fox expect you to [[smuggle these out]]? (display: "tealsuitcap") has been cautious enough so far that you suspect you will be searched before you leave. You might get in very serious trouble if you don't [[reveal what you have been given]]. (if: $gunseen is true)[Hans' revolver weighs heavily on your mind.]

[[Back to the surface.]]

You certainly have the story of a lifetime. (colour: yellow)[But you can't shake the feeling that it is not the //whole// story.]

You say nothing about the pills. If they are discovered, you may be able to plead ignorance, may be able to shift suspicion onto the fox, but you tend to doubt it. All you can do is hope that nobody searches you. And that $name is not trying to set you up. You reach the door to the laboratory. "Sorry, Todd." A technician by the door addresses him with a tone of mock gravity. "No foxes in with the rabbits. You know the rules." $name raises two fingers at her. The gesture seems excessively rude. Judging by the expression of the technician and (display: "tealsuit"), it certainly seems to be out of character. You step into the lab, [[leaving $name behind|laboratory 3]].

You take the pills out of your pocket and bring them to the attention of (display: "tealsuit"). $name takes a small pair of sewing scissors out of his pocket and drives them into the side of Hans' knee. As he topples to the floor, screaming, the fox reaches inside the bodyguard's suit and pulls out his revolver. He cocks the weapon, pointing it at (display: "tealsuit"). "Be a dear and open the door to [[the submarine bay]]," he says. "There's a good chap."

A small crowd of technicians watch in horror as (display: "tealsuit") makes his way towards the shutters, under duress. You look to Hans, but he is still lying on the floor. He is speaking quietly into a walkie-talkie, but you can't imagine anyone was prepared for this. You follow as (display: "tealsuit") and the fox approach the shutters, but can only watch as, one by one, with great reluctance, he enters each letter of the code. The shutters begin to rattle upwards. $name leaps in surprise, whipping the revolver downwards, and there is a deafening bang. It is only when he topples backwards, and you see the submariner lying beyond the shutters, shotgun pointed through the expanding opening, that you realise it was not the fox who fired. "Nobody can know about this," says (display: "tealsuit"), wiping the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief. He looks to you, and so does the submariner with the gun. (colour: red)["Nobody."]

"I, uh..." the technician laughs nervously. "I'm afraid the rabbits aren't nearly as advanced as Todd, but on the bright side they are more polite." "He's //never// done that before," says (display: "tealsuit"), clearly embarrassed. You come to a line of cages. There are no names, only numbers: {(link:"One")[(set: $cage to "one")(goto:"rabbit")], (link:"Two")[(set: $cage to "two")(goto:"rabbit")], (link:"Three")[(set: $cage to "three")(goto:"rabbit")], (link:"Four")[(set: $cage to "four")(goto:"rabbit")], (link:"Five")[(set: $cage to "five")(goto:"rabbit")].} "Take your pick," says the technician. "They may look pretty ordinary, but I'm sure you'll be impressed by what any of these animals can do."

You approach the cage. The rabbits observe you closely which, you suppose, is a perfectly ordinary thing for rabbits to do. However, there is something in the intensity of their gaze that seems decidedly out of the ordinary. Something uncanny. Under the casual supervision of the technician, you open the cage. It occurs to you that, facing away from the rest of the group, it would be easy enough to [[drop the pills inside]] without being observed as you reach to [[pick up the rabbit]].

(set: $pills to "placed")You retrieve the handful of pills from your pocket with as much subtlety as you can muster, then scatter them across the rabbit's bedding. The animal regards you as you do this, but does nothing. You [[pick up the rabbit]].

As you reach under the rabbit to lift it, you realise something is...off, somehow. All the little bones feel just ever so slightly out of place, and the way the joints bend is not quite right. This is, you suppose, to be expected of an animal that is on its way to walking about on its hind legs and wearing a little suit. You carry the rabbit over to a table the technician indicates. There is a board here with various symbols printed on. "Orange star," says the technician. The rabbit hops over to the appropriate symbol and presses a paw to it. "Red circle, green triangle, red star." The rabbit presses each in turn. It's all very impressive, but you're more certain than ever now that $name didn't just send you here to watch this. The technican [[takes the rabbit back to its cage]].(if: $pills is "placed")[ As she shuts the door and turns away, you let out a breath you didn't realise you'd been holding: the pills have not been noticed.]

You step out of the laboratory and meet $name once more. "I'm...frightfully sorry about before," he says to the technician, rather sheepishly. "I suppose, given that the entire purpose of this project is to make me more than an animal, I'm a little hurt that I'm still not trusted with the rabbits." "Well," says the technician, "we did catch you trying to sneak in there before." "Yes, yes." $name waves dismissively. "I understand, of course. But now... now I've come to realise that they may be the closest friends I have." He looks to you. "Or they would be, if they were a little more advanced." He seems to be looking for some kind of response, but you don't know what to do.(if: $pills is "placed")[ The last thing you want is to draw suspicion upon yourself.] (if: (history:) contains "take a look at my work")["I suppose you'll [[be on your way]], then," $name says at last.](else:)["Well, then," says $name. "Would you care to [[take a look at my work]]?" You aren't entirely sure that you would. Something funny is going on here--possibly even something dangerous--and you're almost inclined to [[make your excuses and leave|be on your way]].]

"Of course," says (display: "tealsuit"). "I look forward to reading your article(if: $disposition > 5)[, though I do hope you'll allow me to read over it before it reaches the press]." "Farewell," says $name, putting out a hand. You shake it, somewhat awkwardly. It is extremely hairy and unsettlingly small. (display: "tealsuitcap") leads you back to the facility's entrance: the shutters of the submarine bay. However, here he hesitates. "Oh," he says, offhandedly. "There is just one more thing before you go." He motions for Hans to [[search you]].

(if: (history:) contains "laboratory 2")["I suppose you'll [[be on your way]], then," says $name.](else:)["I forget," says $name, his tone pointedly casual. "Did you say you'd seen [[the laboratory|laboratory 2]]?" You hesitate to answer, unsettled by the fox's scribbled message. Something funny is going on here--possibly even something dangerous--and you're almost inclined to [[make your excuses and leave|be on your way]].]

(unless: $pills is "none")[ Your stomach lurches. ]Hans pats down your clothes and dips his hands into your pockets.(if: $pills is "placed")[ For a short, sickening moment, you wonder if you might have missed one of the pills; if it's still there for Hans to discover. However, his search finds nothing.](if: $pills is "held")[ There is no way Hans will miss the handful of pills in your pocket. Sure enough, [[he doesn't]].] (unless: $pills is "held")[Hans shakes his head. Satisfied, (display: "tealsuit") [[punches in the code]] to open the shutters.]

"Oh dear," says (display: "tealsuit"), regarding the little cluster of pills on Hans' outstretched palm. "(if: $disposition > 5)[I had a feeling I'd regret bringing you here.](else:)[I did wonder if you could be trusted.]" Hans marches you, at gunpoint, to a section of the facility you haven't seen before. There is a smell here. A strong, animal smell. (display: "tealsuitcap") flicks on the light. "Hello?" says a voice, in response to the flickering fluorescent bar. It is joined by a chorus of others. "Hello?" "Hello?" "Hello?" They are foxes, though not like you've seen before. They are not even like $name. They scurry about as you pass, torn between human curiosity about this sudden visitor and animal suspicion of anything new. They cling to the mesh of their cells, not quite able to stand upright, not quite willing to run about on all fours. Hans shoves you into an empty kennel and padlocks the door. "I'm sure we can see our way to letting you out sooner or later," says (display: "tealsuit"), "once I've found another journalist to take your place and Project Proteus has been officially unveilled. Until then..." he shrugs. The two of them leave. (colour: red)["Hello?" says your neighbour, peering, stretching through the dividing mesh. "Hello? Frightfully sorry. Hello? Hello? Hello?"]

(if: (history:) contains "take a look at my work")[You watch out of the corner of your eye as (display: "tealsuit")'s finger moves across the keypad: {(set: $code1 to (either: "Zero", "One", "Two", "Three", "Four", "Five", "Six", "Seven", "Eight", "Nine")) (set: $code2 to (either: "zero", "one", "two", "three", "four", "five", "six", "seven", "eight", "nine")) (set: $code3 to (either: "zero", "one", "two", "three", "four", "five", "six", "seven", "eight", "nine")) (set: $code4 to (either: "zero", "one", "two", "three", "four", "five", "six", "seven", "eight", "nine")) $code1, $code2, $code3, $code4.} ][[The shutters rattle open.]]

(if: $pills is "placed")[(unless: $cage is "two")["Mr. Lawson!" the technician runs up just as you are about to step through the shutters. "The rabbit in cage $cage just started talking!" "Marvellous!" (display: "tealsuit") smiles. He turns to you. "See? We're making progress all the time." He addresses the technician once more. "Be sure to keep me updated. I'll come back as soon as we've taken our guest back to shore."](if: $cage is "two")["Mr. Lawson!" the technician runs up just as you are about to step through the shutters. "The rabbit from cage two is missing!" (display: "tealsuitcap") frowns. "Did you close the cage properly after the demonstration?" "Yes! At... at least I'm quite sure." Something skitters in a pipe nearby. "This is extremely unwelcome news," says (display: "tealsuit"). He turns to you. "I can assure you we take very good care of our animals. This is the first incident of its kind." He returns his attention to the technician. "I'm going to take our guest back to shore. I trust the rabbit will be back in cage two by the time I return."] ]You step into the antechamber, and [[the shutters close behind you once more]].

(if: (history:) contains "take a look at my work")[You glance about the room, looking for some way, any way, of revealing the keycode to the fox. To be honest, you're not sure how he ever expected you to do that. You've had no opportunity to write it down, and even if you had there would be no way of passing on the note. (if: $pills is "placed")[(if: $cage is "two")[Suddenly, you see a pair of thin, white hands stretch over the rim of a narrow drainpipe. A pair of pink eyes, set in a white, fluffy face, stare at you from the darkness. It is the rabbit from cage two. It seems to wink at you before shrinking back out of sight. You are sure it is still watching. ]]]"I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to wear the bag again," says (display: "tealsuit"). Hans holds it out, somewhat apologetically this time. (if: $pills is "placed" and $cage is "two")[You slip the sack over your head, then turn so that you are facing Hans and (display: "tealsuit"), your back to the rabbit and the wall. You hold your hands behind your back, out of sight to all but the rabbit, and spell out the code on your fingers: $code1, $code2, $code3, $code4. You can't be sure, but through the fabric of the sack you think you can just make out the sound of claws scurrying away inside the pipe. ](else:)[You place the sack over your head. A moment later, ]Hans approaches and leads you back to the submarine. The [[journey back]] feels shorter than you remember, somehow.

Your article, understandably, attracts a great deal of attention. Within hours of its publication, you are inundated with letters, phone calls: it is, after all, the story of a lifetime. (if: $pills is "placed" and $cage is "two" and (history:) contains "take a look at my work")[It's only a few weeks before $name(if: $name is "Proteus")[ (as he comes to be known)] is introduced to the public in person, but you can't help but notice that it is not the same fox you met in the facility beneath the sea. It is a week or so after this that you receive a suit in the mail. There is a label, but no name. There is only one word: =><= (colour: grey)[THANKS] <= You keep the suit, but never actually wear it anywhere, for fear of anyone familiar with $name's work connecting the dots. (colour: green)[It is just as well. The suit is a particularly garish shade of green.]]{ }(else:)[It is only a few days before you see $name again, on the news, wearing a plain navy blue suit and saying the kinds of things you would expect pretty much any company spokesman to say. He is, as predicted, an instant celebrity. Such is his fame that your brief involvement in Project Proteus is quickly forgotten. (colour: yellow)[Under the circumstances, that seems to be for the best.]]

"I'm quite pleased with my latest pattern," says $name, drawing your attention to a carefully cut paper shape pinned to a section of cloth. He presses a clawed finger to words pencilled on the parchment: =><= (colour: grey)[(text-style: "underline")[PLEASE HELP] WATCH KEYCODE PASS NUMBER ON] <= Satisfied that you have seen the message, $name tears the paper from the cloth and devours it. You mumble a generic compliment and [[step out of the room]].