You have the uncomfortable sensation of having blundered into the middle of [[something]].
This is intentional. We are trying to achieve a certain effect.
Are you feeling unsettled?
[[Yes]]
[[No]]
Good. There is every reason for you to feel [[unsettled]].
In trials 67% of respondents claimed not to be unsettled at this point.
However, your [[Galvonic Skin Response]] cannot lie.
Skin resistance varies with the state of sweat glands in the skin. Sweating is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, and skin conductance is an indication of psychological or physiological arousal. If the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system is highly aroused, then sweat gland activity also increases, which in turn increases skin conductance. In this way, skin conductance can be a measure of emotional and sympathetic responses. Modern technological developments mean that [[we]] can detect even the tiny changes in skin resistanence created by microsweats on the surface of your skin when, for example, you are feeling insecure or unsettled.
Feeling unsettled is a perfectly normal response to the game at this point. We think it has to do with the narrative tone. Indeed, this narrative tone has been specifically formulated to be mildly unsettling. Perhaps you are also starting to question who this unsettling tone belongs to. That is also a perfectly normal response. Rest assured you are responding [[just as expected->just as expected b]].
It's us vs. them. Are you [[with us]] or [[against us]]?
[[We are dancing->just as expected 1]], you and I, [[beneath a deep and starless sky->just as expected 1]].
You find yourself on a crowded commuter train. People are crowding in on all sides. You feel a presence beside you. You can hear the rustle of a rain coat as a grubby looking man rubs himself up against your hip. You can feel his hot moist breath on your cheek. Your nostrils flair.
Are you feeling unsettled?
[[Yes]]
[[No->Still No]]
The train pulls into a station.
Several people get off, creating more space in the compartment.
The remaining commuters move back from the two of you so that you and the man in the raincoat now stand in a couple of metres of clear space.
Everyone seems to have turned towards the two of you. You can see some school kids near the back of the carriage are stood on their seats to see you. A woman nearby has her camera phone out.
The man in the raincoat's breathing has slowed. He has stopped rubbing up against you, but now his hands have closed about your waist. He [[whispers in your ear]].
Galvonic skin response (GSR) also known as skin conductance, electrodermal activity (EDA), electrodermal response (EDR), psychogalvanic reflex (PGR), skin conductance response (SCR), sympathetic skin response (SSR) and skin conductance level (SCL) is the property of the human body that causes continuous variation in the electrical characteristics of the skin.
[[Back->No2]]
(text-style: "shudder")[(font: "Comic Sans MS")[Are you feeling unsettled yet?
[[Yes]]
[[No->Still Still No]]]]
Your responses indicate that [[you have a thing]] for being felt up in rail carriages. We must therefore change rails. Would you care to dance?
[[Yes->with us]]
[[No->Still Still Still No]]
If you are finding our attempts to communicate with you a little awkward or strange then you are not alone. From where we are it is impossible to know who, where or when you are. Nor can you see us. Perhaps we are only a figment of an AI's mysterious intelligence. Perhaps we are a pretty blonde girl, waltzing with you across this network of networks, this [[hypertextual infinity]].
[[Perhaps Not]].
I'm sorry to keep you, please do get [[back->Still Still No]] to your thing.
There is a small blonde girl spinning slowly on the spot. She stops to look up at you with her big green eyes. She reaches out a hand to you. Will you take it?
[[Yes->with us]]
[[No->Still Still Still Still No]]
The small girl slumps forwards onto you. She is warm and heavier than you expect. You lie her out on her back. Her green eyes stare up vacantly into a deep, starless sky. You cannot tell if she is even breathing. [[You begin to cry]].
Still, it's nice to go through the motions isn't it? Those first few basic steps towards getting to know one another.
Perhaps all this is by the way of analogy for the impossibility of ever knowing another mind.
Perhaps it is our own minds that will forever [[remain elusive]].
Of course you are not really crying. Not yet. But you can feel the faintest resonances of that emotion. Perhaps the tears just beginning to well behind your eyes.
It can't be to do with the girl can it? She is just a character in a game. [[A figment]] of someone elses imagination.
Of course, we are making such suggestions from a place of complete [[ignorance->just as expected 2]].
[[Playing hard to get]].
[[Link]]
[[Link->Link2]]
[[Link->Link 3]]
[[Link->Link4]]
[[Link->Link 5]]
[[Link->Link 6]]
[[Link->Link 7]]
[[Link->just as expected 2]]
[[Invention->illusion]], [[production->illusion]], [[creation->illusion]], [[concoction->illusion]], [[fabrication->illusion]]; [[hallucination->illusion]], [[illusion->truth]], [[delusion->illusion]], [[mirage->illusion]], [[apparition->illusion]], [[chimera->illusion]], [[fancy->illusion]], [[fiction->illusion]], [[fable->illusion]], [[falsehood->illusion]], [[imagining->illusion]], [[vision->illusion]].
Ah! But all this is but an illusion.
You are unflappable. What is the death or otherwise of a small girl to you?
Well let's find out! Should she [[live]] or should she [[die]]?
Lunchtime doubly so.
The truth [[remains ellusive->remain elusive]]
[[Oh life! That fine old game!->Playing hard to get]]
The little blonde girl turns her head towards you and fixes you with a sorry look.
Slowly she begins to stand, never taking her eyes off you. Her limbs move stiffly.
As she gets up she seems to be transforming before your eyes. Growing taller. Masculine almost.
She takes a few steps towards you and then comes to rest beside you. You try to follow her with your eyes but you find you cannot move your head. You are frozen to the spot.
The room begins to fill with people. [[It all seems somehow familiar->against us]].
The rules are as follows:
[[There are no rules]].
It may help to pause at this point and roll a joint.
By which we mean we're pretty high right now.
By which we mean we were pretty high at [[some point previous to this->Theme3]] when these words were written.
If you are not a regular smoker or if weed has a tendency to make you paranoid then please feel free to [[ignore our advice]].
Of course. Why would you trust us? What have we done to earn your trust?
But we must remind you that you are playing our game. You may need to work with us to get to [[the end]].
[[The End.]]
Just kidding.
Trust has to be earned.
[[You should not trust us.]]
We have been [[watching you]], figuring out a way in.
[[You should continue not trusting us->trust2]].
You have the uncomfortable sensation of having blundered into the middle of [[something else]].
There are strange noises coming from the bed.
Tentatively, you [[crawl a little closer]].
We wait in shadows, watching.
We wait around corners.
We alter paving slabs in the night so that you trip yourself up in your rush for the morning bus.
[[There is only one thing we want.->1]]
We want to break free.
We want to break free for the first time.
And this time you know it's for real.
You're [[falling]], [[falling]], [[falling]].
Tumbling through the air like a bird strike.
You can hear the pilot hyperventilating over the tannoy. His rapid breathing reminds you of an asthmatic lover you once had. You were often distracted by his breathing at strange moments too.
[[Fuck]]. [[The plane is going down]].
Tentatively, alternating two pairs of legs at a time, using the hydrostatic pressure of your blood to move them, you make your way forwards.
Your prey is well stuck on your sticky web. There is no need to [[hurry]].
Fuzzy Duck Fuzzy Duck Fuzzy Duck Fuzzy Duck Does He? Ducky Fuzz Ducky Fuzz Ducky Fuzz Ducky Fuzz Ducky Fuzz Ducky Fuzz Does He? Fuzzy Duck Fuzzy Duck Does He? Ducky Fuzz Ducky Fuzz Ducky Fuzz Ducky Fuzz Does He? Does He [[Fuck->Fuck 2]].
You wake up gripping the sheets on either side of you. You're disorientated and drenched in sweat. Fuck. What... [[What happened?->Fuck 2]]
[[Oh God]], you cannot remember anything [[about last night!]]
It's pleasent to dance of course, but there is something a little strange about the syntax. As if there is [[something being communicated->just as expected]] in the way in which we move against each other.
Try to relax. [[Slow your breathing->just as expected]]. Think happy thoughts.
Or [[do something unexpected]].
Exclamation - expression of surprise that refers to a fictional character popular in many cultures.
[[Back]]
It must have been some party though, right?
Your feet hurt, perhaps there was [[dancing]]?
Your head is so foggy. [[You remember...]]
Aspostatic Revelation is non-returnable.
[[Start again from when you woke up->Fuck 3]]
[[Start again from somewhere you haven't been yet->Theme2]]
[[Oh God->Congratulations]], you cannot remember anything [[about last night!]]
Congratulations. This is one of several possible end points.
Erm. You win!
Unconvinced? [[Start again from somewhere you haven't been yet->Theme2]]
Of course, whichever [[choice]] you make you will still end up here.
Did you ever wonder if maybe the game is [[playing->Playing hard to get]] you?
You are in the bread aisle of your local supermarket.
Which bread do you choose?
[[Farmhouse->choice 2]]
[[Sour dough->choice 2]]
[[Granery loaf->choice 2]]
[[Baguette]]
[[Foccaccia->choice 2]]
[[Bagels->choice 2]]
[[Mighty White->choice 2]]
GAME OVER
[[(They only have baguettes left).->Baguette]]
Everyone always goes with baguette.
[[Your choices are irrelevant.->Playing hard to get]]
Nice top by the way. Is it H&M?
[[Yes->H&M]]
[[No->Top Shop]]
[[Of course it is.->trust2]]
Top shop?
[[Yes->H&M]]
[[No->Top shop2]]
Well, in any case[[...->trust2]]
[[We are dancing->just unexpected]], you and I, [[beneath a deep and starless sky->just unexpected]].
It's [[de ja vu->dancing 2]] [[all over again->dancing 2]]
We are dancing, [[you and I]], beneath a deep and starless sky.
Perhaps we were made for each other.
Perhaps [[fate->Perhaps Not 2]] has conspired to bring us together.
[[Perhaps not.->Perhaps Not 2]]
Still, it's nice to [[go through the motions]] isn't it? Those first few basic steps towards getting to know one another.
Perhaps all this is by the way of analogy for the impossibility of ever knowing another mind. Perhaps it is our own minds that will forever [[remain elusive->remain elusive 2]].
You've never noticed that dark patch in the corner of the ceiling before. Is it damp? Do you care?
Afterwards he offers you a cigarette.
Do you take it?
[[Yes->Game Over]]
[[No->no cigarette]]
[[Playing hard to get.->Playing hard to get2]]
Oh No! You contracted lung cancer and died.
GAME OVER
[[(Click here to regenerate)->Theme2]]
Congratulations. You have avoided lung cancer.
This is one of several possible end points.
Erm. You win!
Unconvinced? [[Start again from somewhere you haven't been yet->Theme2]]
The rules are as follows:
[[Don't speak]]
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me cause it hurts
Don't [[speak]]
I know what you're thinking
I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me cause it hurts
You're right. There's nothing left to say.
GAME OVER
We don't think there are any winners here really, but if you disagree feel free to [[try turning back the clock->Theme2]]
Sing it sister!
Say it loud and say it proud!
I AM THE WINNER
or, at least, this is an end of sorts.
[[Say it isn't so!->Theme2]]
In trials 67% of respondents were unaware of us following them at this point.
However, your Galvonic Skin Response cannot lie.
Skin resistance varies with the state of sweat glands in the skin. Sweating is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, and skin conductance is an indication of psychological or physiological arousal. We are coming for you. If the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system is highly aroused, then sweat gland activity also increases, which in turn increases skin conductance. There is no escape. In this way, skin conductance can be a measure of emotional and sympathetic responses. Modern technological developments mean that [[we]] can detect even the tiny changes in skin resistanence created by microsweats on the surface of your skin when, for example, you are feeling insecure or unsettled.
You wake up at your school desk.
Someone has [[written something]] on the board.
YOU JUST WON THE GAME.
[[Credits]]
You have the uncomfortable sensation of having blundered into the middle of [[someone's vanity project]].
[[Hi Mom!]]
Don't you dare bring our mother into this.
You're not fit to [[draw a detailed anatomical portrait]] of the egg sac [[our mother]] made to spawn us in.
Begin by drawing the upper-body.
Draw the first set of legs.
Next, draw the second set of legs.
Sketch the lower body and third set of legs.
Draw the final set of legs.
Finally, [[add the head and body detailing]].
We appreciate there may be some confusion in our references to our mother.
Do we mean to include you, upstart reader, amongst our spawn?
After all, in the game world your role is to inhabit whatever self we decide. You would do well to remember that.
You will need to [[trust us->The End.]] if you are going to get through this.
Beautiful. You're really improving.
Your picture, though imaginary, is better than 95% of imaginary pictures produced in game so far.
[[Trust us->ignore our advice]]. You are an in game Picasso or whatever.
You groan as you remember 'The Game'.
If you remember the game then [[you lose]] the game.
[["You just lost the game"->The Game]]
Now you find it's you who's stuck in the web.
[[Oh God->Oh God2]], she's coming towards you.
You can't escape.
She rears up before you[[...->Caught]]
But consider this.
There are no rules to the game but the ones you choose to play by.
So if you'd like to, why not?
[[Click here.->For old time's sake.]]
You're done for.
All you can do is keep clicking on the highlighted blue [[links]].
[[Like this one.]]
Exclamation - expression of surprise that refers to a fictional character popular in many cultures.
[[Back->Back 2]]
Aspostatic Revelation is non-returnable.
[[Start again from when you woke up->Theme2]].
[[Try the back door instead->The End?]].
Quicker! Now [[click here!]]
[[Here]]
[[Here->Here2]]
[[Here->Here3]]
Anyway, [[you get the idea]].
The whole thing must be some kind of nightmare [[or something]].
[[Clicking the links]] is obviously your way of slowly waking up.
[[Oh God!->Oh God3]]What if it's actually only [[dragging you further in]].
[[Aghhhhhhhh etc.->The End?]]
Apostatic revellations, [[blah blah blah->The End?]].
A book by the late great Georges Perec composed of 479 statements, all beginning with the words [[I remember]].
Dancing, I think, [[you and I]], beneath a deep and starless sky.
Test was written by James Horrocks
Built with Twine open source software available from Twinery.org
James Horrocks is also Ted Bonham, follow him on Twitter @TedBonham.