Unplugged

(set: $arcVar to (a:"'arcs'.", "'arcs'. An 'arc' is what we call a pre-Net person, and not many are still around. Well, besides grandpa.")) Welcome to the Net! The history files we processed in grade 10 say that the movement to the Net started slowly. Not everyone realized the potential of “virtual reality,” as they called it back then. But as more people plugged into the Net, it became the answer to so many problems our world was facing. In the Net, there’s no war, famine, global warming, or sickness. Everyone is happy and healthy! We all live together peacefully, unlike those ancient [(display: "Cycling Arc")]<choice| [[Continue|Intro1]] [[**Skip Intro**|WakeUp]]

(set: $showFooter to false) (if: $inv's length is 0)[You are not carrying anything.] (else:)[You are carrying or wearing: (print: $inv.join(", "))] (click: "map")[(display:"map")] (click: "locket")[(display:"locket")] (link: "Return")[(set: $showFooter to true)(goto: (history:)'s last)]

(set: $showFooter to false) (set: $inv to (a:"locket")) (set: $hasBackpack to false) (set: $suspicionNet to 0) (set: $rebellious to 0) (set: $EmmaGone to false) (set: $feelings to 0) (set: $emmaGlitch to false) (set:$dadIsHead to false) (set:$returnToOffice to false) (set:$part2 to true) (set:$answeredPhone to true) (set:$pictureClue to false) (set:$seenMyFile to false) (set:$seenGrandpaFile to false) (set:$seenEmmaFile to false) (set:$seenFiles to 0) (set:$gotIntoOffice to false) (set:$trustDad to 0) (set:$planB to false) (set:$grandpaClue to false) (set:$photoWallClue to false) (set:$hungUp to false)

(if: $showFooter is true)[<hr> (if: (history:)'s length >0)[(link-goto: "Back to previous page", (history:)'s last)] Check [[Inventory]] ]

(set: $showFooter to true) (set: $myVar to (a:"family","family. I haven't seen grandpa in awhile, not since he left the Council. Mom and Dad act really weird when I bring him up, though.")) Projected on my walls are pictures of [(if:$emmaGlitch is false)[(display: "Cycling")]]<choice| and me with my best friend, [Emma.]<showEmma|(click-replace:?showEmma)[(if: $emmaGlitch is true)[[I still can't believe she's a glitch...]<hideEmma|](else-if: $EmmaGone is false)[[Emma. Emma should be back by now, maybe I should call her? My phone's around here somewhere. ]<hideEmma|](else:)[[Emma. Where is she anyways?]<hideEmma|](click-replace:?hideEmma)[Emma.]] My [[desk]] is covered with random items and isn't exactly "functional", but why would I stay inside at my desk anyway? I have a comfy chair and blanket in front of my tv. My [[backpack]] is on the floor by the chair. The [[phone]] is on my dresser on the back wall below the [[mirror]]. The [[door|LunaHallway]] leads out into the hallway and the rest of the house. (if:$answeredPhone is false)[I don't know where to go. Emma would've known what to do... she's [smart like that.]<smart|(click-append:?smart)[ How could //she// be a Glitch? Do I even know what Glitch means? I feel the muscles around my nostrils flare, my eyebrows furrow, and my lips purse. My breath is heavy even though I'm not moving. What is this feeling?]] (if:$trespassed is true and $rung is not true)[ (text-style:"fadeinout")+(css:"font-size:2rem;")[Brrring] The phone's ringing. Should I answer it? (link:"Yes")[(set:$rung to true)(go-to:"accuseDad")] (link:"No")[(set:$rung to true)(set: $answeredPhone to false)(go-to:"LunaRoom")]] (if:$planB is true)[I must have something around here that can help me...] (if:$dadKitchenClue is true and $trustDad is 0)[ Maybe there's another way to save her. If I can't get help from anyone else - I've got to go back to the Center. They know where she is... I just have to think of a way to make them take me to her...] (else-if:$answeredPhone is false or $hungUp is true)[Maybe there's another way to save her. If I can't get help from anyone else - I've got to go back to the Center. They know where she is... I just have to think of a way to make them take me to her...]

(link:"Tomorrow's Emma's big day! She'll finally be 18 and will take her **final** Inspection - which represents the beginning of adulthood and the start of our full access in the Net. We can go //anywhere//.")[I'm already 18 but Emma and I have had big plans for exploring Verta after her 18th. There's so much in the Net besides Verta city and the coast of the Cognitas Sea where we both live. Better get some sleep! I'll need energy to celebrate tomorrow. [[Sleep |WakeUp]] [[Restart the Introduction|Intro]]]

Wow, I'm almost impressed how much I've managed to fit on this. And that's after putting some things in the [[drawers]]. (if:$planB is true)[ Maybe there's something in the drawers that can help me. ] (if: $inv contains "a map")[(if: $EmmaGone)[Maybe I can use this map to get to Emma](else:)[I wonder where Emma and I will go after her Inspection. That should be done by now... where is she? (set: $EmmaGone to true)]] (else:)[ Look! On the wall, there's a map. (click: "map")[ (display:"map") ] (link: "Carry it")[ (if: not $hasBackpack)[If only you had something to put it in...] (else:)[You put a map in your [[backpack|Inventory]](set: $inv to $inv + (a: "a map"))]. ] ] Back to my [[room|LunaRoom]]

(set: $showFooter to false) I have a few numbers programmed into the system. Should I call someone? (if: $suspicionNet > 0)[ Maybe I should call Dad and ask about Emma. He might know something.] (else-if: $suspicionNet > 5 and $emmaGlitch is not true)[ I **need** to call Dad. He has to know something about Emma.] (else-if:$emmaGlitch is true)[I can't call Dad... and Emma won't answer wherever she is. If only I could get into contact with Grandpa. Maybe dad has something in his office that could tell me where he is.] [[Dad|CallDad]] [[Emma|CallEmma]] [[Grandpa|CallGrandpa]] Back to my [[room|LunaRoom]]

(text-style:"blink")+(font:'Orbitron')[BEEP] The alarm blares and I roll over and groan before I turn it off. I sit up and look around my [[room.|LunaRoom]] Today's going to be perfect. Even more perfect than the average, Net-norm day, if that's possible!

//brrring// []<chat|(set: $tick to 0)\ (live:2s)[ (set: $tick to it +1) (if: $tick is 1)[ (append:?chat)[//brri-// *-Hello?* ] ] (if: $EmmaGone is true or $suspicionNet > 0)[ (if:$tick is 2)[ (append:?chat)[*Hey Dad... have you seen Emma around the center?* ] ] (else-if:$tick is 3)[ (append:?chat)[*Hi, Lun. I think I saw her earlier today?* ] ] (else-if:$tick is 4)[ (append:?chat)[*Okay, she isn't answering her phone and I thought she would be done by now.* ] ] (else-if:$tick is 5)[ (append:?chat)[*Give me a second, I'll check in on her!*] (append:?chat)[ [[Wait->suspiciousDadCall]]] (stop:) ] ] (else:)[ (if:$tick is 2)[ (append:?chat)[*Hey Dad! Just checking in. * ] ] (else-if:$tick is 3)[ (append:?chat)[*Aw, Lun, you're so sweet. I have a meeting to get to but I'll be home later! * ] ] (else-if:$tick is 4)[ (append:?chat)[*Alright Dad! See you soon.* ] ] (else-if:$tick is 5)[ (append:?chat)[He's always busy at the Center, but he's never told me what he actually *does* all day.] (append:?chat)[ [[Hang up|phone]]] (stop:) ] ] ]

//brrring// (live:2s)[//brrring// (stop:)](live:5s)[ **You've reached Emma! Well, not really cause I'm not here right now. Try again later?** ](live:7s)[ That's weird... she should be done with the Inspection by now. Maybe my dad knows something? (set:$suspicionNet to $suspicionNet + 1) [[Hang Up|phone]]]

The narrow hallway leads from [[my room|LunaRoom]] on the far end to [[the kitchen|Kitchen]], my [[dad's office|DadOffice]], the living room and my parents' bedroom.

(set:$showFooter to true) (if:$dadKitchenClue is true)[Hmm so if dad's telling the truth, something in this room will help me save Emma.] (else-if:$seenFiles > 0 or $pictureClue is true and $rung is false)[Thank the Net I made it out of there alive before the guards could catch me. There must be some sort of alert out with my picture by now, where can I go? Maybe something I found in my dad's office can help me figure out where to go from here. ] The kitchen is the first room inside the house. The [[fridge]] is stocked with my favorites, but it's a little odd since no one actually gets hungry in the Net. Doesn't mean it doesn't taste good! The [[front door|outsideHome]] leading outside is just past the dinner table and on the other side there's a door to [[the hallway|LunaHallway]], which leads to the rest of the house.

Ugh, the door's locked. (if:$inv contains "office key")[But I have the key now! [[Unlock and open the door|insideDadOffice]]] (else-if:$EmmaGone is true)[I wonder where he keeps his keys. Probably at the Center...] (elseif:$suspicionNet > 0)[I wonder what kind of Center files he keeps at home. Why would he bring work home anyways?] (else:)[Nothing interesting in there anyways. All he uses it for is Center business.] Back to the [[hallway |LunaHallway]]

Just Net-approved meals. I'm not sure why we eat here anyways, but I guess the original Council wanted to keep *some* traditions from arc days. (if:$inv contains "office key")[I already found dad's key here.](else-if:$dadKitchenClue is true)[Wait, I think I see something in the back by dad's meals. Let me get a [[closer look|kitchenClue]] ] [[Back to the Kitchen|Kitchen]]

(set: $showFooter to false) The soft breeze eases some of the heat of Summer. Like the arcs used to say, the world is my clam! I can go anywhere in Verta. (if: $inv contains "a map")[Walk to [[the Center|Center]] Head towards the coast and the [[Cognitas Sea|CognitasSea]] Follow the road to [[Verta City|VertaCity]] And then... there's the [Forbidden Forest.]<forest|(click:?forest)[ Well, that's what I've always heard it called. The adults don't ever mention it, but kids say no one who goes in makes it back out. I don't know what to think, but it definitely looks creepy with its endless rows of tall, dark trees whose shadows make it hard to see 5 feet ahead of you. (if:$photoWallClue is true)[ I'll have to conquer my fears one way or another - it's the forest or the Center. [[Enter the forest|ForbiddenForrest]]](else-if: $pictureClue is true or $grandpaClue is true)[ Wait... the forbidden forest - the place no one is found. Everyone's surrounded by trees. That's where grandpa should be... along with any fugitives. He's the only person who can help me save Emma. And maybe he can answer some of my other questions, too. Be brave and walk [[into the forest|ForbiddenForrest]] ]]] (else:)[Well, I could if I had a [map.]<hintMap| (click:?hintMap)[I think I have one in my room!] ] Go back [[inside|Kitchen]]

The Council exists to travel between the Net (where we live) and the Outside (where the arcs lived) — they're the only people who leave the Net at all. Well… every once in awhile a Glitch, a person with something so wrong that not even the Net can fix it, is born in Verta. Anyone who is a threat to the Net is *unplugged*, forced to leave the Net permanently, by the Council before they can destroy the paradise built for us here. [[Continue|Intro3]] [[Skip Intro|WakeUp]]

(if:$emmaGlitch is true and $pictureClue is false)[I remember that letter that my grandpa gave me before he disappeared. I need to know what happened. Maybe the [[letter]] has some sort of clue to help me find him?] (else:)[Nothing interesting [here.]<here|(mouseover-append:?here)[ Story of my life...]] [[Back to the desk|desk]] [[Back to my room|LunaRoom]]

(if:$trespassed is true or $gotIntoOffice is true)[I step into the Center, knowing the guards will have me surrounded within the next minute. I stand my ground and raise my chin, determined to go through with my new plan to save Emma. I hear guards [[scream my name|caughtCenter]] and know I can't go back now.] (else:)[The Center is the largest building in Verta. I've been here every year on my birthday since I can remember for my *Inspection*. I think they store the results somewhere... The lobby is surrounded by tall glass windows that let the light in. The employee entrance is around the corner. Approach the [[help desk|helpDesk]] Sneak around the corner to go to [[dad's office|dadCenterOffice]] Head back [[home|Kitchen]] ]

I've only seen parts of Verta City - the parts in my free zone before I turned 18. (if: $emmaGlitch)[I promised Emma I'd wait for her to explore the rest, and now due to some label I don't really understand, she may never see Verta City, or //me//, again. Maybe I should look for Emma in the city... but will Center officials be looking for me?] (else:)[Emma and I still plan to explore the rest after her Inspection today. Her inspection that should be done now... I'm sure someone at the Center can tell me what's going on.] Go back [[home|outsideHome]]

The sea's always been my favorite place to come and think. The regular lull of the tide keeps me calm. I came here when I realized I wouldn't be seeing grandpa again. There was this weird feeling in my chest, almost like I was wearing my age 10 Net-clothing long after it fit. It was too tight... and it... hurt? And something was wrong with my eyes, they were... leaking. I told my dad and he said to never repeat what I told him and to forget about it. But now that I'm back here... it's impossible to forget. (set: $feelings to it +1)(if:$emmaGlitch)[It's happening again, now that Emma's gone. But this time I'm not just going to forget. I'm going to find her. (set: $feelings to it +1)](else-if:$EmmaGone)[Because I feel it again, now with Emma. Maybe if I go to the Center they can fix me and make all of this go away, but my dad's warning repeats in my head. (set: $feelings to it +1)] I should head [[back. |outsideHome]]

I tuck my [locket]<showLocket| (click:?showLocket)[ (display:'locket') ]under my shirt while I walk up to her, hiding the evidence of my individuality and putting on my best smile. *Hello, Ms-* I pause to look at her name badge *-Smith. I'd like to check on a friend undergoing her final Inspection today. Her name is Emma.* (link:"If she can't help, I know my dad will.")[(set:$trustDad to it +1)(go-to:"helpDesk2")] (link:"If this doesn't work, I'm on my own.")[(set:$trustDad to it -1)(go-to:"helpDesk2")]

(if: $returnToOffice is true)[I'm greeted by the same plaque that reads (font: 'Playfair Display SC')+(color:"goldenrod")[Dr. Jonathan R. Waters, Head of Research]. My dad, the Head of Research, who physically restrained my best friend and lied to me about it. I can think about that later. Right now, I need to break in. I wonder how many guesses I get before an alarm goes off... ] (else-if:$emmaGlitch is true)[By the time I get to his door I feel like I'm out of breath. I see the plaque on the door that reads (font: "Playfair Display SC")+(color:"goldenrod")[Dr. Jonathan R. Waters, Head of Research].(set:$dadIsHead to true) Wait... the same researcher who held Emma down while she screamed my name? I don't want to believe it, but the title is right in front of me in gold letters. I check the door and it's locked, but there's a keypad with numbers and letters on it. I try to think what the passcode could possibly be...] (if:$emmaGlitch is true)[ [Try his birthday: April16]<tryFail1| [Try 'veritas'. It means truth and dad says it's what Verta was founded on.]<tryFail2| [Try the name of that arc he once said was a genius...ReneDescartes]<success| [Try 'moon', the thing he named me after.]<tryFail3| [What about... his initials? Try JRW]<tryfail4| (click-replace:?success)[(if:$numTries > 2)[The alarm already went off! No time to try other codes. [[Run home!|Kitchen]]](else:)[(set:$succeed to true)(color:"green")[I hear a 'click' and see the keypad turn green. I am [[in|insideDadCenterOffice]].]]] (click-replace:?tryFail1)[(if: $numTries is 2)[(color:"red")+(text-style:"shudder")[**OH NO, an alarm goes off.** They'll know I was here. (set:$trespassed to true)I'll [[head home|Kitchen]] and hope there's something helpful there.]] (else:)[(set:$numTries to it +1)(set: $failed to true)(color:"red")[(set: $failMessage to (either:"Wrong answer.", "The keypad beeps again to tell me I entered the wrong code. Of course that would be too simple.", "Nope.", "Nooo! How many tries do I get?", "Damn, birthday does seem too easy to be the answer."))(font:'Orbitron')[Incorrect code. ]$failMessage]]] (click-replace:?tryFail2)[(if: $numTries is 2)[(color:"red")+(text-style:"shudder")[**OH NO, an alarm goes off.** They'll know I was here. (set:$trespassed to true)I'll [[head home|Kitchen]] and hope there's something helpful there.]] (else:)[(set:$numTries to it +1)(set: $failed to true)(color:"red")[(set: $failMessage to (either:"Wrong answer.", "The keypad beeps again to tell me I entered the wrong code. Of course that would be too simple.", "Ugh, I'm wrong again.", "Oh no, how many more can I get wrong?", "That's not it. My heart starts beating a little faster and I can feel a bead of sweat roll down my forehead. I don't like this...feeling"))(font:'Orbitron')[Incorrect code.]$failMessage]]] (click-replace:?tryFail3)[(if: $numTries is 2)[(color:"red")+(text-style:"shudder")[**OH NO, an alarm goes off.** They'll know I was here. (set:$trespassed to true)I'll [[head home|Kitchen]] and hope there's something helpful there.]] (else:)[(set:$numTries to it +1)(set: $failed to true)(color:"red")[(set: $failMessage to (either:"Wrong answer.", "The keypad beeps annoyingly again to tell me I entered the wrong code. I look around to make sure no one heard anything.", "Still not right. He's clearly keeping things from me.", "Nope.", "Nooo! For some reason I feel a desire to slam my head against the door in frustration. What's wrong with me?", "Damn, that's not it. Do I even know who my father is? I'm starting to doubt myself."))(font:'Orbitron')[Incorrect code.]$failMessage]]] (click-replace:?tryFail4)[(if: $numTries is 2)[(color:"red")+(text-style:"shudder")[**OH NO, an alarm goes off.** They'll know I was here. (set:$trespassed to true)I'll [[head home|Kitchen]] and hope there's something helpful there.]](else:)[(set:$numTries to it +1)(set: $failed to true)(color:"red")[(set: $failMessage to (either:"Wrong answer.", "Wrong. I thought initials was a good idea.","The keypad beeps again to tell me I entered the wrong code. Of course initials would be too simple.", "Nope.", "Nooo! How many tries do I get?", "Damn, that's not it."))(font:'Orbitron')[Incorrect code.]$failMessage]]] (if:$numTries < 3 and $succeed is not true)[ (css:"margin-top:0;")[Or... I can always [[head home|Kitchen]] and hope there's something helpful there.]]] (else:)[(link:"By the time I get to his door I feel like I'm out of breath. I see the plaque on the door that reads (font: 'Playfair Display SC')+(color: 'goldenrod')[Dr. Jonathan R. Waters, Head of Research]. When did he get promoted? I check the door and it's locked, but there's a keypad with numbers and letters on it. I try to think what it could possibly be... (set:$dadIsHead to true)") [Then someone spots me and shouts *This is a restricted area. Who are you? Guards!* and I'm out of time. [[Run|runCenter]] ]]

(set:$EmmaGone to true) []<chat2| (set: $tick to 0) (append:?chat2)[*Lun, honey... you still there? *] (live: 3s)[ (set: $tick to it + 1) (if: $tick is 1)[ (append:?chat2)[*Yup, dad.* ] ] (else-if: $tick is 2)[ (append:?chat2)[*Uh, there's been a delay with Emma's Inspection. *] ] (else-if: $tick is 3)[ (append:?chat2)[*It's completely normal. How about you walk around the city today instead?*] (click-replace:?chat2)[(set: $trustDad to it -1)(set: $suspicionNet to it +1) My eyebrows knit together. His voice sounds shaky and although no one feels pain in the Net, his lie stings like I imagine a slap to the face would. (set: $feelings to it + 2)But if he's going to lie to me, I need another way to find Emma. I respond in what hopefully sounds like my normal voice. *Okay, dad. That sounds like a great idea. Talk to you later.* I hang up before he can lie to me again. [[Go back to my room|LunaRoom]]] ] ]

It's a map of Verta, marked with all the places Emma and I want to explore most. Thinking about her stops me for a second and I feel... off. Not 'Net-norm' like usual.

My backpack is light blue with lots of zippers that open different compartments. Standard issue from the Net for this year. (if: not $hasBackpack)[Hmm... this could be helpful. (link:"Pick up backpack")[(set: $hasBackpack to true)I put my backpack on. It's lighter than I remember!]] (else:)[Oh, I forgot that I'm already carrying my backpack! Whoops.] [[Back to my room|LunaRoom]]

(link:"I look in the mirror and round, piercing eyes as blue as the Cognitas Sea with a golden rim around the iris stare back at me. My hair almost reaches my elbows and has a slight wave texture. My face is clear and perfectly symmetrical. I mean, everyone's faces are in the Net. We're allowed one 'mod' to differentiate ourselves more, and mine hangs around my neck.")[My grandpa used to tell me I got my eyes from grandma, even though they're programmed this way. When I was 5, he gave me my ['mod'.]<showLocket|(click-replace: ?showLocket)[['mod'. (display:'locket')]<hideLocket|(click-replace:?hideLocket)['mod']] He used to tell me about his life on the Outside - with dad interrupting to say how the Net solved everything. Sometimes it seems like grandpa actually *liked* his time there... but that can't be true. [Can it?]<grandma|(mouseover-append:?grandma)[ He does talk about grandma a lot... or, I mean, he used to. She didn't come with him to the Net, but he never told me why.] [Maybe I'm missing something...]<sus| [No way]<notSus| (click-replace:?sus)[Hmm... I better not tell dad I'm thinking about this.(set: $suspicionNet to $suspicionNet + 1)(set:$rebellious to $rebellious + 2)] (click-replace:?notSus)[Of course not, grandpa was on the Council after all! (set: $rebellious to $rebellious -2)]] [[Go back to my room|LunaRoom]]

(set:$lookedAtLocket to true) My 'mod' (one allowed personlized item), a locket, hangs loosely from my neck, the only thing I own with imperfections. It's vintage 'arc' grandpa gave me from the old days. It's gold, but rusted so you can't quite make out the letters and symbol embossed on the front. Grandpa told me he'd give me the key when I turned 18, but I haven't seen him in the last few years, so whatever ["secrets"]<showSecrets| he used to taunt it holds are stuck there. (click:?showSecrets)[I like the idea that I have something that seems just a *little* contraband, like I'm part of some mystery. Without actually breaking any rules, of course. (set: $rebellious to $rebellious +1)]

//brrring// (live:3s)[//brrring// (stop:)]... (live:5s)[*This phone number is no longer valid.* (stop:)](live:7s)[ It's been like that ever since he... left. I touch my (link:"locket")[(display:"locket")] and wonder where he is right now. (set:$feelings to $feelings + 1) [[Hang Up|phone]](stop:)]

(set:$askedHelpDesk to 1)*Could I just go in and find what room she's in? It shouldn't take too long.* I say while starting to walk around the desk. She blocks me. *Oh, dear, I can't allow that. It goes against protocol, you see.* she continues in a too-sweet voice. (set:$suspicionNet to it +1) *But I'm sure she's in-* I start, before I see her sneak a glance at the security guards at the door. They start walking towards me. [[Run|runCenter]]

I change my course. (set:$rebellious to it +1) *Oh! I forgot to mention, my dad works here. Dr. Waters? He forgot his lunch at home again, so I decided to stop by.* I play the perfect daughter, smiling and pointing to my backpack. Ms. Smith pauses for a second then says cautiously *Surely you know there's no food allowed in the Center labs, dear. What did you say your name was again?* And before I can turn back, she signals the guards while keeping that smile plastered on her face. I have no choice. I have to [[run|runCenter]].

The help desk lady is somehow exactly average looking. Average height, (either:"medium brown", "chocolate", "umber", "cardboard-colored") hair, (either: "chesnut", "sand-colored", "ochre-colored", "olive", "honey") skin, and (either:"muddy brown", "tawny beige", "dirt brown") eyes. It's not that she's unattractive, she's just... (either: "simple", "not memorable", "plain", "so Net-norm").

Before the guards can close in on me, I run past the employee entrance and dart towards my dad's office. I hide in a closet while the guards pass and then right when I go to open the door, [[I hear voices nearby.|runCenter2]]

(set:$failed to false) (if: $dadIsHead is true)[Do I go back to my (link:"dad's office")[(set: $returnToOffice to true)(set:$numTries to 0)(go-to: "dadCenterOffice")] and try to get in? I've made it this far... there's no turning back now.] (else:)[Do I go to my (link:"dad's office")[(set:$numTries to 0)(go-to: "dadCenterOffice")] and try to get in? I've made it this far... there's no turning back now.]

(set:$showFooter to true) (set:$gotIntoOffice to true) Dad's office is the size of my room, but there's barely anything here. A large part of the room is taken up by his [[desk|dadDesk]] and then along the walls there are [[file cabinets|fileCabinets]]. (if:$seenFiles > 1 and $pictureClue is true)[I think I hear the guards coming, it's time to go before I get caught - and there's only one place I can think of going right now. [[Run home!|outsideHome]]](else:)[Or I can always give up and [[head home.|Kitchen]]]

[]<chat4| (set: $tick to 0) (append:?chat4)[I pick up. *Hello?* I say hesitantly. ] (live: 3s)[ (set: $tick to it + 1) (if: $tick is 1)[ (append:?chat4)[*Oh thank the Net, Luna, you're alright.* ] ] (else-if: $tick is 2)[ (append:?chat4)[*Dad?!* ] ] (else-if:$tick is 3) [ (append:?chat4)[*I saw the security videos from the Center. So, you know about Emma.* ] ] (else-if:$tick is 4) [ (append:?chat4)[He says it like he's admitting to taking the last meal in the fridge, not like he helped people just kidnap my best friend.] ] (else-if:$tick is 5) [ (append:?chat4)[ *Yes, dad. That's all you have to say for yourself?*] ] (else-if:$tick is 6) [ (append:?chat4)[ *Sweetie, I can explain-* ] ] (else-if:$tick is 7) [ (append:?chat4)[ (link:"Hear him out")[(go-to:"dadHelps")] (link:"Hang up")[(set:$planB to true)(set:$hungUp to true)(go-to:"LunaRoom")]] (stop:) ] ]

[]<chat5| (set: $tick to 0) (append:?chat5)[I pause for a second, hoping that he has a **really** good reason behind all of this. ] (live: 3s)[ (set: $tick to it + 1) (if: $tick is 1)[ (append:?chat5)[*Lun, I-* there's some shouting in the background and he proceeds in a hushed tone ] ] (else-if: $tick is 2)[ (append:?chat4)[*I don't have much time. You need to find your grandpa. There's information in my office at home that can help... find the key in the kitchen.* ] ] (else-if:$tick is 3) [ (append:?chat4)[*But, dad-* ] ] (else-if:$tick is 4) [ (append:?chat4)[He says it like he's admitting to taking the last meal in the fridge, not like he helped people just kidnap my best friend.] ] (else-if:$tick is 5) [ (append:?chat4)[*I can't explain right now, just keep your head down and stay safe. I love you.* (link:"And then he hangs up.")[(go-to:"dadHelps2")]] ] ]

His desk is pretty bare, except for a photo of grandpa holding me when I was a baby. (if:$pictureClue is false)[It looks like there might be something on the back of the picture frame... [[Check the back of the frame|frameClue]]] His schedule for the week is in front of me typed up neatly with hand-written notes in the margins. Oh no, he's almost done with a meeting, I better get out of here quickly. Back to the rest of [[his office|insideDadCenterOffice]]

It looks like these are the files for //anyone// who lives in the Net! (if:$seenFiles is 2)[I check the clock on the wall. I don't have time to look at any more files. I've got to go back to the rest of [[dad's office|insideDadCenterOffice]]] (else:)[ I don't have much time before the guards find me, what file should I look at? Look at [[my file|myFile]]. Look at [[grandpa's file|grandpasFile]]. Look at [[Emma's file|emmaFile]]. Explore the rest of [[dad's office|insideDadCenterOffice]]]

(link: (text: $myVar's 1st) )[ (set: $myVar to (rotated: -1, ...$myVar)) (replace: ?choice)[(display: "Cycling")] ]

(set:$grandpaClue to true)Grandpa's the only one I know who still actually writes letters. Net-email is just so much easier! But if there's a clue here about where he is, I'm glad the Net can't access it. (font:"Shadows Into Light")[Dearest Luna, I want you to know that whatever happens, I love you so much. I wish your grandma Eleanor could see you now. This might not make sense right now, but if you ever need to find me, I'll be where no one is found but everyone is surrounded.] Huh. Not really sure what that means... but I guess it should help me find him? [[Back to the desk|desk]] [[Back to my room|LunaRoom]]

(link: (text: $arcVar's 1st) )[ (set: $arcVar to (rotated: -1, ...$arcVar)) (replace: ?choice)[(display: "Cycling Arc")] ]

(align: "=><=")[(css: "font-family: 'Alfa Slab One', cursive; font-size: 3rem; display: block; margin-top: -5em;")[Unplugged] (font: 'Raleway')[by Francesca Colombo] [[Play|Intro]]]

Every year up until our 18th birthday, we have an Inspection at the Center to keep us happy and healthy. When we're little, we have to stay within our neighborhood - our house, the area around us including a bit of Verta City where we go to school. Oh, and we can all go to the Center. Luckily for me, my best friend Emma lives basically next door! [[Continue|Intro2]] [[Skip Intro|WakeUp]]

I walk past the ominous DO NOT ENTER sign and walk deeper into the forest. If grandpa and other fugitives really are in the forest, they must be pretty far in if no city officials have found them for this long. I feel like I've been walking straight through the forest for hours, but... that tree stump looks kind of familiar. And that cluster of trees. Oh no, have I been going in circles? Sit down and [[take a break|breakForest]]. Or, keep walking [[aimlessly|circleLost]] - I don't have time for breaks.

(if:$seenMyFile is false)[(set:$seenMyFile to true)(set:$seenFiles to it +1)] On the front page of my file there's a picture of me from my last Inspection. It reads: (font:"Inconsolata")[(css:"font-size:4rem;")[LUNA WATERS] ------------------ Age: 18. Inspection History: clear. Notes:] (font:"Reenie Beanie")+(css:"font-size:3rem;")[Tests as a perfect specimen with no irregularities. Blood tests through all inspections negative for common Glitch indicators. Under observation due to family history (grandmother Eleanor Waters). Suspicion level: low.] [[Huh.|myFile2]]

(if:$seenGrandpaFile is false)[(set:$seenGrandpaFile to true)(set:$seenFiles to it +1)] Grandpa's file starts with an old picture that gives me that odd heart-tightening feeling. It reads: (font:"Inconsolata")[(css:"font-size:4rem;")[PETER WATERS] ----------------------- Age: 82. Inspection History: none. Authority: Retired Council Member and among cofounders of Verta. Status: Missing - presumed fugitive. Possibly subject to unplugging upon discovery. Notes:] (font:"Reenie Beanie")+(css:"font-size:3rem;")[Strange self-removal from the Council prompted increased surveillance. It is possible that Peter learned about his wife, Eleanor, and her... unfortunate situation. Only a few weeks after retirement, he 'disappeared' and has not been seen since. Suspicion level: WARNING - high.] Wait - grandpa cofounded Verta? And now he's a **fugitive**? (if:$seenMyFile)[And what's this about my grandma again? If dad has these files... he must know what's going on. I just don't know if I can trust him.](else:)[And Eleanor... my grandma. She never made it to the net - that's all I really know.] I miss my grandpa so much. Maybe if I find him I can get through this and save Emma! I'm running out of time here, I've got to [[put away his file.|fileCabinets]]

(if:$seenEmmaFile is false)[(set:$seenEmmaFile to true)(set:$seenFiles to it +1)] On the front page of my file there's a picture of Emma from...today? Her face is covered by a word stamped in large, red letters: (font:"Special Elite")+(color: red)+(css:"font-size:6rem;")[GLITCH] The file continues: (font:"Inconsolata")[(css:"font-size:4rem;")[EMMA HUNTER] ------------------------ Age: 18. Inspection History: Mixed - failed final Inspection with clear markers. Notes:] (font:"Reenie Beanie")+(css:"font-size:3rem;")[Tests have been irregular for 3 years. Final Inspection led to official classification as "Glitch". To be unplugged by the Council at the Council Chamber - West of VC - 24 hours post-Inspection. ] [[Oh no|emmaFile2]]

(set:$pictureClue to true)Engraved on the back of the frame is (font:"Shadows Into Light")[VERITAS OMNIA VINCIT. Never forget where you came from. If you ever need to find me, I'll be where no one is found but everyone is surrounded.] Truth conquers all. Grandpa taught me that one - the original motto of Verta. But...where he came from? What's that supposed to mean? And couldn't he have just *said* where he was going? After all this confusion with Emma, though, I guess I can't blame him for being secretive. [[Put the frame down|dadDesk]]

So much for my dad telling me Glitches were an urban myth... it seems like the whole *purpose* of the Inspections is to root them out. But nothing here tells me *why*. (if:$seenGrandpaFile is false)[And what does this mean about grandma? She didn't even make it to the Net, why is she in my file?!](else:)[And why does my grandma keep coming up?] The next pages in the file detail each Inspection as well as things I never told my inspectors... like details of my friendship with Emma and my favorite spot on the Cognitas Beach. There's even a page dedicated to my locket, which they must have photographed during my Inspection sleeping phase. Feeling a little creeped out and more confused than before, I [[put my file away.|fileCabinets]]

I know I overheard people saying it would only be 24 hours, but this makes it real. I think VC stands for Verta City, so the Council Chamber must be past the city... that's not much to go on. I can't help wondering if she knew she was a Glitch and kept it from me. Either way, she's my best friend and I'm not going to stand by while she's unplugged. I [[put her file away|fileCabinets]]

As two guards grab my arms, I see my dad running towards me, only to be pushed back by guards. I don't think I've ever seen my dad look so... pained before. I start to question my own plan, but it's too late to go back home now. I keep repeating my new mantra while they lead me away and each new person who hears it widens their eyes and backs away. My dad looks confused now, the gears in his head slowly working out what I'm up to. I keep my chin up, eyes forward. And as I pass my dad, it's almost like I'm talking only to him as I repeat [[*I, Luna Waters, am a Glitch.*|tbc]]

She smiles back at me and then types while responding *No worries, dear. A little excited, aren't we? Looking her up right n-* shadows fall over her eyes for an instant but she makes a quick recovery. *There seems to be a technical problem with my computer, dear. Why don't you head on home and wait for her to call you?* she says, something in her voice that I can't place. She's definitely hiding something, but why? [[Ask again about Emma|askHelpDesk]] [[Make up an excuse to visit dad|visitExcuse]]

I continue walking, trying follow the sun to stay straight, but it continues to get dimmer. I'm going to have to settle down for the night soon, I guess it's time to make a [[plan|breakForest]].

It's definitely the same sign! I sigh in relief, realizing that I'm not on this journey alone - my grandpa is already helping. The mark is subtle enough to not be seen if you don't know what you're looking for. Clever. I see another tree with this carving a few feet ahead... and then another... and another one! Half an hour passes before I see a clearing in the woods. It's empty. Nervous, I say, "Grandpa?" Getting a little bolder, I shout. [["GRANDPA!"|grandpa]]

A dark figure emerges from a corner of the clearing and I start backing away, thinking it wasn't the best idea to let *everyone* in the forest know where I was. They're fugitives, after all. But when he lowers his hood, I'm met by a familiar kind face. More wrinkles, for sure, and his hair is much longer than I remember, but there's no doubt in my mind. Before he can even finish saying *Lun-* I rush at him with arms wide open, feeling truly safe for the first time in awhile. *Grandpa!* I say, and reluctantly withdraw my hug to meet his eyes. *Luna, I'm so glad you found me. I have *[[*so much to tell you.*|tbc]]

To be continued... If you have feedback, email me at [email protected]! [[Play again?|Title]]

(set:$dadKitchenClue to true)It's a given that family members 'love' each other in the Net, but I've never heard him say it before. The conviction and... love in his voice restore my trust in him a little. But what is it the arcs said? Actions talk at a higher volume than words. (set:$grandpaQuest to true) So, should I trust him? (link:"Yes, I'll go check the kitchen")[(set:$trustDad to it +5)(go-to:"Kitchen")] (link:"No, time to come up with a plan B")[(set:$trustDad to 0)(go-to:"LunaRoom")]

It's the key to dad's home office! [Pick up the key]<getKey| (click-replace:?getKey)[(set:$inv to $inv + (a:"office key"))I've got the key!] Go back to [[the kitchen|Kitchen]]

I realize I've never been inside here before... it's the opposite of his office at the Center. There are papers everywhere and random pictures pinned on the walls with strings connecting them. What is he doing in here and why keep it a secret? [[Look closer at the wall|photoWall]]

(set:$photoWallClue to true) I look at the weird wall of photos and see one of grandpa connected to a spot on the map behind it. But... that doesn't make sense. This must be a mistake, it's connected to the middle of the Forbidden Forest. So basically I have to choose between wandering through the forest kids tell scary stories about or... or going back to the Center. Maybe if I go, I can find some way to get them to take me to Emma! Either way, I've got to [[leave the house|outsideHome]].

I sit down on a tree stump and try to think. I finally understand why there are all those stories of kids never coming back from the forest - it's huge! How would you //not// get lost in here? Maybe I can't do this... it was silly of me to think that I could save Emma on my own. I start thinking about how I'll make excuses when I get home when I see a mark on a tree in the distance. I'm pretty tired, but I think that mark looks sort of like what's on my locket! It's rusted, but when I feel the ridges, they seem to make the same path. Excited, I go to [[inspect the tree|followPath]].

But I’ve heard people say that some Glitches can pass and that they’re among us. *shivers* My dad works at the Center, though, and says that Glitches are no more than urban myths. But if they’re real…and if a few… “people” need to be unplugged to save the rest of us, their sacrifice is more than worth it. [[Enter the Net| NightBefore]]

[]<chat3| (set: $tick to 0) (append:?chat3)[*Did you hear? What a shame. Final Inspection today caught a Glitch.* - one voice says. ] (live: 4s)[ (set: $tick to it + 1) (if: $tick is 1)[ (append:?chat3)[*We're lucky they caught her in time! Council picked her up about an hour ago. Getting unplugged is such a messy business. It'll all be over in 24 hours, thank the Net.* - a lower voice responds. ] ] (else-if: $tick is 3)[ (append:?chat3)[There's a pause. I hear steps moving away but the last thing I hear is ] ] (else-if:$tick is 4) [ (append:?chat3)[*Apparently she was friends with a doctor's daughter... Lulu or Lucy or something. It's all she kept screaming when the head researcher restrained her.* ] ] (else-if:$tick is 6) [ (append:?chat3)[All the air is sucked out of me until I keel over from the strain. What... what does this mean? Emma can't be a-... There's no way that she's... I would know if my best friend were... (set: $emmaGlitch to true) But there's no denying it now. She's been found unfit for the Net and the Council, the people in charge, are going to unplug her from the system - stranding her back in the real world. ] ] (else-if:$tick is 9) [ (append:?chat3)[Emma is a Glitch. (if:$dadIsHead is true)[And my dad... the head researcher... has a lot of explaining to do.] (link:"Now I have to save her.")[(go-to:"chapter2")]] (stop:) ] ]