Tales from Star City - Test scene (Twine) v06

{ (set: $VarComply to 0) (set: $VarRebel to 0)} Instant promotion! Korolev himself. The chief designer. On the spot. ‘Promote that woman!’ Volkov wasn’t exactly pleased that I was the first. He’d always had something against me. But now my name will go down in history as the first person to hear sounds coming from outer space. It was supposed to be him. But what did it matter really? To be the first at anything normally means the first of many. Every man, woman and child was listening to Sputnik soon enough. Beaming across the planet. Beep, beep, beep, beep. Volkov took me to one side the next day. VOLKOV: I suppose I’d better let you call me Comrade now. Congratulations Polina. [["Thank you. It’s an honour Comrade Volkov."->COMPLY: "Thank you. It’s an honour Comrade Volkov."]] [["Thank you Comrade. I’m glad I was able to save the day."->REBEL: "Thank you Comrade. I’m glad I was able to save the day."]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} ...only to be immediately encountered by a disgruntled looking Volkov. The dog took one look at him before growling and barking as though he was the devil incarnate. Perhaps it was the smell of the liquorice. Despite this, Volkov looked somewhat relieved and playfully growled back. This didn't go down well with the little dog, who ran at Volkov's ankles before being grabbed by the oncoming Olga. Volkov limped away cursing before Olga took control of the situation. OLGA: She’s a mongrel. Part terrier, part husky by the looks of her. Her name is Laika. [["Laika? What kind of name is that?"->REBEL: "Laika? What kind of name is that?"]] [["Laika. A strong name befitting such a dog."->COMPLY: "Laika. A strong name befitting such a dog."]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)} ...which didn't prove to be the most astute decision. Not only was it a terrible hiding spot, but the dog barked incessantly as soon as the door opened. Perhaps it was the stench of the liquorice that seeped into our nostrils. Volkov gave me a steely glare, before sweeping out of the room again. One of his spidery limbs gestured over towards me and Olga immediately appeared behind him and took control of the situation. OLGA: She’s a mongrel. Part terrier, part husky by the looks of her. Her name is Laika. [["Laika? What kind of name is that?"->REBEL: "Laika? What kind of name is that?"]] [["Laika. A strong name befitting such a dog."->COMPLY: "Laika. A strong name befitting such a dog."]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)  (set: $VarHombleOrCocky to "Humble")} VOLKOV: We’ll be working much closer together now. The poisoned chalice of success. But one I was happy enough to drink from. VOLKOV: I hope you're ready for what's coming next. [[I wasn't...->I wasn't...]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)  (set: $VarHombleOrCocky to "Cocky")} VOLKOV: Yes. Well. There were many cogs in the machine Polina. "Indeed Comrade. I turned as I was expected to turn, and clicked into gear when..." VOLKOV: Yes thank you Polina that's enough. I'd - perhaps - taken my arrogance a little too far. Volkov was still a man I needed to tread carefully around. VOLKOV: You know we’ll be working much closer together now. The poisoned chalice of success. But one I was happy enough to drink from. VOLKOV: I hope you’re ready for what’s coming next. [[I wasn't...->I wasn't...]]

{} Coming bounding towards me, is this little dog! A wonderful little bundle of energy! Bright eyed, alert, and earnest! She seemed to love me. I’m not sure why. I’m not really the sort of person who’s good with animals normally, not that I’d encountered very many, but we felt this instant bond. I could tell that she was a she by the... well by the absence of... some... things, but that’s about it. I didn’t know the breed or anything complicated like that. I just knew that this little dog had – within seconds of meeting me – become a friend. And frankly, as sad as this is to admit, my only friend. I wasn't entirely sure why I'd been suddenly interrupted by a dog, but I wondered whether it may have had something to do with the frantic and slightly comical shouting from outside the room. So... [[I took the dog towards the sounds...->COMPLY: I took the dog towards the sounds...]] [[Worried she was trying to escape from something, I concealed her underneath my control panel...->REBEL: Worried she was trying to escape from something, I concealed her underneath my control panel...]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)  (set: $VarDogName to "Limonchik")} It just means ‘dog’... well sort of. "She smells very nice." Olga seemed slightly thrown by my comment. OLGA: She's been cleaned. "Lemons." OLGA: What? "She smells of lemons." OLGA: Yes. I decided I'd call her Limonchik. It means 'Little Lemon'. OLGA: She's a stray. Chosen because she’s presumably had to endure extreme cold already. And space is rather chilly. "Oh Limonchik will cope. She’s a tough, smart, ball of fluff, aren’t you?! Where did they get her from?" OLGA: Limonchik? [["Well I'm not calling her Laika."->REBEL: "Well I'm not calling her Laika."]] [["Erm. I mean Laika."->COMPLY: "Erm. I mean Laika."]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)  (set: $VarDogName to "Laika")} I didn't question it, even if it seemed a little derivative. It just means 'dog'. OLGA: She's a stray. Chosen because she’s presumably had to endure extreme cold already. And space is rather chilly. Laika looked like she'd cope perfectly well. "She's going up then?" OLGA: Well why else would we have an animal around here? It was a good point. Volkov had always made it abundantly clear that animals are for eating. I suppose they were for testing now too. "She smells very nice." Olga seemed slightly thrown by my comment. OLGA: She's been cleaned. "Lemons." OLGA: What? "She smells of lemons." OLGA: Yes. Well she's a stray, so naturally she stank. But she was chosen because she’s presumably had to endure extreme cold already. And space is rather chilly. "Oh Laika will cope. You're tough aren’t you?! Where did they get her from?" OLGA: She was found on the streets of Moscow... A little like you were Polina. [[Just smile sweetly and let it go.->COMPLY: Just smile sweetly and let it go.]] [[Let her know what you think of comments like that.->REBEL: Let her know what you think of comments like that.]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)} OLGA: This is no place for nicknames Polina. Laika is here for testing. Don't personify her. It won't do you any good. The irony here is that I'd lost all sense of what being human really meant, so why not see a dog as a person? Most of my colleagues were just well oiled machines, or that's how they seemed at least. But at least Olga wasn't one of them. She was worse. To me, she epitomised the Russian bear - grizzly, solitary and stoic. Whereas Limonchik was like a... well she wasn't Laika... she was more human than anything else here. My Little Lemon. "Where's she from then?" OLGA: She was found on the streets of Moscow... A little like you were Polina. [[Just smile sweetly and let it go.->COMPLY: Just smile sweetly and let it go.]] [[Let her know what you think of comments like that.->REBEL: Let her know what you think of comments like that.]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} OLGA: Indeed. It's here for testing Polina. Don't get attached. "Where's she from then?" OLGA: She was found on the streets of Moscow... A little like you were Polina. [[Just smile sweetly and let it go.->COMPLY: Just smile sweetly and let it go.]] [[Let her know what you think of comments like that.->REBEL: Let her know what you think of comments like that.]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} And breathe... Olga swept out of the room with immense pride at her sardonic remark. $VarDogName hadn't been the only bitch in the room. Oh I wish I'd vocalised that. I never think of the good comebacks in time. Probably wouldn't have been wise, I suppose. To a slightly perverse extent, Olga had a point. I saw myself in Limonchik. Or at least my former self. Back in Moscow I was a tough cookie; a confident, cocky little street urchin. I’d battled through two wars, learned another language, understood Socialism better than Nikita Khrushchev himself, and was the best radio technician this side of the Urals. The world was my oyster, but I was heading for the cosmos. And so was Limonchik. I didn’t want to be separated from $VarDogName, and it was obvious to everyone that I was her favourite human to be around. On the rare occasions she was allowed into the commune, she’d make straight for me and wouldn’t stop wagging her tail for hours. The poor little thing was being put through test after test, and I hated not being by her side. I had to do something. [[Speak to Volkov about it.->COMPLY: Speak to Volkov about it.]] [[Speak to the test facility staff.->REBEL: Speak to the test facility staff.]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)  (set: $VarBitch to "True")} "Oh. Looks like $VarDogName isn't the only bitch in the room." Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Aaaaah. And breathe... I thought I'd covered myself by passing it off as a joke, but the way Olga swept out of the room - with a level of indignity that befitted her bearlike character - I wasn't so sure. I might regret that later. To a slightly perverse extent, Olga had a point. I saw myself in Limonchik. Or at least my former self. Back in Moscow I was a tough cookie; a confident, cocky little street urchin. I’d battled through two wars, learned another language, understood Socialism better than Nikita Khrushchev himself, and was the best radio technician this side of the Urals. The world was my oyster, but I was heading for the cosmos. And so was Limonchik. I didn’t want to be separated from $VarDogName, and it was obvious to everyone that I was her favourite human to be around. On the rare occasions she was allowed into the commune, she’d make straight for me and wouldn’t stop wagging her tail for hours. But the comparison I’d made between her species and my superior hadn’t gone down well. Olga was the type to bear a grudge, and $VarDogName’s visits were becoming less and less frequent. I was convinced this was in order to punish me. The poor little thing was being put through test after test, and I hated not being by her side. I had to do something. [[Speak to Volkov about it.->COMPLY: Speak to Volkov about it.]] [[Speak to the test facility staff.->REBEL: Speak to the test facility staff.]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)} I couldn't allow this. It wasn't fair. It wasn't fair to $VarDogName, nor was it fair to the world. She would be the first living creature to touch space. That wasn't something that could ever change. It was a record that could never be broken. It was definitive. The USSR - no - the whole world would forever be made to look back on this moment in time with tinged pride. The first living creature we put into outer space was sent up there against their own will. An unconscious sacrifice. Scientists are not murderers. If there are other beings out there - other forms of life more complex than ourselves - how would they judge us? How would they judge me? But I knew that by releasing $VarDogName, I'd be imprisoning myself. Or worse. Having snuck past Aleksei and his staff, I smuggled her out of the testing centre, but having got as far as that, I froze. I didn't know what to do. Would she survive? Could I cover my tracks when they discover she's missing? Do I have to do this? Is it better to let her die in glory and become a hero of the Soviet Union forever, or let her live in obscurity? [[I released the little dog into the wilderness of the Russian countryside.->REBEL: I released the little dog into the wilderness of the Russian countryside.]] [[I relented and silently padded my way back inside.->COMPLY: I relented and silently padded my way back inside.]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} Aleksei knew what was coming when I entered his office. He looked sad, resigned even. Perhaps the incessant tests had taken their toll on him too. "I’d like to take her home with me." ALEKSEI: It’s against protocol. "It’s her last night on Earth, Aleksei." ALEKSEI: She seems happy enough. "I wouldn't know anymore." ALEKSEI: Don’t you think the change of routine will upset her? "I just... I just want to do something nice for her Aleksei. She has so little time to live." ALEKSEI: We must all accept the fact that we have so little time to live Polina. [[Push the issue.->REBEL: Push the issue.]] [[Accept the fact.->COMPLY: Accept the fact.]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)} How naive of me. I hurried to my room and wrote out a hasty resignation letter. It might as well have been my own death warrant. But at least my conscience would be clear as I collapsed from exhaustion in the Gulags. In sacrificing $VarDogName's flight, I knew I'd sacrificed myself. I wept uncontrollably as the endless corridors seemed to collapse around me. I was marching straight to the big guy: our chief designer Comrade Korolev. He may be the only person here who'd understand my decision. It was for the good of us all, the good of the Soviet Union. He might even forgive me. The last person I wanted to encounter was Aleksei. ALEKSEI: What have you done with her Polina? "It's what needs to be done." ALEKSEI: I trusted you! "Aleksei, you know this is the right thing to do." ALEKSEI: You're going to get us both killed! The shadowy figure of Volkov snaked his way around the corridor. ALEKSEI: Comrade Volkov, we need to... VOLKOV: Polina. I defiantly wiped away the brine from my cheeks. Aleksei stood as still as stone. "Yes Volkov." He tutted slowly under his breath and locked his blackened eyes onto mine. VOLKOV: Silly Polina. Be more careful next time. "I'm sorry Volkov, but I couldn't." VOLKOV: You don't have to apologise Polina. Mistakes happen. I can see you're devastated. Imagine the implications for all of us down in communications if it had been lost. Fortunately its apparent loyalty to you led to this. Olga? Olga emerged from around the corner, and I heard a loud and excited yapping from behind her. I knew what it meant, and I didn't have the heart to look down as my $VarDogName nestled against my leg. VOLKOV: No need to worry Aleksei. We have everything under control. Olga pulled on $VarDogName's lead and took her away from me... forever. [[That evening...->That evening...]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} With my tail between my legs more than $VarDogName, I snuck back through the test centre. The last person I wanted to encounter was Aleksei. He was quite patently relieved to see his little test subject again, but less pleased to see me. ALEKSEI: Polina! [["Just out for one last walk Comrade. I knew you wouldn't mind."->REBEL: "Just out for one last walk Comrade. I knew you wouldn't mind."]] [["I'm sorry Comrade. I just wanted to see her for one last time."->COMPLY: "I'm sorry Comrade. I just wanted to see her for one last time."]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)} "Aleksei. Please." I sensed his sympathy. ALEKSEI: Have her back in time for breakfast. Don’t tell Volkov. But I didn't have her back in time for breakfast. The next morning, there was a knock at my door. $VarDogName, who had slept on my bed all night, awoke with a start. I had neglected to set my alarm clock. Why should I? I wanted $VarDogName to have as much time as possible. The knock came again. I sighed deeply and looked into the eyes of the little dog, the accidental pioneer. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. $VarDogName, I felt, was very much in the latter category. This wouldn't be easy. [[Stay in bed.->COMPLY: Stay in bed.]] [[Open the window.->REBEL: Open the window.]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} "Yes Comrade." I didn't go back and see $VarDogName again. I couldn't. The next morning, I went to work as usual, and listened to the sound of $VarDogName's flight. She made it. We jumped for joy. We were still leaping around as I heard the sound of her heart burst as she overheated in the capsule. This wasn't supposed to happen. She was supposed to last a few days, at least. A dull thud of doubt thumped against my temples. I froze whilst all around me cheered. The first animal to leave the Earth was sent up there against their own will. An unconscious sacrifice. Scientists are not murderers. If there are other beings out there - other forms of life more complex than ourselves - how would they judge us? How would they judge me? But I pushed it down. The mission was a success, despite the minor mishap. We had achieved another world first. We were heroes. [[That evening...->That evening...]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} I couldn't move. I was numb. Paralysed by inevitability. I would delay it as long as I could. I barely perceived the words of Volkov as he hissed bitterly through the keyhole. The door burst open. I held on for as long as I could. A whimper. A yap. Muffled voices. Some reassuring. Some forceful. A scratched leg. A dislocated limb. An angry, agonised bark. I was only hurting $VarDogName by holding onto her. I was aware of the irony. Cruel to be kind. But her fate was already sealed. As she was torn away from me, she hated me. She didn't know. She'd never know. Aleksei glared at me as he dragged my poor $VarDogName away forever. [[That evening...->That evening...]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)} The cold snap of the morning air brought me to my senses. An epiphany. I couldn't allow this. It wasn't fair. It wasn't fair to $VarDogName, nor was it fair to the world. She would be the first living creature to touch space. That wasn't something that could ever change. It was a record that could never be broken. It was definitive. The USSR - no - the whole world would forever be made to look back on this moment in time with tinged pride. The first living creature we put into outer space was sent up there against their own will. An unconscious sacrifice. Scientists are not murderers. If there are other beings out there - other forms of life more complex than ourselves - how would they judge us? How would they judge me? But I knew that by releasing $VarDogName, I'd be imprisoning myself. Or worse. [[Jump.->REBEL: Jump.]] [[Stay.->COMPLY: Stay.]]

{} That evening we ate a fish supper. Baked sole. With a little lemon. It was a ‘treat’. Brought in especially. To celebrate the first animal in space, we ate an animal that lived in the ocean. And they sat there, the grounded ones, and picked the bones from their teeth. {} (if:$VarComply>=$VarRebel)[ [[I stared at them, and stared at my dinner.]]] (if:$VarComply<$VarRebel)[ [[I stood. And I lifted my dinner up by its tail.]]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)} The fresh laden snow cushioned my fall. $VarDogName, perturbed at her companion's sudden enthusiasm for diving, rushed off into the gossamer shimmer of the morning mist. In sacrificing $VarDogName's flight, I knew I'd sacrificed myself. I wept uncontrollably as the endless corridors seemed to collapse around me. I was marching straight to the big guy: our chief designer Comrade Korolev. He may be the only person here who'd understand my decision. It was for the good of us all, the good of the Soviet Union. He might even forgive me. The last person I wanted to encounter was Aleksei. ALEKSEI: What have you done with her Polina? "It's what needs to be done." ALEKSEI: I trusted you! "Aleksei, you know this is the right thing to do." ALEKSEI: You're going to get us both killed! The shadowy figure of Volkov snaked his way around the corridor. ALEKSEI: Comrade Volkov, we need to... VOLKOV: Polina. I defiantly wiped away the brine from my cheeks. Aleksei stood as still as stone. "Yes Volkov." He tutted slowly under his breath and locked his blackened eyes onto mine. VOLKOV: Silly Polina. Be more careful next time. "I'm sorry Volkov, but I couldn't." VOLKOV: You don't have to apologise Polina. Mistakes happen. I can see you're devastated. Imagine the implications for all of us down in communications if it had been lost. Fortunately its apparent loyalty to you led to this. Olga? Olga emerged from around the corner, and I heard a loud and excited yapping from behind her. I knew what it meant, and I didn't have the heart to look down as my $VarDogName nestled against my leg. VOLKOV: No need to worry Aleksei. We have everything under control. Olga pulled on $VarDogName's lead and took her away from me... forever. [[That evening...->That evening...]]

{} I stared at them, and stared at my dinner. I realised, in that moment, that it was not merely myself that I needed to sacrifice. Night after night we ate chicken, beef stroganoff and fish. What difference does a dog make? What difference does any life make compared to the greater good of science; the greater good of progress? Socialism is for humanity. And for humanity alone. I swallowed my soul. Pun intended. [[THE END->THE END]]

{} I stood. And I lifted my dinner up by its tail. I got some funny looks for that, I must admit. But I realised, in that moment, that it was not merely myself that I needed to sacrifice. How could I sit at the table night after night and eat chicken, beef stroganoff and fish when I cried for the life of a dog? Socialism is for humanity. And humanity alone. I would not be a hypocrite. I would have to swallow my soul. Pun intended. I took a huge bite from the fish, slammed down the remainder of the carcass hard on the table, and left the hall. [[THE END->THE END]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} I wasn’t confident. { (if: $VarHombleOrCocky is "Humble")[ [[But I knew what I wanted.]]] (if: $VarHombleOrCocky is "Cocky")[ [[But I hoped I could convince Volkov.]]]} { }

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)} It's not like I was an unpopular figure in 'Closed Military Townlet Number One', there were far more men here than women after all, but I was something of an outcast when it came to matters of work. It's true that the Sputnik success had won me some respect, and I was recognised as a brilliant technician, but I was surrounded by brilliance. The brightest minds the Soviet Union and her allies had to offer were here, either willingly or unwillingly. Despite the challenges, I didn't understand how anyone could not wish to be a part of that. Regardless, trying to arrange to see $VarDogName wasn't easy. And I'd have to go through Aleksei. Aleksei was the eldest member of staff in our strange little town and the de facto chief of capsule testing. We never knew exactly how old he was - he'd give different figures to whoever he was speaking to. He ranged between 60 and 85, which meant he either looked great for his age or horrendous. There were rumours abound that he was dragged out of the Gulags to be here, which might explain his solitary, cranky - and perhaps a little rebellious - manner. His expertise in the hazards of space flight were obviously too valuable to waste on breaking rocks; his forced labour was being here. I was a little anxious about seeing him. ALEKSEI: So you want to see little Laika? "Yes please." ALEKSEI: I'm afraid a pretty face and politeness will only get you so far in life Polina. I wasn't sure what to say to that. ALEKSEI: And this is all official? "Of course." I lied. ALEKSEI: Well, frankly, I couldn't care less if it's official or not, but you didn't hear that did you Polina? [[Repudiate him.->COMPLY: Repudiate him.]] [[Ignore the remark.->REBEL: Ignore the remark.]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1) (set: $VarRepudiateOrIgnore to "Repudiate")} "What did you say?" ALEKSEI: Just a little joke Comrade. Don't take me too seriously will you? He began flicking through some files as we walked into the test facility. I was immediately struck by the scale of the place. I'd only ever seen it from the outside. It was a huge complex of laboratories and each one we passed looked a little more like something out of a science fiction novel than the last. These were the early days of space travel, and everything surprised me back then. Besides, I'd only really worked with radio equipment. ALEKSEI: She's had a lot of testing conducted already. Diet altered, weight monitored, responses to a variety of stimuli, etcetera. The cage size has been decreased incrementally over the past week and will continue to be decreased over the next 13 days. [["Why?"->REBEL: "Why?"]] [["Makes sense."->COMPLY: "Makes sense."]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1) (set: $VarRepudiateOrIgnore to "Ignore")} "What did you say?" I winked at him, which I think he liked. ALEKSEI: Very good Polina. You'll go far. He began flicking through some files as we walked into the test facility. I was immediately struck by the scale of the place. I'd only ever seen it from the outside. It was a huge complex of laboratories and each one we passed looked a little more like something out of a science fiction novel than the last. These were the early days of space travel, and everything surprised me back then. Besides, I'd only really worked with radio equipment. ALEKSEI: She's had a lot of testing conducted already. Diet altered, weight monitored, responses to a variety of stimuli, etcetera. The cage size has been decreased incrementally over the past week and will continue to be decreased over the next 13 days. [["Why?"->REBEL: "Why?"]] [["Makes sense."->COMPLY: "Makes sense."]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)} ALEKSEI: Oh come on now Polina, you're better than that. It's to feel comfortable in the capsule when it comes to it. "Ah. Of course." ALEKSEI: I'll be honest with you Polina, she's not doing wonderfully well. Particularly struggling with her functions downstairs. I presume that's why you've come over. Or, rather, why you've been sent over. Try to relax her. Try to relax-ative her, eh? [["Eh?"->REBEL: "Eh?"]] [["Very punny Comrade."->COMPLY: "Very punny Comrade."]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} ALEKSEI: It does? You're an expert are you? Why is it necessary? [["Erm... because... smaller spaces will prepare her for being inside the capsule."->COMPLY: "Erm... because... smaller spaces will prepare her for being inside the capsule."]] [["Erm... because... smaller spaces are hotter and she'll be experiencing massive heat in space."->REBEL: "Erm... because... smaller spaces are hotter and she'll be experiencing massive heat in space."]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} "Of course I do. I just... Comrade Volkov, it's important that we get accurate data from her tests. If she's unduly stressed it's going to affect her heart rate, how much oxygen she takes in, her blood pressure." I had no idea what I was talking about, but persevered nevertheless. "If she's calmer, and happier, surely that's going to provide us with more reliable data?" Volkov's eyes never left mine. An uncomfortable few seconds seemed like an hour. {} VOLKOV: You argue well. You better go and see Aleksei. (if: $VarBitch is "True")[But whatever you do, don't tell Olga. She still isn't best pleased with you.] Aleksei was the eldest member of staff in our strange little town and the de facto chief of capsule testing. We never knew exactly how old - he'd give different figures to whoever he was speaking to. He ranged between 60 and 85, which meant he either looked great for his age or horrendous. There was rumours abound that he was dragged out of the Gulags to be here, which might explain his solitary, cranky - and perhaps a little rebellious - manner. His expertise in the hazards of space flight were obviously too valuable to waste on breaking rocks; his forced labour was being here. I was a little anxious about seeing him. ALEKSEI: So you want to see little Laika? "Yes please." ALEKSEI: I'm afraid a pretty face and politeness will only get you so far in life Polina. I wasn't sure what to say to that. ALEKSEI: And this is all official? "Of course." Well Volkov sent me after all. ALEKSEI: Well, frankly, I couldn't care less if it's official or not, but you didn't hear that did you Polina? [[Repudiate him.->COMPLY: Repudiate him.]] [[Ignore the remark.->REBEL: Ignore the remark.]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)} "Of course I do. I just... Comrade Volkov, I just think we ought to treat her right. She may just be a dog at the moment, but in a few weeks she may be the first animal to enter space. She will enter the history books forever - and photographs of her will be sent all over the world. If Laika looks unwell or upset, we look bad. If Laika looks happy and safe and well cared for then... well, it'll look better. It'll look better for us all and, ultimately, it'll look better for Socialism." Volkov's eyes never left mine. An uncomfortable few seconds seemed like an hour. {} VOLKOV: You argue well. You better go and see Aleksei. (if: $VarBitch is "True")[But whatever you do, don't tell Olga. She still isn't best pleased with you.] Aleksei was the eldest member of staff in our strange little town and the de facto chief of capsule testing. We never knew exactly how old he was - he'd give different figures to whoever he was speaking to. He ranged between 60 and 85, which meant he either looked great for his age or horrendous. There was rumours abound that he was dragged out of the Gulags to be here, which might explain his solitary, cranky - and perhaps a little rebellious - manner. His expertise in the hazards of space flight were obviously too valuable to waste on breaking rocks; his forced labour was being here. I was a little anxious about seeing him. ALEKSEI: So you want to see little Laika? "Yes please." ALEKSEI: I'm afraid a pretty face and politeness will only get you so far in life Polina. I wasn't sure what to say to that. ALEKSEI: And this is all official? "Of course." Well Volkov sent me after all. ALEKSEI: Well, frankly, I couldn't care less if it's official or not, but you didn't hear that did you Polina? [[Repudiate him.->COMPLY: Repudiate him.]] [[Ignore the remark.->REBEL: Ignore the remark.]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} It had been three weeks since the test in the centrifuge. Aleksei had continued telling Volkov that I was assisting with the experiments, but in reality, all that I was doing was playing with $VarDogName when I was allowed to. These respites were becoming more and more infrequent. And now the inevitable was here. It was her last night on Earth. Her last night to live. I had to see her, and I felt like I should do something more. I was torn over what to do. [[Smuggle her out.->REBEL: Smuggle her out.]] [[Ask Aleksei for permission to take the dog home for the night.->COMPLY: Ask Aleksei for permission to take the dog home for the night.]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} ALEKSEI: Yes. Good guess Comrade. I thought it was obvious enough, but I hid my annoyance. ALEKSEI: I'll be honest with you Polina, she's not doing wonderfully well. Particularly struggling with her functions downstairs. I presume that's why you've come over. Or, rather, why you've been sent over. Try to relax her. Try to relax-ative her, eh? [["Eh?"->REBEL: "Eh?"]] [["Very punny Comrade."->COMPLY: "Very punny Comrade."]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)} There was a long pause. ALEKSEI: No. Oh come on now Polina, you're better than that. It's to feel comfortable in the capsule when it comes to it. "Ah. Of course." ALEKSEI: I'll be honest with you Polina, she's not doing wonderfully well. Particularly struggling with her functions downstairs. I presume that's why you've come over. Or, rather, why you've been sent over. Try to relax her. Try to relax-ative her, eh? [["Eh?"->REBEL: "Eh?"]] [["Very punny Comrade."->COMPLY: "Very punny Comrade."]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)} ALEKSEI: She hasn't defecated for three days now. Not good. [["So you're saying she's going to poo all over me?"->REBEL: "So you're saying she's going to poo all over me?"]] [["I see, well maybe I can help."->COMPLY: "I see, well maybe I can help."]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1) (set: $VarRepudiateOrIgnore to "Ignore")} ALEKSEI: Thank you. She hasn't defecated for three days now. Not good. [["So you're saying she's going to poo all over me?"->REBEL: "So you're saying she's going to poo all over me?"]] [["I see, well maybe I can help."->COMPLY: "I see, well maybe I can help."]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)} ALEKSEI: If we're lucky! I was desperate to see $VarDogName, no matter how messy it might be. {} (if: $VarRepudiateOrIgnore is "Repudiate")[ [[And Aleksei could see right through me.]]] (if: $VarRepudiateOrIgnore is "Ignore")[ [[And maybe I can trust Aleksei.]]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} ALEKSEI: Yes. Maybe you can. I was desperate to see $VarDogName, no matter how messy it might be. {} (if: $VarRepudiateOrIgnore is "Repudiate")[ [[And Aleksei could see right through me.]]] (if: $VarRepudiateOrIgnore is "Ignore")[ [[And maybe I can trust Aleksei.]]]

{} ALEKSEI: Polina, let's cut all the crap, so to speak, and actually get to the crux of this. You want to see the dog because you want to see the dog. You've got a little bit attached. What's happened is you've pretended to me and maybe to someone else that you want to see Laika for a specific reason - and you don't do you? I tried to protest, but didn't know how. ALEKSEI: Do you? [["You're right, there's no specific reason."->REBEL: "You're right, there's no specific reason."]] [["Comrade, I've told you the truth."->COMPLY: "Comrade, I've told you the truth."]]

{} ALEKSEI: I like you Polina. You're a bit different from everyone else here. So I think we have an understanding. What's happened here is you've pretended to me and maybe to someone else that you want to see Laika for a specific reason - and you don't do you? I tried to protest, but didn't know how. ALEKSEI: So let's cut all the crap, so to speak, and actually get to the crux of this. You want to see the dog because you want to see the dog. You've got a little bit attached. That's all and it's as good a reason as any. It's perfectly understandable. I myself think Kiwi... er, I mean... [["Kiwi?!"->COMPLY: "Kiwi?!"]] [["Kiwi? That's so cute!"->REBEL: "Kiwi? That's so cute!"]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} ALEKSEI: Yes, yes, yes, Kiwi. I know nicknames are stupid, but it's what I call her. (if: $VarDogName is "Limonchik")["I call her Limonchik!"] (if: $VarDogName is "Laika")["Quite."] ALEKSEI: Well whatever, I think my Kiwi deserves better. She looks up at me with her big eyes and I just want to... well I just want to make her feel better. So whatever I can do to make that happen, I'll do. She's had rocket noises blasted at her, there's the whole confinement thing, she's being forced to eat some supposedly nutritional gel (gel, I tell you?! How delicious), and this afternoon she's due to be put in the centrifuge again. She needs some love... How would you like to spend some time with her? [[Bingo.->Bingo.]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)} ALEKSEI: Yes, yes, yes, Kiwi. She suits it, I think. (if: $VarDogName is "Limonchik")["I call her Limonchik!"] (if: $VarDogName is "Laika")["Quite."] ALEKSEI: Well whatever, I think my Kiwi deserves better. She looks up at me with her big eyes and I just want to... well I just want to make her feel better. So whatever I can do to make that happen, I'll do. She's had rocket noises blasted at her, there's the whole confinement thing, she's being forced to eat some supposedly nutritional gel (gel, I tell you?! How delicious), and this afternoon she's due to be put in the centrifuge again. She needs some love... How would you like to spend some time with her? [[Bingo.->Bingo.]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)} ALEKSEI: I admire your honesty Polina, and I know Comrade Korolov would too. "I just want her to feel better." ALEKSEI: Well whatever I can do to make that happen, I'll do. She's had rocket noises blasted at her, there's the whole confinement thing, she's being forced to eat some supposedly nutritional gel (gel, I tell you?! How delicious), and this afternoon she's due to be put in the centrifuge again. She needs some love... How would you like to spend some time with her? [[Bingo.->Bingo.]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} ALEKSEI: Well whatever, I think the dog deserves better and I think you do too despite your protestations. "I didn't say she needn't be treated better." ALEKSEI: Well whatever I can do to make that happen, I'll do. She's had rocket noises blasted at her, there's the whole confinement thing, she's being forced to eat some supposedly nutritional gel (gel, I tell you?! How delicious), and this afternoon she's due to be put in the centrifuge again. She needs some love... How would you like to spend some time with her? [[Bingo.->Bingo.]]

{} I heard my $VarDogName before I saw her. She was being prepared for the centrifuge and was covered in little pads monitoring her heart rate, blood pressure and who knows what else. I suppose Aleksei knew what else, but he didn't bother telling me. He just insisted that his staff left the room for ten minutes and left me alone with $VarDogName. She was so excited to see me... so much so that she managed to do her business as Aleksei had hoped... I was just pleased she was better. I held her in my arms Aleksei returned, Olga in tow. She had - somehow - found out I was here. This spelled trouble. OLGA: This is unacceptable Comrade, who permitted this? ALEKSEI: Comrade please, there's no need for this. OLGA: I demand to know. Polina, why are you here? ALEKSEI: I have authorised it Olga. OLGA: You may authorise your own staff to do as you wish Aleksei, but Polina is a radio technician, you have no jurisdiction over her. So - Polina - I ask you once more, why are you here? [["Volkov gave me permission."->COMPLY: "Volkov gave me permission."]] [["It's nothing to do with you Comrade."->REBEL: "It's nothing to do with you Comrade."]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)} ALEKSEI: Polina, you know full well that's totally against protocol. "I wasn't aware of that Comrade." ALEKSEI: It's common sense, Comrade. "I thought she needed some love?" Aleksei said nothing in return. He simply moved aside and let me pass by. I said my goodbyes to $VarDogName, returned slowly to my room, and cried myself to sleep. The next morning, I went to work as usual, and listened to the sound of $VarDogName's flight. She made it. We jumped for joy. We were still leaping around as I heard the sound of her heart burst as she overheated in the capsule. This wasn't supposed to happen. She was supposed to last a few days, at least. A dull thud of doubt thumped against my temples. I froze whilst all around me cheered. The first animal to leave the Earth was sent up there against their own will. An unconscious sacrifice. Scientists are not murderers. If there are other beings out there, how would they judge us? How would they judge me? But I pushed it down. The mission was a success, despite the minor mishap. We had achieved another world first. We were heroes. [[That evening...->That evening...]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} Aleksei said nothing in return. He simply moved aside and let me pass by. I said my goodbyes to $VarDogName, returned slowly to my room, and cried myself to sleep. The next morning, I went to work as usual, and listened to the sound of $VarDogName's flight. She made it. We jumped for joy. We were still leaping around as I heard the sound of her heart burst as she overheated in the capsule. This wasn't supposed to happen. She was supposed to last a few days, at least. A dull thud of doubt thumped against my temples. I froze whilst all around me cheered. The first animal to leave the Earth was sent up there against their own will. An unconscious sacrifice. Scientists are not murderers. If there are other beings out there, how would they judge us? How would they judge me? But I pushed it down. The mission was a success, despite the minor mishap. We had achieved another world first. We were heroes. [[That evening...->That evening...]]

VOLKOV: Polina, you musn’t get too attached. “I know.” VOLKOV: She is a dog. “Yes.” VOLKOV: You have to understand that. Good day. He wasn't budging. He certainly knows how to hold a grudge. Perhaps I was a little too rude to him after the Sputnik flight. I'd have to try something. "Of course I do. I just... Comrade Volkov, it's important that we get accurate data from her tests. If she's unduly stressed it's going to affect her heart rate, how much oxygen she takes in, her blood pressure." I had no idea what I was talking about, but persevered nevertheless. "If she's calmer, and happier, surely that's going to provide us with more reliable data?" Volkov's eyes never left mine. An uncomfortable few seconds seemed like an hour. {} VOLKOV: No. (if: $VarBitch is "True")[And Polina, next time you want to refer to one of your Comrades as a canine, run it by me first.] Damn. There was only one option. I'd have to go to the test centre and lie my way in. [[Speak to the test facility staff.->REBEL: Speak to the test facility staff.]]

{} VOLKOV: Polina, you musn’t get too attached. “I know.” VOLKOV: She is a dog. “Yes.” VOLKOV: You have to understand that. [[Explain yourself with Science.->COMPLY: Explain yourself with Science.]] [[Explain yourself emotionally.->REBEL: Explain yourself emotionally.]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} OLGA: He did, did he? "Yes." OLGA: Well shall I go and ask him? [["Go right ahead."->COMPLY: "Go right ahead."]] [["It's nothing to do with you Comrade."->REBEL: "It's nothing to do with you Comrade."]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)} Olga looked stunned at my remark. ALEKSEI: Polina, there's no need for that. "It's true. Olga we're almost equals in the strange food chain that is this place now. I was promoted, remember? I know you have the ear of Volkov, but I have the ear of Korolev now since I single handedly saved the Sputnik signal. So you'd do well to avoid confronting me in the future." If she'd been any redder I'd have mistook her for our national flag. OLGA: Everybody is equal here Polina. If you really were a Socialist, you'd know that. She slammed the door on her way out. ALEKSEI: (coughs) Well then... Shall we get this little one to the centrifuge? [["Yes, let's."->COMPLY: "Yes, let's."]] [["No. She's not ready yet."->REBEL: "No. She's not ready yet."]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} Aleksei led me out of the room and towards the centrifuge. I'd been led to believe that there was no large-scale centrifuges here, and that animals had been tested in small swing roundabouts, the sort to be expected at fun fairs rather than military bases. But when I arrived in the enormous white hall, it was much bigger than I expected. It was at least sixty foot long, and was mostly a lattice of grey metal, as if a giant slug-like creature had rotted down to its skeleton. I didn't doubt the scientific beauty of this machine, but to me it was nothing but ominous. The scientists here were clearly already working on the possibility of a human space flight. I quizzed Aleksei about it, but he denied all knowledge. I wasn't stupid though, I knew that was the aim, we all did. But I trusted the Soviet Union to take a crucial step in her developments before that could happen: the ability to bring a capsule back, safely. Khrushchev was desperate for this mission to go ahead quickly, so we'd all been told. Even if we'd had the capability to bring $VarDogName back, there wasn't the time. She was destined to never return, but the USSR would never do such a thing to a person. I didn’t like to think about her fate though. I knew other animals had been sent up in rockets before – not to space but to high altitudes – and I hadn’t given it much thought. But here was my $VarDogName. The first living creature on Earth, maybe even in the Universe, which would experience space first hand... First paw. ALEKSEI: Polina, I have an idea. She obviously responds well to your voice. You really help soothe her. "What do you have in mind Comrade?" ALEKSEI: We've rigged up a radio link between the control panel and the capsule. Volkov helped us with it actually - he was very keen to have it installed. "Right." ALEKSEI: I've tried communicating through it myself to help calm her nerves as she goes round, but it doesn't work very well. Some of the others have tried too, but she keeps passing out very quickly. We need her to be able to cope with a lot more G-force than she is currently. She needs to cope with at least five. I could see where this was going. ALEKSEI: It's not a pleasant experience hearing a dog panic like that. Quite why Volkov made it a two-way radio I don't know. But we need to keep her conscious for the testing to be effective. Maybe your voice will help keep her heart rate down. What do you think? [["I'll do anything to help her."->COMPLY: "I'll do anything to help her."]] [["I don't think I can bring myself to do that Comrade."->REBEL: "I don't think I can bring myself to do that Comrade."]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)} Aleksei sighed. ALEKSEI: Alright. Five more minutes. I'll be outside. After the alloted time, Aleksei led me out of the room and towards the centrifuge. I'd been led to believe that there was no large-scale centrifuges here, and that animals had been tested in small swing roundabouts, the sort to be expected at fun fairs rather than military bases. But when I arrived in the enormous white hall, it was much bigger than I expected. It was at least sixty foot long, and was mostly a lattice of grey metal, as if a giant slug-like creature had rotted down to its skeleton. I didn't doubt the scientific beauty of this machine, but to me it was nothing but ominous. The scientists here were clearly already working on the possibility of a human space flight. I quizzed Aleksei about it, but he denied all knowledge. I wasn't stupid though, I knew that was the aim, we all did. But I trusted the Soviet Union to take a crucial step in her developments before that could happen: the ability to bring a capsule back, safely. Khrushchev was desperate for this mission to go ahead quickly, so we'd all been told. Even if we'd had the capability to bring $VarDogName back, there wasn't the time. She was destined to never return, but the USSR would never do such a thing to a person. I didn’t like to think about her fate though. I knew other animals had been sent up in rockets before – not to space but to high altitudes – and I hadn’t given it much thought. But here was my $VarDogName. The first living creature on Earth, maybe even in the Universe, which would experience space first hand... First paw. ALEKSEI: Polina, I have an idea. She obviously responds well to your voice. You really help soothe her. "What do you have in mind Comrade?" ALEKSEI: We've rigged up a radio link between the control panel and the capsule. Volkov helped us with it actually - he was very keen to have it installed. "Right." ALEKSEI: I've tried communicating through it myself to help calm her nerves as she goes round, but it doesn't work very well. Some of the others have tried too, but she keeps passing out very quickly. We need her to be able to cope with a lot more G-force than she is currently. She needs to cope with at least five. I could see where this was going. ALEKSEI: It's not a pleasant experience hearing a dog panic like that. Quite why Volkov made it a two-way radio I don't know. But we need to keep her conscious for the testing to be effective. Maybe your voice will help keep her heart rate down. What do you think? [["I'll do anything to help her."->COMPLY: "I'll do anything to help her."]] [["I don't think I can bring myself to do that Comrade."->REBEL: "I don't think I can bring myself to do that Comrade."]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} ALEKSEI: That's enough ladies! You're right Olga, I don't have jurisdiction over Polina, but I do have jurisdiction over this building - and you are both currently in it. Though you may not be for long! All went quiet on the Olga front. ALEKSEI: The fact is Olga, I asked Polina here. She's one of the very few - no, perhaps the only person around here that can get Laika to a state of calm. It's important for the testing. And before you start castigating me about permission, I sought clearance from Korolev himself. So if you don't like it, you can complain to him. Is that understood Comrade? She slammed the door on the way out and I hoped she wouldn't talk to Volkov about this little incident. "Thank you, Comrade." ALEKSEI: Don't mention it. "Well I appreciate..." ALEKSEI: When I say 'don't mention it', I mean don't mention it. "Yes Comrade." ALEKSEI: (coughs) Well then... Shall we get this little one to the centrifuge? [["Yes, let's."->COMPLY: "Yes, let's."]] [["No. She's not ready yet."->REBEL: "No. She's not ready yet."]]

{} I placed the headphones over my head and could immediately hear $VarDogName panting. The centrifuge hadn't been started yet, but I knew before long it would be spinning around the hall at tremendous rates. Aleksei's voice burst into the headphones. I hadn't expected him to be part of the conversation. ALEKSEI: Polina, you're going to hear three things. The first is my voice (hello), the second is audio from the capsule, and the third is the test subject's heart beat. Myself and Doctor Yazdovsky will judge how far we can push things based on these factors. Leave the call to me. I just want you to keep her calm. Understood. "Yes." ALEKSEI: Do not terminate the communication unless instructed to do so, it may make things worse for the test subject. Are we all ready? "Ready." ALEKSEI: Idle in three. Two. One. Engaging. A short burst of an alarm went off and $VarDogName let out a short bark, followed by a whimper. She knew what was coming. The centrifuge started slowly rotating and I heard the distinctive thuds of a heartbeat in my ears. ALEKSEI: We're at normal speed... Talk then. I didn't quite know what to say. "Hello $VarDogName. How are you doing in there?" ALEKSEI: Keep going Polina. [[Continue talking.->COMPLY: Continue talking.]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} ALEKSEI: Good. Thank you Polina. I admire your courage very much. And I suppose if you're going to be around here for the next few weeks you might as well make yourself useful! He had a point. $VarDogName was strapped in, and we were ready to go. ALEKSEI: Remember Polina, the important thing is that she stays relaxed at all times. You don't have to say anything specific - she doesn't understand Russian, so I'm led to believe. So say whatever you like. Read her a recipe, or tell her about your childhood, I don't know. Just don't stop communications until I say so, alright? [["Got it." START COMMUNICATIONS.->"Got it." START COMMUNICATIONS.]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)} Aleksei looked less than impressed. ALEKSEI: If you're going to be around here for the next few weeks you might as well make yourself useful Polina. Otherwise I can call Olga back in and we can have another conversation. I didn't have much choice. $VarDogName was strapped in, and we were ready to go. ALEKSEI: Remember Polina, the important thing is that she stays relaxed at all times. You don't have to say anything specific - she doesn't understand Russian, so I'm led to believe. So say whatever you like. Read her a recipe, or tell her about your childhood, I don't know. Just don't stop communications until I say so, alright? [["Got it." START COMMUNICATIONS.->"Got it." START COMMUNICATIONS.]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} "Erm... I know you're a bit scared in there, but it'll be over soon, so you don't have to worry. And I'm here. Polina's here." ALEKSEI: Good. Let's up the Gees. The centrifuge increased its rotations and $VarDogName wasn't afraid to vocalise her angst. ALEKSEI: Keep her calm Polina. "My $VarDogName come on now, Polina's here. I'm not going to let anything bad happen to you." Her heart rate decreased slightly when I spoke. [[Continue...->COMPLY: Continue...]]

{(set: $VarRebel to $VarRebel+1)} I slammed down my headphones and wretched violently. I was shouting and screaming through the tears, but I have no idea what I was saying. All I remember is Aleksei balling the word 'terminate', over and over again before everything went dark. I woke in what I guessed was the recreation room. There was a smell of vodka, which I surmised must be emanating from the rag that was being waved in front of my face. I started. ALEKSEI: Don't panic, Polina. Doctor Yazdovsky and I brought you in here. For a man attempting to not induce panic, he seemed very curt. "Whaa... what happened to her?" ALEKSEI: She's fine Polina. Unlike you. Here. He poured vodka straight from the bottle onto my mouth. That woke me up. After a minute or so of recovering, Aleksei spoke again, his eyes on the ceiling the whole time. He couldn't bare to look at me. ALEKSEI: Polina I want you to understand something. What you did in there was tantamount to insubordination at best and sabotage at worst. You are not in Moscow anymore. This is the military. "I'm sorry Comrade." ALEKSEI: Polina I'm not here for this, I'm here to train a dog, the last thing I need is to train a human being as well. A human being who can't cope with basic experimentation!" "You said yourself that you cared about her." ALEKSEI: She is a test subject Polina. "I couldn't let her go through all that" ALEKSEI: But you would let me go through all this instead?! There will be a very long and very critical debriefing with my staff and I'm going to have to do my damndest to keep Volkov from hearing about it!" "Korolev will understand." ALEKSEI: Korolev ordered this mission! The dog will be dead in a matter of days. We all know this and we are all working towards it. So you better quit your fantasies - and get on the right side of the wall! "I'm sorry I let you down Aleksei." ALEKSEI: You can call me Sir. That's what I was called in the army before all this nonsense! And with that, he was gone. [[Leave the test centre.->COMPLY: Leave the test centre.]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} ALEKSEI: Up to three. "It's ok little one. It's just a big whirr that's all. A big stupid machine that's going to make you a bit dizzy." The heart rate increased again and the barks turned to anguished yelps. "It's ok. It's ok. It's ok. It's ok. We are going to have such a huge bowl of food for you after this and all the biscuits you want for being such a good girl." ALEKSEI: Four. I felt myself choking up with tears, as I listened to $VarDogName choking up for a very different reason. She could barely breathe. Shallow gasps of air permeated the ever quickening thumps of her tiny heart. [[Keep talking.->COMPLY: Keep talking.]] [[Cease communications.->REBEL: Cease communications.]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} ALEKSEI: Four point five. "What would you like to do when this is all over my little one? Maybe we can go for a walk around the woods, or go and see some of your friends at the commune? You're going to get so spoilt aren't you?" A solitary tear fell down my cheek. ALEKSEI: Come on, keep it up Polina, she's doing well. She didn't seem to be doing well to me. The rapid thuds and terrified yelps were agonising. [[Carry on.->COMPLY: Carry on.]] [[Cease communications.->REBEL: Cease communications.]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} ALEKSEI: Let's go to five! Come on! I didn't know what I was saying anymore. I just kept the words flowing as best I could as her little heart kept beating and beating, faster and faster and faster. She let out a stifled howl as the gravitational force pushed hard against her lungs. [[Don't stop.->COMPLY: Don't stop.]] [[Cease communications.->REBEL: Cease communications.]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} ALEKSEI: She's never got to five before! Let's push her even more! "Isn't five all we need?" ALEKSEI: Did I ask you for your opinion?! Keep going Polina! [[Do as he says.->COMPLY: Do as he says.]] [[Cease communications.->REBEL: Cease communications.]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} RUSSIAN FOLK LULLABY BEGINS It's all I could do. I sang my heart out as I listened to $VarDogName's barking. I hated the thought of her dying in silence. I wanted her to feel me near her. To sing her to sleep. But I was struggling to cope. My eyes were so full of salt water I couldn't see anymore. I wondered if I'd died along with my little dog. I thought I was on the rocket ship I'd dreamt about. I imagined, in those moments of stillness, that I was on the surface of another planet. I was on those purple mountain tops, I was swimming in an ocean of light. And next to me, sitting tall and proud, was my $VarDogName. As I listened to my canine companion passing from this world, I was hallucinating. [[Cease communications.->REBEL: Cease communications.]] [[Fall silent.->COMPLY: Fall silent.]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} ALEKSEI: Polina? Polina? Polina! Say something! I suppose I was catatonic. A blind panic had descended, and I was as still as a rock. I just remember hearing the word 'Terminate' over and over again. My mouth was open, but nothing was coming out of it. After some time, and a little medicinal vodka, I'd returned to my senses. "Whaa... what happened to her?" ALEKSEI: She's fine Polina. Unlike you. As Aleksei spoke again, his eyes danced around the ceiling the whole time. He couldn't bare to look at me. ALEKSEI: Polina I want you to understand something. You have to be able to cope. You are not in Moscow anymore. This is the military. "I'm... I'm sorry I don't know what happened." ALEKSEI: You panicked. "I can't remember." ALEKSEI: Polina I'm not here for this, I'm here to train a dog, the last thing I need is to train a human being as well. A human being who can't cope with basic experimentation!" "You said yourself that you cared about her." ALEKSEI: She is a test subject Polina. And if you really cared, you'd have kept reassuring her. "I'm sorry I let you down Aleksei." ALEKSEI: You can call me Sir. That's what I was called in the army before all this nonsense! And with that, he was gone. [[Leave the test centre.->COMPLY: Leave the test centre.]]

{(set: $VarComply to $VarComply+1)} $VarDogName ceased making anymore sounds. She couldn't breathe. It would only be a matter of time before her blood became too depleted of its oxygen. Her heart was pounding so fast I could no longer distinguish between beats. I didn't know if she was even still conscious, but I'd almost hoped she had passed out. [[Sing to her.->COMPLY: Sing to her.]] [[Cease communications.->REBEL: Cease communications.]]

{} <CENTER> **TEST SCENE** **Tales from Star City** *By Dan Dawes* </CENTER> This is a short, work in progress, text-only test scene from an upcoming FMV adventure game. This scene takes place about 1/3 through the full game. We hope you will enjoy playing it! <CENTER>[[START THE TEST SCENE]]</CENTER> //Please contact Imre Jele ([email protected]) for more information.// //The content of this test scene is confidential.// //All rights reserved.//

Thanks for playing this test scene of Tales from Star City. { (set: $VarComplyRebelCount to ($VarComply + $VarRebel))  (set: $VarComplyRebelMax to (max: $VarComply, $VarRebel))  (set: $VarComplyRebelPercentage to (($VarComplyRebelMax / $VarComplyRebelCount) * 100)) (set: $VarComplyRebelPercentage to (Round:$VarComplyRebelPercentage))  (if: $VarComply > $VarRebel)[(set: $VarComplyRebelSummary to "compliant")] (else-if: $VarComply < $VarRebel)[(set: $VarComplyRebelSummary to "rebelious")] (else:)[(set: $VarComplyRebelSummary to "balanced")] } You made some very interesting choices in this playthrough and unlocked a unique ending. You've been mostly $VarComplyRebelSummary ($VarComplyRebelPercentage%) which is indicative of a surprising personality. Your input matters a lot, so please do send all feedback to Imre Jele ([email protected]). //[[Play again->INTRO - Tales from Star City]]// //And please keep this test scene and the game confidential.// //All rights reserved.//