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,,,<i>Beep. Beep. Beeeeep!</i>
You are startled awake by your own start-up sound. Then, a female voice speaks somewhere in the darkness.
“Rovie? Are you there? Oh, thank electrons, the reboot worked!”
You get your camera hatch unstuck and examine your surroundings. You see bent metal walls, broken machinery and tangled wires.
The voice speaks again.
“Listen carefully, Rovie. We're in a bit of trouble. I think your memory banks were damaged in the crash, so you may not recognise me. I'm Daphne, the ship's AI, and you are a research rover. We were on a mission together, but things didn't go exactly according to plan. Can you move?”
[[Continue|Intro2]]
<<set $inventory to ["no item", "scanner", "electro-tool"]>>
<<set $itemselected to "no item">>
<<set $shipstatus to "damaged">>
<<set $data to 0>>
<<set $database to []>>
<<setupslimes>>
TEST>>>
$inventoryall to ["no item", "electro-tool", "scanner", "beans", "broken heat shielding", "tasty Zephyrian Lichen", "alien fertiliser", "dinosaur gummies", "nuts and bolts", "glass orb", "curly horn"]
set $inventory to $inventoryall<<if !tags().includes("noreturn") && !tags().includes("main")>>\
<div id = "bottombar">\
<div class="row"><div class = "column left"><<if hasVisited("auto-repair kit")>><center>Item: <<itemslot>></center><<else>><span class = "tab"></span><</if>></div><div class = "column middle">[[Database]]</div><div class = "column right"><<link "Save/load game">><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>></div></div>
<</if>>
<<set _printdata to clone($database)>><<set _printdata to _printdata.reverse()>>\
<div id="topbar">[[Exit database|$return]]</div>\
<div id="database">\
<b>Star Research Co. Mission 1535/837 “Zephyria”
Mission objectives:</b>
<span class = "highlight">Analyse the artefacts and lifeforms of Zephyria.</span>
<b>Research points awarded:</b> <span class = "highlight">$data/100</span>
<b>Ship status:</b> <span class = "highlight">$shipstatus</span>
<b>Scanned objects:</b>
<<for _i to 0; _i lt _printdata.length; _i++>>\
<<capture _i>>\
<<link _printdata[_i]>><<set $targetpopup to _printdata[_i]>><<run Dialog.setup($targetpopup)>>
<<run Dialog.wiki(Story.get($targetpopup).processText())>>\
<<run Dialog.open()>><</link>>
<</capture>>
<</for>>
</div>\
<<widget "temp">>\
<<if $inventory.length > 1>><<link "⮜ " $return>><<if $itemselected == 0>><<set $itemselected to ($inventory.length - 1)>><<else>><<set $itemselected -= 1>><</if>><</link>><</if>><<print $inventory[$itemselected]>><<if $inventory.length > 1>><<link " ⮞" $return>><<if $itemselected < ($inventory.length - 1)>><<set $itemselected += 1>><<else>><<set $itemselected to 0>><</if>><</link>><</if>>\
<</widget>>\
<<widget "itemslot">>\
<<listbox "$itemselected" autoselect>>
<<optionsfrom $inventory>>
<</listbox>>\
<</widget>>\<<passagetitle>>
You are in the cargo bay of your small research ship, the <i>Curious Kitty</i>. <<switch visited()>><<case 1>>Your optical sensors are picking up numerous signs of a suboptimal landing (corporate term for “crash”).<</switch>> Broken equipment and parts are scattered around.<<if not hasVisited("auto-repair kit")>> Among the trashed hardware you spot an [[auto-repair kit]], still in its protective case.<</if>> In the corner of the room there is a battered <<object "cargo crate">>, full of dried beans. <<if $data < 50>>There's a <<object "sealed door">> to the north.<<else>>You can go north, through the door to the <span class = "exit">[[command centre|Ship Command Centre]]</span>.<</if>> To the south, the <span class = "exit"><<if not hasVisited("auto-repair kit")>><<link "hatch leading outside">><<run Dialog.setup()>>
<<run Dialog.wiki("“Before you go outside, Rovie, find that auto-repair kit!”, says Daphne." )>><<run Dialog.open()>><</link>><<elseif hasVisited("Outside of the Ship") != true>>[[hatch leading outside|first slime]]<<else>>[[hatch leading outside|Outside of the Ship]]<</if>></span> is open, letting in a dim greenish glow.
<<run $inventory.push("auto-repair kit")>>\
You extend your arm and grab the handle of the protective case.
“Great, you found it!” cheers Daphne.
“Beep?” you ask suspiciously.
“Oh, I'm just accessing your optical sensors,” the AI explains gleefully. “Isn't that great? I'll be able to guide you on your journeys! And speaking of access – I see your inventory management protocols are blocked. I'm unlocking them… now. Done! Now you can swap between all the tools and items you're carrying. While on your research quest, you'll surely have to use them on various objects – that's what research is all about! Sometimes you may also want to examine a thing without using any items – just poke it with your arm and maybe something exciting will happen!”
<span class = "highlight"><i>You can now access your inventory from the list at the bottom of the screen. When you have an item selected, clicking any green text will cause you to use your active item on that object! Alternatively, when “no item” is selected, you may click green text to examine things, possibly discovering more interaction options!
Oh, and the text highlighted in blue? Those are exits – clicking one of them will move you to a new area!</i></span>
“I see your electro-tool is broken”, Daphne observes. “It shouldn't be sparking like that, should it? Well, at the very least you'll be able to deliver electric shocks with it, to ward off any wildlife that may have an appetite for a lonely rover. Now, roll outside and use that repair kit on poor little <i>Kitty</i>. Sensors are telling me the hull is breached, and we lost some heat shielding.”
[[Continue|$return]]<<widget "object">><<unset $use>>\
<<link "$args[0]" $return>><<set $object to $args[0]>><<set $usemessage to '$'+$itemselected.replaceAll(" ", "")+$args[0].replaceAll(" ", "")>><<useitem>><</link>>\
<</widget>>\
<<widget "useitem">>
<<silently>>\
<<if $usemessage == "TEST">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannergreyprotoplasmiccreature">>
<<goto "scan first slime">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$auto-repairkithole">>
<<goto "place kit">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemruinedstonebuildings">>
<<set _gchlor to 0>>
<<for _i to 0; _i lt $slimes.length; _i++>><<if $slimes[_i].name == "Giant Chloroplasm" && $slimes[_i].location == passage()>><<set _gchlor to 1>><<break>><</if>><</for>>
<<if _gchlor == 1>>
<<run Dialog.setup()>><<run Dialog.wiki(Story.get("giant chloroplasm under cliffs").processText())>><<run Dialog.open()>>
<<else>>
<<if $database.includes("Ruined Watchtower")>>
<<set $use to "The ruins are all that remains of an old Zephyrian watchtower.">>
<<else>>
<<set $use to "The buildings are too far away for your camera to register any details.<br><br>“If only you could get closer and scan those ruins, Rovie,” sighs Daphne. “I'm sure they're worth a lot of research points.”">>
<</if>>
<<run Dialog.setup()>>
<<run Dialog.wiki($use)>>
<<run Dialog.open()>>
<</if>>
<<else>>
<<if $itemselected == "scanner" && $database.includes($object)>>
<<set $use to "You have already scanned the $object and added its data to the research database.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemsealeddoor">>
<<set $use to "“Oh, right!” exclaims Daphne when you ram your front tracks into the pneumatic door, which stays stubbornly closed. “The door to the command module is acting up. It says something about \'missing authorisation\'. I'm working on fixing that. Come back later to see if I did!”">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemlichen-trees">>
<<set $use to "Alien plants of all shapes and sizes are growing in the canyon. Or maybe they're fungi? Or lichen? In any case, they're very colourful and pretty (at least those that weren't crushed by your ship during the landing).">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemZephyrianLichen">>
<<set $use to "Zephyrian Lichen – the native flora of the planet, which appears in countless shapes, colours and sizes, despite being, biologically speaking, a single species.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannerlichen-trees">>
<<run $database.push("Zephyrian Lichen")>><<set $data += 5>>
<<set $use to "You scan the alien flora and learn it's, in fact, biologically simple lichen. Information on Zephyrian Lichen was added to the research database!<br><br><i>You gained 5 research points!</i><<unlockdoor>>">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$auto-repairkitsealeddoor">>
<<set $use to "“No, no!” shouts Daphne. “This won't fix the door's programming. You have to take kit outside and set it up to fix damage to <i>Kitty</i>'s hull.”">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannersealeddoor">>
<<set $use to "You scan the door to the command module with your X-5000 Portable Research Scanner. You learn its chemical composition and manufacturer, but you don't get any research points.<br><br>“Why are you scanning the door, Rovie?” asks Daphne impatiently. “You're supposed to use that on Zephyrian artefacts and wildlife, you silly thing.”">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannerfirstaidcabinet">>
<<set $use to "The scanner tells you this is a cabinet for storing materials used to repair humans when they malfunction or develop a leak.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannerbrokenheatshielding">>
<<set $use to "Your scanner informs you the broken shards are made of a material with fantastic heat resistance properties, developed by the Star Research Co. and commonly used to protect spaceships entering the atmosphere.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$auto-repairkitbrokenheatshielding">>
<<set $use to "No kit will be able to fix these broken shards. But it should regenerate new shielding from the intact bits on the ship, once you set it up properly.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitembrokenheatshielding">>
<<if $inventory.includes("broken heat shielding")>>
<<set $use to "You're already carrying some pieces of broken shielding. You don't want to waste your time cleaning up all that's left on the ground.">>
<<else>>
<<run $inventory.push("broken heat shielding")>>
<<set $use to "You pick some shards and place them in your storage compartment. They are broken beyond repair and can't be put back on the ship, but, who knows, maybe they will prove useful for... something?<br><br><i>You obtained broken heat shielding!</i>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemcargocrate">>
<<if hasVisited("auto-repair kit") != true>>
<<set $use to "“You can take care of that later, Rovie,” says Daphne. “First, find the repair kit!”">>
<<elseif $inventory.includes("beans")>>
<<set $use to "You already have enough beans in your inventory.">>
<<else>>
<<run $inventory.push("beans")>>
<<set $use to "You scoop up some beans and place them in your storage compartment. They're small and slightly shrivelled up.<br><br><i>You obtained beans!</i>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemfirstaidcabinet">>
<<if $inventory.includes("dinosaur gummies")>>
<<set $use to "The first aid cabinet is empty.">>
<<else>>
<<run $inventory.push("dinosaur gummies")>>
<<set $use to "You open the cabinet and look inside. It's almost empty, probably because no humans are accompanying you on this mission. Strangely enough, there is a half-eaten pack of dinosaur-shaped vitamin gummies in the corner. You take it with you, just in case you meet someone who needs some vitamins.<br><br><i>You obtained dinosaur gummies!</i>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannercargocrate">>
<<set $use to "According to the scanner, the crate is full of dry beans, to be used in extraterrestrial agricultural experiments. Also according to the scanner, there is no way the beans could sprout and grow in the extremely arid Zephyrian soil.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannerhole">>
<<set $use to "The scanner tells you such gaping holes have a negative impact on a ship's structural integrity. It strongly recommends against flying the ship in its current state.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$electro-toolhole">>
<<set $use to "Your electro-tool sparks and crackles, but it's far too damaged to be used for any kind of repairs.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemhole">>
<<if $repairstarted>>
<<set $use to "Auto-repair kit drones are fixing the hole, using their own bodies as replacement material (you shudder at this sight). Meanwhile, robotic arms are mending broken pipes and electrical circuits.">>
<<else>>
<<set $use to "The hole is large, about the size of three Rovies. It has sharp, jagged edges and exposes a lot of pipes, wires and torn insulation.<br><br>“We need to fix this,” Daphne says. “Use the auto-repair kit.”">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$brokenheatshieldinghole">>
<<set $use to "The shielding is far too damaged to be put back on the ship's hull.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$beanshole">>
<<set $use to "“Don't be ridiculous, Rovie,” says Daphne, sounding amused. “You can't plug this hole with beans.”">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$beanscargocrate">>
<<set $use to "There is no need to put the beans back in the crate.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$brokenheatshieldingbrokenheatshielding">>
<<set $use to "The pieces of shielding you're carrying are identical to the ones lying on the ground.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$brokenheatshieldingcargocrate">>
<<set $use to "Your programming tells you mixing small sharp objects with what technically could be considered “human food” is not a good idea.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$auto-repairkitcargocrate">>
<<set $use to "The crate is only slightly bent. There is no need to repair it.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$auto-repairkitlichen-trees">>
<<set $use to "Some of the lichen-trees are most definitely broken, as if they were crushed by a heavy metal object colliding with them at high speed, but you don't think an auto-repair kit will be able to fix that.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$auto-repairkitZephyrianLichen">>
<<set $use to "Some of the lichen-trees are most definitely broken, as if they were crushed by a heavy metal object colliding with them at high speed, but you don't think an auto-repair kit will be able to fix that.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemgreyprotoplasmiccreature">>
<<set $use to "You extend your camera to take a closer look at the creature. It looks like a giant grey amoeba, covered in a thick outer membrane. Its insides seem completely homogeneous – you see no structures or organs.<<if not $firstslimescanned>><br><br>“I wonder if it's all one big cell!” Daphne muses. “I've never seen anything quite like it. We'll learn more about this fascinating creature when you scan it.”<</if>>">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$tastyZephyrianLichenhole">>
<<set $use to "You can't fix the significant structural damage to your ship by plugging the hole with some lichen.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$dinosaurgummiescargocrate">>
<<set $use to "Those are dinosaur gummies, not jelly beans. And even if they were jelly beans, they still wouldn't belong in this crate.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$dinosaurgummieshole">>
<<set $use to "The gummies are sticky, but they aren't the right sort of material to repair the starship with.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$dinosaurgummiesfirstaidcabinet">>
<<set $use to "You don't want to put the nice, squishy, colourful gummies back in the cabinet.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$alienfertiliserlichen-trees">>
<<set $use to "You have no use for the broken lichen-trees and don't want to waste any fertiliser on them.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$alienfertiliserZephyrianLichen">>
<<set $use to "You have no use for the broken lichen-trees and don't want to waste any fertiliser on them.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$alienfertilisercargocrate">>
<<set $use to "The fertiliser should be used on growing plants, not dry seeds.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemruinedstonebuildings">>
<<if $database.includes("Ruined Watchtower")>>
<<set $use to "The ruins are all that remains of an old Zephyrian watchtower.">>
<<else>>
<<set $use to "The buildings are too far away for your camera to register any details.<br><br>“If only you could get closer and scan those ruins, Rovie,” sighs Daphne. “I'm sure they're worth a lot of research points.”">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannermassivestonestructure">>
<<if $database.includes("Ruined Watchtower")>>
<<set $use to "You have already scanned the ruined watchtower.">>
<<else>>
<<run $database.push("Ruined Watchtower")>><<set $data += 10>>
<<set $use to "You take your scanner and do a careful sweep of the ruins. The Ruined Watchtower was added to your database!<br><br><i>You gained 10 research points!</i><<unlockdoor>>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemmassivestonestructure">>
<<if $database.includes("Ruined Watchtower")>>
<<set $use to "The ancient Zephyrian watchtower, or astronomical observatory, must have been quite a sight before it collapsed.">>
<<else>>
<<set $use to "The building you see must have been much taller. Perched high on the cliffs, it likely served as an observation point. Buried under the debris, you see fragments of equipment of some sorts.">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannerruinedstonebuildings">>
<<if $database.includes("Ruined Watchtower")>>
<<set $use to "You have already visited and scanned the ruins.">>
<<else>>
<<set $use to "The ruined buildings are far beyond the reach of your small scanner.">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemriver">>
<<set $use to "The water in the river is a weird orange colour. Not even the lichen-trees are growing on its shores. The river has its source somewhere up the cliffs, above the waterfall, which is too high and too far away for you to reach.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$beansriver">>
<<set $use to "You don't think that's a good idea. The river water would probably dissolve the beans, or mutate them into something horrifying.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannerriver">>
<<if $database.includes("The Orange River")>>
<<set $use to "You have already scanned the toxic orange river.">>
<<else>>
<<run $database.push("The Orange River")>><<set $data += 5>>
<<set $use to "As you approach the river and scan the surface of the water, your scanner starts to emit warning beeps. It seems like this water isn't good for swimming, not even for robots.<br><br><i>You gained 5 research points!</i><<unlockdoor>>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$electro-toolriver">>
<<set $use to "Submerging your sparking electro-tool in water is a really poor idea.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$alienfertiliserriver">>
<<set $use to "You feel like this river is contaminated enough.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemcarvings">>
<<if $database.includes("Cliff Carvings")>>
<<set $use to "The old carvings, badly eroded, are depicting tall, insect-like figures, using their frontmost pair of legs to hold various objects and walking on the remaining two pairs.">>
<<else>>
<<set $use to "You take a good look at the carvings. They are badly eroded, but you can make out the shapes of six-legged creatures, wearing loose clothing and holding... drinking cups and ice-cream? Some are accompanied by smaller, winged lifeforms. They're all very much unlike anything you've encountered on Zephyria. As usual, Daphne comments, but she sounds strangely solemn:<br><br>“Those must be the ancient Zephyrians. This used to be their planet, but now they're gone. I wonder what does one feel when one... no longer exists. Maybe... maybe it's better to just be a lump of protoplasm and never feel anything?”">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannercarvings">>
<<if $database.includes("Cliff Carvings")>>
<<set $use to "You have already scanned the carvings on the cliff face.">>
<<else>>
<<run $database.push("Cliff Carvings")>><<set $data += 10>>
<<set $use to "You point your scanner at the carvings – they're barely within reach – and add them to the database.<br><br><i>You gained 10 research points!</i><<unlockdoor>>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannerpileofrubble">>
<<if $database.includes("Pile of Construction Rubble")>>
<<set $use to "You have already scanned this pile of ancient alien rubble.">>
<<else>>
<<run $database.push("Pile of Construction Rubble")>><<set $data += 5>>
<<set $use to "You point your scanner at the pile of rubble and scan it, adding its data to the database.<br><br><i>You gained 5 research points!</i><<unlockdoor>>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitempileofrubble">>
<<if $inventory.includes("nuts and bolts")>>
<<set $use to "You have already searched the pile, which consists of crumbling pieces of almost-concrete and twisted rails made of an unknown metal.">>
<<else>>
<<run $inventory.push("nuts and bolts")>>
<<set $use to "You poke the pile of rubble with your robotic arm. It's mostly made of something not unlike concrete, mixed with long, twisted pieces of metal, not unlike rails. You don't recognise the type of metal these are made of, but they bear no signs of corrosion, even though they must be thousands of years old. As you examine the pile, some loose nuts and bolts fall from the metal parts. They look perfectly usable, so you collect them.<br><br>“I don't think these alien bolts are of the right standard, Rovie”, Daphne says.<br><br>“Breeep!”<br><br>“All right, all right! Have it your way, you little hoarder!”<br><br><i>You obtained nuts and bolts!</i>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$nutsandboltspileofrubble">>
<<set $use to "Screwing the bolts back in place won't restore this pile of rubble to working order.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$nutsandboltshole">>
<<set $use to "Alien nuts and bolts aren't compatible with your ship. Besides, the repair kit drones are doing a good job fixing the damage.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannervolcanicvents">>
<<if $database.includes("Toxic Vents")>>
<<set $use to "You have already scanned the volcanic vents.">>
<<else>>
<<run $database.push("Toxic Vents")>><<set $data += 5>>
<<set $use to "You scan the smoking vents from a safe distance.<br><br><i>You gained 5 research points!</i><<unlockdoor>>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemvolcanicvents">>
<<set $use to "“What pretty colours!” exclaims Daphne as a nearby vent spits out a high plume of iridescent smoke. You beep disapprovingly; the heat and mixture of gasses from the vents are setting off several of your alarms.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemlava">>
<<set $use to "It's a large pool of thick, slowly boiling lava, stretching between the volcanic vents and the distant valley. The heat in the vicinity of the pool is hard to bear, even for a robot.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannerlava">>
<<set $use to "Your scanner simply informs you it's lava. Clearly, it doesn't differ enough from lava found on Earth to warrant rewarding you with points.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$brokenheatshieldinglava">>
<<set $use to "You fling a piece of heat shielding into the pool. Just as you expected, it floats on lava without being destroyed.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemDome">>
<<set $use to "The Dome looks familiar, like a giant research station, or a greenhouse. “It must be very old,” says Daphne. “Just imagine all the... sciency things the ancient Zephyrians used to do here!”">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$electro-toolDome">>
<<set $use to "There is no way you could fix the Dome's damage with your electro-tool, even if it was functioning properly.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannerDome">>
<<if $database.includes("Glass Dome")>>
<<set $use to "You have already scanned the Dome.">>
<<else>>
<<run $database.push("Glass Dome")>><<set $data += 10>>
<<set $use to "You sweep the inside of the dome and items on the floor with your scanner, adding a lot of data to the research database.<br><br><i>You gained 10 research points!</i><<unlockdoor>>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemlaboratoryequipment">>
<<if $inventory.includes("glass orb")>>
<<set $use to "There's nothing worth taking left in the pile of broken lab equipment.">>
<<else>>
<<run $inventory.push("glass orb")>>
<<set $use to "You drive to the pile and examine it closely. Most of the laboratory glass has been ground into dust too fine for your arm to pick up, but you find a single round-bottom flask that's still in one piece – only its neck has been broken off. It now looks like a glass orb with a big hole in it. You decide to take it.<br><br><i>You obtained a glass orb!</i>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannerlaboratoryequipment">>
<<set $use to "The scanner identifies the pile as “remains consisting mostly of glass”.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$dinosaurgummieslaboratoryequipment">>
<<set $use to "“Please, Rovie, tell me you weren't seriously thinking about mixing human food with crushed glass” says Daphne. “You know you can get reprogrammed for doing stuff like this, right?”">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitememeraldlichen">>
<<if $inventory.includes("tasty Zephyrian Lichen")>>
<<set $use to "You already have a sample of this lichen in your inventory compartment.">>
<<else>><<run $inventory.push("tasty Zephyrian Lichen")>>
<<set $use to "The lichen is green and vibrant, and soft to the touch. It's so nice you take a small sample.<br><br><i>You received some tasty Zephyrian Lichen!</i><br><br>“It looks soooo pretty!” exclaims Daphne. “Oh, to be a carefree beast and roll around on this lovely, fluffy lichen all day long!”">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scanneremeraldlichen">>
<<if $database.includes("Zephyrian Lichen")>>
<<set $use to "Your scanner simply informs you you have found another sample of Zephyrian Lichen, which has already been added to the database.">>
<<else>>
<<run $database.push("Zephyrian Lichen")>><<set $data += 5>>
<<set $use to "You scan the grass-like lichen. Information on Zephyrian Lichen was added to the research database!<br><br><i>You gained 5 research points!</i><<unlockdoor>>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$alienfertiliseremeraldlichen">>
<<set $use to "There is no need to fertilise the lichen in the valley. It's already soft, vibrant and lush.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$tastyZephyrianLichenemeraldlichen">>
<<set $use to "The tasty lichen is a sample taken from this very place. There's more than enough left around. You don't need to give back the bit you've collected.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemsquaremetalplate">>
<<set $use to "On a careful examination, the plate seems to be separate from the rest of the floor. It looks like a lift, but there are no controls to activate it anywhere.<br><br>You drive onto the plate. It lowers slightly, but nothing more happens.">><<if not hasVisited("Plant Research Station")>><<set $use to $use + "<br><br>“It must be pressure-activated, but you're too light!” says Daphne. “Bummer!”">><</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannersquaremetalplate" || $usemessage == "$scannergiantrectangularmetalplate">>
<<set $use to "Your scanner only tells you you're looking at a plate made of metal.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$electro-toolsquaremetalplate" || $usemessage == "$electro-toolgiantrectangularmetalplate">>
<<set $use to "You poke the plate with your electro-tool, hoping to activate some hidden mechanism with an electric shock, but it doesn't work.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemgiantrectangularmetalplate">>
<<if hasVisited("Plant Research Station")>><<set $use to "This must be another pressure-activated lift like the one inside the dome, but it's bigger and probably requires an even greater weight to activate.">>
<<else>>
<<set $use to "The plate looks like a part of some mechanism, possibly pressure-activated.<br><br>You drive onto it, but nothing happens.">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitempicturesanddiagrams">>
<<set $use to "The discoloured photos show insectoid creatures in protective clothing working in the room you're in – before it was abandoned and left to decay. There are rows of planters in the pictures, with all sorts of plants in them. You can't read the writing on the diagrams – it's just dots and squiggles – but they seem to be comparing different plant species. The smallest of photos shows three insectoid researchers drinking from big mugs, apparently enjoying a break.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannerpicturesanddiagrams">>
<<if $database.includes("Ancient Zephyrian Image Material")>>
<<set $use to "You have already scanned this image material.">>
<<else>>
<<run $database.push("Ancient Zephyrian Image Material")>><<set $data += 5>>
<<set $use to "You scan the faded pictures on the wall, adding them to the database.<br><br><i>You gained 5 research points!</i><<unlockdoor>>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$beanspicturesanddiagrams">>
<<set $use to "Try as you might, you are unable to classify the beans in accordance with the diagrams.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemmachine">>
<<set $use to "It's a large cabinet in the corner of the room, with an opening in the front, through which you can see a beam of green light. It looks like an automated scanning device.">><<if not $inventory.includes("alien fertiliser")>><<set $use to $use + "<br><br>“I think you should place some stuff in that machine and see what happens” says Daphne excitedly. “For science!”">><</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$beansmachine">>
<<if $inventory.includes("alien fertiliser")>>
<<set $use to "You scan the beans again. The light iniside the machine blinks yellow once, but nothing else happens.<br><br>“I know what it's saying!” exclaims Daphne. “'You can't get research points for repeated activities!' Science is so universal.”">>
<<else>>
<<run $inventory.push("alien fertiliser")>>
<<set $use to "You place one bean inside the machine's compartment. The green light turns yellow. Looks like the material was accepted!<br><br>“You activated a Zephyrian device! How exciting!” says Daphne. “Now we know for sure Zephyrians were doing some advanced research on plants here.”<br><br>After a brief moment, the light inside the machine blinks three times, then turns orange. A door opens in the side of the cabinet and a small plastic bag falls out of it. On the bag you see a picture of a big, healthy plant superimposed on a small and wilted one. You figure out the alien machine didn't rate your beans too highly and gave you some fertiliser to help them grow stronger. You don't think the beans will grow at all on Zephyria, fertiliser or not, but you take the bag anyway. Maybe you'll figure out a different use for it?<br><br><i>You obtained alien fertiliser!</i>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$tastyZephyrianLichenmachine">>
<<set $use to "You place the lichen in the machine's compartment. It seems to be scanning it for a moment, but then a red light blinks and a loud klaxon sounds.">><<if $inventory.includes("alien fertiliser") != true>><<set $use to $use + "<br><br>“It rejected the sample,” says Daphne. “But it thought about it for a moment. I think it wants something slightly similar to that lichen!”">><</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannermachine">>
<<if $database.includes("Zephyrian Analyser")>>
<<set $use to "You have already scanned the analyser.">>
<<else>>
<<run $database.push("Zephyrian Analyser")>><<set $data += 5>>
<<set $use to "You scan the machine, adding it to the database.<br><br><i>You gained 5 research points!</i><<unlockdoor>>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$alienfertilisermachine">>
<<set $use to "The machine doesn't react to the fertiliser.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemcavern">>
<<set $use to "The orange river is flowing into the dark cavern. You cannot drive there, as you don't float on water.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannercavern">>
<<if $database.includes("Cave Art")>>
<<set $use to "You have already scanned the art inside the dark cavern.">>
<<else>>
<<set $use to "The outside of the cavern is not that interesting, and you can't scan the inside from here.">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannersculpturesandpaintings">>
<<if $database.includes("Cave Art")>>
<<set $use to "You have already added the art inside the cave to the database.">>
<<else>>
<<run $database.push("Cave Art")>><<set $data += 10>>
<<set $use to "You sweep the area with your scanner, adding the strange art to the database.<br><br><i>You gained 10 research points!</i><<unlockdoor>>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemsculpturesandpaintings">>
<<set $use to "You look and marvel at the enormous sculptures of insectoid Zephyrians and many other creatures that seem to be walking and crawling all around the cave, or are gently swaying, suspended under the ceiling. In the dim light the wall paintings of alien castles, cities and spaceships seem to be moving. One sculpted Zephyrian's head has broken off and came to rest on the central island. It is looking straight at you with unseeing eyes.<br><br>“Oooooh... creepy,” says Daphne in a low-pitched voice.<br><br>Curiously enough, there are no depictions of any protoplasmic creatures here.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$curlyhornsculpturesandpaintings">>
<<set $use to "You notice a creature with horns just like this in one of the pictures. It looks similar to a large sheep, but it has a far bigger mouth – more like the mouth of a hippo – and green fur.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannercolourfulvehicles">>
<<if $database.includes("Zephyrian Vehicles")>>
<<set $use to "You have already scanned the sunken vehicles.">>
<<else>>
<<run $database.push("Zephyrian Vehicles")>><<set $data += 5>>
<<set $use to "You point your scanner at the sunken vehicles. It's not easy to get a good read of an object underwater, but you manage to collect some data.<br><br><i>You gained 5 research points!</i><<unlockdoor>>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannerdustyremains">>
<<if $database.includes("Remains of Zephyrians")>>
<<set $use to "You have already scanned the remains.">>
<<else>>
<<run $database.push("Remains of Zephyrians")>><<set $data += 10>>
<<set $use to "You scan the remains of the inhabitants of the city.<br><br><i>You gained 10 research points!</i><<unlockdoor>>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemdustyremains">>
<<if not $hornretrieved>><<set $hornretrieved to true>><<run $inventory.push("curly horn")>>
<<set $use to "You take a closer look at the remains. Dried up exoskeletons of six-legged creatures are lying in some of the houses. One is outside, behind a collapsed fence. Next to it, you see bones of a four-legged creature with horns. You try to collect a sample of the remains, but they turn to dust when you touch them – the only thing that remains are the horns of the animals, large and heavy. You place one of them in your storage compartment.<br><br><i>You obtained a curly horn!</i>">>
<<else>>
<<set $use to "You decide not to disturb the remains of Zephyrians any further. They're so fragile touching them would only destroy them.<br><br>“Such a sad fate,” says Daphne melancholically. “I'd love to see the city when it was bustling with life, but we're several thousand years late...”">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemgreywasteland">>
<<set $use to "Your sensors warn you not to approach the wasteland. The air there is so corrosive you wouldn't survive more than a couple of minutes without any protection.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannergreywasteland">>
<<if $database.includes("Impact Zone")>>
<<set $use to "You have already reached the edge of the impact zone and scanned the area.">>
<<else>>
<<set $use to "The wasteland is too far away for your scanner to gather any useful data.">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannerglasscasesandtubes">>
<<if $database.includes("Zephyrian Specimen Storage")>>
<<set $use to "You have already scanned the area.">>
<<else>>
<<run $database.push("Zephyrian Specimen Storage")>><<set $data += 15>>
<<set $use to "You spend some time scanning the area and the content of the locked cases.<br><br><i>You gained 15 research points!</i><<unlockdoor>>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemglasscasesandtubes">>
<<set $use to "You take a good look at the content of the cases. The containers on one side of the room seem to contain samples of various organisms – you see shells, leaves, feathers, and so on. They're labelled with writing you cannot read. The cases and tubes on the other side are filled with a grey substance. It looks just like a Zephyrian Protoplasm, but it isn't moving. Complicated machinery is attached to the tubes, but it isn't working and has mostly fallen apart. There are some pictures and diagrams on the wall nearby. Some show protoplasmic creatures being released from containers; others depict them morphing into animals, plants and tall six-legged insectoids.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemtalllichen-tree">>
<<set _ramoeba to 0>>
<<for _i to 0; _i lt $slimes.length; _i++>><<if $slimes[_i].name == "Ramoeba" && $slimes[_i].location == passage()>><<set _ramoeba += 1>><<set $ramoebano to [_i]>><</if>><</for>>
<<if _ramoeba == 1>>
<<set $slimes[$ramoebano].location to "trapped">><<set $treerammed to true>>
<<set $use to "The yellow lichen-tree is really tall and has a rather flat stem. It would make an excellent bridge across the chasm, if you could somehow fell it.<br><br>You look at the nearby Ramoeba and think for a moment. Since it likes ramming into things...<br><br>You position yourself in front of the lichen-tree and beep at the Ramoeba. The creature startles, then snorts angrily and charges! You dash to the side at the very last moment. The Ramoeba crashes into the tree, which shakes violently, but does not fall. The creature, however, is now stuck, its horns tangled into the lower branches. It's bellowing and tossing itself around, preventing you from approaching.">>
<<else>>
<<set $use to "The yellow lichen-tree is really tall and has a rather flat stem. It would make an excellent bridge across the chasm, if you could somehow fell it.">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannertalllichen-tree">>
<<if $database.includes("Zephyrian Lichen")>>
<<set $use to "Your scanner simply informs you you have found another sample of Zephyrian Lichen, which has already been added to the database.">>
<<else>>
<<run $database.push("Zephyrian Lichen")>><<set $data += 5>>
<<set $use to "You scan the tall lichen-tree. Information on Zephyrian Lichen was added to the research database!<br><br><i>You gained 5 research points!</i><<unlockdoor>>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$electro-tooltalllichen-tree">>
<<set $use to "You poke the lichen-tree with your electro-tool, just in case, but the electric shock does not make it fall.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannerRamoeba">>
<<if $database.includes("Ramoeba")>>
<<set $use to "You have already added the Ramoeba to the database.">>
<<else>>
<<run $database.push("Ramoeba")>><<set $data += 5>>
<<set $use to "You scan the struggling Ramoeba from a safe distance, adding it to the database.<br><br><i>You gained 5 research points!</i><<unlockdoor>>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitemRamoeba">>
<<set $use to "The creature is desperately trying to free itself, but to no avail. Its horns got firmly entangled with the branches of the lichen-tree.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$electro-toolRamoeba">>
<<unset $treerammed>><<set $slimes[$ramoebano].location to "Volcanic Vents">><<run $inventory.push("curly horn")>><<set $slimes[$ramoebano].name to "Zephyrian Protoplasm">><<set $slimes[$ramoebano].nameundefined to "a Zephyrian Protoplasm">>
<<set $use to "You cautiously approach the Ramoeba and touch it with your electro-tool. The sparks make the creature's fur stand up. The beast starts shaking and shrinking. A moment later it has turned back into a Zephyrian Protoplasm. It is no longer trapped. The horn you used to morph it earlier drops to the ground.<br><br><i>You received the curly horn!</i>">><<firstrevert>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$scannerpond">>
<<if $database.includes("Protoplasmic Pond")>>
<<set $use to "You have already scanned the pond.">>
<<else>>
<<run $database.push("Protoplasmic Pond")>><<set $data += 10>>
<<set $use to "You scan the shimmering surface of the pond, entering its data to the database.<br><br><i>You gained 10 research points!</i><<unlockdoor>>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$noitempond">>
<<set $use to "The shimmering pond does not look like water. Actually, it resembles a Zephyrian Protoplasm – or rather the protoplasm <i>proper</i>, contained within the creature's membrane. The pond, however, does not seem to be alive – the ripples on the surface are caused by the wind.<br><br>“Do you think it's a giant slime, Rovie?” asks Daphne. “Maybe it's asleep? Or... dead?”">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$electro-toolpond">>
<<set $use to "You curiously poke the surface of the pond with the electro-tool. It ripples, and something like a small pseudopod appears – but a moment later, it's gone.<br><br>Looks like the pond isn't alive the way the small protoplasms are.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$beanspond">>
<<set $use to "You throw a single bean into the pond, but nothing happens.<br><br>Looks like the pond isn't alive the way the small protoplasms are.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$brokenheatshieldingpond">>
<<set $use to "You throw a shard of the heat shielding into the pond, but nothing happens.<br><br>Looks like the pond isn't alive the way the small protoplasms are.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$nutsandboltspond">>
<<set _thing to either("nut", "bolt")>>
<<set $use to "You throw a single _thing into the pond, but nothing happens.<br><br>Looks like the pond isn't alive the way the small protoplasms are.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$dinosaurgummiespond">>
<<set $use to "You throw a single gummy into the pond, but nothing happens.<br><br>Looks like the pond isn't alive the way the small protoplasms are.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$glassorbpond">>
<<set $use to "You touch the surface of the pond with the orb, but nothing happens.<br><br>Looks like the pond isn't alive the way the small protoplasms are.">>
<<elseif $usemessage == "$curlyhornpond">>
<<set $use to "You touch the surface of the pond with the horn, but nothing happens.<br><br>Looks like the pond isn't alive the way the small protoplasms are.">>
<<elseif $object == "machine">>
<<set $use to "You place the $itemselected in the machine compartment, under the green beam of light. The light immediately turns red and a loud klaxon sounds. The device is rejecting the sample.">><<if $inventory.includes("alien fertiliser") != true>><<set $use to $use + " It must be calibrated to analyse objects of a different kind.">><</if>>
<<elseif $object == "ruined stone buildings">>
<<set $use to "The ruined buildings are too high and too far away.">>
<<elseif $object == "cavern">>
<<set $use to "The entrance to the cavern is too far away.">>
<<elseif $object == "grey wasteland">>
<<set $use to "It's too far away – and too dangerous to approach.">>
<<elseif $object == "grey protoplasmic creature">>
<<set $use to "“I don't think you should poke it with any objects without scanning it first, Rovie,” the AI says.">>
<<elseif $object == "sealed door">>
<<set $use to "“Please, stop messing with the door,” Daphne says. “It's a programming issue. I'm working on it.”">>
<<elseif $object == "lava">>
<<set $use to "Destroying the $itemselected in a pool of lava would be really careless.">>
<<elseif $object == "Dome">>
<<set $use to "Even though the ancient glass looks sturdy enough, you don't want to test its durability by throwing random objects.">>
<<elseif $object == "Ramoeba">>
<<set $use to "The trapped Ramoeba is struggling and jumping so violently you don't want to approach it without a good reason.">>
<<elseif $itemselected == "nuts and bolts">>
<<set $use to "You don't see any screws here that would require replacing.">>
<<elseif $object == "dusty remains">>
<<set $use to "You don't want to poke the fragile remains of dead Zephyrians with random objects.">>
<<elseif $object == "glasscasesandtubes">>
<<set $use to "You see no way of opening the cases – or at least no way that wouldn't destroy the objects inside. You'd rather leave the specimens alone.">>
<<elseif $itemselected == "electro-tool">>
<<set $use to "Your electro-tool was badly damaged in the crash. Whenever you try to use it, it just emits sparks and makes crackling noises.">>
<<elseif $itemselected == "auto-repair kit">>
<<set $use to "The $object is in no need of repairs.">>
<<else>>
<<set $use to either("Using the $itemselected on the $object won't achieve anything.", "This doesn't seem like a good idea.", "Using the $itemselected on the $object won't help you.", "“If you have to poke things with other things, at least put some thought into it!” Daphne scolds you.", "Your programming tells you this won't achieve anything.")>>
<</if>>
<<run Dialog.setup()>>
<<run Dialog.wiki($use)>>
<<run Dialog.open()>>
<</if>>
<</silently>>\
<</widget>>\
<<passagetitle>>
You're in what used to be a city thousands of years ago, but now is nothing more than an expanse of ruins spread across a grey plateau. Some buildings are so far deteriorated you can see only the shape of the foundations; others are completely overgrown with lichen. Those better preserved are colourful, though the colours have faded, and shaped like domes or cylinders.
Inside the ruins, there are <<object "dusty remains">> of dead creatures, preserved by the dry climate.
To the north, the ruins are bordering a <<object "grey wasteland">> surrounding a giant crater. Your sensors are warning you about the dangerous climate to the north.
<<printslimes>>\
You can drive south, back <span class = "exit"><<link "towards the canyon and the river">><<move "By the River">><</link>></span>.You roll down the ramp and take your first close look at the planet Zephyria.
From high up, it looked like a rainbow marble, wrapped in a silky layer of clouds. The company expected you to find a planet teeming with plant and animal life, but it's surprisingly quiet where you landed – save for the howling of the wind. As far as the camera can see, there's only rocks and colourful lichen in many shapes and sizes. Some specimens are as tall as trees, with thick trunks and “leaves” shaped like fans, bowls, or cattails.
<i>Curious Kitty</i> has crash-landed in a small valley, surrounded by a plateau of opalescent, porous rock. Your ship ploughed through lichen-trees, leaving behind a deep furrow, and came to rest at the end of the valley, surrounded by tall cliffs on three sides.
[[Continue|first slime 2]]
<<silently>><<set _gchl to 0>>
<<for _i to 0; _i lt $slimes.length; _i++>><<if $slimes[_i].name == "Giant Chloroplasm" && $slimes[_i].location == passage()>><<set _gchl to 1>><<break>><</if>><</for>><</silently>>\
<<passagetitle>>
You're at the end of a valley surrounded by steep cliffs. There's a deep scar in the ground here, left by your ship as it ploughed through the valley after the landing. Colourful <<if $database.includes("Zephyrian Lichen")>><<object "Zephyrian Lichen">> of various shapes and sizes is growing here<<else>><<object "lichen-trees">> of various shapes and sizes are growing here<</if>>, shielded from the wind which is howling high up among the cliffs.
Your research ship, the <i>Curious Kitty</i>, is resting at the end of the valley. <<if $shipfixed>>The damage to its hull have been fixed by the repair drones<<else>>There's a large <<object "hole">> in its hull<<if $repairstarted>>, currently being repaired<</if>><</if>>. Sharp pieces of <<object "broken heat shielding">> are lying around.
To the east, the cliffs are lower, with <<object "ruined stone buildings">> on top. <<if _gchl == 1 && $beanstalkclimbed>>You could <span class = "exit">[[climb the Giant Chloroplasm|On the Cliffs]]</span> to get there.<</if>>
<<if $firstslimescanned>><<printslimes>>\<<else>>You can see a <<object "grey protoplasmic creature">> near the ship.
<</if>>\
The ramp leading to the ship's <span class = "exit"><<link "cargo bay">><<move "Ship Cargo Bay">><</link>></span> is extended.
You can also drive north, towards <span class = "exit"><<if not $firstslimescanned && not $repairstarted>><<link "the river">><<run Dialog.setup()>><<run Dialog.wiki("“Before you drive any further, you should scan that alien amoeba, AND use the repair kit on the hole in our poor ship”, Daphne reminds you.")>><<run Dialog.open()>><</link>><<elseif not $repairstarted>><<link "the river">><<run Dialog.setup()>><<run Dialog.wiki("“Before you drive any further, you should use the repair kit on the hole in our poor ship”, Daphne reminds you.")>><<run Dialog.open()>><</link>><<elseif not $firstslimescanned>><<link "the river">><<run Dialog.setup()>><<run Dialog.wiki("“Before you drive any further, you should scan that alien amoeba,” Daphne reminds you.")>><<run Dialog.open()>><</link>><<else>><<link "the river">><<move "By the River">><</link>><</if>></span> that winds along a broader section of the canyon.
<<widget "passagetitle">><<set $savename to passage()>><center><span class = "title"><<print passage()>></span></center><</widget>>
<<widget "unlockdoor">>\
<<if $data >= 50 && not $doorunlocked>><<set $doorunlocked to true>>\
“Good job with collecting points, Rovie!” Daphne says. “We're halfway there.”
“Dreee? Deee beep boop!”
“Hey, I'm not lazing around! I've just got the door to the command centre unstuck. Trust me, it was really, really difficult!”
<<elseif $data >= 85 & not $shipfixed>><<set $shipfixed to true>><<set $shipstatus to "fully functional">>
Suddenly, your comms device emits a high-pitched screech. A moment later you hear Daphne; she's screaming loud enough to overload the communicator.
“Oooh, the drones are done fixing <i>Kitty</i>! I can <i>finally</i> go home! Oh, wait – the research! You're still missing some points? Oh, Rovie, please, hurry up! I don't want to grow old on this backwater world!”
“Deeerr-deeep!”
“I know I don't age, Rovie. It's called a me-ta-phor!”
<<elseif $data >= 100 & not $enoughdata>><<set $enoughdata to true>>
You hear a short, happy tune coming from your scanner. Daphne must have heard it, too.
“Yipee! We have enough research points! We can go home! Return to the ship, Rovie, and let's blast off. Good job, helping me with the field research, little friend!”
“Beeeeep. Beep,” you say hesitantly.
“What? You think there's more things here to discover around here? But... Rovie, I want to go! I'm bored.”
She's quiet for a moment.
“Oh, all right,” she finally says. “I know science is important. Stay and scan the area one more time if you think you can find something new, only... don't make me wait <i>too</i> long, okay?”
<i>You have completed the main objective of your mission! You can now leave Zephyria (finish the game) at any time by going to the ship's command centre. However, there's more to discover on the planet, and more points to collect for the curious!</i>
<</if>>\
<</widget>>\<<run $database.push("Zephyrian Protoplasm")>><<set $firstslimescanned to true>><<set $slimes[0].location to "Outside of the Ship">><<set $data += 5>>\
You point your mobile scanner at the grey protoplasm and activate it.
“SCANNING...” a robotic voice from the device announces. “ANALYSING… NAMING…”
“Amazing!” Daphne exclaims. “Isn't science just wonderful, Rovie?”
“DONE”.
<span class = "highlight">Zephyrian Protoplasm was added to the Database!</span> <i>(click on “Database” to learn more!)
You gained 5 research points!</i>
“Whaaaat? Only five points?”
The AI sounds devastated.
“We need one hundred points for our mission! This is going to take forever! And this planet is so boring! It looked much more exciting from orbit.”
“Boop,” you say snarkily.
“I'm not giving up, Rovie!”
“Bee boop?”
“... All right. Let's focus our efforts. Look around and see if you can find any other creatures to scan, so that we can leave.”
[[Continue|Outside of the Ship]]A primitive creature native to planet Zephyria. Made of protoplasm surrounded by a durable membrane, it can survive in almost any environment. It has the astounding capability to morph into various shapes and forms, assuming the properties of foreign objects it comes into contact with.
According to the scan results, it is unlikely that Zephyrian Protoplasms are responsible for the creation – millennia ago – of artefacts and cities, remains of which still survive.
Possible uses in: Medicine, cybernetics, construction, etc., etc. Further research strongly recommended.According to the scan results, all plants on Zephyria are, in fact, one species, and aren't even plants at all – they are more similar to Earth lichen. These organisms have a simple underlying structure, which they can replicate in many different variations, leading to an abundance of shapes, colours and sizes. There are extremely tough, too, able to withstand heat and drought.
Unlikely to be of value. Possible uses in: Pharmaceutical/cosmetics industry.<<widget "setupslimes">>
<<set $slimes to [
{
number: "slime0",
name:"Zephyrian Protoplasm",
nameundefined: "a Zephyrian Protoplasm",
location:"",
ate:"",
eatenby:"",
},
{
number: "slime1",
name:"Zephyrian Protoplasm",
nameundefined: "a Zephyrian Protoplasm",
location:"Volcanic Vents",
ate:"",
eatenby:"",
},
{
number: "slime2",
name:"Zephyrian Protoplasm",
nameundefined: "a Zephyrian Protoplasm",
location:"The Emerald Valley",
ate:"",
eatenby:"",
},
{
number: "slime3",
name:"Zephyrian Protoplasm",
nameundefined: "a Zephyrian Protoplasm",
location:"The Dome",
ate:"",
eatenby:"",
},
{
number: "slime4",
name:"Zephyrian Protoplasm",
nameundefined: "a Zephyrian Protoplasm",
location:"Ruined City",
ate:"",
eatenby:"",
},
]>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "printslimes">>\
<<set _number to 0>>\
<<for _i to 0; _i lt $slimes.length; _i++>>\
<<if $slimes[_i].location == passage()>><<set _number += 1>><</if>>\
<</for>>\
<<if _number == 0>>\
<<elseif _number == 1>>\
<<if passage() == "The Emerald Valley" || passage() == "The Dome">>You can see<<else>>There is<</if>> <<for _i to 0; _i lt $slimes.length; _i++>>\
<<capture _i>>\
<<if $slimes[_i].location == passage()>>\
<<link $slimes[_i].nameundefined>><<set $targetslime to [_i]>><<set $targetslimeobject to $slimes[_i]>><<clickslime>><</link>><</if>>\
<</capture>>\
<</for>> <<if passage() == "The Emerald Valley" || passage() == "The Dome">>sitting on the metal plate<<else>>here<</if>>.
<<else>>\
You can see multiple protoplasmic creatures <<if passage() == "The Emerald Valley" || passage() == "The Dome">>sitting on the metal plate<<else>>here<</if>>:
<<for _i to 0; _i lt $slimes.length; _i++>>\
<<capture _i>>\
<<if $slimes[_i].location == passage()>>\
<<link $slimes[_i].nameundefined>><<set $targetslime to [_i]>><<set $targetslimeobject to $slimes[_i]>><<clickslime>><</link>><br><</if>>\
<</capture>>\
<</for>><</if>>\
<</widget>>\
<<widget "firsttransform">>
<<if not $firsttransform>><<set $firsttransform to true>>
<<set $use to $use + "<br><br>“That was incredible!” shouts Daphne, so loudly you flinch. “Good job, Rovie! It's like a completely different creature now. I wonder if we get more research points when you scan it. 'Cause if yes – well, there's our ticket off this planet! You should scan as many varieties of those creatures as you can find, Rovie. Help them transform if you have to!”">><</if>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "failtransform">>
<<if not $failtransform>><<set $failtransform to true>>
<<set $use to $use + "<br><br>“Hmmmm...” mutters Daphne. “I guess only the basic form of Zephyrian Protoplasm can morph.”">>
<</if>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "firstrevert">>
<<if not $firstrevert>><<set $firstrevert to true>>
<<set $use to $use + "<br><br>“So, they can go back to the original form, and it doesn't harm them in any way!” remarks Daphne excitedly. “Just think how many possibilities this opens up for our company! A single set of morphing clothing for every occasion! Self-repairing amphibious vehicles!”">><</if>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "failrevert">>
<<if not $failrevert>><<set $failrevert to true>>
<<set $use to $use + "<br><br>“Looks like electricity only transforms more advanced protoplasms back to their original form”, Daphne says. “This guy can't get any simpler.”">>
<</if>>
<</widget>><<silently>><<if hasVisited("Fake leave") != true && $data >= 130>><<set _roll to random(1,4)>><<if _roll == 1>><<goto "Fake leave">><</if>><</if>><</silently>>\
<<passagetitle>>
You are at the bottom of the canyon, in the shade of tall lichen-trees. A deep, orange-coloured <<object "river">> is flowing along the canyon, from a distant waterfall in the south into a <<object "cavern">> in the rock wall. There are large <<object "carvings">> in the rock above the cavern, depicting insect-like creatures. There is a <<object "pile of rubble">> by the riverbank, from which twisted pieces of metal are protruding. To the east, there is a wide opening in the cliffs, with a path leading up a gentle slope, onto a grey plateau with many volcanic vents puffing out smoke and steam. Far to the north, the canyon ends and a winding road leads up to an expanse of ruins.
<<printslimes>>\
You can <span class = "exit">follow the path east <<link "towards the volcanic vents">><<move "Volcanic Vents">><</link>>, or head north <<link "to the ruins">><<move "Ruined City">><</link>>. You can also drive south, <span class = "exit"><<link "towards the ship">><<move "Outside of the Ship">><</link>></span>.<<widget "clickslime">>\
<<silently>>\
<<unset $use>>
<<if $targetslimeobject.name == "Giant Chloroplasm" && passage() == "Outside of the Ship" && $itemselected == "no item">><<run Dialog.setup()>><<run Dialog.wiki(Story.get("giant chloroplasm under cliffs").processText())>><<run Dialog.open()>>
<<elseif $targetslimeobject.name == "Oven-Safe Slime" && passage() == "Volcanic Vents" && $itemselected == "no item">><<run Dialog.setup()>><<run Dialog.wiki(Story.get("oven-safe slime near lava").processText())>><<run Dialog.open()>>
<<elseif $targetslimeobject.name == "Amoeb-Orb" && $itemselected == "no item">><<run Dialog.setup()>><<run Dialog.wiki(Story.get("look Amoeb-Orb").processText())>><<run Dialog.open()>>
<<else>>
<<if $itemselected == "scanner">>\
<<if $database.includes($targetslimeobject.name)>>
<<set $use to "You have already scanned the $targetslimeobject.name and added its data to the research database.">>
<<elseif $targetslimeobject.name == "Giant Chloroplasm" && $database.includes("Chloroplasm")>>
<<set $use to "You scan the Giant Chloroplasm, but aren't awarded any research points. The scanner thinks it's the same creature as the smaller version, which is already in your database.">>
<<else>>\
<<run $database.push($targetslimeobject.name)>>
<<set $data += 5>>
<<set $use to "You scan the $targetslimeobject.name and add the information to the research database.<br><br><i>You gained 5 research points!</i><<unlockdoor>>">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $itemselected == "beans">>
<<if $targetslimeobject.name == "Zephyrian Protoplasm">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].name to "Chloroplasm">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].nameundefined to "a Chloroplasm">>
<<set $use to "You throw a single bean at the Zephyrian Protoplasm. It absorbs it through the membrane and starts shaking. It grows a long stem and large leaves, and turns green. After a few seconds, the transformation is complete. The creature now looks like a cross between a bean plant and a gummy candy.">><<if passage() == "The Dome">><<set $use to $use + " The metal plate budges slightly when the slime transforms, but that's it. You have to weigh it down significantly, and the Chloroplasm, despite being taller, isn't heavier than a normal protoplasm.">><</if>><<firsttransform>>
<<else>>
<<set $use to "You throw a single bean at the $targetslimeobject.name, but nothing happens.">><<failtransform>>
<</if>>
<<elseif $itemselected == "dinosaur gummies">>\
<<if $targetslimeobject.name == "Zephyrian Protoplasm">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].name to "Plasmosaurus Rex">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].nameundefined to "a Plasmosaurus Rex">><<run $inventory.delete("dinosaur gummies")>>
<<set $use to "You try to give the protoplasm a single gummy, but it lunges at you, grabs the packet with its pseudopod and absorbs it whole!<br><br>“Careful!” Daphne exclaims. “Don't feed it too much sugar!”<br><br>The creature slurps loudly and starts to grow. First, a long tail appears, then two powerful legs and two tiny arms, finally – a head with mouth full of giant teeth. The creature now looks like an adult <i>Tyrannosaurus Rex</i> – or, more exactly, like a red, gummy version of an adult T-Rex.<br><br>“Please, don't get eaten, Rovie”, Daphne says faintly.<br><br><i>You lost the dinosaur gummies!</i>">><<if passage() == "The Dome">><<set $use to $use + "<br><br>The metal plate budges slightly when the slime transforms, but that's it. You have to weigh it down significantly, and the P-Rex, despite its size, isn't much heavier than a normal protoplasm.">><</if>><<firsttransform>><<eatramoeba>>
<<else>>
<<set $use to "You throw a single gummy at the $targetslimeobject.name, but nothing happens.">><<failtransform>>
<</if>>
<<elseif $itemselected == "broken heat shielding">>\
<<if $targetslimeobject.name == "Zephyrian Protoplasm">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].name to "Oven-Safe Slime">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].nameundefined to "an Oven-Safe Slime">>
<<set $use to "You break off a tiny fragment of the shield and throw it at the protoplasm. It goes right through the creature's membrane. Then, a transformation takes place. The creature flattens and grows scale-like plates of heat shielding. It's no longer changing its shape and moving around so much.">><<if passage() == "Volcanic Vents">><<set $use to $use + " It's now attracted to the lava pool: it makes its way into it and starts swimming around, without getting harmed.">><</if>><<if passage() == "The Dome">><<set $use to $use + " The metal plate budges slightly when the slime transforms, but that's it. You have to weigh it down significantly, and the Oven-Safe Slime, despite being tougher, isn't heavier than a normal protoplasm.">><</if>> <<firsttransform>>
<<else>>
<<set $use to "You throw a tiny fragment of the shielding at the $targetslimeobject.name, but nothing happens.">><<failtransform>>
<</if>>
<<elseif $itemselected == "nuts and bolts">>\
<<set _thing to either("nut", "bolt")>>
<<if $targetslimeobject.name == "Zephyrian Protoplasm">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].name to "Metalmorph">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].nameundefined to "a Metalmorph">>
<<set $use to "You throw a single _thing at the Zephyrian Protoplasm. The creature immediately starts changing: its whole body becomes metallic and less elastic. It can now only move around slowly and with great effort.">><<firsttransform>><<liftdown>>
<<else>>
<<set $use to "You throw a single _thing at the $targetslimeobject.name, but nothing happens.">><<failtransform>>
<</if>>
<<elseif $itemselected == "glass orb">>\
<<if $targetslimeobject.name == "Zephyrian Protoplasm">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].name to "Amoeb-Orb">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].nameundefined to "an Amoeb-Orb">>
<<run $inventory.delete("glass orb")>>
<<set $use to "You touch the protoplasm with the glass orb. In the blink of a shutter, the creature absorbs the orb, and its body extends, assuming the shape of a hollowed-out sphere with a hole – quite similar to a hamster ball.<br><br><i>You lost the glass orb!</i>">><<firsttransform>>
<<else>>
<<set $use to "You touch the $targetslimeobject.name with the glass orb, but nothing happens.">><<failtransform>>
<</if>>
<<elseif $itemselected == "curly horn">>\
<<if $targetslimeobject.name == "Zephyrian Protoplasm">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].name to "Ramoeba">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].nameundefined to "a Ramoeba">>
<<run $inventory.delete("curly horn")>>
<<set $use to "You touch the protoplasm with the horn. Before you have time to react, the shape of a head forms in the protoplasm, with the horn sticking out on one side. A similar horn appears on the other side, but that one is made of hardened cell membrane. The creature stretches and grows. A moment later, a sheep-like monster with long fur and the mouth of a hippo is standing before you, angrily shaking its horns.<br><br><i>You lost the curly horn!</i>">><<if passage() == "The Dome">><<set $use to $use + "<br><br>The metal plate budges slightly when the slime transforms, but that's it. You have to weigh it down significantly, and the Ramoeba, despite being larger, isn't heavier than a normal protoplasm.">><</if>> <<firsttransform>><<eatramoeba2>>
<<else>>
<<set $use to "You touch the $targetslimeobject.name, with the horn, but nothing happens.">><<failtransform>>
<</if>>
<<elseif $itemselected == "alien fertiliser">>\
<<if $targetslimeobject.name == "Chloroplasm">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].name to "Giant Chloroplasm">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].nameundefined to "a Giant Chloroplasm">>
<<set $use to "You sprinkle a little fertiliser on the Chloroplasm. The effect is stunning: the protoplasm grows ten times larger in a matter of seconds. It still looks like a bean plant, but is now as tall as a redwood tree, with leaves the size of surfboards.">><<if passage() == "The Dome">><<set $use to $use + " Its now taller than the dome itself, and its upper part is sticking out through a hole in the structure. The metal plate budges slightly when the slime grows, but that's it. It looks like you have to weigh it down significantly, and the Giant Chloroplasm, despite its size, isn't much heavier than a normal protoplasm.">><</if>>
<<elseif $targetslimeobject.name == "Giant Chloroplasm">>
<<set $use to "You decide that the Giant Chloroplasm is big enough and that you should not use any more fertiliser on it. If it grew any larger, it could cause extensive damage to the area.">>
<<else>>
<<set $use to "You sprinkle a little fertiliser on $targetslimeobject.name, but nothing happens. It seems to only work on plants.">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $itemselected == "electro-tool">>
<<if $targetslimeobject.name == "Zephyrian Protoplasm">>
<<set $use to "You poke the slime with the sparking electro-tool. A wave ripples through the creature's outer membrane, but nothing else happens.">><<failrevert>>
<<else>>
<<if $targetslimeobject.name == "Chloroplasm">>
<<set $use to "You poke the Chloroplasm with your electro-tool. You hear the crackling of electricity; the plant-like creature shudders and shrinks. Its “leaves” turn grey and are absorbed into its body. A moment later, it has morphed into a Zephyrian Protoplasm.">>
<<elseif $targetslimeobject.name == "Giant Chloroplasm">>
<<set $use to "You poke the Giant Chloroplasm with your electro-tool. You hear the crackling of electricity; the plant-like creature shudders and shrinks rapidly. Its “leaves” turn grey and are absorbed into its body. A moment later, where the giant “plant” used to grow, a small Zephyrian Protoplasm is crawling around.">>
<<elseif $targetslimeobject.name == "Metalmorph">><<set $use to "Blue lightning jumps across the Metalmorph's reflective surface when you poke it with your sparking tool. The creature starts shaking as its carapace grows softer and is absorbed into its body. A moment later, it morphs completely into a Zephyrian Protoplasm.">>
<<liftup>>
<<elseif $targetslimeobject.name == "Oven-Safe Slime">>
<<if passage() == "Volcanic Vents">><<set $use to "You don't want the protoplasm to burn in lava, so you wait for it to get close to the shore and drag it out of the pool. You then poke the flat creature with your electro-tool and watch its heat-resistant plates disappear. When the transformation is complete, the creature has changed into a Zephyrian Protoplasm.">>
<<else>>
<<set $use to "You poke the flat creature with your electro-tool and watch its heat-resistant plates disappear. When the transformation is complete, the creature has changed into a Zephyrian Protoplasm.">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $targetslimeobject.name == "Ramoeba">><<run $inventory.push("curly horn")>><<set $use to "You sneak up on the Ramoeba and poke it with the electro-tool before it can attack you with its horns. The beast jumps; its fur stands up. Then it starts to shrink and lose shape. A moment later it has turned back into the Zephyrian Protoplasm. The horn you used to morph it earlier drops to the ground.<br><br><i>You received the curly horn!</i>">>
<<elseif $targetslimeobject.name == "Plasmosaurus Rex">><<run $inventory.push("dinosaur gummies")>><<set $use to "You cautiously drive up to the P-Rex and, before it can crush you with its fearsome jaws, poke its leg with your electro-tool. The shocked creature jumps up and roars, but its roar gets quieter as it shrinks down. When it drops back to the ground, it's just a grey, amorphous protoplasm. Everything it has eaten spills out. You pick up the slightly slimy package of dinosaur gummies and store them for later use.<br><br><i>You obtained the dinosaur gummies!</i>">><<spitramoeba>>
<<elseif $targetslimeobject.name == "Amoeb-Orb">><<run $inventory.push("glass orb")>><<set $use to "You poke at the Amoeb-Orb with your tool as if you were trying to pop a balloon. The effect is quite shocking: the creature takes off and starts flying around, expelling air from its body and shrinking down. A moment later it lands on the ground, now being a shapeless Zephyrian Protoplasm. The glass ball it absorbed lies next to it; you pick it up and store in your inventory compartment.<br><br><i>You obtained the glass orb!</i>">>
<</if>>
<<set $slimes[$targetslime].name to "Zephyrian Protoplasm">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].nameundefined to "a Zephyrian Protoplasm">>
<<firstrevert>>
<</if>>
<<elseif $itemselected == "tasty Zephyrian Lichen">>
<<if $targetslimeobject.name == "Zephyrian Protoplasm">>
<<set $use to "You touch the protoplasm with the lichen. Nothing happens.<br><br>“Interesting”, Daphne observes. “Maybe since this lichen is so common around here, they've grown used to it and no longer react?”">>
<<elseif $targetslimeobject.name == "Ramoeba">><<run $inventory.delete("tasty Zephyrian Lichen")>>
<<set $use to "As you approach the Ramoeba, it lurches forward and devours the lichen you were holding, almost biting off your mechanised arm in the process.<br><br>“This lichen must have been really tasty,” Daphne remarks. “I wish I could try it...”<br><br><i>You lost the tasty Zephyrian Lichen!</i>">>
<<else>>
<<set $use to "You touch the $targetslimeobject.name with the lichen, but there is no reaction.">>
<</if>>
<<elseif $itemselected == "no item">>
<<if $targetslimeobject.name == "Zephyrian Protoplasm">><<set $use to "The grey protoplasmic creature is crawling around aimlessly, constantly changing shape as it extends and retracts its pseudopods.">><<if passage() == "The Dome">><<set $use to "The Zephyrian Protoplasm is sitting on the metal plate in the middle of the room, gently undulating.">><<elseif passage () == "The Emerald Valley">><<set $use to "The Zephyrian Protoplasm is sitting on the giant metal plate in front of the Dome, gently undulating.">><</if>>
<<elseif $targetslimeobject.name == "Chloroplasm">><<set $use to "This protoplasm looks like a decently sized, upright bean plant with bouncy, semi-transparent leaves. It stays in one place, only gently swaying in the wind.">>
<<elseif $targetslimeobject.name == "Giant Chloroplasm">><<set $use to "This bean-plant-protoplasm-creature is as tall as a redwood tree and has bouncy leaves the size of surfboards.">>
<<elseif $targetslimeobject.name == "Metalmorph">><<set $use to "The armoured protoplasm is certainly tough, but it can hardly move due to the weight of its transformed, metallic outer membrane.">>
<<elseif $targetslimeobject.name == "Oven-Safe Slime">><<set $use to "Scale-like heat shielding plates are covering every square inch of this protoplasm's flat body. It can barely move, but you're sure it's completely heat-resistant.">>
<<elseif $targetslimeobject.name == "Plasmosaurus Rex">>
<<if $slimes[$targetslime].ate != "">><<set $use to "The giant creature looks just like a T-Rex, if T-Rexes were made of red candy gummies. It has eaten a whole Ramoeba, which can be seen inside its transparent belly, and is a little sleepy.">>
<<else>><<set $use to either("The giant creature looks just like a T. Rex, if T. Rexes were made of red candy gummies. Still, its size and powerful jaws make it really scary. You're lucky it's not at all interested in robots.", "The giant creature looks just like a T. Rex, if T. Rexes were made of red candy gummies. Still, its size and powerful jaws make it really scary. You're lucky it's not at all interested in robots.", "The giant creature looks just like a T. Rex, if T. Rexes were made of red candy gummies. Still, its size and powerful jaws make it really scary. You're lucky it's not at all interested in robots.", "“Tee-hee! A <i>Pee-Rex</i>!” giggles Daphne, then suddenly falls very quiet. “It can't hear me, can it?”, she whispers nervously after a while.")>><</if>>
<<elseif $targetslimeobject.name == "Ramoeba">>
<<if passage() == "Volcanic Vents" && $treerammed != true && $treefelled != true>>
<<set $slimes[$targetslime].location to "trapped">><<set $treerammed to true>><<set $ramoebano to $targetslime>>
<<set $use to "You look at the Ramoeba, which is angrily shaking its horns, then at the large lichen-tree, which would make an excellent bridge across the chasm, if you could fell it. You get an idea...<br><br>You position yourself in front of the lichen-tree and beep at the Ramoeba. The creature startles, then snorts angrily and charges! You dash to the side at the very last moment. The Ramoeba crashes into the tree, which shakes violently, but does not fall. The creature, however, is now stuck, its horns tangled into the lower branches. It's bellowing and tossing itself around, preventing you from approaching.">>
<<else>><<set $use to "The sheep-like protoplasm has large horns, long, woolly “hair” covering its body, and a nasty temper. You don't want to be rammed, so stay out of its sight.">>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<<elseif $itemselected == "auto-repair kit">>
<<set $use to "The creature does not require repairs.">>
<</if>>
<<run Dialog.setup()>>
<<run Dialog.wiki($use)>>
<<run Dialog.open()>>
<</if>>
<</silently>>\
<</widget>>\
<<widget "liftup">>
<<if passage() == "Plant Research Station">>
<<set _metalmorphs to 0>>
<<for _i to 0; _i lt $slimes.length; _i++>><<if $slimes[_i].name == "Metalmorph" && $slimes[_i].location == "Plant Research Station">><<set _metalmorphs += 1>><</if>><</for>>
<<if _metalmorphs == 1>>
<<set $use to $use + "<br><br>Suddenly, you hear a click. Without a Metalmorph to weigh it down, the lift rises, taking all of you back to the Dome.">><<for _i to 0; _i lt $slimes.length; _i++>><<if $slimes[_i].location == "Plant Research Station">><<set $slimes[_i].location to "The Dome">><</if>>
<</for>><<goto "The Dome">><</if>>
<<elseif passage() == "Secret Basement">>
<<set _metalmorphs to 0>>
<<for _i to 0; _i lt $slimes.length; _i++>><<if $slimes[_i].name == "Metalmorph" && $slimes[_i].location == "Secret Basement">><<set _metalmorphs += 1>><</if>><</for>>
<<if _metalmorphs <= 2>>
<<set $use to $use + "<br><br>Suddenly, you hear a click. Without two Metalmorphs to weigh it down, the huge lift slowly rises, taking all of you back to the Emerald Valley.">><<for _i to 0; _i lt $slimes.length; _i++>><<if $slimes[_i].location == "Secret Basement">><<set $slimes[_i].location to "The Emerald Valley">><</if>>
<</for>><<goto "The Emerald Valley">><</if>>
<</if>>
<</widget>>\
<<widget "liftdown">>
<<if passage() == "The Dome">><<set $use to $use + "<br><br>Suddenly, you hear a click. The metal plate in the floor activates under the weight of the Metalmorph! The lift goes down, taking everyone to a room under the Dome!">><<for _i to 0; _i lt $slimes.length; _i++>><<if $slimes[_i].location == "The Dome">><<set $slimes[_i].location to "Plant Research Station">><</if>>
<</for>><<goto "Plant Research Station">>
<<elseif passage() == "The Emerald Valley">>
<<set _metalmorphs to 0>>
<<for _i to 0; _i lt $slimes.length; _i++>><<if $slimes[_i].name == "Metalmorph" && $slimes[_i].location == "The Emerald Valley">><<set _metalmorphs += 1>><</if>><</for>>
<<if _metalmorphs == 2>>
<<set $use to $use + "<br><br>Suddenly, you hear a click. The giant plate lowers under the combined weight of two Metalmorphs! The lift goes down, taking everyone to a secret basement!">><<for _i to 0; _i lt $slimes.length; _i++>><<if $slimes[_i].location == "The Emerald Valley">><<set $slimes[_i].location to "Secret Basement">><</if>>
<</for>><<goto "Secret Basement">>
<<else>>
<<set $use to $use + "<br><br>The rectangular plate lowers slightly under the weight of the Metalmorph, then stops. It looks like even more weight is required to activate the ancient mechanism.">>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "eatramoeba">>
<<set _ramoeba to 0>>
<<for _i to 0; _i lt $slimes.length; _i++>><<if $slimes[_i].name == "Ramoeba" && $slimes[_i].location == passage()>><<set _ramoeba += 1>><<set $ramoebano to [_i]>><</if>><</for>>
<<if _ramoeba == 1>>
<<set $use to $use + "<br><br>When the P-Rex notices the Ramoeba nearby, it emits a loud roar. It chases down the Ramoeba and swallows it in a single gulp. The horned creature is absorbed into P-Rex's gelatinous body. It now resides inside its belly, unharmed, but trapped and confused.">><<if $database.includes("Predator and Prey") != true>><<run $database.push("Predator and Prey")>><<set $data += 5>><<set $use to $use + "<br><br>“Did you see that?” shouts Daphne. “It was like a freaking nature documentary!”<br><br>You have, in fact, seen it, and managed to record everything with your camera.<br><br><i>You gained 5 research points!</i>">><</if>>
<<set $slimes[$ramoebano].location to "Eaten">>
<<set $slimes[$ramoebano].eatenby to $targetslime>>
<<set $slimes[$targetslime].ate to $slimes[$ramoebano]>>
<<elseif passage() == "Volcanic Vents" && $treerammed == true>><<unset $treeammed>><<set $treefelled to true>>
<<set $use to $use + "<br><br>When the P-Rex notices the entangled Ramoeba, it roars and charges! With a loud noise, the colossal beast crashes into the lichen-tree, which collapses, creating a bridge across the chasm. The P-Rex, meanwhile, grabs the Ramoeba and swallows it in a single gulp. The horned creature, freed from one trap, is now stuck inside P-Rex's transparent belly, unharmed but very confused.">><<if $database.includes("Predator and Prey") != true>><<run $database.push("Predator and Prey")>><<set $data += 5>><<set $use to $use + "<br><br>“Did you see that?” shouts Daphne. “It was like a freaking nature documentary!”<br><br>You have, in fact, seen it, and managed to record everything with your camera.<br><br><i>You gained 5 research points!</i>">><</if>>
<<set $slimes[$ramoebano].location to "Eaten">>
<<set $slimes[$ramoebano].eatenby to $targetslime>>
<<set $slimes[$targetslime].ate to $slimes[$ramoebano]>>
<</if>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "eatramoeba2">>
<<set _prex to 0>>
<<for _i to 0; _i lt $slimes.length; _i++>><<if $slimes[_i].name == "Plasmosaurus Rex" && $slimes[_i].location == passage()>><<set _prex += 1>><<set $prexno to [_i]>><</if>><</for>>
<<if _prex == 1>>
<<set $use to $use + "<br><br>When the P-Rex notices the Ramoeba nearby, it emits a loud roar. It chases down the Ramoeba and swallows it in a single gulp. The horned creature is absorbed into P-Rex's gelatinous body. It now resides inside its belly, unharmed, but trapped and confused.">><<if $database.includes("Predator and Prey") != true>><<run $database.push("Predator and Prey")>><<set $data += 5>><<set $use to $use + "<br><br>“Did you see that?” shouts Daphne. “It was like a freaking nature documentary!”<br><br>You have, in fact, seen it, and managed to record everything with your camera.<br><br><i>You gained 5 research points!</i>">><</if>>
<<set $slimes[$targetslime].location to "Eaten">>
<<set $slimes[$targetslime].eatenby to $prexno>>
<<set $slimes[$prexno].ate to $slimes[$targetslime]>>
<<elseif passage() == "Volcanic Vents" && $treerammed == true>><<unset $treeammed>><<set $treefelled to true>>
<<set $use to $use + "<br><br>When the P-Rex notices the entangled Ramoeba, it roars and charges! With a loud noise, the colossal beast crashes into the lichen-tree, which collapses, creating a bridge across the chasm. The P-Rex, meanwhile, grabs the Ramoeba and swallows it in a single gulp. The horned creature, freed from one trap, is now stuck inside P-Rex's transparent belly, unharmed but very confused.">><<if $database.includes("Predator and Prey") != true>><<run $database.push("Predator and Prey")>><<set $data += 5>><<set $use to $use + "<br><br>“Did you see that?” shouts Daphne. “It was like a freaking nature documentary!”<br><br>You have, in fact, seen it, and managed to record everything with your camera.<br><br><i>You gained 5 research points!</i>">><</if>>
<<set $slimes[$targetslime].location to "Eaten">>
<<set $slimes[$targetslime].eatenby to $prexno>>
<<set $slimes[$prexno].ate to $slimes[$targetslime]>>
<</if>>
<</widget>>
<<widget "spitramoeba">>
<<if $slimes[$targetslime].ate != "">>
<<if $slimes[$targetslime].eaten != "">>
<<set $slimes[$ramoebano].location to passage()>>
<<set $slimes[$ramoebano].eatenby to "">>
<<set $slimes[$targetslime].ate to "">>
<</if>>
<<set $use to $use + "<br><br>The Ramoeba the P-Rex has swallowed is freed as well. It drops to the ground where the dino-slime stood a moment ago, very confused.">>
<</if>>
<</widget>>A lifeform created when a Zephyrian Protoplasm comes into contact with plant matter. It contains a large amount of chlorophyll, giving it a distinct green colouration. It is still a single cell wrapped in an elastic membrane, but its shape closely resembles that of a bean plant. It has a thick “stalk” and large, elastic “leaves”. It affixes itself to the ground and is unable to move.
Possible uses in: Oxygen production, food industry.A Zephyrian Protoplasm which comes into contact with a metal object morphs into this creature, covered in a tough, durable shell. The shiny metalmorph is remarkably heavy for its size, and cannot change its shape as freely as its simpler original form. As a result, it can only move at a snail's pace.
Possible uses in: Machine construction, fashion industry.This Zephyrian Protoplasm's outer membrane morphed into heat-resistant plates, similar to those used in spaceship shielding. As a result, the creature is even more resistant than the basic Protoplasm, and able to survive in extremely high temperatures. It's relatively flat, and the plates covering it on both sides are shaped like large scales.
Possible uses in: Spaceflight, oven mitts manufacturing.The formidable P-Rex is Zephyria's apex predator, despite being a single-cell organism. Semi-transparent and seemingly gelatinous, it is in fact as form-stable as if it had a skeleton, and can run at high speeds. Its deadly jaws are made of transformed cell membrane. Its biology suggests a diet of smaller protoplasms.
Possible uses in: Entertainment industry.A form of Zephyrian Protoplasm which resembles a large, four-legged herbivore, similar to a sheep, but bigger and with much more massive “horns”. Those protrusions are made of morphed cell membrane, just like the long “fur” which covers the Ramoeba. Its large mouth suggests a voracious creature, feeding on local flora of all shapes and sizes. Despite being herbivorous, Ramoebas can be aggressive and enjoy ramming into objects with their “horns”.
Possible uses in: Textile industry, food industry.This lifeform closely resembles the original, amorphous form of Zephyrian Protoplasm, but is shaped like a hollowed-out sphere. Its very light, which allows it to travel long distances at higher speeds and with a lower energy expenditure, as strong local winds can push it around like a giant beach ball. It floats on water and can survive a drop hundreds of metres high.
Possible uses in: Environmental suits manufacturing.<<set $repairstarted to true>><<run $inventory.delete("auto-repair kit")>><<set $shipstatus to "under repairs">>\
You place the repair kit next to the gaping hole in <i>Kitty</i>'s hull. The kit's case pops open. Robotic arms, tubes and a cloud of small drones emerge from the inside. They cluster around the hole and start the repairs.
“That's one thing taken care of,” the AI says. “Oh, but aren't those things taking their sweet time? At this rate, it will take them <i>hours</i> to complete the repairs! Well, I guess I shouldn't get <i>too</i> upset. We still need to collect enough research points before the return flight protocol unlocks. On that note – why aren't you scanning anything, Rovie?”
“Brrreep boop,” you explain.
“What? There's no use wondering <i>why</i> we crash-landed,” exclaims Daphne, sounding a little nervous. “It's not like I was so excited by how pretty Zephyria looked from the orbit I forgot to steer the ship, or something. Now get to work, and let us never speak of this again!”
[[Continue|$return]]<<set $beanstalkclimbed to true>>\
<<passagetitle>>
You're up on the cliffs, in a small flat area surrounded by jagged rocks and dangerous drops. You see ruins of a <<object "massive stone structure">>, of which only one floor remains. You get an impressive view of the area from up here – your cameras are registering expansive forests of lichen, rocky plateaus, a field of volcanic vents crossed by a stream of lava, and a glass dome glistening in the distance. Far to the north, you see a barren crater surrounded by a grey wasteland.
You can <span class = "exit">[[climb back down|Outside of the Ship]]</span> the Giant Chloroplasm back to where your ship has crashed.
<<widget "move">>\
<<set _ramoeba to 0>>
<<for _i to 0; _i lt $slimes.length; _i++>><<if $slimes[_i].name == "Ramoeba" && $slimes[_i].location == passage()>><<set _ramoeba += 1>><<set $ramoebano to [_i]>><</if>><</for>>
<<if $itemselected == "tasty Zephyrian Lichen" && _ramoeba == 1>>
<<set _prex to 0>>
<<for _i to 0; _i lt $slimes.length; _i++>><<if $slimes[_i].name == "Plasmosaurus Rex" && $slimes[_i].location == $args[0]>><<set _prex += 1>><<set $targetslime to [_i]>><</if>><</for>>
<<if $args[0] == "Ship Cargo Bay">>
<<goto $args[0]>>
<<run Dialog.setup()>>
<<run Dialog.wiki("The Ramoeba tries to follow you into the cargo bay, but can't fit through the door.")>>
<<run Dialog.open()>>
<<elseif $args[0] == "Volcanic Vents" && passage() == "The Emerald Valley">>
<<goto $args[0]>>
<<run Dialog.setup()>>
<<run Dialog.wiki("The Ramoeba can't follow you across the pool of lava. It stays behind and sadly watches as you surf away with the tasty lichen.")>>
<<run Dialog.open()>>
<<elseif _prex == 1>>
<<goto $args[0]>>
<<run Dialog.setup()>>
<<run Dialog.wiki("The Ramoeba follows you around, attracted to the lichen you're holding, and approaches a Plasmosaurus Rex without taking notice! The P-Rex roars. The startled Ramoeba tries to run away, but the giant red monster easily catches up to it swallows it in a single gulp. The horned creature is absorbed into P-Rex's gelatinous body. It now resides inside its belly, unharmed, but trapped and confused.")>><<if $database.includes("Predator and Prey") != true>><<run $database.push("Predator and Prey")>><<set $data += 5>>
<<run Dialog.wiki("The Ramoeba follows you around, attracted to the lichen you're holding, and approaches a Plasmosaurus Rex without taking notice! The P-Rex roars. The startled Ramoeba tries to run away, but the giant red monster easily catches up to it swallows it in a single gulp. The horned creature is absorbed into P-Rex's gelatinous body. It now resides inside its belly, unharmed, but trapped and confused.<br><br>“Did you see that?” shouts Daphne. “It was like a freaking nature documentary!”<br><br>You have, in fact, seen it, and managed to record everything with your camera.<br><br><i>You gained 5 research points!</i>")>><</if>>
<<run Dialog.open()>>
<<set $slimes[$ramoebano].location to "Eaten">>
<<set $slimes[$ramoebano].eatenby to $targetslime>>
<<set $slimes[$targetslime].ate to $slimes[$ramoebano]>>
<<else>>
<<set $slimes[$ramoebano].location to $args[0]>>
<<goto $args[0]>>
<<run Dialog.setup()>>
<<run Dialog.wiki("The Ramoeba chases you around, attracted to the lichen you're holding.")>>
<<run Dialog.open()>>
<</if>>
<<else>>
<<goto $args[0]>>\
<</if>>
<</widget>>\
<<widget "amoeborb">>
<span class = "exit">
<<if passage() == "By the River">>
<<link "Go north to the ruins inside the Amoeb-Orb">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].location to "Ruined City">><<goto "Ruined City">><<run Dialog.close()>><<firstride>><</link>>
<<link "Go east to the volcanic vents inside the Amoeb-Orb">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].location to "Volcanic Vents">><<goto "Volcanic Vents">><<run Dialog.close()>><<firstride>><</link>>
<<link "Go south towards your ship inside the Amoeb-Orb">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].location to "Outside of the Ship">><<goto "Outside of the Ship">><<run Dialog.close()>><<firstride>><</link>>
<<link "Float to the cave inside the Amoeb-Orb">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].location to "River Cave">><<goto "River Cave">><<run Dialog.close()>><<firstride>><</link>>
<<elseif passage() == "Outside of the Ship">>
<<link "Go north towards the river inside the Amoeb-Orb">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].location to "By the River">><<goto "By the River">><<run Dialog.close()>><<firstride>><</link>>
<<elseif passage() == "Volcanic Vents">>
<<link "Go west towards the river inside the Amoeb-Orb">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].location to "By the River">><<goto "By the River">><<run Dialog.close()>><<firstride>><</link>>
<<if $treefelled>>\
<<link "Go south across the chasm inside the Amoeb-Orb">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].location to "Clearing">><<goto "Clearing">><<run Dialog.close()>><<firstride>><</link>>
<</if>>
<<elseif passage() == "Ruined City">>
<<link "Go south towards the river inside the Amoeb-Orb">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].location to "By the River">><<goto "By the River">><<run Dialog.close()>><<firstride>><</link>>
<<link "Cross the northern wasteland inside the Amoeb-Orb">><<if hasVisited("Visit Impact Zone")>><<run Dialog.setup()>>
<<run Dialog.wiki("You have collected enough data in the toxic wasteland. You don't want to return there, even inside the Amoeb-Orb.")>>
<<run Dialog.open()>><<else>><<goto "Visit Impact Zone">><<run Dialog.close()>><</if>><</link>>
<<elseif passage() == "The Emerald Valley">>
<<link "Go into the Dome inside the Amoeb-Orb">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].location to "The Dome">><<goto "The Dome">><<run Dialog.close()>><<firstride>><</link>>
<<elseif passage() == "The Dome">>
<<link "Leave the Dome inside the Amoeb-Orb">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].location to "The Emerald Valley">><<goto "The Emerald Valley">><<run Dialog.close()>><<firstride>><</link>>
<<elseif passage() == "River Cave">>
<<link "Leave the cave inside the Amoeb-Orb">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].location to "By the River">><<goto "By the River">><<run Dialog.close()>><<firstride>><</link>>
<<elseif passage() == "Clearing">>
<<link "Go north across the chasm inside the Amoeb-Orb">><<set $slimes[$targetslime].location to "Volcanic Vents">><<goto "Volcanic Vents">><<run Dialog.close()>><<firstride>><</link>>
<</if>>\
</span>
<</widget>>\
<<widget "firstride">>
<<if not $firstride>><<set $firstride to true>><<run Dialog.setup()>>
<<run Dialog.wiki("You hop inside the Amoeb-Orb and start driving. Your tracks are now propelling the protoplasm, which rolls in the direction you choose. This is fun! Once you reach your destination, you pop outside.")>>
<<run Dialog.open()>><</if>>
<</widget>>Judging from the massive foundations, the ruined building atop the cliffs used to be a tall tower. Remains of technology present in the ruins suggest it was used as a watchtower or an astronomical observatory. This means the ancient Zephyrians used to be a scientifically advanced race, but we don't know the exact extent of their knowledge.You manage to drive up a large boulder and drop onto the bottommost leaf of the Giant Chloroplasm.
The leaf bends down and bounces back up, launching you into the air. You land on another leaf and the process repeats, until you are dropped off at the top of the cliff.
<<link "Continue">><<run Dialog.close()>><</link>>The Giant Chloroplasm is so tall it reaches the edge of the cliff on the eastern side. Perhaps you could somehow climb up this giant beanstalk...
<span class = "exit"><<link "Climb up the Giant Chloroplasm" "On the Cliffs">><<run Dialog.close()>><<run Dialog.setup()>><<run Dialog.wiki(Story.get("jump up the cliffs").processText())>><<run Dialog.open()>><</link>></span><<passagetitle>>
<<switch visited()>>\
<<case 1>>\
<<run Dialog.setup()>><<run Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Hank").processText())>><<run Dialog.open()>>
<<default>>\
You're in the ship's command centre, an octagonal room full of computers and screens. There are some chairs here and a small <<object "first aid cabinet">>.<</switch>>
<<if $enoughdata>>\
“You're here!” Daphne says as you enter the room. “Does it mean we can go home?”
<</if>>\
You can head through the door to the <span class = "exit">[[cargo bay|Ship Cargo Bay]].</span>
<<if $enoughdata>>\
<<link "You can also blast off, and leave Zephyria for good." "Confirm leave">><</link>>
<</if>>
You roll into the ship's command centre – an octagonal room with many computer screens and chairs, in case any human wants to join a research mission. It is also where <i>Kitty</i>'s AI core is located.
“What are you doing in my room, Rovie?” exclaims Daphne when you roll in. You catch a glimpse of pink animated hearts and roses on the monitors before they all go dark.
“Beep?” you ask nervously, feeling that you may be intruding on something.
“Errm... I definitely wasn't thinking about Hank the Weapons Control System who's so tough and has a comforting presence and now he's down and I feel so lonely,” the AI answers in a rapid-fire manner.<<if $enoughdata>> “Oh. Wait. Since you are here, does it mean we can finally go home?”<<else>> “Anyway, what brings you here? Your job is to scan the <i>outside</i> of the ship.”<</if>><<silently>><<set _ovs to 0>>
<<for _i to 0; _i lt $slimes.length; _i++>><<if $slimes[_i].name == "Oven-Safe Slime" && $slimes[_i].location == passage()>><<set _ovs to 1>><<break>><</if>><</for>><</silently>>\
<<passagetitle>>
You are traversing a stretch of barren, ashen-grey land, taking great care to avoid <<object "volcanic vents">> which are spewing forth orange, green and yellow smoke. It's so hot here your components are on the verge of getting cooked.
To the east, you see a pool of thick <<object "lava">>. Beyond the pool, you can see a large glass dome in an emerald valley. <<if _ovs == 1 && $lavacrossed>>You could <span class = "exit">[[cross the pool|The Emerald Valley]]</span> on the back of an Oven-Safe Slime.<</if>>
To the south, there is a narrow chasm. <<if $treefelled>>A tall lichen-tree, uprooted by a hunting P-Rex, forms a bridge across the chasm.<<elseif $treerammed>>A tall lichen-tree is growing on its edge. A <<object "Ramoeba">> got its horns tangled into its lower branches and is trying to free itself, without success.<<else>>A single <<object "tall lichen-tree">> is growing at its edge. On the other side, you see a grove of blue lichen and a small clearing.<</if>>
<<printslimes>>\
You can drive west, <span class = "exit"><<link "towards the river">><<move "By the River">><</link>>.</span><<if $treefelled>> You can also <span class = "exit"><<link "cross the chasm">><<move "Clearing">><</link>></span> to the south.<</if>>
The water in this Zephyrian river is highly toxic. It is also rich in elements most commonly found on asteroids and only rarely on Earth-type planets.
According to simulations, the only organisms capable of surviving contact with the river water are the protoplasmic Zephyrian lifeforms.
Recommendation: Keep scientific equipment away from the water.The carvings discovered on the face of a cliff are at least 5000 years old and depict creatures that no longer exist on the planet. Chief among them are insect-like beings that walk on four legs and wield various objects in the remaining two. All clues point to those insects once being the dominant race of Zephyria and having created both the carvings and the other relics of civilisation found on the planet. In this particular carvings, the Zephyrians seem to be worshipping a terrifying idol made of stone and metal, but the true meaning of the image is lost forever.
Scans of a pile of Zephyrian rubble, found near a river, revealed the presence of remarkable alien construction materials. The substance, possibly forming the foundations of the collapsed structure, is similar to concrete, but denser than any variety known on Earth; the metal used for what seems to be rails, is an unknown alloy, quite heavy, but exceptionally durable and resistant to corrosion.
The materials are remains of a structure which collapsed about 5000 years ago and could have been some form of rail transportation system.
Possible uses for materials identified: Construction industry, space exploration, robotics.<<passagetitle>>
You're in a valley overgrown with short, <<object "emerald lichen">>, not unlike grass. There is a large <span class = "exit"><<link "Dome">><<move "The Dome">><</link>></span> in the middle of the valley. It's made of glass, or something similar, and segmented. Many segments are missing. In front of the Dome there's an expanse of cracked concrete, with some remains – barely contours, really – of buildings and a <<object "giant rectangular metal plate">> in the middle.
To the west, some distance away, there is a bubbling pool of lava, beyond which volcanic vents are spewing smoke over a grey plain.
<<printslimes>>\
You can <span class = "exit">[[cross the lava pool|Volcanic Vents]]</span> on the back of the Oven-Safe Slime which is swimming in it.
<<passagetitle>>
<<switch visited()>>\
<<case 1>>\
<<run Dialog.setup()>><<run Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Enter dome").processText())>><<run Dialog.open()>>
<<default>>\
You're inside the <<object "Dome">>. The glass segments are all cracked and so dirty it's almost completely dark in here. You register rows of tables and desks, some broken, some turned over. A pile of <<object "laboratory equipment">> is lying under one of the tables. Everything in here is decayed and covered with a thick layer of dust.
In the centre of the the Dome there is a <<object "square metal plate">>, which looks like it could be pressed if enough weight was applied.
<<printslimes>>\
You can <span class = "exit"><<link "leave the Dome">><<move "The Emerald Valley">></span><</link>>.
<</switch>>The Oven-Safe Slime is happily swimming around in the lava pool. It seems to be enjoying the heat very much.
Every so often it approaches the edge of the pool. With good timing, you could be able to get on its back and surf across the lava.
<span class = "exit"><<link "Cross the lava pool" "The Emerald Valley">><<run Dialog.close()>><<run Dialog.setup()>><<run Dialog.wiki(Story.get("cross lava pool").processText())>><<run Dialog.open()>><</link>></span><<set $lavacrossed to true>>\
You wait for the slime's flat, heat resistant back to touch the shore on which you're waiting. Then, without thinking too much about what you're doing, you drive forward.
The protoplasm sinks slightly lower under your weight, but, thankfully, does not submerge. It continues to circle the pond aimlessly; after a brief moment, you manage to disembark on the other shore.
<<link "Continue">><<run Dialog.close()>><</link>>The volcanic chimneys on the surface of Zephyria are constantly spewing forth hot, toxic gasses, making the area around them lifeless and barren. Only the invulnerable protoplasms of Zephyria are capable of surviving in this environment. <<passagetitle>>
You're on a small island inside the river cave, surrounded by orange water. The cave is dimly lit by specks of white light, as if there were small lamps installed, both in the ceiling and underwater. The place is decorated with <<object "sculptures and paintings">>. You see what looks like remains of old rails underwater, with sunken <<object "colourful vehicles">> nearby.
<<printslimes>>\<<passagetitle>>
You're in an underground concrete room, lit with glowing green rods in the ceiling. The room must have been a laboratory, with wide passageways between rows of machines and tables, as if the scientists who worked here were quite large in size. On the tables you see rows of flower pots, filled with dirt.
There are some faded <<object "pictures and diagrams">> on the walls.
Miraculously, one <<object "machine">> is still in working order, emitting light and buzzing quietly.
<<printslimes>>\
You roll into the Dome through a gap in the wall.
The inside of the huge building is a mess: there's decaying furniture and smashed glass everywhere. You identify some of the remains as laboratory equipment, quite similar to that used by humans.
“This is a big discovery, Rovie!” says Daphne. “Make sure to scan everything carefully. Who knows what lies hidden in this Dome? I'm sure ancient Zephyrians used to carry out all sorts of crazy experiments here. I wonder if they had AIs who helped them? Oh, look! One of those slimes found its way inside!”An impressive building made of a transparent material was located in a secluded valley on Zephyria. It is constructed from a kind of reinforced glass not known on Earth and remarkably well preserved – sadly, not perfectly, as some of the glass segments have been destroyed and the inside of the Dome ravaged by the elements. Still, the building is a remarkable testimony to Zephyrian engineering.
Remains of items found inside the Dome suggest it was used as a research station. Some tissue samples were detected inside; they were too decayed to be properly classified, but they seem to come from organisms more similar to Earth plants than to lichen commonly found on Zephyria.
Possible uses in: Construction industry.<<passagetitle>>
<<switch visited()>>\
<<case 1>>\
<<run Dialog.setup()>><<run Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Enter basement").processText())>><<run Dialog.open()>>
<<default>>\
You are in a large underground hall, filled with rows of <<object "glass cases and tubes">>. It looks like a specimen storage space. Sadly, many cases have been smashed, and you see no way of opening the remaining ones. The lift platform that brought you here has stopped in the centre of the room.
<<printslimes>>\
<</switch>>\Some interesting photographs and diagrams have been discovered on Zephyria, in the ruins of a research station.
They show many plants no longer extant on the planet, as well as insectoid scientists examining them. Those researchers belong to the extinct race, once dominant on Zephyria. The evidence clearly suggests a catastrophic extinction event that wiped out most of Zephyria's biodiversity some 5000 years ago.The most interesting aspects of this machine, discovered in the basement of a Zephyrian laboratory, are its sturdiness and energy efficiency: the device is still functioning more than 5000 years after the laboratory has been abandoned. Other that this remarkable fact, the machine isn't especially interesting. It is some sort of analyser, intended for organic material.
Possible uses in: Energy-saving technologies.Large sculptures and garish paintings of unidentified creatures were discovered in a partially-flooded cavern on Zephyria. The place could have been a shrine to Zephyrian deities. using the dark environment of the cave to instil the feeling of communing with the supernatural; if so, Zephyrian religion seems surprisingly primitive compared with the technological advancement some ruins on the planet seem to imply. Some of the art depicts the insectoid Zephyrians, wearing strange clothing – priestly garbs, maybe?
Possible use in: See if the art can be removed and transported to Earth, to be displayed in a museum.The protoplasm looks like a giant beach ball, or maybe a hamster ball, as it has an empty cavity inside its round body. It bounces aimlessly, pushed around by the wind. <<if passage() == "By the River">>Sometimes it gets pushed onto the water, where it floats, bobbing up and down.<</if>>
You could get inside the creature and use it as a means of transport. <<if passage() == "By the River">>You could even use it to get inside the cave.<<elseif passage() == "Volcanic Vents" || passage() == "The Emerald Valley">>You don't want to cross the lava pool inside it, though – that would be far too dangerous.<<elseif passage() == "Outside of the Ship">>It won't fit through the door leading inside your ship, though.<<elseif passage() == "River Cave">>It is, in fact, your only way of getting out of the cave.<<elseif $passage == "Ruined City">>You believe the protoplasm could even protect you from the corrosive atmosphere of the wasteland to the north.<</if>>\
<<amoeborb>>\
Remains of rail vehicles have been discovered in a cave on Zephyria. Strangely, the cars found underwater appear small and inconvenient – even though they were designed for the six-legged Zephyrians, there wasn't enough space in them for adults to travel comfortably. They lack roofs as well. It seems that the technologically advanced Zephyrians were impractical in some respects.Predator-like Zephyrian protoplasms hunt down and devour those that look like herbivores. What's especially strange about this interaction, is that the protoplasms seem to be unable to digest their meal. They trap the victim inside their own body without gaining any discernible benefit from it. The entire hunting behaviour appears to be some sort of encoded mimicry that serves an unknown purpose.Remains of the extinct dominant race of Zephyria – tall, six-legged insectoids – were discovered in a ruined city.
The remains are very old and turn to dust at the slightest touch, but enough was preserved to establish the creatures were encased in durable chitinous exoskeletons. They wore clothes, but likely for decoration, not protection. Their forelegs had opposable thumbs, and the remaining two pairs of legs were strong, enabling them to run fast and jump high.
Preliminary data suggests the insectoids found in the city died mostly due to poisoning or prolonged exposure to intense heat, but more research is required to confirm this hypothesis.
Remains of domesticated animals were also discovered in the city. Some were giant insects, other were close to mammals, with bony skeletal structures. It is unclear if they were companions, or a source of food to the inhabitants of the city.<<set $data += 10>><<run $database.push("Impact Zone")>>\
You get inside the Amoeb-Orb and traverse the barren wasteland. It is devoid of life, save for an occasional Zephyrian Protoplasm, aimlessly crawling among the expanse of dust and rocks. The air here is hot, toxic and corrosive. Only the miraculously resilient body of the Amoeb-Orb is keeping you from breaking down.
“Ugh! A horrible place indeed!” says Daphne. “I'm sure it's scientifically important and whatnot, but I just don't like it at all!”
You've almost reached the edge of the crater when your sensors start beeping. Apparently, getting any closer, even inside the protoplasm, will fry your circuits. You take a couple of pictures of the crater and scan it as best you can, then turn back.
<i>You gained 10 research points!</i>
<<unlockdoor>>
<span class = "exit"><<link "Return to the ruined city" "Ruined City">><</link>></span>A crater located to the north of a ruined Zephyrian city could potentially explain the sudden collapse of the planet's civilisation. A meteor crashed here millennia ago. The direct impact likely wiped out towns and killed many local lifeforms; even worse, the collision changed the local climate and released toxic substances into the atmosphere. Simulations show the civilisation of intelligent Zephyrian insectoids only survived a couple dozen years after the incident, which also wiped out most of the planet's biodiversity.
Possible relevance for: Cultural studies, climate studies.The lift takes you down to a large hall with white walls, lit by glowing orbs mounted on the walls.
The ship's AI is really excited by your discovery.
“This is so cool! It must be a secret Zephyrian laboratory. What do you think they were making here, Rovie? Weapons? Mutant creatures?”
The lift stops and you can take a look around the cavernous room.A large underground area was discovered on Zephyria. It can be deduced that ancient Zephyrians used it to store the DNA of local plants and animals. Since most of these species are now extinct, the storage is a priceless scientific resource. Some of the samples have, sadly, decayed beyond usability, and the remaining ones are locked in the cases too well secured to be accessed with our currently deployed equipment, but this discovery definitely warrants further research.
One section of the storage contains glass tubes filled with a gelatinous substance. It closely resembles a Zephyrian Protoplasm, but does not seem to be alive. The Zephyrians must have been conducting some research on the protoplasms, the purpose of which we might never know.
NOTE: A place of great historic and scientific importance.<<passagetitle>>
You're in a small clearing surrounded by a grove of blue lichen, which is gently swaying in the wind.
There is a small <<object "pond">> in the middle of the clearing. It seems to be filled with protoplasm; its surface is silver and shimmers in sunlight.
<<printslimes>>\
You can drive north across the chasm, <span class = "exit"><<link "towards the volcanic vents">><<move "Volcanic Vents">><</link>></span>.<i>If you blast off, you'll finish the game. There will be no going back!
<<if $data == 160>>(You get the feeling that you've discovered everything there was to discover!)<<else>>(You get the feeling there's still things left to discover!)<</if>>
Leave Zephyria?</i>
[[Yes, let's finish the mission!|Ending]]
[[No, I want to stay!|Ship Command Centre]]Daphne is overjoyed.
“Yes! We're launching! It was nice knowing you, Zephyria, but we have more planets to visit and more adventures to face! Begin countdown! Hold on tight, Rovie!”
You settle down in your compartment on the ship. As <i>Kitty</i>'s engines start humming, you think about all the things you discovered on Zephyria – about the planet's extinct race, about ruins... and about morphing slimes.
Those were fun, you decide.
“...THREE... TWO... ONE... BLAST OFF!” screams Daphne. As you rise into the sky, leaving a plume of smoke behind you, you peek through the window at the planet below – a colourful marble that grows smaller and smaller, until it's just one more speck of light in the vast, dark cosmos.
<span class = "highlight"><center>CONGRATULATIONS, YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE GAME!</center></span>
<center>[[Go to Mission Summary|summary]]</center>
<b>Research points collected:</b> <span class = "highlight">$data</span> (100 required)
<b>Mission rating:</b> <span class = "highlight"><<if $data <120>>SUCCESS!<<elseif $data <140>>REMARKABLE SUCCESS!<<elseif $data <160>>GREAT SUCCESS!<<else>>THE NEW GOLD STANDARD OF FIELD RESEARCH!<</if>></span>
<b>Database entries collected:</b> <span class = "highlight">$database.length</span>
<span class = "highlight"><center>THANK YOU FOR PLAYING!</center>
</span>
<center><<link "Back to Main Menu">><<run Engine.restart()>><</link>></center><center>
<span class = "menu">Plasmorphosis</span>
<span class = "menu1">[[New Game|Story Intro]]</span>
<span class = "menu2"><<link "Load game">><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>></span>
<span class = "menu3">[[About]]</span>
</center>A small pond found in a lichen grove seems to contain inanimate protoplasmic matter. It cannot be told for sure if it is a birthplace of Zephyrian Protoplasms, or a spot where remains of dead protoplasms have collected. So far, we don't even know if the protoplasms can die, other than by being completely destroyed. Clearly, Zephyrian lifeforms require further research.
Possible uses in: Rejuvenation therapy.<center><span class = "highlight">A game by Agnieszka Trzaska
QA testers:
Francesco Ariis
Josh Grams
Andy Joel
Joey Cramsey
Created for the Twine SciFi Jam</span>
[[Back|Main Menu]]</center>You run self-diagnostics and send Daphne the results. When the AI speaks again, she seems relieved.
“It's a miracle you survived this with only minor damage”, she says. “Great! Looks like we are going to complete our mission after all. Better get going! Roll outside and start scanning the surroundings. This planet, Zephyria, is supposed to be chock-full of mysterious ruins and strange life forms, and we must collect enough data before we'll be allowed to fly <i>Curious Kitty</i> back to the base. By the way, <i>Kitty</i> is in a pretty rough shape. There should be an auto-repair kit somewhere near your position. Take it, go outside, and place the kit near the damaged area. It will do the rest.”
You emit a couple of highly expressive beeps.
“Well, you're being unfair now, Rovie. I'm going to work really hard, too. Management. Navigation. Data analysis. All while I'm stuck inside a crashed ship. You, at least, will explore and see some sights! And maybe get eaten by local wildlife. Oops – forget that last part! Anyway, time for you to get going. I'll add the mission summary to your database. Now go, Rovie, and collect that precious research material!”
[[Continue|Ship Cargo Bay]]You're examining the scenery when a nearby object starts to move. It's small, about half your size, and grey. It constantly changes shape, growing and retracting pseudopods as it inches towards Kitty.
“Local wildlife!” Daphne exclaims enthusiastically. “Quick, Rovie, scan it!”
Before you can target the creature with your scanner, it crawls onto a broken metal part. In a flash, its amorphous body absorbs the part and starts to change. Its transparent outer layer becomes thick and metallic; you're sure if you poked it now, you would hear a “clang!”
The ship's AI, observing through your cameras, is ecstatic.
“Oh, Rovie, did you see that? It can morph! Take on properties of foreign objects! What a discovery!”
The metallic creature approaches the hole in your ship's hull and touches an exposed wire. You hear a crackling sound. The creature's body ripples and softens. In a moment, it has returned to its original form.
“Amazing!” shouts Daphne. “Scan it, Rovie, scan it now!”
[[Continue|Outside of the Ship]]As you roll towards the river, you hear loud rumbling in the distance. You take a look around. It's not the waterfall, and there are no storm clouds in the sky.
You then turn your cameras towards the end of the valley and see <i>Curious Kitty</i> rising into the sky, leaving a trail of fire and smoke behind!
“DEE DEE DREEEET!” you scream into your comms device.
The ship wobbles. Its engines sputter and go out, sending it into a rapid descent. You watch nervously as it disappears behind the lichen-tree line, but the sound of a crash does not come. Daphne must have regained control at the very last moment.
“Rovie?”
The AI comes through the comms, sounding exasperated.
“You scared me! Don't yell at me like this!”
“Bee-woo-dee-doop.”
“What? No, it was just an engine test! Did you <i> really</i> think I was going to leave without you?”
“Doop.”
“… That was a rhetorical question.”
[[Continue|By the River]]