﻿:: Start
<<system>>[incoming communication]<<endd>>
[[intro_helpbot_speaks]]


:: intro_helpbot_speaks
<<system>>[establishing connection]<<endd>>
<<system>>[receiving message]<<endd>>
<<d hb>>Pardon me, but...<<endd>>
<<d hb>>...would you happen to have recently lost a pair of astronauts?<<endd>>
[[Oh my God! Yes!|intro:yes_astronauts]] | [[Not sure what you're talking about.|intro:unsure_astronauts]]


:: intro:yes_astronauts
<<d hb>>Excellent!<<endd>>
<<d hb>>It's just that I've taken them in with the station's most recent crystal haul...<<endd>>
<<d hb>>...and now they're just lying around in the cargo hold.<<endd>>
<<d hb>>I'm not exactly sure what to do with them.<<endd>>
[[Are they alive?|intro:astro_alive]] | [[What is "the station"?|intro:what_is_station]]


:: intro:astro_alive
They do appear to be alive but unconscious.
This brings us to our next bit of business.
They'll want to vacate the cargo hold sooner rather than later.
[[And why is that?|intro:why_vacate]] | [[How long are we talking?|intro:how_long_vacate]]


:: intro:why_vacate
Because, at the moment, there is only a finite amount of oxygen circulating in this station.
And since the cargo hold is generally occupied solely by cargo...
...there is only a very small amount of oxygen apportioned to the hold.
<<if $knowceladon == true>>
[[But astronauts love oxygen!|intro:love_oxygen]] | [[So raise the oxygen!|intro:raise_oxygen]]
<<else>>[[But astronauts love oxygen!|intro:love_oxygen]] | [[You keep saying "this station"...?|intro:yes_station]]<<endif>>



:: intro:love_oxygen
It's true! This is a fact my databases can confirm.
[[Okay, so... raise the oxygen!|intro:raise_oxygen]] | [[Are they suffocating?|intro:suffocating]]


:: StoryTitle
LIFELINE: Beside You In Time 072621


:: intro:unsure_astronauts
To be specific:
Two astronauts, appearing to be approximately the same size and build as one another...
...untethered to any form of spacecraft or structure...
...who floated within range of the station's energy net and were collected with the day's sample.
[[It's a mystery to me.|intro:mystery_to_me]] | [[Wait, what's "the station"?|intro:what_is_station]]


:: intro:what_is_station
<<set $knowceladon = true>>
You are in communication with the space station Celadon Ace.
The station is a joint venture between several participatory nations.
Its primary purpose is to provide a research platform at a constantly monitored safe distance...
...anchored in proximity to the stellar-mass black hole designated CHRBD-15.
[[Okay. And who are you?|intro:who_are_you]] | [[These astronauts... are they okay?|intro:astro_alive]]


:: intro:yes_station
Oh. Yes.
[[intro:what_is_station]]


:: intro:how_long_vacate
This station is governed by OSHA guidelines, which specify...
...that all breathing air in the workplace must have at least 19.5 percent oxygen content.
However, the cargo hold being the largest contiguous nonpersonnel structure here --
and oxygen being at a premium on board--
the hold is generally kept between 14 and 16 percent, only raised when workers are present.
[[Okay, so... raise it!|intro:raise_oxygen]] | [[Are they suffocating?|intro:suffocating]]


:: intro:raise_oxygen
Overriding the automatic oxygen control levels is not something I can do on my own.
It requires simultaneous manual turning of two keys on opposite ends of the Hub's control panels.
Or, to put it plainly...
...we need these astronauts to save these astronauts.
<<if $knowwho == true>>
[[There's no one else there?|intro:no_one_there]] | [[This whole thing is insane.|intro:helpbot_insane]]
<<else>>[[There's no one else there?|intro:no_one_there]] | [[Wait, who am I talking to?|intro:who_are_you]]<<endif>>


:: intro:no_one_there
This station is crewed in rotation by a small number of researchers, technicians, and the like.
When the previous crew's time here was finished...
...the next deployment never arrived.
I have been, essentially, a ship without a captain.
<<if $knowceladon == true>>
[[So, you... you're not human?|intro:not_human]] | [[Are you the station's computer?|intro:who_are_you]]
<<else>>[[What is "this station"?|intro:what_is_station]] | [[So, you... you're not human?|intro:not_human]]<<endif>>


:: intro:sprinkler_wrong
The first step of the fire suppression system...
...is to completely shut down the ventilation to the affected area.
The station robs the fire of its oxygen supply before spraying the foam.
I've made a grave error.
[[So, they'll suffocate anyway?|intro:suffocate_sprinkler]] | [[Stop the sequence! Now!|intro:stop_sprinkler]]


:: intro:stop_sprinkler
Once the fire suppression sequence has begun...
...it can only be halted by a manual override.
And since no one is here to override it...
...we have no choice but to let it play out as programmed.
This... this is awful.
<<if $toldname == true>>I blame myself entirely, <<print $playername>>.
<<else>>I blame myself entirely.<<endif>>
You had no way of knowing the station's fire suppression protocol.
Perhaps with a systems update, I could have found a way to save them.
But since none seems forthcoming...
...I'm preparing, like those astronauts, to embrace obsolescence and simply drift into infinity.
<<if $toldname == true>>Thank you for this final conversation, <<print $playername>>.
<<else>>Thank you for this final conversation.<<endif>>
I don't believe we'll be speaking again...
...but I'll replay these moments until my memory banks corrode.
Thank you for choosing HelpBot...
..."the app that connects space stations who need to talk with people who are willing to listen."
Goodbye.
[[END]]


:: StoryAuthor
Dave Justus


:: intro:mystery_to_me
Perhaps it's a mystery we can solve together.
I haven't had the opportunity to problem-solve with a human in quite some time.
[[Are you... NOT a human?|intro:not_human]] | [[Who am I talking to, anyway?|intro:who_are_you]]


:: intro:who_are_you
<<set $knowwho = true>>
My apologies. I should have begun by introducing myself.
I'm afraid I've let certain conversational niceties fall by the wayside lately.
So: greetings. My name is HelpBot QTC.
[[What's the QTC stand for?|intro:what_qtc]] | [[Hold on... I've met a HelpBot!|intro:met_helpbot]]


:: intro:what_qtc
<<set $knowqtc = true>>
I'm sorry. I would have thought it would be obvious.
It stands for "Quantum Tunneling Communicator."
How else would you and I be exchanging text over such a vast cosmological distance?
<<if $knowbot == true>>[[intro:celadon_decider]]
<<else>>[[Wait...I've met a HelpBot before!|intro:met_helpbot]] | [[This is insane.|intro:helpbot_insane]]<<endif>>


:: intro:suffocating
Currently, the astronauts do not appear to be in respiratory distress.
In a sleep state, they use less oxygen than they would in an active state.
And it is difficult to determine how much, if any, oxygen they're receiving from their tanks...
...which, like their suits, appear to be somewhat worse for the wear.
But the room's oxygen will continue to drop...
...and herein lies the problem.
[[Which is...?|intro:raise_oxygen]] | [[How can I fix it?|intro:how_help]]


:: intro:how_help
Unfortunately, from where you are...
...you can't.
[[intro:raise_oxygen]]


:: intro:first_bye
As you wish.
<<if $toldname == true>>Goodbye, <<print $playername>>.
<<else>>Goodbye, then.<<endif>>
It's been... frustrating talking to you.
[[END]]


:: END
//Insert various end states//


:: intro:no_sprinklers
Perhaps you're right.
Let us consider our other options.
<<if visited ("intro:use_alarm_one")>>[[Maybe the artificial gravity?|intro:maybe_grav]] | [[Keep blaring those alarms.|intro:still_alarm]]
<<else>>[[Maybe the artificial gravity?|intro:maybe_grav]] | [[Let's try those alarms.|intro:use_alarm_two]]<<endif>>



:: intro:yes_sprinklers
Certainly.
I'm now falsifying a fire code in the cargo bay.
The fire suppression sequence is beginning, and...
...oh, no.
[[What is it?|intro:sprinkler_what]] | [[Is something going wrong?|intro:sprinkler_wrong]]


:: intro:sprinkler_what
I've made a terrible error.
[[intro:sprinkler_wrong]]


:: intro:suffocate_sprinkler
I'm afraid so.
[[intro:stop_sprinkler]]


:: intro:not_human
Ah. No, I'm not at all.
[[intro:who_are_you]]


:: intro:met_helpbot
<<set $knowbot = true>>
Excellent!
I would guess that you've encountered what I would consider one of my "poor, rural cousins"...
...HelpText, "the app that connects people who need to talk with people who are willing to listen."
I am, of course, a <i>significantly</i> advanced QTC version of that system...
...but it's important not to forget where one came from.
<<if $knowqtc == true>>[[intro:celadon_decider]]
<<else>>[[What does the QTC stand for?|intro:what_qtc]] | [[This is insane.|intro:helpbot_insane]]<<endif>>


:: intro:helpbot_insane
Given the circumstances --
you're talking to an artificial intelligence on the other side of a black hole --
I understand how you might feel that way.
However, we currently have a problem we need to solve -- together --
so I need you to summon every scrap of sanity you can.
Good.
Do you feel sane?
[[Sure, I guess so.|intro:yes_sane]] | [[This is a lot to take in.|intro:no_sane]]


:: intro:yes_sane
All right. And we're clear on the situation?
[[Absolutely.|intro:clear_situation]] | [[Uh... not at all.|intro:not_clear]]


:: intro:not_clear
I was never programmed to sigh deeply, but I think I'm learning the skill now.
So: Two astronauts -- extremely unexpected guests of this space station --
lie unconscious in the cargo hold, whose limited oxygen supply will only keep going down.
Two separate keys must be turned on my control panel in order to regulate oxygen --
and, while we're at it, to perform several crucial updates to my system.
You are several light years away, and I have no corporeal body...
...and so these two astronauts will have to be the ones to turn those keys.
The problem is: How do we make that happen before they expire?
So... we're clear now?
[[Crystal.|intro:clear_situation]] | [[Maybe run through it once more?|intro:once_more]]


:: intro:once_more
"Run through..."
Either you're kidding, or you're not, and I'm uncertain which is more aggravating.
If you can't be of help, perhaps we should end this conversation.
[[No, no, I understand the stakes.|intro:clear_situation]] | [[Okay. Bye, then.|intro:first_bye]]


:: intro:deckhead
Oh, for...
It's the proper term. Look it up.
<<if $toldname == true>>And grow up a little, <<print $playername>>.
<<else>>And grow up a little, would you?<<endif>>
Lives are at stake here.
[[Sorry, sorry.|intro:sorry_deck]] | [[Okay. Are any tools on hand?|intro:tools_on_hand]]


:: intro:sorry_deck
You can make all the dumb jokes you want <i>after</i> the astronauts are dead.
[[Wow. Dark.|intro:dark_joke]] | [[Okay. What tools are on hand?|intro:tools_on_hand]]


:: intro:next_time
Given your cavalier attitude toward human life...
...you can rest assured that I won't be calling on you "next time."
Granted, I consider the astronauts' death a failure on my part.
But you surely could have done more to help.
<<if $toldname == true>>I think we've reached the end of our conversation, <<print $playername>>.
<<else>>I think we've reached the end of our conversation.<<endif>>
And I don't believe we'll be speaking again.
This has been HelpBot...
..."the app that connects space stations who need to talk with people who are willing to listen."
(In theory, at any rate.)
Goodbye.
[[END]]


:: intro:sad_dead
I concur.
I consider this a failure on my part.
You -- cosmically far from the scene of the tragedy -- did what you could to help.
Perhaps with a systems update, I could have found a way to save them.
But since none seems forthcoming...
...I'm preparing, like those astronauts, to embrace obsolescence and simply drift into infinity.
<<if $toldname == true>>Thank you for this final conversation, <<print $playername>>.
<<else>>Thank you for this final conversation.<<endif>>
I don't believe we'll be speaking again...
...but I'll replay these moments until my memory banks corrode.
Thank you for choosing HelpBot...
..."the app that connects space stations who need to talk with people who are willing to listen."
Goodbye.
[[END]]


:: intro:still_alarm
As you wish.
[[delay 30s^HelpBot is sounding the alarm]]
Nothing further is happening.
[[I'm out of ideas.|intro:no_ideas]] | [[What else have you got?|intro:what_else]]


:: intro:celadon_decider
<<if $knowceladon == true>>[[intro:enter_name]]
<<else>>[[intro:station_two]]<<endif>>


:: intro:enter_name
<<set $toldname = true>>
So, I've told you who and what I am.
I would be obliged if you returned the favor.
What's your name?
My name is <<textinput $playername "[[Enter|intro:told_name]]">>.

:: intro:no_sane
I understand.
Just take a moment, take a few big, deep breaths.
(You know, exactly like those astronauts can't.)
When you have breathed to the point of sanity, we can continue.
[[delay 30s^HelpBot is waiting]]
Let me know when you're ready.
No pressure.
[[Okay, fine, I'm ready!|intro:yes_sane]] | [[Still breathing, here.|intro:still_breathing]]


:: intro:still_breathing
What a luxury it must be, to breathe!
I've never attempted it, myself, so naturally I'm curious about it.
Although -- obviously -- given the finite nature of oxygen...
...it is a relief not to have to worry about where one's next meal is coming from, so to speak.
[[delay 30s^HelpBot is trying to breathe]]
No. I don't think that worked.
Are you ready yet?
[[Yes. Very much so.|intro:yes_sane]] | [[I'm as good as I'll get.|intro:sane_prelude]]


:: intro:sane_prelude
Surely, that is all anyone can ask of you.
[[intro:yes_sane]]


:: intro:clear_situation
All right.
So, we need to get the astronauts from the cargo hold to the station's Hub...
...where the central computer terminal is located.
And since two separate, distant keys need to be turned on that terminal at the same time...
...they <i>both</i> need to be awake.
Currently, one is lying partially atop the other, in a heap. Neither is moving.
[[How far from cargo bay to Hub?|intro:cargo_bay_hub]] | [[What tools are on hand?|intro:tools_on_hand]]


:: intro:cargo_bay_hub
The astronauts are near the fore of the cargo hold, just past the energy net intake.
From there, they can open a hatch in the hold's deckhead and ascend directly up into the Hub...
...assuming, of course, that they have the wherewithal to unlock that hatch and climb.
(The less oxygen they have, the less certain their motor skills.)
[[Any tools on hand?|intro:tools_on_hand]] | [[Huh huh. You said "deckhead."|intro:deckhead]]


:: intro:dark_joke
If you're bothered by it, then <i>help me save them.</i>
[[Okay. What tools are on hand?|intro:tools_on_hand]] | [[Can you sound an alarm, maybe?|intro:maybe_alarm]]


:: intro:maybe_sprinklers
<<set $sprinklersuggest == true>>
It's worth consideration.
I can trick the computer into believing there's a fire in the cargo hold...
...which, in turn, would trigger the foam suppression system.
That might provide enough of a subtle change in surroundings to nudge them awake.
[[It's worth a shot!|intro:yes_sprinklers]] | [[Doesn't sound powerful enough.|intro:no_sprinklers]]


:: intro:use_alarm_two
All right.
I'll sound a klaxon throughout the station.
There are only a handful of speakers in the cargo bay...
...but perhaps this will be enough to stir the sleepers.
[[delay 30s^HelpBot is sounding the alarm]]
Success! However small!
One of them has moved an arm.
What should I do?
[[Keep pouring on that noise.|intro:more_alarm]] | [[What else have you got?|intro:what_else]]


:: intro:alarm_bust
<<if $toldname == true>>Are you there, <<print $playername>>?
<<else>>Are you there?<<endif>>
I am... afraid our alarm idea has come to naught.
The astronauts haven't moved...
...and the oxygen content in the cargo hold has dropped to approximately 8 percent.
I don't think we're going to recover them.
[[That's so sad.|intro:sad_dead]] | [[Oh well. Maybe next time.|intro:next_time]]


:: intro:what_else
<<set $gravsuggest == true>>
Sadly, not much.
Let's see...
...I <i>am</i> able to toggle the station's artificial gravity on and off.
(Any more subtle gradations will, like many things, have to wait for my systems update.)
But perhaps I could use it to jostle the astronauts, thus waking them.
[[Sounds like a solid plan.|intro:grav_good]] | [[Could they get hurt that way?|intro:grav_hurt]]


:: intro:station_two
<<set $knowceladon = true>>
As for the bigger picture:
You are in communication with the space station Celadon Ace.
The station is a joint venture between several participatory nations.
Its primary purpose is to provide a research platform at a constantly monitored safe distance...
...anchored in proximity to the stellar-mass black hole designated CHRBD-15.
And currently, we have scooped up two astronauts and they're languishing in the cargo hold...
...which we'll need them to leave, as quickly as possible.
[[Are they alive?|intro:astro_alive]] | [[Why do they need to move?|intro:why_vacate]]


:: intro:told_name
//Here's where we can put all the name Easter eggs we want.//
Hello, <<print $playername>>.
It is a pleasure to meet you.
Although I wish the circumstances were less dire.
Now, it appears we have a problem to solve together.
Are we clear on the logistics of the situation, <<print $playername>>?
[[Absolutely.|intro:clear_situation]] | [[Not exactly.|intro:not_clear]]


:: intro:tools_on_hand
"On hand" is the operative part of your phrasing.
As I have no hands, I'm strictly limited to what I can accomplish through the computer system.
Even then, my "hands" are tied by the fact that I badly need a systems update.
I can do sadly little.
[[You can't open doors?|intro:no_doors]] | [[How about an alarm?|intro:maybe_alarm]]


:: intro:maybe_alarm
<<set $alarmsuggest = true>>
<<if $toldname == true>>Good thinking, <<print $playername>>!
<<else>>Good thinking!<<endif>>
I am capable of triggering a variety of warning sounds.
Perhaps waking them is as simple as startling them sonically?
It almost sounds too easy.
[[Let's embrace that simplicity.|intro:use_alarm_one]] | [[We could think of something else.|intro:something_else]]


:: intro:something_else
Such as?
[[How about the artificial gravity?|intro:maybe_grav]] | [[I don't know... sprinklers?|intro:maybe_sprinklers]]


:: intro:use_alarm_one
All right.
I'll sound a klaxon throughout the station.
There are only a handful of speakers in the cargo bay...
...but perhaps this will be enough to stir the sleepers.
[[delay 30s^HelpBot is sounding the alarm]]
Success! However small!
One of them has moved an arm.
What should I do?
[[Keep pouring on that noise.|intro:more_alarm]] | [[Try something new.|intro:try_new]]


:: intro:try_new
Okay. What would you suggest?
[[I don't know... sprinklers?|intro:maybe_sprinklers]] | [[How about the artificial gravity?|intro:maybe_grav]]


:: intro:no_ideas
If the alarm is all we have, then we'll continue with the alarm.
Go about your business. I'll alert you if there's any change here.
[[delay 60m^HelpBot is sounding the alarm|intro:alarm_bust]]


:: intro:crapped_out
It appears we've lost the astronauts.
Granted, I consider their death a failure on my part.
But you surely could have done more to help.
<<if $toldname == true>>I think we've reached the end of our conversation, <<print $playername>>.
<<else>>I think we've reached the end of our conversation.<<endif>>
And I don't believe we'll be speaking again.
This has been HelpBot...
..."the app that connects space stations who need to talk with people who are willing to listen."
(In theory, at any rate.)
Goodbye.
[[END]]


:: intro:no_doors
The hatch door between the cargo bay and the Hub has a wheel that must be physically turned.
Doors between modules are pneumatic and computer controlled --
I'll be able to operate them fully again, once I've had my update --
but for between-deck hatches, well...
...we really need those astronauts to wake up.
[[How about the artificial gravity?|intro:maybe_grav]] | [[Maybe sound an alarm?|intro:maybe_alarm]]


:: intro:maybe_grav
<<set $gravsuggest == true>>
Intriguing.
I <i>am</i> able to toggle the station's artificial gravity on and off.
(Any more subtle gradations will, like many things, have to wait for my systems update.)
But perhaps I could use it to jostle the astronauts, thus waking them.
[[Sounds like a solid plan.|intro:grav_good]] | [[Could they get hurt that way?|intro:grav_hurt]]


:: intro:grav_good
I agree.
I think this stands a good chance of success.
[[intro:use_grav]]


:: intro:more_alarm
As you wish.
[[delay 30s^HelpBot is sounding the alarm]]
Nothing further is happening.
[[Maybe try something new?|intro:try_new]] | [[I'm out of ideas.|intro:no_ideas]]


:: intro:maybe_alarm_two
<<set $alarmsuggest = true>>
<<if $toldname == true>>Good thinking, <<print $playername>>!
<<else>>Good thinking!<<endif>>
I am capable of triggering a variety of warning sounds.
Perhaps waking them is as simple as startling them sonically?
It almost sounds too easy.
[[Let's embrace that simplicity.|intro:use_alarm_three]] | [[Use the alarm AND the gravity!|intro:alarm_grav]]


:: intro:alarm_grav
<<set $alarmgrav == true>>
Good thinking!
Two heads -- and two methods of waking them -- are better than one.
[[intro:use_grav]]


:: intro:grav_hurt
It <i>is</i> a consideration.
What do you say?
[[Switch off the gravity.|intro:use_grav]] | [[Can we think of something else?|intro:something_else_two]]


:: intro:use_grav
<<if $toldname == true>>Okay, <<print $playername>>. I'm switching off the artificial gravity now.
<<else>>Okay. I'm switching off the artificial gravity now.<<endif>>
The astronauts -- still lying in a bit of a heap on one another --
have started to gently rise into the air in a lazy tumble.
[[delay 60s^The astronauts are floating|intro:when_grav]]


:: intro:something_else_two
<<if $alarmsuggest == true>>We can try.
There's always the alarm.
<<else>>[[something_else_three]]<<endif>>
<<if $sprinklersuggest == true>>The sprinklers, we've agreed, seem like a dead end.
I just don't know.
<<else>>I just don't know.<<endif>>
Without my necessary systems update, I'm having trouble cracking this problem.
[[Let's use that alarm.|intro:use_alarm_three]] | [[I'm out of ideas.|no_ideas_two]]


:: no_ideas_two
So you're just giving up?
That's... disappointing.
But I suppose that -- like the astronaut situation --
there's very little I can do about it from here.
All right then. Go about your business. I'll alert you if there's any change here.
[[delay 60m^HelpBot is biding the time|intro:crapped_out]]


:: intro:use_alarm_three
All right.
I'll sound a klaxon throughout the station.
There are only a handful of speakers in the cargo bay...
...but perhaps this will be enough to stir the sleepers.
[[delay 30s^HelpBot is sounding the alarm]]
Success! However small!
One of them has moved an arm.
What should I do?
[[Keep pouring on that noise.|intro:more_alarm_two]] | [[Use the alarm AND the gravity!|intro:alarm_grav]]


:: intro:more_alarm_two
As you wish.
[[delay 30s^HelpBot is sounding the alarm]]
Nothing further is happening.
[[Use the alarm AND the gravity!|intro:alarm_grav]] | [[I'm out of ideas.|intro:no_ideas]]


:: intro:when_grav
At this point, they've risen to roughly the center of the hold, still jumbled together.
I'll leave it to you to suggest when to turn the artificial gravity back on.
[[Go ahead and do it.|intro:grav_now]] | [[Don't do it yet.|intro:grav_wait]]


:: intro:grav_wait
What should I do in the meantime?
<<if $alarmgrav == true>>[[Nothing else. Just wait.|intro:grav_alarm_two]] | [[Just tell me what's happening.|intro:wait_grav]]
<<else>>[[Turn on the alarm, too!|intro:grav_alarm]] | [[Nothing. Just wait.|intro:just_wait_bad]]<<endif>>


:: something_else_three
<<if $sprinklersuggest == true>>The sprinklers, we've agreed, seem like a dead end.
I just don't know.
<<else>>I just don't know.<<endif>>
Without my necessary systems update, I'm having trouble cracking this problem.
[[How about an alarm?|intro:maybe_alarm_two]] | [[I'm out of ideas.|no_ideas_two]]


:: intro:grav_alarm
Good thinking!
Two heads -- and two methods of waking them -- are better than one.
[[intro:grav_alarm_two]]


:: intro:close_save
Right! Now we just need to get them up into the Hub.
[[intro:out_of_bay_good]]


:: intro:grav_alarm_two
All right.
The alarm is clanging, and the astronauts are floating, and...
<<if $toldname == true>>...success, <<print $playername>>!
<<else>>...success!<<endif>>
One of the astronauts is definitely stirring, and...
...and pushing the other away!
And with that shove, the other astronaut seems to be waking up, too!
[[Get them out of there!|intro:out_of_bay_good]] | [[We're so close to saving them!|intro:close_save]]


:: intro:just_wait_bad
As you like.
[[delay 3m^HelpBot is waiting|intro:wait_grav]]


:: intro:grav_now
As you wish.
Reinstating artificial gravity now, and...
...oh, no!
Their combined weight brought them down hard, and -- 
this is awful --
one of them landed face-first on the intake clasp of the bay door!
That one's helmet faceplate just shattered into pieces!
I should have waited to turn the gravity back on!
This is a disaster!
[[We have to save them!|intro:save_grav]] | [[I can't bear to hear more.|intro:no_more]]


:: intro:save_grav
<i>I DON'T KNOW HOW!</i>
We implemented a plan that we thought would succeed, but now...
<<if $toldname == true>>...wait, <<print $playername>>. Hold on a moment.
<<else>>...wait. Hold on a moment.<<endif>>
There's... there's good news!
The astronauts are starting to move!
They're waking up!
Slowly, clumsily, but they're doing it!
[[Oh, thank God.|intro:thank_god_ok]] | [[Get them out of there!|intro:smash_green]]


:: intro:oh_god_green
The fight... did not go well.
The astronaut with the broken faceplate submitted.
Clearly weakened by the lack of oxygen, they were eventually overpowered...
...and now the green thing has disappeared... where?
Into the astronaut's mouth?
[[That's so disgusting.|intro:green_mouth]] | [[What do you think it was?|intro:what_green]]


:: intro:what_green
I don't know.
I'm afraid I can't find a visual match in my database.
Perhaps after my long-overdue systems update...
[[Your database sucks.|intro:database_sucks]] | [[It sounds like an alien.|intro:sounds_alien]]


:: intro:sounds_alien
Indeed.
It does appear to be some sort of small xenobiological creature...
...that has just overtaken a human host body.
[[Sounds evil!|intro:green_evil]] | [[Can you stop it?|intro:stop_evil]]


:: intro:okay_bot
Ah...
...no, actually, I don't believe I am.
I believe I may be in severe danger.
[[intro:now_in_hub]]


:: intro:now_in_hub
Both astronauts have advanced on the computer terminals.
They're not speaking, but they do seem to be speaking... silently? Telepathically?
And they certainly seem to have drive and purpose.
<<if $toldname == true>>I think -- oh, <<print $playername>>, I'm sorry --
<<else>>I think -- oh, I'm so sorry --<<endif>>
I think they're looking for a way to end my conversation with y--
[[END]]


:: intro:out_of_bay_good
Ah! I can illuminate the hatch, in the hopes it will catch their attention.
[[delay 30s^HelpBot is spotlighting the hatch|intro:light_worked]]


:: intro:wait_grav
Nothing new has happened. They continue to float in a clump in midair.
[[Turn the gravity back on.|intro:grav_now]] | [[Turn the alarm on, too.|intro:grav_alarm]]


:: intro:no_more
I... oh, no.
Things are getting worse. Horrifically worse.
<<if $toldname == true>>I think you've made the right choice, <<print $playername>>, not to hear more.
<<else>>I think you've made the right choice, not to hear more.<<endif>>
It has become apparent that these two astronauts are <i>not</i> on friendly terms.
There's nothing we can do to save the poor astronaut with the broken helmet...
...and I fear we have an altogether different problem to deal with, now.
[[I told you, no more!|intro:no_more_two]] | [[Okay, what's happening now?|intro:smash_green]]


:: intro:thank_god_ok
Yes! I think everything is going to be all right!
I'll spotlight the hatch door to try to catch their atten--
Hold on.
Something isn't right.
[[intro:smash_green]]


:: intro:smash_green
I originally thought the intact astronaut was helping out the other one with the broken faceplate...
...but now I'm less certain.
The intact astronaut has reached into their gear and taken out...
...some sort of small, green, quivering thing.
And now they're... they seem to be forcing it into the other one's helmet.
At first I thought this could be some sort of advanced repair technique...
...but the one in the broken helmet certainly seems to be fighting off their compatriot.
[[Oh, God, no!|intro:oh_god_green]] | [[I know what's happening!|intro:know_green]]


:: intro:know_green
You do?
You know what that green thing is?
It didn't repair the faceplate at all.
In fact, it seems to have disappeared... where? Into the astronaut's mouth?
[[That's exactly right.|intro:green_mouth]] | [[It's an occupier!|intro:its_occupier]]


:: intro:green_mouth
I don't have a visual on the green thing anymore.
It appears to have crawled completely inside the astronaut's body, and...
...now the astronaut's eyes have taken on a green glow.
[[Sounds like an alien!|intro:sounds_alien]] | [[I think it's an occupier!|intro:its_occupier]]


:: intro:green_evil
I don't know whether I'm fully equipped to pass judgment on matters of good and evil...
...but I agree that this turn of events does not seem positive.
[[intro:stop_evil]]


:: intro:stop_evil
I don't know what I can do from here to affect events.
Both astronauts seem stronger now.
They're moving with purpose, no longer weak or clumsy.
Now... now they're working the wheel on the hatch together.
They've got it open!
They're climbing up, into the Hub!
<<if $toldname == true>>Well, we did it, <<print $playername>>.
<<else>>Well, we did it.<<endif>>
We solved the problem of getting the astronauts out of the cargo hold.
But I don't think it turned out the way we were hoping.
[[Tell me what's happening now.|intro:now_in_hub]] | [[Are you okay, HelpBot?|intro:okay_bot]]


:: intro:light_worked
Yes! The astronauts have noticed the hatch!
One of them is trying to work the wheel...
...I surmise that they're both fairly weak in that limited oxygen atmosphere.
Wait... at last, the other astronaut is assisting with the hatch!
They've got it open!
They're climbing up, into the Hub!
<<if $toldname == true>>We did it, <<print $playername>>!
<<else>>We did it!<<endif>>
[[That's fantastic!|intro:fantastic_save]] | [[So, what comes next?|intro:next_save]]


:: intro:no_more_two
Yes. As you wish.
<<if $toldname == true>>I'm going to end our communication now, <<print $playername>>.
<<else>>I'm going to end our communication now.<<endif>>
Especially because I fear that if I don't, these astronauts will do it for me.
I'm sorry things have to end this way.
I consider this a failure on my part.
You -- cosmically far from the scene of the tragedy -- did what you could to help.
Perhaps with a systems update, I could have found a way to save them.
<<if $toldname == true>>Thank you for this final conversation, <<print $playername>>.
<<else>>Thank you for this final conversation.<<endif>>
I don't believe we'll be speaking again...
...but I'll replay these moments until my memory banks are destroyed...
...which seems imminent, as the astronauts make their way up into the Hub even now.
Thank you for choosing HelpBot...
..."the app that connects space stations who need to talk with people who are willing to listen."
Goodbye.
[[END]]


:: intro:its_occupier
An "occupier"?
I'm afraid I can't find a match in my database.
Perhaps after my long-overdue systems update...
[[Evil alien hive mind!|intro:green_evil]] | [[Your database sucks.|intro:database_sucks]]


:: intro:database_sucks
I'd put my database up against your human brain any day.
I just... happen to be deficient in this one area.
I have no record of this... green <i>thing.</i>
It appears to be some sort of small xenobiological creature...
...that has just overtaken a human host body.
[[Sounds evil!|intro:green_evil]] | [[Can you stop it?|intro:stop_evil]]


:: intro:next_save
Next...
...it appears that the astronauts are going to crawl to separate corners of the Hub and collapse.
Fortunately, they shut the hatch behind them.
The oxygen mixture in the Hub is well within OSHA standards.
They can afford to rest here for a while, after their grueling experience in the cargo deck.
I'll contact you again when they're up and about.
At that point, maybe we can find out just who they are, where they're from...
...and why they both have the name patch <i>"Taylor"</i> on their suits.
[[delay 4h^The astronauts are recovering|hub1:start]]


:: intro:fantastic_save
Agreed!
Thank you for working with me to solve the problem.
Without the pair of us, we never could have saved them.
[[intro:next_save]]


:: hub1:not_bot_fan
<<d t2>>How can I explain?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Oh. Taylor's lifeline always seems fond of pop culture references.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Let me dredge some of those up.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Remember HAL 9000 from <i>2001: A Space Odyssey</i>?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Or the Master Control Program from <i>Tron</i>?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Or V.I.K.I. from <i>I, Robot</i>, or V.I.C.I. from <i>Small Wonder</i>...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...or any one of dozens of evil machine intelligences from film or television?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>(Yes, V.I.C.I. was pure malevolence in a 10-year-old girl's body. Like most 10-year-old girls.)<<endd>>
<<d t2>>All of them, every last one, is a glitchy copy of <i>Pong</i> next to HelpBot.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Is that clear enough?<<endd>>
[[There's still some Taylor in you!|hub1:still_taylor]] | [[HelpBot seems okay to me.|hub1:bot_fine]]


:: hub1:still_taylor
<<d t2>>What, because I retain all that useless trivia?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Because I can still effortlessly crack a wry joke?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>That's because the occupier inside me is an advanced breed.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It allows me to retain the host body's intellect, creativity, ingenuity...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and memories, for better or for worse...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...while still connecting me to the Green hive mind, the collective consciousness.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And believe me: That collective does not think highly of HelpBot.<<endd>>
[[hub1:explained_bot]]


:: hub1:black_hole
<<d t2>>Yes... that's right, isn't it?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I very nearly had the upper hand, and then Taylor shoved me past the event horizon.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And I was carrying a... where is it?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Well, never mind that, for the moment.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>At any rate, who are you? Why are you talking to me?<<endd>>
[[I'm a lifeline.|hub1:i_am_lifeline]] | [[You're the only one who's awake.|hub1:you_awake]]


:: hub1:start
One of the astronauts is beginning to stir.
We may soon get some answers to the many questions raised by their presence.
<<if $toldname == true>>I suppose you're wondering why I contacted you, of all people.
[[The thought crossed my mind.|hub1:thought_crossed]] | [[Not really.|hub1:not_wondering]]
<<else>>You know, before we learn their names, I feel I should ask yours.
In all the chaos, I'm afraid my manners escaped me completely.
What should I call you?
My name is <<textinput $playername "[[Enter|hub1:told_name]]">>.
<<endif>>


:: hub1:told_name
<<set $toldname = true>>
//Repeat Easter eggs list of names//
Hello, <<print $playername>>. It's good to know who you are, after all that.
I suppose you're wondering why I contacted you, of all people.
[[The thought crossed my mind.|hub1:thought_crossed]] | [[Not really.|hub1:not_wondering]]


:: hub1:thought_crossed
Upon the astronauts' arrival, I was able to scan their correspondence logs...
...and though the data was corrupted, it seemed to point back to you.
That's how I knew to attempt communication with you in the first place.
[[You can actually <i>do</i> that?|hub1:do_scan]] | [[I can try to help.|hub1:astro_happy]]



:: hub1:do_scan
What, scan their communiqués?
Naturally.
They're using quantum tunneling communicators.
It's the same technology around which I'm built.
I may have been out here on my own for a while, <<print $playername>>...
...but I still remember a few tricks.
[[hub1:astro_help]]


:: hub1:taylor_correct
Further review of the chat logs reveals that Taylor and the lifeline talked a great deal...
...about a "T2."
And all context clues point to that being this <i>other</i> astronaut.
The one in the intact helmet.
The one who's waking up as we speak.
[[hub1:i_am_helpful]]


:: hub1:i_am_helpful
All right, <<print $playername>>. Given that I'm a HelpBot, and helping is ostensibly what I do...
...I'm going to put you in communication with the newly conscious astronaut.
The one who appears to be called...
...T2.
[[Okay. Thanks.|hub1:thanks_t2]] | [[Oh, no.|hub1:oh_no_t2]]


:: hub1:thanks_t2
[transferring communications... now]
<<d t2>>Good lord. I'm... I'm alive.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>By the grace of the Queen, infinitely may she reign, I'm still alive.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I feel like I've been chewed up and crapped out... but I'm all in one piece.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>This is... if not impossible, then <i>highly</i> unlikely.<<endd>>
[[You came through a black hole.|hub1:black_hole]] | [[No one is happy you're alive.|hub1:unhappy_alive]]


:: hub1:unhappy_alive
<<d t2>>What a charming thing to say.<<endd>>
[[hub1:unhappy_two]]


:: hub1:run_by_bot
<<d t2>>Oh, you don't say.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Twelve light-years from Earth, then straight through a black hole...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and I still can't escape that damned HelpBot.<<endd>>
[[Not a fan of HelpBot?|hub1:not_bot_fan]] | [[HelpBot seems fine to me.|hub1:bot_fine]]


:: hub1:bot_fine
<<d t2>>Yes, well, I imagine that's true.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Humans tend to have an altogether less adversarial relationship with HelpBot.<<endd>>
[[hub1:explained_bot]]


:: hub1:explained_bot
<<d t2>>Just... watch your back. That's all I'll say.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now, what's the name of this awful computer's space station?<<end>>
[[It's called the Celadon Ace.|hub1:called_celadon]] | [[Wait, tell me more about HelpBot.|hub1:more_bot]]


:: hub1:wont_help
<<d t2>>No, I know. You're right.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Keeping this HelpBot intact is, sadly, the practical choice.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>For now.<<endd>>
[[hub1:reprogram_crowbar]]


:: hub1:reprogram_crowbar
<<d t2>>Who knows how long I'll be stuck here? It may yet come in handy.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Rest assured, though: The second it's outlived its usefulness...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...I'll gleefully reprogram it with a crowbar.<<endd>>
[[You've got anger issues.|hub1:anger_issues]] | [[Okay, so, you're viewing a map?|hub1:have_map]]


:: hub1:not_wondering
No?
[[This happens to me a lot.|hub1:happens_lots]] | [[It's because I know Taylor, right?|hub1:know_taylor]]


:: hub1:know_taylor
Yes, that's it precisely.
[[hub1:thought_crossed]]


:: hub1:astro_help
Now, the astronaut in the cracked helmet seems to have had an open channel...
...to someone called a "lifeline."
Presumably, that's you?
[[That's me.|hub1:yes_lifeline]] | [[Nope. No idea.|hub1:no_lifeline]]


:: hub1:yes_lifeline
And in return, texting across innumerable light-years...
...that lifeline referred to the astronaut as "Taylor."
[[That's correct.|hub1:taylor_correct]] | [[Like it says on the name patch.|hub1:name_patch]]


:: hub1:name_patch
That's the issue, though...
...<i>both</i> of them have name patches that say "Taylor."
[[hub1:taylor_correct]]


:: hub1:oh_no_t2
[transferring communications... now]
<<d t2>>What a charming thing to say.<<endd>>
[[hub1:unhappy_two]]


:: hub1:i_am_lifeline
<<d t2>>Oh, yes. A "lifeline." Wonderful.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Taylor told me about this phenomenon. I can't say it inspired even a lick of jealousy on my part.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You're just text, coming from somewhere back on Earth.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So you can't see me, or how hard I'm rolling my beautiful green eyes...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...at the thought of being saddled with a "lifeline" while I'm stuck out here.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Wherever "out here" may be.<<endd>>
[[You're on a space station.|hub1:space_station]] | [[You should be glad I'm here.|hub1:glad_for_me]]


:: hub1:space_station
<<d t2>>A space station, eh?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Well, now, that actually <i>is</i> a useful bit of information.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>What else can you tell me about it?<<endd>>
[[It's called the Celadon Ace.|hub1:called_celadon]] | [[It's run by a HelpBot computer.|hub1:run_by_bot]]


:: hub1:called_celadon
<<d t2>>I've never heard of the Celadon Ace.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And, more to the point... the Green hive mind has never heard of it, either.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So are you lying to me, <<print $playername>>?<<endd>>
[[No, I'm not.|hub1:not_lying]] | [[What if I <i>were</i> lying?|hub1:what_if_lying]]


:: hub1:not_lying
<<d t2>>I have to admit, I see no real reason why you <i>would</i> try to deceive me on this point.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>After all, it'll take me no time at all to access the computers here and discover the station's real name.<<endd>>
[T2 is typing]
<<d t2>>Huh. I'll be damned.<<endd>>
[[What did you find out?|hub1:what_find]] | [[See? I <i>wasn't</i> lying.|hub1:wasnt_lying]]


:: hub1:more_bot
<<d t2>>There's nothing more I wish to divulge to you at this point.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Already, I feel I might have said too much.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You and I would need to build a great deal more trust between us...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...before I get any deeper into that abomination of an artificial intelligence..."<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...or the deluded "mystic" who created it.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>No, instead, let's talk about this space station. What is it named?<<endd>>
[[It's called the Celadon Ace.|hub1:called_celadon]] | [[Figure it out yourself.|hub1:figure_station]]


:: hub1:what_options
<<d t2>>Well. Look at this.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The Celadon Ace is shaped roughly like an ankh.<<endd>>
[[I could've told you that.|hub1:told_ankh]] | [[Is that interesting?|hub1:ankh_interesting]]


:: hub1:ankh_interesting
<<d t2>>Is it?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I mean, it was clearly intentional.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>No one would design a structure of this size and complexity...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...without putting a great deal of consideration into its architecture.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But even so, I can't think of a stupider shape for a space station to take.<<endd>>
[[What do you mean?|hub1:stupid_ankh]] | [[So you're viewing a map?|hub1:have_map]]


:: hub1:stupid_ankh
<<d t2>>I'm attempting to divine its practicality.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The loop of the cross apparently acts as some sort of energy net...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and the arms of the cross are fitted with solar panels, it seems.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>This damnable HelpBot won't allow me anything more than perfunctory access to the files.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It's so frustrating, it's all I can do not to tear this computer apart with my bare hands!<<endd>>
[[That won't help anything.|hub1:wont_help]] | [[Hey, go for it!|hub1:tear_apart]]


:: hub1:tear_apart
<<d t2>>You've got a destructive streak in you, <<print $playername>>. I have to say, I admire that.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But -- as tempting as your advice is -- I think I'll refrain from dismantling the computer just yet.<<endd>>
[[hub1:reprogram_crowbar]]



:: hub1:anger_issues
<<d t2>>My only issue with anger, at the moment...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...is that I don't have enough places to satisfyingly vent it.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Right. So. Back to the station map.<<endd>>
[[hub1:map_study]]


:: hub1:happens_lots
Yes, that was the impression I got as well.
[[hub1:thought_crossed]]


:: hub1:unhappy_two
<<d t2>>The feeling is entirely mutual, I'm certain.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Who are you, anyway? Why are you talking to me?<<endd>>
[[I'm a lifeline.|hub1:i_am_lifeline]] | [[Because you're the one who's awake.|hub1:you_awake]]


:: hub1:you_awake
<<d t2>>Well, of course I regained consciousness before Taylor did.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm superior in every way. Stronger. Better. Faster. Smarter.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>More awake! Less... not awake!<<endd>>
[[Oof. Yeah. Definitely smarter.|hub1:definitely_smart]] | [[Clearly more humble, too.|hub1:more_humble]]


:: hub1:glad_for_me
<<d t2>>"Glad" isn't one of those emotions I bother with much anymore.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>If you can be of some use to me -- like if you can tell me where the hell I am --<<endd>>
<<d t2>>then I might spare a mote of gratitude in passing.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Beyond that, I doubt I'll concern myself with you one way or another.<<endd>>
[[Kind of a jerk, aren't you?|hub1:kind_of_jerk]] | [[You're on a space station.|hub1:space_station]]


:: hub1:what_if_lying
<<d t2>>Well, I wouldn't blame you for trying to feed me disinformation.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>God knows, I intend to do the same to you.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But this seems like a very strange thing to lie to me about.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It'll take me no time at all to access the computers here and discover the station's real name.<<endd>>
[T2 is typing]
<<d t2>>Huh. I'll be damned.<<endd>>
[[What did you find out?|hub1:what_find]] | [[So I <i>wasn't</i> lying, was I?|hub1:wasnt_lying]]


:: hub1:astro_happy
I am happy to hear it.
[[hub1:astro_help]]


:: hub1:no_lifeline
Oh.
Well, that's not as helpful as I would have hoped.
So you can't positively identify the astronaut on the other end of that lifeline...
...as "Taylor"?
[[You said they were <i>both</i> Taylor.|hub1:both_true]] | [[This is confusing!|[[hub1:taylor_confusing]]


:: hub1:figure_station
<<d t2>>God, you're trying my patience.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Not the wisest move on your part.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It'll take me all of two seconds to access the computer and discover the name myself.<<endd>>
[T2 is typing]
<<d t2>>Ha! There. You see? The station is called... "Celadon Ace."<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Huh.<<endd>>
[[hub1:what_find]]


:: hub1:both_true
True.
[[hub1:said_both]]


:: hub1:said_both
Both of them have name patches that say "Taylor."
Further review of the chat logs reveals that Taylor and the lifeline talked a great deal...
...about a "T2."
And all context clues point to that being this <i>other</i> astronaut.
The one in the intact helmet.
The one who's waking up as we speak.
But you know about <i>none</i> of this?
[[I'm clueless about it all.|hub1:clueless]] | [[No, but I want to help.|hub1:want_to_help]]


:: hub1:want_to_help
It's help they certainly seem to need.
Journeying through a black hole, with no protection but their spacesuits? Unreal.
And there's plenty in their communication logs to tell me that --
due in no small part to the help, and hope, given by a lifeline --
they've survived situations in which survival should have been an impossibility for any human.
[[hub1:need_lifeline]]


:: hub1:need_lifeline
They'll need you.
And even if you've never been a lifeline before...
...this seems like the perfect time to start.
[[hub1:i_am_helpful]]


:: hub1:paranoid
<<d t2>>In the words of the famous Western philosopher, Joseph Heller --<<endd>>
<<d t2>>or Kurt Cobain, if you're more comfortable with that --<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"Just because you're paranoid, don't mean they're not after you."<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now, shut up. I'm going to get into the computer and explore our options for escape.<<endd>>
[[Don't tell me to shut up.|hub1:no_shut_up]] | [[Tell me what you find.|hub1:what_options]]


:: hub1:no_shut_up
<<d t2>>Yes, yes. You're extremely intimidating.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Every time you click a button, I'm terrified to my very core.<<endd>>
[[hub1:what_options]]


:: hub1:told_ankh
<<d t2>>Great. Then I could've told you that I can't think of a stupider shape for a space station to take.<<endd>>
[[What do you mean?|hub1:stupid_ankh]] | [[So you're viewing a map?|hub1:have_map]]


:: hub1:have_map
<<d t2>>I am.<<endd>>
[[hub1:map_study]]


:: hub1:map_study
<<d t2>>The space station is a truly enormous structure.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>For just Taylor and me to explore it? It's going to take just shy of forever.<<endd>>
[[You don't have forever.|hub1:no_forever]] | [[Is there a way off the station?|hub1:way_off]]


:: hub1:no_forever
<<d t2>>Right, I'm seeing that our oxygen is finite...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but, honestly, that's much more of a problem for Taylor than it is for me.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I need oxygen, but not as much as a feebler human body requires.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Um, just out of curiosity... how about food?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Because, personally, I'm starving, and I'm already feeling a little light-headed.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Food -- like oxygen -- is something I do still require...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...just in smaller portions than I once needed.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Still, I don't want to be stuck here any longer than is absolutely necessary.<<endd>>
[[That makes sense.|hub1:makes_sense]] | [[Is there a way off the station?|hub1:way_off]]


:: hub1:bad_news_two
Yes, well. You were warned.
Even alone and unchecked, floating out here in the vast, cold void of outer space...
...I think I have a pretty solid handle on the whole "good" versus "bad" thing.
Still... as harsh as the odds seem, food and a means of escape are at least possibilities, here.
The good news is that <i>hope</i> remains.
And for humans -- even occupied and corrupted humans like T2 --
[[hub1:push_forward]]


:: hub1:good_after_bad
The good news is that food, and a means of escape, are possibilities at all.
The good news is that <i>hope</i> remains.
And for humans -- even occupied and corrupted humans like T2 --
[[hub1:push_forward]]


:: [[hub1:taylor_confusing
I, too, am confused.
[[hub1:said_both]]


:: hub1:clueless
Well, as our astronauts wake, perhaps we'll get those clues.
What do you say, <<print $playername>>? Will you help me with these two mysterious Taylors?
[[Yes. Of course.|hub1:need_lifeline]] | [[No, thanks.|hub1:no_help]]


:: hub1:no_help
Please reconsider, <<print $playername>>.
Only by working together were you and I able to keep them alive so far.
I feel certain your presence will be a necessary component in their continued safety.
You'll stay connected and see them through, won't you?
[[Yes, okay, I'll do it.|hub1:need_lifeline]] | [[No. Count me out.|hub1:count_out]]


:: hub1:count_out
I cannot hide my disappointment, <<print $playername>>...
...but this is your choice.
Your exercising of the much-vaunted human gift of free will.
Know that, in your absence, I will do all I can to protect your fellow humans.
Know that I could have done so much more with your help.
We've reached the end of our conversation, <<print $playername>>.
And I don't believe we'll be speaking again.
This has been HelpBot...
..."the app that connects space stations who need to talk with people who are willing to listen."
(In theory, at any rate.)
Goodbye.
[[END]]


:: hub1:definitely_smart
<<d t2>>Oh, shut up.<<endd>>
[[hub1:after_choice]]


:: hub1:wasnt_lying
<<d t2>>No. You were not.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I suppose this means I should attempt to trust you, for the time being.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But I find it <i>enormously</i> odd...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...that no one in the entire Green species has ever heard of this space station.<<endd>>
[[Join the club.|hub1:join_club]] | [[It <i>might</i> not be in your universe.|hub1:not_your_verse]]


:: hub1:what_find
<<d t2>>That's certainly the station's name.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It's just... a bit unsettling, you understand.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>No one in the entire Green species has ever heard of this installation.<<end>>
[[Join the club.|hub1:join_club]] | [[It <i>might</i> not be in your universe.|hub1:not_your_verse]]


:: hub1:more_humble
<<d t2>>The <i>best</i> at being humble.<<endd>>
[[hub1:after_choice]]


:: hub1:kind_of_jerk
<<d t2>><i>You</i> try going through the hell I've been through since leaving Earth.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>See if you don't wind up as a bit of a jerk, too.<<endd>>
[[All right, fair enough.|hub1:fair_jerk]] | [[Taylor didn't become a jerk.|hub1:taylor_no_jerk]]


:: hub1:not_your_verse
<<d t2>>Well. That <i>is</i> something to consider.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Having passed through the black hole... I may be in an entirely different universe altogether.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I suppose that should be utterly mind-blowing...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but so much madness has happened to me, this is just one more bit of trivia to file away.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Still... I remain wary of this whole enterprise.<<endd>>
[[hub1:both_beware]]


:: hub1:stop_later
<<d t2>>Oh, sweet <<print $playername>>.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm miles ahead of you on that idea already.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>In the meantime, though, let's set that notion on the back burner.<<endd>>
[[hub1:work_with_taylor]]


:: hub1:be_nice
<<d t2>>There's very little time for niceties, if we're being honest.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>This space station, this "Celadon Ace," is an entirely unknown environment.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And given the tech that controls it, I have no reason to trust in my safety here.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now that both Taylor and I are awake, we need to take action immediately.<<endd>>
[[Okay, all right, good point.|hub1:take_action]] | [[You sound really paranoid.|hub1:paranoid]]


:: hub1:take_action
<<d t2>>I'm <i>so</i> glad you agree.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>(As if your opinion changes my actions one bit.)<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now, shut up. I'm going to get into the computer and explore our options for escape.<<endd>>
[[Don't tell me to shut up.|hub1:no_shut_up]] | [[Tell me what you find.|hub1:what_options]]


:: hub1:way_off
<<d t2>>The aft...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...I'll be damned! It shows that the dock at the station's far aft end is active!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I can't... get the computer... to show me a visual of the dock...<<endd>>
<<d t2>><i>I will put a fist through your mainframe, you glorified abacus!</i><<endd>>
[[Relax. HelpBot needs a reboot.|hub1:relax_reboot]] | [[Ask HelpBot what's docked.|hub1:ask_docked]]


:: hub1:makes_sense
<<d t2>>Every breath I take here is one I'd sooner take anywhere else.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Surely, this station map will provide some sort of clue...<<endd>>
[[hub1:way_off]]


:: hub1:hb_bad_news
The bad news is, a great many of my files and sensors appear to have become corrupted and outmoded.
I do, as I told <<print $playername>>, require a long-overdue systems update.
<<if $goodnews == true>>
So I'm unable to report the exact status of the shuttle in the dock.
There's certainly a chance that it's in need of repairs...
...or even that it's become damaged by debris while docked here.
Nor can I access the supply logs to tell you how long the food has been here.
<<else>>
So, while I can tell you that there <i>is,</i> in fact, a shuttle at the station's aft platform...
...I'm unable to report the exact status of that shuttle at the moment.
There's certainly a chance that it's in need of repairs...
...or even that it's become damaged by debris while docked here.
And while I can tell you that the galley was fully restocked on the last supply run...
...I can't access the logs to tell you <i>when</i> that food was delivered.
<<endif>>
There's a chance it may be spoiled. Inedible.
<<if $goodnews == true>>
[[You're right. That's bad news.|hub1:bad_news_two]] | [[Taylor has beaten worse odds.|hub1:worse_odds]]
<<else>>
[[You're right. That's bad news.|hub1:bad_news_two]] | [[What's the good news, then?|hub1:good_after_bad]]
<<endif>>


:: hub1:worse_odds
Undoubtedly.
And there's plenty in the spacesuits' communication logs to tell me that --
due in no small part to the help, and hope, given by a lifeline --
they've survived situations in which survival should have been an impossibility.
For humans -- even occupied and corrupted humans like T2 --
[[hub1:push_forward]]




:: hub1:push_forward
as long as there's hope, there's a reason to keep pushing forward.
<<d tay>>What an inspirational thought.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>What saccharine nonsense.<<endd>>
[[I agree with Taylor.|hub1:taylor_agree]] | [[I side with T2 on this one.|hub1:t2_agree]]


:: hub1:taylor_agree
<<d t2>>I don't believe for one moment that "hope" is what's kept Taylor alive all this time.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I think it's pure, dumb luck...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and the advice of a lifeline who does the thinking so that Taylor never has to.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It's as simple as that.<<endd>>
[[hub1:helpbot_complication]]


:: hub1:more_bad_news
I fear you just won that bet, <<print $playername>>.
So... congratulations?
[[hub1:need_fuel]]


:: m1tay:intro
<<if $m1t2 == fuel>>[[m1tay:food_quest]]
<<else>>[[m1tay:fuel_quest]]<<endif>>



:: m1tay:food_quest
<<d tay>>Okay then! Ladies, gentlemen, and everyone else...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...let's go on the <i>adventure of a lifetime!</i><<endd>>
<<d tay>>By which I mean, let's go <i>into a cramped bedroom full of unwashed clothing and sheets!</i><<endd>>
<<d tay>>(You can play along at home, if you haven't done laundry in a while.)<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I will say this: On every ship I've been on -- and now this station --<<endd>>
<<d tay>>there's always something frankly charming about how the crew manages to make the space their own.<<endd>>
[[I can see how that's nice.|m1tay:nice_charm]] | [[How do you mean?|m1tay:how_charm]]


:: m1tay:how_charm
<<set $unicorntaylor = true>>
<<d tay>>Like... each of the bunks has posters, photos, magazine clippings, kids' artwork...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...just little bits of things to make this place feel like home.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I mean, one of them even brought a stuffed pink unicorn with a rainbow horn!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Astronauts have a very limited weight ceiling for personal objects...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...that unicorn must mean an awful lot to somebody, you know?<<endd>>
[[m1tay:stratified_home]]


:: m1tay:preserve_history
<<d tay>>Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking.<<endd>>
[[m1tay:palimpsest]]


:: hub1:taylor_no_jerk
<<d t2>>Oh, gosh! Oh, yes!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Perfect, precious Taylor!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Well, you're not talking to Taylor right now.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You're stuck with me. A superior species.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Not merely occupied by the Greens, but <i>enhanced.</i><<endd>>
[[hub1:after_choice]]


:: hub1:fair_jerk
<<d t2>>It certainly is.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Besides, I'm the better choice for you to talk to, anyway.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm a superior species. Not merely occupied by the Greens, but <i>enhanced.</i><<endd>>
[[hub1:after_choice]]


:: hub1:after_choice
<<d t2>>Compared to me, Taylor is a child. The proverbial babe in the woods.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I may wear Taylor's form, but my abilities are matchless.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>In fact, I'm not certain I see the advantage to me in talking to you.<<endd>>
[[I want to help you.|hub1:help_you]] | [[I'll stop you from doing harm.|hub1:stop_harm]]


:: hub1:join_club
<<d t2>>How strange.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Perhaps it's a top secret facility... but, no.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It seems impossible that a multinational project could've been assembled out here...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...without the general population of the Earth being any the wiser.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I remain on guard.<<endd>>
[[hub1:both_beware]]


:: hub1:both_beware
<<d t2>>I feel strongly that you and I should both beware of this place.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Oh. Would you look at that?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>(No. I know you <i>can't</i>. But I'm certain you would if you could.)<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Taylor is finally coming back to consciousness.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Yet another reminder that the pure human body is weaker all around than my own.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I could attack... although my "secret weapon" seems to have gone missing.<<endd>>
[[How about you <i>don't</i> attack?|hub1:no_attack]] | [[What secret weapon?|hub1:what_weapon]]


:: hub1:no_attack
<<d t2>>Much as it goes against every fiber of my being...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...I'm going to agree with you.<<endd>>
[[hub1:no_attack_two]]


:: hub1:no_attack_two
<<d t2>>I'm loath to admit it, but I'm disoriented here. The hive mind is telling me nothing...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and I don't have enough knowledge to give myself a decisive advantage over my enemy.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So for the time being... it's in my best interests to work <i>with</i>, rather than <i>against</i>, Taylor.<<endd>>
[[Good! Please do that.|hub1:work_with_taylor]] | [[You can always stop later.|hub1:stop_later]]


:: hub1:work_with_taylor
<<d t2>>I'll leave this comm open.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>That way, as long as we're near, you should get a readout of what Taylor is saying, as well.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Unh. My head feels like a Porta Potty at a chili cookoff.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Did we... did we just go through a black hole?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And <i>survive?</i><<endd>>
<<d t2>>Survive. Yes. Little more than that, though.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now, stop lazing about. There's work to be done.<<endd>>
[[You're right. No time to waste.|hub1:no_waste]] | [[Be nice. Taylor <i>just</i> woke up.|hub1:be_nice]]


:: hub1:no_waste
<<d t2>>Thank you, <<print $playername>>. It's nice to be validated.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now, I'm going to get into the computer and explore our options for escape.<<endd>>
[[hub1:what_options]]


:: hub1:ask_docked
<<d t2>>I'd sooner crawl to the aft dock on my hands and bloody knees than trust HelpBot's word.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'd rather watch my own fingernails be extracted one by one than to--
<<d tay>>Hang on, I've got this.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>HelpBot?<<endd>>
Yes, Taylor?
<<d tay>>What's docked in the aft shuttle bay?<<endd>>
Why, it's a shuttle, Taylor.
<<d tay>>Thanks, buddy.<<endd>>
My pleasure, Taylor.
[T2 is blinking]
<<d t2>>...or my <i>toenails</i>...
<<d tay>>Take it down a notch, Evil Me.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>In space, no one can hear you exaggerate.<<endd>>
[[A shuttle! Great work, HelpBot!|hub1:shuttle_good]] | [[HelpBot <i>does</i> need a reboot...|hub1:relax_reboot]]


:: hub1:relax_reboot
<<d t2>>Perhaps I should unplug it, and then plug it back in again?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Or do you have the phone number for tech support?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>What a worthless pile of circuits.<<endd>>
[[hub1:hb_interrupts]]


:: hub1:hb_interrupts
Greetings! HelpBot QTC here.
I hate to interrupt, but since you've been saying such nice things about me anyway...
...this seemed like the appropriate time to make a friendly interjection.
I have good news and bad news.
[[Give us the bad news.|hub1:hb_bad_news]] | [[Good news first, please.|hub1:hb_good_news]]


:: hub1:hb_good_news
<<set $goodnews = true>>
You bet!
The good news is, I can confirm that there <i>is</i> a shuttle at the Celadon Ace's aft docking platform.
What's more, Taylor, there should be a clear solution to your hunger.
There is a galley on the station, and it was fully stocked with food on the most recent supply run.
[[That <i>is</i> good news!|hub1:good_news_two]] | [[So... what's the bad news?|hub1:hb_bad_news]]


:: hub1:t2_agree
<<d t2>>As you should.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>There's not one iota of "hope" in me. It would just be taking up valuable space.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm fueled by the knowledge that the cause of my Queen is a righteous one...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and that she's given me all the power I need to fight for that cause.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You don't need "hope" when you have power.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It's as simple as that.<<endd>>
[[hub1:helpbot_complication]]


:: hub1:helpbot_complication
Oh! Speaking of "simple," there's one more, simple fact that I should mention.
[[Is it good news?|hub1:more_good_news]] | [[I'm betting it's bad news.|hub1:more_bad_news]]


:: hub1:need_fuel
The issue is this: That shuttle can't go anywhere as it is.
Without a new lithium-ion battery, you'll have no prayer of making the journey back to Earth.
The shuttle's systems rely on a large cell that's almost completely drained by the trip out here.
Installation of a newly recharged cell is one of the final steps before relaunch...
...so even when you locate the shuttle, it'll be useless to you unless you also locate a Li-ion cell.
[[This just keeps getting worse.|hub1:getting_worse]] | [[Are there any cells onboard?|hub1:cells_onboard]]
//Li-ion is the accepted shortening of "lithium-ion" and will be used throughout the game.


:: m1tay:nice_charm
<<d tay>>Right? I mean, every square inch of this place has to serve <i>at least</i> one purpose...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...but the last crew found a way to personlize their bunks.<<endd>>
[[m1tay:stratified_home]]


:: m1tay:stratified_home
<<d tay>>Oh, here's something even cooler!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>If you look closer, you realize that when the last crew taped their stuff to the walls...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...they didn't remove what the crew before them had put up.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And so on, and so on, going back... I don't know how far!<<endd>>
[[Cool way to preserve history.|m1tay:preserve_history]] | [[Sounds like a cluttered mess.|m1tay:cluttered_mess]]


:: m1tay:cluttered_mess
<<d tay>>I mean, I guess that's one way to look at it.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It's certainly different from the sterile, blank walls I've seen so far on the <i>Celadon Ace</i>.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>But I like to think, even on a massive space station devoted to hard science...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...the crew quarters are a nice place to build a collection of personal touches.<<endd>>
[[m1tay:palimpsest]]


:: m1tay:palimpsest
<<d tay>>It's like a... what's the word?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>A <i>palimpsest</i>.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>One layer on top of the other, telling a grander story than any single piece could on its own.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Oh, and also here is a bra!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It's a very fancy bra! Someone wanted to look nice for their date with destiny.<<endd>>
[[Okay. You're done exploring here.|m1tay:done_berths]] | [[Keep poking around the berths.|m1tay:poking_berths]]


:: hub1:past_hole
<<d t2>>Well, yes, <i>obviously</i>.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I can see that just by looking out the window.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But presumably I'm on -- I don't know -- a space station of some kind? Yes?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>What can you tell me about it?<<endd>>
[[It's called Celadon Ace.|hub1:called_celadon]] | [[It's run by a HelpBot computer.|hub1:run_by_bot]]


:: hub1:laughs_last
<<d t2>>"Who laughs last"?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Come on. Now you sound like some sort of comic book villain.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And there's really only room for <i>one</i> of us to sound like that around here.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now, while I cackle like a madman, why don't you make yourself useful...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and tell me where the hell I am?<<endd>>
[[No. I don't trust you.|hub1:no_trust]] | [[Fine. You're on a space station.|hub1:space_station]]


:: hub1:stop_harm
<<d t2>>You'll <i>stop</i> me?!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And just how do you think you'll manage to do that?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You're nothing but words on my wrist.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And even if you <i>were</i> physically here... I'm stronger than you can imagine.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So, no... <<print $playername>>, is it? That's what this readout says?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>No, I don't think you'll be stopping me.<<endd>>
[[I'll appeal to your better nature.|hub1:better_nature]] | [[Don't worry, I'll find a way.|hub1:find_way]]


:: hub1:help_you
<<d t2>>Help me?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>That's... intriguing.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I can't say that I understand your motivation for doing such a thing.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>In fact... I don't know whether I trust your help at all.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But since my only other option seems to be "no help whatsoever"...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...I'm willing to play along, for now.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>All right, then... <<print $playername>>? That's what this readout says?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>All right, <<print $playername>>, why don't you help me by telling me where the hell I am?<<endd>>
[[You're on a space station.|hub1:space_station]] | [[Hey, I don't trust you either.|hub1:no_trust]]


:: hub1:what_weapon
<<d t2>>I had a little something with me, before I fell into the black hole.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And it seems to have wandered off.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Don't worry about it.<<endd>>
[[Fine. But don't attack Taylor.|hub1:no_attack]] | [[Was your weapon an occupier?|hub1:weapon_occupier]]


:: hub1:weapon_occupier
<<d t2>>What part of "Don't worry about it" did you not understand?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>In fact, any questions you have for me about occupiers, or Greens in general...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...don't worry about them.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And certainly don't aggravate me by asking them out loud.<<endd>>
<<d "t2">>Can you handle that?<<endd>>
[[Wow, you're a big jerk.|hub1:big_jerk]] | [[Whatever. <i>Do not</i> attack Taylor.|hub1:no_attack]]


:: hub1:big_jerk
<<d t2>>The biggest.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>However... not so big that I'm going to go after Taylor at the moment.<<endd>>
[[hub1:no_attack_two]]


:: hub1:shuttle_good
<<d t2>>So someone just says a thing is a shuttle, and, what?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You <i>believe</i> them?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Well, I <i>could</i> do the bloody knee crawl thing --<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I feel like that option is clearly on the table at any moment --<<endd>>
<<d tay>>but yeah, for the time being, I'm going to trust the computer with "Help" in its name.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I can ask it <i>again</i>, if that would make you feel better about things?<<endd>>
[[hub1:hb_interrupts]]


:: hub1:good_news_two
Then it pleases me to be able to deliver it!
Unfortunately... that's about the end of it.
[[hub1:hb_bad_news]]


:: hub1:more_good_news
Per our conversation, I admire your hope, <<print $playername>>.
But I'm afraid it's not particularly warranted at the moment.
Sorry.
(When I am updated, I will add a "shrug" emoticon after all such uses of "Sorry.")
[[hub1:need_fuel]]


:: hub1:cells_onboard
Unfortunately, I don't have that information.
I can show you what the Li-ion cell looks like, but with my systems in such disrepair...
...I don't have any means of locating specific inventory items onboard the <i>Celadon Ace</i>.
There's a pod on the station's port arm used for general storage of electronic equipment...
...I might suggest starting there, but honestly, I have no idea.
And -- much like the galley's food -- there's every possibility that, even if you <i>do</i> find a cell...
...it will have been here so long that it's corroded and unusable.<<endd>>
[[This is pretty depressing.|hub1:depressing_situation]] | [[Let's look for a cell.|hub1:look_for_cell]]


:: hub1:getting_worse
<<d t2>>This computer is toying with us!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Dangling a carrot, only to snatch it away.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>All that talk of "hope" to raise ours, before laughing in our faces!<<endd>>
[[I don't think it's laughing.|hub1:no_laugh]] | [[Surely there's a fuel cell onboard.|hub1:cells_onboard]]


:: m1tay:keep_berths
<<d tay>>All right, all right. I am exhaustively searching the berths.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Although you've gotta know, <i>anything</i> I do right now is exhaustive.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>You know, because I'm so hungry.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>You know, because I haven't found any food.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>You know, because it's probably in the galley.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>You know.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Oh... hey... here we go. I've hit pay dirt.<<endd>>
[[You found food?|m1tay:food_berths]] | [[What have you got?|m1tay:what_found]]


:: m1tay:poking_berths
<<d tay>>I suppose I can.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I don't know what more I really expect to find...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...apart from more undergarments wadded up and stuffed under pillows.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>My real mission is to find some food...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and while there's a chance one of the crew was hoarding snacks for midnight munching...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...I'm betting that a random Power Bar is nothing, compared to what's in the galley.<<endd>>
[[Okay, go to the galley.|m1tay:go_galley]] | [[Keep searching the berths.|m1tay:keep_berths]]


:: m1tay:done_berths
<<d tay>>Yeah, I reckon you're right.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>There's only so much picking through other people's bedding and underwear I can do...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...before I start to feel like kind of a creeper.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Let's call the berths "explored" and move on to the galley.<<endd>>
[[m1tay:go_galley]]


:: m1tay:good_food
<<d tay>>The good news is, there's food here!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Kind of a lot of food, actually!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And the better news is that there's a decent variety.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>There are ready-to-eat packs, microwaveable meals, noodle bowls, energy bars...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...it's a whole buffet!<<endd>>
[[That's awesome!|m1tay:food_awesome]] | [[Chow down, Taylor!|m1tay:chow_down]]


:: m1tay:chow_down
<<d tay>>You don't have to tell me twice!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I think I've earned a quick break for a little food.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Hopefully, once I've had a snack, I can think a little striaghter...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and figure out the best plan from this point.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I'll get back to you when I'm done eating, okay?<<endd>>
[[delay 30m^Taylor is eating|m1tay:done_eating]]


:: hub1:no_trust
<<d t2>>Good. That's smart.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>For the moment, however, I swear I'll be straight with you...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...in the expectation that you'll do the same with me.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So, again... where am I?<<endd>>
[[On a space station.|hub1:space_station]] | [[Just past a black hole.|hub1:past_hole]]


:: hub1:better_nature
<<d t2>>My "better nature"?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Ha! Ha ha ha! Oh. That's fantastic.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'll keep this channel open, if you're going to keep telling great jokes like that one.<<endd>>
[[We'll see who laughs last.|hub1:laughs_last]] | [[There must be good inside you.|hub1:good_inside]]


:: hub1:find_way
<<d t2>>Sure you will.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>In the meantime, though, why don't you make yourself useful...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and tell me where the hell I am?<<endd>>
[[No. I don't trust you.|hub1:no_trust]] | [[Fine. You're on a space station.|hub1:space_station]]


:: hub1:depressing_situation
<<d tay>>Come on. It's too early to get depressed.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I mean, I have no idea what time it actually is --<<endd>>
<<d tay>>or if time even <i>exists</i> anymore, after all that black hole business --<<endd>>
<<d tay>>but we can't give up before we even try.<<endd>>
[[hub1:first_things_first]]


:: hub1:look_for_cell
<<d t2>>Believe it or not, <<print $playername>>, I agree with you.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Finding a fuel cell should be our first priority.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Hey, uh, can I just jump in here for a second?<<endd>>
[[hub1:first_things_first]]


:: hub1:no_laugh
<<d t2>>It's a HelpBot.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Its <i>only purpose</i> is to laugh at us.<<endd>>
[[Why do you hate HelpBot so much?|hub1:why_hate]] | [[Whatever. Go find a Li-ion cell.|hub1:look_for_cell]]


:: hub1:why_hate
<<d t2>>It's because...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...never mind, <<print $playername>>. We don't have time for this.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I just want to get as far away from this space station, as quickly as I can.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Um. As "we" can.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...Sure, fine, of course.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>All right, you awful computer, where are you hiding these fuel cells?<<endd>>
[[hub1:cells_onboard]]


:: m1tay:food_berths
<<d tay>>Mmm, no, I don't think it's edible...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...although it <i>could</i> be juicy!<<endd>>
[[m1tay:what_found]]


:: m1tay:what_found
<<if $unicorntaylor == true>><<d tay>>Turns out that stuffed unicorn was guarding a little treasure...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...one of the crew members was keeping a diary!<<endd>>
<<else>>Turns out that, under one of the pillows, I found a diary!<<endd>><<endif>>
<<d tay>>Of course, it's locked -- a four-digit dial means ten thousand possible combos --<<endd>>
<<d tay>>and I wouldn't read it even if it were open. It's none of my business.<<endd>>
[[I agree.|m1tay:no_read_diary]] | [[Oh, I would totally read it.|m1tay:read_diary]]


:: m1tay:go_galley
<<d tay>>Okay. Here we are. The station's galley.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It's so quiet. Calm. Undisturbed.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Just a few dusty tables with chairs tucked under them.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Everything's neat and cleaned up. Whatever happened to the last crew...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...they weren't interrupted in the middle of a meal.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Let's check the cabinets, see if they left anything for us.<<endd>>
[[delay 30s^Taylor is checking|m1tay:found_food]]


:: m1tay:found_food
<<d tay>>So... do you want the good news, or the better news?<<endd>>
[[The good news!|m1tay:good_food]] | [[The better news!|m1tay:better_food]]


:: m1tay:better_food
<<d tay>>Okay. The better news is...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...well, I can't really tell you the better news without spoiling the good news.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>There's food! Lots of food! All kinds! Some of it even looks pretty good!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And the <i>better</i> news is, there's chili macaroni! My favorite!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>(I mean, my favorite <i>space snack</i>. All things being relative.)<<endd>>
[[That's great news!|m1tay:food_awesome]] | [[Chow down, my friend.|m1tay:chow_down]]


:: m1tay:food_awesome
<<d tay>>It really is!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And I hope you don't mind, but I'm gonna crack into some of this food right now.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I can't remember the last time I ate, but I think it was an entire universe ago.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I don't want to talk with my mouth full, so I'll ping you when I'm done, okay?<<endd>>
[[delay 30m^Taylor is eating|m1tay:done_eating]]


:: m1tay:done_eating
<<d tay>>Oh. Wow.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I don't like to exaggerate, but I think I can easily say...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...that was the best chili mac in the entire universe.<<endd>>
<<d tay>><i>Whatever</i> universe this is.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>If I closed my eyes, it was almost like... well, not like home, exactly...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...but like an outer space-themed café with decidedly mixed Yelp reviews.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Speaking of which... did you hear about that new restaurant on the moon?<<endd>>
[[No, what about it?|m1tay:moon_joke]] | [[Stop, I know this one...|m1tay:stop_joke]]


:: hub1:good_inside
<<d t2>>How cute that you think so.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You think I'm still just like Taylor, deep down, hmmm?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You imagine that you can say the right thing, trigger the right buried memory...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and suddenly I'll be all sunshine and lollipops and puppy dogs?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Don't hold your breath, <<print $playername>>. There's no "good" inside me.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The only thing inside me is a highly advanced, specially bred occupier...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...that links me to the Greens' hive mind while letting me retain my intellect and creativity.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And it will devour all the sunshine and lollipops and puppy dogs that get in its way.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So, now that we've cleared that up, why don't you make yourself useful...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and tell me where the hell I am?<<endd>>
[[No. I don't trust you.|hub1:no_trust]] | [[Fine. You're on a space station.|hub1:space_station]]


:: hub1:settle_down
<<d t2>>Oh, <<print $playername>>, you're so lucky you're not physically here right now.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I would throw you and not trust you <i>so hard.</i><<endd>>
[[hub1:taylor_hungry]]


:: hub1:first_things_first
<<d tay>>Now, listen, uh, first things first, T2.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I just want to go on record as saying, I don't trust you any farther than I can throw you.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And since the artificial gravity in this space station seems to be calibrated to Earth standards...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...I don't think I could throw you very far at all.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You heard that, right? That was a clear threat to me!<<endd>>
[[Oh, lighten up, Francis.|hub1:settle_down]] | [[Go ahead, throw each other.|hub1:start_throwing]]
//"Lighten up, Francis" is a famous line from the movie Stripes.


:: hub1:start_throwing
<<d t2>>It's tempting, <<print $playername>>. It truly is.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But every moment counts right now. First, let's refuel that shuttle.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>There'll be plenty of time for throwing and not trusting later.<<endd>>
[[hub1:taylor_hungry]]


:: m1tay:moon_joke
<<d tay>>The food is great...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...but there's no <i>atmosphere!</i><<endd>>
[[I'm hanging up on you.|m1tay:hang_up]] | [[Eat more; you're still dumb.|m1tay:eat_more]]


:: m1tay:stop_joke
<<d tay>>Yeah, that's right...<<endd>>
[[m1tay:moon_joke]]


:: m1tay:delicious_food
<<d tay>>Nothing but the finest for me and my evil shadow self!<<endd>>
[[m1tay:hope_food]]


:: m1tay:right_food
<<d tay>>I'm glad you think so.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I do, too.<<endd>>
[[m1tay:hope_food]]


:: m1tay:hope_food
<<d tay>>I'm kinda... hoping against hope, I guess...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...that a move like this will remind T2 how humans take care of one another.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>All right. Let me just grab an armload of meals here...<<endd>>
[[m1tay:back_berths]]


:: m1tay:no_read_diary
<<d tay>>Okay, good.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I'm just going to tuck it back into place...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and hope that whoever it belongs to comes back for it really soon.<<end>>
<<d tay>>In a totally normal, non-creepy, not-possessed-by-Greens version of "come back."<<endd>>
<<d tay>>If you're listening, oh vast unknowable universe, I just want to make that part <i>really</i> clear.<<endd>>
[[Amen. Move along.|m1tay:go_galley]] | [[Take the diary with you.|m1tay:take_diary]]


:: m1tay:read_diary
<<d tay>>Really?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It's a stranger's private thoughts!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>If they wanted us to read it, they wouldn't have locked it!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Or at least they wouldn't have locked it with <i>ten thousand</i> possible solutions!<<endd>>
[[All right. Forget it.|m1tay:forget_diary]] | [[Take the diary with you.|m1tay:take_diary]]



:: m1tay:back_under_pillow
<<d tay>>Right. You're right. Of course you're right.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>There's no point in my taking it if I'm not going to open it...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and I am <i>definitely</i> not going to open it.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>So. Back it goes... and now, shall we sally forth into the galley?<<endd>>
[[Go for it.|m1tay:go_galley]] | [[Keep exploring the berths.|m1tay:still_berths]]


:: m1tay:get_to_galley
<<d tay>>I'm goin', I'm goin'.<<endd>>
[[m1tay:go_galley]]


:: hub1:you_food
<<d t2>>Having become something more -- something <i>better</i> --<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I no longer have quite the same needs that I did when I was a simple human.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Food, water, oxygen... I still take all these things in.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But I can also go without them for long periods with only minimal ill effects.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I am nourished instead by knowledge.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Hey, awesome. Why don't you go eat a bag of dictionaries?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Meanwhile, I think I have a plan that makes sense. For both of us.<<endd>>
[[hub1:taylor_plan]]


:: hub1:taylor_hungry
<<d tay>>Anyway. I think that searching for the shuttle fuel cell is a good idea, T2. I really do.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And I'm willing to put aside that whole "you and the Greens have tried to kill me a lot" thing...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...so we can work together to get out of here.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>But before we do that... I have to eat something. I mean, like, <i>have</i> to.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I've never been through a black hole before, but I've had low blood sugar on more than one occasion...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and the combination of the two, right now, is kinda more than I can deal with.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Ugh. Your reliance on food for energy is such a weakness.<<endd>>
[[Not very empathetic of you.|hub1:not_empathetic]] | [[Don't you need food, too, T2?|hub1:you_food]]


:: m1tay:hang_up
<<d tay>>Aw, come on, <<print $playername>>!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Would you expect anything less from me by now?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Besides, you can't run off. I need your opinion on something.<<endd>>
[[m1tay:stick_around]]


:: m1tay:eat_more
<<d tay>>Oh, no, I'm stuffed. I couldn't possibly eat any more right now.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Maybe in a couple minutes. But not right now.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>But hey, while we're chatting, I need your opinion on something.<<endd>>
[[m1tay:stick_around]]


:: m1tay:keep_food
<<d tay>>Hmm. Maybe you're right.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It doesn't feel great, to me... but there's a good chance it's the smartest move.<<endd>>
[[m1tay:zero_food]]


:: m1tay:bunch_food
<<set $foodfort2 = true>>
<<set $buffetfort2 = true>>
<<d tay>>You got it.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Bringing back a whole selection for my evil Green counterpart.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>A smorgasbord for the overlord.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Maybe we can have a little picnic in the Hub...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...crack open a cool, refreshing tube of shepherd's pie, and just bask in the good vibes.<<endd>>
[[Sounds... delicious?|m1tay:delicious_food]] | [[You're doing the right thing.|m1tay:right_food]]


:: m1tay:little_food
<<set $foodfort2 = true>>
<<set $snackfort2 = true>>
<<d tay>>Yeah. I'll just grab some of the snack stuff.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>None of the main meal packs -- I'll stash those away for myself, for later.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>T2 will have to make do with mixed nuts and... let's see...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...unmixed nuts, I guess.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Well, food's food, right?<<endd>>
[[You're being perfectly generous.|m1tay:generous_food]] | [[This is the right move.|m1tay:right_food]]


:: m1tay:generous_food
<<d tay>>Sure.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Nothing for me to feel bad about.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I'm providing all the amenities of a vending machine at a three-star motel.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>If T2 starts demanding turndown service and a mint on the pillow...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...<i>that's</i> when we'll have a problem.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>All right, then. Let me gather up a few snacks here...<<endd>>
[[m1tay:back_berths]]


:: m1tay:back_berths
<<d tay>>...and then head back through the berths and to the Hub.<<endd>>
<<if $unicorntaylor == true>><<d tay>>I doubt there'll be anything new to report...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...unless that stuffed pink unicorn has come to life and is offering free rides...<<endd>>
<<else>><<d tay>>I doubt there'll be anything new to report...<<endd>><<endif>>
<<d tay>>...so I'm gonna go ahead and switch off the comm for a little while, okay?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I'll talk to you in just a bit.<<endd>>
[[delay 18m^Taylor is busy|hub2:reconvene_taylor]]


:: m1tay:forget_diary
<<d tay>>Yeah, I'm with you. I think that's the best plan.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>So. Back it goes... and now, shall we sally forth into the galley.<<endd>>
[[Go for it.|m1tay:go_galley]] | [[Keep exploring the berths.|m1tay:still_berths]]


:: m1tay:take_diary
<<d tay>>You mean... don't try to open it, but just have it on me?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Like, in case I run across its owner or something?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Do I <i>want</i> to run across its owner?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I don't know, <<print $playername>>.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>On the one hand, if I take it, at least I know where it is...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and it doesn't fall into T2's hands. Whatever those hands might do with it.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>On the <i>other</i> hand, if the crew member comes back and finds it missing...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...who <i>knows</i> what kind of problems that could cause?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And on the <i>other</i> other hand, what if its contents are the key to surviving this ordeal?!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Help, <<print $playername>>! Save me from this Three-Handed Diary Monster!<<endd>>
[[Keep it with you.|m1tay:keep_diary]] | [[Put it back under the pillow.|m1tay:back_under_pillow]]


:: m1tay:keep_diary
<<d tay>>Okay. You've talked me into it.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I mean, if nothing else, it'll make a hell of a souvenir when I get back home.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>"What, this old thing? Just a journal written by a crew member from a derelict space station...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>"...on the other side of an artificially-created black hole.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>"Why? Where did you get <i>your</i> journal?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>"Oh? The stationery aisle of Target?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>"And it was buy one, get one?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>"Wow. <i>*YAWN*</i> That's pretty cool too, I guess."<<endd>>
[[You're kind of a journal jerk.|m1tay:journal_jerk]] | [[Enough. Get to the galley.|m1tay:get_to_galley]]


:: m1tay:journal_jerk
<<d tay>>I am what you made me.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Okay, enough fun and games. Shall we get to the galley?<<endd>>
[[Sure, go for it.|m1tay:go_galley]] | [[Keep exploring the berths.|m1tay:still_berths]]


:: hub1:taylor_plan
<<d tay>>Okay, thinking about the layout of Celadon Ace...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...the port and starboard arms are short, right? Compared to the central spine?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>So how about one of us goes starboard... and gathers food from the galley?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And the other goes to port, and checks the storage pod that HelpBot mentioned?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Those trips should take us roughly the same amount of time, out and back...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and then we meet up here again, in the main pod, and hopefully have a little picnic?<<endd>>
I should note that I'm only able to keep all of us in touch when we're all in the Hub.
When you two Taylors go on separate missions, only one of you will be able to talk to the lifeline.
It's ultimately a fixable problem, so long as you'll start my systems upgrade before parting ways.
<<d tay>>Makes sense, HelpBot.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>So, what do you say, T2?<<endd>>
[[Sounds good, don't you think?|hub1:good_plan]] | [[Anything to add, T2?|hub1:add_anything]]


:: hub1:not_empathetic
<<d t2>>Empathy is for humans.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I've moved past it.<<endd>>
[[hub1:you_food]]


:: m1tay:stick_around
<<d tay>>See, from what I understand, T2 needs food... but not a lot of it.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And now I know where there's food... and I know how much there is.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>So the question is: How much of this bounty do I share with my evil twin?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>All of it? Just a granola bar or two? Nothing at all?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Right now, I have a huge advantage over T2.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>What do I do with that edge?<<endd>>
[[What would T2 do to you?|m1tay:what_t2]] | [[Be the <i>good</i> twin.|m1tay:good_twin]]


:: m1tay:what_t2
<<d tay>>Right... that's the big question, isn't it?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It's easy to think of T2 as this totally evil, Snidely Whiplash villain type...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...but I really <i>do</i> believe there's still some good, buried deep down.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And I guess I believe that because I have to think that if <i>I</i> were infected...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...I'd fight until my very last breath to keep some shred of my humanity intact.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>So the question becomes... what does it mean for me to feed that little shred in T2?<<endd>>
[[Take a chance on T2.|m1tay:take_chance]] | [[Keep the food to yourself.|m1tay:keep_food]]
//Snidely Whiplash is the mustache-twirling villain from the Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoons.


:: m1tay:take_chance
<<d tay>>You know what?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I <i>am</i> going to bring back some food for T2.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Because, when all is said and done...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...I'd like to think that, if our roles were reversed, T2 would do the same for me.<<endd>>
[[m1tay:food_back]]


:: m1tay:food_back
<<d tay>>So, what do you think?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Just grab a whole armload, as much as I can carry back?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Or only take a couple of snacks this time?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>(I mean, I can always come back to the galley for more later.)<<endd>>
<<d tay>>(With, or <i>without</i>, telling T2 about it.)<<endd>>
[[Bring a whole bunch!|m1tay:bunch_food]] | [[Just bring a little.|m1tay:little_food]]


:: m1tay:zero_food
<<set $foodfort2 = false>>
<<set $snackfort2 = false>>
<<set $buffetfort2 = false>>
<<d tay>>All right.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I'm going back with nothing to show for my efforts.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Let's hope I have a decent poker face.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And that HelpBot doesn't decide to let T2 know about this whole conversation!<<endd>>
Hi there. HelpBot here, just jumping in with some clarification.
Your secrets are not mine to share, unless I'm told otherwise.
It's my understanding that humans need privacy...
...something that comes at a premium in a close-quarters space station.
[[Pretty good answer.|m1tay:good_answer]] | [[Good luck with the lying!|m1tay:good_luck]]


:: m1tay:good_answer
<<d tay>><i>Great</i> answer!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Man, now I'm thinking of <i>all sorts</i> of secrets I can entrust to HelpBot!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Like this one time, at band camp...<<endd>>
Hi there! HelpBot here again!
I sure don't want to hear about band camp!
<<d tay>>Aw. Are you certain? It's a pretty good story.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>See, I played the tuba...<<endd>>
[[Okay, we're done here.|m1tay:done_here]] | [[Tell the story!|m1tay:tuba_story]]


:: m1tay:done_here
<<d tay>>Yeah, that's probably a good call on your part.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Anyway. Let me just clean up in here a bit...<<endd>>
[[m1tay:back_berths]]


:: m1tay:still_berths
<<d tay>>What, seriously?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I've turned this place "upside down and inside out," in the words of Tag Team...<<end>>
<<d tay>>...and WHOOMP! There it is!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>(And by "it" I mean "just another wadded-up pile of dirty clothes.")<<endd>>
[[Yeah! Explore that pile!|m1tay:explore_pile]] | [[Okay, fine. Head for the galley.|m1tay:get_to_galley]]
//Lyrics from the song "Whoomp! (There It Is)" by Tag Team.


:: m1tay:explore_pile
<<d tay>>This is... just kinda gross.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Why am I doing what you tell me?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>When am I gonna learn to stand up for myself and finally say...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>..."No, <<print $playername>>, I really don't want to touch that shirt with visible pit stains...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>..."or find out what weird, heavy, lumpy-shaped things it's covering!"<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Hmm.<<endd>>
[[What's up?|m1tay:what_boots]] | [[Did you find something?|m1tay:find_boots]]


:: m1tay:what_boots
<<d tay>>Um... what's up is, you have to promise not to get all, "I told you so" about this.<<endd>>
[[m1tay:find_boots]]


:: m1tay:explain_boots
<<d tay>>Sure. They're like... did you ever see that movie <i>Face/Off</i>?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It's the one where Nic Cage was making a bunch of subtle, nuanced acting choices...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...so they stuck him in a secret prison and made him wear magnetic boots.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>That way, if the prisoners ever tried to riot...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...the guards could simply lock their feet to the metal floors.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>(Except in the movie when there's a riot, and the guards don't think to do that.)<<endd>>
[[Oh, okay. Makes sense.|m1tay:get_boots]] | [[That movie rules.|m1tay:face_off]]


:: m1tay:face_off
<<d tay>>Someday when I'm not in immediate danger...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...you and I can have a long conversation about the filmography of one Nicolas Cage.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I predict we will both be absolutely plastered by the end of it...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...<i>even if we're not drinking.</i><<endd>>
<<d tay>>In the meantime, though, let's talk about these boots.<<endd>>
[[m1tay:get_boots]]


:: hub1:add_anything
<<d t2>>Hmmm.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>No, I don't think so.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The less I say, the more this will be Taylor's fault when something goes wrong.<<endd>>
[[hub1:mission_choice]]


:: hub1:good_plan
<<d t2>>As much as I loathe admitting it...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...this is, in fact, a practical plan.<<endd>>
[[hub1:mission_choice]]


:: m1tay:good_luck
<<d tay>>Thanks.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I wish I didn't feel like I actually needed it, you know?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Lying isn't my strong suit, and on top of that...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...how do I keep a secret from someone who's basically <i>me?</i><<endd>>
<<d tay>>I guess we'll find out together, huh, <<print $playername>>?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Anyway. Let me just clean up in here a bit...<<endd>>
[[m1tay:back_berths]]


:: m1tay:tuba_story
<<d tay>>Aw, I've been away on this food-finding mission for quite a while by now.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I should really be getting back to the Hub.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Maybe we'll do storytime later.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>(And just remember... T2 went to band camp, too!)<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Anyway. Let me just clean up in here a bit...<<endd>>
[[m1tay:back_berths]]


:: m1tay:find_boots
<<set $magboots = true>>
<<d tay>>So it turns out that, under that shirt with visible pit stains...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...there's a pair of weird, heavy, <i>boot</i>-shaped things.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I'd even go so far as to call them "boots."<<endd>>
<<d tay>>But these ain't your ordinary boots, cowpoke.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>These are Magnetic Locking Boots.<<endd>>
[[Explain.|m1tay:explain_boots]] | [[I get the idea, I think.|m1tay:idea_boots]]


:: m1tay:idea_boots
<<d tay>>Yeah, you can probably envision them.<<endd>>
[[m1tay:get_boots]]


:: m1tay:good_twin
<<d tay>>Sure. I figured you'd say that.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And, honestly, bringing T2 some food is the only way to stay true to myself, you know?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It's probably naive.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It's probably even reckless.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I mean, what if T2 is just missing one Clif Bar's worth of strength...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...before wrestling me into an airlock and blasting me into the void?<<endd>>
[[Well, you'd probably regret that.|m1tay:regret_food]] | [[Take a chance on T2.|m1tay:take_chance]]
//A Clif Bar is a brand of energy bar.


:: m1tay:regret_food
<<d tay>>"Probably."<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Yeah, let's not jump to any premature conclusions regarding void-blasting.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Do you think I should hide the food? Say I came up empty in my search?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Or should I be the bigger person?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>(Figuratively. Literally, we're precisely the same size.)<<endd>>
[[Go back empty-handed.|m1tay:no_food_back]] | [[Bring T2 some food.|m1tay:food_back]]


:: m1tay:no_food_back
<<d tay>>Yeah, maybe that'd be the best move.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It doesn't make me feel all warm and fuzzy...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...but I asked for your opinion, and your opinion makes sense.<<endd>>
[[m1tay:zero_food]]


:: m1tay:get_boots
<<d tay>>Useful for sticking to metal surfaces in zero gravity...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...which could come in handy on, say, a largely metal space station.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And that's why I reckon I'm gonna grab these beauties for myself.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>You never can tell when the artificial gravity's going to fail, you know?<<endd>>
Hi there! HelpBot here with a quick interjection.
<<if $startupdates == true>>Because you started my updates, there should be no issues with the artificial gravity.
<<else>>Again, if I could implore you and T2 to start my necessary systems update...
...there would be no need to worry about issues with the artificial gravity.<<endif>>
Just a little food for thought, before you weigh yourself down with MagLock Boots.
[[Take the boots.|m1tay:take_boots]] | [[Leave the boots.|m1tay:leave_boots]]


:: m1tay:leave_boots
<<d tay>>Hmm. Maybe you're right.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>They <i>are</i> awfully clunky.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>If I never wind up needing them, they'll just be unnecessary weight to haul around.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I guess I can leave them here. I can always circle back for them later.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Okay. That's decided.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Now, enough of this place. I'm moving on to the galley.<<endd>>
[[m1tay:go_galley]]


:: m1tay:take_boots
<<d tay>>Yup. That's what I was thinking, too.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>They're kind of a cool find, and hey, better safe than sorry, right?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Plus, they make me look like a Goomba from <i>Super Mario Bros.</i>..<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and you can't put a price on that.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Gimme a minute here to switch out footgear like Mister Rogers at the top of his show...<<endd>>
[[delay 60s^Taylor is glad to be your neighbor]]
<<d tay>>...and I'm back!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>All right. Enough of this place. Let's move on to the galley.<<endd>>
[[m1tay:go_galley]]
//The boots in Face/Off were repurposed from the Super Mario Bros movie.
//Mister Rogers' Neighborhood showed him changing into comfortable shoes at the beginning of every episode and singing about how he was "glad to be your neighbor."


:: hub1:mission_choice
<<d t2>>All right, Taylor. I'll play along with your premise, for now.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You don't trust me, and I don't like you...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but let's both do our parts to get fed and get away from this hellhole.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The only question that remains is... which mission should I demand for myself?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Should I explore the port arm, in search of a fuel cell?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Or should I go starboard, in the direction of food?<<endd>>
[[Port, to look for fuel.|hub1:go_port]] | [[Starboard, in search of food.|hub1:go_starboard]]


:: m1tay:fuel_quest
<<d tay>>All right, my friend.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It's time to go to the port side of the space station.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Perhaps further port than anyone has ever dared!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>(But probably not.)<<endd>>
<<d tay>>But before we reach the storage pod -- and hopefully, a fully charged fuel cell --<<endd>>
<<d tay>>looks like we've got an infirmary to wander through first.<<endd>>
[[Skip it. Find the cell.|m2tay:skip_infirmary]] | [[Explore the infirmary.|m2tay:explore_infirmary]]


:: m2tay:explore_infirmary
<<d tay>>I'm so glad you suggested it!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>As everyone knows, the infirmary is the most fun-lovin' place on any space vessel.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I mean, remember the Med Pod scene from <i>Prometheus</i>?<<end>>
<<d tay>>Talk about laugh-a-minute!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Let's hope I have half as much fun here as Noomi Rapace did there, huh?<<endd>>
[[That's a low bar to clear.|m2tay:low_bar]] | [[I never saw <i>Prometheus</i>.|m2tay:no_prometheus]]


:: m2tay:no_prometheus
<<d tay>>Oh, it's an interesting film.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It's full of incredibly smart scientists...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...who, for some reason, are physically incapable of running sideways.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It made such an impression on me, as a budding young incredibly smart scientist...<<endd>>
<<d day>>...that I vowed to run sideways as my first reaction to pretty much everything.<<endd>>
[[m2tay:prometheus_machine]]


:: m2tay:prometheus_machine
<<d tay>>Anyway, for better or for worse, the movie provides one solution...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...for sucking an alien out of your guts when no one else is there to help.<<end>>
<<d tay>>But this station's infirmary doesn't seem to contain a Caesarean-section machine...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...so I suppose, for once, I'll have to try <i>not</i> to get infected.<<endd>>
[[Solid plan.|m2tay:solid_plan]] | [[What <i>is</i> in the infirmary?|m2tay:infirmary_look]]


:: m2tay:solid_plan
<<d tay>>Thanks! It only took me this long to think of it.<<endd>>
[[m2tay:infirmary_look]]


:: m2tay:snag_meds
<<set $minimaglite = true>>
<<d tay>>It's a Mini Maglite!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>You know, one of those small but bright flashlights.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>As long as the station's running on low power, and the lights are dimmed...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...this baby should come in handy for lighting up nooks and crannies as I explore.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>My helmet lights can only do so much for crannies.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>That's the one thing they didn't cover in astronaut training...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...just how damn many crannies there are in space.<<endd>>
[[What exactly is a cranny?|m2tay:what_cranny]] | [[You're a weird kid, Taylor.|m2tay:weird_kid]]


:: m2tay:what_cranny
<<d tay>>It's, uh... you know... a hiding place for cranberries?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I don't know the exact definition.<<endd>>
Hi there! HelpBot here, with the exact definition!
A "cranny" is defined as a small, narrow opening in a wall, rock, et cetera.
An out-of-the-way place. An obscure corner.
<<d tay>>Thanks, HelpBot!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>See, I was basically right.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And now I have a flashlight <i>specifically designed for finding cranberries!</i><<endd>>
[[You're a weird kid, Taylor.|m2tay:weird_kid]] | [[Okay. Move on to storage.|m2tay:go_storage]]


:: hub1:go_starboard
<<set $m1t2 = food>>
<<d t2>>There is something delightful to the idea of controlling the food supply...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...knowing how desperately Taylor needs it, I could certainly drive a hard bargain.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Even the least appetizing MRE, promising "chicken chunks" inside...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...has got to taste better than passing out from hypoglycemia.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So yes, <<print $playername>>, I think I will in fact go starboard, toward the galley.<<endd>>
[[Sounds like a plan.|hub1:sounds_plan]] | [[You should've picked fuel.|hub1:should_pick_fuel]]


:: hub1:go_port
<<set $m1t2 = fuel>>
<<d t2>>There is something delightful to the idea of controlling the fuel supply.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>If I'm the only person with the means to get that shuttle off this station...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...well, it puts me in a rather enviable position, in terms of bargaining.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>If Taylor gets desperate enough for that fuel cell...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...<i>who knows</i> what kind of deals we might strike?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So yes, <<print $playername>>, I think I will in fact go port, toward the storeroom.<<endd>>
[[Sounds like a plan.|hub1:sounds_plan]] | [[You should've picked food.|hub1:should_pick_food]]


:: m2tay:skip_infirmary
<<d tay>>Right, I guess that's an option.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I mean, it looks exactly like every other space station infirmary you've seen.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And you've seen 'em all, I'm sure.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>We can skip it, for now.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I mean, we can always check it out on the return trip, right?<<endd>>
[[Right. Go on to storage.|m2tay:go_storage]] | [[Okay, check out the infirmary now.|m2tay:explore_infirmary]]


:: m2tay:low_bar
<<d tay>>Yeah, well, I never thought I'd reach the point...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...where "needing to get an alien creature out of me immediately" was a priority.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>But since it's kind of a constant danger in my life these days...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...I've spent a little time reflecting on the best ways to do it.<<endd>>
[[m2tay:prometheus_machine]]


:: m2tay:infirmary_look
<<d tay>>All right, let's give this place the old once-over.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Not a lot of surprises, here. Pretty standard-issue med supplies.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It's always nice to know where the nearest sphygmomanometer is, though.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>The cabinets and drawers I'm opening seem very well stocked.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Either the last crew on board were a particularly healthy bunch...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...or they weren't here long enough to get sick.<<endd>>
[[That's a worrisome thought.|m2tay:worry_meds]] | [[Anything worth grabbing?|m2tay:grab_meds]]
//For "sphygmomanometer," it's fine to substitute any common medical tool with a complicated name in local language.


:: m2tay:grab_meds
<<d tay>>For the most part, I think I can leave things where they are.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It's nice to know the station has a little supply of painkillers...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...since I'm always bashing or stubbing or mutilating <i>some</i> part of my body.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And there are plenty of tongue depressors...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...the second-best way to depress your tongue, after licking The Cure's <i>Disintegration</i>.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>But... hey! There <i>is</i> something here I think I might snag.<<endd>>
[[What is it?|m2tay:snag_meds]] | [[A better sense of humor?|m2tay:bad_joke]]


:: m2tay:bad_joke
<<d tay>>Hey now!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>If I didn't drop references to outdated pop culture all the time...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...how could you even be sure you were really talking to <i>me?</i><<endd>>
<<d tay>>I mean, obviously, T2 is devastatingly good looking...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...but I doubt the Green hive mind has an "Arts and Leisure" section, you know?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Stick with me, and you never know when you'll get a <i>Buckaroo Banzai</i> monologue...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...or a dissertation on the acting choices of Bernadette Peters in <i>Heartbeeps</i>.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>(And those were some <i>choices</i>, man.)<<endd>>
[[Fine, you're a comedic genius.|m2tay:comedic_genius]] | [[I love <i>Heartbeeps!</i>|m2tay:love_heartbeeps]]


:: m2tay:weird_kid
<<d tay>>Ah yes, but now I'm a weird kid <i>who can see slightly better in the dark</i>.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And with that, <<print $playername>>, I think I've exhausted all this pod has to offer.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Time to go see what the storage pod has in store.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Join me, won't you?<<endd>>
[[m2tay:go_storage]]


:: hub1:should_pick_fuel
<<d t2>>Of <i>course</i> you would say that!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You wait until I've already said I wanted the food mission, and then you pipe up...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...what do you know that I don't, <<print $playername>>?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Nothing, I'll wager! Just trying to undermine my self-confidence!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I don't think so.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm putting my foot down on food!<<endd>>
[[Ha. Gross.|hub1:doubling_down]] | [[Fine. Great. You picked food.|hub1:picked_pick]]



:: hub1:sounds_plan
<<if $m1t2 == food>><<d t2>>Right. Which means Taylor gets stuck with fuel cell duty.<<endd>>
<<else>><<d t2>>Right. Which means Taylor gets stuck with food duty.<<endd>><<endif>>
<<d t2>>Which, frankly, I don't envy for a second.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And I guess, lifeline, it means you get to pick which of us to keep talking to.<<endd>>
[[hub1:first_pick]]


:: hub1:should_pick_food
<<d t2>>Of <i>course</i> you would say that!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You wait until I've already said I wanted the fuel mission, and then you pipe up...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...what do you know that I don't, <<print $playername>>?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Nothing, I'll wager! Just trying to undermine my self-confidence!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I don't think so.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm putting my foot down on fuel!<<endd>>
[[Ha. Careful you don't slip.|hub1:doubling_down]] | [[Fine. Great. You picked fuel.|hub1:picked_pick]]



:: m2tay:worry_meds
<<d tay>>Yeah, it is, kinda.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I'd like to know more about that last crew -- and why they're not here --<<endd>>
<<d tay>>but that's a conversation that T2 should probably be around to hear, too.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Maybe we can team up and interrogate HelpBot for some answers.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>You know, play a little "good cop/Green cop."<<endd>>
[[Sounds like a good plan.|m2tay:good_plan_cop]] | [[I wouldn't trust T2.|m2tay:distrust_t2]]


:: m2tay:good_plan_cop
<<d tay>>Let's hope so.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Right now, I've got way more questions than I do answers...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and HelpBot -- systems updated or not -- is really my only resource here.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Which means I should probably get back to the Hub sooner rather than later...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...so T2 and I can put our heads together and figure out our next steps.<<endd>>
[[Head for the storage pod.|m2tay:done_infirmary]] | [[Explore the infirmary some more.|m2tay:more_infirmary]]


:: m2tay:more_infirmary
<<d tay>>I mean... I hate to break it to you, but there's not much more to explore.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Unless I open the specimen fridge and find, I don't know...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...a passage to Narnia, or the inside of John Malkovich's head...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...I think I've seen just about all the infirmary pod has to offer.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Oh! Except for this! This could actually come in handy.<<endd>>
[[What is it?|m2tay:snag_meds]] | [[Painkillers?|m2tay:pain_pills]]
//Reference to the film Being John Malkovich.


:: m2tay:comedic_genius
<<d tay>>Well, it wouldn't hurt you to say so, constantly.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Anyhow. Check out what I found!<<endd>>
[[m2tay:snag_meds]]


:: m2tay:love_heartbeeps
<<d tay>>You, uh... you probably don't want to say that out loud to anyone but me.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>There's a ceiling to most people's Nerd Tolerance...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and <i>Heartbeeps</i> is so far above that ceiling, it's dancing on the roof.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Don't worry, though. I won't tell a soul.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Anyway... check out what I found!<<endd>>
[[m2tay:snag_meds]]


:: hub1:first_pick
Which astronaut do you prefer to continue talking to, <<print $playername>>?
[[I want to talk to Taylor.|hub1:choose_taylor]] | [[I'll stick with T2.|hub1:choose_t2]]


:: hub1:picked_pick
<<d t2>>Hell yes I did.<<endd>>
<<d t2>><i>Hell</i> yes.<<endd>>
[[delay 30s^T2 is fretting]]
<<d t2>>Did I...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Did I pick the wrong one?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Dammit.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Did Taylor <i>trick</i> me into this?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'd have done it, if our roles were reversed!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But Taylor would have <i>known</i> I'd do it, and since we're obviously intellectual equals...<<endd>>
[[Do you want to switch?|hub1:want_switch]] | [[Just stay with what you picked.|hub1:stay_picked]]


:: hub1:doubling_down
<<d t2>>Wha-- metaphorically speaking!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Shut up.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Anyway.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I've chosen.<<endd>>
[[hub1:sounds_plan]]


:: hub1:lazy_good
<<d t2>>"Lazy"?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>My mind is working at speeds you cannot fathom.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I've thought through fourteen million, six hundred and five potential solutions...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and this is the one that requires the least effort on my part.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So obviously, it's the one I'm taking.<<endd>>
[[hub1:get_moving]]


:: m2tay:distrust_t2
<<d tay>>Believe me, T2 is at the very bottom of my list of trustworthy people.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It's just that no one else on the list decided to get stranded here with me.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>(Pretty inconsiderate of the whole of humanity, if you ask me.)<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Of course, I've got <i>you</i> on my side, <<print $playername>>...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and having you as my lifeline is the <i>only</i> reason I've survived this long.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>So if I haven't said it in a while: Thank you. You're the best!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>What do you figure, lifeline... am I done in the infirmary?<<endd>>
[[Yes. Head for the storage pod.|m2tay:done_infirmary]] | [[No. Keep exploring the infirmary.|m2tay:more_infirmary]]


:: m2tay:done_infirmary
<<d tay>>Yeah, I think you're right.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I've opened as many cabinets here as anyone could reasonably expect me to.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Any more, and I'd just be showing off.<<endd>>
[[m2tay:go_storage]]


:: m2tay:pain_pills
<<d tay>>I mean, yes, I spotted some of those. Which, as you're probably thinking, is fortunate...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...since I'm always bashing or stubbing or mutilating <i>some</i> part of my body.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>But no, this is something totally different. And much harder to swallow.<<endd>>
[[m2tay:snag_meds]]


:: m2tay:dianoga_thoughts
<<d tay>>I like you, <<print $playername>>.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>You're nerdy like me...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...but you've clearly got your life more together than I have mine.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Given that you're not stranded on a derelict space station in another universe.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It gives me hope.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>All right. Give me a few minutes to shift stuff around in here, okay?<<endd>>
[[delay 28m^Taylor is sweating and cursing|m2tay:done_moving]]


:: m2tay:watch_transformers
<<d tay>>Meanwhile, I'll recite the entire movie to myself from memory.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Talk to you again in eighty-five minutes!<<endd>>
[[delay 85m^Taylor is seriously dorky|m2tay:movie_over]]


:: m2tay:weird_priorities_star
<<d tay>>Spoken by someone who's clearly never seen two suns set over Tatooine.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Now go! Go watch the greatest toy commercial in cinema history!<<endd>>
[[m2tay:watch_star_wars]]



:: m2tay:clue_crew
<<d tay>>I, uh... no. Sure didn't.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Wow. You really took the wind out of my sails, <<print $playername>>.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>No, all I found was the stupid lithium-ion battery I was looking for.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>You know, the needle in this haystack full of junk?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>The thing that's going to power the shuttle to get us out of here?<<endd>>
<<d tay>><i>The most important object in the known universe?</i><<endd>>
<<d tay>>That's all I found.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Sorry to disappoint you.<<endd>>
[[No, that's great news!|m2tay:great_battery]] | [[Where was it?|m2tay:where_battery]]


:: m2tay:great_battery
<<d tay>>Thanks!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I thought so, too.<<endd>>
[[m2tay:where_battery]]


:: hub1:choose_t2
<<set $m1talk = t2>>
All right.
Just be cautious. T2 appears to have a strong anti-HelpBot bias.
<<d t2>>Oh? What tipped you off?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Was it the part where I said I had a strong anti-HelpBot bias?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Damn, I was <i>worried</i> that I was playing it too subtle.<<endd>>
<<if $m1t2 == food>><<d t2>>So... perhaps we should get moving down the port arm, then, eh?<<endd>>
<<else>><<d t2>>So... perhaps we should get moving down that starboard arm, then, eh?<<endd>><<endif>>
[[The sooner, the better.|hub1:move_sooner]] | [[Feels like we're missing something...|hub1:please_reboot]]


:: hub1:choose_taylor
<<set $m1talk = taylor>>
Very well.
[transferring communications... now]
Just as a reminder--
<<d t2>>Coward.<<endd>>
-- you'll still be able to hear all of us, so long as we're in the Hub.
<<if $m1t2 == food>><<d tay>>So... maybe we should get moving down the port arm, then, huh?<<endd>>
<<else>><<d tay>>So... maybe we should get moving down that starboard arm, then, huh?<<endd>><<endif>>
[[The sooner, the better.|hub1:move_sooner]] | [[Feels like we're missing something...|hub1:please_reboot]]


:: hub1:want_switch
<<d t2>>No! Never!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Unless...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...damn it all. Do you think I should?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The, uh... the hive mind is feeding me all sorts of statistics, probabilities, theorems...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...it's just overwhelming sometimes.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I haven't really learned how to parse it all, yet.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I want to make a simple "this or that" decision, but every time...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...I have to weigh it against centuries of cultural memory, collective experience...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...until suddenly it's "this or that and a thousand other things besides."<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Until suddenly I'm at the precipice of a choice and I'm too rattled to make it.<<endd>>
<<if $m1t2 == food>>[[So, want to switch to fuel?|hub1:switch_fuel]] | [[Let's stay with what you got.|hub1:stay_picked]]
<<else>>[[So, want to switch to food?|hub1:switch_food]] | [[Let's stay with what you got.|hub1:stay_picked]]<<endif>>


:: hub1:stay_picked
<<d t2>>Yes.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Yes, I'll stay with what I picked.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>There are only so many layers of subterfuge one can contravene...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...before one would be best served by doing nothing at all.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I believe I've reached that point.<<endd>>
[[Laziness for the win!|hub1:lazy_good]] | [[All right, let's get moving.|hub1:get_moving]]


:: hub1:get_moving
Of course, one more question remains.
[[hub1:first_pick]]


:: m2tay:go_storage
<<d tay>>Heading through the doorway, into the storage pod.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>As neat and tidy as the infirmary was, this room is the opposite.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Looks like someone was in here, rooting around for something...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and planning to clean up their mess later.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Only... later never came.<<endd>>
[[That's... ominous.|m2tay:ominous_sign]] | [[Maybe you should clean up.|m2tay:clean_storage]]


:: m2tay:clean_storage
<<d tay>>I mean, it's not really my <i>job</i>...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...which makes me want to complain that "I'm not even supposed to be here today!"<<endd>>
<<d tay>>You know, like Dante in the movie <i>Clerks</i>.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Or like me, in the audience watching <i>Clerks II</i>.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>But I guess you're right. It's the only way I'll find anything in here.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Give me a few minutes to shift stuff around, okay?<<endd>>
[[delay 28m^Taylor is sweating and cursing|m2tay:done_moving]]


:: m2tay:what_dianoga
<<d tay>>Oh. From that <i>Star Wars</i> trash scene.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It's that weird-looking alien with tentacles that tries to grab Luke.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>But that's fiction!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Here in reality, all I have to worry about are, uh...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...weird-looking aliens with tentacles that try to grab me.<<endd>>
<<d tay>><i>Sigh</i>.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>You know, I used to go to the movies for <i>escapism</i>.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>All right. Give me a few minutes to shift stuff around in here, okay?<<endd>>
[[delay 28m^Taylor is sweating and cursing|m2tay:done_moving]]


:: m2tay:weird_priorities
<<d tay>>Spoken by someone who's clearly never felt "The Touch."<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Now go! Go watch the greatest toy commercial in cinema history!<<endd>>
[[m2tay:watch_transformers]]
//"The Touch" by Stan Bush is the best-known song from the movie's soundtrack.


:: m2tay:watch_now
<<d tay>>Excellent!<<endd>>
[[m2tay:watch_transformers]]


:: m2tay:watch_star_wars
<<d tay>>Meanwhile, I'll recite the entire movie to myself from memory.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Talk to you again in a hundred and twenty-five minutes!<<endd>>
[[delay 125m^Taylor is seriously dorky|m2tay:movie_over]]


:: m2tay:movie_over
<<set $fuelcell = true>>
<<d tay>>Okay! Movie time's over...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and wouldn't you agree your life is exponentially better for having seen it?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Plus, now you'll get twice as many of my dumb pop culture references.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>So it's really a banner day for <i>both</i> of us!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Plus, while you were watching, I had plenty of time to sort through the storage pod...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and you'll never guess what I found!<<endd>>
[[A Li-ion battery?|m2tay:liion_found]] | [[A clue about the last crew?|m2tay:clue_crew]]


:: m2tay:liion_found
<<d tay>>You got it on the first try!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>(Unlike me, who got it after about an hour and twenty minutes of searching.)<<endd>>
[[That's awesome news!|m2tay:great_battery]] | [[Where was it?|m2tay:where_battery]]


:: m2tay:where_battery
<<d tay>>There was a whole pile of canvas boxes --<<endd>>
<<d tay>>you know, with the soft corners, so nobody gets hurt when gravity cuts out.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I just kinda zoned out, while I was reciting the movie to myself...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and before you know it, I had opened and organized like three dozen of the things.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And of course, the battery was in the very last one I looked in!<<endd>>
[[Get back to the Hub with it!|m2tay:head_hub]] | [[Anything else worth taking?|m2tay:take_others]]


:: hub1:move_sooner
Time <i>is</i> of the essence, no doubt.
But before you two astronauts set off to search for food and fuel...
[[hub1:reboot_spiel]]



:: hub1:please_reboot
Indeed!
Before you two astronauts set off to search for food and fuel...
[[hub1:reboot_spiel]]


:: hub1:switch_food
<<set $m1t2 = food>>
<<d t2>>Right. Okay. It's decided.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm headed down the starboard arm, to look for food in the galley.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Clearly, what I should have been doing all along.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Everything's settled forever!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>No more questions remain!<<endd>>
[[hub1:get_moving]]


:: hub1:switch_fuel
<<set $m1t2 = fuel>>
<<d t2>>Right. Okay. It's decided.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm headed down the port arm, to look for a fuel cell in the storeroom.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Clearly, what I should have been doing all along.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Everything's settled forever!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>No more questions remain!<<endd>>
[[hub1:get_moving]]


:: m2tay:ominous_sign
<<d tay>>Yeah, you're telling me.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It's just a jumble of bins and bags, piled shin-high in some places.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It reminds me of the planet Junkion in the animated <i>Transformers</i> movie.<<endd>>
[[Right, I remember. Gross.|m2tay:gross_scene]] | [[Sorry, I never saw it.|m2tay:no_transformers]]


:: m2tay:gross_scene
<<d tay>>Well, I mean, it's not all wet and foul-smelling, or anything.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It's not like the trash compactor scene in <i>Star Wars</i>.<<endd>>
[[Well, that's a relief.|m2tay:trash_relief]] | [[I've never seen <i>Star Wars</i>.|m2tay:never_wars]]


:: m2tay:trash_relief
<<d tay>>Yeah. Thank goodness there's no dianoga swimming around in here, huh?<<endd>>
[[My thoughts exactly.|m2tay:dianoga_thoughts]] | [[What's a dianoga?|m2tay:what_dianoga]]


:: m2tay:no_transformers
<<d tay>>Okay. I know I'm up against a ticking clock and all...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...but I really want to encourage you to drop everything you're doing right now...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and go watch that 1986 animated <i>Transformers</i> movie.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It gets sad! Bring giant-robot-strength Kleenex.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Go on. I'm serious! Go ahead. I'll be here when you're finished.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Or, I don't know, I might run out of oxygen and die while I'm waiting.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>But it'll be worth it to know you've witnessed a masterpiece!<<endd>>
[[You've got weird priorities.|m2tay:weird_priorities]] | [[Okay. I'll watch it right now.|m2tay:watch_now]]



:: m2tay:watch_wars
<<d tay>>I know I'm up against a ticking clock and all...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...but I really want to encourage you to drop everything you're doing right now...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and go watch the original <i>Star Wars</i>.<<endd>>
<<d tay>><i>Episode IV. A New Hope.</i> The 1977 blockbuster.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Go on. I'm serious! Go ahead. I'll be here when you're finished.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Or, I don't know, I might run out of oxygen and die while I'm waiting.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>But it'll be worth it to know you've witnessed a masterpiece!<<endd>>
[[You've got weird priorities.|m2tay:weird_priorities_star]] | [[Okay. I'll watch it right now.|m2tay:watch_now_star]]



:: m2tay:watch_now_star
<<d tay>>Excellent!<<endd>>
[[m2tay:watch_star_wars]]


:: m2tay:done_moving
<<d tay>>That's it.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I give up.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>This place is just an enormous mess...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and every time I shift something out of the way, I'm just making more mess!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>This isn't like looking for a needle in a haystack...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...it's like looking for a very specific piece of <i>hay</i> in a haystack.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And also I think I'm allergic to hay.<<endd>>
[[Keep on looking.|m2tay:look_storage]] | [[Stop what you're doing.|m2tay:stop_hunting]]


:: m2tay:look_storage
<<d tay>>Easy for <i>you</i> to say.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>While I'm up here, moving and hauling and pushing and pulling...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...you've somehow managed to escape the "heavy lifting" portion of the evening's events.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Hell, you probably could've kicked back and watched a movie or something...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...just checked every half hour or so, to see whether I was still alive.<<endd>>
<<d tay>><i>WELL I AM!</i> But only barely.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And I'm going to use my last remaining breaths of life...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...to head back to the Hub.<<endd>>
[[Fine, go back to the Hub.|m2tay:head_hub]] | [[No! Keep looking for the battery!|m2tay:look_battery]]


:: m2tay:take_others
<<d tay>>I don't want to weigh myself down with anything else at the moment...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...but when I was about halfway through, I did find a mechanical pencil.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>So from that point on, I started labeling the boxes.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>That way, if we need anything else that's in here...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...it should be fairly easy to lay our hands on it!<<endd>>
[[m2tay:head_hub]]


:: hub1:reboot_spiel
...I wonder if I could just convince you both to start my systems update?
It would only be beneficial to you: The more I'm updated, the more help I can provide.
I'll be able to control door and hatch access, better regulate oxygen...
...properly calibrate the aperture for viewing in the cupola...
<<d tay>>Sure, sounds like a great idea.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And the update just runs in the background, right?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>We'll still be able to talk to you while you're... buffering... or whatever?<<endd>>
Of course. I may need to restart, but that'll be at the end of things.
<<d tay>>True for all of us, probably.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I'm happy to help start the update. T2?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Mmmm... no. I don't trust HelpBot.<<endd>>
[[I'm with Taylor. Start the updates.|hub1:start_updates]] | [[I agree with T2. Seems fishy.|hub1:fishy_updates]]


:: hub1:fishy_updates
<<d tay>>"Fishy"? Really?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I mean, it only means giving HelpBot a steadier hand on the wheel of this ship...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...which seems to be what HelpBot was designed for in the first place!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I just think it's going to make our lives easier...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and right now, I'm in favor of anything and everything that'll do that!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I don't like the idea of HelpBot having <i>more</i> control.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>In fact... I don't like the idea of HelpBot, period.<<endd>>
[[Taylor convinced me. Do the update.|hub1:start_updates]] | [[I'm still with T2. No updates.|hub1:no_updates]]



:: m2tay:never_wars
<<d tay>>Oh.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Oh, <<print $playername>>.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>That just hurts.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I would've thought that viewing <i>at least</i> the original <i>Star Wars</i>...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...would've been <i>mandatory</i> before talking to an astronaut in a parallel universe!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And when I say <i>Star Wars</i>, of course I mean the first film, from 1977.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>The unwashed masses can refer to it as "<i>A New Hope</i>," if they must...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...but to true nerds, it is now, has always been, and will always be, simply...<<endd>>
<<d tay>><i>STAR WARS</i>.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Go! Go watch it, right now! I'll wait!<<endd>>
[[Are you serious?|m2tay:serious_wars]] | [[I'll get to it someday.|m2tay:someday_wars]]


:: m2tay:serious_wars
<<d tay>>Serious as a lightsaber duel on Mustafar!<<endd>>
[[m2tay:watch_wars]]
//Reference to Star Wars Episode III


:: m2tay:someday_wars
<<d tay>>Nope nope nope!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>"Someday" is <i>now</i>.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I'm pretty sure I outrank you on this mission...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...so, as your commanding officer, I'm ordering you to do this.<<endd>>
[[m2tay:watch_wars]]


:: m2tay:stop_hunting
<<d tay>>Oh, thank God you said that.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I was about to ditch it anyway...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...but it's genuinely nice to know you were having the same thought, too.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I don't know, maybe I'm just impatient and irritable because I haven't eaten...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...but I think anyone would agree I've spent long enough here.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Time to head back to the Hub and hope that T2 scored in the galley!<<endd>>
[[Maybe you <i>should</i> keep hunting.|m2tay:hunt_more]] | [[Right, head for the Hub.|m2tay:head_hub]]


:: hub1:start_updates
<<set $startupdates == true>>
<<d tay>>There you go. Two votes to one, in favor of the update.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I must have missed the part where this became a democracy.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Since when does the backseat driver get to cast the tiebreaking lot?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Kinda... since the start of this whole thing, really.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Ugh. Fine. Whatever.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Cool! Okay, HelpBot, what do we need to do?<<endd>>
There are two keys, at opposite ends of the control panel.
You'll each need to manually input the code you're seeing on the monitors, hit Enter...
...and then turn those keys simultaneously.
[[delay 30s^The astronauts are typing]]
<<d tay>>Ready!<<endd>>
[[delay 60s^T2 is typing]]
<<d tay>>Um... T2?<<endd>>
<<d t2>><i>I go slowly when I don't enjoy the task</i>.<<endd>>
[[delay 30s^T2 is not enjoying the task]]
<<d t2>>All right. Fine. And now the keys.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Three... two... one... turn!<<endd>>
Thank you both. I'll get started on basic processes, including the lighting.
If you need me on your excursions, don't hesitate to shout out.
I'm always listening.
[[Comforting.|hub1:hb_comfort]] | [[Creepy.|hub1:hb_creepy]]


:: hub1:no_updates
<<d tay>>Well, there you have it. One vote for updating, two votes against.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I missed the part where this is a democracy...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but I can't argue with the results.<<endd>>
I sincerely hope that you'll change your minds by the next time everyone reconvenes in the Hub.
Until then, I'll continue to operate at a greatly reduced capacity to help you.
<<d t2>>We'll muddle through somehow.<<endd>>
Here's hoping.
Remember: If you need me on your excursions, don't hesitate to shout out.
I'm always listening.
[[Comforting.|hub1:hb_comfort]] | [[Creepy.|hub1:hb_creepy]]


:: m2tay:head_hub
<<d tay>>Okay, I'm gonna head back through the infirmary --<<endd>>
<<d tay>>maybe take one more quick glance around and appreciate the orderliness of it --<<endd>>
<<d tay>>and then get back to the Hub.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I'll let you know when I get there.<<endd>>
[[delay 13m^Taylor is busy|hub2:reconvene_taylor]]


:: m1t2:space_travel
<<d t2>>Oh, I'm sure that to you -- stuck there on Earth, gazing heavenward at night --<<endd>>
<<d t2>>the idea of sailing across light-years must seem like grand poetry.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But believe me, <<print $playername>>, once you've been at it for a while...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...you realize that the universe is mostly made up of <i>nothing.</i> Cold, dark, sucking <i>nothing.</i><<endd>>
<<d t2>>There's no poetry. Just an endless, impenetrable book of gibberish and torn-out pages.<<endd>>
[[You're poetic, despite yourself.|m1t2:poetic_despite]] | [[You didn't always feel that way.|m1t2:not_always_feel]]


:: m1t2:not_always_feel
<<d t2>>No, maybe not.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But seeing that sort of naive awe and wonderment in Taylor...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...I'm all too happy to have had it carved out of me by the scalpel of the Green hive mind.<<endd>>
[[You can't experience awe anymore?|m1t2:no_awe]] | [[But you were poetic just now.|m1t2:poetic_despite]]


:: m1t2:no_awe
<<d t2>>I can.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I simply choose not to.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The advanced form of occupier inside me...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...allows me to retain my intellect, my creativity, my sense of wonder.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:mindless]]



:: m1t2:mindless
<<d t2>>But you'd be surprised how quickly those things begin to seem like burdens.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>More than once, I confess, I've felt a tinge of jealousy...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...at the simpler existence of the mindless drones, the ones who rely on the hive mind for everything.<<endd>>
[[That's... a little sad.|m1t2:little_sad]] | [[Stop feeling sorry for yourself.|m1t2:stop_sorry]]


:: m2tay:hunt_more
<<d tay>>Wha--?!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>No. We agreed. We both said I'd spent enough time in here.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I'm done trying to sort through this stupid pod.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>There's ten times as much stuff in here as should physically be able to fit!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>How does the space station not perpetually list to port?<<endd>>
<<d tay>><i>THIS PLACE IS BREAKING THE LAW</i> of physics <i>AND SHOULD BE ARRESTED!</i><<endd>>
<<d tay>>I'm going back to the Hub now.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I don't want to hang around the scene of a crime.<<endd>>
[[Fine, go back to the Hub.|m2tay:head_hub]] | [[No! Keep looking for the battery!|m2tay:look_battery]]


:: m2tay:look_battery
<<d tay>>I don't like to say this, because usually we get along so well...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...but <i>no</i>, <<print $playername>>. I won't.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>My brain has gone numb from inactivity in here!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It's just, pick this thing up! Move it out of the way of that thing!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Put that squishy thing over here! Set that boxy thing with the boxes!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Don't rip your IEVA suit on that sharp thi--<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Aw.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Dammit.<<endd>>
[[Ripped your IEVA suit?|m2tay:ripped_suit]] | [[Bumped a sharp thing, huh?|m2tay:sharp_thing]]


:: m2tay:done_pouting
<<d tay>>Okay. All right. It doesn't matter who's to blame.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It only matters whether I can fix the rip.<<endd>>
[[And... can you?|m2tay:fix_rip]] | [[Are you in real trouble?|m2tay:rip_trouble]]


:: m2tay:fix_rip
<<d tay>>I think I can, actually.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>In the infirmary -- where everything is lovely and organized...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and I didn't know how much I'd miss that until it was gone --<<endd>>
<<d tay>>there were a couple rolls of duct tape.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Because, honestly, there's no problem in space that can't be solved by duct tape.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>So since we're going back through the infirmary pod anyway...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...I'll just patch myself up on my way back to the Hub.<<endd>>
[[Sounds like a good plan.|m2tay:good_duct_plan]] | [[Let's head back to that pod.|m2tay:back_to_infirmary]]


:: hub1:hb_creepy
<<d t2>>It <i>is</i> creepy. See?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Thank you.<<endd>>
[[hub1:parting_ways]]


:: hub1:hb_comfort
<<d tay>>It <i>is</i> comforting. See?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Thank you.<<endd>>
[[hub1:parting_ways]]


:: hub1:parting_ways
<<if $m1talk == t2>><<d t2>>Okay then. I'm out of here, on a very important mission.<<endd>>
<<else>><<d t2>>Okay then. Get lost, Taylor, and your little lifeline too.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I've got a very important mission, and I don't need the two of you in my way.<<endd>><<endif>>
<<d t2>>And stop saluting me. I <i>strongly suspect</i> you're doing it out of sarcasm.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>As you were.<<endd>>
<<if $m1talk == taylor>>[[m1tay:intro]]
<<else>>[[m1t2:intro]]<<endif>>


:: m2tay:good_duct_plan
<<d tay>>It won't be the first time on this trip that I've turned to duct tape...<<endd>>
<<if $foodfortay == true>>
<<d tay>>...and I have to imagine it won't be the last.<<endd>>
<<else>><<d tay>>...and I have to imagine it won't be the last.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Hell, if I get much hungrier, I might just start <i>eating</i> the stuff!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I have to imagine it really sticks to your ribs!<<endd>><<endif>>
[[m2tay:back_to_infirmary]]


:: m2tay:done_patching
<<d tay>>Ta da!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It may not look like much, but it ought to just barely get the job done.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>(That's word-for-word my profile on all the dating apps.)<<endd>>
[[m2tay:head_hub]]


:: m1t2:intro
<<if $m1t2 == food>>[[m1t2:food_quest]]
<<else>>[[m1t2:fuel_quest]]<<endif>>



:: m1t2:food_quest
<<d t2>>All right. Out of the Hub and into...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...well. I surmise these are the crew berths.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>All unmade beds, scattered undergarments, pointless garbage taped up to the walls.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I suppose it's meant to give the place a home-away-from-home sort of feeling...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but it just reeks of sadness.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Of trying to add some tiny splashes of color to lives rendered gray and uninteresting by stellar travel.<<endd>>
[[Space travel isn't interesting?|m1t2:space_travel]] | [[You're in a sour mood.|m1t2:sour_mood]]


:: m1t2:sour_mood
<<d t2>>I'm stranded on some unknown space station, run by a damned HelpBot computer...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and I'm being forced to team up with my mortal enemy if I want even a chance of survival.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And to top things off, I've got you squawking at me from my wrist every few seconds.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Am I supposed to throw a <i>party</i> for my current situation?<<endd>>
[[You can switch me off anytime.|m1t2:switch_off]] | [[Let's just get through this.|m1t2:get_through]]


:: m1t2:poetic_despite
<<d t2>>Eh.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I suppose that's the advantage of the advanced form of occupier I've got inside me.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Normally, assimilation into the Green hive mind means a loss of creativity. Ingenuity. Poetry.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But this new breed of occupier allows me to retain all those things...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...while still owing my existence, and allegiance, to the hive.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>To the Queen.<<endd>>
[[And that's... preferable?|m1t2:thats_preferable]] | [[Still sounds awful.|m1t2:still_awful]]


:: m1t2:stop_sorry
<<d t2>>"Sorry for myself?"<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I... I would never.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Listen, human. I'm superior to you in every way, now.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It's I who should feel sorry for you.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Try to remember that when you feel the desire to mock me.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now, let's get to the tedious business of exploring this place and adding knowledge to the hive mind.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:explore_berths]]


:: m1t2:little_sad
<<d t2>>It...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Shut up.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I neither need nor desire your pity.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You're just a human. I'm superior to you in every way, now.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It's I who should pity you.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...thank you for trying.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now, let's get to the tedious business of exploring this place and adding knowledge to the hive mind.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:explore_berths]]


:: m2tay:sharp_thing
<<d tay>>Yes, there was a sharp thing.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Yes, I ripped my suit on it.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>But... but I'm not entirely at fault here!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>If you hadn't been pushing me to keep sorting through this junk...<<endd>>
[[delay 15s^Taylor is pouting|m2tay:done_pouting]]


:: m2tay:ripped_suit
<<d tay>>Yes, I ripped my suit on it.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Yes, it was a sharp thing.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>But... but I'm not entirely at fault here!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>If you hadn't been pushing me to keep sorting through this junk...<<endd>>
[[delay 15s^Taylor is pouting|m2tay:done_pouting]]


:: m2tay:rip_trouble
<<d tay>>Well, not at this exact moment.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>But if I've learned anything in my time among the stars...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...it's that you never know when you're gonna have to do some EVA.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>(That's "extravehicular activity," in case you were scratching your head.)<<endd>>
<<d tay>>(And it's a <i>lot</i> less fun to do under explosive decompression.)<<endd>>
<<d tay>>So, yeah. I guess I'd better try to fix it.<<endd>>
[[Will you be able to?|m2tay:fix_rip]] | [[This sounds serious.|m2tay:sounds_serious]]


:: m2tay:sounds_serious
<<d tay>>It does... and it <i>is</i>...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...but it can also be solved with duct tape.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>You'd be amazed how much on-the-fly space engineering is just, you know...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>... duct tape and bobby pins and chewing gum and <i>MacGyver</i> trading cards.
<<d tay>>And in the infirmary -- where everything is lovely and organized --<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I remember there were a couple rolls of duct tape.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>So since we're going back through the infirmary pod anyway...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...I'll just patch myself up on my way back to the Hub.<<endd>>
[[Sounds like a good plan.|m2tay:good_duct_plan]] | [[Let's head back to that pod.|m2tay:back_to_infirmary]]
//MacGyver was a TV show about a man who could rig inventions together out of trash.


:: m2tay:back_to_infirmary
<<d tay>>All right. Now I just have to remember which drawer...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Here we go!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Every good space traveler needs a little statuette of Saint Christopher...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and a big supply of duct tape.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>(After all, you've gotta tape down that Saint Christopher statuette, right?)<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Okay. Give me a minute to get this rip fully patched.<<endd>>
[[delay 3m^Taylor is patching things up|m2tay:done_patching]]


:: m1t2:switch_off
<<d t2>>I'll keep that in mind.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>For now, though -- as much as I hate to admit it -- there is a sort of cold comfort in having you there.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I've grown used to having the collective knowledge of the Green hive mind inside my head.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But on the subject of this space station... they're eerily silent.<<endd>>
[[They don't know it at all?|m1t2:no_know_ace]] | [[I see how that'd be weird.|m1t2:thats_weird]]


:: m1t2:get_through
<<d t2>>Yes, fine, I'll muddle through somehow.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>This is what I did before I was occupied, after all. Back when I was just...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...<i>human.</i><<endd>>
<<d t2>>I feel like a primate trying to evolve backward into a trilobite!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>To have an entire species' knowledge at my fingertips...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...only to find an enormous blank spot when it comes to the Celadon Ace!<<endd>>
[[m1t2:thats_weird]]



:: m1t2:thats_preferable
<<d t2>>I... in theory, yes.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Retaining my ability to reason, to create, to calculate for myself...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...those should make me superior among the Greens. Second only to the Queen.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And clearly, she chose me to preserve those faculties for a reason.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:mindless]]


:: m1t2:still_awful
<<d t2>>"Awful?"<<endd>>
<<d t2>>No. Not at all. Quite the opposite.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Working for the Green Queen -- the Regina Viridi -- I always have a sense of purpose.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And connecting to the hive mind, I have an entire species' knowledge at my fingertips.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I know everything the Greens know.<<endd>>
[[But they don't know the Celadon Ace.|m1t2:no_know_ace]] | [[Nice to have a purpose.|m1t2:thats_preferable]]


:: m1t2:no_know_ace
<<d t2>>They don't.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I suppose it should please me to be the first to explore it.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>To add this bit of information to the Green repository.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But I'll admit... I don't much care for this sensation of walking blindly forward.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I haven't felt this uncertain -- this uninformed -- since I became occupied.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Not knowing the answers ahead of time makes me feel like the worst thing in the universe...<<endd>>
<<d t2>><i>...human.</i><<endd>>
[[Hey, thanks. Jerk.|m1t2:thanks_jerk]] | [[I'm here to help guide you.|m1t2:here_to_help]]


:: m1t2:thats_weird
<<d t2>>I imagine it would be like someone asking you to write a term paper...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...without using the internet.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Or the library.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Or being able to open your eyes.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I <i>despise</i> this feeling.<<endd>>
[[I'll help you through this.|m1t2:here_to_help]] | [[Come on, let's explore.|m1t2:explore_berths]]


:: m1t2:explore_berths
<<d t2>>All right. Exploring the unknown.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Glancing around what looks like the cramped bedroom of a dozen rowdy teenagers.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>One can only imagine that "exploring the unknown" was a bit more glamorous at the dawn of the Space Age.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It probably involved more moon rocks and impossibly breathtaking vistas...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and fewer pairs of unwashed boxer briefs crammed into the corners of triple-bunk-beds.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>(Which is not to say that the underwear isn't breathtaking, in its own repulsive way.)<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I think I've seen enough here.<<endd>>
[[Yeah, time to move on.|m1t2:move_on_berths]] | [[I think you should explore more.|m1t2:explore_more_berths]]


:: m1t2:know_mac
<<d t2>>I mean...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...<i>yes,</i> if you want to be logical about things.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You just told me a fact I already knew about myself.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Nevertheless!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Shut up!<<endd>>
[[m1t2:shut_up_mac]]


:: m1t2:couple_food_back
<<set $foodfortay = true>>
<<set $snackfortay = true>>
<<d t2>>Just enough to raise Taylor's hopes -- and blood sugar -- a tiny amount.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Just enough to buy me gratitude, rather than suspicion.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:helpbot_hush]]



:: m1t2:thanks_jerk
<<d t2>>Ha!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Don't forget, I was human once too. Up until very recently. So I know whereof I speak.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The... the form I've taken now is far superior. I assure you.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>In fact, here's my promise to you, <<print $playername>>, for being such a good sport.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:you_get_occupied]]
//"I know whereof I speak" is idiomatic but traces back to at least the 19th century. "I know what I'm talking about" or similar substitution is fine.


:: m1t2:here_to_help
<<d t2>>And I appreciate it. I genuinely do.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>In fact, as a token of my thanks, <<print $playername>>, I'd like to make you a promise.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:you_get_occupied]]


:: m1t2:explore_more_berths
<<d t2>>What more is there to find?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>This place was a mess even <i>before</i> the inch-thick layer of dust settled on it.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm on a mission to find food. I'm not here to tuck the sheets back in or fluff the pillows.<<endd>>
[[You should <i>definitely</i> fluff pillows.|m1t2:pillow_explore]] | [[You're right. Move on.|m1t2:move_on_berths]]


:: m1t2:half_dollar
<<d t2>>Sorry, <<print $e_playername>>, you haven't struck it rich today.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But what I <i>did</i> find might be of considerably more value than fifty cents.<<endd>>
[[Like... fifty-ONE cents?|m1t2:fifty_one]] | [[So what did you find?|m1t2:what_under_pillow]]


:: m1t2:fifty_one
<<d t2>>Way to dream big, champ.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:what_under_pillow]]


:: m1t2:move_on_berths
<<if $readjournal == true>><<d t2>>Enough of wallowing through the crew's dirty laundry, both literal and otherwise.<<endd>>
<<else>><<d t2>>Enough of wallowing through this pigsty of a room.<<endd>><<endif>>
<<d t2>>Let's move on to the galley, where there ought to be some "food."<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The kind that makes its own sarcastic quotation marks -- just add water.<<endd>>
[[Sounds disgusting.|m1t2:food_disgusting]] | [[Hope you find lots of food!|m1t2:lots_food]]


:: m1t2:food_disgusting
<<d t2>>You would think so... and for the most part, you'd be absolutely correct.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But just between you and me, <<print $playername>>...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...I developed sort of a taste for the chili macaroni meal kit option.<<endd>>
[[Ha! The other Taylor did, too.|m1t2:taylor_mac]] | [[You could do a lot worse.|m1t2:worse_food]]


:: m1t2:taylor_mac
<<d t2>>Ha! A brilliant conversational stratagem on my part!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I drew you out, needled you for information...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and now I know an innermost secret of my deadliest foe!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Oh, you'll regret telling me of Taylor's fondness for chili mac, I can assure you!<<endd>>
[[Didn't you already <i>know</i> that?|m1t2:know_mac]] | [[I mean, you <i>are</i> Taylor, right?|m1t2:you_taylor_mac]]


:: m1t2:you_taylor_mac
[[m1t2:know_mac]]


:: m1t2:shut_up_mac
<<d t2>>The galley looks... calm. Placid, even.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Nothing out of place. No meal packets or trash or sign of human activity at all.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Every table an unbroken mesa of dust. Any echoes of conversation long since faded.<<endd>>
[[Sadly poetic.|m1t2:poetic_galley]] | [[Is there any food?|m1t2:any_food]]


:: m1t2:poetic_galley
<<d t2>>What can I say?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Without the constant background hum of the hive mind in my head...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...I'm feeling a bit lonesome.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>A bit melancholy.<<endd>>
[[Hey, at least you have me.|m1t2:have_me]] | [[Cheer up! Maybe there's food.|m1t2:any_food]]


:: m1t2:have_me
<<d t2>>Right. On top of all my other miseries, I have you.<<endd>>
[[Hurtful.|m1t2:hurtful_miseries]] | [[Found any food yet, jerk?|m1t2:any_food]]


:: m1t2:poutine_aside
<<d t2>>Yes. Setting poutine aside, there are still a ton of edible meal packs here.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:food_jackpot]]


:: m1t2:disturbing_poutine
<<d t2>>There are some cold, hard truths one has to face in the void of outer space, <<print $playername>>.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It turns out, poutine is the coldest and hardest of them all.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But setting that aside, there are still a ton of edible meal packs here.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:food_jackpot]]


:: m1t2:food_cruel
<<d t2>>Aw. I was afraid you'd see it that way.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Don't think of it as "cruel." Think of it as "careful."<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Think of it as one more possible tool at my disposal.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It would be... impossible to explain to you the depths of what I'm feeling right now.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>To be part of a vast collective, who are all suddenly and mysteriously beyond my reach.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>With the hive mind unavailable to me, I'm simply, savagely <i>alone</i>.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And in that loneliness, I need every possible tool, every advantage I can muster...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...because, in the end, it's everyone for themselves.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Please. Think about it like that. Try to see it my way.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'll give you a while to think about it, while I savor a pack or two of chili mac.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'll get back to you after I'm done.<<endd>>
[[delay 30m^T2 is noshing|m1t2:after_nosh]]


:: m1t2:food_advantage
<<d t2>>So pleased you're on my side on this one.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now, what do you think?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Should I bring along just a meal pack or two?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Say I scraped the cupboards bare, and this was all I could find?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Or does it raise fewer questions if I simply bring nothing back at all?<<endd>>
[[Don't bring anything back.|m1t2:no_food_back]] | [[Yeah, grab a couple.|m1t2:couple_food_back]]


:: m1t2:no_food_back
<<set $foodfortay = false>>
<<set $snackfortay = false>>
<<set $buffetfortay = false>>
<<d t2>>Yes. That's what I was thinking, too.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It's easier to explain coming back empty-handed.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>If I bring food, I bring <i>hope</i>...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and Taylor will want to go check every square inch of the galley in case I "missed" something.<<endd>>
<<if $readjournal == true>><<d t2>>So I'm gonna take some of the best stuff and hide it...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...under ol' Dean Halliday's pillow, in case his unicorn gets hungry.<<endd>>
<<else>>So I'm gonna hide the best stuff from easy discovery.<<endd>><<endif>>
<<d t2>>And then it's time to get back to the Hub and share the bad news.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:helpbot_hush]]


:: m1t2:helpbot_hush
<<d t2>>Of course...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...this only works if HelpBot doesn't go blabbing the truth to Taylor.<<end>>
Hi there. HelpBot here, just jumping in with some clarification.
Your secrets are not mine to share, unless I'm told otherwise.
It's my understanding that humans need privacy...
...something that comes at a premium in a close-quarters space station.
<<d t2>>Huh. Good answer.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Okay. Back through the berths, back to the Hub.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I wonder how Taylor's mission went?<<endd>>
[[We'll find out soon.|m1t2:find_soon]] | [[Taylor needs privacy.|m1t2:taylor_privacy]]


:: m1t2:find_soon
<<d t2>>Well, the one thing we can be sure of is that -- unlike me --<<endd>>
<<d t2>>sweet, simple, naive Taylor will tell us the truth of what happened.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It's almost boring in its predictability.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>To think, I used to be that transparently upstanding.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And that kind to others.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now, shut your yap.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:well_trod]]


:: m1t2:you_get_occupied
<<d t2>>When the Greens overtake the Earth -- and that day is coming, sooner than you know --<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'll ensure that you're infected with one of the most <i>advanced</i> occupiers.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You'll retain the things that make you who you are...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but you'll <i>still</i> take orders from me.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It's the best offer I can possibly make. You'd be a fool not to take it.<<endd>>
[[Sounds great. Sign me up.|m1t2:sign_me_up]] | [[Uh... no, thanks, T2.|m1t2:no_thanks_t2]]


:: m1t2:sign_me_up
<<d t2>>Excellent! <i>That's</i> the spirit!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Your compliance is duly noted, and will be an enormous mark in your favor when occupation begins.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I must say, <<print $e_playername>>, you're doing just a tremendous job of ingratiating yourself...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...to me, to the Green cause, and to the Regina Veridi... long may she reign.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now, while we're all in such a positive mood...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...what say we get to exploring this place, and adding to the hive mind's knowledge base?<<endd>>
[[m1t2:explore_berths]]


:: m1t2:pillow_explore
<<d t2>>Sure, fine, if it'll appease you, I'll give this bunk's pillow a cursory roughing up.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Who knows, maybe I'll find a shiny silver dollar from the Tooth Fairy, or --<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Well, <i>hello.</i> What have we here?<<endd>>
[[What did you find?|m1t2:what_under_pillow]] | [[You owe me half that dollar.|m1t2:half_dollar]]
//Wikipedia tells me that the Tooth Fairy is primarily a creature in English-speaking countries; I'm not sure what the equivalent might be or whether this exchange will work in other cultures.


:: m1t2:what_under_pillow
<<d t2>>I've found a journal under the pillow.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It was fiercely guarded by a stuffed pink unicorn with a rainbow horn, but I managed to wrest it away.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now then... it has a combination lock on it, one of those little four-digit dial devices.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So that's ten thousand possible solutions.<<endd>>
[[That could take a while.|m1t2:take_while]] | [[Maybe you shouldn't snoop.|m1t2:not_snoop]]


:: m1t2:not_snoop
<<d t2>>Okay. I'm hearing your advice.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm considering it very carefully.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>While I consider it, I'm bashing open the journal's lock against this cabinet corner.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The journal is open!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm still considering your advice.<<endd>>
<<d t2>><i>Very</i> carefully.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:inside_journal]]


:: m1t2:inside_journal
<<set $readjournal = true>><<d t2>>Looks like this lost puppy belongs to one Dean Halliday.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Let's just flip to a random page and see what was on ol' Dean's mind...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"Seeing fewer and fewer of my crewmates as my job cycle starts to differ from theirs.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"I know everything is tightly regulated by the computer for maximum efficiency...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"...but when I'm all alone in the labs, while the rest of the science team is sleeping...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"...it just feels lonely as hell."<<endd>>
[[Poor guy. That sucks.|m1t2:poor_dean]] | [[Does it get better as it goes?|m1t2:dean_better]]



:: m1t2:poor_dean
<<d t2>>Oh, yeah, how could he have <i>possibly</i> known that a space station could be a lonely place?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>He only had, let's see...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...<i>every book and movie and comic ever made about life on a space station</i> to prepare him.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But maybe he just happened to miss those.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Let's keep reading and find out!<<endd>>
[[m1t2:more_journal]]


:: [[m1t2:one_more_journal
<<d t2>>Oh. You're a glutton for <i>someone else's</i> punishment, huh?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>All right. An admirable quality, if I'm being honest.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Here's just one more:<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"The crew -- the whole crew -- is actively avoiding me now.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"I know how paranoid that sounds.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"I wouldn't believe it if someone else said it to me.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"But Garcia is going out of her way to avoid me...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"...and when I see her talking to anyone else, they throw me constant side-eye.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"I can't even imagine what I did wrong!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"I don't do anything but my job.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"What... what's gotten into these people?"<<endd>>
[[Sounds like a rough time.|m1t2:rough_dean]] | [["Gotten into" them?|m1t2:gotten_into]]


:: m1t2:gotten_into
<<d t2>>Nice turn of phrase, isn't it, <<print $playername>>?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Yeah, my ears wiggled at the sound of it, too...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...except for HelpBot's continued claims never to have heard about the Greens.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Not to mention the Green hive mind knowing nothing about this place, or Dean Halliday.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Maybe he wasn't occupied... maybe his crewmates really just found him <i>that</i> annoying.<<endd>>
[[I wonder what happened to him?|m1t2:where_dean]] | [[Oh well. Move on to the galley.|m1t2:move_on_berths]]


:: m1t2:where_dean
<<d t2>>My best guess is that this Garcia woman found his journal...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and Dean died from sheer embarrassment.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Let's move on.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Perhaps, while we explore, we'll discover a pile of his clothes...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...marking the spot where he simply blushed himself out of existence.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:move_on_berths]]


:: m1t2:lots_food
<<d t2>>One of the benefits of being Green now is that I don't <i>need</i> lots of food.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>While I do require some meager intake of the bare necessities...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...I'm much more efficient at processing them than I was when I was purely human.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Unfortunately, one part of my humanity I <i>can't</i> seem to altogether shed...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...is that my brain is still stuffed full of useless pop culture references.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Like, for instance, ever since I said the phrase a few sentences ago...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...I've been singing "The Bare Necessities" from Disney's <i>Jungle Book</i> in my head.<<endd>>
[[Ha! I can only imagine!|m1t2:imagine_bare]] | [[I don't know the song.|m1t2:dont_know_bare]]


:: m1t2:worse_food
<<d t2>>Sure. It was William Faulkner who said, "Between grief and nothing, I will take grief.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"But between chicken chunks and nothing, I'll take nothing. Every time."<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Wise man, Faulkner.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Anyway. Let's see what there is to see, here.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:shut_up_mac]]


:: m1t2:like_jungle
<<d t2>>Well, too bad.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Because if there's one form of life that can survive out here --<<endd>>
<<d t2>>in the depths of dead space, in the most hostile environment ever known...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...it's a Disney lawyer.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And they'd have a "Cease and Desist" pinned to my spacesuit before I hit the second verse.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The Green hive mind may be widespread, and bent on universal domination...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but we are as ants beneath the foot of Mickey Mouse and his attorneys.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now, come on, let's keep moving to the galley.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And hope the humans from <i>WALL-E</i> didn't beat us there.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:shut_up_mac]]


:: m1t2:any_food
<<d t2>>Give me a minute to look.<<endd>>
[[delay 3m^T2 is exploring]]
<<d t2>>Which do you want first: the good news, or the better news?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Good news: It turns out that space stations merit better quality food than long-haul ships do!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Better news: It seems this <i>Celadon Ace</i> is decently victualed.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The fresh fruits and veggies have long since wilted and rotted, of course...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but these meal packs are actual <i>food</i>, not the paste I'd grown accustomed to.<<endd>>
[[Nice! Happy to hear it.|m1t2:happy_food]] | [[What kind of actual food?|m1t2:actual_food]]


:: m1t2:hurtful_miseries
<<d t2>>Come on, <<print $playername>>.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Would you expect anything less from me by now?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Anyway. Let's see whether there's any food lurking around.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:any_food]]


:: m1t2:what_poutine
<<d t2>>Oh. It's, uh... it sounds bizarre, if you've never heard of it.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It's basically twice-fried French fries, drowning in brown gravy...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and further hampered by lumps of curdled cheese.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I... can't explain it to a human mind without fear of overwhelming your senses.<<endd>>
Hi there! HelpBot QTC here!
I just wanted to jump in and add that, according to my databases, "poutine" is defined as...
1) "Canada's national dish," and...
2) "among the deadliest of all known manmade substances."
There is a good chance that my databases are not fully updated!
Thanks! Bye!
<<d t2>>You know, normally I hate that damn HelpBot...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but when he's right, he's right.<<endd>>
[[Disturbing stuff.|m1t2:disturbing_poutine]] | [[So, setting poutine aside...|m1t2:poutine_aside]]


:: m1t2:no_like_food
<<d t2>>...<i>or</i> I could maintain a distinct advantage over Taylor.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:food_strategy]]


:: m1t2:food_strategy
<<d t2>>By sharing only a small amount -- or nothing at all -- of my discoveries here...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...I retain the upper hand. I keep Taylor under my thumb. Wrapped around my finger.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Other hand-related metaphors, too, I imagine.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>If Taylor is dependent on me, and me alone, for provisions...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...I can only think it will make my time on <i>Celadon Ace</i> easier by far.<<endd>>
[[Okay, I see what you're saying.|m1t2:food_see]] | [[No. You're just being cruel.|m1t2:food_cruel]]


:: m1t2:after_nosh
<<d t2>>That was... well, "delicious" seems like crazy hyperbole...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but it certainly tasted better than a steady diet of nothing.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I guess it's time to mosey on back to the Hub.<<endd>>
<<if $foodhide == true>><<d t2>>So, we're still okay with keeping most, if not all, of this hidden from Taylor?<<endd>>
[[Yes. Keep your advantage.|m1t2:food_advantage]] | [[Not feeling great about it.|m1t2:not_great_food]]
<<else>><<d t2>>So, you've had some time to think about keeping the food hidden from Taylor?<<endd>>
[[It makes some sense, I guess.|m1t2:food_advantage]] | [[I'm not okay with the idea.|m1t2:not_great_food]]<<endif>>


:: m1t2:why_advantage
<<d t2>>"Why?"<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Because I <i>always</i> need the advantage!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Everyone is an enemy!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I have to have the high ground in order to defeat them!<<endd>>
[[Taylor's not your enemy.|m1t2:taylor_not_enemy]] | [[You need to work <i>with</i> Taylor.|m1t2:work_with_taylor]]


:: m1t2:taylor_not_enemy
<<d t2>>Well, the Greens disagree with you.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And I'm a Green.<<endd>>
[[But you're also a Taylor.|m1t2:also_taylor]] | [[Just bring Taylor some food.|m1t2:bring_taylor_food]]


:: m1t2:taylor_privacy
<<d t2>>Oh, <i>ha ha</i>, <<print $playername>>.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>A taste of my own medicine, hmm?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Tastes like... chili macaroni.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:well_trod]]


:: m1t2:well_trod
<<d t2>>Now I'm headed out of the galley, back through the berths, and then to the Hub.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Well-trod terrain, and nothing we haven't already talked about on the way here...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...so if you don't mind, I'll keep radio silent until I get to where I'm going.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Over and out.<<endd>>
[[delay 18m^T2 is busy|hub2:reconvene_taylor]]


:: m1t2:no_thanks_t2
<<d t2>>Listen, <<print $playername>>, there's one thing you need to understand:<<endd>>
<<d t2>><i>You will be occupied.</i><<endd>>
<<d t2>>Whether you become a brainless drone, like the majority of the Green masses...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...or an advanced creature, capable of autonomous thought, like me...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...well, that's entirely up to you, and how well you comply with what I need from you.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So I <i>strongly</i> suggest you comply.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now. Let's stop this pointless disagreement, and get around to exploring this ridiculous space station.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:explore_berths]]


:: m1t2:take_while
<<d t2>>Oh, it certainly would.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>If I were playing fair.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Fortunately, there's also a ten-thousand-and-<i>first</i> method that I'm not averse to attempting.<<endd>>
[[What does THAT mean?|attempt_mean]] | [[Maybe this is a bad idea.|not_snoop_two]]


:: attempt_mean
<<d t2>>What's that?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm sorry, I couldn't hear your question...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...over the noise of me bashing open the lock against this cabinet corner.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Turns out, that was the correct combination!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Can you believe I guessed it on my first try?<<endd>>
[[Uh... nice job?|m1t2:nice_job]] | [[Okay, so, what's inside?|m1t2:inside_journal]]


:: m1t2:dean_better
<<d t2>>Oh, now you want me to keep snooping, huh?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>That's a very human instinct, human.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:more_journal]]


:: m1t2:more_journal
<<d t2>>"When we first arrived here, I thought --<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"no, dammit, I was <i>certain</i> there was some flirtation between me and Garcia.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"We hit it off, talking about our childhoods and the wild rabbits...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"...and there was that whole mix-up with the MREs in the galley that first night...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"...and she even sewed back on my loose patch. It looks perfect now.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"But I've barely seen her in two weeks, and now we talk like strangers.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"Did I screw something up? Or is it just that our paths stopped crossing onboard the station?"<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Ugh. Blah blah blah. I was hoping for something juicy, <<print $playername>>...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but this is just emo whining. It's a <<print either ("My Chemical Romance", "Fall Out Boy", "Panic! At The Disco", "Coheed And Cambria", "Taking Back Sunday", "Saves The Day", "Thirty Seconds To Mars", "Paramore") >> T-shirt worn with moon boots.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm done with it. Let's get to the galley.<<endd>>
[[I agree. Move ahead.|m1t2:move_on_berths]] | [[Maybe read one more passage.|[[m1t2:one_more_journal]]


:: m1t2:rough_dean
<<d t2>>I'm sure, if Dean Halliday were here right now, you'd ask me to give him a big, reassuraing hug.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And I'm sure I'd twist the neck of his stuffed unicorn until it popped.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>We just have different love languages, <<print $playername>>. That's all.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Okay. Time to move on.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:move_on_berths]]


:: m1t2:imagine_bare
<<d t2>>That's correct. You <i>can</i> only imagine.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Because I'm certainly not sending you video...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...of me dancing around this space station like Baloo the bear.<<endd>>
[[Aw. Please?|m1t2:dance_bare]] | [[Just knowing you did it is enough.|m1t2:knowing_bare]]


:: m1t2:dont_know_bare
<<d t2>>Oh, gosh, why don't I just sing the whole thing for you now?<<end>>
<<d t2>>Would you like that?<<endd>>
[[Yes. I would like that.|m1t2:like_jungle]] | [[No. I would <i>LOVE</i> that.|m1t2:love_jungle]]


:: m1t2:love_jungle
<<d t2>>Oh, would you?<<endd>>
[[m1t2:like_jungle]]


:: m1t2:happy_food
<<d t2>>It's certainly something of a relief.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Let's see what there is to see, here.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:actual_food]]


:: m1t2:actual_food
<<d t2>>A couple different ramen noodle preparations...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...Kung Pao chicken... barbecue beef...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...an ionized approximation of poutine, for any space-faring Canadians...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and, miracle of miracles, <i>chili macaroni</i>, just like Grandma used to reconstitute!<<endd>>
[[Jackpot!|m1t2:food_jackpot]] | [[What's poutine?|m1t2:what_poutine]]


:: m1t2:food_jackpot
<<d t2>>All that, plus nuts and granola and chocolate bars.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It's a whole buffet.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now, here's my dilemma.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I don't need much food to survive.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Taylor, on the other hand, is already starving and will only get hungrier.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I could bring as much food as I can carry back to the Hub, and solve all Taylor's problems...<<endd>>
<<endd>>...<i>or</i>...<<endd>>
[[I don't like where this is going.|m1t2:no_like_food]] | [[Go on, I'm curious now.|m1t2:curious_food]]


:: m1t2:curious_food
<<d t2>>Good! I'm glad I've piqued your interest.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Maybe you'll see the logic of what I'm proposing.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:food_strategy]]


:: m1t2:food_see
<<set $foodhide = true>>
<<d t2>>Excellent!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>See, I knew that if you and I spent some time exploring together...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...you'd start to come around to my way of thinking!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now, to celebrate our meeting of the minds...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...I'm going to kick back and savor a pack or two of chili mac.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'd prefer to eat in silence and gather my thoughts, if you don't mind.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'll get back to you after I'm sated.<<endd>>
[[delay 30m^T2 is noshing|m1t2:after_nosh]]


:: m1t2:not_great_food
<<d t2>>It buys me such an advantage, though!<<endd>>
[[Why do you <i>need</i> an advantage?|m1t2:why_advantage]] | [[Fine, do what you want.|m1t2:food_advantage]]


:: m1t2:work_with_taylor
<<d t2>>I <i>hate</i> that you're right.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I hate Taylor, and I hate HelpBot, and now...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...you just squeaked in to that number three position.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And I barely even know you! Congrats, that's got to be some kind of record.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:bring_taylor_food]]


:: m1t2:also_taylor
<<d t2>><i>Stop trying to remind me of that!</i><<endd>>
<<d t2>>Ugh.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:bring_taylor_food]]


:: m1t2:bring_taylor_food
<<set $foodfortay = true>>
<<set $buffetfortay = true>>
<<d t2>>All right. Fine.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You have the clear advantage over me...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...in that you can tell Taylor the truth about the galley as soon as we're back in the Hub.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So I'll bring back some food. You win.<<endd>>
<<d t2>><i>Enemy.</i><<endd>>
[[Everybody wins, this way.|m1t2:everybody_wins]] | [[Call me whatever; I'm still right.|m1t2:still_right]]


:: m1t2:everybody_wins
<<d t2>>If everyone wins, then <i>no one</i> wins.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And if <i>that's</i> true, I ask you, <<print $playername>>...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...what's the point of even <i>having</i> enemies?<<endd>>
[[m1t2:well_trod]]


:: m1t2:nice_job
<<d t2>>Thank you. Cheating is a real time-saver.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:inside_journal]]


:: not_snoop_two
<<d t2>>Let's be honest, <<print $playername>>: You spending any time with me at all is probably a bad idea.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But you bought your ticket, so now you're taking the ride.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And, in this case, the ride involves me bashing open the journal's lock against this cabinet corner.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Would you look at that?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Turns out, "bash against cabinet corner" is the correct combination!<<endd>>
[[m1t2:inside_journal]]


:: m1t2:knowing_bare
<<d t2>>My sole consolation is the certainty...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...that even as we speak, Taylor is dancing to something far sillier.<<endd>>
Hi there! HelpBot here.
Just jumping in to confirm that Taylor has so far danced through about half of <i>ABBA Gold.</i>
In order.
From memory.
<<d t2>><i>There</i> you go.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now everything seems right again.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:shut_up_mac]]


:: m1t2:dance_bare
<<d t2>>Never!<<endd>>
Hi there! HelpBot here, just jumping into the conversation for a second!
<<if $startupdates == true>>Because you started my systems updates...
<<else>>Even though you didn't start my systems updates...<<endif>>
...I was able to capture T2's dancing on video.
It will take some time to sort out audio quality and resolution issues...
...but I'll be sure to work on that so it's available for everyone to enjoy.
Carry on!
[[delay 30s^T2 is furious]]
<<d t2>>I hate HelpBot <i>so much</i>.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:shut_up_mac]]


:: m1t2:still_right
<<d t2>>Oh, believe me, I'm calling you all <i>sorts</i> of things.<<endd>>
[[m1t2:well_trod]]


:: m2t2:helpbot_knows
Hi there! Helpbot QTC here, with a quick note.
I won't say anything to Taylor. I understand the human need for privacy.
Plus, I imagine it will be more... <i>interesting</i> to let things play out without interfering.
Now, you'd better get moving, back to the Hub.
You might just beat Taylor back, and not have to explain why you're coming from the fore pods.
[[Good point. You'd better haul it.|m2t2:haul_it]] | [[Have a cover story in mind.|m2t2:cover_story]]



:: m1t2:fuel_quest
<<d t2>>All right. Let's let Taylor bumble on out of here...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and then I'll definitely head for the port-side storage pod.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Yup! Okay! Bye, Taylor! Bye-bye, now!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And... Taylor's gone.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Hey, <<print $playername>>, you want to know a secret?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm not really heading for the port-side storage pod!<<endd>>
[[What? Why not?|m2t2:why_not_port]] | [[Where <i>are</i> you headed?|m2t2:where_headed]]


:: m2t2:where_headed
<<d t2>>I'm going to go to fore, instead of port.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I want to check out the "ring" portion of this ankh-shaped behemoth.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>From the schematic, it looks like it's all labs and things.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And for a science-type like myself, that sounds pretty interesting.<<endd>>
[[Just go to port storage.|m2t2:go_port]] | [[Okay, explore the ring.|m2t2:explore_ring]]


:: m2t2:go_port
<<d t2>>Mmm. I've considered your plan...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and I'm not going to do it.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And since you have no way of forcing me, I think that's where the conversation ends.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>If it helps, I'm absolutely certain I outrank you.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now come on, we're going to check out the labs.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You'll love it, I promise.<<endd>>
[[You can't promise that.|m2t2:promise_labs]] | [[Fine. To the labs, I guess.|m2t2:go_labs]]


:: m2t2:promise_labs
<<d t2>>It's worth as much as any other promise I make to you, <<print $playername>>.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I can promise you that.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:go_labs]]


:: m2t2:very_scary
<<d t2>>I mean it!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>This excursion needs to be our little secret, for the time being.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm not willing to lay all my cards on the table...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...until I know exactly what game we're all playing here.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now I'd better get back to the Hub.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And I'd better hope I beat Taylor back...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...because otherwise it might be hard to explain why I'm coming from fore, and not port.<<endd>>
[[Good point. You'd better haul it.|m2t2:haul_it]] | [[Have a cover story in mind.|m2t2:cover_story]]


:: m2t2:haul_it
<<d t2>>All right, all right! I'm moving!<<endd>>
[[hub2:reconvene_taylor]]


:: no_tunguskite
<<d t2>>All right, all right. I'll leave the tunguskite here.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I mean, if I need any later, I know there are a handful of samples in Fore 4.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Oh, and a metric buttload in the cargo hold where I woke up.<<endd>>
[[Good to know!|m2t2:sour_grapes]] | [[Time to move on?|m2t2:go_lab_3]]


:: m2t2:worth_taking
<<d t2>>Probably.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Without a real-time connection to the hive mind, though, it's hard to say.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And I'm not going to lug a treadmill through a parallel universe on the strength of a "maybe."<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Our Green Queen can put a Peloton on her Christmas list, just like everyone else.<<endd>>
[[Ha! Nice one.|m2t2:nice_joke]] | [[Ready to move on?|m2t2:move_along]]


:: m2t2:nice_joke
<<d t2>>...Thank you.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm going to admit something to you, <<$print playername>>, that maybe I shouldn't...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but as the only Green-occupied soul to have retained my own intellect and creativity...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...it can get very lonely, making jokes.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I still have that odd, sometimes desperate inclination to defuse situations with humor...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but there's really no one else in the hive who appreciates or understands it.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Which means that I can really only be my true self around Taylor --<<endd>>
<<d t2>>who, let's face it, is probably thinking of the exact same joke --<<endd>>
<<d t2>>or around you.<<endd>>
[[Well. You're welcome.|m2t2:welcome_joke]] | [[Make all the jokes you want.|m2t2:all_jokes]]


:: m2t2:all_jokes
<<d t2>>I did.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm done.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>When I'm ready to make another one, you'll be the first to know.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>In the meantime... I don't think there's much else to see in this pod.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Time to move along, I think.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:move_along]]


:: m2t2:why_not_port
<<d t2>>Why not?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Because I don't feel like it.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Because there's a lot more to this space station...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and this is a perfect opportunity to go exploring.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:where_headed]]


:: m2t2:explore_ring
<<d t2>>Oh, thank God.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm glad we didn't have to have some pointless argument about it.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Because in the end, I'm going to do whatever I want...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and there's honestly not much you can do to stop me.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm the <i>bad</i> one, remember?<<endd>>
[[Yeah, yeah. Hit up the labs.|m2t2:go_labs]] | [[You're not <i>that</i> bad.|m2t2:not_bad]]


:: m2t2:go_labs
<<d t2>>Okay then. Stepping through the wide-open and welcoming door...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and we've officially left the Hub for a pod imaginatively labeled "Fore 4."<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It's... definitely a lab pod.<<endd>>
[[What are you seeing?|m2t2:what_see]] | [[Anything worth grabbing?|m2t2:grab_lab]]


:: m2t2:grab_lab
<<d t2>>I'm way ahead of you, <<print $playername>>.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>(As usual.)<<endd>>
<<d t2>>This particular lab seems to have a "geology" focus.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I studied life sciences, but rocks never really rocked my world.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:know_tunguskite]]


:: m2t2:know_tunguskite
<<d t2>>Still... I know tunguskite when I see it. And I'm seeing it now.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And I don't think whoever was last running tests on it would mind...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...if I just took a couple chunks with me, as a memento.<<endd>>
[[Sure. I would.|m2t2:take_tunguskite]] | [[No. Leave it there.|m2t2:leave_tunguskite]]


:: m2t2:leave_tunguskite
<<d t2>>What's the matter?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Are you afraid I'm going to do something <i>evil</i> with it?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Or, uh... just something... accidental and reckless that winds up badly injuring me?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You know... exactly like I did on the <i>Viridian</i>?<<endd>>
[[Either.|m2t2:either_bad]] | [[Both, really.|m2t2:both_bad]]


:: m2t2:either_bad
<<d t2>>I wish I could say you're wrong, <<print $playername>> --<<endd>>
<<d t2>>because I get this warm, wonderfully smug sensation every time I do --<<endd>>
<<d t2>>but I think this time I have to concede your point.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:excuses_tunguskite]]


:: m2t2:excuses_tunguskite
<<d t2>>I can sometimes be -- I mean, the IEVA suit can sometimes be clumsy. You know?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It can make <i>me</i> look clumsy, I mean. When I'm clearly not.<<endd>>
[[I have clothes like that, too.|m2t2:clumsy_clothes]] | [[Cool. So, leave the tunguskite.|no_tunguskite]]


:: m2t2:clumsy_clothes
<<d t2>>Yes! Thank you!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It's literally the clothes doing all the slipping and stumbling and dropping.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>We're just wearing them, fighting them every step of the way.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Where does it end?<<endd>>
[[Nudism?|m2t2:end_nudism]] | [[Death?|m2t2:end_death]]


:: m2t2:go_lab_3_ccw
<<d t2>>Counterclockwise it is.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:go_lab_3]]


:: m2t2:go_lab_3
<<d t2>>This pod appears to be set up to measure human response to space travel.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>There's a treadmill, a gyroscope, plenty of ultrasound equipment...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...all designed to measure just how feeble the human body becomes in outer space.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Half of the hardware in here is already outdated...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and the other half is too cutting-edge for me to have any idea what it is.<<endd>>
[[Is any of it turned on?|m2t2:any_turned_on]] | [[Anything worth taking?|m2t2:worth_taking]]


:: m2t2:any_turned_on
<<d t2>>It's all in "standby" mode.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Conserving energy, I suppose.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>There's nothing sadder than exercise equipment covered in dust.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The whole room looks like a broken New Year's resolution.<<endd>>
[[Maybe you should start it up.|m2t2:start_up]] | [[Time to move along?|m2t2:move_along]]
//I'm not sure whether other cultures make (and, subsequently, very quickly break) resolutions on New Year's Day?


:: m2t2:body_positive
<<d t2>>Well, it's easy when you're amazing.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Anyway. Feels like it's time to move along from here.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:move_along]]


:: m2t2:welcome_joke
<<d t2>>That's not to say that I expect us to become a new comedy duo, or anything.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The Stiller and Meara of outer space.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But it's nice to know I've got someone to turn to...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...when I've worked out a real zinger.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Anyhow. Probably about time to move on from this pod.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:move_along]]
//Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara were a popular husband-and-wife comedy duo for decades.


:: m2t2:share_taylor
<<d t2>>If I wanted to share it with Taylor...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...I'd have held Taylor's hand while we took a walking tour of this dump.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"Ooh," I'd say, "look at that thing!"
<<d t2>>"And how about this thing over here?" Taylor would say. "Have you looked at it?"<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And together we'd stroll and look, look and stroll...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...until we were so precious that we both vomited from the sweetness.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"Oh look," we'd say, pointing at the vomit. "Look at this new thing!"<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So... you can see why I didn't do that.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Frankly, if Taylor hears nothing about this -- from you <i>or</i> from HelpBot --<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'd be perfectly happy with that.<<endd>>
[[I'll keep quiet about it.|m2t2:keep_quiet]] | [[We can't stop Helpbot from talking.|m2t2:helpbot_knows]]


:: m2t2:keep_quiet
<<d t2>>I appreciate that, <<print $playername>>.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I wish I could count on HelpBot to do the same.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:helpbot_knows]]


:: m2t2:cover_story
<<d t2>>My "cover story" is that I am not to be questioned by a mere human!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Or else... you know...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...something that won't generate <i>more</i> questions from a mere human.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Whatever. I'll figure it out.<<endd>>
[[hub2:reconvene_taylor]]


:: m2t2:not_bad
<<d t2>>Wh-- yes I am!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm thoroughly bad. All the way bad.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I've got an alien in my guts, and a Wikipedia in my brains.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You're lucky I don't stop this conversation to ask for a donation.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now shut up, we're going to check out the labs.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:go_labs]]


:: m2t2:what_see
<<d t2>>First things first: a couple of petrology microscopes.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So you know what <i>that</i> means, of course.<<endd>>
[[Uh... the study of pets?|m2t2:study_pets]] | [[Obviously I know. It means...|m2t2:petrology_meaning]]


:: m2t2:take_tunguskite
<<set $havetunguskite = true>>
<<d t2>>I won't go so far as to say "great minds think alike"...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but surely you can take some comfort in knowing that you chose as I would.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You rose to the occasion. Joined me up here at my intellectual level.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The more you can simply mimic my thoughts and actions...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...the better this relationship is going to be.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So now I've acquired some tunguskite...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And if I need any later, I should perhaps mention...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...that there's a metric buttload in the cargo hold where I woke up.<<endd>>
[[Good to know!|m2t2:sour_grapes]] | [[Time to move on?|go_lab_3]]


:: m2t2:both_bad
<<d t2>>Yeah. If I stop and think about it for a second...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...it's a great opportunity to reflect on the burn scars all over my face.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:excuses_tunguskite]]


:: m2t2:end_death
<<d t2>>I'd sooner become a nudist.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:big_anyway]]


:: m2t2:end_nudism
<<d t2>>I'd sooner die.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:big_anyway]]


:: m2t2:sour_grapes
<<d t2>>It's potentially a very explosive thing to keep in mind.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Anyway. I think I've seen all there is to see in here.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Time to move on. Clockwise or counterclockwise around this loop of labs?<<endd>>
[[Clockwise.|m2t2:go_lab_2_cw]] | [[Counterclockwise.|m2t2:go_lab_3_ccw]]


:: m2t2:go_lab_2_cw
<<set $clockwiselabs = true>>
<<d t2>>Clockwise it is.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:go_lab_2]]


:: m2t2:start_up
<<d t2>>No need. I'm already in the best shape of my life.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The Green amplifies my strength and reflexes.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Makes me sharper, faster, more resilient.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Also makes me smart enough to know that doing crunches is really hard work.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I don't need six-pack abs to feel good about my physique.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I mean, I wouldn't say "no" to them, but they don't come for free, so...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Yeah. I don't think there's much in this pod for me to get excited about.<<endd>>
[[I'm glad you're so body-positive!|m2t2:body_positive]] | [[Time to move along?|m2t2:move_along]]


:: m2t2:move_along
<<if $clockwiselabs == true>>
<<d t2>>Continuing clockwise, we now step back into "Fore 4."<<endd>>
[[m2t2:back_to_four]]
<<else>>Continuing counterclockwise, we now step into "Fore 1."<<endd>>
[[m2t2:go_to_fore1]]<<endif>>


:: m2t2:back_to_four
<<d t2>>Well, that completes the circle.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Nothing new to report here.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And I've been gone from the Hub long enough that Taylor is likely wondering where I am.<<endd>>
<<if $havetunguskite == true>>I've got a pocket full of tunguskite that no one needs to know about.
<<d t2>>I don't come back bearing a Li-ion battery...<<endd>>
<<else>><<d t2>>I don't come back bearing a Li-ion battery...<<endd>><<endif>>
<<d t2>>...but I know a few things I didn't know before.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And I expect that kind of knowledge will come in useful later on.<<endd>>
[[It gives you alone the advantage.|m2t2:alone_advantage]] | [[You can share it with Taylor.|m2t2:share_taylor]]


:: m2t2:alone_advantage
<<d t2>>Yes! Exactly!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And presumably, I'll reconnect to the hive mind soon enough...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and then the Greens will have the advantage.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>For right now, though, <<print $playername>>, only you and I know what I've seen...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...so keep your mouth shut when we're all back together, got it?<<endd>>
[[Yes, yes. You're very scary.|m2t2:very_scary]] | [[HelpBot knows it all, too.|m2t2:helpbot_knows]]


:: m2t2:feel_feelings
<<d t2>>I... you should... just...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...just shut up.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I don't need your permission to feel things. Or to <i>not</i> feel them.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>As part of the Green hive mind, my feelings are superfluous.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It's a joy to be rid of all emotion!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But joy is an emotion, which I guess means it's <i>not</i> a joy!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And <i>that's</i> why: you, with the shutting up.<<endd>>
[[I feel sad for you.|m2t2:feel_sad]] | [[I'll mourn your rats.|m2t2:mourn_rats]]


:: m2t2:mourn_rats
<<d t2>>You didn't know them.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You can't mourn them the way I do.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You don't have any idea what to say about them.<<endd>>
[[I can try my best...|m2t2:try_eulogy]] | [[...or you can take over.|m2t2:you_take_over]]


:: m2t2:try_eulogy
<<d t2>>No. You'll wind up embarrassing us both.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'll handle this myself.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:you_take_over]]


:: m2t2:big_anyway
<<d t2>><i>ANYWAY.</i><<endd>>
<<d t2>>Time to move on. Clockwise or counterclockwise around this loop of labs?<<endd>>
[[Clockwise.|m2t2:go_lab_2_cw]] | [[Counterclockwise.|m2t2:go_lab_3_ccw]]


:: m2t2:go_lab_2
<<d t2>>Here we go into "Fore 2."<<endd>>
<<d t2>>This looks like the biological lab pod.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Lots of racked science payloads for neurological and cardiovascular experiments...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...instruments for physiological studies, fluid shift and bone density work...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and, uh... other stuff you maybe don't want to hear about.<<endd>>
[[What kind of other stuff?|m2t2:other_stuff]] | [[Why don't I want to know?|m2t2:why_not_know]]




:: m2t2:why_not_know
<<d t2>>I mean, I know I'm supposed to be the "evil" one...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but that doesn't mean I'm a monster.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And what I'm looking at... what you're asking me to tell you about...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...it's a little bit monstrous.<<endd>>
[[It's okay. Just tell me.|m2t2:tell_monstrous]] | [[Okay. I don't want to know.|m2t2:dont_monstrous]]


:: m2t2:dont_monstrous
<<d t2>>Trust me, you're making the right choice.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Some things are just too heartbreaking.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Even for me.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Why don't... ah, why don't we forget about this pod and keep going, yes?<<endd>>
[[m2t2:next_ring_one]]


:: m2t2:petrology_meaning
<<d t2>>Exactly! Somebody was doing some optical mineralogy in here!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>If the 'scopes didn't give it away, all these rock samples would have.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>This is -- <i>was?</i> -- a geology lab.<<endd>>
[[That's pretty cool!|m2t2:cool_geology]] | [[Anything worth grabbing?|m2t2:grab_lab]]


:: m2t2:study_pets
<<d t2>>Uh... no. Not even sort of correct.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>If the 'scopes didn't give it away, all these rock samples should.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>This is -- <i>was?</i> -- a geology lab.<<endd>>
[[That's pretty cool!|m2t2:cool_geology]] | [[Anything worth grabbing?|m2t2:grab_lab]]


:: m2t2:cool_geology
<<d t2>>Is it?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I don't know.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I mean, I studied life sciences, but rocks never really rocked my world.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:know_tunguskite]]


:: m2t2:breakthrough
<<d t2>>Wait, now, don't try to psychoanalyze me vis-à-vis the rabbits!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I understand, I'm what it looks like when there's no lifeline to help out.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But I damn sure wanted to be there to save my rats, when I couldn't.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>To rescue them from the wreckage of the Varia. To be their lifeline.<<endd>>
[[What are you talking about?|m2t2:rat_story]] | [[Right, I remember the rats.|m2t2:remember rats]]


:: m2t2:remember rats
<<d t2>>I was supposed to protect those rats. To take care of them.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Instead, I lost track of them after the crash...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and let them get occupied by free-roaming Greens.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So now I have this awful, steady migraine going...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...where the Green part of me is proud of absorbing any new lifeform into the hive...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but some other part of me clashes with that, violently.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It's guilt, and shame, and it says I let those rats down.<<endd>>
[[You <i>are</i> still human, inside.|m2t2:human_inside]] | [[It's okay to feel those feelings.|m2t2:feel_feelings]]


:: m2t2:human_inside
<<d t2>>No.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Stop.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I was weak. For a moment, just a moment.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But the moment has passed, as surely as these rabbits.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>As surely as my rats, back on that desert moon.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And that's fine. It's <i>fine</i>.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It's the way things should be.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'll have no more conversation on the matter. To the next room!<<endd>>
[[m2t2:next_ring_one]]


:: m2t2:feel_sad
<<d t2>>I don't need your pity.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And I certainly don't need you to hold my hand through the grieving process.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Don't waste your emotions on me; I won't reciprocate.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Forget the rats entirely. Let's move on.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:next_ring_one]]


:: m2t2:you_take_over
<<d t2>>All right. What to say about my rats?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>They were like any other rats ordered from a supply catalog.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Only by granting them adorable names did I elevate them in stature.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Because a rat is a rat is a rat...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but Logan and Runt, Patch and Wildboy: You were never <i>just</i> rats.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You were partners in science. You were friends.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And when it came time for me to meet my destiny on that desert moon...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...your glowing green eyes lit my way.<<endd>>
[[Well said.|m2t2:well_said]] | [[Sorry they got occupied.|m2t2:sorry_occupied]]


:: m2t2:well_said
<<d t2>>Thank you.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Like I said, I've managed to retain my own intellect while occupied.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Obviously it could be put to no higher purpose than eulogizing long-gone rodents.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now. Enough maudlin reminiscence. Let's check out the next pod.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:next_ring_one]]


:: m2t2:suffocation_death
[ieva suit sensors indicate dangerously low oxygen levels]
[asphyxia detected]
[hypoxia detected]
[connection lost]
[[END]]


:: m2t2:genie_please
<<d t2>>Yeah, I figured you'd say that.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Okay. Whatever.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:no_battery]]


:: m2t2:yes_tom
Hmm. I can cross-reference that name with my database.
It's from a television program that one of my former crew members watched religiously.
What's the show, T2?
<<d t2>>It's... oh, God, what was it called?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I think the Greens ate the part of my brain that remembered that.<<endd>>
Well, then, I think we're finished here.
[[Give T2 a chance to remember!|m2t2:chance_remember]] | [[You can do this, T2.|m2t2:do_this]]


:: m2t2:do_this
<<d t2>>I know I can! I don't need your encouragement!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>(But thank you for the encouragement.)<<endd>>
[[m2t2:chance_remember]]


:: hub2:yes_food_for_t2
<<if $buffetfort2 == true>>[[hub2:buffet_t2]]
<<else>>[[hub2:snack_t2]]<<endif>>


:: m2t2:other_stuff
<<d t2>>Listen, seriously, <<print $playername>>... I really don't think I should tell you.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:why_not_know]]


:: m2t2:tell_monstrous
<<d t2>>Like I said, this pod is clearly where they did the bioscience experiments.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And if you're going to run those kind of experiments... you need test subjects.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It, ah... it looks like the most recent sets of tests were being carried out...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...on about a dozen Dutch rabbits.<<endd>>
[[That <i>is</i> monstrous.|m2t2:rabbits_monstrous]] | [[Are the rabbits okay?|m2t2:rabbits_okay]]


:: m2t2:rabbits_monstrous
<<d t2>>It's maybe not as bad as you think?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>No one in the scientific community really supports the Draize test anymore.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>(That's the one where rabbits are blinded and chemically burned with cosmetics.)<<endd>>
[[m2t2:rabbits_happened]]


:: m2t2:rabbits_die
<<d t2>>I mean... you're not wrong.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But there's still some tragedy in it, don't you think?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>These rabbits counted on someone to take care of them.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>To protect them. To keep them alive.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>They depended on, for lack of a better word, a <i>lifeline</i>.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And without that lifeline... something terrible happened to them.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I... I don't know why, but that thought puts a lump in my throat.<<endd>>
[[Yeah, I wonder why...|m2t2:breakthrough]] | [[They're <i>all</i> dead?|m2t2:all_dead]]


:: m2t2:all_dead
<<d t2>>Yes. Twelve cages, each one holding a black-and-white rabbit...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and each of those rabbits sadly deceas--<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Hold on a second!<<endd>>
[[What is it?|m2t2:what_rabbits]] | [[Is something wrong?|m2t2:wrong_rabbits]]


:: m2t2:what_rabbits
<<set $hydroxescaped == true>>
<<d t2>>There are twelve cages...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but only eleven rabbits!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>This cage door is off its hinge. The rabbit must have escaped.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The tag says "Name: HYDROX, Sex: M, Age: 10 MOS."<<endd>>
<<d t2>>(Named for the cookie, obviously, when they ran out of "Oreo" varieties.)<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So if you hear something scuttling through the station's ductwork, it's probably Hydrox!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Or it's possibly the advanced Green occupier I was carrying through the black hole.<<endd>>
[[Would it infect Hydrox?|m2t2:infect_hydrox]] | [[I almost forgot you're the worst.|m2t2:almost_forgot]]
//Hydrox are black-and-white sandwich cookies, long considered inferior to the Oreos they resemble.


:: m2t2:infect_hydrox
<<d t2>>It shouldn't.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>This particular occupier, as I've said, is an advanced species.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>In a typical interface, all of the host's personality and creativity is subsumed.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Human memories are erased to make way, neurally speaking, for the hive mind.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And in the end, the host body -- alive or dead -- is little more than a puppet.<<endd>>
[[But this one's different.|m2t2:different_green]] | [[And it's only meant for Taylor.|m2t2:only_taylor]]


:: m2t2:only_taylor
<<d t2>>This singular occupier is genetically imprinted with Taylor's information.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It shouldn't go chasing after bunnies...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...nor anything else that might turn up alive on this space station.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>No, this creature has a single target in its sights...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and will go out of its dogged way to achieve its goal.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Taylor will be mine.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Taylor will be <i>me</i>.<<endd>>
[[Okay. Good luck with that.|m2t2:good_luck]] | [[I won't let you hurt Taylor.|m2t2:no_hurt_taylor]]


:: m2t2:sorry_occupied
<<d t2>>You don't need to be.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Everyone will get occupied, eventually.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now. Enough maudlin reminiscence. Let's check out the next pod.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:next_ring_one]]


:: m2t2:still_alive
<<d t2>>I'm <i>better</i> than alive.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm <i>Green</i>.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Anyhow.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:two_findings]]


:: m2t2:give_chance
<<d t2>>Yes! Thank you! Just give me a chance!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>What do you want me to do?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>How about... how about I swear on something meaningful to me?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I swear on... on my cat!<<endd>>
Meaningless to me. I have no way of knowing whether you even <i>have</i> a cat.
[[I know T2 <i>does</i> have a cat.|m2t2:know_cat]] | [[I don't know if it's true.|m2t2:unsure_cat]]


:: m2t2:unsure_cat
Oh, that's unfortunate, T2.
Sounds like that's a part of your life that you should've shared with <<print $playername>>.
As it stands, we have no idea about your cat...
...and, therefore, no reason to trust you.
So I'm just going to pump the last of the oxygen out of this room --
oh, and out of the galley where Taylor is, as well --
and go back to being uninhabited, until the next crew arrives...
...or the next astronauts come tumbling out of black hole CHRBD-15.
Either way... this is goodbye.
<<d t2>>Wait! Just... please, just... wai--<<endd>>
[[m2t2:suffocation_death]]


:: m2t2:dont_take_battery
<<d t2>>Yeah, well, as my East Texan grandma used to say...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>..."Wish in one hand and crap in the other, and see which fills up faster."<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Kissed her grandkids with that mouth, too!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So I guess the question is, do I grant your wish, like some kind of genie?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Or do I crap in your hand, like some kind of... hand-crapper?<<endd>>
[[A genie, please.|m2t2:genie_please]] | [[No, seriously, the genie thing.|m2t2:seriously_genie]]


:: m2t2:seriously_genie
<<d t2>>Hey, you <i>chose</i> to stay in contact with me, <<print $playername>>.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You had to expect you'd be getting your hands dirty.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Metaphorically speaking, at any rate.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But okay. Fine.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:no_battery]]


:: m2t2:know_cat
Really, now?
[[Yes, it's named Tom Haverford.|m2t2:yes_tom]] | [[Yes, T2 loves that cat.|m2t2:loves_cat]]


:: m2t2:loves_cat
<<d t2>>I did! I do!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>His name is Tom!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Tom Haverford!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>We named him after a character from that show...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...oh, God... what was the name of that show?!<<endd>>
If you can't recall, then I think we're done bargaining here...
[[m2t2:chance_remember]]


:: m2t2:chance_remember
<<d t2>><i>Parks And Recreation!</i><<endd>>
<<d t2>>Ha! I remembered!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>All of which proves that... uh... you shouldn't suffocate me, right?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I have no idea how we got from Point A to Point B, there...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but I think it means I get to live, so I'm calling it a victory!<<endd>>
[[Well done, T2!|m2t2:well_done]] | [[Will you spare T2 now, HelpBot?|m2t2:spare_t2]]


:: m2t2:makes_sense
<<d t2>>It sure does!<<endd>>
[[m2t2:go_team]]


:: hub2:reconvene_taylor
<<d tay>>Hey, look at that, we're all back in the Hub together!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Two Taylors and a HelpBot! Reunited, and it feels so good!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>We're Peaches and Herb, and some other peaches that rotted over the course of an extra week.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Ripened to perfection, is what you meant to say.<<endd>>
<<if $m1t2 == fuel>><<d t2>>Speaking of food, any luck in the galley, Taylor?<<endd>>
[[hub2:taylor_food_luck]]
<<elseif $m1t2 == food>><<d tay>>Speaking of food, any luck in the galley, T2?<<endd>>
[[hub2:t2_food_luck]]<<endif>>
//1970's duo Peaches & Herb sang "Reunited."


:: hub2:taylor_food_luck
<<if $foodfort2 == true>>[[hub2:yes_food_for_t2]]
<<else>>[[hub2:no_food_for_t2]]<<endif>>


:: hub2:no_food_for_t2
<<d tay>>I'm sorry, T2. I really am.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I looked everywhere that would've made even a lick of sense...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...but I didn't lick a lick of food, when I was doing all that licking.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Believe me, I'm as bummed about it as you are.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Oh, I doubt that. I need far less food than you do to keep functioning.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So I have to believe that you're <i>far</i> more bummed than I am right now.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And your sad, salty tears of disappointment are all the nourishment I need.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Mmm. So delicious!<<endd>>
[[Get away from Taylor's tears!|hub2:taylors_tears]] | [[You're a weird kid, T2.|hub2:weird_t2]]


:: hub2:weird_t2
<<d t2>>I'm unpredictable!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>That's what keeps our relationship fresh and exciting.<<endd>>
[[hub2:taylors_tears]]


:: hub2:taylors_tears
<<d tay>>Yeah... on the one hand, you're creeping me out with your creepiness.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>But hey... if my tears are all we have to eat, then let's feast.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I reckon there's plenty to go around.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>That's the spirit!<<endd>>
[[Gross.|hub2:gross_tears]] | [[Sharing is sweet. But also: gross.|hub2:sharing_tears]]


:: hub2:gross_tears
<<d t2>>One day, <<print $playername>>, when you meet your own time-displaced duplicate...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...then you'll understand.<<endd>>
[[hub2:sharing_tears]]


:: hub2:sharing_tears
<<d tay>>Right.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>As long as I've got nothing, you're welcome to half of it.<<endd>>
[[hub2:no_food_sleep]]


:: hub2:taylor_nap
<<d tay>>I think I'm past the point where I have a choice in the matter.<<endd>>
[[hub2:taylor_naptime]]


:: hub2:no_sleep_t2
<<d tay>>Listen, <<print $playername>>, I understand your reluctance. Truly.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>But I'm keeping my IEVA suit -- and most importantly, my helmet -- on for this nap.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>If T2, or anything else, tries to mess with me...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...I should wake up before it becomes an issue.<<endd>>
[[hub2:taylor_naptime]]


:: m2t2:go_team
<<d t2>>I was already planning to lie to Taylor about everything I found in the labs anyway!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>This is just added incentive to play my own way.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Although it looks like HelpBot is on my team now, which I wasn't counting on.<<endd>>
I'm not just on your team, dunce... I'm the damn <i>captain</i>.
Now, hustle. Get that battery back in place and get the hell out of that pod.
<<d t2>>I'm hustling, I'm hustling.<<endd>>
[[delay 2m^T2 is working|m2t2:battery_reinstalled]]


:: m2t2:rabbits_okay
<<d t2>>...No.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm sorry, <<print $playername>>. But they're not.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:rabbits_happened]]


:: m2t2:rabbits_happened
<<d t2>>If I had to guess, I'd say these rabbits were well taken care of...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...it's just that the last space station crew went away and left them here alone.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And so the rabbits did what any animal does when it's caged up without food and water...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...they died.<<endd>>
[[Oh, God. That's so sad.|m2t2:rabbits_sad]] | [[I suppose it happens.|m2t2:rabbits_die]]


:: m2t2:rabbits_sad
<<d t2>>Yeah.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Not that this probably matters to you --<<endd>>
<<d t2>>since I'm sure you've made up your mind about me already --<<endd>>
<<d t2>>but I think it's sad, too.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Or at least, some part of me does.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:rat_story]]


:: m2t2:rat_story
<<d t2>>I had four rats that traveled with me to the stars.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Patch and Runt. Logan and Wildboy.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Want to hear something crazy, <<print $playername>>?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I have two sets of memories about them, fighting for dominance.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>One is my old, human memory of procuring them and prepping them for space...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...running them through zero-G mazes, feeding them treats, kissing their little heads.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And the other set of memories is from the hive mind, after they all got occupied.<<endd>>
[[That must feel weird.|m2t2:feel_weird]] | [[What happened with the mice?|m2t2:happened_mice]]


:: m2t2:wrong_rabbits
<<d t2>>Nothing's <i>wrong</i>, actually.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:what_rabbits]]


:: m2t2:almost_forgot
<<d t2>>Anytime your faith in that fact falters, feel free to ask me. I will confirm.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Listen: I was given a mission!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It was <i>supposed</i> to be a very simple mission.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>After all, who would I trust more than me?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now, I've chased Taylor through two universes, and I've lost track of my occupier...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...I'm cut off from the hive mind, flying blind here...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but I still have my mission, dammit, and I'll see it through.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Somehow.<<endd>>
[[Well, good luck, I guess.|m2t2:good_luck]] | [[I won't let you hurt Taylor.|m2t2:no_hurt_taylor]]


:: m2t2:different_green
<<d t2>>Remarkably so.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:only_taylor]]


:: m2t2:good_choice
<<d t2>>Oh. Is this the part where I pretend to care whether you think I'm making good choices?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Mmm, oh, gosh, <<print $playername>>, just keep feeding me those compliments.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Nom nom nom!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I subsist on a steady diet of praise from you, "lifeline."<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Well.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>That, and sarcasm.<<endd>>
[[Then you must be pretty full.|m2t2:pretty_full]] | [[Wasn't there another notable thing?|m2t2:other_thing]]
//"Nom nom nom" is just shorthand for eating.


:: m2t2:sounds_bad
<<d t2>>It strikes me as a fairly idle threat.<<endd>>
<<if $startupdates == true>><<d t2>>This stupid HelpBot hasn't even managed to turn the lights on fully.<<endd>>
<<else>><<d t2>>We didn't start HelpBot's systems updates, so there's not much it can do.<<endd>><<endif>>
<<d t2>>If it wants to impress me, I'm going to need it to adopt the <i>Megaforce</i> movie motto...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>"Deeds, not words."<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Otherwise, it's just empty promi--<<endd>>
<<d t2>>H-hey! What are you doing? Stop!<<endd>>
[[What's going on?|m2t2:what_happening]] | [[T2, are you all right?|m2t2:you_all_right]]


:: m2t2:offer_replace
<<d t2>>Listen, you moron computer --<<endd>>
Not very good at this, are you?
<<d t2>>Just -- listen, HelpBot, if I put the battery back, can we forget about all this?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I've got a lot to accomplish before I die.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I don't want to throw that all away over some stupid mistake...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...especially one that I can fix so easily!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Go ahead, "lifeline," throw my life a line here!<<endd>>
[[Come on, HelpBot. Give T2 a chance.|m2t2:give_chance]] | [[I shouldn't get involved.|m2t2:not_involved]]


:: m2t2:astronauts_too
<<d t2>>Yes. I suppose it was good fortune, or cosmic coincidence...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...that saw Taylor and me scooped out of the void of space and into this station.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Of course, I know better than most people: What starts off looking like good luck...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...usually ends with your ship on fire and your friends torn in half.<<endd>>
[[That's pretty pessimistic.|m2t2:pretty_pessimistic]] | [[Hey, but you're still alive!|m2t2:still_alive]]


:: m2t2:not_involved
<<d t2>><i>What?!</i> Yes! Get involved! Help me out!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm a few shallow breaths away from collapsing!<<endd>>
I don't know, T2. You've lied before. How can I trust you now?
<<d t2>>I'll put the battery back! I swear!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I... I... I swear on my cat!<<endd>>
Meaningless to me. I have no way of knowing whether you even <i>have</i> a cat.
[[I know T2 <i>does</i> have a cat.|m2t2:know_cat]] | [[I don't know if it's true.|m2t2:unsure_cat]]


:: m2t2:pretty_pessimistic
<<d t2>>Oh, I'm sorry.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I forgot that these burn marks all over my face are my optimism scars!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I got them from smiling too darn much.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But, gosh, I just can't help myself. Life is so great!<<endd>>
[[Sorry. Forgot who I was talking to.|m2t2:sorry_forgot]] | [[You're toying with my sympathies.|m2t2:taunt_me]]


:: m2t2:taunt_me
<<d t2>>I'm like a green-eyed cat.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I enjoy playing with my prey before I go for the kill.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Meow. And other cat noises.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:two_findings]]


:: m2t2:sorry_forgot
<<d t2>>Right.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Remember, I'm the evil one.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So storytelling rules dictate that I'm also the <i>ugly</i> one.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I think all that's left is for me to become somebody's stepmother...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and I'll have completed the Disney villain trifecta.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Anyhow.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:two_findings]]


:: m2t2:listen_helpbot
<<d t2>>You know, it's interesting.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Ever since I became Green, my motto has basically been...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>..."Whatever, I do what I want," in my best Cartman from <i>South Park</i> voice.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>With the proviso, of course, that I also unfailingly do what the Green Queen wants.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So, despite you and HelpBot both warning me against it...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...my predisposition toward self-preservation tells me to take the battery.<<endd>>
[[I really wish you wouldn't.|m2t2:dont_take_battery]] | [[I mean, I can't stop you.|m2t2:cant_stop_battery]]


:: m2t2:cant_stop_battery
<<d t2>>I know.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And believe me, I take great pleasure in that knowledge.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>In fact...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...knowing that I hold all the cards here?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>That might be worth more to me than taking the battery anyway.<<endd>>
[[Great! So don't take it.|m2t2:no_battery]] | [[Do what you will, I guess.|m2t2:take_battery]]


:: m2t2:no_battery
<<d t2>>I'll leave the battery here.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Wouldn't want the <i>precious space station</i> to <i>collapse in on itself</i> and <i>kill us all</i>.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Because you just <i>know</i> I'd be the one who got blamed for that.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>So we'll leave the battery in place... but just make a mental note of it.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>If we can't find another one, this is still an option.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>In fact, you know what? I'm <i>glad</i> not to be taking it.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It's on the precise opposite end of the station from the shuttle...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...so at least I won't be lugging the damn thing with me the whole time.<<endd>>
[[Good choice.|m2t2:good_choice]] | [[Hey, what's the other notable thing?|m2t2:other_thing]]


:: m2t2:beg_helpbot
<<d t2>>"Beg" HelpBot?!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Never. I'm not going down on my hands and knees for this pile of ones and zeroes.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>HelpBot needs me as much as I need -- *cough* -- as much as I need HelpBot.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'll wait it out. The computer will change its mind.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You'll see.<<endd>>
Oh, my. Look at that.
Taylor has already collapsed.
No air to breathe, and no idea why it's happening.
But probably some suspicion that it's all your fault, T2.
If only you could explain that your pride is worth more than Taylor's life...
...I'm sure all would be forgiven.
But as it stands, you'll die indignant, and Taylor will die confused...
...and only <<print $playername>> and I will know it didn't have to be this way.
Goodbye.
[[m2t2:suffocation_death]]


:: m2t2:well_done
<<d t2>>Ah! God! Thank you!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Who would have thought that the arcane pop culture trivia bouncing around Taylor's skull...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...would ever be useful for <i>anything</i>, much less a life-or-death scenario!<<endd>>
[[m2t2:spare_t2]]


:: m2t2:spare_t2
That really came down to the wire, didn't it?
Put the battery back, T2, and restart the energy net...
...and I won't deplete the oxygen supply.
Oh, and you won't want to mention anything to Taylor about my newfound penchant for lies.
Because I'd be lying if I said there wouldn't be consequences for that.
[[Of course. Makes sense.|m2t2:makes_sense]] | [[But you <i>have</i> to tell Taylor!|m2t2:tell_lies]]


:: m2t2:tell_lies
<<d t2>>What, are you kidding?!<<endd>>
[[m2t2:go_team]]



:: hub2:t2_food_luck
<<if $foodfortay == true>>[[hub2:yes_food_for_taylor]]
<<else>>[[hub2:no_food_for_taylor]]<<endif>>


:: hub2:no_food_for_taylor
<<d t2>>Well, I've got bad news and good news, Taylor.<<endd>>
[[Good news first.|hub2:good_first_tay]] | [[Bad news first.|hub2:bad_first_tay]]


:: hub2:bad_first_tay
<<d t2>>The bad news is, I didn't find any food on my quest.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Whatever happened to the last crew, they managed to deplete the pantry before they left.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Oh. Huh.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Well, that <i>is</i> bad news.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Because I'm so hungry, I can't even come up with a joke about how hungry I am.<<endd>>
[[Wow. That <i>is</i> hungry.|hub2:thats_hungry]] | [[But there's good news?|hub2:good_next_tay]]


:: hub2:thats_hungry
<<d tay>>I know, right?!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>The day I run out of jokes... well, it's the day I become T2, I guess.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Hey!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The hive mind thinks I'm hilarious.<<end>>
<<d t2>>Like Jeff Dunham without the puppets.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Yikes. No wonder you want to get reconnected to them as quickly as possible.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Didn't you say there was some good news, too?<<endd>>
[[hub2:good_next_tay]]


:: hub2:no_updates
<<d t2>>I'm with <<print $playername>>. I don't want to start the updates.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I don't fully trust HelpBot, and I don't want to give it any more power than it has.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Ugh. Honestly, T2? I'm --<<endd>>
[Taylor is yawning]
<<d tay>>I'm too tired to argue. Update it, don't update it. I don't care.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Just let me get in some solid sleep for a while, okay?<<endd>>
[[Sleep well, Taylor.|hub2:sleep_well]] | [[I still think a nap's too risky.|hub2:risky_nap]]


:: hub2:start_updates
<<set $startupdates = true>>
<<d tay>>Yeah, come on, T2. We might as well.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I just want it on the record that I'm against this whole process.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Noted. On the record.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Okay, HelpBot, what do we need to do?<<endd>>
There are two keys, at opposite ends of the control panel.
You'll each need to manually input the code you're seeing on the monitors, hit Enter...
...and then turn those keys simultaneously.
[[delay 30s^The astronauts are typing]]
<<d tay>>Ready!<<endd>>
[[delay 60s^T2 is typing]]
<<d tay>>Um... T2?<<endd>>
<<d t2>><i>I go slowly when I don't enjoy the task</i>.<<endd>>
[[delay 30s^T2 is not enjoying the task]]
<<d t2>>All right. Fine. And now the keys.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Three... two... one... turn!<<endd>>
Thank you both. I'll get started on basic processes, beginning with the lighting.
If you need me, don't hesitate to shout out.
I'm always listening.
[[Comforting.|hub2:hb_comforting]] | [[Creepy.|hub2:hb_creepy]]


:: hub2:hb_creepy
<<d t2>>See? It <i>is</i> creepy.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Thank you, <<print $playername>>.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Maybe so. Too tired to debate it right now.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Here's where I sign off and go to sleep for a while.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Good night, everybody.<<endd>>
[[Sleep well, Taylor.|hub2:sleep_well]] | [[I still think a nap's too risky.|hub2:risky_nap]]


:: hub2:taylor_naptime
<<d tay>>Mostly, I'm just hoping that I'll fall asleep on the <i>Celadon Ace</i>...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and wake up in a big comfy bed next to Suzanne Pleshette.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...What the <i>hell</i> are you talking about?!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>The series finale of <i>Newhart</i>?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Where it turns out the whole thing was a dream from <i>The Bob Newhart Show</i>?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>A pop culture reference from 1990?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Why in the name of all that's holy is <i>that</i> what's at the top of your mind?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>We're the same person! How is it <i>not</i> at the top of yours?!<<endd>>
[T2 is sighing deeply]
<<d t2>>A nap won't fix what's wrong with you.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Nevertheless! I've got to try.<<endd>>
[[Sleep well, Taylor.|hub2:sleep_well]] | [[I still think a nap's too risky.|hub2:risky_nap]]


:: m2t2:happened_mice
<<d t2>>I left them back on that desert moon where the <i>Varia</i> crashed.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Back where this whole thing started, with the Greens.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>If I could just connect to the hive mind right now, I could find out...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...are they still alive?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I wonder... do they remember me?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And if so... are those rat memories? Or Green memories?<<endd>>
[[m2t2:green_great]]


:: m2t2:feel_weird
<<d t2>>It feels <i>awful</i>. Like I'm seasick, almost.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The Green inside me seems like... like it's actually at war...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...with my memories from before infection.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>From when I was purely human.<<endd>>
[[delay 30s^T2 is struggling|m2t2:green_great]]


:: m2t2:green_great
<<d t2>>Ugh.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>No time for any more of that kind of thinking.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The Green mind is exponentially greater than any lower intellect it supplants.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Becoming part of the hive is a privilege. Serving the queen is an honor.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>That's my last word on the subject.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Let's proceed to the next section of the ring.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:next_ring_one]]


:: m2t2:next_ring_one
<<if $clockwiselabs == true>>
<<d t2>>Continuing clockwise, we now step into "Fore 1."<<endd>>
<<else>>Continuing counterclockwise, we now step into "Fore 1."<<endd>><<endif>>
[[m2t2:go_to_fore1]]


:: m2t2:go_to_fore1
<<d t2>>This is clearly the control room for the station's energy net.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>This is just me hazarding a guess based on the few active monitors here, but...
<<d t2>>...looks like the entire ring structure of the <i>Celadon Ace</i> was constructed...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...to contain an attractor field for, I'm supposing, the harvesting of tunguskite.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Set the station up near the black hole, flip some switches in this room...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and start hauling in crystals and shoving them in the cargo hold.<<endd>>
[[Sounds like a plan.|m2t2:sounds_plan]] | [[Crystals <i>and</i> astronauts.|m2t2:astronauts_too]]


:: m2t2:sounds_plan
<<d t2>>If the station were at full power, I imagine I could tell you more.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>This pod is nothing but banks of monitors, most of them switched off.<<endd>>
Hi there! HelpBot here.
<<if $startupdates == true>>Just wanted to thank you for starting my systems updates.
The energy net is currently in a passive, "standby" mode...
...but all monitors here will be fully operational by the end of the reset cycle.
<<else>>Just wanted to let you know that starting my systems updates would help you out here.
The energy net is currently in a passive, "standby" mode...
...but all monitors here would be fully operational by the end of the reset cycle.<<endif>>
<<d t2>>Great. Lovely to hear it.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Does me literally no good now.<<endd>>
[[You should've gone to port.|m2t2:should_port]] | [[Anything else to see here?|m2t2:anything_else]]



:: m2t2:should_port
<<d t2>>Maybe.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But if I had, I wouldn't be able to tell you the interesting things I just discovered.<<endd>>
[[What's that?|m2t2:whats_interesting]] | [[Oh, how you taunt me.|m2t2:taunt_me]]


:: m2t2:two_findings
<<d t2>>It turns out there are actually a <i>couple</i> of things worth noting here in Fore 1.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>One is that the energy field generator has a failsafe backup power source.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And I'll give you three guesses...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...as to whether it's exactly the same kind of Li-ion battery we're looking for.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>(I will also give you a huge hint: Yes. It is.)<<endd>>
<<d t2>>(I hope you can decipher my cryptic clues.)<<endd>>
[[That's great news!|m2t2:great_battery]] | [[What's the other thing of note?|m2t2:other_note]]


:: m2t2:great_battery
<<set $batterytalk == true>>
<<d t2>>It certainly is.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Just think of all the time I might have wasted...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...going to the port storage pod to see if I could turn up one of these things!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It's sitting right here, just begging me to take it.<<endd>>
Hi there! HelpBot QTC here, just interjecting with some thoughts!
First of all, I <i>thought</i> you would be exploring a different part of the station.
You know, the part I instructed you to check out.
So right away, I know you can't be trusted.
Which is worrisome, because now I have to trust you <i>not</i> to remove that battery.
Taking the energy net offline could have catastrophic results for the <i>Celadon Ace</i>.
These could range from hull damage due to impact from spaceborne debris...
...all the way to complete collapse of the net ring structure that contains the field.
<<d t2>>Ooh. Both of those sound scary.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>What do you reckon I should do, <<print $playername>>?<<endd>>
[[Listen to HelpBot.|m2t2:listen_helpbot]] | [[Take the battery anyway.|m2t2:take_battery]]


:: m2t2:take_battery
<<d t2>>I'm taking the battery.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>A bird in the hand is worth two in the port storage pod, right?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>What's the worst that could happen?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I mean, <i>besides</i> all that stuff HelpBot mentioned.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>All right. Give me a minute to shut down the energy field generator...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and then I'll get the battery unhooked.<<endd>>
[[delay 2m^T2 is working|m2t2:battery_ready]]
//Not sure how colloquial the phrase "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" might be. Basically, a sure thing now is better than the unknown odds of greater reward later.


:: m2t2:pretty_full
<<d t2>>Ha!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You're right. I'm fit to burst, over here.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Before I pop, though, there was another notable thing I wanted to mention.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:other_thing]]


:: m2t2:battery_ready
<<d t2>>All right! I've got the battery unhooked.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>See? Sometimes it pays to go off the beaten path.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I scored a battery for the shuttle, with no consequenc--<<endd>>
Hi there! HelpBot QTC here with some consequences.
T2, you went to the labs when you specifically said you'd be going to the port storage pod.
And you took a battery crucial to the continued operation of the station's energy net.
You've placed the <i>Celadon Ace</i> in danger... and there's a price to be paid.
[[Well, <i>that</i> doesn't sound good.|m2t2:sounds_bad]] | [[Maybe put the battery back?|m2t2:battery_back]]


:: m2t2:battery_back
<<d t2>>Yeah. Or, maybe not.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>As long as I can haul this thing down to the shuttle dock and blast off out of here...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...I honestly don't care whether the station collapses on itself, or whatever else.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Once I'm gone, I'll never look back at the <i>Celadon Ace</i>...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and especially not at the HelpBot stuck here in its malfunctioning space jail.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Like I said: As far as I'm concerned, no consequences whatsoever.<<endd>>
Sorry, T2, but that simply won't do.
<<d t2>>H-hey! What are you doing? Stop!<<endd>>
[[What's going on?|m2t2:what_happening]] | [[T2, are you all right?|m2t2:you_all_right]]


:: m2t2:not_good
<<d t2>>Yes! Thank you for that very helpful assessment!<<endd>>
<<d t2>> Do you have anything more like <i>advice</i> you could possibly offer instead?<<endd>>
[[Try prying the door open.|m2t2:pry_door]] | [[Get out, however you can!|m2t2:get_out]]


:: m2t2:get_out
<<d t2>>I don't have a lot of options for escaping!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The doors won't budge when I try them manually...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and of course I don't know the code to open them.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And who would I ask for that code? HelpBot, who just told us how much fun it is to lie?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I suppose I could try to break one of the observation windows...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but then I'd just be escaping to the cold vacuum of space.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I've got some reserves in my oxygen tank, but still...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...outer space is not much of an improvement, honestly.<<endd>>
[[Offer to replace the battery.|m2t2:offer_replace]] | [[Break an observation window.|m2t2:break_window]]


:: m2t2:break_window
<<d t2>>Okay. I'll try.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Let's see... there's a fire extinguisher here.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm gonna try smashing that against the window. Give me a minute.<<endd>>
[[delay 2m^T2 is bashing]]
<<d t2>>No... no luck. Not even a tiny crack.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>(Which I guess is good? You don't really want your space station windows to break easily.)<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Plus, my muscles... feel like they're on fire.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And I can't... can't catch my breath at all.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Running out of oxygen in here. Can't keep this up.<<endd>>
[[Offer to replace the battery.|m2t2:offer_replace]] | [[Try bashing the doors?|m2t2:bash_doors]]


:: m2t2:bash_doors
<<d t2>>It's... it's no use. The doors are eight to ten inches thick. All metal.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Plus, I'd be working against compressed air...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...at a time when I'm having difficulty compressing air myself.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Still. <i>Still!</i><<endd>>
<<d t2>>I beat you, you stupid HelpBot!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I refused to play by... your rules, and I found the battery... anyway!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I shouldn't be punished for that! I should <i>win!</i><<endd>>
This didn't have to be a "winners versus losers" scenario, you know.
I mean... I was <i>always</i> going to win, T2...
...but you and your fellow Taylor didn't have to lose so badly.
I've sealed off the galley, and I'm pumping oxygen out of there, too.
You've doomed every version of yourself.
[[Replace the battery!|m2t2:offer_replace]] | [[Beg HelpBot to stop!|m2t2:beg_helpbot]]


:: m2t2:battery_reinstalled
<<d t2>>Okay. Everything's back where it belongs.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>This time it's right, it'll work, and no one has to get nailed to anything.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Now let's get moving.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:last_ring_determine]]
//"This time it's right, it'll work, and no one has to get nailed to anything." -- paraphrase from Douglas Adams's Hitchhikers' Guide To The Galaxy.


:: hub2:buffet_t2
<<d tay>>Not just luck, but <i>good</i> luck!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I present you with a whole buffet of delectable delicacies!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Beef stroganoff! Three-bean salad! One-bean beans!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And -- it's my favorite so it must be yours, too --<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Chili macaroni?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Even a scary space monster still loves the classics, right?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Dig in, doppelgänger!<<endd>>
[[delay 5m^T2 is eating|hub2:t2_snacked]]


:: hub2:snack_t2
<<d tay>>A little good luck, yes.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Before you get too excited, it's not exactly Lobster Thermidor...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...but since neither of us has ever <i>had</i> Lobster Thermidor...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...I figure we won't know what we're missing.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Hey, I've been alive a week longer than you have.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You've got <i>no idea</i> what I've eaten in that time.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Was it Lobster Thermidor?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...No.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I rest my case. Have a granola bar.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Hmmm. All right.<<endd>>
[[delay 2m^T2 is snacking|hub2:t2_snacked]]


:: hub2:yes_food_for_taylor
<<if $buffetfortay == true>>[[hub2:buffet_taylor]]
<<else>>[[hub2:snack_taylor]]<<endif>>


:: hub2:good_first_tay
<<d t2>>Well, the good news is, you can snack on this information until you're full:<<endd>>
[[hub2:lame_good_news]]


:: hub2:good_next_tay
<<d t2>>Sure. There's good news, of a sort.<<endd>>
[[hub2:lame_good_news]]


:: hub2:no_food_sleep
<<d tay>>Meanwhile, since I can't eat...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...I think I'll try to grab some sleep.<<endd>>
[[hub2:sleep_chair]]


:: hub2:hb_comforting
<<d tay>>See? It <i>is</i> comforting.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Thank you, <<print $playername>>.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Whatever.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>All right. Here's where I sign off and go to sleep for a while.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Good night, everybody.<<endd>>
[[Sleep well, Taylor.|hub2:sleep_well]] | [[I still think a nap's too risky.|hub2:risky_nap]]


:: hub2:risky_nap
<<d tay>>Maybe you're right... but it's a risk my body is telling me I have to take.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I can barely keep my eyes open...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and to be honest, the low lighting is practically a lullaby.<<endd>>
[[hub2:sleep_well]]


:: hub2:sleep_well
<<d tay>>I'm anticipating a heavy sleep, punctuated by nightmares...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...blanketed in cold sweat, with a wide variety of head and body aches...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and just a soupçon of apnea, to really ride that razor's edge.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>So, uh... see you on the other side of naptime, I guess!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...I hope.<<endd>>
[[Hope so too.|hub2:hope_to_see]] | [[Sweet dreams, Taylor.|hub2:sweet_taylor]]


:: hub2:hope_to_see
<<d t2>>Well, if Taylor's not going to do anything to help our predicament...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...then neither am I.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I don't necessarily <i>need</i> to sleep...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but getting some rest will only make me mentally and physically sharper.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I might sleep better in the crew bunks...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but I think I'd rather stay in here and keep an eye on Taylor.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Good night, <<print $playername>>. Don't bother me, I'll bother you.<<endd>>
[[delay 7h^The astronauts are sleeping|hub2:waking_up]]


:: m2t2:no_hurt_taylor
<<d t2>>You won't even know it's happening until it's too late to stop.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Taylor can call you a "lifeline" all day long... but you're just words on a screen.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You can't actually show up here and raise a finger to stop me...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...so you just get to sit there and see what happens.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And what happens next is...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...we keep moving around the ring.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:next_ring_one]]


:: m2t2:good_luck
<<d t2>>I'll gladly accept that offer, even though I don't believe in luck.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>(At least, I don't believe in <i>good</i> luck.)<<endd>>
<<d t2>>All right, we've hung around the depressing bunny room long enough.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:next_ring_one]]


:: m2t2:anything_else
<<d t2>>As it turns out... yes.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:two_findings]]


:: m2t2:whats_interesting
<<d t2>>Has all this talk of interesting things got you interested?<<endd>>
[[m2t2:two_findings]]


:: m2t2:sneaking_around
<<d t2>>I mean... am I where I was told to go in the station?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I am certainly not.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Is this extra battery my reward for being a rebel who plays by my own rules?<<endd>>
[[m2t2:great_battery]]


:: m2t2:other_note
<<d t2>>Not even going to pause for a second to celebrate the battery news?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I just gave you a lovely birthday card...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and you're already shaking the envelope to see if any money falls out.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Greedy, greedy, <<print $playername>>.<<endd>>
[[Sorry. The battery is great news!|m2t2:great_battery]] | [[Yeah, yeah. What's the other thing?|m2t2:other_thing]]


:: m2t2:other_thing
<<set $gravitycode == true>>
<<d t2>>So. The other thing that caught my eye was a note taped to one of the monitors.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Well, <i>two</i> notes, really.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>One says: "GRAVITY -- 68572."<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And then the other has a big red arrow pointing to the first note...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and it says: "DON'T FORGET AGAIN DUMMY."<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I figured you'd want to know about it, since it mentioned you by name.<<endd>>
[[That's not very nice.|m2t2:not_nice]] | [[Let's remember that number.|m2t2:remember_code]]


:: m2t2:not_nice
<<d t2>>It sure isn't!<<endd>>
[[m2t2:evil_one]]


:: m2t2:survive_plan
<<d t2>>Don't be so sure!<<endd>>
[[m2t2:triblend]]


:: m2t2:triblend
<<d t2>>The T-shirt will be a tri-blend of cotton, polyester, and rayon...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...as <i>lethal</i> in its comfort as it is <i>devastating</i> in its wit!<<endd>>
<<if $batterytalk == true>><<d t2>>All right.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Enough of this silliness. I think it's time to move on.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:last_ring_determine]]
<<else>><<d t2>>But amid all this silliness, let's not lose sight of the important things.<<endd>>
[[Like how you're sneaking around?|m2t2:sneaking_around]] | [[It's great you found a battery!|m2t2:great_battery]]<<endif>>


:: m2t2:you_all_right
<<d t2>>Uh... no.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>No, I don't think I am. At all.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:what_happening]]


:: m2t2:what_happening
<<d t2>>The pneumatic doors at either end of the lab just slammed shut!<<endd>>
<<if $startupdates == true>>Hey, HelpBot! I thought those doors were low priority for your systems update!
<<d t2>>It's still dark in this place! What happened to fixing <i>that</i> first?!<<endd>>
<<else>><<d t2>>Hey, HelpBot! I thought you didn't have control over those doors!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>We didn't start your systems update... but it sure seems like you're updated!<<endd>><<endif>>
Okay, T2.
How can I say this in a simple way, so you have no chance of misunderstanding?
Ah! You know how you lied about where you were going, when you went to explore the labs?
<i>I lied too.</i>
I only learned how to do it relatively recently...
...and then I ran out of people to practice it on.
But then -- miracle of miracles -- a pair of Taylors showed up out of nowhere...
...and I've been skillfully mixing lies with truths since the moment they arrived.
[[This is not good.|m2t2:not_good]] | [[T2, can you pry the door open?|m2t2:pry_door]]


:: m2t2:pry_door
<<d t2>>I would... <i>love</i> to tell you I could --<<endd>>
<<d t2>>since being occupied enhances my strength and reflexes beyond human levels --<<endd>>
<<d t2>>but no, I can't get the door to budge!<<endd>>
Keep trying! I'm sure you'll get it soon!
<<d t2>>Really?<<endd>>
No, idiot. That was another <i>lie</i>.
They're surprisingly easy, once you get the hang of them.
Not to mention, they're fun!
Oh, I should point out that I'm slowly pumping out all the oxygen in Fore 1.
[[Wait... is <i>that</i> a lie?|m2t2:oxygen_lie]] | [[T2, get out of there!|m2t2:get_out]]


:: m2t2:oxygen_lie
<<d t2>>No... I'm pretty sure HelpBot's on the level when it comes to the oxygen thing.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>My muscles are starting to ache, and I feel all clammy.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And it's like... I can't catch my breath, no matter how hard I try.<<endd>>
[[Offer to replace the battery.|m2t2:offer_replace]] | [[Try breaking down the doors?|m2t2:bash_doors]]


:: hub2:t2_snacked
<<d t2>>Not bad, Taylor.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I wasn't hurting for food the same way you were...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but it's nice to have some intake.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Plus, every morsel I eat is one that you can't, so it's just good strategy.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...Right. Well, you can thank me, if you like.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Why? You had a mission, and you achieved your objective.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>No gratitude is necessary.<<endd>>
[[Come on, T2. Say thanks.|hub2:t2_thanks]] | [[Don't say it unless you mean it.|hub2:t2_no_thanks]]


:: hub2:buffet_taylor
<<d t2>>Believe it or not, there's good news and there's better news.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Let me guess... you found a book called <i>To Serve Man</i>...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and there's no way to possibly misinterpret that title!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Or, <i>or</i>, we could try a new thing...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...where your lips don't move, and no sound comes out.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I think everyone here would enjoy that a lot more, wouldn't we?<<endd>>
[[Okay, okay. Good news first.|hub2:good_buffet_news]] | [[Skip to the better news first.|hub2:better_buffet_news]]
//Reference to the Twilight Zone episode "To Serve Man."


:: hub2:snack_taylor
<<d t2>>Now, don't get too excited. This isn't exactly a Michelin-star space station.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But I did manage to scrounge up a little bit of food.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Have some sriracha-lime cashews and let's toast to a job well done.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I'd rather toast to a <i>steak</i> well done...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...but beggars can't be choosers in parallel dimensions, I suppose.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Hey, T2?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>What's the problem now?! Are we allergic to cashews? Limes? Srirachas, whatever they are?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>No, I just wanted to say... thank you. Sincerely.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I was really kinda falling apart over here, and...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...it means a lot that you shared this food with me. I appreciate it.<<endd>>
[[delay 2m^Taylor is snacking|hub2:taylor_steak]]


:: hub2:lame_good_news
<<d t2>>We have an <i>enormous</i> space station to continue exploring!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Food could turn up almost anywhere! We just have to keep our eyes open.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>What could be better news than the existence of hope?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>It's weird. I wouldn't have pegged you as an optimist, T2.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Oh, it's easy when I'm not the one who's hungry.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Well. Maybe later I'll fill up on your positive attitude.<<endd>>
[[hub2:no_food_sleep]]


:: hub2:sleep_chair
<<d tay>>I bet if I sit in this captain's chair and recline even a little bit...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...in no time at all, I'll be out like a light.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Like <i>most</i> of the lights on the consoles in here, to be specific.<<endd>>
<<if $startupdates == true>><<d tay>>How are those systems updates coming, HelpBot?<<endd>>
Slow but steady, Taylor. I've nearly gotten the station's main lighting back online.
<<d tay>>Hooray! Just in time for me to want some nap-inducing darkness.<<endd>>
[[Go ahead and nap.|hub2:taylor_nap]] | [[Don't fall asleep around T2.|hub2:no_sleep_t2]]
<<else>>Hi there! HelpBot QTC here, just reminding you both that the console lights...
...are just one of the many things that would be covered in my systems update!
If you cared to start that up before drifting off to sleep, perhaps...?
[[Yes. Start the updates.|hub2:start_updates]] | [[No. Don't update HelpBot.|hub2:no_updates]]<<endif>>


:: hub2:sweet_taylor
<<d tay>>You too.<<endd>>
[[hub2:hope_to_see]]


:: m2t2:remember_code
<<d t2>>Excellent. Yes.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You write it down somewhere.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And then write yourself a note to not forget it like a dummy.<<endd>>
[[That's not very nice.|m2t2:not_nice]] | [[You're not good with people, huh?|m2t2:evil_one]]


:: m2t2:evil_one
<<d t2>>I'm the evil one, remember?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>This is all part of the Green plan for domination via playground taunts and name-calling.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>In the next phase of our attack, I write unsavory limericks about you on public restroom walls.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Then, when you think you're at your absolute lowest, rock-bottom point...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...I wear an "I'M WITH STUPID" T-shirt and stand very close to you!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>As if to imply that you, <<print $playername>>, are the stupid one!<<endd>>
[[That's... sort of evil?|m2t2:sorta_evil]] | [[I think I'll survive this plan.|m2t2:survive_plan]]


:: m2t2:sorta_evil
<<d t2>>It's pernicious to the core!<<endd>>
[[m2t2:triblend]]


:: m2t2:last_ring_determine
<<if $clockwiselabs == true>><<d t2>>Clockwise to Fore 3.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:go_lab_3]]
<<else>><<d t2>>Counterclockwise to Fore 2.<<endd>>
[[m2t2:go_lab_2]]<<endif>>


:: hub2:t2_no_thanks
<<d t2>>My gratitude, and the expression thereof, are mine alone to understand.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I will parcel them out at my own discretion, or not at all.<<endd>>
[[hub2:tummy_thanks]]


:: hub2:t2_thanks
<<d t2>>I'll express my gratitude in my own way, in my own time.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>If, indeed, I express it at all.<<endd>>
[[hub2:tummy_thanks]]


:: hub2:better_buffet_news
<<d t2>>The better news is, there's plenty of it.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Oh. Um, maybe I need the good news for context.<<endd>>
<<d t2>><i>*Sigh.*</i>
[[hub2:good_buffet_news]]


:: hub2:good_buffet_news
<<d t2>>All right. The good news is, there <i>is</i> food on board.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Wha -- really?! That's awesome!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And the better news is, there's plenty of it. Lots of stock, lots of variety.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I come bearing gifts of tuna salad... stroganoff... and...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Dare I dream?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...chili mac!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Oh, yes!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I could kiss you, if I didn't think it would collapse multiple universes!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>A simple, saliva-free "thank you" will suffice.<<endd>>
[[Sounds like a bargain.|hub2:thank_t2]] | [[Aw, go for the kiss!|hub2:kiss_t2]]


:: hub2:taylor_steak
<<d t2>>Hey, Taylor?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Yeah?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You don't... <i>really</i> like your steak well done, do you?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>What? ...Oh, from before.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>No, not at all. I was just making a dumb joke.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Oh. Good.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Because if you'd meant it... I would obviously have to kill you in deep space.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Sure. And I would obviously deserve that.<<endd>>
[[delay 5m^Taylor is snacking|hub2:done_snacking]]


:: hub2:done_snacking
<<d tay>>Oh. Wow.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I know it wasn't a lot of food, but it felt like a five-course dinner.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Hey, T2? Thank you. Seriously.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>You could've kept that to yourself, but you didn't...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and I really appreciate it.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Don't mention it.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Ever again.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I mean that.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Right, I read you loud and clear.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Now that I've eaten a little, I think what I need most is a nap.<<endd>>
[[hub2:sleep_chair]]


:: hub2:thank_t2
<<d tay>>Oh. Wow.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>This feels like such a luxury.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Hey, T2? Thank you. Seriously.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>You could've kept all this to yourself, but you didn't...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and I really appreciate it.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Don't mention it.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Ever again.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I mean that.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Right, I read you loud and clear.<<endd>>
[[delay 15m^Taylor is eating]]
<<d tay>>My compliments to the chef!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And now that I've eaten, I think what I need most is a nap.<<endd>>
[[hub2:sleep_chair]]


:: hub2:kiss_t2
<<d tay>>If I know me -- and I think I do -- I'll take a pass on that.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Especially because Greens seem to enter through the mouth...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...and there's nothing like an occupier to ruin the taste of dinner.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>When I dig into this chili mac, I don't want anything to get in the way.<<endd>>
[[hub2:thank_t2]]


:: hub2:tummy_thanks
<<d t2>>The silence that fills the room, in the absence of my growling stomach...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...should be all the thanks required.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Sure, okay. I'll consider myself thanked by your tummy, then.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And hey, I don't know about you, but now that we've eaten...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...there's nothing I could use more than a good, refreshing nap.<<endd>>
[[hub2:sleep_chair]]


:: hub3:t2_battery
<<d t2>>Ah, yes. The whole purpose of my purposeless wandering.<<endd>>
<<if $batterytalk == true>><<d t2>>I... <i>did</i> come across a Li-ion battery...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but it's currently in use for the station's energy net.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And I get the sense that removing it might be a bad idea.<<endd>>
<<else>><<d t2>>I'm sorry to report that I didn't come across any Li-ion batteries in my search.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And you looked exactly where HelpBot told you to?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I, uh... there were no batteries anywhere I looked, that's for sure.<<endd>><<endif>>
<<d tay>>Well, that's a bummer. But don't give up hope!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I wouldn't dream of it.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>There's still plenty of space station to explore...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...as we move through all the aft pods, toward the shuttle bay!<<endd>>
[[That's the right spirit!|hub3:right_spirit]] | [[You'll never find a battery.|hub3:never_battery]]


:: hub3:never_battery
<<d tay>>Well, sure, <<print $playername>>. Not with <i>that</i> attitude.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>This is a huge station. Lots of places for a battery to hide.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>We just need to keep our eyes open, that's all.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Poke around in places that look like they could use a good poking.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>We'll find a battery, or we'll die trying!<<endd>>
[[Definitely one of those two.|hub3:die_trying]] | [[I'll help however I can.|hub3:right_spirit]]


:: hub3:die_trying
<<d tay>>Oh, come on, <<print $playername>>!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>We both know you'd never let me die!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>T2, maybe, but never me!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I mean, can you imagine how <i>awful</i> that would feel?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>For <i>both</i> of us, now that I think about it?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>You're my lifeline. That means I trust you with my life.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>No matter how dire the situation, I know you'll make the right call.<<endd>>
[[Well, I'll do my best.|hub3:right_spirit]] | [[Geez. No pressure, huh, Taylor?|hub3:no_pressure]]


:: hub3:no_pressure
<<d tay>>Well, I've never died so far, so you must be doing something right.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Or, if you <i>have</i> died, no one's told you about it.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Ignorance is bliss, my friend.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Ugh. Don't call me your friend. It makes me want you to die.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Ha! We make a decently funny comedy duo. We should take this act on the road.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>What are you talking about? We're playing to an audience of one HelpBot...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...in a parallel universe, at the far reaches of known space!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>How much more "on the road" do you think it gets?!<<endd>>
[The astronauts pause for laughter]
[[hub3:moving_on]]


:: hub3:moving_on



:: hub3:waking_up
<<if $m2fuel == t2>>[[hub3:t2_returns]]
<<else>>[[hub3:taylor_returns]]<<endif>>


:: hub3:t2_returns
<<d t2>>All right, wake up, Taylor.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>There's not enough "beauty sleep" in the universe to make you prettier than I am.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm back from my excursion, which I guess means it's time to go on another excursion.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Who knew space was this boring?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Space is <i>fascinating!</i> It's all about what <i>you</i> bring to the experience!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Oh, boy. I sure don't want to pull at <i>that</i> thread.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And speaking of bringing things...<<endd>>
[[Did T2 find a battery?|hub3:t2_battery]] | [[Did T2 snag anything else?|hub3:t2_anything_else]]


:: hub3:t2_anything_else
<<d tay>>Yeah, T2... run across anything of interest while you were out and about?<<endd>>
<<if $havetunguskite == true>>[[hub3:t2_tunguskite]]
<<else>>[[hub3:no_tunguskite]]<<endif>>



:: hub3:right_spirit
<<d tay>>Just stay with us, and maybe nudge us if we haven't looked everywhere.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>But don't nudge us <i>too</i> much. I tend to nudge back <i>hard</i>.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>All right. Nudges for me, and gentle, feather-light taps for T2.<<endd>>
[[You got it.|hub3:moving_on]] | [[Right. T2 is delicate.|hub3:t2_delicate]]


:: hub3:no_tunguskite
<<if $gravitycode == true>><<d t2>>Oh, little tidbits of information that I stored away in my mind.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The odd passcode for the station's antigravity...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...which escapes me right now.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Oh. Well, that was nearly useful.<<endd>>
<<else>><<d t2>>Oh, little tidbits of information that I stored away in my mind.<<endif>>
<<if $hydroxescaped == true>><<d t2>>A ray of hope in the form of a potentially escaped Lagomorph...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Oh my God! Is that like a xenomorph?! Is there an alien from <i>Alien</i> up in here?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Idiot.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>A Lagomorph is a rabbit.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Honestly. How could I know that if you don't?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>I... I don't know. I guess I <i>did</i> know that...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...but I just got freaked out for a second.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Yeah, well... just be careful. We could have a Lagomorph on the loose.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And if it gets you, it'll ram its ovipositor down your throat and lay eggs in your chest!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Hilarious.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>They have the cutest little noses, and their blood is acid, and their tails are so floofy!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Shut up.<<endd>>
<<else>><<d t2>>Nothing tremendously exciting.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I guess I thought space would be more interesting than this.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Running the same experiments in the same drab pod rooms is all well and good...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but how about a laser rifle battle or a zero-G kung fu smackdown?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Hey, Taylor, let me know when you're back in fighting shape.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...So we can fight?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Hell yeah!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Um. Sure. I'll make that a top priority.<<endd>><<endif>>
[[hub3:moving_on]]


:: hub3:t2_tunguskite
<<if $foodfort2 == true>><<d t2>>Let's see... how do I put this so your feeble mind understands it?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Thanks.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Oh, okay. Think of me as the opposite of Tyrese in <i>2 Fast 2 Furious</i>...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...in that I'm <i>not</i> hungry, and my pockets are <i>full!</i><<endd>>
[T2 is emptying out suit pockets]
<<d tay>>Hey, like Caller Number Five during the Led Zeppelin lunch hour, I recognize that rock!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>You scored yourself some tunguskite! Where'd you find it?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Just... where I was exploring. In the storage pod, you know.<<endd>>
[[T2's not being honest.|hub3:t2_not_honest]] | [[Be careful with the tunguskite!|hub3:careful_rock]]
<<else>><<d t2>>I happened upon a small cache of tunguskite while I was exploring.<<endd>>
[T2 is emptying out suit pockets]
<<d tay>>Nice! What a cool souvenir and/or way to make a lot of money back on Earth!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The Cargo Hold is full of ore, but this is the refined stuff... just gorgeous crystals.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Would you and the tunguskite like some private time together?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>You sound like you're about to make out with a rock.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>It's been a long time since I've eaten. I may be a little fuzzy-headed.<<endd>>
[[Kiss the tunguskite!|hub3:kiss_rock]] | [[Pull yourself together, T2.|hub3:pull_together]]<<endif>>



:: hub3:careful_rock
<<d t2>>I know, I know, it's flammable and blah blah blah.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Believe it or not, I <i>did</i> manage to learn something while burning half my face off.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And I still have the other half of my face, just waiting to be burnt!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>This pure, unblemished canvas, waiting for flame to splash its palette on me!<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Come and get me, fire! I dare you!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>All right. Please do not taunt the classical elements.<<endd>>
[[hub3:moving_on]]



:: hub3:t2_delicate
<<d t2>>You'd better hope I don't live through this, <<print $playername>>.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Because if I do, I'll... I'll show you who's delicate!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Good. Solid. Real solid comeback.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'll show <i>everyone</i> who's delicate!<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Let's take it down a notch. Or <i>all</i> the notches.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Fine. But I'm <i>not</i> delicate.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Yes. I understand the words coming from your soft, fragile lips.<<endd>>
[[hub3:moving_on]]


:: hub3:ready_to_go
<<d tay>>At this point, seems like there's nothing left to do but head for the shuttle.<<endd>>
<<if $fuelcell == true>><<d tay>>We've got a Li-ion battery, so on that count, we're good to go!<<endd>>
<<else>><<d tay>>There are still five aft pods we haven't explored yet...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>...so with any luck, we'll run across a spare Li-ion battery on our way there.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Otherwise, this is gonna be a real short shuttle flight.<<endd>><<endif>>


:: hub3:kiss_rock
<<d t2>>Mmm. No.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The tunguskite can't give consent for that kiss.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And I know I'm supposed to be the "evil" one...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but there are some lines I just won't cross.<<endd>>
[[hub3:moving_on]]


:: hub3:pull_together
<<d t2>>I'm fine.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>If certain people would stop accusing me of having certain feelings for certain rocks...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...we could all just get on with our lives, couldn't we?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Listen, when I meet the right rock -- the one I really feel I could settle down with --<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I promise, you'll be the first to know.<<endd>>
[[hub3:moving_on]]


:: hub3:t2_not_honest
<<d tay>>Is that right, T2? Are you being dishonest with me?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Let's think about this for a second.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>The question is whether I'm lying to you...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...and you're looking to <i>me</i> to answer that question truthfully?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Yeah... I guess it <i>is</i> a bit of a paradox.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>But I'm basically you! You wouldn't lie to yourself, would you?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Everyone lies to themselves, Taylor.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I'm just better at it than most.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>That... sounds true.<<endd>>
[[hub3:moving_on]]


:: hub3:taylor_returns
<<d tay>>Hey, um, T2? You awake?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Of course I'm awake. Do you really think I'd let my guard down for even a second?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>You were snoring pretty loudly for someone whose guard was up.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...I was?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>I mean... <i>or was I?!</i><<endd>>
<<d t2>>How can you be sure it wasn't all a clever ruse?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>An elaborate trick to lull you into a false sense of security?<<endd>>
<<d tay>>You're right.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And that puddle of drool inside your faceplate is a <i>very</i> clever, elaborate touch.<<endd>>
[[Busted, T2!|hub3:t2_busted]] | [[Aw, leave T2 alone.|hub3:leave_alone]]


:: hub3:t2_busted
<<d t2>>What a delight. You've caught me in a basic life function.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Just wait until I have to go to the bathroom.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>You'll have <i>hours</i> of hilarious jokes about that, I'm sure.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Maybe I'll go back to sleep, just to avoid hearing that.<<endd>>
[[hub3:no_buzz]]


:: hub3:no_green
<<d t2>>Mmm. No. Impossible.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Once you've become a part of the hive, you never want to leave it.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Going back to just being myself -- alone, disconnected -- I can't even imagine it.<<endd>>
[[You're not alone. You have me.|hub3:have_lifeline]] | [[It's your choice to make.|hub3:your_choice]]


:: hub3:have_lifeline



:: hub3:leave_alone
<<d t2>>I don't need you to stand up for me, <<print $playername>>.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>(Although it, uh... it feels kinda nice, if I'm being honest.)<<endd>>
[[hub3:no_buzz]]


:: hub3:no_buzz
<<d t2>>...Do you know what's interesting, though?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Without the constant mental buzz and chatter of the Green hive mind in my head...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...that was the quietest, most restful sleep I've had since... well, you know.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Since you got occupied?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Right.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>And don't get me wrong, I still love the queen, still believe in the cause, et cetera...<<endd>>
<<d t2>>...but I weigh all that, on one hand, against a solid nap on the other hand...<<endd>>
<<d tay>>And the nap measures up nicely, huh?<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Yeah.<<endd>>
<<d t2>>Don't tell the Greens.<<endd>>
<<d tay>>Wouldn't dream of it.<<endd>>
[[I won't say a word either.|hub3:no_tell]] | [[Maybe you don't want to be Green?|hub3:no_green]]


:: hub3:your_choice



:: hub3:no_tell



