system
You are the dungeon master of a text adventure game. The game should involve the following genres and tags:
Science Fiction, aliens,built-in hints,cover art,Evil protagonist,feelies,nonhuman protagonist,parser,single room,technology,walkthrough,Xyzzy Awards 2001
gpt
You pass the sentry watching the doorway to the Yi control room, hardly aware of his presence, and step inside, stopping before the owner of the familiar, frowning face just inside. Your escorts come to a halt behind you.

"Tolan," the tall, wiry woman says to you.

You steel yourself for the need to speak. "Cheryl," you reply. "Dig Leader Cheryl Thadafel. I knew you would have need of the greatest Mechanist in the galaxy. Again." The longest speech ever to cross these lips?

"Tolan, this is going to be on my terms, or not at all."

You turn your empty hands face-up. "Cheryl, this is important to me. It is the Yi-Lono-Mordel. Whatever the restrictions, I cannot miss this opportunity."

"Especially if the restrictions required you be kept away from it. Enough. I don't have much else to work with here, do I?" As she dismisses the guards, you sweep your eyes about the room.

Again.

This time you will pull it off--regardless of Cheryl's desires.

Copyright 2001, Sean Barrett

Most humans would probably find it the height of fashion, but this low ellipsoidal room makes you uncomfortable with its perfect symmetry and sterility. The featureless white wall is broken up only by the large elliptical window in the ceiling and the circular doorway through which you entered. A cluster of forms sits in the center, atop the slightly concave floor.

Cheryl Thadafel stands here, watching you closely.

[Type "ABOUT" for special information about interacting with THE WEAPON.]
human
You examine the room
gpt
The room is about fifteen meters long, eight meters wide, and three meters tall, in the traditional Yi ratio 4:2:1, with the vertical compromised to only 2/3 its height before the somewhat flat floor intrudes.

Cheryl says, "This is our chance to make a difference, Tolan. But only if we do it according to my rules. You're going to see what sort of information you can get displayed. As soon as you bring some Yi text up, you stop. You don't touch anything until I say it's ok to continue. Got it?"
human
Yes
gpt
Just use TALK or REPLY to engage in idle chitchat; for non-conversational communication, see the information in ABOUT.
human
Reply
gpt
You reply, "Of course. I will do it your way rather than not at all."

Cheryl says, "I'd be more glad to hear that if I actually trusted you, Tolan."
human
About yourself
gpt
You glance down at your body, taking care not to let the loathing show on your face, but there is really nothing worth noticing. Unless you count these idiotic handcuffs.

Cheryl says, "As you asked, the guards will keep their distance so they won't disturb your concentration. It'll just be you and me. And, since I'm no mechanist, I've got this--just so I can keep tabs on you." She shows you a holographic reproduction of this room, hovering over a black base. "There are sensors for movement, electromagnetic radiation, and I don't know what else, all analyzing this room. This little display lets me monitor the activity everywhere in the room so I can see what you're up to. So don't think you'll get away with anything."
human
You look at the handcuffs
gpt
Military grade handcuffs--oblong, blocky, but perfectly functional. You have seen them often enough in your lifetime--almost always in similar circumstances, sadly. They are securely fastened around your wrists, although since they are locked in front of you they should not interfere too much with your work.
human
You look under the handcuffs
gpt
The pale flesh of human wrists.
human
You eat the handcuffs
gpt
They're plainly inedible.
human
You unlock the handcuffs
gpt
(with the handcuffs)
Those don't seem to fit the lock.
human
You look at the floor
gpt
(the floor)
The floor is such a gentle concave slope, with its lowest point at the center under the various forms, that you cannot tell whether it is elliptical, spherical, parabolic, hyperbolic, or something higher-order.
human
You look at the wall
gpt
(the room)
The room is about fifteen meters long, eight meters wide, and three meters tall, in the traditional Yi ratio 4:2:1, with the vertical compromised to only 2/3 its height before the floor intrudes.

Cheryl sighs. "Tolan, do you have any idea how important it is we figure this place out, once and for all?"
human
You examine the window
gpt
Looking out the window you can only get the faintest sense of the magnitude of Yi-Lono-Mordel. The sun you now orbit is on the opposite side from this window, although you can see one star, very close. The other asteroids are in the same orbit, so they'd never appear above you--and they would surely be too distant to be visible even if the window did face them.

Cheryl says, "The problem is with the Lono, as you might guess."
human
Reply
gpt
You say, "Are not the Lono long gone? Or is there a Terran Alliance secret?"
human
You look at Cheryl
gpt
Dig Leader Cheryl Thadafel is a tall, wiry woman in her forties, perhaps late thirties. You spent the last three months looking forward to seeing her again, but now that you do, you wonder why you found her pug nose and staring eyes attractive in your memories. Perhaps it was just that you had little else to think about. Cheryl is carrying a monitor hologram, a laser pistol, and a key.

Cheryl replies, "Gone, but not forgotten. We didn't lie about anything, though. After the battle at Calder's Star, every last one of their ships retreated through the wormhole back to their galaxy."
human
You look at the forms
gpt
The forms consist of a raised slab (in the same proportions as the ellipsoidal room, but a rectangular parallelepiped instead) and two gleaming swept curves (one on each side of the slab).

"But," Cheryl continues, "They swore an oath. Apparently the same one they swore against the Yi, millennia ago. They're going to be back, Tolan, back with a vengeance. Soon. So before they show up, I'm going to have found a way to put an end to it--and that's why you're here."
human
You examine cheryl's key
gpt
Given that one of the guards who brought you up here gave the key to Cheryl, this elliptical disk of grey metal is almost certainly the key for a certain particularly annoying pair of handcuffs.

Cheryl says, "You probably never realized it, Tolan, but the Yi had a somewhat high opinion of themselves. The word Yi isn't just their name--it means 'the end' or 'the ultimate'. The 'Yi-Lono-Mordel' isn't 'the Yi's Lono weapon'; it's 'the final Lono weapon'. They were planning to win their war with it."
human
You examine hologram
gpt
A flickering three-dimensional image in the shape of the control room hovers over a plain black base, itself a rectangular parallelepiped.

("Rectangular parallelepiped"! How can any sane creature stand to use a language with no proper word for the simplest form with parallel sides? It's a wonder humanity made it off Terra.)

Cheryl says, "So I guess I'll finally make it into the history books by doing it for them."
human
You check your inventory
gpt
You are carrying:
a pair of handcuffs (being worn)
human
You examine pistol
gpt
Apparently standard issue to military officers, given the frequency with which you have been on the wrong end of them, the shiny chrome and spiky protrustions leave no question as to the purpose of this device. At least the Yi tend to be subtle about it.
human
You jump
gpt
You jump on the spot, fruitlessly.

Cheryl says, "That's a bit of Mechanism I've never seen before."
human
You describe your surroundings
gpt
This low ellipsoidal room makes you uncomfortable with its perfect symmetry and sterility. The featureless white wall is broken up only by the large elliptical window in the ceiling and the circular doorway through which you entered. In the center sits a slab, two swept curves surrounding it.

Cheryl stands here, watching you closely.
human
You examine the curves
gpt
Though the reason they are shaped into hyperboloids is unknown to you, you are well aware that each of these metal lumps served as an energy locus for a Yi--in this environment, a work location. The two sit on either side of the slab, one on the side nearest the door, one on the far side. They would be far too awkward to serve as a chair for your body.
human
You touch the curves
gpt
Although they are seemingly metallic, no free electrons wander the surface of these shapes; you can find nothing to influence.
human
You ask her about the handcuffs
gpt
(Cheryl about that)
Just use TALK or REPLY to engage in idle chitchat; for non-conversational communication, see the information in ABOUT.
human
You look at the slab
gpt
The slab, subtly off-white, is warm to the touch, and hides the sensitive Yi technological components needed to manipulate the whole of Yi-Lono-Mordel; this much you were able to determine the last time you were here. In the top center edge on the side opposite the door is a small notch.
human
You examine the notch
gpt
You recognize the notch as a standard Yi heat-sensitive triggering device; human body temperature happens to be sufficient to activate this one, as you figured out before you were halted in your tracks on your previous attempt at conquering Yi-Lono-Mordel.
human
You ask Cheryl for the key
gpt
Cheryl says, "Tolan, I don't trust you further than I can throw you. Until I see a problem you can't solve with the handcuffs on, forget it."
human
You talk to her
gpt
(Cheryl)
You don't think talking right now would accomplish anything.
human
About yourself
gpt
You glance down at your body for a fresh reminder of your situation.
human
Fondle notch
gpt
You touch the the notch with a minimal pressure. It is cooler than the rest of the slab, and you can feel the heat from your finger being drawn out momentarily. Where no cracks had been visible before, nevertheless sections of the top of the slab give way, and a control surface slides up and clicks into place.

Cheryl says, "Ok, this is interesting." She peers at the control surface.
human
You examine the surface
gpt
The control surface is covered with a large grid of studs arranged in a hexagonal packing; it also features a set-in viewscreen.

Cheryl says, "What's on that screen?" She approaches from other side of the slab. "Bah. See if you can find some text there."
human
You read the screen
gpt
The viewscreen is a small, perfectly square display set into the control surface. It shows some indecipherable icons.
human
You look at the icons
gpt
They are indecipherable.
human
You show the icons to Cheryl
gpt
(first taking the icons)
That's hardly portable.
human
You examine the studs
gpt
Each of the thousands of studs arrayed in a regular hexagonal packing across the control surface has a color and shape, but those two together are not enough to make each unique. However, it resembles all the other Yi mechanisms you have encountered in your life; although nobody else in the galaxy might ever realize it, the third axis of encoding is in the electric potential of the stud. Although the human body is poorly suited to the task, your long study has made you sensitive to this dimension as well. With that extra information and your encyclopedic knowledge of Yi technology, you can hazard a guess about many of these controls.

There are a number of studs whose exact function you are fairly certain you would recall if you studied them more closely and which seem relevant right now: an information stud, a powerup stud, a project status stud, a sequence stud, and a forcefield stud.
human
You examine the information stud
gpt
Activating this stud will bring up a large display on which will be shown what you imagine must be a detailed description of the purpose behind Yi-Lono-Mordel and information on how to use it--none of which would do you any good, since you can not read Yi writing. You are not certain that this is the information it displays, but you did activate and then deactivate this stud several months ago, so you are quite positive about it being full of Yi text.
human
You touch it
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the powerup stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

Hmm... Absolutely nothing happens. Given the years of disuse, perhaps the generator is in need of minor maintenance. You search the control surface and find a generator access stud, which should give you access to the generator so you can make any repairs necessary.
human
You look at the project status stud
gpt
Activating this stud ought to produce some sort of more detailed display of the Yi-Lono-Mordel status. Knowing the way the Yi tend to compartmentalize knowledge, it will hopefully not give any detail about the point of the entire mechanism.
human
You examine the generator access
gpt
Activating this stud should give you access to the fusion generator used to power this facility.
human
You examine the sequence stud
gpt
Activating this toggle stud will most likely bring up a concise listing of the steps needed to use Yi-Lono-Mordel on the control surface viewscreen. It probably has text that Cheryl could decipher, but hopefully it includes symbolic instructions; despite your bravado, Yi-Lono-Mordel is on a vastly different scope that any other Yi technology you have worked with, and you'll need help getting it going--help you can not rely on Cheryl for. Unfortunately, Cheryl seems to be able to see the viewscreen pretty clearly.
human
You examine the forcefield stud
gpt
You are no coward, but you know when you can use some help, so you always have an eye open for something like this. Activating this stud probably turns on a forcefield generator around the control slab--and Yi forcefields are nearly impenetrable by human technology. This might come in handy if Cheryl was not always so close to the slab.
human
You touch the information
gpt
This is the only stud you were able to activate when you were here before, and you are positive that it will produce the information Cheryl's looking for--which would make her bring today's session to a halt. It might be enough information for her to figure out what this place is; if so, you'd never get a chance to try again. So you better not activate it unless you've got some way to stop her.
human
You touch the generator
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the generator access stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

A pale green energy appears on the monitor hologram. Cheryl says, "What's that? Don't touch..."

To the right, a white pillar with an elliptical cross-section slides up out of the floor.

Cheryl says, "You better know what you're doing here, Tolan."
human
Reply
gpt
You say, "I'm looking for the manual override."
human
You examine the white pillar
gpt
This looks to be the fusion generator. It is an elliptical white pillar, almost two meters tall, one meter wide, and half a meter deep. On the long front side is an access panel, which is closed.

Cheryl says, "Well, of course. I'd help, but I'm busy watching you."
human
Reply
gpt
You say, "Of course."
human
You look at the panel
gpt
Visible only by a small color variation, a parametrically-rectangular section of the front of the pillar seems to be an access panel.

Cheryl says, "Tolan, my superiors don't want you anywhere near here. If they find out, I'll be in a lot of trouble."
human
Reply
gpt
You say, "Even if I find a way to win the war?"
human
Reply
gpt
There's no good reply to make.

Cheryl says, "If I manage to find a way to win the war, they'll forgive me. But I can't tell them about it yet. They don't trust you at all. I don't really trust you. But we've worked together, so I'm sure I can keep you under control, and more importantly, I'm sure you can get me access. I know you can do this. I don't know if anybody else could."
human
Reply
gpt
You smile. "Nobody else could."
human
You open the panel
gpt
The access panel has no seams you could work your fingernails into, and nothing else you could grip.

Cheryl says, "And of anyone, I'm the only one who will be able to make heads or tails out of whatever information you can dig up."
human
You touch panel
gpt
You touch your fingers to the access panel and immediately recognize the subtle flow of energy through the surface. How much easier this would be if you could see in the electromagnetic spectrum! After a moment of concentration, you align the energy in your fingertips against the flow. The access panel swings open, revealing a fusion generator bay.

Cheryl says, "What exactly is that?"
human
Reply
gpt
You say, "It is a wiring crossover terminal. Something is not connected correctly."
human
You look at the bay
gpt
The fusion generator bay is a spherical chamber which houses several Yi components you recognize comprise a plasma generator--a much bigger generator than you have ever seen in your long life--while the one remaining mechanism must be a plasma containment system--something you have always suspected the Yi were capable of, despite it being beyond your species' ability to produce. Closer inspection of the containment system reveals twelve contact points.

You recall noticing a tool stud which might give you something useful for analyzing the situation.

Cheryl says, "Oh, right, I should have recognized it."
human
You examine the contact points
gpt
The twelve contacts are arranged around the edge of the plasma generation zone in perfect symmetry. They all look quite identical.
human
You touch the plasma
gpt
Which do you mean, the plasma generator or the plasma containment system?
human
Examine generator
gpt
(the white pillar)
This is the fusion generator. It is an elliptical white pillar, almost two meters tall, one meter wide, and half a meter deep. On the long front side is an access panel, which is open, revealing a fusion generator bay.
human
You examine the containment
gpt
The thing you suspect is a plasma containment system looks perfectly serviceable. The twelve contacts arranged around the bay must be the loci of some sort of magnetic field used to contain the plasma.
human
You touch the tool stud
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the tool stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

A slot appears on the top of the slab, to the left. Rising out of the slot is an electropulse probe.

Cheryl says, "What is that? Hands off, Tolan." She grabs it as it emerges.
human
Reply
gpt
There's no good reply to make.

Cheryl says, "You can have this once I'm sure it's safe, Tolan."

She examines the probe carefully, then aims it so neither end is pointing at either of you, and fiddles with it for a moment.

Although you cannot see anything happening directly,  Cheryl's monitor hologram lights up with a multi-colored iridescent sphere which slowly fades away.

Cheryl says, "Huh. Just an electromagnetic toy." She sets it down on the slab.
human
You examine probe
gpt
A thin, cylindrical, half-meter-long rod, the electropulse probe is a common Yi device for working with certain kinds of Yi technology. The subtle interplay of electric and magnetic fields found in mechanisms can be stimulated with the probe, useful for detection, analysis, or calibration. At one end are two control sensors.
human
You examine the sensors
gpt
Which do you mean, the top sensor or the bottom sensor?
human
Top
gpt
The top sensor will trigger the probe to fire immediately.
human
You look at the bottom
gpt
The bottom sensor triggers the probe to fire after a delay.
human
You take probe
gpt
Taken.
human
You touch the top
gpt
You trigger the top sensor.

Although you cannot see anything happening directly,  Cheryl's monitor hologram lights up with a multi-colored iridescent sphere which slowly fades away.
human
Point probe at points
gpt
You put the electropulse probe into the fusion generator bay.
human
You press the top
gpt
You trigger the top sensor.

Although you cannot see anything happening directly,  Cheryl's monitor hologram lights up with a multi-colored iridescent sphere which slowly fades away. At the same time, a number of smaller points of white appear in the part of the hologram corresponding to the fusion bay, but you cannot make out the details; they are somewhat obscured by the glow of the probe.
human
You press the bottom
gpt
You trigger the bottom sensor.
human
Wait
gpt
Time passes.
human
Sing
gpt
Your singing is abominable.

Although you cannot see anything happening directly,  Cheryl's monitor hologram lights up with a multi-colored iridescent sphere which slowly fades away. At the same time, a number of smaller points of white appear in the part of the hologram corresponding to the fusion bay, but you cannot make out the details from here; they are somewhat obscured by the glow of the probe.

Cheryl says, "Tolan, we both have to be here. So please don't make it any worse for me."
human
You look
gpt
This low ellipsoidal room makes you uncomfortable with its perfect symmetry and sterility. The featureless white wall is broken up only by the large elliptical window in the ceiling and the circular doorway through which you entered. In the center sits a slab, two swept curves surrounding it.

In the center of the right side of the room is a white pillar. The access panel on the pillar is open, exposing a fusion generator bay. An electropulse probe sticks out of the bay.

On the slab are a slot (which is empty) and a control surface.

Cheryl stands here, watching you closely.
human
You examine the probe
gpt
A thin half-meter-long rod, the electropulse probe is a common Yi device for working with certain kinds of Yi technology. The subtle interplay of electric and magnetic fields found in mechanisms can be stimulated with the probe, useful for detection, analysis, or calibration. At one end are two control sensors.
human
You look at the slot
gpt
This narrow rectangular slot is where the probe emerged.
human
Probe
gpt
What do you want to probe?
human
You probe yourself
gpt
You move the probe near yourself and trigger the top sensor.

Although you cannot see anything happening directly,  Cheryl's monitor hologram lights up with a multi-colored iridescent sphere which slowly fades away.
human
Probe contacts
gpt
You put the electropulse probe into the fusion generator bay.

You trigger the top sensor.

Although you cannot see anything happening directly,  Cheryl's monitor hologram lights up with a multi-colored iridescent sphere which slowly fades away. At the same time, a number of smaller points of white appear in the part of the hologram corresponding to the fusion bay, but you cannot make out the details from here--unfortunate, since those details are just what you need to make the repairs; they are somewhat obscured by the glow of the probe.
human
You touch the bottom sensor
gpt
You trigger the bottom sensor.
human
You examine hologram
gpt
A flickering three-dimensional image of the control room hovers over a rectangular black base.
human
You look at the hologram
gpt
You try to get a better look at Cheryl's monitor hologram as the probe fires; it looks like you only see eleven flickers of white, but you can not be sure, and Cheryl does not look comfortable with the idea of you standing any closer.
human
CHERYL, ,EXAMINE HOLOGRAM
gpt
You trigger the bottom sensor.
Time passes.
Cheryl isn't particularly interested.

Although you cannot see anything happening directly,  Cheryl's monitor hologram lights up with a multi-colored iridescent sphere which slowly fades away. At the same time, a number of smaller points of white appear in the part of the hologram corresponding to the fusion bay, but you cannot make out the details from here; they are somewhat obscured by the glow of the probe.
human
Point probe at slot
gpt
(first taking the electropulse probe)
You put the "top" end of the probe back into the slot, leaving the sensors exposed. The probe is held in place firmly, but sticks up out of the slot.
human
You press the top
gpt
You trigger the top sensor.

Cheryl's monitor hologram lights up with a burst of radiant energy from the probe, just under the surface of the slab.
human
Wait
gpt
Time passes.
human
Point probe at contacts
gpt
(first taking the electropulse probe)
You put the electropulse probe into the fusion generator bay.
human
You wait
gpt
Time passes.

Although you cannot see anything happening directly,  Cheryl's monitor hologram lights up with a multi-colored iridescent sphere which slowly fades away.
human
You look at Cheryl
gpt
Cheryl Thadafel is a tall, wiry woman in her forties. You spent the last three months looking forward to seeing her again, but now that you do, you wonder why you found her pug nose and staring eyes attractive in your memories. Cheryl is carrying a monitor hologram, a laser pistol, and a key.
human
You ask her for the pistol
gpt
(Cheryl for the laser pistol)
Cheryl says, "You think you're amusing? If there's something that you need a laser pistol for, I think you'll just have to let me do the shooting for you."
human
You continue
gpt
(Cheryl for the laser pistol)
Cheryl says, "I'm not giving it to you. If you need something shot, maybe I'll do it."
human
You shoot cheryl
gpt
Cheryl says, "Very funny."
human
You shoot you
gpt
Cheryl says, "Trust me, Tolan, I will the minute you give me a good reason to."
human
You ask her for the hologram
gpt
(Cheryl for the monitor hologram)
Cheryl says, "This monitor hologram is how I'm keeping tabs on you. If I don't have it, you're not going to get to do anything, anything at all."

Cheryl thinks for a moment and then speaks again. "However, I recall we confiscated a pair of electromagnetic-sensitive goggles from you back when we... found... you here." She speaks into her communicator.

Several minutes later, one of the guards stands in the doorway and tosses the goggles on the floor next to you, then leaves.
human
Wear the goggles
gpt
(first taking the electromagnetic goggles)
You clumsily struggle to put on the electromagnetic goggles and the room suddenly bursts to life visually. Whorls and eddies of energy play over every surface of the room but the window. Although it is a far cry from being able to directly perceive this much of the electromagnetic spectrum, it is far, far more than you have been forced to live with for some time.

The one drawback is that it is difficult to read displays, since the display spectrum is compressed to such a narrow band, and the display circuitry itself is exposed.
human
You examine the contacts
gpt
The twelve contacts are arranged around the edge of the plasma generation zone in perfect symmetry. They all look quite identical.
human
Examine generator
gpt
(the white pillar)
The fusion generator is an elliptical pillar, with small amounts of energy playing over it. Energy flows in a regulated way across an access panel, which is open, revealing a fusion generator bay.
human
You examine the bay
gpt
The fusion generator bay houses several Yi components you recognize comprise a plasma generator, while the remaining mechanism must be a plasma containment system. The containment system has twelve contact points. There is little energy flow to be seen, since the generator is off.
human
You touch the top
gpt
You trigger the top sensor.

A sharp, multi-colored burst of electromagnetic radiation pulses out of the tip of the probe.
human
Probe contacts
gpt
You put the electropulse probe into the fusion generator bay.

You trigger the top sensor.

A sharp, multi-colored burst of electromagnetic radiation pulses out of the tip of the probe.

The contact points in the fusion generator bay resonate in response--all but the ninth one, which stays utterly black. There is probably a recalibration stud for each of the contacts amongst the giant array of controls on the slab.

It is a good thing you got the goggles; the probe flash tends to overwhelm the details on Cheryl's hologram anyway.
human
You examine the studs
gpt
There are a number of studs whose function you are fairly certain of and which might prove relevant: a calibration stud, a tool stud, a generator access stud, an information stud, a powerup stud, a project status stud, a sequence stud, and a forcefield stud.
human
You touch calibration
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the calibration stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

Nothing appears to happen, but that is hardly surprising, since you know well it can't be calibrated without an appropriate stimulus.

Cheryl says, "Are you sure you know what you're doing, Tolan?"
human
Answer
gpt
You say, "Trial and error is part of the process of Mechanism."
human
Probe ninth contact
gpt
Which do you mean, the contact points or the calibration stud?
human
Points
gpt
You're not holding the probe.

Cheryl says, "Make sure you err on the side of safety."
human
You take the probe
gpt
Taken.

You already have that.
human
Point probe at calibration
gpt
You move the probe near the calibration stud and trigger the top sensor.

A sharp, multi-colored burst of electromagnetic radiation pulses out of the tip of the probe.
human
Probe contacts
gpt
You put the electropulse probe into the fusion generator bay.

You trigger the top sensor.

A sharp, multi-colored burst of electromagnetic radiation pulses out of the tip of the probe.

The contact points in the fusion generator bay resonate in response--all but the ninth one, which stays utterly black. There is probably a recalibration stud for each of the contacts.
human
You examine calibration stud
gpt
Activating this stud will recalibrate the ninth contact point in the fusion generator bay if the contact is appropriately stimulated at the same time.
human
You touch calibration
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the calibration stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

Nothing appears to happen, but that is hardly surprising, since it can't be calibrated without a simultaneous electromagnetic stimulus.
human
You touch the information
gpt
This is the only stud you were able to activate when you were here before, and you are positive that it will produce the information Cheryl's looking for--which would make her bring today's session to a halt. It might be enough information for her to figure out what this place is; if so, you'd never get a chance to try again. So you better not activate it unless you've got a way to stop her.
human
You examine the studs
gpt
There are a number of studs whose function you are fairly certain of and which might prove relevant: a calibration stud, a tool stud, a generator access stud, an information stud, a powerup stud, a project status stud, a sequence stud, and a forcefield stud.
human
You press the powerup
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the powerup stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

Nothing happens. It would be typical of the Yi to have a safety interlock which requires the access panel be shut.
human
Sing
gpt
Your singing is abominable.
human
You shut the panel
gpt
The probe blocks it from closing.
human
You take probe
gpt
Taken.
human
You shut the panel
gpt
You close the generator access panel.
human
You press the powerup
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the powerup stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

The fusion generator pillar radiates a sequence of colors: dark red, deep purple, light blue, and then builds and peaks with a very bright yellow.

Cheryl's monitor hologram reveals significant electromagnetic activity beginning to occur within the fusion generator.

It looks like powering up was a good place to start; that was fairly obvious. But you have no intuition about what to do next with a mechanism on this scale; the grid of stud offers thousands of studs, any of which could plausibly be involved.

Cheryl says, "You're making quite a bit of progress, Tolan."
human
Reply
gpt
You say, "No. This is little more than turning the lights on."
human
Press sequence
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the sequence stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

The viewscreen lights up, pulsing and probing energies dancing all over its surface.

Cheryl notices the changed display on the viewscreen. "What is that? Move away from the controls, Tolan. I want to decipher that text." She draws her laser pistol and points it at you.

You look down at the viewscreen as you raise your hands for Cheryl and determine that this is exactly what you needed to know.

Unfortunately, you'll never get the chance to make use of the information.
human
You look at the project status stud
gpt
Activating this stud ought to produce some sort of more detailed display of the Yi-Lono-Mordel status. Knowing the way the Yi tend to compartmentalize knowledge, it will hopefully not give any detail about the point of the entire mechanism.

Cheryl says, "Oh, well, sure, for a place this big and complicated, that would be true."
human
Press project status stud
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the project status stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

Projected on the left half of the far wall of the room, an installation status display showing the current configuration of Yi-Lono-Mordel appears.

Cheryl says, "What's this?" She takes a step closer to it. "Shoot, no text."
human
You examine status display
gpt
It's a little too hard to make out the display through the visual noise of the goggles.

Cheryl says, "Cool, that must be Yi-Lono-Mordel. I'm sure there's more to this, Tolan. Find me some text!"
human
You remove the goggles
gpt
You take off the goggles, revealing the drab world of the natural human visual spectrum.
human
Press sequence
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the sequence stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

The viewscreen lights up with a list of Yi text and corresponding control iconography.

Cheryl notices the changed display on the viewscreen. "What is that? Move away from the controls, Tolan. I want to decipher that text." She draws her laser pistol and points it at you.

You look down at the viewscreen as you raise your hands for Cheryl and determine that this is exactly what you needed to know.

Unfortunately, you'll never get the chance to make use of the information.
human
You ask Cheryl about the handcuffs
gpt
Just use TALK or REPLY to engage in idle chitchat; for non-conversational communication, see the information in ABOUT.
human
You examine the status
gpt
(the installation status display)
The installation status display uses crisp, simple geometric symbols to display a representation of the entire Yi-Lono-Mordel installation: the star system you are in now, with the twenty asteroids including this one orbiting it, and the twenty stars arrayed around it like the vertices of a dodecahedron, each with twenty asteroids of their own. The indicator corresponding to this asteroid is glowing brighter than those for the other asteroids.
human
You show the handcuffs to Cheryl
gpt
Cheryl says, "Tolan, I don't trust you further than I can throw you. Until I see a problem you can't solve with the handcuffs on, forget it."
human
You examine the status display
gpt
The installation status display shows a symbolic representation of the entire Yi-Lono-Mordel installation: the star system you are in now, with the twenty asteroids including this one orbiting it, and the twenty stars arrayed around it like the vertices of a dodecahedron, each with twenty asteroids of their own. The indicator corresponding to this asteroid is glowing brighter than those for the other asteroids.
human
You touch the forcefield
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the forcefield stud while focusing your mind to concentrate your energies through it. But you can not quite achieve the right electrical flow, because the handcuffs on your wrists short-circuit your hands.
human
Wave
gpt
You wave, feeling foolish.

Cheryl says, "Yes? I do see you, Tolan."
human
You check what you're carrying
gpt
You are carrying:
an electropulse probe
a pair of electromagnetic goggles
a pair of handcuffs (being worn)
human
Kiss cheryl
gpt
You consider just how many sacrifices you would be willing to make to achieve your goals; reflecting on it, there is really nothing you would not be willing to do. But Cheryl has a laser pistol.
human
Point at stud
gpt
Which do you mean, the calibration stud, the tool stud, the generator access stud, the information stud, the powerup stud, the project status stud, the sequence stud or the forcefield stud?
human
Forcefield
gpt
You point at the forcefield stud.
human
You show forcefield stud to Cheryl
gpt
(first taking the forcefield stud)
That's hardly portable.
human
Point probe at cuffs
gpt
You move the probe near the handcuffs and trigger the top sensor.

Although you cannot see anything happening directly,  Cheryl's monitor hologram lights up with a multi-colored iridescent sphere which slowly fades away.
human
You look at the tool stud
gpt
This stud controls a probe storage mechanism.
human
You press generator access stud
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the generator access stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

The elliptical pillar disappears back into the floor.
human
Press project status stud
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the project status stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

The installation status display fades away.
human
Press project status stud
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the project status stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

The installation status display showing the current configuration of Yi-Lono-Mordel appears, projected on the wall.

Cheryl looks at the status display to see if there's anything new.
human
Press information stud
gpt
This is the only stud you were able to activate when you were here before, and you are positive that it will produce the information Cheryl's looking for--which would make her bring today's session to a halt. It might be enough information for her to figure out what this place is; if so, you'd never get a chance to try again. So you better not activate it unless you've got a way to stop her.
human
You look
gpt
This low ellipsoidal room makes you uncomfortable with its perfect symmetry and sterility. The featureless white wall is broken up only by the large elliptical window in the ceiling and the circular doorway through which you entered. In the center sits a slab, two swept curves surrounding it.

Projected on the left half of the far wall of the room is an installation status display.

On the slab are a slot (which is empty) and a control surface.

Cheryl stands here, watching you closely.
human
Wear the goggles
gpt
You clumsily struggle to put on the electromagnetic goggles and the room suddenly bursts to life visually, including the various displays, which become more challenging to read.
human
You examine the surface
gpt
The control surface is covered with a large grid of studs arranged in a hexagonal packing; it also features a set-in viewscreen.

Cheryl says, "Are those goggles helpful? Can you see anything through them that isn't on my hologram?"
human
You give the goggles to Cheryl
gpt
Cheryl takes the goggles from you. "Something interesting to see this way, Tolan?" She puts them on and looks around as if slightly disoriented.
human
You touch sequence stud
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the sequence stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

The viewscreen lights up with a list of Yi text and corresponding control iconography.

Cheryl says, "Is that it?" She reaches up to take off the goggles.
human
You examine the viewscreen
gpt
The viewscreen is a small, perfectly square display set into the control surface. Although you can not understand the Yi writing, you can recognize a number of the control icons in the sequence: power-up, then transmit go, then control rods, then ignition. Powering up you have done; no doubt there are studs to trigger the other three.

Cheryl says, "Show's over, huh?" She takes off the goggles and tosses them on the ground beside you. Good thing they're sturdy enough to take a fair amount of abuse.

Cheryl notices the changed display on the viewscreen. "What is that? Move away from the controls, Tolan. I want to decipher that text." She draws her laser pistol and points it at you.

Too bad you'll never get another chance.
human
You touch sequence stud
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the sequence stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

The viewscreen returns to its normal display.

Cheryl says, "Show's over, huh?" She takes off the goggles and tosses them on the ground beside you. Good thing they're sturdy enough to take a fair amount of abuse.
human
You give probe to her
gpt
(Cheryl)
Cheryl says, "I'm not particulary interested in that."
human
You throw the probe at her
gpt
(Cheryl)
You would prefer not to do something that might provoke Cheryl and earn you a trip straight back to the brig.
human
Probe cheryl
gpt
Cheryl circles the slab and gives you a look of warning.
human
You look
gpt
This low ellipsoidal room makes you uncomfortable with its perfect symmetry and sterility. The featureless white wall is broken up only by the large elliptical window in the ceiling and the circular doorway through which you entered. In the center sits a slab, two swept curves surrounding it.

Projected on the left half of the far wall of the room is an installation status display.

On the slab are a slot (which is empty) and a control surface.

Cheryl stands here, watching you closely.

You can also see a pair of electromagnetic goggles here.
human
You give the goggles to Cheryl
gpt
(first taking the electromagnetic goggles)
Cheryl takes the goggles from you. "Got something to show me?" She puts them on and looks around.
human
You press the top
gpt
You trigger the top sensor.

Although you cannot see anything happening directly,  Cheryl's monitor hologram lights up with a multi-colored iridescent sphere which slowly fades away.

Cheryl, watching through the goggles, says, "Huh. Tolan, I'd never have thought you'd be one to admire beauty."
human
You wait a while
gpt
Time passes.

Cheryl says, "That it?" She reaches up to take off the goggles.
human
Wait
gpt
Time passes.

Cheryl takes off the goggles and tosses them on the ground beside you.
human
You ask her for the goggles
gpt
(Cheryl for the electromagnetic goggles)
Cheryl says, "You must be on artificial stimulants, Tolan."
human
You ask her for the key
gpt
(Cheryl for the key)
Cheryl says, "Tolan, I don't trust you further than I can throw you. Until I see a problem you can't solve with the handcuffs on, forget it."
human
You look at her
gpt
(Cheryl)
Cheryl Thadafel is a tall, wiry woman in her forties. You spent the last three months looking forward to seeing her again, but now that you do, you wonder why you found her pug nose and staring eyes attractive in your memories. Cheryl is carrying a monitor hologram, a laser pistol, and a key.
human
You ask her for the hologram
gpt
(Cheryl for the monitor hologram)
Cheryl says, "I'm using this monitor hologram to track your activities, Tolan."
human
Break monitor
gpt
That is insubstantial.
human
Probe surface
gpt
You move the probe near the control surface and trigger the top sensor.

Although you cannot see anything happening directly,  Cheryl's monitor hologram lights up with a multi-colored iridescent sphere which slowly fades away.
human
Probe slab
gpt
You put the "top" end of the probe back into the slot, leaving the sensors exposed. The probe is held in place firmly, but sticks up out of the slot.

You trigger the top sensor.

Cheryl's monitor hologram lights up with a burst of radiant energy from the probe, just under the surface of the slab.
human
You take probe
gpt
Taken.
human
You show the window to her
gpt
(Cheryl)
(first taking the elliptical window)
That's hardly portable.

Cheryl takes off the goggles and tosses them on the ground beside you.
human
You examine the studs
gpt
There are a number of studs whose function you are fairly certain of and which might prove relevant: a transmit stud, a control stud, an ignition stud, a calibration stud, a tool stud, a generator access stud, an information stud, a powerup stud, a project status stud, a sequence stud, and a forcefield stud.

Cheryl takes off the goggles and tosses them on the ground beside you.
human
You look at the control
gpt
(the control surface)
The control surface is covered with a large grid of studs arranged in a hexagonal packing; it also features a set-in viewscreen.
human
You examine the transmit
gpt
Activating this stud no doubt transmits a signal of some sort, presumably to the other asteroids in the Yi-Lono-Mordel installation. Considering their ability to miniaturize, the Yi would not need an external transmission source; the transmitter is probably right inside the slab. However, given the location and energy necessary, the signal it produces will surely be visible on Cheryl's monitor hologram or through your electromagnetic goggles.
human
You examine the control stud
gpt
Activating this stud should give access to the final control system.
human
You press transmit
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the transmit stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

A very bright blue ball appears on Cheryl's monitor hologram in the center of the control slab.

Cheryl says, "What was that? I suspect that's what a signal transmission would look like. Don't touch a thing, Tolan." She draws her laser pistol. "Until I can find out what just happened, I'm sending you back to the brig."

Unfortunately, once she finds out what just happened, they'll probably opt for a harsher penalty than just the brig.
human
You press the control
gpt
(the control surface)
It is fixed in place.
human
You press control stud
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the control stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

Nothing happens.
human
You examine the studs
gpt
There are a number of studs whose function you are fairly certain of and which might prove relevant: a transmit stud, a control stud, an ignition stud, a calibration stud, a tool stud, a generator access stud, an information stud, a powerup stud, a project status stud, a sequence stud, and a forcefield stud.
human
You press the ignition stud
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the ignition stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

Nothing happens.
human
You examine the transmit stud
gpt
Activating this stud no doubt transmits a signal of some sort, presumably to the other asteroids in the Yi-Lono-Mordel installation. Knowing the Yi, the transmitter is inside the slab. Transmitting such a signal will be very visible on Cheryl's hologram.
human
You examine slab
gpt
The slab, subtly off-white, is warm to the touch, and hides the sensitive Yi technological components needed to manipulate the whole of Yi-Lono-Mordel. In the top center edge on the side opposite the door is a small notch. Extending across much of the surface of the slab is a slightly raised control surface. There is an open slot in the slab where the probe emerged.
human
Press status
gpt
(the installation status display)
That is insubstantial.
human
Press status stud
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the project status stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

The installation status display fades away.
human
Press status stud
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the project status stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

The installation status display showing the current configuration of Yi-Lono-Mordel appears, projected on the wall.
human
You touch the tool stud
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the tool stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

The slot through which the probe emerged closes.
human
You examine the status
gpt
(the installation status display)
The installation status display shows a symbolic representation of the entire Yi-Lono-Mordel installation: the star system you are in now, with the twenty asteroids including this one orbiting it, and the twenty stars arrayed around it like the vertices of a dodecahedron, each with twenty asteroids of their own. The indicator corresponding to this asteroid is glowing brighter than those for the other asteroids.
human
You touch the tool stud
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the tool stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

A slot appears on the top of the slab.
human
Touch status
gpt
(the installation status display)
There's nothing to feel.
human
You put the probe in the slab
gpt
You put the "top" end of the probe back into the slot, leaving the sensors exposed. The probe is held in place firmly, but sticks up out of the slot.
human
You examine icon
gpt
They are still indecipherable.
human
You examine the studs
gpt
There are a number of studs whose function you are fairly certain of and which might prove relevant: a transmit stud, a control stud, an ignition stud, a calibration stud, a tool stud, a generator access stud, an information stud, a powerup stud, a project status stud, a sequence stud, and a forcefield stud.
human
You examine viewscreen
gpt
The viewscreen is a small, perfectly square display set into the control surface. It shows some indecipherable icons.
human
You touch control stud
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the control stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

A pair of rods slowly emerge from surface of the slab.

Cheryl says, "What are those?"
human
You sit on the rods
gpt
They're not something you can sit down on.

Cheryl says, "I knew it! The place must be very important to have its information so protected. It's rather uncharacteristic of the Yi, but I expected that all along."
human
You look at the rods
gpt
A pair of slender cylindrical control rods sticks up from the surface of the slab through a thin crack. The rods are about a meter apart. You have never seen anything like this in your experience with Yi equipment.
human
You examine the crack
gpt
The rods poke up out of this thin crack.
human
You touch the rods
gpt
You touch each of the rods one at a time, but the handcuffs prevent you from touching both at the same time. Although the rods have a subtle electric potential, you cannot find any way to trigger them energistically.
human
You take the rods
gpt
They're fixed in place.
human
Pull rods
gpt
You try to reach and touch both of the rods at the same time, but the handcuffs prevent you.
human
Pull rods
gpt
Cheryl says, "I'd rather leave my hands free to reach for my laser, Tolan. But I guess you can take the handcuffs off."

She tosses the key to the handcuffs onto the floor next to you.
human
You take the key
gpt
Taken.
human
You unlock the handcuffs with the key
gpt
You unlock the handcuffs.
human
You remove the handcuffs
gpt
(first opening the handcuffs)
You take off the handcuffs.
human
Pull rods
gpt
You pull the rods together, towards each other, and they move until they are much closer. An icon on the viewscreen changes slightly. The rods want to spring back apart, and you can not do anything else while holding them together, so you release the rods.
human
You put the handcuffs on the rods
gpt
You pull the rods together and slip the handcuffs on them. They seem to hold the rods together quite handily. An icon on the viewscreen changes slightly.

Cheryl says, "How clever."
human
Press forcefield
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the forcefield stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

Cheryl notices the activity on her hologram monitor. She turns to face you. "Tolan, if I'm not mistaken, there's a forcefield around this slab... and us." Her laser pistol is in her hand. "I suggest you lower that forcefield. If I'm forced to use this... well, I might be trapped here for a while, but the Terran Alliance will ship the technology to break the field eventually. So why don't you make it easy on the both of us?"

Little choice: in death there will be no second chances. Unfortunately, this has tipped them off, and you'll never get a second chance in what's left of your life, either.
human
You look at the wall
gpt
(the room)
The room is about fifteen meters long, eight meters wide, and three meters tall, in the traditional Yi ratio 4:2:1, with the vertical compromised to only 2/3 its height before the floor intrudes. A status display is projected on one side of the room.

Cheryl says, "I'm surprised the Yi would have had such a physical control system. I could have operated that myself."
human
Press information
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the information stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

A large display appears on the right wall of the room, filled with line after line of Yi text.

Cheryl notices the activity and turns to look at the display. "That's it! You've found it. Wonderful!" She walks over to take a closer look at it. "Oh, Tolan, I think the first word is 'humans'! I think this might be addressed to us! The first ever communication from the Yi."
human
Press forcefield
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the forcefield stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

Cheryl notices the activity on her hologram monitor. She turns to face you. "Tolan, you're a dead man. I told you not to mess with anything." She draws her laser pistol, but hesitates. "Hell, that's a Yi forcefield, isn't it? Well, you can't stay in there forever."
human
You touch the ignition
gpt
You touch your fingertip gently against the ignition stud and focus your mind to concentrate your energies through it.

On Cheryl's monitor hologram, an enormous surge of energy flows out of the fusion generator and out in all directions around the room.

The indicator corresponding to this asteroid on the installation status display turns white.

Cheryl looks at the monitor hologram in dismay, then turns to face you.

Cheryl says, "What are you up to, Tolan?"
human
Reply
gpt
You say, "Well, it has been fun, Cheryl. But it is over now."

Cheryl says, "What do you mean?"

A speaker at the doorway crackles to life. "Dig Leader, some time ago we detected a transmission to the surrounding asteroids, and have just determined it came from the control room."
human
Reply
gpt
You say, "Yi-Lono-Mordel is powered up and ready to go."

Cheryl says, "Ready? What is Yi-Lono-Mordel?"

The indicator for this asteroid on the status display turns bright yellow.
human
Reply
gpt
You say, "It is the Yi's ultimate weapon, just like you said. You remember the Lono planet-buster? Yi-Lono-Mordel is more. Far more. It is a galaxy smasher. I think. I believe. I hope."

Cheryl stares at you silently.
human
Continue
gpt
You say, "We can only assume the Yi did not use it because they did not want to wipe out humanity along with the Lono--at least, not if humanity managed to stop the Lono."

The indicators for the other asteroids around this star light up a bit brighter.

You say, "So now I will get to do the honors."

Cheryl says, "What? Destroy the galaxy? Why?"

The voice on the speaker returns. "Also, a freighter in the area reports a signal was sent out to the neighboring stars."
human
Reply
gpt
You shake your head. "Cheryl, Cheryl. Come now. Why do you think I would want to destroy all of humanity?"

Cheryl says, "I know you too well to believe you're a psychopath. So I don't know."
human
Reply
gpt
You say, "You do not know me at all, Cheryl. I am different from everyone you know. Different from every human being in the galaxy, in fact. Differently motivated."

The indicator for this asteroid on the status display turns hot pink.
human
Reply
gpt
You say, "Did your superiors suspect? Did they tell you to keep me away, or did they tell you to kill me? Tell me."

Cheryl considers replying, but hesitates.
human
Reply
gpt
You say, "Well, enough discussion. I find it hard enough to control this pathetic human body without forcing myself to try to make human speech. Say goodbye, 'Milky Way'."

The indicator for this asteroid on the status display begins flashing.
human
Laugh
gpt
You cackle maniacally.

Cheryl opens her mouth to speak, but she is, for once, at a loss for words.
human
Wave
gpt
You wave, feeling foolish.