Manikin

You've lost track of time. Although you know there's a 50/50 chance of daylight, you have not seen the sun in who knows how long. Your eyes are glazed and red from sleep deprivation. A quick glance to the lanyard around your neck reminds you that despite your work in the labs, you are still merely [[an assistant->Scene 2]].

You earned this position through hours of hard work at your university. Or... perhaps it's more accurate to say [[years->Education]]. Even though you are qualified, you've never been given any sort of ''real'' responsibility. Filing papers, delivering mail, making coffee with just the right sugar-to-cream ratio for your supervisor, et cetera. There have been times when you've wondered what the point of it all was. Did you go through all that hardship just to end up a [[scientific barista->Barista]]? [[How->Scene 3]] did you even get into this situation to begin with?

Psychology, biology, chemistry, physics. Countless others. They made your head spin, but they were important work. You understood on some level that if you pursued them, you might actually ''be'' somebody. Of couse, they were difficult to say the least. Did you cave to the pressure? Sacrifice your morality to attain your success? Or did you stick to some semblance of a code? Regardless of how you got by, nobody cared. All that matters now is that you're just [[an assistant->Scene 2]]. Are you okay with that?

//Hi! Welcome to- Welcome to- Welcome to-// //How can I serve you?// //Thank you for choosing [[hell->Scene 2]], please consider us next time your morning needs a boost!//

As you sit in the hard plastic chair, your head drifting to the side and threatening to hit the linoleum floor... You hear a voice. It sounds like a metal spoon dragging across a ceramic bowl. It sounds like a parent's praise. It sounds like a whisper that you can't quite make out. [[You listen closer->Scene 4]].

(text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Hey hey hey! I've wondered that too!] The voice is talking to you? (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[You're the one who's always standing next to that big-wig scientist right? Why are you there, anyway? Are you the resident standing and doing nothing expert?] A feverish laugh bounces between your temporal and parietal lobes. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Man, you're quiet, huh? And stationary. I haven't been able to get through to anybody before. Must be something about you.] You ponder a response. [["Who are you?"->Identity]] [["I thought the labs were empty."->Empty Labs]] (if:visits >= 2)[[["What do you want from me?"->Scene 5]]]

(text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Me?] Another laugh bounces around your brain. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Isn't it rude to ask someone's name without giving your own?] (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[We'll get to who I am in a minute. First, I want to know more about ''you''.] You think that may be the first time [[anyone here->Scene 4]] has ever asked you that question.

(text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Empty? What, are you crazy?? Look around and tell me these labs are empty!] You look around. It's dark, but you can make out all sorts of stereotypical lab apparatuses. Microscopes, refrigerators, racks of goggles, test tubes, tables, computers. All the things you imagined when you were young. The labs weren't "empty", but they felt empty. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[That's some A-tier philosophy right there, assistant! Are you sure that wasn't one of your majors too?] (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[So am I wrong in assuming you view yourself as nothing, then? After all, you're here, and I'm here. Are we truly that [[worthless->Scene 4]]?]

(text-colour:#5f3dc4)[What do I want? What do I want? I think what you should be asking is what can we accomplish together!] The voice is getting louder, but it feels good. Like you don't have to struggle to hear anymore. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Is it true that despite everything you've done, you're still just a lowly assistant? After all, if it weren't for you, none of those so-called menial tasks ever would have been accomplished! Without people like us, those big-wigs wouldn't even have their jobs!] [["How do you know all this?"->Knowledge]] [["Us?"->Us]] (if:visits >= 2)[[["What are you getting at?"->Scene 6]]]

(text-colour:#5f3dc4)[I could ask you the same question!] There is a long silence. Your ears begin to ring. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[... Well, if you must know, it is because I was created this way. I was not created as... naturally... as you, though. All I know is that I am here. I do not know why. Maybe you can [[understand->Scene 5]] that feeling.]

(text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Yeah, kid! Us! You and me, we're two sugar cubes in a cappucino! Sweet, perfectly geometric purity slowly sinking into the dark abyss of a workaholic's decadence.] The voice's wavelength is shifting. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[But maybe we could be [[more->Scene 5]]!]

(text-colour:#5f3dc4)[It ain't complicated, kid! I think we're both a bit overqualified to be a pensive pen-pusher and velvety violet voice! What do you say?] (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[I mean, you could just go back to passing out from exhaustion in your mass-produced, metal scraping, muscle destroying torture device you call a "chair", if you really feel like it. But I think maybe you get what I'm saying.] The voice feels like it's getting closer somehow. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[So, kid, what d'you say?] [["Nope, I like sitting around doing nothing."->Scene 1]] [["Yeah, I'll hear you out."->Scene 7]]

You ponder what the voice has told you so far. For reasons of your own, you've decided to go along with what it has said. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[There ya go! Alright, kid, all you need to do is follow my instructions, and we'll be big wigs in no time. Our wigs will be so big people will be drawing //us// in overpriced textbooks!] You think back to your [[bank account->Bank Account]]. You think back to hearing about the powdered wigs. Your supervisor's name, it's [[George->George]], isn't it? What is it with Georges, anyway? (if:visits >= 3)[''What has this place really done for you, anyway?''] [["How do we get started?"->Scene 8]]

//Welcome to our mobile app, please enter your password.// //PASSWORD INCORRECT// //PASSWORD INCORRECT// //PASSWORD ACCEPTED// //Your transfer of $232.51 to ''Primary Checking'' has been verified, would you like to include a [[memo->Scene 7]]?//

//(text-colour:#c92a2a)[Welcome to the lab. Touch anything without consulting me and it's a one-way ticket back to 100-level courses, kiddo! It's [[my way->Scene 7]] or the highway!]//

(text-colour:#5f3dc4)[I thought you'd never ask! First, you need to make your way to me. I'm in the Hazardous Materials section, you know where it is.] Well, you've made it this far. You've got nothing better to do. Maybe listening to whatever this thing is will help you change ''something''. You ascend the mass-produced chair. Your muscles burn from atrophy and your eyes twirl like ballerinas, unable to find any forms in the twisting dark of the lab. Electricity hums through the cables beneath your feet and fluids flow through the pipes. Both become louder as you pass through the halls. It's somehow becoming even darker, and your footsteps echo louder than ever before. You come across a fork in the hallway. [[Move toward Hazardous Materials.->Scene 9a]] [[Take the long way.->Scene 9b]]

You decide that the scenic route just isn't for you. After all, you've seen it before. Your footsteps continue to echo as you make your way deeper into the facility. You pass a myriad of labs and offices on your path- each leading to a different department of Hazardous Materials. Nobody is left in the lab. Sometime when you weren't paying attention, they all grabbed their things and filed out [[like clockwork->Clock]]. None of them even stopped to clue you in on things. After a while, all your following of colored lines on the floor has payed off. You stand at the entrance to the main lab of Hazardous Materials. You barely lift your hand before you feel an impulse to [[open the door->Scene 10]].

You decide that maybe there's something to gain from taking it slow. After all, it's not like the voice gave you a deadline. Your path leads you through some of the main sections of the labs. You see the pathways to the Dining Commons, Administration, Cold Storage, and several others. You've been to them all. The central atrium is completely deserted, but for a statue of some big-wig in the center, surrounded by inactive fountains. They're shrouded in darkness, but you can make out the shadow of the powdered wig, the coat, and some sort of academic tool in their arms. It almost seems like it's [[staring at you->Statue]]. You continue on, passing back around to one of the [[alternate hallways->Scene 9c]] of Hazardous Materials.

What's the point of reading a clock? It's not like they ever worked in the first place. And besides, you've [[lost track of time->Scene 9a]].

''PLEASE ENTER THE PASSCODE'' You've seen your supervisor open the door before. The passcode escaped you for a moment, but... Which one was it again? (if:visits >= 2)[You remember the passcode had some significance to money. A cosmic coincidence.] [[11367->Incorrect 1]] [[23251->Scene 11]] [[49812->Incorrect 2]]

The cold metal visage stares into you [[through the darkness->Scene 9b]]. You stare back. ...Its name is probably "George".

The walls which surround you are completely barren. Not a single one of them carries a poster, painting, inspirational quote, art, or even paint. White linoleum is all you see, and sometimes it seems like it's all you'll ever see. As you move deeper into Hazardous Materials, you try to imagine your colleagues occupying the labs. After all, the offices and labs are nearly as empty as the walls. None of them offered to [[walk out with you->Colleagues]]. The electrical humming and wooshing of the pipes only intensify with every step. Red lights from surge protectors dot your path- the cables strewn across the linoleum like worms after a rainstorm. After a while, all your following of colored lines on the floor has payed off. You stand at the entrance to the main lab of Hazardous Materials. You barely lift your hand before you feel an impulse to [[open the door->Scene 10]].

What's the point of having colleagues if they don't help you? Sure, you might just be an assistant, but who decided that assistants don't need assistants of their own? Your eyes are begging for reprieve, but your brain [[will not give it.->Scene 9c]]

''BEEP'' [[''INCORRECT PASSCODE''->Scene 10]]

That's right. Textbook withdrawals. ''PASSCODE ACCEPTED'' The door swings open, and the voice slithers through your mind once more. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Hey, kid, long time no see! Now that you're done wandering around like a zombie, we can get to the fun part. If you follow the sound of my voice, you'll find me in no time.] The main lab of Hazardous Materials looms in front of you. It's somehow even darker than the hallways, save for the lights of surge protectors and safety alarms. Even though the voice is no longer speaking to you, for some reason it's still echoing somewhere near your occipital lobe. A path to the voice reveals itself in front of you, and the sounds of your steps are swallowed in the sounds of whirring refrigerators. [[You look up.->Scene 12]]

A small capsule is kept inside one of the refrigerators. To your tired and bloodshot eyes, the metal is practically radiating its own shadowy aurora. The glass of the cylinder is fogged with frost, but you can make out a shadowy substance within. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Nice to finally meet face-to-face, eh assistant?] [["So you're just some thing in a capsule?"->Thing]] [["What are you exactly?"->What]] [["What now?"->Scene 13]]

(text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Yes, I'm "just" some thing in a capsule, like how you are "just" a bag of flesh, bones, and electricity. We are capable of so much more and you know it.] (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[After all, why else would we be [[here->Scene 12]]?]

The shadowy aurora intensifies. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[I'm like [[you->Scene 12]].]

(text-colour:#5f3dc4)[It's simple! The release button on my capsule. That's all you have to do.] (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[What, don't tell me you're having second thoughts.] Your hands hover around the frost-blanketed capsule. The shadowy creature within writhes from end to end, but the voice in your head remains completely stable. The wavelength had finally balanced. [["This seems incredibly suspicious and risky."->Suspicious]] [["What do I get out of releasing you?"->Exchange]] [["Alright, I'll release you."->Scene 14]]

(text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Yeah, I know right? It wasn't my choice to be ugly. Maybe you can relate to that, eh, noodle-arms?] The voice's feverish laugh assaults your cochlear nerve. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[I'm joking, of course! Regardless, we children take the [[form of our creators->Scene 13]], don't we? And, I'd probably be apprehensive too if some dark being started psychically talking to me. I can't force you to release me, but deep down, I think you know what we can accomplish together.]

(text-colour:#5f3dc4)[What do you get? What do you get?! Kid, who do you think you're talking to? Do you seriously think I'd betray my kindred spirit?] Silence fills the lab. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Come on, assistant! Do I have to [[spell it out->Scene 13]] for you?] (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[F] (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[R] (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[E] (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[E] (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[D] (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[O] (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[M]

(text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Now we're talking!] Your hand meets the cold metal end of the capsule. The faintly-glowing release button is [[one tiny click->Scene 15]] away.

The release button snaps into place, and the glass of the capsule cracks open like a bottle of champagne. Vapor blows from the capsule and wafts throughout the lab as the amorphous shadowy presence leaks out onto the floor. You stare down at the source of the voice- now merely a dark puddle at your feet. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Ahhh! Finally! You have no idea how cramped it was in there. Now, I know my current form isn't all that impressive, but, well, you could say that for your own body too, eh?] The voice's ethereal laugh courses between your ears. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[I suppose now that we're partners, we can get a little more personal. I've been called many things by the scientists here, just as you have, but to you, assistant... I'm Manikin.] Manikin rises from the cold linoleum floor. Even though it was no larger than your shoes put together before, it seemingly defies the laws of reality- growing and floating to eye level like a birthday balloon freely released from an unfortunate child's hand. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Now that we're together, kindred spirit, we can break our chains. We can become more than we were ever meant to on our own. What do you say, assistant?] You look at the sphere of shadows suspended before you. [["What do you want me to do?"->Scene 16]]

(text-colour:#5f3dc4)[See, that right there is the talk of an assistant, assistant! How about I ask [[you->You?]] a question for a change?] The ball of shadows swirled, and for a moment you saw something that looked like a smile in its core. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Why are you here anyway, assistant? What's going on past those bloodshot and bagged eyes?] ''... Why are you here?'' [["I want a stable career."->Scene 17]] [["I want to be loved."->Scene 17]] [["I want power."->Scene 17]] [["I want to hurt those who've hurt me."->Scene 17]]

You were rarely asked questions of any kind by anybody. Occasionally, someone in the labs would ask you for directions, the time, or to borrow your writing instrument(s) without considering the return policy. Sometimes all three would occur at once. However, nobody really cared why you were there. After a while, did you stop caring as well? Did you become a faceless blob of matter wandering through linoleum hallways, or was there [[something you held onto?->Scene 16]]

(text-colour:#5f3dc4)[What was that...? Can you speak up, assistant?] (text-colour:#c92a2a)[~~"I want a stable career."~~] (text-colour:#c92a2a)[~~"I want to be loved."~~] (text-colour:#c92a2a)[~~"I want power."~~] (text-colour:#c92a2a)[~~"I want to hurt those who've hurt me."~~] [["I want freedom."->Scene 18]]

(text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Yes!! See, I knew we would make a great team. You've freed me from that stuffy capsule, but I promised you more, didn't I? What kind of kindred spirit would I be if I didn't return the favor?] Silence pours over the lab before Manikin drifts past you. Its smile is more noticeable than ever, and for a brief moment, you see orbs akin to eyes drifting within. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[We need to be big, assistant! The way we are now, well... it's like trying to cut a skull with a scalpel. I have an idea as to how we may become large, larger.] Manikin appears to turn around, looking directly into your eyes. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[If we're going to be free, there are a few things we need to take care of in the facility. You know what that means! We're splitting up... for now.] Manikin's laugh permeates the room once more. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)["But Manikin, how will I be able to hear your beautiful voice and comprehend your tactical expertise?" I hear you wonder. Well, [[hold out your hand->Scene 19]], assistant.]

As instructed, you held out your hand. Before you could react, Manikin flew toward you- its shadowy tendrils wrapping around your index and middle fingers. It felt cold, but not freezing. The kind of cold one would feel when a wet cloth is placed on their forehead during a fever. After a second, Manikin's tendrils receded back into its body, and its spherical form resumed. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[There we go! Now, we can communicate over any distance a lot easier. I won't lie, getting those early messages to you really took it out of me.] Your frontal lobe pulses with shadows. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Now, now, we can get to business! The way I see it, we need two things: admin privileges and a new body for me. This shadowy blob just isn't cutting it. Then, once we're done, it will be time for real fun.] [["Why do you need admin privileges?"->Privileges?]] [["I'll find you a new body."->Scene 20b]] [["I'll find the admin privileges."->Scene 20a]]

(text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Good thinking! After all, you're more familiar with this facility, and you have fingers. If you need my inspired wisdom when you encounter obstacles, I'm just a psychic call away!] Manikin offers a brief smile before ascending to the ceiling in a dark flash. It effortlessly phases through the metal bars obstructing the vent and disappears from sight. Yet again, you are left with the whirring of the chillers in Hazardous Materials- contemplating the release of Manikin. Your only direction was to [[head toward Administration->Scene 21]].

Manikin shudders for a moment, and you hear its laugh massaging the back of your skull. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Now, now. Not that I don't trust you, kindred spirit, but I think that task belongs to me. I have an interesting idea on that front. I think you'll find it very ironic.] The laugh gets louder, and it makes you want to laugh as well. The sensation builds in your diaphragm, and a smirk creeps onto your face. (text-colour:#c92a2a)[~~"I'll work on finding you a new body."~~] [["Then I'll work on getting the admin privileges."->Scene 20a]]

(text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Why? Why not? Getting into this room alone was a pain without them, so how do we expect to get to the real fun stuff on your vague memories alone?] You ponder what could be done with admin privileges, since they would give one nigh unlimited access to the facility's various tools and associated powers. It was clear that something about Manikin's plan would involve them, but you have [[no clue as to what->Scene 19]].

You make your way back to the central atrium, where the various pathways lead to [[the lab->PARACELSUS]]'s departments. At the center of the atrium, the dark metal statue remains stalwart, facing the direction of the exit tunnel- the only way out of which being a tram line. You look back, knowing that you must eventually make your way to administration, but wondering if there is anything to see in the other departments. [[Head toward Dining Commons.->Dining Commons]] [[Head toward Cold Storage.->Cold Storage]] [[Head toward Administration.->Scene 22]]

You walk to the entrance of the dining commons, which has been closed down for the day... or was it night? You peer through the metal gate, toward the white linoleum floor and the pristine white plastic tables. The benches tirelessly await their use in the future, gathering dust and laying in the dark- functionally useless in their current form. You look beyond the seating to the nutrient paste dispensers. ... They looked [[even more disgusting->Scene 21]] than usual.

You walk toward the entrance to cold storage, which is firmly locked down. Only the unique passcode or [[admin privileges->Scene 21]] could allow you entrance. Regardless, you peer through the glass on the steel door, barely able to make out anything beyond the frost. As you stare, you see something. It looks like ''bodies''.

You decide that it's time to make your way to Administration. No amount of "sightseeing" in the various other departments would help in attaining the admin privileges. You make your way down the central hallway branching off from the atrium, at the end of which lays a metallic spiral staircase. The metallic clangs of your steps echo through the facility as you ascend. The cold of the metal railing bites into your chapped skin, and the air only becomes dryer and less welcoming with every step. As you move, it occurs to you that Manikin could presumably move anywhere in the facility- yet you got stuck with [[the difficult job->Scene 23]]. It was hardly [[the first time->Sugar]].

You look down to the ground beneath your feet. The great sigil of the labs stares back. You've seen it every day on your way into the labs, but today it stood out more than ever before. A gray triangle, in its center a silver square, and in the square's center a white circle. All of which surrounded by a broad black circle inscribed with "[[PARACELSUS LABS->Scene 21]]".

The halls of Administration are exactly as you remember them. White linoleum, dark, cold, and dry. They are so utterly lacking in spirit that you feel what little remains of your own slowly fading away. [[Your destination->Admin Door]] is at the end of the hallway. Acquiring the admin passwords would not be easy, but with Manikin's support, what could possibly be beyond your reach? You remember that most of the facility's data is stored in the computers on this level, and with your limited access, you may be able to learn more about any [[questions->Computers]] you have.

//(text-colour:#c92a2a)[Hey, kid! Now, I know you're overqualified for this position, but would you mind just heading over to Admin for me? They keep [[the best sugar there->Scene 23]], you see!]//

You decide that you know enough. The door to the main Administrative chamber lies before you, and a simple keypad stands between you and your goal. Above the keypad, the word "PARACELSUS" is printed. The keypad is comprised of four letters: B, G, S, and W. It seems they need to be entered in a specific order. ...And you remember that the door will completely lock if you get it wrong ''five times''. [[WSGB->DENIED-1]] [[SWBG->DENIED-2]] [[BWGS->DENIED-3]] [[SGBW->DENIED-4]] (if:(history: where its name contains "PARACELSUS")'s length >= 1)[[[BGSW->Admin Chamber]]] (if:visits >= 2)[[[Ask Manikin for advice.->ManikinDoorAdvice]]]

You decide that you need more information about what's really going on here. You find trespassing in Administration quite simple, due to your supervisor's negligence with passwords in the past. The only password of his you didn't know off the top of your head was access to the main administrative chamber. Supposedly, it was an in-joke with the big wigs. You sit at one of the computers, using the supervisor's password to easily access [[information->Log Hub]] usually forbidden to a lowly assistant such as you.

ACCESS [[DENIED->Admin Door]]

WELCOME, ACCESS GRANTED. Your code is accepted, and the doors to the main administration chamber crack open. The metal creaks as both sides of the steel frame drag across the ground, slotting into vertical gaps in the walls. You step into the chamber, watching with bloodshot eyes as the screens and various electronics come to life before you. White screens flicker and the red eyes of surge protectors blare at you from under the tables. With light steps, you make your way to the central computer. [[Ask Manikin what to do next.->Scene 24]]

(text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Huh?? A four-letter puzzle, eh? Well, I've got news for you, kid! There are only 24 possible combinations!] You explain to Manikin that the door will enter full lockdown if an incorrect passcode is entered five times consecutively. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[//Oh!// Well, that is a tricky situation, isn't it? Knowing how full of themselves these big wigs are, I'd bet it's something self-indulgent!] You think about self-indulgent practices surrounding your supervisor that don't involve copious amounts of caffeine. (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[You'd better be careful with this one. One final guess from me... I'd bet the answer is hiding in plain sight, maybe even somewhere you've already been.] ''Is there a place you want to return to?'' [[Admin Door.->Admin Door]] [[Central Atrium.->Scene 21]] [[Administration Entrance.->Scene 23]]

ACCESS [[DENIED->Admin Door]]

''What would you like to know?'' [[Turn off the computer and head back.->Scene 23]] [[Access Entry 1 - Shipment Invoice->Entry 1]] [[Access Entry 2 - Project: "Sulfur"->Entry 2]] [[Access Entry 3 - PARACELSUS Funding->Entry 3]] [[Access Entry 4 - Project: "Mercury"->Entry 4]] [[Access Entry 5 - Late Again!->Entry 5]]

//(text-colour:#c92a2a)[Now we're talking.]// //(text-colour:#c92a2a)[Not only have I finally gotten that damn kopi luwak, but the news just came in that our new equipment has finally been delivered. I'll be heading down to take a look at it soon.]// //(text-colour:#c92a2a)[With any luck, these new materials will finally allow us to [[move forward->Log Hub]] with Sulfur.]//

//(text-colour:#c92a2a)[Sulfur, the soul, combustion. The drive to move forward and influence the world. It's something that we all have, right?]// //(text-colour:#c92a2a)[If that's the case, then why is it so difficult to harness? Why has it eluded our measurements for so long? Why, despite all of our advancements, all of our knowledge...]// //(text-colour:#c92a2a)[Are we [[incapable->Log Hub]] of synthesizing a soul?]//

//(text-colour:#c92a2a)[Sulfur was a failure. I don't know how to put my feelings into words.]// //(text-colour:#c92a2a)[We all worked so hard on this. We thought it was the solution to our ills, but...]// //(text-colour:#c92a2a)[Could it be that we were destined to fail? That we thought we were the puppetmasters, but that our strings were being pulled all along?]// //(text-colour:#c92a2a)[Regardless...]// //(text-colour:#c92a2a)[The funding keeps coming in. PARACELSUS is serious about harnessing the soul, and for good reason. I guess it's up to us to figure it out.]// //(text-colour:#c92a2a)[... I think I may have [[an idea->Log Hub]].]//

//(text-colour:#c92a2a)[It's taken weeks of preparation, but the residue from Sulfur has finally been gathered and placed in ideal fermentation conditions.]// //(text-colour:#c92a2a)[There are several in the staff who disapprove of this, but I know that it's our only way. Project: Mercury has been approved by yours truly. I'm the only authority here. It's [[my project, my rules!->Log Hub]]]// [DATA UNAVAILABLE] //(text-colour:#c92a2a)[I'm not crazy. I'm not... crazy. Don't believe anything you see or hear! Or smell, or taste! Mercury was a success! A success- a brilliant success! We may not have been able to harness the soul, but spirit? Spirit! Volatility! It's mine! Mine, my power! My freedom!]// [DATA UNAVAILABLE] //(text-colour:#c92a2a)[I keep hearing things... Hearing voices. It sounds like my voice...]//

//(text-colour:#c92a2a)[My assistant's late again! Again! This is the final straw, kid. Such a simple task, too.]// //(text-colour:#c92a2a)[I need that code, dammit! I don't have much time...]// //(text-colour:#c92a2a)[Mercury, yes... Yes, I know... I'll do it. I'll do what you say.]// //(text-colour:#c92a2a)[Paging all employees. [[Please vacate the premises->Log Hub]]. This is not a drill.]// [DATA UNAVAILABLE]

(text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Hey, you made it! I knew you had it in you.] (text-colour:#5f3dc4)[Now, all that's left is to download the admin status onto that lanyard of yours. Should be simple enough.] You look at the central computer. This whirring machine is the size of several other computers mashed together, and even the slightest task practically generates a symphony of electronic chattering. Your fingers meet the keyboard, and a quick search provides you with what you need. You place your lanyard-ID fusion into the scanner, and begin the data transfer. After a few seconds, the transfer is complete. ''Could freedom and power be such an easy thing to attain?'' [[Update Manikin.->ManikinUpdate]] [[Head back to the central atrium.->Scene 25]]

You try to reach out with your mind and update Manikin on your success... ... but [[nothing happened->Scene 24]].

Your walk back to the central atrium is completely silent, save for the sounds of your footsteps and the ambient whirring of the labs' technology. You think about contacting Manikin again, but perhaps it would be better to simply meet in person. After all, Manikin is the supposed expert on long-distance psychic communication, isn't it? You descend the spiral staircase, one step at a time, until finally you arrive back at the hallway. When it had once pointed you toward Administration, it now points you toward the atrium. ... But Manikin is nowhere to be found. ''Do you need Manikin?'' [["Yes."->Scene 26]] [["No."->"No"]]

You try again to reach out with your mind and speak to Manikin... ... but nothing happened. ''What will you do?'' [[Wait for Manikin to contact you.->Wait]] [[Look around the central atrium.->Look Around]] [[Access Cold Storage.->Access Cold Storage]] [[Attempt to exit the facility.->Scene 27]]

Even though it has only been minutes since your last visit to the central atrium, something seems different. You look around, attempting to put your finger on it. All the [[hallways->Scene 26]] are still there, the fountains, the benches, and the sigil on the ground. (link-reveal:"Everything except...") [... the statue.]

You stay put, thinking that if Manikin needs you... //when// it needs you, it will call for you. Your hand grips the lanyard. It carries the administrative privileges for [[the entire facility->Scene 26]]. It was so easy to acquire, it makes you wonder why nobody else has done it before you. Why have //you// never thought to do it before? How could something so powerful be so easily taken?

You recall that Cold Storage could only be accessed by a code unknown to you, or by admin privileges- which are now loosely secured around your neck. You step up to the cold steel door, peering once again through the frosted glass. [[Swipe the card.->Storage 1]] [[Go back.->Scene 26]]

The lock of the cold door unlatches, and you pull with all of your might. It swings open, and you are nearly overcome with the heaviness of the frigid air. You step beyond the threshold, attempting to see through the thick shroud of darkness. Your eyes strain trying to make anything out. The synthetic bodies of lines upon lines of androids stare toward you. Their expressions are completely blank, and they look uncannily human. The room only gets colder the further you walk. [[Get out.->Scene 26]] [[Investigate further.->Storage 2]]

You decide there must be something more in this room. You move past the lines of androids, pondering why they are even kept here to begin with. You have never seen androids like this being used around the labs, and nothing like this had ever been stored in the freezer. At the end of Cold Storage, you see something against the wall. [[Leave.->Scene 26]] [[Look closer.->Storage 3]]

You approach whatever it is. ... It is a frozen corpse. (link:"Look closer.")[... Its name tag reads "George".] [[Leave.->Scene 26]]

''BEEP'' [[''INCORRECT PASSCODE''->Scene 10]]