Threenigma

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<div class="stars"></div> <div class="twinkling"></div> <div class="clouds"></div> <div class="moon"><img src="resources/images/fullmoon.png" alt="moon" class="moon"></div> <div class="logo"><img src="resources/images/ThreeNigma.png" alt="Threenigma" class="logobanner"></div> <div class="begin"><span id="beginlink" style="display:none;">[[Begin->The beginning]]</span></div> <<done>> <<timed 2s transition>> <<script>>$('.moon').addClass('fadeinmoon');<</script>> <<next 2s>><<script>>$('.logobanner').addClass('fadeinlogobanner');<</script>> <<next 2s>><<script>>$('#beginlink').show();<</script>> <</timed>> <</done>>

<div id="fire" class="startingFlame"> <img id="flame" src="resources/images/flame.gif" alt="Simple Fire Gif"> </div> Welcome stranger. This place might confuse you. <<timed 2s transition>> That's ok. <<next 2s>> Our first order of business is to take your assigned name. <<next 2s>> That breathed sound which directs your conscious attention. <<next 2s>> What is it? <<next 2s>> <<textbox "$person" "" "The preamble" autofocus>> <</timed>>

<div id="container"> <div id="text"><<set $person = $person.toUpperFirst()>> Wonderful. <<timed 2s transition>>$person it is.<<next 2s>><div id="charimg" class="fade-in"><img id='wizchar' class=characters src="resources/images/m1-mixed2.jpg"></div> You already know my name, but don't remember yet. <<next 3s>> I'm here to guide you through the process of remembering.<<next 2s>> <<next 2s>> You do want to remember, don't you?<<script>>$('#wizchar')[0].src="resources/images/m1-mixed1.jpg";$('#wizchar').toggleClass('fade-in');<</script>> <<next 1s>> <<linkreplace "No">> [[...yes->Proceed]] <</linkreplace>> <</timed>> </div> </div>

We have a lot to get through, you and I. The important part is that you do already know the answer, otherwise how could you understand me in the first place? But I'm getting ahead of myself. This kind of remembering cannot be transmitted directly via the written word. It must be experienced. There is no other way. The part of you that yearns to remember doesn't speak or think in words. It's not even what we'd normally call logical, in any sense of the word. Thus we must go right back, to the very beginning. But I'm not going to force things here. This process requires your active participation. You can stop and regroup. You can, if you wish, exit from this place and indulge in other patterns. We have time. If there is anything that we do have, it is time. I can offer you the choice of approach and nothing more. You must experience at least one of these paths and know the truth. [[I'm ready to begin->The first path]] [[This is not for me at this time->Goodbye]]

<<nobr>><div class="imgcontainer"> <img src="resources/images/salt.gif" alt="salt" class="element"> <img src="resources/images/sulfur.gif" alt="sulfur" class="element"> <img src="resources/images/mercury.gif" alt="mercury" class="element"> </div><</nobr>> You see before you the idea, force and amplifier of all that exists. Which resonates most with you? [[Stability, foundation, growth and all things solid resonate with me->salt]] [[I am something that came from nothing, the spark resonates with me->sulfur]] [[Adaptability, expression and communication is meaningful to me->mercury]]

There is no shame in this choice and I applaud you for making it. The truth of the matter is that I'll be waiting forever for your return. What is forever? A long time? That is very very short indeed. <a href="https://rwed.neocities.org">Go back to main site</a> <<timed 12s transition>> ...huh? You're still here? Let me help you on your way. <<next 2s>> Goodbye. <<next 2s>> <<script>>window.location.href = "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9U9xS4thxU"<</script>> <</timed>>

<<set $wiz1 = 'm1-standing.png'>> <<set $wiz2 = 'm1-sitting.png'>>

<<set $worktasks = ['[[Clean air filter]]', '[[Lubricate incinerator bulkhead]]', '[[Tighten suspension bridge chain]]', '[[Re-seal pump manifold]]', '[[Skim algal bloom from biomass vats]]']>>

<<set $loop1 = true>> <<set $loop2 = false>> <<set $loop3 = false>> <<set $loop4 = false>>

Branch under building right now, check back soon! [[Return->The first path]]

<<run $worktasks.deleteAt($worktasks.indexOf(`[[${passage()}]]`))>>"Ah, yes" - Aaron says out loud, to noone in particular. The air filter for the flower nursery needs to be cleaned. There's been an increase in blight on the leaves of the plants over the past few weeks. Aaron heads across to the nursery and turns the air circulator off just before taking the filter out gently. The filter is visibly yellowed and it is clearly starting to become contaminated over and above safe levels. Looking in the filter storage cabinet to the left, there is a single replacement filter remaining. [[Replace the filter]] [[Attempt to clean the current filter]]

<img class="passimgs" src="resources/images/filter.webp"> Aaron retrieves the contaminated filter from the circulation system and carefully places it into a recycling chute within the nursery. The last fresh filter is taken from storage and placed gently into the air circulation system. After a few final checks for physical integrity of the system, Aaron re-activates the fans and leaves the nursery. [[Look up remaining task list for today->worktasks_router]]

Looking at the sole remaining air filter, Aaron decides to attempt to clean the current filter. There is a spring of fresh water feeding the nursery and some isopropyl alcohol in storage. Aaron pats the contaminated filter to remove heavy particles and dust. Isopropyl alcohol is rubbed on the fabric and allowed to evaporate. Finally the fan is rinsed under the available fresh water and shaken dry. The filter is still visibly contaminated and yellow, but should more effectively strip blight and toxins from the air inlets now. After a few final checks for physical integrity of the system, Aaron re-activates the fans and leaves the nursery. [[Look up remaining task list for today->worktasks_router]]

<<run $worktasks.deleteAt($worktasks.indexOf(`[[${passage()}]]`))>>Aaron recalls the conversation held with Emeritus, the Overseer. The bulkhead for the incinerator keeps on jamming shut due to rust. Grabbing a nearby roll of tools, Aaron heads over to the incineration building. [[Continue->At the incinerator]]

<<run $worktasks.deleteAt($worktasks.indexOf(`[[${passage()}]]`))>> <img class="passimgs" src="resources/images/incinerator.webp"> Black smoke billows from a tall concrete chimney. The incinerator is the final destination of all non-recyclable material within the perimeter of the wire shield. The entire liveable area for Aaron and everyone he knows is around 500 square meters. Noone has ever travelled beyond the electrified steel grid that constitutes the wire shield. Noone ever would, at any rate. Terrible things, malformed mutants and roaming murderers lurk beyond it. The Archaeons speak often about the dangers which the wire shield protects from. Aaron enters the incinerator and approaches the bulkhead. This particular grate is not currently in use and is cold to the touch. Grunting with effort, the bulkhead is moved ever so slightly. Yep, it's stuck pretty bad. Aaron unfolds the toolset and retrieves spray lubricant. It is applied to the bulkhead liberally. A couple of jerks later and the bulkhead is moving freely. [[Look up remaining task list for today->worktasks_router]]

<<run $worktasks.deleteAt($worktasks.indexOf(`[[${passage()}]]`))>> <img class="passimgs" src="resources/images/drawbridge.webp"> The Golden ones had a lot of difficulty lowering the suspension bridge joining the main entry with the wire shield security passage yesterday. The Archaeons were delayed entering by around 15 minutes and this upset the feast bestowal for the evening. It looks like the chain which runs the bridge lowering mechanism is too loose. Aaron heads to the edge of the ingression platform from which the suspension bridge currently gapes open over. The path which this bridge creates when fully lowered is the only way in or out of the perimeter, save a defect in the wire shield. To Aaron's best knowledge (which is shared by the general population), there are no tunnels under the wire shield. It is also generally known that the shield extends up to a mile below ground and extends in a dome above their heads, close to half a mile high. At any rate, the suspension bridge extends over a very large crevice and even their most skilled athletes wouldn't have a chance at nearly clearing it with a running jump. At any rate, this serves to make the entire village more safe in case the wire shield is ever breached or powered down. [[Look up remaining task list for today->worktasks_router]]

<<run $worktasks.deleteAt($worktasks.indexOf(`[[${passage()}]]`))>>Aaron fetches some spare parts and heads to the waste disposal chamber. The chamber is a large rusted container. Protuding from the ceiling of the container is a metal plate that connects to a hydraulic press. Aaron removes the metal bar holding the doors to the container shut. Pressing the activate button, there is a loud roar from a connected diesel generator and a screech of grinding metal as the overhead metal press starts to bear down within the container. About a third of the way down, it judders and stops suddenly. The diesel generator cuts out and everything halts to silence. Opening the engine covering plate on the disposal chamber, Aaron notices a leak of hydraulic fluid through a worn connection. Removing the worn outer covering from the connection and replacing with a spare, the system is started again. The compression cycle completes and the metal plate descends to the floor. Looking beyond the container, Aaron surveys mounds of discarded metal which have built up over just the past morning. The mounds seemingly grow with every passing hour. [[Look up remaining task list for today->worktasks_router]]

<<run $worktasks.deleteAt($worktasks.indexOf(`[[${passage()}]]`))>>Aaron grabs his hazmat suit and rebreather. There are few hazmat suits available and this one needs great care. Even a tear in the suit or damage to the rebreather can be fatal. Aaron briefly catches a memory of a young apprentice tending to the biomass who fell unconscious and dropped into the vat. The apprentice was never recovered, but the algal bloom grew twice as quickly for the next fortnight. At the biomass, Aaron carefully extends a telescopic skimmer across the surface of the vat. The vats are full of liquid, but the surface is a thick crust of green and brown. Curls and outgrowths in moss like clumps litter the vat crust. As Aaron moves the skimmer across, the surface almost gets shaved on each stroke. Aaron retrieves the shavings and stows them for delivery to the Archaeons at the evening bestowal. [[Look up remaining task list for today->worktasks_router]]

<<nobr>><<include salt_initial_state>><video autoplay><source src="resources/images/lakeside.mp4" width="60%" type="video/mp4"></video><</nobr>> The moon is full tonight. The water idly laps against the lakefront. Aaron is relaxing on a wooden deckchair. Today was a hard day's work but all is peaceful right now. Actually, it's usually peaceful. Aaron doesn't appear to remember a time when there was not all pervading ease and peace. Aaron stands and stretches gently, then looks towards the path back to the communal house. <div class="whisper"><span class="ghostchoices">whisper to Aaron:</span> [[Head back along the trodden path->pathBack]] [[Stay here a while longer->nPathBack]] </div>

The path back through the woods winds through thickets and groups of well worn ancient trees. Shadows stretch and intersect, cast by the bright moonlight. Aaron knows this path well, having done his part to etch the grass from the dust and wear the trail itself over many years. <div id="timed-choices"><progress value="100" max="100"></progress></div> <div class="whisper"><span class="ghostchoices">whisper to Aaron:</span> [[You've walked here many times before->clearing]] [[Stay here a while longer->nPathBack]] </div> <<done>><<script>>window.progressBarStopStart(30000, "clearing"); <</script>><</done>>

Aaron does a double-take. A mild confusion arises. He shrugs and walks towards the trodden path. <<timed 7s>> <<script>>Engine.play("clearing"); <</script>> <</timed>>

Emerging from the forest path, the dense overgrowth eases and an extinguished campfire surrounded by picnic tables comes into view. There are remnants of the evening feast here and there. Through the air, excited shouts and merrymaking can be heard from the common area. <div id="timed-choices"><progress value="100" max="100"></progress></div> <div class="whisper"><span class="ghostchoices">whisper to Aaron:</span> [[You've missed out on the merrymaking, was that intentional?->common-area-reflect]] [[Is it not too late to catch the last of the feast?->common-area-engage]]</div> <<done>><<script>>window.progressBarStopStart(30000, "clearing"); <</script>><</done>>

Aaron stops dead in his tracks. "What was that? Who said that?" He looks back and forth anxiously. Peering back into the forest there is nothing moving. Noone is at the campfire. The stars glisten overhead. Scratching his head and muttering to himself, he turns and walks hurriedly to the common area. <<timed 10s transition>> <<goto "common-area-feast">> <</timed>>

Aaron muses about how, if he hurries, he can join in on this evening's merriment during it's dwindling stages. He silently admits to himself that he actively avoided the merriment and instead looked for time alone. However now that seems like a ridiculous notion! Of course he should have been more inclined to join in, and hopes that there is still time. He strides on ahead to the common area. <<timed 14s transition>> <<goto "common-area-feast">> <</timed>>

As Aaron approaches the main hall, he is immediately met by two others who reach out and embrace him warmly. The first exclaims - "Brother! We were wondering where you had gotten to. Our evening feast is nearly over but there might be some life left in us yet!" The other laughs heartily - "I'm not sure you ever sleep, Lothric!" Lothric looks back and grins. "Deleneth, I'll sleep when I'm dead" They beckon and Aaron follows through to the main hall, where a crowd is gathered. Within the hall there are rows of tables and benches. Chatter and mirth echo around the room. Aaron turns to Lothric. "We appear to have been rewarded well for our day of toil. Is that a full pig on that spit?" Lothric nods enthusiastically. "What's left of it anyway. Deleneth has been toiling even during downtime, but then eating comes naturally to some". Lothric gets a friendly elbow to the ribs and a wink for that. [[Continue->common-area-feast-2]]

"Tell me, Aaron, where did you go? We've been celebrating the evening feast here and didn't think to come look for you. It's unusual for you to miss out on our nightlies - I hope you're doing okay?" "I can't really say. It seemed like a warm night and I wanted to relax by the lake under the full moon. You're right that I do enjoy the nightlies, but this time I just went the other way for a time. I'm doing ok, thanks." "Well, okay then. It can't hurt to have some quiet time every now and then. Just make sure you don't get a strike for aberration. They are handing them out for the smallest things these days. Deleneth, didn't your cousin get a strike recently?" "Yes, indeed. They wandered to the edge of the far green and were shuffling around in the bushes at the edge of the wire shield. They were just looking for a stray animal, not trying to poke or prod at the shield. Still, it was noted to be unusual behaviour and they got a strike. That's the reason they're not here tonight, unfortunately." Lothric looks around quickly and half whispers "Come over here for a minute, will you?", beckoning to a recess in the wall, just under an arch. <div id="timed-choices"><progress value="100" max="100"></progress></div> <div class="whisper"><span class="ghostchoices">whisper to Aaron:</span> [[Follow him, quickly->hiddenConversation]] [[Don't trust him->hiddenConversation]]</div> <<done>><<script>>window.progressBarStopStart(30000, "hiddenConversation"); <</script>><</done>>

You move quietly and quickly to a recess in a nearby wall. Lothric lowers their voice. "Like I said, I was worried about you. I know they're watching you closely, but I have no idea why." "Lothric, now I'm concerned. Who is watching, exactly?" "The Archaeons. After the evening feast bestowal they asked about you by name. It was odd that you weren't around but I tried to cover for you. I mentioned that you'd slipped away for a breather after a hard day's work. They seemed satisfied with that, but I noticed they sent Glimmers up and around the common area. Into the forest, too. I saw them just before they vanished." Lothric looks away, back toward the tables with empty cups and plates. The room is quieter now, with all of the cheer noticeably toned down. Lothric coughs politely and shuffles back and forth. "Not much more I can say to you right now. Anyway, the evening feast is ending. Hope you have a pleasant void trip." He and Deleneth depart without another word. Outside, a low bell sounds. Those remaining in the hall turn and slowly make their way outside. Aaron joins them. <<timed 10s transition>> [[Enter sleep]]<</timed>>

Outside, the low bell sounds more clear. It is a discordant low register, like the beating of a gong slowed 3 times. All of the occupants from the feast hall are arranged in a queue outside the primary sleeping cells. At length, it is Aaron's turn to enter the ingression chamber. A pair of figures stand either side. They have dark glass domes on their shoulders which are tinted black so as not to see their faces. There are tubes connecting the glass domes to the nearby walls. Gas hisses with respiration. The figures are slender, almost skeletal in stature except for an inch thick covering extruding against the nylon fabric suits that cover them. One takes Aaron's left hand, inspecting the skin and veins. Pressing at the wrist and checking for abrasions. The other produces a slender wire with a hypodermic point, hanging and dipping in the air. It is laid on Aaron's right forearm and wraps itself around, forming a tight knot. The sharp point invisibly slinks beneath the skin of the forearm. Aaron starts to feel woozy and is laid into a porcelain container exactly his size, where he drops off into the faint blackness of sleep. <<timed 10s transition>> [[Rest->The first day]] <</timed>>

<<include worktask_vars>><<if visited() < 2>>Aaron regains consciousness in his usual spot, right at his workbench. He usually comes to right at the start of his working day, doesn't need to shower or prep - he is already perfectly clean and groomed. He is not hungry, nor is he thirsty. He sets to work immediately, almost unconsciously.<<else>>Aaron regains consciousness in his usual spot, right at his workbench. Without thinking or flinching in the slightest - he sets to work immediately.<</if>> <<timed 6s transition>> <<if $loop2>> [[Get to work->Get to work loop2]]<<else>>[[Get to work->Get to work loop1]] <</if>> <</timed>>

<<if $loop1>><<goto 'Get to work loop1'>><<else>><<goto 'Get to work loop2'>><</if>>

<<if $worktasks.length == 0>> All work is done, this should be on loop 2 #TODO - extend loop 2 <<elseif $worktasks.length > 3>> Aaron looks at today's tasklist. <<for _worktask range $worktasks>> _worktask<</for>> <<else>> Having been around the enclosure several times already today, Aaron stretches and yawns. Time to take a break. Aaron opens his satchel, which contains a pouch of nutritional paste and a flask of elecrolytic water. The paste smells sharp, like spoiled garlic. Wincing, Aaron squeezes the pouch into his mouth and swallows. It is followed very quickly with a draught of water from the flask. A nearby stool is chosen to rest on for a bit. [[Continue->post-lunch-loop1]] <</if>>

Peering out the nearest window for a time, Aaron notices a youth walking around outside. They can't be more than 15 years old and appear quite fretful. "Hey there!" Aaron steps out and into the clearing. "Is everything ok? Have you lost something?" The youth turns around to face Aaron. A single eye looks up in greeting, the other a ball of black porcelain. "Hello, sir. Yes, my pet rat got out and I can't find him anywhere. He's 6 months old and this is the first time we've had him out of his enclosure, I'm afraid he'll keep going and run into the wire shield." "Ouch. Yeah, I don't think anything wants to unknowingly run into that. Do you have any reason to believe he's around here though?" The youth flushes. "I've checked literally everywhere else. Been around most of the morning, through the material yard, beside the biomass, over by the incinerator. I ran out of places to check. I even went as far as the absolute edge of the wire shield by the long green. I think I alerted the fence security system there accidentally, so I ran back to check around here." "Look, don't worry, you'll find it. I spend lots of time around the fabrication and repair area, if I see your rat I'll keep it safe. Are there any distinguishing marks I should look out for?" "It's a very clever rat. I had been training it to come when called. I think it just really wanted to get outside. When it's in the play area it always comes to me. We call it zipline. You can try to call it. There are no specific marks, it has brown fur but then so do all of our rats." "Alright. Be sure to come back around tomorrow. If I manage to spot it I'll let you know." The youth beams, evidently relieved. "Thanks sir. Goodbye." [[Go back inside->team-talk-loop1]]

"Aaron, hey there!" A shrill voice floats over the breeze. Aaron's vision is slightly blurred in the hazy sun through the sky grid, but a figure bounding forward comes into view. Out of breath now, and coming up closer the voice continues "Glad I caught up with you! I thought you'd be out servicing the incinerator, or anywhere really except near to your station." The haze relents and Aaron makes out a tall figure with shaven hair, wearing a loose cotton robe. "Ingrid! Is it not normal to find me at my station?" Aaron laughs heartily. Ingrid blushes and grins. "You have a wanderers soul. At least that's a polite way of putting it." "Well, ok I guess! What do you have for me today then?" Ingrid pauses for a moment, squinting at Aaron. Rummaging in a satchel, a circuit board is produced. "This!" Ingrid's blue eyes glisten. "I don't know if it's still functional, or really even useful, but I was out gathering before the bestowal yesterdary and happened upon it within some undergrowth near to the lake. It has some coils, capacitors and what looks like a tuner wheel. This might be part of a receiver station." Aaron takes the board, flips it over and inspects it carefully. "Amazing find! I haven't seen one of these in years. Have you notified Emeritus or the other overseers?" Ingrid looks at Aaron thoughtfully. "No, I have not. You are the only one who has seen it so far. If anything, we can let the overseers know once we can confirm it is usable or in any way not junk. Right?" "I appreciate that, Ingrid, really I do. We can try to repair the damage insofar as we can and surprise the whole collective with a working receiver. I don't think people will believe what we have here. I have some old schematics we can use to help." Ingrid nods. "I'll leave it with you for now then. Let me know if there are any other components you need, which we might have in our stores. I understand what this is and loosely how it can be powered on, but I think you might have a better chance at repairing it. Probably more chance than anyone here, at any rate." "I'll store it safely by my workstation, immediately. Thanks Ingrid." Ingrid beams at Aaron, turns and leaves - "It's my pleasure." As Ingrid strolls away, a siren sounds. A voice bellows : "The bestowal awaits, the bestowal awaits..." Aaron hurriedly locks the prize within a secure drawer and leaves for the bestowal altar in the common area. [[Continue->Bestowal-loop1]]

Aaron arrives at the bestowal altar to find Emeritus in conversation with a group of Aaron's colleagues. There are eleven other overseers in their own groups, circled around the altar. "The air purifiers in the sleeping chambers, they have been repaired?" A response comes from a stocky and dark-skinned man : "Yes, earlier today, but we are running out of power couplings and we won't be able to repair or replace another unit which fails." "Noted, Asmodei. I will add it to our inventory request. Aaron, welcome. What have you to report from the day's contribution to bestowal?" #TODO : add links customising the actual tasks chosen by the player at the start "The air purifier filter in the plant nursery has been cleaned. The incinerator bulkhead is un-stuck. The pump manifold is sealed and the pump is running again." Emeritus taps on a screen and the central altar pulsates with green and blue. "Well, I think we have accomplished much today. I hope the Archaeons will be pleased." Emeritus steps forward and rests a palm on the central altar. The eleven other overseers do likewise. The altar hums and a beam of pale green light erupts from the altar, piercing the skyshield and splitting the clouds overhead. A sharp rumble reverberates through the ground and the suspension bridge lowers with a clang. Across the bridge, where there was a thick razor mesh, there is now an oval shaped passage. A single figure slowly steps through the opening and approaches the altar. [[Continue->archaeon-arrival-loop1]]

Moving in a seeming blur, the figure phases in and out of view and approaches the altar. At times it appears there are three figures, stretching and coalescing to the same space. As the figure approaches, definite human shape begins to emerge. A pale figure, short bleached hair, black glasses and a wide smile. The smile is eerily fixed as the figure looks up and down, standing in front of the altar. Raising two hands to the air, a hush falls among the crowd. Standing fixed with a wide brimming smile, two hands in the air, a voice booms and shakes the dust on the earth. "THE BESTOWAL BEGINS" Silence, profound silence. A gentle breeze sways the collars on the pale figure's wrists. [[Continue->archaeon-analysis-loop1]]

Shattering the silence for a second time, the voice continues : "WHAT IS THE OFFERING AND WHAT IS THE WORTH" The overseers take it in turns to respond. "From the recombiners, we present the harvest gem of the season's growth." The overseer raises a bundle of leaves and vines with a bright purple hemisphere protruding. It is placed gently in front of the altar. "From the repairers, we present the repairs to the nursery, incinerator and fresh nutrients skimmed from the bio-vats." The overseer of your group places a document in front the altar. In turn, the remaining 9 overseers state their accomplishments and place a representative token just in front of the altar. [[Continue->archaeon-reprisal-loop1]]

An expectant hush descends over the crowd. The pale figure remains completely static, arms raised, forehead wrinkled with a wide gaping smile. Shattering the silence for a second time, the voice begins : "THE OFFERINGS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED. IT HAS BEEN DEEMED WORTHY." [[Continue->archaeon-reprisaltwo-loop1]]

A rumble is heard and felt, and around the altar the dry earth and dust parts, leaving a widening chasm. The altar and surrounding artefacts contributed by the overseers slowly descends into the chasm below. The pale figure, still smiling broadly, lowers it's hands. Without turning, it recedes back to the open fissure across the bridge and the oval shape that had been opened seals up without a crack. The wire shield becomes impenetrable again. Aaron shuffles on numbing feet. It's been a long day. Others look around anxiously, waiting for the bestowal. The offerings have been deemed worthy. Out from the chasm, the altar platform returns and pivots on an invisible platform underneath. The earth surrounding it rejoins to form a solid surface. In place of the offerings, there are now platters with cooked meats and loaves of bread. There are caskets of alcohol and gift-wrapped boxes with thumbnail sized white discs inside. [[Continue->consummation]]

At the appearance of the bestowal, there is stampede of hands and feet to the baskets and caskets on display. In twos and threes, the entire feast is brought to the common area with the entire group following closely behind. #TODO - world/character building with interactions amongst the people closest to Aaron in work. Leading to Archaeon visit, bestowal, feast and day reset.

Aaron opens the first drawer under his workbench and gently retrieves a circuit board. The board has been burnt and several of the connectors are damaged. There are some initial repairs Aaron has been making and it shows along the edges, where fresh and clean components are bonded to the board. There are other tasks which demand attention, but this one is a favorite. Aaron recognised the radio receiver component on the board (which still looks undamaged) while foraging and chose to keep it close for repair. There are a few remaining repairs to do here. Firstly, there are damaged capacitors which need to be replaced. Secondly, there is a power supply connector which is completely melted. [[Inspect the capacitor seatings->Capacitor]] [[Inspect the power supply connector->PSU]] [[Move on to another task->nextTask]]

<img class="centerImgContainer" src="resources/images/capacitor.webp"> Looking closer at the place on the circuit board where the capacitors connect, it appears that several of the electrolytic capacitors are damaged. These capacitors are crucial for the radio receiver's operation. Aaron notes the bulging tops and leaking electrolyte, clear signs of failure. A handful of 1000µF capacitors will be required to repair this. There is none in the component bank now though, unfortunately. [[Inspect the power supply connector->PSU]] [[Move on to another task->nextTask]]

<img class="centerImgContainer" src="resources/images/psu.webp"> Aaron inspects the power supply connector. It is evident that there was some kind of power spike to the circuit board. In addition to the scorch marks at the center, the power connector on the board is evidently melted. A similar connector would be needed to replace it. A two pin jumper socket which would probably be needed. [[Move on to another task->nextTask]]

Aaron puts away the circuit board with a sigh. One day it will be fixed, but evidently that day is not today. "Good day, Aaron." Aaron looks up, startled. "Oh, hello Emeritus. Didn't expect you around so early. Is anything going on?" Emeritus stands tall, slightly crooked over Aaron's workbench. Locks of curled and greying hair sway in the light morning air. "Nothing's going on. I'm just getting ahead of the day and checking up on the status of our air purifier component repair. You know that the flower nursery is getting incrementally more blighted with every hour that the purifier is out of commission." "Absolutely. I am working on that right now." [[Continue->loop2_start]]

Branch under building right now, check back soon! [[Return->The first path]] /* <div class="imgbanner"> <p>todo - insert mostly pitch black image with bare outline of light switch</p> </div> How long have you been here, it's hard to say. You feel for your face, body, shoulders. They're there. It is so dark you doubted for a second. You move your arms around in the dark space before you. Nothing offers any resistance. It's hard to say if there are any solid surfaces at all. The floor. The floor is cold and solid. Dry, like concrete with a slight layer of powder. Maybe dust. */