text: [Themes: Science Fiction]
  
  > look at your surroundings
  This small room, which - judging by its construction - is at the top of a tower - is extremely claustrophobic. There is no furniture, just a small fireplace and a stand that was probably meant for weapons, but contains none. There isn't even a window around, so you can't jump out.
  
  > look at the fireplace
  A crummy, dirty old fireplace. Nothing spectacular, no logs and few cinders.
  
  > enter the fireplace
  What do you expect to find there? A prayer-book? A mahogany rod? For heaven's sake, Harold, stop acting like you're in a game or something.
  
  > search the fireplace
  You dig around the fireplace gingerly for a few seconds, before coming up with a small cardboard box, the size of two fingers or so.
  
  > open the box
  You open the cardboard box, revealing a chelator pill and a package insert.
  
  > read the insert
  Ferox is a chelator - a substance capable of combining with heavy metal poisons and inactivating them. Its active principle is d-thioferroxamate, which has maximal efficacy against arsenic, antimony and lead. It is contraindicated in mercury and other metal poisoning and in inorganic intoxication, e.g. phosphorus. Side-effects are minor and include nausea, heartburn and mild anaemia with prolonged use. Do not use along with fluvoxamine, desipramine, ketoconazole or thiazide diuretics.
  
  > smell the wine
  You smell nothing unexpected.
  
  Something tells you not to.
  
  > put the pill in the wine
  Sensing something fishy about the bottle of wine, you put the chelator pill into the bottle, and massive metallic precipitates of antimony form in the bottle, inactivating the poison.... In case you really wanted to know, you've just aided and abetted an intrigue between the Marquise Marguerite and an Italian adventurer named Giacomo - but now, out with the commercial spots and on with the game.......
  
  Chapter Six - The Sad Caf?
  
  Antechamber, in the Aviators Saloon
  From the discreet signs declaring that you are currently in the Aviators' Saloon, and from the general look of the furniture, this is obviously the reception room or antechamber of a small hotel. The doors of the hotel, to your north, seem to be closed, east is a dining-hall, and a staircase leads up. The check-in counter stands in front of you.
  
  You still remember the saloon from the day it was created. By you, of course. The jolly old receptionist, the reunion of scientist Janus Mbelwe with his wife Vanessa. It doesn't look the same now.
  
  An amiable, elderly man is standing behind the counter.
  
  The receptionist stares at you in amazement. "A customer? Thought I'd seen the last of 'em a long time ago. Welcome, son, to the Aviators Saloon."
  
  > examine man
  The old man looks like a receptionist of some sort, but somehow his expression suggests that he once held a higher position.
  
  Yes, it is the same man. Why does he look worried? Why is this place empty?
  
  Looking around at the room, then at you, the receptionist sighs. "This used to be -- well, I won't say it was the Mazina Hotel in Europe, but it certainly had a lot more life in it. But ever since that old story began, no one steps in here anymore."
  
  > ask the man about the story
  "The old legend? Well, it's one way to while away time, young man. You see, we're a fairly - how d'you put it - rational kind of society. Sensible. Not superstitious. That's why, I guess, we were all so scared when it happened."
  
  He pauses, and clears his throat a tad dramatically.
  
  "Five years ago, son", he goes on, "- actually four and nine, but who's counting? - this place used to be fairly bursting with life. Not that it was one of those old-fashioned bawdy houses or burlesques or whatchamacallits - it was a nice, cosy kind of hotel, with all kinds of people. We used to have refugees from the Kingdoms, travellers from the airports, even the Director of Social Sciences and his.. - heck, that's how the whole story started. Janus Mbelwe - everyone used to call him by his first name, self included - was one of our finest scientists; social scientists, that is. Between him and a few of his friends, he'd defused a very tricky political crisis, two years ago, relying on sheer scientific method. All this at thirty."
  
  He sighs.
  
  "Well, he had been here two years before that; at 'round the same time, I guess, there was a young lady staying here. I forgot what she did - I gather she was a psychologist of some sort. Anyway, she and the Director hit it off just fine - a few of us old fogies thought something might come of it, but old Jan - he was myopic if there ever was one. Couldn't see a thing - science excluded - even when it stared him in the eyes. Anyway, they met again - I can't swear that it was coincidence - the next year, and, to use the language of the novelists, they just about made a match of it. There was work to be done - political stuff - so they decided to wait for about a year or so. The next year arrived, and Vanessa Clarke - that was her name - came along at just the usual time. Jan arrived two days later, and they were all set to tie the knot, if you know what I mean. On the night before they left for the Registry for the official ceremony, old Jan was just a trifle tardy, and Miss Clarke was growing impatient. I decided to go and ask the kid to hurry up - they'd already waited so long, y'know - so I went up to his room, opened the door, and there he was.
  Or rather wasn't.
  Janus Mbelwe had vanished into thin air."
  
  "Well, I won't insult your intelligence by telling you that Miss Clarke was - uh - rather broken up over the whole thing; no one ever heard of her to this day, and all our searches for Jan - we even had the whole police force scouring the globe at one stage - came to naught. Ever since then, son - until you, that is - no man or woman has crossed the threshold of this saloon. That's the whole story." The receptionist closes his eyes, remembering.
  
  "I haven't even looked through the rooms since then - they stay clean automatically - but if you want to stay here, there are 'bout ten rooms upstairs. You're welcome to any of 'em."
  
  > go up
  "Decided to take a look anyhow? Well, good luck to you, son", the receptionist calls out. "If you like a room, stay there - if you find - um - anything - let me know...." His voice fades as you move away."
  
  Chambers, in the Aviators Saloon
  The landing of the Aviators Saloon opens into four rooms, one corresponding to each point of the compass, the doors to which (being of the electrical kind) are open. The stairs lead back down, and continue further upwards.
  
  And the four rooms housed the four scientists that had returned from the Provinces. Correction. Used to. Fairbank, Reed, Royal....who was the fourth?
  
  > go north
  Room 1, in the Aviators Saloon
  A fairly nondescript, and long unoccupied, hotel room, Room 1 boasts of no furniture save a bed, a small table by its side, and a writing-desk.
  
  Near the table, a thin manual lies discarded.
  
  > examine the manual
  It's just a single page, and obviously describes the working of the table, though in rather technical language. Below the end of the manual, someone has scrawled in a few words.
  
  > read the manual
  1. Technical Specifications:
  AutoLock Portable Furniture uses 1024-bit technology, S3 scale miniaturization, and voice modulation. Two models exist: the DSX - 275 and the DSX - 550.
  
  2. The DSX - 275 and 550:
  The DSX - 275, a simple and lighter model, is a low-syntax machine, with zero linguistic comprehension, and easy replaceability. The DSX - 550, though far more complex, uses S2.5 scale miniature circuits. It understands over twenty English phrases, and can also serve as a timepiece.
  
  3. Locking and Unlocking:
  Locking and unlocking are dependent on a numerical code whose length is dependent on the user, though it must lie between three and seven digits. The syntax to open the table for the DSX - 275 is "<Name>, the code is <Code Number>", where <Name> is the name of the piece of furniture (table, dresser, mirror, etc.) and <Code Number> is self-explanatory. The DSX - 550 recognizes additional formats.
  
  4. Changing the Code:
  The code can only be changed with another code number, and requires technical assistance. This feature is not recommended for beginners.
  
  Below this, someone has scrawled......
  Remember your history lessons, dear.
  
  > Mbelwe
  The table buzzes angrily. Perhaps it doesn't understand English.
  
  > examine the desk
  A small writing-desk, opposite the bed.
  
  > Go south
  Chambers, in the Aviators Saloon
  The landing of the Aviators Saloon opens into four rooms, one corresponding to each point of the compass, the doors to which (being of the electrical kind) are open. The stairs lead back down, and continue further upwards.
  
  > Go east
  Room 4, in the Aviators Saloon
  Room 4, which was obviously meant to accomodate a couple or a small family at least, is a pleasant contrast to the house you came across earlier in your wanderings. Even the furniture - double-bed, dresser, table and armchair, and the window - have a particular flavour of their own.
  
  The window is open, flooding the room with sunlight.
  
  Covering the bed, with a primness that is almost Victorian, is a warm quilt of knitted wool.
  
  > look at the quilt
  You've absolutely no sartorial sense, but it does look like a patchwork quilt, obviously woollen.
  
  One of the wedding presents Dr. Reed's colleagues gave her, when she married an European politician. It's the little things that remind you the most of all that.
  
  > Go west
  Chambers, in the Aviators Saloon
  The landing of the Aviators Saloon opens into four rooms, one corresponding to each point of the compass, the doors to which (being of the electrical kind) are open. The stairs lead back down, and continue further upwards.
  
  Room 3, in the Aviators Saloon
  Room Three is a spartan and utilitarian room, in sharp contrast to the incomplete elegance of the reception area. The chair, bed and table all bear a stern, military look, which looks out of place - even gruesome - in a lodging-house of this sort.
  
  Perched comfortably on the table is a small computer.
  
  > examine computer
  A small, portable computer, with no keyboard or obvious controls, but a large screen and an opening in front. A red switch in front subserves an obvious function. Below the screen is a manufacturer's mark : Compact Newsreader, 2048-Bit. Thompson Electronics.
  The portable computer is currently switched off.
  
  > switch on the computer
  You switch the portable computer on.
  
  > examine computer
  A small, portable computer, with no keyboard or obvious controls, but a large screen and an opening in front. A red switch in front subserves an obvious function. Below the screen is a manufacturer's mark : Compact Newsreader, 2048-Bit. Thompson Electronics.
  The portable computer is currently switched on.
  
  > Go south
  Chambers, in the Aviators Saloon
  The landing of the Aviators Saloon opens into four rooms, one corresponding to each point of the compass, the doors to which (being of the electrical kind) are open. The stairs lead back down, and continue further upwards.
  
  Room 2, in the Aviators Saloon
  A comfortable but unoriginal room, barring the large bay window covered by cretonne curtains. Other than that, the furniture in this room is meagre: a single bed and an armchair.
  
  It's all coming back now. This was where Professor Royal stayed a week, after being reunited with his sister. You're not even sure if he exists anymore.
  
  On the antique armchair is a black disc.
  
  > look at the disk
  A small black disc. Written on it - probably indelibly - are the words "news article".
  
  > Go north
  Chambers, in the Aviators Saloon
  The landing of the Aviators Saloon opens into four rooms, one corresponding to each point of the compass, the doors to which (being of the electrical kind) are open. The stairs lead back down, and continue further upwards.
  
  > go to the west
  Room 3, in the Aviators Saloon
  Room Three is a spartan and utilitarian room, in sharp contrast to the incomplete elegance of the reception area. The chair, bed and table all bear a stern, military look, which looks out of place - even gruesome - in a lodging-house of this sort.
  
  Perched comfortably on the table is a small computer.
  
  > read the screen
  Little is known about the world of 2187 A.D., which has given rise to much intriguing, though profitless, speculation. The few records that we do possess show little signs of the dramatic collapse that was to come a mere eighty years later, and - if the truth must be told - there were signs of a stability that was long awaited following the events of the preceding two centuries. Scientifically and technologically, of course, there was nothing but progress; and - for the first time in a century and a half - it seemed as if social change, that old sluggard, was making an effort to keep up with the advances of mere learning.
  
  2869 A.D.
  
  Almost exactly as you had planned, though you never put it down on paper or disc. Whoever's brought you here can obviously read minds.
  
  > The code is 2187
  The table swings open.
  
  > examine table
  This small table - which, grotesquely enough, looks like a briefcase perched on four legs - does not appear to have any drawer or concealed compartment. On one side, a sentence is written : DSX-275. Voice Locking System. Numerical. A display panel alongside this inscription displays the word 'Open'.
  
  > look in the table
  In the small night-table is a personal ID chip.
  
  > Examine Chip
  A small microchip, with the words "Personal ID" written in minuscule letters along one border.
  
  And a far cry from the Mind-Computer Chip that was your main plot twist.
  
  > Inventory
  You are carrying:
  a personal ID chip
  a fountain-pen
  a yellow flower
  
  > look under the bed
  Under the bed, you find a blue disc. Someone's obviously been playing Tom Thumb in this hotel.
  
  > examine the disc
  (the blue disc)
  A small blue disc, with no label or inscription on it.
  
  > put disc in the computer
  (the blue disc in the portable computer)
  You need to be holding the blue disc before you can put it into something else.
  
  > take the disc
  (the blue disc)
  Taken.
  
  > put the disc in the computer
  (the blue disc in the portable computer)
  There's already a disc in the computer.
  
  > remove the disc
  (the blue disc)
  You're not wearing that.
  
  > remove the disc from the computer
  Removed.
  
  > put the disc in the computer
  Which do you mean, the black disc or the blue disc?
  
  > read the screen
  LAWYER'S DISAPPEARANCE - UPDATE
  26th November, 2804
  
  Even the most complete investigations by European and Colonial police forces have failed to reveal the least trace of Colonial legal consultant Cassandra Anderson, who was last seen driving away from the chambers of the Regional Court of Offences at 9 p.m., about three weeks ago. In a statement issued to all major news services, Officer Schultz of the European Police Force categorically ruled out a deep political plot as the cause of the abduction. "We live in peaceful times nowadays, and even the most obdurate reactionaries have learnt the danger of rocking the boat", he said. "This is probably an isolated act, with no major backing." He added that he was sanguine about being able to retrieve Mrs. Anderson safely.
  
  Pan European News Services.
  
  Cassie Anderson?
  My God. You hadn't even put her on paper. She was just an idea; the successful lawyer in her thirties, her husband Gerald, her two daughters....How much damage have you done?
  
  > Go upwards
  Second floor, in the Aviators Saloon
  The entry to the second floor's chambers has the same homely flavour as the previous one, except that a few potted plants here and there add a touch of colour to the proceedings. Open doors lead east and west, and a locked door lies north.
  
  > Go east
  Receptionist's room, in the Aviators Saloon
  This room - which, by its lived-in, familial appearance must belong to the receptionist - is small, neat and comfortable. A sturdy bed occupies the centre of the room, with an open window casting a bright beam right on it; besides this, there is little furniture except a couch, a bookshelf, and a television.
  
  > Examine books
  There are lots of books here, mostly fiction - historical romances and the like. You hardly have the time to browse through them.
  
  > go west
  Room 6, in the Aviators Saloon
  Room 6 was obviously going to be renovated before disaster struck, because it's totally bare. It's a nice, pleasant room, or rather it would be so if it had any furniture. The only piece worthy of that name is a stool.
  
  > look at the stool
  A small wooden stool, conjuring up memories of rustics working away at cows' udders. On one side is a maker's name: "Matthew Barringer and Sons. Fine Furniture and Padding."
  
  > look under the stool
  Nothing bigger than a computer mouse could hide under this.
  
  > examine the plants
  Receptionist's room, in the Aviators Saloon
  This room - which, by its lived-in, familial appearance must belong to the receptionist - is small, neat and comfortable. A sturdy bed occupies the centre of the room, with an open window casting a bright beam right on it; besides this, there is little furniture except a couch, a bookshelf, and a television.
  
  You can't see any such thing.
  
  > look at the plants
  Potted flowers. Rather pleasant, actually.
  
  > search plants
  Come on, Harold. What do you think this is? A text adventure or something?
  
  > Yes
  That was a rhetorical question.
  
  > examine the couch
  A small couch with soft cushions, ideal for a good read or an impromptu nap.
  
  > lie on the couch
  I doubt the receptionist would appreciate that.
  
  > sit on stool
  Milked any cows lately?
  
  > go to the north
  Room 1, in the Aviators Saloon
  A fairly nondescript, and long unoccupied, hotel room, Room 1 boasts of no furniture save a bed, a small table by its side, and a writing-desk.
  
  The table is open.
  
  Near the table, a thin manual lies discarded.
  
  > Manual
  Ironically, you have writer's block. You can't think of a single sensible thing to write.
  
  > write on the manual with the pen
  It might be a better idea to actually write on something.
  
  > look in the table
  The small night-table is empty.
  
  > go to the south
  Chambers, in the Aviators Saloon
  The landing of the Aviators Saloon opens into four rooms, one corresponding to each point of the compass, the doors to which (being of the electrical kind) are open. The stairs lead back down, and continue further upwards.
  
  Room 2, in the Aviators Saloon
  A comfortable but unoriginal room, barring the large bay window covered by cretonne curtains. Other than that, the furniture in this room is meagre: a single bed and an armchair.
  
  > examine the armchair
  The armchair is definitely an antique, and has seen better days, meaning that it's extremely fragile.
  
  And this was where Mrs. Firebank sat, and elaborated her theories on population dynamics to an enthralled audience of four. Yes, that's it.
  
  > Chair
  You sit on the chair for a while, but the charm soon palls.
  
  > read the screen
  LAWYER'S DISAPPEARANCE - UPDATE
  26th November, 2804
  
  Even the most complete investigations by European and Colonial police forces have failed to reveal the least trace of Colonial legal consultant Cassandra Anderson, who was last seen driving away from the chambers of the Regional Court of Offences at 9 p.m., about three weeks ago. In a statement issued to all major news services, Officer Schultz of the European Police Force categorically ruled out a deep political plot as the cause of the abduction. "We live in peaceful times nowadays, and even the most obdurate reactionaries have learnt the danger of rocking the boat", he said. "This is probably an isolated act, with no major backing." He added that he was sanguine about being able to retrieve Mrs. Anderson safely.
  
  Pan European News Services.
  
  > take the disk
  (the black disc)
  You already have that.
  
  > remove the disk from the computer
  Removed.
  
  > Inventory
  You are carrying:
  a blue disc
  an AutoLock Users' Manual
  a black disc
  a personal ID chip
  a fountain-pen
  a yellow flower
  
  > Go east
  Chambers, in the Aviators Saloon
  The landing of the Aviators Saloon opens into four rooms, one corresponding to each point of the compass, the doors to which (being of the electrical kind) are open. The stairs lead back down, and continue further upwards.
  
  > Go east
  Room 4, in the Aviators Saloon
  Room 4, which was obviously meant to accomodate a couple or a small family at least, is a pleasant contrast to the house you came across earlier in your wanderings. Even the furniture - double-bed, dresser, table and armchair, and the window - have a particular flavour of their own.
  
  The window is open, flooding the room with sunlight.
  
  Covering the bed, with a primness that is almost Victorian, is a warm quilt of knitted wool.
  
  > look under the quilt
  You look around, but find nothing. Strange - you have a feeling that there should be something there, but there isn't....
  
  > look at the bed
  Large, sturdy, steady. The very embodiment of that hoary old clich?, "the good old days." Two sturdy pillows and a firm mattress do nothing to dispel the impression.
  
  > look under the bed
  Under the bed, you find a box of some sort, and pull it out.
  
  > read the note
  Fran?ois, Ch.2, Lines 18-26
  
  "Time for a change of scene", the Voice thundered.
  
  "I still think it's a bad idea", the Author murmured sotto voce, but the Voice could hear almost anything, and gave him a piece of its mind. "He has seen enough, and besides he cannot carry out the rest of the quest. Someone else is required."
  
  "Are there no better ways?", the Author enquired once more.
  
  "Absolutely none. You helped me design this plan. What fault do you find in it?"
  
  And the Author could find no reply.
  
  > Examine toybox
  A wooden toy-box of the sort that children used to own years before you were born, which is, at the moment, open.