text: [Themes: Time Travel, apocalypse, character based]
  
  > Look around
  As an architectural feature, the den declined in popularity during this part of the century, but this house seems to have one nonetheless. From your historical research, you know that a den is a sort of cross between a study and a family room. This room shows signs of wear; stains and worn patches of carpet suggest heavy use. Behind one recliner, the woodgrain paneling of the wall is scratched and scored from frequent collisions. One wall is covered in bookshelves. A well-stocked wet bar adorns a second. Couches and armchairs form a conversation area in the middle of the room. The western wall is open, leading back to the stairway.
  
  On the couch is a deadbolt key.
  
  On the bar are four glasses (empty) and some bottles.
  
  A video game system sits before the video screen.
  
  You can also see a video screen and a video disc player (empty) here. "Alert: Human approaching from west."
  
  > Go west
  The console beeps out in distress. "Alert: Human presence detected in adjacent room."
  
  You wisely decide to heed the warning.
  
  > wait a while
  Time passes.
  
  > Scream
  You start to get a sore throat.
  
  > West
  The console beeps out in distress. "Alert: Human presence detected in adjacent room."
  
  You wisely decide to heed the warning.
  The thief walks cautiously into the room.
  The looter catches sight of you. You try to run, but he is quick to draw his pistol. Though the weapon is primitive, it is quite adequate to his purpose.
  
  > Inventory
  You are carrying a gun, an unlabeled data disc, some cigarettes, a sales brochure, two video discs ("Episode Two" and "Spider and Web"), a diary, a wooden knob, an autokey, your StreamDive console, inside which are five chips (an interface chip, a scan chip, a library chip, a DataStore chip and a dive chip) and two keys (a simple key and a steel key).
  The thief walks cautiously into the room.
  The looter catches sight of you. You try to run, but he is quick to draw his pistol. Though the weapon is primitive, it is quite adequate to his purpose.
  
  > Moments2
  Enter saved game to load:
  
  Ok.
  
  > look
  There is barely enough room to stand upright in the attic. It certainly looks too small to be of much use for storage. It's nearly impossible to move without clocking yourself on a supporting beam.
  
  > go east
  That door is locked.
  
  You manage to unlock the door with the autokey.
  
  Of all the rooms you've seen so far, this bedroom shows the least signs of having been tidied before the house was abandoned. Naturally, of course, this heightens your curiosity; untidy rooms generally tell you more than clean ones. From the space-shuttle wallpaper, you suspect that this room belonged to a young child, though it might simply imply that the room is long-overdue for renovation. There is a bookcase along one wall, containing model space ships, toy robots, and a very few books. A desk beside the door is loaded down with computer equipment. The most interesting feature of the room is the floor; while most of the other rooms have had wall-to-wall carpeting, this room has what appears to be industrial grade linoleum tile. The hallway lies west.
  
  > look at the floor
  (the floor)
  You don't recall any precedent in home furnishing that would call for industrial grade linoleum in a bedroom, but it is here nonetheless. Since you can't imagine that the floor is an artifact from an earlier function of the room, it is somewhat perplexing that such a floor would be present.
  
  > examine Computer
  You stop a while an examine the contents of the desk. Almost the entire surface of the desk is covered by an eclectic combination of both state-or-the-art and antique computer equipment. You find it hard to tear yourself away; At least a decade of computing history is spread out before you. You can't even identify all of the systems; the fixed-form text input device is easy enough, but there is a small, vaguely rodent-shaped device whose purpose is less clear. There are a number of external storage systems, rather than the single optical chip interface common in your time.
  
  > Interface computer
  Attempting to interface...
  Interface established.
  Examining device...
  Selecting protocol...
  Compatible protocol found.
  Device: Personal Computer. Manufacturer identification not found.
  
  Searching for relevant data...
  
  Press the number of your selection, 1-3, 0 to redisplay or Q to quit. Three relevant documents found:
  1     Code Fragment
  2     Data Snapshot
  3     Electronic Mailbox
  Interface mode
  
  Press the number of your selection, 1-3, 0 to redisplay or Q to quit. Three relevant documents found:
  1     Code Fragment
  2     Data Snapshot
  3     Electronic Mailbox
  
  > 1
  A collection of source code appears on the console's display.
  
  You can't make any sense of it, but perhaps the boys back home will. [The document "Code fragment" has been added to your DataStore.]
  
  Press the number of your selection, 1-3, 0 to redisplay or Q to quit. Three relevant documents found:
  1     Code Fragment
  2     Data Snapshot
  3     Electronic Mailbox
  
  > 2
  Analyzing...
  Format not recognized.
  Attempting to download...
  Download failed: Insufficient space.
  
  > 3
  Press the number of your selection, 1-3, 0 to redisplay or Q to quit. Three relevant documents found:
  1     Code Fragment
  2     Data Snapshot
  3     Electronic Mailbox
  
  > 3
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 1 Mailbox for swallace
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  From: Subject:
  Dr. Helmut Sha Re: distributed neural simulation...2
  YOR_FRIEND906  HOTTEST OFFER EVER..................3
  hotoffer@spam. Lower your debt!....................4
  Dr. Helmut Sha PIT AI lab..........................5
  Michael Pendra 31337...............................6
  Amy            (no subject)........................7
  Michelle313    I'm boooooooored!...................8
  Steve Elocon   Re: PIT AI lab......................9
  Amy            Re: Tonight.........................10
  Michael Pendra Julia...............................11
  Amy            Hi..................................12
  Michael Pendra 31337...............................13
  Amy            Hi, again...........................14
  Michael Pendra Re: Julia...........................15
  Amy            Re: Hi, again.......................16
  Steve Elocon   Re: PIT AI lab......................17
  hotxxx@bulkmai YOUNG HARDCORE SLUTS................18
  Mary Pantalon  PIT early admission.................19
  Amy            Um... Stuff.........................20
  Amy            My last mail........................21
  Dante          Situation...........................22
  Michael Pendra Re: Situation.......................23
  Michael Pendra Re: PIT.............................24
  Amy            Sorry...............................25
  
  > Go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 2 Dr. Helmut Sha Re: distributed neural simulation
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Dear Jim,
  
  Thanks for your comments on my paper. I'd certainly be willing to look at some of your ideas. Your original message didn't say much about your training. Have you considered studying at Pacific Tech?
  
  Thanks,
  Dr. Helmut Shalanzar, PhD
  Department of Computer Science
  Pacific Institute of Technology
  
  > Go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 3 YOR_FRIEND906  HOTTEST OFFER EVER
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Dear friend,
  
  Want the HOTTEST ADULT ACTION on the web?
  
  Try hotmonkey.amn, we have LOTS of videos updated every day all for $69.99 a month!
  
  You'll love it!
  
  > Go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 4 hotoffer@spam. Lower your debt!
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Did you know you can reduce your debt overnight? You can use the equity in your home to consolidate your payments and save money! This offer is TOO GOOD TO REFUSE!!!
  
  [LINK]
  
  You have received this message because you specifically requested it. To remove yourself from our mailing list, send mail with the subject "UNSUBSCRIBE" to myemail_islive@bulkdistro.amn
  
  > go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 5 Dr. Helmut Sha PIT AI lab
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Dear Jim,
  
  I was a little put off to find out that you're still in high school, but after looking at your work so far, I was amazed. You really seem to have a gift for this. If you don't mind, I'd like to forward your findings to a colleague of mine with the Pacific Tech AI lab. He's been working on a similar project, and your research might be just what he's looking for.
  
  Thanks,
  Dr. Helmut Shalanzar, PhD
  Department of Computer Science
  Pacific Institute of Technology
  
  > Go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 6 Michael Pendra 31337
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Hey guys,
  
  I just tried out the glul-X patch -- WOW. I got all kinds of stuff. Managed to hack into MuseNet, got about 60 hours of music before they shut down my access. I'm putting it all up on my Libertynet node.
  
  Jimbo, that cracker you sent me is amazing. It got me into the school network in like five seconds. Guess who isn't failing Bio anymore? LOL
  
  And because I know you guys like it...
  
  Site: Password:
  Asian XXXpress    xyz321
  Natural Blonde    xyzzy
  Boob Archive      plugh
  QCHS Cheerleaders frotz
  
  Stay k00l,
  Michael Pendragon
  liberty://HSK!LMN?9178838215
  
  > Go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 7 Amy            (no subject)
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Um... Wow. You really want to hang out with me? Okay. But, like, I've already seen "Like Shopping, Movie"... So, um... You think we could maybe just hang out at your house? I'd ask you over here, but I think my parents would freak. Maybe tomorrow at seven?
  
  > Go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 8 Michelle313    I'm boooooooored!
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  I'm just a lonely 18 year old virgin who needs a real man to show me how it's done. I've been playing around with my friends, but they can't really satisfy me. You can see pictures of us at
  [LINK]
  
  > Go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 9 Steve Elocon   Re: PIT AI lab
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Jim,
  
  Hello. Dr. Shalanzar showed me some of the work you've done, and I can't believe my eyes. I'm going to forward some of my research to you, maybe we can work together. I didn't think it was possible, but it looks like you're most of the way to a viable simulation of human functioning. I could certainly use some of your heuristics in my own project. Let me tell you, having a paper out in a journal is a pretty sure-fire way to get your college career paid for.
  
  From what you've told me, I agree that taking a comprehensive activation scan of a human brain is feasible with your heuristic, and it may be the only way to solve the missing part of your simulation. The main problem is that you could only take the kind of readings you need if you had some kind of direct interface to the optic nerve. And, of course, you'd need a human subject willing to have an optical interface implant. I doubt you could get it past an ethics review board.
  
  Steve Elocon, PhD
  Artificial Intelligence Lab
  Department of Computer Science
  Pacific Institute of Technology
  
  > Go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 10 Amy            Re: Tonight
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Wow. You were lots of fun. I'm sorry I couldn't stop laughing and stuff but it was kind of weird for me.
  
  So are we like officially going out now? I can't wait to see you again.
  
  > Go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 11 Michael Pendra Julia
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Dude,
  
  I don't know how cool you'll be with me saying this, but your sister is HOT. She's really got a fake eye? You know what kind of shit you could do with that?
  
  Anyway, I don't know what the right ettiquette is for this, but would it be OK with you if I asked her out some time?
  
  Hey, I saw you talking with Amy Mercer today. You and her? She's one k00l chica. Seen her naked yet?
  
  > Go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 12 Amy            Hi
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  >Your boyfriend (if you'll have him),
  >Jim
  You are SO cute. You wanna go see The Cheerleader Project friday? We can hang out at your place later and, you know.
  
  God, I'm getting all butterflies and stuff. I miss you already.
  
  > Go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 13 Michael Pendra 31337
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  D00dz,
  
  Found a relay this week, something that the can't trace you back from. I've got the Plover program running on about sixty systems now, and I think we can bring down all kinds of shit.
  
  Jimbo comes through again. We got into the missile security system last night. Good thing we were using the relay or there'd be black helicopters at my house now, but if we can get the shroud working right, hell, we could even nuke a small country if we wanted.
  
  No new sites this week, but I've got one better. Dante swapped out Lynchzilla's LZ-100 for his, with the remote chip. He's got about 8 hours of her "monitoring" the girl's locker room. You know how big a dyke she is, well we got the goods, since she since she did some hardcore "monitoring" while Libby Sikes was in the showers after field hockey practice. It's all up on Dante's LibertyNet node. He put up some pretty sick stuff too, Lynchzilla "entertaining" herself.
  
  liberty://HSK!LMN?9178838215
  
  > Go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 14 Amy            Hi, again
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Jim,
  
  This is really hard, and I'm probably not making a lot of sense, but I want to get this all out.
  
  It's just that lately, I've been feeling kind of pressured by you. I mean, I really like you and everything, but I've never done anything like this before. And it's starting to make me uncomfortable. It's not that I don't want to have sex with you, but this is kind of fast. You're my first real bf, and I don't want to rush into it and feel bad about it later. I sort of made a promise to myself that I'd wait, and now I keep getting this vibe from you that you're getting impatient. I keep getting afraid that if we do it, I'll be lousy and you'll leave me, or it'll change everything and it'll get all weird.
  
  Look, I'm sorry. This is probably all in my head. You know I don't want to hurt you.
  
  > go to the north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 15 Michael Pendra Re: Julia
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Okay dude, don't blow a gasket. So she's really fucked in the head? Well, I guess she's got a right after what happened to her. Just forget I asked.
  
  Things pretty serious with you and Mercer? Don't think I'm muscling in on your turf, but dude, she's a catch. I mean, she's not Libby Sikes, but she's got a body under that babyfat. Keep in there, she'll cave.
  
  > go to the north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 16 Amy            Re: Hi, again
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Thanks for writing back so fast. I guess it's good to know that I'm not just crazy. I get scared about the war too, but I'm just not sure if I'm ready. Look, things are okay with us, promise. I wasn't upset at you. I want to be with you too. I was just afraid that you'd break up with me if I kept turning you down.
  
  You really think that the war's going to keep getting worse? Maybe you do have a point about everything. I need some time to think about it.
  
  > go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 17 Steve Elocon   Re: PIT AI lab
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  I'm really boggled. You know you just saved me six months of work? I think you'll find that if you insert De Kuyper's algorithm in the neural sequencing, it'll solve that stability problem. I can forward the article to you if you like.
  
  Look, we don't usually do this, but I can't pass a chance like this up. Pacific might be willing to waive some of the entrance requirements and let you come here in the fall instead of finishing out high school. Full ride, and I can swing a stipend for you if you'll agree to join the research team. What do you think?
  
  Steve Elocon, PhD
  Artificial Intelligence Lab
  Department of Computer Science
  Pacific Institute of Technology
  
  > go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 18 hotxxx@bulkmai YOUNG HARDCORE SLUTS
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  HOT YOUNG GIRLS WAITING TO GET YOU OFF!
  
  Lowest rates! [LINK]
  
  > go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 19 Mary Pantalon  PIT early admission
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Dear Stephen J. Wallace,
  
  Dr. Elocon has brought you to our attention. Due to your outstanding potential, the Pacific Institute of Technology has agreed to extend an invitation of early admission to you. This offer includes a scholarship covering full tuition, housing, and expenses. Please be aware that offers like this are highly unusual and are extended only to students of the highest caliber. Please let us know your decision as soon as possible.
  
  Pacific Institute of Technology
  
  > Go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 20 Amy            Um... Stuff
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Oh boy. I know you're going to hate me. I want you to know that last night was wonderful. But I can't stop feeling so bad about things. Everything happened so fast. I know I wanted it as much as you did, but now I feel so guilty. I know I do love you, but I don't think I can keep up with this. I don't want to hurt you, but I think maybe we should take some time off, get some things straight in our heads and stuff.
  
  I'm sorry.
  
  > Go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 21 Amy            My last mail
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  I can't believe I sent that. I'm so sorry. I DO love you, I know I love you. If I could take that letter back I would. I want to be with you all the time. You were so incredible. It was like everything I ever hoped for and more. I can't stop thinking about you & I want to do it again. I hope you'll forgive me. I don't know what got into me. I love you.
  
  > go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 22 Dante          Situation
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  CC: Michael Pendragon
  
  Guys, we've got a problem. Like, a BIG problem.
  
  I was watching the feed from Coach Lynch's eye today after school, right? So she's in her office after practice and Libby Sikes comes in, ok? And they're talking for a while, but I can't hear what they're saying, of course. After a while, Lynchzilla shuts the door, and a couple of minutes later, she's feeling Libby up.
  
  I ran the video by Marty, since he's deaf and reads lips. From Libby's side of it, it looks like she's gonna get cut from the team, on account of she sucks ass at field hockey. And, we're not too sure on this, but it looks like Lynch is gonna let her stay on the team if she fucks her.
  
  Lynch should go to jail for fucking a student, but no one but us knows about it, and all the proof we got is this recording, so if we give it to the cops, we'll be in the cell right next to her. We should never have done this.
  
  So what should we do?
  
  liberty://HSK!LMO?342455678
  
  > Go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 23 Michael Pendra Re: Situation
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  To: Dante
  CC: Jim Wallace
  
  >So what should we do?
  I say we sell tickets!
  
  > Go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 24 Michael Pendra Re: PIT
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Dude, go for it. They're gonna give you a full scholarship, AND money to live on? How can you refuse? And you get out of this hell-hole without finishing school. Dude, you are the man.
  
  > go north
  ---Email Database (Boy's Bedroom)---
  Page: 25 Amy            Sorry
  
  P = previous page    N = next page
  Q = resume story    G = Go to page
  
  Have you found Julia yet?
  
  I never knew how messed up she was. Why do you think she'd run away with Donna? I hope she's okay.
  
  If you want me to come over, talk about it, let me know. Or if you just want someone to hold.
  
  Love,
  Amy
  
  > Timescan
  The temporal scan is almost entirely washed out by interference. What could cause that?
  
  Wait... you're detecting residual traces of carbon quarks. An avatar? But that would mean that someone else has temporally relocated to this location.
  
  > Timescan floor
  (the floor)
  The temporal scan is almost entirely washed out by interference. What could cause that?
  
  Wait... you're detecting residual traces of carbon quarks. An avatar? But that would mean that someone else has temporally relocated to this location.
  
  > search the floor
  (the floor)
  You find nothing of interest.
  
  > Scan floor
  (the floor)
  The scanner reveals nothing of interest.
  
  > Peel floor
  (the floor)
  That's hardly portable.
  
  > research libertynet
  Originally an outgrowth of a research project in distributed document storage, the "LibertyNet Protocol" became widely used among less legitimate members of the digital subculture in the mid 21st century. The system propagated documents in a semi-anonymous manner so that users could choose to release a document which could not be traced back to an owner, and was similar to the earlier "freenet" project. Though originally intended a method for free expression in countries lacking legal protection of free speech, it quickly degenerated into a marketplace for the exchange of pornography, bootleg music, and stolen computer software. Numerous attempts by various governments to shut down LibertyNet were mostly unsuccessful and increased its underground appeal. LibertyNet was eventually made obsolete by the Global Dataweb.
  
  Source: Information Overload: The rise of the global data networks (2nd ed.)
  
  SEE ALSO: Internet, Freenet, Dataweb
  
  > Research internet
  Collective term for the services which made up the first widely used global computer network. The internet allowed messages, documents, and data to be quickly transferred between any two computers by forming a route between intermediate systems. The internet grew at a rapid rate in size and scale through the last years of the twentieth century and first years of the twenty-first. Its growth suffered major setbacks due to the wars and economic recessions of the twenty-first century, but it slowly subsumed all other means of communication and media. The internet eventually evolved into the Global Dataweb near the close of the 21st century.
  
  Source: Information Overload: The rise of the global data networks (2nd ed.)
  
  SEE ALSO: Dataweb
  
  > Research dataweb
  Dataweb (Global Dataweb; Web)
  Global data networks are reported as early as the last quarter of the twentieth century. By the end of the 21st century, the internet had evolved into the more familiar form of the Global Dataweb. The name "Dataweb" refers to the Dataweb Protocol, its major services (such as electronic mail, video communication, and document archive), and individual documents attached to it. When the Dataweb Protocol was introduced, nearly all electronic devices made use of it, from simple audio-visual communication and text messaging, to remote control and navigation systems. Though the system itself has changed little since its inception, the name has fallen into disuse.
  
  Source: Information Overload: The rise of the global data networks (2nd ed.)
  
  SEE ALSO: Internet
  
  > Examine books
  Extremely poor examples of science fiction and fantasy which, against all good taste, have survived to your time.
  
  > open the locker
  You open the equipment locker, revealing your StreamDive console, a cloaking device, an autokey, a stream visualizer, a probe and a chip bank.
  
  > search the bank
  In the chip bank are ten chips (a dive chip, a DataStore chip, a map chip, a library chip, an artificial intuition chip, a cryptography chip, a scan chip, a blank chip, an interface chip and a shield chip).
  
  > recall
  [You still have time remaining in this Dive. Are you sure you wish to end your Dive early?]
  
  > Yes
  All at once, the universe goes away. Time itself cries out in distress, and every cell in your body echoes its cry. The laws of physics cannot be broken, but they can be bent, if only for a time. As the energy stored in your temporal capacitors discharges, time reasserts itself. If you were the sort to anthopomorphize physical law, you'd say that it was extracting some revenge against you for daring to transcend the barriers of time. Of course, all that you're really experiencing is a form of severe disorientation resulting from the unusual perceptual stimuli occurring outside normal time-space. It all goes away in a nothingth of a second, and you stumble backward to the floor of the StreamDive Core. White-clad technicians swarm into the chamber a second later, helping you into the postDive examination, which confirms that you have weathered the Dive intact, and cleanses ancient toxins from your system. Your possessions are taken for examination, and you are led to the debriefing room.
  
  You are in a comfortably small room, used to debrief StreamDivers following their missions. The room is intentionally designed to avoid the impression that this is some kind of interrogation chamber, even if that is indeed its function. The room contains very little in the way of decoration or, well, anything at all, aside from the table and chairs.
  
  > open the locker
  You open the equipment locker, revealing your StreamDive console, a cloaking device, an autokey, a stream visualizer, a probe and a chip bank.
  
  > examine DataStore
  This chip stores data from your dive, storing any relevant documents for later review.
  Commands Provided:
  DOCUMENTS -- Recall stored documents