# Copyright (c) 2021 by Michael Zahniser

#
# Endless Sky is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the
# terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software
# Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or (at your option) any later
version.
#
# Endless Sky is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY
# WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A
# PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU General Public License for more details.
#
# You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with
# this program. If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.

mission "Sad Gamblers - Republic"

minor
source
government "Republic"
attributes "near earth"
not attributes "station"
to offer
random < 1
on offer
conversation
`Passing through the spaceport you see a sizable group of people
waiting on a lottery draw. You hear a whoop of success, and your attention is drawn
as one of them wins a moderate sum in a 12th division win. It's one or two days'
worth of standard pay.`
` It's difficult not to pity them as they immediately buy
more tickets with the whole value.`
decline

mission "Sad Gamblers - Syndicate"

minor
source
government "Syndicate"
not attributes "station"
to offer
random < 1
on offer
conversation
`Passing through the spaceport you see a sizable group of people
waiting on a lottery draw. You hear a whoop of success, and your attention is drawn
as one of them wins a moderate sum in a 12th division win. It's one or two days'
worth of standard pay.`
` It's difficult not to pity them as they immediately buy
more tickets with the whole value.`
decline

mission "Foiled Kidnapping Witnessed"

minor
source
government "Syndicate"
not attributes "station" "frontier" "urban"
to offer
random < 1
on offer
 conversation
`A roadblock interrupts your path as you make your way towards
the city, forcing you to slow down as you pass by, able to see what the commotion
is about. Police wave past car after car coming from the other direction, looking
into the vehicles until one gets pulled over to the side, causing police to briefly
halt all traffic movements. The driver seems distressed, refusing to open the back
even when he is being detained; his face goes pale when a little girl is found
inside.`
` You're not sure how to feel about this when the police wave
you off, blocking your view from the scene.`
decline

mission "Gift Store Interaction"

minor
source
government "Republic"
attributes "deep"
not attributes "station"
to offer
random < 1
on offer
conversation
`As you wander the spaceport with a snack, waiting for your ship
to be refueled, you pass a local souvenir shop and poke your head in to kill a
little time. You see a decent looking mug with the text "Peace, Prosperity,
Progress" printed underneath the insignia of the Deep and pick it up to see how it
feels. The handle is solid, not too small for your fingers, and the lip of it looks
like it would be comfortable to drink out of.`
` Two young adults wander into the aisle just a couple of
meters away, conversing in a language that you don't understand, one that is
perhaps local to the Deep. They're cooing over an item they've found, but when one
flips it over to look at the price tag, there is an immediate exchange of looks and
expressions that does not require translation. The item ends up back on the shelf
with a giggle and a headshake.`
branch broke
credits < 50
` Curious, you turn over your own mug and see that it is
indeed at least five times what you would expect to pay for a mug, even a good one:
50 credits. Still, it is certainly a novelty...`
choice
` (Buy the mug.)`
goto buy
` (Put it back.)`
` You roll your eyes and put it back. Some experiences really
are universal.`
decline

label buy
action
payment -50
outfit "Mug"
` You purchase the mug on an impulse. At least you can ditch
your other one with a chip in it.`
decline

label broke
` Curious, you turn over your own mug, and when you spot the
50 credit price tag your heart sinks. You could never afford such an expensive mug.
You put it back and walk away while pondering your financial situation.`
decline

mission "New China Mourners"

minor
source "New China"
to offer
random < 1
on offer
conversation
`The skies pour down onto the world below, weeping together with
the crowds as a plain but stately coffin is carried slowly from a void deck.
Rhythmic wailing blends with the susurrant rain, filling the air as the coffin is
followed closely by procession of mourners that look to be an extensive gathering
of family. Even as it is placed into the van they do not leave the departed, a
number of their hands placed on it as if pushing the person toward their final
resting place. The two foremost mourners, a woman and a young man, climb in and
take their seats next to it. Somewhere nearby, music begins to play as the vehicle
slowly moves off.`
` You wonder how well known the person was before they died
as those remaining finally turn away from the van receding into the distance and
begin to file past some discreet attendants you hadn't noticed at first, accepting
slippers for their bare feet before boarding the buses waiting to take them after
the van.`
decline

mission "New Holland Foibles"

minor
source "New Holland"
to offer
random < 1
on offer
conversation
`The smell of burning metal fills the air as you walk down the
uncrowded streets of the factory town near the spaceport, keeping away from the
arterial supply route directly feeding the port and its hangars.`
` Despite the distance and absent traffic though, it is far
from quiet. Several factory buildings make discernible thrumming noises, and
grinders echo amidst the silence as you investigate. Turning a corner, you come
across an alley running along a lengthy chain link fence line. Beyond it, you can
see a throng of men cutting away at a spaceship. Parts regularly fall to the floor,
the workers apparently heedless of those below.`
` Even as you watch you see a hull plate swinging dangerously
above a workers head.`
choice
` (Call out a warning.)`
` (Leave them be.)`
goto leave
` You call out a warning and most of the men pause to look at
you, the hull plate swinging gently as the holder of the offending grinder squints
in your direction. One of the older men, who you now realize was at least somewhat
overseeing the activity, steps forward and flicks his hands at you in a shooing
motion. "Oi you, piss off. We've got our safety supervisor, we don't need your nose
in our business."`
 choice
` (Challenge the claim.)`
` (Leave them be.)`
goto leave
` You point out that what you were seeing did not look at all
safe, supervised or not, and the man glances around briefly before huffily making
his way over to stand opposite you behind the fence. "Look stranger," he says,
"work here is hard to find. For those working here, we don't have the time to
spare. But the pay is good and we can at least feed our kids. Sure, some people get
a few scrapes and bruises, but no one has died on my watch, and Rik only lost his
smallest finger. If you feel the need to watch then fine, stand around, but leave
us be, okay? There ain't no one around here that'll care what you have to say
anyway."`
` He looks you dead in the eyes, and once he is sure you
understand his message he stomps back over to his crew, who continue their work.
You watch them cut the dead ship apart until its pieces completely fill the trailer
they have with them, before they proceed to haul the parts away to a factory in the
distance.`
decline
label leave
` You turn and depart. A moment later you hear a clatter and
a shout, but when you look back no one appears to have been injured.`
decline

mission "Trash Fire Crops"

minor
source
government "Republic"
attributes "dirt belt"
attributes "farming"
not attributes "station"
to offer
random < 1
on offer
"bumper crop year" = "year"
conversation
`As you move about the spaceport, you can't avoid the terrible
smell. It's like a trash fire, but you can't see any sort of smoke.`
choice
` (Ignore it.)`
goto ignore
` (Ask around.)`
` You ask one of the locals who doesn't look too busy. They
sadly inform you that there's been a bumper banana crop, but unfortunately other
wealthier worlds had a bumper crop at the same time, and there's nowhere to either
sell or store a significant excess. Distressed farmers are burning the excess fruit
to make fertilizer for the next season, the wind has carried the smell all over
town.`
decline
label ignore
` You leave the mysterious smell to the locals and continue
on your business.`
decline

mission "Worker's Occasion"

 minor
source
government "Republic"
attributes "dirt belt"
not attributes "station"
to offer
random < 1
on offer
conversation
`Pausing to consider a restaurant for your dinner, you notice a
local worker with a small handful of credits eagerly eyeing the menu. His clothes
are neatly worn and look freshly brushed, but it's impossible not to notice the
dirty marks and stains that haven't washed out. The man undeniably seems nervous,
and he looks at the formal dining layout with an obvious lack of familiarity.
Looking at the menu yourself, you realize that while the prices are very affordable
for you, they would've been unreachable before your career change.`
choice
` (Offer to pay for the man's dinner.)`
goto aid
` (Silently pity the man.)`
goto pity
` (Smile at the man.)`
` You smile at the man and reflect on the value of small
achievements. He catches your smile out of the corner of his eye and gives you a
hesitant but friendly wave back before you go about your business.`
decline
label aid
` You enter the restaurant and catch the man's attention,
offering to pay for his meal.`
` He recognizes you as a pilot and frowns, before telling you
where you can stick that offer in colorful terms. As you walk away, you think about
what your reaction would be if a much wealthier individual pitied you by paying for
your dinner.`
decline
label pity
` You pity the man who has to work a full month to afford
this and continue on your way.`
decline

mission "Paradise Cleaner Incident"

minor
source
government "Republic"
attributes "paradise"
not attributes "station"
to offer
random < 1
on offer
conversation
`Visiting the Paradise spaceports is always an interesting
experience for someone from abroad. Nowhere else is class such an ingrained
component of daily life. You find yourself noticing people who seem to be invisible
to most of those going about their business, but they never catch your eye. They
always appear to be doing their utmost to avoid notice.`
` You haven't noticed children that look poor here in the
past, but on this occasion you spot one as he knocks over a mop and bucket... right
in front of a businessman and his family rolling their bags through the spaceport.
You've never seen someone go so deathly pale as the cleaner, the boy's mother, who
scurries to fix things before the man even draws a breath.`
` A pair of security officers appear almost immediately,
before you could intercede one way or the other, as the man and his family begin to
complain. One officer provides assurances as the other supervises the cleaner, who
quickly hurries her child out of harm's way.`
decline

mission "Curious Waiter"

minor
source
government "Syndicate"
attributes "factory"
not attributes "station"
to offer
random < 1
on offer
conversation
`On a whim, you decide to dine in at a restaurant well clear of
the busy spaceport. You swiftly find yourself searching up a list of delicacies on
a physical menu as people stream past the window by your booth, each looking
drained from the long work day. Meal soon ordered, you continue watching the crowd
until it arrives, a local version of a katsu don and dig in.`
` The place is quiet, perhaps a little early for the dinner
rush yet, and you are halfway through your meal when a waiter stops beside you,
coughing to catch your attention.`
choice
` "May I help you?"`
` "Yes?"`
` "What do you want?"`
` "Sorry," he says, grabbing the edges of his shirt. "But...
may I ask... what's it like to see the stars? To visit other worlds?"`
choice
` "Most worlds are the same or worse than here."`
` "The stars are prettier under an atmosphere."`
` "It's an adventure, but not for the faint of heart."`
` "Oh... I've never seen any pilots, so I never got to ask,"
he says, slightly dejected. "Thank you very much for telling me though!"`
` He goes back to his work, with a thoughtful expression of
neutral satisfaction on his face.`
decline

mission "Syndicated Security Troops"

minor
source
government "Syndicate"
attributes "urban"
not attributes "station"
to offer
random < 1
on offer
conversation
`The low rumble of "Tonners," heavy trucks for moving troops and
supplies, rolling down the street causes heads to turn and look at the blocky yet
imposing vehicles slowing to a stop. The driver and the commander of the foremost
vehicle have their eyes on the road, watching out for any traffic hazards that
might pose a risk to either the vehicle or their support.`
` The troops within the back of each tonner, on the other
hand, are making small talk, the camo on their face smearing off in the heat. One
of them points at you, saying something that garners him a groan from his peers,
and you decided that you probably don't want to know what he said.`
decline

mission "Class Trip to Port"

minor
source
attributes "south"
not attributes "station"
to offer
random < 1
on offer
conversation
`A group of children waves at you as you step off your ship,
marveling at the spacecraft on display as their teachers try and fail to hold their
attention. You can see the fading of their uniform colors from afar as their group
walks past, yet none of them look one bit displeased. While you make your way into
the spaceport itself, you wonder how many of them may eventually own their own
spaceship and fly across the stars.`
decline

mission "Old Defense Turrets"

minor
source
attributes "south"
not attributes "station" "frontier"
to offer
random < 1
on offer
conversation
`With an annoyingly long stopover having encouraged you to do a
little exploring, you rent a car for a short drive around the immediate area.
Later, as you pull the car into the designated return parking lot, the unexpected
sound of large hydraulic motors draws your attention. You watch as a massive turret
lifts up from behind a nearby barricade and turns toward the sky, its single cannon
poised to fire at seemingly nothing.`
` Looking around for some form of explanation you find a
plaque placed conveniently nearby dedicating the turret, and five others like it,
offering protection and discouraging piracy until relatively recent years. You
can't help but wonder how well the turrets would do if they were to be actually
used again.`
decline

mission "Blind Landing"

minor
landing
source
government "Free Worlds"
attributes "farming"
 not attributes "station" "frontier"
to offer
"year" > "bumper crop year" + 2
random < 1
has "Trash Fire Crops: declined"
on offer
conversation
`Smog fills your windscreen as you make your descent, trying and
failing to see anything more than a few meters in front of you. The autopilot
systems show solid green across the full range of indicators though, and traffic
control has confirmed a lock.`
choice
` (Land on autopilot.)`
` (Return to orbit.)`
goto orbit
` You let the craft perform the landing, staring blankly at
the haze until it clears.`
` On the ground, you see the cause, fields upon fields of
plantations burning. You see a crowd of mostly farmers blocking off a smaller group
of firefighters, arguing and trying to stop them from putting out the flames as
planes fly overhead, dropping water and retardants wherever necessary.`
` You recall seeing something like this years ago, of farmers
burning their crops to make the land fertile, and how bad the air was for months.`
decline
label orbit
` Unwilling to trust landing blind into an unknown situation,
you return to orbit and rejoin the spaceport processing queue. One day of delay is
a worthwhile price to pay for surety.`
flee

mission "Forest Fire"

minor
source
government "Free Worlds"
attributes "frontier"
not attributes "station"
to offer
random < 1
on offer
conversation
`The smell of burning smoke permeates the air as you step off
your craft, causing you to rush towards the nearest shelter, coughing along the
way. Once there, you find people shouting and rushing about to get tape plastered
onto the windows. No one seems to have noticed your arrival and none give an
explanation.`
choice
` "Hey! What's happening? I can help!"`
goto help
` (Look for someone not in motion.)`
` You seek out a pregnant lady sitting on a chair, a mask
worn as she explains: "A large fire has sprung up nearby, and the wind is fanning
it towards the spaceport. Might have been some fool playing with fire, or some
pirate sending a message to a local. We don't know, could be anything around here
really. We're hunkering down and hoping it'll burn out before it does too much
damage."`
choice
` "I have a ship out there. Let me help."`
 ` Her eyes widen and she looks around, sharply catching the
attention of one of the many people hurrying about.`
goto fight
label help
` A young man who looks suspiciously like he might've been
air traffic control twenty minutes ago glances at you and skids to a stop. "Oh,
you're a pilot! Can your ship help?"`
choice
` "Yes."`
label fight
` The dock-hands scramble to get the firefighting equipment
onto your ship after your proclamation, instructing you to drop the retardants onto
the perimeter of the fire. You barely manage to remember what every button does
before the Air Traffic Controller clears you to depart, navigating your craft
towards the fire.`
` The raging fire flares like an inferno, throwing up black
smoke in deep billowing waves as you approach. As you drop the retardants, making
sure to keep your speed low, animals scramble towards safer grounds. You try to
make sure you've not emptied right on top of them each time as you go back for
another batch.`
` Hours later, you look at your handiwork, a long line of red
keeping back the flames as the fire starts to smother out. You radio your progress
and receive a cheery response, thanking you for your help.`
decline

mission "Local Politics"

minor
source
attributes "frontier"
attributes "south"
not attributes "station" "urban" "ex-pirate"
to offer
or
and
random < 5
or
has "flagship planet attribute: south pirate"
not "event: war begins"
and
random < 1
has "event: war begins"
not "event: fw suppressed Greenrock"
on offer
conversation
`As you land on the pad, you note a general lack of presence
around the spaceport. No one has scrambled to hook up your ship, nor has anybody
else acknowledged your arrival. Instead, when you leave your ship, all you find is
a note within the spaceport detailing where their "overlords" can find their yearly
tribute.`
` You decide against finding out where the inhabitants went.`
decline

mission "Military Response Test"

landing
minor
 source
government "Free Worlds"
not attributes "station" "urban" "frontier"
to offer
random < 1
on offer
conversation
`In a strange set of instructions, the Air Traffic Controller has
you punch in a set of coordinates, taking you close to a massive military base on
the way to the landing zone. You let the autopilot take over as you watch the view
off the cockpit window, hoping the turrets in the base won't shoot you out of the
sky.`
` From where you are watching, you see a single woman
standing within the parade square, a hand raised like she's looking at her watch.
Seconds pass before she raises her other hand and gives a thumbs up to whoever's
looking at her. Suddenly, a loud siren sounds out across the base that is audible
even in your ship as it passes by at reasonable height. You watch as soldiers drop
everything they're doing, some rushing into buildings while others run toward
armored vehicles. Within minutes, the base's vehicles are rolling towards the
parade square whilst soldiers in full gear run to assemble within the square in
neat rows.`
` You aren't sure whether what they were doing was scheduled,
or if it was in response to your flight.`
decline

mission "Missed Mugging"

minor
source
government "Free Worlds"
not attributes "station" "frontier"
to offer
random < 1
on offer
conversation
`The sun has already set when you walk out of the spaceport,
trying to find a nearby restaurant to sample their wares. Looking around, the only
source of light comes from the building you just exited, a beacon within the sea of
darkness.`
` Choosing a random direction, you decide to walk down the
quiet street, taking in the sights. You are interrupted as two men rush from an
alley, pushing past you as they go. Before you can respond, you see a woman run
out, clothes in disarray as she gives chase to the two men to no avail. Belatedly,
you realize that they were holding a purse, long after they've disappeared, melting
into the blackness beyond.`
decline

mission "Sojourn Sunday Sales"

minor
source
government "Free Worlds"
attributes "urban"
not attributes "station"
to offer
random < 1
on offer
 conversation
`You blink in surprise as you enter the spaceport, watching
throngs of people pushing their way through the human chains of queues wrapped
around the commercial area. You scan your surroundings and notice advertisements
upon advertisements of vacation locations, all at an absurdly high discount. Yet
despite their vastly reduced prices, the advertised holidays still cost such large
sums that a younger you could never have justified such expense.`
decline

mission "Tarazed Ship Christening"

minor
source "Wayfarer"
to offer
random < 1
has "main plot completed"
on offer
conversation
`As you walk past a number of ships and crew going about their
work in the spaceport, a small gathering in front of a Shuttle catches your
attention. A young woman wearing a rather cheesy pilot uniform is in the midst of a
little group of people all celebrating together. As you pass by them, a man
standing on the top of a ladder breaks a bottle of Champagne on the (clearly not
new) ship's hull. A loud cheer erupts from the group, earning an embarrassed blush
from the young woman.`
choice
` (Take a closer look.)`
goto investigate
` (Shout well wishes as I pass by.)`
goto passby
` (Ignore them, I have more important things to do.)`
` You hurry past the rowdy group, annoyed by the
disturbance.`
decline
label passby
` You hurry past the group as they quiet down. Taking
advantage of the momentary lull, you shout "Good luck! You've got this!" toward
them. They let out another cheer in response, with the exception of the young woman
who buries her face in her hands.`
decline
label investigate
` You approach the group as they quiet down, noticing a hint
of anxiety in the air.`
` "Nothing quite like buying your very first starship," you
say over their chatter. The celebration goes quiet as they turn to see who
interrupted their little party.`
` "It's certainly been an... experience," the young woman
replies once you are in comfortable talking distance.`
choice
` "Have you got any big plans with it?"`
goto plans
` (Give some advice.)`
goto advice
` "So, who's the lucky pilot?"`
` You gesture to the Shuttle and look around as if it should
be anyone else.`
` "Uhh... that would be me," the woman says, glancing around
awkwardly.`
 choice
` (Try to salvage the awkward situation.)`
` (Get out while I can.)`
goto getout
` "I'm just messing with you, my psychiatrist doesn't think
it's very funny when I do it to him either."`
` "Oh," the woman says quietly, "that's... nice, I guess."`
label getout
` You realize that you have made this random young lady quite
uncomfortable by barging in with your input.`
` "Well, good luck!" you say with a wave as you hurry away.
You barely hear the quiet "thank you" over the burning in your ears.`
decline
label plans
` "Right now," she says with a sigh, "the only plan I have is
to get rid of the massive debt that I'm in because of it."`
label advice
` "The mortgage isn't so bad as long as you're willing to
work hard," you say with a smile, "and there is no shortage of people in need of a
ship and a good pilot."`
` "I knew you could make a decent living with one, but is it
really that easy?" she asks.`
` "The work isn't easy, but finding a job is the least of
your worries. I'm sure that you'll have this ship paid off in no time."`
` You stay around and talk with the aspiring pilot for a few
minutes, giving her tips and advice before stating that you have work to do. As you
turn to leave, an older man places his hand on your arm, stopping you.`
` "Before you go," the man says, "we weren't very sure about
this whole 'pilot' thing at first, but it's good to hear that my little girl has
made the right decision. Thank you for that."`
` "It's the least I could do," you say before walking away.`
decline

mission "Masquerade Hanging"

minor
source
government "Pirate"
not attributes "station"
to offer
random < 1
on offer
conversation
`The smell of burning gunpowder wafts about in the air as you
enter a town square, watching as a body is rolled off of a raised platform. Cries
and screams fill the air as a masked man drags a lady across the platform and onto
the central dias, an old-fashioned pistol to her head as he asks her something you
can't make out. Thankfully, the man doesn't shoot, taking his gun off her temple
before subsequently knocking her out with his weapon.`
` Moments later the small crowd allows him to depart opposite
your viewpoint, without incident and without explanation. You aren't quite sure
what to make of this scene as the bodies are swiftly dragged away.`
decline

mission "News Reporter - Paradise"

minor
source
government "Republic"
 attributes "paradise"
not attributes "station"
to offer
random < 8
has "event: war begins"
not "event: joined the free worlds"
on offer
conversation
`You are passing through the spaceport when you see a young woman
walking in your direction. Trailing behind her is a multitude of camera drones,
each one marked with a logo consisting of two curves pointing inwards.`
choice
` (Wait for her to approach.)`
goto walk
` (Hope she doesn't notice me.)`
goto notice
` (Try to avoid her.)`
` You take a hallway off to the side to evade her. Just as
you think you've gotten out of sight, you hear a voice. "Excuse me!" You turn to
see the reporter following you.`
goto walk
label notice
` As you continue walking, you hear her call out, "Excuse
me!" Suppressing a sigh, you turn to face the reporter.`
label walk
` As she gets closer to you, she smiles. "Hello Captain!
Would you be willing to answer a few questions for our viewers?"`
choice
` "Sure, I wouldn't mind."`
goto questions
` "No, I'd rather not."`
decline
label questions
` The camera drones circle around you as she prepares for the
interview. After a few seconds, she smiles at one of the drones and begins.`
` "Welcome back. I'm here on <origin> reporting on the
situation with the Free Worlds. I'm joined by a merchant captain currently between
trips. Captain, what do you think of the ultimatum sent to Parliament?"`
choice
` "I think Parliament should reconsider and give the
situation some thought."`
` "Parliament made the right decision by refusing the
demands."`
goto right
` The reporter frowns. "Can you explain your answer for our
viewers?"`
choice
` "The interests of every world should be considered,
whether we agree or not."`
` "The Free Worlds aren't represented well enough to
gain traction through normal channels."`
` "The Navy is hardly defending that territory, so
taxes shouldn't be as much."`
` "I would prefer to not answer."`
` "I'm not sure that Parliament would agree with you, but I
want to thank you for your answers, and for taking the time to do this interview!"
she says.`
` The drones dart back to follow her as she continues through
the spaceport.`
 decline
label right
` The reporter smiles. "Can you explain that answer for our
viewers?"`
choice
` "There are proper channels for presenting grievances,
and this isn't one of them."`
` "It's a very ungrateful thing to do when Parliament
is the one protecting them."`
` "I would prefer to not answer."`
` "We are fortunate that many people feel this way! Thank you
for your answers, and for taking the time to do this interview!" she says.`
` The drones dart back to follow her as she continues through
the spaceport.`
decline

mission "Scientists at the Pub after a Conference"

minor
source
government "Republic"
attributes "urban"
not attributes "station"
to offer
random < 1
on offer
conversation
`As you take a break after a long journey and a longer-feeling
landing procedure, you notice a group of people enter the pub where you're sitting,
streaming in from the conference complex across the street. They vary in age,
dress, and accent, but most have an identical badge dangling from a lanyard around
their necks. You notice one badge that's been dropped on the floor, reading
"Attendee - 35th Annual Pan-galactic Conference on Interstellar Microbial Genomics
and Population Dynamics." The group takes their seats at a long table near to you.`
choice
` (Order a meal and listen in to their conversation.)`
goto "overheard scientists 1"
` (Find somewhere quieter to relax.)`
decline
label "overheard scientists 1"
` Fragments of conversation make their way to you through the
din of the pub.`
``
` Two of the younger attendees are looking a bit nervous.
"I'm so glad to have my presentation over with. I was so worried about having to
present on the first day, but now I can finally just relax and actually listen to
the other talks!"`
` "Oh definitely! I probably shouldn't even be here - I
should really be rehearsing... Oh! Waiter, another beer, please!"`
` "Got your slide deck ready for tomorrow?"`
` "Yeah, but I'm still terrified. I hate public speaking."`
` "Don't worry, you know more about your particular area of
expertise than they do. You'll be fine once you're on stage! And besides, graduate
school is one giant exercise in public speaking. Comfort comes with practice."`
``
` Another scientist is rolling his eyes after a post-mortem
of the day's events. "Is there some law I don't know about that requires every
'question' to start with 'I guess this isn't so much a question as a comment...'?"`
``
` An exasperated academic is speaking emphatically to her
friend about what you infer to be a presentation they both heard earlier. "I don't
think the nucleotide evidence supports their hypothesis at all! Like, I know the
proteomic data could be used to support their conclusion, but they're ignoring
synonymous mutations!"`
choice
` (Order another beverage and continue listening.)`
goto "overheard scientists 2"
` (Finish my meal and leave.)`
decline
label "overheard scientists 2"
` The group's conversation grows louder by virtue of both
passion for the subject as well as the influence of a few drinks.`
` "Look, the analysis might be fine, but if they can't even
be bothered to provide the version numbers for their analytical software, then it
isn't reproducible and that's an automatic 'reject' from me."`
``
` One person is looking slightly shell-shocked after
considering what might have been. "Can you believe my computer crashed right before
I had to present? Good thing I had backups. Two is one and one is none."`
``
` A group seem to be discussing some other colleagues in the
field who are, presumably, not present this evening. "Singh and Esterhazy are such
arrogant jerks. Their work is okay, I guess, but not enough to justify their
wannabe rockstar personalities!"`
` "Sure, but they aren't just arrogant jerks, they're
charismatic arrogant jerks. Charisma attracts good grad students to their lab, who
produce good papers, who they put their name on. It's a positive feedback loop."`
``
` Grant applications seem to be a common subject. "The
Republic Medical Research Agency said my work is too theoretical, but the
University of Chiron Department of Microbiology says it's too applied!"`
` "That's a conundrum, alright. Maybe you could find some
funding from industry? The Syndicate might be interested in your work."`
` "Yeah, but I'm not sure yet if I'm willing to give up my
academic freedom."`
choice
` (Finish up at my own pace.)`
goto "overheard scientists 3"
` (Settle my bill as quickly as possible and leave.)`
decline
label "overheard scientists 3"
` Two attendees compare gripes about job demands. "Teaching
sucks. Between class hours, office hours, and preparing lectures, there's hardly
any time left for research."`
` "That's funny! Teaching undergrads is my one respite from
grant-writing!"`
``
` A sociable but exhausted-looking man is sitting back in his
chair. "These conferences only last three or four days, but it always feels like it
ages you a year."`
` You leave after finishing your meal, reflecting on having
overheard a slice of a life very different from your own.`
decline

mission "Sol-Bound Shuttle"

minor
source
system "Sol"
 to offer
random < 1
on offer
conversation
` Upon entering the sprawling spaceport, you notice that a
group of factory workers are talking to a captain. As you get closer, you see that
the captain's flagship, a Shuttle that has seen better days, lacks a hyperdrive.`
choice
` "Where's your hyperdrive?"`
` "How are you going to travel anywhere with that
ship?"`
` (Go back to your ship.)`
decline
` The captain laughs. "Most pilots are the adventurous type.
Not me. I make a pretty decent haul just flying people from Earth to Mars and back.
Occasionally I do trips to the Moon for tourists." You notice that she uses the
archaic term for Luna. Must be a local expression.`
choice
` "Doesn't that get boring?"`
goto boring
` "Is there really enough travel within Sol that you
can make a living off of it?"`
` "You'd be surprised. There's a lot of people in this system
after all, and a lot of those people have enough money to leave Earth but not
enough to leave Sol. It's a nice niche I've carved out for myself."`
goto end
label boring
` "For you, maybe. I can tell by your accent that you've done
a bit of travelling from your home planet. I like staying closer to home, though.
With all the instability in the galaxy - pirates, aliens, and who knows what else -
staying in Sol keeps me safe. Call me paranoid, but being in a place where I don't
have to worry about that is something I value." She eyes a ship to the side that's
having its hull repaired. The damage appears to have been inflicted by a beam
weapon.`
label end
` You say your goodbyes as you board your ships. Although you
are both captains, the trajectory of your lives have taken very different courses.`
decline

# Note about Earth Day and Earth Hour:

# Earth Day (in 2023) is a day of awareness about climate change and occurs every
22nd of April. Earth Hour is an hour
# of blackout around cities worldwide, also to bring awareness to climate change,
and it's observed on the last Saturday
# of March.

# Since Earth Day has become a quasi-'national day' for Earthlings in Endless Sky,
it would be interesting to have Earth
# Hour be conflated with Earth Day as well, to demonstrate how people in a thousand
years' time observe what we observe
# today and how its meaning has changed.
mission "Earth Day Blackout"
minor
landing
source "Earth"
to offer
day == 22
month == 5
on offer
 conversation
`As you follow the tracking beacons towards Earth's central
spaceport, you realize there's something very off. What was the bustling spaceport
city is now completely still, and even though it is near midnight, the supertall
buildings and skyscrapers are curiously dark; not a light is on for kilometers.`
` Despite this, the spaceport seems to still be operational,
because the automated procedures of signing landing documents, refueling, and
checking your ship's spaceworthiness are completed as you land. In the spaceport
terminal, there are wax candles spaced out to bring some light into the now dark
corridors. It's a strange sight for the most populated planet in human space.`
choice
` (Find someone and ask.)`
` (The blackout will probably pass.)`
goto pass
branch attendant tourist
random > 50

label attendant
` You approach an information desk in the terminal's atrium
that, given the situation, doesn't seem to be as busy as expected. After a moment
you get to the attendant behind the counter.`
choice
` "What's with the blackout?"`
` "When is the blackout going to be fixed?"`
` The attendant chuckles to himself. "I should've expected
that question from your accent. Today's Earth Day, when all the cities of Earth -
and I mean all of them - participate in a total blackout. Even the Parliament
building was out today. It makes us think about our origins; that we once lived on
the soil without electricity, all confined to just this one planet here, divided
and uncertain. Of course, people like me still have to keep working, but for other
people it's a day off to enjoy what little wildlife and Earth us Earthlings have
left, ironically. Do you have any other questions?`
choice
` "When did this tradition start?"`
` "Thank you for telling me."`
goto pass
` "Well, my old history class tells me that the first Earth
Day was around the 20th century, a few years after we landed on the Moon for the
first time. Back then, there were a bunch of conflicts and disputes over resources
and how we were fighting all over and digging it all up to power all those dirty,
primitive cars, power plants, and factories we had back then. So as a show of unity
against that people started celebrating Earth's natural beauty by bringing us back
to our past."`
` As he finishes, the ceiling lights flash back on. "Ah,
well, there you go. Too bad I missed the celebrations, but that's the end of Earth
Day and my night shift. I hope you had a good Earth Day, and have a good night!"`
decline

label tourist
` You approach a woman with a bunch of oversized bags
clustered around her seat. She's tapping rapidly on her datapad, but nonetheless
she looks up when you approach. "Excuse me, Captain, I was just trying to figure
out when the metro starts up again. Do you know?"`
choice
` "I know just as much as you, sorry."`
` "Maybe it's to do with the blackout?"`
goto "way in"
` "Ha, they shut everything down for Earth Day and then
assume all us offworlders get the idea. What do you know..."`
 choice
` "Earth Day?"`
` "Shut everything down?"`
` "Didn't you see what was happening outside on your way in?
It's something to do with Earth Day. Back in those old days before humans were able
to get off this planet, they were stuck in a chain of issues and disputes over
energy. You know, they didn't have fusion reactors back then. Awfully primitive
times.`
goto decided

label "way in"

` "Yes, I suppose you must have seen what's happening outside
on your way in. It's something to do with Earth Day. Back in those old days before
humans were able to get off this planet, they were stuck in a chain of issues and
disputes over energy. You know, they didn't have fusion reactors back then. Awfully
primitive times.`

label decided
` "So they decided that, on the 22nd of April each year, all
of Earth would go into total blackout to symbolize that they didn't have enough
energy to sustain themselves, and to remind them that the only way to advance was
to keep pushing themselves forward, find new pathways to power, lest those
blackouts became longer and more frequent. Fascinating, huh?"`
choice
` "It seems a bit backwards."`
` "It is fascinating, thanks."`
goto pass
` "Well, perhaps. But Earth is like that sometimes. It's
survived through so much, and without Earth Day to remind our ancestors that we
must keep looking forward, maybe you wouldn't be in your fancy little spaceship,
would you?"`
` The lights in the spaceport turn back on as she says that,
and she turns to look at her data pad again. "Oh, it's twelve o'clock. I've got to
see if the metro's opened so I can get to my accommodation. Safe travels!"`
decline

label pass
` After the clock passes midnight, the lights in the
spaceport come back on, followed by the signage and lights of the city surrounding
it. A few workers come and snuff out the candles before putting them away in unseen
closets.`
decline

mission "Burthen Triathlon"

minor
source
planet "Burthen"
to offer
random < 1
on offer
conversation
`Thanks to the planet's high gravity, Burthen is not a common
destination, but today the spaceport seems to have a lot of visitors. Many of the
usually empty landing pads are occupied, and you notice a sizable crowd at the edge
of the spaceport as you step out onto its rather untarnished apron. Some members of
the crowd are obviously from offworld judging by their height, and there's even a
few media crews standing by, although it looks like their camera drones are
struggling with Burthen's gravity.`
choice
 ` (See what's going on.)`
` (Avoid the commotion and tend to your own business.)`
decline
` Each step takes significantly more effort than you're used
to, but you eventually reach the crowd. From the signs that have been put up on the
way, it looks like the "Burthen Triathlon" is taking place today, and the spaceport
has been designated the finishing point. A couple of especially sturdy-looking
marquees have been set up; the smaller one appears to be the administration tent,
currently only accessible to event staff, while the other one is far larger and is
catering food and drinks for the crowd nearby.`
choice
` (Walk over to the catering tent.)`
` (Stay outside.)`
goto outside
` (Return to your ship.)`
decline

` Thankfully, the walk to the catering tent is far shorter

than the walk from your ship, but nevertheless you're exhausted by the time you
drag your feet inside. A lot of effort has been put into this tent: the metal
chairs are all sturdily-built to allow offworlders to pull themselves up, but
cushioned as to not make it uncomfortable to sit in. A small firepit has been built
in the middle of the tent, along with a couple fire extinguishers placed nearby,
and the whole place is brightly lit in contrast to Burthen's typically chilly
weather. Quite a few people, both Burthenians and offworlders, are mingling about
here.`
` There's a counter in the corner with two levels, apparently
so that the Burthenian attending it can serve both offwolders and locals. Alongside
the typical drinks you've seen in spaceport bars and some local to the southern
Core, the counter also offers a local drink called the "Antigrav" that claims to
"ease visitors from Burthen's natural pull," and comes in a specially made glass,
all for 30 credits.`
branch "no credits"
credits < 2
choice
` (Order a regular drink from the counter.)`
` (Order the Antigrav from the counter.)`
goto antigrav
to display
credits >= 30
` (Don't order anything and leave the tent.)`
goto "leave tent"

action
payment -2
` You hand over a couple credits for the drink and leave the
tent, sipping with some difficulty as you go. The Burthensider at the counter
advises you not to drink too much of it at once, and not to drop the cup "unless
you want a munted foot for a few weeks."`
goto "leave tent"

label antigrav
action
payment -30
outfit "Antigrav Glass"
` It turns out the glass the Antigrav comes with has a
miniature repulsor installed so that you don't need to hold it while drinking it.
The drink itself is a highly carbonated soda that tastes like something in between
lingonberry and raspberry, made from the native berries found in Westland, the
district the spaceport is located in. The Burthenian at the counter advises you not
to drink too much of it at once and to not turn it off while it's levitating, "lest
it falls on your foot and we have to treat your bone fractures."`
goto "leave tent"

label "no credits"

` Unfortunately, it looks like all the drinks are too pricy
for you.`
choice
` (Leave the tent.)`

label "leave tent"

` The crowd is a bit more active when you return outside, and
over the heads of the locals you see on a large, portable screen that the leading
triathlete is a particularly stocky Burthenian, wearing a white helmet and tight,
dark sportswear.`
goto "after tent"

label outside
` Staying outside in the oppressive gravity and the chilly
temperature, you move over to the sidelines and watch the large, portable screen
that is broadcasting the leading competitors from above. It appears that
competitors are divided into Burthenians and offworlders, with Burthenians wearing
white helmets and offworlders wearing red helmets. It's nearing the end of the
whole event; the competitor in front is named Abernathy, a stocky Burthenian
apparently doing his eleventh Burthen Triathlon. Meanwhile, the leading offworlder
is five hundred meters behind him, a competitor from Martini named Caldarone.
Apparently, they've been at it for over 11 hours, beginning with a 1.5 kilometer
swim, then a 40 kilometer bicycle ride, and finally a 10 kilometer run.`
` After a couple minutes, Abernathy emerges from behind a
bend, camera drones chasing him. Cheers, whoops, and rather overly ethusiastic
hollers erupt from the crowd, raising enormously as he dashes through the finishing
straight, the drones now circling around him. Just over the crowd a loudspeaker
announces, "And here comes the winner of the Syndicate Athletics Burthen Triathlon,
the world triathlete champion, competitor number fifty-eight: Samuel Abernathy!"`
goto end

label "after tent"

` As he nears the finish line the Burthensiders' enthusiastic
cheers, whoops, and hollers erupt from the crowd, and the camera drones, their
repulsors now calibrated for Burthen's gravity, circle around the finishing
straight. Just over the crowd a loudspeaker announces, "And here comes the winner
of the Syndicate Athletics Burthen Triathlon, the world triathlete champion,
competitor number fifty-eight: Samuel Abernathy!"`

label "end"
` Abernathy doesn't slow down until he's within an arm's
length of the finishing line; as he crosses it he seizes the tape, making a yelp of
simultaneous joy and relief. He holds the tape up before everybody in the crowd and
at the cameras pointed at him, taking in the attention (and catching his breath)
before accepting a bottle of water from someone on the sidelines.`
decline