Choose Your Own Adventure

<div id="meteor"></div> <h1>Chapter 1—The Genesis</h1> It started with a streak of <span class="glow">light</span> slicing through the night sky, brighter and faster than anything you’d ever seen. You were resting at home, enjoying a quiet evening, when the flash caught your attention. It wasn’t like a shooting star. No, this was something different. The <span class="glow">glow</span> was intense, almost blinding, and it didn’t burn out. Instead, it grew brighter as it plummeted toward the horizon, painting the dark sky with an eerie blue glow. Then came the sound—a deep, thunderous roar that rattled the ground beneath your feet. Moments later, a shockwave rolled over you, brushing your face. As the trembling stopped, you noticed a faint orange <span class="glow">glow</span> in the back of your property, just beyond the treeline. Smoke began to rise, curling into the air and blotting out some of the stars. Whatever had just crashed, it was close—too close to ignore. You felt a mix of excitement and fear creeping in. It wasn’t every day that a meteor crash-landed literally in your backyard. Questions filled your mind. Was it just a rock? Could it be dangerous? Or... could it be something more? You glance around the house. Everyone else is probably still asleep, blissfully unaware of the commotion. You’re standing at a crossroads: investigate the crash on your own or wake someone for help. The <span class="glow">glowing light</span> in the distance feels like it’s calling to you, but at what risk? Choose wisely... [[Head straight for the crash site to investigate.|Investigate]] [[Go wake up your roomate to come with you.|Wake Roomate]] <div style="display: block; background-color:#c9f6fc; padding: 15px; border-radius: 15px; max-width: 50ch; color:#fff;"><b><span style="color:#3d89d0; font-weight: 900;">To reload a save point, choose your keyword below... [[AGENT|Cheater]] -- [[ASSET|Chapter 3a]] -- [[BAIT|Cheater]] -- [[BRAINWASH|Cheater]] -- [[CODE|Cheater]] -- [[CONTROL|Cheater]] -- [[COVER|Cheater]] -- [[DOUBLE|Cheater]] -- [[FAKE|Chapter 3c]] -- [[FEDS|Chapter 2 Intro]] -- [[HIDDEN|Chapter 3e]] -- [[LIAR|Chapter 3d]] -- [[LOCK|Cheater]] -- [[RISK|Cheater]] -- [[SECRET|Chapter 3b]] -- [[SHADOW|Cheater]] -- [[SIGNAL|Cheater]] -- [[SPY|Cheater]] -- [[TRACE|Cheater]] -- [[TRUTH|Cheater]] -- [[TRUST|Cheater]] -- [[VAULT|Chapter 3f]] -- [[WATCH|Cheater]]</span></div>

The air is warm now, almost stifling, and the smell of burnt metal fills your nose. Stunned, you stop dead in your tracks. You look closer at the crater carved by the meteor's impact, its edges still smoking. Bits of jagged rock are scattered everywhere, <span class="glow">glowing</span> faintly under the moonlight. But as you step closer, your eyes catch something even more odd—gleaming metal and wires mixed with the shattered rocky debris. At first, you think the meteor must have smashed into some old electronics on the way down, maybe a satellite or space junk. But as you crouch near one of the larger fragments, your stomach tightens. The metal isn’t just tangled with the rock; it’s part of it. Wires run like veins through the jagged stone, pulsing faintly with <span class="glow">light</span>. Tiny, engraved patterns cover some of the smoother surfaces—too precise, too deliberate to be natural. This isn’t just a meteor. It’s... something else. Part rock. Part machine. Nothing like you've ever seen before. A sudden crackle snaps you out of your thoughts. One of the larger pieces hums and shifts slightly, as though responding to your presence. You freeze, unsure whether to stay or run. The decision is yours: [[Touch the strange device embedded in the rock.|Touch it]] [[Step back and observe it from a safer distance.|Step Back]] [[Dig around in the dirt to see what else you can find|Dig]]

You race back to your roommate's room, banging on the door with urgency. "JJ," you shout, "Wake up!" It takes a moment, but soon a groggy figure appears, squinting against the harsh light of hallway. “What is it? It’s the middle of the night,” JJ grumbles. It's obvious JJ was already asleep. “There’s no time to explain! A meteor just crash-landed in the woods out back. It’s close—really close. We have to check it out!” you say, barely catching your breath. JJ frowns, clearly debating whether this is worth getting out of bed for. “A meteor? Are you sure it’s not just fireworks or something?” “I’m telling you, it wasn’t fireworks. You’ll believe me when you see it,” you insist. After some reluctant grumbling, JJ finally grabs a jacket and flashlight. “Fine, but if this turns out to be nothing, you owe me breakfast.” The two of you head toward the glow in the woods, JJ muttering half-asleep complaints the entire way. It’s not far—the crash site is just behind the house, where the woods begin to thicken. As you get closer, the ground beneath your feet becomes uneven, and the faint hum of the object reaches your ears. The air feels charged, as though something strange is in the air, and the scent of burnt metal mixes with the familiar earthy smell of the woods. You emerge into the clearing, and the sight before you makes your breath catch. The meteor has created a small crater in the earth, and what’s left of it looks less like a natural rock and more like a twisted blend of stone and technology. Jagged chunks of rock are scattered around, but they’re mixed with metallic fragments, thin strands of wiring tangled through the rock like veins. Some pieces even seem to be alive with faint pulses of light. The largest piece of the meteor lies in the center, a cracked, glowing mass that looks almost like a futuristic machine embedded into the ground. It seems to hum, as though it’s alive, and your roommate is standing so close to it that the vibrations are visible in the air around them. “What the heck is that?” your roomie whispers, staring at a strange mix of rock and electronics scattered around. Your heartbeat quickens as JJ slowly takes a step toward it, drawn by some unseen force. “Wait—what are you doing?” you ask. JJ seems drawn to the strange object as if in a trance, reaching out a hand toward the largest fragment. The hum grows louder. “I don’t know. It’s... like it’s calling to me,” JJ murmurs in a distant voice, almost robotic. What will you do? [[Stop JJ from touching the glowing fragment.|Stop Roommate]] [[Let JJ touch it—you’re curious about what will happen.|Let Them Touch]] This is a test... (link: "Bookmark your progress")[(save-game: "file A")]

You can’t help it. The <span class="glow">glowing</span> rock pulls at you, its strange energy almost like a magnet drawing you in. The crackling hum grows louder as you get closer, the heat rising from the surface, but you reach out anyway, your fingers trembling as they brush against the smooth surface. The instant you make contact, a sharp jolt runs up your arm, and your vision flickers for a moment—bright flashes of <span class="glow">light</span> and shapes that you can’t quite make sense of. The sensation isn’t painful, but it’s disorienting. You jerk your hand back instinctively, but something is different now. The hum has shifted, like the object is reacting to you, becoming more... alive. You crouch down again, drawn back to the crack in the rock where the <span class="glow">glow</span> is brightest. Something about it feels too fascinating to leave alone. There’s a faint line around the edge of the <span class="glow">glowing</span> part of the rock, almost like a seam, and the urge to find out what’s beneath the nearby dirt is overwhelming. You dig your fingers into the dirt at the base of the rock, pulling it away to expose the seam more clearly. As you work, the <span class="glow">glow</span> intensifies, and the hum grows louder, vibrating through the ground beneath your feet. You can’t stop. Something deep inside you compels you to keep going. How will you proceed? [[Dig deeper, trying to uncover more of the object|DigTooFar]] [[Step back and leave it alone before it gets worse|Step Back]]

You dig your fingers into the dirt at the base of the rock, pulling it away to expose the seam more clearly. The <span class="glow">glow</span> intensifies with every handful of soil you remove, and the hum grows louder, vibrating through the ground beneath your knees. The air feels charged, like a storm about to break. Is your hair standing up? As you work, a sharp, little sting pierces your fingertip. You pull back instinctively, cradling your hand and examining it under the pale glow of the meteor. A small, thin cut runs across your finger, already beading with blood. Probably just a jagged piece of rock or metal, you think. It doesn’t seem like much—just another scrape to add to the list. Shaking it off, you go back to digging, more determined than ever to uncover the mystery beneath. But deep within the meteor, something stirs. Somehow, it's as if it senses the opening, the tiniest pathway through your bloodstream. And though you don’t realize it yet, that scratch is the beginning of something far beyond your understanding. Finally, after what feels like hours, you’ve uncovered enough of the object to see more of its strange form—metal fused seamlessly with stone, <span class="glow">glowing</span> circuits running along its surface like veins. You try to make sense of it, but it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Exhaustion saturates your body. You can’t deny it any longer—you’ve pushed yourself to the limit. Your eyelids grow heavy, and your movements slow. You know you’ll have to leave the crater and get some rest. But as you prepare to head back, your gaze falls to the scattered fragments and shards you’ve unearthed. Choose wisely, for this will change everything: [[Take some of the rocks and metal pieces with you to study them later|Take Pieces]] [[Leave the rocks and metal pieces where they are, worried they might be dangerous|Leave Pieces]]

You grab your JJ’s arm at the last second. “No, wait!” you say, your voice sharp with urgency. “This isn't right.” JJ blinks, shifting from a trance-like focus to confusion. “What? I—what’s wrong?” Looking back toward the crater, then back at you, JJ's brow furrowed. “This isn’t normal. It’s... something else. We need to get out of here before things gets worse.” After a moment of hesitation, JJ nods. The luring trance is over now. You both make your way back through the woods toward the house. It was almost as if you both had made a silent agreement not to talk about what had just happened. But you can't stop thinking about it. The glowing light fades behind you as the trees obscure your view of the crater, but the odd feeling doesn’t go away. You try to push it from your mind as you enter the house, but you can’t shake the thought of what you left behind in the woods. There’s something drawing you back, something you don’t understand but can’t ignore. JJ grumbles something about needing sleep, heading straight for their bedroom. Does this mean you owe JJ breakfast? You try to get tp bed too, but it feels too empty, the quiet too unsettling. Lying there in the dark, you toss and turn, the nagging feeling growing stronger with every minute. Finally, you can’t stand it anymore. What's your next move? [[Stay in bed and try to sleep, convincing yourself it was just a weird moment|Go Back to Bed]] [[Sneak out of the house and return to the crash site alone, unable to shake the need to know more|Investigate]]

You decide to give your roommate some space. Hesitantly, JJ extends a hand toward the glowing rock. You watch, half expecting something dramatic to happen, but as JJ's fingers brush the surface, the glow doesn’t intensify. The hum doesn’t change. Nothing happens at all. Pulling back slowly, JJ stares at the object with a mixture of confusion and disappointment. “That’s... it? Nothing. That’s weird,” JJ mutters. Tap it. Will it move? Still, nothing. Something deep inside tells you that it’s you, not your roommate, who has been marked by whatever this thing is. You feel the pull again, more powerful now, but JJ seems uninterested, already backing away. You saw the yawning and those sleepy eyes. And you woke JJ up. But this isn't what either of you had hoped for. “Well, that was a bust. I’m heading back to bed,” JJ says, giving you one last curious look before heading off toward the house. You stand there for a moment, staring at the still-glowing rock, your mind racing. Whatever is going on, it’s not over. Not by a long shot. The air feels heavier now, as if something is waiting. The rock still hums quietly, as though it’s calling you back. Your roommate’s indifference only makes it clearer that this is your choice. What's your next move? [[Go back to bed and try to sleep, even if it’s hard to shake the feeling that you need to do something more|Go Back to Bed]] [[Stay at the crash site and investigate further, feeling the need to uncover what’s really going on|Investigate]]

You take a step back, trying to shake off the strange compulsion to keep getting closer to the <span class="glow">glowing</span> rock. But as you move away, the nagging feeling only intensifies. It’s like something is pulling you in, and every step you take to distance yourself only makes you feel more unsettled. The <span class="glow">glow</span> from the meteor pulses softly in the darkness, as if calling you back. Despite your best efforts to stay away, you find your feet moving against your will. You choose to step back, but your feet step forward. Are you even in control?! Without even thinking, you find yourself drawn back to the strange rock, its hum vibrating in your chest. The air around it feels thick, almost alive. You reach out and dig your fingers into the dirt at the base of the rock, pulling it away to expose the seam more clearly. As you work, the <span class="glow">glow</span> intensifies, and the hum grows louder, vibrating through the ground beneath your feet. It’s like the rock is responding to your touch, urging you to uncover more. You can’t stop. Something deep inside you compels you to keep going. The dirt falls away, revealing more of the alien object buried in the earth. Your only option is to... [[Dig deeper, trying to uncover more of the object|Dig]]

You try to settle back into bed, but it’s no use. The quiet feels oppressive, and the bed only amplifies the unease gnawing at you. The thought of the glowing rock in the woods and the strange way it made you feel lingers in your mind, refusing to let go. Every creak of the house, every rustle of wind outside seems to remind you of what you left behind. Sleep eludes you completely. Every time you close your eyes, images of the crash site flash behind your eyelids—glowing fragments, metallic and rocky, vibrating with energy. You toss and turn, your thoughts a whirlwind, and the discomfort of the sheets seems to only make everything worse. By the time dawn breaks, you feel like you haven’t slept at all. The restless hours have only left you more exhausted, but the pull of the crash site is undeniable. How will you ever be able to get through the workday? You have no choice. You drive to work, there physically. But your mind is back in the woods. You can't wait for the end of your shift. Finally, you're free to head back to the crash site. Your next step is to... [[Head back to the crash site, determined to figure out what’s going on|Investigate]]

You pocket the fragments of the meteor, a mix of jagged rock and metallic pieces that don’t look like they belong together. As you head home, the faint hum you noticed at the crash site seems to follow you, like it’s buried deep in your mind. By the time you make it back, the hum has faded, but the sense of unease lingers. Later, as you prepare to inspect the pieces, something catches your eye. One fragment—the one with a <span class="glow">glowing</span> seam—seems brighter in the dim light of your room. You set it on your desk, but as you do, another fragment begins to pulse faintly, like it’s alive. It’s subtle at first, but when you lean closer, you swear it’s keeping time with your own heartbeat. You shake your head, trying to dismiss the thought. Your finger aches faintly where the rock scratched you earlier. You glance at the cut. Somehow you get the sense that it will be okay. That the meteor--which you now know without acknowledging that you know--is alive; and it means you no harm. You don't know yet how you know. But it just makes sense inside. The strange sensation under your skin makes you feel almost safe. You feel compelled to touch the <span class="glow">glowing</span> fragment again, but you hesitate. The air in your room feels heavier, almost charged with static. Whatever this thing is, it’s more than just a piece of rock. The path is yours to decide: [[Put the pieces away in a drawer|Put Away Pieces]] [[Play with the pieces to see if they'll reveal anything new|Play]]

You hesitate for a moment, staring at the fragments of the meteor scattered in the dirt. Something about them feels... new. And familiar. The faint hum that seemed to come from the crash site earlier hasn’t entirely left your mind. Finally, you shake your head and decide to leave them where they are. Whatever they are, maybe they’re better off left alone. Right? By the time you make it back home, the unease still lingers. You try to focus on something else, but the image of the <span class="glow">glowing</span> seam on the largest fragment keeps flashing in your mind. You wonder if you made a mistake leaving them behind. Did they start <span class="glow">glowing</span> more brightly as you turned to leave? Or was that just your imagination? Later that night, you’re lying in bed when you feel it again—a faint pulsing hum, like the one you heard back at the crash site. You sit up in bed, your heart racing. You can’t help but wonder: was it just in your head, or is something really happening back there? The thought of those strange fragments sends a chill through your spine. You glance at your hand absentmindedly, noticing the scratch from earlier. Somehow you get the sense that it will be okay. That the meteor is alive; and it means you no harm. How could you know this? It just makes sense inside. The strange sensation under your skin makes you feel almost safe. The path is yours to decide: [[Research meteors online to see if anything like this has ever happened before|Research Meteors]] [[Setup a camera to record the crash site|Camera]]

You place the fragments in a drawer, hoping to keep them safe. But they're keeping YOU safe, you think. It doesn't make sense. But still, it's in your head. You try to shake off the strange feelings from earlier, but the lingering hum seems to follow you, buzzing just below the surface of your thoughts. The next day, you go about your usual routine. Let the dog out. Shower. Get dressed for work. Breakfast. Coffee. Time to go. At work, you reach for a pencil on your desk. Something odd happens—it feels as though the pencil moves toward your hand, almost like it’s being pulled by an unseen force. But you don’t think much of it. In fact, you hardly even notice it. So you don't give it another thought. You grab it and carry on with your day. The strange occurrence happens again, and again. A paperclip seems to float just a little too close to your fingers, and a stack of papers shifts ever so slightly as you move past it. At first, you chalk it up to coincidence or static, but as the day wears on, it’s becoming harder to ignore. You pause, mid-task, wondering if the meteor has somehow triggered something—something that’s altering your reality. It hits you: the scratch. The hum. Could it be that the meteor gave you... some kind of power? You test it out, moving your hand over a nearby coffee cup, willing it to budge. And sure enough, the cup slides toward you. A chill runs down your spine as your eyes widen and eyebrows raise. The power feels real. You’ve never experienced anything like this before. What’s your next action? [[Hide it. No one needs to know about this|Hide It]] [[See how much power you might have|Test Power]]

You can’t deny it any longer—something has changed. The meteor, the scratch, the hum... They must be connected. Whatever this is, it feels too real to be a coincidence. You sit there, staring at your desk, the pieces of the meteor glistening under the dim light, as if they're waiting for you to experiment further. You reach for a pen so you can write down your observations. Something odd happens—it feels as though the pen moves toward your hand, almost like it’s being pulled by an unseen force. But you don’t think much of it. In fact, you hardly even notice it. So you don't give it another thought. You grab it and carry on with your observations. The strange occurrence happens again, and again. A paperclip seems to float just a little too close to your fingers, and a stack of papers shifts ever so slightly as you move past it. At first, you chalk it up to coincidence or static, but as time wears on, it’s becoming harder to ignore. You pause, mid-task, wondering if the meteor has somehow triggered something—something that’s altering your reality. It’s the most surreal thing you’ve ever seen. You smile in disbelief, heart racing with excitement and dread. But before you get carried away, you try to shake off the eerie feeling creeping up your spine. This isn’t something to take lightly. You glance at the meteor fragments scattered on your desk. Could they be responsible for all of this? You can’t help but wonder: what else could you do with this power? What’s your next action? [[Hide it. No one needs to know about this|Hide It]] [[See how much power you might have|Test Power]]

There's absolutely no way you can sleep. You decide to do some research on meteors to see if you can find anything that could explain all this madness. You grab your laptop and start typing away, scanning the internet for information. Most of the results are standard—articles about meteor showers, asteroid impacts, and harmless space rocks that cause no more than a brief <span class="glow">flash</span> in the sky. Nothing seems to relate to your unique situation. You scroll past a few quirky forums where people are sharing ridiculous meteor stories, like the one where a guy claimed his cat grew an extra tail after walking too close to a meteorite (obviously unrelated, and likely just a joke). But then something catches your eye—a single post buried deep in an obscure forum thread. A man, some random nobody, writes about finding an object that crashed in the woods. He doesn't give many details, but he mentions that the rock seemed to pulse with a strange <span class="glow">energy</span>, and that he felt compelled to touch it. He also hints at odd changes after the encounter—nothing specific, just feelings of unease and “changes in the air around him.” The more you read, the more eerie similarities you notice, even though the events don’t line up exactly with yours. The man claimed he heard a low hum too, something he couldn’t shake for days. While it’s far from conclusive, this is the first story you’ve found that even remotely mirrors your experience. What’s your next action? [[Email the guy|Email]] [[Move on. Better stay away from that wacko|Stay Away]]

You grab your phone and set it up in a hidden spot by the crash site. You tell yourself it’s just for peace of mind—to record any weird occurrences or strange happenings. Hopefully there's enough storage space to record... something. Anything. Maybe it will help explain what you've felt, or maybe nothing will happen at all. Either way, you want to be prepared. You carefully place the phone, making sure it’s hidden well enough that no one will see it if they come by. The crash site itself still seems eerily quiet, unnervingly still. You take one last look around -- deep breath -- before heading back to the house. The next day, you return to check the footage. You were so excited, you didn't even have to set an alarm to wake up. You half-expect the camera to be intact and uneventful—but instead, you’re met with an unwelcome sight. A government vehicle with reflective paint is parked nearby, and several people in hazmat suits are standing around the area. The crash site has been completely blocked off, cordoned off by yellow tape. You hesitate. This is the spot you’ve been visiting, the place you’ve been investigating. But now it’s clearly been taken over by feds. This is YOUR property. But it’s clear that you won’t be able to get any closer. The authorities are already there, doing whatever it is they do. Frustrated, you turn to leave. But as you do, something strange stirs deep inside of you. It’s a quiet whisper—a feeling, a pull in the back of your mind. You look north, almost instinctively, and know deep down that there’s another piece of the meteor up that way. The federal agents haven’t found it yet, and it’s waiting for you. With newfound resolve, you take a wide circle around the yellow tape (don't want to get caught) and head north. The journey feels oddly familiar, like you're being guided by some unseen force. It doesn’t take long for you to find what you’re looking for—another piece of the meteor, half-buried in the dirt. But just as you bend to inspect it, you remember your phone. It's still back at the crash site, inside the yellow tape. The damage is done. How will you get it back now? You don’t know it yet, but your phone will become an unwelcome part of your story later. What’s your next action? [[Take the piece with you|Take Pieces]] [[Leave it alone. The government will eventually find it, just like the first one|Leave It Alone]]

You can feel it now. Something inside you has shifted. The scratch from the meteor, the strange hum, the way the air feels charged like a live wire—you can’t ignore it any longer. This is actually happening. You’re changing. But something this incredible shouldn’t draw too much attention, especially from the wrong people. At first, it’s subtle. A flicker in your peripheral vision, a hint of movement in objects around you—like your roommate JJ’s coffee cup sliding across the table on its own. You tell yourself it’s nothing. Maybe the table’s just uneven? But then it happens again. This time, it’s JJ’s shoe. Your hand isn’t even touching it, but it skitters across the floor like a bad Roomba, stopping right in front of you. You take a step back, heart pounding. The hum, the energy—it’s alive, and it’s getting stronger. You’re getting stronger. A few days later, you’re experimenting in secret. With just a thought, you make a pencil spin like a tiny tornado on the kitchen counter. You’re starting to feel like a superhero. Or maybe a Jedi. The Force is strong with you—or at least, you think it is. But then it all goes sideways. You're mid-practice, trying to levitate some bread into the toaster (because, honestly, why not?), when JJ bursts in. "What’s going that?!" Startled, you lose focus. The toast drops and the toaster begins to wobble dangerously in midair. Suddenly it shoots across the room like a missile. JJ dives out of the way, yelling. Panicked, you raise your hands, trying to stop it, but now EVERYTHING in the kitchen is moving. Pots, pans, the blender—it’s a full-on kitchen-pocalypse. JJ screams as a rolling pin barrels by. "Calm down!" you shout, but it’s too late. The microwave starts beeping ominously. The fridge door flies open. An avalanche of condiments rains down. Somewhere in the chaos, the toaster buzzes, and you realize—it’s still plugged in. "Uh-oh," you mutter. The toaster sparks wildly, until it launches itself directly at your chest like a metal, bread-toasting comet. You’re too stunned to dodge, and the last thing you hear is JJ yelling, “WHAT DID THE TOASTER EVER DO TO YOU?!” BOOM. Congratulations! You’ve just been defeated by your own kitchen appliances. Clearly, with great power comes great... toaster-related fatalities. Want to give it another shot? Maybe avoid juggling small kitchen appliances next time. [[Restart the Adventure|Intro]]

You can feel it now. Something inside you has shifted. The scratch from the meteor, the strange hum you couldn’t explain, the way the air felt charged with a quiet energy—you can’t ignore it any longer. The power is real. At first, it’s subtle. A flicker in your peripheral vision, a hint of movement in objects around you, like your roommate’s coffee cup sliding just slightly across the table. You try to ignore it. You try to pass it off as nothing, but then it happens again. This time, it’s a shoe—your hand isn’t even touching it, but it scoots toward you, almost as if it wants to be in your grasp. You step back, heart racing. The feeling, the hum—it’s almost alive. And as the days go on, it grows stronger. But just as you’re starting to accept this bizarre new reality, your roommate, ever oblivious, walks by. JJ has been oblivious to everything, right? The meteor, the strange happenings—you've seen way more than JJ. You've... felt it. But maybe, just maybe, JJ’s starting to notice something’s not quite right. What’s happening to you? Your mind races through everything that has happened. The power isn’t stopping here. It’s only just begun. And you’re not sure if you control it or if it controls you. There’s a knocking at the door. JJ’s voice echoes down the hall, “Hey, did you hear that?" Something’s not right. I think the Feds are here. The knock at the door sends a jolt of panic through you. You hadn’t expected the Feds to show up so soon, but it makes sense—they’re investigating the crash site, and your property is ground zero. They KNOW you were there. They KNOW you might’ve seen something. Maybe it’s the way they stare through the window at you, their eyes too sharp, too knowing, they makeyou feel like you're already guilty. Whatever the reason, the moment they bang on the door, the weight of the situation hits you—this isn’t just a routine investigation. They think you know something, and if you’re not careful, they’ll do whatever it takes to get answers. The thought of them turning up the pressure, pushing for confessions or worse, sends you into a scramble. Hiding feels like the only option now. Your heart skips. Something tells you the worst is yet to come—and it’s not just the government you have to worry about. This is the end of Chapter 1. What will happen next? [[Continue with Chapter 2|Chapter 2 Intro]]

After reading about the guy who found a meteor like yours, you’re torn. Part of you wants to reach out and ask more questions, but you don’t want to come across as some crazy person. How do you even begin to explain the situation without sounding like you’re nuts? You don’t want to appear foolish or paranoid. But the growing sense that something is happening to you—the pull to investigate, the odd sensations, the nagging feeling you can’t shake—compels you to take the plunge. You carefully craft an email, trying to sound measured and calm. You don’t give away too much—just the basics. You explain that you found something strange in the woods, a meteor-like object. You try to avoid mentioning anything too specific. Instead, you focus on what you can ask: “What exactly did you find? What did it look like?" Is it too weird to ask what it <i>sounded</i> like? "I just want to understand what I’m dealing with here,” you add. You hit send, almost immediately regretting it, wondering if you’ve made a huge mistake. But the reply comes sooner than expected. The email is short, to the point: “Did it cut you? Did you keep a piece of it?” That's it? That's ALL he said? You read the words again, five or six times, as your heart beats so hard it feels like it will pop. This guy knows SOMETHING, or at least he suspects something. The directness of his questions makes your stomach churn. You hesitate, feeling both nervous and compelled to respond. How could he know about the scratch? You must choose: [[Reply. You have to know more. This could be the key to understanding what’s happening to you.|Reply to Him]] [[Don’t reply. You’ve already said too much, and you're too scared to go any further.|Stay Silent]]

A couple of days pass. You try to put it all behind you, but your mind keeps circling back to the meteor and the oddities surrounding it. Plus it's impossible to ignore the government vehicles that are not-so-hidden back in your woods. Your thoughts linger on the hum, the strange feeling, the inexplicable pull to it. Still, you decide that it’s better not to reach out to the guy who had his own meteor experience. But then the story breaks. It’s all over social media and the local news channels—"Mysterious Meteor Crashes on Private Property." You watch in disbelief as they show footage of the area. Your area. Your back woods. They mention your town, your road name, and, much to your horror, <b>your name</b>. It feels as though you’re in the middle of a storm you never signed up for. Your phone starts blowing up with texts. You didn't want to be, but you're famous now. The news anchor hints at “unusual circumstances” surrounding the site. It’s clear the authorities are on high alert, investigating the crash, and speculation runs wild. And then, almost as if fate has decided to intervene, your phone dings with a new email notification. You don’t need to check to know who it’s from. Subject: Did it cut you? Did you keep a piece of it? It's the guy you read about. The one you decided <i>not</i> to contact. His email is short, matter-of-fact, and carries the weight of someone who has seen the same thing you have. It makes your skin crawl—how does he know so much? How did he find you so quickly? You freeze for a moment, staring at the words on your screen. You must choose: [[Reply. This might be your only chance to understand what's going on.|Reply to Him]] [[Ignore the message. You don’t need this right now. You’ve already been dragged into something you don’t want.|Stay Silent]]

You look at the new meteor fragment, then back at the government vehicles still visible in the distance. Something about the whole situation feels too risky—maybe it’s the presence of the feds, or maybe it’s the instinctive feeling that taking a piece could bring even worse consequences. With a deep breath, you decide to leave the meteor fragment where it is. You turn away, convinced that it’s better to walk away for now. The risk feels too great, and besides, the authorities will find it eventually. You have no business being there in the first place, you try to convince yourself. But as you walk back toward the house, something is following you. You have no idea yet that a piece of the meterorite has embedded itself in the tread of your shoe. It's not until you get home and take off your shoes when you see it. A small shard of meteorite is wedged in the tread of your shoe, unnoticed until now. How could you have missed it? You don’t realize it yet, but this tiny fragment is more than just debris—it’s determined to stay with you. As you set it on your desk it begins to <span class="glow">pulse</span> faintly, like it’s alive. It’s subtle at first, but when you lean closer, you swear it’s keeping time with your own heartbeat. You shake your head, trying to dismiss the thought. Your finger aches faintly, especially where the rock scratched you earlier. You glance at the cut. Somehow you get the sense that it will be okay. That the meteor--which you now know without acknowledging that you know--is alive; and it means you no harm. You don't know yet how you know. But it just makes sense inside. The strange sensation under your skin makes you feel almost... safe. You feel compelled to touch the <span class="glow">glowing</span> fragment again, but you hesitate. The air in your room feels heavier, almost charged with static. Whatever this thing is, it’s more than just a piece of rock. You must choose: [[Put it away in a drawer|Put Away Pieces]] [[Play with it to see if it'll reveal anything new|Play]]

Your decision to reply to his email feels risky, but worth it. "I got a scratch. No big deal. Why? And no, I did not keep a piece of the meteor. Should I?" Send. You feel a mix of relief and anxiety. There’s no turning back now. You’ve put yourself out there, opened the door to someone that might answer your questions, or might only bring more trouble. But you don’t hear back right away. Hours pass, then a whole day, and there’s nothing. No reply. It feels like the universe is holding its breath, waiting for something. You check your email again and again, but nothing comes. You can’t help but wonder—did he lose interest? Is he’s waiting for the right time to respond? Or maybe, just maybe... Did something happen to him? The Feds? In the meantime, you go about your usual routine. Let the dog out. Shower. Get dressed for work. Breakfast. Coffee. Time to go. Work, work, work. Come home. Repeat. Still no email reply. He ghosted you. You sit at your desk and let out a deep sigh. When you reach for a pencil to begin making a doodle, something odd happens—it feels as though the pencil moves toward your hand, almost like it’s being pulled by an unseen force. But you don’t think much of it. In fact, you hardly even notice it. So you don't give it another thought. You grab it and carry on with your day. The strange occurrence happens again, and again. A paperclip seems to float just a little too close to your fingers, and a stack of papers shifts ever so slightly as you move past it. At first, you chalk it up to coincidence or static, but as the day wears on, it’s becoming harder to ignore. At one point, you pause, mid-task, wondering if the meteor has somehow triggered something—something that’s altering your reality. It hits you: the scratch. The hum. Could it be that the meteor gave you... some kind of power? You test it out, moving your hand over a nearby coffee cup, willing it to budge. And sure enough, the cup slides toward you. Chills run down your spine as your eyes widen and eyebrows raise. The power feels real. You’ve never experienced anything like this before. Make your decision: [[Hide it. No one needs to know about this|Hide It]] [[See how much power you might have|Test Power]]

You can’t get his email out of your head. His two questions echo through your mind, looping like a broken record. Each time you try to push the thought aside, it resurfaces. The question of whether you should have kept a piece of the meteor nags at you. What if it really could give you answers? What if there’s more to this meteor than you first realized? You spend the next few days in a haze, unable to shake the feeling that you’ve made a mistake by not responding. The questions, so simple yet so loaded, tug at your mind constantly. Maybe you should have replied. Maybe you should have kept a piece. How did he know about the cut?! But it’s too late now, isn’t it? Still, something about his message feels like a warning. Like if you don’t act soon, whatever is connected to that meteor might slip through your fingers—just out of reach. You know deep down that you’ve already crossed a line by getting involved with something this strange. The meteor, the crash site, the odd sensation—it’s all part of something bigger. You feel like you’re on the verge of something. The question is, what? In the meantime, you go about your usual routine. Let the dog out. Shower. Get dressed for work. Breakfast. Coffee. Time to go. Work, work, work. Come home. Repeat. You sit at your desk and let out a deep sigh. You reach for a pencil to begin making a doodle. Something odd happens—it feels as though the pencil moves toward your hand, almost like it’s being pulled by an unseen force. But you don’t think much of it. In fact, you hardly even notice it. So you don't give it another thought. You grab it and carry on with your day. The strange occurrence happens again, and again. A paperclip seems to float just a little too close to your fingers, and a stack of papers shifts ever so slightly as you move past it. At first, you chalk it up to coincidence or static, but as the day wears on, it’s becoming harder to ignore. You pause, mid-task, wondering if the meteor has somehow triggered something—something that’s altering your reality. It hits you: the scratch. The hum. Could it be that the meteor gave you... some kind of power? You test it out, moving your hand over a nearby coffee cup, willing it to budge. And sure enough, the cup slides toward you. Chills run down your spine as your eyes widen and eyebrows raise. The power feels real. You’ve never experienced anything like this before. Make your decision: [[Hide it. No one needs to know about this|Hide It]] [[See how much power you might have|Test Power]]

<h1>Chapter 2—The Feds Are Here</h2> <div style="display: block; background-color:#c9f6fc; padding: 15px; border-radius: 15px; max-width: 50ch; color:#fff;"><b><span style="color:#3d89d0; font-weight: 900;">You've reached a save point. To jump here later, remember to use the key word FEDS</span></div> The knock at the door echoes through the house, heavy and deliberate. Through the window, you can see the dark silhouettes of men in suits standing outside. At least these guys aren't wearing hazmat gear. JJ peers out from behind you, nervous. "Who do you think they are? Cops? Reporters?" Your mind races. This isn’t just about a meteor in your backyard; it’s about the <span class="glow">glowing</span> rock, the impossible mixture of rock and technology, the strange hum you can still feel in your bones, and that scratch. If they’re here for the meteor, what happens if they figure out what has happened to YOU? "We can’t let them in," JJ whispers, glancing around the room. "But they probably already know we’re here." You look toward the stairs, your thoughts spinning. You could try to hide inside the house, hoping they don’t find what they’re looking for. Or you could take a chance and try to slip out through the upstairs window before they come inside. JJ grabs your arm. "What are we gonna do?" The knock comes again—louder and more like poundning this time. "FEDERAL AGENTS!" they shout. "WE NEED TO SPEAK WITH YOU!" No more wondering about who's at the door. This decision has the potential to change everything! [[Hide somewhere inside the house|Hide Inside]] [[Try to escape through the upstairs window|Escape Window]]

You whisper to JJ, "We're in this together. Stall them. I'll figure something out." JJ gives you a wide-eyed, panicked look before slowly heading to the door. "This is a terrible idea," JJ mutters, cracking the door just enough to speak to the agents outside. Meanwhile, you bolt upstairs, heart pounding. You search the bedroom for a hiding spot. The closet? Too obvious. Under the bed? No, way too cliché. Your gaze lands on the laundry hamper in the corner. It’s big enough to crouch inside. Probably. But before you climb in, you turn on the shower and lock the bathroom door with no one inside. A diversion. That should keep them guessing for a while. How will you proceed? [[Get in the hamper|Hamper]] [[Head for JJ's Closet|Closet]]

Panic surges through you, and your mind races for an escape plan. You dart up the stairs, your heart pounding in your chest, your pulse loud in your ears. You make your way up to the second floor, trying to be as quick and quiet as possible. But you can’t just run away. The agents are literally at your front door. They’ll catch you in an instant. The window. That’s your only shot. You yoink it open, feeling the cool air rush into the room. It’s a sharp drop to the ground, but the car is parked right below. You could jump. But you’re not sure you’d survive the landing. Then, it hits you. What if you used your powers? The ones you’ve felt—brief, subtle—over the last few days. The telekinesis. The strange way you’ve made things move without touching them. Could you use it on yourself? Could you make yourself float, even just enough to get away? You swallow your nerves and focus. Your hand extends toward the windowsill as you concentrate hard. You’ve done this before—moving objects—but now you need to move yourself. Slowly, tentatively, focus on the idea of floating and extend your hands toward your own legs. For a brief moment, nothing happens. Then, a tingling sensation crawls up your shins, and suddenly you feel lighter. Your knees release. Your legs feel no pressure. You look down, shocked—your feet aren’t even touching the windowsill anymore. You’re floating. You're flying! Well, kind of. It’s not flying, not really. But it’s enough. You push yourself away from the window, hovering beside the second story of the house. Insane. The wind rushes around you, and you try to steady yourself as you drift down to the ground. The car is just a few feet away now, and you land with a soft thud. Your heart still races as you quickly slide into the driver’s seat, pull the door shut, and start the engine. You ease on the gas until the car seems far enough away from the house that the angents won't hear it. Then you floor it. Pedal to the metal. The tires screech as you speed away from the house. Away from the Feds. Away from... Oh no, JJ! You totally left JJ behind. You don’t know where you’re going. But you know one thing: you can’t go back. But don't forget... you can fly now. Where do you head next? [[Head to a nearby town|Nearby Town]] [[Drive to a friend’s house to lay low|Friend's House]] [[Just keep driving, no destination in mind|No destination]]

You dig into your pockets, hoping for something useful—anything that might help you figure a way out of this mess. Your fingers brush against some pocket fuzz, a crumpled receipt, a piece of gum still in its wrapper, and... wait. You feel the cool surface of something else. You pull it out cautiously, trying not to alert the agents. It’s part of the meteor! A jagged shard of the strange, <span class="glow">glowing</span> rock. Your mind races. How did this even get in here? Did I pick it up without realizing it? Before you can process what to do with it—or if it even could help you—the vehicle slows down and comes to a stop. You shove the piece back into your pocket as quickly as you can. "Out," one of the agents orders, opening your door. You step out onto a paved lot in front of an unassuming office building. There’s no signage, no logos, nothing to indicate what goes on inside. Just a gray slab of a building that looks somehow more threatening because of its blandness. The agents flank you, guiding you toward the door. There is no escape. One of them presses a key card to the scanner, and the door unlocks with a heavy clunk. The agents guide you into the building. The air inside is unnervingly cold, and the faint hum of fluorescent lights fills the sterile hallway. Your shoes squeak on the polished tile floor as they lead you deeper into the maze of featureless corridors. Every turn looks the same—gray walls, gray floors, gray everything. It’s the kind of place where time and direction blur together. Eventually, they bring you to a plain room with a metal table and two chairs. Typical. It’s straight out of every interrogation movie you’ve ever seen. One agent gestures for you to sit while the other stands guard by the door. "Wait here," says the guard, his tone flat and mechanical. Without another word, they leave you alone in the room, locking the door behind them. Alone. Vulnerable. The room is quiet except for the faint tick of a clock on the wall. You glance around. There’s nothing here but the table, the chairs, and the camera mounted in the corner, its little red light blinking steadily. You make note of its position and angle so you might be able to hide from it later. Your heart pounds as your hand instinctively moves to the shard of meteor in your pocket. It feels warmer now, <span class="glow">pulsing</span> faintly against your fingers, as though it’s alive—or aware. Of everything. What will you do? [[Examine the meteor shard while you’re alone|Examine Shard]] [[Keep hiding it in your pocket|Hide it]]

"WHERE ARE YOU TAKING ME? WHY AM I IN HERE? WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?!" You can't take it anymore. It feels like all the air has been sucked out of the vehicle. Your heart pounds in your chest, and a sudden wave of panic crashes over you. Without warning, you scream, the sound breaking through the tension like a cracking whip. “YOU CAN'T JUST TAKE ME LIKE THIS! WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?!” The agents don’t react. It's like they don't even see or hear you. Or they don't care, probably because they know you can't escape the vehicle. Their indifference only makes things worse. Sweat clings to your skin. Your chest tightens as if the very air is choking you. You can’t breathe—can’t think. Everything starts spinning. You try to steady yourself, but your limbs feel heavy. Your heart races uncontrollably. You can’t focus. Your eyes blur. The last thing you hear before everything goes black is a voice, muffled and distant: “Hey, you okay?” Time passes. But for you, it's only an instant. You wake with a jolt, your body stiff and disoriented. Your head pounds, and your mouth tastes dry. You sit up, blinking rapidly to clear the fog. The room around you is sterile—cold, white walls, a single metal chair, and a table in the center. Your hands are restrained to the table with cuffs. You’re in an interrogation room. The door swings open, and two agents enter. They don’t seem surprised to see you awake. One of them steps forward and begins speaking in a tone that’s strangely sympathetic. “You’re awake. That’s good. You gave us quite the scare back there.” He looks at your hands, then back at you. “You’re lucky you didn’t hurt yourself during that panic attack.” You notice the strange calmness in their voices now, a sharp contrast to the way they spoke earlier. Something’s changed—either they’ve figured out more about you, or they just want to manipulate you. The other agent watches you carefully, as though waiting for you to say something. But you don’t know what to say. You don’t even know what they want anymore. "We found the cut on your hand." You notice the bandage. Someone has cleaned the wound. The agent, now more relaxed, sits down at the table with you. “Well, it looks like you’ve been more involved than we thought,” he says, his demeanor remaining almost friendly. "Don’t worry—we'll get you the help you need." He smiles, a little too warmly for your comfort. "We know more about you than you think. You’ve been touched by the meteor, haven’t you? We've been tracking these things, and you're exactly what we need." Then the agent leans forward, tilts his head a bit, and says with a friendly voice, "How would you like to join us? We could use someone like you on the team—someone who understands the meteor. You’ve already been through more than most ever will." He waits for your answer, studying you like you’re the most important thing in the room. What will you do? [[Accept the offer and join the team|Join the Team]] [[Refuse and demand to leave|Refuse and Leave]]

As your fingers wrap around the shard, its warmth intensifies, and you feel an odd hum coming from within it. You almost feel connected to it—like it's beckoning you to understand more. Just then, the door suddenly bursts open. The agent who had been guarding you steps into the room, his eyes immediately locking onto your hand. Before you can react, he snatches the shard from you, his face hardening. "I'll take that" he declares, his voice no longer the flat, detached tone from earlier. Without giving you a chance to explain, he steps back, his voice clipped as he calls out, "Doc! Get in here!" Seconds later, a doctor rushes into the room, her face unreadable. The agent hands her the shard of meteor. But she is more interested in you. She examines your eyes, mouth, and neck. Then she looks carefully over your arms and behind your ears. What is she trying to find? She notices the faint scratch on your finger that you’d almost forgotten about. Her eyes narrow in recognition. "Is this where it all started?" she asks quietly. You don’t know if it’s a question for you or herself, but it’s clear she knows something you don’t. The agent, now more relaxed, sits down at the table with you. “Well, it looks like you’ve been more involved than we thought,” he says, his demeanor shifting from stern to almost friendly. "Don’t worry—we'll get you the help you need. We're on the same side." You feel the doctor run her fingers along your scratch. There’s something strange about the way she touches it—almost reverent. "It’s still fresh," she murmurs. The agent smiles, a little too warmly for your comfort. "We know more about you than you think. You’ve been touched by the meteor, haven’t you? We've been tracking these things, and you're exactly what we need." The doc continues her work while the agent speaks. She cleans the wound and covers it with a bandage. Then the agent leans forward, tilts his head a bit, and says with a friendly voice, "How would you like to join us? We could use someone like you on the team—someone who is connected to the meteor. You’ve already been through more than most ever will." Connected? He waits for your answer, studying you like you’re the most important thing in the building. What will you do? [[Accept the offer and join the team|Join the Team]] [[Refuse and demand to leave|Refuse and Leave]]

You pat your pockets nervously, trying to act casual as you shift in the back of the car. A small, cold shard presses against the fabric of your jeans. Can they see that? Your heart skips a beat. What if they find it? You reach down again, making sure it’s secure, but there’s no way you can dispose of it now. You're already in their vehicle! As it pulls up to an unmarked building, you try to prepare yourself for what’s about to come. It’s an old office building with dim, flickering lights and an imposing feel. The door opens, and two agents usher you out, motioning for you to follow. You try not to act suspicious, but inside, your mind races. This is real. This is happening. Once inside, they lead you down a narrow hallway with metal doors lining the walls. The scent of antiseptic and something else, something faintly chemical, fills your nostrils. It’s an overwhelming sensation. You can’t shake the feeling that you’re walking into a trap, but you don’t have a choice. They guide you into a small room with a chair and a table. Before you can sit, one of the agents waves a hand, signaling for you to stand still. “We’ll have to pat you down,” the other one says, his voice cold and business-like. You stiffen. The shard. The agent runs his hands over your shoulders, your arms, down your sides. The longer it takes, the more anxious you get. Your pulse quickens, and you can feel the shard pressing uncomfortably against your thigh. Finally, the agent’s hand brushes against the side of your leg and your stomach drops. He pauses for a moment, then his fingers find it. He pulls the shard from your pocket, holding it up to the light. “Well, well,” he murmurs. “What’s this?” You try to hide the panic rising in your chest, but it's no use. Your secret’s out. They know. You’ve been caught. Without giving you a chance to explain, he steps back, his voice clipped as he calls out, "Doc! Get in here!" Seconds later, a doctor rushes into the room, her face unreadable. She examines your eyes, mouth, and neck. Then she looks carefully over your arms and behind your ears. What is she trying to find? Then she notices the faint scratch on your finger that you’d almost forgotten about. Her eyes narrow in recognition. "Is this where it all started?" she asks quietly. You don’t know if it’s a question for you or herself, but it’s clear she knows something you don’t. The agent, now more relaxed, sits down at the table with you. “Well, it looks like you’ve been more involved than we thought,” he says, his demeanor shifting from stern to almost friendly. "Don’t worry—we'll get you the help you need." You feel the doctor run her fingers along your scratch. There’s something strange about the way she touches it—almost reverent. "It’s still fresh," she murmurs. The agent smiles, a little too warmly for your comfort. "We know more about you than you think. You’ve been touched by the meteor, haven’t you? We've been tracking these things, and you're exactly what we need." The doc continues her work while the agent speaks. She cleans the wound and covers it with a bandage. Then the agent leans forward, tilts his head a bit, and says with a friendly voice, "How would you like to join us? We could use someone like you on the team—someone who understands the meteor. You’ve already been through more than most ever will." He waits for your answer, studying you like you’re the most important thing in the room. What will you do? [[Accept the offer and join the team|Join the Team]] [[Refuse and demand to leave|Refuse and Leave]]

You hesitate for a moment before finally nodding. "I'm in. Does this mean I'm an agent now?" The agent chuckles lightly, shaking his head. "No, not exactly. But you're under our... umbrella now. Welcome to the team. Obviously everything we do here is <i>eyes only</i>." Top secret, eh? You can handle that. Kinda cool. Maybe you can trust these Feds after all. He leads you into a large, brightly lit room. As you step inside, you’re immediately struck by the high-tech atmosphere. Multiple screens light up the space, each showing different sets of data, images of the crash site, and various government symbols. Computers hum quietly, and a team of people is scattered around, speaking in hushed tones as they work. You can't make out their words, but the intensity in their voices is clear. The agent steps forward, turning toward the group and raising his voice. "Listen up, everyone," he calls, his tone commanding yet calm. "This is our new Asset. You are to grant full access to all data." A few people nod or murmur their acknowledgment, and the tension in the room eases slightly. He turns back to you, giving a half-smile. "I suppose you'll want to know my name. I’m Carter." "Is that <i>Agent</i> Carter?" emphasizing the word agent as you ask with a smile. "Is that like a first or last name." "Just Carter," he says. The doctor walks up to him and whispers something too quiet to hear. "This is Liz." "We met," you reply. She was the first one to show you a resemblance of kindness here. “We have an assignment for you, now that you’re here,” Liz announces. “It’s not an easy one. You’ll be working alongside us, gathering information from the crash site. But here's the catch: we don't know everything about that meteor, and you might be able to help us uncover what we’re missing. Your... connection to it could be crucial.” There's a word you don't love. Connection. What is your connection with this thing? They're not just talking about your backyard. Carter and Liz look at you, waiting for your reaction. "Uhh, what do I do first?" you ask. [[Head straight back to the crash site. No time to waste|First Assignment]] [[Ask about the meteor's connection to you|Connection]]

You shake your head, refusing the offer to join the team. You can't trust these guys. They just arrested you! The agents exchange glances, their disappointment thick in the air. Without another word, they lock you in a sterile, cold cell. The door shuts with a resounding clang, echoing through your mind as panic sets in. You know this is only going to get worse. Days go by, and your anxiety intensifies. The scratch on your finger, which you thought was no big deal, begins to hurt more. It's red, swollen, and warm to the touch. The small cut has clearly become infected. When the door opens, it's the doctor you’ve seen passing by a few times. She moves quickly to examine the wound, her hands gentle as she tries to clean it. "This could have gotten serious," she murmurs under her breath as she works. You watch her closely, noting the careful professionalism she brings to the task, despite her apparent frustration with the situation. She almost seems frustrated on your behalf, like she feels sorry for you. As she finishes, she looks at you, her expression softening just slightly. "I'm Liz," she says, smiling. "I already know your name." "Hi," you answer. You feel the weight of the moment, unsure what to make of the gentle, almost familiar way she speaks to you. You decide to test the waters. "Liz," you say, finally speaking her name aloud. "Nice to meet you... I guess." "Don't worry. I'm going to make sure this gets better," she reassures you. The connection, however small, starts to feel like a lifeline in a sea of uncertainty. "But..." she says. "But what?!" "You're going to have to join the team. It's the only way they'll EVER let you out of here. I heard them talking about it." Will you join? [[Accept the invitation to join|Join the Team]] [[Pretend to join, but secretly resist them. |Secretly resist]]

You nod along, pretending to accept the agent’s offer. "I'm in," you say, but inside, you're plotting your escape. You’ve learned enough to know that cooperating, for now, might just give you the chance to slip away when the time is right. You have no intention of actually helping these people. The agent looks pleased by your response. "Good. We need you on board. This isn’t just about us anymore. We need someone who’s seen it firsthand. You can help us understand it." You ask casually, "So, does this mean I’m officially an agent now?" He smirks, shaking his head. "No, you’re not an agent. You’re an Asset. For now, anyway." With that, he leads you through a set of heavy doors and into a dimly lit room that looks like something out of a high-tech thriller. Multiple screens flicker with data, maps, and graphs. People are huddled around, murmuring softly to each other, but you can’t make out their words. The noise is a dull buzz, like a hive of activity—busy, but disconnected. The agent gestures to the room. "This is our command center. We handle everything here. Everything related to the crash site, the meteor, and... you." He pauses as you take in the scope of the operation. "Me?" He claps his hands together. "Listen up!" he announces, his voice cutting through the room. "This is our new Asset. You’re to grant full access to all data." Several heads nod or murmur acknowledgment. Your heart skips a beat. You didn’t expect it to be this official, this intense. You’re now involved in something bigger than you could have imagined. Kind of. Liar. He turns back to you, giving a half-smile. "I suppose you'll want to know my name. I’m Carter." "Is that Agent Carter?" emphasizing the word agent as you ask with a smile. "Is that like a first or last name." "Just Carter," he says. The doctor walks up to him and says something quietly. "This is Liz." "We met," you reply. She was the first one to show you a resemblance of kindness here. “We have an assignment for you, now that you’re here,” Liz announces. “It’s not an easy one. You’ll be working alongside us, gathering information from the crash site. But here's the catch: we don't know everything about that meteor, and you might be able to help us uncover what we’re missing. Your... connection to it could be crucial.” Carter and Liz look at you, waiting for your reaction. "What do I do first?" you ask. [[Head straight back to the crash site. No time to waste|First Fake Assignment]] [[Ask about the meteor's connection to you|Fake Connection]]

Agent Carter gestures for you to follow him as he walks toward a large screen, where he begins to pull up various reports and images of the meteor crash site. The room is quiet, except for the sound of clicks and keyboard typing as other team members continue their work in the background. Liz stands by the side, reviewing a tablet with data of her own. “Alright,” Carter begins, his tone friendly but still with a hint of authority. “There’s more we need you to understand about what’s going on here. The meteor's properties aren't exactly... natural. We've been running tests, but there's no definitive conclusion yet.” He motions to a section of the screen where thermal scans, chemical compositions, and various energy readings are displayed. “These readings here indicate high levels of radiation, but it's not like anything we've encountered before. The radiation seems to behave in waves, fluctuating unpredictably. Whatever this is, it’s <i>not from this planet</i>.” Duh, it's a meteor. But there was something about the way he said it. They must know something about the electronics and the <span class="glow">glowing</span> rock. Liz steps forward now, putting down her tablet and offering you a soft smile. “We’re still trying to get a clear picture of what we're dealing with, but the meteor isn’t the only thing that concerns us. That scratch on your finger... It’s definitely not a typical wound. My tests show traces of unusual particles, possibly even nano-scale organisms. We’re still analyzing them, but it’s possible that whatever this thing is, it’s already integrating with your biology.” Integrating?! Your eyes widen. "What?" But they don't answer. There isn't really an answer at this point. Just more questions. Carter glances over at Liz before turning his attention back to you. “That’s why we need YOU to go back to the crash site. Your only option now is to... [[Head back to the crash site|First Assignment]]

Carter explains, "We need to gather more samples, document everything you can find, and see if any new pieces have emerged. You’re the only one who might understand how to interact with it." Interact. What does that mean? "Take the tools you need, report everything, and don’t try to touch it unless we instruct you to. We can’t afford to make any mistakes.” He pauses, his eyes serious. “Your role here is critical. This isn’t just about collecting data anymore. You’re key to figuring out what’s really happening. And you’re not alone. Liz and I, along with the team, will be monitoring you.” With a nod from Liz, Carter turns toward the door, signaling it’s time. "Let's get you suited up. You’ve got your first assignment." [[Continue reading Chapter 3.|Chapter 3a]]

<h1>Chapter 3—Echoes</h1> <div style="display: block; background-color:#c9f6fc; padding: 15px; border-radius: 15px; max-width: 50ch; color:#fff;"><b><span style="color:#3d89d0; font-weight: 900;">You've reached a save point. To jump here later, remember to use the key word ASSET</span></div> At the office, which feels more like a base now, you continue exploring and researching. Sure, the Feds aren’t exactly your best friends, but they’re giving you access to resources and training that would’ve been impossible otherwise. Tools. Info. Cutting edge stuff. You learn quickly that Liz is more than a medical doctor. She's also the team’s unofficial scientist (and possibly the only person on the squad who doesn’t immediately roll her eyes when you speak like a regular civilian). She hands you a small cube with intricate markings etched into its surface. You recognize some of the symbols from the meteor, but can't read them. "See if you can manipulate it,” she asks with a curious smile. You don't really know what she's asking you to do. But you're willing to try. You’re learning how to hone your powers—whatever it is that the meteor did to you, it’s stronger than you ever imagined. You close your eyes, focusing on the cube in your hand, and suddenly, it moves. Not just moves—it disassembles. It kind of tickles your palms. The etched markings separate, spinning into the air like tiny puzzle pieces. How is it doing this? You can feel the cube's <span class="glow">energy</span> coursing through your body. But there’s more: your skin tingles, almost as if you’re absorbing power from the cube. “Uh… is this supposed to happen?” you ask, your voice shaking slightly. Liz blinks. “We're not really sure what to expect," she says. "Let's stop.” [[Try to stop|Let Go]]

Carter looks you over carefully, his voice steady and deliberate. "We need you to gather more samples, document everything you find, and see if any new pieces have emerged. You're the only one who might understand how to interact with it. Take whatever tools you need, report everything you see, and don’t even think about interacting with it unless we give the order. We can’t afford any mistakes." He takes a breath, making sure you understand the gravity of what he’s saying. “Your role here is critical. This isn’t just about collecting data anymore. You’re key to figuring out what’s really going on. And you won’t be on your own. Liz and I, along with the rest of the team, will be monitoring every move you make.” It feels like a short leash. Liz gives a silent nod of acknowledgment, her expression unreadable. Carter turns to head for the door, signaling that it's time to get to work. "Let's get you suited up. You’ve got your first assignment." [[Continue reading Chapter 3.|Chapter 3b]]

Agent Carter directs your attention to a large screen. As he begins pulling up reports and images of the meteor crash site, you try to keep your face neutral, absorbing every detail while plotting your next move. The quiet hum of the room, filled with the sounds of typing and clicking from the other team members, feels oddly suffocating. Liz stands by the side, reviewing her own tablet with a focused expression. "Alright," Carter begins, his tone almost too pleasant. "There’s more we need you to understand about what’s going on here. The meteor's properties aren't exactly... natural. We've been running tests, but we don’t have all the answers yet." "I bet you don't," you think to yourself. He motions to a section of the screen where thermal scans, chemical compositions, and fluctuating energy readings flash. "These readings here show high levels of radiation, but it doesn’t behave like any radiation we’ve encountered before. It fluctuates, waves in strange patterns. Whatever this is, it’s definitely not from Earth." Liz steps forward, putting her tablet down with a sigh and offering a smile, but there's something calculating in it. "We’re still trying to fully understand it. But the meteor’s just one part of the equation. That scratch on your finger…" She pauses, "...it’s not like a normal wound. My tests show traces of particles—possibly nano-scale organisms. We’re still analyzing them, but whatever this is, it's already starting to integrate with your biology." Your stomach drops. "What?" But they don’t answer. Their silence is more unsettling than the words themselves. Carter glances at Liz, then focuses back on you. "That’s why we need you to go back to the crash site. You’re the only one who might be able to interact with it in a way we can’t." You’re not ready to comply. You can feel your resistance rising, but you know that for now, you have no choice but to play along. "What's your plan?" Carter asks, a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes. "We can't move forward without you." With an icy calm, you answer, "I’ll go see what I can find." It’s disingenuous, of course—you're already plotting how to escape the moment you can. But for now, it's the only option. [[Continue reading Chapter 3.|Chapter 3b]]

<h1>Chapter 3—Echoes</h1> <div style="display: block; background-color:#c9f6fc; padding: 15px; border-radius: 15px; max-width: 50ch; color:#fff;"><b><span style="color:#3d89d0; font-weight: 900;">You've reached a save point. To jump here later, remember to use the key word SECRET</span></div> The ride to the crash site is uneventful, save for the faint smell of stale coffee and the low hum of the Fed van’s engine. Agent Carter drives, focused and silent, probably plotting his next interrogation strategy, while Liz idly taps on her tablet, clearly more interested in her data than anything happening outside the vehicle. You don't know the other agents in the van. And you don't really want to. After a while, you begin to recognize your surroundings. The crash site is in your backyard, after all. The van rumbles to a stop and you pile out, grateful for the break. Carter motions for you to help load some gear. You grab a few things from the back of the van—a metal detector, a bag full of sample containers—and toss them into your bag. Then, something catches your eye. Off to the side, partially hidden under a pile of discarded tarps, you spot a cardboard box. The bold letters on the side read: 4th of July. This doesn't look like FBI gear. You hesitate for a second. Surely, it couldn’t be...? Make an explosive choice: [[Take the fireworks and stash them for later|Fireworks]] [[Leave them and look for a different opportunity|Keep it Professional]]

The car rumbles along the highway as sunlight spills over the rolling hills, glinting off the metal guardrails. It’s one of those days that would feel peaceful if not for the knot tightening in your chest. Your destination is just 20 minutes away—a safe haven, you hope. Your friend, Taylor, lives there. You haven’t talked much recently, but Taylor has always been the kind of person who doesn’t ask too many questions. Whether it's wrenching a car or defragging a computer, Taylor has a knack for fixing things. You remember the garage, a fortress of tools and half-finished projects. If anyone could help you figure out what’s going on—or at least give you a place to breathe—it’s Taylor. The scratch on your finger begins to ache again, faint at first, then sharp and insistent. You wince, gripping the wheel tighter, and then the flashes hit you. It’s like lightning inside your head. Blinding streaks of light. Strange, looping symbols that twist and shift faster than you can follow. They hover in your mind, almost forming a pattern, like they’re trying to tell you something. But it's too fast; they slip away, leaving your head pounding and your stomach churning. You pull over at a gas station just outside of town, hands trembling as you shut off the engine. The scratch is redder now, almost glowing faintly in the harsh daylight. You sit back, trying to catch your breath, but your mind drifts to JJ. You picture JJ, who’s probably still trying to clean up the mess you left behind, standing in the living room, flustered, trying to find a way through the questions the agents must be asking. JJ’s never been good at keeping cool—too honest, too open. You’ve known JJ since college, back when boundless curiosity got both of you into all kinds of trouble together. JJ was always tinkering with something—rigging up gadgets, testing weird theories, sneaking into places we weren’t supposed to be. But after the tech startup crashed and burned, JJ changed. Quieter, more cautious. Now you wonder if dragging JJ into this was a mistake. You don't have your phone. But maybe you can call from Taylor's house. It’s risky. The agents could be listening. But you need to know if JJ is okay—or if YOU are okay. What a mess! Then there are the symbols. They’re still lingering at the edges of your mind, like a whisper you can’t quite hear. If you focus on them, maybe you’ll find answers. Or maybe you’ll make everything worse. You take a deep breath, torn between your limited options. Choose carefully: [[Try to decipher the symbols.|Focus on Symbols]] [[Find a phone to call JJ and risk the line being tapped.|Call JJ]]

You turn onto a quieter street in town, your car rumbling softly as it pulls up in front of Taylor’s place. The house is nothing special—an older ranch-style home with peeling white paint and a small, cluttered garage attached. But what it lacks in charm, it makes up for in practicality. Tools hang neatly on pegboards inside the garage, and you can already see one of Taylor’s latest projects—a gutted motorcycle—propped up on a stand just inside the open door. When it comes to fixing things, Taylor’s creativity and talent are unmatched. Engines, electronics, even the occasional coffee maker—you name it, Taylor has probably rebuilt it or improved it. It’s one of the reasons you've developed so much trust. If anyone could help you get a clearer picture of what’s happening—or at least figure out how to stay one step ahead—it’s Taylor. As you step out of the car, the scratch on your finger twinges again, sending a sharp jolt up your arm. You grimace, clutching your hand as you lean against the hood. And then it happens. Another flash—brighter this time. Blinding streaks of light, jagged like shattered glass, flood your vision. The symbols return, swirling and shifting as if they’re alive, glowing with that same impossible energy. You clutch your head, trying to force yourself to focus on them, but they’re too fast, too chaotic. They twist and break apart before you can even begin to decipher them. You blink hard, stumbling slightly as the vision fades. A cold sweat clings to your skin, and you can feel your heart pounding in your chest. “What is this?” you mutter under your breath, shaking your head. You take a deep breath, glancing at your hand. The scratch looks the same as ever—angry, red, and raw—but the pain is impossible to ignore. Whatever this is, it’s getting worse. You push yourself off the car and make your way to Taylor’s door. Before you can knock, the door swings open, and Taylor leans against the frame, wiping grease-stained hands on a rag. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Taylor says, raising an eyebrow. “What happened? Car trouble?” “Something like that,” you reply, your voice shaky. Taylor steps aside, motioning for you to come in. Inside, the place is a mix of chaos and organization—blueprints and sketches are spread out on the counter, next to a half-eaten sandwich. Shelves line the walls, packed with everything from tools to random knick-knacks Taylor has collected over the years. “I don’t even know where to start,” you admit, sinking onto the couch. Taylor grabs a bottle of water from the fridge and tosses it to you. “Start wherever you want. I’ve got time.” As you take a sip, your mind drifts back to JJ. You hope the agents didn’t press too hard. JJ’s never been great under pressure. Still you don't have to worry about loyalty; JJ would never intentionally give you up. You’ve known each other for years, ever since high school. Back then, JJ was the fearless one, always dragging you into trouble—breaking into abandoned buildings, pulling pranks, or experimenting with half-baked inventions. But life hasn’t been easy. After a failed startup, JJ moved back to town, a little quieter, a little more cautious. There's no shame in not wanting to talk much about what went wrong, but you figured it wasn’t your place to ask. Now, though, you can’t help but feel a pang of guilt. JJ went out on a limb for you, and now you’re hiding while JJ is stuck handling the aftermath. Taylor’s voice pulls you back to the present. “Alright, spill it. What’s going on? You’re not exactly the type to show up unannounced.” You hesitate, unsure of how much to say. The flashes of light and symbols still linger in your mind, faint but insistent. Maybe Taylor could help you figure out what they mean—or maybe you need to get in touch with JJ and make sure they’re okay. Choose carefully: [[Try to decipher the symbols with Taylor’s help.|Focus on Symbols]] [[Ask Taylor for a phone and call JJ.|Call JJ]]

You decide to just drive, no particular destination in mind. The open road stretches ahead of you, a seemingly endless ribbon of asphalt under the bright midday sun. You roll the window down, feeling the warm breeze rush in as you squint at the horizon. Honestly, you don't have a plan, and it's starting to show. The road signs are a blur, and your thoughts drift like the endless fields on either side of you. You're so lost in your own head that you almost miss the small, suspiciously out-of-place figure standing in the middle of the road. You slam on the brakes, barely managing to stop before hitting a guy dressed in a bright yellow chicken suit. "Hey! Watch where you're going!" he squawks, flapping his arms at you like he's a giant poultry crossing guard. You stare at him, then back at the empty stretch of road, wondering if you're losing it. The guy just stands there, giving you the stink eye, as if this is totally normal. "Sorry!" you call out through the window, unsure if you're apologizing for almost running him over or for your questionable life choices up to this point. That’s it! Your mind immediately starts spinning, and you hit the gas a little too hard, barely avoiding an awkward swerve into the grass. It’s clear now: you shouldn't wander aimlessly. You failed. The thing is, the whole "no destination" idea sounded good at first. Freedom, right? But turns out, there's a reason people pick a place to go. Maybe next time you’ll choose a friend’s house, or at least, you know, have a vague idea of where you're headed. [[Restart the Adventure|Intro]]

Now into the hamper you go, shoving a few stray socks and a sweatshirt over your head for "camouflage." The smell is... memorable. Thanks for that. You try not to breathe too deeply as you hear voices downstairs. "Can we come in?" one of the Feds asks, their tone polite but firm. JJ hesitates. "Uh... it’s kinda messy in here. We weren't-- I wasn't expecting company." The agent isn’t buying it. "We’re not here to judge your housekeeping. We just have a few questions about the... incident on the property." What could JJ tell them that they don't already know? Before you can even imagine what they're after, you hear the unmistakable creak of footsteps on the stairs. Are they coming up?! Your heart leaps into your throat. Surely they won’t think to check the laundry hamper, right? Who would even— The lid of the hamper flies open, and you’re suddenly staring up at two very unimpressed agents. "Seriously?" one of them says, raising an eyebrow. "Nice try with the empty shower," the other one adds. "Let's go." You freeze, still clutching a sock like it’s a weapon. "I can explain!" you blurt out. "Let’s hear it, then," the other agent says dryly, motioning for you to climb out of your not-so-brilliant hiding spot. Downstairs, JJ complains loudly. "I told you not to come in here!" Yet here they were. The questions come quick, clipped, and calculated. "Did you or your roommate go to the crash site?" "Did you touch anything?" "Have you seen anything... unusual?" Your answers are vague at best. "I don’t know... maybe… we were... curious, but…" Then, out of the corner of your eye, you see it. Your phone. One of the agents holds it up casually, turning it over in his hand like it’s no big deal. They know. You know. Oh no. Your stomach drops. This agent must have found your phone near the crash site. The "oh no" look on your face must be obvious because the agent narrows their eyes. "We’ll need YOU to come with us," the agent says firmly toward you and not JJ, placing one hand on your shoulder and the other motioning toward the door. Before you can even protest, they’re guiding you outside and into the back of their vehicle. You glance back at JJ, who looks both confused and concerned. "We're in this together," you say to the agents, and to JJ simultaneously. "Not right now you aren't," an agent smirks as the two of you are separated. "I’ll call... someone!" JJ shouts as the agents close the door behind you. "A lawyer! Or your mom! Or... someone!" Poor JJ. It's not like you know what to do either. The cram you into their vehicle. You slump back into the seat, defeated, afraid. The door doesn’t unlock from the inside. This isn’t good. The vehicle starts moving, and you realize you might be in deeper trouble than you thought. What's your next move? [[Search your pockets for anything useful.|Pockets]] [[Panic and start yelling questions.|Yell]]

You quickly dart into JJ's closet, squeezing yourself into the small space behind a stack of old boxes and jackets. The smell is... well, let’s just say "nostalgic" might be stretching it. You shove a few random items on top of yourself in the hope of blending in. It's not exactly comfortable, but it’s better than being caught. You try not to breathe too deeply as you hear voices downstairs. "Can we come in?" one of the Feds asks, their tone polite but firm. JJ hesitates. "Uh... it’s kinda messy in here. We weren't expecting company." The agent isn’t buying it. "We’re not here to judge your housekeeping. We just have a few questions about the... incident on the property." You hear the unmistakable creak of footsteps on the stairs. Are they coming up?! Your heart leaps into your throat. Surely they won’t think to check this closet, right? Who would even— JJ's bedroom door swings open, and you freeze, holding your breath. The agents peer around, scanning the room. You hold perfectly still, hoping your heart isn’t beating loud enough for them to hear. "JJ, is there anyone else in here?" one of them asks, their eyes narrowing as they look toward the closet. You want to scream, but you stay silent, praying they’ll just leave. JJ hesitates, then shakes their head. "Nope, just me." The agents exchange a glance. One of them takes a step closer to the closet, and you tense, ready to bolt. But it's too late. You’re caught. "Seriously?" the agent says, raising an eyebrow. "Nice try. Let's go." You try to make a run for it, but you’re yanked out of the closet, stumbling toward the door. "I can explain!" you blurt out, your voice panicked. "We’ll hear it on the way," the agent says dryly, grabbing your arm and guiding you toward the stairs. Downstairs, JJ sighs loudly. "I told you not to come in here!" The agents aren’t listening. The questions start quickly, rapid-fire. "Did you or your roommate go to the crash site?" "Did you touch anything?" "Have you seen anything unusual?" Your answers are vague, evasive at best. "I don’t know… maybe… we were... curious, but…" And then you see it. Your phone. One of the agents holds it up casually, flipping it over in their hand like it's no big deal. They know. You know. Oh no. Your stomach drops. They must have found your phone near the crash site. The "oh no" look on your face must be obvious because the agent narrows his eyes at you, the corner of his mouth curling into something close to a smirk. "We’ll need you to come with us," the agent says firmly, placing a hand on your shoulder. Before you can protest, they guide you outside and into the back of their vehicle. You glance back at JJ, who looks torn between confusion and concern. "I’ll call... someone!" JJ shouts as the door slams shut. "A lawyer! Or your mom! Or... someone!" JJ looks helpless; but you have no idea what to do either. You slump into the seat, defeated, afraid. The door doesn't unlock from the inside, and the vehicle starts moving. You can’t help but think: you might be in deeper trouble than you imagined. What's your next move? [[Search your pockets for anything useful.|Pockets]] [[Panic and start yelling questions.|Yell]]

You sit in Taylor’s living room, with a laptop open in front of you, the screen filled with search results that are only slightly more helpful than the flashes of light and symbols still flickering in your mind. Every time you try to focus on one of them, your headache intensifies. It’s like the symbols are just beyond your reach, waiting for you to decipher them, but you’re missing the key to unlock them. Taylor watches quietly from across the room, occasionally glancing over at the search results, but neither of you can find anything that makes sense. "Nothing yet?" Taylor asks, glancing at the screen. "Not much," you mutter, rubbing your temples. "A few theories, but nothing concrete." "You’re still getting flashes of those symbols?" You nod, feeling the weight of it all. The symbols come in short bursts, chaotic and random, and every time you try to focus on them, they slip away like water through your fingers. There's a growing sense of urgency, like they’re leading you somewhere, but the more you try to understand, the less clear they become. You glance at Taylor's phone, which has been buzzing non-stop. "It's JJ," Taylor says, alarmed. Your heart skips a beat. "What's it say?" "Hey, I’m okay. I think. The Feds took me somewhere. I didn’t tell them anything about you, I swear." The anxiety gnaws at you. JJ, taken by the Feds? What does this mean? It’s not like you ever expected things to escalate like this. You feel a knot in your stomach as you read and re-read the message. But then another part of you—something more stubborn—tells you it’s not the time to panic. The first thing you need to do is figure out what is going on. Taylor leans forward, eyeing you closely. "What are you thinking?" You hesitate, weighing your options. There’s no easy choice here. You can’t just sit around while JJ is in custody. Maybe you should go to the Feds, see if you can clear things up. But that could make everything worse. Or you could lay low for a bit longer, try to keep your head down, and figure out these stupid symbols before you do anything rash. Or maybe, just maybe, there's something else you could try. The decision is yours: [[Turn yourself in, hoping the Feds will release JJ.|Turn Yourself In]] [[Stay hidden and try to gather more information before making a move.|Stay Hidden]]

You sit there for a moment, your hand hovering over Taylor’s phone. The weight of the decision presses down on you. You want to make sure JJ is okay. But deep down, you know that using a phone now might be a mistake. Still, you can’t help it. You’ve got to try. “Can I use your phone?” you ask Taylor, who nods, knowing you already have it. You punch in JJ’s number, your heart racing as you wait for the call to connect. After a few rings, the call is answered. But not by JJ. It's a cold, professional voice. “Hello,” the voice says. “This is Agent Carter with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. You’ve been trying to reach an individual in custody. We’ve been monitoring your whereabouts and communications.” You freeze. Your mind scrambles to catch up with the situation. “Where’s JJ?” you ask, your voice tight. “Your friend is currently under our... care,” the agent responds, as if it's nothing more than an administrative update. “There's no immediate danger, but your cooperation would be appreciated. We need you to come in and speak with us. It’s in your best interest to do so. There’s no need for this to... escalate further.” Your grip on the phone tightens. You can hear the calm, authoritative tone of the agent, but the words are a threat, laced with an undertone you can't ignore. The possibility that they could hurt JJ hangs in the air like an unspoken truth. It’s hard to tell which one of you they’ll target if you resist. Agent Carter continues, “We know you’ve been involved with the recent events surrounding the meteor. We have information you’ll want to hear. But we need you to come in. It’s the safest choice for everyone. And JJ's not going anywhere until you get here.” It doesn't feel like you have much of a choice. You glance up at Taylor, who’s watching you intently. The tension is palpable. You can feel the weight of the decision pressing down on you—what’s the best move here? Do you go to the Feds and hope they release JJ unharmed, or do you stay hidden and risk making things worse for both you and your friend? It sounds like they might already know where you are. Or are they bluffing? The decision is yours: [[Turn yourself in, hoping the Feds will release JJ.|Turn Yourself In]] [[Stay hidden, unsure if going to the Feds is a good idea.|Stay Hidden]]

Turning yourself in seems like the safest choice. Hopefully they'll let JJ go. Agent Carter, on the phone, gives you an address. An uneventful drive brings you to an office building that feels almost intentionally plain. There’s no name on the front, no hint of what happens inside. Just a slab of gray concrete that seems to swallow any sense of purpose. The building is so unremarkable it almost seems like a facade—an intentionally bland structure that feels more ominous for its lack of identity. As you get closer to the door, you notice a security camera pointed straight at you. You hear a deep, mechanical click. The door unlocks on its own, but no one greets you. The silence feels oppressive, but you force yourself to step inside. Finally, another human. “Come this way,” an agent says, his voice clipped. He motions for you to follow. Inside, the air is cold and sterile, as if someone intentionally scrubbed every trace of life from the building. The hum of fluorescent lights above is the only sound you hear. Your footsteps echo in the hallway, your shoes squeaking on the polished tile floor. Each turn you make only leads deeper into a maze of blank, gray walls and indistinguishable corridors. It’s the kind of place where time doesn’t seem to matter, where you lose track of how long you’ve been walking or even which direction you’re headed. Eventually, you reach a plain door, and the agent ushers you into a small, unadorned room. The walls are bare, and the only furniture consists of a metal table and two chairs—exactly like every interrogation room you've ever seen in movies. The agent gestures to one of the chairs, and another agent stands silently by the door, watching you. “Wait here,” the agent says in a flat tone. Without another word, they both leave, locking the door behind them. The room is unnervingly quiet. All you can hear is the soft ticking of a clock on the wall. Your eyes wander around, but there’s nothing to see. Just the table, the chairs, and the security camera in the corner, its little red light blinking as it watches you. Your fingers brush your pocket, and you freeze. Something’s there, something you don’t remember putting there. You pull it out—it's a shard of the meteor! How did this get in your pocket? It feels warm to the touch, pulsing faintly, as if it’s alive—or aware of you. The sensation sends a shiver up your spine. What will you do now? [[Examine the meteor shard while you’re alone|Examine Shard-Run]] [[Keep hiding it in your pocket|Hide it-Run]]

There's no way you're going to trust Agent Carter. You make the decision to stay hidden. The phone call with Agent Carter lingers in your mind, but something feels off. You don't trust it, and you certainly don't trust the idea of walking into their hands without knowing more. No, you can't risk it. Not yet. The uncertainty gnaws at you, but the thought of walking into the hands of the Feds, of putting yourself at their mercy... it doesn’t sit right. For now, the only thing you can do is stay out of sight. You know it won't last forever. The decision to stay hidden isn’t a permanent solution. But for now, you need time. Time to think, to gather more information, to figure out how to turn this around. Maybe you’ll go back. Maybe you won’t. What you don’t know yet is that this moment, this very decision to stay hidden, will come back to haunt you. What happens to JJ after you make that choice? You won't find out until later—but when you do, it will change everything. What will you do now? [[Hide out with Taylor for a while|Hide Out]] [[Head back to the house and face whatever comes|Return Home]]

Maybe there's something at the house. Or the crash site. But you can't just sit around. You decide to risk going back. But the risk isn't worth it. As soon as you roll up, the agents keeping watch spot you. You’re caught. The next thing you know, your car door is open and they're helping you into the back of their vehicle. "Seriously? What did you think would happen if you came back here?" the agent says, raising an eyebrow. "Let's go." "I can't believe you left your roommate high and dry," the other agent adds. As soon as they have you on the road, destination unknown, the questions start quickly, rapid-fire. "Did you or your roommate go to the crash site?" "Did you touch anything?" "Have you seen anything unusual?" Your answers are vague, evasive at best. "I don’t know… maybe… we were... curious, but…" You slump into the seat, defeated, afraid. The door doesn't unlock from the inside. You can’t help but think: you might be in deeper trouble than you imagined. The next step is yours: [[Search your pockets for anything useful.|Pockets(c)]] [[Panic and start yelling questions.|Yell(c)]]

You sit in Taylor’s garage, the air thick with the smell of oil and grease. It’s supposed to be a safe haven, but the tension is suffocating. Every time a car passes, you flinch, expecting unmarked black SUVs to screech to a halt in front of the house. Taylor doesn’t say much, but you can feel the discomfort growing heavier by the day for the both of you. You can’t stop thinking about JJ. The image of the Feds pounding on the door flashes in your mind on a loop. Did JJ manage to stay calm? What mess did you leave behind when you fled the house? Things could get bad for JJ. The Feds were already there. Guilt gnaws at you. You want to call, but you know the Feds are listening. Taylor isn’t blind to the storm brewing. One night, while tinkering with an old carburetor, Taylor blurts out: “You can’t stay here forever. You’re putting me in the crosshairs.” You try to argue, but you can’t deny the truth. It’s only a matter of time before the Feds catch up. And when they do, they won’t care that Taylor had nothing to do with this. Still, you have nowhere else to go. You feel trapped. It’s during one of your desperate attempts to figure out your next move that Taylor notices something odd. Wide-eyed, Taylor sees you unintentionally move a heavy wrench across the workbench without touching it. “What... what was that?” Taylor demands, backing away. "Did that just--" “I don’t know,” you admit, panic rising. But you do know. Deep down, the scratch has changed you. The days blur together after that. Taylor becomes increasingly wary, avoiding prolonged conversations and eye contact. "Have you figured out where you're going to go?" This was Taylor's not-so-subtle way of reminding you that you need to leave. Soon. Then you start to worry whether Taylor might give you up the way you hung JJ out to dry. One anonymous tip could ruin everything. Have you already overstayed your welcome? When the Feds finally show up, you hear the sharp knock at the door and the muffled voices outside. Taylor’s face is pale. The words barely make it out: “I didn’t call them--" before you can respond, the door bursts open. Furniture is tossed. Tools go flying. Are they looking for something or just trying trash the joint? You’re hauled out of the garage, but not before you see Taylor shoved to the ground and cuffed. Angry eyes. Your last sight of Taylor is angry eyes. Burning. Straight at you. Taylor wouldn't have been arrested if you had just left sooner. Have you just ruined TWO friendships? The Feds drag Taylor past you, with a face of silent accusation. Both of you know: this is YOUR fault. The last thing you hear as you’re shoved into the back of a black SUV is Taylor shouting, “YOU RUINED MY LIFE!” Now you’re alone, caught in a web of regret, guilt, and unanswered questions. JJ’s fate is still unknown, and Taylor’s resentment might be the least of your problems. The shard in your pocket pulses faintly, a reminder that whatever power it holds might be the only thing that can save you—and destroy everything in the process. Choose wisely, for this will change everything: [[Offer the shard to the Feds in exchange for Taylor’s freedom.|Offer Shard]] [[Keep the shard a secret. You're getting arrested either way.|Secret Shard]]

You dig into your pockets, hoping for something useful—anything that might help you figure a way out of this mess. Your fingers brush against some lint, a couple of crumpled receipts, a piece of gum still in its wrapper, and... wait. You feel the cool surface of something else. You pull it out cautiously, trying not to alert the agents. It’s part of the meteor! A jagged shard of the strange, glowing rock. Your mind races. How did this even get in here? Did I pick it up without realizing it? Before you can process what to do with it—or if it even could help you—the vehicle slows down and comes to a stop. You shove the piece back into your pocket as quickly as you can. "Out," one of the agents orders, opening the door. You step out onto a paved lot in front of an unassuming office building. There’s no signage, no logos, nothing to indicate what goes on inside. Just a gray slab of a building that looks somehow more threatening because of its blandness. The agents flank you, guiding you toward the door. One of them presses a key card to the scanner, and the door unlocks with a heavy click. The agents guide you into the building. The air inside is unnervingly cold, and the faint hum of fluorescent lights fills the sterile hallway. Your shoes squeak on the polished tile floor as they lead you deeper into the maze of featureless corridors. Every turn looks the same—gray walls, gray floors, gray everything. It’s the kind of place where time and direction blur together. Eventually, they bring you to a plain room with a metal table and two chairs. Typical. It’s straight out of every interrogation movie you’ve ever seen. One agent gestures for you to sit while the other stands guard by the door. "Wait here," says the guard, his tone flat and mechanical. Without another word, they leave, locking the door behind them. You’re alone now. The room is quiet except for the faint tick of a clock on the wall. You glance around. There’s nothing here but the table, the chairs, and the camera mounted in the corner, its little red light blinking steadily. Meanwhile, things are unraveling for JJ in ways you can’t yet imagine. The Feds aren't letting up, and what was supposed to be a simple questioning has spiraled into something much darker. There’s a growing sense of urgency, and it’s clear the situation is escalating far beyond anything JJ could have anticipated. What’s happening to JJ now? You have no idea, but it’s bad—so much worse than you could have ever guessed. You’ll find out soon enough, but not just yet. For now, you're left in the dark. Your heart pounds as your hand instinctively moves to the shard of meteor in your pocket. It feels warmer now, pulsing faintly against your fingers, as though it’s alive—or aware. What will you do? [[Examine the meteor shard while you’re alone|Examine Shard(c)]] [[Keep hiding it in your pocket|Hide it(c)]]

"WHERE ARE YOU TAKING ME? WHY AM I IN HERE? WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?!" You can't take it anymore. It feels like all the air has been sucked out of the vehicle. Your heart pounds in your chest, and a sudden wave of panic crashes over you. Without warning, you scream, the sound breaking through the tension like a cracking whip. “YOU CAN'T JUST TAKE ME LIKE THIS! WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?!” The agents don’t react. It's like they don't even see or hear you. Or they don't care, probably because they know you can't escape the vehicle. Their indifference only makes things worse. Sweat clings to your skin. Your chest tightens as if the very air is choking you. You can’t breathe—can’t think. Everything starts spinning. Meanwhile, things are unraveling for JJ in ways you can’t yet imagine. The Feds aren't letting up, and what was supposed to be a simple questioning has spiraled into something much darker. There’s a growing sense of urgency, and it’s clear the situation is escalating far beyond anything JJ could have anticipated. What’s happening to JJ now? You have no idea, but it’s bad—so much worse than you could have ever guessed. You’ll find out soon enough, but not just yet. For now, you're left in the dark. You try to steady yourself, but your limbs feel heavy. Your heart races uncontrollably. You can’t focus. Your eyes blur. The last thing you hear before everything goes black is a voice, muffled and distant: “Hey, you okay?” Time passes. But for you, it's only an instant. You wake with a jolt, your body stiff and disoriented. Your head pounds, and your mouth tastes dry. You sit up, blinking rapidly to clear the fog. The room around you is sterile—cold, white walls, a single metal chair, and a table in the center. Your hands are restrained to the table with cuffs. You’re in an interrogation room. The door swings open, and two agents enter. They don’t seem surprised to see you awake. One of them steps forward and begins speaking in a tone that’s strangely sympathetic. “You’re awake. That’s good. You gave us quite the scare back there.” He looks at your hands, then back at you. “You’re lucky you didn’t hurt yourself during that panic attack.” You notice the strange calmness in their voices now, a sharp contrast to the way they spoke earlier. Something’s changed—either they’ve figured out more about you, or they just want to manipulate you. The other agent watches you carefully, as though waiting for you to say something. But you don’t know what to say. You don’t even know what they want anymore. "We found the cut on your hand." You notice the bandage. Someone has cleaned the wound. The agent, now more relaxed, sits down at the table with you. “Well, it looks like you’ve been more involved than we thought,” he says, his demeanor remaining almost friendly. "Don’t worry—we'll get you the help you need." He smiles, a little too warmly for your comfort. "We know more about you than you think. You’ve been touched by the meteor, haven’t you? We've been tracking these things, and you're exactly what we need." Then the agent leans forward, tilts his head a bit, and says with a friendly voice, "How would you like to join us? We could use someone like you on the team—someone who understands the meteor. You’ve already been through more than most ever will." He waits for your answer, studying you like you’re the most important thing in the room. What will you do? [[Accept the offer and join the team|Join the Team(c)]] [[Refuse and demand to leave|Refuse and Leave(c)]]

As your fingers wrap around the shard, its warmth intensifies, and you feel an odd hum coming from within it. You almost feel connected to it—like it's beckoning you to understand more. At the same time, the weight of what’s happening to JJ becomes clearer, though still out of reach. The Feds are relentless, pressing harder than anyone imagined. It’s no longer just about questions or the meteor—they’re digging into something deeper, darker. Whatever they’ve uncovered, it’s enough to make them tighten their grip, and the consequences are far more severe than you could have anticipated. The worst part? It’s only just beginning, and you don’t even know yet how deeply you’re tied to it all. But when you do find out, it may already be too late. Just then, the door suddenly bursts open. The agent who had been guarding you steps into the room, his eyes immediately locking onto your hand. The shard! Before you can react, he snatches the shard from you, his face hardening. "What are you doing with this?" he demands, his voice no longer the flat, detached tone from earlier. Without giving you a chance to explain, he steps back, his voice clipped as he calls out, "Doc! Get in here!" Seconds later, a doctor rushes into the room, her face unreadable. She examines your eyes, mouth, and neck. Then she looks carefully over your arms and behind your ears. What is she trying to find? Then she notices the faint scratch on your finger that you’d almost forgotten about. Her eyes narrow in recognition. "Is this where it all started?" she asks quietly. You don’t know if it’s a question for you or herself, but it’s clear she knows something you don’t. The agent, now more agitated, sits down at the table with you. “Well, it looks like you’ve been more involved than we thought,” he says, his demeanor remaining stern. "Don’t worry—we'll get you the help you need." You feel the doctor run her fingers along your scratch. There’s something strange about the way she touches it—almost reverent. "It’s still fresh," she murmurs. The agent smiles, a little too warmly for your comfort. "We know more about you than you think. You’ve been touched by the meteor, haven’t you? We've been tracking these things, and you're exactly what we need." The doc continues her work while the agent speaks. She cleans the wound and covers it with a bandage. Then the agent leans forward, tilts his head a bit, and says, almost as if he already knows how you'll answer, "How would you like to join us? We could use someone like you on the team—someone who understands the meteor. You’ve already been through more than most ever will. And JJ? Well, JJ hasn't exactly been... cooperative." He waits for your answer, studying you like you’re the most important thing in the room. What will you do? [[Accept the offer and join the team|Join the Team(c)]] [[Refuse and demand to leave|Refuse and Leave(c)]]

You pat your pockets nervously, trying to act casual as you shift in the back of the car. A small, cold shard presses against the fabric of your jeans. Can they see that? Your heart skips a beat. What if they find it? You reach down again, making sure it’s secure, but there’s no way you can dispose of it now. You're already in their vehicle! At the same time, the weight of what’s happening to JJ becomes clearer, though still out of reach. The Feds are relentless, pressing harder than anyone imagined. It’s no longer just about questions or the meteor—they’re digging into something deeper, darker. Whatever they’ve uncovered, it’s enough to make them tighten their grip, and the consequences are far more severe than you could have anticipated. The worst part? It’s only just beginning, and you don’t even know yet how deeply you’re tied to it all. But when you do find out, it may already be too late. The Fed's vehicle pulls up to an unmarked building. You try to prepare yourself for what’s about to come. It’s an old office building with dim, flickering lights and an imposing feel. The door opens, and two agents usher you out, motioning for you to follow. You try not to act suspicious, but inside, your mind races. This is real. This is happening. Once inside, they lead you down a narrow hallway with metal doors lining the walls. The scent of antiseptic and something else, something faintly chemical, fills your nostrils. It’s an overwhelming sensation. You can’t shake the feeling that you’re walking into a trap, but you don’t have a choice. They guide you into a small room with a chair and a table. Before you can sit, one of the agents waves a hand, signaling for you to stand still. “We’ll have to pat you down,” the other one says, his voice cold and business-like. You stiffen. The shard. The agent runs his hands over your shoulders, your arms, down your sides. The longer it takes, the more anxious you get. Your pulse quickens, and you can feel the shard pressing uncomfortably against your thigh. Finally, the agent’s hand brushes against the side of your leg and your stomach drops. He pauses for a moment, then his fingers find it. He pulls the shard from your pocket, holding it up to the light. “Well, well,” he murmurs. “What’s this?” You try to hide the panic rising in your chest, but it's no use. Your secret’s out. They know. You’ve been caught. Without giving you a chance to explain, he steps back, his voice clipped as he calls out, "Doc! Get in here!" Seconds later, a doctor rushes into the room, her face unreadable. She examines your eyes, mouth, and neck. Then she looks carefully over your arms and behind your ears. What is she trying to find? Then she notices the faint scratch on your finger that you’d almost forgotten about. Her eyes narrow in recognition. "Is this where it all started?" she asks quietly. You don’t know if it’s a question for you or herself, but it’s clear she knows something you don’t. The agent, now more agitated, sits down at the table with you. “Well, it looks like you’ve been more involved than we thought,” he says, his demeanor remaining stern. "Don’t worry—we'll get you the help you need." You feel the doctor run her fingers along your scratch. There’s something strange about the way she touches it—almost reverent. "It’s still fresh," she murmurs. The agent smiles, a little too warmly for your comfort. "We know more about you than you think. You’ve been touched by the meteor, haven’t you? We've been tracking these things, and you're exactly what we need." The doc continues her work while the agent speaks. She cleans the wound and covers it with a bandage. Then the agent leans forward, tilts his head a bit, and says, as if he already knows how you'll answer, "How would you like to join us? We could use someone like you on the team—someone who understands the meteor. You’ve already been through more than most ever will. And JJ? Well, JJ isn't proving to be very... cooperative." He waits for your answer, studying you like you’re the most important thing in the room. What will you do? [[Accept the offer and join the team|Join the Team(c)]] [[Refuse and demand to leave|Refuse and Leave(c)]]

You hesitate for a moment before finally nodding. "I'm in. Does this mean I'm an agent now?" The agent chuckles lightly, shaking his head. "No, not exactly. But you're under our... guidance now. Obviously everything we do here is eyes only." Top secret?! Sheesh. What's going on? He leads you into a large, brightly lit room. As you step inside, you’re immediately struck by the high-tech atmosphere. Multiple screens light up the space, each showing different sets of data, images of the crash site, and various government symbols. Computers hum quietly, and a team of people is scattered around, speaking in hushed tones as they work. You can't make out their words, but the intensity in their voices is clear. The agent steps forward, turning toward the group and raising his voice. "Listen up, everyone," he calls, his tone commanding. "This is our new Asset. You are to grant full access to all data." A few people nod or murmur their acknowledgment, but the tension in the room remains high. He turns back to you, smug. "I suppose you'll want to know my name. I’m Carter." "Is that Agent Carter?" you ask, emphasizing the word agent as you try to fake a smile. "Is that like a first or last name." "Just Carter," he says. The doctor walks up to him and says something quietly. "This is Liz." “We have an assignment for you, now that you’re here,” Liz announces. “It’s not an easy one. You’ll be working alongside us, gathering information from the crash site. But here's the catch: we don't know everything about that meteor, and you might be able to help us uncover what we’re missing. Your... connection to it could be crucial.” Carter and Liz look at you, waiting for your reaction. "What do I do first?" you ask. [[Head straight back to the crash site. No time to waste|First Assignment(c)]] [[Ask about the meteor's connection to you|Connection(c)]]

You shake your head, refusing the offer to join the team. You can't trust these guys. The agents exchange glances, their disappointment thick in the air. Without another word, they lock you in a sterile, cold cell. The door shuts with a resounding clang, echoing through your mind as panic sets in. You know this is only going to get worse. Days go by, and your anxiety intensifies. The scratch on your finger begins to hurt more. It's red, swollen, and warm to the touch. The small cut has clearly become infected. When the door opens, it's the doctor you’ve seen passing by a few times. She moves quickly to examine and clean the wound. "This could have gotten serious," she murmurs under her breath as she works. You watch her closely, noting the careful professionalism she brings to the task, despite her apparent frustration. Is she mad at you? As she finishes, she looks at you, her expression softening just slightly. "I'm Liz," she says, smiling. "I already know your name." "Hi," you answer. You feel the weight of the moment, unsure what to make of the gentle, almost familiar way she speaks to you. You decide to test the waters. "Liz," you say, finally speaking her name aloud. "Nice to meet you... I guess." "I'm going to make sure this gets better," she reassures you. "But..." she says. "But what?!" "You're going to have to join the team. It's the only way they'll EVER let you or JJ out of here. I heard them talking about it." Will you join? [[Accept the invitation to join|Join the Team(c)]] [[Pretend to join, but secretly resist them. |Secretly resist(d)]]

Agent Carter looks you over carefully, his voice steady and deliberate. "We need you to gather more samples, document everything you find, and see if any new pieces have emerged. You're the only one who might understand how to interact with it. Take whatever tools you need, report everything you see, and don’t even think about interacting with it unless we give the order. We can’t afford any mistakes." He takes a breath, making sure you understand the gravity of what he’s saying. “Your role here is critical. This isn’t just about collecting data anymore. You’re key to figuring out what’s really going on. And you won’t be on your own. Liz and I, along with the rest of the team, will be monitoring every move you make.” It feels like a short leash. Liz gives a silent nod of acknowledgment, her expression unreadable. Carter turns to head for the door, signaling that it's time to get to work. "Let's get you suited up. You’ve got your first assignment." "We should tell him," Liz says to Carter. "Go ahead." "It's JJ," Liz says, concerned. "JJ's... not here anymore." The confused look on your face is expected. "We realized JJ wasn’t just a bystander. There’s something... out of control. It's clear, Liz is choosing her words carefully. "We had to get rough," Carter blurts out. What? "We HAD to," Liz defends. "JJ has some kind of power, something from the meteor." That sounds familiar. "You're the asset," Carter repeted. "JJ's a target." Target? You don't like the sound of that word. JJ is your friend, not some target. JJ is a ticking time bomb, and soon, everyone will realize just how dangerous things have become. [[Continue reading Chapter 3.|Chapter 3c]]

Agent Carter gestures for you to follow him as he walks toward a large screen, where he begins to pull up various reports and images of the meteor crash site. The room is quiet, except for the sound of clicks and keyboard typing as other team members continue their work in the background. Liz stands by the side, reviewing a tablet with data of her own. “Alright,” Carter begins, his tone gruff as always. “There’s more we need you to understand about what’s going on here. The meteor's properties aren't exactly... natural. We've been running tests, but there's no definitive conclusion yet.” He motions to a section of the screen where thermal scans, chemical compositions, and various energy readings are displayed. “These readings here indicate high levels of radiation, but it's not like anything we've encountered before. The radiation seems to behave in waves, fluctuating unpredictably. Whatever this is, it’s not from this planet.” Liz steps forward now, putting down her tablet. “We’re still trying to get a clear picture of what we're dealing with, but the meteor isn’t the only thing that concerns us." She glances at Carter. "We should tell him." "Go ahead." "It's JJ," Liz says, concerned. "JJ's... not here anymore." The confused look on your face is expected. "We realized JJ wasn’t just a bystander. There’s something... out of control. It's clear, Liz is choosing her words carefully. "We had to get rough," Carter blurts out. What? "We HAD to," Liz defends. "JJ has some kind of power, something from the meteor." That sounds familiar. "You're the asset," Carter repeted. "JJ's a target." Target? You don't like the sound of that word. JJ is your friend, not some target. JJ is a ticking time bomb, and soon, everyone will realize just how dangerous things have become. "And that scratch on your finger," Liz adds, "it’s definitely not a typical wound. My tests show traces of unusual particles, possibly even nano-scale organisms. We’re still analyzing them, but it’s possible that whatever this thing is, it’s already integrating with your biology.” Your eyes widen. "What?" But they don't answer. There isn't really an answer at this point. Just more questions. Carter glances over at Liz before turning his attention back to you. “That’s why we need you to go back to the crash site. Your only option now is to... [[Head back to the crash site|First Assignment(c)]]

<h1>Chapter 3—Echoes</h1> <div style="display: block; background-color:#c9f6fc; padding: 15px; border-radius: 15px; max-width: 50ch; color:#fff;"><b><span style="color:#3d89d0; font-weight: 900;">You've reached a save point. To jump here later, remember to use the key word LIAR</span></div> The ride to the crash site is uneventful, save for the faint smell of stale coffee and the low hum of the Fed van’s engine. Agent Carter drives, focused and silent, probably plotting his next interrogation strategy, while Liz idly taps on her tablet, clearly more interested in her data than anything happening outside the vehicle. You don't know the other agents in the van. And you don't really want to. After a while, you begin to recognize your surroundings. The crash site is in your backyard, after all. The van rumbles to a stop and you pile out, grateful for the break. Carter motions for you to help load some gear. You grab a few things from the back of the van—a metal detector, a bag full of sample containers—and toss them into your bag. Kneeling beside the meteor, you adjust the scanner Carter gave you, watching as it hums softly and spits out data you only half understand. The rock <span class="glow">pulses</span> faintly, like it's breathing, but that’s probably just your imagination—or fearful thinking. You collect a few samples, carefully sealing them in labeled vials, then run one last test, holding your breath as the device flickers and beeps. Readings confirm what you already suspected: this thing is weird. Not just radioactive or magnetic—something else, something deeper. But Carter will want the full report. With a final glance at the smoldering crater, you pack up your gear, secure the samples, and head back to the van, shaking off the feeling that it's not just that you are learning about the crater—it’s learning about you. [[Carter needs to speak with you|Fake Dark Speak]]

As your fingers wrap around the shard, its warmth intensifies, and you feel an odd hum coming from within it. You almost feel connected to it—like it's beckoning you to understand more. Just then, the door suddenly bursts open. The agent who had been guarding you steps into the room, his eyes immediately locking onto your hand. Before you can react, he snatches the shard from you, his face hardening. "What are you doing with this?" he demands, his voice no longer the flat, detached tone from earlier. Without giving you a chance to explain, he steps back, his voice clipped as he calls out, "Doc! Get in here!" Seconds later, a doctor rushes into the room, her face unreadable. She examines your eyes, mouth, and neck. Then she looks carefully over your arms and behind your ears. What is she trying to find? Then she notices the faint scratch on your finger that you’d almost forgotten about. Her eyes narrow in recognition. "Is this where it all started?" she asks quietly. You don’t know if it’s a question for you or herself, but it’s clear she knows something you don’t. The agent, now more relaxed, sits down at the table with you. “Well, it looks like you’ve been more involved than we thought,” he says, his demeanor shifting from stern to almost friendly. "Don’t worry—we'll get you the help you need." You feel the doctor run her fingers along your scratch. There’s something strange about the way she touches it—almost reverent. "It’s still fresh," she murmurs. The agent smiles, a little too warmly for your comfort. "We know more about you than you think. You’ve been touched by the meteor, haven’t you? We've been tracking these things, and you're exactly what we need." The doc continues her work while the agent speaks. She cleans the wound and covers it with a bandage. Then the agent leans forward, tilts his head a bit, and says with a friendly voice, "How would you like to join us? We could use someone like you on the team—someone who understands the meteor. You’ve already been through more than most ever will." He waits for your answer, studying you like you’re the most important thing in the room. What will you do? [[Accept the offer and join the team|Join the Team(c)]] [[Refuse and demand to leave|Refuse and Leave-Run]]

You shake your head, refusing the offer to join the team. You can't trust these guys. They just arrested you! The agents exchange glances, their disappointment thick in the air. Without another word, they lock you in a sterile, cold cell. The door shuts with a resounding clang, echoing through your mind as panic sets in. You know this is only going to get worse. Days go by, and your anxiety intensifies. The scratch on your finger, which you thought was no big deal, begins to hurt more. It's red, swollen, and warm to the touch. The small cut has clearly become infected. When the door opens, it's the doctor you’ve seen passing by a few times. She moves quickly to examine the wound, her hands gentle as she tries to clean it. "This could have gotten serious," she murmurs under her breath as she works. You watch her closely, noting the careful professionalism she brings to the task, despite her apparent frustration with the situation. She almost seems frustrated on your behalf, like she feels sorry for you. As she finishes, she looks at you, her expression softening just slightly. "I'm Liz," she says, smiling. "I already know your name." "Hi," you answer. You feel the weight of the moment, unsure what to make of the gentle, almost familiar way she speaks to you. You decide to test the waters. "Liz," you say, finally speaking her name aloud. "Nice to meet you... I guess." "Don't worry. I'm going to make sure this gets better," she reassures you. The connection, however small, starts to feel like a lifeline in a sea of uncertainty. "But..." she says. "But what?!" "You're going to have to join the team. It's the only way they'll EVER let you out of here. I heard them talking about it." Will you join? [[Accept the invitation to join|Join the Team(c)]] [[Pretend to join, but secretly resist them. |Secretly resist-Run]]

You hesitate for a moment before finally nodding. "I'm in. Does this mean I'm an agent now?" The agent chuckles lightly, shaking his head. "No, not exactly. But you're under our... guidance now. Welcome to the team. Obviously everything we do here is eyes only." Top secret, eh? You can handle that. He leads you into a large, brightly lit room. As you step inside, you’re immediately struck by the high-tech atmosphere. Multiple screens light up the space, each showing different sets of data, images of the crash site, and various government symbols. Computers hum quietly, and a team of people is scattered around, speaking in hushed tones as they work. You can't make out their words, but the intensity in their voices is clear. The agent steps forward, turning toward the group and raising his voice. "Listen up, everyone," he calls, his tone commanding yet calm. "This is our new Asset. You are to grant full access to all data." A few people nod or murmur their acknowledgment, and the tension in the room eases slightly. He turns back to you, giving a half-smile. "I suppose you'll want to know my name. I’m Carter." "Is that Agent Carter?" emphasizing the word agent as you ask with a smile. "Is that like a first or last name." "Just Carter," he says. The doctor walks up to him and says something quietly. "This is Liz." "We met," you reply. She was the first one to show you a resemblance of kindness here. “We have an assignment for you, now that you’re here,” Liz announces. “It’s not an easy one. You’ll be working alongside us, gathering information from the crash site. But here's the catch: we don't know everything about that meteor, and you might be able to help us uncover what we’re missing. Your... connection to it could be crucial.” Carter and Liz look at you, waiting for your reaction. "What do I do first?" you ask.

You nod along, pretending to accept the agent’s offer. "I'm in," you say, but inside, you're plotting your escape. You’ve learned enough to know that cooperating, for now, might just give you the chance to slip away when the time is right. You have no intention of actually helping these people. The agent looks pleased by your response. "Good. We need you on board. This isn’t just about us anymore. We need someone who’s seen it firsthand. You can help us understand it." You ask casually, "So, does this mean I’m officially an agent now?" He smirks, shaking his head. "No, you’re not an agent. You’re an Asset. For now, anyway." With that, he leads you through a set of heavy doors and into a dimly lit room that looks like something out of a high-tech thriller. Multiple screens flicker with data, maps, and graphs. People are huddled around, murmuring softly to each other, but you can’t make out their words. The noise is a dull buzz, like a hive of activity—busy, but disconnected. The agent gestures to the room. "This is our command center. We handle everything here. Everything related to the crash site, the meteor, and... you." He pauses as you take in the scope of the operation. "Me?" He claps his hands together. "Listen up!" he announces, his voice cutting through the room. "This is our new Asset. You’re to grant full access to all data." Several heads nod or murmur acknowledgment. Your heart skips a beat. You didn’t expect it to be this official, this intense. You’re now involved in something bigger than you could have imagined. Kind of. Liar. He turns back to you, giving a half-smile. "I suppose you'll want to know my name. I’m Carter." "Is that Agent Carter?" emphasizing the word agent as you ask with a smile. "Is that like a first or last name." "Just Carter," he says. The doctor walks up to him and says something quietly. "This is Liz." "We met," you reply. She was the first one to show you a resemblance of kindness here. “We have an assignment for you, now that you’re here,” Liz announces. “It’s not an easy one. You’ll be working alongside us, gathering information from the crash site. But here's the catch: we don't know everything about that meteor, and you might be able to help us uncover what we’re missing. Your... connection to it could be crucial.” Carter and Liz look at you, waiting for your reaction. "What do I do first?" you ask. [[Head straight back to the crash site. No time to waste|First Fake Assignment-Run]] [[Ask about the meteor's connection to you|Fake Connection-Run]]

You sit handcuffed in the back of the SUV, the sound of chaos from Taylor’s house ringing in your ears. Shouts echo through the night as agents tear apart the place, tossing furniture, smashing shelves, and scattering anything they deem suspicious. From the corner of your eye, you see Taylor struggling against an agent’s grip, twisted with fury and fear. Your chest tightens. Taylor didn’t ask for this—didn’t deserve it. The guilt burns like fire in your stomach. You've already hurt JJ. You can't do the same to Taylor. Desperation takes over. You reach into your pocket, your fingers brushing the shard’s strange, pulsing surface. The warmth of it sends a jolt up your arm, as if the shard itself knows what’s at stake. You squeeze it tightly and shout, “WAIT! JUST STOP!!!” The chaos halts as every agent in the room turns to stare at you. Their faces are unreadable, cold and calculating. “I’ll go with you,” you say, your voice shaking but resolute. “You can have me—and the shard. Just let Taylor go.” For a long, agonizing moment, no one speaks. The lead agent, a stern-faced man with sharp, predatory eyes, steps forward. “You’re willing to cooperate? Just like that?” You nod, holding out the shard. “You want this, right? I’ll cooperate. Just let Taylor go.” The agent’s lips curl into a thin, humorless smile. “Fine. But don’t think for a second we’re not keeping tabs on your little friend. If Taylor so much as thinks about messing around, we’ll know.” The words sting, but you don’t hesitate as you pause between each word: “Just let... Taylor... go. Please.” You sound desperate. A moment later, Taylor is uncuffed and shoved toward the door. Anger melts and turns to heartbreak. “Why are you doing this?” Taylor asks. “Because I owe you,” you reply, voice barely above a whisper. Before Taylor can say anything else, the SUV door is slammed shut with you inside. You’ve traded your freedom for Taylor’s, and now you’re in the hands of people who treat you like a threat. The road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: you’re on your own. You abandonned JJ. You're cut off from Taylor. And whatever happens next, you’ll have to face it without the people who once had your back. [[Continue reading...|Yell(c)]]

You nod along, pretending to accept the agent’s offer. "I'm in," you say, but inside, you're plotting your escape. You’ve learned enough to know that cooperating, for now, might just give you the chance to slip away when the time is right. You have no intention of actually helping these people. The agent looks pleased by your response. "Good. We need you on board. This isn’t just about us anymore. We need someone who’s seen it firsthand. You can help us understand it." You ask casually, "So, does this mean I’m officially an agent now?" He smirks, shaking his head. "No, you’re not an agent. You’re an Asset. For now, anyway." With that, he leads you through a set of heavy doors and into a dimly lit room that looks like something out of a high-tech thriller. Multiple screens flicker with data, maps, and graphs. People are huddled around, murmuring softly to each other, but you can’t make out their words. The noise is a dull buzz, like a hive of activity—busy, but disconnected. The agent gestures to the room. "This is our command center. We handle everything here. Everything related to the crash site, the meteor, and... you." He pauses as you take in the scope of the operation. "Me?" He claps his hands together. "Listen up!" he announces, his voice cutting through the room. "This is our new Asset. You’re to grant full access to all data." Several heads nod or murmur acknowledgment. Your heart skips a beat. You didn’t expect it to be this official, this intense. You’re now involved in something bigger than you could have imagined. Kind of. Liar. He turns back to you, flatly. "I suppose you'll want to know my name. I’m Carter." "Is that Agent Carter?" you ask, emphasizing the word agent as you force a fake smile. "Is that like a first or last name." "Just Carter," he says. The doctor walks up to him and says something quietly. "This is Liz." "We met," you reply. She glances at Carter. "We should tell him." "Go ahead." "It's JJ," Liz says, concerned. "JJ's... not here anymore." The confused look on your face is expected. "We realized JJ wasn’t just a bystander. There’s something... out of control. It's clear, Liz is choosing her words carefully. "We had to get rough," Carter blurts out. What? "We HAD to," Liz defends. "JJ has some kind of power, something from the meteor." That sounds familiar. "You're the asset," Carter repeted. "JJ's a target." Target? You don't like the sound of that word. JJ is your friend, not some target. JJ is a ticking time bomb, and soon, everyone will realize just how dangerous things have become. “We have an assignment for you, now that you’re here,” Liz announces. “It’s not an easy one. You’ll be working alongside us, gathering information from the crash site. But here's the catch: we don't know everything about that meteor, and you might be able to help us uncover what we’re missing. Your... connection to it could be crucial.” Carter and Liz look at you, waiting for your reaction. "What do I do first?" you ask. [[Head straight back to the crash site. No time to waste|First Fake Assignment(d)]] [[Ask about the meteor's connection to you|Fake Connection(d)]]

Agent Carter gestures for you to follow him as he walks toward a large screen, where he begins to pull up various reports and images of the meteor crash site. The room is quiet, except for the sound of clicks and keyboard typing as other team members continue their work in the background. Liz stands by the side, reviewing a tablet with data of her own. “Alright,” Carter begins, his tone gruff as always. “There’s more we need you to understand about what’s going on here. The meteor's properties aren't exactly... natural. We've been running tests, but there's no definitive conclusion yet.” He motions to a section of the screen where thermal scans, chemical compositions, and various energy readings are displayed. “These readings here indicate high levels of radiation, but it's not like anything we've encountered before. The radiation seems to behave in waves, fluctuating unpredictably. Whatever this is, it’s not from this planet.” Liz steps forward now, putting down her tablet. “We’re still trying to get a clear picture of what we're dealing with, but the meteor isn’t the only thing that concerns us. That scratch on your finger," Liz adds, "it’s definitely not a typical wound. My tests show traces of unusual particles, possibly even nano-scale organisms. We’re still analyzing them, but it’s possible that whatever this thing is, it’s already integrating with your biology.” Your eyes widen. "What?" But they don't answer. There isn't really an answer at this point. Just more questions. Carter glances over at Liz before turning his attention back to you. “That’s why we need you to go back to the crash site. Your only option now is to... [[Head back to the crash site|First Fake Assignment(d)]]

Agent Carter gestures for you to follow him as he walks toward a large screen, where he begins to pull up various reports and images of the meteor crash site. The room is quiet, except for the sound of clicks and keyboard typing as other team members continue their work in the background. Liz stands by the side, reviewing a tablet with data of her own. “Alright,” Carter begins, his tone gruff as always. “There’s more we need you to understand about what’s going on here. The meteor's properties aren't exactly... natural. We've been running tests, but there's no definitive conclusion yet.” He motions to a section of the screen where thermal scans, chemical compositions, and various energy readings are displayed. “These readings here indicate high levels of radiation, but it's not like anything we've encountered before. The radiation seems to behave in waves, fluctuating unpredictably. Whatever this is, it’s not from this planet.” Liz steps forward now, putting down her tablet. “We’re still trying to get a clear picture of what we're dealing with, but the meteor isn’t the only thing that concerns us. That scratch on your finger," Liz adds, "it’s definitely not a typical wound. My tests show traces of unusual particles, possibly even nano-scale organisms. We’re still analyzing them, but it’s possible that whatever this thing is, it’s already integrating with your biology.” Your eyes widen. "What?" But they don't answer. There isn't really an answer at this point. Just more questions. Carter glances over at Liz before turning his attention back to you. “That’s why we need you to go back to the crash site. Your only option now is to... [[Head back to the crash site|First Fake Assignment(e)]]

You shake your head, refusing the offer to join the team. You can't trust these guys. The agents exchange glances, their disappointment thick in the air. Without another word, they lock you in a sterile, cold cell. The door shuts with a resounding clang, echoing through your mind as panic sets in. You know this is only going to get worse. Days go by, and your anxiety intensifies. The scratch on your finger begins to hurt more. It's red, swollen, and warm to the touch. The small cut has clearly become infected. When the door opens, it's the doctor you’ve seen passing by a few times. She moves quickly to examine and clean the wound. "This could have gotten serious," she murmurs under her breath as she works. You watch her closely, noting the careful professionalism she brings to the task, despite her apparent frustration. Is she mad at you? As she finishes, she looks at you, her expression softening just slightly. "I'm Liz," she says, smiling. "I already know your name." "Hi," you answer. You feel the weight of the moment, unsure what to make of the gentle, almost familiar way she speaks to you. You decide to test the waters. "Liz," you say, finally speaking her name aloud. "Nice to meet you... I guess." "I'm going to make sure this gets better," she reassures you. "But..." she says. "But what?!" "You're going to have to join the team. It's the only way they'll EVER let you or JJ or Taylor out of here. I heard them talking about it." Will you join? [[Accept the invitation to join|Join the Team(f)]] [[Pretend to join, but secretly resist them. |Secretly resist(e)]]

You decide your best chance out of here is to pretend to accept this new "job." Inside, though, your mind is already working overtime. This is temporary. A front. You have no intention of truly helping them, not after everything they've done—not after what they’ve done to JJ and Taylor. Carter’s smirk widens, like he’s already won. "Good choice. We need someone like you, someone who’s been close to the source. You’re not just another bystander anymore—you’re part of this now." "Does that mean I’m officially an agent?" you ask with forced curiosity, masking the disgust bubbling beneath the surface. Carter snorts. "Not an agent. You’re an Asset. Big difference." The word hits harder than you expect. Asset. A tool. Something to be used, controlled, discarded. You clench your fists but keep your expression neutral. "Right. Asset. Got it." He gestures for you to follow, leading you through a set of heavy, reinforced doors. On the other side is a sprawling, dimly lit command center. Screens blink with streams of data—maps, satellite images, seismic charts. The buzz of muted conversation fills the air as analysts and agents hover over their workstations. "This is where it all happens," Carter says, motioning around the room. "Crash site data, meteor research, surveillance—everything. And now, you." "You mean me as in... what, exactly?" Carter claps his hands, cutting through the hum of activity. Heads turn, and conversations pause. "Listen up! This is our new Asset. You will grant full access to all relevant data." You notice the way people glance at you—half curious, half wary. A few nod in acknowledgment, but most quickly turn back to their work. You suppress the urge to bolt. Carter turns to you, his voice flat. "Name’s Carter." "Agent Carter?" you ask, raising an eyebrow and forcing a smirk. "Just Carter," he repeats coldly. Before you can respond, a woman approaches. You recognize her immediately—Liz, the doctor you saw earlier. She speaks to Carter in a low voice, her words too quiet to catch. Finally, she turns to you. "JJ’s not... here anymore," Liz says carefully, watching your reaction. Your chest tightens. "What does that mean? Where’s JJ?" She hesitates, glancing at Carter. "We had to get rough," Carter says bluntly. "What?" The word barely escapes your throat. Liz cuts in quickly. "JJ... has powers. Something from the meteor. We didn’t realize it at first, but they’re unstable—dangerous." "JJ’s a target," Carter says, his voice colder than before. You shake your head, refusing to believe it. JJ isn’t some "target." We're talking about your friend. "We need you," Liz presses. "The meteor has a connection to you, and we don’t fully understand it yet. But you might be the key to figuring this out. You’re not like JJ. You’re stable. You can help us." Carter crosses his arms. "And you WILL help us. Starting now. We’ve got an assignment for you." "What kind of assignment?" you ask, swallowing the rage building inside. Liz steps closer. "You’ll be heading back to the crash site to gather more data. There’s something we missed, and we think you can help us find it." You glance between them, nodding slowly. "What do I do first?" Carter’s smirk returns. "We’ll brief you. Get ready." As they walk away, you’re left standing in the middle of the command center, surrounded by people who don’t trust you—and whom you don’t trust either. You grip the shard hidden in your pocket, its faint pulse a reminder of your connection to the meteor, to JJ, to everything spiraling out of control. The only thing you’re sure of is this: you’re going to fight back. What will you do next? [[Head straight back to the crash site. No time to waste.|First Fake Assignment(e)]] [[Ask about the meteor's connection to you.|Fake Connection(h)]]

You hesitate, the weight of your choices pressing down on you. Taylor hates you. JJ probably does, too—assuming he’s even alive. And now, here you are, standing in front of the very people who tore your life apart, nodding like a fool. "I’m in," you say, forcing the words out. Then, with a faint, nervous laugh, you add, "So... does this mean I’m an agent now?" The agent smirks, his expression sharp and mocking. “Not exactly,” he replies. “But you’re under our... guidance now. Let’s just say you’re a contractor with highly classified responsibilities. Everything you see or hear from this point forward is strictly eyes-only. Got it?” Top secret? Great. Just what you needed. The agent leads you down a dimly lit hallway, and you’re struck by how the sterile walls feel more like a prison than a workplace. When the door at the end slides open, a bright, expansive room stretches out before you. The air hums with electricity and urgency. Monitors line the walls, displaying live feeds of the crash site, detailed schematics, and endless strings of encrypted data. The occasional flash of a government seal reminds you who’s in charge here. People mill about, speaking in clipped tones, each of them laser-focused on their tasks. It’s controlled chaos, and the room practically vibrates with tension. You catch a few glares from the team members as you step in—expressions that read like barely veiled hostility. “Listen up!” he barks, his voice cutting through the noise like a knife. “This is our new... Asset. You’ll grant full access to all relevant data. No exceptions.” A few murmurs ripple through the room, but the cold glances make it clear: they don’t like you. They don’t trust you. And frankly, you don’t blame them. Thw agent turns back to you, his smug grin firmly in place. “I suppose you’ll want to know my name. I’m Carter.” "Agent Carter?” you ask, trying to lighten the mood with a half-hearted smile. “First name or last name?” “Just Carter,” he snaps, clearly unimpressed. Before you can respond, a woman strides up to you, her sharp gaze sizing you up. She whispers something to Carter, who nods, then gestures toward her. “This is Liz,” Carter says. Liz wastes no time. “We’ve got an assignment for you. You’re going back to the crash site.” Your stomach twists. “Why me?” Liz’s expression doesn’t soften. “Because we don’t know everything about that meteor yet. But you—your... connection to it—might help us figure out what we’re missing.” Carter crosses his arms, looking thoroughly amused at your discomfort. Liz, on the other hand, seems impatient. “Well?” she asks. “What’s your next move?” The room feels smaller under their stares. What will you do? [[Head straight to the crash site without asking questions|First Assignment(f)]] [[Demand answers about your connection to the meteor|Connection(f)]]

Agent Carter’s eyes narrow, his gaze sharp as it scans you. His voice is low and deliberate, each word calculated. "We need you to head back to the crash site. Gather new samples, document everything, and watch for any changes. You’re the only one who might know how to handle this... thing. But don’t touch it unless we give the order. One wrong move, and it could all go south." You nod along, pretending to accept the weight of the task. But inside, all you can think about is escape. The Feds don’t trust you, and why should they? After everything, you wouldn’t trust you either. JJ, Taylor, the Feds—even you—everyone’s turned their backs on you. The Feds are just another chain, another leash tightening with every word from Carter’s mouth. His eyes are on you now, his expectations clear. "Your role isn’t just important—it’s everything. You’re not just collecting data anymore. You’re the key to understanding this meteor and the chaos it’s brought. And don’t think for a second you’re doing this alone. Liz, I, and the team will be watching your every step." Liz stands by the door, her expression unreadable. Is it pity? Contempt? Or maybe just indifference? It doesn't matter. She’s just another face in the crowd, another reminder that you’ve lost everything. Carter waves toward the exit. "Suit up. Your first assignment starts now." You force a smile and nod, all while plotting your escape. You’re not going to help them. Not really. You’ll play their game, pretend to be their obedient asset, and bide your time. The moment they let their guard down? That’s when you make your move. [[Continue reading Chapter 3.|Chapter 3e]]

Agent Carter’s eyes narrow as he studies you, his voice sharp and deliberate. "We need you to head back to the crash site. Gather new samples, document everything, and watch for any changes. You’re the only one who might know how to handle this... thing. But don’t touch it unless we give the order. One wrong move, and it could all go south." His words are heavy with warning, and you can feel the weight of the situation pressing on you. "Your role isn’t just important—it’s everything. You’re not just collecting data anymore. You’re the key to understanding this meteor and the chaos it’s brought. And don’t think for a second you’re doing this alone. Liz, I, and the team will be watching your every step." It’s clear they don’t trust you. But why should they? Everyone hates you—Taylor, JJ, the Feds, even yourself. The leash Carter’s holding feels tighter with every word. Liz, standing silent by the door, gives you a look that you can’t quite read. Maybe it’s pity. Maybe it’s contempt. Either way, it makes your skin crawl. Carter signals toward the exit. "Suit up. Your first assignment starts now." [[Continue reading Chapter 3.|Chapter 3f]]

Agent Carter gestures for you to follow him as he walks toward a large screen, the glow casting sharp shadows over his face. He starts pulling up reports and images of the meteor crash site—thermal scans, chemical compositions, and erratic energy readings flash by. The room is eerily quiet, except for the hum of keyboards and soft murmurs from other team members working behind their screens. Liz stands to the side, absorbed in a tablet, her face unreadable. Carter’s voice cuts through the silence. “We need to bring you up to speed. The meteor’s properties aren’t... normal. We’ve been running tests, but nothing’s giving us clear answers.” He points to a section of the screen displaying fluctuating radiation levels. “This radiation isn’t like anything we’ve encountered. It behaves in waves—unpredictable. Whatever this is, it’s not from this planet.” Liz sets her tablet down and glances at Carter, the air tense between them. “We need to tell him.” Carter looks at her, then at you. “Go ahead.” “It’s JJ,” Liz says carefully, her voice obviously concerned. “JJ’s... not here anymore.” You stare at her, confused. “There’s something happening—something we can’t control.” She hesitates, the weight of her words hanging in the air. “We had to get rough,” Carter blurts out, as if it’s no big deal. “Had to?” you ask, shocked. Liz jumps in quickly, “JJ has... some kind of power, something from the meteor. We couldn’t let it go unchecked. There's a real danger.” The words hit you hard. “So JJ’s a target?” you ask, your voice tight. That doesn’t sound right—JJ is your friend, not some threat. Carter looks at you, cold. “You’re the asset. JJ’s a liability now.” A wave of anger surges through you. First they arrested JJ. Then they ruined your friendship with Taylor. JJ is the last person you’d call a liability. But that’s not all. Liz’s next words leave your head spinning. “That scratch on your finger," Liz continues, "it’s not normal. My tests show unusual particles—nano-scale organisms, maybe. They could already be integrating with your biology.” “What?” The word feels like a punch to the gut. But neither Carter nor Liz offers any comfort. They don’t have answers, only more questions, and an order. Carter’s tone grows more serious. “We need you back at the crash site. We need to find out more, before things get even worse.” You have no choice but to nod, your insides churning with dread. This isn’t what you imagined. You thought you’d be free. Instead, you’re stuck in this mess with the Feds and the meteor. [[Head back to the crash site as ordered|First Assignment(f)]]

<h1>Chapter 3—Echoes</h1> <div style="display: block; background-color:#c9f6fc; padding: 15px; border-radius: 15px; max-width: 50ch; color:#fff;"><b><span style="color:#3d89d0; font-weight: 900;">You've reached a save point. To jump here later, remember to use the key word HIDDEN</span></div> The ride to the crash site is uneventful, save for the faint smell of stale coffee and the low hum of the Fed van’s engine. Agent Carter drives, focused and silent, probably plotting his next interrogation strategy, while Liz idly taps on her tablet, clearly more interested in her data than anything happening outside the vehicle. You don't know the other agents in the van. And you don't really want to. After a while, you begin to recognize your surroundings. The crash site is in your backyard, after all. The van rumbles to a stop and you pile out, grateful for the break. Carter motions for you to help load some gear. You grab a few things from the back of the van—a metal detector, a bag full of sample containers—and toss them into your bag. Kneeling beside the meteor, you adjust the scanner Carter gave you, watching as it hums softly and spits out data you only half understand. The rock <span class="glow">pulses</span> faintly, like it's breathing, but that’s probably just your imagination—or fearful thinking. You collect a few samples, carefully sealing them in labeled vials, then run one last test, holding your breath as the device flickers and beeps. Readings confirm what you already suspected: this thing is weird. Not just radioactive or magnetic—something else, something deeper. But Carter will want the full report. With a final glance at the smoldering crater, you pack up your gear, secure the samples, and head back to the van, shaking off the feeling that it's not just that you are learning about the crater—it’s learning about you. [[Carter needs to speak with you| RG Speak]]

You crouch at the edge of the crater, ready to uncover the secrets buried beneath the surface. The blackened ground around the meteor practically screams, "Don't touch me," but your curiosity isn't one to take a hint. You keep digging. As you dig deeper and deeper, things start to get... odd... warm... weirdly <span class="glow">sparkly</span>, like glitter you'd find on a failed craft project. The peices of rock and dirt begin to vibrate in your hands. "Weird," you mumble, but you keep going. What’s a little harmless vibration? Probably just the meteor's proximity, right? That’s totally normal. The ground suddenly shifts, and a strong humming noise fills the air. The meteor seems to <span class="glow">glow</span> brighter, pulsing with every scoop of dirt you take. It feels like it’s... alive. But do you stop? Of course not. You dig harder. "Almost there," you mutter, sweat dripping from your forehead. Just one more scoop! Suddenly, the ground collapses beneath you. You plummet into a hidden cavern, landing face-first in a pile of <span class="glow">glowing</span>, sentient slime. It jiggles, and for a brief moment, you think you hear it chuckle. "Uh-oh," you whisper. Before you can scramble to your feet, the meteor above starts to tremble. A deep THRUM echoes through the cavern, and the meteor fires a beam of blinding light directly at you. Your last thought is: This is probably my fault. The light engulfs you. When it fades, there's no trace of you left—except for your left shoe, which is now neatly stuck in the ground, <span class="glow">glowing</span> faintly. Congratulations! You’ve just proven why digging without a permit is a terrible idea. Also, you might have unleashed some kind of alien rage monster on Earth, but that’s a problem for someone else... cuz you is dead. Want to give it another shot? Maybe try NOT playing archaeologist next time. [[Restart the Adventure|Intro]]

Now’s not the time for distractions—there’s a meteor to study, and some Feds to get away from. You can’t afford to screw this up. You walk away from the van, making a mental note to look for other opportunities later. Right now, you need to focus on the job at hand. Kneeling beside the meteor, you adjust the scanner Carter gave you, watching as it hums softly and spits out data you only half understand. The rock <span class="glow">pulses</span> faintly, like it's breathing, but that’s probably just your imagination—or fearful thinking. You collect a few samples, carefully sealing them in labeled vials, then run one last test, holding your breath as the device flickers and beeps. Readings confirm what you already suspected: this thing is weird. Not just radioactive or magnetic—something else, something deeper. But Carter will want the full report. With a final glance at the smoldering crater, you pack up your gear, secure the samples, and head back to the van, shaking off the feeling that it's not just that you are learning about the crater—it’s learning about you. [[Carter needs to speak with you]]

This is your moment. You snag a handful of the brightest, loudest, most obnoxious rockets while pretending to fumble with other gear. It wasn't your fault they didn’t tidy up. The plan was simple: light a distraction, make your move, and slip away unnoticed. Simple plans are supposed to work, right? You knew working with—or rather, pretending to work with—the Feds would have its challenges. But in all your brilliant scheming, you didn’t expect to end up here: crouched in the woods, clutching a handful of fireworks, and questioning every life choice that led to this moment. But as you light the first firework and give it a toss, a stiff breeze has other ideas. Will you... [[Aim to the left|Aim Left]] [[Aim to the right|Aim Right]]

With feathers flying, you start to run as fast as you can. You attempt to escape, but Cluck Norris is relentless. He leaps at you, talons outstretched. You dodge, but barely. In your panic, you trip and land flat on your back. A hen perches triumphantly on your chest, clucking in victory. Meanwhile, the rest of the chickens scatter toward the federal agents. Squawking, flapping, and sheer pandemonium follow as agents desperately try to shoo them away. One chicken steals Carter’s hat. Another starts pecking at Liz’s tablet. You scramble to your feet, trying to regain control, but it’s too late. The diversion has spiraled into complete chaos. You can’t help but laugh—until Cluck Norris jumps on your shoulder and pecks your ear. The agents eventually manage to corral the chickens, but not without casualties: Carter’s hat is ruined, a government-issued tablet has been sacrificed to the claws, and your dignity is completely gone. Carter glares at you, feathers still stuck in his mouth. “YOU did this.” You try to apologize, but Cluck Norris is still stalking you from the shadows, and you’re too busy glancing over your shoulder. Angrily, Liz calls out to you, “You started World War Chicken!” The Feds can't trust you anymore. It has become clear that you never intended to actually help them. They remove you from the team. <h1>THE END</h1> Maybe next time you’ll enjoy a chicken-free adventure. But it is, after all, YOUR choice. [[Restart the Adventure|Intro]]

The firework veers wildly off course, zigzagging like a caffeinated squirrel, and sends off a projectile. It arc high in the air. Toward the neighbor's property. The neighbor with... Chickens. BOOM! The firework explodes right above the rundown chicken coop on the edge of the property. The chickens lose their minds. <h2>The Stampede of Doom</h2> Within seconds, feathers and chaos erupt from the coop. Hens squawk like banshees, wings flapping as they pour out in a feathery tidal wave. A particularly angry rooster—let’s call him Cluck Norris—leads the charge, his beady little eyes locked on you like you owe him money. You freeze for a moment, processing the scene. This is not the diversion you planned. Or is it? Cluck Norris makes a loud, aggressive bawk, as if saying, "You messed with the wrong coop, buddy." Then he charges. You stumble backward, nearly tripping over a rusty rake. Chickens swarm everywhere. They scatter papers, knock over equipment, and one of them even manages to knock over one of the other agents. A very irate Agent Carter slams poultry away from his face and yells, "What the heck is going on out here?!" [[Do you run?|Chicken Run]] [[Or act like this wasn't your fault.|Not Your Chickens]]

You’re standing there, fireworks in hand, adrenaline coursing through your veins. You may be pretending to work for the Feds, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cause a little mayhem on your terms. You light the fuse, toss it up toward the left with all the dramatic flair you can muster, and— BOOM! The sky lights up in a burst of color, followed by an explosion that rattles your teeth and shakes the ground beneath you. But that’s not all. In the chaos of the blast, you didn’t notice that a nearby meteor fragment, which had been precariously perched on the edge of a small hill, wiggles, slides, and then starts rolling. You watch in slow motion as it begins to pick up speed, tumbling down the hillside with an eerie hum that seems to vibrate through the air. It's too late now. The fragment is on a direct collision course with a dilapidated outhouse at the base of the hill. The door swings open as the meteor smashes through the roof, sending splintered wood and toilet paper flying everywhere. "Did you—" Liz begins, but her sentence is interrupted by a thud. The meteor fragment doesn’t stop there. It then careens into a stack of hay bales, knocking them over with a loud, squishy sound, before finally slamming into a coop full of chickens. Feathers fly everywhere, with flapping and clucking in a panic. One of them ends up in the tree, hanging there like a bizarre decoration. You can’t help but laugh—this is a disaster, but it’s kind of hilarious. Liz is staring at the wreckage, her face a mixture of disbelief and annoyance. “What in the world just happened?” You slowly rise, dusting yourself off. "That's it," Carter says, frowning. "You're done." He orders the other agents to put you in cuffs. No more part-of-the-team. No more meteor. No more fireworks. You'll be held without parole for the next 50 to 60 years. <h1>You failed. </h1> Maybe next time you’ll enjoy a chicken-free adventure. But it is, after all, YOUR choice. [[Restart the Adventure|Intro]]

Dubious, Carter gives you the benefit of the doubt. That was a close call. You'll need to be more careful and watch for some other opportunity to get free from the Fed's tight grip on your every move. [[Carter needs to speak with you]]

The pieces of the cube suddenly fly back together with a loud clink, like they are magnetized together. You stumble backward, and for a moment, everything you see seems to shift, like looking through a window askew. When you look down at your hands, they’re <span class="glow">glowing</span> faintly. “Congratulations,” Liz says, tapping notes furiously on her tablet. “You’ve managed to unlock an entirely new ability. I’d love to say that’s a good thing, but…” She gestures to the <span class="glow">scorch</span> marks now decorating the walls. “Wait, wait,” you interrupt, holding up your hands to examine the <span class="glow">glow</span>. “Are you saying I did this? I thought the cube was doing it <i>to me</i>. Am I some kind of walking energy bomb now?” “More like a lightning rod. You’re not generating the energy—it’s already all around us. You’re just… pulling it in. Amplifying it.” “Great,” you mutter, flexing your fingers. “So I’m basically a human power surge.” Liz smirks. “Pretty much. Maybe that's what we should call you. <span class="glow">Surge</span>. But hey, at least you’re not exploding. Yet.” It was funny. Right? You hope. You stare at your hands, which are still <span class="glow">glowing</span>. “Yet? That’s not exactly comforting, Liz.” What’s your next action? [[Ask about the classified meteor lab.|Meteor Lab]] [[Offer to destroy the meteor once and for all.|Destroy]]

Your work with the Feds has been surprisingly fulfilling—or at least distracting. They’ve put you through rigorous tests, helped you hone your abilities, and even promised to find out more about the meteor’s effects. You’ve been so busy you haven’t had time to check in with JJ... until now. As you wander the facility one afternoon, something catches your ear. Liz and Carter are whispering. The words “Secure Lab” prick up like a flag in your mind. A secure lab? That’s new. Isn't this whole place secure? When you approach Liz later, you try to sound casual. “Hey, so... Secure Lab? Sounds fancy. What’s in it?” Liz doesn’t look up from her tablet. “Sorry. It’s classified.” “Classified?” You lean closer. “Liz, I'm the Asset. I’ve been working with you guys for weeks. I’ve taken risks. I literally put my safety on the line for this team. What’s so classified that I can’t know about it?” Liz hesitates for a second before she stiffens. “I know you're curious. But please trust me," she smiles, "it’s for your own good. You’re not cleared for access.” She walks away, and you’re left standing in the hallway, staring at the locked door labeled "Containment and Analysis." The more you think about it, the more it nags at you. What are they hiding? Is this where they’ve been keeping other fragments? Worse—could this have something to do with JJ? You must choose: [[Sneak In]] [[Accept that the lab must be off-limits for a reason and focus on the mission.|Accept it]]

The next part of the adventure is still being developed. If you like it so far, be sure to tell me. And give suggestions about what you think should / could happen next. The cube hums in your hands, pulsing with barely contained <span class="glow">energy</span>. If this plan works, it could end this before things spiral further out of control. You take a breath. “Let me use the cube,” you say. “Let me destroy the meteor.” Carter hesitates. “It’s too dangerous. We don't even know how this thing works.” Liz shakes her head. “I don’t like this.” But you’re already headed for the crash site. It sits, almost as if it has been waiting for your arrival. The moment the cube activates, reality wrenches sideways. A violent hum drowns out all sound. The air turns thick, like wading through syrup, and then— Pain. Blinding, searing, impossible pain. The cube reacts with the meteor in a way no one predicted. The power isn’t contained. It amplifies. Expands. Explodes. Your body never hits the ground. You are scattered, erased, unmade in a burst of raw energy. And then— Nothing. No meteor. No you. Just the echoes of a choice that ended everything too soon. <h1>The End.</h1> Maybe next time you should let the meteor be your friend. [[Restart Your Adventure|Intro]]

You lean against the cold wall outside the Secure Lab, the faint hum of fluorescent lights overhead matching the buzz of your thoughts. Sneaking into a place like this isn’t exactly your style—or, at least, it didn’t use to be. But curiosity has always been your undoing, and something about this lab feels... off. Why aren’t you allowed in? You’ve been trusted with so much already—tests, analysis, data, even dealing with fragments of the meteor directly—so why the secrecy now? You glance toward the access panel by the door, fingers twitching. Maybe it’s time to take matters into your own hands. But how? You could use your newfound powers to “borrow” Carter’s keycard; a little telekinesis, and no one would even notice it was gone. Or there’s the air vents, just visible above you. Tight squeeze, sure, but who doesn’t love a little spy-movie drama? The choice lies before you: [["Borrow" Carter's keycard]] [[Try the air vents]]

You decide to let go of the desire to get into the Secure Lab. For the first time since joining the Feds, you feel like you’re actually gaining their trust. Carter even lets you in on a few extra details about the meteor research—things he probably wouldn’t have told you if you’d been caught prying where you didn’t belong. But the biggest surprise comes when he pulls you aside and says in a kind voice, “We need to talk about JJ.” Carter’s next words, however gentle, still hit like a punch to the gut. “JJ’s gone. Off the grid for days.” Your mind races. JJ—your best friend, your chaotic, snack-hoarding, mostly-clueless roommate—has somehow vanished. And worse, Carter is convinced JJ has powers now. Different from yours. But how? Carter pulls up a grainy security photo on his tablet. It’s JJ, mid-stride, in what looks like an abandoned parking lot. But something’s… off. While JJ walks forward, the reflection in a puddle isn't matching. It lags behind—like it's stuck in time. “We think JJ’s developed some kind of temporal distortion ability,” Carter says. “Time loops, delays, maybe even small-scale rewinds. The team has started calling it "Echoes." Great. Keeping track of car keys has never been JJ's strength. But time-warping powers?! How will you track JJ down? [[Try to develop Echoes of your own|Try Echoes]] [[Look for JJ in favorite spots||Favorite Spots]]

You decide to use your powers to "borrow" Carter's keycard, confident this will be a quick and subtle operation. You’ve been practicing, after all. Channeling that hum of energy inside you, you focus on the keycard clipped to Carter’s belt as he chats with Liz down the hall. Slowly, carefully, you will it to rise, inching upward like an invisible hand is lifting it. You’re so focused, so intent on controlling it, that you don’t notice the sudden sneeze building in your chest. Before you can stop it, you sneeze violently—and your powers respond in kind. Not only does the keycard shoot out of Carter’s belt like a rocket, but so do his shoes, his phone, and Liz’s tablet, all hurtling through the air in different directions. The keycard ricochets off the ceiling and lands with a loud clink at Carter’s feet. “What?!” Carter spins around, spotting you standing in the hallway, frozen like a deer in headlights. His eyes narrow as he quickly puts two and two together. “Did you just... try to telekinetically pickpocket me?!” Liz picks up her tablet, giving you a withering glare. “No,” she says, disappointed. You stammer, trying to explain, but Carter holds up a hand. “Nope. That’s it. You’re off this project. Effective immediately.” Before you know it, you’re being escorted out of the building, past the lab you were so desperate to see, and back into the parking lot. A guard hands you a box with your few belongings, a sad little cardboard symbol of your short-lived career as a trusted Asset. As you sit on the curb, the reality sets in: you blew it. Literally. You’ll never know what was in the Secure Lab. Never know the meteor’s full story. You sigh, watching a pigeon waddle by, wondering if it too has a more exciting life than you now. <h1>THE END</h1> Looks like curiosity really did kill the cat—or at least, the career. Want to try again? Maybe next time, leave Carter’s keycard alone. [[Restart the Adventure|Intro]]

That ladder's not going to climb itself. You hoist yourself up into the air vent, determined to channel your inner action hero. With a bit of awkward wiggling, you manage to pop the grate off and slide inside. The metal shaft is uncomfortably tight, and the stale air smells faintly of dust and regret. You inch forward, your arms pressed to your sides, feeling like a sausage stuffed into an undersized casing. "This is fine," you mutter to yourself. "Tooootally fine." But then, you hit a snag. Quite literally. Your belt loop catches on an exposed screw, halting your progress. You tug, wriggle, and twist, but all you manage to do is wedge yourself even tighter into the vent. Sweat drips down your face as you realize with mounting horror that you’re stuck. Stuck somewhere you don't belong. Things go from bad to worse when the ventilation system kicks on. A powerful gust of air whooshes through the shaft, blasting dust into your face. You sneeze violently, the sound echoing through the ducts like a thunderclap. Somewhere below, you hear muffled voices. "Is that... in the vents?" Panic sets in as you try one last desperate heave to free yourself, but instead, the vent gives way. With a deafening crash, you plummet through the ceiling, landing in the middle of the hallway. A mobile laptop cart clatters, people scream, and keyboard keys splatter everywhere. You lie there in a heap, dazed and covered in embarassment, as Carter strides over, his expression a mix of disbelief and sheer disappointment. “Well,” he says, arms crossed, “I guess we know why you weren’t cleared for the lab. You're done.” As you’re escorted out of the facility, you can’t help but reflect on your choices. Maybe sneaking into a classified lab wasn’t the best idea after all. <h1>The End</h1> Better luck next time! Maybe stick to the keycard idea? [[Restart Your Adventure|Intro]]

Carter leads you to the lab’s analysis bay, where monitors replay footage of JJ in action. In one clip, JJ drops a pencil, only for it to hit the ground twice—once in real time, then again a second later as an “echo” of the first event ripples back into existence. In another, JJ dodges a thrown ball, but his past self—a delayed, shadowy afterimage—does not. The team’s theory? The meteor’s power isn’t just telekinesis—it’s a manipulation of fundamental forces. The same energy that allows you to move objects with your mind seems to allow JJ to bend the flow of time itself. Echoes are fragments of past movements still trying to catch up to the present, like ripples in a pond after a stone has been tossed in. You close your eyes, focusing. You recall the sensation of moving objects with your mind—the way the energy buzzed under your skin when you first used telekinesis. You try to grasp that same power but apply it differently. Instead of pushing forward, you try pulling back—reaching for something that already happened. At first, nothing. Then, a flicker. You wave your hand and see, for a split second, a ghostly afterimage repeating the motion a moment later, like watching a blurry video. Encouraged, you pull harder. You step forward, then attempt to leave an Echo behind. Instead, your foot catches on empty air, and you stumble into a lab cart, sending beakers crashing to the floor. Carter winces. “Maybe start small.” You take a breath, trying again. This time, you snap your fingers. Nothing. But then, just as you lower your hand, the snap happens again—half a second too late. A delayed sound. A tiny success. “Not bad," you say of yourself. "Maybe in a few days, I’ll be able to stop tripping over myself like a ding dong.” "With practice, you improve," Carter says, encouraging your progress. [[Learn how Echoes are similar to telekinesis]] [[Test Echo Power]]

You decide that chasing after powers you don’t understand isn’t the right move. Instead, you focus on what you do know—JJ. If anyone can find him, it’s you. You start with the places you used to go together: The old arcade – where JJ used to spend way too many quarters trying to beat an impossible high score. You find a token on the floor, but something’s off—the date stamped on it is wrong, like it was printed years before the arcade even opened. The abandoned overpass – your old hangout for late-night deep talks and dumb dares. Spray paint on the concrete looks fresh, and it carries JJ's signature style. JJ's favorite diner – the booth where JJ always sat is wiped clean, but the salt shaker is missing. The waitress says it "vanished" while she was looking away, like it got rewound right off the table. The pieces don’t make sense—not yet. But it feels like you're getting closer. [[Look for the final clue|Final Clue]] [[Forget all these clues and test your own Echo powers instead|Test Echo Power]]

Carter pulls you aside and says in a kind voice, “We need to talk about JJ.” Carter’s next words, however gentle, still hit like a punch to the gut. “JJ’s gone. Off the grid for days.” Your mind races. JJ—your best friend, your chaotic, snack-hoarding, mostly-clueless roommate—has somehow vanished. And worse, Carter is convinced JJ has powers now. Different from yours. But how? Carter pulls up a grainy security photo on his tablet. It’s JJ, mid-stride, in what looks like an abandoned parking lot. But something’s… off. While JJ walks forward, the reflection in a puddle isn't matching. It lags behind—like it's stuck in time. “We think JJ’s developed some kind of temporal distortion ability,” Carter says. “Time loops, delays, maybe even small-scale rewinds. The team has started calling it "Echoes." Great. Keeping track of car keys has never been JJ's strength. But time-warping powers?! You have GOT to get away from these Feds! How will you track JJ down? [[Try to develop Echoes of your own|Fake Echoes]] [[Look for JJ in favorite spots||Fake Spots]]

Carter leads you to the lab’s analysis bay, where monitors replay footage of JJ in action. In one clip, JJ drops a pencil, and it hits the ground twice—once in real time, then again a second later as an “echo” of the first impact ripples back into existence. In another, JJ dodges a thrown ball, but his past self—a delayed, shadowy afterimage—remains frozen in place, absorbing the hit. The team’s theory? The meteor’s power isn’t just telekinesis—it’s a manipulation of fundamental forces. The same energy that lets you move objects with your mind seems to allow JJ to bend time itself. Echoes are fragments of past movements still trying to catch up to the present, like ripples in a pond after a stone has been tossed in. You nod, pretending to be absorbed in the science. But your mind is racing. If JJ can manipulate time, maybe you can, too. And if you can do that… maybe you can get out of here. Closing your eyes, you focus. You recall the sensation of moving objects with your mind—the tingling pressure just beneath your skin. Only this time, instead of pushing forward, you pull backward, reaching for something that already happened. At first, nothing. Then, a flicker. You wave your hand, and for a split second, a ghostly afterimage repeats the motion a moment later—like a glitch in reality. Encouraged, you test a step forward, attempting to leave an Echo behind. Instead, your foot catches on empty air, and you crash into a lab cart, sending beakers shattering across the floor. Carter winces. “Maybe start small.” You exhale sharply, forcing a laugh to keep up appearances. “Yeah, wouldn’t want to Echo myself straight into a wall.” This time, you snap your fingers. Nothing. But then, just as you lower your hand, the snap repeats—a half-second delay. A tiny success. Carter gives you an approving nod. “With practice, you’ll improve.” “Yeah,” you say, already forming a plan. “With practice.” [[Learn how Echoes are similar to telekinesis|Fake Learn]] [[Push your Echo power further, risking discovery|Fake Test Echo]]

You decide that chasing after powers you don’t fully understand isn’t the right move—at least, that’s what you tell the Feds. In reality, you’re using this search as a cover, a way to slip away while they still think you’re on their side. If anyone can find JJ, it’s you. And if anyone can use this as a distraction to make a break for it, that’s also you. You start with the places you and JJ used to go together, feeding the Feds just enough information to keep them off your back while keeping your real thoughts to yourself: The old arcade – where JJ used to sink way too many quarters into a rigged machine, convinced he could beat the impossible high score. You find a token on the floor, but something’s off—the date stamped on it is wrong, like it was printed years before the arcade even opened. The abandoned overpass – your hideout for late-night deep talks and stupid dares. Fresh spray paint marks the concrete, its style unmistakably JJ’s. But the paint shouldn't be fresh—it should be years old. JJ’s favorite diner – the booth where JJ always sat is wiped clean, too clean. But the salt shaker is missing. The waitress swears it “vanished” while her back was turned, like time hiccupped and swallowed it whole. The pieces don’t add up—not yet. But you know JJ’s close. The Feds think you’re on the right track, for them. They have no idea you’re planning to disappear before they ever get the chance to use you. [[Follow the final clue and slip away when no one’s watching|Final Clue]] [[Forget all these clues and test your own Echo powers instead|Fake Test Echo]]

Carter’s next words, however gentle, still hit like a punch to the gut. “JJ’s gone. Off the grid for days.” Your mind races. JJ—your best friend, your chaotic, snack-hoarding, mostly-clueless roommate—has somehow vanished. And worse, Carter is convinced JJ has powers now. Different from yours. But how? Carter pulls up a grainy security photo on his tablet. It’s JJ, mid-stride, in what looks like an abandoned parking lot. But something’s… off. While JJ walks forward, the reflection in a puddle isn't matching. It lags behind—like it's stuck in time. “We think JJ’s developed some kind of temporal distortion ability,” Carter says. “Time loops, delays, maybe even small-scale rewinds. The team has started calling it "Echoes." Great. Keeping track of car keys has never been JJ's strength. But time-warping powers?! How will you track JJ down? [[Try to develop Echoes of your own|Dark Echoes]] [[Look for JJ in favorite spots||Dark Spots]]

Carter leads you to the lab’s analysis bay, where monitors replay footage of JJ in action. In one clip, JJ drops a pencil, and it hits the ground twice—once in real time, then again a second later as an “echo” of the first impact ripples back into existence. In another, JJ dodges a thrown ball, but his past self—a delayed, shadowy afterimage—remains frozen in place, absorbing the hit. The team’s theory? The meteor’s power isn’t just telekinesis—it’s a manipulation of fundamental forces. The same energy that lets you move objects with your mind seems to allow JJ to bend time itself. Echoes are fragments of past movements still trying to catch up to the present, like ripples in a pond after a stone has been tossed in. You nod, pretending to be absorbed in the science. But your mind is racing. If JJ can manipulate time, maybe you can, too. And if you can do that… maybe you can get out of here. Closing your eyes, you focus. You recall the sensation of moving objects with your mind—the tingling pressure just beneath your skin. Only this time, instead of pushing forward, you pull backward, reaching for something that already happened. At first, nothing. Then, a flicker. You wave your hand, and for a split second, a ghostly afterimage repeats the motion a moment later—like a glitch in reality. Encouraged, you test a step forward, attempting to leave an Echo behind. Instead, your foot catches on empty air, and you crash into a lab cart, sending beakers shattering across the floor. Carter winces. “Maybe start small.” You exhale sharply, forcing a laugh to keep up appearances. “Yeah, wouldn’t want to Echo myself straight into a wall.” This time, you snap your fingers. Nothing. But then, just as you lower your hand, the snap repeats—a half-second delay. A tiny success. Carter gives you an approving nod. “With practice, you’ll improve.” “Yeah,” you say, already forming a plan. “With practice.” [[Learn how Echoes are similar to telekinesis|Dark Learn]] [[Push your Echo power further, risking discovery|Dark Test Echo]]

You decide that chasing after powers you don’t fully understand isn’t the right move—at least, that’s what you tell the Feds. In reality, you’re using this search as a cover, a way to slip away while they still think you’re on their side. If anyone can find JJ, it’s you. And if anyone can use this as a distraction to make a break for it, that’s also you. You start with the places you and JJ used to go together, feeding the Feds just enough information to keep them off your back while keeping your real thoughts to yourself: The old arcade – where JJ used to sink way too many quarters into a rigged machine, convinced he could beat the impossible high score. You find a token on the floor, but something’s off—the date stamped on it is wrong, like it was printed years before the arcade even opened. The abandoned overpass – your hideout for late-night deep talks and stupid dares. Fresh spray paint marks the concrete, its style unmistakably JJ’s. But the paint shouldn't be fresh—it should be years old. JJ’s favorite diner – the booth where JJ always sat is wiped clean, too clean. But the salt shaker is missing. The waitress swears it “vanished” while her back was turned, like time hiccupped and swallowed it whole. The pieces don’t add up—not yet. But you know JJ’s close. The Feds think you’re on the right track, for them. They have no idea you’re planning to disappear before they ever get the chance to use you. [[Follow the final clue and slip away when no one’s watching|Final Dark Clue]] [[Forget all these clues and test your own Echo powers instead|Dark Test Echo]]

Carter’s next words hit like a punch to the gut. He seems to enjoy telling you: “JJ’s gone. Off the grid for days. We've been keeping tabs on JJ. And...” "And?" you ask. "When you left the house," Carter continued, "you left JJ behind. Imagine what that would do to YOUR trust and friendship if someone did that to you?" "I was afraid of that," you confess, hanging your head low. "It gets worse. JJ has powers now. Different from yours." Your confusion is clear. Carter pulls up a grainy security photo on his tablet. It’s JJ, mid-stride, in what looks like an abandoned parking lot. But something’s… off. While JJ walks forward, the reflection in a puddle isn't matching. It lags behind—like it's stuck in time. “We think JJ’s developed some kind of temporal distortion ability,” Carter says. “Time loops, delays, maybe even small-scale rewinds. The team has started calling it "Echoes." Great. Your friendship with JJ is destroyed. But time-warping powers?! How will you track JJ down? [[Try to develop Echoes of your own|Fake Dark Echoes]] [[Look for JJ in favorite spots||Fake Dark Spots]]

Carter’s next words hit like a punch to the gut. He seems to enjoy telling you: “JJ’s gone. Off the grid for days. We've been keeping tabs on JJ. And...” "And?" you ask. "When you left the house," Carter continued, "you left JJ behind. Imagine what that would do to YOUR trust and friendship if someone did that to you?" "I was afraid of that," you confess, hanging your head low. "It gets worse. JJ has powers now. Different from yours." Your confusion is clear. Carter pulls up a grainy security photo on his tablet. It’s JJ, mid-stride, in what looks like an abandoned parking lot. But something’s… off. While JJ walks forward, the reflection in a puddle isn't matching. It lags behind—like it's stuck in time. “We think JJ’s developed some kind of temporal distortion ability,” Carter says. “Time loops, delays, maybe even small-scale rewinds. The team has started calling it "Echoes." Great. Your friendship with JJ is destroyed. But time-warping powers?! How will you track JJ down? [[Try to develop Echoes of your own|RG Fake Dark Echoes]] [[Look for JJ in favorite spots||RG Fake Dark Spots]]

As you and Carter walk into the briefing room, his usual unreadable expression darkens. He clears his throat, arms crossed. “One of our agents died this morning.” Somehow it feels like it's YOUR fault. “Since you involved both JJ and Taylor in this mess, we’ve had to keep close tabs on them. And it turns out, they’ve been busy.” He slaps a file onto the table. Photos spill out—tripwires, makeshift traps, a backpack rigged with something that looks suspiciously like a confetti cannon (but probably isn’t). Carter sighs. “They got together. Started booby-trapping everything—doorways, vehicles, even some abandoned treehouse they found. Why?” He glares at you, knowing the answer to his question. “Because, in their words, ‘the meteor changes people.’” You’re not sure whether to be impressed, horrified, or deeply offended that you weren’t invited to the paranoia party. Make your decision: [[Defend them]] [[Offer to contact them]]

You take a deep breath and lean forward, trying to sound as reasonable as possible. “Look, Carter, I know this sounds bad, but can you blame them? You saw what happened at the crash site. Weird things are happening—unexplainable things. Maybe they’re just scared.” Carter’s expression doesn’t soften. You press on. “Besides, we don’t even know what really happened to your agent. You’re assuming it was their traps, but what if it was <i>something else</i>?” You emphasize the last words, letting the possibility hang in the air. “You and I both know this meteor is changing people. Maybe Taylor and JJ were just trying to protect themselves.” Carter exhales sharply, running a hand through his hair. “So what? You’re saying we just let them turn into paranoid survivalists? Let them keep setting booby traps like this is some kind of home-alone-meets-alien-invasion nightmare?” “I’m saying,” you say, searching for your next words, “maybe we listen to them first before we kick down their door and drag them in.” [[See how Carter responds]]

Carter agrees to let you try to reach out to JJ and Taylor. Maybe your connection with them can make the difference. You take a deep breath, trying to steady your nerves as you dial JJ’s number. Your phone buzzes nervously in your hand, the call ringing for what feels like an eternity before JJ picks up. “What do YOU want?” You've never heard JJ use that tone of voice, sharp—like it’s not quite him anymore. “I need you to listen,” you say, trying to keep your voice steady. “I know things got messed up when I left the house." "MESSED UP?!" JJ screams. "You left me there. I did everything I could to protect YOU from the Feds. Then you turn around and JOIN THEM?!" The agents listening nearby don't need to strain to hear JJ through the phone. "But I didn’t betray you, JJ. I had to go. I’m trying to fix this, trying to make it right.” JJ laughs darkly on the other end of the line. “Make it right? Right for who, huh? The Feds, maybe?” His voice drips with venom. “You ran from me, and now you’re playing on their side, doing THEIR bidding. You think you can fix this? You’re just like them. All of you are just using people like me.” A pang of guilt hits you, but you push it aside. "That’s not it, JJ. I’m trying to HELP you. I want to fix things with you and with Taylor. Can we just talk this out, face-to-face? I’ll explain everything in person. Just come.” JJ’s silence stretches before he responds. “Fine. But don’t think I’m doing this for you. Come to the house. Taylor's already here.” You breathe a sigh of relief. But judging by the tension still in the air, it’s going to be a long, difficult conversation. You’re not surprised when the agents follow you to the house, of course. The Feds haven’t given up on you yet, and now they’re here to keep an eye on everything. They block off the street, set up snipers, and send you in. At least you won't face them alone. Three agents insist on accompanying you, armed. As you approach the front door, you see JJ and Taylor already waiting. [[Go inside]]

Carter studies you for a long moment. “We don't have that option anymore. Not since people are dying.” With a cold smile, Carter tells you that he was never interested in listening to any of your three; he has only been using you to get closer to the meteor’s power. His nasty expression sends chills down your spine. "You really think I’m going to just let this go?" he growls. Before you can react, he snaps his fingers, and two armed agents appear, grabbing you by the arms with a strength that surprises you. "You’ve been useful, but you're a liability now," Carter sneers. "And I can’t afford to let you jeopardize everything." Before you can process the betrayal, you’re dragged away, the agents’ grip unyielding. You try to fight back, but the sheer force of their hold leaves you with no leverage. They shove you into a small, dark room—a prison within the Secure Lab, the one room you were never allowed inside. It’s eerily quiet, save for the distant hum of machinery and the growing <span class="glow">pulse</span> of the meteor's power, which seems to resonate in the very walls of the facility. You pace back and forth, your mind racing. What now? How could Carter do this? You have rights! Now you're locked in a rock with the largest piece of the meteor you've seen so far?! You know the its influence is growing inside you, but now, alone in this sterile, suffocating space, it feels stronger, more insistent. The hum intensifies, and you can feel the shift inside your body—its <span class="glow">electricity</span> in your veins, the unnatural heat radiating from your skin. The powers you’ve been struggling to understand are now uncontrollable. You collapse to your knees as a wave of pain crashes over you. The power is too much—it’s thrashing inside you, pushing against your chest, your mind, like it’s trying to break free from your very being. The walls pulse, the air vibrates, and the overwhelming energy that was once just a strange hum becomes deafening. All the while, a camera aims directly at you, recording your decomposition. For research? For amusement? Maybe both. Your body spasms violently, and you clutch your head in agony. The meteor’s influence has fully taken hold now. It’s not just affecting you physically anymore; it's rewriting your thoughts, your very essence, and you have no control. A blinding light erupts from within you as the power reaches its breaking point. The last thing you hear before everything goes black is the faint, mocking laugh of Carter echoing in your mind. <h1>THE END</h1> [[Restart the Adventure|Intro]]

JJ looks different. His eyes have a wild, manic gleam to them, and the usual calmness you remember is gone, completely consumed by the power—by the meteor’s influence. “Look who finally came home,” JJ sneers. "And you brought your new friends with you." Your heart sinks, as you see <span class="glow">energy crackling</span> from JJ's hand to the floor. Taylor stands behind JJ, clearly uncomfortable but supportive, equally filled with rage and resolve. Before you can even say anything, JJ launches into a monologue. “You abandoned me. You thought you could join them, the people who’ve been hunting us down. You—” At that exact moment, one of the agents—a big guy with glasses—suddenly lets out an explosive hiccup. JJ freezes. You look at the agent, side eyed. Trying to resume the monologue, JJ restarts, "You think you're so special. You think—" The agent hiccups again, louder this time, with an awkwardness that lingers in the air. “I said, you—” Hic! Another hiccup interrupts JJ, making his hand twitch in frustration. “Seriously?” JJ snarls, his voice trembling with anger. “Can’t you (another hiccup) control that?!” But you know how hiccups work. There's no stopping it. The ole' spoon of peanut butter didn't really seam like a plausible solution in this stressful situation." The agent hiccups again, and JJ’s patience finally snaps. He steps forward, his body vibrating with an unsettling <span class="glow">energy</span>, before unleashing an explosive blast of power, sending a shockwave through the clearing. The agent’s hiccups stop abruptly, but the blast doesn’t. The explosion knocks you off your feet, and before you can even react, everything goes black. The room. The house. The street. For a three mile radius around JJ, everything is burnt to dust. <h1>THE END</h1> Maybe next time you'll have the peanut butter on-hand. And consider not betraying your friends. Maybe. [[Restart the Adventure|Intro]]

It's time to focus, to see what kind of Echoes you can produce. You experiment by clapping your hands and then watching as a second, delayed clap follows a heartbeat later. You move your arm, then see an afterimage of yourself completing the motion seconds behind. The Echoes start coming when you want them to—delayed movements, repeated sounds, even a flicker of yourself remaining in place while you step forward. Eventually, you take it a step further: you touch one of your own Echoes, feeling it solidify beneath your fingers for the briefest moment. At first, it’s just a delay—a rewind of your own actions. But as you focus, something clicks. You reach out to touch your own afterimage, and for a brief moment, your fingers sink into it. <h2>The past becomes tangible.</h2> Carter nods. “It’s like time isn’t fully resetting. The energy of the meteor is leaving an imprint of past movements before they fade away.” You grin. “So I can be in two places at once.” Then, an idea. If you can solidify your own afterimage… could you solidify someone else’s? This could be the way you find and stop JJ. What will your next step be? [[Attempt to delay someone else's movement—maybe even Carter’s—to test the limits|Freeze Frame]] [[Push your Echo ability to the max and attempt to step into the past|Step into the Past]]

It isn’t until you visit JJ’s childhood home that everything clicks. The old backyard swing—the one that broke years ago—is swaying gently, even though the air is completely still. You blink, and suddenly, it’s back on the ground, the rope frayed and snapped just like before. How could it—? JJ isn’t just leaving behind clues. You’re seeing echoes of time itself—fragments of JJ’s past self bleeding into the present. His power isn’t just about rewinding small moments. He’s shifting through time, pulling pieces of yesterday into today, creating ripples of when just as much as where. And then, a familiar voice— “You came back for me.” Excited, you turn toward the sound. [[Turn to look|Final Confrontation]]

There’s no need to search anymore. JJ is here. You found each other. But something is wrong. His eyes flicker, two versions overlapping, struggling to stay in sync. Like time itself can’t decide where JJ belongs—one step forward, then stuttering back. “I did everything I could,” JJ whispers.” “I know," you answer. "You're my greatest friend." You step, but— The world glitches. For a split second, you’re at the arcade, the glow of a game screen lighting up JJ’s face, both of you laughing like nothing ever changed. Then, the overpass—JJ staring at the horizon, and doesn’t see you. You’re the Echo now. Then—now. But JJ is already slipping, multiplying, collapsing, existing in too many places at once. You reach for your friend. “JJ—” “I can’t stop it,” JJ shouts with a shaky voice. The air shudders. The Feds shout something, but their words scatter like wind-torn echoes. JJ lifts a trembling hand— And time gives up. Everything rewinds. The meteor, the crash, the choices, the chase. Faster, further, unraveling reality itself—until there is no story left to tell. No adventure. No you. No JJ. Only silence. <h1>The End.</h1> Better luck next time—if next time even exists. [[Restart Your Adventure|Intro]]

The meteor’s power is all about unseen forces—telekinesis moves objects by exerting an invisible influence, while Echoes manipulate an object’s placement in time. The key difference? Telekinesis affects the present, while Echoes distort the past. But there’s a connection. Both abilities stem from the same energy, responding to thought, intention, and control. If telekinesis is about pushing reality, Echoes are about pulling on what already happened. You nod as if deep in thought, but inside, your mind is racing. If Echoes allow someone to rewrite the past, even in small ways… maybe they can be used to slip away unnoticed. Maybe they can be used to escape. That’s when Carter turns to you, watching carefully. “If the meteor’s energy is causing these effects on time, there’s a chance you could develop Echoes too.” Perfect. That’s exactly what you were hoping he’d say. [[Test your Echo power|Fake Test Echo]]

It's time to focus—but not just on Echoes. On escape. You experiment, clapping your hands and watching as a second, delayed clap follows a heartbeat later. You move your arm, then see an afterimage of yourself completing the motion seconds behind. The Feds think you're honing your abilities for their mission, but you're really testing your limits—figuring out what you can use to get out of here. The Echoes start coming when you want them to. Delayed movements, repeated sounds, even a flicker of yourself lingering in place while you step forward. Each test brings a new possibility, a new way to slip through their fingers. Then, you push it further. You touch one of your own Echoes, feeling it solidify beneath your fingers for the briefest moment. At first, it’s just a delay—a rewind of your own actions. But as you focus, something clicks. You reach out again, pressing into your own afterimage. This time, your fingers sink into it. The past becomes tangible. Carter nods, completely unaware of what’s really going through your mind. “It’s like time isn’t fully resetting. The energy of the meteor is leaving an imprint of past movements before they fade away.” You grin like you’re impressed, but inside, you’re calculating. Could you solidify someone else’s Echo? Could you trap Carter in his own past moment while you walk free? What will your next step be? [[Attempt to delay someone else's movement—maybe even Carter’s—to test the limits|Fake Freeze]] [[Push your Echo ability to the max and attempt to step into the past—disappearing before they can stop you|Fake Step]]

It's time to focus—but not just on Echoes. On escape. You experiment, clapping your hands and watching as a second, delayed clap follows a heartbeat later. You move your arm, then see an afterimage of yourself completing the motion seconds behind. The Feds think you're honing your abilities for their mission, but you're really testing your limits—figuring out what you can use to get out of here. The Echoes start coming when you want them to. Delayed movements, repeated sounds, even a flicker of yourself lingering in place while you step forward. Each test brings a new possibility, a new way to slip through their fingers. Then, you push it further. You touch one of your own Echoes, feeling it solidify beneath your fingers for the briefest moment. At first, it’s just a delay—a rewind of your own actions. But as you focus, something clicks. You reach out again, pressing into your own afterimage. This time, your fingers sink into it. The past becomes tangible. Carter nods, completely unaware of what’s really going through your mind. “It’s like time isn’t fully resetting. The energy of the meteor is leaving an imprint of past movements before they fade away.” You grin like you’re impressed, but inside, you’re calculating. Could you solidify someone else’s Echo? Could you trap Carter in his own past moment while you walk free? What will your next step be? [[Attempt to delay someone else's movement—maybe even Carter’s—to test the limits|Dark Freeze]] [[Push your Echo ability to the max and attempt to step into the past—disappearing before they can stop you|Dark Step]]

It isn’t until you visit JJ’s childhood home that it all clicks. The old backyard swing, the one that broke years ago, is swinging gently—despite there being no wind. When you blink, it’s suddenly on the ground again, snapped at the rope just like before. How could it—? JJ isn’t just leaving behind clues. You're finding fragments of time, echoing JJ's past self through the world. This power isn’t just about small rewinds—JJ’s shifting moments forward and backward, creating ripples of when just as much as where. And then you hear a sinister voice. “You abandonned me once. You should’ve left me alone.” [[Turn to look|Final Dark Confrontation]]

You turn, afraid to look. You didn't have to hunt JJ. You're both together right here. But JJ isn’t the same. It's as if you see two versions of JJ's eyes at the sae time, flickering. Like time can’t decide where JJ belongs, one step forward, then stuttering back. “You ran,” JJ says, equally angry and hurt. “Left me behind.” You try to explain, but JJ isn’t listening. The power surges. The world around you glitches. The air distorts—for a split second, you’re back at the arcade where you had spent so many Saturdays together, standing beside a game console. Then you’re in the overpass, but this time, JJ isn’t talking to you. It's like YOU are an Echo. JJ looks right through you. Then you’re back here—but JJ is already moving, blurring forward and back, multiplying, looping, existing in too many places at once. The Feds start shouting commands, but it’s too late. JJ lifts a hand. And then— Everything rewinds. All the way. All the way to before you ever existed. And you... are gone. Just like that, your adventure never happened. <h1>The End</h1> Better luck next time! Maybe try to strengthen your own Echoes before (or is it after?) you go flying through time? [[Restart Your Adventure|Intro]]

Nice try, but that's not a real keyword. Skipping ahead without earning it? That just makes things… unstable. You feel it, don’t you? That strange pull at the edges of your reality? That whisper in the back of your mind, warning you that something is wrong? Go back. Follow the path properly. Or risk losing yourself in the adventure. [[Try again|Intro]]