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Gaffor was having an odd day, he usually did on Uno Reverse day. It was apparently a human celebration that many aliens decided to adopt. During Reverse day a person would be reversed in some way. some would do something small maybe deciding to wear clothes they didn't normally, or to pretend to not like something they actually do. However what was throwing Gaffor is that while he had decided to simply wear more formal clothes than he normally did the Professor had decided to take it one step further than normal and had decided that for today, Gaffor was the expert and he was the Brilliant and Affable lab assistant. "Well do you have an idea for what this could be?" the professor asked pushing the small object across the table towards Gaffor. [[Examine Object]] [[answer right now]] <<audio "Labs" loop play>> Gaffor begins to reach towards the object but pauses to look at the Professor who gives that wry smile and a nod of encouragement. With that Gaffor looks back down and picks the object up to examine it closer. The first things that jump out at Gaffor is the objects [[bright yellow color]] and the blue text human script on it. His hand closes around the object and to his surprise he finds it gives little resistance to his grip. <img src="yellowArtifact.png" width="400px" /> After a careful examination it's time to [[answer]] Gaffor gives the object a quick glance but sits up and opens his mouth to answer. "I beleive this object to be <<textbox "$YellowArtifactName" "I don't know." theProfessorsResponse>>" [[The Professor's Responce|theProfessorsResponse]] Maybe it's bright yellow to make it more visible? a brighter color would imply it reflects more of it's light back. Or perhaps humans have worse eye sight than they thought, and they needed overly vibrant colors to even see color. It could be meant to help one remember something as well, a bright reminder of something important. whatever it's connected too maybe. It could also just be an important color for humans, maybe some cultural or even religious significance. [[Focus on the object again|Examine Object]]<<if $YellowArtifactName == "I don't know.">> The Professor frowned after hearing Gaffors reply. "Come on Gaffor you could at least take a guess, I'm sure you could think of something. Well lets try a few more objects before we come back to this. To give you a little more time to think why don't you go and collect the rest of what we'll be looking over today." <<elseif $YellowArtifactName.includes("Memory") == true or $YellowArtifactName.includes("Remember") == true or $YellowArtifactName.includes("Remembering") == true>> "Interesting, I hadn't considered that. Yes I could see this bright color being a great reminder that you have something to remember. It might not help you remember what you have to remember but just remembering that you do have something to remember is a first step." The Professor seems to be contemplating Gaffor’s thoughts before he shakes his head. “Ah sorry about that I’ll go ahead and note that down in this artifact’s file. While I do that why don’t you go and see about fetching the rest of the artifacts we are studying today.” <<elseif $YellowArtifactName.includes("Float") == true or $YellowArtifactName.includes("Floatation") == true>> A flotation device. It does seem on the light side not sure how well it floats with some of the holes it has. We'll have to see about getting some water and a bucket. It's bright color would also help one spot it in rougher waters. I'll put in a request for a liquid testing case would you mind collecting the rest of the artifacts we have on our schedule? <<else>> "So you believe this to be $YellowArtifactName" The professor says aloud. He seems to take time to think for a bit. "I hadn't considered that, I was thinking it to be a musical instrument. Well it seems I have more to ponder, it would also seem they failed to deliever the rest of the artifacts we're supposed to look over today. I know it's technically supposed to be my job today but you do tend to manage to get it done quicker than me. so if you wouldn't mind could you collect them for us?" the Professor asks. <</if>> Gaffor nodded. "Yeah not a problem professor I'll take care of it." [[The Lab]] Gaffor sets the object back down and looks up at the professor. "I suspect this object to be <<textbox "$YellowArtifactName" "I don't know." theProfessorsResponce>>" [[The Professor's Responce|theProfessorsResponse]] Gaffor is standing in the [[lab]] the professor is trying to keep himself busy [[sorting and organizing the lab like Gaffor normally does.]] <<audio ":playing" fadeout>> <<if $BoxEmptied == false>> <<if $artifactHeld == false>> On the table is the [[Yellow Artifact|yellowArtifact]] you started your day with <<else>> The lab table is empty as you are currently holding the yellow Artifact <</if>> <<if $ArtifactBoxAquired == true>> the Professor looks up as Gaffor enters the lab box held in his hand. "Ah excellent you managed to retrieve the them. I'm sorry I sent you but you know what happens when Tullam and I get talking. An entire day spent talking tends to leave one with a weak voice the next day. in any case professor go ahead and set the box down and we shall begin." [[Gaffor smiles as he sets the box down and the two of them start to carefully unpack the contents and begin.]] <</if>> <<else>> On the table is three more artifacts. One is a set of [[metal sticks with various notches.]] Another is a [[cylindrical object]] with a button on one end that causes a little sharp bit to stick out of a hole opposite of the button. And the final artifact is a [[dark object]] with a glass or plastic front and the rest is wrapped in a plastic or vulcanized rubber. <</if>> [[leave the lab|Hallway]] <<audio "Labs" fadein>> It's the lab Gaffor thinks. looking around at the space he and the professor had been working from for several years at that point. His eyes catch on the archive cabinet and feeling a little nostalgic walks over and opens it up. He looks at the physical copies of their years of working together. Or he would but the cabinet is empty save two it would appear that the professor is either trying to look busy by reorganizing them. Or he’s also getting lost in nostalgia. [[Check the first file]] [[check the second file]] [[Focus on work again.|The Lab]] It's clear he doesn't really understand exactly what Gaffor does and Gaffor sighs knowing he's probably gonna have to restore his organizational setup tomorrow. [[Look away|The Lab]]Pick up the artifact? [[yes]] [[no|The Lab]]Gaffor picks the artifact up, the professor reminds him to not lose it <<set $artifactHeld = true>> [[step back from the table|The Lab]] Gaffor is standing in the hallway outside of the lab. To the right is the cafeteria, break rooms and park. but the passage is blocked by a maintenance sign and you can see a maintenance person sipping a drink while staring at where several wall panels are removed to expose more cables than Gaffor could count. And given his math degrees that is quite a high number. To the left leads to another junction where the store room, The active artifact lab and the main entrance for the archaeology labs. [[Go left to the hallway junction|Junction]] [[attempt to go to the right through the hallway under maintenance|Hallway Under Maintenance]] [[Enter The Lab|The Lab]] Gaffor arrives at a junction point, to the north is the store room. To the east is the lab he and the professor work in. To the south is the active artifacts lab. To the west is the building's lobby and main entrance. <<if $BoxEmptied == false>> [[StoreRoom]] [[Back to the Hallway outside of the lab|Hallway]] <<else>> [[StoreRoom]] [[Back to the Hallway outside of the lab|Hallway]] [[Active Artifact Lab]] <</if>><<if $BoxEmptied == false>> It's under maintenance better to not disturb them. Besides it's much too early in the day for even a snack. let alone lunch. [[Turn back to face the rest of the hallway|Hallway]] <<else>> an entire wall of the hallway is devoid of the usual paneling. some of the floor is also devoid of paneling but enough still has it that one could traverse the hallway still. A fact further cemented by the no entry barriers not blocking that section of the hallway. The maitenance person seems to be busy alternating between attempting to get something to Checking through there. And shifting through their tools and spare parts. [[talk to the maintenance person]] [[Head to the caffeteria|cafeteria]] [[Head back to the Hallway outside of the lab|Hallway]] <</if>> <<audio ":playing" fadeout>> <<audio "ReceptionMaitence" loop play>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>> <<if $firstEntryStoreRoom == true>> Gaffor enters the store room and has to hold in a sigh when he sees who's on shift. [[Tullam]] is on shift. Gaffor gives a small nod before taking a moment to look around the room to steel his nerves <<set $firstEntryStoreRoom = false>> <<else>> Gaffor is standing in the service room for the Storage area. here is where researchers request for items to be entered into or retrieved from storage by the Storage Bunker. <</if>> [[Approch Tullam]] [[leave the room|Junction]] <<audio "Tullam" loop play>> it's not that Gaffor has any issues with Tullam. well no big personal issues. Tullam is technically retired but doesn't remember that so he still tends to report for the last shift he does remember having. Unlike his memory Tullam is still very strong and has surpisingly sharp hearing. hence why Gaffor has learned to hold in his sighs when he sees Tullam on shift. [[focus on the task at hand|StoreRoom]] [[Ask tullam to find the box of items you're working with today.]] <<if $artifactHeld == true>> [[offer Tullam to hold onto the artifact while he searches to help him remember]] <<else>> Gaffor idly wishes he'd finished that training that would let him retrieve artifacts from the storehouse on his own. <</if>> [[back away from the service window|StoreRoom]] Tullam double checks the box number you give him then nods before he walks away. Gaffor watches the clock in the room while he waits the only animate object other than him. almost twenty mintues pass before Tullam comes back and sits down decidedly boxless. Gaffor stiffles another sigh as Tullam mumbles about having had to fix something or another done by another storeroom worker. The box Gaffor asked him to find completely forgotten. [[Gaffor steps away to control his annoyance and give Tullam some room while he files the paperwork or whatever he has to do after fixing the issue.|StoreRoom]] Tullam looks at the object seemingly suspicious of the artifact but puts his hand through the chain so it hangs from his wrist as he complains about not being allowed to wear pockets. Tullam double checks the box number and then walks away. Gaffor leans on the service window shelf and considers how much nicer the room would be with at least a chair or one of those weird drinking bird statues or bouncy head statues that humans seemed fond enough of. After an amount of time Gaffor was estimating to be thirty minutes or an eternity Tullam walks back and sets a box down on the shelf before starting to interact with his computer grumbling about some issue or another. "Sorry I spotted some issue while I was walking down the shelf I had to fix and take note of." Tullam explains before taking the bright artifact off his wrist. "I'll say that worked like a charm though. I finished fixing the issue and documenting it and had this feeling I was forgetting something." Gaffor fakes a cough to cover-up his sigh. "then I saw that on my wrist and remembered I was looking for this box for you." he finishes getting the artifact off his wrist and hands it back. "I'll have to see about getting one of those for myself, it'd be nice to not forget the eggs when I stop at the market on the way home." <<set $ArtifactBoxAquired = true>> Gaffor checks the box to make sure the correct number of artifacts is still inside. Once sure he picks the box up to take it with him back to the lab. [[Gaffor nods to Tullam who gives a quick nod back while muttering about things.|Junction]] The first thing the two pull out was something that confused them. It was a bunch of metal sticks with various notches. "Haven't we already examined these?" Gaffor asked as he collected them all in one area of the lab table. "I could have sworn we have but you know. I think we've examined things kept with these. I'd have to check our archive, but I believe we haven't examined these yet." [[Gaffor reaches in to the box and pulls out the next artifact]] Gaffor shuffles through the pile of asorted metal sticks. He has a few ideas about what these could be. Perhapse some kind of physical encryption key. Or maybe they could be some kind of weird ceremonial Knives. With a shrug Gaffor collects several of them knowing how useful having the other artifact was. <<set $CoinArtifactHeld = true>> [[Once safely stored he steps back from the table.|The Lab]] Gaffor studies the artifact trying to think of other uses. There was the obvious using the ink for things other than art. He could also see it as some kind of toy. He can remember playing with boxes and sticks when he was just a little one. He could also see it as an improvised weapon or maybe even a hole punch. In any case he decides to bring the artifact with him he's sure he'll think of something. If nothing else it makes a very satisfying clicking noise. <<set $PenArtifactHeld = true>> [[Gaffor turns to face the rest of the lab again.|The Lab]] [[Gaffor takes another look at the artifact he examines some of the holes but doesn't really find anything new to remark on|The Lab]] Gaffor walked over to lean against one of the mainteance barriers. The Maintenace person looks over and nods to Gaffor. "I should be finished up and outta the way soon." [[ask about their work]] <<if $FoundDrinkMachineBroken == true>> [[ask about them fixing the machine]] <</if>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>> <<if $VCMDrinkMixInformed == true>> [[drink machine]] <<else>> Gaffor looks around at the caffeteria. <</if>> [[Leave the cafeteria|Hallway Under Maintenance]] <<audio "cafeteriaAmbience" loop play>><<if $DrinkMachineFixKnown == false>> Gaffor steps upto the machine and pushes the buttons to make the correct color. But then when he pushes the button for the Electrorizing Electrilite Water Addative he jumps back from the machine as it makes noises like it was simultaniously killing something while it was also dying horribly. Finally the noise stops and with a final gasp All three of the soda spigots fire off but nothing comes out of the spigot that Gaffor was hopping for. Sounds like the machine is broken again. Someone had better let maitnence know again. <<set $FoundDrinkMachineBroken = true>> [[With a sigh Gaffor steps away from the drink machine|cafeteria]] <<else>> <<if $JustFixed == true>> Gaffor steps upto the machine and after a little bit of searching his hand finds the button and presses it. He waits as the machine hums and makes various noises some sounding worse than others. But finally with a final buzzing noise all four nozzles of the machine fire and their drink mixes come out of them. <</if>> There are four buttons on the drink machine's face. [[Cyan Skies Juice Mix]] [[Yellow Tart Citrus Soda]] [[Magenta Berry Tea]] [[Electrorizing Electrlite Water Addative]] [[step away from the machine|cafeteria]] <<if $Yellow == true and $Magenta == true and $ElectroliteBlack== true and $Cyan == false>> [[The Correct Mix is aquired.]] <<elseif $Magenta == true and $Cyan == true>> [[an incorrect mix]] <<elseif $Yellow == true and $Cyan == true>> [[an incorrect mix]] <<elseif $DrinkMixAquired == true>> With the drink mix already aquired Gaffor double checks that he hasn't sipped too much of it by this point gives the mix a little topping up but then [[steps away from the machine not really needing anything else from it.|cafeteria]] <</if>> <</if>><<audio ":playing" fadeout>> Gaffor walks into the Active Artifact Laboratory and quickly looks around at the various larger human artifacts connected to various power cables, or power supplies. There are a couple of others using the lab for some testing but not too many a fact that the lone lab tech is probably quite happy for. With a little more looking Gaffor is able to spot the [[variable charging machine]]. Gaffor also notices another [[lab technician]] sitting at his desk. [[Exit the lab|Junction]] <<audio "Labs" loop play>><<if $cableNeeded == true>> [[gaffor asks if he can borrow a cable from the badge scanner]] <</if>> [[Leave the Reception area|Junction]] <<audio ":playing" fadeout>> <<audio "ReceptionMaitence" loop play>>[[attempt to use the machine]] [[Step back from the machine|Active Artifact Lab]] <<if $VCMchecked == true>> “It doesn't have it's electrolizing fluid filled? that's gonna be an issue it'll be a month at least until we get more.” the lab tech looks around the room making sure no one is specifically listening to them before he leans in and continues in a quieter tone. “I shouldn't tell you this but us lab techs figured out that you can mix a good enough replacement from the drink machine in the cafeteria. the only properties it needs are that it has to be red, and you gotta mix in the Electrorizing Electrlite Water Addative.” <<set $VCMDrinkMixInformed = true>> <<else>> Gaffor and the lab tech exchange a few pleasantries. The usual asking how each other’s day is going and all of that. They then get into a little small talk before the lab tech is summoned by another researcher to assist. <</if>> [[step away from his desk|Active Artifact Lab]] <<if $VCMchecked == false>> Gaffor walks up to the machine and is about to open the cable connection box when he notices that the large holding tank of a special adaptive capacity resistor fluid has run empty. Gaffor isn’t super familiar with the machine to be fair. But even he knows most things with a fluid tank tend to not run if that tank is empty. With a sigh he slips the artifact back into his labcaot and turns away from the machine. <<set $VCMchecked = true>> <<elseif $VCMchecked == true and $VCMRefilled == false and $DrinkMixAquired == false>> Gaffor walks up to the VCM and double checks that the tank actually is fully empty. He sighs after he confirms that yes, it is as dry as a desert in the tank. He is going to have to go to the cafeteria. <<elseif $VCMchecked == true and $VCMRefilled == false and $DrinkMixAquired == true>> With a victorious grin Gaffor takes the top off the extra large drink cup and opens the refill port of the VCM. After a couple of seconds the cup is empty and the tank is, still mostly empty but at least it should have enough to run the artifact he and the Professor still need to check. <<set $VCMRefilled == true>> [[Connect artifact and use machine|Replace the missing cable]] <<else>> Gotta find a way to refill the machine's liquid. <</if>> [[Step away from the machine|Active Artifact Lab]] <<if $cableNeeded == false>> Gaffor goes to connect the machine to the artifact but when he opens the compartment and finds that a cable connecting the power to the addapter cable modual is missing. The lab tech who was standing near by sighs, "I think I know what happened but I can't do anything about it right now. I do know where you could borrow another one from. At the front desk the badge machine uses the same cable." <<set $cableNeeded = true>> [[Active Artifact Lab]] <</if>><<set $Cyan = true>> With a press of the button the Cyan Skies Juice Mix gurggles outta of the machine and into the large cup Gaffor had. He's surpised at how see through the liquid is. To the point where Gaffor could swear that there are spots of color in the drink without color almost like clouds in a blue sky. <<set $JustFixed = false>> [[Now to add another|drink machine]] Gaffor watches the soda burbbles out of the machine, little strips of slightly darker or paler yellows or even oranges. He finds his lips wanting to pucker just thinking about the taste based on it's name and look. <<set $Yellow = true>> <<set $JustFixed = false>> [[Now to add another|drink machine]] Gaffor sighes contently as the tea percolates out of the machine. He enjoys the sweet scent of the berries almost more of a general idea of a berry rather than meant to be one specific type. <<set $Magenta = true>> <<set $JustFixed = false>> [[Now to add another|drink machine]] Gaffor presses a button and a clear liquid with strangely black bubbles pours into the cup. After it finishes it’s pour Gaffor could almost swear that the liquid in the cup is now faintly emiting a slightly staticy noise. <<set $ElectroliteBlack = true>> <<set $JustFixed = false>> [[Now to add another|drink machine]] "Nothing too complicated honestly just, having to replace some burned out bridges." The technician replies pointing out a couple of empty spots in the wall. "Whats making it more difficult is that we don't have the right replacement parts." The Tech coughs. "Well I can't find them anyway, the paperwork says we should have them. But they aren't were they're supposed to." "I've got a bit of running around to do I'll keep an eye out for them." Gaffor offers. "Thanks." The tech replies rummaging through the various tool boxes. <<if $CoinArtifactHeld == true>> [[Offer the metal sticks up as potential replacements]] [[step back from work|Hallway Under Maintenance]] <</if>><<if $HelpedTech == true>> "I'd love to but like I said I gotta stay here to make sure the system is happy enough. Unappy power system means no power. That makes everyone unhappy. However if you tell me what it's doing I might know a work around that'll see you getting your drink of chocie." Gaffor explains first what he needs the drink machine for then explains what happened when he tried to interact with the machine. "Ah yeah, I know what's wrong, the fittings on that brand of machines has always been dodgy. I bet enough stuff has leaked out and started to gum up all of the mechanical bits again. All you should have to do is reach around to the back and press a button. it's sunk in to the back and has two bumps on it. That should trigger an auto cleaning cycle. It'll take a couple of mintues but then it should be good to go." <<set $DrinkMachineFixKnown = true>> <<else>> "I'll add it to my list of things to do, but right now I'm having to manually bridge the cables here while I look for replacements so the whole building's information and power grids don't shut down on us." The tech explains as they switch cable connections around. <</if>> [[Hallway Under Maintenance]] <<audio ":playing" fadeout>> The three of them cheer as the artifact powers on Gaffor and the Professor begin to study it and see what they can do while the lab tech eventually gets bored and wanders back to his desk to see if he can get a little more reading in before the next little crisis comes up. Congratulations you have finished the game. The Credits are bellow I hope you had as much fun playing this as I have had creating it. Credits: This game was created as a class project, and used Twinery’s SugarCubev2 The pictures were taken by me using my phone’s camera, and then edited in Paint.Net The ambiance used in the cafeteria is "Coffeehouse Ambience Burlington VT 0112xx.wav" by adroel is marked with CC BY 3.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/?ref=openverse The music comes from https://www.darrencurtismusic.com The specific songs used are: Here comes a sneaky mouse, used in the reception area and the maintenance hallway. The Town that Time Forgot. Used as Tullam's theme. Quirkasaurus, which was used as the theme for the labs and sort of Gaffor and the Prof's themes The music for the junction and hallway outside of the lab was just left to be whatever the previous song was playing.The receptionist says no. Gaffor notices that the receptionist is struggling to fill out some punch cards for longer term storage. <<if $PenArtifactHeld == true>> [[gaffor offers up the cylindircal object to help make more consistant sized holes in the cards.]] <<else>> [[Gaffor steps back from the desk|ReceptionDesk]] <</if>><<set $CableAquired = true>> [[gaffor takes the cable and steps back from the desk.|ReceptionDesk]] Gaffor reaches around and opens the cable box, he quickly finds a cable that should connect to the artifact no problem but when he reaches for the VCU’s power button he does notice another problem. With another stifled sigh Gaffor calls over the local lab tech. “For the size of the artifact you’re working with you should have plenty of fluid if that’s wha-” the tech cuts off as he sees where Gaffor is pointing and notices that the connection between the machine and the cable box is missing. “And it’s gone again. I don’t suppose you have any human artifacts that could?” Gaffor shakes his head no. “Yeah I figured. I know of a machine at the reception desk that uses the same cable. We should be good to borrow it for a while I’ll be back in a couple of minutes go ahead and finish getting set up.” Gaffor follows his fellow tech’s advice and empties all of the artifacts he’d gathered onto the table and starts taking a few preliminary notes on them. A little bit latter the Professor walks in and joins Gaffor who explains his adventures around the lab. He seems a little put out some of the artifacts being used in the power and data cable fixes, but then again if they weren’t designed for it in some way they probably wouldn’t be working for it would they. The two continue to make and compare notes and thoughts until the lab tech returns. “Sorry about how long that took. I ended up having to help the reception desk staff find a way to fill out some holepunch cards easier. Finally got the cable though.” The lab tech explains as he plugs the cable in. “Well go on Gaffor you do the honors.” the professor prompts pushing the now hopefully powered and or charging artifact towards Gaffor. [[Gaffor picks up the artifact and with a little trepidation presses a button.|Finished and Credits]] Gaffor sits up from his bed and stretches. Then he looks at the day through the still closed curtains. It was bright already and working on getting brighter with any luck Gaffor thought it'd be as bright as it was yesterday. [[Finish waking up and get to the lab|Gaffor's in charge today?]] <<set $answer to "I don't know.">> <<set $artifactHeld to false>> <<set $firstEntryStoreRoom to true>> <<set $ArtifactBoxAquired = false>> <<set $HiddenTestAreas = true>> <<set $YellowArtifactName="I don't know.">> <<set $BoxEmptied = false>> <<set $PenArtifactName = "I don't know.">> <<set $PenArtifactHeld = false>> <<set $CoinArtifactName = "I don't know.">> <<set $CoinArtifactHeld = false>> <<set $ActiveArtifactName ="I don't Know.">> <<set $ActiveArtifactHeld = false>> <<set $VCMchecked = false>> <<set $VCMRefilled = false>> <<set $VCMDrinkMixInformed = false>> <<set $DrinkMixAquired = false>> <<set $DrinkMachineFixKnown = false>> <<set $FoundDrinkMachineBroken = false>> <<set $DrinkMixAquired = false>> <<set $cableNeeded = false>> <<set $Cyan = false>> <<set $Magenta = false>> <<set $Yellow = false>> <<set $ElectroliteBlack = false>> <<set $JustFixed = true>> <<cacheaudio "cafeteriaAmbience" "cafeteriaAmbience.wav">> <<cacheaudio "ReceptionMaitence" "SneakyMouse.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "Tullam" "The_Town_That_Time_Forgot.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "Labs" "Quirkasaurus.mp3">> <<audio ":all" volume 0.3>> Gaffor takes a closer look at one of the empty slots and starts digging through his pockets until he pulls out a handful of the notched metal sticks. Gaffor picks through a couple of them before he finds one that looks like it could fit. "Do you think any of these might be a workable replacement?" The tech looks over from the burned out bridge they were fiddling with. They take a couple of them and shrug. "I don't know, but I know what tools to use to figure it out." The tech pulls out a couple of tools from a larger roll around. After a few mintues the two of them have picked out enough to finish the job. At least until actual replacements could be found. "When we've got the time to get the actual replacements in I'll make sure these find their way back to your lab." the tech replies leaning against one of the barriers. "Right now I gotta sit here and make sure the system is gonna accept these are good enough right now." <<set $HelpedTech = true>> <<if $FoundDrinkMachineBroken == true>> [[Gaffor asks if they could spare a little time to fix the drink machine.|ask about them fixing the machine]] <<else>> [[Gaffor nods and steps back to let the tech focus on their work again.|Hallway Under Maintenance]] <</if>> The next artifact was also strikingly similar to the two aliens. It appeared to be similar to the mechanical versions of the organically wrapped graphite cores. Gaffor speaks up first "Now this I remember it was the skin art touch up device." he says giving one end a click a couple of times. "Yes, it seems that management believes humans hated to build items that only did one job, so they were hoping for us to have another look at a few of the artifacts we've covered and see if they maybe have a few new uses for us to find." "Huh, yeah I guess I could see that." Gaffor replies as he sets the object down. "We might find some uses that they didn't even build them for. I tend to use things for stuff they weren't built for all of the time." The Profesor nods. <img src="pen.png" width="400px" /> [[Gaffor sets the artifact down and pulls out the last one from the box]] Gaffor looks at the thin black rectangle It's rubber or plastic outside was nice to hold for human hands he presumed. For his hand it was a bit large. It's glass front was smooth and while the device had buttons clicking any of them caused no discernible changes. "Ah I had heard about this. This is an active artifact, er well it will be when we get it working. This was something that came from the recent dig site." The Proffessor supplies leaning over the table. "We haven't really had an active artifact, this will be fun." Gaffor adds. "Yes We'll probably want to start with that artifact we need to get it to the Active Artifact Lab and connect it to the VCU to charge it so we can properly examine it." "I'll go ahead and get it over there myself, if you wanna take care of some of the admin stuff right now." Gaffor offers before he picks up the active artifact. <img src="activeartifact.png" width="400px" /> <<set $ActiveArtifactHeld = true>> <<set $BoxEmptied = true>> [[Gaffor steps back from the artifact examination table.|The Lab]] With a look of triumph Gaffor puts his hands on his hips as the drink mix turns Red. And it had the Electrolite mix he put the lid on the bottle and gave it a good shake to make sure it was properly mixed. Gaffor starts to walk away but then looks at the enticing red and the slight glittery sheen given by the Electrolite mix. He carefully takes a quick sip of the liquid mix. <<set $DrinkMixAquired = true>> [[With a shrug Gaffor walks away from the machine surpised as how tasty it was.|cafeteria]] <<if $Magenta == true and $Cyan == true>> The drink turns a dark blue. With a sigh Gaffor dumps the mix out-after a quick sip of curiousity-and prepares to start again. <<set $Cyan = false>> <<set $Magenta = false>> <<set $Yellow = false>> <<set $ElectroliteBlack = false>> [[A quick rinse of the container and Gaffor is ready to start once more|drink machine]] <<elseif $Yellow == true and $Cyan == true>> The drink turns green. With a sigh Gaffor dumps the mix out-after a quick sip of curiousity-and prepares to start again. <<set $Cyan = false>> <<set $Magenta = false>> <<set $Yellow = false>> <<set $ElectroliteBlack = false>> [[A quick rinse of the container and Gaffor is ready to start once more|drink machine]] <</if>> Gaffor smiles when he sees that it’s actually the first time he and the professor worked together. “E Pluribus Unum,” the alien muttered, lifting up the metal disc. It was the only thing that hadn’t fallen to the march of time and tarnish. “What do you think it means?” another one asked, gazing at the small pile of strangely designed metal disks. “Clearly this human was a part of many social clubs, all of these membership tokens show that,” the first one said gesturing to the coins. “Membership tokens?” “Of course. What else would you need metal discs for?” the first one shot back. “What if it's currency?” the second one asked, lifting one to look at it, only to have it swatted from his hand. “Oh please, that's stupid. It'd be a waste of metal, and besides inflation would cause you to need so many you'd buckle under the weight,” the first bit back. “Oh I guess that makes sense,” the second demurely said, looking at the discs. “Ever think we might be wrong about all of this?” the second asked after a long silence. “Of course not.” the first said, studying one with a square hole. Gaffor finishes reading through it and puts it back into it's folder along with the various notes and other information. [[Then he puts it back in the cabinet|lab]] Gaffor opens the folder only for several little cards of various materials colors and writing to fall out. He quickly gathers them back up and takes out the hard copy of the verbal research notes. Gafor sprang upright as something was poured onto the table he'd been sleeping on. “Good morning Professor.” he said blinking the sleep from his eyes. Once satisfied he picked out a few of the objects and held them for closer inspection. “Are these what we're examining today?” The Professor nodded as he took his seat. “Why so many?” Gafor asked after his cohort was finished seating himself. “I suspect that all of these belong to some kind of game,” the professor replied. Gafor stared to more closely examine one of the cards he had in hand. “Master card?” he asked looking at the strange logo. “Clearly one of the more important ones,” the professor noted. Gafor shrugged and move on his curiosity satisfied. “So how do you think the game is played?” “I believe that you start with playing one of these node cards, with it's black stripe down.” Gafor looked at the one in his hand. With a shrug he dropped it to the table, the professor followed shortly with one of his own. “now we take turns placing these other cards that match the node card around it.” “Match how?” Gafor asked, looking for an exact match. “Similar colors, text styles, shared logos, things like that.” Gafor watched as the other alien placed a card as a demonstration. “And overpowering matches are how captures work.” “Overpowering matches?” Gafor asked dropping a card of his own. “If one has more red, or larger but similar text, things like that.” the professor said, reorganizing the cards he was holding. “So whats the goal?” “You're trying to capture all of the others active node cards.” The Professor said placing a second card. Gafor carefully considered his next move, “You don't suppose we're wrong, do you?” The Professor looked up from his hand, “Of course we're not.” Gaffor remembers the minor craze of the game as it swept through the lab most of the other researcher’s dropping by their lab to play a match or two. Some of the non research staff even joined in. There had been talk of trying to turn it into a more full and officially published, or republished game as the case might be. But it never really got beyond just talk. Gaffor makes a mental note to revisit that idea. [[Then he puts the file back in the cabinet|lab]]