Fantom

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You stare at the block of lumi-marble in front of you. It's glowing faintly, ready to be chiseled and sculpted into something majestic. But currently, it's just a shapeless block. Ambassador Geist commissioned a light sculpture weeks ago and you still haven't worked on it at all. What are you going to tell him at the gala tonight? [[Examine the lumi-marble]] [[Walk to the window]] [[Check your cybermail]]

You've always loved the Museum of Cybernetic History. It was designed to be the opposite of most museums: instead of clinical white rooms, everything was black. Black marble floors, obsidian columns, nanoblack painted walls... and everything illuminated by soft white lights. It always felt stunningly modern, even though it was first established over 100 years ago. [[Look around the atrium]]

Your studio is on one of the upper levels of the Artes Tower, in the central sector of New Martinez. From here, you can see the sun setting, casting a soft coral glow onto all the dark skytowers. Airtaxis float lazily between buildings. On the intertower bridges, swarms of people are leaving work and milling about like tiny motes of dust in the wind. It's Friday evening and many will be heading to the lush clubs and grimy bars in the outer sectors. If only you didn't have to go to that gala tonight... [[Examine the lumi-marble]] [[Speaking of which, you should double-check where that is->Check your cybermail]]

You walk over to your desk and turn on your computer. It's one of those new designs: screenless, made of a rectangular plasteel frame and filled with a mesh of nanosensors and displays that react to your touch. It feels like touching silk, if silk could also display your cybermail. (text-style: "smear")[8,913 MESSAGES] [[Read the first message]] [[Read the sixth message]] [[Search "gala"]] [[Delete all messages]]

(text-style: "smear")["hey Zo, just checking in on you. hows the piece coming along? the Ambassador has been curious about it-- send us a pic? lotsa love -cliff"] Sometimes you regret that Cliff got you this commission. The Ambassador is an incredible client for any artist to have... but that's also the problem. Too much stress. And now you have to talk to Cliff more often. Ex-husbands, who needs them. [[Read the sixth message]] [[Search "gala"]] [[Delete all messages]]

(text-style: "smear")["!!! AFTERGLOW: GRAND OPENING !!! DON'T MISS THE NEW AND EXCLUSIVE SWEATBOX TROPICAL THUMPING QUIVERING DANCECLUB IN THE MIDDLE OF LUSCIOUS SECTOR X aka LA HAMBRE aka THE MANUFACTURING DISTRICT"] Nightclubs were opening and closing rapidly in the manufacturing district, with all the initial glory and inevitable smoky disappearance of fireworks. You had to hand it to this one though: nice name. [[Read the first message]] [[Search "gala"]] [[Delete all messages]]

(text-style: "smear")[ARE YOU SURE?], the computer prompts you. [[You tap YES]] [[Actually, nevermind. NO]]

You find the gala invitation email. It's at 8PM tonight, in the Museum of Cybernetic History. You have a few hours before you need to get ready. [[Try to get some work done]] [[Go relax at home]]

You return to your lumi-marble and pull out a sketchbook. You doodle a few shapes, imagining what you can sculpt this block into. Light sculpting is a fuzzy art, and you can never quite predict how the whole thing will look in the end. You don't even know what you *want* it to look like. Maybe you should look for some inspiration. { (set: $readABook to true) } [[Pick up a book on Bernini]] [[Pick up a book on 23rd century astronomy]] [[Pick up a book on the butterflies of Old California]]

You walk outside to the nearest landing pad and signal an airtaxi to chauffeur you to your residential district. It's an uneventful ride. You take a moment to admire the sunset when you catch a glimpse of it between the skytowers. The airtaxi drops you off at your building's landing pad and you take the elevator down to your apartment. It's a small apartment: just a kitchen, a bathroom, and a miscellaneous space between the two. It's enough. [[Turn on the Wave]] [[Figure out what to wear tonight]]

Reading about the ancient Italian sculptor usually gives you some ideas. He used a much simpler kind of marble, but the principles are the same. Bernini always made marble come alive and you admire that. You read for a while, enchanted by Bernini's masterful pieces. The delicate leaves, the tense muscles. The sun sets lower. [[Time to get ready for the gala->Go relax at home]]

You've always been fascinated by space exploration: you even made the first artwork to permanently float in space. This book has drawings of the 23rd century spaceships, photos of Saturn's interior, stories from the astronauts who made it to the cold reaches of the solar system... You've lost track of time. [[Time to get ready for the gala->Go relax at home]]

The book opens almost automatically to the section on monarch butterflies. You love their simple orange and black wings, and the pitures of forests completely overrun with these butterflies. They're so delicate, but when they all come together they seem impressively powerful. The sky gets darker as you read about the Californian monarchs. [[Time to get ready for the gala->Go relax at home]]

You look out the window. The museum is one of the few stand-alone buildings in the central sector, surrounded on all sides by massive towers and their interconnecting bridges. You can look directly out onto the ground streets from here; normally you can't even see them from your studio or your apartment. The streets here are full of data kiosks, snack carts, and university students laughing as they excitedly scurry from bar to bar. "Excuse me, but are you Zo Salix?" [[Look up at whoever addressed you]]

An older woman is smiling at you. "You are, aren't you? I love your work. In fact it would be my absolute honor to have tea with you sometime. Won't you come by my flower shop? Here, let me send you the address... done. Just come by whenever you're free. So lovely meeting you." She walks away before you could say anything. Your Mini buzzes in your purse. [[Inspect your Mini]] [[Try calling out to her]]

You turn on your computer. You haven't even taken off your shoes yet. [[Search the flower shop address]]

You leave your apartment building and walk to an omnibus stop on a bridge nearby. After 10 minutes, the bus arrives. It's early in the morning and there are only two other people on board. [[Sit in the back and look out the window]] [[Sit in the back and observe the passengers]]

It takes a while to get to the research sector, since it's on the outer edge of New Martinez. Here there's slightly more space for all the enormous labs. You're surprised see some scientists and engineers already (still?) at work in their offices. Creating the future is a never-ending job. You approach your stop and signal to get off. The AI pipes up as the doors open: (text-style: "shudder")["Here we are, PERSON_VAR! Enjoy your TIME_OF_DAY_VAR!"] Huh, weird glitch. [[Step out of the omnibus]]

You step out onto one of the midlevel bridges between the research towers. All the businesses here are drab cafeterias and bodegas where the workers get lunch. No one else is here so early on a weekend. [[Explore the bridge a little bit]] [[Look for the flower shop]]

You push against the door. It's locked. [[Knock]] [[Look around]]

You tap your fist against the door a few times. No answer. [[Look around]]

There are a few flyers by the door, for other businesses. A trashcan off to the side. A tiny alley to the right, between the shop and the cafe next door. [[Read the flyers]] [[Look through the trashcan]] [[Peek into the alley]]

These are mostly ads for new restaurants in the area, each promising a slight variation of the usual hyper-efficient 24-hour workday gruel (all the nutrients you need for the best workday of your life!). An ad or two for new nightclubs in the area. You had no idea there even were clubs out here. [[Take a flyer]] [[Look through the trashcan]] [[Peek into the alley]]

You approach the trashcan and cautiously look in. It's full of food wrappers and empty bottles. Surely there's nothing of interest here. [[Read the flyers]] [[Peek into the alley]]

The alley is barely wide enough for you to fit in. It goes to the end of the flower shop before hitting a dead end. All the way in the back is a door on the side of the shop, illuminated by a small light just above it. [[Walk to the door]]

You like one of the nightclub flyers. It's for a new place called DARK CLUB. Silly name, but the artwork on the flyer is wild and irreverant. Maybe it'll inspire you one day. You take it and put it in the front pocket of your overalls. { (set: $tookFlyer to true) } [[Look through the trashcan]] [[Peek into the alley]]

You approach the door. It's an old wooden door, painted soft pink. It's entirely out of place here. You haven't even seen a wooden door in years, let alone in a newer skytower. Strange. There's a little note on the door. [[Read the note]]

(text-style: "expand")[*im here but busy in the backroom keys under the trashcan come in !*] Was this meant for you? And who hides anything under a trashcan? [[Go back to the trashcan]]

The trashcan is a simple nanosteel bin with a de-odorizing interior. It's really not disgusting but... really? You sigh and pick up the bin, making sure to not accidentally touch any of its contents. You set it off to the side and look down. There's the key. [[Pick it up]] [[Put the bin back. What are you going to do with that key? Trespass?]]

It's a standard cylinder key, with small grooves on the sides. Now the question is: which door does it open? [[Try the front door]] [[Try the alley door]]

You don't need to go into the store. Maybe the note wasn't for you. Right? You pick up the bin to put it back... But what if the note *was* for you? Maybe you should just go in. What's the worst that can happen? [[Get the key after all->Pick it up]]

You try to fit the key into the front door of the flower shop, but nothing happens. Wrong door. [[Try the alley door]]

You walk back to the alley door and try unlocking it. Even though the door's style is old-fashioned, it does have a modern lock. The key fits in perfectly. You hear a tiny ~click~ and push the door. You're inside the flower shop. [[Look around the shop]]

The shop doesn't look much different inside than it does from the outside, but it's more humid than you were expecting. You feel mildly uncomfortable with your sweater on. There's nothing here but lots and lots of plants. You've actually never seen this many plants before. New Martinez is a gorgeous city but it's always been sparse on nature. "Why hello there!" [[Startled, you jump and turn around]]

You lay down on your couch and clap your hands twice. The Wave's global news stream starts playing from a hidden speaker. "...of the notorious hacker group Daemons has fled to the Afghan Republic. Sigurðardóttir will most likely be seeking asylum there, as the Afghani Executive Chief has said he would continue to protect all cyber criminals." [[Continue listening->Keep listening to the Wave]] [[Change the stream]]

You walk up to the full-length mirror next to your closet and examine yourself. Your long hair is completely grey and you have more than a few wrinkles around your eyes, but at the age of 67 you still look lean and, dare you say, pretty good. Well you're only middle-aged after all. [[Look through your closet]]

You don't want to listen to the news right now. You speak up, and request... [["Just play some music."]] [["Put on an entertainment stream."]] [["I want to hear a creepy story."]]

The Wave chirps and changes streams. A pop song starts playing. You never understood much about music, so you can't really describe it in proper terms, but it's the kind of song that makes you want to dance and cry at the same time. Melodious and upbeat and sad, all at once. Like a pink neon light in a foggy forest. Now there's an idea. { (set: $listenedToMusic to true) } [[Keep listening to the Wave]]

The Wave beeps and changes to a new stream. "Lately, Franco X has been seen in Shanghai with Ana Kush and Ty the Artist. Rumors say they're all dating, but they may just be working on a new album together, or both. Juju and her husband ex-model Vlad Singh may be getting divorced... and she's pregnant! Xevia is said to be dating..." [[Keep listening to the Wave]]

The Wave fades out the current stream and starts playing a new one. A somber male voice is recounting the chilling story of the Xiu Sisters. You already know this story: the murders, the mysterious symbols, how the sisters were never actually caught. Some conspiracy theorists say the sisters are still alive, maybe on Europa or Mars II. It's possible but... [[Keep listening to the Wave]]

You sort through your clothes and pull out your dresses. There's a simple long-sleeved black dress that works for every occasion. Classic and elegant. You also have a white robe with an embroidered floor-length cape. You don't wear it very often because it's so different from what's fashionable now, but you do love it. Finally, there's your short, "architectural" blue velvet dress. It's all angles and dramatic contours. You usually wear it to some of the trendier bars, but it might work for a formal event. (link: "Put on the black dress")[(set: $dress to "black")(goto: "The Dress")] (link: "Put on the white dress")[(set: $dress to "white")(goto: "The Dress")] (link: "Put on the blue dress")[(set: $dress to "blue")(goto: "The Dress")]

You change into the $dress dress and go look at yourself in your mirror. You turn around to look at yourself from various angles. You feel quite sophisticated in this dress. Okay, now for your makeup. (link: "Pink lipstick and mascara will do")[(set: $makeup to "simple")(goto: "Makeup")] (link: "Put on your red eyeliner and red eyelash extensions")[(set: $makeup to "bold")(goto: "Makeup")] (link: "Paint your lips black and put on some bright blush")[(set: $makeup to "trendy")(goto: "Makeup")]

Lumi-marble was only invented a few years ago and you're one of the few artists using it regularly. It's a strange substance: tough and pale like marble, but it glows brighter and brighter the more people work with it. A raw block only emits a dim light; an elaborate sculpture glows so brightly it almost looks like pure light. You normally like creating large, soothing abstract pieces, but lately you haven't been inspired at all. Which you know is just a flimsy excuse. [[Walk to the window]] [[Check your cybermail]]

(text-style: "smear")[SORRY, SECURITY SETTINGS ON THIS MACHINE WON'T ALLOW THAT. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SYSADMIN TO CHANGE YOUR SETTINGS. THANK YOU!] "Software is a prison", you mutter to yourself. [[Read the first message]] [[Read the sixth message]] [[Search "gala"]]

You listen for a little while longer. Eventually it's time to get ready. You clap your hands twice again and the Wave fades out. [[Figure out what to wear tonight]]

Your $makeup makeup looks flawless. You check the time. A quarter past 8. Time to get going. You take an airtaxi to the Museum and arrive thirty minutes later. [[Enter the Museum->The Gala]]

You grab a drink and look around. You spot your friend Kas with some people you haven't met. You walk over. "...so I, you know, clicked on the beep boop or whatever and it did a boop bop. Look I don't know how it works, okay, that's not my job." Everyone laughs. Kas works in Xef Corp's Experimental Computation Lab and always jokes that she has no idea what's going on, but she might be one of the few people in the world who understands *anything* in that lab. [[Join the conversation]] [[Say a quick hello to Kas then keep walking around the room]]

You start walking around while making sure to avoid eye contact at all costs. You walk with great purpose to one of the exhibition halls, where a few people are admiring the displays. [[Approach one of the displays]] [[Keep walking]] [[Grab some hors d'oeuvres]]

That would perhaps be too extreme. [[Read the first message]] [[Read the sixth message]] [[Search "gala"]]

In one corner you spot a neon sculpture of a spider's web... or a network? A prism? It's hard to say. You look at the description. THE LEARNING GARDEN (2079) ÉDOUARD LUKAS NEON "DEMAND COMPLETE NIRVANA. DEMAND NON-INSTITUTIONAL EDUCATION. DEMAND LEARNING GARDENS." Huh. It's much older than you thought. You also have no idea what it means. But it's a beautiful sculpture: that much you know. [[Walk back to the atrium]]

You walk through the exhibition halls, looking at the displays and observing the gala attendees. Everyone seems so serious, as if space exploration had to be such a dire subject. The gala should feel celebratory, but the whole event is still so formal. Eventually you've walked through every hall. You decide to loop back to the entrance. [[Walk back to the atrium]]

Back in the atrium, you look around to see all the new arrivals. Suddenly you notice someone you recognize, and have been avoiding: Ambassador Geist. Shit. If he sees you, he'll inevitably ask about the sculpture, and you'll have to lie. Maybe it's better to just hide. [[Look for a hiding spot]]

Kas smiles hello and introduces you to everyone in the group. There's Professor Tseng, whose work on AI colony simulations helped the Europa colonies better prepare for most worst-case scenarios. There's also Shorin, a poet, and Dr. Lionstone, a quantum physicist. Together, you all spend some time talking about science and art and the bright possibilities of the future. You like this group of people. Eventually you start to feel hungry, so you excuse yourself to go look for some hors d'oeuvres. [[Find food]]

You hug Kas and wave hello to everyone else, then continue walking through the atrium. You spot a few more people you know, mostly fellow artists like J. Young and ZECH. You chat with a few of them, but eventually you get hungry and decide to look for some food. [[Find food]]

You find a waiter carrying around a platter of sashimi and candied cactus flowers. It's beautiful: smooth reds and crystalline pinks... it'd make a good sculpture. { (set: $ateHorsDouevres to true) } [[Try the sashimi]] [[Try the candied cactus flowers]]

You look around for a waiter. Suddenly you notice someone you recognize, and have been avoiding: Ambassador Geist. Shit. If he sees you, he'll inevitably ask about the sculpture, and you'll have to lie. Maybe it's better to just hide. [[Look for a hiding spot]]

You start walking hurriedly but casually to a different room, moving inconspicuously through the halls until you get to one sufficiently far away, with lots of small alcoves to hide in. You see an alcove by a window, and walk over to it. [[Look outside]]

You call an airtaxi outside the Museum. It's a busy night and takes a little longer than usual for one to arrive. You tap your foot rapidly. Finally one arrives and soon you are back in your apartment. Maybe you can find out something about this mysterious woman. [[Get some answers]]

The woman laughs a gentle and disarming laugh. "Alright, I'm sure this is confusing. My name is... I just go by Madame F. I've been a tremendous fan of yours since seeing your *Light Poetics* show a few years ago. It was so lovely. I've wanted to meet you for a while now and was delighted to run into you at the gala. Oh but where are my manners: would you like some tea, darling?" She beckons you to follow her to the backroom. [[Follow her]] [[Hesitate]]

You pull out your Mini from your purse. It's a tiny processor, shaped like a smooth, comforting stone that fits perfectly into your hand. At a glance it even looks like a stone, with no features or markings on it. If stones came in colors like "Iridescent Aqua Dream", that is. You tap a barely visible button on the side and a small screen suddenly reveals itself on the Mini's surface. It displays an address, somewhere in the research district. Strange place for a flower shop. She did say flower shop, right? You're curious, but you won't get more answers tonight. [[Go back home]] [[Stay at the gala a little while longer]] [[Go get something to eat at one of the carts outside]]

"Excuse me, who...?" But the woman has already disappeared. There aren't many people in this hall, and none of them seem to have noticed anything either. Looks like there's only one way to find out who she was. [[Inspect your Mini]]

A few results come up, displayed as a network of loosely related items. You drag your finger along the silky screen to pan around. You find out that the flower shop does exist. It's called The Veil. Rather mysterious name. Looks like you can get there by omnibus. [[Search for more information]] [[Get ready for bed]]

You try to find out more about The Veil, but it doesn't seem terribly popular. This isn't too surprising: flower shops are such a rarity in New Martinez. Who buys flowers anymore? Doesn't look like you'll find out more tonight. [[Get ready for bed]]

You take off your $makeup makeup and your $dress dress, and change into an old, extra-long shirt that doubles as a kind of ratty nightgown. Your ex-husband always hated this shirt. It makes you happy to be able to wear it every night without complaints now. [[Look out your apartment window]] [[Listen to something on the Wave]] [[Fall asleep->Wake up]]

You wake up shortly after dawn, with a few strands of sunlight making your way through your window. The sky is a cloudless periwinkle lavender. You remember your strange encounter last night. You briefly consider forgetting about it and going to the studio today but... you know you won't get any work done anyway. You quickly wash up and get dressed in your usual overalls and wool sweater. It's time to go to the flower shop. [[Take an omnibus to the research district]]

The woman from the gala is smiling at you. A mass of white curls is piled high atop her head, and heavy necklaces of amber adorn her neck. She looks majestic. "I really am quite glad you made it, Zo." [["I, uh, thank you... but how do you know my name?"->Woman responds]] [["Who exactly are you?"->Woman responds]] [[Stay silent->Woman responds]]

You walk to a black leather bench and focus on eating your food. It tastes magnificent. Maybe you should at least *try* to mingle now. [[Walk back to the atrium]]

You walk to a black leather bench and focus on eating your food. You take one bite and immediately spit it out into a napkin. As beautiful as these flowers are, they were just not meant to be eaten. Ever. Oh well. Maybe you should try mingling instead. [[Walk back to the atrium]]

She leads you down a hallway and into a small kitchen. There are no windows but the room is illuminated by multiple bright, pastel lamps, creating the sense of constant twilight. Time stand stills here. She offers you a seat at a small wooden table. [[Thank her politely and sit down->Sit down]] [[Sit down, confused->Sit down]]

"Let me put a kettle on. What kind of tea would you like, darling?" (link: "\"Something strong, please.\"")[(set: $tea to "black")(goto: "Tea time")] (link: "\"Something light, please.\"")[(set: $tea to "green")(goto: "Tea time")] (link: "\"Uh...\"")[(set: $tea to "herbal")(goto: "Tea time")]

"Oh I have this wonderful $tea tea you'd enjoy. Let's have that." She walks to a very old stove and lights one of the burners. You haven't seen a stove like this since you were a kid. They're extremely impractical now, but still... they have their charm. The kettle starts to heat up. "So. You haven't made anything in a while. Why is that?" Her bluntness takes you by surprise. [[Get defensive]] [[Stammer]] [[Think about it but say nothing]]

"I *have* been working on new pieces, it's just that, well, it's really not that easy always coming up with great ideas and anyway--" Madame F raises her hand to stop you. "Hold that thought. The kettle's ready." You hadn't heard anything but she seems confident. She pours out the hot water into two misshapen clay mugs, with some $tea tea. She walks back to the table and sets a mug down in front of you. "You were saying?" [[Try to explain yourself]]

"Well... I, uh... hmm... well! It's, uh...." Madame F raises her hand to stop you. "Hold that thought. The kettle's ready." You hadn't heard anything but she seems confident. She pours out the hot water into two misshapen clay mugs, with some $tea tea. She walks back to the table and sets a mug down in front of you. "You were saying?" [[Try to explain yourself]]

"I really... don't know." You clasp your hands around the mug and let it warm you up. Madame F smiles. "It's okay to run out of ideas sometimes. It's what I wanted to talk to you about. I think I could help you." [["How?"]]

She shifts around in her seat. "Something I've always enjoyed about your early work is how delicate it is. It is not afraid to be soft or tender. Over time it became much more rigid. Why is that?" [["I don't know."->Asking why]] [["I got divorced and I think I wanted to close myself off."->Asking why]] [["Exactly, I felt my old work was almost frivolous."->Asking why]] [["I wanted to challenge myself."->Asking why]] [["It was easier to be successful that way."->Asking why]]

"I see." She sips her tea. You take a sip as well. You don't know much about tea but you think it's good. She looks at you intently. "I think you need to make room for some dreaminess in your work. The rigidity is holding you back. Here, I want to give you something." She sets her tea down and leaves the room. [[Look around the kitchen]]

This kitchen has few appliances, beyond the stove. The floors are covered in small white tiles and the pastel lamps are placed somewhat randomly around the room. It doesn't seem like a practical kitchen, but then you also don't know why a flower shop has a kitchen at all. Is this her home? Madame F comes back. "Here you are, darling." She gives you a bouquet. [[Look at the flowers]]

Tiny, delicate wildflowers are bunched together with a piece of twine. It's beautiful. [["Thank you."->Explain the flowers]] [["Why this?"->Explain the flowers]]

"These flowers do not provide any answers, or any utility. But I think they are what you need right now. Place them in a small jar of water and they will last as long as you need them." You gently tuck the flowers into the front pocket of you overalls. You remember the ambassador's commission, and start thinking of new ideas... [[Continue talking and drinking tea]]

Finally at ease in this strange kitchen, you pass the rest of your morning talking about art, celebrity gossip, the gala, flowers, your ex-husband, her ex-wives, New Martinez politics, tea. Madame F reheats the kettle multiple times and brings out some mildly stale biscuits as well. In this twilight room, the hours melt away. Eventually Madame F insists she has to get back to work. She offers to let you stay in the flower shop for a while, if you'd like. [[Stay and look at the flowers]] [[Thank her and decide to go to your studio->Back to the studio]]

You both walk back to the front of the shop, where the humidity greets you again. Madame F starts tending to some ferns. You slowly make your way through the aisles, looking at all the flowers. It might be nice to sketch a few. [[Ask Madame F if she has any spare paper]] [[Decide to go back to your studio->Back to the studio]]

She nods and goes to the backroom. She comes back with some sheets of off-white paper and an old pen. "Best I could do, darling!" [[Thank her and decide what to sketch]]

You thank Madame F for inviting you here and for the flowers. "You're welcome back here any time you like, you know. It was lovely having you." You leave the flower shop and are surprised to see it's already past noon. You've been there for hours. There are lots of people out now: mostly scientists and researchers. No one pays much attention to you. [[Call an airtaxi to your studio]]

There are lots of beautiful plants here, but you particularly like the... (link: "ferns")[(set: $plant to "maidenhair fern")(goto: "Draw plant")] (link: "tulips")[(set: $plant to "tulip")(goto: "Draw plant")] (link: "herbs")[(set: $plant to "cluster of lavender")(goto: "Draw plant")]

You find a particularly interesting $plant to draw, and sketch it quickly on one of the sheets of paper. You draw just enough to capture its likeness, then you fold the paper and put it in your pocket next to the bouquet of wildflowers. { (set: $drewFlower to true) } [[Time to head back to your studio->Back to the studio]]

It's a long ride back to your studio and you spend it thinking of your conversation with Madame F. For once, you're excited to get to work. Eventually you reach the Artes Tower and are soon back in your studio. [[Place the flowers in water]]

Remembering Madame F's advice, you find a jar and fill it with water at the large sink in your studio. You untie the twine around the flowers and place them into the jar. [[Leave the jar by the sink]] [[Place the flowers by the window]]

You leave the jar where it is: you come back to the sink often, and this will give you a chance to frequently remind yourself of everything you talked about this morning. [[Now it's time to get to work]]

The flowers could probably use some sunshine, and they liven up the view from your studio. [[Now it's time to get to work]]

For the first time in weeks, you really start to work on Ambassador Geist's commission. { (if: $readABook is true)[You think about the book you read last night, and how it made you daydream.] (if: $listenedToMusic is true)[You think about the song you listened to on the Wave, that reminded you of the pink light in the foggy forest.] (if: $ateHorsDouevres is true)[You think about the dainty hors d'ouevres from the gala, and their beautiful colors.] (if: $tookFlyer is true)[You think about the flyer you took from the alley, with the strange design on it.] (if: $drewFlyer is true)[You think about the $plant you drew, and how beautiful it was.] You think about everything you discussed with Madame F. So many ideas run through your head and you start filling up page after page in your sketchbook. } [[Hours pass by]]

After sketching for a while, you start working on the lumi-marble. It'll take a few weeks to finish the commission but you're excited about it. [[May as well update the ambassador on your progress]]

After keeping quiet for so long, it might be good to let Ambassador Geist know that his commission is coming along just fine. You write him a quick message from your computer then continue working. [[Weeks go by]]

Your studio fills up with drawings and proto-sculptures. One day you buy special buckets of translucent pastel paint. The bouquet of wildflowers never wilts. You meet up with Madame F a few times. Slowly, everything comes together. [[Your work is almost done]]

Tonight will be the first time Ambassador Geist sees what he commissioned. Thanks to your success in the art world, a large amount of people have RSVP'd to attend. But you still have some time before the gallery will open, and you can walk around your art show by yourself. [[Look around the gallery]]

Reinvigorated by your long conversation with Madame F, you had decided to go back to your roots. You created a piece that focused on the exact softness and tenderness your later work had lost. Around the room are multiple abstract sculptures, chiseled into gentle curves and painted over with a special colors to give each sculpture a pastel glow, instead of the usual white light. [[Walk around->Walk around in the gallery]]

You head back home to quickly get ready for tonight. Deciding not to agonize too much on what to wear, you pick the same $dress dress you wore at the gala, and choose to wear no makeup. Instead of taking an airtaxi to the gallery, you wait for your friend Kas to pick you up in her new Volat car, and you head there together. You're always a little nervous when showing new art work. It helps to have a friend with you. [[Arrive at the gallery]]

There's already a small crowd in the gallery by the time you show up. As you had requested, most people had taken off their shoes and were walking around the soft moss barefoot. You enjoy seeing people's reactions to this novel experience. You take off your own shoes and tuck them into your purse. "Okay this is seriously awesome, Zo!" exclaims Kas. "I'm not just saying that to make you feel better either." [["Thank you! Hey, do you see the ambassador anywhere?"]]

"Hmm I don't. I'm sure he's around here somewhere." [["Alright, I'll look around."]]

Though the gallery isn't very big, it takes you a while to find the ambassador in the crowd. He waves you over with a huge smile on his face. He clasps your hand with both of his and keeps shaking it as he talks. "Zo, I have to say... I am really, absolutely blown away by this. I mean I've always loved your work, you know that, but this! This! I wasn't expecting such a rich experience, so much beauty. Ah, I could prattle on and on about this but suffice to say you have completely impressed me." "Thank you, ambassador. I'm really glad to hear that." [[Gentle remove your hand from his]]

Now that his handshake is done, he uses his hands to gesticulate wildly. You take a tiny step back. "Zo, I gotta say, I think this could be an even bigger exhibit. The embassy would be proud to celebrate someone of your tremendous vision. I have to thank Cliff again for introducing me to you. God, I am just blown away tonight. Hey, do you want to meet some people? Come here, let me introduce you." He starts walking to a group of people you don't know. [[May as well follow him]]

Ambassador Geist introduces you to other ambassadors and dignitaries that he's invited. He then leads you to a few politicans, engineers, and other artists-- you know some of them, and have heard of the rest. You're surprised but happy that they're all here. All of them congratulate you on this exhibit. The ambassador is an energetic man and soon tires you out. [[Excuse yourself]]

A man reaches out to shake your hand. You reciprocate. "Yes, I am. And you are...?" "Don Grey. I'm a city planner and a hobbyist gardener. I love this piece... I'd actually like to make this more of a reality for the city. You know, turn your art into a park, into areas in New Martinez that could be full of nature and light. We don't have enough of that here. Would you be open to talking about it sometime?" [["Sure, why not."->Get business card]] [["I'd have to think about it."->Get business card]]

"Well, let me send you my contact info." He pulls out his Mini -- a black model, with a faint shimmer over it -- and sends you his work address and Mini number. "If, when, you'd like to talk over this, let me know. I look forward to it. And congrats on tonight." He walks away. [[Look around the room]]

You correspond with the ambassador more regularly, and soon your piece is ready. You will showcase the art in a small gallery space in the Civic Tower, not far from your studio. It takes you a few days to set up. [[At last, it's opening night]]

You look at people entranced by the glowing sculptures, and people laughing self-consciously as they take off their shoes. The atmosphere is playful. You smile to yourself. [[Think about Don's idea]]

You think about Don's proposal. Parks in New Martinez? Gardens? Plazas with accessible art and much-needed whimsy? It wasn't a bad idea at all. It wouldn't change the world, or be as remarkable as one of the scientific breakthroughs on Europa, but it might bring a bit of light into people's lives. In the end, isn't that worth something? -- *The End. Thank you for playing <3* *(link:"home")[(gotoURL:"http://morgane.com/fantom")]*

It's late at night. The sky is clear, but the stars can't compete with the light from New Martinez. The skytowers are dazzling after dark, like diamonds on black velvet. [[Go to bed->Wake up]]

You clap your hands twice. The Wave starts playing the default news stream. "...from the S.A.U. will meet in Kinshasa to discuss the future of the Union, with some representatives from Luandinha vying for stricter trade embargos on..." [[Keep listening to the news on your couch]] [[Keep listening and walk to the window]] [[Change to something else]]

"...unlikely the Zimbabwean prime minister will agree, though she has yet to publicly comment on the summit. Yesterday in Seoul, hundreds of thousands gathered in the streets to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Korean Reunification. This enormous celebration lasted a full twenty-four hours and was accompanied by smaller celebrations all over the world. Still no news of Sigurðardóttir's asylum status, despite..." [[Slowly, you fall asleep on the couch->Wake up]]

It's late at night. The sky is clear, but the stars can't compete with the light from New Martinez. The skytowers are dazzling after dark, like diamonds on black velvet. "...Benelux astronomers reported progress on the new Europa spaceships, set to fly out to the colonies within the next year. These will accommodate even more passengers and transport essential resources..." You watch cars float between the towers. Rivers of light. "...Ulredgian leaders voted to pass the Lunar Citizenship Act, thereby recognizing the legal status of..." [[Continue listening for a while, then go to bed->Wake up]]

Speak up, and request... [["Play some calm music please."]] [["Tell me what's going on in Europa."]] [["I want to hear something funny."]]

The Wave fades out and starts playing haunting Gregorian chants. You told the Wave a long time ago how much you loved this ancient music, and it soon learned when you'd most want to hear it. Listening to the ethereal chants, you start to feel drowsy... [[Turn off the Wave and go to bed->Wake up]]

The Wave transitions into news stories about the Europa colonies. A reporter interviews people about their day-to-day experiences and how the journey has impacted them. Small cities are already growing around the original bases. You wonder if you'd ever want to visit. You're not sure. Your eyes start to close. [[Turn off the Wave and go to bed->Wake up]]

The Wave starts playing a livestream of a comedy show in New Martinez, in the Santos district. It's a dry, sardonic stand-up: your favorite. You make a note to attend one of these shows sometime. Maybe after you finish your commission. You start yawning as the show draws to an end. [[Time for bed->Wake up]]

One of them is a teenager, reading something on her Mini. Her hands don't move at all but her eyes dart quickly over the surface, and sometimes she smiles to herself. You think it's some new messaging technology but you're not sure. The other is an older man, half-asleep. He has a long beard and a small sack of what appear to be crystals. Crystals? You're not sure about that either. After a while, you approach your stop and signal to get off. The AI pipes up as the doors open: (text-style: "shudder")["Here we are, PERSON_VAR! Enjoy your TIME_OF_DAY_VAR!"] Huh, weird glitch. [[Step out of the omnibus]]

A few bodegas are already open. Two people walk hurriedly past you, deep in conversation. It's quiet out here. From this bridge you can see the ground levels as well as some of the higher bridges. No traffic at all. You never realized New Martinez could be so calm. [[Look for the flower shop]]

You walk around the bridge, looking for the flower shop. It ends up being incredibly easy to find. The shop has large windows and you can see bouquets of flowers packed into every possible corner. Foxgloves, tulips, irises, orchids, lilies; ferns and succulents in the back; a few pots of herbs mixed in everywhere. It's a tiny wild garden trapped in the middle of the skytower. Doesn't look like anyone's inside. [[Open the door]]

She raises an eyebrow, amused. "You really are quite suspicious! It's only a cup of tea, dear. Come on now." [[May as well follow her->Follow her]]

You stay quiet for a while. Madame F raises her hand in jest. "Hold that thought. The kettle's ready." You hadn't heard anything but she seems confident. She pours out the hot water into two misshapen clay mugs, with some $tea tea. She walks back to the table and sets a mug down in front of you. "You were saying?" [[Try to explain yourself]]

Politicians, artists, astronomers, and biologists are all here to celebrate the success of the recent Europa colonies, and to discuss further possibilities for that lonely moon. You were invited because of your work in space art (most notably, a self-sustaining light sculpture floating somewhere between Earth and Mars), but you don't often enjoy these futurist discussions. For some reason, they always seem to be missing something. Still, how could you say no to an excuse to dress up and eat free food? [[Mingle]] [[Aggressively avoid mingling]]

Though you still need to avoid the ambassador at all costs, you may as well enjoy the gala while you're here. [[Look at more displays]] [[Find people you know]]

This room has a few small displays, opposite the alcoves, showcasing the work of various AI linguists. A few screens light up with phrases from generative languages, anticipating the evolution of language amongst people and machines. The screens will go blank for a moment then show new phrases. You can't understand them but it does all have a certain elegance to it. You walk through a few other halls but it's not long before you start to feel tired. [[Go back home]]

You walk around and spot Buck Reginald, an old friend from art school, talking with a few astronomers from the Stella Maris Labs who helped you on your interplanetary light sculpture. You say hello and spend some time catching up with everyone. Buck regales the group with (exaggerated) stories of his adventures in the colonies; the astronomers believe everything he says but you know better. At least, you're *pretty* sure the story about the schokolade smugglers isn't true... An hour or two pass by and you start to feel tired. [[Go back home]]

You leave the Museum and walk to a cluster of carts just outside. A few other gala attendees are out here too, so you don't feel completely overdressed. Now what looks good... [[Approach the fried fish cart]] [[Approach the pastry cart]] [[Approach the dumpling cart]]

You order a small plate of fried fish with fried vegetables on the side. It's almost scalding. You're careful not to let any grease drip onto your dress. God you love fried fish. [[Observe street life while you eat]] [[Eat quickly then head back home->Go back home]]

You order some very yellow egg tarts, topped with some spices you can't quite identify. They're rich and fatty. You order a few more. [[Observe street life while you eat]] [[Eat quickly then head back home->Go back home]]

You order a small box of tofu and vegetable dumplings, and get some hot sauce on the side. You eat them by hand, dunking them into the sauce and being careful not to let any drip onto your dress. The dumplings are salty and delicious. [[Observe street life while you eat]] [[Eat quickly then head back home->Go back home]]

Everything feels cramped on the ground level. Neon signs for various businesses are stacked on top of one another, and trash piles accumulate around the bases of the skytowers. Still, it's full of life here. There's nothing sinister about it and you enjoy watching all the action. Young couples on dates, groups of friends shrieking with laughter, vendors shouting about their wares... it's a comforting chaos. [[Finish eating then go back home->Go back home]]

With Madame F's help, you filled the spaces around the sculptures with flowers and moss, to recreate the forgotten feeling of walking through a forest. Guests would be encouraged to take off their shoes and feel the moss under their feet. The whole gallery felt peaceful and almost sacred. It was calming to be here. You know that even if the ambassador doesn't like it, you've never been prouder of anything you've made before. [[Get ready for opening night]]

You go find a glass of water at the bar. You enjoy not having to make smalltalk for a few minutes. You drink your water and stare into space. "Excuse me: you're the artist, right?" [[Turn around]]