Under Loch

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<<set $Sorting to 0>> <<set $dialog to "">> <<set $idling to 0>> <<set $hinting to 0>> <<set $calling to 0>> <<set $wishing to 0>> <<run fLoad()>> <<script>> if (window.location.hash.length > 0) { State.variables.Sorting = 2; } else if (window.location.href.includes("Data.html")) { State.variables.Sorting = 0; } else { State.variables.Sorting = 1; } <</script>> <<if $Sorting == 1>> <<goto $LochPage>> <</if>> <<if $Sorting == 2>> <<goto $EnkiiPage>> <</if>> <<if $Sorting == 0>> <<goto "Error">> <</if>>

''Error!'' A connection could not be established... This could be due to unauthorized access or renaming of important files. Please attempt connection again using original game files, or contact ''airmed-telecom@proton.me'' if you need further assistance! //— A message from Airmed Telecom//

It's a beautiful late-summer day in southern Scotland, and I’m enjoying some delicious lakeside chip butty... ...or at least, that's the experience the travel blog promised me. It turns out the "Loch" they'd talked up as "atmospheric" and "a rumored gathering spot for creatures of legend from across the British Isles" is actually just a dinky artificial pond. They must have been desperate for new content to fill out their listicles. Not that I //actually// expected to see any trickster spirits or ancient deities, obviously... but still. This is about as boring a view as I could possibly find in this gorgeous country. I could have seen a hundred parks just like this back home. There's barely even any cell signal here – I'm lucky to catch a single bar! At least the sandwich is good. And even a totally commonplace park is still a nice place to hang out, all things considered. <<set $idling++>> @@.waiting; I may as well [[take time to eat|Loch 1]] and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. I’m on vacation after all! Nothing to do, nowhere to be. <<if $idling == 1>>\ <<elseif $idling == 2>>\ I take a bite of my sandwich. A bird flies overhead.<<set $hinting++>> <<elseif $idling == 3>>\ I take another bite and savor it. A light breeze blows, cool but not unpleasant. <<elseif $idling == 4>>\ I take a swig from my water bottle while admiring the late-blooming flowers. <<elseif $idling == 5>>\ <<set $idling to 1>>I nibble on a chip while watching a plump bumblebee buzz around.<<if $hinting == 1>><br>I've never been a fast eater, but right now I'm feeling especially inclined to take my time.<</if>><<if $hinting >= 2>><br>//[This could be a while – it might be best to come back later!]//<</if>>\ <</if>> @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; Suddenly, from behind me, a high-pitched voice: //<<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(2)>>\ <<if $dialog == "E1" >>Hello? Is anybody out there?<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >>Please, can someone hear me?<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >>Help! I'm trapped in here!<</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "E">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ // Was that a girl calling for help?! I twist and turn, but there's no one else around. <<link "Get up and investigate." "Loch 2">><<set $dialog = "L1">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> @@

I cover the food and jump to my feet – but there's still nothing behind me except a giant clump of bushes. (Is it even possible for people to get trapped in bushes?) I can't see much of what's in there without forcing my way in. And I don't know where to even start looking... I call out to my potential damsel-in-distress. I think I hear a response – but it's so muffled I struggle to pinpoint its location. Come on, where did you go? @@.waiting; @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; There's a weird chirp, then I finally hear her again loud and clear: <div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(2)>>\ <<if $dialog == "E1" >>Hello!? Is anybody out there!?<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >>Please, can someone hear me!?<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >>Help! I'm trapped in here!!<</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "E">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@ @@.waiting;\ @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; Oh! There! It's... some kind of walkie-talkie? I just barely manage to lean over and grab it without having to enter the brush. Though it's been almost 30 years since I've played with one of these, I remember the essentials: hold the button to talk, take turns speaking. But I still feel a little awkward taking that first step with a: <<link "— \"Hello?\"" "Loch 3">><<set $dialog = "L1">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(2)>>\ <<if $dialog == "E1" >>I'm stuck in the room under the lake! I can't open the door! Please if you're in the park would you mind coming over and unlocking it? The key should be right there on the ground outside the door? Please?<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "E">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; "Hello?" I calm my nerves by giving the walkie-talkie a closer look. It's dark and boxy – dirty, but surprisingly intact. The brand is Airmed Telecom... never heard of it. @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; Oh, poor girl, she sounds so scared! A "room under the lake"? I start on my way to circling the water's edge and to my surprise, there's indeed a door just a few feet away from where I was sitting, out of sight at the bottom of a mini concrete stairwell. <<link "— \"OK, I'm here!\"" "Loch 4">><<set $dialog = "L1">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 4">><<set $dialog = "L2">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 4">><<set $dialog = "L3">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(2)>>\ <<if $dialog == "E1" >>Thank you, thank you so much! I know a nice pub, I'll buy you a pint once I'm out!<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "E">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; "OK, I'm here!" I have a quick glance around while I wait for further instructions, but I don't see anything special. The door looks weather-worn, but feels metallic and pretty thick. @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; Aww, how sweet! That would liven up my boring day for sure – though I'm already halfway there with this rescue mission. (Is she really old enough to drink? Ah, the age limit is lower here, right?) She doesn't sound Scottish to me, but I've always been terrible with accents. <<link "— \"That sounds great!\"" "Loch 5">><<set $dialog = "L1">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "— \"We have a deal!\"" "Loch 5">><<set $dialog = "L2">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 5">><<set $dialog = "L3">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(2)>>\ <<if $dialog == "E1" >>Do you see the key? It fell out of my pocket just after I opened the door.<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "E">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; <<if $dialog == "L1" >>"That sounds great!"<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L2" >>"We have a deal!"<</if>> What did she say I was supposed to do, again?... @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; Ah, that's right! Key dropped on the ground, bottom of the stairs. Let's see... ... not here, not there... ... my heart sinks further the more I search... <<link "— \"... I don't see it?\"" "Loch 6">><<set $dialog = "L1">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 6">><<set $dialog = "L2">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 6">><<set $dialog = "L3">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(2)>>\ <<if $dialog == "E1" >>Maybe someone found it and left it somewhere more visible...?<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >>Could an animal have moved it? Like a magpie, or something...?<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >>Is it possible it bounced out of the stairwell...?<</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "E">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; "... I don't see it?" How I hate to be the bearer of bad news! @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; Oh no, she sounds like she's about to cry... <<link "— \"Hang tight, I'll look around just in case!\"" "Loch 7">><<set $dialog = "L1">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 7">><<set $dialog = "L2">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 7">><<set $dialog = "L3">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(2)>>\ <<if $dialog == "E1" >>Thank you so much!<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "E">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; "Hang tight, I'll look around just in case!" I hop up the stairs and start eyeing every inch of the paved path. No luck yet. @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; (Don't thank me too soon – I still don't see the damn thing anywhere!) I really, really hope no one actually took it away... <<link "Keep looking." "Loch 8">><<set $dialog = "L1">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 8">><<set $dialog = "L2">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 8">><<set $dialog = "L3">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(2)>>\ <<if $dialog == "E1" >>By the way, my name is Susan.<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "E">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; I poke around the grass near the stairs: nothing. @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; Her voice is a welcome break in the monotony of the search. <<link "— \"Nice to meet you Susan! I'm Karen.\"" "Loch 9">><<set $dialog = "L1">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 9">><<set $dialog = "L2">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 9">><<set $dialog = "L3">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(2)>>\ <<if $dialog == "E1" >>That's a pretty name!<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "E">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; "Nice to meet you Susan! I'm Karen." I look underneath some bushes, but no dice (and no keys either). @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; Oh! I don't think anyone's ever told me that! I feel a little warm and fuzzy (and a little embarrassed). <<link "— \"Um, thank you!\"" "Loch 10">><<set $dialog = "L1">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 10">><<set $dialog = "L2">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 10">><<set $dialog = "L3">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(2)>>\ <<if $dialog == "E1" >>A little ways away, actually. Not far from Newcastle, if you know where that is... what about you?<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "E">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; "Um, thank you!" I feel awkward leaving it at that, so I quickly change the topic: "Do you live close to here?" Ugh, was that a creepy question? I brace for the response... @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; Phew! And wait, I think I actually do know where that is! <<link "— \"I'm visiting from Michigan!\"" "Loch 11">><<set $dialog = "L1">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 11">><<set $dialog = "L2">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 11">><<set $dialog = "L3">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(2)>>\ <<if $dialog == "E1" >>Did you see anything interesting around Newcastle?<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "E">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; "I'm visiting from Michigan!" (I have to fight the urge to raise my free hand and point to where I live on the "thumb".) "And I actually drove near Newcastle on the way up here!" @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; Well, one memorable thing in the area was that huge statue, which I think is called the "Angel of the North"... but honestly I mostly remember it from the funny name the locals gave it! Would it be weird if I used it too, I wonder? Is that kind of thing cringeworthy? <<link "— \"I saw the Angel of the North...\"" "Loch 12">><<set $dialog = "L1">><<set $angel = 1>><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "— \"I saw the Gateshead Flasher...\"" "Loch 12">><<set $dialog = "L2">><<set $angel = 2>><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 12">><<set $dialog = "L3">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(2)>>\ <<if $dialog == "E1" >>Sorry, I'm not sure what that is!<<set $lies = 1>><<redo>><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >>Ah... yes, I see what you mean...<<set $lies = 2>><<redo>><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "E">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; <<if $dialog == "L1" >>"I saw the Angel of the North..."<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L2" >>"I saw the Gateshead flasher..."<</if>>\ I finish searching a flower patch nearby – still nothing... @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; <<do>><<if $lies == 1>>Dammit!<</if>><<if $lies == 2>>Oh, this girl is a terrible liar!<</if>><</do>>\ (I knew I should have used its <<if $angel == 1 >>popular<</if>><<if $angel == 2 >>proper<</if>> name!)\ <<link "— \"Anyway... what's under that \'loch\', exactly?\"" "Loch 13">><<set $dialog = "L1">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 13">><<set $dialog = "L2">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 13">><<set $dialog = "L3">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(2)>>\ <<if $dialog == "E1" >>It's an observation room for fish.<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "E">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; "Anyway... what's under that 'loch', exactly?" I'm starting to struggle to find potential key hiding spots nearby... I'd better cast a wider net. @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; Oh! There are fish in that lake?! I guess that seems obvious, now that I think about it... but I've never really understood how fish could live inside a bare concrete pool. <<link "— \"So cool!\"" "Loch 14">><<set $dialog = "L1">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "— \"So cute!\"" "Loch 14">><<set $dialog = "L2">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 14">><<set $dialog = "L3">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(2)>>\ <<if $dialog == "E1" >>What's your favourite book?<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "E">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; "Very nice! I work at a bookstore." And since that's sadly not a given nowadays, I add: "We're still going strong despite the pandemic and everything else, thankfully!" Walking by the side of the lake right above the door area, feeling foolish but determined to look everywhere just in case, I see a plaque – the kind I'd normally find at least mildly interesting if I weren't stressing about a rescue mission. I skim it as I pass by... //used by so-and-so for research... blah blah... investigation after concerns were raised... blah blah blah... opened to the public... etc...// Of course, not a single freaking word about spirits, or whatever else was supposed to be here! (No, I will never let that go!) @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; Hmmm, I never know how to answer that question... there are just too many! Maybe I'll go with a recent one: <<link "— \"Not sure about any favorites, but I've been re-reading 1984 lately...\"" "Loch 16">><<set $dialog = "L1">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 16">><<set $dialog = "L2">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 16">><<set $dialog = "L3">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(2)>>\ <<if $dialog == "E1" >>...<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "E">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; "Hey, I think maybe I found the key?! Hang on..." I (totally unnecessarily) sandwich the walkie-talkie between my shoulder and my ear, then find a bushy fallen branch to snag the key with... @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; My branch unexpectedly makes contact with something under the water! Before I can make out what it is, it quickly withdraws with a bright shimmer. Could that have been one of those fabled fish?... The key starts to sink, but I somehow manage to scoop it out of the water and into a napkin without getting any gross pond drippings on myself! It feels surprisingly hefty. Not a fake after all? <<link "— \"I got it! Be right there!\"" "Loch 18">><<set $dialog = "L1">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 18">><<set $dialog = "L2">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 18">><<set $dialog = "L3">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(2)>>\ <<if $dialog == "E1" >>I'm actually in uni studying to be a biologist!<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "E">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; <<if $dialog == "L1" >>"So cool!"<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L2" >>"So cute!"<</if>>\ I glance at the water, but sadly it's too reflective to see much... and it looks pretty murky underneath, which is worrying? @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; Oh, very cool! I've always thought biology seemed fascinating, and science in general is awesome... but math just doesn't jive with my brain. <<link "— \"Very nice! I work at a bookstore.\"" "Loch 15">><<set $dialog = "L1">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 15">><<set $dialog = "L2">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 15">><<set $dialog = "L3">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(2)>>\ <<if $dialog == "E1" >>...<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "E">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; "I got it! Be right there!" Hurrying back to the door, I notice it's... vibrating? Is that bad?... I very, very carefully touch the metal. It's hot but not enough to burn me. Maybe some kind of power supply kicking in, somehow? Anyway, here goes: I try the key... yes!! @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; I swing open the door... <<link "... and she's not there?" "Loch 19">><<set $dialog = "L1">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 19">><<set $dialog = "L2">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 19">><<set $dialog = "L3">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(2)>>\ <<if $dialog == "E1" >>...<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >>...<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >>...<</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "E">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ The room is dark, except for a grimy window letting in dim light passing through the lake. No furniture and no signs of life. I cling to the cold door, mind reeling... Did I have the wrong entrance? But I went around earlier, and didn't see any others... The wrong park? But how many parks in walkie-talkie range have an under-lake observation room? Oh, wait. It's a prank, right?! It has to be. Any moment now, somebody's gonna come out with a camera, and either praise me for being a good Samaritan or mock me for being gullible... Any moment now. I force myself to breathe and release some tension. I look around. The park was deserted earlier, but it's filled up just a tad: teenage couple holding hands, boomer lady on a stroll, small family with their dog... I wait a little longer. I'm starting to feel really self-conscious – some of the other parkgoers are staring at me... Through the haze, I suddenly remember my food is still waiting for me. I whip around towards the bench... ... and slam straight into the strolling boomer lady! I've barely had time to start apologizing before she exclaims: "<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">Karen!?</span>" [[— "Wh... what?!"|Loch 20]]

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(2)>>\ <<if $dialog == "E1" >>It's certainly the perfect time to be reading that!<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "E">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; "Not sure about any favorites, but I've been re-reading 1984 lately..." I stare into the water, trying very hard to see fish, but I still can't make anything out through all the glare. I should get a pair of those polarized glasses someday... @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; Tell me about it!... Before I can say any more, I spot something in the water. It's... a key? Floating?! What the hell are they putting in this water?! Unless it's a fake, like a toy key?... I don't want to get Susan's hopes up, but I'm too excited: <<link "— \"Hey, I think maybe I found the key?! Hang on...\"" "Loch 17">><<set $dialog = "L1">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 17">><<set $dialog = "L2">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> <<link "" "Loch 17">><<set $dialog = "L3">><<run fSave(1)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(1)>>\ <<if $dialog == "L1" >>... I don't see it?<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "L">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; 'Do you see the key? It fell out of my pocket just after I opened the door...' I can't help being anxious, even knowing the key is right on the other side of the door! @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; What!? That's impossible, it can't have been more than an hour! What a nightmare... <<link "— \'Maybe someone found it?\'" "Enkii 9">><<set $dialog = "E1">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "— \'Could an animal have moved it?\'" "Enkii 9">><<set $dialog = "E2">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "— \'Is it possible it bounced out of the stairwell?\'" "Enkii 9">><<set $dialog = "E3">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> @@

Thank you very much for playing Under Loch! <<link "Play again?" "Loch 1">><<run fReset()>><<set $Sorting to 1>><<set $dialog to "">><<set $idling to 0>><<set $hinting to 0>><<set $calling to 0>><<set $wishing to 0>><</link>> __A note regarding IFComp__ Though judges are of course always free to vote as they please, the author's intent is for ''this half'' of the game (Under Loch) to be considered the sole representative of the game as a whole, for judging purposes. No rewards of any kind will be accepted for the other half of the game (Enkii), regardless of its placement. __Credits and contributions__ "Mertie MacLeod": design, writing, programming Temporarily anonymized helper A: extensive and crucial technical contributions & support, playtesting, helpful feedback, moral support Temporarily anonymized helper B: playtesting, proofreading, helpful feedback, moral support Temporarily anonymized helper C: playtesting, moral support Temporarily anonymized helper D: playtesting, moral support

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(1)>>\ <<if $dialog == "L1" >>...<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "L">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; 'Thank you so much!' I cross my fingers by reflex. @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; Minutes pass. I'm not sure how many; the clock in here seems to be broken (maybe I should start wearing that wristwatch dad gave me). My panic has slowly turned into boredom. It almost feels like time is passing in slow motion! I hold down the button: <<link "— \'By the way, my name is Susan.\'" "Enkii 11">><<set $dialog = "E1">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 11">><<set $dialog = "E2">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 11">><<set $dialog = "E3">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(1)>>\ <<if $dialog == "L1" >>Hey, I think maybe—<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "L">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; 'It's certainly the //perfect// time to be reading that!' For a while I'd almost forgotten where I was, but suddenly I remember again how much trouble I'll be in if we can't get that door unlocked. I try not to think about it //too// hard just yet... @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; What? Did it cut out? The walkie-talkie's gone strangely cold... is it out of battery? <<link "— '\Hello? Is everything all right?\'" "Enkii 20">><<set $dialog = "E1">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 20">><<set $dialog = "E2">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 20">><<set $dialog = "E3">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> @@

@@.waiting; ... @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; Thank you very much for playing Enkii! <<link "Play again?" "Enkii 1">><<run fReset()>><<set $Sorting to 2>><<set $dialog to "">><<set $idling to 0>><<set $hinting to 0>><<set $calling to 0>><<set $wishing to 0>><</link>> __A note regarding IFComp__ Though judges are of course always free to vote as they please, the author's intent is for the entry with the ''other half'' of the game (Under Loch) to be considered the sole representative of the game as a whole, for judging purposes. No rewards of any kind will be accepted for this half of the game (Enkii), regardless of its placement. __Credits and contributions__ 'Mélodie Marcet': design, writing, programming Temporarily anonymised helper A: extensive and crucial technical contributions & support, playtesting, helpful feedback, moral support Temporarily anonymised helper B: playtesting, proofreading, helpful feedback, moral support Temporarily anonymised helper C: playtesting, moral support Temporarily anonymised helper D: playtesting, moral support @@ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(1)>>\ <<if $dialog == "L4">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\

I do my best to ignore all the depressed-looking fish floating past the viewing window as I pack my things. I can't get too attached. (Oh, who am I kidding? I'm already very attached!) Officially they're only //Carassius enkii//; named after the tosser in charge of the project. An 'exciting new development in aquatic model organisms'... I keep asking myself why I even came here, and then reminding myself, and then questioning myself again. [[Is there really any chance I could make a difference?|Enkii 2]]

Anyway, I haven't got time for these kinds of questions right now! I need to head home, then start preparing my anonymous //exposé//. Even if my mum has already quit, I don't want to get her in trouble. (And sorry, mum, about the 25£ 'lost key' fee.) Speaking of keys, I'd better make sure I have everything, before I leave; camera, notebook, house keys, car keys... door key? Where did it go? Oh, for chrissake... my left pocket has a gaping hole in it! I take a look around the room and under furniture, no signs of the key. But that means it must have fallen just outside the door, then, after I unlocked it. No problem! I reach for the little wobbly handle that unlocks the deadbolt. Some small bit of metal falls from somewhere and clinks to the floor. The handle turns much too easily. [[Then it comes off in my hand.|Enkii 3]]

Oh no. No, no, no... no! I try to force the door open, of course the deadbolt is still firmly in place. I scramble to reattach the handle, or grip and twist the little turning peg, or find //anything// I could use to pull the bolt back inside the door... Nothing works. Oh god, oh god... I can't spend the whole weekend in here! Suddenly, there's a strange chirping sound from the one potted plant in the room. I don't waste a moment digging up the source. A walkie-talkie; a lifeline! It's very warm to the touch and miraculously, it has power. I hold the button and yell: @@.responses; <<link "— \'Hello? Is anybody out there?\'" "Enkii 4">><<set $dialog = "E1">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "— \'Please, can someone hear me?\'" "Enkii 4">><<set $dialog = "E2">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "— \'Help! I'm trapped in here!\'" "Enkii 4">><<set $dialog = "E3">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(1)>>\ <<if $dialog == "L1" >>...<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "L">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; 'Hello? Is everything all right?' I walk up to the door, then step back again. It's... vibrating? Should I be concerned? I pace anxiously... @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; I pace and pace and pace and... //click!// The door lies quiet once again. Was that...? I try the handle and give the door a nudge... ... oh, thank god!!! <<link "Open the door and run outside!" "Enkii 21">><<set $dialog = "E1">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(1)>>\ <<if $dialog == "L1" >>Not sure about any favorites, but I've been re-reading 1984 lately...<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "L">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; 'What's your favourite book?' I feel a bit hypocritical asking that, because I have no clue what mine would be! But then she's the expert, isn't she? @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; Pffft, that was a response I didn't expect! Maybe I should re-read it too! <<link "— \'It's certainly the //perfect// time to be reading that!\'" "Enkii 19">><<set $dialog = "E1">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 19">><<set $dialog = "E2">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 19">><<set $dialog = "E3">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(1)>>\ <<if $dialog == "L1" >>That sounds great!<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L2" >>We have a deal!<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "L">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; 'Thank you, thank you so much! I know a nice pub, I'll buy you a pint once I'm out!' What an incredible relief, really! I shudder to think of what would have happened if she hadn't heard me. @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; All right! <<link "— \'Do you see the key? It fell out of my pocket just after I opened the door...\'" "Enkii 8">><<set $dialog = "E1">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 8">><<set $dialog = "E2">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 8">><<set $dialog = "E3">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(1)>>\ <<if $dialog == "L1" >>Hang tight, I'll look around just in case!<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "L">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; <<if $dialog == "E1" >>'Maybe someone found it and left it somewhere more visible...?'<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >>'Could an animal have moved it? Like a magpie, or something...?'<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >>'Is it possible it bounced out of the stairwell...?'<</if>>\ I hate that I can't keep the emotion out of my voice... What are we going to do now!? @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; My heart unclenches, just slightly. <<link "— \'Thank you so much!\'" "Enkii 10">><<set $dialog = "E1">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 10">><<set $dialog = "E2">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 10">><<set $dialog = "E3">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(1)>>\ <<if $dialog == "L1" >>OK, I'm here!<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "L">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; I launch into a frantic explanation: 'I'm stuck in the room under the lake! I can't open the door! Please if you're in the park would you mind coming over and unlocking it? The key should be right there on the ground outside the door? Please?' @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; Yes! My saviour! <<link "— \'Thank you, thank you so much! I'll buy you a pint!\'" "Enkii 7">><<set $dialog = "E1">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 7">><<set $dialog = "E2">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 7">><<set $dialog = "E3">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(1)>>\ <<if $dialog == "L1" >>I saw the Angel of the North... <<set $angel = 1>><<redo>><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L2" >>I saw the Gateshead flasher...<<set $angel = 2>><<redo>><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "L">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; 'Did you see anything interesting around Newcastle?' I fuss with the leaves of the potted plant to pass the time between replies. @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; <<do>><<if $angel == 1 >>... the what? I have no idea what she's talking about...<</if>>\ <<if $angel == 2 >>... the WHAT!? I have no idea what she's talking about!<</if>><</do>>\ <<link "— \'Sorry, I'm not sure what that is!\'" "Enkii 15">><<set $dialog = "E1">><<set $lies = 1>><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "— \'Ah... yes, I see what you mean...\'" "Enkii 15">><<set $dialog = "E2">><<set $lies = 2>><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 15">><<set $dialog = "E3">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(1)>>\ <<if $dialog == "L1" >>Nice to meet you Susan! I'm Karen.<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "L">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; 'By the way, my name is Susan.' I absently faff about with my notebook. @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; Karen... <<link "— \'That's a pretty name!\'" "Enkii 12">><<set $dialog = "E1">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 12">><<set $dialog = "E2">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 12">><<set $dialog = "E3">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(1)>>\ <<if $dialog == "L1" >>Hello?<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L2" >>...<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L3" >>...<</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "L">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; <<if $dialog == "E1" >>'Hello!? Is anybody out there!?'<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >>'Please, can someone hear me!?'<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >>'Help! I'm trapped in here!!'<</if>>\ I hold my breath. The owner //has// to still be around... ...please, please, please... ...wait, wouldn't the owner be another of those shady researchers!? Now I'm not sure what to wish for! Though I suppose it can't be worse than being locked in here for days... and maybe I can pretend that I just found a dropped key? @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; I almost drop the walkie-talkie in surprise. Is that an American? She sounds nice, I think? What a relief! <<link "Explain the situation." "Enkii 6">><<set $dialog = "E1">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 6">><<set $dialog = "E2">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 6">><<set $dialog = "E3">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(1)>>\ <<if $dialog == "L1" >>...<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L2" >>...<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L3" >>...<</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "L">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; <<if $dialog == "E1" >>'Hello? Is anybody out there?'<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >>'Please, can someone hear me?'<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E3" >>'Help! I'm trapped in here!'<</if>>\ I tightly grip the walkie-talkie as I wait for a response. After waiting a while to give someone a chance to answer, I [[repeat my call|Enkii 4]]. <<set $calling++>> <<if $calling == 1>>\ <<elseif $calling == 2>>\ I take a deep breath, then keep going. <<elseif $calling == 3>>\ I try again, but no response yet. <<elseif $calling == 4>>\ I mindlessly repeat myself. <<elseif $calling == 5>>\ <<set $calling to 1>><<set $wishing ++>>I pause to rest my voice for a moment.<<if $wishing == 1>><br>Is there really no one on the other side?<</if>> <<if $wishing >= 2>><br>//[If there isn't anyone on the other end of the line, it might be best to take a break!]//<</if>><</if>>\ @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; Still no reply... I'm getting a bit desperate! <<link "— \'Hello!? Is anybody out there!?\'" "Enkii 5">><<set $dialog = "E1">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "— \'Please, can someone hear me!?\'" "Enkii 5">><<set $dialog = "E2">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "— \'Help! I'm trapped in here!!\'" "Enkii 5">><<set $dialog = "E3">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(1)>>\ <<if $dialog == "L1" >>Very nice! I work at a bookstore. We're still going strong despite the pandemic and everything else, thankfully!<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "L">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; 'I'm actually in uni studying to be a biologist!' I'm proud of myself for persevering with my degree out of passion despite the maths courses! Secretly, I'm hoping that she'll be impressed too. @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; The pandemic? Oh, the one from Hong Kong? I'm too young to remember much of it, but it was apparently a pretty big deal! Good for her (and her bookshop). <<link "— \'What's your favourite book?\'" "Enkii 18">><<set $dialog = "E1">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 18">><<set $dialog = "E2">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 18">><<set $dialog = "E3">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(1)>>\ <<if $dialog == "L1" >>Anyway... what's under that 'loch', exactly?<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "L">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; <<if $dialog == "E1" >>'Sorry, I'm not sure what that is!'<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "E2" >>'Ah... yes, I see what you mean...'<</if>>\ This is awkward... @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; I'm grateful for the change in topic... but I can't hold back a giggle when I hear her pronunciation of 'loch' (luckily I wasn't holding the walkie-talkie button!) <<link "— \'It's an observation room for fish.\'" "Enkii 16">><<set $dialog = "E1">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 16">><<set $dialog = "E2">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 16">><<set $dialog = "E3">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(1)>>\ <<if $dialog == "L1" >>I'm visiting from Michigan! And I actually drove near Newcastle on the way up here!<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "L">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; 'A little ways away, actually. Not far from Newcastle, if you know where that is...' Without thinking I add: 'What about you?', and then feel silly! But maybe I shouldn't assume; she could be immigrating. @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; A-ha, so she was a tourist after all! Michigan, I //think// I know where that is... vaguely... <<link "— \'Did you see anything interesting around Newcastle?\'" "Enkii 14">><<set $dialog = "E1">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 14">><<set $dialog = "E2">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 14">><<set $dialog = "E3">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(1)>>\ <<if $dialog == "L1" >>So cool!<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L2" >>So cute!<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "L">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; 'It's an observation room for fish.' I sit in a desk chair and let myself just look at the fish for a moment. They're still beautiful despite their sorry state... @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; She sounds so excited! I don't have the heart to tell her they're being mistreated... <<link "— \'I'm actually in uni studying to be a biologist!\'" "Enkii 17">><<set $dialog = "E1">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 17">><<set $dialog = "E2">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 17">><<set $dialog = "E3">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> @@

<div id="walkietalkie">\ <<repeat 100ms>><<run fRead(1)>>\ <<if $dialog == "L1" >>Um, thank you! ... Do you live close to here?<</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L2" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog == "L3" >><</if>>\ <<if $dialog.first() == "L">><<toggleclass ".waiting, .responses" "hidden">><<stop>><</if>>\ <</repeat>>\ </div>\ @@.waiting; 'That's a pretty name!' I hope that's not an odd thing to say to a lady I don't know? I idly pluck at the deadbolt mechanism, but of course I still can't get it to move. @@\ @@.responses;.hidden; I wonder how much she knows about Britain? <<link "— \'A little ways away, actually. Not far from Newcastle, if you know where that is...\'" "Enkii 13">><<set $dialog = "E1">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 13">><<set $dialog = "E2">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> <<link "" "Enkii 13">><<set $dialog = "E3">><<run fSave(2)>><</link>> @@

<div class="footer">\ <<if tags().includes("Loch")>><span id="Lclear"><<link "[Restart]" "Loch 1">><<run fReset()>><<set $Sorting to 0>><<set $dialog to "">><<set $idling to 0>><<set $hinting to 0>><<set $calling to 0>><<set $wishing to 0>><</link>></span><</if>>\ <<if tags().includes("Enkii")>><span id="Eclear"><<link "[Restart]" "Enkii 1">><<run fReset()>><<set $Sorting to 0>><<set $dialog to "">><<set $idling to 0>><<set $hinting to 0>><<set $calling to 0>><<set $wishing to 0>><</link>></span><</if>>\ </div>\