*** TIME QUEST - THE FULL SCRIPT *** >Look at Drexler Drexler is a tough-skinned, weatherbeaten army veteran. >Examine briefing papers [The papers are the ones that came in your game package.] Suddenly one of the walls begins to shimmer and Vettenmyer himself steps out of nowhere. He leans over the astonished general's desk and laughs in his face. "Surprised to see me, SIR? Didn't think I'd build my own interkron, did you, SIR?" The pitch of his voice starts to rise as he becomes more and more agitated. "Well listen up, pal. You and your entire civilization are about to be wiped off the face of the planet." He jerks a thumb towards you and laughs. "And if you think Junior here can catch me, you might as well kiss your universe goodbye - he's not even a full key-member of the Corps." Vettenmyer presses a button on a bracelet that looks like a slimmer version of the transponder Drexler gave you. A black rectangle suddenly appears in midair. The renegade says, "The cl ock is ticking, gentlemen." He glances back at you and says, "See you around, kid." Then he steps through the rectangle and disappears. >Ask about key "That information is given only to full members of the Temporal Corps. You will be briefed upon the completion of your mission." The general stares you in the eye. "I want you to nail that bastard, Private. Go anywhere. Do anything. But get him." He turns away, but then looks back at you. "One more thing." He fumbles in his pocket and then gives you a small yellow pill. "Time jumps are pretty dramatic affairs, but the novelty wears off in a hurry. When you get tired of the fireworks, take this pill and you'll hardly notice a thing. That'll be all, Private. Dismissed." >w You snap off a salute, turn smartly on your heel, and leave the room. Quickly crossing the hall, you enter another office. Vettenmyer's quarters The room is stark and military. The only item of furniture is a standard-issue desk that has a single drawer. Only a slight shimmering in the far wall betrays the presence of the interkron. The exit to the hall is to the east. >open drawer You open the drawer and discover a card. >take card You take the card from the drawer. [Your score has just gone up by 5. NOTE: You can activate and deactivate score-change notification using the NOTIFY command.] >in You press the button on the wristlet and the shimmering melts away to reveal a black rectangle that hovers in midair. You step through the hole in space and find yourself inside the interkron. Interkron The interkron is a cramped space full of dials and switches. Directly in front of you is an empty slot with a red light next to it. The display screen is taken up by a world map, and there are ten years highlighted next to it. Under the keyboard, a technician has scrawled on a piece of tape, "To go to a new timeplace, type 'timeset,' followed by the name of the city and the year that you want to go to. Eg. Timeset Rome 44." [Your score has just gone up by 10.] >put card in slot You slide the card into the slot. The light changes color to green. >ts rome 1361 *** CODES - YOU'LL ENCOUNTER THEM EVERY TIME YOU'LL WTITE "TS" AFTER YOU LEAVE THE GAME *** The interkron starts to hum, but then a warning message appears on the display screen: Interkron operational error: Location Code = 119. Please consult your Interkron Trouble-shooting Guide to verify the malfunctioning unit. AFFECTED SYSTEM >video display Nature of malfunction: Color code = red. Please consult your Interkron Trouble-shooting Guide to verify the type of di fficulty. MALFUNCTION CLASSIFICATION >memory Recommended Repair Level = high level interface. Please consult your Interkron Trouble-shooting Guide and enter the correct repair procedure number. REPAIR PROCEDURE NUMBER >87 "Repair complete. Commencing time jump..." You hear a low humming that slowly crescendos into a full-fledged roar. The interkron begins to shake and you become disoriented. You fall to the floor and pass out... When you awaken and struggle to your feet, you realize that you have travelled to Rome, in the year 1361 B.C. >out Field You are in a picturesque valley at the foot of a gently sloping Etruscan hillside. It is a pastoral scene, with trees dotting the seven hills that surround you, and a small stream burbling past your feet. The only sign of man is a barely perceptible path that leads to the south. You notice a slight shimmer to the air here. >s Academy You are in a small peaceful meadow that seems like the kind of place people go just to sit and think. Set to one side is a comfortable-looking log. An old man is sitting quietly on the log. As soon as he sees you, the old man smiles and says, "Welcome." He gestures to a spot next to him on the log, and says, "Won't you sit with me and discuss the philosophical issues of the day?" >sit You sit down on the log. The old man looks delighted that you have joined him. He says, "Here at the academy we search for the truth. Those around us believe that the fate of man is determined by the gods, and that they can learn this fate by examining the organs of sacrificial animals for differences in size, shape, color, and markings. We are not so sure and perhaps - in time - we shall learn more." >Ask about academy "As long as there is at least one student each generation, the academy will remain open. For remember, it is only by passing on what he has learned that a man transcends his own death." >Ask about bench "Good idea. Perhaps I'll get one." >Ask about cloak "It is a symbol of academic learning. Those of us who wear it are dedicated to acquiring knowledge and passing it down to new generations." >Ask about god "Some believe God exists. Some don't. It appears to be a matter of faith, rather than of reason." >Ask about himself "I am just an old philosopher." >Ask about issues "I'm glad you could spare the time to sit and chat. People seem to be in such a hurry these days." >Ask about key "Whatever knowledge the key unlocks, endeavor to use it wisely." >Ask about log "It is a good place to sit, to think, to teach, to listen, and to learn." >Ask about me "Obviously, you are a man of action who has had many adventures. Even you, however, may one day find it within you to lead a more contemplative life." >Ask about religion "I think religion is a question of what one believes, rather than what one can prove. And I think that each man believes what he must, that he believes what he fears the least, that he believes that which will allow him to sleep at night. I also think religion has been the cause of so much bloodshed through history that one can only hope it has provided sufficient consolation to the faithful to atone for its own sins." >Ask about socrates "I am sorry, but I know of no such man." >Ask about time "Time will ultimately defeat each of us, for each of us must die. But together, mankind can defeat time. Each of us can study and learn, and each of us can pass on that learning. If we do so, perhaps mankind will eventually learn to control time itself. Otherwise, we are nothing." >Ask about time travel "Obviously such a thing is not possible." >stand You stand up. >n Field You are in a picturesque valley at the foot of a gently sloping Etruscan hillside. It is a pastoral scene, with trees dotting the seven hills that surround you, and a small stream burbling past your feet. The only sign of man is a barely perceptible path that leads to the south. You notice a slight shimmer to the air here. >in You press the button on the wristlet and the shimmering melts away to reveal a black rectangle that hovers in midair. You step through the hole in space and find yourself inside the interkron. Interkron The interkron is a cramped space full of dials and switches. Directly in front of you is a slot with a key card in it and a green light next to it. The display screen is taken up by a world map, and there are ten years highlighted next to it. Under the keyboard, a technician has scrawled on a piece of t ape, "To go to a new timeplace, type 'timeset,' followed by the name of the city and the year that you want to go to. Eg. Timeset Rome 44." >ts rome 44 You hear a low humming that slowly crescendos into a full-fledged roar. The interkron begins to shake and you become disoriented. You fall to the floor and pass out... When you awaken and struggle to your feet, you realize that you have travelled to Rome, in the year 44 B.C. >out Cloaca Maxima You step out into a murky underground cavern. When your eyes adjust to the gloom you realize you are in the newly-built Cloaca Maxima, the great underground sewer of Rome. Uninviting tunnels lead off in many directions, but a welcome ray of light filters down from an opening overhead. The air near one wall is shimmering. >up Street Rome in Caesar's day is an exciting, vibrant city of one million inhabitants who have crowded in from all over the Mediterranean. The streets reverberate with the racket of iron-rimmed carriage wheels scraping over paving stones and con versations shouted in Latin, Greek and harsh-sounding barbarian tongues. The same breezes that waft yeasty aromas from neighborhood bakeries carry also the smells of sweat and garbage. This noisy street runs southeast towards the Circus Maximus. There is a passageway between the buildings that leads south. Below your feet is an opening. >se Circus Maximus You are standing outside the infamous Circus Maximus, site of gladiatorial combats, chariot races, and spectacular wild beast shows featuring the slaughter of thousands of exotic animals, all for the idle amusement of Rome's unemployed masses. Before you is the stone arcade of the amphitheater, and within you see two gates. The northeast gate is marked "Gladiators," the southeast gate is labeled "Spectators." Between the gates is a sign. A street leads off to the northwest. >read sign The sign says: February 15 Today: Chariot Races -- 1:00-3:00 Tomorrow: Gladiators vs Lions Free admission >se Grandstand You are in a grandstand high above the floor of the arena. The figures below are so small it is almost impossible to discern what they are doing. The only exit is to the northwest. >wait Time passes... A man walks down a nearby aisle shouting, "Focaccia! Getcher focaccia here! Can't enjoy the races without yer focaccia!" >take focaccia You take the focaccia from the focaccia man. [Your score has just gone up by 5.] >nw Circus Maximus You are standing outside the infamous Circus Maximus, site of gladiatorial combats, chariot races, and spectacular wild beast shows featuring the slaughter of thousands of exotic animals, all for the idle amusement of Rome's unemployed masses. Before you is the stone arcade of the amphitheater, and within you see two gates. The northeast gate is marked "Gladiators," the southeast gate is labeled "Spectators." Between the gates is a sign. A street leads off to the northwest. >ne Gladitorium You are in a dank room hidden deep below the stands of the amphitheater. The stale, sweaty odor is unmistakably that of an ancient, well-used locker room. You are standing in front of a small dressing niche whose only adornment is a shelf with a small clothes peg. Exits lie to the southeast and southwest. On the shelf you see a jar. >take jar You take the jar from the shelf. [Your score has just gone up by 5.] After a few moments, a tall man with a red face comes in and stands on a bench. "Right, lads," he says. "You know the drill. The races are every half hour, and the early ones are just for the crowd's amusement. The last race is the one that counts. The winner of that one gets to meet the big C and ask for one favor. After that comes the parade of lions for the big gala tomorrow. By the way, if anyone needs a chariot and doesn't mind getting his hands dirty, there's a broken one just inside the arena. Look lively now, and let's be careful out there." >take peg You take the peg from the shelf. [Your score has just gone up by 5.] >se Arena Your heart quickens as you walk out onto the floor of the arena. Grandstands filled with drunken Romans rise steeply all around, and the noise pouring out of them is deafening. At the far end of the stadium you can just make out the imperial box where Caesar is holding court with Calpurnia and Cleopatra. The only exit is to the northwest. There is a chariot here that leans crazily to one side. The chariot's wheel is lying on the ground nearby. >push wheel You roll the wheel around the arena for a while, but you stop when the crowd starts jeering at you. >put wheel on axle You push the wheel onto the axle. >put peg in hole You jam the peg into the hole, wedging it in until the bottom sticks out on one side of the axle and the top sticks out on the other. >put oil on axle You pour the oil on the axle. >climb in chariot You climb into the chariot. >wait Time passes... A cheer goes up from the crowd. A pair of hostlers come and harness some horses to your chariot, chatting with each other while they work. "So did they catch the guy?" "No. Publius chased him, but he got away." "But why would anyone put on a laurel wreath and then take a whip to a lion?" "Search me. But lemme tell ya - that's one mad cat, and if he ever meets the guy who did it, I'm betting on the lion." The man gives the harness a final tug and slaps one of the horses on the rump. The chariot glides forward to the starting line, and as soon as it is there, the starter drops his flag and the race begins. The chariots make a tremendous din as they leap forward and you find yourself in a heart-thumping race for the finish line. You race the length of the stadium, your well-oiled chariot giving you a decided advantage over the rest of the pack. You win the race by a comfortable margin, winning you the adulation of the crowd. The horses trot back to the starting line. A host says, "Congratulations I hope you do as well in the last race." >wait 60 [I assume you mean 60 minutes.] Time passes... A cheer goes up from the crowd. A pair of hostlers come and harness some horses to your chariot. The chariot glides forward to the starting line, and as soon as it is there, the starter drops his flag and the race begins. The chariots make a tremendous din as they leap forward and you find yourself in a heart-thumping race for the finish line. You race the length of the stadium, your well-oiled chariot giving you a decided advantage over the rest of the pack. You win the race by a comfortable margin, winning you the adulation of the crowd. The horses trot back to the starting line. A host says, "Congratulations I hope you do as well in the last race." Do you want to continue waiting? >y A cheer goes up from the crowd. A pair of hostlers come and harness some horses to your chariot. The chariot glides forward to the starting line, and as soon as it is there, the starter drops his flag and the race begins. The chariots make a tremendous din as they leap forward and you find yourself in a heart-thumping race for the finish line. You race the length of the stadium, your well-oiled chariot giving you a decided advantage over the rest of the pack. You win the race by a comfortable margin, winning you the adulation of the crowd. The horses trot back to the starting line. A host says, "Congratulations I hope you do as well in the last race." Do you want to continue waiting? >n >wait 60 [I assume you mean 60 minutes.] Time passes... A cheer goes up from the crowd. A pair of hostlers come and harness some horses to your chariot. The chariot glides forward to the starting line, and as soon as it is there, the starter drops his flag and the race begins. The chariots make a tremendous din as they leap forward and you find yourself in a heart-thumping race for the finish line. You race the length of the stadium, your well-oiled chariot giving you a decided advantage over the rest of the pack. You win the race by a comfortable margin, winning you the adulation of the crowd. The horses trot back to the starting line. A host says, "Congratulations I hope you do as well in the last race." Do you want to continue waiting? >y A cheer goes up from the crowd. A pair of hostlers come and harness some horses to your chariot. The chariot glides forward to the starting line, and as soon as it is there, the starter drops his flag and the race begins. The chariots leap forward. The noise of the crowd is drowned out by the thunder of the hooves and the crash of equipment as the chariots slam into each other while careening headlong down the first straightaway... As you head into the first turn you find yourself sandwiched between two larger chariots who are battling for position along the inside. Just before you get crushed between them, you pull back on the reins and let them go by... Coming out of the turn, you maneuver to the outside. You're a little behind the other chariots, but the ground here is firmer and you quickly make up the difference... Heading into the second turn you make a bold move to the inside, cutting off another charioteer who loses control of his horses and flips over. The crowd goes wild and starts cheering you on... Coming out of the turn, you are in the lead! As you thunder down the final straightaway, another chariot pulls up even with you. Horses straining, hooves thundering, the two of you rocket towards the finish line... Slowly, inexorably, you begin to pull ahead of the other chariot. The other charioteer screams at his horses, but to no avail. When the two of you cross the finish line, you are ahead by half a length! The race is over - and you are the victor! The crowd spills out of the arena and hoists you onto their shoulders. They carry you over to the Imperial Box. Imperial Box You are in a sumptuously furnished box with Julius Caesar, ruler of the vast and mighty Roman Empire. In an astounding act of rudeness, he has placed his mistress, Cleopatra, on his right and Calpurnia, his wife, on his left. As you enter the box, Caesar's Praetorian bodyguard draws his sword and looks at you menacingly, as if to warn you against trying to attack anyone. The dictator is wearing a laurel wreath and he is toying with a gold bracelet on his wrist. At the moment, he is chatting with Cleopatra. [Your score has just gone up by 20.] Do you want to continue waiting? >y You hear a fanfare from the arena. The parade of lions has begun. You notice that one of the handlers is having a very difficult time restraining his lion. Do you want to continue waiting? >n >ask for wreath The guard nudges you and says, "Don't speak until you're spoken to." Caesar turns his attention to you and says, "Congratulations! You rode well and, if it is within my power, I shall grant you one request. What would you like to ask me for?" >ask for wreath Nearby onlookers gasp at your effrontery, but Caesar holds up his hand to silence them. "I said I would honor any request, and so I shall." He takes off the wreath and places it on your head. [Your score has just gone up by 5.] >wait Time passes... The agitated lion breaks away from its handler and races towards the imperial box. The guard drops his sword in panic and flees. The ladies mouths fall open and they are paralyzed with fear. Caesar doesn't move a muscle. He eyeballs the lion as if he was trying to stare him down. >take sword You take the sword. [Your score has just gone up by 5.] The lion continues to charge at you. He leaps into the air, going for the throat. >kill lion [with the sword] You drive the point of the sword into the lion's exposed throat. The sword imbeds itself into bone and gristle, killing the lion in midair. The lion's momentum carries him into you and rips the sword out of your hand, but you quickly leap to your feet, unharmed. The crowd roars its approval. Caesar wraps his arms around you and says, "You have saved my life! I must reward you, but you have already claimed the most valuable thing I could ever give you. Nevertheless, in addition I give you this bracelet as thanks." While he is speaking, Cleopatra leans over, gives you a lingering kiss and whispers in your ear, "If you can arrange it, I would like to meet you later and give you proper thanks." Before she can continue, however, the spectators crowd around you and carry you out of the stadium in triumph. [Your score has just gone up by 30.] Circus Maximus You are standing outside the infamous Circus Maximus, site of gladiatorial combats, chariot races, and spectacular wild beast shows featuring the slaughter of thousands of exotic animals, all for the idle amusement of Rome's unemployed masses. Before you is the stone arcade of the amphitheater, and within you see two gates. The northeast gate is marked "Gladiators," the southeast gate is labeled "Spectators." Both gates are closed. Between the gates is a sign. A street leads off to the northwest. >look at wristlet The wristlet has a single button on it. Suddenly, the bracelet begins to glow. Then it disappears. >nw Street This noisy street runs southeast towards the Circus Maximus. There is a passageway between the buildings that leads south. Below your feet is an opening. >s Academy You are in a small park nestled in the heart of the city. It is unusually peaceful here, a rare island of tranquility that is sheltered from the noise and bustle of the busy metropolis. Set to one side is a comfortable-looking bench. An old man is sitting quietly on the bench. As soon as he sees you, the old man smiles and says, "Welcome." He gestures to a spot next to him on the bench, and says, "Won't you sit with me and discuss the philosophical issues of the day?" >sit You sit down on the bench. The old man looks delighted that you have joined him. He says, "Here at the academy we search for the truth. Those around us follow Epicurus in his belief that pleasure is the very essence of a happy life and that the gods have far more important things to do than trouble themselves with the concerns of mortals. We are not so sure and perhaps - in time - we shall learn more." >Ask about academy "As long as there is at least one student each generation, the academy will remain open. For remember, it is only by passing on what he has learned that a man transcends his own death." >Ask about aristotle "He undoubtedly was brilliant, but it's hard to tell because his writing is so incredibly boring." >Ask about bench "It is a good place to sit, to think, to teach, to listen, and to learn." >Ask about caesar "He has grasped too much power. I fear his end is near." >Ask about cleopatra "She is a wily woman who has more than one way of getting what she wants." >Ask about cloak "It is a symbol of academic learning. Those of us who wear it are dedicated to acquiring knowledge and passing it down to new generations." >Ask about epicurus "He believed that serenity was based on pleasure - which he defined as the absence of pain. Those who practice debauchery and gluttony in his name are perverting his gentle philosophy." >Ask about god "Some believe God exists. Some don't. It appears to be a matter of faith, rather than of reason." >Ask about himself "I am just an old philosopher." >Ask about issues "I'm glad you could spare the time to sit and chat. People seem to be in such a hurry these days." >Ask about key "Whatever knowledge the key unlocks, endeavor to use it wisely." >Ask about log He gives you an odd look. "There hasn't been a log here for a thousand years." >Ask about me "Obviously, you are a man of action who has had many adventures. Even you, however, may one day find it within you to lead a more contemplative life." >Ask about plato "Plato is the man who once wrote, 'The unexamined life is not worth living.' He is the undisputed master. All of philosophy is little more than a footnote to his works." >Ask about pope innocent Pope Innocent III is too far away to talk to. >Ask about religion "I think religion is a question of what one believes, rather than what one can prove. And I think that each man believes what he must, that he believes what he fears the least, that he believes that which will allow him to sleep at night. I also think religion has been the cause of so much bloodshed through history that one can only hope it has provided sufficient consolation to the faithful to atone for its own sins." >Ask about socrates "He once taught, 'There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance.' For this he was judged too dangerous to live by the citizens of Athens." >Ask about time "Time will ultimately defeat each of us, for each of us must die. But together, mankind can defeat time. Each of us can study and learn, and each of us can pass on that learning. If we do so, perhaps mankind will eventually learn to control time itself. Otherwise, we are nothing." >Ask about time travel "Obviously such a thing is not possible." >stand You stand up. >n Street This noisy street runs southeast towards the Circus Maximus. There is a passageway between the buildings that leads south. Below your feet is an opening. >in Cloaca Maxima You climb down into a murky underground cavern. When your eyes adjust to the gloom you realize you are in the newly-built Cloaca Maxima, the great underground sewer of Rome. Uninviting tunnels lead off in many directions, but a welcome ray of light filters down from an opening overhead. The air near one wall is shimmering. >in You press the button on the wristlet and the shimmering melts away to reveal a black rectangle that hovers in midair. You step through the hole in space and find yourself inside the interkron. Interkron The interkron is a cramped space full of dials and switches. Directly in front of you is a slot with a key card in it and a green light next to it. The display screen is taken up by a world map, and there are ten years highlighted next to it. Under the keyboard, a technician has scrawled on a piece of t ape, "To go to a new timeplace, type 'timeset,' followed by the name of the city and the year that you want to go to. Eg. Timeset Rome 44." >ts peking 1361 You hear a low humming that slowly crescendos into a full-fledged roar. The interkron begins to shake and you become disoriented. You fall to the floor and pass out... When you awaken and struggle to your feet, you realize that you have travelled to Peking, in the year 1361 B.C. >out Shrine You are in a small roadside shrine just outside the gates of Peking. The wall here seems to shimmer. >out Tientan Park While many other parts of the world are still mired in the stone age, an advanced civilization has already flourished in China for over 400 years. The Shang emperors are vicious in war, but gentle in peace, and the introspective, nonactivist philosophy that forms the core of later Eastern thought has already taken root here. An imperial funeral winds out of the gates of the city. The Shang emperors command fierce loyalty from their subjects, and upon their deaths, many members of the imperial household choose to be buried alive with their dead leader to accompany him to his next life. The mourners are slowly walking down the road to the east. You are standing in a small park just south of Peking's main gate and just north of a roadside shrine. The road leads off to the east. >e Sacred Way You are standing on the Sacred Way, just outside a cave which is the traditional burial ground of the Shang emperors. The mourners are filing inside. An official waits outside, ready to knock the struts out from under a huge boulder that hangs over the entrance to the cave. The road leads back to the west. The official looks at you and says, "You may join the mourners if you wish. No living person has ever emerged, although legend says that the secret of escape is written on the tablets within." >e Nervously, you step into the cave. You hear a shouted command, and moments later the boulder crashes into place behind you. Burial Cave You are inside a cave that is the traditional burying place of the Shang emperors. The south wall of the cave is dominated by a large statue of hammered bronze. It has terrifying eyes, a gaping hole for its mouth, three arms on each side, and a big emerald in its belly button. Below the statue are four tablets, and in front of it is a bench. Despite the presence of the monstrous statue, the room has a hushed, contemplative atmosphere that somehow seems very peaceful. One of the mourners picks up a basin from its ceremonial stand, fills it with poison and takes a drink from it. He passes it to the man next to him and then keels over - dead. The basin works its deadly way halfway around the room to where you are standing. The woman to your right passes you the basin. The man to your left awaits it eagerly. [Your score has just gone up by 10.] >pass basin You pass on the basin. One by one, all the remaining mourners drink out of it, until there is no poison left. After the last person drinks, he places the basin on its ceremonial stand, and then he keels over and dies. A stillness falls over the room. >sit You sit on the bench and you notice that the emerald in the statue's belly begins to glow. >meditate You sink into a state of deep meditation. The outside world fades from your consciousness, you become completely still, and time ceases to mean anything to you... Suddenly your peaceful condition is shattered by the sound of water gushing out of a hidden pipe into the basin. Moments later, it is filled and the gurgling stops. [Your score has just gone up by 20.] >look at stone It's a huge rock that probably weighs several tons. >Look at the first tablet There are ways but the Way is uncharted; There are names but not nature in words: Nameless indeed is the source of creation But things have a mother and she has a name. The secret waits for the insight Of eyes unclouded by longing Those who are bound by desire See only the outward container These two come paired but distinct By their names. Of all things profound, Say that their pairing is deepest, The gate to the root of the world. >Look at the second tablet Thirty spokes will converge In the hub of a wheel; But the use of the cart Will depend on the part Of the hub that is void. With a wall all around A clay bowl is molded; But the use of the bowl Will depend on the part Of the bowl that is void. Cut out windows and doors In the house as you build; But the use of the house Will depend on the space In the walls that is void. So advantage is had From whatever is there; But usefulness rises From whatever is not. >Look at the third tablet The softest of stuff in the world Penetrates quickly the hardest; Insubstantial, it enters Where no room is. By this I know the benefit Of something done by quiet being; In all the world but few can know Accomplishment apart from work, Instruction when no words are used. >Look at the fourth tablet The world may be known Without leaving the house; The Way may be seen Apart from the windows. The further you go, The less you will know. Accordingly, the Wise Man Knows without going, Sees without seeing, Does without doing. >Look at the statue's mouth The grotesque lips outline a dark, mysterious hole. >stand You stand up and the emerald stops glowing. >take basin You take the basin from the stand. >pour water in statue's mouth You pour the water into the statue's mouth. From far away you hear a rumbling sound. Then suddenly the emerald pops out of the statue's belly and the statue swings away from the wall, revealing a hidden exit. In your surprise, you drop the basin, which falls to the ground and smashes. [Your score has just gone up by 20.] >take emerald You take the emerald. [Your score has just gone up by 5.] >s You crawl through the opening and find yourself in a dark smooth tunnel that slopes downward through the solid rock. The statue swings shut behind you, and suddenly you hear the sound of rushing water coming from above you. Seconds later, you are engulfed by a wave that comes surging through the tunnel. It picks you up as if you were a toy and propels you headlong through the tunnel. After what seems like an eternity, you are flushed out onto a steep hillside. You tumble down the hill, and find yourself once again standing outside the entrance to the cave. Sacred Way You are standing on the Sacred Way, just outside a cave which is the traditional burial ground of the Shang emperors. There is a huge boulder blocking the entrance to the cave. The road leads back to the west. >w Tientan Park You are standing in a small park just south of Peking's main gate and just north of a roadside shrine. The road leads off to the east. >s Shrine You are in a small roadside shrine just outside the gates of Peking. The wall here seems to shimmer. >in You press the button on the wristlet and the shimmering melts away to reveal a black rectangle that hovers in midair. You step through the hole in space and find yourself inside the interkron. Interkron The interkron is a cramped space full of dials and switches. Directly in front of you is a slot with a key card in it and a green light next to it. The display screen is taken up by a world map, and there are ten years highlighted next to it. Under the keyboard, a technician has scrawled on a piece of t ape, "To go to a new timeplace, type 'timeset,' followed by the name of the city and the year that you want to go to. Eg. Timeset Rome 44." >ts dover 1361 You hear a low humming that slowly crescendos into a full-fledged roar. The interkron begins to shake and you become disoriented. You fall to the floor and pass out... When you awaken and struggle to your feet, you realize that you have travelled to Dover, in the year 1361 B.C. >out Shed You are in a small woodshed next to a tavern in Dover, England. There is a telltale shimmering in the air here, and an exit to the southeast. >se Lawn The late bronze age in Britain is a peaceful time. The ships that cross the Channel come in peace, seeking trade - not war. The island's wealth is in the hands of a few powerful chieftains, and its sacred knowledge is guarded by the secr etive druids, builders of Stonehenge. You are standing on a lawn just to the south of a small hut that commands a stunning view of the English Channel. A rickety shed leans against the building's west wall. The great chalk cliff comes right up to the south edge of the lawn, and a narrow path winds down the otherwise sheer face of the cliff. A dirt track leads off to the west. >w You walk along the road, which soon enters a forest and then winds its way up a ridge to join the ancient trackway across the Downs that will one day be known as the Pilgrim's Way. Night falls, and after several hours of walking along in the moonlight, you come to a great circle of stones in the middle of the Salisbury Plain. Stonehenge You are standing next to the sighting stone outside the great circle known as Stonehenge. A road leads off across the plain to the east.