**B&D Air Flight 777**
“Ladies and Gentlemen, we will be arriving soon in Las Vegas.”
The pilot's announcement jolts you awake. Wiping the drool from your chin, you try to contain your excitement about your first visit to the infamous city of “Lost Wages.”
[[Let's do this!->Leaving the plane]]
(set:$score to 0)
(set:$urinated to false)
(set:$lostbags to false)
(set:$hasfriends to false)
(set:$cheapshirts to false)
(set:$slotWin to false)
(set:$checkedbags to false)
(set:$inspectbill to false)
(set:$slept to false)
(set:$inspectbill to false)
(set:$showered to false)
(set:$boughtshirts to false)
(set:$tookUber to false)
(set:$maids to false)
(set:$cleanRoom to false)
(set:$perfectScore to 20)
**Terminal 3**
After what seems like an eternity, you exit the jetway holding your carry-on bag. The “ka-ching” of slot machines rings in your ear as you scan the directional signs. It's hard not to be distracted.
(display:"ShowScore")
[[Play the slot machines->PlayAirportSlots]]
[[Head for the exit->BaggageClaim]]
[[Go to the restroom-> Restroom]] The line for the restroom is very long. Not surprising since 300+ people just exited your flight, most of whom held their bladders for the duration. (Except for the person in your row who got up to pee about five times. What was [[his problem]], anyway?)
[[Wait my turn-> Urinate]]
Ahh, finally. Sweet relief. Having done your business, you're eager to leave the restroom and get on with your vacation!
(display:"ShowScore")
[[Wash your hands]]
[[Head for the exit->BaggageClaim]]
(set: $urinated to true)
(set:$score to $score+1)Give him a break, he's an old man. Old men have to urinate more frequently, often at inconvenient times.
[[Back-> Restroom]] Yes! Cleanliness is next to godliness, even in Sin City.
(set:$score to $score+5)
(display:"ShowScore")
[[Head for the exit->BaggageClaim]] **Baggage Claim**
This is the largest baggage claim you've ever seen. You stop to check the sign and it says your flight's bag will be unloaded on Carousel 82.
[[I’m glad I didn't check bags->CarChoice]]
[[Go to Carousel #82->WaitBags1]]
Fortunately, the taxi line isn't too long and before you know it you're on your way to The Silver Ingot.
Your driver entertains by telling you stories of crazy passengers, and recommending several places you might visit while you're here. You're not listening very closely becasue the you are agog at the massive, fancy resorts that line the famed "Strip."
As you leave those nice destinations behind, the scenery changes to pawn shops, liqour stores, and dusty parking lots. Not long after, your cab arrives at the entrance to The Silver Ingot. You thank the driver for the adequate but safe transportation.
[[Tip the taxi driver]]
[[Enter The Silver Ingot->ArriveIngot]] Your resort hotel, **The Silver Ingot**, is located in the downtown area on Fremont Street. To get there, you'll need a ride.
[[Follow the signs for Taxi-> TaxiLine]]
[[Follow the signs for Ride Share->Uber]]**Luggage Carousel 82**
Why it takes so long to get your bags is one of life’s great mysteries. Although why it takes twice as long in Las Vegas, well, that's obvious. They want you to see all of the ads blasting on the dozens of video screens in the area. It's a cacophony of sound and a dazzling multimedia display.
You finally break the spell and realize that your bag has been circling for several minutes. You eagerly grab it.
Hmmm, that’s weird, it seems lighter than you remember.
(set: $checkedbags to true)
[[Open your bag->TSA]]
[[Head for the exit->CarChoice]] You zip open your bag, right there in the middle of baggage claim, which creates a nice distraction for others to watch as they wait for their bags.
Inside, you find a crinkled note written in passive-aggressive wordy text. The TSA (Thousands Standing Around) searched your bag, for no apparent reason, and decided to confiscate your finest pair of Doc Martin boots.
Those bastards! You angrily close your bag.
(set: $score to $score+1)
(display:"ShowScore")
[[Go to the airline’s baggage desk->BagComplain]]
[[Head to the exit->CarChoice]]There's nobody at your airline's baggage desk. That's just as well, not only do they not care about the theft, they would just refer you to the TSA. And that’s certainly not going to get you anywhere.
Nearby, there is man wearing a “Jesus Saves” t-shirt and cargo shorts. He says “Hey friend, need a ride?”
(set:$score = $score+1)
(display:"ShowScore")
[[Ignore him->CarChoice]]
[[Yes, as a matter of fact, I do need a ride->GypsyCab]]The Jesus Saves guy says he'll drive you to The Silver Ingot for just $30. Although you've never been to Las Vegas, that seems like a reasonable rate, so you agree.
You follow the man to his beat-up blue panel van, which is illegally parked in the Departure Drop Off lanes.
Something in the back of your mind tells you this might not be a good idea, but you get in the van anyway.
{
(set:$flicker7 to (transition:"dissolve") + (transition-time:7s))
}
$flicker7[In fifteen years, out in the middle of the desert, a metal detectorist named Andy will discover the gold fillings from your teeth. He will go to Fremont street, sell the gold at a pawn shop, then buy an ice cold beer with the proceeds. Andy will decide it’s a fine day indeed.]
(display:"ShowScore")
[[Game Over->Prepare for Landing]] You follow the “Ride Share” signs, which in all honesty aren't plentiful enough, and eventually find yourself on the third floor of the long-term parking garage. It's a little dark, and very warm, but you’ve invested 15 minutes walking to get here so there’s no turning back now.
You pull out your phone, open the app for your favorite ride sharing company and discover that your phone doesn’t have a signal in the garage.
A couple of guys who are walking to their car see you waving your phone around, hoping to catch a stray signal. They strike up a conversation and tell you that they are also heading to The Silver Ingot. They offer you a ride.
[[Accept the ride->StrangerRide]]
[[Politely decline their offer->WaitUber]]
You cram yourself into the backseat of a 1969 Mustang II and head off with your new friends. The car is too loud to talk over, so you mostly enjoy the passing scenery along the way to the The Silver Ingot. You are agog at the massive, fancy resorts that line the famed “Strip.”
As you leave those nice destinations behind, the scenery changes to pawn shops, liquor stores, and cheap souvenir shops selling T-shirts at the remarkable price of 4 for $10.
Not long after, your new friends drop you off at the entrance to The Silver Ingot. You thank them profusely as they drive away to find parking.
(if:$checkedbags is true)[Unfortunately, your luggage is still in the trunk of the car. (set: $lostbags to true)]
(set:$score = $score+1)
(display:"ShowScore")
[[Enter The Silver Ingot->ArriveIngot]]
(set:$cheapshirts to true)
(set:$hasfriends to true)
Moving toward the edge of the parking garage allowed your cell phone to connect, and a driver was quick to accept your ride request.
Unfortunately, it took 30 minutes for the car to arrive at the pick-up location. You really stuck it the man by not using a professional driver that was already waiting for you at the curb outside of baggage claim. On the other hand, you also saved about five dollars.
You cram yourself into the backseat of a 2018 Prius and head out with your driver who doesn't want to talk to you. This doesn't stop you from smugly enjoying the scenery along the way to the The Silver Ingot. You are agog at the massive, fancy resorts that line the famed "Strip."
As you leave those nice destinations behind, the scenery changes to pawn shops, liquor stores, and cheap souvenir shops selling t-shirts at the remarkable price of 4 for $10. (set:$cheapshirts to true)
The Prius pulls up to the The Silver Ingot and you exit the car. You can decide later if you want to tip your driver, you're eager to get the party started now!
(set:$tookUber to true)
[[Enter The Silver Ingot->ArriveIngot]]
<center>
<img src="http://g2meyer.com/twine/IngotLogo.png">
</center>
The grand lady of Fremont Street, The Silver Ingot is the best casino downtown. You immediately notice the large logo above the grand, if not somewhat dingy, entrance. You think to yourself, why is it red? Shouldn't it be silver?
[[Enter->IngotLobby]]You approach a “Big Money” slot machine and insert a dollar. You cross your fingers and push the Spin Reels button. The thrill is like nothing you’ve ever felt before.
<audio autoplay>
<source src="http://g2meyer.com/twine/slotmachine.wav" type="audio/wav" />
</audio>
{
(set:$slotWin to (either: true, false))
(if:$slotWin is true)[You won! Whoohoo! (set:$score to $score+1)]
(else:)[You lost! Big surprise. (set:$score to $score-1)]
(display:"ShowScore")
}
[[Head for the exit->BaggageClaim]]
[[Go to the restroom-> Restroom]] “Thanks very much!” The cabbie seems genuinely thrilled that you tossed him a few extra bucks. He breaks out in a big smile and says “Tell Linda I said hello.”
You exit the cab.(set:$score to $score+1)
(display:"ShowScore")
[[Enter The Silver Ingot->ArriveIngot]] Wow, this place is bustling! It looks like there is some sort of convention going on. Based on their playing card and rabbit themed attire, it could be a magician's convention. No, a senior magician’s convention, by the looks of them.
(if:$lostbags is false and $checkedbags is true)[
Just inside, there’s a short set of stairs. You look around for a ramp, then remember that this resort is old and probably got a waiver on the ADA requirements for easy entry. As you begin to haul your luggage down the steps, a bellman appears and offers to help. As it’s literally only 3 steps, you decline, much to his disappointment.
]
You join the long queue and patiently wait your turn to check in.(if:$urinated is false)[Your full bladder is starting to bother you.]
(else:)[You congratulate yourself at having the foresight to urinate at the airport.]
While waiting, you admire the outdoor pool area that seems to have a large fish tank on display.
(set:$score to $score+1)
(display:"ShowScore")
[[Wait your turn->Checkin]]{(live: 1.5s)[
(either: "##Waiting...", "##Still Waiting...", "##More Waiting...","##Not moving at all...", "##Not yet...")
(if:time>10s)[(go-to:"GetRoomKey")]
]
}
==>
(text-color: gray)[Score: **$score**]
<==#The Silver Ingot
##A Las Vegas Adventure
###(based on actual events)
www.g2meyer.com
A “Safer at Home” project 2020
[[Start Game->Prepare for Landing]] **Front Desk**
“Welcome to the Silver Ingot! How can I be of assistance?” The front desk clerk says in the most insincere manner you’ve ever encountered.
You say, “I have a reservation and would like to check-in please.” (This all seems rather obvious, because why else would you be standing in the “Reservations Only” line, but it seems like the thing to say.)
The front desk clerk begins typing furiously into his computer and asks you to spell your name several times. After a variety of facial expressions ranging from distracted to disinterested, the clerk declares: “Ah, you have a reservation! I see you‘re staying for just one night.”
Eventually, after declining to purchase several upgrades, you are issued a keycard and a room number. The clerk says “Follow the signs to the **Larson Tower elevators**.” Then, without making any motion that a reasonable person would interpret as being directional, adds “The elevators are over there.”
[[What about my bags?->bagQuestion]]
[[Go over there->Lobby]](set:$first to (if:visits is 1))
$first[The lobby is a busy place, filled people and their luggage, stale cigarette smoke, and not a single place to sit.
You can clearly see the pool from here, and the fish in the center aquarium are real! Maybe you can check those out when the pool opens.]
(if:visits > 1)[You’re in the lobby. You notice the pool is closed.]
(if:$slept is false)[You’re feeling tired, perhaps it’s time to go to bed?]
(if:$slept is true)[*Bzzzt! Bzzzt!* Your phone beeps with message from The Silver Ingot: “Thanks for staying, please use your in-room television to check out when you’re ready to leave.”]
The only signs you can see are for:
[[Casino]]
[[Buffet]]
[[Coffee]]
[[Restrooms]]You pass through a casino past its prime. But even still, the flashing lights and excitement tempt you to play.
(if:$slotWin is true)[Fortunately, you got all that out of your system at the airport.]
(if:$slotWin is false)[But you resist temptation, still remembering what it was like at the airport.]
[[Lobby]]
[[Miner's Bar]]
[[Fremont Street->Freemont Street]](if: visits is 1)[The **Claim Squatters 24 Hour Buffet** looks really great on the posters you’ve seen throughout the casino. Unfortunately for you, it's only open five days a week.]
(else:)[You are thrilled to find the buffet open for business, but as you approach the entrance an employee says “Sorry, you'll have to come back later.” When you ask why you're told “Because Linda is on break.” Unsure what that has to do with you, you leave.]
(if:$tookUber is true)[*Bzzt! Bzzt!* Your phone buzzes with a notification. The ride share driver has rated you 2 Stars, probably because you didn’t tip.]
(if: visits is 1)[(set:$score to $score+1)]
(display:"ShowScore")
[[Lobby]] (set:$stock to (either:"lids", "large cups", "small cups"))
There is a line at **Seattle's Second Best Coffee**," but you’re willing to wait. You approach the cashier and order your favorite beverage. Unfortunately, you're told that they are out of $stock. You want a coffee so you say “that's OK” while wondering why they don’t just restock from another location.
(if: visits is 1)[(set:$score to $score+1)]
(display:"ShowScore")
[[Lobby]]
[[Guest Elevators->Elevators]](if:$urinated is false)[A sign outside the door says the restrooms are closed for cleaning.]
(if:$urinated is true)[Nice resorts have a restroom attendant who not only keeps the place tidy, but can also provide breath mints or an aspirin. Here at The Silver Ingot, the paper towel dispenser is empty, so you dry your hands on your pants.(set:$urinated to true)]
(display:"ShowScore")
[[Lobby]] Double-click this passage to edit it.(if:$lostbags is false)[The desk clerk glances at your bag, then leans forward and motions for you to lean in. The clerk whispers “You look capable of carrying that to your room yourself, so I suggest you do that. Some of the bellmen are thieves.”]
(if:$lostbags is true)[The desk clerk is confused by your question because you haven't any bags but your carry-on, so you clarify; “I have some friends who are checking in soon, can you have my bag sent up when they arrive? They're just parking the car now so it won't be long.” The desk clerk makes a sound that you interpret as “OK.”]
(set:$score to $score+1)
(display:"ShowScore")
[[Go to the Lobby->Lobby]] All around you are hustlers, gift shops, outdoor bars, and downtrodden people hoping you’ll give them a buck or two.
(if:visits is 1)[You consider getting your photo taken with a nearly-naked “performer,” but you’re afraid to hand your phone over to a complete stranger while you pose. Good thinking.]
(if:$cheapshirts is false)[Down the street, you spot a gift shop that offers cheap souvenir T-shirts.]
(if:$cheapshirts is true and visits is 1)[You suddenly remember that T-Shirt place you spotted from the car, so you head that direction.]
(if: visits is 1)[(set:$score to $score+1)]
(display:"ShowScore")
[[Las Vegas Shirts R Us ->tShirtShop]]
[[Casino<-Return to The Silver Ingot]](set:$order to (either:"two","three"))
A sign says **Larson Tower Elevators**.
Of the four elevators, $order are out of service.
{
(if:$maids is true)[(set:$cleanRoom to true)]
}
[[Fast Food Restaurant->Fast Food Chicken]]
[[Go to your Room->Your Room]]
[[Coffee]] **Chicken on Bread**
You've often heard how good the chicken sandwiches are from this place, and that eating there is like stepping back to the 1950s. Alas, they are closed because the religion of their founder prohibits working this day, so none of his employees can work this day, and you shouldn't be here either, you godless heathen.
(if: visits is 1)[(set:$score to $score+1)]
(display:"ShowScore")
[[Elevators]] **Room 237**
(if:visits is 1)[You enter the Deluxe Room and immediately notice the musky smell. You switch on the air conditioning unit under the window and in a few minutes the smell almost goes away.]
It’s good to be away from the crowds in the casino.
{
(if:$lostbags is true)[Your luggage has not arrived.]
(if:$slept is false)[You feel tired, perhaps you should [[sleep]].]
}
[[Bathroom]]
[[Turn on the TV]]
[[Elevators]] (if:visits is 1)[You turn on the bathroom light and immediately notice a damp hand towel and a used bar of soap near the sink. Gross! The rest of the room seems newly changed, though, so you toss both of those in the garbage and tell yourself it’s perfectly normal for a clean room to have a dirty towel and used soap.]
(either: "You take advantage of being here to urinate. Clever, you.","You urinate.")
(set:$urinated to true)
[[Leave the bathroom->Your Room]] You notice that the shop doesn't seem to have any doors, which makes sense for a place that never closes. Near the front you notice a teenager standing on top of a ladder, watching for shoplifters. Towards the back are fridges filled with beer, but multiple signs say that you're not allowed to consume the beer on Freemont Street, which seems wrong to you.
It's easy to see why this place is popular, there are all sorts of T-Shirts to choose from. Some are funny, some are obscene, some are nonsensical, and several are grammatically incorrect, this place has them all!
A big sign nearby says “T-Shirts! 4 for $10”. Seems like a good deal.
[[Pick out some shirts ->buyShirts]]
[[Leave the store->Freemont Street]]You slip between the slightly crunchy sheets and close your eyes.
(if: visits is 1)[As you toss and turn, you realize why the hotel provides free ear plugs on the bedside table.]
{
(set: $slept to true)(set:$maids to true)
}
(if:visits is 1)[(set:$score to $score+1)]
(display:"ShowScore")
[[Wake up->Shower]]
You (either: "stumble", "walk") to the bathroom and hop in the shower. (if:visits is 1)[The water isn't very hot, but the pressure is good. As you wash, you notice that the tub is filling with water. By the time you’re finished, the water is several inches deep.
After you dress you call the front desk and ask them to have the shower drain fixed. They express utter surprise at the problem and promise you it will be taken care of, after you leave.]
You‘re feeling hungry and decide to see if the buffet is open.
{
(if:$showered is false)[(set:$score to it+1)]
(set:$showered to true)
}
(display:"ShowScore")
[[Leave the bathroom->Your Room]] The 27-inch generic LED television turns on and displays a menu for you to choose from. The remote control seems gritty and doesn't respond very well, but you manage to select:
[[Amenities]]
[[Local Channels]]
[[Adult Channels]]
[[View your bill]]
[[Check Out]]
[[Turn off the TV->Your Room]] ###The Silver Ingot News
The staff here at **The Silver Ingot** hope that you enjoy your stay. There's no need to even leave the property as we provide everything you could possibly want at the **The Silver Ingot**.
Please be sure to enjoy our:
- *Buffet Restaurant* featuring foods familar, foreign, and forgotten
- *Casino* with 24-hour gaming and thrills
- *Coffee* from the brand you love
- *Chicken on Bread* say "amen" to a sandwich
[[Menu->Turn on the TV]] Sorry, local channels are not available at this time. Which is just as well, the news is all bad out there. You came to Las Vegas to escape all that, right?
[[Menu->Turn on the TV]] Sorry, adult channels are not available at this time. But Las Vegas offers a variety of adult activities so perhaps you should get out of your room and into the world. (This message brought to you by Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce)
[[Menu->Turn on the TV]] You mash the unreliable arrow buttons on the remote to scroll through your hotel bill. You notice that your name is spelled incorrectly, and that you've been charged twice for the daily rate. Not wanting to spoil your mood or take up too much time, you make a mental note to call the hotel, and your credit card company if necessary, when you get back home. (You’re so cute when you're naîve!)
(if:$inspectbill is false)[(set:$score to $score+1)]
(display:"ShowScore")
[[Menu->Turn on the TV]]
(set:$inspectbill to true)
Wow, you think to yourself, this has been quite a trip, but it's time to return home. (if:$boughtshirts is true)[You slip into one of the souvenir shirts you bought and head out.]
Fortunately, your ride back to the airport and your flight home are uneventful. During the flight you decide to visit Las Vegas again soon, but next time you’ll stay at a different hotel.
(if:$inspectbill is false)[By the time you notice that the hotel overcharged you for the room it will be too late to recover the money. Oh well, just chalk it up to another Vegas loss.]
(if:$lostbags is true)[Your luggage will eventually be located by Las Vegas police and sold a charity auction. The person who buys it will be kind enough to Tweet you a photo of them wearing your favorite underwear.]
Your final score is $score out of a possible $perfectScore.
###Game Over
[[Prepare for Landing<-Play Again]] You pick out two shirts that you're willing to be seen wearing, plus two more for friends back home and take them to the counter. The clerk rings up your purchase and says “That'll be $45.19”. Shocked at the total, you point to the sign and say “I thought they were 4 for $10.”
The clerk rolls their eyes and says “We sold those four a long time ago, these cost more. Do you want them or not?”
(if:$lostbags is true)[Given that your luggage is still missing, you buy the shirts.(set:$boughtshirts to true)]
(if:$lostbags is false)[You tell the clerk to forget it and quickly leave the store.(set:$boughtshirts to false)]
(if: visits is 1)[(set:$score to $score+1)]
(display:"ShowScore")
[[Leave the store->Freemont Street]] **Miner’s Bar**
(if: visits is 1)[You take the only empty seat at the bar and wait patiently for the bartender to approach. The people next to you seem to be having a conversation about shower drains. You ask for a Vodka Tonic with Lime. The bartender says “This is a whiskey bar, we don't have any Vodka.”(set:$score to it+1)](else:)[The bar is full, you'll never get a seat.]
(display:"ShowScore")
[[Go back to the Casino->Casino]]
Double-click this passage to edit it.