Laminate Calling

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=><= **Welcome to *Laminate Calling*, an interactive fiction story by GlossandGlamour.** <== This narrative is set on the planet Torei-- a world long isolated from travel, where slavery is the norm, and where what we would recognize as latex is so very common. This story assumes zero prior experience with Torei, but it is a shared setting, featuring dozens of different stories and artwork already set within it. Hungry for more? Come join us on the dedicated Discord server for more information, by (link: "clicking here.")[(goto-url: 'https://discord.gg/Y9TPgZg')] This is an interactive story, allowing *you* the opportunity to make important decisions along the way. If you have never played a game like this before, [[click here to check out the controls.->ControlNote]] This game uses a variety of images, a note regarding which [[can be found here.->ImageNote]] And if you enjoy, I *love* hearing feedback. What did you like? Do you have ideas for further scenes? Hit with a comment, or find me on Discord-- several of the included situations were derived purely from reader suggestions! If you would like to toss a few credits towards the author, (colour: orange)[my tip-jar is available on Patreon [[by clicking here.->PatPage]]] VERSION: 0.1 [[Let's get to it!->Startup]]

=><= *Ancient databases power on with a heavy thrum.* {**Slot A:** (if: (saved-games:) contains "file A")[ (link: "((Load your saved game))")[(load-game: "file A")] ] (else:)[ *empty slot* ]} {**Slot B:** (if: (saved-games:) contains "file B")[ (link: "((Load your saved game))")[(load-game: "file B")] ] (else:)[ *empty slot* ]} {**Slot C:** (if: (saved-games:) contains "file C")[ (link: "((Load your saved game))")[(load-game: "file C")] ] (else:)[ *empty slot* ]} {**Slot D:** (if: (saved-games:) contains "file D")[ (link: "((Load your saved game))")[(load-game: "file D")] ] (else:)[ *empty slot* ]} {**Slot E:** (if: (saved-games:) contains "file E")[ (link: "((Load your saved game))")[(load-game: "file E")] ] (else:)[ *empty slot* ]} {**Slot F:** (if: (saved-games:) contains "file F")[ (link: "((Load your saved game))")[(load-game: "file F")] ] (else:)[ *empty slot* ]} [[Go Back.->Startup]]

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(append: ?SideBar)[\ (if: $ShowCredits is true)[Credits: $Debt] (if: $ShowCredits is true)[[[Your Gear->Gear]]] (if: $ShowArousal is true)[(if: $Arousal is < 50)[(colour: green)[Arousal: $Arousal/100]](if: $Arousal is < 75 and $Arousal is > 49)[(colour: yellow)[Arousal: $Arousal/100]](if: $Arousal is > 74)[(colour: red)[Arousal: $Arousal/100]]] [[Save Game->SavePage]] [[Restart/Load->RestartPage]] ] <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=0.86, maximum-scale=3.0, minimum-scale=0.86">

=><= **CURRENT OUTFIT:** {(if: $Gear is 0)[<img src="https://i.postimg.cc/QCPQwnrw/11.jpg" width="50%" height="50%"> *You are nude, without clothing or decency.*] (if: $Gear is 1)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/3A9DQ8g.png" width="50%" height="50%"> **Black Quartet Hardpoint Catsuit:** *a Torean classic and perennial favorite amongst freewombs and slaves alike, this one piece catsuit is designed for both individual wear and to serve as the base for a myriad of accessories. Features (lower entry) front and rear zipper access, and four (two at waist and two at thigh) d-ring hardpoints, ensuring the wearer is always readily bindable.*] (if: $Gear is 2)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/t0pU3z6.png" width="50%" height="50%"> **Doll's Delight Catsuit, Pink and Transparent:** *why choose between catsuit and leotard? With the Doll's Delight line of designer-ware you can have both, due to the transparent laminate utilized at hips and thigh. This particular selection is in a bright metallic pink, with faux-stocking styling at the thighs. Features (lower entry) front and rear zipper access.*] (if: $Gear is 3)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/0QutrBr.png" width="50%" height="50%"> **Standardized Slave-Rated Suit, Base Layer:** *fully certified for slave use within most ringdoms, this standardized design is intended for the transport or easy identification of slaves. Intended for use with substantially heavier bondage accessories, this base suit comes with an integrated hood and (lower entry) front and rear zipper access, both reinforced for long-term chastity use via locks (not included).*]} Your hair is $Hair colored, and (if: $HairLength is 1)[shaved to the scalp, befitting the lowest of slaves.](if: $HairLength is 2)[short, an infrequent style on Torei.](if: $HairLength is 3)[of middling length, capable of all manner of styles.](if: $HairLength is 4)[of considerable length, a source of pride.] Your body is (if: $Enhanced is 0)[lean and athletic.](if: $Enhanced is 2)[curvaceous and filled out.] (if: $Drive is 1)[Each day is a struggle with your enhanced sensuality, as you fight to control your urges.](if: $Drive is 2)[Born with a Torean sex drive, you often find yourself seeking arousal.] **Accessories:** (if: $Inv's length is > 0)[You are currently outfitted with the following accessories: (print: $Inv.join(", ")).](else:)[You currently are not wearing any accessories.] {(click: "corset")[(go-to: "corset")] (click: "mask")[(go-to: "mask")] (click: "gasmask")[(go-to: "gasmask")] (click: "ball gag")[(go-to: "ring gag")] (click: "bondage mitts")[(go-to: "bondage mitts")] (click: "armbinder")[(go-to: "armbinder")] (click: "enhanced binder")[(go-to: "enhanced binder")] (click: "front and rear plugs")[(go-to: "front and rear plugs")] (click: "chastity belt")[(go-to: "chastity belt")] (click: "hobble chain")[(go-to: "hobble chain")] (click: "stiletto heels")[(go-to: "stiletto heels")] (click: "ballet boots")[(go-to: "ballet boots")] (click: "nipple piercings")[(go-to: "nipple piercings")] (click: "bonded collar")[(go-to: "bonded collar")] } **Other Items:** (if: $Pock's length is > 0)[You are currently carrying these additional items: (print: $Pock.join(", ")).](else:)[You currently are not carrying anything other items.]{ (click: "the Box")[(go-to: "the Box")] }

--------------------- Save or Load Your Game! --------------------- Once you Save your game, or if you are loading a game, use the link below to return to your last spot. Internet Explorer and Edge browsers may fail to save, if you are using the downloadable version of Lost in Laminate. --------------------- **Current Save Loaded:** (print: $SaveName) **Save Slot Status:** Save Slot A: (if: (saved-games:) contains "file A")[Slot Filled](else:)[*Empty Slot*] Save Slot B: (if: (saved-games:) contains "file B")[Slot Filled](else:)[*Empty Slot*] Save Slot C: (if: (saved-games:) contains "file C")[Slot Filled](else:)[*Empty Slot*] Save Slot D: (if: (saved-games:) contains "file D")[Slot Filled](else:)[*Empty Slot*] Save Slot E: (if: (saved-games:) contains "file E")[Slot Filled](else:)[*Empty Slot*] Save Slot F: (if: (saved-games:) contains "file F")[Slot Filled](else:)[*Empty Slot*] {(link: "((Save your game in Slot A))")[ (if: (save-game: "file A"))[Game saved in Slot A!] (else:)[Sorry, I couldn't save your game in Slot A.] ]} {(link: "((Save your game in Slot B))")[ (if: (save-game: "file B"))[Game saved in Slot B!] (else:)[Sorry, I couldn't save your game in Slot B.] ]} {(link: "((Save your game in Slot C))")[ (if: (save-game: "file C"))[Game saved in Slot C!] (else:)[Sorry, I couldn't save your game in Slot C.] ]} {(link: "((Save your game in Slot D))")[ (if: (save-game: "file D"))[Game saved in Slot D!] (else:)[Sorry, I couldn't save your game in Slot D.] ]} {(link: "((Save your game in Slot E))")[ (if: (save-game: "file E"))[Game saved in Slot E!] (else:)[Sorry, I couldn't save your game in Slot E.] ]} {(link: "((Save your game in Slot F))")[ (if: (save-game: "file F"))[Game saved in Slot F!] (else:)[Sorry, I couldn't save your game in Slot F.] ]} --------------------- (link: "Return to the Game!")[(go-to: (history:)'s last)]

By selecting to restart *Laminate Calling*, all unsaved progress will be wiped clean. Please make sure to save your file if so desired before choosing to restart. If you do not wish to restart/load at this time, simply utilize the game's back arrow to return to wherever you were. Restarting will also clear the game and allow you to access the loading page at the start. (link: "RETURN TO START")[(reload:)]

=><= *Somewhere distant, a shutter flicks open. One click, two. The lens focuses, and* **you** *come into view.* ------ [[//START NEW GAME\\->Initialize]] -------- [[//LOAD GAME\\->Load]] --------- [[//ESTABLISH LINK\\->Cheat]]

To navigate the story, click the pink highlighted links. You can click the 'back' and 'forward' arrows up top if you want to change your decisions, but don't use the refresh, back, or forward buttons on your browser. Additional permanent trackers and an inventory will be become available via the top bar as you play, and update automatically. [[Go back.->Introduction]]

All images used in *Laminate Calling* are sourced from a variety of publicly hosted sites, and are included solely to provide additional context and inspiration. Attribution can be difficult in these circumstances, and I have made every effort to include watermarks and/or signatures if available. They are not distributed with the game, and I do not claim ownership or rights to any such visual material. [[Go back.->Introduction]]

My games are, and always will be, free in their entirety. But I have had quite a few requests from players to establish some way for folks to show their support for this writing project. As such, if you would like to contribute to my personal tip jar via Patreon you can find it at the following link: (link: "clicking here.")[(goto-url: 'https://www.patreon.com/GlossandGlamour')] If you do go that extra mile, thank you! ~~ Glossandglamour, the Author [[Go Back.->Introduction]]

=><= {(live: 1s)[ (either: "Establishing Connection...", "Loading Variables... ", "Initializing Sync...", "Locating Emissaries...", "Overriding Current Directives...", "Providing Incentive...", "Observing...") ]} (set: $Gender to 0)(set: $Back to 0)(set: $Name to "Anne")(set: $NameFixer to "pink")(set: $Hair to "white")(set: $Strike to 0)(set: $Box to "(colour: blue)[Box]")(set: $Strike2 to 0)(set: $Check1 to false)(set: $Check2 to false)(set: $Check3 to false)(set: $Debt to 0)(set: $ShowCredits to false)(set: $Inv to (a:))(set: $Pock to (a:))(set: $Gear to 0)(set: $ShowArousal to false)(set: $Arousal to 0)(set: $Enhanced to 0)(set: $Drive to 0)(set: $Pierced to false)(set: $HairLength to 0)(set: $Feet to 0)(set: $Legs to 0)(set: $Hips to 0)(set: $Waist to 0)(set: $Arms to 0)(set: $HeadC to 0)(set: $HeadG to 0)(set: $DebtTracker to 0)(set: $High to false) (live: 3s)[[[BEGIN IDENTIFICATION->CC]]]

*Isolation defines Torei. Circling a lonely star between the Milky Way and Andromeda, travel to the planet is difficult-- but not impossible. A certain infamy has drawn more attention to the Torei and its peculiar culture than would normally be due, but even so most small vessels could never justify the expense to make the trip. Pulling that long of a drag does not come cheap.* *So how did you come to Torei? What is your* **background**? [[I am a trader, and Torei came to me.->Back1]] [[I am a prospector, and I sought out Torei.->Back2]] [[I am Torean-born!->Back3]]

**Background: The Trader** **Speciality:** Piloting and Negotiation *Since a young age you looked to the stars, and dreamed of wandering them. Now you do.* Nimble Blue, *your ship, may not be the largest of vessels, but she pairs a sizeable hold with a speed few can match. Working the Milky Way's trade lanes is usually profitable, and only rarely dangerous if you picked your cargo carefully. Which you always do.* *So why did you agree to take the (colour: blue)[Box?]* *The bonus promised to see it safely to Torei was undeniably suspicious in size. With such a reward you could buy your own fleet of Nimble Blues! So too had the terms of the contract seemed odd. No passengers, nothing else in the hold. Just the (colour: blue)[Box.] It sits beside you now, fastened securely to the otherwise empty co-pilot's chair... as (colour: red)[warning klaxons begin to blare...]* [[In the glow of your status panel, you see yourself, young and MALE.->TraderMale]] [[In the glow of your status panel, you see yourself, young and FEMALE.->TraderFemale]] [[No, I am a prospector, and I sought out Torei.->Back2]] [[No, I am Torean-born!->Back3]]

**Background: The Prospector** **Speciality:** Technology and Exploration *Humanity is rooted into every corner of the galaxies, but your people's spread has not been uniform. As the colonial waves settled in, as the centuries passed, eddies and swirls in the spread of technology and knowledge have formed. And finding those hidden pieces of tech is how you make your credits. As a prospector you have traveled far despite your youth, and Torei's infamy drew you like hardened spacers are drawn to a bar.* *Where did it all go wrong? You're far from the Way Up now, and on the run. But you found it. The (colour: blue)[Box.]* *You grip it now as you flee along smooth rock tunnels, the sound of your pursuit echoing behind you. Yet closer, always closer. You cannot outrun them. To be caught, though? You cannot imagine just what they would do to you. If only you can make it out, find some way back to the surface though... the (colour: blue)[Box] would set you up for life!* [[Turning the corner, you see your MALE features in the reflection of a shiny, sealed door.->PropMale]] [[Turning the corner, you see your FEMALE features in the reflection of a shiny, sealed door.->PropFemale]] [[No, I am a trader, and Torei came to me.->Back1]] [[No, I am Torean-born!->Back3]]

**Background: The Tribal** **Speciality:** Torean Physiology (x2 Arousal Gain) *The Torean Badlands are all you've ever known. Far from the equatorial Ringdoms, far from the pervasive slavery that fueled them, you were born to the free village of Red Harbor. Your Mother is Chief, but that came with few privileges in a land so parched for resources. Everyone, those born to the tribe and the runaways who found their way to you, needed to work hard to sustain your little slice of civilization. Yet even that was not always enough, as the occasional visit from a polar Emissary demonstrated. Only your Mother ever talked to them, of course, for anyone else it would be taboo. But you've watched and wondered.* *And now the (colour: blue)[Box] is your responsibility. Few details had been explained. Not even why you, so newly come of age, were being entrusted with so grave a task. Your Mother had seemed deeply worried at the very least. Perhaps she thought you unready. If so, she may just be right.* *Your feet pound against rock and sand, sprinting towards a rock outcropping. Behind you the storm rages, its swirling winds already pulling at the (colour: blue)[Box] in your arms. Will you make it to such relative safety?* (colour: red)[This Background is intended for those somewhat familiar with the Torean setting! This Background is unavailable for MALE characters!] [[You are a free woman, and you must try!->Tribal]] [[No, I am a trader, and Torei came to me.->Back1]] [[No, I am a prospector, and I sought out Torei.->Back2]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/mBLDWPr.png" width="30%" height="30%"> The reflection that looks back at you is in his early twenties, male and lean, tinged with green going red. That was the *Nimble Blue's* warning indicators, lighting up like a tree ablaze. You glance up, to the planet visible outside the cockpit. **Torei.** Only moments before you had pulled out of the marathon celestial drag that had brought you to the system, the trip having been uneventful despite your concerns. Everything had gone smoothly. (set: $Back to 1)(set: $Gender to 1)(set: $HairLength to 3)(set: $Enhanced to 0)(set: $Drive to 0) But now? Your ships lurches violently as her sublight engines engage. The control sticks in your hands are useless, completely unresponsive. Communications are down, the autopilot is down, your sensors are empty-- yet the *Nimble Blue* only increases in speed, maneuver rockets adjusting trajectory. The symptoms suggest you have been hacked, but that was utterly impossible. Even military-grade intrusion software could not be utilized in the handful of seconds it had taken for everything to go around, and besides, there isn't another ship anywhere nearby. Another sudden maneuver shoves you into your seat restraints, nearly knocking the wind from your lungs. Any moment now you will begin skimming atmosphere, and would make this rough ride liable to rip the *Nimble Blue* apart. You need to act now! [[Power cycle the whole system!->PowerCyc]] [[It must be the autopilot, pull its cables!->Autopilot]] (colour: green)[(Trader)] [[Pull the manual atmo-brakes!->Atmo]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/mBLDWPr.png" width="30%" height="30%"> The reflection that looks back at you is in her early twenties, female and lean, tinged with green going red. That was the *Nimble Blue's* warning indicators, lighting up like a tree ablaze. You glance up, to the planet visible outside the cockpit. **Torei.** Only moments before you had pulled out of the marathon celestial drag that had brought you to the system, the trip having been uneventful despite your concerns. Everything had gone smoothly. (set: $Back to 1)(set: $Gender to 2)(set: $HairLength to 3)(set: $Enhanced to 0)(set: $Drive to 0) But now? Your ships lurches violently as her sublight engines engage. The control sticks in your hands are useless, completely unresponsive. Communications are down, the autopilot is down, your sensors are empty-- yet the *Nimble Blue* only increases in speed, maneuver rockets adjusting trajectory. The symptoms suggest you have been hacked, but that was utterly impossible. Even military-grade intrusion software could not be utilized in the handful of seconds it had taken for everything to go around, and besides, there isn't another ship anywhere nearby. Another sudden maneuver shoves you into your seat restraints, nearly knocking the wind from your lungs. Any moment now you will begin skimming atmosphere, and would make this rough ride liable to rip the *Nimble Blue* apart. You need to act now! [[Power cycle the whole system!->PowerCyc]] [[It must be the autopilot, pull its cables!->Autopilot]] (colour: green)[(Trader)] [[Pull the manual atmo-brakes!->Atmo]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/FQWhjCH.png" width="30%" height="30%"> The reflection that looks back at you is in his early twenties, male and lean, desperation in his eyes. Even now you can hear the sharp snap of their boots upon the ground behind you. There were only two, but since riding down Torei's sole space elevator who had learned much of their kind. Two would be more than enough to take you, especially without your team. Ever since you entered the tunnels, following the lead you had been warned not to seek, they had been picked off one by one. Now it was just you, and you had thought your expedition a failure when you reached your destination and found it without an entrance. The tunnel had just ended, right where there had supposed to have been a door! (set: $Gender to 1)(set: $Back to 2)(set: $HairLength to 3)(set: $Enhanced to 0)(set: $Drive to 0) You glance down, clutching the (colour: blue)[Box] closer to your chest. But *this* had been right there, as if left for you. Whatever secrets it had however, whatever its value, picking it up had brought your pursuers. They did not run, but they were relentless. Always behind you, forcing you to push on without rest. How long had it been? Two days? Three? They do not seem to be in a rush, and you're long lost. Sorting this all out could wait, though. Right now you just need to focus on opening this door! [[Pry it open!->PryDoor]] [[Pound on it!->PoundDoor]] (colour: green)[(Prospector)] [[Spike it!->SpikeDoor]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/FQWhjCH.png" width="30%" height="30%"> The reflection that looks back at you is in her early twenties, female and lean, desperation in her eyes. Even now you can hear the sharp snap of their boots upon the ground behind you. There were only two, but since riding down Torei's sole space elevator who had learned much of their kind. Two would be more than enough to take you, especially without your team. Ever since you entered the tunnels, following the lead you had been warned not to seek, they had been picked off one by one. Now it was just you, and you had thought your expedition a failure when you reached your destination and found it without an entrance. The tunnel had just ended, right where there had supposed to have been a door! (set: $Gender to 2)(set: $Back to 2)(set: $HairLength to 3)(set: $Enhanced to 0)(set: $Drive to 0) You glance down, clutching the (colour: blue)[Box] closer just beneath your breasts. But *this* had been right there, as if left for you. Whatever secrets it had however, whatever its value, picking it up had brought your pursuers. They did not run, but they were relentless. Always behind you, forcing you to push on without rest. How long had it been? Two days? Three? They do not seem to be in a rush, and you're long lost. Sorting this all out could wait, though. Right now you just need to focus on opening this door! [[Pry it open!->PryDoor]] [[Pound on it!->PoundDoor]] (colour: green)[(Prospector)] [[Spike it!->SpikeDoor]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/z6SXCPJ.png" width="30%" height="30%"> Anyone born to the Badlands knew to be wary of its storms. Blowing in from the pole, where the AIs manipulated weather patterns, they are a force of nature unto themselves. Those in the equatorial Ringdoms knew them for their dust and cold but that was after much of their fury had already been spent. Here, so near their genesis, they could hurl debris-- and people-- with ease. (set: $Gender to 2)(set: $Back to 3)(set: $HairLength to 3)(set: $Enhanced to 1)(set: $Drive to 2) You're young and lean, in your early twenties, but even that natural athleticism is pushed to the limit as you sprint for the safety ahead of you. The rocky outcropping looks much like any other in the haze, but it is tall and sturdy-- and would get you out of the wind. If only you can make it! [[Glance back, how far is the storm?->GlanceBack]] [[Get your mask on now!->MaskUp]] (colour: green)[(Tribal)] [[No distractions, you need to reach that rock!->ReachRock]]

(colour: red)[WARNING -- EXCESS POWER WARNING -- HEAT STRESS ON CONTROL SURFACES WARNING -- ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD IN SUBSYSTEMS 2,4,9...] You hardly need the blared warnings to realize the grave danger you're in. If someone truly was in the *Nimble Blue's* systems, only a complete power cycle of the main system would clear it. Frantically you thumb the requisite switches, disengaging safety overrides, engaging manual access to compensator controls... it would work. But it would take too much time. Your ship hits Torei's atmosphere like a rock skidding across the surface of a lake, violently shaking the *Nimble Blue.* The attempt to save the situation quickly devolves into merely holding on for dear life. Nevertheless the environmental monitor rips free, slamming into your forehead before being flung back somewhere behind you. A bit of blood trickles down your nose as fire blooms all across the cockpit screen. Atmospheric entry begins properly, and you're coming in *far* too fast. The g-forces build and your vision narrows, darkness encroaching. You never could have saved the ship, but in that moment of clarity you recognize as a seasoned (colour: green)[Trader] that deploying the atmo-brakes would have helped somewhat. But nothing can help you now, as consciousness fades, and you finally pass out to whine of bulkheads giving way. At your side, the (colour: blue)[Box] blinks once. (set: $Strike to 1) [[You never feel the impact.->Wake]]

(colour: red)[WARNING -- EXCESS POWER WARNING -- HEAT STRESS ON CONTROL SURFACES WARNING -- ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD IN SUBSYSTEMS 2,4,9...] You hardly need the blared warnings to realize the grave danger you're in. It had to be the autopilot, some fatal error enforcing such wild maneuvers. Frantically you seize the thick set of cords that connected the system's CPUs with the control console before you, then pull as hard as you can. Electricity sparks as the cables give way... and yet all the indicators stay red. It wasn't the autopilot! Your ship hits Torei's atmosphere like a rock skidding across the surface of a lake, violently shaking the *Nimble Blue.* The attempt to save the situation quickly devolves into merely holding on for dear life. Nevertheless the environmental monitor rips free, slamming into your forehead before being flung back somewhere behind you. A bit of blood trickles down your nose as fire blooms all across the cockpit screen. Atmospheric entry begins properly, and you're coming in *far* too fast. The g-forces build and your vision narrows, darkness encroaching. You never could have saved the ship, but in that moment of clarity you recognize as a seasoned (colour: green)[Trader] that deploying the atmo-brakes would have helped somewhat. But nothing can help you now, as consciousness fades, and you finally pass out to whine of bulkheads giving way. At your side, the (colour: blue)[Box] blinks once. (set: $Strike to 1) [[You never feel the impact.->Wake]]

(colour: red)[WARNING -- EXCESS POWER WARNING -- HEAT STRESS ON CONTROL SURFACES WARNING -- ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD IN SUBSYSTEMS 2,4,9...] You hardly need the blared warnings to realize the grave danger you're in. But you're a seasoned (colour: green)[Trader], and with that experience comes the ability to quickly triage your situation. Once you hit the planet's atmosphere all opportunity to act would be lost. You would not have enough time to reboot the system before that happened, and the autopilot could not lock out controls like this. The cause escapes you, but you *can* mitigate the situation. Reaching up, you pull the manual atmo-brakes. Your ship hits Torei's atmosphere like a rock skidding across the surface of a lake, violently shaking the *Nimble Blue.* The attempt to save the situation quickly devolves into merely holding on for dear life, but you avoid the absolute worst that could have occurred, as your deployed brakes provide at least some slowing effect. Atmospheric entry begins properly, and you're coming in *far* too fast. The g-forces build and your vision narrows, darkness encroaching as you realize there is nothing more you can do. Consciousness recedes, and you pass out. At your side, the (colour: blue)[Box] blinks once. [[You never feel the impact.->Wake]]

*Lost to the world, the midnight of your unconscious mind stretches into eternity. You have no sense of yourself, nor even the perception that you're missing anything-- and you most certainly are. But from your perspective it is only a dreamless sleep, longer than any you've ever experienced. How long? Hours? Days? Weeks? You may never know.* (set: $Strike2 to it + 1) (if: $Strike2 is 1)[Something like a return to the waking begins as such things often do, with the barest hint of light. After so long out it nearly blinds you, pupils constricting in response, but the mere need for your body to react as such kickstarts it. You begin to stir.](if: $Strike2 is 2)[You breath deeply, groaning quietly as you shift your head. It hurts to breath, it hurts to move, but much of that was mere inactivity. Keep pushing.](if: $Strike2 is 3)[Again your eyes flicker, and again your eyes are overwhelmed by the light. So you divert to other senses, most immediately *touch.* You're... on your knees, arms pulled back. Restrained? Another sharp spike of adrenaline surges through you.](if: $Strike2 is 4)[You pull against the bindings you can only feel at the moment, and hear the strict *clink* of steel. Now your mind truly wakes, seeking the answers to questions it had only been half asking. Where are you? What was happening? To answer that, you would need to bear the light. You need to open your eyes!](if: $Strike2 is 5)[It hurts, (if: $Back is 3)[kamn it all,](else:)[damn it all,] but you persist. Your eyes open, the violent glare of your first glimpse of the waking world overriding most everything else. Yet as you endure details being to poke through the veil, shadows defining objects, everything coming into focus.] (if: $Strike2 is < 5)[[[Wake!->Wake]]](else:)[[[You truly wake.->Wake2]]]

Clutching the (colour: blue)[Box] in one arm, you seek out a rock chip to drive into the seam. But the tunnel is smooth, formed by vast movements of magma and water so very long ago. You're forced to use your bare hands, running your fingers along the door, seeking a weakness. There are none. Stubborn pursuit of technology on distant worlds had made you a prospector though, and that stubbornness shines through now. By the time you finally cease your hand is scraped and battered. (set: $Strike to 1) The footsteps approach, and you know it is over. Putting your back to the metal you slide down, sinking to the rock floor. What more could you have done? Perhaps you should never have come to Torei. Or perhaps you should merely have sought easier leads, instead of this errand deep into the Badlands. In that moment of clarity you do at least recognize, as a seasoned (colour: green)[Prospector], that you could have tried spiking the door. It probably would have still failed, but at least you wouldn't have injured yourself. Glancing at the wound again, you sigh. Your pursuers turn that final corner to your last stand moments later. They're as you glimpsed several times these last few days. Figures in gleaming black, seamless, faceless. They reach for you without malice, but one of them pokes you with something sharp, and almost immediately your vision starts to dim. Consciousness flees... In your arms, the (colour: blue)[Box] blinks once. [[Sleep comes, long and dreamless.->Wake]]

Clutching the (colour: blue)[Box] in one arm, you pound against the door with your other. The barrier is metal, and your efforts produce little more than a din ringing. It is all but futile and you know it, but still you must try. Stubborn pursuit of technology on distant worlds had made you a prospector after all, and that stubbornness shines through now. By the time you finally cease your hand is scraped and battered. (set: $Strike to 1) The footsteps approach, and you know it is over. Putting your back to the metal you slide down, sinking to the rock floor. What more could you have done? Perhaps you should never have come to Torei. Or perhaps you should merely have sought easier leads, instead of this errand deep into the Badlands. In that moment of clarity you do at least recognize, as a seasoned (colour: green)[Prospector], that you could have tried spiking the door. It probably would have still failed, but at least you wouldn't have injured yourself. Glancing at the wound again, you sigh. Your pursuers turn that final corner to your last stand moments later. They're as you glimpsed several times these last few days. Figures in gleaming black, seamless, faceless. They reach for you without malice, but one of them pokes you with something sharp, and almost immediately your vision starts to dim. Consciousness flees... In your arms, the (colour: blue)[Box] blinks once. [[Sleep comes, long and dreamless.->Wake]]

Clutching the (colour: blue)[Box] in one arm, you dig into your pockets for an electronic lance. Your experience as a seasoned (colour: green)[Prospector] instructed you that most doors defaulted to 'open' when damaged, a safety precaution you had used to great effect on occasion. All you would need to do would be to spike the control panel, and it should... *There is no control panel.* That simple fact astounds you. Deep underground, in such tunnels, there would be no manual access panel? It was sheer madness, although as you hear footsteps approach you can at least chuckle dejectedly. You *had* been warned you were trying to steal from the insane. Putting your back to the metal you slide down, sinking to the rock floor. What more could you have done? Perhaps you should never have come to Torei. Or perhaps you should merely have sought easier leads, instead of this errand deep into the Badlands. At the very least you have not torn up your hands in a vain attempt to escape a fate you know now is inevitable. Your pursuers turn that final corner to your last stand moments later. They're as you glimpsed several times these last few days. Figures in gleaming black, seamless, faceless. They reach for you without malice, but one of them pokes you with something sharp, and almost immediately your vision starts to dim. Consciousness flees... In your arms, the (colour: blue)[Box] blinks once. [[Sleep comes, long and dreamless.->Wake]]

Clutching the (colour: blue)[Box] to your chest, you glance back, into the howling storm. You knew how to tell when one was kicking up, and how to avoid them if possible. But this one had broken all the rules, as if it were seeking *you* in particular. The ridgeline a few hours back should have shunted it to the East, but it had continued forward. Nor had the usual flecks of leaden ash given you warning, this storm had merely roared to life behind you. Now it drives you, already several hours off your intended path. Your eyes scan it, catching the bright flashes of electricity within. Such storms created much in the way of static, or so a runaway amongst your tribe had once explained. But now in those flashes you see something else, something unexpected. A... figure? You catch a glimpse of it for only the split-second lightening echoes through the storm, but you could have sworn you saw a silhouette! Unfortunately you have little time to wonder, as the storm overtakes you. As an experienced (colour: green)[Tribal] you should have known to make for the rock with all haste. But you had lost just a bit of time looking over your shoulder, and now small pellets of churned rock begin to fall among you. Most are harmless, but some have been sharpened by their time in the storm, and by the time you finally dive into the cover of the rock you're sporting a half-dozen small cuts. (set: $Strike to 1) [[Take a deep breath.->BreathTime]]

Clutching the (colour: blue)[Box] to your chest with one arm, you reach down, fumbling for your mask. You knew how to tell when a storm was kicking up, and how to avoid them if possible. But this one had broken all the rules, as if it were seeking *you* in particular. The ridgeline a few hours back should have shunted it to the East, but it had continued forward. Nor had the usual flecks of leaden ash given you warning, this storm had merely roared to life behind you. Now it drives you, already several hours off your intended path. Clothing and gear of any sort was rare amongst your tribe, and laminate masks were treasured most of all. Only they protected from the dust-laden air that begins to envelope you, as the storm catches up. As an experienced (colour: green)[Tribal] you should have known to make for the rock with all haste. But you had lost just a bit of time with the mask you slide on now, as small pellets of churned rock begin to fall around you. Most are harmless, but some have been sharpened by their time in the storm, and by the time you finally dive into the cover of the rock you're sporting a half-dozen small cuts. (set: $Strike to 1) [[Take a deep breath.->BreathTime]]

Clutching the (colour: blue)[Box] you focus only on reaching safety. As an experienced (colour: green)[Tribal] you know that everything else must wait. The greatest danger came in the debris kicked up by the roaring maelstrom behind you. Normally that experience informed you when a storm was kicking up, and had taught you how to avoid them if possible. But this one had broken all the rules, as if it were seeking *you* in particular. The ridgeline a few hours back should have shunted it to the East, but it had continued forward. Nor had the usual flecks of leaden ash given you warning, this storm had merely roared to life behind you. And now it drives you, already several hours off your intended path. With a final few steps you crash into the safety of the rock, your back to it as the storm breaks all around. Had you paused or allowed yourself to be distracted its likely you would be wounded now, but as it is you're safe! Now you need only wait out the storm... [[Take a deep breath.->BreathTime]]

The storm howls all around you, but in the wind shadow of the rock you find respite. There you breathe deeply, catching your breath as much as celebrating your small victory. (if: $Strike is 1)[The wounds you sustained are small, and will heal. ]All you have to do now is wait out the storm, then work on reorienting yourself by the stars. Your village was deliberately remote, even by Badlands standards. All the better to avoid slavers and hunters, but it did make traveling anywhere a lengthy proposition. Perha-- Your thoughts are broken by a glance up, your back to the rock. There, for the first time, you notice something etched there. The symbol is small and roughly hewn, but you would recognize it anywhere. Three rectangles stacked atop each other, getting smaller towards the top. A crude ziggurat. *Their* mark. Taboo! As panic floods your mind, your other senses are momentarily dulled-- and just then is when a figure steps from the whirling dust clouds all round you. You barely begin to turn before you feel something sharp and your vision rapidly dims. Its hands are on you, and you do struggle, but your strength is sapped with every heartbeat. And eventually you can fight no more, collapsing into its waiting arms. At your feet, the $Box blinks once. [[Senseless, you're pulled into the storm...->Wake]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/3vdu76u.png" width="60%" height="60%"> You find yourself in a room you struggle to define as intended for lounging or sleep, the couch opposite almost looking like a second bed to join the one your left. Either way the decor is (if: $Back is 3)[utterly alien to you. Whereas in your village most things were simply and sturdily constructed, here everything is elegant and sumptuous. From the pillows you see on the couch to the soft carpeting beneath your knees, you recognize wealth on display.](else:)[somewhat familiar. Certainly, from the pillows on the couch to the soft carpeting beneath your knees it is sumptuous enough. (if: $Back is 1)[You've never seen this particular style however, despite your travels all across the Milky Way.](if: $Back is 2)[The clean lines, the sharp angles, this feels... so familiar.]] Still struggling with the bleary after-effects of your waking, you take another deep breath, and try to focus. [[A mirror rests along the wall. Examine yourself in it.->SelfExam]] [[Take a longer look at the room around you.->Room2]] [[Didn't you feel restraints? Check that.->Restraints]]

(if: $Gender is 1)[For a brief shining moment, you're sure you've gone mad. You've always been lean, the life of a (if: $Back is 1)[trader](else:)[prospector] providing ample opportunity for physical fitness. But the figure that turns to meet your gaze into the mirror is more lithe than you could ever imagine... and, your still struggling mind suddenly recognizes, *wide-hipped and bearing breasts.* You startle and the undeniably feminine form in the mirror does as well, utterly nude, which only emphasizes the shifting of her breasts. Your breasts? You look down, half imagining you're dreaming, and find reality matches what the mirror foretold. You've been... changed. Reshaped. Made anew. Gone are your broad shoulders, your defined pectorals, your rounded chin. To replace them in turn you find sloping shoulders, rounded breasts, and the high cheeked, full lipped facial features of a woman. The same between the legs. *A woman!* It takes a minute, a *long* minute, for you to reassert control over yourself. Trying to ignore the sensation of your breasts rising and falling with each gasp for air certainly doesn't help. But you manage, looking back to the mirror, trying to understand everything. Your body is feminine, you're nude...](else:)[The figure that meets your gaze in the mirror is as you expected it. You've always been lean, the life of a (if: $Back is 1)[trader](if: $Back is 2)[prospector](if: $Back is 3)[free woman] providing ample opportunity for physical fitness. Wide hips, sloping shoulders, breasts well rounded but not altogether large... the only thing off, and it takes your addled mind a moment to realize it, is that you're completely nude.] Exposed as you are, the mirror at least provides ample opportunity to check yourself over. (if: $Strike is 1)[The wound you remember sustaining are gone, no evidence of them evident upon your smooth skin.] You've not been harmed, or marked, or... whatever had occurred that put you into this position. Given what you last remember, you have to believe you've been bathed since then. Taken care of then? Cared for and healed? Dropping you head again, you hang in your restraints, trying to think everything through. [[Your hair, a dark auburn, tumbles over your shoulder.->HairBrown]] [[Your hair, raven black, tumbles over your shoulder.->HairBlack]] [[Your hair, a sunny blonde, tumbles over your shoulder.->HairBlonde]] (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[[[Your hair, a bright shock of red, tumbles over your shoulder.->HairRed]]]

Collecting yourself, you take a second look around the room. Your initial impressions remain, the confusion of your predicament nevertheless overcome by a keen sense of perception. (if: $Back is 1)[A ship's pilot learned to keep an eye out.](if: $Back is 2)[A prospector always had an eye for the small details.](if: $Back is 3)[The Badlands were too dangerous to live in otherwise.] While there are few revelations to be found, you do pick out a few details. Looking to the wall to which you're restrained, you find a series of similar devices, numbering five in total including your own. Other similar means of restraint are visible along the edges of bed and couch, and glancing up you see several hardpoints mounted into the ceiling. (if: $Back is 3)[All of this is familiar to you, as a daughter of Torei. Even among the free tribes bondage was a common interest.](else:)[Depending on how you looked at it, such were signs of sinister intent-- or perhaps something far more interesting? The room certainly looks more like a proper living space than any sort of dungeon.] Two sets of stairs are visible, one to your side apparently leading down, the other more akin to a ladder that lead to a hatch set into the ceiling. Of doors there is only one, and it clearly is not a means of entering or leaving-- it is set into a strange rectangular protrusion into the otherwise opening living space. A control panel is visible alongside it, but what such a door would be used for remains a mystery. (set: $Check2 to true) (if: $Back is 1)[(colour: Green)[(Trader)] [[Close your eyes and focus, you feel something.->TraderRoom]]](if: $Back is 2)[(colour: Green)[(Prospector)] [[Examine the technology visible.->ProsRoom]]] (if: $Check1 is false)[[[A mirror rests along the wall. Examine yourself in it.->SelfExam]]] (if: $Check3 is false)[[[Didn't you feel restraints? Check that.->Restraints]]] (if: $Check1 is true and $Check2 is true and $Check3 is true)[[[You need to think, pull this all together.->Continue]]]

Kneeling, arms behind your back, you try to pull off from the wall you're against. Chains clink almost immediately, and you find yourself incapable of much movement. Given how short the travel is it proves rather difficult to observe just what had been done to you, but you manage after a bit of awkward shifting. Altogether its a rather simple setup. Your wrists now feature steel cuffs, small hardpoints allowing for the chain that runs from one, through the strange fixture on the wall, then to the other. Without a means of removing the cuffs you cannot remove the chain, and thus leave the wall. The device that emerges from the wall, and to which you are chained, is less clear in its intent. Clearly it served as a means of restraining you now, but was that always its intent? (if: $Back is 3)[Probably. Any proper Torean home had such uses.](else:)[It almost seemed intended for just this sort of use.] Whatever the case, you can neither free your arms nor stand at the moment. (set: $Check3 to true) (if: $Check1 is false)[[[A mirror rests along the wall. Examine yourself in it.->SelfExam]]] (if: $Check2 is false)[[[Take a longer look at the room around you.->Room2]]] (if: $Check1 is true and $Check2 is true and $Check3 is true)[[[You need to think, pull this all together.->Continue]]]

(if: $Gender is 1)[Your hair had always been short, which makes the smooth auburn locks that fall across your shoulder all the more shocking. Another mystery to add atop a pile that already seemed overwhelming.](else:)[Your hair remains as it has always been, smooth auburn.] Someone had clearly combed it recently, given how well cared for it appears, something a glance back at the mirror confirms. (if: $Gender is 1)[Another feminine trait you now bear.] You take yet another deep breath, and focus yourself. In a strange building, in a strange land, you're nude and without any sense of how you got here. Everything else, all concerns, could wait. Your rational self had to solve this particular puzzle. (set: $Check1 to true)(set: $Hair to "brown") (if: $Check2 is false)[[[Take a longer look at the room around you.->Room2]]] (if: $Check3 is false)[[[Didn't you feel restraints? Check that.->Restraints]]] (if: $Check1 is true and $Check2 is true and $Check3 is true)[[[You need to think, pull this all together.->Continue]]]

(if: $Gender is 1)[Your hair had always been short, which makes the smooth raven locks that fall across your shoulder all the more shocking. Another mystery to add atop a pile that already seemed overwhelming.](else:)[Your hair remains as it has always been, smooth and midnight black.] Someone had clearly combed it recently, given how well cared for it appears, something a glance back at the mirror confirms. (if: $Gender is 1)[Another feminine trait you now bear.] You take yet another deep breath, and focus yourself. In a strange building, in a strange land, you're nude and without any sense of how you got here. Everything else, all concerns, could wait. Your rational self had to solve this particular puzzle. (set: $Check1 to true)(set: $Hair to "black") (if: $Check2 is false)[[[Take a longer look at the room around you.->Room2]]] (if: $Check3 is false)[[[Didn't you feel restraints? Check that.->Restraints]]] (if: $Check1 is true and $Check2 is true and $Check3 is true)[[[You need to think, pull this all together.->Continue]]]

(if: $Gender is 1)[Your hair had always been short, which makes the smooth blonde locks that fall across your shoulder all the more shocking. Another mystery to add atop a pile that already seemed overwhelming.](else:)[Your hair remains as it has always been, smooth and blonde.] Someone had clearly combed it recently, given how well cared for it appears, something a glance back at the mirror confirms. (if: $Gender is 1)[Another feminine trait you now bear.] You take yet another deep breath, and focus yourself. In a strange building, in a strange land, you're nude and without any sense of how you got here. Everything else, all concerns, could wait. Your rational self had to solve this particular puzzle. (set: $Check1 to true)(set: $Hair to "blonde") (if: $Check2 is false)[[[Take a longer look at the room around you.->Room2]]] (if: $Check3 is false)[[[Didn't you feel restraints? Check that.->Restraints]]] (if: $Check1 is true and $Check2 is true and $Check3 is true)[[[You need to think, pull this all together.->Continue]]]

(if: $Gender is 1)[Your hair had always been short, which makes the smooth red locks that fall across your shoulder all the more shocking. Another mystery to add atop a pile that already seemed overwhelming.](else:)[Your hair remains as it has always been, smooth and red.] Someone had clearly combed it recently, given how well cared for it appears, something a glance back at the mirror confirms. (if: $Gender is 1)[Another feminine trait you now bear.] You take yet another deep breath, and focus yourself. In a strange building, in a strange land, you're nude and without any sense of how you got here. Everything else, all concerns, could wait. Your rational self had to solve this particular puzzle. (set: $Check1 to true)(set: $Hair to "red") (if: $Check2 is false)[[[Take a longer look at the room around you.->Room2]]] (if: $Check3 is false)[[[Didn't you feel restraints? Check that.->Restraints]]] (if: $Check1 is true and $Check2 is true and $Check3 is true)[[[You need to think, pull this all together.->Continue]]]

(if: $Gender is 1)[Your... *new* body cannot be focused upon. Not now, or nothing would get done. You set that aside, as best you can, and try to focus on the more immediate.] You're in an unfamiliar place, nude, and lightly restrained. (if: $Back is 1)[The last thing you remember is your ship coming apart, the atmospheric turbulence causing you to black out.](if: $Back is 2)[The last thing you remember is... *something* coming for you. Details beyond that are strangely difficult to call forth.](if: $Back is 3)[The last thing you remember is the storm, and... *something* emerging from it.] You have no idea how much time has passed, or where exactly you are. You need a plan. Simply waiting for your... captors? Rescuers? To come is always a possibility, although you struggle with the idea of merely staying put. Escaping *before* anyone came was another option, although it would undoubtedly be difficult. Your bindings are simple, but appeared rather well made. A third option was to risk openly calling for help. Certainly *someone* must be within audible range. Friend or foe, though, you have no way of knowing. (set: $Strike2 to 0) [[Wait patiently.->EscapeWait]] [[Try to escape your bindings!->EscapeEscape]] [[Call out for help!->EscapeScream]]

As soon as you could leave your homeworld you took to the stars, and that meant a certain intimacy with starships. By closing your eyes, focusing on the subtle sensations such focus allowed you, something *familiar* becomes apparent. A gentle hum that runs through the room, broken occasionally by subtle shifting of the entire edifice. As your eyes snap open you identify it immediately: this is not a home, or basement. Everything is moving, as if it were but a room in a starship. But those secondary movements, that felt like mass dampeners adjusting for suspension travel. You're in a vehicle. Apparently a large one. (if: $Check1 is false)[[[A mirror rests along the wall. Examine yourself in it.->SelfExam]]] (if: $Check3 is false)[[[Didn't you feel restraints? Check that.->Restraints]]] (if: $Check1 is true and $Check2 is true and $Check3 is true)[[[You need to think, pull this all together.->Continue]]]

A few pieces of technology are evident: a *glass* device on the endstand, the view-screen built into the opposite wall, several monitors near the bed. All of them, to your well practiced eye, look a bit dated. Not physically, they appear as gleaming and new as everything else in this room, but technologically antiquated. Backwaters and isolated settlements often had such tech, decades or even centuries behind the prevailing standards, but still produced and utilized by populations that didn't need-- or couldn't otherwise acquire-- anything better. (if: $Check1 is false)[[[A mirror rests along the wall. Examine yourself in it.->SelfExam]]] (if: $Check3 is false)[[[Didn't you feel restraints? Check that.->Restraints]]] (if: $Check1 is true and $Check2 is true and $Check3 is true)[[[You need to think, pull this all together.->Continue]]]

(set: $Strike2 to it + 1)(if: $Strike2 is 1)[Sometimes, when stuck between the proverbial rock and hard place, the best thing to do is nothing at all. Perhaps you thought it the rational choice, perhaps something within you cringed at taking aggressive action(if: $Gender is 1)[, perhaps you were hoping you would wake from this dream and woman's body. Or that you would never do so?](else:)[.] Whatever it may be, you settle down on your knees, and prepare to wait for whatever may come your way.](if: $Strike2 is 2)[A few minutes pass, uneventful. The staircase leading down is unused, as is the hatch onto the ceiling. So you wait, adjusting your position ever so slightly to keep your knees from growing sore. (if: $Gender is 1)[It is hard to not stare at your curvaceous form in the mirror.]](if: $Strike2 is 3 or 4 or 5)[You continue to wait, chained quietly to the wall.](if: $Strike2 is 6)[A quiet *thunk* echoes somewhere above you. If that truly was a roof, had something struck it? You certainly don't have the means to check it out.](if: $Strike2 is 7 or 8)[More waiting. You start to grow bored.](if: $Strike2 is 9)[Maybe you need to try something else?](if: $Strike2 is 10)[Your quiet vigil is broken by the sudden click of what you must imagine is a door opening beneath where you kneel, finally! The sound of footsteps, each a sharp click, confirms that someone was indeed coming. A woman, platinum-haired, with a steaming mug in her hands. (if: $Back is 1)[You've never seen an outfit like the one she wears.](if: $Back is 2)[You don't remember ever seeing an outfit like the one she wears.](if: $Back is 3)[She is dressed in laminate, black curves gleaming.] Noting your being awake, her eyes widen slightly. When she speaks however her expression returns to a neutral, almost disinterested look. "I thought you would awaken screaming, or some such."] (if: $Strike2 is < 10)[[[Wait longer.->EscapeWait]] [[This isn't working, try a new tactic.->Restart Escape]]](else:)[[[A hand settles on her hip as she takes a sip of her drink.->Val]]]

(set: $Strike2 to it + 1)(if: $Strike2 is 1)[Given your nakedness and predicament, your options for achieving an effect are few. Without knife or cutter you quickly realize you will need to rely solely upon friction. The chain linking your cuffs (and keeping you near the wall) would be the weakest link in your binds. If you can manage to grind them against the steel fixture to which you are linked... perhaps you could wear through it all? It may take time, and it would certainly be loud though.](if: $Strike2 is 2)[Pressing your wrists together, you fumble for the chain now that it has some slack. Catching it after a minute, you then align it between wall fixture and cuffs, lean back, and begin sawing at it with repeated movement. The resultant sound is loud, but the room remains empty.](if: $Strike2 is 3 or 4)[You keep working at your restraints, unable to gauge your progress given the awkward position. It must be coming along nicely, though.](if: $Strike2 is 5 or 6)[Your shoulders start to burn,(if: $Gender is 1)[and feeling your breasts shift with each raking movement is a new experience,] but you persist. Up and down, inch by inch. You can feel some warmth in the metal from where you've been making contact.](if: $Strike2 is 7)[Suddenly your efforts are interrupted by the telltale sound of a door opening beneath you, in the stairwell that rose to your level. You manage a few frantic more movements as sharp clicks mark someone ascending before you finally tug hard against your bindings. They do not budge. Looking back over your shoulder, you find all your efforts have been for naught-- the steel is high quality, and you've not even chipped the link you had been focusing on. (if: $Back is 3)[K](else:)[D]amn. The approaching person is revealed to be a woman, platinum-haired, with a steaming mug in her hands. (if: $Back is 1)[You've never seen an outfit like the one she wears.](if: $Back is 2)[You don't remember ever seeing an outfit like the one she wears.](if: $Back is 3)[She is dressed in laminate, black curves gleaming.] "I thought I heard something," she notes with mild annoyance. "It is too early in the morning for this."] (if: $Strike2 is < 7)[[[Work your chains!->EscapeEscape]] [[This isn't working, try a new tactic.->Restart Escape]]](else:)[[[A hand settles on her hip as she takes a sip of her drink.->Val]]]

(set: $Strike2 to it + 1)(if: $Strike2 is 1)[Sometimes the most direct option remained the best. You're clearly in someone's home, and they wouldn't have chained you up without at least some effort made to observe you. Either calling for help would quicken your inevitable meeting of your captors, or someone would actually come to help. Given your apparent run of recent luck the latter seems unlikely... but its worth a shot, right?](if: $Strike2 is 2)[You call out for help, (if: $Gender is 1)[for the first time hearing your higher, quite feminine voice. You had intended to yell, but it sounds more like a scream that way.](else:)[fighting to keep a shrill tone from the scream that echoes through the room.] Then you wait, expectantly. Nothing.](if: $Strike2 is 3)[You're not exactly *answered* by the sound of a door beneath you opening, but your calls certainly seem to induce a bit of haste. The stairwell that rose to your level suddenly rings with the sound of clicked steps as someone ascends. You had been preparing for another possible scream, but find yourself silent as a woman comes into view. Platinum-haired, with a steaming mug in her hands, (if: $Back is 1)[you've never seen an outfit like the one she wears.](if: $Back is 2)[you don't remember ever seeing an outfit like the one she wears.](if: $Back is 3)[she is dressed in laminate, black curves gleaming.] "Please do be quiet," she complains, with a sigh. "Mornings are for quiet contemplation, not... *this.*"] (if: $Strike2 is 1)[[["CAN ANYONE HEAR ME!?"->EscapeScream]]](if: $Strike2 is 2)[[["HEEEEEEEELP!"->EscapeScream]]](if: $Strike2 is 3)[[[A hand settles on her hip as she takes a sip of her drink.->Val]]] (if: $Strike2 is 1 or 2)[[[This isn't working, try a new tactic.->Restart Escape]]]

Having abandoned your first plan, you now collect yourself, and consider your next path of action. (set: $Strike2 to 0) [[Wait patiently.->EscapeWait]] [[Try to escape your bindings!->EscapeEscape]] [[Call out for help!->EscapeScream]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/EEZdJZC.png" width="50%" height="50%"> (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[She is beautiful, even if her lips are pulled into a sharp waspish line. But it is her outfit you cannot help but stare at. Rendered wholly in a black material, it is as immaculate as it is glossy, every subtle movement she makes highlighted by a dozen different reflections running across her body. She is covered from neck to toe but every curve is on display, and some are even emphasized, most prominently her hips and chest. Between them a corset is tightly laced, the silver busks running along the front a rare break from the otherwise obsidian ensemble. Tall stiletto heeled boots complete the ensemble, along with a silver collar you glimpse pulled tightly around her throat.](if: $Back is 3)[She is beautiful, even if her lips are pulled into a sharp waspish line. Undoubtedly Torean, or improved to match expected measurements. All the better to fill out her outfit. Rendered wholly in black laminate, it is as immaculate as it is glossy, every subtle movement she makes highlighted by a dozen different reflections running across her body. She is covered from neck to toe but every curve is on display, and some are even emphasized, most prominently her hips and chest. Between them a corset is tightly laced, the silver busks running along the front a rare break from the otherwise obsidian ensemble. Tall stiletto heeled boots complete the ensemble, along with a silver collar you glimpse pulled tightly around her throat. Escaped slaves occasionally made it to the hardscrabble freedom your tribe represented, but you've never met one still collared. She's a slave.] A dozen questions threaten to spill forth. [["Where am I?"->Val2]] [["What is going on?"->Val2]] [["Where are my clothes!?"->Val2]] (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[[["What are you wearing?"->Val2]]](else:)[[["You're wearing laminate?"->Val2]]] [["Why am I chained up?"->Val2]] [["Let me GO!"->Val2]]

"Wait," the woman interrupts before you manage a syllable, setting down her mug on a nearby table. "Just wait, alright? I'm sure you've got questions, I'll answer them. But its not every day we find a woman, alone, blacked out, and utterly without laminate or gear in the Badlands. I nursed you back to health, as my Mistress commanded, but you might not be 100% yet. So you're gonna let me ask a few questions first. Got it?" She doesn't wait for a response, but picks up a small device-- a medical scanner. Kneeling before you, she purses lips painted a bright red, and engages the tool. It hums quietly. "Let's start with something simple, alright? What is your name?" [[Tell her.->Val3]]

(set: $NameFixer to (prompt: "What is your first name:", ""))(set: $Name to "(colour: red + white)[$NameFixer]")"$Name, huh? My name is Val. There. Introductions done. You could be lying, I suppose, but I'll have to take your word for it. You don't have any sort of ID. Which *is* a problem, but we will get to that. I hope you're feeling well enough? Like I said, we found you passed out in the middle of this horrid wasteland.(if: $Strike is 1)[ (if: $Back is 1)[You had a gash on your head, but nothing a little seal-gel couldn't fix.](if: $Back is 2)[Your hand was cut up, but nothing a little seal-gel couldn't handle.](if: $Back is 3)[You had a series of small abrasions across your body, but that was nothing a little seal-gel couldn't fix.]]" Adjusting her scanner, she continues. "What do you remember, about how you ended up like that?" (if: $Back is 1)[(colour: green)[(Trader)] [[You tell her of your ship...->BackShip]]](if: $Back is 2)[(colour: green)[(Prospector)] [[You... struggle to recall much...->BackProp]]](if: $Back is 3)[(colour: green)[(Tribal)] [["I am a free woman, slave!"->BackTribal]]] [["I'm not telling you anything."->BackRefuse]]

Hedging your bets somewhat, you tell her of your arrival in orbit, if not for your reason for the visit in the first place. As you detail losing control, digging into the details of space flight, you see Val's eyes glazing over somewhat, but once the crash comes she perks up again. Clearly the jury was still out with her if your mysterious survival was a good ending or not. "Well," she replies, "I guess I'm the first to say it, so...: welcome to Torei. I have no idea how you survived, and even less how you wound up right in our path. And I'm definitely not the person to talk to about offworlder things. Also I'm not really..." Val pauses, noting her ignorance with regards to your circumstances was clear enough. So she flicks off the scanner instead. "Well, what I *can* tell you is that you're mentally sound enough, I suppose. Which means you're not some feral we *need* to keep chained up, I'll get those off you in a moment. We didn't find you with anything, no credits or anything like that. And it doesn't sound like your ship made it either." (colour: green)[Credit Tracking Enabled Outfit and Accessory Tracking Enabled] (set: $ShowCredits to true) "We did find a strange... $Box with you, though. You remember that?" *Of course your strange cargo would survive.* [["Yes... I will need that back."->Val4]] [["Yes... where is it?"->Val4]] [["Yes... do you know what it is?"->Val4]]

You seek to answer her, but find yourself... struggling. Thoughts come and go, teasing you with context and explanation, before slipping through your fingers. It as if random holes have been punched in your memories, without much in apparent rhyme or reason. You recall taking the Way Up, Torei's space elevator, down to the surface. You remember putting a team together, of heading deep into the Badlands in search of a prize... but the details escape you. Who had been on your team? Why could you only dredge up fragments of what must have been dedicated study of Torei prior to arrival? "Mem-burn," she states matter-of-factly. "Or something like it. It is a drug, some people use it recreationally. Take *too* much and you won't remember much at all, though. Only time will tell with you. But seeing as you don't probably remember it, let me be the first to welcome you to Torei. I have no idea how you survived, and even less how you wound up right in our path. And I'm definitely not the person to talk to about offworlder things. Also I'm not really..." Val pauses, noting her ignorance with regards to your circumstances was clear enough. So she flicks off the scanner instead. "Well, what I *can* tell you is that you're mentally sound enough, I suppose. Which means you're not some feral we *need* to keep chained up, I'll get those off you in a moment. We didn't find you with anything, no credits or anything like that. And I haven't heard anything about other caravans or crews out here." (colour: green)[Credit Tracking Enabled Outfit and Accessory Tracking Enabled] (set: $ShowCredits to true) "We did find a strange... $Box with you, though. You remember that?" *Your singular reward after so much turmoil.* [["Yes... I will need that back."->Val4]] [["Yes... where is it?"->Val4]] [["Yes... do you know what it is?"->Val4]]

Look you directly in the eye, Val sighs. "You interrupted my morning tea," she indicates the mug. "Don't make this harder than it has to be. You were out so long I fear you've got brain damage, or something. So this whole thing is me subtly making sure you're not all mashed lichen up there. Now come on, answer the question?" She waits a moment, then provides an addendum with as little enthusiasm as possible. "*Please?*" (if: $Back is 1)[(colour: green)[Trader] [[You tell her of your ship...->BackShip]]](if: $Back is 2)[(colour: green)[Prospector] [[You... struggle to recall much...->BackProp]]](if: $Back is 3)[(colour: green)[Tribal] [["I am a free woman, slave!"->BackShip]]]

Val's responds with an unimpressed look, her full lips frowning. "We figured as much. Scans say you're Torean blooded, but you aren't chipped or clipped. No improvements either. So that left only the possibility of your being some escaped property of a slave-owner into naturals, which is *incredibly* specific, or you're one of the tribals who live out here. We try not do deal with your people. Too... bothersome." She reaches up, fingering the heavy collar at her throat, before she disengages the medical scanner. "Well, if you're not going to tell me much, what I can tell *you* is that you're mentally sound enough, I suppose. Which means you're not some feral we *need* to keep chained up." Her eyes narrow, as if considering that declaration for a moment, before she sighs. "I'll get those off you in a moment. We didn't find you with anything, no credits or anything like that." (colour: green)[Credit Tracking Enabled Outfit and Accessory Tracking Enabled] (set: $ShowCredits to true) "We did find a strange... $Box with you, though. You remember that?" *The reason for your leaving your tribe in the first place!* [["Yes... I will need that back."->Val4]] [["Yes... where is it?"->Val4]] [["Yes... do you know what it is?"->Val4]]

Reaching behind you, Val undoes your shackles. As the cuffs pull free you are finally able to stand, your legs having cramped up a bit after being on your knees for so long. Stepping back, as if to ensure you would not act rashly, Val seems to eventually conclude you're not a danger. So she steps to the side, picking up her tea once more. A long sip follows before she answers. "It is here, on the floor below. My Mistress was examining it, but I'm sure she will give it back to you." Another sip, as Val gazes at you over the rim of her tea. "We will go speak with her, after... I suppose I will need to *help* you get some clothing. No one is expecting you to wander around nude." So much had occurred since your self-examination in the mirror that you only truly recognize, in that moment, that you're standing before a woman utterly without clothing. From brow to heel you are as nude as the day you were born(if: $Gender is 2)[.](if: $Gender is 1)[, although you certainly hold a very different silhouette these days... and Val had mentioned her healing you, perhaps she could explain... that?] "We have a Wardrobe here, on the *Wanderer*. Not... not that you probably know what that is, kammit." Val sighs again, but pushes stubbornly on. "Alright, how about this: I will answer whatever quick questions you have right now. Then we get you dressed in something. Then we go talk to my Mistress, you get your box, and I get to go back to my *real* work." She quirks a brow. "Deal?" (set: $Strike to 0) [["Deal.->ValQ]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/UQ1tcyU.png" width="50%" height="50%"> Val leans against the nearby table, mug in hand, keen eyes watching you. [["Where exactly are we?"->QWhere]] [["The Wanderer you mentioned, is that this room?->QWander]] [["So... who this 'we' you keep referring to?"->QWe]] [["Can you tell me about... the Mistress you mentioned?"->QMiss]] [["What are you wearing?"->QLam]] (if: $Back is 1)[(colour: green)[(Trader)] [["So you never saw my ship go down?"->QShip]]] (if: $Back is 3)[(colour: green)[(Tribal)] [["I have never met a slave before."->QSlaveTrib]]](else:)[[["Are you wearing a collar?"->QCollar]]] (if: $Gender is 1)[(colour: green)[(Male)] [["I suppose that is all the questions I have, but I need to ask you about... my being... female."->QFem]]](else:)[["I suppose that is all the questions I have, for the moment..."->ValQEnd]]

"On Torei, you mean?" Val crosses her legs. "Geography is my specialty. (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[This planet can be roughly divided into three areas, the equator, badlands, and poles.] We're in the Badlands, as I mentioned. Specifically the metamorphic valley formations known as the Troughs of Dahom. Less specifically, the middle of nowhere. That's intentional, given what my Mistress does, but it makes your whole situation... strange. There are no trade routes through this area, no tribes either. Just rock and sand and storms." [["I see."->ValQ]]

"Huh?" Val glances around, then snorts. "The *Wanderer* is what we're riding in, yes, but it is more than just this room. It is... (if: $Back is 3)[I am not sure a tribal would understand.](else:)[I am not sure I know how to explain it to an offworlder.] Imagine a home and workshop mounted on tracks, that moves. That's the *Wanderer.* It allows my Mistress to travel the Badlands, performing her work, in relative comfort. Sometimes she allows us that comfort too." [[Nod.->ValQ]]

"I suppose I should have explained that." She takes another sip of her see, glaring at you for a moment, as if it could possibly be your fault. "There are five of us, the Mistress and her four girls. Sapphire, Jade, Alvira, and myself. With you we are six, but I'm sure you're eager to get back to... whatever it is ended up with you left for dead in the desert." Val shrugs, as if that was a legitimate goal. [[You have no intentions of letting something like that happen again.->ValQ]]

"Mistress Evangeline Naram-Sin, 285th of her House, born and blooded to the Ringdom of Aekora," Val replies, her cadence suggesting it was a practiced announcement. The flowery tone drops as readily as her brows afterward. "The *Wanderer* is her ship, and she owns everything on it. Well, almost everything, now that you're here." (if: $Back is 3)[That meant the others were slaves too, as you would expect from equatorial Toreans.](else:)[Did that mean she owned everyone else?] [[You nod.->ValQ]]

That one takes Val a second to process, her eyes narrowing in a way that suggested she thought you may be playing with her. When recognition comes however, you almost catch her smiling for the first time. "(if: $Back is 3)[Laminate, but you know that. I'm guessing your people just have whatever they've scavenged, huh? In market I've heard you referred to as mattes, because of that. Well-- this is fresh laminate, tribal girl. Printed just a few hours ago, in our Wardrobe. She smirks. "Don't worry, you'll get to used it soon."](else:)[Jade has mentioned offworlders don't have laminate, but its so easy to forget that your people wear... weave plant fibers? That's what it is, right? How absurd!" She laughs into her hand for a moment, then smirks. "On Torei we wear laminate. Our Wardrobes can print just about any design you desire, and can pay for of course. Suffice it to say... you'll be wearing some soon. Its not like we're wasting crops on the roof to let you wear them!] [[That sounds... intriguing.->ValQ]] [[That sounds... terrifying.->ValQ]]

"No?" Val looks away, as if she refused to allow you the opportunity to brag-- or whatever you intended. "I suppose anyone who makes it to your village is declared free, huh? Well-- some of us don't intend to live in hovels." [[She glances around the room, richly appointed, and leaves it there.->ValQ]]

Val nods, although with a distant look, as if a question so menial bored her. "Of course. Everyone says that offworlders don't generally have slaves, but I've never really believed that. Or maybe you don't, which is why so many come here looking for one." She shrugs. "Mistress chips us like any proper owner, but collars have... always been a thing. Since the Sharecropping Wars, and the Princess Thrall, and... I am *not* getting into history with you." *Even so, you recall enough about Torei to recognize the truth in her words. This was a planet where slavery was not just practiced, but mundane.* [[She touches the tight silver band around her throat.->ValQ]]

Val quirks a brow, confusion evident. She does not prompt for more, but you know you need to give it. So you try. The topic is... embarrassing in the extreme, and difficult to elaborate on. But the basic gist, that you most certainly were *not* a woman before whatever happened to you had occurred, is expressed. By the end the black-suited woman has a hand to her chin. "I do not want to... alarm you, but the medical scans I took of you while you were out are quite thorough. You don't just resemble a woman, $Name. You have everything we do. Which means you're going to have a *lot* to adjust to, if you understand my meaning. Although that does at least explain your strange posture. Even offworld women know how to stand and sit and everything..." She looks you over again, this time really taking you in. Naked as you are, so new to your own body, you cannot help but flush a bright red across your cheeks. Val notes your embarrassment, but does not comment on it, working towards her conclusion while you awkwardly stare off to the side. "There is a 50/50 chance I'm wrong, and you *do* have brain damage," she finally says aloud. Your clear readiness to protest is met with a raise hand. "But-- *but*, what happened to you is not... out of the realm of possible experience, on Torei. As a (if: $Back is 1)[trader](else:)[prospector] like yourself might be aware, our one technological advantage over you offworlders is our biotech, inherited as it is from the poles. The Ministry of Improvements could manage a transition such as yours, although it would be costly. And doesn't explain how you ended up in the middle of nowhere, their mobile lancers would have no reason to come out here..." The collared woman focuses upon you again. "You feel arousal though, right?" [["E-Excuse me!?"->QFem2]] [["I-- you can't--"->QFem2]]

"Sounds good," Val responds, standing up from her leaning position. Yet she hesitates, looking you over, this time really taking you in. Naked as you are, exposed as you are, you cannot help but flush a bright red across your cheeks. Val notes your embarrassment, but does not comment on it, working towards her conclusion while you awkwardly stare off to the side. Finally it comes. "One more thing-- try not to be a prude?" [["What... do you mean?"->ValEndWhat]] [["I am not a prude!"->ValEndNot]]

"No," she responds immediately. "Your mentioning it was the first any of us have heard of a ship going down. Not that we're particularly well equipped to watch for such things. The *Wanderer* has many sensors, but they're intended for ground penetration, not watching the skies." Val takes a sip of her tea. "Usually that only happens because someone tries to make an unauthorized landing on the planet, though.' [[Perhaps your ship broke up early, before most could see it?->ValQ]]

"Don't make this harder with offworlder prudishness," she sighs, then steps towards you suddenly. You back up but manage only half a step before hitting the wall you had been so recently chained to. Val stops directly before you, the obsidian rise of her chest nearly touching your own soft breasts. You blush again, looking away, as Val leans in-- and gently places her hands upon your waist. (set: $Arousal to it + 25)(set: $ShowArousal to true) (colour: green)[Arousal Tracking Unlocked] (colour: red)[25 Arousal Gained] "Thought so," Val declares. "Your nipples are hard." She steps back without ever having touched you, a fact that threatens to turn your legs to jelly. Was it your nudity at work? Val's... charisma? Your changed body? [[Blushing, cover your chest!->QFem3Extra]] [[Grit your teeth, exhale sharply, don't show her shame.->QFem3]]

(set: $ShowArousal to true) (set: $ArousalCalc to "*2") (set: $Arousal to it + 5 * $Tester) [[2]]

(set: $Arousal to 55) (if: $Test is "tree")[Ahhh] Hello, $Test! [[3]]

(set: $Arousal to 79)

Reaching up, you use your arms to cover your chest. It provides you with a hint of coverage, but your own soft hands upon your breasts only incenses you further. (set: $Arousal to it + 5) (colour: red)[5 Arousal Gained] Val smirks. "That's just offworlder inexperience, to go with the foolish modesty. Torean women, or those improved to emulate us, gain arousal at *twice* your speed. My Mistress can probably help you further, but if you want *my* advice... remember you're on Torei now. No need to be ashamed about what's only natural." Kicking a thumb over her shoulder, she indicates the only visible door in the room. "Anyway, it will help if we get you dressed. Come on." [[Anything would be better than this.->WardStart]]

Digging in your feet, denying her the satisfaction, you keep your gaze firmly on the wall opposite. Val smirks. "That's just offworlder inexperience, to go with the foolish modesty. Torean women, or those improved to emulate us, gain arousal at *twice* your speed. My Mistress can probably help you further, but if you want *my* advice... remember you're on Torei now. No need to be ashamed about what's only natural." Kicking a thumb over her shoulder, she indicates the only visible door in the room. "Anyway, it will help if we get you dressed. Come on." [[Anything would be better than this.->WardStart]]

Mug in hand, Val leads the way across the room. Glancing about reveals more of what you had seen from your rather limited vantage upon the floor, namely that you stood in the extended bedroom of someone with great wealth-- namely the Mistress of the slave before you. A large closet, finely crafted furniture, plush carpet that you now recognize as some variation of the laminate Val wore... it seemed, even as a slave, your guide was living in luxury. (if: $Back is 3)[Still, you have your reservations. Your Mother had often spoke of the equatorial Toreans, their grand societies built upon thousands of the enslaved. A free life could be harder, but there were far fewer moral concerns.] The Wardrobe mentioned by Val is not the fully stocked closet, however. Instead she leads you to the only door in the room, set into a rectangular obstruction that emerged from the wall. A control panel is built into the front, which Val grabs with one hand, its extendable arm allowing her to position it easily enough. With one hand she begins casually keying in information. "I'm removing most of your choices," she explains, without looking back at you. "For now, something basic will do for you. No need to overwhelm you. For now, at least." *Now* she looks to you, without any indication if she was serious, while gesturing towards the door. "Its ready. All you need to do is get in, and use the glasspad within to make your choice." [["So... how does this... work, though?"->WardAsk]] (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[(colour: green)[(if: $Back is 1)[(Trader)](if: $Back is 2)[(Prospector)]] [["Can't I just have regular clothes?"->WardOff]]](else:)[(colour: green)[(Tribal)] [["In my tribe, they say only slaves use Wardrobes."->WardTribe]]] [[Enter the Wardrobe.->WardHub]]

(if: $Back is 3)["Free tribals, you have a reputation for being... annoyingly like offworlders."](else:)["Offworlders, you have a reputation for being... really too easy to embarrass."] Suddenly she steps toward you. You back up but manage only half a step before hitting the wall you had been so recently chained to. Val stops directly before you, the obsidian rise of her chest nearly touching your own soft breasts. You blush again, looking away, as Val leans in-- and gently places her hands so near your waist. (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[(set: $Arousal to it + 10)](if: $Back is 3)[(set: $Arousal to it + 20)] (colour: green)[Arousal Tracking Unlocked] (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[(colour: red)[10 Arousal Gained]](if: $Back is 3)[(colour: red)[20 Arousal Gained]] "That's more like it," Val declares. "Your nipples are hard." She steps back without ever having touched you, a fact that threatens to turn your legs to jelly. Was it your nudity at work? Val's... charisma? (set: $ShowArousal to true) [[Blushing, cover your chest!->ValQEndExtra]] [[Grit your teeth, exhale sharply, don't show her shame.->ValQEnd3]]

(if: $Back is 3)["So you say. Free tribals, you have a reputation for being... annoyingly like offworlders."](else:)["So you say. Offworlders, you have a reputation for being... really too easy to embarrass."] Suddenly she steps toward you. You back up but manage only half a step before hitting the wall you had been so recently chained to. Val stops directly before you, the obsidian rise of her chest nearly touching your own soft breasts. You blush again, looking away, as Val leans in-- and gently places her hands so near your waist. (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[(set: $Arousal to it + 10)](if: $Back is 3)[(set: $Arousal to it + 20)] (colour: green)[Arousal Tracking Unlocked] (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[(colour: red)[10 Arousal Gained]](if: $Back is 3)[(colour: red)[20 Arousal Gained]] "That's more like it," Val declares. "Your nipples are hard." She steps back without ever having touched you, a fact that threatens to turn your legs to jelly. Was it your nudity at work? Val's... charisma? [[Blushing, cover your chest!->ValQEndExtra]] [[Grit your teeth, exhale sharply, don't show her shame.->ValQEnd3]]

Reaching up, you use your arms to cover your chest. It provides you with a hint of coverage, but your own soft hands upon your breasts only incenses you further. (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[(set: $Arousal to it + 5)(colour: red)[5 Arousal Gained]](else:)[(set: $Arousal to it + 10) (colour: red)[10 Arousal Gained]] Val smirks. "That's just (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[offworlder inexperience](else:)[tribal], to go with the foolish modesty. (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[Torean women, or those improved to emulate us, gain arousal at *twice* your speed.](else:)[You're Torean, you know we gain arousal at *twice* offworlder speed.] My Mistress can probably help you further, but if you want *my* advice... remember you're on Torei now. No need to be ashamed about what's only natural." Kicking a thumb over her shoulder, she indicates the only visible door in the room. "Anyway, it will help if we get you dressed. Come on." [[Anything would be better than this.->WardStart]]

Digging in your feet, denying her the satisfaction, you keep your gaze firmly on the wall opposite. Val smirks. "That's just (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[offworlder](else:)[tribal] inexperience, to go with the foolish modesty. (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[Torean women, or those improved to emulate us, gain arousal at *twice* your speed.](else:)[You're Torean, you know that you gain arousal at *twice* offworlder speed.] My Mistress can probably help you further, but if you want *my* advice... remember you're on Torei now. No need to be ashamed about what's only natural." Kicking a thumb over her shoulder, she indicates the only visible door in the room. "Anyway, it will help if we get you dressed. Come on." [[Anything would be better than this.->WardStart]]

=><= <img src="https://i.imgur.com/vVuV98d.png" width="50%" height="50%"> **Laminate Corset:** *matched to the color of your outfit, this underbust laminate corset is intended to produce a pleasing hourglass figure. Internal steel boning provides the proper level of stricture, while lam-lacings on the back allow for fitting and adjustment. Initial discomfort should subside over time, and many slaves wear corsets daily.*

=><= <img src="https://i.imgur.com/bmoYYDS.png" width="70%" height="70%"> **Laminate Mask:** *a staple for slave use on Torei due to its dehumanizing nature, this laminate hood is matched to your catsuit and features openings at mouth, eyes, and nose. Standard fittings at the side of the head allow for the easy use of blindfolds and gags (not included).*

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=><= <img src="https://i.imgur.com/L52B6uP.png" width="50%" height="50%"> **Ball Gag:** *a large laminate ball, fitted to a full trainer-style head harness to ensure it cannot be easily removed. Seated properly behind the teeth, it makes most communication more difficult. Prolonged use can lead to a sore jaw, and drooling is common.*

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=><= <img src="https://i.imgur.com/jw2GOHr.png" width="50%" height="50%"> **Front and Rear Plugs:** *a set of thick laminate phalli, one each for your front and rear holes. Each is fitted with a thick base, and can be easily removed for use with catsuit or chastity belt. Wearing them leaves you feeling quite filled at all times, while the experience is especially frustrating. You cannot move much without tweaking your pleasure centers freely, and sitting down is even worse.* (colour: red)[Increases arousal gain!]

=><= <img src="https://i.imgur.com/a4T6L2k.png" width="50%" height="50%"> **Chastity Belt:** *built of steel backed with soft laminate padding, this belt prevents you from free accessing your own womanhood and rear. Designed for long-term wear, this particular model features a grated shield with locking cover up front, and dedicated hardpoints at the side for the mounting of additional restraints. Many Torean women consider chastity to be a blessing of sorts, given their naturally high libido.*

=><= <img src="https://i.imgur.com/yh2Q6BK.png" width="50%" height="50%"> **Hobble Chain:** *when matched with a pair of ankle cuffs, this simple length of steel chain severely restricts your gait. Small steps preserve your posture, but make hurrying anywhere a tiresome experience. At perhaps six inches in length, this particular example keeps your steps prim indeed.*

=><= <img src="https://i.imgur.com/q6C7Nw0.png" width="50%" height="50%"> **Stiletto Heels:** *a common phrase for preparedness is to be 'set and shod', referring to the wearing of a corset and stiletto heels, much like these. Matched to offset the coloration of your current outfit, these six inch stilettos feature a substantial (although far from towering) platform, improving your height and requiring a bit more attention be paid to your balance. Walking 'properly' in heels is a Torean art, one that often takes years to fully learn.*

=><= <img src="https://i.imgur.com/U2GpGJ4.png" width="70%" height="70%"> **Ballet Boots:** *towering atop eight inch heels, these boots are intended to require the wearer to remain permanently en pointe. Their extreme nature requires substantial practice to acclimate to, and maintaining one's balance remains a challenge throughout. Laced to a position just below your knees, they ensure proper posture, while a pair of small padlocks require you to seek permission before removal.*

Double-click this passage to edit it.

=><= <img src="https://i.imgur.com/DTfY2yc.png" width="70%" height="70%"> **Bonded Collar:** *inscribed with* (colour: cyan)[(if: $High is true)['indebted to Mistress Evangeline Naram-Sin'](if: $High is false)['ŝuldinta al mastrino Evangeline Naram-Sin']], *this collar marks you as someone between a freewomb and proper slave. Certain slave-codes apply to debtors, and your keyholder has certain rights upon you in the eyes of Torean law. Rendered in a sleek silvered steel, the internal lock is hidden from observation, and the collar itself is all but seamless. A large ring on the front provides for the application of leashes and restraints.* *You are incapable of removing it yourself.*

"Hm?" Val stares at you for a moment. "Oh, right. (if: $Back is 1)[Offworlder. Its easy to forget what you are, without those absurd textiles you insist on wearing. Well, until you speak that is.](if: $Back is 2)[Your memories being all scrambled, right? Although there is no guarantee you wore laminate previously, I suppose.](if: $Back is 3)[*Tribals.* I've heard your kind only have a few old pieces of laminate, hm?] Well, this is a proper Wardrobe Device. Out here in the Badlands they're pretty rare, given their size and power requirements, but the *Wanderer* has ample reserves of both. It will dress you, to put it simply. With whatever design you select, once you step inside." She swirls her tea a bit, but refrains from a sip. It no longer steams as it had before. "Offworlders are ignorant, as everyone knows, but even *they* at least know we all wear laminate on Torei. Few things grow in the arable areas at the equator, but the laminate lichen thrives. We can refine it into most anything, and do. Like clothes, printed on demand." Again Val gestures for you to enter. (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[(colour: green)[(if: $Back is 1)[(Trader)](if: $Back is 2)[(Prospector)]] [["Can't I just have regular clothes?"->WardOff]]](else:)[(colour: green)[(Tribal)] [["In my tribe, they say only slaves use Wardrobes."->WardTribe]]] [[Enter the Wardrobe.->WardHub]]

For once the woman before you actually laughs, or at the very least shows a bit of amusement. An awkward moment passes. "Wait, you're serious? Laminate *is* normal, here on Torei. And we certainly do not have any textiles to give you, if that is what you meant. Generally you can only find those near the Way Up, and even then they're rare. I would suppose traders prefer to bring in more valuable products from other planets." She shrugs. "So you can either get in the Wardrobe, or you can go naked." Another moment passes. "I wasn't serious, you need to be wearing something. Mistress would think it the height of rudeness if I presented you to her naked. There is a time and place for *that.*" [["So... how does this... work, though?"->WardAsk]] [[Enter the Wardrobe.->WardHub]]

"I'm sure your people say many ignorant things, when they are not staring at the sun." Scoffing, Val taps the Wardrobe with an ebony elbow. "*Everyone* uses Wardrobes, at least in civilized areas. They can print or install just about anything imaginable. From ball gowns and cocktail skirts, to yes, slave gear. But as I said, whatever you choose from those sunburned tribal shoulders of yours down, will be of your choosing." [["So... how does this... work, though?"->WardAsk]] [[Enter the Wardrobe.->WardHub]]

Stepping forward, perhaps with a hint of hesitation, the door before you slides slickly open. If you were expecting something akin to a closet, what you enter into leaves you sorely disappointed. There are no shelves, no hangings racks with textiles and outfits. Only a sterile room greets you, quite claustrophobic given how small it is, and reminding you a bit of a bathroom given the tiles on the walls and a drain visible on the floor. Several of the tiles are oddly shaped, the gap between them and their neighbors larger. On the far wall, the promised touch-screen panel flickers to life. =><= (font:"Courier New")[Welcome, %UserUndefined%. Your catalogue has been filtered from the exterior console. Please select BEGIN to make your selection.] <== [[Examine one of the strangely shaped tiles.->TileCheck]] [[Press BEGIN on the touchpad.->WardHub2]]

Ignoring the bright glow of the panel nearby, you instead approach one of the larger tiles built into the sidewall. It's shaped like a trapezoid, a far cry from the squares that surround it. Pressing your hand against it, you feel a bit of movement, as if the entire thing was designed to perhaps slide out or in on command. Given that a half dozen other strangely shaped tiles can be counted at a quick glance, you feel a slight chill run down your spine. [[No point in delaying. Press BEGIN on the touchpad.->WardHub2]]

=><= (font: "Courier New")[This Wardrobe Device is the registered property of Evangeline Naram-Sin, and operates on a private network. Public network uplink fault detected. /// Full live catalogue options are disabled. Your identification is unconfirmed, expenditure logging is enabled. PLEASE SELECT BELOW FOR ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:] <== *Several dozen potential choices are blacked out, presumably because of Val's mentioned filtering. Three however remain for you to explore further, their entries blinking excitedly at the approach of your finger.* [[Black Quartet Hardpoint Catsuit->BlackCat]] [[Doll's Delight Catsuit->PinkCat]] [[Standardized Slave-Rated Catsuit->SlaveCat]] (if: $Back is 2)[(colour: green)[(Prospector)] [[Those three slashes... investigate that.->WardPropCheck]]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/3A9DQ8g.png" width="40%" height="40%"> (set: $Strike to it + 1) (font: "courier new")[**Black Quartet Hardpoint Catsuit** Schematic Price: 100 Credits Color: Black Type: Disposable (22 Hour Guaranteed) Tags: Catsuit, Base-Wear, Classic Collection Description: *designed for everyday wear by slaves and mistresses alike, this design is a standard catsuit suitable for wearing by itself or utilizing as a base for more complex outfits. Formed from black laminate to the user's exact measurements, this design includes reinforced front and rear zippers for easy between-the-leg access. Four restraint (or accessory) hardpoints are included as well, two each on hip and thighs.* Included Accessories: *color matched stiletto boots (6 inch)*](if: $Strike is 1 and $Gender is 1)[ *Your struggle to adapt to your new body could not be any more apparent in that moment, as you stare at the proposed outfit before you. All those smooth curves, coated in the shiny material Toreans called laminate... Val had chosen women's outfits, if such a fetishistic design could be labeled as such, for you. Of course. Physically you were apparently indistinguishable from one. Yet to actually wear something like what you see in that image, to display yourself so openly... even in the most egalitarian worlds the expression of sexuality differed between the genders. This was all so very new to you... Yet what choice do you have? There were no regular clothes to be had...*] [[Choose this selection.->BlackCat2]] [[Go back, and examine another.->WardHub2]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/t0pU3z6.png" width="40%" height="40%"> (set: $Strike to it + 1) (font: "courier new")[**Doll's Delight Catsuit** Schematic Price: 200 Credits Color: Pink, Transparent Type: Disposable (22 Hour Guaranteed) Tags: Catsuit, Base-Wear, Doll's Delight Collection Description: *be pretty in pink with the Doll's Delight set of outfits and accessories! This suit, in sparkling metallic pink, is offset with transparent portions at the hips and faux-stocking styling for the thighs. Formed to the user's exact measurements, this design includes reinforced front and ear zippers for easy between-the-legs access.* Included Accessories: *color matched stiletto boots (6 inch)*](if: $Strike is 1 and $Gender is 1)[ *Your struggle to adapt to your new body could not be any more apparent in that moment, as you stare at the proposed outfit before you. All those smooth curves, coated in the shiny material Toreans called laminate... Val had chosen women's outfits, if such a fetishistic design could be labeled as such, for you. Of course. Physically you were apparently indistinguishable from one. Yet to actually wear something like what you see in that image, to display yourself so openly... even in the most egalitarian worlds the expression of sexuality differed between the genders. This was all so very new to you... Yet what choice do you have? There were no regular clothes to be had...*] [[Choose this selection.->PinkCat2]] [[Go back, and examine another.->WardHub2]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/0QutrBr.png" width="50%" height="50%"> (set: $Strike to it + 1) (font: "courier new")[**Standardized Slave-Rate Suit, Base Layer** Schematic Price: 500 Credits Color: Slave Black Type: Long-Term Wear (3 weeks Guaranteed) Tags: Catsuit, Base-Wear, Doll's Delight Collection Description: *this is a standardized slave-rate wardrobe outfit, as described in the Aekoran Slave Codes, Chapter 812, subsection 10. It is in full compliance with and recognized by all MRTA members. Intended as a base layer for more intensive bondage, this catsuit is matched to the user's exact measurements, and includes reinforced front and rear zippers for easy between-the-leg access. The pictured corset comes with custom-measurements to ensure an optimal waist reduction.* Included Accessories: *color matched stiletto boots (6 inch), corset, hood*](if: $Strike is 1 and $Gender is 1)[ *Your struggle to adapt to your new body could not be any more apparent in that moment, as you stare at the proposed outfit before you. All those smooth curves, coated in the shiny material Toreans called laminate... Val had chosen women's outfits, if such a fetishistic design could be labeled as such, for you. Of course. Physically you were apparently indistinguishable from one. Yet to actually wear something like what you see in that image, to display yourself so openly... even in the most egalitarian worlds the expression of sexuality differed between the genders. This was all so very new to you... Yet what choice do you have? There were no regular clothes to be had...*] [[It looks... more extreme. Choose this one...->SlaveCat2]] [[Go back, and examine another.->WardHub2]]

Your memory may be battered, but you can still recognize a data excision clearly enough. Something, a warning message or override of some sort gauging by the rest of the text, had clearly been hidden. The so-called Wardrobe Device you now stand in now doesn't give you much in the way of additional information, presumably the exterior panel that Val was operating allowed that, but it is enough to raise your suspicions. It could simply be an artifact of her filtering your options, of course. But still... [[For the moment, there is nothing you can do.->WardHub2]]

(font: "courier new")[Order Confirmed... please enjoy!] The display winks out of existence, and for the briefest of moments you are left to ponder your decision. It is hard to imagine yourself as the model you had seen, her every curve covered by glossy laminate. (if: $Back is 3)[Few within your tribe were able to maintain full outfits, much less keep them at such a shine. ](if: $Gender is 1)[What would it feel like, given your new body? To have... *your* breasts cupped by such material, to feel the smooth expanse, broken only by a zipper, between your legs...? ]Your reverie is broken by the quiet whirl of machines moving, however, as you notice the various strangely shaped tiles along the walls kicking out. Appendages emerge, mechanical arms of several different kinds. You don't have time to catalog them, hell, you barely have time to gasp before they seize you. At wrist and ankle, and around the throat, padded rings snap against and then around your soft flesh. Then the grip, legs forced apart as your arms are lifted above your head. Had they not also supported, you would have certainly fallen. [["What the hell!? Get these off of me!"->ResistBlackCat]] [[Keep your cool. Wait it out.->BlackCat3]]

(font: "courier new")[Order Confirmed... please enjoy!] The display winks out of existence, and for the briefest of moments you are left to ponder your decision. (if: $Back is 3)[Few within your tribe were able to maintain full outfits, much less keep them at such a shine. ](if: $Gender is 1)[What would it feel like, given your new body? To have... *your* breasts cupped by such material, to feel the smooth expanse, broken only by a zipper, between your legs...? ]Your reverie is broken by the quiet whirl of machines moving, however, as you notice the various strangely shaped tiles along the walls kicking out. Appendages emerge, mechanical arms of several different kinds. You don't have time to catalog them, hell, you barely have time to gasp before they seize you. At wrist and ankle, and around the throat, padded rings snap against and then around your soft flesh. Then the grip, legs forced apart as your arms are lifted above your head. Had they not also supported, you would have certainly fallen. [["What the hell!? Get these off of me!"->ResistPinkCat]] [[Keep your cool. Wait it out.->PinkCat3]]

(font: "courier new")[Order Confirmed... please assume the position.] The display winks out of existence, and for the briefest of moments you are left to ponder your decision. (if: $Back is 3)[Few within your tribe were able to maintain full outfits, much less keep them at such a shine. ](if: $Gender is 1)[What would it feel like, given your new body? To have... *your* breasts cupped by such material, to feel the smooth expanse, broken only by a zipper, between your legs...? ]Your reverie is broken by the quiet whirl of machines moving, however, as you notice the various strangely shaped tiles along the walls kicking out. Appendages emerge, mechanical arms of several different kinds. You don't have time to catalog them, hell, you barely have time to gasp before they seize you. At wrist and ankle, and around the throat, padded rings snap against and then around your soft flesh. Then the grip, legs forced apart as your arms are lifted above your head. Had they not also supported, you would have certainly fallen. [["What the hell!? Get these off of me!"->ResistSlaveCat]] [[Keep your cool. Wait it out.->SlaveCat3]]

Panic overtaking you, feral impulses take over. Fight or flight. And in this particular instance, to achieve the latter you would need to engage in the former. That mean pulling against the restraining arms, eyes wide as other devices emerge from the walls. You persist in the face of those coming reinforcements, and to your surprise you do manage to wrench one of the restraining appendages from your arm. You're doing it! Of course, had you thought about it, given Torei's widespread use of these devices, you cannot be the first to have thought of escaping. You do not see it, but you certainly *feel* the sudden snap of electricity that bursts upon your rear, pain receptors announcing the experienced as you yelp shrilly. (font: "courier new")[REMAIN STILL.] The touchpad had returned to life to deliver the command, the cold steel of what you can only imagine to be a cattle prod still poised against your buttocks. You and take a deep breath... and settle back as the arm retracts, the Wardrobe having recognized your submission. (set: $DebtTracker to it + 100) (font: "courier new")[Minor damage has been logged on Arm 5-L-6.] [[Hopefully Val isn't angry about that.->BlackCat3]]

Suspended above the floor, limbs spread, you are at the mercy of the machine you now occupy. With the door closed behind you are alone, staring down the proverbial barrel further armatures emerge to confront you. The largest of their number is the least arm-like, taking the form of a hollow ring that undocks from the ceiling of the Wardrobe itself. Descending, it waits for an arm to pull your $Hair hair safetly away before it envelopes you, moving downward with tiny gleaming lights visible along the interior rim. (if: $Back is 1)[As a pilot you recognize them as some manner of sensor, undoubtedly taking your measurements.](if: $Back is 2)[As a prospector and technology expert, you recognize them as a rather primitive form of sensor. Measuring you, perhaps?](if: $Back is 3)[You have no sense of what they could be, your tribal upbringing rather devoid of technology.] Upon reaching your feet it pauses, if only for a moment, before further panels flick open-- and much smaller arms emerge. These are shaped like nozzles instead of grasping hands or prodding manipulators, and as the ring begins to rise again they begin printing directly atop your skin. The color is black and immediately glossy, and it is then that your realize what it is-- Torei's most sacred material, **laminate**. Your promised catsuit, fit to your exacting dimensions, is thus printed upon you inch by inch as the ring slowly ascends. It is warm at first but never wet, the material neatly embracing your flesh without adhering to it. Despite the manner of its creation, your new outfit is very much something worn, even if removal would be difficult going forward. Upward, past your waist, it begins working across your chest. There are no provided ways to remove it, although given the advanced nature of the Wardrobe, you (if: $Back is 3)[know it could remove a suit as well.](else:)[suspect it could remove a suit as well.] The initial pass ends at your throat, but the ring is hardly done, and descends once more to begin working on the more intricate portions of your suit. In most cases this is simple reinforcement. Below your arms, between your thighs, where the material would be stretching most aggressively. But elsewhere it begins working on accessories, the most immediate being the zippers between your legs. There small manipulators provide individual pre-forced bits of metal, lining them up and adhering to the laminate. You try not to blush as they zip you closed afterward. [[The Wardrobe continues its work.->BlackCat4]]

Suspended above the floor, limbs spread, you are at the mercy of the machine you now occupy. With the door closed behind you are alone, staring down the proverbial barrel further armatures emerge to confront you. The largest of their number is the least arm-like, taking the form of a hollow ring that undocks from the ceiling of the Wardrobe itself. Descending, it waits for an arm to pull your $Hair hair safetly away before it envelopes you, moving downward with tiny gleaming lights visible along the interior rim. (if: $Back is 1)[As a pilot you recognize them as some manner of sensor, undoubtedly taking your measurements.](if: $Back is 2)[As a prospector and technology expert, you recognize them as a rather primitive form of sensor. Measuring you, perhaps?](if: $Back is 3)[You have no sense of what they could be, your tribal upbringing rather devoid of technology.] Upon reaching your feet it pauses, if only for a moment, before further panels flick open-- and much smaller arms emerge. These are shaped like nozzles instead of grasping hands or prodding manipulators, and as the ring begins to rise again they begin printing directly atop your skin. The color is pink and immediately glossy, and it is then that your realize what it is-- Torei's most sacred material, **laminate**. Your promised catsuit, fit to your exacting dimensions, is thus printed upon you inch by inch as the ring slowly ascends. It is warm at first but never wet, the material neatly embracing your flesh without adhering to it. Despite the manner of its creation, your new outfit is very much something worn, even if removal would be difficult going forward. Upward, past your waist, it begins working across your chest. There are no provided ways to remove it, although given the advanced nature of the Wardrobe, you (if: $Back is 3)[know it could remove a suit as well.](else:)[suspect it could remove a suit as well.] The initial pass ends at your throat, but the ring is hardly done, and descends once more to begin working on the more intricate portions of your suit. In most cases this is simple reinforcement. Below your arms, between your thighs, where the material would be stretching most aggressively. But elsewhere it begins working on accessories, the most immediate being the zippers between your legs. There small manipulators provide individual pre-forced bits of metal, lining them up and adhering to the laminate. You try not to blush as they zip you closed afterward. [[The Wardrobe continues its work.->PinkCat4]]

Panic overtaking you, feral impulses take over. Fight or flight. And in this particular instance, to achieve the latter you would need to engage in the former. That mean pulling against the restraining arms, eyes wide as other devices emerge from the walls. You persist in the face of those coming reinforcements, and to your surprise you do manage to wrench one of the restraining appendages from your arm. You're doing it! Of course, had you thought about it, given Torei's widespread use of these devices, you cannot be the first to have thought of escaping. You do not see it, but you certainly *feel* the sudden snap of electricity that bursts upon your rear, pain receptors announcing the experienced as you yelp shrilly. (font:: "courier new")[REMAIN STILL.] The touchpad had returned to life to deliver the command, the cold steel of what you can only imagine to be a cattle prod still poised against your buttocks. You and take a deep breath... and settle back as the arm retracts, the Wardrobe having recognized your submission. (set: $DebtTracker to it + 100) (font:: "courier new")[Minor damage has been logged on Arm 5-L-6.] [[Hopefully Val isn't angry about that.->SlaveCat3]]

As the Wardrobe continues, it focuses first upon your waist. There it installs the first pair of restraint hardpoints, small d-rings embedded naturally within your suit. A second set on your thighs follow shortly afterward. From there it moves down, and begins working on the accessory boots that were promised. Your suspension suddenly makes much more sense, as preformed heels and platforms rise from the Wardrobe's floor, pressing up against your waiting feet. From there the ring begins printing the boot itself, knee high and shiny black laminate. Lacings follow, each intricately weaved through the waiting holes, then tightened. A neat bow along the top leaves you perched atop towering heels, (if: $Back is 3 or $Gender is 1)[for the first time in your life.](else:)[for the first time in your life, at least at this particular height.] (if: not ($Inv contains "stiletto heels"))[(set: $Inv to $Inv + (a: "stiletto heels"))] (colour: green)[Stiletto Heels added to your inventory!] (set: $Feet to 1) The Wardrobe's halo then ascends, running along your entire body once more, perhaps checking its work. Seemingly satisfied, it slides past your waist and chest-- then stops suddenly at your throat. An arm moves below your chin, lifting it slightly. [[Oh no.->BlackCat5]] [[What... is going on!?->BlackCat5]]

As the Wardrobe continues, it moves back to the portions of your suit intended to be transparent. They had been applied as pink, but a simple spray of some sort quickly works through the coloration, leaving you with windows exposing the flesh beneath . From there it moves down, and begins working on the accessory boots that were promised. Your suspension suddenly makes much more sense, as preformed heels and platforms rise from the Wardrobe's floor, pressing up against your waiting feet. From there the ring begins printing the boot itself, knee high and shiny pink laminate. Lacings follow, each intricately weaved through the waiting holes, then tightened. A neat bow along the top leaves you perched atop towering heels, (if: $Back is 3 or $Gender is 1)[for the first time in your life.](else:)[for the first time in your life, at least at this particular height.] (if: not ($Inv contains "stiletto heels"))[(set: $Inv to $Inv + (a: "stiletto heels"))] (colour: green)[Stiletto Heels added to your inventory!] (set: $Feet to 1) The Wardrobe's halo then ascends, running along your entire body once more, perhaps checking its work. Seemingly satisfied, it slides past your waist and chest-- then stops suddenly at your throat. An arm moves below your chin, lifting it slightly. [[Oh no.->PinkCat5]] [[What... is going on!?->PinkCat5]]

As the Wardrobe continues, it moves back to your head. There the arm holding your hair up and away begins strategically shifting it, preparing for ring that aligns itself with your face. *The mask.* You only get a moment to prepare before smaller, more detail-orientated nozzles begin coating your head in tight black laminate. Your eyes and mouth are spared, each indeed being framed alluring, while nose holes are quickly created. But otherwise you are covered, your hair-- and much of your identity-- seized by the Wardrobe in the space of a few moments. (if: not ($Inv contains "mask"))[(set: $Inv to $Inv + (a: "mask"))] (colour: green)[Laminate Mask added to your inventory!] (set: $HeadC to 1) Yet it gives you no time to recover, the halo shifting again. Familiar arms begin applying a thicker second layer of laminate at your waist, as new ones emerge to sink long strips of steel into the still molten material. Corset boning, you vaguely recognize. They serve little purpose however, even once the corset itself is fully formed and cooled, until you're laced up. Small nimble arms at your back work the lam-lacing into place, cinching as they go. Tighter and tighter, pushing your chest and rear out as mere side effects. By the time they finish you're struggling to breath, although the effect quickly starts to dimish. (if: not ($Inv contains "corset"))[(set: $Inv to $Inv + (a: "corset"))] (colour: green)[Laminate Corset added to your inventory!] (set: $Waist to 1) From there it moves down, and begins working on the accessory boots that were promised. Your suspension suddenly makes much more sense, as preformed heels and platforms rise from the Wardrobe's floor, pressing up against your waiting feet. From there the ring begins printing the boot itself, knee high and shiny pink laminate. Lacings follow, each intricately weaved through the waiting holes, then tightened. A neat bow along the top leaves you perched atop towering heels, (if: $Back is 3 or $Gender is 1)[for the first time in your life.](else:)[for the first time in your life, at least at this particular height.] (if: not ($Inv contains "stiletto heels"))[(set: $Inv to $Inv + (a: "stiletto heels"))] (colour: green)[Stiletto Heels added to your inventory!] (set: $Feet to 1) The Wardrobe's halo then ascends, running along your entire body once more, perhaps checking its work. Seemingly satisfied, it slides past your waist and chest-- then stops suddenly at your throat. An arm moves below your chin, lifting it slightly. [[Oh no.->SlaveCat5]] [[What... is going on!?->SlaveCat5]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/DTfY2yc.png" width="40%" height="40%"> From a panel to your side emerges one more arm amongst the many holding and attending you, but this one grips something new: a circle of shining silver. You catch only a glimpse of it before it disappears beneath your raised chin, but in that short moment you see a solid device, unadorned except for an inscription you fail to recognize. It takes a moment, your own shock undoubtedly slowing your processing of it, but you do eventually recognize it: Val wore something identical around her own throat. **A collar.** (if: $Back is 3)[A lifetime, short as yours has been, of tribal teachings flood back to you in that moment. Your elders, your Mother, the runaways the tribe took in-- all of them spoke of the dangers of civilized Torei. Of the widespread slavery, of wealthy men and women alike owning vast stables of slaves kept in uncountable permutations of submission. Menial slaves, soubrettes, ponygirls, servants... for every conceivable role and use, a slave could be found on Torei. Freewombs, women unbound to such systems, did exist. It varied by Ringdom, the civilized nations along the equator, but basic assumptions could be made. Most lived on the edge of financial ruin, a poor choice or investment away from earning a collar themselves. Some took to a collar willingly, seeking the safety and protection that came with such. Others simply lacked a choice. A few, the rich or noble depending upon the Ringdom, feared little and owned slaves themselves. Whatever the story, however, the ending according to your Mother was always the same: to be collared, even temporarily, was *dangerous.*](else:)[You try to remember what you've (if: $Back is 1)[heard of](else:)[remember about] Toren collars. That the planet embraced widespread slavery, used it at every level of society, was well known. Men had a better chance to avoid it, given their far smaller population, but both sexes could end up collared. Every scrap of literature, every rumor about the planet, emphasized being careful on the planet's surface. A time unlike any other in the galaxies could be had, but those who failed to leave when they planned-- who got themselves caught in the system-- rarely made it back to the Way Up.] More comes to you, spiking your anxiety as you begin to struggle, but its too late for that. A sharp **click** echoes in the small confines of the Wardrobe, and when the armature retreats it does so unburdened. Around your neck a new weight hangs heavily, the thick metal just as tightly fitted as the rest of your outfit. (if: not ($Inv contains "bonded collar"))[(set: $Inv to $Inv + (a: "bonded collar"))] (colour: green)[Bonded Collar added to inventory!] [[What have you gotten yourself into?->BlackCat6]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/DTfY2yc.png" width="70%" height="70%"> From a panel to your side emerges one more arm amongst the many holding and attending you, but this one grips something new: a circle of shining silver. You catch only a glimpse of it before it disappears beneath your raised chin, but in that short moment you see a solid device, unadorned except for an inscription you fail to recognize. It takes a moment, your own shock undoubtedly slowing your processing of it, but you do eventually recognize it: Val wore something identical around her own throat. **A collar.** (if: $Back is 3)[A lifetime, short as yours has been, of tribal teachings flood back to you in that moment. Your elders, your Mother, the runaways the tribe took in-- all of them spoke of the dangers of civilized Torei. Of the widespread slavery, of wealthy men and women alike owning vast stables of slaves kept in uncountable permutations of submission. Menial slaves, soubrettes, ponygirls, servants... for every conceivable role and use, a slave could be found on Torei. Freewombs, women unbound to such systems, did exist. It varied by Ringdom, the civilized nations along the equator, but basic assumptions could be made. Most lived on the edge of financial ruin, a poor choice or investment away from earning a collar themselves. Some took to a collar willingly, seeking the safety and protection that came with such. Others simply lacked a choice. A few, the rich or noble depending upon the Ringdom, feared little and owned slaves themselves. Whatever the story, however, the ending according to your Mother was always the same: to be collared, even temporarily, was *dangerous.*](else:)[You try to remember what you've (if: $Back is 1)[heard of](else:)[remember about] Toren collars. That the planet embraced widespread slavery, used it at every level of society, was well known. Men had a better chance to avoid it, given their far smaller population, but both sexes could end up collared. Every scrap of literature, every rumor about the planet, emphasized being careful on the planet's surface. A time unlike any other in the galaxies could be had, but those who failed to leave when they planned-- who got themselves caught in the system-- rarely made it back to the Way Up.] More comes to you, spiking your anxiety as you begin to struggle, but its too late for that. A sharp **click** echoes in the small confines of the Wardrobe, and when the armature retreats it does so unburdened. Around your neck a new weight hangs heavily, the thick metal just as tightly fitted as the rest of your outfit. (if: not ($Inv contains "bonded collar"))[(set: $Inv to $Inv + (a: "bonded collar"))] (colour: green)[Bonded Collar added to inventory!] [[What have you gotten yourself into?->PinkCat6]]

After the crescendo that is the collar, the finishing touch-- your makeup-- is handled almost as an afterthought. A blast of air into your face causes you to close your eyes involuntarily, and in that moment the Wardrobe applies it in a flash. Matched to the black of your catsuit, when your eyes open again they do so shadowed in an alluring smoky look, while crimson emphasizes your lips. (if: $Gender is 1)[Another first for you.] Only then, finally, do the armatures holding you finally begin to release. One by one, first lowering to the ground, then allowing your arms liberty, they pull away to retract back into their lairs beneath the Wardrobe's tiles. You're free, and right on cue a quiet *ding* behind you comes with a flood of fresh light. The door had opened. You turn on unsteady feet, collar ring clinking, heels forcing you onto your toes, and step out... (set: $Gear to 1) {(if: $Gear is 1)[(colour: green)[Black Quartet Hardpoint Catsuit Equipped!]] (if: $Gear is 2)[(colour: green)[Doll's Delight Catsuit, Pink and Transparent Equipped!]] (if: $Gear is 3)[(colour: green)[Standardized Slave-Rate Suit, Base Layer Equipped!]]} [[Val awaits, her placid expression in such contrast to your own.->PostWard]]

After the crescendo that is the collar, the finishing touch-- your makeup-- is handled almost as an afterthought. A blast of air into your face causes you to close your eyes involuntarily, and in that moment the Wardrobe applies it in a flash. Matched to the pink of your catsuit, when your eyes open again they do so shadowed in a girlish pastel look, while light pink emphasizes your lips. (if: $Gender is 1)[Another first for you.] Only then, finally, do the armatures holding you finally begin to release. One by one, first lowering to the ground, then allowing your arms liberty, they pull away to retract back into their lairs beneath the Wardrobe's tiles. You're free, and right on cue a quiet *ding* behind you comes with a flood of fresh light. The door had opened. You turn on unsteady feet, collar ring clinking, heels forcing you onto your toes, and step out... (set: $Gear to 2) {(if: $Gear is 1)[(colour: green)[Black Quartet Hardpoint Catsuit Equipped!]] (if: $Gear is 2)[(colour: green)[Doll's Delight Catsuit, Pink and Transparent Equipped!]] (if: $Gear is 3)[(colour: green)[Standardized Slave-Rate Suit, Base Layer Equipped!]]} [[Val awaits, her placid expression in such contrast to your own.->PostWard]]

After the crescendo that is the collar, the finishing touch-- your makeup-- is handled almost as an afterthought. A blast of air into your face causes you to close your eyes involuntarily, and in that moment the Wardrobe applies it in a flash. Matched to the pink of your catsuit, when your eyes open again they do so shadowed in an alluring smoky look, while crimson emphasizes your lips. (if: $Gender is 1)[Another first for you.] Only then, finally, do the armatures holding you finally begin to release. One by one, first lowering to the ground, then allowing your arms liberty, they pull away to retract back into their lairs beneath the Wardrobe's tiles. You're free, and right on cue a quiet *ding* behind you comes with a flood of fresh light. The door had opened. You turn on unsteady feet, collar ring clinking, heels forcing you onto your toes, and step out... (set: $Gear to 3) {(if: $Gear is 1)[(colour: green)[Black Quartet Hardpoint Catsuit Equipped!]] (if: $Gear is 2)[(colour: green)[Doll's Delight Catsuit, Pink and Transparent Equipped!]] (if: $Gear is 3)[(colour: green)[Standardized Slave-Rate Suit, Base Layer Equipped!]]} [[Val awaits, her placid expression in such contrast to your own.->PostWard]]

It only takes two or three steps to stand before Val, clear of the Wardrobe, but doing so is a new experience that stretches out into eternity. Your every movement is marked with the subtle embrace of your new laminate, hugging your curves, allowing gleaming swathes of light run along your body. Already you feel warm, not uncomfortably so, but merely in a way mere (if: $Back is 3)[recycled laminates](else:)[regular clothing] could never match. Everything is covered of course, but nothing is left to the imagination-- you were naked a few minutes ago, yet almost feel more so now. Glancing down, you can see the outline of your own nipples against the tight material cupping your breasts. Presenting them, almost. (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[(set: $Arousal to it + 10)] (if: $Back is 3)[(set: $Arousal to it + 20)] (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[(colour: red)[10 Arousal Gained]] (if: $Back is 3)[(colour: red)[20 Arousal Gained]] "Well, look at *you,*" Val notes, a hint of a smile pulling up the corner of her lips. "(if: $Gear is 1)[You went with the classic among classics, I see. Simple, functional, quite a bit better than anything a (if: $Back is 3)[tribal](else:)[offworlder] has probably ever worn, huh? Looking good, especially with those little mounting points on your hips..."](if: $Gear is 2)["A bit adventurous, I see. Bright and pink, you'll be the center of attention. Especially with those transparent portions. I would of thought that would scare off a (if: $Back is 3)[tribal.](else:)[offworlder.] Looking good, though..."](if: $Gear is 3)["You... surprise me, honestly. I didn't think you would actually even *consider* the slave suit. Says something about you, doesn't it, (if: $Back is 3)[tribal](else:)[offworlder]?] Sapphire and you might just get along, she's the same way. And you *do* look good..." She swirls her teacup, now all but empty, eying you over it. "I suppose we should talk about the collar." [[Step towards her. "No shit, get this off of me!"->PostWardAngry]] [["Yeah, start talking."->PostWardMed]] [["It's... just like yours..."->PostWardSub]]

You step forward, but poorly, the combination of your new heels and inexperience nearly toppling you. Val watches without moving to help, at least for the moment. "Careful, I literally *just* healed you," she reminds. "And you are locked into those, if you hadn't noticed. So if you're intending to do something rather ill-considered... it would be amusing, but again, I'd rather not being tending to a broken ankle. Allow me to explain." She pauses, then points towards the ground. "Or more correctly, you will allow my Mistress to explain. She is on the floor beneath us, it would be asinine to repeat everything to you twice. And besides, she is eager to meet you." (if: $Gender is 1)[Val peers at you, her pale eyes sharp. "Although before we go, I am curious how its feeling right now if, presuming you are not scrambled in the head, you were recently so very male...? Boys don't normally get *this* sort of experience." [["It feels... strange."->MaleStrange]] [["I... sort of like it."->MaleLike]] [["I cannot walk around like... this!"->MaleHate]]](else:)[Val peers at you, her pale eyes sharp. "I'm guessing you're not familiar with our sort of footwear though, hm? [["I am not, no..."->HeelsDemure]] [["How can you walk in these things?!"->HeelsAgro]]]

"Of course. Were I in your shoes, wonderful as they are, I am certain I would have similar questions.(if: $Back is 3)[ Or perhaps not? Tribals wouldn't know good fashion in someone forced them into it. ]It would be my pleasure to explain." She pauses, then points towards the ground. "Or more correctly, you will allow my Mistress to explain. She is on the floor beneath us, it would be asinine to repeat everything to you twice. And besides, she is eager to meet you." (if: $Gender is 1)[Val peers at you, her pale eyes sharp. "Although before we go, I am curious how its feeling right now if, presuming you are not scrambled in the head, you were recently so very male...? Boys don't normally get *this* sort of experience." [["It feels... strange."->MaleStrange]] [["I... sort of like it."->MaleLike]] [["I cannot walk around like... this!"->MaleHate]]](else:)[Val peers at you, her pale eyes sharp. "I'm guessing you're not familiar with our sort of footwear though, hm? [["I am not, no..."->HeelsDemure]] [["How can you walk in these things?!"->HeelsAgro]]]

"Yes it is, in every way except one important detail. It would be my pleasure to explain what that is." She pauses, then points towards the ground. "Or more correctly, you will allow my Mistress to explain. She is on the floor beneath us, it would be asinine to repeat everything to you twice. And besides, she is eager to meet you." (if: $Gender is 1)[Val peers at you, her pale eyes sharp. "Although before we go, I am curious how its feeling right now if, presuming you are not scrambled in the head, you were recently so very male...? Boys don't normally get *this* sort of experience." [["It feels... strange."->MaleStrange]] [["I... sort of like it."->MaleLike]] [["I cannot walk around like... this!"->MaleHate]]](else:)[Val peers at you, her pale eyes sharp. "I'm guessing you're not familiar with our sort of footwear though, hm? [["I am not, no..."->HeelsDemure]] [["How can you walk in these things?!"->HeelsAgro]]]

"I can only imagine." She sounds generally intrigued, eying you up and down as if your laminate body could say more. A handful of women, and even another man once or twice, had stared at you before. The dashing spacer look always had a certain charm. But this is something different, something new. You can almost sense something possessive in the way Val observes you, the way her gaze lingers on your chest and hips. It is... a bit objectifying, honestly. Or was that merely your own mindset, thinking that only someone with the features you now possess could be considered in such a light? Hells, this could quickly become confusing. Val merely smirks in the end. "If your story *is* true, I much prefer this, to be honest. Boys are so bothersome. But anyway, we should get going. I'm guessing you're not familiar with our sort of footwear though, hm?" [["I am not, no..."->HeelsDemure]] [["How can you walk in these things?!"->HeelsAgro]]

"Do you now?" She sounds generally intrigued, eying you up and down as if your laminate body could say more. A handful of women, and even another man once or twice, had stared at you before. The dashing spacer look always had a certain charm. But this is something different, something new. You can almost sense something possessive in the way Val observes you, the way her gaze lingers on your chest and hips. It is... a bit objectifying, honestly. Or was that merely your own mindset, thinking that only someone with the features you now possess could be considered in such a light? Hells, this could quickly become confusing. Val merely smirks in the end. "If your story *is* true, I much prefer this, to be honest. Boys are so bothersome. But anyway, we should get going. I'm guessing you're not familiar with our sort of footwear though, hm?" [["I am not, no..."->HeelsDemure]] [["How can you walk in these things?!"->HeelsAgro]]

"Are you suggesting that *I* cannot walk around as I do?" She sounds generally intrigued despite the sense of her having been insulted, eying you up and down as if your laminate body could say more. A handful of women, and even another man once or twice, had stared at you before. The dashing spacer look always had a certain charm. But this is something different, something new. You can almost sense something possessive in the way Val observes you, the way her gaze lingers on your chest and hips. It is... a bit objectifying, honestly. Or was that merely your own mindset, thinking that only someone with the features you now possess could be considered in such a light? Hells, this could quickly become confusing. Val merely smirks in the end. "If your story *is* true, I much prefer this, to be honest. Boys are so bothersome. But anyway, we should get going. I'm guessing you're not familiar with our sort of footwear though, hm?" [["I am not, no..."->HeelsDemure]] [["How can you walk in these things?!"->HeelsAgro]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/EEZdJZC.png" width="50%" height="50%"> "Well, practice makes perfect. I will demonstrate, you will observe." Standing before you, she turns to the side, presenting herself in profile. Then she steps, her own tall heel clicking sharply as it makes contact just before the rest of her boot. Then she repeats the movement several times, narrating. "The trick is simple, even for (if: $Back is 3)[a flat-footer like you.](else:)[an offworlder.] Make contact with the heel first, then toe. Heel, toe. Heel toe." She turns, then retraces her steps. "Bonus points for endeavoring to place your step in front of the next. None of this side-by-side nonsense. Absolute *barbarism,* that. Work your hips. You try." Val turns again, waiting for you to do so. [["I am not walking like this!"->HeelsRefuse]] [[Try her method. Heel, toe.->HeelsBasic]] [[Go for the extra credit, swivel your hips as you try.->HeelAdvanced]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/EEZdJZC.png" width="50%" height="50%"> "Carefully, of course. Practice makes perfect. I will demonstrate, you will observe." Standing before you, she turns to the side, presenting herself in profile. Then she steps, her own tall heel clicking sharply as it makes contact just before the rest of her boot. Then she repeats the movement several times, narrating. "The trick is simple, even for (if: $Back is 3)[a flat-footer like you.](else:)[an offworlder.] Make contact with the heel first, then toe. Heel, toe. Heel toe." She turns, then retraces her steps. "Bonus points for endeavoring to place your step in front of the next. None of this side-by-side nonsense. Absolute *barbarism,* that. Work your hips. You try." Val turns again, waiting for you to do so. [["I am not walking like this!"->HeelsRefuse]] [[Try her method. Heel, toe.->HeelsBasic]] [[Go for the extra credit, swivel your hips as you try.->HeelAdvanced]]

The black-suited woman sighs. "Truly? Then you can stand there, as you are. Forever, I suppose. There are locks upon those boots, same as mine. Or perhaps you can crawl? That would *certainly* preserve your dignity." A hand finds her hip. "Come now, be reasonable. If you truly wish us to dump you out into the Badlands, or whatever your plan may be, you must at the very least talk with my Mistress first. And that will requires walking in your heels." *Fine.* [[Try her method. Heel, toe.->HeelsBasic]] [[Go for the extra credit, swivel your hips as you try.->HeelAdvanced]]

Val made it look easy, but on the flipside it is not as hard as you may have feared. Her guidance is well-served, heel first, then toe. You take your first steps in such strict heels only wavering a bit, and after a few more passes you've gained something like confidence. At the very least you do not fear toppling over. Actually making it look *good* though, that you hold off from. One thing at a time, especially when the conscious effort required to walk like this remained substantial. "Good... enough," Val concludes. "Now, we really *do* need to see the Mistress. Come." (set: $Check1 to false)(set: $Check2 to false)(set: $Check3 to false) [[Finally, you make for the staircase leading down a level.->ToMistress]]

Val made it look easy, but on the flipside it is not as hard as you may have feared. Her guidance is well-served, heel first, then toe. You take your first steps in such strict heels only wavering a bit, and after a few more passes you've gained something like confidence. So you push further, attempting to walk as Val did, putting one foot before the other. A man would have swaggered, but on you, in your new laminate, it takes on something else... more sensual. "Another surprise," Val notes. "Not only did you *not* die after we found you, but you're actually willing to *try* at this. Perhaps you truly *are* less brain-damaged than I had feared. Now, we really *do* need to see the Mistress. Come." (set: $Check1 to false)(set: $Check2 to false)(set: $Check3 to false) [[Finally, you make for the staircase leading down a level.->ToMistress]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/rVGMnzi.png" width="40%" height="40%"> Following in Val's wake, you descend the stairs, still acclimating to your new outfit. The stairs themselves are a bit of a challenge, although your grip upon the railing helps. Nevertheless it is the laminate that dominates your mind. The way your breasts shift with each step, the give of your catsuit enough to lewdly display yourself while remaining surprisingly comfortable... the way your hips and rear are so proudly displayed by the coordination of such tight materials and your heels... (if: $Gear is 3)[the way your corset holds you tightly, emphasizing everything else... ]you try to focus, remaining intent upon your task. Whatever was going on here, making a good impression upon Val's Mistress could only help. Especially with the weight of a collar around your throat... and the scene that presents itself to you, upon reaching the landing below. The room you enter into is just as richly adorned as the one you had left, but where there bold colors, thick carpet, and plenty of furniture had presented an intimate space, here you find sterile lines and some manner of hardened floor. All of it leads up to a massive viewscreen dominating the far wall, upon which a rocky desert is displayed moving by slowly. (if: $Back is 3)[The Badlands. Your home.](else:)[This must be the Badlands Val had mentioned pulling you from.] The rust-colored dunes and strangely shaped rock formations cast a certain glow over the various consoles set below it, and the first of four new women who greet your eyes. Seated in a high backed chair, another in bright green laminate lounges at her feet. To her side is the third, uniformed and standing smartly at attention. The last is all in black, strangely bound, squirming on the floor. As you cross the room to approach them, passing through what appeared to be a small workshop of sorts, you spare the time to examine each for a moment. [[Examine the green-suited one.->GreenSuit]] [[Examine the uniformed one.->UniformSuit]] [[Examine the bound one, writhing on the floor.->HeavyBSuit]] (if: $Check1 is true and $Check2 is true and $Check3 is true)[[[Conclude your examinations, look to the one seated at the center of it all.->DomSuit]]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/mzjXXeo.jpg" width="40%" height="40%"> "Alvira," Val supplies, whispering at your side as you approach. "Mistress' concubine." She rests beside and below the seated Mistress, half kneeling, half lounging. Her suit, as you glimpsed it from afar, is predominantly green. Clear sections are actually visible along her hips however, (if: $Gear is 2)[much like your own pink catsuit but darker, ]coordinated with the black bands around her thighs to produce a stocking-like effect. She is neither gloved nor masked, allowing her long auburn hair to run down her shoulders, framing a slightly amused expression delivered from a sultry face that could arguably be called the most beautiful in the room. She certainly has the body to match it, wide hips converging to a tight waist even without corset, before rising to a bust that is full and inviting-- especially as she arches her back just a bit, as if intentionally displaying them. Determining one's age at a glance was always difficult, but you do get the sense she is eldest in the room, perhaps matched with the Mistress herself. She's collared too, just as Val and you are. But a length of chain runs from hers, hanging against her chest before ascending to where it appears linked to the chair she lounges beside. An errant hand adjusts that leash just so, as if she was following your gaze, helping it along. As Alvira shifts her position just a bit, you also notice her boots, staggering heels tipped by a rounded boot. She must walk completely on her toes, if she was even capable of it at all. (if: $Back is 3)[Ballet boots, or so you have heard them called.](else:)[Like a ballet dancer.] (set: $Check1 to true) [[Examine the uniformed one.->UniformSuit]] [[Examine the bound one, writhing on the floor.->HeavyBSuit]] (if: $Check1 is true and $Check2 is true and $Check3 is true)[[[Conclude your examinations, look to the one seated at the center of it all.->DomSuit]]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/2xGd7sS.png" width="40%" height="40%"> "Jade," Val whispers to you. "Newest member of the family, and an offworlder(if: $Back is 1 or 2)[, like you]." While the others are suited, Jade is clearly uniformed, the black and white laminate of a sort familiar throughout the galaxies: that of a servant. Her livery is far lewder than anything expected offworld however, even if she is quite covered. Beneath the other layers she must be wearing a black laminate catsuit, of the same shade as the dress atop it. Smartly turned out collars of the regular sort frame the silvered slave collar she also wears tightly around her throat, while marking the highest point of blouse and skirt that descend halfway down her thighs. Atop both of *those* she wears a frilled apron, hardly capable of protecting against spills, which appears mainly intended to frame her bust. A similar design is marked in her headdress, a white frill emerging from the black of her pig-tailed hair. She holds a silvery tray before herself, a tea set arrayed upon it. That alone is noteworthy, given how intensive her posture is, sharp and strict in every way-- but her boots also contribute, long heels forcing her upon her very toes, far more aggressively than your own boots do. (set: $Check2 to true) [[Examine the green-suited one.->GreenSuit]] [[Examine the bound one, writhing on the floor.->HeavyBSuit]] (if: $Check1 is true and $Check2 is true and $Check3 is true)[[[Conclude your examinations, look to the one seated at the center of it all.->DomSuit]]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/tqKlWVS.gif" width="30%" height="30%"> "That is Sapphire," Val whispers. "Mistress'... pet." What she calls a pet barely looks human in that moment. Wrapped in layers of black laminate, the figure squirms on the ground, a subtle *buzz* emanating above the sound of her laminate jostling with every struggled movement. At the base of her outfit must be a black laminate catsuit, but atop it are numerous accessories. Corset, stiletto heeled boots, a straitjacket, straps at thigh and ankle... with of course the most intensive component being the inflated hood she wears. You have no sense of the human inside, but are presented only with the glossy laminate that consumes her, each breath marked by the bag that expands with every inhale or exhale. At very least she is the most full figured of the set, her chest especially impressive, and around her throat is another thick collar. As you watch, the Mistress reaches out with her own booted foot, placing it gently between the bound creature's legs. Even from your distance, a muffled moan is audible. (set: $Check3 to true) [[Examine the green-suited one.->GreenSuit]] [[Examine the uniformed one.->UniformSuit]] (if: $Check1 is true and $Check2 is true and $Check3 is true)[[[Conclude your examinations, look to the one seated at the center of it all.->DomSuit]]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/Fv2iBTz.png" width="40%" height="40%"> Your path across the room had seemed to slow, but as you come to a stop at the foot of the slightly raised platform on which the last woman sat, one leg crossed over the other, everything else comes to a head. In a room of six women, including yourself, she is the only one uncollared. That alone speaks volumes, although Val does provide introductions. "Mistress Evangeline Naram-Sin, 285th of her House, born and blooded to the Ringdom of Aekora," she declares, bowing with arms flared back, her feet planted wider than seemed necessary. "This is $Name, our... guest. She is fully recovered." (if: $Gender is 1)[It still took some getting used to, being referred to as *she*. ]The Matriarch of this strange family is seated primly, the laminate of her dress more suited to a gala or ball than what appears to be morning work at the consoles arrayed around her. Her flanks are semi-transparent, revealing the pale-skin beneath, but the center of her dress is dark black, providing her the coverage her position of authority demanded. Nevertheless she is not afraid to show skin, the deep cut of her dress' top being the most obvious example of that. Her hair meanwhile is pulled into a tight bun, her bright red lips pulling into an inviting smile. "Ah, our slumbering mystery has finally awoken? Delightful." There is nowhere for you to sit, in fact there are no chairs besides the one she occupies. You're left to stand, as the Mistress twirls a hand slowly, one finger pointed towards the floor. "It would please me if you would do a little spin for me." [["Uh... why?"->DomWhy]] [["I'm not doing that."->DomNo]] [[Turn in a slow circle for her.->DomCircle]]

Evangeline eyes you, her a curled fist resting beneath her chin. Below, she idly toys with the squirming straitjacketed slave, her boot between the laminated creature's legs. "Curiosity is the hallmark of an interesting mind, some great philosopher or another once said. And I do attempt, at the very least, to be interesting." As she speaks your guide thus far crosses the floor, ascends the short step up onto the Mistress' platform, and takes her place at Evangeline's right hand. There Val leans down primly, arms folded behind her back, and speaks in a hushed tone. Evangeline listens, but keeps her eyes fully on you until the exchange finishes and Val rises back to her full height. "Getting me up to speed," the Mistress explains. "You have a fascinating story. (if: $Back is 1)[A trader and pilot, I am told? Apparently one that has survived the crash of their own vessel, it would seem, even if the circumstances are strange indeed.](if: $Back is 2)[A prospector, I am told? We do meet a few of your kind, during our expeditions. But never alone and stripped of her every earthly possession.](if: $Back is 3)[A tribal, I am told? I will admit few of us roving expeditions will speak much good of your people, or your... habits. But then again, few of *you* are found alone, stripped of their every earthly possession.] We have much to discuss, I think. First and foremost, however, I would be remiss if I were to ignore my burden of hospitality. The Thrall only knows how long you were out there, before we found you. My Val provided you with fluids intravenously, but there is of course something to be said for quenching one's thirst properly." A hand gestures towards the woman standing further to her right, her maid livery gleaming, tea set waiting upon silvered tray. You are quite parched. [["Yes please, ma'am."->DomYNice]] [["I suppose so, sure..."->DomYNeutral]] [["No."->DomNoTea]]

Evangeline eyes you, her a curled fist resting beneath her chin. Below, she idly toys with the squirming straitjacketed slave, her boot between the laminated creature's legs. "How *intriguing.* Boldness such as you display is not born to a woman, it is a choice. One they can be trained to rarely make." As she speaks your guide thus far crosses the floor, ascends the short step up onto the Mistress' platform, and takes her place at Evangeline's right hand. There Val leans down primly, arms folded behind her back, and speaks in a hushed tone. Evangeline listens, but keeps her eyes fully on you until the exchange finishes and Val rises back to her full height. "Getting me up to speed," the Mistress explains. "You have a fascinating story. (if: $Back is 1)[A trader and pilot, I am told? Apparently one that has survived the crash of their own vessel, it would seem, even if the circumstances are strange indeed.](if: $Back is 2)[A prospector, I am told? We do meet a few of your kind, during our expeditions. But never alone and stripped of her every earthly possession.](if: $Back is 3)[A tribal, I am told? I will admit few of us roving expeditions will speak much good of your people, or your... habits. But then again, few of *you* are found alone, stripped of their every earthly possession.] We have much to discuss, I think. First and foremost, however, I would be remiss if I were to ignore my burden of hospitality. The Thrall only knows how long you were out there, before we found you. My Val provided you with fluids intravenously, but there is of course something to be said for quenching one's thirst properly." A hand gestures towards the woman standing further to her right, her maid livery gleaming, tea set waiting upon silvered tray. You are quite parched. [["Yes please, ma'am."->DomYNice]] [["I suppose so, sure..."->DomYNeutral]] [["No."->DomNoTea]]

You turn, making a slow circle, with every eye in the room capable of it upon you. But it is Evangeline who watches you most closely, her a curled fist resting beneath her chin. Below, she idly toys with the squirming straitjacketed slave, her boot between the laminated creature's legs. "A predisposition toward submission is rarer than many would think, on this planet. It is something learned in most, and yet..." As she speaks your guide thus far crosses the floor, ascends the short step up onto the Mistress' platform, and takes her place at Evangeline's right hand. There Val leans down primly, arms folded behind her back, and speaks in a hushed tone. Evangeline listens, but keeps her eyes fully on you until the exchange finishes and Val rises back to her full height. "Getting me up to speed," the Mistress explains. "You have a fascinating story. (if: $Back is 1)[A trader and pilot, I am told? Apparently one that has survived the crash of their own vessel, it would seem, even if the circumstances are strange indeed.](if: $Back is 2)[A prospector, I am told? We do meet a few of your kind, during our expeditions. But never alone and stripped of her every earthly possession.](if: $Back is 3)[A tribal, I am told? I will admit few of us roving expeditions will speak much good of your people, or your... habits. But then again, few of *you* are found alone, stripped of their every earthly possession.] We have much to discuss, I think. First and foremost, however, I would be remiss if I were to ignore my burden of hospitality. The Thrall only knows how long you were out there, before we found you. My Val provided you with fluids intravenously, but there is of course something to be said for quenching one's thirst properly." A hand gestures towards the woman standing further to her right, her maid livery gleaming, tea set waiting upon silvered tray. You are quite parched. [["Yes please, ma'am."->DomYNice]] [["I suppose so, sure..."->DomYNeutral]] [["No."->DomNoTea]]

"(colour: cyan)[Por du, mia amo. Donu al nia gasto altan tason, kompatindulo bezonas ĝin.]" The words are not in a language you recognize, but is yet somehow tantalizingly familiar. Whatever it was, the maid understood. She moves into action immediately, her first step marked by a sharp snap from below. Looking down, you see that a chain runs between cuffed ankles, short enough that her gait is severely restricted. She can still move, but must do so at a measured pace. Her Mistress is attended to first, but soon enough you're being presented with a steaming cup yourself. Taking it gingerly, you find the black porcelain holding an utterly clear substance, submerged in which several bright pink flowers rest. (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[Another mystery, although upon taking a sip you find it quite good. Calming, even, in a way you can't fully place.](else:)[Afterglow flowers, you recognize immediately. From the Badlands in which you grew up, named for their calming effect upon one's sexual urges. It's tasty too, which you confirm easily enough by taking a sip.] (set: $Arousal to it - 10) (colour: red)[Arousal reduced by 10.] "Brilliant," Evangeline notes, waiting only for the maid to return to her post before continuing. "Shall we begin, then? You are (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[an offworlder, as we've established. (if: $Hair is "red")[Although I would have known that by your hair. We Toreans are not too different from your strand of humanity, but we *do* lack red heads. You are exotic in that small detail. But I digress, let us speak of your story. ]](if: $Back is 3)[a free woman, as the tribes like to call themselves? Born to these very Badlands.] I fear I cannot tell you how our paths came to cross, as I truly do not know. We found you as Val has already apparently explained, six days ago, bereft of possessions or conscious thought. Well, you did have one thing with you." She turns her chair, revealing for the first time what is seated on the console directly behind her. The $Box. [[It is just as you last remember it...->BoxIntro]]

"(colour: cyan)[Nur por mi, mia amo. Rigardu vian pozicion.]" The words are not in a language you recognize, but is yet somehow tantalizingly familiar. Whatever it was, the maid understood. She moves into action immediately, her first step marked by a sharp snap from below. Looking down, you see that a chain runs between cuffed ankles, short enough that her gait is severely restricted. She can still move, but must do so at a measured pace. Setting down her tray upon one of the nearby consoles, with gloved hands the maid takes up the tea pot, pouring a clear liquid into waiting black porcelain. Turning she the presents it to Evangeline in what must have been a well practiced pose. Bent over at the waist, head down, both hands holding plate and cup out. The post treats you to a full view of the maid's skirt failing to cover her rear in such a position, her glossy laminate petticoat amply visible. "Brilliant," Evangeline notes, taking her cup and dismissing her servant before continuing. "Shall we begin, then? You are (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[an offworlder, as we've established. (if: $Hair is "red")[Although I would have known that by your hair. We Toreans are not too different from your strand of humanity, but we *do* lack red heads. You are exotic in that small detail. But I digress, let us speak of your story. ]](if: $Back is 3)[a free woman, as the tribes like to call themselves? Born to these very Badlands.] I fear I cannot tell you how our paths came to cross, as I truly do not know. We found you as Val has already apparently explained, six days ago, bereft of possessions or conscious thought. Well, you did have one thing with you." She turns her chair, revealing for the first time what is seated on the console directly behind her. The $Box. [[It is just as you last remember it...->BoxIntro]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/6Qe6Yg5.png" width="40%" height="40%"> The $Box is small, no more than two handspans across. Yet you know it to be heavier than it looked, even if its contents-- if it even held any-- remained a mystery to you. There are no seams or breaks in the otherwise glossy black casing, no panels or keyholes. Only sleek obsidian, a gleaming enigma as Evangeline considers it for a moment, then looks back to you. "Do you know what this is?" (set: $Strike to 0) [["I'm not answering that."->CageyAnswer]] [["I have no idea."->NoIdea]]

"So very defensive, aren't we?" Evangeline observes the $Box for a long moment before turning her back to it, her chair once more occluding your view. "Clearly it of great importance to you. That was apparent on your face the moment you looked upon it. It shall be equally clear that I do not recognize it. (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[One of your offworlder technologies, perhaps?](else:)[Some ceremonial thing amongst you tribals, perhaps?] If you do not wish to tell me at this time, I will allow that. So let us try a different tact: where were you going with it?" (set: $Strike to it + 1) (if: $Back is 1)[*You know that much at least. The original plan had been for you to dock with the Way Up, Torei's singular space elevator. From there you had been instructed to take passage to the surface, $Box in hand. Once clearing customs you were assured someone would be waiting for you. Obviously the crash had complicated matters somewhat.*](if: $Back is 2)[*Details about the expedition still slipped through your fingers like so many grains of sand, but you remember that at least. Upon returning to what passed for civilization on Torei, you always returned to the Way Up-- the planet's singular space elevator-- and made contact with your contracting firm from orbit. You don't see any reason why that would have changed.*](if: $Back is 3)[*You remember the day the Emissary had come to your village perfectly. It had spoken with your Mother, as tradition dictated, and had left behind a pair of objects. The $Box, and a card of black with an address upon it. You've already discarded the card, your people knew them to be taboo, but you had memorized the address before that. It led to an entertainment establishment, deep in the equatorial ringdoms, by the name of Club Lush. You had assumed someone, or something, would be waiting there for you.*] [["I'm not telling you that either."->CageyAnswer2]] [[Tell her as best you can.->AnswerStraightWith]]

"Then we are one on this issue." Evangeline observes the $Box for a long moment before turning her back to it, her chair once more occluding your view. "I have traveled the Badlands for many years, and have never come across such a $Box. Nor do I recognize it from my time in Aekora. Strange. Very strange. Perhaps another question will shed some light onto this particular mystery? Do you remember what you were intended to do with it?" (if: $Back is 1)[*You know that much at least. The original plan had been for you to dock with the Way Up, Torei's singular space elevator. From there you had been instructed to take passage to the surface, $Box in hand. Once clearing customs you were assured someone would be waiting for you. Obviously the crash had complicated matters somewhat.*](if: $Back is 2)[*Details about the expedition still slipped through your fingers like so many grains of sand, but you remember that at least. Upon returning to what passed for civilization on Torei, you always returned to the Way Up-- the planet's singular space elevator-- and made contact with your contracting firm from orbit. You don't see any reason why that would have changed.*](if: $Back is 3)[*You remember the day the Emissary had come to your village perfectly. It had spoken with your Mother, as tradition dictated, and had left behind a pair of objects. The $Box, and a card of black with an address upon it. You've already discarded the card, your people knew them to be taboo, but you had memorized the address before that. It led to an entertainment establishment, deep in the equatorial ringdoms, by the name of Club Lush. You had assumed someone, or something, would be waiting there for you.*] [["I can't tell you that."->CageyAnswer2]] [[Tell her as best you can.->AnswerStraightWith]]

The Mistress sighs. "I was hoping you would be more flexible. Certainly I mean you no harm. But you (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[offworlders are well known for being so very... transactional.](else:)[tribals are well known for being so... intransigent.] So be it. Let us more clearly establish the balance between us, hm? No matter your intention, it certainly was not to end up out here, in one of the most desolate corners of the Badlands?" She gestures towards the monitors surrounding her, the images of the desert passing slowly by. "Which means whatever your intentions may be, your goal must be Thrall's End." Pausing, Evangeline eyes you, unabashedly observing you for a reaction. You get the distinct sense she was quite good at reading people, but whatever she saw in you she does not explain, instead pushing on with her explanation. (set: $Strike to it + 1) "(if: $Back is 1)[Given this is apparently your first time on Torei, I am sure this place means nothing to you.](if: $Back is 2)[Given your memory issues, I am assuming you do not recall this place.](if: $Back is 3)[Given that you are a free woman of these Badlands, I'm sure you know of it.] Thrall's End is the southern-most city left on the old road to Mazos. From there you could access the greater Torean communications network, take high speed rail to anywhere on the planet... mhm, do whatever it is you intended to do with your $Box. But to do any of *that* you would need a Torean ID, which you lack, and transport to Thrall's End in the first place. Unless of course you intend to make the walk yourself, it is...?" Val speaks up readily. "Thirteen weeks and three days away, given a good walking pace." Her Mistress nods, fingers steepling as she looks you over once more. "Thus our discussion arrives at your collar." [["I almost forgot, get it off!"->RemoveThatCollar]] [["I'm not sure I understand."->NeutralThatCollar]]

The Mistress listens, the sensation of being the very center of her attention mildly unnerving. You cannot help but feel like she was circling you predatorily, even if she remains still and seated. As you finish she gestures towards the monitors surrounding her, the images of the desert passing slowly by. "Well, then your path forward is simple. You must make for Thrall's End." Pausing, Evangeline eyes you, unabashedly observing you for a reaction. You get the distinct sense she was quite good at reading people, but whatever she saw in you she does not explain, instead pushing on with her explanation. "(if: $Back is 1)[Given this is apparently your first time on Torei, I am sure this place means nothing to you.](if: $Back is 2)[Given your memory issues, I am assuming you do not recall this place.](if: $Back is 3)[Given that you are a free woman of these Badlands, I'm sure you know of it.] Thrall's End is the southern-most city left on the old road to Mazos. From there you could access the greater Torean communications network, take high speed rail anywhere amongst the Ringdoms, do whatever it is you intended to do with your $Box. But to do any of *that* you would need a Torean ID, which you lack, and transport to Thrall's End in the first place. Unless of course you intend to make the walk yourself, it is...?" Val speaks up readily. "Thirteen weeks and three days away, given a good walking pace." Her Mistress nods, fingers steepling as she looks you over once more. "Thus our discussion arrives at your collar." [["I almost forgot, get it off!"->RemoveThatCollar]] [["I'm not sure I understand."->NeutralThatCollar]]

"No." It is a singular word, but spoken with an authority that nearly drew you back a step. Even the bound figure wriggling at her feet pauses for a moment, until the hum emanating from her once more sees the woman bucking in her bondage. Evangeline casually uncrosses her legs, then crosses them again in the opposite manner before continuing. (set: $Strike to it + 1) "You must excuse Val's hand in this matter, she merely acted on my instructions. The collar you wear, as you may have noticed, is mine." Indeed, every other woman in the room except Evangeline herself was such adorned. "Given your means of arrival with us, I thought it prudent to not take any risks regarding your intentions, conduct, or affiliations. (if: $Strike is > 1)[Thus far in this conversation, you have demonstrated this to have been well-considered, as you have chosen to withhold rather basic information from me.](else-if: $Strike is 0)[Thus far in this conversation you have been straightforward with me, but I hope you understand I acted out of an abundance of caution.](else:)[Thus far in this conversation you have been mostly compliant with my questions, but not wholly so. I remain unsure if this action was well considered or not.] Still, I fully intend to help you, but doing so will be very costly for me indeed." Evangeline's arm is bare, her dress baring so much more skin than the slaves surrounding her as the Mistress gestures to the room you stood in. "You stand in the *Wanderer*, my home and life's work. For the past decade I have been mapping the mineral deposits scattered throughout the Badlands, and just such an expedition has been interrupted by your arrival. I do not intend to alter the *Wanderer's* course, that would be devastating financially, which means you're looking at a stay with us of roughly four months. Our ground-penetrating radars require a slow pace to map accurately, and our path can be winding at times." She pauses, taking a sip of tea before continuing. "Four months room and board, reimbursing me for the medical supplies we used to revive you, and of course assisting you in getting registered(if: $Back is 2)[ once more ] with the proper Ministries so you are not immediately arrested at Thrall's End adds up to a considerable amount of credits. I am willing to cut you a significant discount, but the fact remains..." [["H-How much?"->AskPrice]] [["So what's the total?"->AskPrice]]

"Allow me to explain." Evangeline casually uncrosses her legs, then crosses them again in the opposite manner before continuing. (set: $Strike to it + 1) "You must excuse Val's hand in this matter, she merely acted on my instructions. The collar you wear, as you may have noticed, is mine." Indeed, every other woman in the room except Evangeline herself was such adorned. "Given your means of arrival with us, I thought it prudent to not take any risks regarding your intentions, conduct, or affiliations. (if: $Strike is > 1)[Thus far in this conversation, you have demonstrated this to have been well-considered, as you have chosen to withhold rather basic information from me.](else-if: $Strike is 0)[Thus far in this conversation you have been straightforward with me, but I hope you understand I acted out of an abundance of caution.](else:)[Thus far in this conversation you have been mostly compliant with my questions, but not wholly so. I remain unsure if this action was well considered or not.] Still, I fully intend to help you, but doing so will be very costly for me indeed." Evangeline's arm is bare, her dress baring so much more skin than the slaves surrounding her as the Mistress gestures to the room you stood in. "You stand in the *Wanderer*, my home and life's work. For the past decade I have been mapping the mineral deposits scattered throughout the Badlands, and just such an expedition has been interrupted by your arrival. I do not intend to alter the *Wanderer's* course, that would be devastating financially, which means you're looking at a stay with us of roughly four months. Our ground-penetrating radars require a slow pace to map accurately, and our path can be winding at times." She pauses, taking a sip of tea before continuing. "Four months room and board, reimbursing me for the medical supplies we used to revive you, and of course assisting you in getting registered(if: $Back is 2)[ once more ] with the proper Ministries so you are not immediately arrested at Thrall's End adds up to a considerable amount of credits. I am willing to cut you a significant discount, but the fact remains..." [["H-How much?"->AskPrice]] [["So what's the total?"->AskPrice]]

"Ten thousand credits," Evangeline replies simply. (colour: red)[10,000 Credits Billed to ID.] (set: $Debt to it - 10000) "I do not know how monetary matters are handled where you come from, but in the Ringdoms everything is tied to your identification card. (if: $Back is 1)[Given that you apparently made an unauthorized landing,](if: $Back is 2)[Given that you undoubtedly cannot recall the details of your old ID, if you had one,](if: $Back is 3)[Given that you tribals take great pride in being outside proper systems,] any Truant Officer worth their salt would arrest you the moment you step foot in Thrall's End. I will utilize my contacts to get you a new ID issued, so that until then Val will be keeping track of your balance owed with me. You will be given the opportunity to work, in the Torean manner, during our travels. I will also reward you for pleasing in me, in deed or otherwise, and if you make the attempt to minimize the use of amenities here. All bridges that can be crossed upon your reaching them, so to speak." Turning in her chair, nimble fingers strike out, pushing in quick succession several buttons upon the consoles nearby. In response, the lumbering vehicle you stood within lurches just a bit-- and in the wake of that movement you recognize it no longer rumbled quietly. A glance at the monitors indicates you have stopped, as Evangeline rounds on you once more. "You are, quite simply, to enter into indentured service with me. If your balance is positive once we arrive in Thrall's End, I will remove your collar and you may proceed as you see fit. If not... I will have no choice but to utilize your new ID card to register you as a debtor. That would, of course, require the intervention of the Ministry of Truants. Perhaps you have heard of them, at the very least? One does not trifle with the MoT casually." She points to the staircase at the back of the room in which you stand, another descending set styled much like the one you had used with Val. "This is your chance to refuse my collar and contract. I will give you your $Box, and I will allow you to keep the outfit Val assisted you with. But you will be alone, without supplies or direction. Or you may accept my collar, and enter my service." [["I accept your collar."->Accept1]] [["This isn't a choice, I'll die out there!"->Neut1]] [["I have some questions."->CollarQs]] [["I refuse your collar."->Refuse1]]

(set: $Strike to 0)Evangeline's hands clasp together before her. "Very good. Val will have your contract prepared in just a moment, but there is something I believe we should discuss before she finalizes it. An... opportunity for you to understand exactly how we will handle most things, going forward. (if: $Gender is 2)[I would like to offer you the chance to earn an immediate 200 credits for your account. [["...how?"->NameChange]]](else:)[Val mentioned... that your body is not as you remember it?" [["No it is not!"->Alarmed]] [[Glance about at the slaves around you. "N-No..."->Shy]] [["Correct, something... happened to me."->Neutral]]]

"It is not a good choice," Evangeline clarifies, "but it is still a choice. Torean legalities can be *quite* a headache, but much of that is cleared away if consent is amply documented. So-- do you accept my collar?" [["I accept your collar."->Accept1]] [["I have some questions."->CollarQs]] [["I refuse your collar."->Refuse1]]

The Mistress seated before you shifts in her seat, her glossy laminate gleaming as she leans forward. "Are you *certain?* I am not exaggerating when I say that the walk to Thrall's End is far longer than what you can physically sustain. My terms, meanwhile, are both generous and fair. It still remains your choice, of course, but I will ask you again to reconsider." She looks you over. "I think you would be an... excellent addition to my little household, for the few months we would have together at least." [["I still refuse. Just let me go!"->Refuse2]] [["Actually... I think I will accept your offer."->Accept1]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/Fv2iBTz.png" width="40%" height="40%"> Evangeline nods. "Ask, or choose." [["Why can't you just help me for... free?"->WhyNoFree]] [["Would I be your... slave?"->WhySlave]] [["This cannot be legal."->WhyLegal]] [["How can I be sure you would release me?"->WhyTrust]] [["What about my Box?"->WhyBox]] (if: $Gender is 1)[(colour: Green)[(Male)] [["Did Val tell you that I'm...?"->WhyGender]]] [["I accept your collar."->Accept1]] [["I refuse your collar."->Refuse1]]

"I have already saved your life," Evangeline notes sharply. "We are now discussing what you intend to do with it. I am not running a charity here, and what I am asking of you is not some gross misjustice. Similar terms are contracted every day across Torei, and in truth, I would suggest you see this particular negotiation as something of a mercy on my part. It would be wholly within my rights to keep you in a cell until we reached Thrall's End, arriving at which I could then hand you over to the authorities." Her fingers tap against the arm of her chair. "I simply am not allowing your strange circumstances to reward you with months of free living at my expense." [["I have another question."->CollarQs]]

"No." She's quite clear about that. "Slavery is very clearly defined on Torei, and you would be in an altogether different category. Indentured servants merely serve in roles that could be understood as... *slave-like* until the terms of their contract have been fulfilled. In your instance, until you have paid me back." She glances down at the green-suited woman at her feet, their eyes meeting to share a smile, before Evangeline looks back to you. "You will be working with my girls frequently, though." [["I have another question."->CollarQs]]

(if: $Back is 3)["A tribal concerned about what is and is not legal? Fascinating.](else:)["As an offworlder, I do not expect you to fully understand Torei's customs.] I can assure you that everything I have proposed is not only legal, it is altogether generous. If you need further assurances, I fear I cannot give them to you. But upon reaching Thrall's End you could of course seek out the Ministry of Wombs or Truants for clarification. Not that they will tell you anything Val cannot. She is a quite experienced notary." [["I have another question."->CollarQs]]

Evangeline nods. "She mentioned the peculiar nature of your circumstances. We will address that shortly, after you make your choice." [["I have another question."->CollarQs]]

"I will endeavor to not be insulted by your question," Evangeline notes simply. (if: $Back is 1 or 2)["Though I suppose it would be equally crass to hold such a question against you, new to Torei as you are-- so to speak.](else:)["Though I suppose it would be equally crass to hold such a question against you, given where you hail from.] There are no steel-clad assurances that I can give, beyond my intention to do everything legally. An illegitimate service contract is not something taken lightly by the Ministry of Truants, or even the Ministry of Wombs for that matter." [["What is the Ministry of Wombs?"->QWomb]] [["What is the Ministry of Truants?"->QTruants]] [["I have another question."->CollarQs]]

"An interesting enigma. I would like to study it further, if you decide to travel with us, but you may keep it with you. I have no intention of separating you from it." [["I have another question."->CollarQs]]

"Ah, of course. Civilized Torean society has many Ministries. They are... organizations that exist and operate beyond the confines of any one Ringdom. The Ministry of Wombs is one of the more benign, being primarily concerned with registration of new arrivals, documentation of census information, and issues like marriage, personal issue, et cetera." [["What is the Ministry of Truants?"->QTruants]] [["I have another question."->CollarQs]]

"An organization you would do well to avoid," Evangeline suggests. "They are the manner in which some laws are enforced on Torei. Those regarding slavery most predominantly. Curfew violations, runaways, smuggling. Those sorts of crimes." [["What is the Ministry of Wombs?"->QWomb]] [["I have another question."->CollarQs]]

Evangeline frowns, worry furrowing her brow. "I will not sully your intentions by asking a third time, but I must admit to disapproving of this self-destructive mindset you grudgingly hold. Perhaps the Thrall will watch over you out there, or perhaps your Path is strange indeed, if the world is true to the Order's estimations. I cannot say. Val, you may help $Name remove her collar, and then you may show her the way out." The black suited slave does as commanded, producing a key she presses against your collar. It releases with an audible click, falling into waiting hands. (if: $Inv contains "bonded collar")[(set: $Inv to $Inv - (a: "bonded collar"))] (colour: red)[Bonded Collar removed from inventory.] "Val will show you out," the Mistress continues. "Of course you may take your $Box, although I fear you will never discover just what it is, wandering the Badlands as you intend. I wish you well nevertheless. If only we could have come to a rather simple agreement." (if: not ($Pock contains "the Box"))[(set: $Pock to $Pock + (a: "the Box"))] (colour: blue)[The Box is added to your inventory.] [[With a wordless gesture, Val ushers you below.->Refuse3]]

=><= <img src="https://i.imgur.com/6Qe6Yg5.png" width="70%" height="70%"> **The $Box:** *your burden, your prize, your only true possession for the moment. It is a simple thing, each side perhaps eight inches long, and somewhat soft to the touch. Nevertheless it is far heavier than most would suspect, even if you've found no way to explore its contents-- if it even had any. There are no seams, no openings or breaks in the obsidian casting. It is a $Box without a key, a mystery that falls to you to solve.*

Together you move further down the *Wanderer*, passing quickly through a lower level you only glimpse at before a door is opened by your enslaved guide. A bit of dust blows in immediately, the caustic sands of the Badlands proper tingling where they bounce against bare skin. The Gods of this world still labored to see it bloom, after all. //This path is intended to skip a significant portion of the early game, allowing for quicker replays. It is currently unfinished, but other paths can be explored by reversing several steps, or restarting the game.//

"Your name," Evangeline notes. "$Name. I suppose it will do, but given that the ID card and documents I have agreed to prepare for you will not be... entirely genuine, this is your chance to choose a new name for your time on Torei. If you so choose." She minutely adjusts the fall of her dress, the hemline revealing the smooth skin of her leg. "Alternatively... you can submit to my choice for your name. Something to better reflect your role for the time being, within my household. Val gave you brief introductions to my girls, yes? Alvira, Jade, and Sapphire. Can you discern the pattern? I have only allowed Val and Alvira to keep their names. Jade and Sapphire are... a bit different. I thought it would be better to make their names worthy of how precious I perceive them to be." To her side, Jade shifts in her strict uniform. Sapphire is still mostly senseless to the world, squirming mutely at Evangeline's feet. Looking to both, the Mistress eventually settles her gaze back on you. "So, that is your first choice. You may keep your current name, you may select another, or... you can submit to my will on this matter. Do the last, and I will cut... let us say 200 credits from your debt." [["I want to keep my current name."->KeepName]] [["I... submit to your choosing a new name."->ChangeNameGem]]

Your outburst is met with a calm nod from Evangeline, but her surrounding slaves take more notice too-- even the squirming one on the ground pauses for a moment, before her vibrators overtake her again. The Mistress before you ignores them all however, remaining focused on you. When she responds, she does so openly, clearly finding it unnecessary to hide your circumstances from her slaves. "I sense you are perturbed by the state you find yourself in. I do not know what you underwent, but I can only imagine the transition is still quite... troublesome for you?" She does not wait for a response, but instead gestures to the green-suited slave at her side. "I will task Alvira with helping you adjust. She is quite adept at understanding the... new sensations you are undoubtedly feeling, the things you will need to confront going forward. Beyond that, I fear I cannot offer much else before we reach Thrall's End. Only there will we find the Ministry of Improvements with their full catalogue of resources, at which point you could be restored. If you were altered by them in the first place they could also shed some light on what happened to you, although I find it deeply unlikely you would have then been abandoned so far afield that we would find you." Leaning forward again, Evangeline regards you with a piercing stare. "The only outstanding question, I suppose, is if you intend to accept your current circumstances. At least for the time being. I should make it clear that I, and by extension my slaves, will very much treat you like the woman you are. Is that agreeable?" [["Yes!"->Enthused]] [["...I suppose."->Mid]] [["No!"->RejectIt]]

Evangeline nods calmly, as if she had merely been told the time of day. Yet when she responds, she does so openly, clearly finding it unnecessary to hide your circumstances from her slaves. "I sense you are perturbed by the state you find yourself in. I do not know what you underwent, but I can only imagine the transition is still quite... troublesome for you?" She does not wait for a response, but instead gestures to the green-suited slave at her side. "I will task Alvira with helping you adjust. She is quite adept at understanding the... new sensations you are undoubtedly feeling, the things you will need to confront going forward. Beyond that, I fear I cannot offer much else before we reach Thrall's End. Only there will we find the Ministry of Improvements with their full catalogue of resources, at which point you could be restored. If you were altered by them in the first place they could also shed some light on what happened to you, although I find it deeply unlikely you would have then been abandoned so far afield that we would find you." Leaning forward again, Evangeline regards you with a piercing stare. "The only outstanding question, I suppose, is if you intend to accept your current circumstances. At least for the time being. I should make it clear that I, and by extension my slaves, will very much treat you like the woman you are. Is that agreeable?" [["Yes!"->Enthused]] [["...I suppose."->Mid]] [["No!"->RejectIt]]

Evangeline nods calmly, as if she had merely been told the time of day. Yet when she responds, she does so openly, clearly finding it unnecessary to hide your circumstances from her slaves. "It is good that you are brave enough to address it directly. You have nothing to fear amongst us, in that regard. I do not know what you underwent, but I can only imagine the transition is still quite... troublesome for you?" She does not wait for a response, but instead gestures to the green-suited slave at her side. "I will task Alvira with helping you adjust. She is quite adept at understanding the... new sensations you are undoubtedly feeling, the things you will need to confront going forward. Beyond that, I fear I cannot offer much else before we reach Thrall's End. Only there will we find the Ministry of Improvements with their full catalogue of resources, at which point you could be restored. If you were altered by them in the first place they could also shed some light on what happened to you, although I find it deeply unlikely you would have then been abandoned so far afield that we would find you." Leaning forward again, Evangeline regards you with a piercing stare. "The only outstanding question, I suppose, is if you intend to accept your current circumstances. At least for the time being. I should make it clear that I, and by extension my slaves, will very much treat you like the woman you are. Is that agreeable?" [["Yes!"->Enthused]] [["...I suppose."->Mid]] [["No!"->RejectIt]]

"Enthusiasm? I would expect most to be distraught, but you are not. Not that I am complaining. Men can be such dreadful things, don't you agree?" Her smile is knowing, but Evangeline doesn't linger on the topic. Instead she returns to what had prompted her short interrogation in the first place. "As I said, this is an opportunity for an instructive moment with you. Regarding your name, $Name. I am not particularly familiar with offworld conventions, but I can see how you may wish to adapt it to your present circumstances. Given that the ID card and documents I have agreed to prepare for you will not be... entirely genuine, this is your chance to choose a new name for your time on Torei. If you so choose." She minutely adjusts the fall of her dress, the hemline revealing the smooth skin of her leg. "Alternatively... you can submit to my choice for your name. Something to better reflect your role for the time being, within my household. Val gave you brief introductions to my girls, yes? Alvira, Jade, and Sapphire. Can you discern the pattern? I have only allowed Val and Alvira to keep their names. Jade and Sapphire are... a bit different. I thought it would be better to make their names worthy of how precious I perceive them to be." To her side, Jade shifts in her strict uniform. Sapphire is still mostly senseless to the world, squirming mutely at Evangeline's feet. Looking to both, the Mistress eventually settles her gaze back on you. "So, that is your first choice. You may keep your current name, you may select another, or... you can submit to my will on this matter. Do the last, and I will cut... let us say 200 credits from your debt." [["I want to keep my current name."->KeepName]] [["I want to choose a new name for myself."->ChangeNameFree]] [["I... submit to your choosing a new name."->ChangeNameGem]]

"That will have to do." Her smile is knowing, but Evangeline doesn't linger on the topic. Instead she returns to what had prompted her short interrogation in the first place. "As I said, this is an opportunity for an instructive moment with you. Regarding your name, $Name. I am not particularly familiar with offworld conventions, but I can see how you may wish to adapt it to your present circumstances. Given that the ID card and documents I have agreed to prepare for you will not be... entirely genuine, this is your chance to choose a new name for your time on Torei. If you so choose." She minutely adjusts the fall of her dress, the hemline revealing the smooth skin of her leg. "Alternatively... you can submit to my choice for your name. Something to better reflect your role for the time being, within my household. Val gave you brief introductions to my girls, yes? Alvira, Jade, and Sapphire. Can you discern the pattern? I have only allowed Val and Alvira to keep their names. Jade and Sapphire are... a bit different. I thought it would be better to make their names worthy of how precious I perceive them to be." To her side, Jade shifts in her strict uniform. Sapphire is still mostly senseless to the world, squirming mutely at Evangeline's feet. Looking to both, the Mistress eventually settles her gaze back on you. "So, that is your first choice. You may keep your current name, you may select another, or... you can submit to my will on this matter. Do the last, and I will cut... let us say 200 credits from your debt." [["I want to keep my current name."->KeepName]] [["I want to choose a new name for myself."->ChangeNameFree]] [["I... submit to your choosing a new name."->ChangeNameGem]]

"Ah." A dangerous lilt infects her tone. "I had hoped for simple submission on this topic, but if you wish to be combative we shall simply adapt. I *will* treat you as a woman, and I will instruct my household to do so as well. Personally I find men to be rather dreadful, but if you must persist in this I shall not stop you. Just be aware that few will recognize it." Her declaration is made with a sort of imperious authority, but as Evangeline changes topics she returns to the smooth smile that had previously defined her. "As I said, this is an opportunity for an instructive moment with you. Regarding your name, $Name. I am not particularly familiar with offworld conventions, but I can see how you may wish to adapt it to your present circumstances. Given that the ID card and documents I have agreed to prepare for you will not be... entirely genuine, this is your chance to choose a new name for your time on Torei. If you so choose." She minutely adjusts the fall of her dress, the hemline revealing the smooth skin of her leg. "Alternatively... you can submit to my choice for your name. Something to better reflect your role for the time being, within my household. Val gave you brief introductions to my girls, yes? Alvira, Jade, and Sapphire. Can you discern the pattern? I have only allowed Val and Alvira to keep their names. Jade and Sapphire are... a bit different. I thought it would be better to make their names worthy of how precious I perceive them to be." To her side, Jade shifts in her strict uniform. Sapphire is still mostly senseless to the world, squirming mutely at Evangeline's feet. Looking to both, the Mistress eventually settles her gaze back on you. "So, that is your first choice. You may keep your current name, you may select another, or... you can submit to my will on this matter. Do the last, and I will cut... let us say 200 credits from your debt." [["I want to keep my current name."->KeepName]] [["I want to choose a new name for myself."->ChangeNameFree]] [["I... submit to your choosing a new name."->ChangeNameGem]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/y67txhy.png" width="50%" height="50%"> "So be it, $Name. Val, are you ready?" Evangeline's question is answered by Val turning around, (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[a glass-board held in her arms.](else:)[a strange clear slab of what looked like glass held in her hands.] It activates at her touch, several pages of text cycling past as she presents it to you. "This is a standard Torean service contract," she explains. "To the terms my Mistress explained, set to expire upon the zeroing of your account deficit. All you need to do is sign here..." [$Name]<sign| (click: ?sign)[ "Very good, and here...?" [$Name]<sign2| (click: ?sign2)[ "You certainly can sign a name. Just one more..." She flips to the very end. Right... there." [[Sign once more.->Accept2]] ]]

(set: $NameFixer to (prompt: "What is your first name:", ""))(set: $Name to "(colour: red + white)[$NameFixer]") "So be it, $Name. That name will be what you are registered under. Val, are you ready?" Evangeline's question is answered by Val turning around, (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[a glass-board held in her arms.](else:)[a strange clear slab of what looked like glass held in her hands.] It activates at her touch, several pages of text cycling past as she presents it to you. "This is a standard Torean service contract," she explains. "To the terms my Mistress explained, set to expire upon the zeroing of your account deficit. All you need to do is sign here..." [$Name]<sign| (click: ?sign)[ "Very good, and here...?" [$Name]<sign2| (click: ?sign2)[ "You certainly can sign a name. Just one more..." She flips to the very end. Right... there." [[Sign once more.->Accept2]] ]]

(set: $NameFixer to "Ruby")(set: $Name to "(colour: red)[$NameFixer]")"Very well. (if: $Hair is "red")["You hair inspires me, we do not have such red shades naturally here on Torei.](else:)[Finding you in these Badlands inspires me, the rocks here so many different shades of red.] You shall be called $Name, and that is what we shall register you under. Very good." She claps her hands together. "Val, are you ready?" (set: $Strike to 1) Evangeline's question is answered by Val turning around, (if: $Back is 1 or 2)[a glass-board held in her arms.](else:)[a strange clear slab of what looked like glass held in her hands.] It activates at her touch, several pages of text cycling past as she presents it to you. "This is a standard Torean service contract," she explains. "To the terms my Mistress explained, set to expire upon the zeroing of your account deficit. All you need to do is sign here, just press the name..." [$Name]<sign| (click: ?sign)[ "Very good, and here...?" [$Name]<sign2| (click: ?sign2)[ "You certainly can sign a name. Just one more..." She flips to the very end. Right... there." [[Sign once more.->Accept2]] ]]

(colour: red)[Your final signature ignites the entire document, the letters burning a bright red as a lock appears on the screen. It is quite ominous.] "Digital fingerprinting and encryption lock," Val explains matter-of-factly, "so all parties involved can be assured the terms will not be changed upon their being entered with the Ministry of Wombs in several months time." Turning to Evangeline, the collared notary seeks direction. "It is done. Do I have your leave to file this, Mistress?" Evangeline nods. "You do. I will send $Name to you for orientation after we finish discussing a few more things. And take Sapphire with you, she can be removed from her gear." The black-clad figure rolling on the ground suddenly ceases, the fruitless thrusting of her hips halting as the hum that had been emanating from them ceases. A sound emerges from her strange breathing apparatus, but where you may have expected something like thanks it only sounds frustrated. Val leashes the creature and leads her away, heading down the stairs to the bottommost level of the *Wanderer*. "I suppose you will wish me away as well," the green-suited woman at Evangeline's feet finally says aloud. Alvira. She had been watching you with a keen gaze, and her accent is equally erudite, a sensual sort of wisdom emerging with each spoken word. Somehow she sounded a scholar, even on her knees. "Yes, love," her Mistress replies, while looking to the maid off to the side. Jade. "(colour: cyan)["Vi eble revenos al viaj taskoj ankaŭ.]" Standing, Alvira bows extravagantly so that Evangeline can undo her leash, after which she ascends the staircase back up to the room you started in with the silent maid at her side. [[You are now alone with Evangeline.->Accept3]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/s0yFlx5.png" width="40%" height="40%"> Tipping her head to the side, Evangeline watches her slaves go before finally rounding back on you again. "So: a few ground rules going forward. First, and most importantly: you are a member of my Household now, until that collar around your throat is removed. I expect you to remember and respect that. Your indentured status will allow you more choices, not necessary any extra privileges rights. My word is law, but you will obey Val and Alvira as well. In the hierarchy of my girls, they rank above you... for the time being. Sapphire and Jade in turn will answer to most anything you ask of them, if you are able to communicate with them. I'm sure you've noticed the language I use with Jade? (colour: cyan)[Ĝi sonas tiel.] It is Antediluvian Cant. Apparently the language the AIs are programmed in, the first they taught to Torei's earliest humans. Jade understands your Basic, if you must communicate, but she is not allowed to speak it in this house. I feel it is helping her learn her new place. She is an offworlder(if: $Back is 1 or 2)[, like you,] after all. My Sapphire is a simpler case. She just enjoys being kept helpless." Evangeline pauses, smiling to herself in thought, before continuing. "Secondly: you will refer to me as *Mistress*. Honorifics are important after all. Third: you will be working during your stay with us, as I mentioned earlier. Four months until Thrall's End. I will pay you a base of 3,000 credits per month of work. That may sound easy to pay off your debt, but you may wish to undertake additional debts to utilize my Wardrobe, change your living amenities, or I may be required to reward and/or punish you with credit changes depending upon your work and choices. Val will explain everything further, and allow you to choose your first month's living quarters, but you *have* already made several choices haven't you? Let us address those." [[She accesses one of the monitors near her.->Accept4]]

(if: $Gear is 1)["Let us start with your choice of outfit. The Black Quartet, a simple design, but very functional. You wear it well, and those hardpoints could come in such interesting uses... but I digress. It was also relatively inexpensive, at 100 credits. I will of course be adding that small bit to your outstanding bill." (set: $Debt to it - 100) (colour: red)[100 Credits Charged to Account.]](if: $Gear is 2)["Let us start with your choice of outfit. The Doll's Delight? Delightful indeed. I always enjoy my girls in brighter colors, excepting Val of course. Black fits her personality. But I digress, you wear it well, and I shall certainly be enjoying your modeling of it going forward. It did cost a bit more though, at 200 credits. I will of course be adding that small bit to your outstanding bill." (set: $Debt to it - 200) (colour: red)[200 Credits Charged to Account.]](if: $Gear is 3)["Let us start with your choice of outfit. The base layer of a Slave Suit, complete with hood and corset? Now *that* is interesting. Given the choice you opted for the most intensive start. My Sapphire usually wears the same, although quite obviously I give her far more to contend with. Will you desire that? I suppose we shall see. Still, it was rather expensive was it not? 500 credits. I will of course be adding that small bit to your outstanding bill." (set: $Debt to it - 500) (colour: red)[500 Credits Charged to Account.]] (if: $DebtTracker is > 0)["Next, your time in the Wardrobe itself. My *Wanderer* is reporting slight damage to one of the restraint arms within the Wardrobe after your use? Most unfortunate. Such devices are built with everything necessary to contend with even the most unruly of slaves. You really should have simply remained still. Alas, I will need to charge you a 100 credit fine for the repairs." (set: $Debt to it - 100) (colour: red)[100 Credits Charged to Account.]](else:)["Next, your time in the Wardrobe itself. Both Val and my diagnostics indicate you underwent your first suiting rather uneventfully. Very good. Such devices are built with everything necessary to contend with even the most unruly of slaves, and I would have had to charge you for an unfortunate decisions made."] Evangeline uses one finger to scroll down the touchpad. "And finally, your name. (if: $Strike is 1)[I do hope you approve, $Name? As promised, I am crediting 200 credits to your account, for choosing to submit to it." (set: $Debt to it + 200) (colour: green)[200 Credits Added to Account.]](else:)[You did not choose to submit to a new one, so we shall be using $Name going forward. I think you would have liked what I could give you, but alas. Of course you did not earn the 200 credits I offered for submission on this topic."] [[What's a few thousand credits between a Torean Mistress and her debtor?->Accept5]]

"So... $Debt credits," Evangeline concludes. (if: $Debt is > -10000)["You are making some progress already.](else:)["You appear to be losing ground already.] I suppose we shall see in four months, at Thrall's End, how everything shakes out, hm?" She seems to enjoy rhetorical questions as, instead of allowing you the chance to reply, she continues once more. "For now, you must decide on what sort of work you will be helping with. So that you can properly immerse yourself and prove more than a burden on my girls, I would ask that whatever you agree to you plan to work on for a month. You can speak with Alvira, Jade, or Val-- each can tell you more on the different options you have for work. Besides that, you will want to speak to Val about your ID card. She should have a temporary one printed for you by now, a necessary cover in the event we encounter anyone else civilized out here before reaching Thrall's End. Alvira meanwhile can show you to your room, and you can decide amenities with her.(if: $Gender is 1)[ You should also speak to her about femininity guidance, which I will be instructing her to provide you with. Getting you used to heels, makeup, our sorts of clothing... she is quite the artist.]" Turning in her seat, Evangeline gently seizes the $Box behind her. Settling it in her lap, she swivels back to you. "One last thing? As promised, you may take this with you. Leave it in your room, once you've been shown to it." (if: not ($Pock contains "the Box"))[(set: $Pock to $Pock + (a: "the Box"))] (colour: Blue)[The Box has been added to your inventory.] Evangeline settles back into your chair as you step back. "Is that all understood?" [["Yes it is."->MissCheckFail]] [["Yes, Mistress."->MissCheckPass]]

"Yes, *Mistress*," Evangeline asserts. "That will be your only warning. After this? I will dock your account for missing that, and if that does not work there are always other methods available to me. Now-- go about your chores, $Name. Be a good girl, and return to me only when you have done everything I have requested of you." She turns away, back to her various control consoles. The *Wanderer* hums beneath you, stationary since it had been stopped but still pulsing with pent up energy. You're much the same way, after some unknown amount of time unconscious, lost to the world. There is so much to discover, and so much to do. You cannot help but think of (if: $Back is 1)[the stars you've temporarily left behind, somewhere far above the Torean Badlands. Will you make it back to them, eventually?](if: $Back is 2)[your work at the prospecting firm, of the greater galaxy so far from Torei. Will you ever remember what you've forgotten?](if: $Back is 3)[your tribe and Mother. They had entrusted you with the $Box, but your path forward had never been so treacherous. Beholden to a Torean Mistress...] You will need to be careful, going forward. Mistakes could set you back, increasing your debt, pushing you further and further towards a collar more permanent than the one you now wear. You may know little of Torei proper, but you well aware of the tales that have emerged from its Ringdoms... of the tempestuous call that has brought so many to the planet, only to see them broken, reduced to slavery and service. Will that be your fate? [[There is only one way to find out.->HubStart]]

"Very good," Evangeline notes. "Remember that I am your Mistress for the time being. I will dock your account for forgetting that, and if that does not work there are always other methods available to me. This is your one warning. Now-- go about your chores, $Name. Be a good girl, and return to me only when you have done everything I have requested of you." She turns away, back to her various control consoles. The *Wanderer* hums beneath you, stationary since it had been stopped but still pulsing with pent up energy. You're much the same way, after some unknown amount of time unconscious, lost to the world. There is so much to discover, and so much to do. You cannot help but think of (if: $Back is 1)[the stars you've temporarily left behind, somewhere far above the Torean Badlands. Will you make it back to them, eventually?](if: $Back is 2)[your work at the prospecting firm, of the greater galaxy so far from Torei. Will you ever remember what you've forgotten?](if: $Back is 3)[your tribe and Mother. They had entrusted you with the $Box, but your path forward had never been so treacherous. Beholden to a Torean Mistress...] You will need to be careful, going forward. Mistakes could set you back, increasing your debt, pushing you further and further towards a collar more permanent than the one you now wear. You may know little of Torei proper, but you well aware of the tales that have emerged from its Ringdoms... of the tempestuous call that has brought so many to the planet, only to see them broken, reduced to slavery and service. Will that be your fate? [[There is only one way to find out.->HubStart]]

You've reached the end of this sneak peak at Laminate Calling, a potential successor to Lost in Laminate! With a year of development and feedback under my belt, I've developed a list of what folks seem to like about Lost in Laminate, what can be improved upon, and what sort of stories I should tell going forward: 1) Choices are extremely important. Thus I've been working on systems to allow more extensive outfit modification (what you see in-game are just the "bases" for a system I've built with 20 different accessories that can be selected independently), perks like the starting skills and those learned in game (you can learn to speak the Antediluvian Cant, and thus understand it when spoken for instance), and characters that stick around/change according to player choice. 2) Doubling down on submissive content. While I know doms enjoy Lost in Laminate, the vast majority of players are submissive, and a more quickly intensive selection of content of that sort is the goal. That *said*, dom-content is something I'm still tinkering with. 3) A cleaner, more professional presentation. Using colors to denote certain things, centering and text changes, it all adds up to something that looks nicer! Hopefully this is something to look forward to. For now I'll be moving back to LiL, and moving to wrap that up. Expect another update for that game soon-ish! -- GlossandGlamour