ACT I Harlowe(text-colour:white)[This has to be the place.
''17 - 9 - 14 - 1 - 12 - 4 - 12 - 3 - 207''
You glance at the note again, letting the sequence of numbers sink in.
Sliding back into the driver’s seat, you grip the wheel and start the engine. The road ahead is uncertain, but there’s no turning back now.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[You go.]]](text-colour:white)[You pause, frowning at the numbers in your hand. Something feels… off.
This isn’t the right location.
You’ll need to go back, retrace your steps, and uncover the rest of the coordinates.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[What could they be?]]](text-colour:white)[THE OFFICER:
//"Hello ma'am. Please state your name."//
The Hat-Man's voice echoes in your head:
*“You’ll know the code word when you see it…Follow the paper trail.”*]
<!-- Init variable -->
(set: $pw to "")
(text-colour:white)[You respond with:]
(input-box: bind $pw)[]
(link-repeat: "Submit")[
(if: $pw is "nuclear aid")[
(goto: "The Officer waves you on")
]
(else:)[
(goto: "Access denied")
]
](text-colour:white)[THE OFFICER:
//"Hello ma'am. Please state your name."//
The Hat-Man's voice echoes in your head:
*“You’ll know the code word when you see it…Follow the paper trail.”*]
<!-- Init variable -->
(set: $pw to "")
(text-colour:white)[You respond with:]
(input-box: bind $pw)[]
(link-repeat: "Submit")[
(if: $pw is not $pw)[
(goto: "The officer shines a torch into your vehicle")
]
(else:)[
(goto: "The officer shines a torch into your vehicle")
]
]
(text-colour:white)[THE OFFICER:
//"Hello ma'am. Please state your name."//
The Hat-Man's voice echoes in your head:
*“You’ll know the code word when you see it…Follow the paper trail.”*]
<!-- Init variable -->
(set: $pw to "")
(text-colour:white)[You respond with:]
(input-box: bind $pw)[]
(link-repeat: "Submit")[
(if: $pw is not $pw)[
(goto: "The officer shines a torch into your vehicle")
]
(else:)[
(goto: "The officer shines a torch into your vehicle")
]
]
(text-colour:white)[THE OFFICER:
//"Okay, miss. You're good to go."//]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ //[["Enjoy your trip to Kyrute."]]// ](text-colour:white)[THE OFFICER:]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ //[["Please step out of the vehicle, miss."]]// ]
(text-colour:white)[THE OFFICER:
//"I’m afraid your manner of speaking has pushed beyond the limits of my patience today."//
You head back around to try again.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[The port is in sight.]]]
(text-colour:white)[//“Kyrute?”// you whisper under your breath as the officer waves you through.
You don’t wait to question it.
Hands still trembling, you drive onto the ferry, half expecting someone to shout your name, to pull you out of the line.
But nothing happens.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[The engine roars to life.]]]
(text-colour:white)[You step out onto the deck.
Cold sea air fills your lungs.
The sun sinks beyond the horizon, leaving a deep, endless darkness ahead.]
(text-colour:#38d9a9)[ [[A new country awaits.]]](text-colour:white)[''END OF ACT I. ''
Join the waiting list to find out when ACT II goes live.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ (link:"Click to be notified.")[(goto-url:"https://5215018c.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAM51YujfeOoux9Ml8r9MJdDhUgSziYVPOK5q7ZAtJhwkJqHnKN8zffnDcpG1ep8V5PhsUOIWBlpn12ri-CoVJGqANu1HxwirOwHLUpaAp-trRMt06jQ620yGWFN3JQXkVygn_GRafqwBEEoI8s7PXWsmBecF8zTYqCbFkiafivrPbxZA4wvcV8NJWYMIstco-9DFGaejXQux4A==")]]
(text-colour:white)[Sunlight cuts through the office windows in thin, dusty ribbons. The particles drift lazily in the air, undisturbed.
*“Someone really ought to clean this place,”* you mutter.
It’s not even midday and you’re already exhausted. The only thing you’re looking forward to is the second meeting of the day to break up the endless cycle of paperwork.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[Coffee. You need coffee.]]]
(text-colour:white)[The coffee’s warmth spreads through you, pulling you out of the fog of early-morning melancholy. Just enough of a spark to get you into the next meeting.
MANAGER:
*“Ah, Camila. Looking like a pretty little thing today. Go on, take a seat.”*
You offer him a thin smile and sit down with a quiet sigh.
MANAGER:
*“Alright, everyone. Let’s begin. First item on the agenda: updates to the procurement regulations…”*
]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ ''[[This is going to feel like a lifetime.]]''](text-colour:white)[You walk back to your desk afterward. It’s a dim spot, tucked beneath one of the few spots covered in a blanket of shade. Still, around here, even having a desk at all counts as good fortune.
As you sit down, you notice something new: a battered manila folder, carefully placed atop your usual mountain of documents.
You’re certain it wasn’t there before the meeting.
]
(text-colour:#38d9a9)[ [[You glance around.]]]
(text-colour:white)[You skim the pages at first, more out of habit than curiosity, until something catches your eye.
Your eyes linger. You read it slower.]
(text-colour:white)[You think to yourself,] (text-colour:#96f2d7)[ //[[“Wait. So…this...is...real?”]]//](text-colour:white)[The folder is full of procurement logs and construction bids.
A pattern reveals itself quickly: inflated contracts, ghost expenses, redirected funds.
All of it leading toward familiar names: Ministers, Senior Officials, people of importance.
Your palms begin to sweat and the folder slips from your hands.
You inhale sharply and force yourself to look again.
]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[The numbers just don’t add up.]]](text-colour:white)[Your pulse is still running wild when you stand.
You tell yourself you need clarity. Advice. Someone who knows what any of this means.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[You take the folder to your manager.]]](text-colour:white)[The moment his eyes fall on the first page, his expression curdles.
MANAGER:
*“If you value your job, Camila… you didn’t see this. Understood?”*
His tone is cold.
The conversation dies as quickly as it starts. He snaps the folder shut, hands it back, and walks off briskly without another word.
The office suddenly feels quiet. Tense.
You step outside for a cigarette to steady your nerves.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[You need it.]]](text-colour:white)[You slip outside to the car park, lighting a cigarette with shaky hands. The first inhale settles your nerves.
As you exhale, you feel a tap on your shoulder.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[You turn around.]]](text-colour:white)[A tall man stands behind you. He’s sharply dressed in a leather trench with fur lapels, hat low over his brow, a cigar glowing between his fingers.
He leans in just close enough for only you to hear.
UNKNOWN HAT-MAN:
*“We don’t have long. Eyes are on me…and now on you. There’s more in that folder than you realize. Accountability is needed.”*
You swallow deeply.
//“Was it you who put it on my desk?”// you ask.
He takes a slow puff of his cigar.
UNKNOWN HAT-MAN:
]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ //[[“It was.”]]//](text-colour:white)[UNKNOWN HAT-MAN:
*“We’ll speak again. I need your help.”*
As he talks, he slips something into your jacket pocket. It’s a folded note.
UNKNOWN HAT-MAN:
*“Meet me at the location. This is only part of it. The rest…you’ll find close to you.”*
Without another word, he turns and walks away.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[You do the same.]]](text-colour:white)[Driving out of the gates, you check your rear-view mirror.
Your manager rushes into the car park alongside several stern-looking men in dark clothing. None of them notice you, or the man with the hat, leaving.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[You keep on driving.]]](text-colour:white)[You finally pull over and unfold the note in your pocket.
It reads:
''17 ? 14 ? 12 ? 12 ?''
Coordinates, maybe? But incomplete.
You hear his voice again: *“The rest you’ll find close to you.”*
]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[What does he mean by that?]]](text-colour:white)[After driving long enough for your thoughts to settle, you narrow it down. “Close to you” could mean only two places:
Home or back at the Ministry’s Procurement Offices.
Where do you choose to search?]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[Home]]]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[Procurement Offices]]](text-colour:white)[You circle back toward the Ministry. The car park now swarms with security personnel and government suits.
]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[Are they here for you?]]]
(text-colour:white)[Or is your paranoia finally catching up?](text-colour:white)[Your nerves are frayed by the time you reach your door.
Mail is scattered on the floor: bills, adverts, a pamphlet from *Cadenza Constructions*.
You sit on the edge of your bed, the note still in hand, trying to piece together where the missing coordinates could be. //Where could they be?//]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ //[[What could they be?]]//](text-colour:white)[You reconsider. It’s far too risky to go inside.]
(text-colour:white)[You head ](text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[Home]]] (text-colour:white)[instead…anywhere you can breathe for a moment.](text-colour:white)[The Hat-Man gave you this sequence:
''17 ? 14 ? 12 ? 12 ?''
What are the missing four numbers?]
<div class="pw-wrap">
(text-colour:white)[Enter the remaining coordinates to proceed:]
<div class="pw-row">
(input-box: bind $n1)[]
(input-box: bind $n2)[]
(input-box: bind $n3)[]
(input-box: bind $n4)[]
(link-repeat: "Enter")[
(if: $n1 is "9" and $n2 is "1" and $n3 is "4" and $n4 is "3")[
(goto: "This looks correct")
]
(else:)[
(goto: "Incorrect")
]
]
</div>
</div>
(text-colour:white)[You pull into the parking lot of an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the capital.
The place feels forgotten. Windows boarded, metal rust-bitten. At least you’re meeting in daylight.
Rain begins to patter against the windshield.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[You stay in the car, nervously waiting.]]](text-colour:white)[A polished black vehicle with chrome wheels and tinted windows slowly pull in beside you.
The back door opens. The Hat-Man steps out.
As he approaches, he shreds up paper as he closes the distance. He thinks the rain will hide it.
He slips into your passenger seat. Rain beads off his hat.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[He sets a worn leather satchel on your lap.]]](text-colour:white)[UNKNOWN HAT-MAN:
*“These documents can’t stay here. You’ll have to take them out of the country to somewhere safe.”*
UNKNOWN HAT-MAN:
*“I know someone who can help. But you’ll need to reach the port. Catch the ferry.”*]
(text-colour:#38d9a9)[ [[The thought twists in your gut.]]]
(text-colour:white)[UNKNOWN HAT-MAN:
*“Your father. He always believed in doing what was right. Even when it cost him.”*
You slip out, //“You…you knew my father?”//
UNKNOWN HAT-MAN:
*“I did. He cared deeply for this country. Maybe too deeply. You carry that same fire.”*
You turn toward the rain-streaked window, letting the weight of it settle.
]
(text-colour:white)[You ask,] (text-colour:#96f2d7)[ //[[So…where do I go?]]//](text-colour:white)[UNKNOWN HAT-MAN:
*“To get through the border safely, you’ll need help. I know 'VL', an immigration officer with, say, good intentions.”*
UNKNOWN HAT-MAN:
*“During the inspection, give him the code word. You’ll know it when you see it.”*
He doths his hat, steps back out into the rain, and leaves your passenger door open.
Before shutting it, he leans in one last time and exclaims:]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ //[["Keep an eye out. Follow the paper trail.”]]//]
(text-colour:white)[Who was the Hat-Man? Whose names did the Hat-Man try to erase? What could happen if you expose this information?
Are you really going to do this?]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[You breathe deeply.]]](text-colour:white)[You dig deeper. Beneath the folder lies issues of //**Geopolitico**//, folded neatly.
Next to it: a small grey device. Some kind of radio receiver.
The room shrinks as the pieces settle into place.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[You try to rest.]]]
(text-colour:white)[Shaking off your melancholy, you turn back toward the heart of the room.
The hotel glows softly as sunlight spills through the curtains, reminding you of the Ministry offices. ]
(text-colour:white[You reflect and think, ] (text-colour:#96f2d7)[ //[["I must do the right thing."]]//](text-colour:white)[It’s time.
You pack the satchel, brace yourself, and begin the long drive toward the port.
As the coastline nears, so does trouble.
A Police roadblock stretches across the highway. Far too many officers, far too tense to be a routine check.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[Your pulse runs wild.]]]
(text-colour:white)[You slip through the detour.
No sirens. No flashing lights.
]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[The port is in sight.]]](text-colour:white)[Damn it. Another Police checkpoint.
No way to turn around now, not without drawing the wrong kind of attention.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[You approach the blockade.]]](text-colour:white)[You approach slowly. Three border checkpoints. Three officers. Each perfectly ordinary, each potentially the Hat-Man’s contact.
Which officer do you choose?]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[Officer Tobias Erden]]]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[Officer Varen Lestier]]]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[Officer Viktor Lestern]]](text-colour:white)[Luckily, none of them seem to notice you. No eyes follow your car.
You keep moving, heart still hammering.
]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[The port is in sight.]]](text-colour:white)[
UNKNOWN HAT-MAN:
*“What’s in this bag could alter the course of the nation. Keep it close.”*
His voice is low and steady.
UNKNOWN HAT-MAN:
*“We must DEFEND the people. They deserve the TRUTH. Do you understand?”*]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[You do.]]](text-colour:white)[You follow him with your eyes as he slips back into the black vehicle and pulls away.
The scraps he shredded lie scattered by your tires. You take them before the rain does.
Police sirens wail somewhere in the distance, growing louder. It’s time to go.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[You slam the accelerator.]]](text-colour:white)[You decide it’s wise to disappear from sight for a few days.]
(text-colour:#38d9a9)[ [[You check into a hotel.]]]
(text-colour:white)[You slide out the folder, laying everything across the bedspread.
The corruption runs far deeper than you imagined.
A tangle of forged contracts, shell companies, offshore accounts. A whole architecture of theft built in plain sight.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[Then you notice it.]]]
(text-colour:white)[''There are several numbered pages missing.''
Did they fall out during the chaos?]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[Or did the Hat-Man rip them up?]]](text-colour:white)[You gather the soaked scraps from the puddles and arrange them on the radiator, hoping the warmth will undo the damage.
Most of the ink has run, warped by the downpour. ]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[But not all of it.]]](text-colour:white)[Even smeared, you can make out fragments of names.
//.e..in .l.ar..
C... Fi...
..ez.. S...ni.//]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[Your mind is racing.]]](text-colour:white)[This looks correct...almost.
''17 - 9 - 14 - 1 - 12 - 4 - 12 - 3 - ?''
It looks like there's one more number left.
What could it be?
]
<div class="pw-wrap">
(text-colour:white)[Enter the number to proceed:]
<div class="pw-row">
(input-box: bind $pw)[]
(link-repeat: "Enter")[
(if: $pw is "207")[
(goto: "Correct")
]
(else:)[
(goto: "Incorrect")
]
]
</div>
</div>
(text-colour:white)[You think to yourself: ]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ //[["I must do the right thing."]]//]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[//[["I think I'm in way too over my head!"]]//](text-colour:white)[Which way do you turn?]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[Head left]]]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[Head right]]](text-colour:white)[ //A Room. Static. Knocking. //''You're dreaming.''
You awake as dawn arrives soon after. But the dream lingers, too real to ignore.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[It leaves you questioning its meaning.]]](text-colour:white)[As the quiet settles in, you ponder over the choices that brought you here.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[Your thoughts drift to your father.]]]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[The documents linger in your mind.]]]
(text-colour:white)[He was a decent man, to a fault. He followed his conscience even though it carried a heavy price.
It was thankless work, but it kept his family fed, and the country moving.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[You are your father's daughter.]]]
(text-colour:white)[You’d heard the murmurs. Years, even decades of mismanaged money, hands where they shouldn’t be. It always seemed like misinformation or political spin passed around the office.
Only now do your father’s veiled conversations with your mother take on a different tone.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[What a mess this truly is.]]](text-colour:white)[Loneliness sets in, yet the ticking clock keeps you company in the night.
You stretch out on the sofa. It's rough fabric against your skin feels oddly comforting.
Your eyes fixate on the door, waiting for something. Eventually they grow heavy.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[Hoping to dream.]]](text-colour:white)[Loneliness sets in, yet the ticking clock keeps you company in the night.
You stretch out on the sofa. It's rough fabric against your skin feels oddly comforting.
Your eyes fixate on the door, waiting for something. Eventually they grow heavy.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[Hoping to dream.]]](text-colour:white)[The hotel offers a strange balance. Moments of calm overshadowed by a lingering dread.
It gives space to steady your mind, even as it draws you into uncomfortable reflection.
Two days linger like a held breath.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[They finally pass.]]](text-colour:white)[THE OFFICER:
//"Sorry, that's not what I'm looking for."//
You head back around to try again.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[The port is in sight.]]]
(text-colour:white)[''ACT I'']
......
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ ''[[It’s a morning like any other.]]''](text-colour:white)[Leaving the only country you’ve ever known rushing headfirst into uncertainty terrifies you. But the satchel on your lap feels heavier than your fear.
Before you can stop yourself, you ask: ]
(text-colour:#38d9a9)[ ''[[“Why me? Why give all this to me?”]]''](text-colour:white)[Nothing. No eyes on you. No one acting strangely.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ ''[[You decide to take a look.]]''](text-colour:white)[Upon entering your hotel room, your nerves tighten. Whatever waits in the satchel could change everything.]
(text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[You open it.]]](text-colour:#96f2d7)[ [[What will happen in Kyrute?]]]
