RoboZombiePocalypse
Stand-Alone Time-Sensitive Quest.
Requirements
|
Requirements
Danny: Okay, Nishan, I’m here. What’s going on? Something about zombies and the apocalypse?
Nishan: Well, uh, back when I was at Hearst, I developed a virtual reality interface for accessing all my computer files. I kept getting targeted by hackers though, so I had my friend Sakura set up an advanced, dynamic, security AI to protect it. Still with me?
Danny: As with you as I can be when you say things like ‘dynamic AI security system’.
Nishan: The thing is, I haven’t used it in a little while because I’ve been so distracted by changing schools... but when I tried today, I couldn’t get in! The security system was too tough with just one user! It’s a real problem... I mean, I’ve got some incredibly sensitive files in there that I need access to...
Danny: Oh yeah? Plans to end world hunger or clone a T-Rex?
Nishan: Uh... yeah... something like that. Just, uh, usual science stuff...
Danny: That sounds important... but wouldn’t it make more sense to get Sakura, since she, you know, built it?
Nishan: Yeah, about that... Sakura and I haven’t really talked since I switched schools. She’s pretty loyal to Hearst, and I don’t think she’d want anything to do with me, and when I talk about her I get kind of light-headed and--
Danny: Relax, Nishan. Don’t make yourself pass out. I’ll help you get your files from the security whatever.
Nishan: Oh, thanks, Danny! I will be forever in your debt! Well, not forever, given the inevitable heat death of the universe, but as long as theoretically possible. Now follow me!
Nishan leads you to a computer lab, where several virtual reality headsets sit plugged into a central computer.
Danny: Oh man, when you said virtual reality, you really meant it! Is this going to be all bending spoons and riding lightcycles?
Nishan: ...more or less. Just keep an open mind.
The two of you strap in and slide on the headsets.
Danny: Hey, this isn’t one of those things where if you die in the game, you die in real life, right?
Nishan: Of course not! Well, probably not. You know what? Let’s just avoid dying. That’s probably good advice in any scenario.
Requirement
You put on the bulky headset, and Nishan boots up the computer. Everything goes fuzzy and pixelated... And then you find yourself standing in a perfect recreation of Hearst High! It’s so real you feel like you’re actually there!
Danny: Wow, Nishan, this is incredible...
Nishan: It’s a beta. I still have to get rid of a lot of bugs... Literally. These giant bugs keep spawning in the basements. I have no idea why.
Danny: Well, we’ll stay out of the basement, I guess. How do we get to your files?
Nishan: I keep them in the science building which is all the way on the other side of campus...
Danny: That’s not very far.
Nishan: Oh, I’m not worried about the distance. I’m worried about the enemies the security system is going to spawn to block our path.
Danny: Enemies? Like what?
Nishan: Well... for example... like that ravenous, brain-eating zombie standing right behind you.
Danny: Aaaaaaah!
You spin away just as a decomposing ghoul swipes at you, grabbing your shoulder! You turn to run, but the zombie has already got ahold of you! It bites into your shoulder!
Danny: Ahhhhh!
Nishan: No! Danny! You can’t die yet! We haven’t even gotten to the cafeteria!
Nishan grabs a fire extinguisher from a nearby rack and hurls it into the zombie’s head! It explodes in a spray of pixels!
Danny: Thanks, Nishan... you really saved my life back there. My virtual life, anyway. Hey, quick question. Is this the kind of zombie bite where I’m going to turn into a zombie, and you have to kill me?
Nishan: ...in the interest of maintaining a functional, professional relationship, I would prefer not to answer that question.
Danny: Why would you program zombie bites into your security system?
Nishan: It’s how zombies work! Who am I to mess with genre conventions? On another note... it might not be a bad time to run.
You turn around to see a dozen more zombies staggering your way!
Danny: Oh crap! Move!
You and Nishan take off sprinting across the virtual campus!
Time - 6 hours
You and Nishan burst into an abandoned classroom, a horde of zombies at your heels!
Danny: Quick! Barricade the doors!
Nishan: With what? I don’t see any convenient boards or easily-hammerable nails!
Danny: Just shove some desks in front of it!
Nishan: This just doesn’t make sense! There shouldn’t be this many zombies! I never programmed it like this! It’s almost like the security system is improving itself...
Carefully, the two of you lock the door behind you and emerge into a hallway. It’s a charred shell of itself, lined with spikes and fires...
Danny: What’s going on here?
Nishan: Zombies are just the first wave. Now that we’re deeper into the school, we’re on level 2, the post-apocalyptic wasteland. And that means we’re going to have to face...
Nishan is cut off by the boom of the door flying open. You look over to see a hulking giant mutant, decked out in black armor, clutching a huge, spiked club...
Big Boss Julian: Me Big Boss Julian! You pathetic bugs! Boss Julian crush your puny heads!
Danny: Really, Nishan? REALLY?
Nishan: I was in a bad place when I programmed this part, okay?!
Big Boss Julian: JULIAN SMASH!
Moments later, you and Nishan sprint out of the burned classroom! Behind you, Boss Julian blocks your path!
Big Boss Julian: Nobody go in or out! That the Boss Julian way!
Nishan: I don’t know what’s happening! Boss Julian isn’t supposed to be anywhere near this big! This whole simulation is out of hand! What do we do, Danny? We can’t beat him!
Danny: No... but if you can hold the fort, I think I know someone who can!
Requirements
In the real world, you lead Julian into the classroom where Nishan is still plugged into the VR setup...
Julian: So hold up, what am I doing here again? We’re gonna play a video game?
Danny: Sort of, but it’s going to seem completely real.
Julian: So like Halo?
Danny: More real than that. Like, virtual reality.
Julian: So like Halo 4? Because that game is siiiiiick...
Danny: Just put on the headset, Julian. You’ll see from there.
Julian: Yeah, yeah...
You and Julian log in to find yourselves back in the post-apocalyptic wasteland. Neaby, Nishan cowers behind a chunk of debris.
Nishan: There you are! It took you long enough... I almost died five times! I’m just lucky I’ve got world-class cowering skills...
Julian: Yo, these are some crazy good graphics. This is, like, Halo 5 status...
Just then, Boss Julian stomps out from a building and spots you!
Big Boss Julian: More little bugs for the crushing! Julian smash! JULIAN SMASH!
Julian: What the... is that... is that supposed to be me?!
Nishan: Uh, Julian, listen, before you get mad, I can explain...
Julian: I’m AWESOME!
Julian runs towards Big Boss Julian!
Julian: Hey! Gigantor me! Cool armor, man! Is that club fun to swing? Tell me everything!
Big Boss Julian: Little me...? We fight!
Julian: Yeah, all right! Let’s do this!
Real Julian runs over and tackles Boss Julian! The two fall back into the rubble!
Nishan: Utterly fascinating... a pitched battle between real and virtual brawn. My money’s on Boss Julian, but it could really go either way...
Danny: Nishan, focus! To the science building!
Time - 7 hours
You and Nishan burst into the science building. It’s overgrown with wires that climb the walls like ivy.
Danny: Nishan, what’s going on here?
Nishan: I have a theory. When I last logged on, I ran an automated script to try to refine the AI. I must have left it running! I think this whole time, the AI has been growing... learning... evolving! It must have gained sentience! It’s alive! And it’s mad! The human race is doomed!
Danny: Yeah, well, we made it to your files, right? We can just get them and leave, then shut the whole thing down?
Nishan: Oh yeah. Good point. The human race is fine!
Nishan turns to a file folder floating in the center of the room labeled ‘Nishan PRIVATE’. He takes a step towards it... When there’s the rumbling roar of an earthquake! The room trembles, the floor cracks open...
Nishan: Oh, this is going to be bad, isn’t it...?
A massive cyborg squid bursts out of the ground, suspended on a nest of cables!
Nishan: It’s... the AI core...
Two heads jut out of its metallic body...
MaxBot: Intruder scum! Intruder scum!
KaraBot: Organic life will be purged from the digital world!
MaxBot: Only then shall the KaraMax DigiGod rule eternal!
Danny: Uh... Nishan?
Nishan: Okay, yes, I’ve got some issues. Yes, I should probably stop putting people I know into my games. Yes, I should maybe see a counselor. But right now could we just focus on the cyborg squid trying to kill us?!
Max and Kara shoot lasers out of their eyes! You and Nishan scramble behind cover!
Nishan: What do we do?! WHAT DO WE DO?!
You look around the room at all the science supplies...
Danny: I’ve got an idea, but I’ll need to go get some help...
Nishan: I’m holding down the fort, aren’t I? Well, hurry up! There’s not a lot of room to cower!
Danny: Just keep the simulation running!
Requirements
You lead Isabella, Channing, and Kate into the science lab...
Kate: What are doing here again?
Danny: Virtual reality. Nishan’s files. Crazy KaraMax DigiGod CyberSquid. Just put the headsets on and follow my plan.
Channing: Is that thing going to mess up my hair?
Danny: ...I’d rather not answer that.
Isabella: Let’s do this!
Time - 8 hours
You, Isabella, Channing, and Kate appear in the room just where you left! Nishan is still hiding from the KaraMax DigiGod.
Isabella: Whoa...
Danny: Go now! Stick to the plan! Channing, you deal with the Kara head...
Channing: Two, four, six, eight, who did not exfoliate? It’s Kara! Yeah, yeah, she’s ugly! Yeah, yeah!
KaraBot: Who dares insult the Queen of the Cybernetic Age?
Kara swivels, grabbing at Channing with a swarm of digital tentacles!
Danny: Now, Kate!
Kate: Hey, Max! You think you’re soooooo good... but can you hit this?
MaxBot: The MaxBot can hit anything! ANYTHING!
Kate gracefully twirls and pirouettes, effortlessly dodging Max’s laser bursts!
Danny: Both heads are distracted! Go for it, Isabella!
Isabella slides across the room, grabs a small tank of flammable butane, and with perfect hand-eye coordination, tosses it into the tangle of wires at the base of the AI’s core...
Isabella: Wait... who’s going to light it?
Danny: I got that!
You grab a lighter and run over, sliding under lasers and tentacles! You get right up to the tank... When your arm seizes with agony! It’s the zombie bite! You’re turning!
Danny: Argggh!
Nishan: Oh no! Why did I have to program it to go off at the most dramatic possible second? Curse my love of impeccable story-telling!
The lighter falls out of your hand and rolls across the floor... Where Autumn appears out of nowhere and grabs it! She spins and throws it effortlessly into the gas streaming out of the butane tank!
Danny: Autumn! What are you doing here?
Autumn: I was wondering where everyone went, and I found you guys all in here! This looks like a fun game...
The tank goes off with a thunderous boom, severing the KaraMax squid from its support cables!
KaraBot: Noooooo!
The KaraMax DigiGod hits the ground with a thud. As it powers down, the world around you flickers, slowly returning to normal. Outside, the enemies all fade.
Danny: We did it! We beat the AI core!
Nishan: I haven’t been so happy to see one of my creations destroyed since the Skunkodile incident! That was a scary, smelly time...
In the ruins of the courtyard, Julian cradles Boss Julian as he fades away...
Julian: Goodbye, my friend... I only wish we’d gotten more time...
Big Boss Julian: Boss Julian now know why you cry... and it is something Boss Julian can never do.
Danny: Thanks for helping out, guys. I really appreciate it.
Isabella: Sure thing, Danny. This school gets crazier ever day.
All your friends log out, leaving just you and Nishan.
Danny: Well? What are you waiting for? Go get your files!
Nishan runs over and grabs the folder. As he does, it flips open and a bunch of photos fall out. You can see a young Nishan with his parents... Nishan posing with a Science Fair trophy... Nishan and Sakura together, laughing and having a good time.
Nishan: Oh... uh... those are nothing... I mean... uh... plans... science plans... for science...
Danny: Sure, they are. And I’m sure these science plans have some real sentimental value.
Nishan: They... might...
Danny: It’s okay, Nishan. You don’t have to be embarrassed. Everyone likes to keep emotional souvenirs. Most of us don’t hide them behind evolving, sentient AI systems... but hey! That’s what makes you special!
Nishan: ...thanks, Danny. Really.
Danny: Next time you need help though, I’d really give that Sakura girl a call. I bet the headset fits her anyway.
Nishan: Yeah... I bet it does.
- Spend 200 rings
Danny: Okay, Nishan, I’m here. What’s going on? Something about zombies and the apocalypse?
Nishan: Well, uh, back when I was at Hearst, I developed a virtual reality interface for accessing all my computer files. I kept getting targeted by hackers though, so I had my friend Sakura set up an advanced, dynamic, security AI to protect it. Still with me?
Danny: As with you as I can be when you say things like ‘dynamic AI security system’.
Nishan: The thing is, I haven’t used it in a little while because I’ve been so distracted by changing schools... but when I tried today, I couldn’t get in! The security system was too tough with just one user! It’s a real problem... I mean, I’ve got some incredibly sensitive files in there that I need access to...
Danny: Oh yeah? Plans to end world hunger or clone a T-Rex?
Nishan: Uh... yeah... something like that. Just, uh, usual science stuff...
Danny: That sounds important... but wouldn’t it make more sense to get Sakura, since she, you know, built it?
Nishan: Yeah, about that... Sakura and I haven’t really talked since I switched schools. She’s pretty loyal to Hearst, and I don’t think she’d want anything to do with me, and when I talk about her I get kind of light-headed and--
Danny: Relax, Nishan. Don’t make yourself pass out. I’ll help you get your files from the security whatever.
Nishan: Oh, thanks, Danny! I will be forever in your debt! Well, not forever, given the inevitable heat death of the universe, but as long as theoretically possible. Now follow me!
Nishan leads you to a computer lab, where several virtual reality headsets sit plugged into a central computer.
Danny: Oh man, when you said virtual reality, you really meant it! Is this going to be all bending spoons and riding lightcycles?
Nishan: ...more or less. Just keep an open mind.
The two of you strap in and slide on the headsets.
Danny: Hey, this isn’t one of those things where if you die in the game, you die in real life, right?
Nishan: Of course not! Well, probably not. You know what? Let’s just avoid dying. That’s probably good advice in any scenario.
Requirement
- Danny
- Nishan
You put on the bulky headset, and Nishan boots up the computer. Everything goes fuzzy and pixelated... And then you find yourself standing in a perfect recreation of Hearst High! It’s so real you feel like you’re actually there!
Danny: Wow, Nishan, this is incredible...
Nishan: It’s a beta. I still have to get rid of a lot of bugs... Literally. These giant bugs keep spawning in the basements. I have no idea why.
Danny: Well, we’ll stay out of the basement, I guess. How do we get to your files?
Nishan: I keep them in the science building which is all the way on the other side of campus...
Danny: That’s not very far.
Nishan: Oh, I’m not worried about the distance. I’m worried about the enemies the security system is going to spawn to block our path.
Danny: Enemies? Like what?
Nishan: Well... for example... like that ravenous, brain-eating zombie standing right behind you.
Danny: Aaaaaaah!
You spin away just as a decomposing ghoul swipes at you, grabbing your shoulder! You turn to run, but the zombie has already got ahold of you! It bites into your shoulder!
Danny: Ahhhhh!
Nishan: No! Danny! You can’t die yet! We haven’t even gotten to the cafeteria!
Nishan grabs a fire extinguisher from a nearby rack and hurls it into the zombie’s head! It explodes in a spray of pixels!
Danny: Thanks, Nishan... you really saved my life back there. My virtual life, anyway. Hey, quick question. Is this the kind of zombie bite where I’m going to turn into a zombie, and you have to kill me?
Nishan: ...in the interest of maintaining a functional, professional relationship, I would prefer not to answer that question.
Danny: Why would you program zombie bites into your security system?
Nishan: It’s how zombies work! Who am I to mess with genre conventions? On another note... it might not be a bad time to run.
You turn around to see a dozen more zombies staggering your way!
Danny: Oh crap! Move!
You and Nishan take off sprinting across the virtual campus!
Time - 6 hours
You and Nishan burst into an abandoned classroom, a horde of zombies at your heels!
Danny: Quick! Barricade the doors!
Nishan: With what? I don’t see any convenient boards or easily-hammerable nails!
Danny: Just shove some desks in front of it!
Nishan: This just doesn’t make sense! There shouldn’t be this many zombies! I never programmed it like this! It’s almost like the security system is improving itself...
Carefully, the two of you lock the door behind you and emerge into a hallway. It’s a charred shell of itself, lined with spikes and fires...
Danny: What’s going on here?
Nishan: Zombies are just the first wave. Now that we’re deeper into the school, we’re on level 2, the post-apocalyptic wasteland. And that means we’re going to have to face...
Nishan is cut off by the boom of the door flying open. You look over to see a hulking giant mutant, decked out in black armor, clutching a huge, spiked club...
Big Boss Julian: Me Big Boss Julian! You pathetic bugs! Boss Julian crush your puny heads!
Danny: Really, Nishan? REALLY?
Nishan: I was in a bad place when I programmed this part, okay?!
Big Boss Julian: JULIAN SMASH!
Moments later, you and Nishan sprint out of the burned classroom! Behind you, Boss Julian blocks your path!
Big Boss Julian: Nobody go in or out! That the Boss Julian way!
Nishan: I don’t know what’s happening! Boss Julian isn’t supposed to be anywhere near this big! This whole simulation is out of hand! What do we do, Danny? We can’t beat him!
Danny: No... but if you can hold the fort, I think I know someone who can!
Requirements
- Julian
In the real world, you lead Julian into the classroom where Nishan is still plugged into the VR setup...
Julian: So hold up, what am I doing here again? We’re gonna play a video game?
Danny: Sort of, but it’s going to seem completely real.
Julian: So like Halo?
Danny: More real than that. Like, virtual reality.
Julian: So like Halo 4? Because that game is siiiiiick...
Danny: Just put on the headset, Julian. You’ll see from there.
Julian: Yeah, yeah...
You and Julian log in to find yourselves back in the post-apocalyptic wasteland. Neaby, Nishan cowers behind a chunk of debris.
Nishan: There you are! It took you long enough... I almost died five times! I’m just lucky I’ve got world-class cowering skills...
Julian: Yo, these are some crazy good graphics. This is, like, Halo 5 status...
Just then, Boss Julian stomps out from a building and spots you!
Big Boss Julian: More little bugs for the crushing! Julian smash! JULIAN SMASH!
Julian: What the... is that... is that supposed to be me?!
Nishan: Uh, Julian, listen, before you get mad, I can explain...
Julian: I’m AWESOME!
Julian runs towards Big Boss Julian!
Julian: Hey! Gigantor me! Cool armor, man! Is that club fun to swing? Tell me everything!
Big Boss Julian: Little me...? We fight!
Julian: Yeah, all right! Let’s do this!
Real Julian runs over and tackles Boss Julian! The two fall back into the rubble!
Nishan: Utterly fascinating... a pitched battle between real and virtual brawn. My money’s on Boss Julian, but it could really go either way...
Danny: Nishan, focus! To the science building!
Time - 7 hours
You and Nishan burst into the science building. It’s overgrown with wires that climb the walls like ivy.
Danny: Nishan, what’s going on here?
Nishan: I have a theory. When I last logged on, I ran an automated script to try to refine the AI. I must have left it running! I think this whole time, the AI has been growing... learning... evolving! It must have gained sentience! It’s alive! And it’s mad! The human race is doomed!
Danny: Yeah, well, we made it to your files, right? We can just get them and leave, then shut the whole thing down?
Nishan: Oh yeah. Good point. The human race is fine!
Nishan turns to a file folder floating in the center of the room labeled ‘Nishan PRIVATE’. He takes a step towards it... When there’s the rumbling roar of an earthquake! The room trembles, the floor cracks open...
Nishan: Oh, this is going to be bad, isn’t it...?
A massive cyborg squid bursts out of the ground, suspended on a nest of cables!
Nishan: It’s... the AI core...
Two heads jut out of its metallic body...
MaxBot: Intruder scum! Intruder scum!
KaraBot: Organic life will be purged from the digital world!
MaxBot: Only then shall the KaraMax DigiGod rule eternal!
Danny: Uh... Nishan?
Nishan: Okay, yes, I’ve got some issues. Yes, I should probably stop putting people I know into my games. Yes, I should maybe see a counselor. But right now could we just focus on the cyborg squid trying to kill us?!
Max and Kara shoot lasers out of their eyes! You and Nishan scramble behind cover!
Nishan: What do we do?! WHAT DO WE DO?!
You look around the room at all the science supplies...
Danny: I’ve got an idea, but I’ll need to go get some help...
Nishan: I’m holding down the fort, aren’t I? Well, hurry up! There’s not a lot of room to cower!
Danny: Just keep the simulation running!
Requirements
- A Gamer (Isabella)
- A Cheerleader (Channing)
- A Dancer (Kate)
You lead Isabella, Channing, and Kate into the science lab...
Kate: What are doing here again?
Danny: Virtual reality. Nishan’s files. Crazy KaraMax DigiGod CyberSquid. Just put the headsets on and follow my plan.
Channing: Is that thing going to mess up my hair?
Danny: ...I’d rather not answer that.
Isabella: Let’s do this!
Time - 8 hours
You, Isabella, Channing, and Kate appear in the room just where you left! Nishan is still hiding from the KaraMax DigiGod.
Isabella: Whoa...
Danny: Go now! Stick to the plan! Channing, you deal with the Kara head...
Channing: Two, four, six, eight, who did not exfoliate? It’s Kara! Yeah, yeah, she’s ugly! Yeah, yeah!
KaraBot: Who dares insult the Queen of the Cybernetic Age?
Kara swivels, grabbing at Channing with a swarm of digital tentacles!
Danny: Now, Kate!
Kate: Hey, Max! You think you’re soooooo good... but can you hit this?
MaxBot: The MaxBot can hit anything! ANYTHING!
Kate gracefully twirls and pirouettes, effortlessly dodging Max’s laser bursts!
Danny: Both heads are distracted! Go for it, Isabella!
Isabella slides across the room, grabs a small tank of flammable butane, and with perfect hand-eye coordination, tosses it into the tangle of wires at the base of the AI’s core...
Isabella: Wait... who’s going to light it?
Danny: I got that!
You grab a lighter and run over, sliding under lasers and tentacles! You get right up to the tank... When your arm seizes with agony! It’s the zombie bite! You’re turning!
Danny: Argggh!
Nishan: Oh no! Why did I have to program it to go off at the most dramatic possible second? Curse my love of impeccable story-telling!
The lighter falls out of your hand and rolls across the floor... Where Autumn appears out of nowhere and grabs it! She spins and throws it effortlessly into the gas streaming out of the butane tank!
Danny: Autumn! What are you doing here?
Autumn: I was wondering where everyone went, and I found you guys all in here! This looks like a fun game...
The tank goes off with a thunderous boom, severing the KaraMax squid from its support cables!
KaraBot: Noooooo!
The KaraMax DigiGod hits the ground with a thud. As it powers down, the world around you flickers, slowly returning to normal. Outside, the enemies all fade.
Danny: We did it! We beat the AI core!
Nishan: I haven’t been so happy to see one of my creations destroyed since the Skunkodile incident! That was a scary, smelly time...
In the ruins of the courtyard, Julian cradles Boss Julian as he fades away...
Julian: Goodbye, my friend... I only wish we’d gotten more time...
Big Boss Julian: Boss Julian now know why you cry... and it is something Boss Julian can never do.
Danny: Thanks for helping out, guys. I really appreciate it.
Isabella: Sure thing, Danny. This school gets crazier ever day.
All your friends log out, leaving just you and Nishan.
Danny: Well? What are you waiting for? Go get your files!
Nishan runs over and grabs the folder. As he does, it flips open and a bunch of photos fall out. You can see a young Nishan with his parents... Nishan posing with a Science Fair trophy... Nishan and Sakura together, laughing and having a good time.
Nishan: Oh... uh... those are nothing... I mean... uh... plans... science plans... for science...
Danny: Sure, they are. And I’m sure these science plans have some real sentimental value.
Nishan: They... might...
Danny: It’s okay, Nishan. You don’t have to be embarrassed. Everyone likes to keep emotional souvenirs. Most of us don’t hide them behind evolving, sentient AI systems... but hey! That’s what makes you special!
Nishan: ...thanks, Danny. Really.
Danny: Next time you need help though, I’d really give that Sakura girl a call. I bet the headset fits her anyway.
Nishan: Yeah... I bet it does.