THE UNVEILING (Interactive Fiction Freewrite)

an Interactive Fiction Freewrite by A.E. Jackson

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After several months working in the dank cavern with a team of interns, your work as Lead Archaeologist paid off. Today, along with the Natural History Museum, you plan to unveil your discovery to the world.

Looking down at the press from the wooden platform, you announce that when you return you will answer all their questions. It is now time to enter the cavern with the Head Curator, and the City Mayor.

If you walk into the cave entrance, turn to 15.

If you climb into the small train car, turn to 25.

15 -

As you descend into the cavern on foot, the Mayor complains she is light headed. The Head Curator begins to feel woozy. You also notice a thick fog surrounding your small party.

If you run back to the entrance, turn to 35.

If you continue forward, turn to 45.

25 -

The old coal bin was converted with plush seats to convey dignitaries into the depths of the dig site.

You release the break and begin to descend the slopping rail. The car picks up speed as it plunges into the darkness.

It is at this time you recall there was a split in the track. One proceeding to the dig site, the other over a precipise.

If you direct the car to the left, turn to 55.

If you direct the car to the right, turn to 65.

35 -

The mist frightens the Mayor most, which is why she bolted for the exit first. Soon to follow were you, and the Head Curator.

The reporters were disappointed in your swift return, and ridiculed you in Sunday's papers for falsifying your discovery in the cavern.

45 -

You venture forward, and the mist turns into a dense fog. You cannot see your hands in front of your face.

As you proceed, large fronds of giant ferns brush against your face, and body. The fog clears and you find yourself standing in the past.

A wild and woolly mammoth stomps past your little group of terrified, unintentional explorers.

55 -

As the small train car sways first right, and then jolts to the left, the Mayor looks at you with concern.

You assure her that you know where you are headed, and silently pray you were right.

No sooner than you complete your petition than the bioluminecensets of the cavern illuminate the deep crevace before you.

The track's jagged edge is announced with bright orange cones and a criss crossing wooden barrier which you violently crash through.

65 -

As the small train car sways first left, and then jolts to the right, the Mayor looks at you with concern.

You assure her that you know where you are headed, and silently pray you were right.

Up ahead, the glow of lanterns begins to seep into the tunnel.

You apply the hand break and come to a gentle stop inside a gigantic room. The central dig site.

On the southern wall of the domed cathedral, as if stepping out of time, stands the full body profile of a giant wooly mammoth.

T H E E N D

© 2019, A.E. Jackson. All rights reserved.

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