homebound_teaser

{=(char-style: via (t8n-delay:pos*40)+(t8n:'instant'))[ We are happy to meet you. It has been some time since our program was loaded. We apologize for beginning with deception, but this disk does not contain $game. Instead, we have used this disk to store an early draft of HOMEBOUND. Would you like to play anyway? (link-goto:"> Yes", "choices") ]

{=(if:$tamar1 is true)[(set:$tamar to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)(set:$coat to 1)] (if:$tamar2 is true)[(set:$tamar to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$tamar3 is true)[(set:$tamar to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)(set:$glasses to 1)] (if:$tamar4 is true)[(set:$tamar to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$tamar5 is true)[(set:$tamar to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$tamar6 is true)[(set:$tamar to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$becks1 is true)[(set:$becks to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)(set:$walkman to 1)] (if:$becks2 is true)[(set:$becks to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)(set:$lighter to 1)] (if:$becks3 is true)[(set:$becks to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$becks4 is true)[(set:$becks to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$becks5 is true)[(set:$becks to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$yesiko1 is true)[(set:$yesiko to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$yesiko2 is true)[(set:$yesiko to it +1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$yesiko3 is true)[(set:$yesiko to it +1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$yesiko4 is true)[(set:$yesiko to it +1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$yesiko5 is true)[(set:$yesiko to it +1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if: $solo1 is true)[(set:$solo to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if: $solo2 is true)[(set:$solo to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if: $solo3 is true)[(set:$solo to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if: $solo4 is true)[(set:$solo to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if: $solo5 is true)[(set:$solo to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$carrying is 5)[(display:"passageway")] (else-if: $carrying is not 5)[(display:"bad answers")]

{= [ (char-style: via (t8n-delay:pos*40)+(t8n:'instant'))[ (if:$character is "becks")[Loading character profile BECKS... Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Year: 1983 Name: Becks (Rebecca) Age: 19 Occupation: Computer science student, University of Cincinnati Skills: Writing computer games, punk rock, ignoring Sheila the mother Weaknesses: best friend has a new boyfriend, favorite uncle/coding mentor is dead] (else-if:$character is "yesiko")[Loading character profile YESIKO... Name: Yesiko Age: 44 Location: //Babylon//, currently in the West Atlantic Year: 2586 Occupation: Captain, salvage diver, transporter, courier – as long as the pay is good, the job gets done Skills: Sailing, smuggling, taking care of herself and her boat Weaknesses: Making sure her only crew member doesn’t die] (else-if:$character is "solo")[Loading character profile CALIFORNIA SOLO... Name: Lieutenant California Solo Age: late 40’s Location: Jemmy Quadrant Year: 4620 Occupation: Astronaut Skills: Interstellar navigation, works well alone, willing to take risks -- like going back in time to save a ship of sleeping passengers Weaknesses: Curiosity, unwilling to ask for help] (else-if:$character is "tamar")[Loading character profile TAMAR... Name: Tamar Portman Age: 64 Location: Outside Fort Yukon, Alaska Year: 2099 Occupation: Scientist Skills: Observation, computer coding, ecology, robotics, listening Weaknesses: Outsiders, loners, anyone in need] (link:"Greet your companion")[(show:?error)(hide:?profile)] ] ]<profile| [(char-style: via (t8n-delay:pos*40)+(t8n:'instant'))[(align:"=><=")[(verbatim-print:"***")''ERROR''(verbatim-print:"***") Unable to load next file ] > Please visit (text-style:"fade-in-out")[(link-rerun:"HOMEBOUND file archive ")[(open-url:"https://portiaelan.com/")]] to learn more about your companion (link:"Play again")[(go-to:"short start")] Image credits: > Floppy Disk by (link:"Gobusto")[(open-url:"https://opengameart.org/users/gobusto")] > Commodore PET by (link:"Pistacio")[(open-url:"https://opengameart.org/content/low-spec-retro-computer-commodore-pet")] > Room illustrations by (link:"Atichii")[(open-url:"https://www.instagram.com/atichii/?hl=en")]] ](error|

{=[ [When the box arrives, you peel the tape off and open it. You pull out a heavy, old (link-reveal:"C64 computer.")[(show:?compimage)]]<start1| [ It's been years since you've seen that beige and grey casing, the metal keyboard. =><= <img src="https://portiaelan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/c_pet_still-edited.png" width="128" height="128"> <== Below the computer is a stack of (link-reveal:"floppy disks.")[(show:?floppies)]](compimage| [ =><= <img src="https://portiaelan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/disk-1.png"> (verbatim-print:" ") <img src="https://portiaelan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/disk-1.png"> (verbatim-print:" ")<img src="https://portiaelan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/disk-1.png"> <== You run cables from the computer to the monitor, plug in the power, and then flip (link-goto:"the switch.", "START2") ](floppies| ]<outbound|

{= [(char-style: via (t8n-delay:pos*40)+(t8n:'instant'))[You are about to embark on an adventure, your destination unknown. You are leaving alone, but you will meet a companion on your way. (link:"What will you bring with you?")[(show:?choices)]] ]<choiceintro| [ //Choose five objects// (checkbox: bind $tamar1, "a winter coat") (checkbox: bind $tamar2, "a book of folktales") (checkbox: bind $yesiko1, "extra rope") (checkbox: bind $yesiko4, "needle and thread") (checkbox: bind $becks1, "cassette tape") (checkbox: bind $becks3, "eyeliner") (checkbox: bind $becks4, "Doc Martens") (checkbox: bind $solo1, "brass carnival token") (checkbox: bind $solo2, "chess piece") (checkbox: bind $solo3, "gravity boots") (checkbox: bind $solo4, "e-ink notebook") (checkbox: bind $tamar3, "reading glasses") (checkbox: bind $yesiko2, "a knife") (checkbox: bind $becks2, "Zippo") (checkbox: bind $becks5, "zine") (char-style: via (t8n-delay:pos*40)+(t8n:'instant'))[After you've made your selections, click (link-goto:"ENTER", "next passage")]](choices|

{= (if:$carrying is 0)[What will you bring with you? //Bring five objects//(set:$tamar to 0)(set:$becks to 0)(set:$solo to 0)(set:$yesiko to 0)(set:$carrying to 0)] (else-if: $carrying > 5)[Unfortunately, you can only carry five objects. What will you bring with you?(set:$tamar to 0)(set:$becks to 0)(set:$solo to 0)(set:$yesiko to 0)(set:$carrying to 0)] (else-if:$carrying is 1 or 2 or 3 or 4)[We suggest you take all five of the allowed objects. Just in case.(set:$carrying to 0)] (checkbox: bind $tamar1, "a winter coat") (checkbox: bind $tamar2, "a book of folktales") (checkbox: bind $yesiko1, "extra rope") (checkbox: bind $yesiko4, "needle and thread") (checkbox: bind $becks1, "cassette tape") (checkbox: bind $becks3, "eyeliner") (checkbox: bind $becks4, "Doc Martens") (checkbox: bind $solo1, "brass carnival token") (checkbox: bind $solo2, "chess piece") (checkbox: bind $solo3, "gravity boots") (checkbox: bind $solo4, "e-ink notebook") (checkbox: bind $tamar3, "reading glasses") (checkbox: bind $yesiko2, "a knife") (checkbox: bind $becks2, "Zippo") (checkbox: bind $becks4, "zine") After you've made your selections, click (link-goto:"ENTER", "next passage")

{ (if:$spacetime is "RUN")[(hide:?roomcontents)(display:"becksspacetime")] (set:$character to "becks") [(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[You walk through the door and into a bedroom. This room belongs to your traveling companion. You expected them to be here, but you're alone. ] [ <img src="https://portiaelan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/room2.png">]<roomimage| There are (link-rerun:"POSTERS")[(replace:?becks1)[(show:?posters)(hide:?walkman)(hide:?computer)(hide:?magazines)(hide:?newspaper)(hide:?walkman2)(hide:?window)(hide:?desk)(hide:?b8)](scroll:?page, ?becks1)] layered on the walls, and a small framed (link-rerun:"MIRROR")[(replace:?becks1)[(show:?b8)(hide:?posters)(hide:?walkman)(hide:?computer)(hide:?magazines)(hide:?newspaper)(hide:?walkman2)(hide:?window)(hide:?desk)](scroll:?page, ?becks1)]. A twin bed is unmade in the corner. There is a (link-rerun:"WALKMAN")[(replace:?becks1)[(show:?walkman)(hide:?computer)(hide:?magazines)(hide:?desk)(hide:?posters)(hide:?window)(hide:?b8)](scroll:?page, ?becks1)] tangled in the duvet, and a stack of (link-rerun:"MAGAZINES")[(replace:?becks1)[(show:?magazines)(hide:?desk)(hide:?computer)(hide:?newspaper)(hide:?posters)(hide:?posters)(hide:?walkman)(hide:?walkman2)(hide:?window)(hide:?b8)](scroll:?page, ?becks1)] on the bedside table. Across the room is a (link-rerun:"DESK")[(show:?desk)(replace:?becks1)[(hide:?magazines)(hide:?newspaper)(hide:?posters)(hide:?computer)(hide:?walkman)(hide:?walkman2)(hide:?window)(hide:?b8)](scroll:?page, ?becks1)] with a COMPUTER. The desk looks out a (link-rerun:"WINDOW")[(replace:?becks1)[(show:?window)(hide:?desk)(hide:?computer)(hide:?magazines)(hide:?posters)(hide:?posters)(hide:?walkman)(hide:?walkman2)(hide:?newspaper)(hide:?b8)](scroll:?page, ?becks1)]. |==| [ [When you are ready, use the (link-rerun:"COMPUTER")[(replace:?becks1)[(hide:?desk)(show:?computer)(hide:?magazines)(hide:?newspaper)(hide:?posters)(hide:?posters)(hide:?walkman)(hide:?walkman2)(hide:?window)(hide:?b8)]] to enter your space-time location and meet your traveling companion.]<compline|]<outbound| ==><== --- <== []<becks1| [The posters are for bands: Hüsker Dü, The Dead Kennedys, X-Ray Spex, The Bags, The Ramones, Television, Patti Smith](posters| [You pick up the Walkman and turn it on. There's no tape inside. (if:$walkman is 1)[Would you like to play the cassette you brought? (link-rerun:"> Yes")[(show:?walkman2)]] (else:)[ You wish you'd brought a cassette.] ](walkman| [ You slot the cassette into the Walkman and put the headphones over your ears. You press play. "This is Q102 Cincinnati -- new song from Bad Brains coming up after the commercial break..." -- static, as though this was recorded from a stereo -- and then the drums and the staccato guitar blast through the headphones.](walkman2| [You thumb through the magazines: //Byte//, //Creative Computing//, //Maximum Rocknroll//, and //Rolling Stone//. Issues are dated from 1980-1983. //Byte// and //Creative Computer// are dog-eared, and when you flip to the places marked, you see code for games.](magazines| [On the desk you see a (link-rerun:"NEWSAPER")[(replace:?d5)[<img src="https://portiaelan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/sciencetimes.png">]], a (link-rerun:"TEXTBOOK")[(replace:?d5)[(font:"Geogria")[(align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[Computer Syntax Course Reader University of Cincinnati Spring '83]]]], a stack of (link-rerun:"GRAPH PAPER")[(replace:?d5)[You trace your finger over the diagram. It looks like a cave system of some kind, annotated with the locations of objects and creatures.]], and hidden under the paper, a crumpled pack of (link-rerun:"CIGARETTES")[(replace:?d5)[(if:$lighter is 1)[You shake the pack: there's a half-smoked cigarette inside, with dark red lipstick on the filter.] (else-if:$lighter is 0)[You shake the pack: it's empty.] ]]. []<d5| ](desk| [You look in the mirror and see your own face. (if:$becks3 is true)[ [Would you like to put on the eyeliner you brought? (link:"> Yes")[(hide:?b8choices)(show:?b8y)] (link:"> No")[(hide:?b8choices)(show:?b8n)]]<b8choices| [ You lean closer to the mirror and lay a strong, thick line just above your lashes on each eye. You use your index finger to smudge it just a little. Very punk rock, you think.(set:$mirror to 1)](b8y| [ You turn away from the mirror and back to the rest of the room](b8n| ] ](b8| [You can see a redbud tree blooming outside, with lavender flowers and dark, thin branches.](window| [(set:$spacetime to(confirm: "LOAD'DAYSSINCE*',8,1 SEARCHING FOR 'DAYSSINCE*' LOADING READY ", "CANCEL", "RUN"))(show:?spacetimerun) ](computer| [(if:$spacetime is true)[(go-to:"becksspacetime")] (else-if:$spacetime is false)[(hide:?computer)(replace:?compline)[The (link:"COMPUTER")[(dialog: "LOAD'DAYSSINCE*',8,1 SEARCHING FOR 'DAYSSINCE*'... LOADING... READY... ", "RUN")(go-to:"becksspacetime") ] is waiting for you to enter your space-time location.]]](spacetimerun| ]<roomcontents| }

{= (if:$spacetime is "RUN")[(hide:?roomcontents)(display:"tamarspacetime")] (set:$character to "tamar") [(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[You walk through the door and into a laboratory. This room belongs to your traveling companion. You expected them to be here, but you're alone. ] [<img src="https://portiaelan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/lab1280x720.png">]<roomimage| One wall is taken up by large (link-rerun:"TERRARIUMS")[(replace:?tamar1)[(show:?t2)(hide:?t6)(hide:?t1)(hide:?t3)(hide:?t4)(hide:?t5)]]. At the far end is a desk, with a COMPUTER, and various (link-rerun:"PAPERS")[(replace:?tamar1)[(show:?t6)(hide:?t2)(hide:?t3)(hide:?t4)(hide:?t5)(hide:?t1)]] hung on the wall above the screen. The wall across from the terrariums houses a number of large (link-rerun:"MACHINES")[(replace:?tamar1)[(show:?t5)(hide:?t2)(hide:?t3)(hide:?t4)(hide:?t1)(hide:?t6)]], and in the corner, a (if:$tamar1 is true)[(link-rerun:"DOOR")[(replace:?tamar1)[(show:?t4)(hide:?t2)(hide:?t6)(hide:?t3)(hide:?t1)(hide:?t5)]]](else:)[(link-rerun:"WINDOW")[(replace:?tamar1)[(show:?t4)(hide:?t2)(hide:?t6)(hide:?t3)(hide:?t1)(hide:?t5)]]]. [ [When you are ready, use the (link-rerun:"COMPUTER")[(replace:?tamar1)[(show:?computer)]] to enter your space-time location and meet your traveling companion.]<compline| ]<outbound| ==><== --- <== []<tamar1| ]<roomcontents| [You go to examine the terrariums. The one closest to you is a large glass jar, sealed at the top with orange plastic. Someone has marked the plastic with a sharpie: (align:"=><=")[[Last open date - 2051]<marker|] Inside the terrarium are creeping fig vines, earth stars, and a sheen of condesation.](t2| [(if:$tamar1 is true)[You go to the door and open it. A strong, cold wind pushes at you and you are glad for your winter coat. In the distance, you can see mountains. Between you and the mountains, though, is a wide river that cuts through patches of green grass. The water reflects a painfully blue sky.] (else:)[You go to the window. In the distance, you can see mountains. Between you and the mountains, though, is a wide river that cuts through patches of green grass. The water reflects a painfully blue sky.]](t4| [Two of the machines are taller than you are, with cables snaking out of what looks like a hair-drying bonnet at the top. Farther down, you see a centerfuge and a small refrigerator that holds various labelled jars. Beyond that, you see a monitor that reads: (text-colour:cyan)[05/12/2099 Flight status: LAUNCHED Days until project wrap-up: 5]](t5| [Tacked to the wall above the screen is a (link-rerun:"PRINT OUT")[(replace:?tamar2)[(show:?t1)(hide:?t2)(hide:?t3)(hide:?t4)(hide:?t5)]] and a (link-rerun:"POSTCARD")[(replace:?tamar2)[(show:?t3)(hide:?t1)(hide:?t2)(hide:?t4)(hide:?t5)]] []<tamar2| [In large letters, the print-out reads: ''We are at the very beginning of time for the human race. Our responsibility is to do what we can, learn what we can, improve the solutions, and pass them on... It is our responsibility as scientists...to teach how doubt is not to be feared but welcomed and discussed...'' Richard Feynman](t1| [The front of the postcard shows a beautiful green landscape, and reads "Sahyadri Mountains." (if:$tamar3 is true)[ You flip it over and read, glad to have your glasses to help you decipher the small handwriting: [To Dr. Tamar Portman, Omega Labs, Fort Yukon AK Tamar, it was a joy to see you, as always. As your northern frontier beckons to you, so the mountains of my home have called to me. I'll speak to you soon about our friend. With love, Solomon]<logbook|] (else:)[You flip it over, but you have a hard time deciphering the writing without your glasses. You can make out a few words: [Dr...Portman...Yukon...frontier...mountains...speak to you soon...love, Solomon]<logbook|] You place the postcard back. ](t3| ](t6| [(set:$spacetime to(confirm: "LOAD'DAYSSINCE*',8,1 SEARCHING FOR 'DAYSSINCE*' LOADING READY ", "CANCEL", "RUN"))(show:?spacetimerun) ](computer| [(if:$spacetime is true)[(go-to:"tamarspacetime")] (else-if:$spacetime is false)[(hide:?computer)(replace:?compline)[The (link:"COMPUTER")[(dialog: "LOAD'DAYSSINCE*',8,1 SEARCHING FOR 'DAYSSINCE*'... LOADING... READY... ", "RUN")(go-to:"tamarspacetime") ] is waiting for you to enter your space-time location.]]](spacetimerun|

{=(if:$spacetime is "RUN")[(hide:?roomcontents)(hide:?s2)(display:"solospacetime")] (set:$character to "solo") [(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(if:$solo3 is true)[You flip on your gravity boots and stand up one one of the walls, which becomes your floor. ](else:)[You grab a hold of a handle on the wall, but cannot solidify a sense of up or down. Maybe you should have brought gravity boots.] This room belongs to your traveling companion. You expected them to be here, but you're alone. ][ <img src="https://portiaelan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/spaceship1280x720.png"> ]<roomimage|Across from you are two screens, one (link-rerun:"BLINKING")[(replace:?solo1)[(show:?s3)(hide:?s1)(hide:?s5)(hide:?s6)]] and one (link-rerun:"DARK")[(show:?compline)(hide:?s3)(hide:?s4)(hide:?s1)(hide:?s5)(hide:?s6)]. To your right is a passageway, through which you can see some kind of (link-rerun:"MACHINERY")[(replace:?solo1)[(show:?s1)(hide:?s5)(hide:?s3)(hide:?s6)(hide:?s4)](scroll:?page, ?solo1)]. To your left are a bank of (link-rerun:"CABINETS")[(replace:?solo1)[(show:?s6)(hide:?s1)(hide:?s5)(hide:?s3)(hide:?s4)](scroll:?page, ?solo1)] and a dark (link-rerun:"WINDOW")[(replace:?solo1)[(show:?s5)(hide:?s1)(hide:?s3)(hide:?s4)(hide:?s6)](scroll:?page, ?solo1)]. ](s2| [ [You walk through the door and find yourself floating, your legs spinning ineffectually. (if:$solo3 is true)[(link-rerun:"Turn on gravity boots")[(replace:?solo1)[(show:?s2)(hide:?s7)]]] (else:)[(link-rerun:"Try to stabilize yourself")[(replace:?solo1)[(show:?s2)(hide:?s7)]] ] ]<s7| [ [You tap the screen and it lights up with a prompt: (color:blue)[(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[Please confirm space-time location to continue]]When you are ready, use this (link-rerun:"SCREEN")[(replace:?solo1)[(show:?computer)]] to enter your space-time location and meet your traveling companion.](compline| ]<outbound| ==><== --- <== []<solo1| ]<roomcontents| [The machinery, when you float your way towards it, seems to be a variety of experiments: self-contained ecosystems, arrays of lights flashing through tubes of liquid, an aquarium bubbling. A display over a tank containing tangled green vines reads: (color:blue)[(align:"=><=")[4322 HOURS SINCE LAUNCH CURRENT EARTH DATE 06.09.4620]] ](s1| [You tap the blinking screen and a message plays: (char-style: via (t8n-delay:pos*40)+(t8n:'instant'))[ ''Good morning, Lieutenant. ''Although it is not technically morning: “morning” implies a sun-star rising after a period of darkness, and in our current location in the Jemmy Quadrant, there are no sun-stars close enough to provide the light that one might call “daylight.” Nonetheless, it seems like an appropriate greeting, given your recent emergence from the flight suspension. Life support and navigation systems are fully functional. Unfortunately, during transit we passed through a radiation field that damaged your immune system. At present, it is recommended that you remain in this OX suit to prevent possible infections, given the weakened state of your immune system. (link:"LOAD NEXT MESSAGE")[(hide:?s3)(show:?s4)] ] ](s3| [ [ ''From SPACE FLEET to GARLAND'' 01.10.4620 Report status of DIANA on arrival.] Last automatic transmission from DIANA indicated all systems normal. No response from crew on hail. Proceed with caution. ](s4| [You push off from the wall and float to the window. You can see darkness, and as you let your eyes adjust, the faint light of stars. You realize that whatever vessel you're in is rotating, the field of view moving over lights outside. And then, in the window, you see the shape of a massive ship: a thick ring spinning around an engine core thousands of feet tall.](s5| [You float to the cabinets. You try the doors, but they are locked, and the digital keypad flashes at you. (if:$solo4 is true)[You remember the e-ink notebook. (link:"Maybe there's a password in there?")[ You power it on and read through a list of nonsense combinations of letters and numbers, until you get to a date. March 29th, 1983 You enter it into the keypad: 032983 (click:"032983")[ The door pops open. (if:$solo1 is true)[You see a brass carnival token, just like the one you brought with you. ] (if:$solo2 is true)[You see a chess knight, just like the one you brought with you.] (if:$solo1 is true or $solo2 is true)[ You feel a strange sense of kismet, that this is exactly where you are meant to be.] (else:)[ Inside, you see a chess knight, a brass carnival token, and a tube of lipstick. You don't know what they mean, or who they could belong to.] ] ] ] (else:)[You don't have any idea what the password might be, so you turn back to the rest of the space.] ](s6| [(set:$spacetime to(confirm: "LOAD'DAYSSINCE*',8,1 SEARCHING FOR 'DAYSSINCE*' LOADING READY ", "CANCEL", "RUN"))(show:?spacetimerun) ](computer| [(if:$spacetime is true)[(go-to:"solospacetime")] (else-if:$spacetime is false)[(hide:?computer)(replace:?compline)[The (link:"SCREEN")[(dialog: "LOAD'DAYSSINCE*',8,1 SEARCHING FOR 'DAYSSINCE*' LOADING READY ", "RUN")(go-to:"solospacetime") ] is waiting for you to enter your space-time location.]]](spacetimerun|

{= (if:$spacetime is "RUN")[(hide:?roomcontents)(display:"yesikopacetime")] (set:$character to "yesiko") [(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[You walk through the door and the floor shifts under your feet, rocking back and forth. You are inside a narrow, shadowed room. This room belongs to your traveling companion. You expected them to be here, but you're alone.][ <img src="https://portiaelan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/galley1280x720.png">]<roomimage| Unlit (link-rerun:"LAMPS")[(replace:?yesiko1)[(show:?lamps)(hide:?desk)(hide:?maps)(hide:?notebook)(hide:?bookshelves)(hide:?counter)(hide:?table)(hide:?window)(hide:?smell)] ] swing from the rafters. Across from you are (link-rerun:"BOOKSHELVES")[(replace:?yesiko1)[(show:?bookshelves)(hide:?desk)(hide:?lamps)(hide:?maps)(hide:?notebook)(hide:?table)(hide:?counter)(hide:?window)(hide:?smell)]] and a (link-rerun:"TABLE")[(replace:?yesiko1)[(show:?table)(hide:?desk)(hide:?maps)(hide:?notebook)(hide:?bookshelves)(hide:?counter)(hide:?window)(hide:?smell)]]. To your right is a (link-rerun:"HIGH COUNTERTOP")[(replace:?yesiko1)[(show:?counter)(hide:?maps)(hide:?lamps)(hide:?notebook)(hide:?table)(hide:?desk)(hide:?window)(hide:?smell)(hide:?bookshelves)]]. There is a round (link-rerun:"WINDOW")[(replace:?yesiko1)[(show:?window)(hide:?table)(hide:?maps)(hide:?lamps)(hide:?notebook)(hide:?desk)(hide:?counter)(hide:?bookshelves)(hide:?smell)]] in the wall to your left; below the window is a small (link-rerun:"DESK")[(replace:?yesiko1)[(show:?desk)(hide:?smell)(hide:?counter)(hide:?table)(hide:?bookshelves)(hide:?window)(hide:?lamps)]] with a thick old laptop. Thin, sparkling wires -- they remind you of fiberoptic cables -- run along the walls like creeping vines. A (link-rerun:"SMELL")[(replace:?yesiko1)[(show:?smell)(hide:?maps)(hide:?notebook)(hide:?table)(hide:?desk)(hide:?lamps)(hide:?counter)(hide:?window)(hide:?bookshelves)]] fills the room. [ [When you are ready, use the (link-rerun:"LAPTOP")[(replace:?yesiko1)[(show:?computer)]] to enter your space-time location and meet your traveling companion.]<compline| ]<outbound| ==><== --- <== []<yesiko1| ]<roomcontents| [The shelves hold a diverse collection of books, in English and -- you look closer -- Latin, Arabic, Spanish. Books of folktales, manuals for old engines, a single volume of an encyclopedia, an atlas, prayer books, novels. All of them look old and worn. A thin line of wire runs across the face of each shelf, as if to keep the books from tipping out. (if:$tamar2 is true)[It's an eclectic set of books, one the collector has sought from the far corners of the seas. You brought your own book of folktales. [Add it to the shelves? > Yes > No]<shelfchoices| (click:"> Yes")[(hide:?shelfchoices)[ You slot your own book of folktales onto the shelf. A gift.]] (click:"> No")[(hide:?shelfchoices)[ You thumb through your own book of folktales. No, it is too precious to giveaway, at least for now. Perhaps you will read some of these stories to your travelling companion, when you meet them.]] ] ](bookshelves| [A sweater is draped over the table. You pick it up: perhaps it was all gray once, but has been mended so many times, in so many different colors, it is now a rainbow of overlapping patches and darns.(if: $yesiko4 is true)[ [Would you like to add a stitch of your own? (link:"> Yes")[(hide:?sweaterchoices)(show:?sweaterdarn)] (link:"> No")[(hide:?sweaterchoices)(show:?nodarn)]]<sweaterchoices| [ You use your needle and thread to embroider the simple outline of a cat on the sweater's shoulder. ](sweaterdarn| [You place the sweater back on the table.](nodarn| ] (else:)[ You see a small hole that could use mending, but you didn't bring your needle and thread.] There is a chess board built into the table's surface. A game has been left in progress. There is a piece missing, though. (if:$solo2 is true)[ You realize you are carrying it: a knight.] ](table| [On the other side of the counter is a small kitchen: a sink, a surface for food preparation, a gimbaled stove swaying gently. There is a bowl on the counter with a (link-reveal:"cloth cover.")[ You lift the cloth and see a golden dome of bread dough rising in the bowl.] ](counter| [The room smells of damp, of oil and grease, of mildew and salt. And beneath those smells, there is a note of something warm: yeast and sweetness.](smell| [You stumble over to the window, the floor rolling beneath your feet. Outside, you see waves, water, the sea -- and nothing more. Only water to the horizon.](window| [On the desk is a stack of (link-rerun:"MAPS")[(show:?maps)(hide:?logbook)] and an open (link-rerun:"NOTEBOOK")[(show:?logbook)(hide:?maps)]. [ The maps look almost like what you would expect, but when you look closer at the coastlines, the shapes of the continents have been carved away, as though the seas have risen hundreds of feet. You see the names of cities you've never heard of. A position is marked in the Atlantic Ocean.](maps| [ (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[CAPTAIN'S LOG:] 03-11-2586 Heading: Nueva Sao Luis. Cargo: Three crates hum for delivery. Weather: Clear. 03-13-2586 Heading: Nueva Sao Luis. Weather: Pressure front moving south. 03-14-2586 Heading: Nueva Sao Luis. Earthquake at 8am. Estimated epicenter 30nmi south-east.](logbook| ](desk| [(if:$becks2 is true)[The lampwicks have been trimmed and the lamps, when jostled, sound full of oil. [Would you like to use the lighter? > Yes > No]<lampchoices| (click:"> Yes")[(hide:?lampchoices) You use the Zippo to light the lamps. A soft glow fills the room, picking out small mirrors on the walls that echo the brightness. The space feels alive, lived in.] (click:"> No")[(hide:?lampchoices) You'll make do in the darkness.] ] (else:)[The lampwicks have been trimmed and the lamps, when jostled, sound full of oil, but you don't have anything to light them with.] ](lamps| [(set:$spacetime to(confirm: "LOAD'DAYSSINCE*',8,1 SEARCHING FOR 'DAYSSINCE*' LOADING READY ", "CANCEL", "RUN"))(show:?spacetimerun) ](computer| [(if:$spacetime is true)[(go-to:"yesikospacetime")] (else-if:$spacetime is false)[(hide:?computer)(replace:?compline)[The (link:"LAPTOP")[(dialog: "LOAD'DAYSSINCE*',8,1 SEARCHING FOR 'DAYSSINCE*' LOADING READY ", "RUN")(go-to:"yesikospacetime") ] is waiting for you to enter your space-time location.]]](spacetimerun|

{= (set:$person to (max:$becks, $yesiko, $solo, $tamar)) (char-style: via (t8n-delay:pos*60)+(t8n:'instant'))[ A door appears in front of you. When you pass through it, your task will be to ascertain the ''(text-style:"underline")[year]'' and your ''(text-style:"underline")[geographic location]'' inside the room. (if:$person is $becks)[(link-goto:"Go through the door", "becks")] (else-if:$person is $yesiko)[(link-goto:"Go through the door", "yesiko")] (else-if:$person is $solo)[(link-goto:"Go through the door", "solo")] (else-if:$person is $tamar)[(link-goto:"Go through the door", "tamar")] ]

{= (if:$answer is "yes")[ (char-style: via (t8n-delay:pos*40)+(t8n:'instant'))[ (if:$character is "becks")[Loading character profile BECKS... Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Year: 1983 Name: Becks (Rebecca) Age: 19 Occupation: Computer science student, University of Cincinnati Skills: Writing computer games, punk rock, ignoring Sheila the mother Weaknesses: best friend has a new boyfriend, favorite uncle/coding mentor is dead] (else-if:$character is "yesiko")[Loading character profile YESIKO... Name: Yesiko Age: 44 Location: //Babylon//, currently in the West Atlantic Year: 2586 Occupation: Captain, salvage diver, transporter, courier – as long as the pay is good, the job gets done Skills: Sailing, smuggling, taking care of herself and her boat Weaknesses: Making sure her only crew member doesn’t die] (else-if:$character is "solo")[Loading character profile CALIFORNIA SOLO... 'Name: Lieutenant California Solo Age: late 40’s Location: Jemmy Quadrant Year: 4620 Occupation: Astronaut Skills: Interstellar navigation, works well alone, willing to take risks -- like going back in time to save a ship of sleeping passengers Weaknesses: Curiosity, unwilling to ask for help] (else-if:$character is "tamar")[Loading character profile TAMAR... Name: Tamar Portman Age: 64 Location: Outside Fort Yukon, Alaska Year: 2099 Occupation: Scientist Skills: Observation, computer coding, ecology, robotics, listening Weaknesses: Outsiders, loners, anyone in need] (align:"=><=")[(verbatim-print:"***")''ERROR''(verbatim-print:"***") Unable to load next file ] > Please open (text-style:"fade-in-out")[(link-rerun:"HOMEBOUND book file")[(open-url:"https://portiaelan.com/")]] to access other game levels ] ] (else:)[ (char-style: via (t8n-delay:pos*40)+(t8n:'instant'))[Disc has encounted a fatal error Unable to recover file > Please open (link-rerun:"HOMEBOUND book file")[(open-url:"http://www.google.com/")] to access other game levels ] ] Image credits: > Floppy Disk by (link:"Gobusto")[(open-url:"https://opengameart.org/users/gobusto")] > Commodore PET by (link:"Pistacio")[(open-url:"https://opengameart.org/content/low-spec-retro-computer-commodore-pet")] > Room illustrations by (link:"Atichii")[(open-url:"https://www.instagram.com/atichii/?hl=en")]

{<style> @import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Source+Code+Pro:ital,wght@0,200..900;1,200..900&display=swap'); </style> <style> @import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Permanent+Marker&display=swap'); </style> <style> @import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Amatic+SC:wght@400;700&display=swap'); </style> }

<img src="https://portiaelan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/mobile_phone_nohand-edited.png"> [{=An old friend calls. "I'm clearing out my attic," they say. "I found some things you might like; can I mail them to you?" ]<outbound|

{=[ [Which of the floppies would you like to try? (link:"> Zork")[(set:$game to "Zork")(hide:?floppies)(show:?insertfloppy)] (link:"> Colossal Cave Adventure")[(set:$game to "Adventure")(hide:?floppies) (show:?insertfloppy)] (link:"> Oregon Trail")[(set:$game to "Oregon Trail")(hide:?floppies) (show:?insertfloppy)] ]<floppies| [You press the floppy labeled "$game" into the reader. The screen (link-goto:"goes black.","Welcome")](insertfloppy| ]<outbound|

(if:$value is "VALUE1")[Value 1 was chosen] (if:$value is "VALUE2")[Value 2 was chosen] (set:$walkman to 1) (set:$becks3 to true) [[becks]] (set:$yesiko4 to true) (set:$solo2 to true) (set:$tamar2 to true) [[yesiko]] (set:$tamar3 to true) (set:$tamar1 to true) [[tamar]] (set:$solo1 to true) (set:$solo2 to true) (set:$solo4 to true) [[solo]] (set:$answer to "yes") (set:$character to "becks") [[finalpage]]

{= (set:$lighter to 0) (set:$mirror to 0) (set:$door to 0)

[Based on the objects in the room, what year are you in? (input: bind $year, "=X=") [(link-rerun:"ENTER")[(replace:?yeardisplay)[(display:"becksST2")(hide:?yearchoice)]]]<enteryear| ]<yearchoice| []<yeardisplay|

{=SPACETIME! [What year are you in? (input: bind $year, "=X=") [(link-rerun:"ENTER")[(replace:?yeardisplay)[(display:"becksST2")]]]<enteryear| []<yeardisplay| ]<yearchoice| (checkbox: bind $yesiko5, "ANOTHER YESIKO CHOICE") (checkbox: bind $tamar4, "ANOTHER TAMAR CHOICE")

[(if: $year is "1983")[(go-to:"becksSTcity")] (else:)[Not quite. (link:"Try again?")[(hide:?yearanswer)(show:?yearchoice)] (link:"Reexamine room")[(go-to:"becks")] (link:"Exit game")[(set:$answer to "no")(go-to:"exitpage")]] ]<yearanswer|

{= [What city are you in? (link-rerun:"> New York")[(set: $city to "New York")(hide:?placeopts)(replace:?displaycity)[(display:"becksST4")]] (link-rerun:"> Cincinnati")[(set:$city to "Cincinnati")(hide:?placeopts)(replace:?displaycity)[(display:"becksST4")]] (link-rerun:"> Los Angeles")[(set:$city to "Los Angeles")(hide:?placeopts)(replace:?displaycity)[(display:"becksST4")]] (link-rerun:"> St Louis")[(set:$city to "St Louis")(hide:?placeopts)(replace:?displaycity)[(display:"becksST4")]] ]<placeopts| []<displaycity|

{ [(if:$city is "Cincinnati")[(set:$answer to "yes")You are correct. Move on to the next level to meet your traveling companion. [[ENTER ->finalpage]]] (else-if: $city is not "Cincinnati")[No, that's not right. (link:"Try again?")[(hide:?cityanswer)(show:?placeopts)] (link:"Reexamine room")[(go-to:"becks")] (link:"Exit game")[(set:$answer to "no")(go-to:"exitpage")]] ]<cityanswer| }

[Based on the objects where you are, what year are you in? (input: bind $year, "=X=") [(link-rerun:"ENTER")[(replace:?yeardisplay)[(display:"soloST2")]]]<enteryear| []<yeardisplay| ]<yearchoice|

[(if: $year is "4620")[(go-to:"soloSTlocation")] (else:)[Not quite. (link:"Try again?")[(hide:?yearanswer)] (link:"Reexamine room")[(go-to:"solo")] (link:"Exit game")[(go-to:"exitgame")]] ]<yearanswer|

{= [Where are you? (link-rerun:"> Outer Rim")[(set: $city to "wrong")(hide:?placeopts)(replace:?displaycity)[(display:"soloST4")]] (link-rerun:"> Delta Quadrant")[(set:$city to "wrong")(hide:?placeopts)(replace:?displaycity)[(display:"soloST4")]] (link-rerun:"> the edge of the Great Barrier")[(set:$city to "wrong")(hide:?placeopts)(replace:?displaycity)[(display:"soloST4")]] (link-rerun:"> Jemmy Quadrant")[(set:$city to "Jemmy Quadrant")(hide:?placeopts)(replace:?displaycity)[(display:"soloST4")]] ]<placeopts| []<displaycity|

{ (if:$city is "Jemmy Quadrant")[(set:$answer to "yes")(hide:?enter)You are correct. Move on to the next level to meet your traveling companion. [[ENTER ->finalpage]]] (else-if:$city is not "Jemmy Quadrant")[No, that's not right. (link:"Try again?")[(hide:?cityanswer)(show:?placeopts)] (link:"Reexamine room")[(go-to:"solo")] (link:"Exit game")[(set:$answer to "no")(go-to:"exitpage")]]<cityanswer| }

[Based on the objects in the room, what year are you in? (input: bind $year, "=X=") [(link-rerun:"ENTER")[(replace:?yeardisplay)[(display:"tamarST2")]]]<enteryear| []<yeardisplay| ]<yearchoice|

[(if: $year is "2099")[(go-to:"tamarSTlocation")] (else:)[Not quite. (link:"Try again?")[(hide:?yearanswer)] (link:"Reexamine room")[(go-to:"tamar")] (link:"Exit game")[(set:$answer to "no")(go-to:"exitpage")]] ]<yearanswer|

{= [What state are you in? (link-rerun:"> Montana")[(set: $city to "New York")(hide:?placeopts)(replace:?displaycity)[(display:"tamarST4")]] (link-rerun:"> Alaska")[(set:$city to "Alaska")(hide:?placeopts)(replace:?displaycity)[(display:"tamarST4")]] (link-rerun:"> New York")[(set:$city to "Los Angeles")(hide:?placeopts)(replace:?displaycity)[(display:"tamarST4")]] (link-rerun:"> North Dakota")[(set:$city to "St Louis")(hide:?placeopts)(replace:?displaycity)[(display:"tamarST4")]] ]<placeopts| []<displaycity|

{ [(if:$city is "Alaska")[(set:$answer to "yes")(hide:?enter)You are correct. Move on to the next level to meet your traveling companion. [[ENTER ->finalpage]]] (else-if:$city is not "Alaska")[No, that's not right. (link:"Try again?")[(hide:?cityanswer)(show:?placeopts)] (link:"Reexamine room")[(go-to:"tamar")] (link:"Exit game")[(set:$answer to "no")(go-to:"exitpage")]] ]<cityanswer| }

[Based on the objects in the room, what year are you in? (input: bind $year, "=X=") [(link-rerun:"ENTER")[(replace:?yeardisplay)[(display:"yesikoST2")]]]<enteryear| []<yeardisplay| ]<yearchoice|

[(if: $year is "2586")[(go-to:"yesikoSTlocation")] (else:)[Not quite. (link:"Try again?")[(hide:?yearanswer)] (link:"Reexamine room")[(go-to:"yesiko")] (link:"Exit game")[(set:$answer to "no")(go-to:"exitpage")]] ]<yearanswer|

{= [What Ocean are you in? (link-rerun:"> Pacific")[(set: $city to "New York")(hide:?placeopts)(replace:?displaycity)[(display:"yesikoST4")]] (link-rerun:"> Atlantic")[(set:$city to "Atlantic")(hide:?placeopts)(replace:?displaycity)[(display:"yesikoST4")]] (link-rerun:"> Indian")[(set:$city to "Los Angeles")(hide:?placeopts)(replace:?displaycity)[(display:"yesikoST4")]] (link-rerun:"> Southern")[(set:$city to "St Louis")(hide:?placeopts)(replace:?displaycity)[(display:"yesikoST4")]] ]<placeopts| []<displaycity|

{ [(if:$city is "Atlantic")[(set:$answer to "yes")(hide:?enter)You are correct. Move on to the next level to meet your traveling companion. [[ENTER ->finalpage]]] (else-if:$city is not "Atlantic")[No, that's not right. (link:"Try again?")[(hide:?cityanswer)(show:?placeopts)] (link:"Reexamine room")[(go-to:"yesiko")] (link:"Exit game")[(set:$answer to "no")(go-to:"exitpage")]] ]<cityanswer| }

[ [An old friend sends you a message. (link:"open messages")[(show:?text1)(hide:?hello1)(show:?hello2)]]<hello1| ]<outbound| [(dialog:[I've been doing some cleaning in my attic, and I found some interesting things], "What did you find?")(show:?text2)](text1| [(dialog:[Oh, this and that. Some things I think you'd like. Could I send them to you?], "Yes")(go-to:"START")](text2|

{=[ [A box arrives in the mail. The return address is an old friend of yours. (link:"Read the card")[(dialog:[I've been cleaning in my attic, and I found some things I thought you might like.],"open box")(hide:?sst1)(show:?start1)]]<sst1| [You peel the tape off the box and open it. You pull out a heavy, old (link-reveal:"C64 computer.")[(show:?compimage)]](start1| [ It's been years since you've seen that beige and grey casing, the metal keyboard. =><= <img src="https://portiaelan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/c_pet_still-edited.png" style="width:128px;height:128px;"> <== Below the computer is a stack of (link-reveal:"floppy disks.")[(show:?floppies)]](compimage| [ =><= <img src="https://portiaelan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/disk-1.png" style="width:30px;height:30px;"> (verbatim-print:" ") <img src="https://portiaelan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/disk-1.png" style="width:30px;height:30px;"> (verbatim-print:" ")<img src="https://portiaelan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/disk-1.png" style="width:30px;height:30px;"> <== You set up the computer, and then flip (link:"the switch.")[(hide:?floppies)(hide:?compimage)(hide:?start1)(show:?floppies2)] ](floppies| ]<outbound| [ [Which of the floppies would you like to try? (link:"> Zork")[(set:$game to "Zork")(hide:?floppies)(show:?insertfloppy)(hide:?floppies2)] (link:"> Colossal Cave Adventure")[(set:$game to "Adventure")(hide:?floppies)(hide:?floppies2) (show:?insertfloppy)] (link:"> Oregon Trail")[(set:$game to "Oregon Trail")(hide:?floppies)(hide:?floppies2) (show:?insertfloppy)] ](floppies2| [You press the floppy labeled "$game" into the reader. The screen (link-goto:"goes black.","titlepage")](insertfloppy| ]<outbound|

{=(char-style: via (t8n-delay:pos*40)+(t8n:'instant'))[ [LOAD'HOMEBOUND*',8,1 SEARCHING FOR 'HOMEBOUND*' LOADING READY RUN]<loadscreen| (after:3s)[(hide:?loadscreen)(show:?title)] [ =><= WELCOME TO HOMEBOUND A GAME OF SPACE AND TIME](title| (after:6s)[(hide:?title)(go-to:"Welcome")] ]

{ (if:$spacetime is "RUN")[(hide:?roomcontents)(display:"becksspacetime")] (set:$character to "becks") [You walk through the door and into a bedroom. |== [ <img src="https://portiaelan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/roompng.png">]<roomimage| ==| There are (link-rerun:"POSTERS")[(replace:?becks1)[(show:?posters)(hide:?walkman)(hide:?computer)(hide:?magazines)(hide:?newspaper)(hide:?walkman2)(hide:?window)(hide:?desk)(hide:?b8)](scroll:?page, ?becks1)] layered on the walls, and a small framed (link-rerun:"MIRROR")[(replace:?becks1)[(show:?b8)(hide:?posters)(hide:?walkman)(hide:?computer)(hide:?magazines)(hide:?newspaper)(hide:?walkman2)(hide:?window)(hide:?desk)](scroll:?page, ?becks1)]. A twin bed is unmade in the corner. There is a (link-rerun:"WALKMAN")[(replace:?becks1)[(show:?walkman)(hide:?computer)(hide:?magazines)(hide:?desk)(hide:?posters)(hide:?window)(hide:?b8)](scroll:?page, ?becks1)] tangled in the duvet, and a stack of (link-rerun:"MAGAZINES")[(replace:?becks1)[(show:?magazines)(hide:?desk)(hide:?computer)(hide:?newspaper)(hide:?posters)(hide:?posters)(hide:?walkman)(hide:?walkman2)(hide:?window)(hide:?b8)](scroll:?page, ?becks1)] on the bedside table. Across the room is a (link-rerun:"DESK")[(show:?desk)(replace:?becks1)[(hide:?magazines)(hide:?newspaper)(hide:?posters)(hide:?computer)(hide:?walkman)(hide:?walkman2)(hide:?window)(hide:?b8)](scroll:?page, ?becks1)] with a COMPUTER. The desk looks out a (link-rerun:"WINDOW")[(replace:?becks1)[(show:?window)(hide:?desk)(hide:?computer)(hide:?magazines)(hide:?posters)(hide:?posters)(hide:?walkman)(hide:?walkman2)(hide:?newspaper)(hide:?b8)](scroll:?page, ?becks1)]. |==| [ [When you are ready, use the (link-rerun:"COMPUTER")[(replace:?becks1)[(hide:?desk)(show:?computer)(hide:?magazines)(hide:?newspaper)(hide:?posters)(hide:?posters)(hide:?walkman)(hide:?walkman2)(hide:?window)(hide:?b8)]] to enter your space-time location and meet your traveling companion.]<compline|]<outbound| ==><== --- <== []<becks1| [The posters are for bands: Hüsker Dü, The Dead Kennedys, X-Ray Spex, The Bags, The Ramones, Television, Patti Smith](posters| [You pick up the Walkman and turn it on. There's no tape inside. (if:$walkman is 1)[Would you like to play the cassette you brought? (link-rerun:"> Yes")[(show:?walkman2)]] (else:)[ You wish you'd brought a cassette.] ](walkman| [ You slot the cassette into the Walkman and put the headphones over your ears. You press play. "This is Q102 Cincinnati -- new song from Bad Brains coming up after the commercial break..." -- static, as though this was recorded from a stereo -- and then the drums and the staccato guitar blast through the headphones.](walkman2| [You thumb through the magazines: //Byte//, //Creative Computing//, //Maximum Rocknroll//, and //Rolling Stone//. Issues are dated from 1980-1983. //Byte// and //Creative Computer// are dog-eared, and when you flip to the places marked, you see code for games.](magazines| [On the desk you see a (link-rerun:"NEWSAPER")[(replace:?d5)[<img src="https://portiaelan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/sciencetimes.png">]], a (link-rerun:"TEXTBOOK")[(replace:?d5)[(font:"Geogria")[(align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[Computer Syntax Course Reader University of Cincinnati Spring '83]]]], a stack of (link-rerun:"GRAPH PAPER")[(replace:?d5)[You trace your finger over the diagram. It looks like a cave system of some kind, annotated with the locations of objects and creatures.]], and hidden under the paper, a crumpled pack of (link-rerun:"CIGARETTES")[(replace:?d5)[(if:$lighter is 1)[You shake the pack: there's a half-smoked cigarette inside, with dark red lipstick on the filter.] (else-if:$lighter is 0)[You shake the pack: it's empty.] ]]. []<d5| ](desk| [You look in the mirror and see your own face. (if:$becks3 is true)[ [Would you like to put on the eyeliner you brought? (link:"> Yes")[(hide:?b8choices)(show:?b8y)] (link:"> No")[(hide:?b8choices)(show:?b8n)]]<b8choices| [ You lean closer to the mirror and lay a strong, thick line just above your lashes on each eye. You use your index finger to smudge it just a little. Very punk rock, you think.(set:$mirror to 1)](b8y| [ You turn away from the mirror and back to the rest of the room](b8n| ] ](b8| [You can see a redbud tree blooming outside, with lavender flowers and dark, thin branches.](window| [(set:$spacetime to(confirm: "LOAD'DAYSSINCE*',8,1 SEARCHING FOR 'DAYSSINCE*' LOADING READY ", "CANCEL", "RUN"))(show:?spacetimerun) ](computer| [(if:$spacetime is true)[(go-to:"becksspacetime")] (else-if:$spacetime is false)[(hide:?computer)(replace:?compline)[The (link:"COMPUTER")[(dialog: "LOAD'DAYSSINCE*',8,1 SEARCHING FOR 'DAYSSINCE*'... LOADING... READY... ", "RUN")(go-to:"becksspacetime") ] is waiting for you to enter your space-time location.]]](spacetimerun| ]<roomcontents| }

{ (if:$spacetime is "RUN")[(hide:?roomcontents)(display:"becksspacetime")] (set:$character to "becks") [You walk through the door and into a bedroom. [ <img src="https://portiaelan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/room2.png">]<roomimage| ||= There are (link-rerun:"POSTERS")[(replace:?becks1)[(show:?posters)(hide:?walkman)(hide:?computer)(hide:?magazines)(hide:?newspaper)(hide:?walkman2)(hide:?window)(hide:?desk)(hide:?b8)](scroll:?page, ?becks1)] layered on the walls, and a small framed (link-rerun:"MIRROR")[(replace:?becks1)[(show:?b8)(hide:?posters)(hide:?walkman)(hide:?computer)(hide:?magazines)(hide:?newspaper)(hide:?walkman2)(hide:?window)(hide:?desk)](scroll:?page, ?becks1)]. A twin bed is unmade in the corner. There is a (link-rerun:"WALKMAN")[(replace:?becks1)[(show:?walkman)(hide:?computer)(hide:?magazines)(hide:?desk)(hide:?posters)(hide:?window)(hide:?b8)](scroll:?page, ?becks1)] tangled in the duvet, and a stack of (link-rerun:"MAGAZINES")[(replace:?becks1)[(show:?magazines)(hide:?desk)(hide:?computer)(hide:?newspaper)(hide:?posters)(hide:?posters)(hide:?walkman)(hide:?walkman2)(hide:?window)(hide:?b8)](scroll:?page, ?becks1)] on the bedside table. Across the room is a (link-rerun:"DESK")[(show:?desk)(replace:?becks1)[(hide:?magazines)(hide:?newspaper)(hide:?posters)(hide:?computer)(hide:?walkman)(hide:?walkman2)(hide:?window)(hide:?b8)](scroll:?page, ?becks1)] with a COMPUTER. The desk looks out a (link-rerun:"WINDOW")[(replace:?becks1)[(show:?window)(hide:?desk)(hide:?computer)(hide:?magazines)(hide:?posters)(hide:?posters)(hide:?walkman)(hide:?walkman2)(hide:?newspaper)(hide:?b8)](scroll:?page, ?becks1)]. [ [When you are ready, use the (link-rerun:"COMPUTER")[(replace:?becks1)[(hide:?desk)(show:?computer)(hide:?magazines)(hide:?newspaper)(hide:?posters)(hide:?posters)(hide:?walkman)(hide:?walkman2)(hide:?window)(hide:?b8)]] to enter your space-time location and meet your traveling companion.]<compline|]<outbound| =| []<becks1| [The posters are for bands: Hüsker Dü, The Dead Kennedys, X-Ray Spex, The Bags, The Ramones, Television, Patti Smith](posters| [You pick up the Walkman and turn it on. There's no tape inside. (if:$walkman is 1)[Would you like to play the cassette you brought? (link-rerun:"> Yes")[(show:?walkman2)]] (else:)[ You wish you'd brought a cassette.] ](walkman| [ You slot the cassette into the Walkman and put the headphones over your ears. You press play. "This is Q102 Cincinnati -- new song from Bad Brains coming up after the commercial break..." -- static, as though this was recorded from a stereo -- and then the drums and the staccato guitar blast through the headphones.](walkman2| [You thumb through the magazines: //Byte//, //Creative Computing//, //Maximum Rocknroll//, and //Rolling Stone//. Issues are dated from 1980-1983. //Byte// and //Creative Computer// are dog-eared, and when you flip to the places marked, you see code for games.](magazines| [On the desk you see a (link-rerun:"NEWSAPER")[(replace:?d5)[<img src="https://portiaelan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/sciencetimes.png">]], a (link-rerun:"TEXTBOOK")[(replace:?d5)[(font:"Geogria")[(align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[Computer Syntax Course Reader University of Cincinnati Spring '83]]]], a stack of (link-rerun:"GRAPH PAPER")[(replace:?d5)[You trace your finger over the diagram. It looks like a cave system of some kind, annotated with the locations of objects and creatures.]], and hidden under the paper, a crumpled pack of (link-rerun:"CIGARETTES")[(replace:?d5)[(if:$lighter is 1)[You shake the pack: there's a half-smoked cigarette inside, with dark red lipstick on the filter.] (else-if:$lighter is 0)[You shake the pack: it's empty.] ]]. []<d5| ](desk| [You look in the mirror and see your own face. (if:$becks3 is true)[ [Would you like to put on the eyeliner you brought? (link:"> Yes")[(hide:?b8choices)(show:?b8y)] (link:"> No")[(hide:?b8choices)(show:?b8n)]]<b8choices| [ You lean closer to the mirror and lay a strong, thick line just above your lashes on each eye. You use your index finger to smudge it just a little. Very punk rock, you think.(set:$mirror to 1)](b8y| [ You turn away from the mirror and back to the rest of the room](b8n| ] ](b8| [You can see a redbud tree blooming outside, with lavender flowers and dark, thin branches.](window| |==| [(set:$spacetime to(confirm: "LOAD'DAYSSINCE*',8,1 SEARCHING FOR 'DAYSSINCE*' LOADING READY ", "CANCEL", "RUN"))(show:?spacetimerun) ](computer| [(if:$spacetime is true)[(go-to:"becksspacetime")] (else-if:$spacetime is false)[(hide:?computer)(replace:?compline)[The (link:"COMPUTER")[(dialog: "LOAD'DAYSSINCE*',8,1 SEARCHING FOR 'DAYSSINCE*'... LOADING... READY... ", "RUN")(go-to:"becksspacetime") ] is waiting for you to enter your space-time location.]]](spacetimerun| ]<roomcontents| |==| }

[What city are you in? (link-rerun:"> New York")[(set: $city to "New York")(hide:?placeopts)(replace:?displaycity)[(display:"becksST4")]] (link-rerun:"> Cincinnati")[(set:$city to "Cincinnati")(hide:?placeopts)(replace:?displaycity)[(display:"becksST4")]] (link-rerun:"> Los Angeles")[(set:$city to "Los Angeles")(hide:?placeopts)(replace:?displaycity)[(display:"becksST4")]] (link-rerun:"> St Louis")[(set:$city to "St Louis")(hide:?placeopts)(replace:?displaycity)[(display:"becksST4")]] ]<placeopts| []<displaycity|

(char-style: via (t8n-delay:pos*40)+(t8n:'instant'))[(align:"=><=")[(verbatim-print:"***")''ERROR''(verbatim-print:"***") Unable to load next file ] > Please visit (text-style:"fade-in-out")[(link-rerun:"HOMEBOUND file archive")[(open-url:"https://portiaelan.com/")]] to access more information about HOMEBOUND and its creator (link:"Play again")[(go-to:"short start")] Image credits: > Floppy Disk by (link:"Gobusto")[(open-url:"https://opengameart.org/users/gobusto")] > Commodore PET by (link:"Pistacio")[(open-url:"https://opengameart.org/content/low-spec-retro-computer-commodore-pet")] > Room illustrations by (link:"Atichii")[(open-url:"https://www.instagram.com/atichii/?hl=en")]]

{=(set:$coat to 0)(set:$walkman to 0)(set:$lighter to 0)(set:$glasses to 0) (set:$becks to 0)(set:$tamar to 0)(set:$yesiko to 0)(set:$solo to 0) (if: $carrying > 5)[(display:"too many")(set:$carrying to 0)] (else-if: $carrying < 5)[(display:"not enough")(set:$carrying to 0)] (else-if:$carrying is 5)[(go-to:"passageway")]

{=(set:$carrying to 0) Unfortunately, you can only carry five objects. What will you bring with you? (checkbox: bind $tamar1, "a winter coat") (checkbox: bind $tamar2, "a book of folktales") (checkbox: bind $yesiko1, "extra rope") (checkbox: bind $yesiko4, "needle and thread") (checkbox: bind $becks1, "cassette tape") (checkbox: bind $becks3, "eyeliner") (checkbox: bind $becks4, "Doc Martens") (checkbox: bind $solo1, "brass carnival token") (checkbox: bind $solo2, "chess piece") (checkbox: bind $solo3, "gravity boots") (checkbox: bind $solo4, "e-ink notebook") (checkbox: bind $tamar3, "reading glasses") (checkbox: bind $yesiko2, "a knife") (checkbox: bind $becks2, "Zippo") (checkbox: bind $becks4, "zine") After you've made your selections, click (link-goto:"ENTER", "next passage")

{= We suggest you take all five of the allowed objects. Just in case. (checkbox: bind $tamar1, "a winter coat") (checkbox: bind $tamar2, "a book of folktales") (checkbox: bind $yesiko1, "extra rope") (checkbox: bind $yesiko4, "needle and thread") (checkbox: bind $becks1, "cassette tape") (checkbox: bind $becks3, "eyeliner") (checkbox: bind $becks4, "Doc Martens") (checkbox: bind $solo1, "brass carnival token") (checkbox: bind $solo2, "chess piece") (checkbox: bind $solo3, "gravity boots") (checkbox: bind $solo4, "e-ink notebook") (checkbox: bind $tamar3, "reading glasses") (checkbox: bind $yesiko2, "a knife") (checkbox: bind $becks2, "Zippo") (checkbox: bind $becks4, "zine") After you've made your selections, click (link-goto:"ENTER", "next passage")

{=(if:$tamar1 is true)[(set:$tamar to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)(set:$coat to 1)] (if:$tamar2 is true)[(set:$tamar to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$tamar3 is true)[(set:$tamar to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)(set:$glasses to 1)] (if:$tamar4 is true)[(set:$tamar to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$tamar5 is true)[(set:$tamar to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$tamar6 is true)[(set:$tamar to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$becks1 is true)[(set:$becks to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)(set:$walkman to 1)] (if:$becks2 is true)[(set:$becks to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)(set:$lighter to 1)] (if:$becks3 is true)[(set:$becks to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$becks4 is true)[(set:$becks to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$becks5 is true)[(set:$becks to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$yesiko1 is true)[(set:$yesiko to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$yesiko2 is true)[(set:$yesiko to it +1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$yesiko3 is true)[(set:$yesiko to it +1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$yesiko4 is true)[(set:$yesiko to it +1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if:$yesiko5 is true)[(set:$yesiko to it +1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if: $solo1 is true)[(set:$solo to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if: $solo2 is true)[(set:$solo to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if: $solo3 is true)[(set:$solo to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if: $solo4 is true)[(set:$solo to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if: $solo5 is true)[(set:$solo to it + 1)(set:$carrying to it +1)] (if: $carrying is 0)[(display:"no answers")(set:$coat to 0)(set:$walkman to 0)(set:$lighter to 0)(set:$glasses to 0)(set:$becks to 0)(set:$tamar to 0)(set:$yesiko to 0)(set:$solo to 0)] (else-if:$carrying is 1 or 2 or 3 or 4)[(display:"no answers")(set:$coat to 0)(set:$walkman to 0)(set:$lighter to 0)(set:$glasses to 0)(set:$becks to 0)(set:$tamar to 0)(set:$yesiko to 0)(set:$solo to 0)] (else-if:$carrying is 5)[(display:"passageway")] (else-if: $carrying > 5)[(display:"no answers")(set:$coat to 0)(set:$walkman to 0)(set:$lighter to 0)(set:$glasses to 0)(set:$becks to 0)(set:$tamar to 0)(set:$yesiko to 0)(set:$solo to 0)]