MT2.0 #1

//...It's the same as ever.// The only sound Corrosion hears is the sound of her footsteps- and her own mind racing. She'd overheard a conversation before striking out in the last trial- two TCPs frantically updating each other on their recent experiences. Nothing new- and it gave her the perfect opportunity to get impressions. Turns out, panicked people get a lot more sloppy when they're ambushed. Shit reaction speed. More scrambly. Easy pickings. And [[yet...|p2]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> SIGNIS: Alright, people. SIGNIS: We've got a simple setup. SIGNIS: Corrosion vs. Garland. The gesabott makes a hand gesture, one of the lesser overseers pulling up the two TCPs' files. SIGNIS: Chances are, Corrosion's going to kill him. LESSER: Isn't she struggling with the difficulty increase? SIGNIS: Correct, but she has more raw strength. LESSER: .... Another one pipes up. LESSER: Julie's not going to like you killing off a wizard. SIGNIS: //Julie// SIGNIS: Can suck it up. SIGNIS: They've got plenty of little magic runts of their own to micromanage. SIGNIS: .... SIGNIS: Let's get this show on the road. </div></div>

(if:$overseer is true) [ <a href="#" id="toggleDev" class="link-button">Toggle Overseer Commentary</a> <script> function toggleDevCommentary() { const twStory = document.querySelector('tw-story') twStory.classList.toggle('show-commentary') } document.querySelector('#toggleDev').onclick = toggleDevCommentary </script> <div class='page-number'>(print:(passage:)'s name)</div> ]

//The rumors are **stupid**. I got no business listening to these idiots at this point. No reason at all. "It's getting worse!" As if it hasn't been like this forever. Give me a fucking break. Must be newbies who don't know shit about what they're talking about. ...I would'a heard about it. I've been here longer than fucking anyone I've met, and I don't know what the hell they're on about. "Overseers gone rogue." Dream **on.**// And yet it [[sticks|p3]] in the back of her mind. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Signis taps her claws on the console, watching the possession type stew. SIGNIS: God, she's slow. LESSER: She might still be recovering from the leg injury. SIGNIS: She's had a week and plenty of food. SIGNIS: Most specimens are recovered by now. LESSER: ...yes, sir. </div></div>

<img src="./images/1-cover.png" alt="a cover image for the first issue of maze trials 2.0, named "the food chain." a rusty colored abstract type TCP wrestles with a smaller golden TCP, the latter wearing a light gold hat and a dark blue trenchoat. both are wearing trialgoer jumpsuits, have distinct kill marks, and are entangled in strange white wires. red and blue splatters serve as a backdrop piece."> welcome to The Maze Trials- more specifically, our updated followup to a now-retired project. ''you do not have to have read the original to enjoy this project:'' in fact, i recommend you go in without it if you're not already familiar. there's a lot of reasons why we retired it, but this is meant to be a new, much more polished introduction to the setting and characters, and so long as you're ready to pick up worldbuilding concepts as you go (vs our usual Tutorial Ass Shit in stuff like this), you'll do just fine. ###CONTENT WARNINGS this series contains these topics overall, as they're constantly present in the setting itself: //heavy themes of surveillance and exploitation (of all kinds), violence, gore, torture, and severe psychological manipulation. most of these will be common in the project, regardless of issue.// this specific issue contains, on top of the above: //sexual harassment and vomiting. // while this specific issue of MT2.0 does not include explicit sexual/kink content, future issues //will//, though they will be labeled. please remember to take breaks if you need it! ###INSTRUCTIONS the way this twine works is simple- towards the end of a passage, there'll be a link to the next page. you can click it and keep reading, until the linear end of the story- pretty typical for our twines. you can also use left/right arrow keys to navigate! ''HOWEVER'' in this twine, you will unlock a bonus, extra side to the story, after you've progressed through it once. this extra side- labelled "overseer commentary", will run in parallel to the main story, and shows you what's happening on the other side of the cameras as the main story plays out. this story content is exclusive to the twines, and Not available in any free forum postings- consider it a special treat for helping support our efforts. fair warning: these overseer commentaries are often a few degrees more severe on the heavy themes front, but are well worth your time if you want the full Maze Trials story. with that, you're ready to go. let's [[begin|p1]].

They had talked about the voice on the intercom...changing. Sounding less mechanical, rigid. As if it was a //person.// //That's how they fucking get you. If that **was** real, it'd just be a trick anyway. Something to make you like them- or hate them, whatever's fucking easier. Idiots.// TCPs coming into a room, only to find //fresh// fluid splatters with no sign of those little...dusty things left when someone died- but way too much to be a normal injury. Horrible feelings of dread as they walk around the mess... //...and no way to tell what did it. Like nothing anybody's seen before. But- it's bullshit! Stupid bullshit! Fucking- **fairy** tales! Try and focus more on living and you won't get jumped by people like me. ...or don't. Makes my life easier. 'Least they stopped giving me puzzle chambers.// She preferred these a [[lot more.|p4]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> SIGNIS: .... SIGNIS: So. SIGNIS: Corrosion. Garland. SIGNIS: Both powerful in their own right. SIGNIS: But //I// SIGNIS: Want to prove something here. SIGNIS: Magic users- many see them as the strongest possible route. Correct? LESSER: Correct. LESSER: Correct, sir. SIGNIS: Corrosion will be a challenge to that. SIGNIS: Raw physical strength and ability use. SIGNIS: Proof of my skill. </div></div>

At the end of the hallway, there's a raised platform and a dead end. It's the same too- she'd gotten a bunch of these in a row. By now, she had settled into a relatively comfortable routine. Nothing she can't handle. The possession type TCP steps on to the platform, cracking her neck as it starts to rise. As the makeshift elevator goes up, a pool of dread forms in her belly. <img src="./images/1-1-1.png" alt="corrosion, the rusty colored possession type TCP, stands on a trial platform. she looks on edge but stiffly posed, a knife holster on her leg."> //Stupid, stupid! Get a **fucking grip!** You really gonna let those morons get to you? Do your [[**job**|p5]]-!// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: ....are you going to take on the other magi- SIGNIS: We'll see. SIGNIS: If Corrosion dies, I get a stronger wizard. SIGNIS: Win. Win. </div></div>

The arena comes into view, bit by bit, Corro reaching for the knife in her leg holster. She can still remember every fluid stain she'd spilled, even with the trial chamber cleared. It's a simple square room, no different than the average...but she knows what it is. She's the overseers' gladiator, and she had to give them a show. On the other side of the arena, another platform rises- her opponent. [[//...what the fuck?//|p6]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: Corrosion and Garland entering chamber. LESSER: They see each other, sir. SIGNIS: Mmmm. SIGNIS: Tch. </div></div>

<img src="./images/1-1-2.png" alt="an over the shoulder shot of corrosion seeing her new opponent. he's across the room, a golden TCP with a lighter colored hat- and wearing a dark blue trenchcoat. his features are obscured."> He's //scrawny.// A little TCP in a stupid hat, wearing a long coat and shoving his hands in his pockets. If it wasn't for the...one, two, three, four- //eight// no-regret kill marks on his face, she would have thought this was a fucking joke. Garbage day or something, and he was the trash. He doesn't move as both of their platforms reach ground level of the arena, cocking his head in a sly expression. <img src="./images/1-1-3.png" alt="the golden TCP stands with his hands in his pockets, looking casual. 4 no-regret kill marks are distinctly visible on his face, with more partially obscured."> (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ ????: My new opponent. ????: What's your name?] //Who does h-// (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ CORROSION: My **name?** CORROSION: Why the fuck do you need to know that?! ????: Only right for me to get the names of the people I kill. ????: Courtesy, right? ????: //My// name's **Garland.** ????: What's yours?] Corro wants to hit him [[so hard|p7]] that the smugness in his voice gets knocked right out of him. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> SIGNIS: Cruller's right, these two do have a hell of a mouth on them. LESSER: Likely the television for Garland. SIGNIS: Irritating. SIGNIS: They need more focus. SIGNIS: .... SIGNIS: They're observant, though. SIGNIS: Not sure I like that. LESSER: I don't know if this will dissuade that, sir. SIGNIS: Neither do I. SIGNIS: Troubling. </div></div>

//Prick...// (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ CORROSION: You're actin' //real// noble for someone with marks like that. CORROSION: Think you're some kind of saint? Like this is justice, or something? GARLAND: //You're// playing tough for someone with two less kill marks- ] He makes a soft chuckle. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ GARLAND: And two of them //regretted.// ] The possession type takes a step off the platform, absolutely seething. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ CORROSION: Are you here to talk, or FIGHT?! CORROSION: Get over here and stop playing games! GARLAND: But it's //all// games, right? GARLAND: And they've gotten **worse.** GARLAND: You're in the same boat as me, I'm guessing. GARLAND: Haven't you noticed? GARLAND: Or are you just //terrible at paying attention.//] //Shut up shut up shut up **shut UP**// (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ CORROSION: Even- CORROSION: Even if that **were** true- CORROSION: And it's NOT CORROSION: What's the point in saying it? In running your goddamn mouth?! GARLAND: Because they're not satisfied with maiming anymore. GARLAND: Two of these kills?] He tilts his head in the other direction, making sure she can see the marks clearer. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ GARLAND: In the past five trials [[**alone.**|p8]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Signis grimaces. SIGNIS: Nasty little thing. </div></div>

Corro starts counting in her mind, despite every last instinct in her telling her not to let him get to her. //... .... He's right. No! No, that's- That's **bullshit!**// He makes another soft chuckle, enjoying watching her sweat. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ GARLAND: Do you like being a puppet for them? GARLAND: Never questioning anything- CORROSION: That's //enough// out of you. GARLAND: Why? I think you'd make a great one. GARLAND: They //love// to watch an abstract type dance. CORROSION: That's //**ENOUGH!**//] With an exasperated [[scream|p9]], she charges, knife held and ready to go for the first thing she can reach. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> SIGNIS: Bold, too. </div></div>

<img src="./images/1-2-1.png" alt=""garland dodging corro's knife slash effortlessly, the possession type's expression manic and vicious."> Garland dodges her strike effortlessly, hands still shoved deep in his pockets. Something hits Corro in the head- the TCP looking around wildly for the source, her mind getting dizzy. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ CORROSION: What did you-?!] He snickers. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ GARLAND: Sorry, sorry! It's not //really// my fault! GARLAND: My ability's just like that- what //did// it do to you? GARLAND: From the look of you tripping over yourself, it probably turned you all around... GARLAND: Hexes! Unpredictable, but //so// handy! CORROSION: You **little!** CORROSION: You think you're //soooooo// fucking clever!] She tries to raise her knife again, only to stumble. Whatever this "hex" thing is, it's a fucking nuisance. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[CORROSION: You're just a scrawny little //shrimp// acting like you're too good for this! CORROSION: You think you're a big man, huh? CORROSION: Big-] Another stumble, the other TCP just standing and watching. Practically //smirking// at her, through sheer vibes alone. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[CORROSION: Like you're a BIIIIG fucking deal! CORROSION: You don't even reach up to my chest! CORROSION: Stop being such a **PUSSY** and [[//**FIGHT ME ALREADY!**//|p10]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> SIGNIS: Approximation on the hex? LESSER: Scans are saying it's a disorientation spell. SIGNIS: He's been using that one a lot more lately. SIGNIS: Run numbers on psychological state and likely causation. LESSER: Yes, sir. LESSER: Scans in progress. SIGNIS: If he lives, that...could be useful to purposefully induce. </div></div>

Her knife is practically falling out of her hand, having to catch it and readjust. Praying that he doesn't notice. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ GARLAND: The overseers //really// prefer when I make a show of it, you know? GARLAND: They're //really// into the humiliation angle. GARLAND: Perverts, right? GARLAND: I can't say I'm huge on it, but- GARLAND: You sure do make a //lousy// actor. GARLAND: Would've expected more from a pretty TCP like you. CORROSION: //**PRETTY-**// GARLAND: Big femmes //really// are my type. ] //I'm going to kill this freak- I'm going to make him regret even being SPAWNED// Corro tightens her grip on her knife, tightening her resolve. This little creep was going down. Hex or no hex, he wasn't making it out of here alive, //no matter what.// She gets to her feet, standing tall, steady, her rage bubbling over past the mental effects of the hex and completely fueling her. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ GARLAND: Oh, are we fighting for real now? GARLAND: No more tiptoeing around? GARLAND: [[Awesome.|p11]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> The gesabott's visible disgust only increases. SIGNIS: I need to limit his media intake. SIGNIS: ......or give him more. LESSER: Channel manipulation, sir? SIGNIS: Mm. Scan for media featuring sexual harassment, both in what he's watching and what's available on the network, and note this change down. SIGNIS: I'll have to decide on an increase or decrease, but I want that on record. LESSER: Yes, sir. </div></div>

Before Corro can move, there's a loud **BANG** -something [[flying|p12]] past her head. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: Shot fired. SIGNIS: Any impact? </div></div>

It hits the wall behind her with an awful noise, ricocheting off and onto the floor. A quick, hurried glance reveals it to be an indescript chunk of metal. Completely useless. She looks back at the other TCP, desperately trying to calm her nerves. He's holding his hand outstretched, finally removed from his pocket- the mitten-like limb resembling what she could only describe as- //...a fucking finger gun?// <img src="./images/1-2-2.png" alt="garland standing in a dramatic pose, his hand outstretched toward the camera- its mitten-like shape contorted into a vague finger gun pose".> (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ CORROSION: What did you **DO-** GARLAND: Ah, ah- GARLAND: I wouldn't be a very good wizard if I revealed my [[tricks.|p13]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: With the wall, sir. SIGNIS: Still a crap shot. SIGNIS: He's going to lose this fight. LESSER: ...statistically, yes. SIGNIS: Waste of my time. </div></div>

//The The coat. I should have-// Long coats had come into fashion, in the trials. Long coats with internal pockets, lined with...something. She can't remember the word people used for it, her mind failing her at this **crucial** moment. //I fucked up. I fucked up I fucked up Ifuckedup He's a fucking magic user Even if I knew his type, he can do whatever the fuck he wants I have no idea what's IN HIS COAT// She can't move, her eyespots trained on him. She knows she's shaking, overcome with fear and fury. She'd never faced a magic user up close. Sniped from afar, sure, but- (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ GARLAND: Looking so shaky doesn't suit you. GARLAND: One scrap bullet's enough to freak you out so bad? CORROSION: //YOU'RE// the **FREAK** CORROSION: Hiding behind MAGIC-] //What am I doing? What the fuck am I doing? I need to- I need to get a grip, I need to shut UP// (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ CORROSION: Like it'll [[save|p14]] your sorry, //PATHETIC// ass!] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: Looks like she figured it out. SIGNIS: Took her long enough. SIGNIS: Slow on the uptake as usual. SIGNIS: You'd think she would have picked up on this by now. A short, metallic growl escapes her. SIGNIS: Stuck with two idiots. LESSER: That's why we're pitting them against each other, correct? SIGNIS: Correct. SIGNIS: At least someone dying can be a lesson. </div></div>

Garland shakes his head, tapping his toe. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ GARLAND: And here you accuse //me// of being all talk. GARLAND: I'm getting **bored.** GARLAND: You haven't even shown your typing yet! GARLAND: Aren't abstracts supposed to be like gods? GARLAND: Your kind //rule// the trials. GARLAND: An advantage against all of the rest of us... GARLAND: But you haven't even managed to **touch** me.] //My- my TYPE I can-!// <img src="./images/1-2-3.png" alt="garland and corro facing off, with garland standing poised, finger gun at the ready- and corro floating, 4 arms and fabric halo present as part of her ascended form. corrosion is fucking pissed."> A second pair of arms unfurl from her sides, the possession type lifting off of the ground as a halo of tangled fabric materializes above her head. Corrosion's health is now FANTASTIC, down from PERFECT. Garland watches, shaking out his body and readying himself. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ GARLAND: //That's// [[more like it.|p15]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: Ascension. Health down to Fantastic. SIGNIS: Her halo's off kilter. SIGNIS: Irritating. They keep scolding me for that. LESSER: Aesthetics, si- SIGNIS: **Can it.** LESSER: ...yes sir. </div></div>

As soon as Corrosion even dares to move, Garland fires off another shot, this time nailing one of her secondary arms. The pain is excruciating as it goes straight through, splattering fluid behind her. Corrosion's health is now GREAT. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ //Doesn't matter! Does NOT fucking matter- This freak's life ends [[NOW|p16]]//] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: Shot fired. SIGNIS: Contact? LESSER: Yyyyessir, looks like it. LESSER: Down to Great now. SIGNIS: Get with the //program//, Corrosion. SIGNIS: I raised you better than this. </div></div>

It's clear he didn't expect her to tank it as she rushes his ass down, dropping the knife and **phasing into his body**. His body convulses immediately, struggling to deal with the invader. But she's done this before. She's taken over larger, stronger TCPs. And this time, //this time//, there was [[nothing|p17]] this smug bastard could do. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> SIGNIS: Much better. LESSER: Possession successful. SIGNIS: He's fighting her, but nobody's broken out successfully. SIGNIS: Easy kill from here. </div></div>

//**What are you DOING**// His voice comes out panicked as he slowly comes into mental view, scrambling on a ground he's never seen before, not in person- and probably never will. The internal landscape of his mind... //...this is what your head looks like?// It was just. <img src="./images/1-3-1.png" alt="corro and garland standing in a washed out bedroom, looking stereotypically "normal" and suburban. there are posters on the wall and a bright sunny sky outside, as well as a book and trophy on the dresser. one of the posters is a TCP giving a thumbs up. garland is faceplanted onto the ground, while corro poses, mockingly"> A bedroom. A bedroom, with posters on the walls, and hardwood floor. She's never even seen these things before, but his thoughts inform her what he calls them. What he'd seen them in- a [[**sitcom.**|p18]] //Television.// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> SIGNIS: ...... </div></div>

//That's fucking pathetic. You really see yourself in **this?** Something you saw in a little box?// She towers over him, her turn to be smug. //You played yourself up. You talked biiiig. And [[yet|p19]]-// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> SIGNIS: Makes for terrible footage, though. </div></div>

<img src="./images/1-3-2.png" alt="corrosion pressing garland into the carpet with her foot, causing his entire head to squish against it and distort. the room is decaying, turning stained, cracked, and distorted. her eyespots are full of rage."> She places her foot on his head, shoving his face into the wood floor. //You see yourself as having a normal little life! You really think you can **have that?** We're fucking **killers.** It's **plain on your face.**// **//...f...fuck you...//** //What's that? Big **witch type** isn't so big anymore!// She grinds her heel in, a bit of glee sneaking in as he lets out an involuntary whimper. //The **best** part of being a [[possession type-|p20]]// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: Distress noted from Garland's body language. SIGNIS: She must be giving him a hard time. LESSER: Possible he's giving her one as well. SIGNIS: Not a chance. </div></div>

//Is making my opponents realize just how **nothing** they are. Exposing them. Every little bit. And you...// She leans over, making sure he hears every word. //Are a little guy, trying to fill big boots. And now, [[you're|p21]] going to **die.**// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: Convulsions increasing. LESSER: Resistance is very likely. Signis stands up, eyes wide as she watches the screen. SIGNIS: She can do it. </div></div>

With a sudden burst of energy, he grabs her ankle- -gripping it hard enough to **look inside her.** His body convulses again, the two mentally fighting for dominance as Corro desperately tries to squirm away. His hand is sinking into her skin, deep inside- **//Oh, like you're any better! Corrosion, CORRO for short- you gave yourself a cute little nickname! Isn't that just ADORABLE? Some big killer you are! Corro, Corro, Cooooorrrrrrroooooo-//** //Shut [[UP|p22]]// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: Sir, I don't know- SIGNIS: **Shut up** and watch. </div></div>

She tries to shake him off, regaining control as she nails him down to the ground again, this time with both arms. Externally, she slips into his arm like a tight glove- -grabbing her [[knife|p23]], and holding it to his neck. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: She's got the knife. SIGNIS: A single throat slitting. SIGNIS: All it would take. Her fingers clench tight. </div></div>

He's trembling in his headspace, scared shitless. //You underestimated me. I got EVERY kill mark from taking somebody out from the inside. You think I'm not afraid to feel you die like this? Most natural feeling in the world to me! I'll be [[THRILLED|p24]] to feel you bleed out!// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> SIGNIS: Just- SIGNIS: Just **DO IT**! </div></div>

**//...Will you [[regret|p25]] this one, Corro?//** <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: S-SIR SIGNIS: Not **NOW** LESSER: Sir, there's an //alert//- </div></div>

There's a sudden //loud// **BANG**, as if something had been slammed- -only for both Corro and Garland to realize it hadn't come from anywhere in the trial room at all. <img src="./images/1-3-3.png" alt="garland's body, containing both of them and visibly bearing only two regretted kill marks, looks up at the ceiling, fearful. the room feels overly vast and large, and has a dark atmosphere matched with abstract visuals of something burning, boiling up."> It's in a synched motion that the two of them raise their head- the same head now, eyespots looking up in pure terror at the blank ceiling- the closest approximation they had to [[looking back up|p26]] at the overseers. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> There's a loud bang, Signis whipping around as she smacks the intercom button on instinct- -to see the wall at the end of the room open up, the new entrance stretching a solid fifteen feet tall- </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ INTERCOM: T-!] The sound of rustling papers, and a microphone being smacked around. And then- a voice, one completely unfamiliar from the uniform ones the trialgoers had become used to. Surely they all knew that there were //many// overseers, there //had// to be, but- (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ ????: I gave you your last warning [[three|p27]] trials ago, Signis. ] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> SIGNIS: T-! She scrambles, desperately trying to fix her papers, smacking the microphone like crazy. Technicality approaches, stretching their massive body out as they unfurl from the elevator. TECHNICALITY: I gave you your last warning three trials ago, Signis. </div></div>

This one cut through whatever made them all sound the same. Deep, commanding, and yet... [[Nonchalant. |p28]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> The tiger-like being hovers about three feet off the ground, easily towering over everyone in the room even without the benefit of their floating perch. Their legs dangle, kicking slightly, as they lounge in a simplistic yet ornate seat, connected to the ceiling by a long, thin spine. A mass of tangled wires extends from Technicality's back, swirling up the spine of the chair and into the ceiling. Head resting on one of their hands, their eyes gaze down at the gesabott with a mix of disappointment and boredom, an expression Signis was all too familiar with by now. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[SIGNIS?: I!] The filter seems to break on whoever's behind the intercom as well- an overseer, right? (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[SIGNIS?: Sir, I //told// you- ????: You don't get results, you're off the project. ????: Your new report just came in, and, well....] There's a soft chuckle, one with no warmth to it. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[????: You didn't make the cut. SIGNIS?: [[You-|p29]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> SIGNIS: I! They scramble more, more buttons pressed. Files open themselves on the screen, the filter turned off. SIGNIS: Sir, I //told// you- TECHNICALITY: You don't get results, you're off the project. TECHNICALITY: Your new report just came in, and, well.... They chuckle, baring sharp teeth in the process. Their mouth could have fit around Signis' entire head, the teeth larger than blades. TECHNICALITY: You didn't make the cut. SIGNIS: You- </div></div>

The overseer's voice cracks. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[SIGNIS?: This isn't what you promised me! SIGNIS?: You can't take my research away now! SIGNIS?: I'm so close-! ????: You're [[//close?//|p30]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Her voice cracks. SIGNIS: This isn't what you promised me! SIGNIS: You can't take my research away now! SIGNIS: I'm so close-! TECHNICALITY: You're //close?// They drift closer, rolling their eyes. As they do, their chair gradully lowers as their feet begin to touch the floor. They stand up to their full height, taking the last few steps themselves as the chair diligently follows behind. </div></div>

The paired TCPs can't even make out who's who in the body when they flinch, Garland's headspace going blurry as there's the sound of a loud **slam**, accompanied by metal crunching and glass cracking. It's followed by a strangled, electronic noise, indistinguishable from the sounds Corro had heard from that one computer type she- (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[????: You're //close// to something, Signis? ????: All I see-] Another [[crunch|p31]], paired with the barely-audible sound of someone choking back a sob. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> In a blindingly fast motion, they unsheathe their claws and lunge, slamming the gesabott's head into the console- **enough to nearly shatter them.** Signis is crying now, their screen sparking and voice distorted. TECHNICALITY: You're //close// to something, Signis? TECHNICALITY: All I see- They slam again, the two lesser overseers frozen with eyes wide as their project lead loses chunks of her face, revealing electronics underneath. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[????: Is a **waste of my resources.** ????: Your research? ????: That's //nothing// compared to what I have cooking. SIGNIS?: B-but- SIGNIS?: //Technicality,// I cant-! ????: You can't die? ????: Is that what you're saying? ????: That's a bold claim to make, I think. ????: Because-] Another electronic scream. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[????: I don't think you forgot who holds your **plug.** ????: Should I pull it? Would that help you remember? SIGNIS?: NNnO- SIGNIS?: PlEEASE- DON't-!] The overseer's voice comes out [[scrambled|p32]] and glitched, a digital version of panting for air. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> TECHNICALITY: Is a **waste of my resources.** TECHNICALITY: Your research? TECHNICALITY: That's //nothing// compared to what I have cooking. SIGNIS: B-but- SIGNIS: //Technicality,// I cant-! TECHNICALITY: You can't die? TECHNICALITY: Is that what you're saying? TECHNICALITY: That's a bold claim to make, I think. TECHNICALITY: Because- They bring their fingers into a tight squeeze, Signis sobbing and screaming as they crush her, slow and agonizing. TECHNICALITY: I don't think you forgot who holds your **plug.** TECHNICALITY: Should I pull it? Would that help you remember? SIGNIS: NNnO- SIGNIS: PlEEASE- DON't-! She can barely contain herself, her voice gasping as Technicality slowly moves their hand to the wire coming from her back, stroking it almost mournfully. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[????: Are you sorry? SIGNIS?: I- ????: Are you sorry for wasting my time, Signis? SIGNIS: I'M S-SSOooRRY- ????: Hm! ????: I'd say you'd do pretty good at that with some extra coaching- it's almost a good line read. ????: Very touching. ????: But **I've spent enough on you.**] There's the sound of something large and metal hitting the ground, followed by a harsh, [[unholy|p33]], electronic scream- now //worse// than any of the death rattles either TCP had heard. Even without a visual, it- <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> TECHNICALITY: Are you sorry? SIGNIS?: I- They pull on the wire, enough to tug at the spot it connects into her body, her robotic spine. TECHNICALITY: Are you sorry for wasting my time, Signis? Again, enough to cause a horrible sinking, draining feeling. SIGNIS: I'M S-SSOooRRY- TECHNICALITY: Hm! TECHNICALITY: I'd say you'd do pretty good at that with some extra coaching- it's almost a good line read. TECHNICALITY: Very touching. TECHNICALITY: But **I've spent enough on you.** They pull the plug hard enough to pull Signis out of their chair, the wire spilling glowing liquid all over the floor- before being sucked back into the wire, the tubing itself extending back into Technicality themself. Rejoining the mass. She is screaming, tears running down one of the overseers' face, the other desperately trying not to throw up. </div></div>

//Garland's crying,// Corro thinks. //Am I crying? I- [[Why|p34]] am I-// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> She's choking as every part of her body begins to lose sensation- cut and hacked away from her consciousness, where full numbing would have been a mercy. It is agony, completely and utterly, her body losing its ability to move, her mind losing its ability to think. </div></div>

The screams go on for far too long, ceasing as they come to a strangled stop, punctuated by long, [[empty|p35]] beeps. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> And then she is done. Sucked dry. Nothing left, the body laying there as if it had never had a soul within to begin with. </div></div>

[[Silence.|p36]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Technicality raises a brow, nudging the robotic corpse with their foot. Nothing. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[????: Does anyone [[else|p37]] have an objection?] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> TECHNICALITY: Does anyone else have an objection? </div></div>

[[Nothing.|p38]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> One overseer shakes their head, the other heaving into their hands. The splatters on the ground begin to lose their glow. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[????: Okay! ????: I'm going to get a new head overseer in here right away. ????: I've had a replacement lined up for so-] Another pause, and the sound of shuffling. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[????: Hm. Her schedule didn't say she had one going right now, and- ????: Figures that that idiot left the intercom on. ????: Looks like it's [[just|p39]] the one...] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> TECHNICALITY: Okay! TECHNICALITY: I'm going to get a new head overseer in here right away. TECHNICALITY: I've had a replacement lined up for so- Technicality's eyes register the screen in front of them, as if it has never mattered in the slightest until now. They approach, shaking their head and picking up the mess of papers, brushing folders aside as they bring up a window on Signis' monitor, glancing back up at the main screens and making a face. TECHNICALITY: Hm. Her schedule didn't say she had one going right now, and- TECHNICALITY: Figures that that idiot left the intercom on. TECHNICALITY: Looks like it's just the one... </div></div>

A chill goes up the TCPs' back. //They're [[looking|p40]] at **us.**// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> They wave a hand, standing back up. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[????: Tch, it isn't even one of the good ones. ????: Guess that makes things easier, though. ????: Kill it and delete the tapes. ????: Footage is useless if it gives up identifying info, and I don't want to have editors coming in and out of my space asking how to censor it. ????: **Don't be this sloppy again.** ????: Okay? ????: Okay! ????: Good talk. ] The intercom [[clicks off.|p41]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> TECHNICALITY: Tch, it isn't even one of the good ones. TECHNICALITY: Guess that makes things easier, though. TECHNICALITY: Kill it and delete the tapes. TECHNICALITY: Footage is useless if it gives up identifying info, and I don't want to have editors coming in and out of my space asking how to censor it. TECHNICALITY: **Don't be this sloppy again.** TECHNICALITY: Okay? They clap, a wide grin crossing their face. The overseers nod again, one giving a shaky, terrified thumbs up. TECHNICALITY: Okay! TECHNICALITY: Good talk. They slap the intercom button, falling back into their casual slouch. The chair creaks softly as it catches their weight, but it is deathly silent as it brings Technicality back up to their previous height. </div></div>

//K...kill it?// //**They mean us, they have to mean us-**// //I-!// Before Corro can even think about leaving the witch's type body, she catches something moving out of the corner of their eyespot, whipping around [[just in time|p42]] to spot it. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Before walking back into the elevator, they pause. TECHNICALITY: Update Signis' file to reflect termination, as well as the specimen. One of the overseers busies themselves with the console, the other immediately taking notes on Technicality's instructions. TECHNICALITY: This guy's a nobody, I don't forsee issues. TECHNICALITY: But I //will// check! Another wide smile, and the wall seals. </div></div>

<img src="./images/1-4-1.png" alt="garland's body whipping around to face a fast-moving white tube, almost wire-like in appearance. it has sharp claws at the tip. the atmosphere is dark, distorted, and threatening"> A long, fast-moving tube shooting out from the wall, hollow and tipped with claw-like grabbers. She can't get a word out, mentally or otherwise, before it stabs into the body's back, [[piercing|p43]] through jumpsuit and skin and embedding itself into their fluid. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> The overseer has to take a moment to catch their breath, their mouth completely dry. LESSER: H- LESSER: Euthanization in p- LESSER: I-in prog- LESSER: //Fuck-// </div></div>

Garland's health is [[now|p44]] **GOOD**. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: //H- health is-// LESSER: What are we going to do- LESSER: Our job, our job, we have to- </div></div>

//WH-// //**ohgodohgodohgod**// //N- I HAVE TO GET OUT- // The first spike of pain hits. Garland's health is [[now|p45]] **OKAY. ** <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: Health dropping- LESSER: I- LESSER: I can't- </div></div>

It's excruciating, and Corro can tell they're both screaming, their emotions so horribly connected as the worst pain in the world- surely what Signis had felt?- wracked their body, bringing them to their knees and convulsing. Garland's health is [[now|p46]] **POOR.** <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: I-it'll be //us// ne-next- LESSER: We can't, we- LESSER: We have to just- </div></div>

It's too much. Garland's health is [[now|p47]] **HURTING.** <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: I d-didn't sign up for- LESSER: Shut up, shut- </div></div>

The world starts to go dark, but not in a numbing sense- as if they were being actively crushed, all sensory information ripped from them and replaced with pain, the most agonizing pain. Garland's health is [[now|p48]] **SUFFERING.** <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> One of them heaves again, not able to hold it back this time. The other wipes their eyes. </div></div>

//I c-AN'T-// **//Please, please- PLEASE don't-//** Garland's health is [[now|p49]] **CRITICAL.** <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: .... </div></div>

//I NEED TO GET OUT-// **//PLEASE DON'T [[LEAVE|p50]] ME HERE-!!!//** <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: //no way out, is there?// </div></div>

This is [[how it ends.|p51]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: No. LESSER: No way out. </div></div>

Corro can't help but think of how [[stupid|p52]] it is to die from a tube, even through the mental screaming from both her and Garland. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> They both fall silence, watching the TCP on screen writhe. They don't feel anything about the scene, their thoughts consumed with Signis' screams. Plugs being pulled. </div></div>

Stupid, [[stupid|p53]] fucking way to di- <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> They watch. </div></div>

Garland's health is [[now|p54]]'' ZERO.'' <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> One of them begins to gather files on their monitor. LESSER: R...report time f-for me, h- LESSER: H...haha... </div></div>

With an explosive burst, Corro is flung outside of the witch's body- or...what was left of it. When Corro opens her eyespots properly- There's nothing but a large splatter of TCP fluid. After a moment, she realizes that the fluid's coating her as well, as if she had burst out of Garland from the inside. The wire hovers near her forehead, still dripping Garland's fluid- something that makes her start to shake violently. She has no retorts, no [[challenges|p55]], just raw fear- <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> The other verifies things on a side monitor. LESSER: ...Garland terminated. LESSER: ...wait, what about- </div></div>

The wire doesn't [[move|p56]]. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Both of them reel back as they see it. LESSER: ...oh my god. One of the overseer's breath stops, terror wracking their body. LESSER: She lived. LESSER: Wh... </div></div>

And still doesn't move, even when Corro starts to [[cry|p57]], wracked with sobs. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Panic enters the other one's voice. LESSER: Well, we just- we just euthanize, right? LESSER: Th-there's no protocol for this. We've done three euthanizations in the entire trial. LESSER: //shit-!// LESSER: If we fuck up here- LESSER: .... LESSER: ..... LESSER: Technicality didn't see. LESSER: Well they're //going// t- LESSER: They told us to delete the footage. </div></div> </div></div>

[[..................|p58]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: ...you're fucking insane. LESSER: We can just- LESSER: No, no, **no**- LESSER: Are you **CRAZY?!** The overseer gets out of their chair, slinking over to the head overseer console. LESSER: You're going to get us **KILLED** </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[INTERCOM: Corrosion, you have made an impression. CORROSION: Wh- INTERCOM: You may return to your room. ] She sits there in [[shock|p59]], unable to process it all. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> They clear their throat, and press the button. LESSER: Corrosion, you have made an impression. Their own throat feels like it's strangling them, doing their best to keep their voice even, monotone. LESSER: You may return to your room. </div></div>

//My...[[room?|p60]]// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> They flick the intercom off, collapsing into the chair. </div></div>

//I [[get-|p61]]// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: ... LESSER: That's our death sentence. LESSER: You killed us. The overseer shakes their head. LESSER: N...no. LESSER: We're already dead. LESSER: L. Let me have this. </div></div>

//I get to go back to...[[my room.|p62]]// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: Shit... LESSER: Shit, haha... </div></div>

//I...// The possession type looks down at her hand, soaked in bright red fluid. //I get. To move on. Yeah. I made an impression. It's. It's a [[trial chamber.|p63]]// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: T-that's it, huh? </div></div>

//I [[won.|p64]]// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: .... </div></div>

She hears Garland's last words, [[cutting through|p65]] like a red-hot knife. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: What a joke. </div></div>

//H...he was weak. I was stronger. H...he underestimated me! I won! Ha...haha! Little **FREAK** didn't [[stand|p66]] a chance!// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: .... </div></div>

// H... Ha...// Her legs seem to move before her [[mind|p67]] does, getting her back up on her feet- <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: Let's write the damn reports. ##TRIAL COMPLETED </div></div>

<img src="./images/1-4-2.png" alt="garland's body whipping around to face a fast-moving white tube, almost wire-like in appearance. it has sharp claws at the tip. the atmosphere is dark, distorted, and threatening"> -and heading towards the new opening in the wall. Back to her room. Maybe she'd figure out a shower. Count her resources. Plan for the [[next|68]] room. //I won.// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> ###SIGNIS: TERMINATED ###GARLAND: TERMINATED </div></div>

//Same as [[always.|p69]]// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> <img src="./images/signis.png" alt="a headshot of a robotic anthro, featuring a boxy face, jagged mouth, and a visor-like screen displaying disgruntled electronic eyes. the image is distorted as if found on an old, glitchy monitor."> NAME: Signis Dock SPECIES: Gesabott (Formerly Ruffneck) AGE: 42 PRIOR OCCUPATION: Psychologist. Specialized in research on the mind's reaction to mortal peril. Blacklisted and gone into hiding due to Devil's Advocacy shutdown. TRIAL FOCUS: Manufacturing violent TCPs. STATUS: Terminated due to low ratings. Haha, wow. Signis...she showed //such// promise in the initial tests. I mean- she makes gladiators. Everybody loves somebody to root for- but sometimes, you don't want what the other overseers have to offer. Cruller makes heroes! Clot makes villains! Atrophy makes //legends//. But Signis... ...she made ones out for blood no matter what side somebody's on. Shame that she couldn't develop complex enough narratives to keep people hooked. So many of her cats were dumb as bricks, no depth to them. Makes her easy enough to replace, at least. Making a crazed berserker in this business doesn't exactly take a delicate hand. All it takes is some pushes in the right direction. -Technicality </div></div>

#END ISSUE #1 (set: $overseer to true) ###Credits: (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ **Project Direction-** (link:"Mortis Velasquez")[(goto-url:'https://skinstealer.tumblr.com/')] + (link:"Knux400")[(goto-url:'https://www.reddit.com/user/knux400/')] **Writing-** (link:"Mortis Velasquez")[(goto-url:'https://skinstealer.tumblr.com/')] **Panel Composition-** (link:"Knux400")[(goto-url:'https://www.reddit.com/user/knux400/')] **Panelwork-** (link:"Mortis Velasquez")[(goto-url:'https://skinstealer.tumblr.com/')] **Designs-** (link:"Mortis Velasquez")[(goto-url:'https://skinstealer.tumblr.com/')] (Most), (link:"Heartsong System")[(goto-url:'https://replicasoul.tumblr.com/')] (Signis' Species, Gesabotts), Knux400 (Components of Technicality's Design) **Setting-** (link:"Mortis Velasquez")[(goto-url:'https://skinstealer.tumblr.com/')] + (link:"Comorant")[(goto-url:'https://x.com/BaftComorant/')] **Twine Coding-** (link:"Vyn")[(goto-url:'https://portfiend.quest/')] (Primarily), (link:"Mortis Velasquez")[(goto-url:'https://skinstealer.tumblr.com/')] ''Special Thanks''- Rats and Brotato for testing! and **YOU,** for your support!] thank you for reading our twine! please stay tuned for more episodes coming soon- which will be paid, but have a LOT more content. you can keep up with our work on our (link:"Forums") [(goto-url: 'https://homebrewdeviants.com/forum/')], and (link:"Discord!") [(goto-url:'https://discord.gg/gZVx7Zu') ] if you enjoyed this, please consider leaving a comment and/or review. it both helps our visibility and gives us feedback on what you liked and what you didn't, and we really appreciate that. **OVERSEER COMMENTARY UNLOCKED!** [[Restart?|p1]]