Untitled Story

(set: $name to "") (set: $health to 100) (set: $confidence to 5) (set: $preparedness to 5) (set: $inventory to (a:)) (set: $documents to (a:))  (set: $evidence to (a:))  (set: $frustration to 0)

:: Start <div class="image-container"> <img src="C:\Users\user\Pictures\Twine Images\2150761466.jpg"> <div class="text-overlay">This is the text overlaying the image.</div> </div> Welcome to the City Benefits Verification System. Please enter your full name: (input-box: bind $name) (link-goto: "Begin", "Prologue")

"Hello, $name. To retain your benefits, you must provide the following:" * Official ID (Passport) * Bank Account and recent Statement Status: * Documents: (print: $documents) * Frustration: $frustration * Evidence Collected: (print: $evidence's length) Choose where to go: * (link-goto: "Visit ID Office", "IDOffice") * (link-goto: "Open Bank Account", "BankOffice") * (link-goto: "Check Email Notices", "EmailCentre") * (link-goto: "Go to Admin Appeals", "AdminAppeals") * (link-goto: "Speak to Case Officer", "CaseOfficer") * (link-goto: "View Evidence File", "EvidenceFile") (if: $frustration >= 5)[ (link-goto: "Collapse from Burnout", "Burnout") ]

You approach the ID Bureau window. "We require two documents to issue a **passport**: (1) A **bank statement**, and (2) **Proof of address**." (if: $documents contains "Bank Statement" and $documents contains "Proof of Address")[ "You qualify. Your passport will arrive in 3–5 business days." (set: $documents to it + (a:"Passport")) ] (else-if: $documents contains "Temporary ID")[ "You have a Temporary ID and bank details? Alright, we'll issue you a passport." (set: $documents to it + (a:"Passport")) (set: $inventory to it + (a:"Lost Hours Form")) (set: $frustration to $frustration + 1) ] (else:)[ "You’re still missing required documents." (set: $frustration to $frustration + 1) ] (link-goto: "Back to Reception", "Prologue")

The clerk looks up. "To open an account, we need an official ID." (if: $documents contains "Passport" or $documents contains "Temporary ID")[ "You’re approved. Account created. Statement issued." (set: $documents to it + (a:"Bank Statement")) (set: $documents to it + (a:"Bank Account")) (set: $documents to it + (a:"Proof of Address")) ] (else:)[ "No ID? Then no account. Policy is policy." (set: $frustration to $frustration + 1) (set: $evidence to it + (a:"Bank rejected applicant for lacking ID")) ] (link-goto: "Back to Reception", "Prologue")

You check your inbox: - One message tells you to upload ID to receive benefits. - Another says you need benefits to access the ID portal. - A third confirms your previous upload failed due to unsupported file format. (set: $preparedness to $preparedness + 1) (set: $evidence to it + (a:"Conflicting automated messages")) "You feel your grip on reality begin to loosen." (link-goto: "Back to Reception", "Prologue")

A tired officer sees your stack of emails and failed attempts. "You’re clearly trying. We can issue you a **Temporary ID**, valid for basic services." (if: $evidence's length >= 2)[ (set: $documents to it + (a:"Temporary ID")) "You receive a laminated card with 'TEMPORARY' stamped in red." ] (else:)[ "We need documented failure before we can help. Sorry." (set: $frustration to $frustration + 1) ] (link-goto: "Back to Reception", "Prologue")

You sit across from the Case Officer. (if: $documents contains "Passport" and $documents contains "Bank Statement")[ (set: $frustration to 0) "You did it. Somehow. Against all odds." (link-goto: "Final Outcome", "EndingSurvivor") ] (else:)[ "You still don't have everything. Come back when you're properly documented." (set: $frustration to $frustration + 1) ] (link-goto: "Back to Reception", "Prologue")

Here's what you've gathered: * (print: $evidence) (if: $evidence's length >= 3)[ (link-goto: "Submit to Ombudsman", "ExposeSystem") ] (else:)[ (link-goto: "Back to Reception", "Prologue") ]

You compile your notes and send a formal complaint. The Ombudsman replies: "This is a widespread issue, but we lack authority to intervene directly. Keep fighting the good fight." (set: $health to $health - 10) (set: $confidence to $confidence + 1) (set: $frustration to 0) (link-goto: "Back to Reception", "Prologue")

<img src="C:\Users\user\Pictures\Twine Images\2150761466.jpg"> You have all your documents. You retain your benefits. You stare out the window, exhausted but victorious. "$name has survived the system — this time." **THE END**

You slump in a chair at the Job Centre and stop trying. (set: $health to 0) "Your case is marked as 'Did Not Comply.' You are removed from the system." **GAME OVER – Burned Out by Bureaucracy** (link-goto: "Restart", "Start")