On September 15, 1950, the setting sun scatters its golden light across waxing and waning waves. Such gentle beauty sticks out like a sore thumb against the ear-shattering noise of bombshells striking the landscape. Some American and ROK army men roam the shore, resting before a call back into action.
[[Who am I?]]
(set: $leeWarning to 0)
(set: $leeBrownie to 0)
(set: $knowKorean = false)
(set: $loneWolf = false)
(set: $captainMyCaptain = false)
(set: $alreadyTalkedProf = false)
(set: $alreadyTalkedLH = false)
(set: $leeHp to 2)
(set: $samHp to 2)You are Sam Diaz, a 21-year-old, freshly appointed 2nd Lieutenant. You wander across the bullet casings-riddled beach, still wired from the earlier battle, jittery and sweaty-palmed, but curious to meet your fellow men.
Who do you talk to?
(if: $loneWolf is false)[ [[The lone soldier leaning against a tree.]] ]
[[The three soldiers standing by the water.]]
(if: $captainMyCaptain is false)[ [[The two soldiers sitting in the sand.]] ]
"Good evening, sir," one of the soldiers greets.
You nod respectfully.
(if: $loneWolf is false and $captainMyCaptain is false)[The men seem engaged in conversation.
Do you want to come back later?
[[yes]]
[[no, stay here]] ](else:)[You answer...
[[professional]]
[[lighthearted]] ]"Evening, Lieutenant," the soldier remarks.
"Corporal," you greet.
[[about him]]
[[about the beach]]
(set: $trust = false)
(set: $about = false)
(set: $beach = false)(if: $alreadyTalkedLH is false)["Men. Don’t know if good’s quite the word, but it’s certainly an evening."
A soldier (if: $leeWarning >=1)[, name badge reading LEE, ]cracks a smile, gazing up at you from under his round helmet with a dangerous glint in his eyes. It’s a look you've seen before, like a coyote watching a rabbit.
(if: $leeWarning >=1)[Lee](else:)[He] speaks in Korean to ask, "You got a cigarette on you, Lieutenant?"
(if: $knowKorean is true)[ [[answer in Korean]] ](else:)[(...locked...)]
[[answer in English]]
(if:$loneWolf is false)[ [[go talk to someone else]] ] ](else:)["Any updates on that cigarette, Lt?" Lee asks in Korean.
(if: $knowKorean is true)[ [[answer in Korean]] ](else:)[(...locked...)]
[[answer in English]]
(if:$loneWolf is false)[ [[go talk to someone else]] ] ](if: $alreadyTalkedProf is true)[(link: "professional")(go-to:"non-confrontational")] (else:)[
"Evening, men. You all ready to move out soon?"
"Yes, sir," another soldier responds.
You glance at their kits. "Guns greased up?"
"Yes, sir."
"Know where we're headed?"
"Yes--" one soldier begins.
"Jesus, Lieutenant," the middle soldier complains loudly, his name badge reading 'LEE.' Underneath his round helmet, his unruly black hair falls almost over his eyes. "I think I could have a more engaging conversation with my shoes. Have a little trust, yeah? We're good here."
[[defensive]]
[[non-confrontational]]
(if: $captainMyCaptain is false)[ [[go talk to someone else]] ] ] "Sure, I've got plenty. (if: $leeWarning >= 1)[You have a preference, Sergeant Lee?](else:)[Do you have a preference..." you trail off, pausing to look at his name badge. "Sergeant Lee?"]
"So you know just enough of the language to distinguish the coffin nails, huh. A man after my own heart," Lee deadpans. "You got any Reds, Diaz?"
[[teasing]]
[[neutral]]
(set: $leeBrownie to it +1)"Lieutenant Diaz," Captain McKay greets, expression mild.
"Sir," you say, voice sturdy. Your eyes flit to the unfamiliar man beside him, an ROK captain, name badge reading Kwon. "Am I interrupting?"
Your captain sighs. "Do you need something, son?"
You answer...
[[inquistive]]
[[timid]](if: $beach is false)["What do people call you, soldier?" you ask.
"Chi, sir."]
"Alright, Chi. Nice to meet you."
"And you, Lieutenant," he says with a small smile, looking more relaxed at your casual tone.
[[comfortable]]
[[formal]]"Nice weather, huh."
(if:$about is false)[The soldier eyes you, looking unsure. "Sir?"](else:)[Chi eyes you, raising an eyebrow. "I don't know about that."]
[[playful]]
[[serious]]"Wish the circumstances could've been better, huh?"
"Happy to be here, Lieutenant."
"Sure, sure. Can't think of a better way to pass the time myself."
Chi tilts his head, shifting against the tree and dropping his shoulders. "You talk funny for a C.O."
[[reprimanding]]
[[casual]]"Let me take a look at your weapon."
Chi stands up straight, at attention. He pulls his rifle strap over his head and hands the .30 cal Springfield to you.
It looks well taken care of, mechanisms adaquately greased.
[[dismissive]]
[[approving]]"Easy there, Corporal."
Chi ducks his head. "Sorry, Sir."
[[formal]]
(if: $beach is false)[ [[about the beach]] ]
[[leave]]
(set: $about = true)You shrug. "Barely a C.O. as it is, I don't see a point in pitching myself all high and mighty. We're all just men, at the end of the day."
"I suppose that's true."
"So..."
[["Where are you from, soldier?"]]
(set: $trust = true)(set: $loneWolf = true)
(link: "leave")[(go-to:"Who am I?")"And where are you from, soldier?"
"Seoul, Sir."
"God Bless," you say. It's all you can offer; you're willing to bet Chi doesn't have a family waiting up for him at home.
"What about you, Lieutenant?"
(if: $trust is true)[ [[truthful]] ](else:)[(...locked...)]
[[guarded]]"You got lubricant on you, Corporal? And I don't mean the fun kind."
Chi nods. "Yes, Sir."
You push the rifle into his chest. "Put it to use. Your rifle's drier than the damn desert."
"Heard, Sir."
[[leave]]"Up to standard," you approve, and hand the rifle back to him.
[["Where are you from, soldier?"]]
[[leave]]"U. S. of A., Corporal," you say, and turn to show him the badge on your arm. "Don't you know your flags?"
"Apologies, Lt. I don't know many of the states anyway."
You wanted to try your hand at speaking Korean, but decide it'll have to wait.
(if: $beach is false)[ [[about the beach]] ]
[[leave]]
(set: $about = true)You smile, thinking of hunting trips with your father and baking pies with your sister. "Arizona, 'bout an hour out from Phoenix."
Chi squints into the sky like he's picturing a map in his head. "That's... South? Isn't it?"
"Affirmative. Real hot in the summers, that's for sure."
"Lucky for you Americans, the worst of it has passed, but it boils here, too."
[[더운 날씨]]"Hot weather," you repeat, in Korean.
"Hey, nice!" Chi exclaims with a smile, switching tongues into Korean, too. "How much do you know?"
"Just enough for conversation. I only studied a few months."
Chi laughs and punches your soldier in camraderie. "Not bad for a few months, Lieutenant. I'll let the boys know not to talk shit behind your back."
You pat his arm, too, your Korean skills feeling bolstered.
(if: $beach is false)[ [[about the beach]] ]
[[leave]]
(set: $knowKorean = true)
(set: $about = true)"Bet the landscape was much nicer before we blew it to hell."
"That's one way of putting it."
(if: $about is false)["Ha. What's your name, Corporal?"
"Chi, Sir."]
[[plans]]
[[leave]]
(set: $beach = true)You cough. "Just messing with you."
"Hmm."
(if: $about is false)["What's your name, Corporal?"
"Chi, Sir."]
[[plans]]
[[leave]]
(set: $beach = true)"You about ready to move out when the tide rises?" you ask.
"Yes, Sir," Chi says grimly, adjusting his rifle. There's dirt and blood crusted into his collar already.
"Hey, look on the bright side. We won't have to swim with the fishes no more."
(if: $trust is true)["Like dancing with the Communists on land is much better."]
(if: $about is false)[ [[about him]] ]
[[leave]]"Plenty," you say easily, speaking in Korean. (if: $leeWarning >= 1)["Do you have a preference, Sergeant Lee?](else:)["Do you have a preference..." you trail off, pausing to look at his name badge. "Sergeant Lee?"]
"Hmm. Color me impressed," Lee mumbles, giving you a second look-over. "Not many guys like you care enough to learn the language."
He switches back to English. "How about Reds?"
[[teasing]]
[[neutral]]
(set: $leeBrownie to it +2)"Just curious about our guys, Sir," you say.
McKay takes off his cap and rubs his forehead. "All of 'em passed Basic, //technically//. We've been short on men; the bar gets lower every goddamn day. Hell, you only spent the summer at Navajo, didn't you?"
You stand up a little straighter. "That's right."
"Hmm. Well, there's not too many bad apples. Except..." McKay trails off, a contemplative look upon his features. Kwon sits forward a little, too.
A long stretch of silence passes.
[[press for information]]
[[back off]](if: $backout is true)["You need anything else, Lieutenant?" McKay asks after a moment.]
"No, Sir," you say.
"You sure?" McKay prompts.
[["Yes, I'm sure."]]
[["No, I'm still curious."]](set: $captainMyCaptain = true)
(link: "leave")[(go-to:"Who am I?")(if: (history:) contains "inquisitive")["Someone come to mind, Sir?"]
McKay sits back, waving a hand in a 'go-ahead.'
Captain Kwon leans forward still, talking in hushed tones, "That middle soldier there, by the water. He's been with me since July, but he answers directly to you now. Sergeant Kyung-Soo, Lee. I'd watch out if I were you. Rottenest apple of the bunch, so to speak. He likely would've been discharged months ago if he weren't such a damn good shot."
[[confident]]
[[curious]]
(set: $leeWarning to it + 1)(set: $backout = true)
(link: "back off")[(go-to:"timid")"I can handle him."
Kwon chuckles darkly. "That's what I thought, too. You'll see soon."
You shift, adjusting your gear, gazing over at the group of three. None of them look particularly malicious, but you learned to not judge books by their covers a long time ago.
McKay tsks. "Enough gossip, Diaz. Go find something better to do."
[[back to the beach|leave2]]"What can I look out for, Sir, if you don't mind my asking?"
"His emotions flip," Kwon pauses to snap, "like that. At the drop of a dime. I've seen men laughing with him one second, then put on the ground the next."
"He's insane," McKay grumbles.
"I don't think he's taking his family's death well," Kwon says, kinder than his counterpart.
"Jeez," you say, heart aching in your chest at the thought of losing so many loved ones. "Anything I can do to anticipate it?"
Kwon shrugs. "Not sure. He doesn't take well to authority, and he's certainly calmer after spending some time with the bottle or a deck of cigarettes, though."
McKay tsks. "Alright, enough gossip. Go find something better to do, Diaz."
[[leave|leave2]]
(set: $leeWarning to it + 1)Irritation boils under your skin like a bad itch. "Easy, Sergeant. I know tensions are high, but there's no need to pick a fight."
Lee takes a step forward, entering your personal space. He's just a bit taller than you like this. "Why not? You scared to get into it with me, Diaz?"
[[confident|confident2]]
[[rational]]"We're on the cusp of an active battle zone. We don't need to throw friendly fire into the mix."
Lee huffs an empty laugh. "You and I aren't friends, buddy. You're far too square."
"You don't know anything about me."
"Let's keep it that way," Lee pats you on the shoulder. "Off you go."
[[hostile]]
[[leave|Ending]]You stand your ground. "I'm not afraid of you."
Lee grins, shark-like. He's tall and lanky, but there's an unpredictable dexterity to his movements. "I always like that answer."
You both hand your guns and vests to Lee's companions.
[[roll for initiative]]
(set: $leeInit to 0)
(set: $samInit to 0)
(set: $leeBrownie to it +1){(set: $leeInit to (random: 1, 20))
(set: $samInit to (random: 1, 20))
}Lee rolled a $leeInit.
You rolled a $samInit.
(if: $samInit > $leeInit)[You lunge at him first, but he steps out of the way.](else:)[Lee grabs your midsection and tackles you into the sand. (set: $samHp to it - 1)]
"Not too rough, boys!" a captain shouts from across the way.
"We'll keep it clean," Lee remarks, eyes flashing with mirth.
[[dexterity]]
[[strength]]You push his hand away.
Lee takes a dramatic step back. He's tall and lanky, but there's an unpredictable dexterity to his movements.
You both hand your guns and vests to Lee's companions.
[[roll for initiative]]
(set: $leeInit to 0)
(set: $samInit to 0)
(set: $leeBrownie to it - 1)"(if: (history:) contains "answer in Korean")[You really don’t know nothin’ about guys like me, huh. ]Do I look like a woman to you?"
Lee squints and takes a moment to consider. "In the right lighting."
His two companions laugh. You just stare, heat creeping into your face, not feeling quite as offended as you know you should.
"Easy," you say, more bewildered than heated. "A mouth like that’ll bring you trouble."
"I’m no stranger to danger, Sir, with all due respect. It makes my life on this shitshow planet a helluva lot more interesting."
Lee takes a step forward, hand reaching towards your breast pocket.
[[hostile]]
[[let it happen]]
(set: $leeBrownie to it +1)(if: $leeBrownie >= 5)["What're you giving me that look for?"
Lee tilts his head, searching, before looking away. "Just... don't die on me yet, yeah, Diaz?"
"Why not?"
Lee meets your eyes once more, with an unreadable expression. "I'm just starting to like you."
"That a good or a bad thing, Sergeant Lee?"
"I dunno yet. But I think I'll stick around to find out."
You want to inquire about what that means, but your C.O.'s shrill voice interrupts the moment.
"Gentlemen! We’re moving. Get the hell up."
--
You accumulated $leeBrownie Lee brownie points.
FIN. TRUE ENDING 1/4.
[[Try again?|beginning]]]
(else-if: $leeBrownie >=2)["What's up?"
Lee blinks. "Nothin'. See you on the other side, yeah, Lieutenant?"
You salute. "Stay frosty."
Your C.O.'s shrill voice interrupts the moment, "Gentlemen! We’re moving. Get the hell up."
--
You accumulated $leeBrownie Lee brownie points.
FIN. GOOD ENDING 2/4.
[[Try again?|beginning]]]
(else-if: $leeBrownie >=1)["What's up?"
Lee blinks and shakes his head, (if: (history:) contains "look down (sitting)")[hauling himself to his feet and]walking off. "Nevermind."
Your C.O.'s shrill voice cuts through the air, "Gentlemen! We’re moving. Get the hell up."
--
You accumulated $leeBrownie Lee brownie points.
FIN. DECENT ENDING 3/4.
[[Try again?|beginning]]]
(else:)["Goodbye, Sergeant."
You don't get a response.
--
You accumulated $leeBrownie Lee brownie points.
FIN. BAD ENDING 4/4.
[[Try again?|beginning]]](if: (history:) contains "go talk to someone else")["Back again, Lt?" Lee asks, dismissively.
]"Relax, Sergeant, you'll get your fight soon enough."
Lee shifts, self-amused smile playing at the corner of his mouth. "I can think of a way you can help me relax."
One of his companions giggles.
"Mary help us," you sigh under your breath. "And what would that be?"
"Mary ain't helping any of us, champ. You got Reds?"
(if: $leeWarning >= 2)[ [[teasing]] ](else:)[(...locked...)]
[[neutral]]"No. I've got Luckies, though."
Lee sighs discontentedly. "That'll do, I suppose."
You pull a pack of cigarettes and a lighter from your breast pocket.
[[light it for him]]
[[hand it to him]]He swindles a pack of Lucky Strikes from you.
"Hey, watch it," you grumble.
"Why it's my //lucky// day," Lee deadpans.
"You’re bold, soldier. I’ve half a mind to report you for insubordination."
The other two soldiers glance at each other, shifting nervously where they stand before discreetly exiting.
An amused smile tugs at the corner of Lee's mouth, one of his eyebrows raising. "Hmm. I don’t know about that."
"What’s that supposed to—"
Lee retrieves a cigarette from the pack, holding it to his lips, and suddenly, it’s lit.
[[shocked]]
[[casual|casual2]]
(set: $leeBrownie to it +1)"What the hell?"
Lee doesn’t answer, instead looking out to the ocean and puffing on his stolen vice.
"Seriously. How'd you do that?"
Lee rolls his eyes, taking half a step away from you. "Drop it, Diaz. Not a big deal."
Before you can say anything else about it, a strange, cold sensation starts in your toes.
[[look down]]"Woah, how'd you manage that parlor trick? You hiding a lighter up your sleeve?"
Lee doesn’t answer, instead looking out to the ocean and puffing on his stolen vice. You notice the planes of his face, smooth and level— pleasant, even. Not like the barbed quick-wit of his tongue.
A strange, cold sensation starts in your toes.
[[look down]]
(set: $leeBrownie to it +1)You and Lee look down, the sea licking at your boots. Its slow creep had gone unnoticed by you both until this moment. You meet Lee’s eyes first.
"High tide," you observe.
As if on cue, several air sirens scream. Lee puts the cigarette out on his sleeve and you flinch with empathy.
You adjust your kit, ready to start heading out, but notice Lee standing still, looking at you intently.
[["What's up?"|Ending]]You strip off one of your gloves, taking a cigarette between two fingers and holding it up to Lee's mouth. The other soldier's eyes widen, and it makes you warm in the chest to have thrown him off his rhythm. He leans forward to bite the bead, looking up at you through dark eyelashes. With your other hand, you flip open your lighter and hold the flame to the end of the cigarette, making sure it stays lit before you pull away.
Lee takes a few moments to puff on his vice before speaking up again.
"I'm an independent woman, Diaz. No need for all that," he says, remnants of a confused little smile still on his mouth, his gaze critical and searching.
Your face grows hot and you scratch the back of your neck. "Well, you should've said that before."
"Didn't know I needed to."
You fall into silence again, Lee gazing out to the ocean. The smell of ash and soft crashing of the waves calms your nerves. You notice the planes of the other man's face, smooth and level— pleasant, even. Not like the barbed quick-wit of his tongue.
A strange, cold sensation starts in your toes.
[[look down]]
(set: $leeBrownie to it +1)You place the items in Lee's outstretched hand. You notice twin burns on the insides of his index and middle fingers.
"Thank you, cowboy," Lee remarks distractedly, rushing to light up, almost shaking with urgency.
"Cowboy...?" you question.
"You've got a cute little accent, Diaz."
You smile, reminiscing about plateaus and hot red sands of home. "Are you well-versed in American regional dialects, Sergeant?"
"More than you would believe," he grumbles.
Before you can say anything else about that, a strange, cold sensation starts in your toes.
[[look down]](if: $samHp < 2)[You try and wriggle free, but Lee counters the squirming easily.](else:)[You try to sidestep him again, wanting to catch him off-guard, but he moves with you like a dancer two steps ahead, and knocks your feet out from under you. (set: $samHp to it - 1)]
[[charisma]]
[[constitution]](if: $samHp < 2)[You use your strength to switch your positions, rolling the other man underneath you. (set: $leeHp to it - 1)](else:)[You change strategies, waiting for Lee to strike. He throws a right hook, but you grab his fist, pulling his arm with all your might and sending him to the ground.(set: $leeHp to it - 1)]
[[charisma]]
[[more strength]]Lee puts his weight on your midsection, legs pinning you in place. He grabs your hands and pins them to your chest, peering down at you with raised eyebrows.
"I don't mind this view," you remark slyly.
An expression of shock crosses Lee's face for a moment, but his one-handed grip stays strong. He uses the other to push the left side of your face into the sand. "Don't say stupid shit you don't mean, Lieutenant."
Then he releases you, standing up, not offering a helping hand up. You stand by yourself, unsure what to think about what just happened.
Before you can reflect on it any more, a strange, cold sensation starts in your toes.
[[look down]]Before he can recover, you press your knee into his diaphragm, grabbing his arms and wrapping one securely around his neck. He struggles against your hold, but it is not long until the effort makes him lose his breath. (set: $leeHp to it - 1)
"Alright, Diaz," he says through gritted teeth.
"You're off your game, Sergeant," you declare, a hint of pride seeping into your tone.
You let him glower for a moment before easing your muscles. He wriggles out of your grasp quickly, sitting up and away from you.
Just then, you feel a strange, cold sensation against your legs.
[[[[look down|look down (sitting)]]You and Lee look down, the sea making your pants wet. Its slow creep had gone unnoticed by you both until this moment. You meet Lee’s eyes first.
"High tide," you observe.
As if on cue, several air sirens scream.
"Didn't even have time to smoke," Lee mumbles regretfully.
You stand and adjust your kit, ready to start heading out, but notice Lee sitting still, looking at you intently.
[["What's up?"|Ending]]You brace yourself against Lee's weight, taking slow, measured breaths as he applies more pressure.
[[strength]]"Alright. Get your head on, Diaz. We're wheels up as soon as this tide rises high enough for our boys on the ships."
"Message received, Captain."
"Alright. I've seen enough of your ugly mug. Don't come back unless you've got a problem. Even then, take it up with the Colonel, if you can find him."
[[leave|leave2]]
"Actually... I'm wondering about some of the other men. Anyone I should look out for?"
Kwon tunes into the conversation, leaning forward.
[[press for information]](link: "yes")[(go-to:"Who am I?")You greet them...
[[professional]]
[[lighthearted]] (if: (history:) contains "lighthearted")[You're apprehensive about your Korean speaking skills.
"Uh..." you trail off. "I think I'm needed over by the trees. I'll come back later." (set: $alreadyTalkedLH = true)]
(else-if: (history:) contains "professional")["I'm gonna check in with the captains." (set: $alreadyTalkedProf = true)]
"No need to run it past me, Lieutenant," Lee remarks, disinterested.
[[leave|leave3]](link: "leave")[(go-to:"Who am I?")