Adam Newman Clinical Examination (State of Mind)

Example dialog from the adventure game ***State of Mind*** (2018) *Context: Year 2048. Without knowing it, our hero Adam Newman is living a carefree life in a virtual reality Utopia with his son John and his wife Amy. However, he keeps experiencing things that don't make sense to him, and therefore, he ultimately decides to see his doctor, Daniel Sykes. Sykes is also conducting daily examinations on Adam's son John for somewhat unclear reasons. The concept is similar to the movie 'Truman Show' as Adam keeps finding more and more hints that the world around him - and ultimately he himself - is not real.* *Start of the Scene: Adam follows Dr. Sykes through the hospital.* Dr. Sykes leads us to a scanning machine that looks much like a dentist's chair. **DR. SYKES**: There we go. Please lie down and relax. We lie down. **DR. SYKES**: Relaxed? **ADAM**: Not at all. **DR. SYKES**: Don't worry, it's just a scan, it won't take long. I'll be back in a minute or two. You just stay where you are. And again: Don't be worried. The doctor leaves the room and we are alone, surrounded by monitors and strange technical equipment. After only a few seconds the bleeping and blinking of the scan stops. Nothing happens, and Dr. Sykes is still gone. We [[remain seated]] like the doctor ordered.ORwe [[leave the chair]] to examine the room.

We remain seated on the chair and wait until [[the Doctor returns]]. *Fade out, Fade in*

We can ...examine the [[scanning chair]], ...examine an odd [[machine]], (if: $Terminal is 0)[...activate a big [[terminal]], ]...examine the [[monitors]], ...examine a [[handheld device]] on a desk, ...read [[postit note|postit note at an old toaster]] next to an old toaster, ...read [[postit note|postit note by the monitors]] next to the monitors, (if: $Door is 0)[...check the [[door|Door]] to the corridor] to which the doctor left. Or we can sit down in the scanning chair again and [[wait]] for Sykes return.

{ (if: $DoorTried is 0) [We can try to [[open]] the door or we can [[eavesdrop]]. ] (else:)[ We can [[eavesdrop]] at the door. ] } [Augmented Reality Information]<clDoor| (click: ?clDoor)[DOOR To area A01 Locked. Access only for control point employees.] { (if: $Actions < 16)[ [[Back|leave the chair]] ] (else:)[ [[Back|SykesReturns]] ] }

We have no idea how to use the thing or what to make of it. But on a little screen it [reads]<clMachineMessage|: (click: ?clMachineMessage)[UPLOAD REPORT Upload via unit U-KRC-024 has resulted in the following disturbances since the last update package: - Drastic tissue tangling - Wrong coloring - Permanent flickering - Lesions in the left hippocampus - Loss of identity (Set: $Actions to it + 1)] [Augmented Reality information]<clMachine| (click: ?clMachine)[SYNCHRONIZER --- Access denied. Please contact a team member of port MNTK-VRL-12. (Set: $Actions to it + 1) (Set: $MachineExamined to 1)] { (if: $Actions < 16)[ [[Back|leave the chair]] ] (else:)[ [[Back|SykesReturns]] ] }

The holographic note showing the face of Dr. Sykes is hovering next to an old toaster and [reads]<clNoteSykes|: (click: ?clNoteSykes)[NOTE FROM DANIEL SYKES: Written one week ago. "A toaster? Eric, put your retro garbage somewhere else! This is supposed to be a hospital, not some hipster kitchen!" (Set: $Actions to it + 1) (Set: $NoteSykes to 1)] { (if: $Actions < 16)[ [[Back|leave the chair]] ] (else:)[ [[Back|SykesReturns]] ] }

Next to one of the monitors hovers a holographic note showing the face of an elderly woman. It [reads]<clNoteValerie|: (click: ?clNoteValerie)[NOTE FROM VALERIE VON STAHL Written on Tuesday morning. "Ray, my password to my hubs is an anagram of FLOAT (I know how much you hate my nonsense. You're welcome.)" (Set: $Actions to it + 1) (Set: $NoteValerie to 1) (Set: $KnowsPassword to 1)] { (if: $Actions < 16)[ [[Back|leave the chair]] ] (else:)[ [[Back|SykesReturns]] ] }

We examine the terminal that is connected to the scanning chair. Suddenly, it starts showing a slideshow of images, heavily distorted by artifacts. The first image shows Adam's son John at home in his room drawing a picture, just like Adam has seen him do earlier this morning. **ADAM:** What the... [[Keep watching|Image2]] { (if: $Actions < 16)[ [[Turn off the terminal|leave the chair]] ] (else:)[ [[Turn off the terminal|SykesReturns]] ] } (Set: $Actions to it + 1) (Set: $Terminal to 1)

The first monitor is password protected. Augmented Reality Information for [Monitor 1]<clMonitor1|: (click: ?clMonitor1)[CLOUD HUB Transmission port MNTK-VRL_02 User: Daniel Sykes (Set: $Actions to it + 1)(Set: $Monitors to it + 1) (Set: $Monitor1 to 1)] The second monitor is turned on and shows a [message from PHAN QIU]<clMonitor2| (click: ?clMonitor2)[Written on Friday evening. The new bird algorithms still don't work. The group intelligence is ok, but the interaction with trees is a horror show! PLEASE take another look at it! - Phan CLOUD HUB Transmission port MNTK-VRL_12 User: Eric van der Velde (Set: $Actions to it + 1)(Set: $Monitors to it + 1) (Set: $Monitor2 to 1)] The third monitor is password protected. Augmented Reality Information for [Monitor 3]<clMonitor3|: (click: ?clMonitor3)[CLOUD HUB Transmission port MNTK-VRL_03 User: Valerie von Stahl (Set: $Actions to it + 1)(Set: $Monitors to it + 1) (if: $KnowsPassword is 1)[...[[Enter Password]]...] ] { (if: $Actions < 16)[ [[Back|leave the chair]] ] (else:)[ [[Back|SykesReturns]] ] }

We sit down on the chair and wait until [[the Doctor returns]]. *Fade out, fade in*

The door is shut! **Adam**: "He's locked me in?" (Set: $DoorTried to 1) (set: $Actions to it +1) [[Back|Door]]

{ (if: $eavesdroped is 0 and $Actions < 14)[ Adam puts his ear to the door. ADAM: Nothing. (set: $Actions to it +1) (set: $eavesdroped to 1) [[Back|Door]] ] (else-if: $eavesdroped is 1 and $Actions < 14)[Adam puts his ear to the door again. **ADAM**: Still no one. (set: $Actions to it +1) (set: $eavesdroped to 0) [[Back|Door]] ] (else:)[We can hear steps approaching the door! **ADAM**: He's coming back! (set: $Actions to it +1) (Set: $Door to 1) [[Back|leave the chair]] ] }

The device belongs to Doctor Sykes but there's no way to turn it on. [Augmented Reality Information]<clHandheld| (click: ?clHandheld)[HANDHELD NOTEBOOK User: Daniel Sykes --- No access to read. (Set: $Actions to it + 1) (Set: $Handheld to 1)] { (if: $Actions < 16)[ [[Back|leave the chair]] ] (else:)[ [[Back|SykesReturns]] ] }

With a pleasant *ping* the door to the corridor opens, and Dr. Sykes enters. **ADAM**: I think the scan is finished. **DR. SYKES**: Well done, Newman. You may get up now. Sykes takes a look at his monitors. { (if: $Terminal is 1)[**DR. SYKES**: Hmm... You didn't touch this equipment, did you? [[Deny]] [[Admit]] ] (else:)[ Sykes takes a look at his monitors. [[Continue|SykesReturned01]] ] }

The chair looks like a regular dentist's chair and emits a permanent warm buzzing sound. [Augmented Reality Information]<clChair| (click: ?clChair)[Nervous? There's no need to be. At Kurtz Recreation Center, you're in the best hands. (set: $Actions to it +1) (Set: $Chair to 1)] { (if: $Actions < 16)[ [[Back|leave the chair]] ] (else:)[ [[Back|SykesReturns]] ] }

The screen switches to an image of Adam's car accident a few days ago... from Adam's own perspective. **ADAM:** My memories! Those are my memories!... [[Keep watching|Image3]] { (if: $Actions < 16)[ [[Turn off the terminal|leave the chair]] ] (else:)[ [[Turn off the terminal|SykesReturns]] ] } (Set: $Actions to it + 1)

The third is an image of his wife Amy... only that it isn't quite her, but another woman who looks eerily similar. **ADAM:** Or are they? [[Keep watching|Image4]] { (if: $Actions < 16)[ [[Turn off the terminal|leave the chair]] ] (else:)[ [[Turn off the terminal|SykesReturns]] ] } (Set: $Actions to it + 1)

The next image shows a storage hall full of unpleasant looking robots. **ADAM:** No. Never seen this before... After that, the screen flickers and goes black. (Set: $Actions to it + 1) [Augmented Reality Information]<clTerminal| (click: ?clTerminal)[SCAN TERMINAL --- Access to information denied. Please contact a team member of port MNTK-VRL-12. (Set: $Actions to it + 1)] { (if: $Actions < 16)[ [[Leave terminal|leave the chair]] ] (else:)[ [[Leave terminal|SykesReturns]] ] }

Try: [[FLOAT|WrongPassword]] [[ALOFT|CorrectPassword]] [[LOFTY|WrongPassword]] [[FAULT|WrongPassword]]

Wrong password. Access denied! (Set: $Actions to it + 1) [[Back|Enter Password]]

The monitor activates and we an read several messages: [[From Dr. Daniel Sykes]] [[To Terrance Forbes]] [[From Dr. Martin Ellis]] [[From Dr. Daniel Sykes|From Dr. Sykes]] { (if: $Actions < 16)[ [[Back|leave the chair]] ] (else:)[ [[Back|SykesReturns]] ] }

With a pleasant *ping* the door to the corridor opens, and before we can jump back on the scanning chair again, Dr. Sykes enters. **DR. SYKES**: And what part of *stay where you are* was so difficult to understand? **ADAM**: I think the scan is finished. **DR. SYKES**: Hmm. Sykes goes to the big terminal and checks the screen. **DR. SYKES**: You didn't touch this equipment, did you? { (if: $Terminal is 1)[ [[Deny]] [[Admit]] ] (else:)[ **ADAM**: No, I didn't. **DR. SYKES**: M-hm. [[Continue|SykesReturned01]] ] }

**ADAM**: No. No, I didn't. **DR. SYKES**: M-hm. [[Continue|SykesReturned01]]

**ADAM**: Yeah, sorry. I got a little curious. I might have looked at those pictures on the big screen. **DR. SYKES**: You have? **ADAM**: May I ask what they are good for? I mean... **DR. SYKES**: Look, Newman: First of all, you shouldn't sneak around here. That goes without saying. Second, to answer your question: Those pictures have been reconstructed from your subconsciousness. Fragments that help us evaluate your mental condition. **ADAM**: What kind of recordings are those? I mean.. **DR. SYKES**: And thirdly: The less you know about all this the better for our examinations. **ADAM**: Understood. **DR. SYKES**: Trust us. You are surrounded by professionals here. The doctor turns to his screens again. [[Continue|SykesReturned01]]

**DR. SYKES**: Well then, let's have a look at it. ... Mmhmm. **ADAM**: Something wrong? **DR. SYKES**: Hmm. Hmm. **ADAM**: What? **DR. SYKES**: Do you see or hear things at times that shouldn't be there, Newman? [[Admit|Admit2]] [[Deny|Deny2]]

**ADAM**: No. I mean, well... Sometimes I get a strange feeling. Like deja vu. Is that bad? **DR. SYKES**: Mmhmm. You did the right thing coming here, Newman. Basically everything is ok. But: your scan shows a couple of blemishes. Some doubling, so to speak. **ADAM**: What. Like schizophrenia? **DR. SYKES**: No, well, it's too early for a diagnosis. At the moment, I can only give you this advice: Go home and stay there. I'll inform your employer and contact you as soon as we have examined the scan properly. - And please don't be... **ADAM**: ...worried, I know. Thanks. **DR. SYKES**: Very well. That's it for today. Let me walk you to the door. We [[follow the Doctor|End of Examination]] outside.

**ADAM**: Not that I know of, no. **DR. SYKES**: Are you sure? **ADAM**: Yes, I'm sure. **DR. SYKES**: Mmhmm. You did the right thing coming here, Newman. Basically everything is ok. But: your scan shows a couple of blemishes. Some doubling, so to speak. **ADAM**: What. Like schizophrenia? **DR. SYKES**: No, well, it's too early for a diagnosis. At the moment, I can only give you this advice: Go home and stay there. I'll inform your employer and contact you as soon as we have examined the scan properly. - And please don't be... **ADAM**: ...worried, I know. Thanks. **DR. SYKES**: Very well. That's it for today. Let me walk you to the door. We [[follow the Doctor|End of Examination]] outside.

While we are walking through the corridor, Sykes turns to us again. **DR. SYKES**: May I ask you a personal question? It's about John. **ADAM**: What about him? **DR. SYKES**: I should probably keep out of it, but: Is he getting the attention at home that he needs? **ADAM**: Of course. Why? **DR. SYKES**: Your boy is somewhat withdrawn. It would be good if he opened up a little. **ADAM**: Opened up? **DR. SYKES**: I really shouldn't get involved. [[React Close-lipped]] [[React curious]]

**ADAM**: You're right. It is really none of your business. **DR. SYKES**: Of course not. I apologize. I am certain that you are perfect parents. Safe trip home, Newman. ... But If there are ever any problems with John... whatever they may be: You can call us at any time. **ADAM**: Why would there be problems? **DR. SYKES**: It's okay, Newman. I just want to help. Safe trip home. [[Leave Hospital|END]]

**ADAM**: Is that what all this is about? Is it about John? About how I am as a father? **DR. SYKES**: What do you mean? **ADAM**: I love my son. **DR. SYKES**: As every father should. I am certain that you are perfect parents. Safe trip home, Newman. ... But If there are ever any problems with John... whatever they may be: You can call us at any time. **ADAM**: Why would there be problems? **DR. SYKES**: It's okay, Newman. I just want to help. Safe trip home. [[Leave Hospital|END]]

{ (if: $Actions > 10)[Adam leaves the hospital in a state of utter confusion.] (elseif:$Actions > 0)[Adam leaves the hospital in a state of confusion.] (else:)[Adam leaves the hospital somewhat relieved.] } ***END OF SCENE***

**From Dr. Daniel Sykes** *Yesterday* Please try with the following settings: Adenine 19, Thymine 112, Guanine 14, Cytosine 15. And then play around with the potency a bit. Btw. I like your new avatar a lot. Beautiful, but not in a creepy way. Feel young again. You have earned it! **Response by Valerie v. Stahl** *Yesterday* Thanks, Dan! It will take some time to get used to. (Set: $Actions to it + 1)(Set: $Messages to it + 1) { (if: $Actions < 16)[ [[Back|CorrectPassword]] ] (else:)[ [[Back|SykesReturns]] ] }

**To Terrance Forbes** *2 days ago* After further observation one thing is starting to become blatantly obvious. N is currently not suitable for our operation. I suggest the following modifications: - A more positive outlook - Drastic decrease of curiosity - Decrease of mood swings, especially concerning temper and cynisism - Apart from that we should tamper with the data as little as possible so TH1 can establish an unadulterated connection. (Set: $Actions to it + 1)(Set: $Messages to it + 1) { (if: $Actions < 16)[ [[Back|CorrectPassword]] ] (else:)[ [[Back|SykesReturns]] ] }

**From Dr. Martin Ellis** *2 days ago* As per your request, here are the results of my session with RN. The following is what RN confided to me about his son: - A peculiar connection to his robotic nannies. - Strong fixation on the mother. Only rudimentary connection to his father. - Verbal skills significantly above average ratings of his age group (overall, he's rather taciturn, though) Also, RN has shown me various pictures his son has drawn and which he considers unsettling. To me they seem to depict some kind of fractal patterns. Not sure what to make of that. (Set: $Actions to it + 1)(Set: $Messages to it + 1) { (if: $Actions < 16)[ [[Back|CorrectPassword]] ] (else:)[ [[Back|SykesReturns]] ] }

**From Dr. Daniel Sykes** *3 days ago* The task of supervising the boy's development confronts us with an obvious paradox. The progress is astronomical, but it becomes nearly impossible to distinguish possible flaws from actual autonomous system improvements. Both are algorithmic anomalies our limited minds can no longer even begin to comprehend. Accelerating the procedure also significantly increases the risks. We simply have no choice but to trust the baselines we implemented. Science... It's all well and good, but at this point all that's left for us to do is praying really hard. (Set: $Actions to it + 1)(Set: $Messages to it + 1) { (if: $Actions < 16)[ [[Back|CorrectPassword]] ] (else:)[ [[Back|SykesReturns]] ] }