Tredeciem 35th, 20XX -

"Let me offer a brief refresher on how to operate the virtual reality headset, or VR for short," C lectures.

"Section five, paragraph three from the Grizzco handbook - VR allows a tester to revisit memories from their past. Subjects can't alter the simulation or the outcome of events. Everything the subject witnesses is already set on a predetermined path."

"Think of it as watching a movie, but it's filled with your thoughts and consciousness," C describes.

"The goal of this mission is to extract information from your psyche. A six-digit combination in particular." One of the guards hands you a familiar-looking phone. "That's Callie's phone; we managed to retrieve it after the blast. We've tried hacking it, but some crafty clamshell rigged the device with a memory wipe. The only way in is through the front door. That's why you're here. You were very close to Callie; I'd imagine it's stored somewhere in your memory banks." C theorizes.

You input the code Callie into the lock screen.

Wrong passcode X, five attempts remaining.

I already tried that one. You have to be more sparing with our usage Agent 4," C advises. "Five more failed attempts, and the phone automatically resets."

You inquire about the cell phone's significance.

"That's classified information," C asserts.

"However, I'm sure you know this mission hinges on our survival. Don't stray from the protocol, or you will be suspended from this operation. Do you hear me?" C demands sternly.

You answer him with a confident, yes sir. The director's statement evokes suspicion, and you can't help but think to yourself: what exactly is he hiding?

"Your break is up Agent 4; let's get back to work," C says as he starts up the machine.

Loading...

——————————————————

July 17th, 2019 -

You're sitting in a coffee shop anticipating the arrival of a special guest. Suddenly, a cute woman dressed in pink enters the cafe. The girl aimlessly wanders the lobby, searching for someone. Your eyes meet, and she approaches your table.

"It's nice to see you again buttface," Callie remarks.

Her snarky quip ultimately ruins any sense of dramatic tension. "Gah, I'm so mad at you. After months of waiting and thousands of missed calls, you finally come back through some radio contest. Explain yourself this instant," She says as she tosses her purse on the floor.

You're perplexed by her response and promptly inform her of all the difficulties you endured trying to see her again.

I don't believe you; you're just probably covering up for some harlot. Who is she? Tell me," Callie demands.

You ask why it bothered her so much.

"Wha- I don't care it's...

Hey, look over there, is that a flying stingray." Callie points out.

You spin your head around, ready to witness a wondrous spectacle. However, the windowpane bears no such sight. You glance back over and spot Callie dashing towards the exit. You quickly pursue her and grasp ahold of her palm before she leaves. "Dang," she mumbles. "You're still as fast as I remember."

The cafe customers are a little startled by the scene. "Let's get out of here and find somewhere more private," Callie suggests.

You and Callie stroll down the streets of Inkopolis. A heavy silence fills the area, and tension grows with every passing step. Callie eventually cracks, "I'm not good with introductions, okay. I'm just excited to see you is all," Callie begrudgingly admits. "Let's start over. I promised you a friendly afternoon chat, and I want to deliver on that request."

You tell her to fire away.

"Well, have you heard about the sharks on the news?" Callie interjects. "Everyone is talking about it."

She immediately recognizes your look of confusion. "Oh, now that I remember, you weren't the type to keep up with current events," She chuckles.

"What's that face supposed to mean. It's a compliment, I swear. You manage your time adequately and don't concentrate on the meaningless dribble. I admire those qualities. However, it would help if you attempted to integrate with trending topics now and again.

As you chat with Callie, you take note of the impressive entertainment on display. Crates and decorations line the street corners. The preparations for the final splatfest were already underway.

You arrive at Callie's apartment, tucked in the middle of two crowded intersections. She softly brushes her tentacle over her ear, "So... since this is our last splatfest for a while, could I accompany you to the competition?"

You breathe in and out, before providing a reassuring nod.

"Great, let's meet here around 8 pm," Callie insists.

"I'll be wearing my favorite purple outfit. So I'll try not to attract too much attention. Although I wouldn't mind your attention," Callie giggles. She shoots you a playful wink and heads into her studio.

You remove the virtual headset.

You pull out the cell phone from your pocket and input the code...

Purple

Wrong passcode X

Four attempts remaining