[Automatic transcript: User is SWG] Copyright (c) 1985 Infocom, Inc. All rights reserved. Welcome to CHECKPOINT (TM) - interactive fiction from Infocom! [Note to testers: this story has the command GO TO, and the concept of not being able to see things behind your back. The unit of currency in this story is the Frotzian slimpuk, whose symbol is "*". Messages in square brackets [] will not be in the final release. Remember: you can shorten your words only to NINE (9) letters. But you can use C for COMPARTMENT, V for VESTIBULE, and F for FORWARD.] Do you want the viewpoint of the traveler or the spy? >T Do you want the short variation or the long one? >SHORT Then let the story begin! With your business deal behind you, you want only to get out of this bleak corner of Eastern Europe. The frontier is now only a few hours away, and from there it's not far to Vienna, and civilization.... The ride seems endless, and you're dozing off again. The wheels of the train are ticking like a clock, ticking off the segments of track you're passing, and the compartment is rocking you back and forth, back and forth, making your eyelids slowly close. Your slumber is cut short as a man staggers into your compartment, panting strangely. From his demeanor, you guess that he has drunk too much. But before you can dismiss him, you notice that he's grasping a bright red spot on his shirt. He speaks quietly, but in a hurry. "I've got only a moment, so listen carefully! Since you were reading the International Herald over lunch, I assume you're an American. I am an agent of our government, and I've been sent to deliver a document to our special agent in Gola. An enemy agent spotted me on the train, and I only barely managed to escape." He groans softly, examining his wound. "The best I can do now is throw the enemy off the scent, but I need you, and your country needs you, to carry out my assignment." You start to interrupt, a thousand questions racing through your mind. "There's no time! Here! Take my briefcase, but be careful with it! Our enemies are all around us! My contact in Gola is an old woman, and I was to display a pen, then use the words 'red handkerchief' ...." Then he stops and listens. Before you can say anything, he checks the corridor and races out. CHECKPOINT Infocom interactive fiction - a story of intrigue Copyright (c) 1985 by Infocom, Inc. All rights reserved. CHECKPOINT is a trademark of Infocom, Inc. Release 15 / Serial number 850405 / Traveler's viewpoint, short variation (third compartment) This is a once-luxurious first-class compartment on the Znuk-Potrzebie Express. The plush red upholstery on the two facing seats, shiny and worn in spots, and the greasy lace on the headrests, give the car an air of faded elegance. A red handle is hanging by a short length of cord from the ceiling, swinging in time to the train's rocking motion. The corridor is outside, past a window with a red curtain on it. The train is rocketing along a barren stubble-plain. A thin man and an old man are just outside. Sitting on the train seat is a briefcase. Okay, what do you want to do now? >OPEN THE CASE The train lurches a bit. The latch is closed. You hear some kind of noise from the roof of the train. What next? >OPEN IT (I assume you mean: the briefcase latch.) The metal latch snaps open. What next? >OPEN CASE Opening it reveals a document, a miniature camera, a cassette of film, a magnifying glass, and a scrap of newsprint. Something outside the window catches your eye. It looks like the stranger falling off the roof of the train. What next? >EXAMINE DOCUMENT The train lurches a bit. It's not a very handsome document, scrawled in a hurry by a hand that wouldn't win any prizes under the best of conditions. But it seems to contain crucial information -- times, places, a crude map, even code words -- about a plan to kidnap some high-ranking official. Were the plan to succeed, several governments would be embarrassed, if not in mortal danger, and the balance of power would become precarious. What next? >PICK UP CAMERA AND FILM miniature camera: You are now holding it. cassette of film: You are now holding it. What next? >EXAMINE CAMERA Ah! Is this the masterwork of some paranoid genius in "Q" Section? A product of years of technological innovation, bordering on magic? Nah, it's just an ordinary miniature camera -- no weapons, no motors, nothing to break down. And it's closed. What next? >OPEN IT (I assume you mean: the miniature camera.) Okay, it is now open. What next? >PUT FILM IN IT (I assume you mean: the miniature camera.) Okay. (You won't see "What next?" any more.) >CLOSE IT (I assume you mean: the cassette of film.) (You can't close it.) >CLOSE CAMERA Okay, it is now closed. >TAKE PICTURE OF DOCUMENT You push the button, but it won't move. >EXAMINE CAMERA It looks as if it needs to be cocked. >COCK IT (I assume you mean: the miniature camera.) Okay. >TAKE PICTURE OF DOCUMENT "Click!" Just outside an old couple appear from the rear middle. >CLOSE THE CASE Closed. The old couple, just outside, disappear to the front. Just outside a fat man appears from the rear middle. Just outside an attractive man appears from the forward middle. >SEARCH THE ROOM (You stand up first.) (It's better to examine or search one thing at a time. It would take a long time to search a whole room or area thoroughly. A brief search would take 3 minutes, and it might not reveal much. Would you like to do it anyway?) >YES The fat man enters, looks around, and sits down. Then he notices the briefcase and takes it. The attractive man, just outside, disappears to the rear. Do you want to continue what you were doing? >NO Your brief search reveals nothing exciting. >TAKE CASE The fat man holds it more tightly and looks at you defiantly. Just outside the conductor appears from the forward middle. The conductor, just outside, stops to punch tickets. The fat man, carrying it, opens the compartment door for a moment and leaves. >FIND MY TICKET You have it. The conductor punches the fat man's ticket. The fat man, just outside, disappears to the rear. >INVENTORY (Sorry, but the word "inventory" is not in the vocabulary that you can use.) >INVENT You're holding a miniature camera. And there's something in your pocket. The conductor punches the thin man's ticket. >LOOK IN MY POCKET Your pocket contains your ticket, a timetable, a traveler's check, and your passport. And some money. The conductor punches the old man's ticket. >LOOK AT TICKET The train lurches a bit. All you can make out is the destination: Gola. The conductor appears and makes a gesture, asking for your ticket. >GIVE HIM IT (I assume you mean: your ticket.) (I assume you mean: the conductor.) The conductor punches your ticket and then gives it back to you. He touches a finger to his cap and opens the compartment door for a moment and leaves. He disappears to the rear. >SEARCH THE ROOM (It's better to examine or search one thing at a time. It would take a long time to search a whole room or area thoroughly. A brief search would take 3 minutes, and it might not reveal much. Would you like to do it anyway?) >Y Your brief search reveals nothing exciting. >EXAMINE FLOOR The train lurches a bit. Something catches your eye: it's a spot of blood. >EXAMINE CEILING (Sorry, but this story doesn't recognize the word "ceiling".) >LOOK UP The ceiling has seen better years, but a little soot removal would do wonders. >PUT ALL IN POCKET your ticket: Okay. miniature camera: Okay. >LEAVE (You open the compartment door and close it again.) (middle) [You're facing to the right side of the train.] This is the middle of the corridor. The floor and walls are covered with cream-colored linoleum, worn away in spots to reveal the original hardwood finish. A long series of windows, still framed by wood, runs along the corridor on the right-hand side of the train. A girl is off to the rear. A regal woman is off to the front. The thin man is here, smoking a cigarette. The old man is here, reading a newspaper. >GO TO THE REAR END (rear end) [You're facing to the rear.] This is the rear end of the corridor. On the left side of the train, behind a windowed door, lies the fifth compartment. A young woman is in the fifth compartment. >EXAMINE HER (Be specific: what thing do you want to examine?) >THE YOUNG WOMAN She is dressed for a long trip, in shades of blue, with a strange odor. >REAR (You open the swinging door and close it again.) (rear vestibule) This is a small vestibule at the rear end of the car. There's a short flight of metal steps on the left side of the train leading down off the train, and a narrow metal ladder leading up to the roof. A small door leads to a restroom, and a big window is open to the outside. A red handle is hanging by a short length of cord from the ceiling, swinging in time to the train's rocking motion. The train is speeding along a barren stubble-plain. The clatter of the wheels on the track is almost deafening. >R [Debugging info: you are entering car #3.] (forward vestibule) This is a small vestibule at the forward end of the car. It's just like the rear vestibule, but with no steps or ladder. >R (You open the swinging door and close it again.) The relative quiet here is welcome. The smell of food is unmistakable. (forward end) This is the forward end of the corridor. On the left side of the train lies the first booth. >ENTER (first booth) [You're facing to the left side of the train.] This is a diner booth on the Znuk-Potrzebie Express. In fact, it looks as if the railway company just converted a first-class coach into a diner by removing the door and adding a table to each compartment. The train is speeding along a barren stubble-plain. >FIND A MENU The train lurches a bit. It's right here. The train is now speeding past a dark, violent river. >READ IT (I assume you mean: the menu.) A sign on the wall has a long list of mysterious Frotzian phrases, printed in ornate letters. All you can decipher is unpleasant things like fish heads and lice, or rumpled stilt's skin. Wait! There's an American phrase: Eggs McGuffin! >COUNT MONEY You are carrying *49. >EXAMINE THE CHECK It's your last $10 Mariners' Trust traveler's check, "accepted and even revered the world over." A waiter enters, ready to take your order. >ASK HIM FOR A PEN (I assume you mean: the waiter.) "E davnisnap qwamrk?" >SHOW HIM THE CHECK (I assume you mean: the waiter.) He nods and displays a pen. >TAKE IT (I assume you mean: the traveler's check.) You are now holding it. >TAKE THE PEN You are now holding it. >THANK THE WAITER He acknowledges your thanks. He leaves. >LOOK AT TIMETABLE (You'll find the timetable in your CHECKPOINT package.) [It should include: Glrp-Wien Express: 11.22 Frbz, 12.42 Knut, 13.37 Hrng, 14.39 Wien, Znuk-Potrzebie Express: 13.00 Knut, 14.25 Grnz, 15.55 Gola, 17.07 Potrzebie, ] >PUT ALL IN POCKET pen: Okay. traveler's check: Okay. >LOOK THRU WINDOW The train is rocketing past a dark, violent river. >EXAMINE RIVER The train lurches a bit. The river splashes and swirls around huge granite boulders. In the center a dark current carries bits of foam swiftly along. >GO TO KITCHEN (galley) The galley is crowded with supplies and equipment. The locked cabinets are probably filled with food, kettles, and kitchen tools. There's a crowded counter for preparing food. If you want to find something, you'll have to search for it. There's a cook here, cooking. He makes a pushing motion with one hand and points forward with the other. He seems angry that you're invading his space. >SAY "HELLO" (I assume you mean: say to the cook.) He makes a pushing motion with one hand and points forward with the other. He seems angry that you're invading his space. (I assume you mean: hello cook.) He makes a pushing motion with one hand and points forward with the other. He seems angry that you're invading his space. >GIVE HIM MONEY (I assume you mean: the cook.) (Please be more specific.) >GIVE HIM *10 (I assume you mean: the cook.) He accepts your gift and smiles broadly. >ASK HIM FOR A KNIFE (I assume you mean: the cook.) "O vubbobnets cho fim mush lizulpstevstu?" >FIND A KNIFE You find a knife in short order and take it. >POCKET IT (I assume you mean: the knife.) There's not enough room. >LOOK IN POCKET Your pocket contains a traveler's check, a pen, a miniature camera, your ticket, a timetable, and your passport. And some money. >FIND THE WAITER The train lurches a bit. (Who knows where he is now?) >LEAVE (rear end) [You're facing to the right side of the train.] This is the rear end of the corridor. The train is now steaming along the edge of a rocky precipice. >GO FORWARD (rear middle) [You're facing to the front.] This is the rear middle of the corridor. On the left side of the train lies the pantry. The waiter is in the pantry. >ENTER (pantry) [You're facing to the left side of the train.] The pantry is crowded with supplies and equipment. The locked cabinets are probably filled with dishes, tableware, and napkins. If you want to find something, you'll have to search for it. The waiter is here, chewing gum. He makes a pushing motion with one hand and points forward with the other. He seems angry that you're invading his space. >CASH CHECK The waiter gives you *20 in exchange for the check. He makes a pushing motion with one hand and points forward with the other. He seems angry that you're invading his space. >EXIT (rear middle) [You're facing to the right side of the train.] >PUT ALL IN POCKET knife: Okay. >GO TO RESTROOM (rear restroom) As you'd expect, the restroom is tidy but small, almost too small for comfort. But it does have the usual fixtures. >WASH (Sorry, but this story doesn't recognize the word "wash".) >SIT (on the toilet) The train lurches a bit. You're now sitting on it. >LOCK THE DOOR [You're facing to the left side of the train.] Okay, it is now locked. >WAIT (I assume you mean: wait 10 minutes.) Time passes... The train begins to slow down a bit. Do you want to keep waiting? >YES The time is now 14.35. >LEAVE THE ROOM You're not in here! >LEAVE (You stand up first.) (You unlock and open the restroom door and close it again.) (rear vestibule) A middle-aged couple are off to the rear. A cigarette machine stands in one corner, waiting to be either used or discarded -- it's hard to say which. The conductor cries, "Grnz," and the train glides to a halt in the station. >LEAVE THE TRAIN You notice a pair of customs inspectors boarding the train to search it. (platform) You are standing on the concrete platform of the Grnz railway station. A cantilevered roof looms overhead, with occasional drops of rain water falling from its edge. To the west is the entrance to the station house. To the east is a passenger train, the Znuk-Potrzebie Express, hissing and blowing off steam. The place is crowded with people milling about, searching for a certain passenger or the right car, or simply waiting. A customs agent is off to the north. The conductor is here, walking to the front of the train. He heads off to the north. >FOLLOW HIM (I assume you mean: the conductor.) [Debugging info: you are entering platform #2.] (platform) [You're facing to the north.] The customs agent is here, inspecting luggage and passports. A sign on the wall announces something in large, unfriendly letters. The conductor is here, still walking to the front of the train. He heads off to the north. He stops walking. >READ THE SIGN If you could read the language, it would say: "This is the CHECKPOINT. All passengers who are crossing the frontier must pass through customs inspection before boarding the train. CHECKPOINT is also a trademark and product of Infocom, Inc., with some narration by Bruce Schechter." >AGAIN If you could read the language, it would say: "This is the CHECKPOINT. All passengers who are crossing the frontier must pass through customs inspection before boarding the train. CHECKPOINT is also a trademark and product of Infocom, Inc., proofed by the Infocom Quality Assurance Dept." >AGAIN If you could read the language, it would say: "This is the CHECKPOINT. All passengers who are crossing the frontier must pass through customs inspection before boarding the train. CHECKPOINT is also a trademark and product of Infocom, Inc., dedicated to the late Sir Alfred Hitchcock." The fat man shows his passport and the briefcase to the customs agent. >AGAIN If you could read the language, it would say: "This is the CHECKPOINT. All passengers who are crossing the frontier must pass through customs inspection before boarding the train. CHECKPOINT is also a trademark and product of Infocom, Inc., written and directed by Stu Galley, with a little help from his friends." The fat man, carrying the briefcase, heads off to the north. He disappears up the steps. >BOARD THE TRAIN You have to pass the customs agent first. >PASS THE AGENT The customs agent makes a gesture, asking for your passport. >GIVE HIM IT (I assume you mean: your passport.) (I assume you mean: the customs agent.) The customs agent looks at you and your passport, barely suppresses a smirk, stamps it, and then gives it back to you. >PASS HIM (I assume you mean: the customs agent.) The customs agent makes a gesture, as if to say, "Empty your pocket." >EMPTY MY POCKET You are now holding the knife, the pen, the miniature camera, your ticket, and the timetable. >PASS HIM (I assume you mean: the customs agent.) [Debugging info: you are entering platform #1.] He smiles approvingly. (platform) One part of the crowd catches your eye: There's a guard here, re-arranging luggage. >PUT ALL IN POCKET (Which pocket do you mean, the conductor's pocket or your pocket?) >MY timetable: Okay. your ticket: Okay. miniature camera: Okay. pen: Okay. knife: Okay. your passport: Okay. >EXAMINE CONDUCTOR He's helpful but suspicious, and doesn't want trouble in HIS jurisdiction. >EXAMINE GUARD She wears a military-style uniform proudly, even though it fits her poorly. She seems to be watching for suspicious activities, such as people looking at her or at other people too much. >BOARD THE TRAIN (rear vestibule) [You're facing to the right side of the train.] Okay. The train whistle blows once, and the conductor cries, "Gormnash floogle nomnets!" >FIND THE FAT MAN (Who knows where he is now?) >REAR [Debugging info: you are entering car #2.] (forward vestibule) [You're facing to the rear.] >REAR (You open the swinging door and close it again.) (forward end) This is the forward end of the corridor. On the left side of the train, behind a windowed door, lies the first compartment. The thin man and an old man are off to the rear. The regal woman is here, gazing out the window. A girl is off to the rear, heading toward you. >GO TO REAR VESTIBULE You have just started walking, when the girl gets in your way. (forward middle) This is the forward middle of the corridor. On the left side of the train, behind a windowed door, lies the second compartment. The thin man and the old man are off to the rear. The train slowly pulls out of Grnz station. There's a girl here, gazing out the window. She opens the compartment door for a moment and enters the second compartment. >AGAIN You have just started walking, when a thin man gets in your way. (middle) The thin man is here, reading a newspaper. There's an old man here, gazing out the window. Off to the rear the young man appears. >AGAIN You have just started walking, when the young man gets in your way. (rear middle) This is the rear middle of the corridor. On the left side of the train, behind a windowed door, lies the fourth compartment. The young man is here, still walking along. He heads off to the rear. The train is now speeding past a small town. >AGAIN You have just started walking, when the young man gets in your way. (rear end) A young couple and a young woman are in the fifth compartment. The young man is here, still walking along. He opens the swinging door for a moment and heads off to the rear. >R (You open the swinging door and close it again.) (rear vestibule) The young man is here, still walking along. He heads off to the rear. >R [Debugging info: you are entering car #3.] (forward vestibule) The young man is here, still walking along. He opens the swinging door for a moment and heads off to the rear. >R (You open the swinging door and close it again.) The relative quiet here is welcome. (forward end) The young man is here, gazing out the window. He enters the first booth. >GO TO R VESTIB (I don't know the word "vestib".) >GO TO R VESTIBULE (rear vestibule) A middle-aged couple are off to the rear. A cigarette machine stands in one corner, waiting to be either used or discarded -- it's hard to say which. >R [Debugging info: you are entering car #4.] (forward vestibule) You notice a worn spot on the floor. The middle-aged couple are here, looking at you with suspicion. >HELLO You can't make yourself heard above the noise. >LISTEN (What do you want to listen to?) >NOISE (You don't need to use the word "noise" to finish this story.) >LISTEN TO TRAIN The clatter of the wheels on the track is almost deafening. >R (You open the swinging door and close it again.) The relative quiet here is welcome. (forward end) >GO TO R END (rear end) >R (You open the swinging door and close it again.) (rear vestibule) >R [Debugging info: you are entering car #5.] (forward vestibule) >R (You open the swinging door and close it again.) The relative quiet here is welcome. (forward end) The fat man, off to the rear, opens the compartment door for a moment and enters the fifth compartment. (The briefcase is already open!) >GO TO FIFTH COMPARTMENT Too bad, but the compartment door is locked. (rear end) [You're facing to the left side of the train.] The fat man is in the fifth compartment. >KNOCK (What do you want to knock on?) >DOOR (Which door do you mean, the compartment door or the swinging door?) >C Someone shouts, "U quidglip jef nom jonjernashzrk glob floo?" >ANSWER "YES" Nobody seems to be waiting for an answer. >FIND THE OLD WOMAN (Who knows where she is now?) >LOOK AT TABLE (You'll find the timetable in your CHECKPOINT package.) [It should include: Glrp-Wien Express: 11.22 Frbz, 12.42 Knut, 13.37 Hrng, 14.39 Wien, Znuk-Potrzebie Express: 13.00 Knut, 14.25 Grnz, 15.55 Gola, 17.07 Potrzebie, ] >R (You open the swinging door and close it again.) (rear vestibule) [You're facing to the rear.] There's an attractive woman here, gazing out the window. The train is now rocketing through a mysterious forest. >R The train lurches a bit. (This is the last car of the train.) >KISS HER (I assume you mean: the attractive woman.) She slaps you right back. Wow, is your face red! >F (You open the swinging door and close it again.) The relative quiet here is welcome. (rear end) [You're facing to the front.] The fat man is in the fifth compartment. Off to the front a boy appears. >FOLLOW HIM (Be specific: what thing do you want to follow?) >BOY (rear middle) The boy is here, walking along. He heads off to the front. >BOY! He turns toward you. The boy is off to the front, heading away from you. >GO TO HIM (Be specific: what thing do you want to go?) >BOY (forward middle) The boy is here, walking along. He heads off to the front. >BOY, STOP! He looks around fearfully but says nothing. >F (forward end) An old couple are in the first compartment. The boy is here, still walking along. >ASK BOY FOR HELP (Sorry, but I don't understand the word "help" when you use it that way.) >ASK BOY FOR A NEWSPAPER "I frobzitfrppro bri?" >ANSWER "YES" Nobody seems to be waiting for an answer. >GO TO MIDDLE The train lurches a bit. (middle) [You're facing to the rear.] >WAIT FOR FAT MAN Time passes... The train is now rocketing along a barren stubble-plain. The conductor stops here to punch tickets. Do you want to keep waiting? >Y He makes a gesture, asking for your ticket. A girl opens the compartment door for a moment and walks past you. Do you want to keep waiting? >Y He makes a gesture again, asking for your ticket. She heads off to the front. Do you want to keep waiting? >Y He makes a gesture strongly, asking for your ticket. Do you want to keep waiting? >NO The time is now 15.41. >GIVE HIM THE TICKET (I assume you mean: the conductor.) The conductor punches your ticket and then gives it back to you. >WAIT FOR FAT MAN Time passes... The conductor, off to the rear, stops to punch tickets. Do you want to keep waiting? >Y The train begins to slow down a bit. Do you want to keep waiting? >Y The conductor cries, "Gola," and the train glides to a halt in the station. Do you want to keep waiting? >NO The time is now 15.55. >GO TO REAR END (rear end) The fat man is in the fifth compartment. >ENTER Too bad, but the compartment door is locked. >LEAVE THE TRAIN (rear vestibule) [You're facing to the rear.] The attractive woman is here, still gazing out the window. (platform) You are standing at the south end of the concrete platform of the Gola railway station. A cantilevered roof looms overhead, with occasional drops of rain water falling from its edge. To the west is the luggage room. To the east is a passenger train, the Znuk-Potrzebie Express, hissing and blowing off steam. The place is crowded with people milling about, searching for a certain passenger or the right car, or simply waiting. One part of the crowd catches your eye: There's an old man here, chewing gum. >FIND THE OLD WOMAN (Who knows where she is now?) >WALK NORTH [Debugging info: you are entering platform #4.] (platform) [You're facing to the north.] One part of the crowd catches your eye: There's an old couple here, looking at you with suspicion. The conductor stops walking. >AGAIN [Debugging info: you are entering platform #3.] (platform) One part of the crowd catches your eye: There's a young man here, checking a timetable. >AGAIN [Debugging info: you are entering platform #2.] (platform) One part of the crowd catches your eye: There's an old woman here, looking up and down the platform. >SHOW THE PEN TO HER (I assume you mean: the old woman.) A guard seems to notice your actions. The old woman listens to you expectantly. >SAY "RED HANDKERCHIEF" The guard approaches you and makes a gesture, asking for your passport. The old woman whispers, "I was expecting someone else, but you must be the courier. Please give me the document now." >GIVE THE CAMERA TO THE OLD WOMAN The guard makes a gesture strongly, asking for your passport. The old woman quickly inspects the cassette of film and then pumps your hand with obvious gratitude. "Only a few people will ever know the great value of the service you've just performed. Probably even you don't know the full implications. But be assured that you deserve the thanks of the whole world." Would you like to: RESTORE your place from where you saved it, RESTART the story from the beginning, or QUIT for now? >QUIT