''A Game by Alethea Saliba and Watkin Jones
Copyright 2023, all rights reserved.
No portion of this work is permitted to be used in the training or development of artificial intelligence programs.''
[[Begin]]
(set: $activation to 0)The year is 2049. The effects of climate change on Earth’s environment wrack the whole planet with extreme weather events. Traditional nation-states have collapsed, leaving in their wake new continent spanning federations. The global south, disproportionately affected by the crisis, has accelerated research on technologies to counter the problem. A recent breakthrough in the Alliance of South American States has allowed the creation of a device that can stave off the worst of the effects until a permanent solution can be found.
You have been tasked by the ASAS government with the deployment of this device. It is up to you to execute the plan for survival.
[[Go to work|Week 1]]''Week One''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/Week1.png" width="1088" height="612">
It is your first week as director in charge of the deployment of the Cascade Engine- a miracle machine that can divert floodwaters and influence weather patterns. You are not entirely certain how it works- your job is to assess how and when it will be used. The Alliance of South American States and your ally, the African Union, are counting on your wise use of the device.
The first report that crosses your desk is brief. Unless there is more rain, hundreds of miles of crops will die from a pending drought. If the Cascade Engine is activated now, you can divert a stormfront over the Atlantic ocean south, ensuring that crops remain healthy. However, it will come at the cost of depriving the Expanded American Union of the rains, likely causing a drought there, probably more extreme than the one you would face. The choice of using the engine or not is ultimately yours to make.
[[Activate the Cascade Engine, and divert rain away from the Expanded American Union|Week 1 activation]]
[[Refuse to activate the Cascade Engine, and allow the rains to pass the Alliance of South American States|Week 1 no activation]]''Rain''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/Week1a.png" width="1088" height="612">
The Cascade Engine's activation is a resounding success. Several days of heavy rain blanket the Alliance of South American States, cooling things down and averting the suffering of millions. Your work is praised by higher ups within the ASAS government.
Unfortunately, the same can not be said for the Expanded American Union. Crops across North America perish in a heatwave like no other, and millions of people go hungry. The Midwest region of the former United States is hit particularly hard, with thousands of deaths from hunger. You are left to wonder if those deaths are on your hands.
Regardless, time passes, and soon you are called in to assess the use of the Cascade Engine again.
[[Go to work|Week 2]]
(set: $activation to $activation + 1)''Drought''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/Week1.png" width="1088" height="612">
You decide the potential loss of life in the Expanded American Union outweighs the potential suffering within the Alliance of South American States. You decline to activate the Cascade Engine, allowing the storms to pass on to North America, where crops are watered and record-high temperatures are cooled off.
Unfortunately the same good fortune has not alighted upon the ASAS. Heat ravages the crops, and thousands go hungry in cities across the federation. Aid from the EAU manages to help, but many still die. You hear nothing but silence from your superiors in the government- they are content to let you sit with the consequences of your inaction. You are left to wonder how much of this is your fault.
Regardless, time passes, and soon you are called in to assess the use of the Cascade Engine again.
[[Go to work|Week 2]]''Week Two''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/Week2.png" width="1088" height="612">
It is your second week in charge of the Cascade Engine, and the crisis you now face is the inverse of what you had previously dealt with. A massive hurricane threatens to ravage the Atlantic coast of South America, putting millions at risk.
You could deploy the Cascade Engine, diverting the hurricane north towards the eastern seaboard of what was formerly the United States. While the Expanded American Union might feasibly have more time to prepare for the hurricane, it would likely grow in intensity. Furthermore, despite rising sea levels, the Atlantic coast of the EAU is still more densely populated than the Atlantic coast of the ASAS, and casualties might be far greater there.
You must now once again weigh your duty to the ASAS against the potential damage your actions might cause.
[[Activate the Cascade Engine, and direct the hurricane to make landfall over the Expanded American Union|Week 2 activation]]
[[Refuse to activate the Cascade Engine, and allow the hurricane to make landfall over the Alliance of South American States|Week 2 no activation]]''Bright Blue Skies''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/Week2a.png" width="1088" height="612">
The Cascade Engine does its job exactly as expected, and the massive hurricane, originally slated to make landfall over Novo Rio de Janiero, is shunted far away. Families enjoy days out on the beach, and fishermen make the most of the calm waters. Disaster has been, for now, averted. The government of the ASAS is very pleased with your actions, and make it clear your service will be noted.
Meanwhile, the hurricane touches down over the New Washington-York-Boston Urban Habitation Zone, causing massive coastal flooding and crippling infrastructure. Despite attempts at evacuation, the death toll is estimated in the tens of thousands, with property damage in the billions of EAU dollars. The Cascade Engine's use is condemned in the internation press. You find yourself wondering if you have actually made the right choice.
Regardless, time passes, and soon you are called in to assess the use of the Cascade Engine again.
[[Go to work|Week 3]]
(set: $activation to $activation + 1)''The Heavens Open''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/Week2.png" width="1088" height="612">
You decide against using the Cascade Engine in this case. You believe the ASAS can handle the hurricane, at least better than the EAU might be able to. Your belief is put to the test in the following days, as the hurricane touches down over Novo Rio de Janiero. There is extensive coastal flooding, and despite attempts at evacuation, thousands perish. On top of the loss of life, there is trillions of ASAS reals worth of damage done to infrastructure.
Your superiors in the government are furious at your inaction, which has cost them political clout. The perceived lack of care about the situation has earned the government the condemnation of press local and international. Meanwhile, the east coast of the EAU benefits from a period of stable weather, with many families taking the opportunity to go on holiday. You wonder if you haven't perhaps made the wrong choice.
Regardless, time passes, and soon you are called in to assess the use of the Cascade Engine again.
[[Go to work|Week 3]]''Week Three''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/Week3.png" width="1088" height="612">
You had hoped that your third week running the Cascade Engine would be less eventful than the previous two. Unfortunately, that does not appear to be the case. The ASAS's geopolitical ally, the African Union, has requested the use of the Cascade Engine to assist in the redirection of floodwaters away from the region that was formerly northern Egypt.
The problem with such a request is that lands around the northern edge of the Mediterranean- formerly Italy and Greece, now part of the European Federation- would likely be hit particularly heavily by rising tides. Your superiors once again leave the final decision to you, but emphasize the importance of maintaining good relations with the African Union. The European Federation, they say, can handle whatever happens.
[[Activate the Cascade Engine, flooding southern Europe|Week 3 activation]]
[[Refuse to activate the Cascade Engine, allowing northern Egypt to be flooded|Week 3 no activation]]''A Deluge''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/Week3a.png" width="1088" height="612">
You order the deployment of the Cascade Engine in the African Union, where its activation is able to hold back floods that threatened to consume the megapolis of Cairo. Your allies in the African Union are immensely thankful that the major cultural and commerical hub remains intact, and your superiors in the government appreciate your handling of the situation.
In the European Federation, however, things are not nearly as pleasant. Half of the island of Sicily is submerged by rising tides; cultural sites in Rome are destroyed by tidal waves; and much of Athens is damaged. It is estimated that several million people have been displaced by the damage, with the number of dead unknown. International media calls for greater scrutiny of the Cascade Engine's use. Some outlets call you a murderer. You are left to contemplate the consequences of your decisions on your own.
Regardless, time passes, and soon you are called in to assess the use of the Cascade Engine again.
[[Go to work|Week 4]]
(set: $activation to $activation + 2)''A Betrayal''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/Week3.png" width="1088" height="612">
The destruction that could be caused to southern Europe at your hand is too much to fathom. You decline to activate the Cascade Engine, much to the anger of your superiors. The megapolis of Cairo is hit by heavy flooding, disrupting the major cultural and economic hub of the African Union. There is extensive property damage, millions of people are displaced, and an estimated ten thousand people are dead. Delegates from the African Union are furious, claiming the ASAS has betrayed them, and asserting that you allowed a preventable disaster to occur.
The European Federation, meanwhile, escapes unscathed. Many in the Federation call for humanitarian aid to be sent to the African Union. Some in the ASAS government call for an investigation into the Cascade Engine team, and you specificially, but your superiors are able to shut these calls down- despite their displeasure in you, such an investigation would likely reflect even more poorly on them. You are left feeling uneasy about your position.
Regardless, time passes, and soon you are called in to assess the use of the Cascade Engine again.
[[Go to work|Week 4]]''Week Four''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/Week4.png" width="1088" height="612">
Things do not get any easier during your fourth week on the job. A massive dust cloud, displaced from the Sahara Desert, is blowing across the Atlantic Ocean. It threatens to cover the bulk of South America in darkness, causing untold respiratory issues, hampering solar power production, and lowering the morale of the population. Your superiors ask you to use the Cascade Engine to redirect the cloud elsewhere. Unfortunately, there is little place else you could direct the cloud except for the Expanded American Union.
Should you direct the cloud over North America, you can imagine much the same will happen to them as would happen to you in South America. It is unclear how long the cloud might linger. Whichever region will suffer the consequences will face them at your discretion.
[[Activate the Cascade Engine, and cover North America in the dust cloud|Week 4 activation]]
[[Refuse to activate the Cascade Engine, and allow South America to be covered by the dust cloud|Week 4 no activation]]''Beautiful Sunshine''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/Week4a.png" width="1088" height="612">
The Cascade Engine operates at peak efficiency, shunting the dust cloud northward, away from the Alliance of South American States. The subsequent days are filled with sunshine and clean air. It remains remarkably hot across much of the ASAS, but at least people do not need to wear masks when they go outside. Your superiors in the government applaud your use of the Cascade Engine.
The Expanded American Union, though, suffers greatly. There are reports of serious respiratory issues across North America, and their days are shrouded in darkness. Solar power across the continent is disrupted, and many go without electricity. The Cascade Engine's use is condemned by EAU government officials, with some likening its use to an act of war. You are mentioned by name in multiple news stories in international media. While you are lauded as a hero in the ASAS, others around the globe view you as a villain.
Regardless, time passes, and soon you are called in to assess the use of the Cascade Engine again.
[[Go to work|Week 5]]
(set: $activation to $activation + 3)''A Shroud of Darkness''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/Week4.png" width="1088" height="612">
You decide against using the Cascade Engine to redirect the dust cloud; you would rather not be responsible for whatever happens to North America. In the following days the Expanded American Union enjoy clear blue skies and weather that, while hotter than normal, is still relatively pleasant.
In the Alliance of South American States though, it feels like the end of days. The skies are either pitch black or an apocalyptic shade of orange. While the dust cloud serves to cool things down, no one goes outside for fear of respiratory damage. Despite shelter in place orders, many still suffer as a result of inadequate ventilation. Your superiors are furious, with some calling for your termination. The local press lambasts you for your inaction, placing much of the blame solely on your shoulders. There are those in the government though who are invested in your success, and so you are able to skate by mostly unscathed.
Regardless, time passes, and soon you are called in to assess the use of the Cascade Engine again.
[[Go to work|Week 5]]''Week Five''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/Week5.png" width="1088" height="612">
Your fifth week on the job sees massive forest fires break out simultaneously in the Congo region of the African Union, and across central Europe. There is a large storm system over the Mediterranean Sea which could assist with the containment of fires, with the assistance of the Cascade Engine. Your superiors strongly recommend you assist your allies in the African Union- the fires impact an economically valuable region, and your intervention would no doubt mean increased trade.
Your decision is complicated by the fact the region of the European Federation under threat of the fires is much more densely populated. Left unchecked, the fires in Europe might kill many more people. No matter where you direct the storm clouds, people will die either way, it is merely a question of how many.
[[Activate the Cascade Engine, and help put out the fires in the Congo|Week 5 activation]]
[[Activate the Cascade Engine, and help put out the fires in central Europe|Week 5 no activation]]''A Humanitarian Crisis''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/Week5a.png" width="1088" height="612">
You comply with the recommendations of your superiors and use the Cascade Engine to shift the storm southward, over Africa. As predicted, the rains assist in helping put out the fires in the Congo, much to the relief of your allies in the African Union. In the wake of your action, new, more favorable trade deals are established, further binding the ASAS and the African Union together. You are lauded as a hero and a champion of the ASAS's diplomatic interests.
Meanwhile, the European Federation experiences a tragedy of unprecedented scale. The fires decimate the regions that used to be France and Germany. Millions are rendered homeless, and thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, are presumed dead. Refugees pour out of Europe into the territory of the Pan-Asian League. There are some within your government who question whether or not you should have been advised differently, but they are swiftly silenced.
Regardless, time passes, and soon you are called in to assess the use of the Cascade Engine again.
[[Go to work|Week 6]]
(set: $activation to $activation + 3)''Economic Catastrophe''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/Week5.png" width="1088" height="612">
You decide that the human cost is far too great to allow the fires in Europe to go unattended. You activate the Cascade Engine and redirect the storm system over central Europe, and within a matter of days the fires are no longer a threat. The European Federation is greatful for the intervention of the Alliance of South American States.
Despite this diplomatic victory, you are not spared the wrath of your superiors. You are chastised for your decisions, as the fires that swept the Congo continued unabated, destroying thousands upon thousands of acreage of forests. The economic cost is estimated to be somewhere in the trillions of reals- and the African Union is furious at the ASAS for its lack of assistance in fighting the fires. They predict it will take years to recover from the losses sustained; losses, they say, which are your fault.
Regardless, time passes, and soon you are called in to assess the use of the Cascade Engine again.
[[Go to work|Week 6]]''Week Six''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/Week6a.png" width="1088" height="612">
Your sixth week overseeing operation of the Cascade Engine is surprisingly quiet. There are no immediate crises encroaching on the ASAS or your geopolitical allies. It is almost the perfect opportunity to take a rest from the stresses of your job- were it so easy. Unfortunately, there is a polar vortex of snowstorms that threaten to overwhelm the northern Expanded American Union.
You are under no obligation to act, but should you so wish, you could use the Cascade Engine to hurry the storm's southern motion; you might even be able to push it all the way to South America. While this would undoubtedly spare the EAU much hardship, you are not exactly sure how it might affect the ASAS. Even more concerning, you have no idea how such a choice might affect your position within the government.
[[Activate the Cascade Engine, and direct the storm to South America|Week 6 activation]]
[[Refuse to activate the Cascade Engine, and allow the storm to hit the Expanded American Union|Week 6 no activation]]''Riots''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/Week6.png" width="1088" height="612">
You direct your team to activate the Cascade Engine and accelerate the polar vortex's push south. Everything appears to be fine until the storm hits the Gulf of Mexico, where it grows in intensity before making landfall again over northern ASAS territories. Thousands of homes are destroyed by severe flooding, and maritime trading and shipping is seriously disrupted.
The people of the affected regions are not pleased, blaming the government- and your office in particular- for the misfortune, and riots quickly ensue. The military is deployed, ostensibly to assist with relief following the storm, but you know it is to quash the riots. Despite the calamity on the homefront, delegates from the Expanded American Union express their gratitude to the government, inspiring talks of renewed cooperation between the two federations. Consequently, your position remains secure- for now.
Regardless, time passes, and soon you are called in to assess the use of the Cascade Engine again.
[[Go to work|Week 7]]''Icy Oblivion''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/Week6a.png" width="1088" height="612">
You decide it is not your place to interfere, and that it is best to take this time off from making decisions with world-altering consequences. But while you relax, the Expanded American Union suffers greatly. The polar storm has stalled in place over the northern EAU, with extreme blizzard conditions rendering millions without power, with thousands freezing to death. Emergency services are overloaded, and those who can flee south for warmer climates.
International press condemns the inaction from the Alliance of South American States. The Cascade Engine, they say, has been used to avert other climate disasters- why has it not been utilized to help here? Despite the global outcry, your superiors in the government express their pleasure with you- you have judiciously protected the interests of the ASAS. Your loyalty will not go unnoticed.
Regardless, time passes, and soon you are called in to assess the use of the Cascade Engine again.
[[Go to work|Week 7]]
(set: $activation to $activation + 4)''Week Seven''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/Week7.png" width="1088" height="612">
All of your time helming the Cascade Engine has culminated in this decisive moment. Reports are streaming in of the massive and uncontrolled collapse of ice shelves along the Antarctic coast. The rate of collapse and the volume of ice entering the ocean are so great that a tsunami wave of never before seen size has formed. Due to the close proximity, Tierra del Fuego and the coast of the southern ASAS mainland will be hit by the brunt of the tsunami unless action is taken with the Cascade Engine. Casualities could be in the millions.
If you were to redirect the tsunami wave, you would be able to spare the ASAS, but the Pan-Asian League, specifically the territories that formerly constituted Oceania, would be hit with the brunt of the wave. Entire islands could be submerged by the tsunami. You would be sentencing untold lives to certain doom. You do not have long to ponder though, action is needed quickly.
[[Activate the Cascade Engine, and redirect the tsunami to the Pan-Asian League|Week 7 activation]]
[[Refuse to activate the Cascade Engine, and allow the tsunami to hit Alliance of South American States|Week 7 no activation]]''A Man-Made Horror''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/Week7a.png" width="1088" height="612">
You activate the Cascade Engine, much to the pleasure of your superiors in the government, allowing the Alliance of South American States to escape mostly unscathed from the massive wave. You are lauded as a hero, an example of responsible government and competentency in the civil service. Calamity has been averted, and you- and the government- may bask in the praise of the citizenry.
The same can not be said for the Pan-Asian League.
The rerouted wave hits those in its new path with full force. The regions that were once Australia and New Zealand are ravaged by the tsunami, practically leveling coastal cities. Smaller islands are completely cleansed of signs of human habitation. Farther afield, the islands of southeast Asia are hit by the weakened wave, causing serious damage to infrastructure. The death toll is estimated in the millions. There is talk that the Pan-Asian League would go to war with the ASAS, were they not so devastated by the disaster. Some even call what has happened a genocide- a genocide initiated by you.
As you ruminate on the consequences of your actions, you are summoned to meet with your superiors in the government.
[[Report to your superiors|Ending sorter]]
(set: $activation to $activation + 6)''The Apocalypse''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/EndingLow.png" width="1088" height="612">
You refuse to play god, and decline to activate the Cascade Engine. While the Pan-Asian League emerges unscathed from the tsunami, you effectively condemned the Alliance of South American States to suffer. The wave hits utterly unmitigated, wiping out all civilization across Tierra Del Fuego, before continuing on unabated. Much of the southern coast of South America is ravaged by the wave, leaving hundreds of thousands dead, and many millions without homes. Many declare it the end of days.
The government is furious with you. You are accused of dereliction of duty. You are called a murderer, a traitor, a fool, and more. Some call for your execution. Moderate voices prevail, though, and it is decided that you will not die for your actions- at least not yet. You are advised not to show your face in public for some time, though.
As you ruminate on the consequences of your actions, you are summoned to meet with your superiors in the government.
[[Report to your superiors|Ending sorter]]''The Tribunal''
Your superiors in the government have called together a tribunal to assess your actions in the operation of the Cascade Engine. It has been almost two months and your work, they say, warrants a formal review.
You are taken to a nondescript building, where you are ushered into an equally nondescript room. You stand alone under a single florescent light, while the tribunal sits shrouded in darkness.
"We have evaluated your time as director. We will render our judgement."
(if: $activation is < 6)[[Listen to their judgement|Low Ending]] (if: $activation is > 5 and <10)[[Listen to their judgement|Medium ending]] (if: $activation is > 9)[[Listen to their judgement|High ending]]''The End of the Line''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/EndingLow.png" width="1088" height="612">
You are informed by the tribunal that your actions in overseeing the Cascade Engine are tantamount to treachery, treason of the highest order. It has been a complete and utter betrayal of the Alliance of South American States and all its people. You have consistently neglected the ASAS and its interests, and shown an utter disregard for the wishes of the government and your superiors. Coupled with the devasation caused by your inaction, there is only one possible outcome- death. You are to be executed, with the horrors wrought by your incompetency to come to an end. Before you can protest, you are whisked away by guards.
As you await your execution in a damp cell, you reflect on the state of the world. While the ASAS has been hit fairly hard by climate crises, your conscientious use of the Cascade Engine has allowed the rest of the world some room to breathe. Many parts of the world are still beleaguered by catastrophes, although none quite as extreme as they might have been were the Cascade Engine involved. You can only hope that whoever takes over the Engine next is as judicious in its use as you have been, lest things get even worse.
With that hope in your mind, you are taken to meet your fate.
[[Begin Again|Opening]]''Fired''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/EndingMed.png" width="1088" height="612">
You are informed that while your work in the service of the Alliance of South American States has been admirable at times, it has ultimately too unreliable for the government. More consistency, and a prioritization of the government's wishes, are what the next director of the Cascade Engine will need, you are told. This is how you learn you have been formally relieved of your duties. You may find other work, whether in the government or elsewhere, but you will never again make decisions on the scale of the Cascade Engine. On this, the tribunal is very clear. You are permitted to depart and return home.
While this was not perhaps the outcome you wanted, it is better than some of the potential alternatives. Similarly, while the world struggles with the various catastrophes wrought by climate change, your judicious use of the Cascade Engine has kept matters from spiraling out of control. As for the ASAS, many across the federation see you as the cause of the suffering they have dealt with, for the devastation wrought. You must be careful when you go out, at least for a time, lest someone unpleasant recognize you.
You must content yourself with the thought that, while things could be better, they could also be much worse.
[[Begin Again|Opening]]''A National Legend''
<img src="https://raltshunter.github.io/WorkingForTheKnife/art/EndingHigh.png" width="1088" height="612">
You are informed that your work in running the Cascade Engine has been simply exemplary. You have contributed to the overall prosperity of the Alliance of South American States, and you are permitted to continue on in your position for the remainder of the year- after which you will be allowed to retire a national hero, with your pension paid for by the state. You are dismissed from the tribunal, and you return home, relieved.
While you and the ASAS may have emerged relatively unscathed, the rest of the world has not. Your choices operating the Cascade Engine have caused untold chaos in other parts of the world, exacerbating the problems caused by climate change. Many are dead, displaced, or hungry. Many speculate war is on the horizon, potentially in reaction to the Cascade Engine's influence on the remainder of the globe. Perhaps you shall soon be tasked to deploy the Cascade Engine as a tool of war.
You wonder what sort of toll that will take on your conscience.
[[Begin Again|Opening]]