Above All Else

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@@color:red;font-size:2em;<<timedinsert 2s>> <bigger>BEEP</bigger><<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 3s>> BEEP<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 4s>> BEEP<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 5s>> BEEP<<endtimedinsert>>@@ @@font-size:1.25em;<<if $late gt 0>><<timedinsert 6s t8n>>You awaken with a stir. The red LED clock next to your bed reads @@color:red;6:40 AM@@. The day isn't going to start itself. You groan. If you don't [[get up |get up]] now, you're going to be really late.<<endtimedinsert>> <<else>><<timedinsert 6s>>You awaken with a stir. The red LED clock next to your bed reads @@color:red;6:30 AM@@. Whoever said Mondays were hard has never experienced a Tuesday. Do you snooze for another [[10 minutes |snooze]] or get up and [[get ready for work|get up]]?<<endtimedinsert>><</if>> <<set $late to 0>>

You roll back over and slowly drift off to sleep... <<timedinsert 3s>><<display "The Calm Before the Storm">><<endtimedinsert>> <<set $late to $late + 1>>

With a little encouragement, your body slowly creaks as you walk towards the closet. As you slide open the door, you see your daily garb waiting to be put on. You are a firefighter, so you put on the [[firefighter uniform |firefighter]]. You are an insurance agent, so you put on the [[business suit |insurance agent]]. You are an airline pilot, so you put on the [[ pilot's uniform |pilot]].

<<set $job to "firefighter">> The sting of your aftershave is still present on your freshly trimmed facial hair. I hope it's a calm day at the <<click "station.">><<replace ".station">>station. New York City never really did have calm days, but there were some that were less hectic than others.<</replace>><</click>> [[Head downstairs. |downstairs]] [[You can't seem to remember if you have your cell phone. Double check? |cell phone]]

<<set $job to "insurance">> Your suit fits a little more snugly nowadays, but that was to be expected with an office job. The insurance business was never a very physically demanding industry. [[Head downstairs |downstairs]] [[Ensure you have your cell phone (you were expecting an important business call later) |cell phone]].

<<set $job to "pilot">> You put on your uniform, admiring the captain's hat with a sense of pride. <<timedinsert 2s>>You brush your teeth. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 2.5s>>You adjust your tie.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 3s>>You mentally repack your bag to ensure you have everything for today's flight.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 5s>>Cell phone....<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 6s>>check.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 7s>>Snacks....<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 8s>>check.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 9s>>A book for your layover....<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 10s>>check.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 10s>>It was just a day trip, you didn't need much. Get to your destination by 9 am, be home in time for dinner with the wife.<<set $cellphone to false>><<endtimedinsert>> [[You head downstairs |downstairs]] [[You double check to ensure you actually have your cell phone |cell phone]].

As you climb down the stairs....<<timedinsert 2s>>creak,<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 2.5s>>creak,<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 3s>> creak,<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 4s>>the smell of bacon hits your nose. <<if $job is "pilot">>She always did try too hard on days of my trips. This wasn't even a long one, I'd be home in a few hours. <<elseif $job is "insurance">>She always did try too hard on days of my big meetings. This wasn't even a stressful one, the company was looking to strike a deal with Metlife today. <<elseif $job is "firefighter">>She always did try too hard on days where I was on call. Sometimes I felt guilty for worrying her so much.<<endif>> [[Enter the kitchen.|kitchen]] [[Leave the house without saying goodbye. You are worried about being late to work. |Subway]]<<endtimedinsert>>

Upon closer inspection of your work bag, you realize that the phone isn't there. [[Check the dresser? |dresser]] [[Check the night stand? |night stand]] [[Check the bathroom? |bathroom]]

You approach the International airport. It always did amaze you how many people were there on a regular basis, how many stories passed through those doors. You had flown with United Airlines for nearly 5 years now and had always loved the thrill of being above the clouds, away from it all. Today was no exception; the sky was immaculate. What a great day to fly. <<timedinsert 15s>>You pass through the automatic doors and make your way to security. It never was a very arduous process, being that their was never much of a security threat seen in airline employees. You continue onward toward your terminal, passing the blue scheduling screens as you go. After a short stroll, you arrive at your gate for the day and check-in with the lady at the ticket counter. You approach your designated terminal. [[Go to Terminal A.|Flight 93 Crash]] [[Go to Terminal B.|Flight 11 Crash]] [[Go to Terminal C.|Flight No Crash]]<<endtimedinsert>>

You had worked at this particular fire station for a short two years. In that time, you had made lifelong friends. That was the sort of thing that happened when you risked your lives together on a daily basis. As you enter the red-bricked building, you look at the clock on the wall. <<if $late gt 0>>The clock reads @@color:red;8:40@@. You usually tried to get there early, but that extra snooze this morning was really needed. <<else>>The clock reads @@color:red;8:30@@. Right on time, in true punctual fashion.<<endif>> You start your day as you always do. Unload your stuff into your locker and put on your less obnoxious pieces of gear. Pants, boots, the stuff that wouldn't get in the way. Time passes as you organize yourself for your day. [[Glance up at the clock in the locker room. |Impact]] [[Head in to the kitchen for the station breakfast.|Breakfast]]

"It's going to be a great day to fly, Captain. Enjoy your flight!" the ticketing lady beamed. You know I always do. <<timedinsert 10s>>With that you continue down the jet way. Today's flight was from Newark, NJ to San Francisco, CA and back. Nothing glamorous, but it got you home in time for dinner.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 17s>>"Well, it's about time you showed up!" says a smiling face from the cockpit. <<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 22s>>"You know, I could fly this plane without you, but that would go against company protocol, so I guess I'll put up with you."<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 28s>>Jason always was a delight to fly with, and you always had a good time when he was your fellow co-pilot. Within a matter of a half hour, you and Jason were on your way. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 36s>>93 to Traffic Control, we are entering cruising altitude. Please stand by for position.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 42s>>With that, Jason got over the intercom, "This is your Captain speaking, we will be turning off the fasten seat belt sign. That is your signal that you are free to move about the cabin." <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 50s>>Everything was going according to plan. And then it all [[changed|hijacking]].<<endtimedinsert>>

All hope is lost. <<timedinsert 5s>>You make your way towards a busted window, while your frantic coworkers watch on.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 8s>>As you look out onto the great horizon, you think to yourself,<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 11s>>@@font-size: 3em;I always did love this view.@@<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 15s>>And with that, you step out from it all and plummet into freefall.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 20s>>[[Epilogue. |Office Death Epilogue]]<<endtimedinsert>>

"It's going to be a great day to fly, Captain. Enjoy your flight!" the ticketing lady beamed. You know I always do. <<timedinsert 7s>>With that you continue down the jet way. Today's flight was from New York, NY to Houston, TX and back. Nothing glamorous, but it got you home in time for dinner.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 12s>>"Hey there, champ." says a voice when you enter the cockpit. "Ready for a good flight?" I always am.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 17s>>Steve and you had flown together before and could probably even consider him a friend. You and him had had a few beers after finishing a trip on occasion. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 23s>>"Well then, let's get this show on the road." He began to back the plane away from the jet way and navigate it onto the runway.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 27s>>The time was @@color:red;8:45 AM.@@ [[Takeoff|takeoff]]<<endtimedinsert>>

Everyone else, keep moving! You will get out alive. Don't let anything distract you on the way down and when you get outside, run. <<timedinsert 6s>>With that, you turn and open the door from which you heard the screams. Once inside, the smoke overtakes you. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 12s>>@@font-size:2em;"Help! Please help me!"@@ You follow the voices. The time is @@color:red;10:20 A.M.@@ You make out what used to be cubicles. The only thing wrong was the large steel beam that now laid across them.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 19s>>When you reach the end of the cubicle row, you find an older gentleman trapped under the beam. "Please help me!"<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 25s>>[[Lift the beam |Firefighter Death]]. Realize you can't lift the beam by yourself, and [[save yourself|Save Yourself]]. This building could go down any second. <<endtimedinsert>>

You wake up in a hospital bed. The time is @@color:red;1:02 P.M.@@ on September 12th, 2001. <<timedinsert 7s>>The day after the Terrorist attack on the Twin Towers.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 11s>>You survived.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 15s>>[[Epilogue. |Firefighter Live Epilogue]] <<endtimedinsert>>

September 11th, 2001 was the day the United States changed forever. Thousands of people died that day, of them were 343 firefighters. <<timedinsert 7s>>You were 1 of the 343 that made the ultimate sacrifice. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 10s>>R.I.P. Never<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 12s>>[[Epilogue.|Firefighter Death Epilogue]]<<endtimedinsert>>

Like so many others, you never made it home to your family at the end of the workday on September 11th. When your death was confirmed by your surviving Battalion members, your wife was inconsolable. <<timedinsert 7s>>In the coming days and weeks, the crying gradually stopped, but the hurt never went away. <<endtimedinsert>> <<if $pregnant is true>><<timedinsert 15s>>With the help of your Battalion members, your wife makes it to full term with the baby. They all take comfort in knowing that your legacy will live on in the spirit of your child. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 20s>>"We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember..." - George W. Bush [[Start from the beginning|The Calm Before the Storm]].<<endtimedinsert>> <<else>><<timedinsert 13s>>"We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember..." - George W. Bush [[Start from the beginning|The Calm Before the Storm]].<<endtimedinsert>><<endif>>

Your plane crashed in a field in Stonycreek Township, Pennysylvania. In the days following your death, you and your flight passengers were deemed heroes. <<timedinsert 7s>>The hijackers were never going to bring you back the airport. Through your actions and those of the people on board, you were able to shrink the number of terrorist attacks from 4 down to 3.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 11s>>Your heroism will never be forgotten. <<endtimedinsert>> <<if $pregnant is true>><<timedinsert 15s>>Your wife lives on and keeps your legacy alive. On May 25th, she gives birth to your son. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 19s>>His name is (link: "Boone.")[Boone, which means "a blessing" in French.] Without him, she may have not continued to live after your death.<<endtimedinsert>> <<endif>> <<timedinsert 22s>>"It's also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend - even a friend whose name it never knew." - George W. Bush [[Start from the beginning|The Calm Before the Storm]].<<endtimedinsert>>

4 different flights had been hijacked that day. <<timedinsert 5s>>You were one of the lucky ones.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 8s>>When you return to the ground, you see the terror that has unfolded around you. You make your way home as quickly as you can and hold your wife extra close that night, for those who aren't able to. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 15s>>When the time comes to return to work, you politely decline and take your leave from flying. You may not be able to prevent all the bad things from happening in your life, but at least you can make the most of the time you do have. <<endtimedinsert>> <<if $pregnant is true>><<timedinsert 25s>>With your new office job, you have more time to spend with your wife and newborn son. His innocence is a constant reminder that there is good in the world. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 35s>>"I may never be normal again. But this is my life. I have to live it." [[Start from the beginning|The Calm Before the Storm]].<<endtimedinsert>> <<else>> <<timedinsert 25s>> "I may never be normal again. But this is my life. I have to live it." [[Start from the beginning|The Calm Before the Storm]].<<endtimedinsert>><<endif>>

<<timedinsert 3s>>You make it out of the towers before they collapse in on one another. Nearly 2,606 people die that fateful day. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 10s>>The coming months are hard on you and your wife as the nightmares riddle your psyche.<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 15s>> However, you prevail. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 18s>>You have to. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 22s>>Because you were given the chance to keep living, where others had died.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 27s>>"The attacks of September 11th were intended to break our spirit. Instead we have emerged stronger and more unified." - Mayor Rudy Giuliani [[Start from the beginning|The Calm Before the Storm]].<<endtimedinsert>>

You were one of the nearly 2,600 that died that day. <<timedinsert 5s>>It had been a day like any other, but now your life, and many others, were over. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 10s>>Your wife is beside herself with grief, but grows stronger knowing that you are with her every day.<<if $pregnant is true>> She lives on for you and your child.<<endif>> R.I.P. Never.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 15s>>"Some gave a lot, others gave it all..." [[Start from the beginning|The Calm Before the Storm]].<<endtimedinsert>>

"It's going to be a great day to fly, Captain. Enjoy your flight!" the ticketing lady beamed. You know I always do. <<timedinsert 7s>>With that you continue down the jet way. Today's flight was from Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA and back. Nothing glamorous, but it got you home in time for dinner.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 11s>>As you climb into the cockpit, you are greeted by your fellow co-pilot, Thomas Mcguinness.<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 15s>> "Hey there, Captain. Ready to get this bus in the sky?"<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 20s>>You laugh. Of course I am, but I'm confused as to why you're here...the flight assignment didn't mention I'd be flying with you.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 26s>>"Last minute switch, I had more seniority over the other pilot. You know how that goes."<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 31s>>Indeed. I sure am glad I'm done with that last minute flight change nonsense. It's nice having a consistent schedule!<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 37s>>You both chuckle at the thought, because it rang very true. With that, you push back from the gate and begin your flight. [["This is your Captain speaking..."|final moments]]<<endtimedinsert>>

The time is @@color:red;9:00 A.M.@@ <<timedinsert 4s>>Outside is pure chaos. There are people running, screaming. First responders are already charging into the burning tower that stands before you.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 10s>>You walk to join the group forming by your Battalion Chief, Palmer, awaiting orders.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 15s>>Among all the noise, a silence forms over your group.<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 19s>> Palmer speaks, "We may not make it out of this alive, but I want you all to know that alive or dead, today is the day we become heroes."<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 25s>>Little did you know that that was the last time you would ever see Orio Palmer alive.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 30s>>As the group breaks apart, you run into the shrouded building and [[head for staircase A |staircase A]] or [[head for staircase B |staircase B]].<<endtimedinsert>>

You enter the staircase and climb as high as you are able to. The smoke becomes thicker and thicker. The cries become more desperate. You guide as many people down the stairs as possible, ensuring that their passage in the unknown of the lower levels will not be blocked off. <<timedinsert 8s>>Time begins to slow.<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 10s>> It is @@color:red;10:26 AM.@@<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 13s>>The building begins to quake around you. The stairs you're on give way and you try to reach out... And then everything goes [[black |Firefighter Death]].<<endtimedinsert>>

As you climb higher and higher, the air around you gets darker. The time is @@color:red;10:03@@. You arrive at the 38th floor, Palmer is on the 41st. <<timedinsert 4s>>Palmer: "I have people up here, I'm sending them down to you. Get them out of this building." Copy that, Chief. Will you be escorting them down?<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 9s>>Palmer: "No, I must continue upward. Make sure these people are met by an EMS crew." Understood. Be safe, Palmer. Over and out.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 14s>>After your radio transmission goes through, you hear coughs coming from above you in the staircase. The people Palmer was talking about. Nearly 15 in total, you begin to clear a way for them down the 38 flights of stairs that stand between you and their freedom.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 21s>>At the 35th floor, you hear cries for help emanating on the other side of the door. Do you continue to [[help the people|No Sacrifice]] or [[investigate the screams |Firefighter Sacrifice]]?<<endtimedinsert>>

You see the looks of concern on those among the group, as the screams on the other side of door become more desperate. <<timedinsert 5s>>We don't have time. You are all my concern right now. @@font-size:2em;Keep moving@@.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 10s>>The numbers on the walls keep growing smaller and smaller, and the smoke begins to clear. You eventually escort every last one of the victims in your group to entrance of the building. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 15s>>The time is @@color:red;10:24@@.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 19s>>After ensuring that every last one of them has been placed in an ambulance and is being ushered away from the scene, you pause. Everything has changed. This is not the New York you had grown to love, but rather its scared little sister. The second tower was gone. Those lives of those inside were gone. The sense of safety you had in this city was gone. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 26s>>And yet, time still passes. Seconds...then minutes.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 32s>>@@font-size:3em;Your thoughts are interrupted by a giant crack.@@ [[Run. |Run]] [[Turn around. |Turn around]]<<endtimedinsert>>

Without thinking, you join in the masses of people dispersing around you. Debris begins to litter the ground by your feet. People are falling, and they'll never get up. <<timedinsert 6s>>@@font-size:3em;Keep moving.@@<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 15s>>The dust overtakes you, making it impossible to see what lies in front of you, but you know it's better than what you're leaving behind. After you've run as far as you can physically manage, you make eye contact with a fellow runner, a young woman.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 22s>>And then everything goes [[black |Firefighter live]]. <<endtimedinsert>>

You turn around to face the North Tower. The sky begins to fall around you as the building sways before breaking. <<timedinsert 7s>>You see the rubble beginning to rain down.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 11s>>You hear the screaming of those trying to escape around you.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 14s>>You smell a combination of concrete....<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 17s>>and death.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 20s>>You touch your hand to your <<click "heart">><<replace "#heart">>heart. Your wife's picture lies in the coat pocket just above it.<</replace>><</click>><<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 25s>>You taste your wife's kiss in your memory, one last time.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 30s>>And then everything goes [[black |Firefighter Death]].<<endtimedinsert>>

343 firefighters lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. <<timedinsert 7s>>You were one the survivors. You lost 3 of your best friends that day, including Chief Orio Palmer. Without the help of you and your Battalion, hundreds of people could have died. You may not have made it home for dinner with your wife the night of September 11th, but at least you made it home.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 20s>>8 months have passed since that day. You still fight with the demons every day, but are thankful to be alive. You begin to appreciate the little things in life more and more, since life can be taken away in the blink of an eye. You've got to keep on living for those who weren't given the opportunity. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 32s>>And of course, for your newborn son, <<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 36s>>Palmer.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 40s>>"If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate." [[Start from the beginning|The Calm Before the Storm]]. <<endtimedinsert>>

I'm going to go get help! <<timedinsert 5s>>You lie. At least the man will die with some sense of security.<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 10s>> He dies thinking you tried to save him.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 13s>>You catch up with the people you were supposed to escort out. Once you get out of the building you [[run |Run]] or [[pause|Turn around]]?<<endtimedinsert>>

Without thinking, you head to the nearest staircase. I have to get out of here. Some of your fellow co-workers join you, all equally confused as you as to what just happened. Some time passes as you try to navigate what used to be a familiar staircase, now covered in black. <<timedinsert 15s>>You are eventually met by Battalion leader, Orio Palmer. His NYFD Badge someone still manages to shine through all the smoke.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 30s>>"Hello folks, my name is Orio Palmer. I am going to get you out of this building alive, but you have to listen to me. I have a comrade waiting for you below that will escort you out of the building safely. When you reach the 38th floor, he will help you navigate the floors below."<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 40s>>Are you coming with us?<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 55s>> He pauses. <<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 65s>>"Unless everyone is safely evacuated from this building, my work here is not done." And with that, he prompted you and your group down the stairs and disappeared back into the smoke. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 73s>>You navigate the darkness that surrounds you and reach the 38th floor. Just like Palmer said, there waits another fire fighter.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 79s>>As you meet him on the landing of the 38th floor stairwell, a cry is heard from the other side of the door. Concern falls over the group.<<endtimedinsert>> <<set $event to either(1,2)>> <<timedinsert 85s>><<if $event is 1>>The fireman's brow furrows. "Everyone else, keep moving! You will get out alive. Don't let anything distract you on the way down and when you get outside, run." With that, he disappeared into the darkness in the direction of the screams. [[Continue on without him. |Survive]] [[Wait for him to come back, who knows what's waiting for you in the stairwell below. |Office Death Epilogue]] <<elseif $event is 2>>He sees your looks of worry and yells,"We don't have time. You are all my concern right now. @@font-size:3em;Keep moving."@@ The numbers on the walls keep growing smaller and smaller, and the smoke begins to clear. You eventually make it to the entrance of the building. The time is @@color:red;10:24.@@ The firefighter gives you one last look before [[shutting the ambulance doors. |Survive]]<<endif>><<endtimedinsert>>

You carefully guide her towards the ladies' restroom in the center of the office. <<timedinsert 5s>>The time is @@color:red;9:00 A.M.@@<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 8s>>"I'll be right back," she says as she excuses herself.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 12s>>You look out the office windows towards the skyline, and notice there's a large object drifing across the cityscape in your direction. As it gets closer and grows in size, you realize what it is.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 18s>>It's an airplane!<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 22s>>And then it happens. <<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 26s>>The airplane makes a rapid descent and plummets itself into the side of your building. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 30s>>The entire building tremors and your coworkers begin to panic. Your boss comes running from the bathroom, with shear terror in her eyes.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 36s>>"The building moved 10 feet! All 110 stories have been shifted from the foundation."<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 42s>>We need to get out of here. This building can't be stable.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 46s>>You locate the nearest stairwell. [[Head down the stairwell |Stairwell]]<<endtimedinsert>>

You look out the office windows towards the skyline, and notice there's a large object drifing across the cityscape in your direction. As it gets closer and grows in size, you realize what it is. <<timedinsert 7s>>It's an airplane!<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 12s>>And then it happens. <<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 17s>>The airplane makes a rapid descent and plummets itself into the side of your building. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 22s>>The entire building tremors and your coworkers begin to panic.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 27s>>"The only way out is the roof! A helicopter could rescue us from up there!" you hear one coworker yell.<<endif>> You, along with a small group of your office mates, head for the door that allows access to the roof.<<endtimedinsert>>. <<timedinsert 32s>>Pit-pat<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 33s>> pit-pat<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 34s>> pit-pat<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 37s>>The numbers on the walls keep growing.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 40s>>Finally, you reach the 110th floor and pass that door to the roof marked "Authorized Personnel" at the end of the stairs. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 45s>>You grab for the door handle.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 48s>>The door is<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 50s>> locked.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 55s>>[[Go back and try the stairs. |Stairs Death]]<<endtimedinsert>>

As you enter the nearly 100 story building, you gaze at the clock at the receptionist's desk. It reads @@color:red;8:45.@@ You were usually at your desk by now, but hopefully your boss won't notice. You slide into the elevator just as the doors are closing. <<timedinsert 10s>>1....<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 12s>>7.....<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 14s>>15....<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 16s>>27....<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 18s>>35.....<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 20s>>41<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 22s>> @@font-size: 3em;Ding!@@<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 25s>>I better get off here and make sure the conference room is all set to go for the 9:30 meeting. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 32s>>You exit the elevator and look back at the friendly faces of your colleagues just as the door closes. The clock outside the elevator reads @@color:red;9:00 A.M.@@<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 40s>>[[You continue on to the conference room|Floor 41]]<<endtimedinsert>>

As you enter the nearly 100 story building, you gaze at the clock at the receptionist's desk. It reads @@color:red;8:30@@. You're right on time. <<timedinsert 5s>>You quickly grab the nearly full elevator and press the button reading 84. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 9s>>1......<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 11s>>32.......<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 13s>>57......<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 15s>>81 @@font-size:3em;Ding@@<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 18s>>You reach your desk right at @@color:red;8:40@@. Good thing you didn't sleep in today, because your boss is waiting. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 22s>>"Everything ready for today's meeting? We really need to strike this deal." Don't worry, everything came together perfectly.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 26s>>"Great, I look forward to it." As she begins to walk away, a look of horror crosses her face. "The North Tower is on fire," she whispers. Everyone else in the office looks towards the source of the commotion. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 32s>> It was true. Their counterpart to the North had erupted in flames. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 35s>>"People are jumping from the building!" She screamed and began to panic.<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 40s>> Again, she was right. Little business suits were seen flinging themselves from the upper floors of the North Tower.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 45s>>She collapses into your arms and begins sobbing profusely. Help her to the bathroom to [[gain her composure |office bathroom]] or [[stay and watch the North Tower |Go to the Roof]]?<<endtimedinsert>>

As you climb down the stairs as fast as you can, the smoke around you begins to thicken. You can hear screams from below. <<timedinsert 5s>>While you're working your way down, you run into others who are trying to get to the upper levels.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 10s>>"We need to get to the roof! They can rescue us from there." they explain.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 15s>>I'm not so sure about that....<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 20s>>"Look, buddy. The floors below are covered in smoke, if you want to risk it, go ahead. But I want to make it out of this alive. I've got a family to think about." [[Follow people up to the roof. |Go to the Roof2]] [[Keep going down the stairs. |Survive]]<<endtimedinsert>>

You continue on down the stairs, with your fellow colleagues in tow. The numbers indicating the floor you are on continue to shrink, until you finally reach the front doors. You once again look, out of habit, for the clock that sits above the receptionist's desk. <<timedinsert 12s>>It's not there.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 15s>>The time is @@color:red;9:59 A.M.@@ and the building around you begins to collapse. [[Epilogue. |Office Live Epilogue]]<<endtimedinsert>>

You hope and pray that the stairwell still allows safe passage to the lower floors. You had seen some of your coworkers disappear through the opposite stairwell as you when you had gone up and they were going down. <<timedinsert 7s>>You haven't seen them since. That either meant they had made it or....gulp<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 12s>>Each step downward is filled with more desperation as you are engulfed by more and more smoke.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 17s>>A voice ahead of you in the darkness yells out, "There's no way down!"<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 22s>>@@font-size: 3em;You're trapped.@@<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 25s>><<if $cellphone is true>>[[Call your wife and say goodbye. |Goodbye Call]]]<<endif>> [[Admit defeat and jump. |Jump]] [[Search for another way out. |Search]]<<endtimedinsert>>

You frantically pull out your phone from your pocket and dial her number. <<timedinsert 5s>>"Oh my god, thank god it's you, I've been watching everyt-"<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 8s>>She stops.<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 10s>> Your breathing is heavy.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 13s>>You're still in the building, aren't you?" her voice cracks.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 16s>>Yes, I am.<<endtimedinsert>> <<if $pregnant is true>><<timedinsert 20s>>"This isn't how this is supposed to end, you're supposed to come home, you're supposed to sleep in our bed tonight, you're supposed to be the father of our child."<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 27s>>No, I'm not. You're supposed to be the mother and father of our child. I love you two so much. I know it will be hard, but I'll be there with you every step of the way.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 32s>>You can hear her tears begin to fall. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 35s>>I'll see you tonight, honey. I love you. [[And with that, the fire overtakes you. |Office Death Epilogue]]<<endtimedinsert>> <<else>><<timedinsert 20s>>You can hear her tears begin to fall. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 25s>>I'll see you tonight, honey. I love you. [[And with that, the fire overtakes you. |Office Death Epilogue]]<<endtimedinsert>><<endif>>

You climb back up to your office on the 84th floor, and try every door you can. There has to be a way out. This can't be how I die. <<timedinsert 7s>>All possibilities are exhausted. There's no way out.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 11s>>[[Jump before the smoke consumes you? |Jump]] [[Keep searching, even if all hope is lost. |Office Death Epilogue]]<<endtimedinsert>>

<<timedinsert 3s>>The speaker on the dash of the cockpit started to crackle. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 6s>>"Traffic Control to 93. Two aircraft have struck the Twin Towers. Beware any cockpit intrusion."<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 10s>>You share a look with your co-pilot, Jason and then he responds,<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 15s>>"Understood. All is well. 93, over."<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 20s>>It was @@color:red;9:28 A.M.@@<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 25s>>@@font-size:3 em;And then all hell broke [[loose|93 crash]].@@<<endtimedinsert>>

As soon as you finished your words with Traffic Control, there is a commotion outside of the cockpit. <<timedinsert 7s>>"Do you smell <<click "peppers?">><<replace "#peppers">>peppers? It almost smells like mace....<</replace>><</click>>" Jason asked, obviously confused.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 11s>>There's a shuffle heard outside the cockpit door.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 15s>>The flight attendants can be heard struggling.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 20s>>"You aren't allowed in there, sir.<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 24s>>@@font-size:2em; Sir!@@<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 27s>>@@font-size:3em; Excuse me!"@@<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 30s>>Before you can take any action, 2 dark-skinned figures burst into the cockpit. Their red bandanas cover their faces, but you recognize them from first class.<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 35s>> They immediately begin to try to remove you from your Captain's chair. While you struggle, you notice that Jason appears to be engaging autopilot and switching the communication system from the airplane cabin to the nearest air space controller.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 42s>>"May Day!<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 44s>> @@font-size: 2em;May Day!@@<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 46s>> @@font-size:3em;Get out!@@" Jason is heard yelling to the masked figures. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 52s>>With that, the men hit you with something <<click "blunt.">><<replace "#blunt">>blunt. Was that a baseball bat?<</replace>><</click>> You collapse to the floor, moaning in agony, and then [[pass out from the pain|last moments]].<<endtimedinsert>>

@@.blur;For the next half an hour, you daze in and out of consciousness, catching tidbits of speech here and there.@@ "This is the captain. There is a bomb on board. Please remain seated while we return to the airport." "Give it to me! Give it to me!" "What is it? A fight?" "Watch out. I'm going to rock this thing to show them a lesson." <<timedinsert 15s>>And then, everything went [[black|Pilot 93 Death Epilogue]].<<endtimedinsert>>

"This is your Captain speaking, the current time is @@color:red;8:12 A.M.@@ We're expecting a very smooth flight. We'll let you know when your fasten seat belt sign is turned off. Thank you for choosing United!" Thomas set down the cabin radio and refocused onto the controls on the dash. <<timedinsert 12s>>He was the kind of guy you wanted to fly with. He was a level-headed guy who genuinely enjoyed his job. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 20s>>Your thoughts are interrupted by a commotion outside the cockpit. Before you can react, a dark-skinned man bursts through the door and lunges at your throat.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 25s>>Everything goes [[black|Flight 11 Epilogue]]. <<endtimedinsert>>

<<timedinsert 2s>>After you lost consciousness, your flight was plummeted into the side of the North Tower.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 5s>>Everyone died upon impact.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 8s>>Your death was seen around the world, many times over. The constant news coverage and replaying of the images of your death haunted your wife's mind for many months.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 13s>>It eventually became too much. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 16s>>Her mother found her on the kitchen floor one December afternoon, empty pill bottle in hand. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 22s>>@@font-size: 2em;Now you were together.@@<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 26s>>"Nothing you give is lost to you or anyone, but cherished and preserved in Heaven." [[Start from the beginning|The Calm Before the Storm]].<<endtimedinsert>>

Traffic Control, this is flight 87 requesting clearance to navigate New York City airspace. <<timedinsert 5s>>"Roger that, go ahead 87."<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 9s>>The plane smoothly glided over the cityscape. After a few minutes, your peacefulness was interrupted. "87, please report your position."<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 15s>>"We are currently over the harbor, cruising at about 20,000 feet." Steven answered.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 22s>>"Please return to the airport. All New York flights are to be grounded. There's been a situation."<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 27s>>Please elaborate.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 31s>>"Sorry, Captain, but two of our own have been put into the sides of the Twin Towers. Please redirect your flight."<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 36s>>Your stomach drops as you look at your co-pilot. [[Get your plane home safely|Pilot Live Epilogue]]. [[Keep flying. Your flight isn't in danger, no sense in worrying your passengers. |nolanding]] <<endtimedinsert>>

"Morning, handsome. Your lunch is on the counter and I'm just finishing up your breakfast burrito for the road." You grab your <<click "lunch box.">><<replace "#lunchbox">>lunch box. You already know what's in it without even looking; a turkey club on wheat, an apple, and some chips. She really was the greatest.<<endreplace>><<endclick>> As she hands you your breakfast burrito, she plants a kiss on your cheek. "I'll see you tonight for dinner?" Of course. [[I love you, see you tonight. |Subway]] [[Notice that she seems to be holding back today. What's up? There's something you're not telling me.|Pregnant]]

<<timedinsert 1s>>Click-clack<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 2s>>Click-clack<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 3s>>Click-clack<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 4.5s>>You enter the station down the road from your house. It was always interesting to see the varied types of people that the subway brought together. You enter the subway car, and <<if $job is "firefighter">>head into the bustling metropolis of Lower Manhattan.<<elseif $job is "insurance">>head into the bustling metropolis of Lower Manhattan.<<elseif $job is "pilot">>head towards the International airport.<<endif>><<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 12s>>You daze off to the sounds of the tracks.<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 16s>> Before long, your stop is read over the loud speaker and you exit the subway car. You walk the short distance to your workplace. <<if $job is "firefighter">>[[Enter your fire station. |Fire Station]] <<elseif $job is "insurance">><<if $late gt 0>>[[Enter your office building. |Late Office Building]] <<else>>[[Enter your office building. |On Time Office]]<<endif>> <<elseif $job is "pilot">>[[Enter the bustling airport. |Airport]]<<endif>><<endtimedinsert>>

A pair of socks...a picture of your <<click "wedding day.">><<replace "#wedding">>wedding day. You still remember that day. You nearly cried as she walked down the aisle. You couldn't believe that the woman coming towards you had willingly agreed to spend the rest of your life with you.<<endreplace>><<endclick>> That little flip phone always did seem to be getting <<click "lost.">><<replace "#lost">>lost. You only put up with it because the missus would worry <<if $job is "pilot">> with your long trips. <<elseif $job is "insurance">>since work was all the way in Manhattan. <<elseif $job is "firefighter">>since your job had you running into burning buildings on a regular basis. <<endif>> <<endreplace>><<endclick>> <<timedinsert 8s>>Ah, there it is! You find your cell phone sitting next to your subway pass.<<endtimedinsert>> <<set $cellphone to true>> <<timedinsert 11s>>[[Head downstairs. |downstairs]]<<endtimedinsert>>

No luck. All you find is your wife's reading <<click "glasses.">><<replace "#glasses">>glasses. She always was leaving those around in places she'd forget.<</replace>><</click>> <<timedinsert 3s>><<display "cell phone">><<endtimedinsert>>

<<timedinsert 1s>>Toothpaste.<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 2s>> Hair brush.<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 3s>> Damp towel.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 5s>>No phone.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 7s>><<display "cell phone">><<endtimedinsert>>

She lets out a heavy sigh. "I know that it's not exactly a great time for this, with the mortgage payment, and car payments, and phone bills, and..." <<timedinsert 5.5s>>Stop, we have that all under control. That was a lie, but the look of worry on her face always made you make things out to be better than they actually were. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 11.5s>>"Well, I know it's still early, but...<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 13.5s>>we're pregnant."<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 15s>>You take a moment to process this. She was right about it not being a great time...<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 19s>>[[Honey, that's great news! We'll figure everything out, ok? We'll even go out for dinner tonight, in celebration. I have to get to work now though. |Subway]] [[Oh, well...I mean we did always talk about having children some day...We'll talk about this tonight. With that, you give her a quick side hug and leave. |Subway]]<<endtimedinsert>> <<set $pregnant to true>>

@@color:red;font-size:3em;8:45 A.M.@@ <<timedinsert 2s>>[[And then all hell broke loose. |To the Tower]]<<endtimedinsert>>

@@font-size: 3em;color:yellow;WOO WOO WOO@@ <<timedinsert 3s>>The alarms are yelling all around you. You rush to throw all of your gear on and then climb into the back of Engine #3. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 10s>>Your fellow station members, your friends, all run to their respective engines. Something big has happened, all the trucks are manned and ready to go.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 16s>>They whir out of the station, and the sounds of sirens from all directions fill your ears. What could possibly have happened to demand all of the other stations nearby to respond too?<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 24s>>As you turn onto Liberty Street, in the center of Manhattan, in the heart of the city, you see it. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 31s>>The North Tower of the World Trade center has been cloaked in a thick, black smoke. The audible gasps from inside the fire engine's cabin said all that there could be said.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 38s>>This was the sort of thing people wrote about in stories. It was never supposed to happen in real life. [[You double check your gear before exiting the safe space of the fire engine, into the hell that awaits. |On the Scene]] <<if $cellphone is true>>[[Call your wife in case something happens to you today. |Fire Phone Call]]<<endif>> <<endtimedinsert>>

Before getting out of the engine, you call your wife. <<timedinsert 5s>>She doesn't answer.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 8s>>You leave a voicemail:<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 10s>> Hey honey, I just wanted to make you aware of what was going on...this is a big event for me. But I won't do anything stupid, I promise. I'll be home tonight. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 14s>>You pause.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 17s>>I love you.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 20s>>With that, you hang up. [[Exit the fire engine.|On the Scene]]<<endtimedinsert>>

"Do you think we should keep going?" Steven asked. <<timedinsert 5s>>I have never disobeyed Air Traffic Control, but landing the plane does seem a bit excessive. Let's keep going. Steven readjusts the gauges on the dash of the cockpit, reengaging autopilot to fly them to their intended destination.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 15s>>A crackle comes through the radio. "Excuse me, Flight 87, but it appears that your position has not been rerouted. Has there been an issue?"<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 20s>>No issue. Over. You abrutply respond.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 25s>>"Flight 87, you need to redirect your Airbus this instance! It is a matter of national security!"<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 30s>>You glance over at Steven. He simply shrugs, as he answers the crackling radio. "With all due respect, we don't see a reason to worry our passengers.....<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 37s>>Over."<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 43s>>"Flight 87, with all due respect, you must follow my orders! Unless you would like to be greeted by a Grand Marshall at your destination." [[With that, you begin your descent to the nearest airport. |Pilot Live Epilogue]]<<endtimedinsert>>

As you enter the boardroom, you quietly walk around the table to the window. <<timedinsert 6s>>This was always a great room to give pitches in. The giant glass window looked out over the city.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 10s>> You pause a moment to take it all in. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 15s>>Out of the corner of your eye, you see something unexpected....was that an airplane? It seemed to be flying abnormally low....<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 22s>>Before you can think much more about it, it disappears behind the corner of the building and is met with a crash. The building around you shakes from the impact. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 27s>>[[And then all hell broke loose.| Floor 41]]<<endtimedinsert>>

<center>The following game is a factually based fiction story. The subject matter may be hard for some to handle and should be viewed with this in mind. No disrespect is intended, just understanding.</center> <center>@@font-size: 2em;[[Start the Game|The Calm Before the Storm]]@@</center>

You walk into the galley style kitchen, and are greeted by the smells of bacon<<timedinsert 5s>>....and sweaty men.<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 8s>> The station always smelled like that, since it was filled with sweaty men at every hour of the day.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 12s>>The buffet has been well-picked over at this point, but you still manage to get a heaping plate of <<click "bacon.">><<replace "#bacon">>bacon. Your doctor may not be happy with this choice in diet, but you only had one life, right? Might as well be happy.<<endreplace>><<endclick>><<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 18s>> As you munch on your bacon and joke with the guys, you [[glance up at the clock.|Impact]]<<endtimedinsert>>

You, along with a small group of your office mates, head for the door that allows access to the roof.<<endtimedinsert>>. <<timedinsert 7s>>Pit-pat<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 9s>> pit-pat<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 11s>> pit-pat<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 15s>>The numbers on the walls keep growing.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 20s>>Finally, you reach the 110th floor and pass that door to the roof marked "Authorized Personnel" at the end of the stairs. <<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 24s>>You grab for the door handle.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 27s>>The door is<<endtimedinsert>><<timedinsert 30s>> locked.<<endtimedinsert>> <<timedinsert 33s>>[[Go back and try the stairs. |Stairs Death]]<<endtimedinsert>>