“I like Adam's idea,” you exclaim. “Alright, let's get it done,” Cliff says, grabbing his jacket and throwing it on. “I'll go get a couple loaves of bread from the Courtyard Cafe,” Adam says, heading out the door, “meanwhile, you two go the door on the north side the Activity Center building and wait for me. I shouldn't be long.” “Sounds good...let's go,” Cliff says, motioning you to follow him. After a few minutes, at the door on the north side of the Activity Center building, Adam runs up with a tray of random breads, some whole and some in pieces. “Okay, let's make a trail with the bread from this door to the surplus building,” says Adam. “Lets get 'er done,” remarks Cliff.

After several minutes, you, Cliff, and Adam have made a clear and relatively straight trail from the Activity Center to the Surplus building, and then created a path into one of the public safety cages. Then the remainder got dumped into a large pile inside the cage. All three of you are now standing outside the Activity Center north door. “Alright, now we need to get that thing's attention,” you remark. “I propose that we use your whistle,” Adam says, motioning to the lanyard hanging around your neck, “because it stands to reason, that if this thing was trained to play basketball, then it might respond to your whistle.” “Not a bad idea, Adam,” remarks Cliff, “but what I'm worried about is if we let the bird out and it chooses NOT to follow our trail, and instead runs into the night.” “Then we call the police,” you say, “they should have a lot of fun with that.” “Sounds solid, let's do it,” says Cliff.

Cliff goes into the surplus building to get out of sight, while Adam walks over to West Way, and you stand all by yourself in front of the door. You have no way of knowing if the bird is standing directly behind it or not. Your pulse quickens but you have to remain calm. You draw the whistle to your lips and very very slowly open the door. You peer through the crack in the door...nothing. “Blow it as loud as you can, or maybe several short bursts, then get behind the door,” you hear from Adam down on West Way, crouching close to the ground to stay out of sight. You breathe and quietly finish opening the door all the way, staying to one side. You breathe deeply through your nose, step into the doorway, let out several short loud bursts with the whistle down the hallway, then make a mad dash behind the door to conceal yourself. It isn't long before you hear that distinct scratching sound down the hallway. Several seconds later, the bird emerges into the night and takes a long look around the darkness. You hold your breath and remain completely still, hoping the bird doesn't pick up on the sound of your heart about to leap out of your chest.

To your great relief, the large avian notices the bread on the ground and as instinctively as a pigeon gradually follows the trail into the surplus building. As the bird enters the building, you feel safe enough to emerge from behind the door and join Adam near the surplus building on West Way. “Do you think it's in the cage yet?,” you ask nervously. “I'm just hoping that's Cliff is quick enough to close the cage without the bird noticing him over the banquet of bread we left,” replies Adam. Suddenly, a very loud raucous comes from inside the building. “HELP ME, YOU TWO!!!,” Cliff shouts from inside the surplus building. You both rush in.

Cliff is barricading the bird into the cage with chairs, desks, and anything he can get his hands on. The bird is pummeling the door with all its fury to escape. You both lend a hand and within minutes are able to secure the cage door beyond any possible chance of escape. “Well, that was fun,” exclaims Cliff, wiping sweat from his forehead. “You have a strange idea of fun, Cliff,” retorts Adam. “Is it over yet?,” you ask, breathing hard. “Yep, I think it is,” Cliff says, standing up. “Adam, I want you to stay here to watch this thing, and I'll take over your route.” “Sounds good to me,” replies Adam. “In the meantime, I think you should go on home now,” Cliff motions to you, “and get some well-deserved rest.” You nod your head in agreement, stand up, and make your way to the parking lot. You pile into your car, snap on the radio, and mutter quietly to yourself, “What a night!”

THE END

(Congratulations, you've reached one of several different endings. Try the story again from the beginning!)