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The unnamed protagonist wakes up in his underwear in a sparse, prison-like room, confused about how he arrived. He pleads for release but soon discovers the room's surveillance and oppressive environment.

He discovers a primitive wall computer watching him. He learns that certain actions, often making himself look foolish, earn credits. These credits let him buy objects or services to survive in the room.

He initially believes he is alone until a surly older man appears in a picture-in-picture window on his monitor. The older man, kept in a separate room, has been trapped for a long time. He informs him that there are many others in the system, but they can only view them, not communicate.

The two men cannot stand each other at first, but they forge a mutually beneficial relationship. The older man teaches the protagonist how to craft a comedic persona to attract more credits, while the protagonist shares some of those credits to sustain the older man.

As the protagonist grows famous, he begins to feel more comfortable in this new existence. He makes contact with #052605011, a woman determined to figure out a way to escape. Their dialogue marks the first real glimmer of outside possibility.

The older man meets a tragic end, removing a crucial ally and hinting at the system's cruelty. His death leaves the protagonist with renewed resolve but also greater peril.

Inspired by #052605011's escape obsession, they resolve to start a revolution to free everyone trapped inside the system. They begin to mobilize a plan and gather supporters within the allowed channels.

As they unveil their plan to the masses, the protagonist can also communicate with #038491828, who urges acceptance of fate and happiness within the system.

The plan unsettles the system's balance as #052605011 suspects sabotage by #038491828. The two women encourage their followers to silence the other, intensifying a factional feud that ends with the deaths of both women as their followers silence one another.

The protagonist's computer and room shut down, then restart. A door opens, offering a chance to leave, but he instead starts recording and showing off his survival, and the door closes again, leaving his fate unresolved.