Thursday, February 20th, 2020:

• "Pride and Prejudice", February 19 - March 8 This isn’t your grandmother’s Austen! Bold, surprising, boisterous, and timely, this Pride and Prejudice for a new era explores the absurdities and thrills of finding your perfect (or imperfect) match in life. The outspoken Lizzy Bennet is determined to never marry, despite mounting pressure from society. But can she resist love, especially when that vaguely handsome, mildly amusing, and impossibly aggravating Mr. Darcy keeps popping up at every turn? Literature’s greatest tale of latent love has never felt so theatrical, or so full of life than it does in this effervescent adaptation. Thu. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. & 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $17.50-$40. Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Rd. West Hartford, CT
• 39th Annual Connecticut Flower & Garden Show, February 20 - 23 The colorful, fragrant show covers almost three acres with the 2020 theme, "Connecticut Springs into Earth Day, " with creative and practical ideas for house, apartment and condo dwellers alike. Highlights include: Over an acre of gardens in full bloom, created by professional landscape designers and nonprofit organizations, and include naturalistic, low maintenance, native, organic, herb and pollinator gardens. The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut's 2020 Advance Standard Flower Show: more than 12,000 square feet of a design, horticulture and photography competition with more than 500 judged entries, all with the "Spring into Connecticut" theme. Over 300 booths of displays, activities, and shopping. More than 80 hours of seminars. Thu. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $18, seniors (Thu. and Fri. only) $16, children (5-12) $5, under 5 free. Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd. Hartford, CT

Friday, February 21st, 2020:

• 39th Annual Southeastern Connecticut Home Show February 21 - 23 Offers a diverse array of home products and services by local, state, and national vendors, presenting innovative and imaginative displays. Local crafts on display as well in a Home Show that combines high tech with hometown flair. Fri. 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.. Adults $10, seniors $8, children (12 and under) free. Earth Expo & Convention Center, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd. Uncasville, CT
• "Looped" February 21 - March 21 Looped by Matthew Lombardo depicts an actual 1965 recording session in which an intoxicated Tallulah Bankhead, played by Kelly Boucher, required eight hours to dub a single line from her final movie Die! Die! My Darling! While antagonizing the film editor, Danny Miller, assigned to the job. Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m. $37, Connecticut Cabaret Theatre, 31 Webster Square Rd. Berlin, CT
• "Daisies on Harlem's Doorstep", February 21 - 23 The lights and glitter of the Harlem Renaissance attract an innocent young woman searching for her sister. Daisy finds herself with the help of four very different women. An award-winning play by Sharece M. Sellem. Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Adults $20; seniors, military, students $18; member $17. Donald L. Oat Theater at Norwich Arts Center, 62 Broadway, Norwich, CT
• Atlantic Broadband Garde Cinema Series: "Us" Director: Jordan Peele Writer: Jordan Peele Stars: Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, Elisabeth Moss Studio: Universal Nominations: Screen Actors Guild: Outstanding Performance by Female Actor; Four Critics Choice Award nominations Awards: Critics Choice Award: Best Sci-Fi/Horror Movie; New York Film Critics Circle Awards: Best Actress A mother and father take their kids for an idyllic summer getaway. Haunted by an unexplainable and unresolved trauma from her past and compounded by a string of eerie coincidences, Adelaide feels her paranoia elevate to high-alert as she grows increasingly certain that something bad is going to befall her family. After spending a tense beach day with their friends, Adelaide and her family return to their vacation home. When darkness falls, the Wilsons discover the silhouette of four figures holding hands as they stand in the driveway. Us pits an endearing American family against a terrifying and uncanny opponent: doppelgängers of themselves. Rated R. Presented in association with the Black Engineering Council of Electric Boat. The 2020 Atlantic Broadband Garde Winter Cinema Series Pass brings you – for one package price – twenty or more critically acclaimed and Oscar and Golden Globe nominated films with state-of-the-art 4K digital projection and full surround sound. Passes can be used by other than the purchaser. Limited availability so buy today! 7:30 p.m $12; series pass $62. Garde Arts Center, 325 State St. New London, CT
• Ice Cube, February 21 Widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Rap history, Ice Cube began his career two decades ago with N.W.A — aka the World’s Most Dangerous Group. After penning some of the most memorable lyrics on N.W.A’s groundbreaking tracks “Straight Outta Compton” and “Fuck Tha Police,” Ice Cube broke away at the height of the group’s success. As he moved on to launch his solo career, his debut studio album AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted (Priority, 1990) sold more than a million copies. A concept album about the fall and rise of the black man, Ice Cube’s solo sophomore effort Death Certificate (Priority, 1991) debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, eventually selling over two million copies. His impressive musical career also includes the multi-platinum success of his two-part album War & Peace, as well as the hit albums Lethal Injection, Bootlegs & B-Sides, The Predator, the gold-certified and independently released Laugh Now, Cry Later, Raw Footage, and I Am The West (a 2010 release that debuted at #22 on the Billboard 200 and proved to be one of the most successful independent releases in Hip Hop that year). 7:30 p.m. $29-$39, Mohegan Sun Arena, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd. Uncasville, CT
• "Sex N' the City - A Musical Parody" This “Super” Unauthorized Musical Parody follows your favorite single gals looking for love in the big city. The show tackles serious questions like "will I ever find the one," "can you ever really be over your ex," and "for the third time, it’s a neck massager!" Come join Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha on a hilarious trip through New York in the 1990s. 8pm, $35-$40, Shubert Theatre, 247 College St. New Haven, CT
• Fitz & the Tantrums, February 21 There came a point, in the time following the release of HandClap, the biggest song of Fitz and the Tantrums’ career, when its ascent crossed the threshold of successful, zoomed past game-changer, to just plain, WTF?! The double-platinum, Top 5 smash, which racked up 1.5 billion streams in China alone, was synched on countless shows from American Idol to The Oscars. Fitz and the Tantrums were invited to perform for the masses on primetime television and such cultural institutions as Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and FOX’s Super Bowl preshow after “HandClap” become something of an unofficial theme song for the NFL. 8 p.m. $35-$55, Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd. Mashantucket, CT
• "Constellations", February 21 - March 7 How might the smallest change in our life dramatically alter its course? Playwright Nick Payne's brilliant love story explores Marianne and Roland relationship and all of its infinite possibilities. This exploration of love, science, heartbreak and hope raises the question, what is the difference between destiny and choice? Due to subject matter and language, this is not recommended for children. Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. (March 1) 2 p.m, $20-$25, TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave. New Milford, CT
• Champions of Magic, February 21 The five world-class illusionists that make up this mind-bending theatrical production are back on tour in 2020, following sell out shows across the globe, rave reviews and a run in London’s West End. Don’t miss this incredible show to entertain the entire family. With more than 30 million online views between them, this cast of top magicians includes international award-winners presenting incredible mind reading, stunning close-up magic and daring large-scale illusions. Their skills have been seen on screen around the world with appearances on The CW’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us, NBC’s Caught on Camera with Nick Cannon, The Today Show and Access Hollywood Live. Champions Of Magic has been seen by tens of thousands around the world, now’s your chance to see why fans return to see one of the world’s biggest touring illusion shows time and time again. 8 p.m., $41-$76, Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd. Mashantucket, CT

Saturday, February 22nd, 2020:

• Special Olympics Winter Games, February 22 - 23 Powder Ridge is proud to host Special Olympics Connecticut 2020 Winter Games. Over 900 athletes of all abilities from across the state are expected to participate. Events are free and open to the public. Spectators are encouraged to attend. Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Figure Skating and Speed Skating, Unified Floor Hockey and Skills, & Gymnastics. Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., FREE, Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort, 99 Powder Hill Rd. Middlefield, CT
• From the Heart Racing, February 22 Join us for a Prize-Drawing Giveaway, 50/50, and fundraiser. All proceeds will help support causes such as school sports programs and diabetes relief. 1 p.m.-6 p.m., FREE, Witchdoctor Brewing, 168 Center St. Southington, CT
• A Tribute to Cher and Lady Gaga, February 22 Lisa Carter and Nicole Fuller bring the voices of Cher and Lady Gaga for a fantastic cabaret style tribute performance. 6 p.m., $55 (plus tax and service charge). Waters Edge Resort and Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd. Westbrook, CT
• Disney's "Frozen Jr.", February 22 - 23 The students of the Warner Theatre Center for Arts Education will present the enchanting musical on the Warner's Main Stage! Based on the 2018 Broadway musical, Disney's Frozen Jr. brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. The show features all the memorable songs from the animated film. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and load with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen Jr. is sure to thaw event the coldest heart. Sat. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m., $15, Warner Theatre, 68 Main Street, Torrington, CT

Sunday, February 23rd, 2020:

• The Bolshoi Ballet in HD: "Swan Lake" February 23 Prince Siegfried is summoned by his parents to choose a bride. However, he encounters a mysterious and magnetic swan-woman, Odette, by the lake and is captivated. His vow of eternal love to her will have irreversible consequences. Tchaikovsky’s essential masterpiece returns for a live broadcast of the most-beloved ballet in the classical canon. Technically challenging and filled with vibrant emotion, with a stunning and world-famous corps de ballet in perfect unison, the legendary love story between Prince Siegfried and the dual personalities Odette/Odile, born at the Bolshoi Theatre, is a must-see. 12:55 p.m., $15-$25., Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Rd. Ridgefield, CT
• "Pete the Cat", February 23 Everyone’s favorite rockin’ blue cat takes the stage in this musical performance. When the unsuspecting Biddle family takes in the fantastic feline, Pete the Cat rocks the family’s world with his strumming and strutting. Everybody loves Pete the Cat, well, everyone except Jimmy, the planet’s most organized second-grader. That all changes, of course, when Pete the Cat takes Jimmy on a once-in-a-lifetime road trip. Based on the New York Times #1 best-selling children’s books by authors Kimberly and James Dean, Pete the Cat is also a popular animated series on Amazon Prime Video. A Theaterworks USA production. Recommended for ages 5 and up. 2 p.m. $18-$22, Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, 2132 Hillside Rd. Storrs, CT
• Atlantic Broadband Garde Cinema Series: "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood", February 23 Director: Marielle Heller, Writers: Micah Fitzerman-Blue, Noah Harpster, Stars: Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Chris Cooper, Studio: Sony, Nominations: Oscar for Best Performance (Tom Hanks); One Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards; Two Critics Choice Awards, Lloyd Vogel is an investigative journalist who receives an assignment to profile Fred Rogers, aka Mr. Rogers. He approaches the interview with skepticism, as he finds it hard to believe that anyone can have such a good nature. But Roger’s empathy, kindness and decency soon chips away at Vogel’s jaded outlook on life, forcing the reporter to reconcile with his own painful past. Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. After a jaded magazine writer (Matthew Rhys) is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about empathy, kindness, and decency from America’s most beloved neighbor. Rated PG. 3pm, $12, Garde Arts Center, 325 State St. New London, CT

Find more things to do in CT here!
Check out a newly released movie such as:

• Brahms: The Boy II
• The Call of the Wild
• Emma (Limited)
• Goldie (Limited)
• The Night Clerk (Limited)
• Premature (Limited)

MAME 0.213

It's really about time we released MAME 0.213, with more of everything we know you all love. First of all, we’re proud to present support for the first Hegener + Glaser product: the “brikett” chess computers, Mephisto, Mephisto II and Mephisto III. As you can probably guess, there’s an addition from Nintendo’s Game & Watch line. This month it’s Mario’s Bombs Away. On a related note, we’ve also added Elektronika’s Kosmicheskiy Most, exported as Space Bridge, which is an unlicensed total conversion of the Game & Watch title Fire. If you haven’t played any of the handheld LCD games in MAME, you’re missing something special – they look superb with external scanned and traced artwork.
On the arcade side, we’ve added The Destroyer From Jail (a rare Philko game), and alternate regional versions of Block Out and Super Shanghai Dragon’s Eye. The CD for Simpsons Bowling has been re-dumped, resolving some long-standing issues. With its protection microcontroller dumped and emulated, Birdie Try is now fully playable. Protection microcontrollers for The Deep and Last Mission have also been dumped and emulated. Improvements to Seibu hardware emulation mean Banpresto’s SD Gundam Sangokushi Rainbow Tairiku Senki is now playable, and sprite priorities in Seibu Cup Soccer have been improved.
In computer emulation, two interesting DOS compatible machines based on the Intel 80186 CPU are now working: the Mindset Personal Computer, and the Dulmont Magnum. The Apple II software lists have been updated to include almost all known clean cracks and original flux dumps, and the Apple II gameport ComputerEyes frame grabber is now emulated. We’ve received a series of submissions that greatly improve emulation of the SWTPC S/09 and SS-30 bus cards. On the SGI front, the 4D/20 now has fully-working IRIX 4.0.5 via serial console, and a whole host of improvements have gone into the Indy “Newport” graphics board emulation. Finally, MAME now supports HDI, 2MG and raw hard disk image files.
As always, you can get the source and Windows binary packages from the download page.

MAMETesters Bugs Fixed

• 00148: [Sound] (mappy.cpp) todruaga: The sound of the first credit is not played. (Angelo Salese)
• 07379: [Interface] artwork: Automatically computed group bounds behaviour is not intuitive. (Vas Crabb)
• 07382: [Debugger] Hang and memory leak when using save command. (hap)
• 07388: [Graphics] (sms.cpp) smsj: Default view does not display video in OpenGL mode. (hap)
• 07396: [DIP/Input] (tmnt.cpp) tmnt24pu: Start buttons do not work. (Tafoid)
• 07398: [Crash/Freeze] (goldstar.cpp) mbs2euro: Exception at emulation start. (AJR)
• 07400: [Interface] clickable artwork: Dummy input listener is ignored. (hap)
• 07401: [Graphics] (nemesis.cpp) salamand and clones: Sprite flickers randomly. (hap)

New working machines

• The Destroyer From Jail (Korea) [system11, Angelo Salese, The Dumping Union]
• DVW Microelectronics Husky [Nigel Barnes, Phill Harvey-Smith]
• Game & Watch: Mario's Bombs Away [algestam, Mr. Do]
• Hegener + Glaser Mephisto [hap, Berger]
• Hegener + Glaser Mephisto II [hap, Berger]
• Hegener + Glaser Mephisto III [hap, Berger]
• Hegener + Glaser Mephisto Mirage [hap, Berger]
• Hegener + Glaser Mephisto MM I (ver. A) [hap, Berger]
• Hegener + Glaser Mephisto Mondial 68000XL [Sandro Ronco, Berger]
• Potten's Poker stealth with Breakout front game [Roberto Fresca, Grull Osgo, Pako Ortiz, Rockman, Recreativas.org]
• SciSys Superstar 28K [hap, Berger]

New working clones

• Block Out (Europe and Oceania) [ClawGrip, Recreativas.org]
• Commando (bootleg set 3) [Guru]
• Crazy Kong Part II (bootleg) [Corrado Tomaselli, The Dumping Union]
• Elektronika Space Bridge [algestam, Ryan Holtz]
• Exidy Inc Sorcerer (with Digitrio fdc) [Robbbert]
• Exidy Inc Sorcerer (with Dreamdisk fdc) [Robbbert]
• Hegener + Glaser Mephisto Amsterdam (Glasgow hardware) [Berger]
• Hegener + Glaser Mephisto Dallas 68000 (Glasgow hardware) [Berger]
• Hegener + Glaser Mephisto MM I (ver. B) [Achim]
• Joker Card (witch game) [Roberto Fresca, TeamEurope]
• Lady Liner (set 2) [Roberto Fresca, TeamEurope]
• New Lucky 8 Lines (set 8, W-4) [Roberto Fresca, TeamEurope]
• New Lucky 8 Lines (set 9, W-4, Eagle, licensed by Wing) [Roberto Fresca, TeamEurope]
• New Lucky 8 Lines Super Turbo (Hack) [Roberto Fresca, TeamEurope]
• Player's Edge Plus (X000057P+XP000038) Deuces Wild Poker (MGM Grand Casino) [Brian Troha]
• Punk Shot (World 2 Players) [frsj8112]
• Richard Lang Mephisto London 16 Bit [Berger]
• Street Fighter II': Champion Edition (RE, bootleg) [ClawGrip, hammy]
• Super Shanghai Dragon's Eye (Korea) [TeamEurope, Brian Troha, The Dumping Union]
• Victor 5 [Roberto Fresca, TeamEurope]

Machines promoted to working

• Birdie Try (Japan revision 2) [Dirk Best, TeamEurope, Ivan Vangelista]
• Casino Poker (Ver PM88-01-21, German) [Roberto Fresca, TeamEurope]
• Dulmont Magnum [Carl]
• Hasbro Dream Life (Version 1.0, Feb 07 2005) [Sean Riddle, David Haywood]
• Mindset Corporation Mindset Personal Computer [O. Galibert, Al Kossow]
• SciSys / Novag Chess Champion: Super System III [hap, Berger, MikeChess]
• SD Gundam Sangokushi Rainbow Tairiku Senki (Japan) [Angelo Salese]
• Tatung Einstein 256 [Nigel Barnes, jltursan]

Clones promoted to working

• SD Gundam Sangokushi Rainbow Tairiku Senki (Korea) [Angelo Salese]
• SWTPC swtpc S/09 Sbug + piaide [68bit]

New machines marked as NOT_WORKING

• Bonus Poker (Atronic) [Priit Laes]
• Bubble Torneo [TeamEurope]
• Colex VME-80186 [Al Kossow, Bitsavers]
• Digitek Micrologic 20 [ClawGrip, Dirk Best]
• Estron Juku E5101 [Dirk Best]
• Husky Computers Ltd Husky Hawk [Nigel Barnes, Phill Harvey-Smith]
• I C Money (Atronic) [Priit Laes]
• Microdar SPD [jordigahan, ClawGrip]
• Miss Americana (Bingo) [IPDB]
• Rock 'n' Roll [jordigahan, ClawGrip]
• SNES 4 Slot arcade switcher [ClawGrip, Roberto Fresca, Recreativas.org, The Dumping Union, system11, Dirk Best]
• Wanted (Sega) [Jamesv833, SeanC]
• Wild Thing (Atronic) [Priit Laes]

New clones marked as NOT_WORKING

• Cyclopes (11/85) [IPDB, PinMame]
• Fish Tales (P-2) [IPDB, PinMame]
• Flash Gordon (French Vocalizer sound) [IPDB, PinMame]
• Husky Computers Ltd Husky Hunter [Nigel Barnes, Phill Harvey-Smith]
• Husky Computers Ltd Husky Hunter 2/16 [Phill Harvey-Smith]
• Lady Liner (encrypted, set 1) [TeamEurope, Roberto Fresca]
• Lady Liner (encrypted, set 2) [TeamEurope, Roberto Fresca]
• Lady Liner (encrypted, set 3) [TeamEurope, Roberto Fresca]
• Lady Liner (encrypted, set 4) [TeamEurope, Roberto Fresca]
• Lady Luck (Bellfruit) (Adder 5) [TeamEurope, jordigahan, ClawGrip]
• Lovely Cards (encrypted) [TeamEurope, Roberto Fresca]
• Magic Export (V.211A) [TeamEurope]
• New Lucky 8 Lines (set 10, W-4, encrypted NEC D315-5136) [Roberto Fresca, Grull Osgo, TeamEurope]
• New Lucky 8 Lines Crown Turbo (Hack) [Roberto Fresca, TeamEurope]
• Police Force (LG-4) Germany [IPDB, PinMame]
• Power Instinct (USA, bootleg set 3) [hammy, The Dumping Union]
• Robocop (2.9) [IPDB, PinMame]
• Star Wars Arcade (US) [coolmod, Mike Moffitt, Phil Bennett]
• Tiger Heli (bootleg set 4) [Sean Riddle, Brian Troha, The Dumping Union]
• El Trebol de la Suerte (Bellfruit) (Adder 5) [TeamEurope, jordigahan, ClawGrip]
• WWF Royal Rumble (1.03 French) [IPDB, PinMAME]
• Yamaha MU100B [Alexander Troosh, R. Belmont]

New working software list additions

• apple2_flop_clcracked:
  • The Addition Facts (cleanly cracked), Algebra Volume 3 (Version 1.0, 10 June 1982) (cleanly cracked), BackAid (cleanly cracked), Beyond Castle Wolfenstein (Version 07/12/84) (cleanly cracked), BIG & little (cleanly cracked), A Bird's Eye View of The Main Idea (cleanly cracked), Calendar Fun with the Lollipop Dragon (cleanly cracked), Castle Wolfenstein (Version 06/19/84) (cleanly cracked), Dinosaur Days Plus (cleanly cracked), The Division Facts (cleanly cracked), Dr. Ruth's Computer Game of Good Sex (cleanly cracked), Draw Your Own Conclusions (cleanly cracked), Flashcards (cleanly cracked), Flights Into Fiction: Classic Stories (cleanly cracked), Flights Into Fiction: Fairy Tales (cleanly cracked), Focus on Physical Science: Chapter Review (Version 1.1) (cleanly cracked), Grid Designer (cleanly cracked), Hinky Pinky (cleanly cracked), The Human Body: Circulation and Respiration (cleanly cracked), KidWriter (German Level I, II) (cleanly cracked), Mission: Asteroid (cleanly cracked), The Multiplication Facts (cleanly cracked), Muppet Slate (Version 1.01) (cleanly cracked), New Kid on the Block (Version 02.09.89) (cleanly cracked), A Newbery Adventure: Charlotte's Web (cleanly cracked), NLP Tools Vol. 1 (Version 1.1) (cleanly cracked), Phi Beta Filer (cleanly cracked), Poetry Express (cleanly cracked), Practicalc II XC (Version 2.00) (cleanly cracked), Punctuation Put-On (cleanly cracked), Un Repas Francais (cleanly cracked), Roots/Affixes 1 (Version 09.14.87) (cleanly cracked), The Subtraction Facts (cleanly cracked), Theorems and Proofs of Theorems (cleanly cracked), Troll Sports Math (cleanly cracked), Verb Usage 3 (Version 01.31.89) (cleanly cracked), Wally's Word Works (cleanly cracked), What's The Big Detail (cleanly cracked), Work Force II (Version 2.10) (cleanly cracked), Writer's Choice (Version 1.0) (cleanly cracked), Zandar The Wizard (cleanly cracked), Zork I Demo (Catch A Butterfly) (cleanly cracked) [4am, Firehawke]
  • Chipwits [LoGo, Firehawke]
• apple2_flop_misc: Star Trek: The Kobayashi Alternative (Version 4.0) [anonymous]
• apple2_flop_orig: Alge-Blaster Plus! (Version 1.0), The Ancient Art of War at Sea, Arcticfox, Battle Chess, Beach-Head, Beyond Castle Wolfenstein, Black Magic, Castle Wolfenstein (1981 Version), Castle Wolfenstein (Version 06/19/84), Chipwits, Cranston Manor, David's Midnight Magic, Escape (Bantam Publishing), Essex, Injured Engine, King's Quest, King's Quest II, King's Quest III, King's Quest IV, Labyrinth: The Computer Game (Lucasfilm Games), Mabel's Mansion, Mindshadow, Mission: Asteroid, Moptown, Puzzle Tanks, Race For Midnight, Return of Heracles, Sir Isaac Newton's Games, Soko-Ban, Space Quest II: Vohaul's Revenge (Version 2.0A, interpreter 0.089), Times of Lore, Tip 'N Flip, Wizardry V: Heart of the Maelstrom [4am, Firehawke]
• coco_flop: 512K CoCo 3 Memory Test, CoCo Max II (Input Selector Modified), CoCo Max II (Version 51016), CoCo Max III (Version 3.0), CoCo Max III (Version 3.1), CoCo Newsroom, DeskMate (Version 1.00.00), DeskMate 3 (Version 1.00.00), Disk EDTASM, Micro Works 16-Level Picture Display Utility, The Newspaper, Pitfall II: Lost Caverns, Telewriter-64 [TRS-80 Color Computer Archive]
• hp_ipc: Demo Disc, HP-UX Communications & Maintenance A (VI), HP-UX Communications & Maintenance B (VII), HP-UX Documentation (X), HP-UX Miscellaneous Tools (IX), HP-UX Nucleus (VIII), HP-UX Programmers Tools (I), HP-UX Software Development (II), HP-UX Software Development (III), HP-UX Writers Tools A (IV), HP-UX Writers Tools B (V), RCS (Revision Control System), Software Engineering Module - C Development Supplement (IV), Software Engineering Module - Communication and Maintenance Tools (II), Software Engineering Module - Programmers's and Miscellaneous Tools (I), Software Engineering Module - Section 1 & 1m Documentation (V), Software Engineering Module - Sections 2, 3, 4 and l Documentation (VI), Software Engineering Module - Writer's Tools (III), System Disc Release 5.0.2 [shattered]
• ibm5150: Chuck Yeager's Advanced Flight Trainer (3.5"), Chuck Yeager's Advanced Flight Trainer (5.25", French), Empire - Wargame of the Century, Loom (5.25"), Lunar Explorer - A Space Flight Simulator, Mean 18, Mines of Titan, Olivetti Prodest PC1 - Per Cominciare, Olivetti Prodest PC1 Games Collection 7, Olivetti Prodest PC1 MS-DOS 3.20 (Spanish), Olivetti Prodest PC1 MS-DOS 3.20 / GW BASIC / Lode Runner, Olivetti Prodest PC1 coverdisk (1987 No. 1), Olivetti Prodest PC1 coverdisk (1989 No. 1, Jan/Feb), Olivetti Prodest PC1 coverdisk (1989 No. 2, ApMay), Olivetti Prodest PC1 coverdisk (1989 No. 4, Aug/Sep), Olivetti Prodest PC1 coverdisk (1989 No. 5, Nov/Dec), P.H.M. Pegasus, Pitstop II (3.5") [Justin Kerk]
• ibm5170: Novell DOS 7 (3.5"), Novell DOS 7 (5.25"), Novell DR Multiuser DOS Release 5.1, blueflops-2.0.10, blueflops-2.0.11, blueflops-2.0.12, blueflops-2.0.13, blueflops-2.0.14, blueflops-2.0.15, blueflops-2.0.2, blueflops-2.0.3, blueflops-2.0.4, blueflops-2.0.5, blueflops-2.0.6, blueflops-2.0.7, blueflops-2.0.9 [Justin Kerk]
• juku: CP/M 2.2 [Bashkiria-2M, Dirk Best]
• mephisto_mm1: Mephisto HG 170 Opening Library [Achim]
• mindset_flop: Vyper [Al Kossow]
• pentagon_cass: Old Tower [TZX Vault, SPA2, Steve Brown, Andrew Barker, Paul Hurd, Tony Barnett, Claus Jahn, Donald Graham, Guy Bearman, Jose Luis Soler, Krasimir Hristov, Andrew Blood, Dave Stevens, John Wilson, Edwina Brown, Walter Pooley, Tomaz Kac, Martijn van der Heide, Ramsoft, Dunny, Woody, Mikie, anonymous]
• smc777: Yakyuu-Kyou [TurboMajikon]
• specpls3_flop: Redshift [TZX Vault, SPA2, Steve Brown, Andrew Barker, Paul Hurd, Tony Barnett, Claus Jahn, Donald Graham, Guy Bearman, Jose Luis Soler, Krasimir Hristov, Andrew Blood, Dave Stevens, John Wilson, Edwina Brown, Walter Pooley, Tomaz Kac, Martijn van der Heide, Ramsoft, Dunny, Woody, Mikie, anonymous]
• spectrum_betadisc_flop: DreamWalker: Alter Ego 2 (Pentagon), Gravibots, Lirus, Log Cabin Dizzy (v1.04, English), Log Cabin Dizzy (v1.04, Russian), Mighty Final Fight (v1.0), Mighty Final Fight (v1.1), Mighty Final Fight (v1.2), Mighty Final Fight (v1.2, Wally music hack), MultiDude (Pengaton), Redshift, Sector: Invasion, Twinlight [TZX Vault, SPA2, Steve Brown, Andrew Barker, Paul Hurd, Tony Barnett, Claus Jahn, Donald Graham, Guy Bearman, Jose Luis Soler, Krasimir Hristov, Andrew Blood, Dave Stevens, John Wilson, Edwina Brown, Walter Pooley, Tomaz Kac, Martijn van der Heide, Ramsoft, Dunny, Woody, Mikie, anonymous]
• spectrum_cass: Aahku al Rescate (set 1), Aahku al Rescate (set 2), Aahku al Rescate (set 3, beta 01, April 2011), The Adventures Of Jane Jelly - The Egg Diamond (set 1), The Adventures Of Jane Jelly - The Egg Diamond (set 2, turbo loader, with trainer), The Adventures Of Jane Jelly - The Treasure Of Hotmarmalade (set 1, Bumfun), The Adventures Of Jane Jelly - The Treasure Of Hotmarmalade (set 2), The Adventures Of Jane Jelly - The Treasure Of Hotmarmalade (set 3, turbo loader, with trainer), The Adventures Of Jane Jelly - The Treasure Of Zedin (set 1, Bumfun), The Adventures Of Jane Jelly - The Treasure Of Zedin (set 2, older), The Adventures Of Jane Jelly - The Treasure Of Zedin (set 3, turbo loader, with trainer), The Adventures Of Jane Jelly - The Treasure Of Zedin - Nightmare Version (set 1, Bumfun), The Adventures Of Jane Jelly - The Treasure Of Zedin - Nightmare Version (set 2, older), The Adventures Of Jane Jelly - The Treasure Of Zedin - Nightmare Version (set 3, turbo loader, with trainer), Altair (set 3, release 2, English), Altair (set 4, release 2, Spanish), Altair (set 5, English), Altair (set 6, Spanish), Altair ZX (set 1, English), Altair ZX (set 2, Spanish), Alter Ego (set 3), Androide (2014, Pixelsoft) (set 2), Androide (2014, Pixelsoft) (set 3), Antiquity Jones (set 2, v1.2), Antiquity Jones (set 3), Arcade Game Designer v1.0, Arcade Game Designer v1.3, Arcade Game Designer v1.5, Arcade Game Designer v2.0, Arcade Game Designer v2.3, Arcade Game Designer v2.4, Arcade Game Designer v2.6, Arcade Game Designer v3.0, Arcade Game Designer v3.3, Arcade Game Designer v3.4, Arcade Game Designer v3.5, Arcade Game Designer v4.0, Arcade Game Designer v4.1, Arcade Game Designer v4.2, Arcade Game Designer v4.3, Arcade Game Designer v4.4, Arcade Game Designer v4.5, Arcade Game Designer v4.6, Astronaut Labyrinth (set 1), Astronaut Labyrinth (set 2, easy boss), Astronaut Labyrinth (set 3, turbo loader, normal & easy boss, with trainer), Attack Of The RGBobots, B-Squared (set 1), B-Squared (set 2), Baffo Jones, Baldy ZX (set 2), Bauble Blast!, Billy Box (set 1, English), Billy Box (set 2, French), Blimpgeddon (set 1, v1.02, Final, QAOPM controls), Blimpgeddon (set 2, v1.02, Final, ESDFO controls), Blizzard's Rift, Bluber (set 1, release 2), Bluber (set 2, release 2), Bluber (set 3, release 1), Bob The Space Janitor (version 2), Bobby Carrot (set 1, v1.01, 128k), Bobby Carrot (set 2, v1.01, 128k), Bobby Carrot (set 3, v1.01, 48k), Bobby Carrot (set 4, v1.01, 48k), Bomberman (2016, Cristian Gonzalez) (set 2, demo, v01), Bomberman (2016, Cristian Gonzalez) (set 2, demo, v03), Booty - The Remake (set 1, v1.2, turbo loader), Booty - The Remake (set 3, v1.2), Booty - The Remake (set 4, v1.2 - Black Edition, turbo loader), Booty - The Remake (set 5, v1.2 - Black Edition), Booty - The Remake (set 6, v1.2 - Black Edition), Booty - The Remake (set 7, v1.1, turbo loader), Booty - The Remake (set 8, v1.1), Booty - The Remake (set 9, v1.1), Bounty - The Search for Frooge (set 1), Bounty - The Search for Frooge (set 2), Brian vs. The Bullies, A Broken Friend (set 2), Bubble Frenzy, Bubble Monkey Bros, Cap'n Rescue (v3.0), Cap'n Rescue 2 - The Escape (v3.4), Car Wars (set 1, v1.1, English), Car Wars (set 2, v1.1, Spanish), Car Wars (set 3, English), Car Wars (set 4, Spanish), Catch A Hare, Char Set Finder, CharAde Editor & Demo, The Chard, Chessboard Attack (set 1, v1.2), Chip Rescue, Chopper Drop (set 2, release 2), Christmas Cracker, Christmas Gift Hunt (set 1, v2.0, 128k), Christmas Gift Hunt (set 2, v2.0, 48k), Christmas Gift Hunt (set 3, beta), Christmas Gift Hunt (set 4, ULA Plus), Chunk Zone, Clopit!, Code Zero (set 1), Code Zero (set 2), Columns (set 2, Physical Version), Crappy Crates, The Dark (2016 cassette release), Davey-Dudds Loves Peas, Dead By Dawn (set 2), Dead Flesh Boy (set 1, v2), Dead Flesh Boy (set 2, v2), Dead Flesh Boy (set 3, v1), Dead Flesh Boy (set 4, v1, no loading screen), Deep Core Raider (set 1, v1.1), Deep Core Raider (set 2, v1.1), Donkey Kong Jr. (2016, Gabriele Amore) (corrected jump), DragonBall - El desafio del Dr Gero (1994), DreamWalker: Alter Ego 2 (set 1, 128k), DreamWalker: Alter Ego 2 (set 2, 48k), Dung Darach, F'n Balls (set 1, ULA rain fix), Flash Beer Trilogy, Flynn's Adventure (set 3, tech demo 01-04-12), Flynn's Adventure In Bombland (set 1, v1), Flynn's Adventure In Bombland (set 2, demo), Fn Balls (set 2, older), Forest Raider Cherry, Frank N Stein (set 3, pre-release), Future Looter (set 1, release 2), Future Looter (set 2, release 1), Future Looter (set 3, demo 18122011), Genehtik (set 2), Ghost Castles (cassettte version), Grumpy Santa (set 1), Grumpy Santa (set 2), Hunchy (1983, Mr. Micro), Invasive Species (48k version), Jaws - The Text Adventure, Join, Knight Hero (Black version), Knight Hero (White version), Knights & Demons, Knights & Demons DX (set 2), Knights (set 1), Knights (set 2, BASIC version), Knights (set 3, turbo loader), Krap Park (set 1, fixed version, with screen magic), Krap Park (set 2, fixed version, without screen magic), Krap Park (set 3, older, with screen magic), Krap Park (set 4, older, without screen magic), Kyd Cadet (set 2, v1.2), Kyd Cadet II (set 2), Kyd Cadet III - The Eyeburx Plee (set 2), Laetitia, Little Dragon 2 (128k, AY Sounds), Little Dragon 2 (48k), Little Dragon 2 - Hikoki's Cut, El Loco, Loco Bingo (set 2, RetroBytes demo), Lost In My Spectrum (set 1, v2.0, 128k, English, turbo loader), Lost In My Spectrum (set 2, v2.0, 128k, English), Lost In My Spectrum (set 3, v2.0, 128k, German, turbo loader), Lost In My Spectrum (set 4, v2.0, 128k, German), Lost In My Spectrum (set 5, v2.0, 128k, Spanish, turbo loader), Lost In My Spectrum (set 6, v2.0, 128k, Spanish), Lost In My Spectrum (set 7, v2.0, 128k, French, turbo loader), Lost In My Spectrum (set 8, v2.0, 128k, French), Lost In My Spectrum (set 9, v2.0, 128k, Italian, turbo loader), Lost In My Spectrum (set 10, v2.0, 128k, Italian), Lost In My Spectrum (set 11, v2.0, 128k, Portuguese, turbo loader), Lost In My Spectrum (set 12, v2.0, 128k, Portuguese), Lost In My Spectrum (set 13, v2.0, 48k, English), Lost In My Spectrum (set 14, v2.0, 48k, German), Lost In My Spectrum (set 15, v2.0, 48k, Spanish), Lost In My Spectrum (set 16, v2.0, 48k, French), Lost In My Spectrum (set 17, v2.0, 48k, Italian), Lost In My Spectrum (set 18, v2.0, 48k, Portuguese), Micro Inc, Mighty Final Fight (v1.1), Mike, The Guitar (set 1), Mike, The Guitar (set 2, turbo loader), Mike, The Guitar (set 3), Mike, The Guitar - The Shooter, Moritz - The Dog That Caught The Car, Moritz Strikes Back, Moritz To The Moon, Mr Do!, MultiDude (set 1, AY sounds), MultiDude(set 2, beeper sounds), Mysterious Dimensions, Mystery (set 1, 128k version), Mystery (set 2, 48k version), Ninja Gaiden Shadow Warriors, Nirvana Engine, Old Tower (set 1, 128k), Old Tower (set 2, 48k), The Order Of Mazes, Ossuary, Page And The Curse Of The Pharaoh, Page's Castle Quest (set 2), Pariboro, Pentacorn Quest (set 1, English), Pentacorn Quest (set 2, Spanish), Percy Penguin (set 1, Vs3), Percy Penguin (set 2, demo, b68), Pets vs Aliens Prologue (set 1), Pets vs Aliens Prologue (set 2), Pink Pills: Manic Moritz and the Meds, Pip The Pipistrelle, Pooper Scooper, Pretty Gambler, PTM, Push 'n' Chase, Pyromania II: Chopper Rescue, Pyromania: Trial by fire, Quahappy (set 1), Quahappy (set 2, turbo loader), Rabid Mower, Raw Battle, Red Planet (English), Red Planet (Spanish), Rediscovered Realms (set 1), Rediscovered Realms (set 2), Redshift (set 1, turbo load), Redshift (set 2), Redshift (set 3), Rescue Lander, ROVR - Remote Operated Vehicle Recovery (set 1), ROVR - Remote Operated Vehicle Recovery (set 2), SIP - Special Intergalactic Painter (set 2), Sixteen Skirmish, Space Disposal (set 2), Speccy Bros - Nick & Tom, Speed Ball, Stormfinch, Super Moritz, Tales Of Grupp, Tea-Leaf Ted (set 1, man version), Tea-Leaf Ted (set 2, bear version), Terrorlandia, Terry The Turtle Vektor, The Time Of The End (set 2, side 1 only), Toofy In Fan Land (set 2), Toofys Winter Nuts (set 2, v1.2), Xelda 1: Quest for the Golden Apple (set 1, English, ver 1.03), Xelda 1: Quest for the Golden Apple (set 2, English, ver 1.03a), Xelda 1: Quest for the Golden Apple (set 3, Russian, ver 1.03a), Xelda 1: Quest for the Golden Apple (set 4, Russian, ver 1.03a), Xelda 1: Quest for the Golden Apple (set 5, Spanish, ver 1.03a), ZX Destroyer, Zukinox (set 1, final cassette version), Zukinox (set 2) [TZX Vault, SPA2, Steve Brown, Andrew Barker, Paul Hurd, Tony Barnett, Claus Jahn, Donald Graham, Guy Bearman, Jose Luis Soler, Krasimir Hristov, Andrew Blood, Dave Stevens, John Wilson, Edwina Brown, Walter Pooley, Tomaz Kac, Martijn van der Heide, Ramsoft, Dunny, Woody, Mikie, anonymous]
• st_flop:
  • Highway Encounter (unreleased) [ICEknight]
  • Toi Acid Game (unreleased) [José Luis Correa, ICEknight]
• vsmile_cart: Alfabet Pretpark (NL), Disney's Aladdin - De wonderwereld van Aladdin (Netherlands), Flitzers Schlaue Städtetour (Germany), Scooby-Doo! - Griezelen in het Pretpark (Netherlands), V.Smile Mein erster Mausklick (Germany), Walt Disney's Assepoester - De wonderwereld van Assepoester (Netherlands) [TeamEurope]

New NOT_WORKING software list additions

• ibm5150: Bobo, Captain Blood, Olivetti Prodest PC1 Games Collection 1, Olivetti Prodest PC1 Games Collection 6, Olivetti Prodest PC1 HDU Install, Olivetti Prodest PC1 Mouse Driver [Justin Kerk]
• ibm5170: blueflops-1.0.0, blueflops-1.1.0, blueflops-1.1.1, blueflops-1.1.2, blueflops-2.0.0, blueflops-2.0.1-pre1, blueflops-2.0.8 [Justin Kerk]
• spectrum_betadisc_flop: Bobby Carrot [TZX Vault, SPA2, Steve Brown, Andrew Barker, Paul Hurd, Tony Barnett, Claus Jahn, Donald Graham, Guy Bearman, Jose Luis Soler, Krasimir Hristov, Andrew Blood, Dave Stevens, John Wilson, Edwina Brown, Walter Pooley, Tomaz Kac, Martijn van der Heide, Ramsoft, Dunny, Woody, Mikie, anonymous]
• spectrum_cass: Booty - The Remake (set 2, v1.2), Mister Kung-Fu (set 1, v1.3), Mister Kung-Fu (set 2, v1.3), Mister Kung-Fu (set 3, v1.3, Plus 2a / Plus 3), Mister Kung-Fu (set 4, Plus 2a / Plus 3) [TZX Vault, SPA2, Steve Brown, Andrew Barker, Paul Hurd, Tony Barnett, Claus Jahn, Donald Graham, Guy Bearman, Jose Luis Soler, Krasimir Hristov, Andrew Blood, Dave Stevens, John Wilson, Edwina Brown, Walter Pooley, Tomaz Kac, Martijn van der Heide, Ramsoft, Dunny, Woody, Mikie, anonymous]
• spectrum_microdrive: Outlet (Issue 001 through 038) [TZX Vault, SPA2, Steve Brown, Andrew Barker, Paul Hurd, Tony Barnett, Claus Jahn, Donald Graham, Guy Bearman, Jose Luis Soler, Krasimir Hristov, Andrew Blood, Dave Stevens, John Wilson, Edwina Brown, Walter Pooley, Tomaz Kac, Martijn van der Heide, Ramsoft, Dunny, Woody, Mikie, anonymous]
• spectrum_wafadrive: Spectral Writer [TZX Vault, SPA2, Steve Brown, Andrew Barker, Paul Hurd, Tony Barnett, Claus Jahn, Donald Graham, Guy Bearman, Jose Luis Soler, Krasimir Hristov, Andrew Blood, Dave Stevens, John Wilson, Edwina Brown, Walter Pooley, Tomaz Kac, Martijn van der Heide, Ramsoft, Dunny, Woody, Mikie, anonymous]
• vsmile_cart: Disney's Winnie de Poeh - De wonderwereld van Poeh (Netherlands), Disney/Pixar Ratatouille - Remy's Nieuwe Recepten (Netherlands), Nick Jr. Dora the Explorer - Dora's Fix-it Adventure (USA), Scooby-Doo! - A Night Of Fright Is No Delight (Smartbook) (USA) [TeamEurope]
• vsmilem_cart: Disney Princess - The Princess and the Frog - Tiana's Big Dream (UK), Disney/Pixar Wall-E (Germany), DreamWorks Monsters vs. Aliens (Germany), Mijn Puppy! (Netherlands), Nick Jr Dora - Dora's Reparatie Avontuur (Netherlands), Nickelodeon Wonder Pets! - Save the Animals! (UK), Sport Games (Netherlands) [TeamEurope]

Source Changes

• wd_fdc.cpp: Allow SSO signal to be routed by driver for cases where it isn’t used to select side. [68bit]
  
• bus/ss50: Added support for additional SS-30 cards. [68bit]
  
  • MP-T timecounter, MP-S2 dual serial interface, SS-30 DC5 floppy disk interface, PIA IDE hard disk interface.
• swtpc09.cpp updates: [68bit]
  
  • Added support for UniFLEX floppy disk image files.
  • Added SS-30 bus, and removed peripherals on SS-30 cards from driver.
  • Fixed banked memory implementation.
  • Added configuration options for CPU clock speed variations, and SWTBUG patches needed for floppy support.
  • Added DC5 floppy controller as default slot option.
• formats/flex_dsk.cpp: Re-wrote using wd177x_format as a base class. [68bit]
  
  • Now supports single- and double-density disks, dynamically identifies boot sector IDs, and writing image files.
• Made debugger memory views show correct data when chunks are too small for the space’s address shift. [AJR]
  
• unidasm updates: [AJR]
  
  • Added r65c02, score7, unsp12 and unsp20 support.
  • Fixed address shift for scudsp and hd61700.
• upd7810: Fixed breakpoints, and added notes. [AJR]
  
• trocana: Added preliminary MSM6650 device and some test inputs. [AJR]
  
• Reverted change making SGI CD-ROM identify as a hard disk, as it causes indy_4610 to fail its SCSI test. [AJR]
  
• m65c02, r65c02: Corrected memory access patterns for read-modify-write instructions. [AJR]
  
• cosmac updates: [AJR, hap]
  
  • Added preliminary CDP1804/CDP1805/CDP1806 emulation.
  • Added disassembler support for CDP1805 with extended instruction set.
  • Changed register names to use conventional decimal numbering.
  • Attach following byte to disassembly of OUT instruction when P = X.
• mc68hc11: Add internal latches and direction registers for ports. [AJR]
  
  • Split up internal peripheral register handler functions and made separate I/O maps for each model.
  • Removed now-unnecessary read-back handlers from skeetsht.cpp and taitojc.cpp.
• Added device emulation for DS17x85 series of MC146818-compatible real-time clocks with additional features. [AJR]
  
• pasopia.cpp: Corrected clocks and metadata. [AJR]
  
• mbs2euro: Fixed graphics corruption and possible crashes when attempting to draw outside screen bounds. [AJR]
  
• legionna.cpp: Fixed sprite priorities for Seibu Cup Soccer and SD Gundam Sangokushi Rainbow. [Angelo Salese]
  
• seibucop.cpp fixes for SD Gundam Sangokushi Rainbow: [Angelo Salese]
  
  • Identified sprite priority bit for command $c480 (fixes third level mid-boss being submerged while touching ground layers).
  • Disable sprite DMA destination increment if X positions are outside expected ranges (fixes sprite clipping).
• riscpc.cpp: Fixed a bug with force IRQ – rpc700 now reaches supervisor prompt. [Angelo Salese]
  
• galaxold.cpp: Fixed stage 3 invisible bullets in Strategy X. [Angelo Salese]
  
• pce.cpp: Added support for Tennokoe Bank extended Backup RAM. [Angelo Salese]
  
• pc9801.cpp: Added proper support for Memory Switch (MEMSW) device. [Angelo Salese]
  
• h6280.cpp: Don’t overwrite current timer value when writing to timer preload register. [Angelo Salese]
  
• VRender0 device refactoring: [Angelo Salese]
  
  • Improved encapsulation of video and other conceptually independent on-board peripherals.
  • Moved drivers for different VRender0-based machines out of crystal.cpp to their own source files.
  • Untangled reads/writes to draw/display memory bank switches from screen_update – can run un-throttled now.
  • Added CRT controller raw screen parameters.
  • Implemented DMA hold feature and IRQ on mask writes, used by P's Attack.
  • Improved Cross Puzzle Flash loading (currently fails POST with a SPU error).
• nexus3d.cpp: Added some preliminary work – will do some VRender3D pipeline fill with a debug trick. [Angelo Salese]
  
• axc51-core: Added disassembler support for AX208 internal ROM symbols. [anonymous]
  
• pcipc: Added a slightly more usable PCI S3 Virge/DX video card. [Barry Rodewald]
  
• s3virge: added PCI interface and linear framebuffer support. [Barry Rodewald]
  
• amstrad: Added Ram Electronics Music Machine MIDI and sampler expansion device. [Barry Rodewald]
  
• Fixed building using system rapidjson. [Belegdol]
  
• Migrated travis-ci configuration to Ubuntu Bionic. [Belegdol]
  
• Worked around [[nodiscard]] warning for std::basic_string::c_str(). [Billy Robert O’Neal III]
  
• nmk16.cpp: Reduced redundant code and updated notes. [cam900]
  
• 315_5313.cpp updates: [cam900]
  
  • Derive refresh rate and timer from input clock.
  • Simplified DMA behaviour and updated megacd.cpp and mega32x.cpp as appropriate.
  • Suppressed read side effects for debugger, cleaned up code, and expanded notes.
• megadriv.cpp, segac2.cpp, calcune.cpp: Corrected screen refresh rate and added notes. [cam900]
  
• megadriv.cpp: Added support for Z80 VDP access, and corrected VDP sound balance. [cam900]
  
• seibu_crtc.cpp: Updated notes. [cam900]
  
• formats/m20_dsk.cpp: Added support for writing image files, and added format to floptool. [Christian Groessler]
  
• Fixed cleansrc target for hosts using sh-like shells. [Christian Groessler]
  
• bus/spectrum: Added a post opcode fetch hook to the expansion bus, needed by ZX Interface 1. [David Haywood]
  
• vii.cpp: Added EEPROM support to dreamlif. [David Haywood]
  
• policetr.cpp: Let RAMDAC device handle palette writes – trampolines in driver are no longer needed. [David Haywood]
  
• spectrum_cass.xml: Corrected and cleaned up metadata. [David Haywood]
  
• bionicc: Cleaned up driver: [Dirk Best]
  
  • Cleaned up notes and add to-do list.
  • Changed non-maskable interrupts to use pulse_input_line.
  • Documented coin lockout and attribute RAM layout.
  • Corrected layer to use 3-bit color.
• Added driver for Estron Juku E501. [Dirk Best]
  
  • Implemented timers, keyboard, and 5.25" floppy drives.
  • Added single- and double-sided CP/M floppy formats.
• ml20: Add keypad input, placeholder speaker and DIP switches, and a simple internal layout. [Dirk Best]
  
  • Also added additional logging and started documenting CPU ports.
• dec0.cpp Dumped birdtry microcontroller and replaced simulation. [Dirk Best, TeamEurope, Ivan Vangelista]
  
• thedeep.cpp: Hooked up thedeep microcontroller and removed simulation. [Dirk Best]
  
• limenko.cpp: Hooked up audio CPU for spotty. [Dirk Best]
  
• Added skeleton driver for SNES 4 Slot arcade switcher, and moved related mk3snes to new driver. [Dirk Best]
  
• dec8.cpp: Dumped and hooked up microcontroller for Last Mission. [Dirk Best, TeamEurope, Brian Troha, The Dumping Union]
  
  • Also fixed coinage settings.
  • Japanese version is currently using US microcontroller program with ID byte patched.
• luaengine.cpp: Exposed sound output buffer and sample rate to Lua scripts. [feos]
  
  • Also corrected some documentation.
• imgtool: Added Thomson BASIC tokenizer, implemented Thomson BASIC, and fixed passing --filter= to get verb. [hadess]
  
  • Thanks to Adrien Destugues for information about the format in bastok.cpp.
• popeye.cpp: Use real PROM dumps for Popeye Bootleg protection [Joe Magiera, recreativas.org, smf]
  
• imagedev/harddriv.cpp: Added support for HDI image file format. [Justin Kerk]
  
• naomi.cpp, machine/awboard.cpp: Simplified Atomiswave key scheduling, and eliminated 20-bit key files. [MetalliC]
  
• ti99: Changed busmouse to push updates when inputs change, and routed extra mouse button to a separate input line. [Michael Zapf]
  
• Enabled default move constructoassignment operator in core_options, and changed plugin_options code to use them. [Nathan Woods]
  
• Refactored info XML creation code to improve performance. [Nathan Woods]
  
  • Allowed machine info fragments to be generated in parallel.
  • Changed formatting code to use I/O streams, and reduced redundant code.
  • Sort filtered devices lexically by short name.
• Added -attach_window command-line option on Windows to use an existing window as the first emulation window. [Nathan Woods]
  
• Lua engine updates: [Nathan Woods]
  
  • Added a function to instruct MAME to capture input when any input window sharing a thread with an emulation window has focus.
  • Added a mechanism for Lua plugins to configure mandatory image devices.
  • Exposed input device classes, devices and device items.
  • Changed seq_poll_start to take the input item class as a string.
  • Added a hook before settings are loaded, allowing default input port values to be changed.
  • Exposed additional ioport_field properties, and exposed input sequence cleaning functionality.
  • Exposed ioport_manager::type_group() and ioport_field::keyboard_codes().
• Properly named the CoCo joysticks “Right Joystick” and “Left Joystick”. [Nathan Woods]
  
• einstein.cpp: Replaced einst256 bad MOS ROM with a good dump, and implemented the rest of the machine. [Nigel Barnes, jltursan]
  
• machine/tube.cpp: Fixed 256-byte transfer mode. [Nigel Barnes]
  
• nsc810: Implemented port bit set/clear. [Nigel Barnes]
  
• hunter16.cpp: Added hunter1680 video RAM and rendering. [Nigel Barnes]
  
• hunter2.cpp: Added appropriate RAM size options, and minor keyboard corrections. [Nigel Barnes]
  
• hd61830: Make number-of-characters command to round up to an even number. [Nigel Barnes]
  
• mindset.cpp updates: [O. Galibert]
  
  • Added 400-high modes, corrected LEDs, added blitter fast mode, and added sound.
  • Fixed transparent blit.
  • Added modules, and implemented stereo sound module.
• mindset.cpp: Fixed the CPU speed, and implemented RS-232 module. [O. Galibert, Al Kossow]
  
  • RS-232 module is missing interrupt support for now.
• atronic.cpp: Identified CPU type and fixed ROM loading. [Priit Laes]
  
• apple2.cpp: Added Sirius JoyPort support on compatible models, and 4Play Joystick Card support. [R. Belmont]
  
• imagedev/harddriv.cpp: Added support for 2MG image file format and raw disk image files. [R. Belmont]
  
• Added a still-frame capture image device to simulate digitizers, cameras, etc. using PNG files as input. [R. Belmont]
  
• apple2: Added support for the original gameport ComputerEyes. [R. Belmont, Golden Child]
  
• apple2gs: Made slow-side sync less aggressive (fixes SHOWALL 3200). [R. Belmont]
  
• Added gdbstub debugger module, allowing an external debugger to connect using GDB Remote Serial Protocol. [Ramiro Polla]
  
  • Currently supports i386, arm7, ppc, z80 and m6502.
• Fixed build on Solaris 2.11 (non-Oracle). [Rick V]
  
• midvunit.cpp: Added stubs for linking support. [Risugami]
  
• subsino.cpp updates: [Roberto Fresca, TeamEurope]
  
  • Added Victor 5 and Victor 21 speech emulation.
  • Added missing sample ROM dumps.
  • Confirmed the bipolar PROM dump for Victor 5.
• pokerout.cpp: Added ASCII PCB layout, and expanded notes. [Roberto Fresca]
  
• dpb_brushproc: Hooked up 20L10 PAL and the remainder of logic (not untested). [Ryan Holtz]
  
• SGI Newport graphics updates: [Ryan Holtz]
  
  • Re-implemented logging code for external viewer.
  • Fixed 8 BPP overlay bit combination.
  • Fixed broken blending.
  • Added bit lane expansion, needed for proper double-buffered accesses.
  • Simplified default color accesses.
• dsp56k: Renamed relevant classes, files and namespaces to indicate that it emulates the DSP56156 (not the DSP5600x). [Ryan Holtz]
  
• sec: Converted Barcrest/Bell Fruit Serial Electronic Counter (SEC) to a proper MAME device. [Ryan Holtz]
  
• seta.cpp: Added configuration option to use joystick/buttons in atehate for navigating the hidden test menu. [RyogaMasaki]
  
• Enabled pre-compiled header with Visual Studio compiler for emu, frontend, precompile, dasm and optional libraries. [Samuele Zannoli]
  
• agat: Added support for Nippel Clock slot card. [shattered]
  
• Show decrypted KONAMI1 opcodes in the debugger. [smf]
  
• wd33c9x: Clarified hardware reset behavior, and made all resets trigger a SCSI_STATUS_RESET interrupt. [tyfighter]
  
• mu100: Dumped v1.03 BIOS. [Alexander Troosh]
  
• mu80: Added wave ROMs. [Alexander Troosh]
  
• mephisto_modular.cpp: Added newer Portorose 32 Bit program ROM as a BIOS option. [Berger]
  
• tumbleb.cpp: Added PCB layout for Magic Purple. [Brian Troha]
  
• dec0.cpp: Labeled Birdie Try as revision 2 in case someone ever finds an earlier version. [Brian Troha]
  
• machine/awboard.cpp: Added notes on Atomiswave checksum and keys. [brizzo, MetalliC]
  
• dacholer.cpp: Dumped color PROM for Dacholer. [caius, The Dumping Union]
  
• segasp.cpp: Dumped security PIC microcontroller for Tetris Giant. [CoolFox]
  
• konamigv.cpp: Re-dumped Simpsons Bowling CD and corrected label. [emmanu888]
  
• mystwarr.cpp: Corrected mis-typed Konami number for PAL in comment. [f205v]
  
• dec0.cpp: Dumped PROMs for the dec0 mainboard. [Guru]
  
• sbrkout.cpp: Verified main CPU clock frequency. [Guru]
  
• subsino.cpp: Marked G.E.A. hack as a clone of Victor 5. [MASH]
  
• thedeep.cpp: Corrected audio CPU for The Deep based on PCB photograph. [MASH]
  
• dogfgt.cpp: Corrected sound chip types based on PCB photograph. [MASH]
  
• m72.cpp: Re-redumped GAL for lohtb. [parramon]
  
• model1.cpp: Re-dumped Star Wars Arcade (Japan) mpr-16477.27 and fixed ROM locations. [Phil Bennett]
  
• segaybd.cpp: Fixed Power Drift PCM EPROM locations. [Phil Bennett]
  
• hunter16.cpp: Added later hunter16 ROM v3.04 as a BIOS option. [Phill Harvey-Smith]
  
• at.cpp: Added seven additional BIOS dumps to at. [rfka01]
  
• genpc.cpp: Added ECD Professional Microcomputer BIOS to PC. [rfka01]
  
• at.cpp, genpc.cpp: Updated BIOS date, version and chipset comments. [rfka01]
  
• pc9801.cpp: Re-dumped PC9821AS ROMs. [sampson]
  
• dec0.cpp: Verified that Bad Dudes microcontroller dump is correct, and decapped and dumped Heavy Barrel (World) microcontroller. [TeamEurope, Brian Troha, The Dumping Union]
  
• chinagat.cpp: Updated and corrected PCB information and notes. [yukaritamura]
  

There is a house near New Orleans, and before you make any jokes; no it isn't called the Rising Sun.
It does have a rather memorable reputation though, and a name that will probably make you think twice about visiting.
They call it the Killing House, and it only opens once a year on Halloween night.
The premise of the Killing House is simple, you go in and while spending the night any type of crime you commit is off the record, total anonymity ala The Purge.
As you might have guessed, this doesn't sit too well with the local authorities, so each year the proprietors have had to change location and keep it super secret.
Usually they do this by advertising on 4chan or other smaller forums in the darkweb, and then the rest is accomplished by word of mouth.
I'm not going to make it sound like what they are doing is ok by any means, but as it turns out; I had a reason to go this past October.
That reason was Rosemary Gilcrest.
About two weeks before the main event, I got on a Discord group that promoted the other local scare fairs, and met her in a NSFW chat.
Being down and out with my own wife, meeting a feisty no nonsense redhead half my age was quite the thrill.
After a few flirtatious encounters on the forum she popped the question about hooking up outside of cyberspace.
I told her I would love to, but figured given my age that she would probably consider me too old and worn out for her taste.
"The older the wine the sweeter the berry," she teased.
So I told her I was game, and we agreed that a secret rendezvous would be best.
"How about the Killing House?" she suggested.
If we had been in voicechat she probably would have heard me laugh out loud at the audacious idea.
"That place is uh... well it's got that name for a reason," I said.
Just last year the cops pulled three bodies from the basement. They were stripped of teeth, fingerprints and skin, so identification wasn't possible, and the rumors were there were at least five others found during the weeks to follow.
"That stuff is all just fake news! It's meant to be spooky to draw customers! I went last year and had the time of my life! They have an unlimited bar and grill, and the best spa this side of Houston!" she insisted.
I was hesitant of course. But I also didn't want to look like some kind of coward to her, so I gave in.
I know what you're probably thinking now, what a dumbass.
I was thinking the same thing as I drove to the spot where Rose said we would meet just off of 23 almost at Scarsdale.
The night air was calm near the water, and it felt like we were completely alone despite the city lights.
She had told me she would be wearing a green scarf for me to figure out who she was, but all i had needed to see was those sparkling green eyes.
She giggled and jumped at me as I walked over from my Jeep.
"I was beginning to think you had chickened out!" she told me as we had a quick make-out session.
"Mm, for you I couldn't say no. Are you sure we have to go to this stupid haunted attraction? I'm sure I can make you scream right here," I teased her.
"Naughty boy. Nope. You come to the house or you don't get the goods! That's the deal!" she told me with a laugh.
"Fine. So where to from here?" I asked.
"It should be here any minute now," she said excitedly.
I was about to ask her what she meant when I saw something moving upriver. It was an old style Mississippi steamboat, the kind that normally is only used for tours and the like on the main riverfront.
Now all of the rumors about the Killing House made sense. How they were able to remain under the radar and keep the law away.
It was dark in color, like a phantom ship in the night as it approached our parking spot and then I heard the sound of a foghorn as one of the attendants tossed the ladder over the side of the ship.
Rose took my hand and encouraged me to set sail, and for almost half a second I thought about turning around and going home.
Still, her kiss lingered on my lips and a man has needs so like a dumbfounded puppy dog I followed onboard.
All of the attendants wore the same skin tight mesh that prevented me from seeing their faces, another step in their scheme to obscure who these wackos were.
"Welcome to your death. I'll be your server tonight," one said as we entered the main foyer.
The steamboat seemed larger on the inside than I expected, almost like a palace. I wagered from the elaborate architecture and room design it was once used as a casino of some sort.
Soft repetitive music played as Rose led me down the stairs to where at least thirty other individuals were eating and chatting like this was an everyday event.
"What can I get you to drink?" the masked bartender asked us.
The ambience and general cheer in the air threw me for a loop as Rose ordered us two Bloody Mary tonics.
Everyone looked like they were having a good time, dancing and carrying on about their plans for the night.
A lot of it sounded like weird BDSM stuff, and other parts were a tad on the torture porn level. It made me squeamish to imagine they were just chitchatting about this as though they did it all the time.
But all in all I was beginning to get the idea that the rumors of actual murder might have been just for publicity like Rose had said.
I was just feeling like getting up for a dance when a newcomer entered the fray and rushed toward us.
"Eve? Is that you?" a man said walking up half drunk from the grill to my date.
Rose looked down at her drink trying to ignore him as he said, "It's me Sam! From the convention in San Antonio!"
"I think you have me mistaken for someone else," she began but he wasn't hearing it.
"Nah... you're Eve all right. Let me guess this is your latest catch?" he said as he looked me up and down like I was some kind of trophy.
"Not bad at all. I bet he'll last. Hey buddy did you bring any kind of lube... you're gonna need it!" He laughed.
I saw Rose look more and more uncomfortable with each passing moment, and I pushed the guy away muttering, "Listen buddy, we're just trying to have a good time. The lady said she doesn't know you, so why don't you scram?"
Sam raised his hands defensively as he backed away and winked at my date.
"Definitely a keeper you got here. Well, best of luck to you two. You're gonna need it!" Sam laughed as he walked out of the dining room.
Rose continued to stir her drink as I gave her an odd look, waiting for her explain what just happened.
Finally I sighed and said, "That was uh... interesting."
"Can we just drop it?" she muttered.
"Oh sure, sure," I said as I looked up toward the television.
Most of the monitors seemed to show the same program, an old horror movie from the 70s about a prison; I forget the name. Then it suddenly changed to a black screen with numbers counting down.
A few in the room started cheering excitedly and Rose grabbed my arm.
"We should get to our room," she said.
"Hold on a second. What's going on?" I asked as I looked around. Most of the people were getting ready to leave as well as the clock started ticking down.
"It's almost time. Not a good idea to be here when it gets started. Too open," Rose told me.
She began to tug on my jacket again, but I guess my brain finally kicked into gear and I wanted a few answers from her.
"I'm not going anywhere until you tell me at least who that guy was, how he knew you and why the hell you really brought me here," I told her.
She looked down at the floor trying not to tremble. I realized she was genuinely upset about something and she mumbled. "Please.. just get to the room. I'll explain everything there."
For some reason I fell for that routine.
I followed her out of the dining hall and into the hallways.
The corridors seemed constricted and out right claustrophobic as people packed in to get to their rooms.
Finally we arrived at our suite and Rose closed the door and I stood there waiting for an explanation.
"I wanted to tell you everything at first. But I was scared you would say no," she mumbled.
"Tell me now and then I can decide if I want to jump ship," I said crossing my arms angrily.
"Sam and I dated about three years ago. It wasn't a great run, but sure we had a few laughs. Until... until he got really shitfaced drunk one night and... and..." she began.
Then she started sobbing and fell into my arms.
I immediately realized what had happened. That pervert had raped her.
I sat her down on the bed and ran my fingers through her hair.
"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry Rose..." I told her.
"I'm... not finished... it was more than just what he did to my virginity... he..." she looked down at her trembling hands.
"He got me pregnant," she explained in a voice that was almost a whisper.
I clenched my fists and stood up staring at the wall.
I couldn't help but to punch a hole in the siding, realizing there was another aspect of the story that was unsaid but all too clear.
"You lost the child didn't you?" I asked.
"Sam was older than me... he panicked and forced me to get an abortion... threatened he would kill me if I didn't..." Rose sobbed.
All the pieces were falling into place. "So... you've been coming to the Killing House every year to find him. Is that it?" I asked.
She only nodded meekly.
"He's been... taunting me ever since. Holding it over my head. That he got away with it... and... and..." she paused and just broke down entirely.
"Is that how you got your scars? You tried to take him down alone?" I asked in shock.
"What choice did I have?! No one else was going to do it!" Rose snapped back.
I could see the rage in her eyes. I understood it more than I could even express.
"That's why you brought me here... isn't it?" I asked.
She reached into her bag and pulled out a gun.
"It isn't registered. And I made sure the bullets would be untraceable. I've tried so hard to move on past this. But Sam... he's a monster. If anyone deserves to become another body for this house, it's him," she told me as she laid it on the bed.
I stared at it for a long time before I heard a loudspeaker go off elsewhere on the boat.
"ladies and gentle beasts. It's that time for our main event! The Killing House is in international waters and that means the sky is the limit! We'll be back in dock by six in the morning so please keep in mind to clean up after yourself before then!"
Then a horn went off and the music stopped.
It was time for the hunt. I know that I said that the Killing House doesn't really have any rules, and for the most part that's true. You can literally do whatever you want while you're there.
But there are a few unspoken principles that seem to guide how things work during the main event.
I found out about all of them the hard way the night that Rose gave me an unregistered gun.
I must have stared at it for ages, trying to figure out just what to make of the story she had spun.
For all I knew it could be one big lie. I didn't really know her at all, and had no reason to believe any of this.
But the conviction and hatred she had for her ex seemed real enough, and I know a thing or two about being abused.
"Stay in here," I told her as I moved toward the door.
She didn't object as I stepped out into the cramped corridor, and I heard a few random slurs tossed out from across the hall.
The queer fetishes these people seemed to revel in was on full display in the next room, a man and woman wearing bondage items and pleasuring each other with them while a crowd watched.
It made me feel sick to stay there any longer.
I needed to find Sam, figure out what was really going on here and then get out.
I moved down the hallway back to the main dining room, only to find that the previously crowded area was now pitch black and empty.
One of the employees was sweeping up beer bottles and looked at me as I moved closer. He immediately noticed my gun.
"This area is off limits during the event sir. You'll need to return to the play floor for use of weapons," he said, his voice muffled from the ski mask.
"Who is in charge around here? I need to see security tapes of the evening."
"Sir I'm afraid that isn't possible," he began but I made a warning shot up in the air and he jumped in surprise.
"R-r-right this way," the employee said taking me behind the bar.
There was a door marked employees only and he used his key to get us inside and then move down a wider passage where several of the attendants were sitting back and drinking a few rounds themselves.
None of them were wearing masks anymore and as the younger attendant brought me in with my weapon to the back of his neck I saw surprise and confusion on their faces.
"Bloody hell, what's going on here?" One older man asked gruffly.
"He wants to see the Captain," my captive answered nervously.
"You're barking up the wrong tree here Mister. Now put that weapon down and we can talk," another said.
"You must be joking. You're going to show me where the Captain is at so I can review some security footage. Simple as that," I told them.
They looked at each in amusement and then laughed which only made me more frustrated.
"Something funny? Do I need to show you how serious I am?" I said shoving their friend to a wall.
"Easy there tiger. It's just a dumb request. This must be your first time here. We don't keep surveillance of the event, or otherwise the cops would find it leaked online. Same thing for mobile devices and other electronics. Not allowed aboard," the older man explained.
I frowned in disappointment my original plan going to pieces rather quickly.
"Do you have a manifest? So you know who is supposed to be aboard?" I asked.
The men seemed hesitant to answer and I smiled as I realized I was on to something now.
"Of course you do, how else would you make certain no uninvited guests hopped aboard? Where is it?" I asked.
They didn't respond so I kicked at their coworkers ankles to force him to the floor.
"Tell me where," I growled.
"Fine. The boss can handle you," one guard said in frustration.
He stormed out of the room as though encouraging me to follow and I picked the young employee up by his shirt collar and shoved him down the passage.
"Lead the way."
We walked down a flight of stairs into what looked like a boiler room of some sort.
Given that the idea was that this was meant to be an abandoned steamboat it surprised me to find that most of the equipment was in good working order.
Something told me that this place was used on a regular basis for another purpose I thought as the guard led me toward another room that was more finely decorated.
There was a big fat man sitting on a plush red pillow in the middle of the next room as the guard opened the door. Five scantily clad women were around him acting like he was some kind of idol but when they saw my gun they all scattered like the roaches they were.
"Damien this better be good. Who the hell is this?" the fat man asked his guard.
"One of our guests. He wants a look at the manifest."
"You're out of luck stranger. That's for our administrative staff only," the fat man laughed.
"I need to find someone, see if he's aboard," I explained.
"And you thought coming in here guns a blazing would get you what you wanted?" The fat man asked.
I was about to answer when I felt a blunt instrument hit the back of my head. Everything went black instantly.
I woke up later strapped and naked to a table. The fat man was standing nearby smoking a cigar. We were back in the boiler room.
Several of the guards were gearing up the machinery as they finished tightening my bonds.
"So we did a little digging and it looks like the one name that isn't on the manifest is yours Stranger. How exactly did you get aboard?" the fat man asked.
"What are you going to do if I don't talk?" I teased.
But I don't know why I was being so smart in the first place.
One of the guards brought over what looked like a branding iron. It had strange markings on it like the kind you have for slaughterhouses on cattle.
Before I could even scream in defense they placed it against the side of my ribs, piercing flashing pain scorching my body.
"WHAT THE HELL!!!"
"It doesn't really matter who you are, to be honest. You're just what we need to spice things up," another man said.
I was trying my hardest not to whimper as I felt the pain make my side go numb.
"Now you're marked. Guess you’ll get that death wish to come true huh?" The guard said as he put the branding iron down.
"Marked for what?"
"We're getting to that. You still haven't answered our questions. Are you going to tell us how you came here?" the fat man asked.
I decide playtime with this lot was over. I spilled and told them about Rosemary and Sam.
The group looked at each other as though this news sounded familiar and then left the room to consult privately.
I struggled for a second to free myself of the bonds but it was pointless. They were back before I was half way there.
"It's your lucky day partner. Your buddy Sam turns out to be a participant too, so you're going to get to meet him," the fat man laughed.
"Take him to the arena," another guard ordered.
"Wait... what? What the hell?" I asked as they dragged me up.
I felt like I was being treated like an animal, naked and afraid.
A few moments later they shoved me into what looked like a freight elevator and it started to move up.
I pushed my weary body up and watched as the transport shook and shimmied trying to figure out what was going on.
The door opened to a wide open gala room which looked like it had once been used for some type of live theater.
Sam was there on the other side of the room, also naked and marked on his side.
XIX his marking said. Mine was XIII. What was going on? A blare-horn sounded again.
I knew this would be a fight only one of us would walk away from.
I won’t sugar coat what happened next. I fought for my life.
Sam rushed toward me, fear and anxiety covering his face. He pushed me down into the dirt and started hitting scratching and kicking me in every part of my side. There wasn’t a chance to talk it over.
I pushed him back, kicking him away and rolling near the edge of the ring. One of the men pushed me back toward the center, all of them chanting for the bloody battle to continue.
From somewhere up above, one of the proprietors dropped a knife into the sand and dirt. Both of us paused for a moment and then dropped into a charge position to make for the weapon.
Sam made it there first, and I toppled over him and kicked at his back to push him down. The knife slid. The whole boat seemed to sway. I scrambled to grab it and sliced it against Sam’s thigh. He screamed out and the crowd went wild.
But I wasn’t about to let this madness continue for their enjoyment.
I scanned the exterior of the ring, looking at the chains that linked toward some of the pipes above and ran toward them without question. Sam was struggling to stand up and ignore the injury as I began to climb.
I kicked him away, pushing my foot into his mouth and pulling harder and harder to get up. I was halfway up the chains when someone shouted to the owners of my attempted escape. If I didn’t get out soon I knew there wasn’t going to be a second chance. I saw an air vent. I kept the knife in my mouth and started to swing on the chain.
I grabbed ahold of the vent as I heard an alarm blare and several armed men come into the arena below. One of them used the blunt end of their gun to knock Sam down. The others aimed their rifles at me. I hastily grabbed the knife from my mouth and slammed it against the rusty hinges on the vent.
A bullet grazed my back. It took everything in my power to ignore the pain and keep working at the vent. Finally, the bottom half of the hinges fake lose. Then another round of bullets hit my arm and I dropped the knife.
I started swinging again. I kicked at the vent as they kept trying to shoot me down. Then the vent fell down and I pushed my body into the vent as yet another shot grazed my foot. I was crawling in my own blood. My body bruised and swollen.
I found another vent and started working to escape into the winding maze of the belly of the boat. I still needed to find that manifest.
Maybe I wouldn’t be able to help Rose but if I could get that list and then turn it over to the authorities.
My bare feet hit the cold floor and I looked about where I had come out at. It was some type of locker room. I found one of them that was open and grabbed a dirty towel to press against my open wound.
I stood there naked, confused tired and trying to think of where to go next. I wouldn’t be able to get far like this. I looked around and found a uniform for one of the workers on the steamboat. This was the key to getting back upstairs unseen.
It was a little tight and worn. But I figured that the employees around here likely came and went faster than the management could keep track of. A second later, a woman stepped into the room and paused to stare at me. “New?” she asked. “Yeah… sorry. This all got to be a bit much so I went to get some air,” I said. It was a good enough lie that she didn’t bat an eye. She guided me upstairs into what appeared to be a ballroom.
Dozens of people were waiting again, chatting and enjoying the festivities of the night. I was doing my best to keep my head down when I heard that same fat man make an announcement.
“Ladies and gents! We’ve had quite a few casualties on the ship tonight and the festivities are rounding up to a big finale. So to get things started for our final venue, we are asking all of you to a dinner,” he said.
Several workers were moving long gurneys into the back of the room. The lady I was working alongside pulled me into the kitchen to do the same.
I knew immediately what was under the white sheets. Bodies. And the smell of burnt skin covered the room. It made me want to vomit. I suddenly understood how the Killing House was able to hide all the carnage that happened aboard. They either burnt or devoured the dead. I covered my nose and pushed the gurney into the buffet room. People were lining up to grab a meal. They were eagerly anticipating the chance to become cannibals.
I pulled back the sheet that I was pushing and did a double take. It was Sam. I had seen him only twenty minutes ago and now he was dead. I hardly knew the man but still this cut me to the core. He had died because he came here searching for Rose. What would have happened to me if I had followed through with her request? Would this cult like fervor surrounded me and made me feel like a hero? I couldn’t do it anymore. I didn’t care about the manifest or even the truth about Rose.
A sudden rage filled my body and I pushed the gurney over before anyone could defile this man’s body.
The crowd gasped in surprise and a few guards raised their weapons. Before they could fire a shot I pushed over a candle and fire spread across Sam’s skin. I grabbed another and tossed it straight into a guard’s face. Screams filled the air. I dropped down and began to crawl as the fire spread faster. Sprinklers activated a second later. Then I pushed another table over and rushed toward the fat man. I was on top of him before anyone could stop me. My hands around his neck. The guards pointed toward guns straight at my head but the fat man motioned for them to stop. “You… you were in the… arena,” he said with realization. I choked hard as I could but he motioned for me to stop. “I can give you whatever you want…” he insisted.
I calmed down for a moment and let him go. “You are quite a feisty one aren’t you?” he said with a laugh.
“I told you that he would be a good one Johnny,” a new voice said across the room. It was Rose. I stared at her, not too stunned to find that Sam had been right. “Ah. My daughter. This is the one that you said we could make part of the team?” the fat man asked. “Daughter?” I repeated in shock as the guards lowered their weapons and the crowd dispursed.
She only smiled sweetly. Like this was all a big game and they had won. “He did fabulous. Killed two guards and then made this whole deck a fucking fire hazard. He will be a great addition to next year's main event,” Rose said. “What? Are you insane? I’m getting the fuck out of here!!” I shouted angrily.
The fat man laughed. “And go back to your wife? You are so so simple,” he said. I felt my heart drop. they had gotten to her? “While you were busy just trying to get in my daughter’s pants, we sent out men to take care of that problem. View her as leverage,” the fat man said.
“Why..” I said desperately feeling my head spin. “Because the Killing House needs more attractions. And you have the fire to really make this place go to the next level,” Rose explained. That was why they brought me. To blackmail me. They showed me videos they were eager to spread to the police. Carefully edited to make me appear like a lone wolf killer.
So I caved. I chose to work for this mad house. I know it isn’t the best choice but I haven’t exactly made many good choices lately. I lost everything, I really did even lose my life here at the Killing House.
I don’t know if any of you will ever get an invite to come here. But take it from someone who has lived through it:
the Killing House will be the death of you.
330