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+# Stage 9 Implementation Roadmap
+
+**Mission:** Mission 3 - Ghost in the Machine
+**Purpose:** Step-by-step implementation guide for scenario assembly
+**Status:** Ready for Implementation (90% - pending Ink compilation)
+**Date Created:** 2025-12-27
+
+---
+
+## Overview
+
+This roadmap provides a systematic approach to implementing Mission 3 based on Stages 0-8 planning documentation. All planning is complete; this guide organizes the implementation sequence.
+
+**Implementation Readiness:** 90%
+**Critical Blocker:** Ink script compilation (external tool - implementer responsibility)
+
+---
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+### Required Before Starting
+
+1. **Ink Script Compilation** ⚠️ CRITICAL BLOCKER
+   - Tool: Inky editor (https://github.com/inkle/inky)
+   - Files to compile: All 9 .ink scripts in `/stages/stage_7/`
+   - Output: Corresponding .json files for game runtime
+   - Validation: Check for syntax errors, test compilation
+   - **Estimated Time:** 4-6 hours
+
+2. **Development Environment Setup**
+   - Game engine with Ink runtime integration
+   - Docker Engine 20.10+ (for VM network)
+   - Docker Compose 1.29+
+   - Asset pipeline configured
+
+3. **Review Planning Documentation**
+   - Read Stage 8 validation report (`/stages/stage_8/validation_report.md`)
+   - Review asset manifest (`/stages/stage_9_prep/asset_manifest.md`)
+   - Review VM infrastructure guide (`/stages/stage_9_prep/vm_infrastructure_setup.md`)
+
+---
+
+## Implementation Phases
+
+### Phase 1: Asset Preparation (Parallel Work)
+
+**Priority:** High
+**Can Start:** Immediately (parallel to Ink compilation)
+**Estimated Time:** 8-12 hours (depends on art team)
+
+#### 1.1 Critical Assets (Required for Core Gameplay)
+
+**Character Portraits:**
+- Victoria Sterling: 5 expressions (neutral, persuasive, defensive, vulnerable, defiant)
+- Agent 0x99: 3 expressions (professional, concerned, supportive)
+- James Park: 3 expressions (neutral, guilty, desperate)
+- Reference: `/stages/stage_9_prep/asset_manifest.md` lines 22-57
+
+**Room Backgrounds:**
+- Reception lobby, Conference room, Main hallway, Server room, Executive wing hallway, Executive office, James's office
+- Reference: `/stages/stage_9_prep/asset_manifest.md` lines 79-146
+
+**Placeholder Strategy:**
+- Use colored shapes with text labels for character portraits
+- Use simple colored backgrounds for rooms
+- Allows implementation to proceed while art team works
+
+#### 1.2 Interactive Object Sprites
+
+**Critical UI Overlays:**
+- RFID cloner device + proximity progress bar
+- VM terminal interface (nmap, netcat, Metasploit console)
+- CyberChef workstation interface (ROT13, Hex, Base64 decoders)
+- Safe PIN entry interface
+- Reference: `/stages/stage_9_prep/asset_manifest.md` lines 148-207
+
+#### 1.3 Sound Effects (Optional for Initial Build)
+
+**High Priority SFX:**
+- `flag_submission_success.ogg`, `flag_submission_failure.ogg`
+- `rfid_clone_complete.ogg`
+- `lockpick_success.ogg`, `safe_unlock.ogg`
+- Reference: `/stages/stage_9_prep/asset_manifest.md` lines 290-324
+
+**Can Defer:** Music tracks, ambient sounds, dialogue SFX
+
+---
+
+### Phase 2: VM Infrastructure Setup
+
+**Priority:** High (Required for technical challenges)
+**Prerequisite:** Docker environment configured
+**Estimated Time:** 6-10 hours
+
+#### 2.1 Docker Network Setup
+
+**Reference Document:** `/stages/stage_9_prep/vm_infrastructure_setup.md`
+
+**Steps:**
+1. Create project directory structure:
+   ```bash
+   mkdir -p m03_ghost_vm_network/{distcc,ftp-data,http-data/pricing}
+   ```
+
+2. Copy configuration files:
+   - `docker-compose.yml` (lines 46-100 of VM infrastructure doc)
+   - `proftpd.conf` (lines 110-139)
+   - `distcc/Dockerfile` (lines 166-200)
+   - `distcc/operational_logs.txt` (lines 202-236)
+   - HTTP content files (lines 256-304)
+
+3. Build and start containers:
+   ```bash
+   cd m03_ghost_vm_network
+   docker-compose up -d
+   ```
+
+4. Verify network topology:
+   - 192.168.100.10 - FTP Server (ProFTPD 1.3.5)
+   - 192.168.100.20 - distcc Service
+   - 192.168.100.30 - HTTP Server (Apache)
+
+#### 2.2 Game Integration
+
+**Reference:** VM infrastructure doc lines 371-403
+
+**Option 1 (Recommended):** Docker Network Sharing
+- Game VM container joins `zeroday_network`
+- Direct IP access to 192.168.100.x hosts
+- Most realistic network topology
+
+**Option 2:** Port Forwarding
+- Expose container ports to host
+- Game VM accesses via localhost
+- Simpler setup, less realistic
+
+#### 2.3 Testing Checklist
+
+**Verification Steps:**
+- [ ] All 3 containers start successfully
+- [ ] IP addresses assigned correctly
+- [ ] FTP banner displays "ProFTPD 1.3.5" via netcat
+- [ ] HTTP server serves Base64 pricing data
+- [ ] distcc service responds on port 3632
+- [ ] Network isolated from external internet
+- [ ] Operational logs accessible after exploitation
+
+**Reference:** VM infrastructure doc lines 473-487
+
+---
+
+### Phase 3: Room JSON Generation
+
+**Priority:** High
+**Prerequisite:** Room backgrounds available (or placeholders)
+**Estimated Time:** 12-16 hours
+
+#### 3.1 Room Data Structure
+
+**Reference Document:** `/stages/stage_5/room_design.md`
+
+**Implementation Order:**
+1. **Reception Lobby** (lines 40-99)
+   - 8×6 GU (usable 6×4 GU)
+   - Props: Reception desk, company logo, certification display, founding plaque (2010)
+   - Exits: North to Main Hallway
+
+2. **Conference Room** (lines 102-151)
+   - 10×8 GU (usable 8×6 GU)
+   - Props: Conference table, whiteboard, projector
+   - Special: RFID cloning minigame trigger
+   - Exits: South to Main Hallway
+
+3. **Main Hallway** (lines 154-195)
+   - 12×4 GU (usable 10×2 GU) - Hub corridor
+   - Exits: North to Conference Room, South to Reception, East to Server Room, West to Executive Wing
+
+4. **Server Room** ⭐ INVESTIGATION HUB (lines 198-309)
+   - 10×10 GU (usable 8×8 GU)
+   - Interactive terminals: VM terminal, CyberChef workstation, drop-site terminal
+   - Props: Server racks, filing cabinet, wall safe, whiteboard with ROT13 message
+   - Exits: West to Main Hallway
+
+5. **Executive Wing Hallway** (lines 312-341)
+   - 8×4 GU (usable 6×2 GU)
+   - Exits: East to Main Hallway, North to Executive Office, South to James's Office
+
+6. **Executive Office** - Victoria's Workspace (lines 344-422)
+   - 10×8 GU (usable 8×6 GU)
+   - Props: Executive desk, computer, filing cabinet, wall safe (behind painting), USB drive
+   - Nighttime only (Victoria absent)
+   - Exits: South to Executive Wing Hallway
+
+7. **James's Office** (lines 426-487)
+   - 8×6 GU (usable 6×4 GU)
+   - Props: Desk with dual monitors, family photos, OSCP/CEH certifications, diary
+   - Nighttime only (James absent)
+   - Exits: North to Executive Wing Hallway
+
+#### 3.2 Interactive Objects
+
+**For Each Room, Implement:**
+- Examination text (room_design.md provides descriptions)
+- Interactive props (lockpicks, computers, safes, terminals)
+- Lighting states (daytime/nighttime where applicable)
+- LORE fragment placements (see section 3.3)
+
+#### 3.3 LORE Fragment Placement
+
+**Reference Document:** `/stages/stage_6/lore_fragments.md`
+
+**Locations:**
+1. **LORE Fragment 1:** "Zero Day: A Brief History" (lines 15-100)
+   - Location: Executive Office filing cabinet
+   - Challenge: Lockpicking (moderate difficulty)
+
+2. **LORE Fragment 2:** "Q3 2024 Exploit Catalog" ⭐ PRIMARY EVIDENCE (lines 103-211)
+   - Location: Server Room safe
+   - Challenge: PIN code entry (2010 - from founding plaque)
+   - Contains: $12,500 hospital exploit listing
+
+3. **LORE Fragment 3:** "The Architect's Directive" ⭐ PRIMARY EVIDENCE (lines 214-368)
+   - Location: Executive Office (hidden USB drive in desk)
+   - Challenge: Base64 → ROT13 double decoding
+   - Contains: Phase 2 attack plans
+
+---
+
+### Phase 4: NPC and Dialogue Integration
+
+**Priority:** High
+**Prerequisite:** Ink scripts compiled to .json
+**Estimated Time:** 8-12 hours
+
+#### 4.1 Ink Script Integration
+
+**Reference Documents:**
+- All 9 Ink scripts in `/stages/stage_7/`
+- Player goals: `/stages/stage_4/player_goals.md`
+- Objectives structure: `/stages/stage_4/objectives.json`
+
+**Integration Order:**
+
+1. **Opening Briefing** (`m03_opening_briefing.ink`)
+   - Trigger: Mission start
+   - Sets: Mission objectives, player context
+   - Unlocks: Learning objectives optional dialogue (lines 164-194)
+
+2. **Victoria Sterling** (`m03_npc_victoria.ink`)
+   - Location: Conference Room (daytime)
+   - Phases: Philosophy discussion → RFID cloning → Nighttime confrontation
+   - Variables: `victoria_influence`, `victoria_suspicious`, `victoria_trusts_player`
+   - Critical Section: Nighttime confrontation (lines 442-690)
+
+3. **NPC Receptionist** (`m03_npc_receptionist.ink`)
+   - Location: Reception Lobby (daytime)
+   - Purpose: Information gathering, social engineering
+
+4. **NPC Guard** (`m03_npc_guard.ink`)
+   - Location: Patrols Main Hallway (nighttime)
+   - Mechanic: Stealth detection, bribery option
+   - Optional Objective: Perfect stealth achievement
+
+5. **James Park Choice** (`m03_james_choice.ink`)
+   - Trigger: Reading James's diary in James's Office
+   - Moral Dilemma: Protect innocent vs. mission thoroughness
+   - Variables: `james_protected`, `james_warned`
+
+6. **Terminal Interactions:**
+   - `m03_terminal_vm.ink` - VM challenges (nmap, netcat, distcc exploit)
+   - `m03_terminal_cyberchef.ink` - Encoding challenges
+   - `m03_terminal_dropsite.ink` - Flag submission + M2 revelation
+   - `m03_phone_agent0x99.ink` - Event-triggered call (distcc flag → M2 reveal)
+
+7. **Closing Debrief** (`m03_closing_debrief.ink`)
+   - Trigger: All primary objectives complete
+   - Reflects: Player moral choices, mission consequences
+   - Branches: Based on Victoria fate, James protection, evidence collected
+
+#### 4.2 Tag Implementation
+
+**Required Ink Tags:**
+- `#speaker:<character>` - Dialogue speaker identification
+- `#display:<portrait_variation>` - Character portrait changes
+- `#complete_task:<task_id>` - Objectives system integration
+- `#unlock_task:<task_id>` - Progressive task unlocking
+- `#unlock_aim:<aim_id>` - Aim unlocking
+- `#exit_conversation` - Dialogue termination
+
+**Reference:** Stage 7 Ink scripts demonstrate tag usage patterns
+
+#### 4.3 Variable System
+
+**Global Variables to Track:**
+
+**Victoria Relationship:**
+- `victoria_influence` (0-100) - Trust level with Victoria
+- `victoria_suspicious` (0-100) - Victoria's suspicion of player
+- `victoria_trusts_player` (boolean) - Threshold flag
+
+**Mission Progress:**
+- `rfid_clone_started`, `rfid_clone_complete` (boolean)
+- `distcc_exploit_complete` (boolean) - Triggers M2 revelation
+- `m2_revelation_seen` (boolean)
+
+**Moral Choices:**
+- `james_protected` (boolean) - James Park fate
+- `james_warned` (boolean)
+- `victoria_recruited`, `victoria_arrested`, `victoria_escaped` (boolean)
+
+**Evidence Collection:**
+- `lore_fragment_1_found`, `lore_fragment_2_found`, `lore_fragment_3_found`
+- `perfect_stealth` (boolean) - Never detected by guard
+
+---
+
+### Phase 5: Challenge Minigames
+
+**Priority:** High
+**Estimated Time:** 10-14 hours
+
+#### 5.1 RFID Cloning (Scenario Initialization)
+
+**Reference:** `/stages/stage_0/scenario_initialization.md` lines 39-109
+
+**Mechanics:**
+- Trigger: Player moves close to Victoria in Conference Room
+- Requirement: Stay within 2 meters for 10 seconds
+- UI: Progress bar (0% → 100%)
+- Dialogue: Must keep Victoria talking (3 distraction beats)
+- Success: Victoria's keycard cloned → Executive access unlocked
+- Failure: Victoria notices suspicious behavior → suspicion +20
+
+**Integration with Ink:**
+- `m03_npc_victoria.ink` lines 285-383 provide dialogue flow
+- Hub pattern allows player to manage proximity and conversation
+
+#### 5.2 VM Terminal Challenges
+
+**Reference:**
+- `/stages/stage_7/m03_terminal_vm.ink`
+- `/stages/stage_9_prep/vm_infrastructure_setup.md`
+
+**Challenge 1: Network Scan**
+- Tool: nmap simulation
+- Command: `nmap -sV 192.168.100.0/24`
+- Output: Displays 3 services (FTP:21, distcc:3632, HTTP:80)
+- Flag: `flag{network_scan_complete}`
+
+**Challenge 2: FTP Banner Grabbing**
+- Tool: netcat simulation
+- Command: `nc 192.168.100.10 21`
+- Output: `220 ProFTPD 1.3.5 Server (WhiteHat Security Training Network)`
+- Flag: `flag{ftp_intel_gathered}`
+
+**Challenge 3: HTTP Reconnaissance**
+- Tool: curl/browser
+- Command: `curl http://192.168.100.30/pricing/data.txt`
+- Output: Base64 encoded pricing structure
+- Requires: CyberChef decoding
+- Flag: `flag{pricing_intel_decoded}`
+
+**Challenge 4: distcc Exploitation** ⭐ M2 REVELATION TRIGGER
+- Tool: Metasploit simulation (or manual RCE)
+- Target: CVE-2004-2687 - distcc RCE
+- Success: Access to `/var/log/zeroday/sales_log.txt`
+- Contents: ProFTPD hospital exploit sale ($12,500 to GHOST)
+- Flag: `flag{distcc_legacy_compromised}`
+- **Event:** Triggers Agent 0x99 phone call revealing St. Catherine's Hospital attack
+
+**UI Design:**
+- Terminal window overlay
+- Command input field
+- Output display area
+- Command history
+- Flag submission button
+
+#### 5.3 CyberChef Workstation
+
+**Reference:** `/stages/stage_7/m03_terminal_cyberchef.ink`
+
+**Supported Operations:**
+- ROT13 decoding
+- Hexadecimal decoding
+- Base64 decoding
+- Cascading operations (Base64 → ROT13 for LORE Fragment 3)
+
+**Challenges:**
+1. **Whiteboard Message** (Server Room)
+   - Input: `ZRRG JVGU GUR NEPUVGRPG - CEVBEVGVMR VASENFGEHPGHER RKCYBVGF`
+   - Operation: ROT13
+   - Output: `MEET WITH THE ARCHITECT - PRIORITIZE INFRASTRUCTURE EXPLOITS`
+
+2. **Client Roster** (Victoria's Computer - encoded in hex)
+   - Provides client codename decryption
+
+3. **HTTP Pricing Data** (from VM challenge)
+   - Base64 → plaintext pricing structure
+
+4. **The Architect's Directive** (USB drive - LORE Fragment 3)
+   - Base64 → ROT13 (two-stage decoding)
+   - Most complex challenge
+
+**UI Design:**
+- Operation selector dropdown
+- Input text area
+- Output text area
+- "Decode" button
+- Clear/reset functionality
+
+#### 5.4 Lockpicking Minigame
+
+**Reference:** Stage 5 room_design.md mentions lockpicking challenges
+
+**Targets:**
+- Executive Office door (moderate difficulty)
+- Filing cabinets (easy-moderate difficulty)
+- Server room filing cabinet (easy)
+
+**Accessibility Note:**
+- Validation report recommends difficulty toggle (Recommendation #5)
+- Not critical for initial implementation
+
+#### 5.5 Safe PIN Entry
+
+**Location:** Server Room safe
+**PIN:** 2010 (from company founding plaque in Reception Lobby)
+**UI:** Numeric keypad (0-9), submit button, attempt counter
+
+---
+
+### Phase 6: Objectives System Integration
+
+**Priority:** High
+**Prerequisite:** Objectives.json validated
+**Estimated Time:** 6-8 hours
+
+#### 6.1 Objectives Structure
+
+**Reference Document:** `/stages/stage_4/objectives.json`
+
+**Main Objective:** "Zero Day Intelligence"
+
+**3 Primary Aims:**
+
+1. **Establish Undercover Access** (`establish_cover`)
+   - Task 1: Meet Victoria Sterling (`meet_victoria`)
+   - Task 2: Clone RFID Keycard (`clone_rfid_card`)
+
+2. **Network Reconnaissance** (`network_recon`)
+   - Task 1: Scan Training Network (`scan_network`)
+   - Task 2: Gather FTP Intelligence (`ftp_banner`)
+   - Task 3: Analyze HTTP Service (`http_analysis`)
+   - Task 4: Exploit distcc Service (`distcc_exploit`) ⭐ M2 trigger
+
+3. **Physical Evidence Collection** (`gather_evidence`)
+   - Task 1: Decode Whiteboard Message (`decode_whiteboard`)
+   - Task 2: Access Victoria's Computer (`access_victoria_computer`)
+   - Task 3: Decode Client Roster (`decode_client_roster`)
+   - Task 4: Find Operational Logs (`find_operational_logs`)
+
+**4 Optional Objectives:**
+- LORE Collection (3 fragments)
+- Perfect Stealth (zero guard detections)
+- Moral Engagement (James choice, Victoria choice)
+
+#### 6.2 Progressive Unlocking
+
+**Aim Unlocking:**
+- `network_recon` unlocks when `clone_rfid_card` completes
+- `gather_evidence` unlocks when `clone_rfid_card` completes
+
+**Task Unlocking:**
+- All tasks within `establish_cover` start active
+- All tasks within `network_recon` start locked → unlock when aim unlocks
+- All tasks within `gather_evidence` start locked → unlock when aim unlocks
+
+**Moral Choices:**
+- `moral_choices` aim starts locked
+- Unlocks when `distcc_exploit` completes (M2 revelation point)
+
+#### 6.3 Completion Triggers
+
+**Task Completion Methods:**
+- Ink tag: `#complete_task:<task_id>`
+- Flag submission: `flag{network_scan_complete}` → completes `scan_network`
+- Interactive object: Examining LORE fragment → completes corresponding LORE task
+- Dialogue choice: Victoria fate decision → completes `victoria_choice_made`
+
+**Reference:** `/stages/stage_4/objectives_integration.md` lines 65-130 for detailed task completion logic
+
+---
+
+### Phase 7: Event Orchestration
+
+**Priority:** High
+**Estimated Time:** 6-10 hours
+
+#### 7.1 Day/Night Cycle
+
+**Reference:** `/stages/stage_1/narrative_structure.md` lines 82-145
+
+**Daytime Phase (Act 1):**
+- Available rooms: Reception, Conference Room, Main Hallway
+- NPCs: Receptionist, Victoria Sterling
+- Player activities: Social engineering, RFID cloning
+
+**Nighttime Phase (Acts 2-3):**
+- Available rooms: All 7 rooms
+- NPCs: Security Guard (patrol), Victoria Sterling (optional confrontation)
+- Player activities: Investigation, VM challenges, evidence collection
+
+**Transition Trigger:** RFID cloning complete → player leaves building → nighttime phase begins
+
+#### 7.2 M2 Revelation Event ⭐ EMOTIONAL TURNING POINT
+
+**Reference:**
+- `/stages/stage_1/narrative_structure.md` lines 156-197
+- `/stages/stage_7/m03_phone_agent0x99.ink`
+
+**Trigger Sequence:**
+1. Player completes distcc exploitation challenge
+2. Submits `flag{distcc_legacy_compromised}` at drop-site terminal
+3. Flag accepted → operational logs appear in terminal output
+4. Player reads: "$12,500 hospital exploit sale to GHOST"
+5. **Event:** Agent 0x99 phone call initiates
+
+**Phone Call Content:**
+- Agent 0x99 reveals St. Catherine's Regional Medical Center attack
+- 6 patient deaths during ransomware attack
+- Direct connection: ProFTPD exploit from Zero Day Syndicate
+- Named victims (Agent 0x99's voice actor delivers with emotional weight)
+- Stakes transformed from abstract to deeply personal
+
+**Emotional Impact:**
+- Background music shifts (use M2 revelation sting)
+- Character portrait: `agent_0x99_concerned.png`
+- Unlocks `moral_choices` optional objective
+- Changes player motivation from "gather intelligence" to "justice/prevention"
+
+#### 7.3 Stealth System (Optional Objective)
+
+**Reference:** `/stages/stage_7/m03_npc_guard.ink`
+
+**Mechanics:**
+- Guard patrols Main Hallway on fixed route
+- Detection range: Line of sight cone
+- Detection meter: Fills over 3 seconds if player in sight
+- Consequences:
+  - First detection: Warning, guard returns to patrol
+  - Second detection: Bribery option ($500 or mission failure)
+  - Bribery accepted: Mission continues, `perfect_stealth` objective failed
+  - Bribery refused: Mission failure
+
+**Perfect Stealth Achievement:**
+- Requires: Zero detections throughout mission
+- Reward: Optional objective completion, achievement badge
+
+---
+
+### Phase 8: Testing and Iteration
+
+**Priority:** Critical
+**Estimated Time:** 12-20 hours
+
+#### 8.1 Functionality Testing
+
+**Critical Path Test:**
+1. Start mission → opening briefing
+2. Meet Victoria → philosophy discussion
+3. RFID cloning minigame → keycard acquired
+4. Nighttime transition
+5. Access server room → VM challenges (all 4 flags)
+6. M2 revelation event triggers
+7. Collect physical evidence (LORE, documents)
+8. Moral choices (James, Victoria)
+9. Closing debrief
+
+**Time Estimate:** 45-60 minutes for full playthrough
+
+**Test Variations:**
+- High Victoria trust path → recruitment ending
+- Low Victoria trust path → arrest ending
+- James protected vs. James exposed
+- Perfect stealth vs. guard detected
+- All LORE fragments vs. minimal evidence
+
+#### 8.2 VM Network Integration Testing
+
+**Reference:** `/stages/stage_9_prep/vm_infrastructure_setup.md` lines 473-487
+
+**Checklist:**
+- [ ] Player VM can reach 192.168.100.x network
+- [ ] nmap scan returns correct results
+- [ ] FTP banner displays correctly via netcat
+- [ ] HTTP pricing data accessible and decodable
+- [ ] distcc service exploitable
+- [ ] Operational logs accessible after exploitation
+- [ ] Flags validate correctly in drop-site terminal
+
+#### 8.3 Objectives System Testing
+
+**Checklist:**
+- [ ] Tasks unlock progressively (aims unlock after RFID clone)
+- [ ] Task completion triggers work (Ink tags, flags, interactions)
+- [ ] Optional objectives track correctly
+- [ ] Moral choices objective unlocks after M2 revelation
+- [ ] LORE collection tracks all 3 fragments
+- [ ] Perfect stealth tracks guard detections
+
+#### 8.4 Dialogue and Narrative Testing
+
+**Key Moments to Verify:**
+- Victoria's philosophy escalates naturally (rational → defensive → broken)
+- M2 revelation has emotional impact (music, portrait, dialogue)
+- James choice presents genuine moral dilemma
+- Victoria confrontation branches work (recruitment, arrest, escape)
+- Debrief reflects player choices accurately
+
+#### 8.5 Educational Content Validation
+
+**Reference:** Stage 8 validation report CyBOK alignment (lines 438-528)
+
+**Learning Objectives to Verify:**
+- Network reconnaissance (nmap, service discovery)
+- Banner grabbing (netcat, information disclosure)
+- Encoding vs. encryption (ROT13, Base64, Hex)
+- Service exploitation (distcc CVE-2004-2687)
+- Intelligence correlation (digital + physical evidence)
+- Vulnerability economics (zero-day marketplace)
+
+**Accuracy Check:**
+- nmap commands realistic
+- CVE-2004-2687 explanation correct
+- Encoding operations accurate
+- Pricing structure reflects real-world exploit market patterns
+
+---
+
+## Implementation Priority Matrix
+
+### Must-Have (Cannot Ship Without)
+
+1. ✅ Ink scripts compiled to .json
+2. ✅ All 7 room JSONs created
+3. ✅ VM network functional (3 services, 4 flags)
+4. ✅ Objectives system integrated (3 aims, 11 tasks)
+5. ✅ Critical NPCs (Victoria, Agent 0x99, James)
+6. ✅ RFID cloning minigame
+7. ✅ VM terminal challenges (nmap, netcat, exploitation)
+8. ✅ CyberChef workstation (ROT13, Base64, Hex)
+9. ✅ M2 revelation event (distcc → Agent 0x99 call)
+10. ✅ Moral choices (James, Victoria)
+11. ✅ Debrief system
+
+### Should-Have (Significantly Enhances Experience)
+
+12. ⚠️ Character portraits (5 Victoria, 3 Agent 0x99, 3 James, 2 Guard, 1 Receptionist)
+13. ⚠️ Room backgrounds (7 backgrounds)
+14. ⚠️ LORE fragments (3 documents)
+15. ⚠️ Stealth system (guard patrol, detection)
+16. ⚠️ Lockpicking minigame
+17. ⚠️ Safe PIN entry
+18. ⚠️ Flag submission SFX (success/failure)
+
+### Nice-to-Have (Polish and Replayability)
+
+19. ◐ Music tracks (4-5 tracks)
+20. ◐ Ambient SFX (office sounds, server hum)
+21. ◐ Guard patrol animations
+22. ◐ Server LED blink effects
+23. ◐ Accessibility features (difficulty toggle, audio cues)
+24. ◐ Perfect stealth achievement tracking
+
+### Can Defer (Future Updates)
+
+25. ○ Post-mission knowledge check
+26. ○ Additional LORE fragments (beyond 3)
+27. ○ New Game Plus mode
+28. ○ Advanced accessibility options
+
+---
+
+## Risk Mitigation
+
+### High Risk: VM Integration Complexity
+
+**Mitigation:**
+- Use VM infrastructure guide's Docker Compose setup (pre-tested configurations)
+- Implement Option 1 (Docker network sharing) for most realistic experience
+- Fallback: Option 2 (port forwarding) if network sharing proves complex
+- Allocate extra time for integration testing (4-6 hours buffer)
+
+### Medium Risk: Ink Integration Debugging
+
+**Mitigation:**
+- Test each Ink script individually before full integration
+- Verify variable persistence across conversation knots
+- Validate tag triggers with objectives system
+- Use Inky editor's debug mode during compilation
+
+### Medium Risk: M2 Revelation Impact
+
+**Mitigation:**
+- Playtest M2 revelation scene multiple times for emotional timing
+- Ensure music cue triggers correctly
+- Verify character portrait changes to `agent_0x99_concerned.png`
+- Test that moral choices objective unlocks after revelation
+
+### Low Risk: Asset Pipeline Delays
+
+**Mitigation:**
+- Use placeholder assets (colored shapes, text labels)
+- Ship initial build with placeholders
+- Update assets in subsequent patch
+- Placeholder strategy documented in asset manifest
+
+---
+
+## Success Criteria
+
+### Technical Success
+
+- [ ] All 11 primary tasks completable
+- [ ] All 4 optional objectives trackable
+- [ ] All 6-9 endings reachable (moral choice combinations)
+- [ ] VM network stable and exploitable
+- [ ] No game-breaking bugs in critical path
+- [ ] Average playthrough time: 45-75 minutes
+
+### Educational Success
+
+- [ ] Players can demonstrate nmap usage
+- [ ] Players understand encoding vs. encryption
+- [ ] Players recognize CVE-2004-2687 exploitation method
+- [ ] Players grasp zero-day marketplace economics
+- [ ] Learning objectives dialogue accessible and clear
+
+### Narrative Success
+
+- [ ] M2 revelation creates emotional impact (playtest feedback)
+- [ ] Victoria's character arc feels believable (not cartoonish)
+- [ ] James choice presents genuine moral dilemma
+- [ ] Player choices acknowledged in debrief
+- [ ] All 3 act structure milestones hit (setup, midpoint twist, climax)
+
+### Player Experience Success
+
+- [ ] Objectives clear and trackable
+- [ ] Progression feels logical (no confusion about what to do next)
+- [ ] Challenges appropriate difficulty (intermediate tier)
+- [ ] Hint system accessible (Agent 0x99 phone calls)
+- [ ] Replayability high (multiple endings motivate second playthrough)
+
+---
+
+## Post-Implementation
+
+### Iteration 1: Polish (After Initial Deployment)
+
+- Replace placeholder assets with final art
+- Add ambient sound effects
+- Implement music tracks
+- Dialogue pacing refinement (optional per validation report)
+- Accessibility enhancements (audio cues, difficulty toggle)
+
+### Iteration 2: Enhancement (Future Updates)
+
+- Post-mission knowledge check
+- Additional LORE fragments (5-6 total instead of 3)
+- New Game Plus mode (harder VM network)
+- Advanced stealth mechanics
+- Additional moral choice branches
+
+---
+
+## Reference Documents Summary
+
+**Stage 0:** Scenario initialization, RFID cloning challenge
+**Stage 1:** Narrative structure, three-act breakdown
+**Stage 2:** Storytelling elements (NPCs, locations, tone)
+**Stage 3:** Moral choices (James, Victoria)
+**Stage 4:** Player objectives and integration logic
+**Stage 5:** Room layout and interactive objects
+**Stage 6:** LORE fragments (3 documents)
+**Stage 7:** Ink scripts (9 dialogue files)
+**Stage 8:** Validation report (comprehensive review)
+**Stage 9 Prep:** Asset manifest, VM infrastructure, this roadmap
+
+**Total Documentation:** 22 documents, ~15,700 lines
+
+---
+
+## Estimated Timeline
+
+**Phase 1 (Asset Prep):** 8-12 hours (parallel)
+**Phase 2 (VM Setup):** 6-10 hours
+**Phase 3 (Room JSON):** 12-16 hours
+**Phase 4 (NPC/Dialogue):** 8-12 hours
+**Phase 5 (Challenges):** 10-14 hours
+**Phase 6 (Objectives):** 6-8 hours
+**Phase 7 (Events):** 6-10 hours
+**Phase 8 (Testing):** 12-20 hours
+
+**Total:** 68-102 hours (9-13 working days)
+**With Risk Buffer:** 82-118 hours (10-15 working days)
+
+---
+
+**Roadmap Version:** 1.0
+**Last Updated:** 2025-12-27
+**Status:** Ready for Implementation (pending Ink compilation)
+
+All planning stages complete. Mission 3 "Ghost in the Machine" ready for Stage 9 scenario assembly.