ZK is an interactive fiction game written for the VMS operating system
running on a VAX minicomputer back in 1985.

It was released on the "OpenVMS Freeware CD-ROM Version 4.0" and is still
available (as of 10/26/01) from Compaq on the web at:

  http://www.openvms.compaq.com/freeware/freeware40/zk/

The freeware CD release contains 5 files:

  Commands.txt          - List of commands you can use in ZK.
  Freeware_readme.txt   - Description of the game by the authors.
  Stan.txt              - "A day in the Life of an Image Activator."
  Zk$key_def.com        - Command procedure to define the keypad for ZK.
  Zk.exe                - The ZK executable (obviously).

I have not modified these files in any way.  In addition, I have added
2 files:

  Readme.1st            - This file.
  Zk_tv.exe             - VESTed Alpha image.

A "VESTed" image is an OpenVMS VAX executable that has been translated into
an OpenVMS Alpha executable by the DECMigrate utility.  This allows you to
run a VAX program on an Alpha without having to recompile (which is handy
when you don't have the source code, like with ZK).  For more info on
DECMigrate, go to:

  http://www.support.compaq.com/amt/decmigrate/index.html

I have made no modifications to the VESTed image.

I have attempted to play the game, but I can only get as far as the door
to the building.  I have never been able to get into the building, so I can
NOT provide many hints or tips on game play.

But if anyone figures out how to get inside the #@!% building, please let me
know.  #:)


Chris Pierce
cpierce1972@yahoo.com

Disclaimer: All files are supplied as is.  I can not be held responsible for
            problems with any of these files, problems caused by them, or time
            wasted on them.