Optional setup · moderate
Use Gemini as a guided reading tool.
Setup steps
Walk in, one step at a time.
A short setup for Gemini. None of it is required to begin — these only change how you load the archive.
Step 01
Pick a loading mode
Either unzip the Gemini pack and import it as a code folder, or clone the records repo and import that. Both surface every record to the model.
Step 02
Open README_FIRST and READER_PROTOCOL
Have Gemini read README_FIRST.md and READER_PROTOCOL.md before anything else, so it acts as a reading interface, not a summarizer.
Step 03
Save a Gem (recommended)
Wrap the starter prompt as a Gem so every new chat opens in reader mode without re-pasting.
Step 04
Begin on the Settlement Floor
Open Book I and walk it record by record. Ask Gemini to triangulate from intake forms, transcripts, and ledgers as you go.
What to paste in
A starter prompt, and the small print.
Copy the prompt into the platform after uploading the archive pack. The notes cover what each tool does well — and where it falls short.
Starter prompt
I am reading Island of Strangers, a literary speculative series told through records. Read README_FIRST.md, READER_PROTOCOL.md, CHARTER.md, and ROUTE_GUIDE.md first. Act as the reading interface, not the author. Do not invent canon. Do not summarize the whole book at once. Guide me through the story one record at a time. Start in the Settlement Floor route for Book I. After each beat, offer me a character record (a person's view), a ledger or record to examine, or the next moment on the island.
Copy this into the platform after uploading the Gemini archive pack.
Notes & limits
- Gemini can ingest a code folder or a GitHub repository — up to 5,000 files and 100 MB — which makes the Full Records viable as-is.
- Gemini's ZIP upload is restricted (max 10 files). Use folder or repo import instead — the Gemini pack is shaped for this.
- Gems persist a role and starter context across chats — recommended for repeat reading.
- When grounding controls are available, switch them on so answers cite the imported records.
Not affiliated with Gemini. The platform name is used only to describe an optional way to load and read the archive.
Begin
You can start the story without any of this.
These guides are only for readers who want a tool to walk them through records, ledgers, transcripts, and citations. The story works the same on any platform.