Interactive Storytelling Assignment

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[//Please read 'Character' section before starting the story//] The shuttle glided through the silent nothingness as Sullivan turned on her radio. This was the most sols she had ever traveled for a distress call, but she was relieved to be far from home for once. A distraction was welcomed, and what better way than to help some poor bastards stranded in the outer parts of the galaxy. She glanced at the datapad next to her that held information about the ship. Name: FSS Corsica 1 Category: Outer Space Navigation Scouting Vessel Crewmembers on board: 14 Days spent on mission: 341 Her radio crackled as she contacted the cruiser. "This is Union support vessel RA-120, requesting permission to dock." Ships that traveled longer distances normally had at least one technician as part of its crew, telling Sullivan that either they were crap at their job, or something very bad had happened. <<linkreplace "She hoped it was the first option.">> \ A mans accented voice emerged through the radio static. "You're a sight for sore eyes. Preparing the bay for docking now, welcome aboard." <<link "Sullivan greeted the man on the radio, and prepared to dock the ship" "2">><<set $chapter to "Docking Bay">><</link>> <</linkreplace>> \

Alive on FSS Corsica 1

Nora Ekeblad

Made for the Interactive Storytelling course March 2023

Gemma Sullivan had never been able to fill her younger sister's shoes while growing up, and after she had passed it became an impossible task. Mere days after her death, Gemma enlisted with the Union, ending up specializing in tech and ship mechanics. She didn't attend the funeral, staying away for several years before returning home again at 24. Seeking adventure and with an urge to prove herself, she took on work as a technician tasked with answering distress calls from those in need of assistance all over the galaxy. Name: Gemma Sullivan Age: 28 Union ID: ET-2560 Occupation: Technical Specialist Honors: [No data found]

<<link "Character" "Character">><</link>> <<link "Credits" "Credits">><</link>> <<link "Back">><<if tags().includes("game-info")>><<goto $return>><<else>><<run Engine.backward()>><</if>><</link>>

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<<set $KoinAsk to false>> <<set $ZahirAsk to false>> <<set $Checkmainframe to false>> <<set $ZahirOuted to false>> <<set $chapter to "Prologue">>

A blonde, tall woman with her hair tied back into a tight bun shook Sullivan's hand with a firm grip as she exited her ship. Behind the tall woman followed a younger man with olive skin and black hair. "Your swift arrival pleases me greatly, miss-" "You can call me Sullivan. Good to meet you." Sullivan forced herself to smile. She didn't care much for introductions, but they were part of the job. "I am commander Koin, this is our pilot Zahir. Should you require anything, he will assist you. <<link "Ask about Koin." "3">><</link>> <<link "Ask about Zahir." "4">><</link>> <<link "Adress distress call." "5">><</link>>

<ul> <li>Banner assets <a href="https://www.canva.com/">Canva</a></li> <li>Fonts <a href="https://fonts.google.com/">Google fonts</a></li> </ul>

An interactive sci-fi game.

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<<set $KoinAsk to true>> \ "Are you the one who sent out the distress signal?" Sullivan asked the commander. Commander Koin crossed her toned arms over her chest, looking down at her with narrowed eyes. "I am. We were unsuccesful in resolving the issue ourselves, unfortunately. Your arrival is a great relief." <<if $ZahirAsk is false>> \ <<link "Ask about Zahir." "4">><</link>> <</if>> \ <<link "Adress distress call." "5">><</link>>

<<set $ZahirAsk to true>> \ "It's rare seeing a pilot outside of their leather seat, is the issue affecting navigation?" "Oh, not at all, thankfully" Zahir laughed nervously. "However, the commander's wish is to remain on site until the technical issue has been resolved. The pilot chair will remain unoccupied until then." Zahir spoke formally, smiling warmly at Sullivan. She recognized his voice as the accented one that had greeted her on the radio. <<if $KoinAsk is false>> \ <<link "Ask about Koin." "3">><</link>> <</if>> \ <<link "Adress distress call." "5">><</link>>

"Let's have a look at this issue of yours then, shall we?" Sullivan spoke, clapping her hands together. "Of course." Commander Koin replied. "I would appreciate it if you could make haste in resolving it." Sullivan sensed desperation in the commander's voice. "If you would follow me to the engine room, miss Sullivan." Zahir gestured toward a passageway that was dimly lit by red bulbs. Sullivan tried to place his foreign accent, but couldn't identify its origin. Commander Koin wiped sweat from her forhead using the back of her hand, giving them both a quick nod. <<link "She followed Zahir, leaving the commander behind. " "6">><<set $chapter to "Engine Room">><</link>>

The engine room was small, but looked similar to the hundreds of ones like it that Sullivan had visited during her work. A majority of its lighting was emitted from the giant ship engine that was visible through a glass wall on the far side of the room. It hummed behind a mass of cables, casting a blue glow from the pulsating electricity within the glass cylinder in the middle. Zahir led her to a large control panel on the opposite wall, pressing the touch screen in order to activate it. The screen reacted to Zahir's touch, flashing the system logo while buttons all around lit up. Suddently, the screen glitched, no longer responding to Zahir's interactions. He looked at Sullivan as she watched the buttons dim in brightness until completely dark. <<link "'What does the panel control?'" "7">><</link>> <<link "'How long has it been this way?'" "8">><</link>> <<link "'Where is your technician?'" "9">><</link>>

"Oh, nothing important. Only the heating, electricity, and oxygen circulation for the entire ship." Zahir replied sarcastically. "Luckily it runs itself when things like this happen, we just can't control the panel manually. <<link "'How long has it been this way?'" "8">><</link>> <<link "'Where is your technician?'" "9">><</link>>

"The crew has been showering in cold water since last week. That's when we notcied we could no longer use the panel. We've tried resolving it ourselves but, alas..." He gestured toward the dark interface. <<link "'Where is your technician?'" "9">><</link>>

Zahir's cheerful tone vanished. "Manny, he... Is no longer with us." Sullivan regretted ever asking such a stupid question. "I'm sorry to hear that, Zahir." She said apologizingly. Sensing that it was time to switch the topic, she squatted down beneath the panel and pulled out her toolkit. "I'll have a look at this now." "Oh, excellent." Zahir said, suddently sounding nervous. "I will leave you to it, then." He hesitantly backed away a few steps, watching her from the doorway. Sullivan pulled out a screwdriver and removed a metal plate from underneath the console panel. <<link "Look at power supply." "10">><</link>> <<link "Look at energy core." "11">><</link>> <<link "Look at cooling system." "12">><</link>>

Nothing out of the ordinary here. <<link "Look at energy core." "11">><</link>> <<link "Look at cooling system." "12">><</link>> <<if $Checkmainframe is true>> \ <<link "Talk to Zahir." "13">><</link>> <</if>> \

Sullivan didn't notice anything odd about the energy core. <<link "Look at power supply." "10">><</link>> <<link "Look at cooling system." "12">><</link>> <<if $Checkmainframe is true>> \ <<link "Talk to Zahir." "13">><</link>> <</if>> \

<<set $Checkmainframe to true>> \ Sullivan shone her flashlight on the cooling system, noticing that several of the wires had been cut and was dripping with a silver liquid. There were traces of black soot and burnmarks on the surrounding wires, indicating a stiny electric explosion to have taken place. This had been done intentionally. <<link "Look at power supply." "10">><</link>> <<link "Look at energy core." "11">><</link>> <<if $Checkmainframe is true>> \ <<link "Talk to Zahir." "13">><</link>> <</if>> \

"I've located the... Problem." Sullivan said, shifting to look at Zahir only to be met by an empty doorway. Strange, she hadn't heard him leave. She quickly gathered her things, pondering over her discovery. She decided it was best to: <<link "Tell the commander about the sabotage." "14">><</link>> <<link "Find Zahir." "14">><</link>>

It was nearing lunchtime, so she decided to follow the metal signs above the doors leading to the main hall. Through thick windows she saw giant clouds of debris floating among the darkness outside, barely catching a glimse of the stars behind them. As she neared the main hall, sounds of commotion were becoming more and more apparent. <<link "She hurried onward." "15">><<set $chapter to "Main Hall">><</link>>

There was a small number of crew members within the main hall. Most of them were grouped up around two people seemingly in the middle of a heated discussion. As she walked closer, she quickly identified one of them as Commander Koin. She was holding a cardboard box with what looked to be knick knacks and books. "How could you be so insensitive?" The woman in front of Koin shouted, tears forming in her eyes. "I think it's wise for us all to move forward" Koin stated blankly. "By erasing them from existence?" The woman scoffed. "No one is occupying their desks or bunks for the next couple of months, those were //their// places." "I'm simply moving their belongings into storage until we are able to give them over to their families." "I //am// his family, for fuck's sake!" The woman grabbed hold of the box and tugged on it, revealing the name 'Manny' written across the side of it. Koin ripped the box away from the woman's grasp, causing her to tumble forward onto her knees. The Commander quickly turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, box in hand. <<link "Approach the woman on the floor." "16">><</link>> <<link "Follow the Commander." "17">><</link>>

The young woman scrambled to her feet before Sullivan could reach her, and was being consoled by some of the bystanding crewmates. "She is going through something, we need to be patient." A middle-aged man whispered to the woman. "We're all going through something; she's completely losing it." The woman replied, frantically stroking her long braided hair. <<link "Sullivan felt a hand on her shoulder." "17">><</link>>

Sullivan felt a hand on her shoulder, and quickly spun around to see who it belonged to. She was met with the familiar brown eyes of Zahir, who guided her to a passage outside of the main hall. "I am very sorry you had to see that. Things have been... Unstable, lately." <<link "'Who was that woman?'" "18">><</link>> <<link "'What's wrong with Commander Koin?'" "18">><</link>> <<link "'I need to speak with Commander Koin.'" "21">><</link>>

A few crew members exited the main hall and proceeded down the passageway. Zahir lowered his voice. "I can tell you everything, but not here." <<link "'Okay.'" "20">><<set $chapter to "Pod Hatches">><</link>> <<link "'I need to speak with Commander Koin.'" "21">><</link>>

Sullivan turned to walk away, but Zahir put his hand on her shoulder once more. She noticed a white bandage wrapped around it. "I know you found the sabotage. You must let me explain." Zahir pleaded. Sullivan hesitated for a moment. <<link "'Okay.'" "20">><<set $chapter to "Pod Hatches">><</link>> <<link "'I'm going to the Commander.'" "22">><<set $chapter to "Pod Hatches">><</link>>

Zahir led her past the docking bay and into a room that held several emergency escape pods. "We can speak freely here." He said, closing the door behind them. "I suspect you have questions. But before you ask I have to confess-" He hesitated for a second. "It was me who sabotaged the panel." <<link "'I suspected as much.'" "23">><</link>> <<link "'Why?'" "23">><</link>>

Sullivan left Zahir behind, finally locating the commander after a long while of searching. She was leaning against the metal railing in a room at the back of the ship that held several emergency escape pods. "Commander Koin, I-" "Did you locate the problem?" Koin interrupted. <<link "'Yes.'" "34">><</link>> <<link "(Lie) 'No.'" "35">><</link>>

Sullivan sat on the floor of the escape pod room for the next hour, tinkering with the AI. She replaced its gravity inverters, as well as the tiny display, and booted it up. Two tiny, pixelated eyes appeared on the screen. "Greetings." A mechanical voice emerged from the orb. <<link "'Uhm, hello.'" "46">><</link>> <<link "'What are you?'" "46">><</link>> <<link "'You can talk?'" "47">><</link>>

"You must understand, I had no other choice!" Zahir exclaimed, turning to look out the window. "Three weeks ago, part of this crew departed to Palaan, Commander Koin and myself included. We were tasked with monitoring the planet, collecting samples and such." <<link "'What kinds of samples?'" "24">><</link>> <<link "'Palaan?'" "25">><</link>>

"I wasn't part of the ground crew so I don't know everything, but minerals, soil, vegetation and various samples surrounding the the Gyu. Our main task was to report back to the OSN and let them know if the planet is habitable for humans longterm." <<link "'What are the Gyu?'" "26">><</link>>

"Palaan was discovered about five years ago by the OSN, who are tasked with finding new potentially habitable planets. Our job is finding out if they actually are. "I have never been out there myself as I must remain in the shuttle, but from what I've seen it's a beautiful planet - lush vegetation, rocky mountains - things like that. There is even a native lifeform, further proving its potential!" <<link "'Native lifeform?'" "26">><</link>>

"Within the rocky mountains on Palaan, there are caves leading far underground - in these caves, they found the Gyu. They are a peculiar species, reminiscent to sea urchins back on earth, except they live in the freezing cold caves." Zahir turned from the window to look at Sullivan. "The crew were collecting samples from the cave when the ship alerted me of an incoming storm. We had seen minor storms come and go, but nothing like this. I tried to radio the crew and tell them to evacuate, but they were too deep into the caverns for the signal to reach. I waited until the very last second to launch the shuttle, barely making it out of there myself. My hopes were that the crew would be deep enough into the caverns as to not be affected by the storm." Zahir retold. <<link "'What happened then?'" "27">><</link>>

"I returned to the ground as soon as the storm had passed, attempting to radio the crew over and over. We were about to send a search party when Commander Koin responded. "Dead. All dead." She said." Zahir looked at Sullivan with regret. "She wasn't the same after what happened, none of us were, but something was very wrong. A couple of days ago I couldn't sleep, so I wandered the ship in the middle of the night. As I passed the engine room I saw the Commander standing there, looking straight into the engine core, completely still. When I approached, I saw the flashing monitor on the system panel. She had turned the oxygen off." <<link "'What? Why would she do that?'" "28">><</link>>

"I'm not sure, but she clearly was unwell, having cold sweats and mumbling like a madwoman. I caught her a couple of days later in another fit, emptying our spare oxygen cans in the storage room. I couldn't sleep at night knowing what might happen if she accidentally does something like this again, so I destroyed the panel." <<link "'It sounds like she needs medical attention.'" "29">><</link>> <<link "'Why would she turn off the oxygen?'" "30">><</link>>

"I have been attempting to convince her that we must return to the station, but she insists that she is fine, unfortunately I am not the one in charge. I am just afraid that..." <<linkreplace "That what?">> \ "That there is more to what happened on Palaan than she has told us. According to her, they were all fleeing the caves and lost each other in the storm. But Koin didn't even want to go back and search for their bodies, which shows that something traumatic must have taken place! The suits worn by the crew all had cameras installed, if I could only get a hold of that footage and send it to the command station, they would see that she is not fit to remain in command." <<link "'So how do we get the footage?'" "31">><</link>> <</linkreplace>> \

"That's what I don't understand. Some moments she is perfectly fine, others-" Zahir sighed. "She is simply not fit to be here, I'm trying to convince the station back home that we need to return, but she has convinced them that we must carry out our task first." He paused for a moment, a serious look spreading over his face. "I'm just afraid that..." <<linkreplace "That what?">> \ "That there is more to what happened on Palaan than she has told us. According to her, they were all fleeing the caves and lost each other in the storm. But Koin didn't even want to go back and search for their bodies, which shows that something traumatic must have taken place! The suits worn by the crew all had cameras installed, if I could only get a hold of that footage and send it to the command station, they would see that she is not fit to remain here." <<link "'So how do we get the footage?'" "31">><</link>> <</linkreplace>> \

"I regret dragging you into this, but I'm afraid I am too desperate to turn down an offer of help. I'm not sure where the footage is stored, but-" Zahir pulled something out of his pocket and displayed it to Sullivan. It was a small silver orb, with a rectangular screen display on one side. "Manny made this. He was our technician, who unfortunately passed away on Palaan. It's an AI that assisted him in everything he did here on the ship." Zahir put the orb in Sullivan's hand. "It broke shortly before our mission, but if there's some way to get it to work I believe it can help us locate that footage." <<link "'I'll have a look at it.'" "32">><</link>>

"Splendid. I am going to distract the Commander so she does not notice your absence from the engine room. Come see me in the main hall if you have news." Zahir gave Sullivan's shoulder a slight squeeze, and exited the room. <<link "Repair the AI." "33">><</link>>

"Well?" Koin asked. "The cooling system isn't working properly, it's causing the energy core to overheat and short circuit." "Did you find out how this happened?" <<link "'Yes, someone sabotaged it.'" "36">><</link>> <<link "(Lie) 'No, not yet.'" "35">><</link>>

"No? Then I suggest you get back to work right away. The sooner this is resolved, the better." <<link "Sullivan nodded." "38">><</link>>

"Sabotage..." Koin said, lowering her voice to an icy whisper. "Who would do such a thing?" <<link "'I believe it's Zahir. I saw a bandage on his hand, and there were signs of an electrical explosion within the panel.'" "37">><</link>> <<link "'I'm not sure.'" "35">><</link>>

<<set $ZahirOuted to true>> \ "Of course." Koin said blankly. "I will have to deal with him. But you must find a way of repairing the panel in the meantime." <<link "'I will do what I can.'" "38">><</link>>

The Commander suddently looked pale as a ghost, sweat pearling on her forhead. Her knuckles turned white as she gripped onto the railing, sinking into a squat on the floor. "Are you all right, Commander?" Sullivan quickly kneeled down to eye-level with Koin. "I'm fine, I just need a moment." The commander mumbled, eyes closed. "Are you sure? I can call for assistan-" "Can everyone just be quiet!" The commander hissed, holding a closed fist to her temple. After a few moments, her breathing slowed, and her eyes met Sullivan's. "Ever since Palaan, they have been looking at me different." <<link "'Palaan?'" "39">><</link>>

"Palaan was discovered about five years ago by the OSN. We were sent here to find out if it was habitable." "You went to Palaan? Did something bad happen there?" Sullivan asked, trying to understand what Koin was telling her. "They all died. Everyone but me." <<link "'What happened?'" "40">><</link>>

"We were in the caves... So cold. Taking field samples from the native species." Koin spoke quietly. "Then, the storm was all around us." "You were caught in a storm?" Sullivan asked. "I was the only one... Who remained. Do you understand?" Koin stared at Sullivan with glossy eyes. <<link "Sullivan understood." "41">><</link>>

After a while of sitting in silence, Koin stood up, having regained some color. "I haven't been right since. Nothing brings me joy, I have these nightmares-" The Commander paused, leaning her forehead against the cold metal wall. "It's so hot in here..." <<link "'What kinds of nightmares?'" "42">><</link>> <<link "'I don't think being out here is helping you.'" "42">><</link>>

"I don't need you to psychoanalyse me. Zahir has already tried, I'm sick of it." Koin walked away and picked something up from a cardboard box in the corner. Sullivan recognized it as the one from before by the lettering on its side. <<link "'Was Manny one of the crewmates who passed away on Palaan?'" "43">><</link>> <<link "'Who was that woman in the main hall?'" "44">><</link>>

"Unfortunately, yes." Koin said, still rummaging through the contents of the box. "He was looked up to by many on the ship." Koin finally stood up and walked over to sullivan, holding out an object in her slightly trembling hand. It was a small silver orb, with a rectangular screen display on one side. "Manny made this - he was our technician. It's an AI that assisted him in everything he did here on the ship." Koin put the orb in Sullivan's hand. "It broke shortly before our mission to Palaan, but if there's some way to get it to work I believe it can help you repair the panel." <<link "'I'll have a look at it.'" "45">><</link>>

"Her name is Miriam, she is a childhood friend of Manny. They worked together practically their entire lives after growing up in the same orphanage. Her grief seems to be clouding her judgement at the moment." Koin finally stood up and walked over to sullivan, holding out an object in her hand. It was a small silver orb, with a rectangular screen display on one side. "Manny made this - he was our technician. It's an AI that assisted him in everything he did here on the ship." Koin put the orb in Sullivan's hand. "It broke shortly before our mission to Palaan, but if there's some way to get it to work I believe it can help you repair the panel." <<link "'I'll have a look at it.'" "45">><</link>>

"Good. I will leave you too it, then. Find me in the main hall once you're done." Koin stepped out of the room, leaving Sullivan alone. Her mind was racing, overwhelmed with what had just happened. Was the commander telling the truth? Should she have trusted Zahir in the first place? She looked down at the orb, realizing that the answer to her burning questions might be in her hands. <<link "Sullivan began repairing the AI." "33">><</link>>

"Pleased to meet you, I am FSS Corsica 1's Enhanced Technical Support Intelligence. You may also call me Etsi. As I possess vast knowledge regarding the ship and crew, my purpose is assisting Manny in his duties as a technician." Etsi's digital eyes blinked. "You do not exist within my database, are you a visitor?" The orb asked. <<link "'Kind of.'" "48">><</link>> <<link "'I am a distress response technician.'" "48">><</link>> <<link "'There's no time for introductions.'" "49">><</link>>

"Yes, I was given the ability to verbally communicate in order to assist Manny in his duties as the ship technician. He has enabled me with knowledge regarding the Corsica and its crew." "Do you... Have a name?" Sullivan asked hesitantly. "I am FSS Corsica 1's Enhanced Technical Support Intelligence. You may also call me Etsi." Etsi's digital eyes blinked. "You do not exist within my database, are you a visitor?" The orb asked. <<link "'Kind of.'" "48">><</link>> <<link "'I am a distress response technician.'" "48">><</link>> <<link "'There's no time for introductions.'" "49">><</link>>

"My name is Sullivan, I'm technical specialist working for the Union. I'm only here because Commander Koin needed my assistance repairing a broken panel in the engine room." The orb suddently departed from Sullivan's hand, now hovering in front of her face. "Are you in need of assistance to do so?" Although the voice was robotic, Sullivan thought picked up a sense of excitement in its tone. <<link "'Yes'" "50">><</link>> <<link "'No.'" "51">><</link>> <<link "'I need to ask you some questions.'" "49">><</link>>

"Very well. How may I help you?" Etsi asked, now hovering around the room and scanning various items with a blue ray of light. <<link "'What happened on Palaan?'" "52">><</link>> <<link "'Do you have access to suit footage from the Palaan mission?'" "52">><</link>> <<link "'Are you aware of what happened to Manny on Palaan?'" "52">><</link>>

"Possibly, but first I would like to ask you some questions if that's all right." Sullivan replied. There were so many things to ask; <<link "she contemplated where to even begin." "49">><</link>>

"That's not why I repaired you, I need you to answer some questions for me." Sullivan replied. There were so many things to ask, <<link "she contemplated where to even begin." "49">><</link>>

Sullivan didn't receive a reply; the AI had frozen in the corner of the room, scanning the box of Manny's belongings. "The Palaan excursion... It already happened?" Etsi asked. <<link "'I'm sorry, Etsi.'" "53">><</link>> <<link "'Yes... Manny is dead.'" "53">><</link>> <<link "'Yes, I need to know what happened there.'" "53">><</link>>

"Manny's vitals stopped being recorded two weeks and five days ago." Etsi paused. "What happened?" The AI questioned her. "The were caught in a storm on Palaan. Everyone died except commander Koin." Etsi hovered over to Sullivan. "I am bringing up logged suit data from the Palaan excursion." <<link "'Do you have access to the suit footage?'" "54">><</link>> <<link "'Are all of them really dead?'" "55">><</link>> <<link "'Can you check the crew's vitals for information?'" "55">><</link>>

"Something is blocking me from downloading the suit footage. I will need to access it directly from the mainframe." <<link "'Is there anything else you can tell me?'" "55">><</link>>

"Five members of the crew departed for Palaan as follows: Podric Etai - Deceased. Emanuel Cortez - Deceased. Izabella Watsen - Deceased. Zahir Kher - Alive. Laura Koin - Alive. Whose vitals would you like me to read?" Etsi asked. <<link "'Tell me about Podric Etai.'" "56">><</link>> <<link "'Tell me about Manny.'" "57">><</link>> <<link "'Tell me about Izabella Watsen.'" "58">><</link>>

"Podric's suit sensors indicate elevated outside temperature levels at the time of death. Several of his vitals were typical for subjects under high stress: elevated heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate. A sudden breach in his suit indicates a quick death, most likely from heavy impact with an object or terrain. This aligns with perishing to the storm." Etsi recounted, display glitching slightly. <<link "'Tell me about Manny.'" "57">><</link>> <<link "'Tell me about Izabella Watsen.'" "58">><</link>>

"Manny suffered a breach to his helmet somewhere in zero degree temperature, down in the caves, most likely. He was able to repair the damage and stabilize oxygen levels, making it to surface level as indicated by a raise in temperature. Symptoms of stress such as elevated heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate are recorded." Etsi paused briefly before continuing. "The breach in his suit reopened at this point, lack of oxygen taking his life." <<link "'Tell me about Podric Etai.'" "56">><</link>> <<link "'Tell me about Izabella Watsen.'" "58">><</link>>

"Izabella seems to have been located in the caves at the time of her death, as indicated by sub-zero degree outside temperatures. She suffered several breaches to her suit, losing heartbeat almost immediately." <<link "'Tell me about Podric Etai.'" "56">><</link>> <<link "'Tell me about Manny.'" "57">><</link>> <<link "'Wait, she died in the caves?'" "59">><</link>>

"This means..." Sullivan's mouth had gone dry. "Commander Koin was lying. We need to watch that footage." "I will be able to download it from within the mainframe room." Etsi spoke, hovering next to her. She needed to warn Zahir. <<link "'Etsi, come with me.'""60">><<set $chapter to "Main Hall">><</link>>

Sullivan's breaths were starting to form clouds of smoke in front of her face. She hadn't noticed the temperature dropping at first, but now her hands were shivering from the cold within the ship. She entered the main hall, eyes darting across the room for Zahir when a familiar cold voice spoke from behind her. "How is progress going?" Commander Koin asked cheerfully, seeming in better spirits than ever. "Good, I need to speak with Zahir, do you know where he is?" <<if $ZahirOuted is true>> \ "Zahir is detained for the time being. Sabotage is not something I tolerate on my ship." Koin stated blankly. "Perhaps I can be of assistance instead?" Sullivan tried to sound confident. "I need access to the mainframe. I have to redownload the AI's software." Etsi, who was hovering beside Sullivan, let out unintelligible electrical noises. Koin's eyes narrowed for a moment. "Very well. It's the fourth door to the left down the hall. Use this." She held out a keycard, which Sullivan accepted. "Please, return swiftly, I am gathering the crew for an announcement soon. I'd like you to be there." <<link "'Okay, thank you.'" "61">><<set $chapter to "Mainframe Room">><</link>> <</if>> \ <<if $ZahirOuted is false>> \ The Commander nodded toward the opposite corner of the room where Zahir sat, watching them. "I need to speak with you privately, where is the mainframe located?" <<link "Zahir nodded understandingly, and led her out of the main hall." "63">><<set $chapter to "Mainframe Room">><</link>> <</if>> \

Sullivan located the room, hands shivering as she swiped the keycard. "That was some good acting back there." She gave Etsi a smile. "Thank you." The AI replied. <<link "The door to the mainframe room slid open." "64">><</link>>

Zahir stopped outside a large metal door, turning to look at her. "You got him to work again!" Zahir smiled. "How are you, Etsi?" "I am pleased to see you again, Zahir." The AI spoke. Zahir turned to face Sullivan. "Now, what happened?" <<link "'The Commander is lying about what happened.'" "65">><</link>> <<link "'Koin's story isn't adding up.'" "65">><</link>>

The large interface within was filled with buttons, levers and tiny monitors, making Sullivan's head spin. Etsi directed her on how to connect him to the mainframe, taking mere seconds to complete the download. "Download complete." The AI confirmed. "Okay." Sullivan replied, taking a deep breath. <<link "'Show me Commander Koin's suit footage.'" "66">><</link>>

"There's more to Koin's Palaan story than she's letting on. Etsi is able to download the suit footage, but it can only be done directly from the mainframe. Do you have access?" Sullivan continued. "It's as I suspected then... The mainframe is behind this door; go find out what happened." Zahir replied, handing her a keycard. "I have to get back to the main hall, the commander has asked everyone to gather for an announcement. I will come find you when I'm done." Sullivan nodded, swiping the keycard next to the door. Zahir's footsteps echoed down the hall until she could no longer hear them. <<link "The door slid open." "64">><</link>>

The dark cave was lit up by fluorecent blue veins stretching down the path forward. A dull grumble was heard as small bits of rubble trickled down the cave wall. Sullivan recognized Zahir's erratic voice coming from a crackling radio, too diluted with static noise to make out any coherent sentences. "I'm not sure about this." A woman's voice echoed from behind; //Izabella Watsen, must be.// The man walking in front of Koin turned around to face them. "We can't go out there now, chica. That storm will be here any minute. Our safest bet is staying down here until it's passed." Manny replied, Sullivan making out a thick black beard through his helmet's glass window. "This was in the caves on Palaan." Etsi spoke, confirming what Sullivan was already suspecting. Koin's suit footage kept rolling on the monitor. "Ah, it never gets old." Manny's voice sounded again, followed by a hearty laugh that filled the large chamber they had just entered. The sight was unlike any Sullivan had seen before. Glowing blue veins lit up the large cavern, bathing the several basketball-sized creatures across its walls in a dim blue light. The crew's flashlights highlighted their long glass-like spikes, casting tall pointy shadows on the walls as Koin stepped closer. "Might as well collect some samples while we're here. Kiran requested more of the thorns, preferably in one piece." Koin spoke, pulling out a kit of test tubes from her satchel. <<link "The commander approached one of the dark purple creatures, using tiny pliers to break of its sharp spines, placing them into the tubes." "67">><</link>>

It happened in the blink of an eye. A loud grumble sounded, followed by large rocks tumbling from the ceiling. Distressed voices echoed from somewhere in the cavern, the view being too dusty to make out anything from the poor quality of the camera. The shakes seemed more violent, Koin falling to the floor with a yelp, the footage cutting out momentarily. "Oh come on." Sullivan pleaded, fast forwarding several minutes until the screen flickered, showing the cave once more. She let out a sigh. The camera now showed Koin's outstretched trembling hand, glove taken off. It was pale white, littered with tiny purple spikes. She was shaking more and more violently by the second, breathing erratic. "Is everyone all right? Manny's distant voice sounded through the rubble. "Yes, I'm okay!" Izabella shouted from beside Koin. "Commander! Are you injured?" Her feet could be seen entering the field of view. The cuts on Koin's hand were spreading tiny purple veins that disappeared up behind her sleeve. She moaned loudly, Izabella bending down to help her up. The weapon was grabbed from Izabella's hip and aimed at her before Sullivan could register what was about to happen. Gunfire lit up Izabella's horrified face as the bullets riddled her, fired from the weapon now clutched in Koin's pale hands. A purple, thick gas-like substance was suddently filling the room, spewing from the creatures riddling the walls. "Izabella!" Manny shouted. "What's happening?" "The stuff is melting the suits! Manny, we have to evacuate the caves!" Podric cried. <<link "The footage flickered to black once more to the sound of Koin's strained breaths." "68">><</link>>

"They only wanted to live in peace." Sullivan's skin prickled at the sound of Commander Koin's voice, only this time it wasn't emerging from the video footage, but from the doorway behind her. The Commander was pale and covered in blood. Purple veins making their way up her neck and onto her face as she spoke. "Depleting the oxygen from the engine room would have been painless... Zahir shouldn't have meddled by sabotaging that console." Koin's voice was thick as she spoke through gritted teeth. "No one who knows of the Gyu's existence can be allowed to leave. Whatever the cost - I have to make sure of it." "The creatures? I won't tell anyone about them." Sullivan stammered, taking a step back. "I only wanted to help, I didn't mean to go behind your back." "The road to hell is paved with good intentions, Sullivan." Koin's gun was still in her holster, a small window of opportunity presenting itself. <<link "Stay." "69">><</link>> <<link "Run." "70">><<set $chapter to "Hallway">><</link>>

Koin raised her gun toward Sullivan and pulled the trigger. The AI flew at light speed in front of Sullivan's body, exploding into tiny metal scrap pieces as the bullet collided with it. It hit her in the arm, having been misdirected and slowed down by the impact with Etsi. <<link "Sullivan ran." "71">><<set $chapter to "Hallway">><</link>>

She threw herself into the hallway as an alarm started blaring, trying to process what she had just witnessed. Was the commander under control of those... things? Pathing toward the main hall, she began seeing the bodies. Two people were sprawled out on the floor, blood pooling around them. She recognized one of them as the woman that had argued with Koin earlier. "I would advise you to evacuate the ship as soon as possible." The AI spoke while following her down the hall. "No shit Etsi!" Sullivan looked around frantically. "I need to get to my ship." "Your ship left the dock four minutes ago. There are two escape pods remaining in the pod hatches. I suggest taking one of those" <<link "'I have to find Zahir.'" "72">><</link>> <<link "'I'm going to the escape pods.'" "77">><</link>>

Sullivan pushed Koin aside and threw herself into the hallway, slamming the door shut behind her as an alarm started blaring. Was the commander under control of those... things? Pathing toward the main hall, she began seeing the bodies. Two people were sprawled out on the floor, blood pooling around them. She recognized one of them as the woman that had argued with Koin earlier. <<link "I have to find Zahir." "79">><</link>> <<link "I'm going to the escape pods." "80">><<set $chapter to "Pod Hatches">><</link>>

"One moment, bypassing security camera footage." The AI blinked. "Zahir is located within the engine room." <<link "Sullivan wasted no time." "73">><<set $chapter to "Engine Room">><</link>>

Smoke started clouding the hallways of the ship the closer she came to the engine room. On the floor, barely visible through the thick smoke was Zahir's slumped over body. He had been tied to a pipe with a rope that Sullivan quickly removed. "Zahir!" She shouted, shaking his shoulders violently. His eyes fluttered open, flashing with relief. They scrambled to their feet and into the hallway. "We need to get to the escape pods!" She shouted, trying to make her voice heard over the alarm. Zahir nodded, following behind. Behind them in the hallway, gunfire sounded. A man screamed, falling flat on his front. He was about ten meters behind Sullivan, bleeding from his leg. "Please!" He pleaded desperately. "Kiran!" Zahir shouted, beginning to turn back toward the man just as Koin stepped into the end of the hallway. Her gun was raised. <<link "Stop Zahir." "74">><<set $chapter to "Hallway">><</link>> <<link "Let Zahir go." "75">><<set $chapter to "Hallway">><</link>>

Sullivan grabbed Zahir's arm, turning him toward her. "No! We have to go, while she's distraced." She bore her eyes into his. Zahir hesitated for a moment, before taking off toward the escape pods once more. <<link "Sullivan followed." "76">><<set $chapter to "Pod Hatches">><</link>>

There was one escape pod remaining when she reached the room. "Both of us can fit." Zahir spoke, leading her over to it. Sullivan quickly seated herself next to him and closed the hatch, not bothering to strap in before reaching to press the eject button. There was no eject button. It had been ripped out. "No, no..." She whispered to herself. "She doesn't want us to escape." Zahir exited the pod and looked at the command console next to it. "The launch can be done manually from this console." Etsi spoke, hovering beside him. "I know, but not from inside, we can't launch with the door open. Someone has to stay behind." He looked at Sullivan, waiting for her to speak. She pondered before making her decision. <<link "Sullivan stays." "78">><</link>> <<link "Zahir stays." "78">><</link>>

Zahir threw the man's arm over his shoulder, and began shuffling back slowly toward Sullivan. They had nearly reached her when blood sprayed across her face, gunshots ricocheting all around her. She ran without turning back to see if they made it, <<link "she already knew the answer." "77">><<set $chapter to "Pod Hatches">><</link>>

There was one escape pod remaining when she reached the room. Sullivan quickly seated herself within and closed the hatch, not bothering to strap in before reaching to press the eject button. There was no eject button. It had been ripped out. "No, no..." She whispered to herself. She swore, exiting the pod and looking at the command console next to it. "The launch can be done manually from this console." Etsi spoke, hovering beside her. "I know, but not from inside, I can't launch with the door ope-" "I am able to override it." "Etsi..." She knew there was no other choice. "Thank you." It was all Sullivan could say, as she stepped back into the pod and closed the hatch. She watched the AI blink its pixelated eyes through the glass before hovering over toward the panel. "It's what Manny would have done." The AI spoke, but Sullivan could no longer hear him through the thick glass. <<link "The pod shot from its hatch, launching her into space." "85">><</link>>

"I am able to override it." Etsi interrupted before she could speak. "Etsi..." She whispered, knowing there was no other choice. "Thank you." "Manny would have been proud of you, Etsi." Zahir spoke, stepping back into the pod and closing the hatch. They watched the AI blink its pixelated eyes through the glass before hovering over toward the panel. "It's what Manny would have done." The AI spoke, but Sullivan and Zahir could no longer hear him through the thick glass. <<link "The pod shot from its hatch, launching them into space." "84">><</link>>

Thick smoke started clouding the hallways as she ran aimlessly around the ship's corridors, barely being able to make out anything around her. After only a couple of minutes, her lungs felt like they were about to explode. Sullivan wasn't going to make it any longer if she continued searching. Looking to her left, she could barely make out a sign above the metal door; "Pod Hatches." <<link "She entered. "80>><<set $chapter to "Pod Hatches">><</link>>

There was one escape pod remaining when she entered the room. Sullivan quickly seated herself within and closed the hatch, not bothering to strap in before reaching to press the eject button. There was no eject button. It had been ripped out. "No, no..." She whispered to herself. She swore, exiting the pod and looking at the command console next to it. Chills ran down her spine; the launch could only be done manually, from outside the pod. The fluorescent tube above her head exploded as the bullet hit, raining down sparks onto Sullivan. Koin was standing in the doorway, gun pointed right at her. She pulled the trigger once more, but this time the gun merely clicked, indicating that it was out of ammunition. The Commander roared, throwing herself at Sullivan. Koin's hands were around her neck before she could react, slamming her into the wall next to the pod. Sullivan tried to push her off, but the tall commander wouldn't budge. Black spots were starting to cloud her vision as a shape appeared in the doorway. Zahir swung the metal pipe at the commander, causing her to stagger, falling halfway into the open pod next to them. He swung again, the commander collapsing right into its seat. <<link "Launch the pod." "81">><</link>> <<link "Grab Koin's gun." "83">><</link>>

Sullivan reached over to the hatch, slamming it closed inches in front of the commander's face. Quickly, she reached the panel and ejected the pod, launching it into space. "Are you all right? Your arm-" Zahir began, but Sullivan interrupted him. "I'll be fine. My ship-." She started, Zahir understanding and pulling her with him. Without him she would have never found her way around, but only a minute later they stepped onto her shuttle. As they closed the door, her ears were pleased to have a break from the blaring fire alarm. "Patch yourself up, I will drive." Zahir panted, seating himself in the pilot's chair. He revved up the engine, not wasting a second before launching them into the darkness outside. Sullivan looked back at the Corsica through the window as they cruised away, until she could no longer make it out anymore. The commander was still out there, somewhere, causing her to go over every single decision she had made since stepping onto that damned ship in the first place. Koin's words echoed through her mind. //"The road to hell is paved with good intentions."// <<link "Could she have ended up on a different path?" "82">><<set $chapter to "End">><</link>>

//The End.//

Sullivan pointed the gun at Koin, pulling the trigger. It merely clicked as Koin launched herself out of the chair at her, slamming her into the hard metal grid floor. Sullivan didn't see the knife before she felt it plunging deep into her abdomen, again and again. Zahir's panicked voice shouted something, but she couldn't make out what. Darkness crept up on her, <<link "and she let it take her away." "82">><<set $chapter to "End">><</link>>

Sullivan looked back at the Corsica through the window as they cruised away until she could no longer make it out anymore. Her head spun as she went over every single decision she had made since stepping onto that damned ship in the first place, hearing commander Koin's voice echoing in her mind. //"The road to hell is paved with good intentions."// <<link "Could she have ended up on a different path?" "82">><<set $chapter to "End">><</link>>

Sullivan looked back at the Corsica through the window as she drifted away until she could no longer make it out anymore. Her head spun as she went over every single decision she had made since stepping onto that damned ship in the first place, hearing commander Koin's voice echoing in her mind. //"The road to hell is paved with good intentions."// <<link "Could she have ended up on a different path?" "82">><<set $chapter to "End">><</link>>