BarrenSky"Computer".
The pilot takes a deliberate pause, knowing full well this might not be the one.
"Lets try this again".
A familiar chime reverberates through the cabin, as the dictation process begins anew.
"This isn't my first go around. But what's that old saying... Perseverence is the secret of all triumphs? Sounds like ancient bullshit to me".
The pilot leans back on its chair, its hand woven leather stitching buckling under the weight of time.
Auto pilot has taken control, and it's time to [[begin.->The First Steps]]"We're on day... something or other travelling through the Metreon Cluster. Time index four point nine zero eight... or something".
Spatial turblance jostles the shuttle, causing the Pilot to lean forward slightly in anticipation of a heavier jolt. He continues.
"In the event that the core runs dry and i'm left to dust, I am leaving a record of my return journey knowing full well there ain't nobody out here bored enough to listen".
The Pilot takes a beat, leans forward in his chair of stories, and addresses his task with an exhasperated sigh..
"This is Commander Hansen of the Earth vessel Petronius. I was born..."
[[into the war.->The Warlord]] They sent me out here to conquer the stars.
[[after everything ended.->The Survivor]] I'm the last one left looking for anyone else.
[[and bred to be the ambassador for Earth,->The Emmisary]] to make contact with others, and learn from them.
"This is our time. We're not some helpless half race wondering aimlessly through the galaxy. We're going to stake our claim and make ourselves known".
On the final line, the pilot slams his fist into the worn contours of his computer console, knocking loose his ration container which spills on to the floor.
"Oh for fuck sake..." he mutters, bemused at his own lack of forethought.
A klaxon sounds. His thoughts interrupted.
"Lifeform signature detected".
[[Raise shields and charge weapons.->Ready to Fight]]
[[Open communication with a standard boastful greeting.->Glory to Earth]]
[[Reverse course and head for the nearest colony.->Necessary Retreat]]"After what happened, I didn't think i'd make it. But here I am. In the void. Trying to figure out whatever is supposed to be next".
A klaxon sounds. His thoughts interrupted.
"Lifeform signature detected".
[[Raise shields and charge weapons.->Ready to Fight]]
[[Open communication with a cautious greeting.->Fight or Flight]]
[[Reverse course and head for the nearest colony.->Necessary Retreat]]"The only way we're going to surive, as a race, is if we find a way to forge meaningful connections. I can't do this alone".
A klaxon sounds. His thoughts interrupted.
"Lifeform signature detected".
[[Initiate local area scan.->Knowledge is Power]]
[[Open communication with a cautious greeting.->Fight or Flight]]
[[Reverse course and head for the nearest colony.->Necessary Retreat]]"Whoever you are, i'm ready to defend myself!" With weapons charged and shields raised, the Computer instantly spits out a sequence of catastrophic errors as systems begin to overload one by one.
The ships begins to plummet, hurtling towards a nearby asteroid belt containing the shattered remnants of an ancient mining colony.
*transition to cutsence, featuring the pilot scrambling to take control*
Perk unlocked: Second Charge - fire a second special ammunition round without having to cool the heat sink.
Ability unlocked: Rageful Dash - a sweeping move forward that eviserates all enemies in a direct line of sight. 3 second cooldown where movement is restricted after landing and player is vulnerable.
*transition to title sequence*"Whoever you claim to be, it is of no consequence. You are subject to the will of the Earth colonies, and we shall not be denied our claim upon this sector!". The Pilot speech is interrupted by an overload alert in the starboard engine, throwing navigation control out of alignment.
The ships begins to plummet, hurtling towards a nearby asteroid belt containing the shattered remnants of an ancient mining colony.
*transition to cutsence, featuring the pilot scrambling to take control*
Perk unlocked: Taunting Roar - context sensitive emotes have the chance to stun enemies.
Ability unlocked: Screaming Push - A forceful wave knocks back all enemies, including into environmental hazards. 2 second cooldown where movement is restricted as player character regathers themselves.
*transition to title sequence*"Computer, plot an escape vector to the following co-ordinates".
A klaxon is heard, as the navigational computer spontaneously overloads, causing directional control to completely fail.
The ship begins to plummet, hurtling towards a nearby asteroid belt containing the shattered remnants of an ancient mining colony.
*transition to cutsence, featuring the pilot scrambling to take control*
Perk unlocked: Negotiation Flexibility - direct insight into all combat conversations that provides additional information which can influence the outcome in your favour.
Ability unlocked: Evasive Attack - A backwards dodge which generates a front facing electrical charge damaging all enemies in your path while getting you out of danger.
*transition to title sequence*"This is Commander Hansen of the Earth vessel Petronius. We are on a peaceful mission. Please acknowledge".
A sudden jolt, as navigational control begins to malfunction. The ships begins to plummet, hurtling towards a nearby asteroid belt containing the shattered remnants of an ancient mining colony.
*transition to cutsence, featuring the pilot scrambling to take control*
Perk unlocked: Second Chance - 25% chance to take a hit without receiving any damage.
Ability unlocked: Upward Dash - A powerful upward jump that engages when fatal fall damage is about to occur. Long cooldown.
*transition to title sequence*"This is Commander Hansen of the Earth vessel Petronius. We want to forge alliances and peacefully co-exist with other lifeforms. Please acknowledge our message and respond if you can".
A sudden jolt, as navigational control begins to malfunction. The ships begins to plummet, hurtling towards a nearby asteroid belt containing the shattered remnants of an ancient mining colony.
*transition to cutsence, featuring the pilot scrambling to take control*
Perk unlocked: Reflective Shielding - 25% chance to reflect stun effect back at enemy when absorbing incoming damage.
Ability unlocked: Hackers Paradise - A keen understanding of alien tech grants automatic access to sealed areas.
*transition to title sequence*