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Starchasers
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[[Advisory|advisory]]
Life is [[beautiful.|start1]]
<<audio main loop play>>When a life is brought into our world, we celebrate.
<<timed 2s t8n>>We rejoice.
<<next>>We welcome them to <</timed>><<timed 5s t8n>>a place they have [[never|start2]] been before.<</timed>>In our time here...<<timed 2s t8n>>we live...<</timed>><<timed 3s t8n>>we love...<</timed>><<timed 4s t8n>>we explore...<</timed>><<timed 6s t8n>>and we [[find ourselves.]]<</timed>>We make the best <<timed 2s t8n>>of the time we're [[given.|start3]]<</timed>>And when <<timed 2s t8n>>it's time to say goodbye...<<next>>we [[move on.|start4]]<</timed>>For countless ages, we have lived our lives and spent our time...
<span style="color:red"><<timed 2s t8n>>surviving off the lay of the land.
<<next>>>>trying to understand ourselves.
<<next>>>learning about the world.
<<next>>>>facing pain and hardships.
<<next>>following our dreams.
<<next>>>and watching the [[stars.|start5]]<</timed>></span>
Life is complicated.
And...<<timed 2s t8n>>[[not everybody|start6]] figures it out.<</timed>>When a life leaves our world, we mourn.
<<timed 2s t8n>>We remember.
<<next>>We hope they fare well... <</timed>><<timed 5s t8n>>in a place they have [[never|start7]] been before.<</timed>>
But if people don't figure it out...
<<timed 2s t8n>>if they don't find themselves.
<<next>>>>if they don't want to leave.
<<next>>>they become<</timed>><<timed 9s t8n>>[[stars.|start8]]<</timed>>The lost souls watch from a dark sky.
<span style="color:lemonchiffon"><<timed 2s t8n>>They roam up above, searching for meaning.
<<next>>They roam far away, weighted by their regrets.
<<next>>They roam in between worlds, unable to move on.<</timed>>
<<timed 9s t8n>> The lights glow in the night, as we watch from down [[below.|start9]]<</timed>></span>With the passage of time, the stars began to multiply.
<<timed 2s t8n>>The night skies lit up for the people who could not rest.
<<next>>The world of the living mourned for the souls who [[could not|start10]] let go.<</timed>>One day, the world of the living found a way to reach out.
They found ways to traverse the heavens with their science and their dreams.
They mapped the stars in their books, and they sent explorers to the [[world up above.|smoothtransitionlmao]]
The explorers reached out to the stars.
<<timed 2s t8n>>They made contact with the lost souls.
<<next>>They helped them [[make their peace.|smooth2]]<</timed>>These brave explorers were called...<<timed 2s t8n>>[[Starchasers.|smooth3]]<</timed>>Starchasers have navigated the heavens for countless ages, helping the departed move on...
One by one, the stars grew dim...and the night sky grew peaceful again.
Still, new stars pop up everyday.
But...so do [[starchasers.|day1]]You hear the rumbling of the engine below your feet.
Despite the trainings and the simulations, you still feel uneasy being in a real rocket. The orbiter <<shake>>rattles<</shake>> and <<shake>>shakes <</shake>>like an earthquake tremor. You look around at your fellow passengers, many of them share the same feelings of [[nervousness.|day1.1]]<<shake>>"T-0 seconds, booster ignition, and liftoff of T-279 Hope."<</shake>>
You barely hear the voice on the radio as the gravitational force pushes your whole body against your seat.
The shuttle bounds towards the sky, a sudden [[flash|day1.2]] blinds you for a second as the empty boosters peel off the external tank.
The T-279 Hope reaches the dark expanse of space.
Despite the seatbelt warnings flashing across the screens, you remove your seatbelt and restraints to gaze out the window at the blue sphere getting smaller and smaller.
"Howdy! Is this your first time out here?" A deep voice rings out from the other side of the launch room.
[[Yes.|day1.2y]]
[[No.|day1.2n]]"Ha ha ha..." The voice chuckles. "I could tell by the look on your face."
A man walks over, with a friendly expression on his dark face.
"My name is Captain Orion, but feel free to call me Ori if you'd like. I've been in the Starchasers for many years now. I take it you're part of the new crew?"
[[Yeah...|introductions]]"Ha ha ha..." The voice chuckles. "I'd honestly believe it if your face didn't give it away!"
A man walks over, with a friendly expression on his dark face.
"My name is Captain Orion, but feel free to call me Ori if you'd like. I've been in the Starchasers for many years now. I take it you're part of the new crew?"
[[Yeah...|introductions]]"Ah, so you must be the new recruit, Percy, was it? Great to finally meet you! Heard you were the one who scored highest on the written exams!"
Ori puts his muscular hand on your shoulder.
"You're doing a real service out here, and honestly, I think you'll be fine at it. I can tell by that look in your eyes, after all! Ah ha ha!"
Ori raises a fist at you.
[[Give him a fist bump.|intro2]]Ori shuffles from the window.
"Now let's go greet the rest of the team, Percy."
You and Ori return to the rest of the crew. You notice a tall black-haired girl feverishly clutching her seatbelt, and a meek freckled boy with curly hair holding a full paper bag.
"Oof, looks like somebody lost their lunch already. I remember when we didn't have artificial gravity - we had to use a bloody vacuum to clean that stuff up...good times!" Ori laughs to himself.
You and the girl help the boy up from his seat, he puts his hand on his stomach and weakly smiles at you.
"Uhhh...thanks...I owe you one."
[[Don't mention it.|intro3]]
[[It's no problem.|intro3]]"Ugh...please Leo." The girl gives the boy a hard look. "Weren't you listening? They told us NOT to eat anything within 12 hours of take-off."
"I'm..I'm sorry... I was so nervous about the launch, and um...you know how hungry I get when I'm nervous." Leo readjusts his glasses and turns to you.
"You must be Percy, right?" Leo smiles at you. "I never saw you at the academy, but I think everybody has heard of you!"
"Hmph. You don't look so special to me! Up here, we're all just launchies anyway!" The girl exclaims. "Anyway, my name's Cassie, and this dork is Leo. Pleasure."
Leo glares at Cassie, but then smiles and nods at you.
[[Nice to meet you too?|intro4]]
[[...okay then.|intro4]]Ori clears his throat. "Now then, if we're done bickering like schoolchildren, let's get to the first mission."
A hologram projector emerges from the shuttle's dashboard, displaying a small map of the night sky, revealing small asteroids, stars, and space debris of all kinds.
"This is...the Sagittarius sector." Ori explains. "It was named for its resemblance to a bow-wielding creature called the centaur."
[[Wow...it's so pretty...|intro5nice]]
[[I've seen nicer stars in documentaries.|intro5devilish]]"Yeah...the stars seem to melt into the sky...and the pretty colours...it's all so breathtaking!" Leo adds.
Ori chuckles. "Well, I'm glad you like it! It'll make the mission seem a little less scary."
Leo smiles sheepishly and fixes his red hair.
"Ugh. Please, old man. I've been studying stars since I was in diapers," Cassie interrupts.
Ori frowns. "Aw... come now, Cassie. Not everyone has the same experience as you."
Cassie pouts and mumbles something under her breath.
[[...|intro6]]"Heh, I like your style, Perce. This is just a regular ol' bunch of stars and junk anyway." Cassie adds.
Ori frowns. "Humph, kids these days suck the fun out of everything..."
"Um, well I think it's really pretty..." Leo mumbles under his breath.
Ori smiles. "Aww, well that's the spirit, Leo!"
Leo smiles sheepishly and fixes his red hair.
[[...|intro6]]Ori closes the hologram and points his arm at you.
"So...I'm sure you all know what we are here to do. But if you don't...Pop Quiz! Percy, what is the goal of a Starchaster?"
[[To free lost souls.|intro7a]]
[[To kill some stars.|intro7b]]
[[I'm not really sure...|intro7c]]Ori smiles and gives you a thumbs up. "Ha ha...I can see why you graduated top of your class!"
Cassie rolls her eyes, and Leo beams with joy.
"Like Percy said, our mission here is to free the souls that can't leave our world. When you approach a star, keep in mind that some of these people will feel...lost."
Ori puts his head down.
"Stars are so so strange. They might not remember much of their lives, or they might not even know that they have died."
Leo looks on with a horrified expression. Cassie's face tenses up.
Ori looks back at the crew. "The important thing is to be patient and try to understand what they are going through, got it?"
[[Yes, sir.|intro8]]
[[Uh huh.|intro8]]
[[Got it.|intro8]]Ori frowns and stares at you with a bewildered expression. "You're kidding...right, Percy? Thought you were top of the class..."
"Hah ha haa! Percy, you crack me up!" Cassie laughs to herself. Leo chuckles nervously.
"Anyway, our mission here is to free the souls that can't leave our world. When you approach a star, keep in mind that some of these people will feel...lost."
Ori puts his head down.
"Stars are so so strange. They might not remember much of their lives, or they might not even know that they have died."
Leo looks on with a horrified expression. Cassie's face tenses up.
Ori looks back at the crew. "The important thing is to be patient and try to understand what they are going through, got it?"
[[Yes, sir.|intro8]]
[[Uh huh.|intro8]]
[[Got it.|intro8]]Ori smiles. "Ah..don't worry Percy, these things happen. Everyone's first rocket trip makes 'em nervous."
"Uh, if I can add something - I believe that we're here to free lost souls of the departed," Leo adds.
Cassie rolls her eyes, and Ori gives Leo a thumbs up.
"Right you are, Leo! Our mission here is to free the souls that can't leave our world. When you approach a star, keep in mind that some of these people will feel...lost."
Ori puts his head down.
"Stars are so so strange. They might not remember much of their lives, or they might not even know that they have died."
Leo looks on with a horrified expression. Cassie's face tenses up.
Ori looks back at the crew. "The important thing is to be patient and try to understand what they are going through, got it?"
[[Yes, sir.|intro8]]
[[Uh huh.|intro8]]
[[Got it.|intro8]]"Glad to hear it! Now, I'll go over the second most exciting part of these missions: eating...in SPACE!" Ori laughs.
You hear Cassie make an audible groan and Leo clapping his hands happily.
The next couple of days, you and the crew adjust to life in space. Thanks to simulated gravity, there isn't a huge learning curve. After a while, you begin to get used to the lack of sunshine or fresh vegetables...and the roar of the engine when the ship hits an asteroid belt.
Finally, the day of the Sagittarius Mission [[arrives|sag1]].You arrive on the main deck with the crew.
"Morning, sleepyheads!" Ori grins. "Looks like we've reached Sagittarius! Suit up and we'll roll out."
You grab your blue Starchaster Uniform - its cool smooth cotton wraps around your body like a blanket and warms you immediately with its heat mechanism.
"You look great, Perce!" Leo smiles at you. His green uniform seems a little too big for him, but he doesn't seem fazed.
"Ugh...this thing is so tacky. Whatever," Cassie remarks as she rools up her red uniform's sleeves.
"You kids have it good, ya know." Ori chuckles as he puts on his yellow uniform. "Back in my day, we had these puffy suits that made us look like floating marshmallows. Hardly a fashion statement!"
You all groan at Ori, but [[smile.|sag2]]
"So, as you all know, sound doesn't work quite so nice out there." Ori says. "Once you're out there, you'll have'ta transmit your thoughts through your suits."
<span style="color:limegreen">Like this?</span> That must be Leo's thoughts.
<span style="color:indianred">Eww..gross. Get out of my head!</span> Yup. Cassie.
<span style="color:darkkhaki">Yep. You guys got it.</span> And there's Ori. <span style="color:darkkhaki">Anyway, I'll divide this sector into two spots. We'll form two groups of two and head out and cover one major star. I'll go with you, Percy, and Leo can go with Cassie.</span>
<span style="color:indianred"> Ugh. Great. First mission is with Captain Geekwad. Just great.</span>
[[HEAD OUT.|sag3]]You and the crew exit the space ship, the suit's small propellers responding to your movements with lightning-fast responses.
<span style="color:khaki">Like swimming in big ol' pool, eh Perce?</span>
You nod your head as you wade through an ocean of interstellar dust and small comets. It feels completely unreal to be moving so freely through space.
You and Ori navigate to the first star, it glows a bright purple.
<span style="color:khaki">I'll let you take the first one, I'll be here listening on. Don't let me down, Percy!</span>
[[TALK|star1a]]
You try reaching out with your thoughts.
<<set $stars to 0>>
<span style="color:dodgerblue">Um... hello?</span>
<span style="color:plum">Greetings! Um, who is this?</span>
[[I'm Percy.|star1b1]]
[[I'm a ghost. Whoo-oo-oo-oo...|star1b2]]
[[I'm a starchaser.|star1b3]]<span style="color:plum">Oh, hi Percy. It's nice to meet you. It feels like it's been forever since I've talked to someone...</span>
<span style="color:khaki">Interesting...I reckon this star has been here for a while...</span>
<span style="color:plum">Anyway, my name is Nicolas. I'm a banker!</span>
[[Where do you work?|star1c]]<span style="color:plum">A ghost? Yeah right! The dead move on, they don't stay in this world!</span>
<span style="color:khaki">Interesting...I reckon this star has been here for a while...possibly before the Starchasers.</span>
<span style="color:plum">Anyway, my name is Nicolas. I'm a banker!</span>
[[Where do you work?|star1c]]<span style="color:plum">What's a Starchaser? That's a fancy title!</span>
<span style="color:khaki">Interesting...I reckon this star has been here for a while...possibly before the Starchasers.</span>
<span style="color:plum">Anyway, my name is Nicolas. I'm a banker!</span>
[[Where do you work?|star1c]]<span style="color:plum">That's an easy one! I work at..uhh...um...Trapezitica. It's the biggest bank in all of Greece, I'm sure you've heard of it!</span>
<span style="color:khaki">Wow...Trapezitica was one of the first banks of our time - play it safe, Percy. I don't think this bloke realizes that he's kicked the bucket so long ago...we don't want to shock this guy too much.</span>
[[What do you do there?|star1da]]
[[What's it like working at the bank?|star1db]]
[[You're dead, Nicolas.|star1dc]]<span style="color:plum">I craft Athenian coins in Thessaly. It's not a very exciting job, but it helps put bread on the table.
Now, my buddy Demosthenes, he just talks to people all day. I wouldn't mind a job like that!</span>
[[Do you enjoy working there?|star1e]]<span style="color:plum">Well, I craft Athenian coins in Thessaly. It's not a very exciting job, but it helps put bread on the table.
Now, my buddy Demosthenes, he just talks to people all day. I wouldn't mind a job like that!</span>
[[You like public speaking?|star1d2]]
You can't hear sound in space, but you can imagine Ori groaning at you.
<span style="color:plum">Ha ha ha, now I know it's a boring job, but I wouldn't call myself dead! I craft Athenian coins in Thessaly.
Now, my buddy Demosthenes, he just talks to people all day. I wouldn't mind a job like that!</span>
[[Do you enjoy working there?|star1e]]<span style="color:plum">I mean, it's alright, I guess.
Sometimes I just wish I could have spent my time doing something more...creative. But my mother always pushed me to be a banker. To support my family.</span>
<span style="color:khaki">Oh, poor Nicolas. Poor guy never followed his dreams. Percy, maybe you can help him?</span>
[[How would you express yourself?|star10]]<span style="color:plum">Umm...well...let's see...
"In the scattered green and lush red,
where light filters from up ahead,
where shadows bear their deathly wrath,
in the winding maze and beaten path.
The canopy alight with its booming silence.
The peace, it clamours among a chaotic balance.
With new beginnings that arrive and grow with the seasons.
With old endings that leave and fade without reasons."
Uh..how was that?</span>
[[That was beautiful.|star1ha]]
[[That was amazing.|star1hb]]
[[I've heard better.|star1hc]]<span style="color:plum">You really think so? Thank you, Percy! For some reason, I feel...really happy! In all of my years counting money...I guess I never tried to express myself.
It means a lot to me to have someone tell me that I created something that I can be proud of.
Thank you so much...</span>
The star slowly fades away.
[[NEXT|star1i]]<span style="color:plum">You really think so? Thank you, Percy! For some reason, I feel...really happy! In all of my years counting money...I guess I never tried to express myself.
It means a lot to me to have someone tell me that I created something that I can be proud of.
Thank you so much...</span>
The star slowly fades away.
<<set $stars to $stars + 1>>
[[NEXT|star1i]]<span style="color:plum">Ah, well..thank you for your honesty at least Percy.
Even it's not the best, it means a lot to me to be able to express myself in some way or another.
Thank you so much...</span>
The star slowly fades away.
[[NEXT|star1i]]<span style="color:plum">Great job, Percy! I think Nicolas really appreciated your audience.
Hopefully in his next life, he'll be able to do what he loves.</span>
You nod your head.
<<set $nicola to true>>
[[Return to the ship.|interlude]]
<span style="color:plum">Hmmm...I'm not too sure. I never really did much, even in school. How do you think I should express myself?</span>
[[Through music.|star1song]]
[[Through poetry.|star1poet]]
[[Through dance.|star1dance]]<span style="color:plum">Hmmm, a poet? I do love to write prose in my limited free time. I suppose it wouldn't be like the Odyssey or anything like that...but I could write about nature.
I would write about maybe...a forest? I've just about had it with being locked up in a bank vault counting coins.</span>
[[Let's hear it!|star1g]]<span style="color:plum">Hmmm, a musician? I do love writing prose and humming prayer songs. Perhaps I could write a song about nature.
Maybe it could be about...a forest? I've just about had it with being locked up in a bank vault counting coins.</span>
[[Let's hear it!|star1g]]<span style="color:plum">Hmmm, a dancer? I don't know if that's the way for me.
Nothing against dancers, Percy, but I just don't have the rhythm or the showmanship for it. I appreciate your help though.
I suppose I'll be seeing you.</span>
[[Goodbye.|star1g2]]<span style="color:plum">Aww, that's too bad Percy. I think Nicolas wanted a different answer.
It's okay though, give it some time and I'm sure another Starchaser might be able to connect with him.</span>
You nod your head.
<<set $nicola to false>>
[[Return to the ship.|interlude]]
<span style="color:plum">I mean, I don't think I'd be comfortable giving speeches, but I wouldn't mind doing something with writing.
I mean, I prepare financial documents for the bank, so I guess that's close, if anything.</span>
[[Do you enjoy working there?|star1e]]
[[Are you happy at the bank?|star1e]]
[[Good for you.|star1f]]<span style="color:plum">Yeah...I suppose it is.
Anyway, I'd best get back to it. I have a ton of work to do. It was nice talking to you, Percy. </span>
[[Goodbye.|star1g2]]You and Ori arrive at the ship. Cassie and Leo are already waiting.
"So how did it go?" Ori asks.
"Pretty good, Captain!" Leo speaks up. "Our star was a lady on her deathbed - she was surprisingly very calm."
"Poor god damn woman lost everything, ugh." Cassie puts her hands on her face and runs off to her room.
"I'm sorry, Captain. Cassie can be a little...sensitive sometimes - she was actually doing most of the talking this time." Leo explains.
"Quite alright, Leo." Ori says. "She just needs some time, maybe we'll let her sit out this next one."
The three of you sit at the helm, taking mission notes to transmit back to base.
[[REPORT|report1]]
SAGITTARIUS REPORT
AUG 08,20XX
PERSONNEL: PERCY MORGENSTERN, ORION OYEKAN
STAR STATUS:<<if $stars is 1>> Faded away.<<else>> Remains in space.<</if>>
Subject, Nicolas, was a banker, very friendly. Was not aware of his death. Failed to achieve his dreams in life, lingered on believing he was still working at the bank.<<if $nicola is true>> Nicolas realized his dreams of weaving words and expressing himself in art, and moved on.<<else>> Nicolas was unable to figure out how he wanted to express himself, and remains a puzzled star in the night sky.<</if>>
[[NEXT DAY|day2]]
You and the crew wake up the next day to a meal of space bacon and eggs. The artificial smell of smokey breakfast fills your nostrils.
"It might not be as good as Earth breakfast, but boy, I'm starving!" Leo chomps down on what appears to be 65% synthesized meat product.
"Ugh, well it's still better than campus food," Cassie shrugs.
Ori enters the dining room. "Morning folks. Ready for the next mission?"
[[Yeah!|day2.1]]
[[I guess so...|day2.1a]]"That's the spirit!" Ori nods his head as he pulls up the hologram screen on a small tablet.
"Today we'll be headed for the Monoceros Sector. The ship's been running hyperspace overnight, so we'll be there in about an hour or so."
Leo stares, awestruck. "Ooh, that's a cool name for a star sector, does it refer to some kinda tough animal or something in another language?"
"Ha ha ha!" Ori laughs. "Actually, it's Greek for UNICORN! So I can't say you were too off!"
The crew laughs together.
[[An hour passes.|day2.2]]"Aww, cheer up Percy. Things'll go well, I assure you!" Ori nods his head as he pulls up the hologram screen on a small tablet.
"Today we'll be headed for the Monoceros Sector. The ship's been running hyperspace overnight, so we'll be there in about an hour or so."
Leo stares, awestruck. "Ooh, that's a cool name for a star sector, does it refer to some kinda tough animal or something in another language?"
"Ha ha ha!" Ori laughs. "Actually, it's Greek for UNICORN! So I can't say you were too off!"
Cassie rolls her eyes, but grins a little.
The crew laughs together.
[[An hour passes.|day2.2]]You and the crew travel to the airlock. As you suit up, you feel Ori tap your shoulder.
"Now, Percy, I need you do me a favour."
[[What is it?|day2.3]]"After what happened last time...I think it would be best if I accompanied Cassie on this expedition."
Ori crosses his arms. "I know she's more than capable, but I don't want the poor girl to overexert herself."
"And besides, after last time, <<if $nicola is true>>maybe Leo could learn a thing or two from you!<<else>>maybe Leo could give you a refresher on starchasing.<</if>>
[[Okay. No problem.|day2.4]]
[[I don't want to go with Leo.|day2.4b]]"Perfect, I appreciate it, Percy!" Ori gives you a fist bump. You think about telling him that it's not really what kids do these days, but you decide to humour him with a light bump.
"Alright guys! Leo, you'll go with Percy! And Cassie, you're with me. We'll each cover one major star each, with you guys taking Alpha and us taking Beta." Ori shouts.
"Ugh alright, let's get this over with, old man," you hear Cassie grumble to herself.
"I promise I won't let you down, Percy!" Leo happily says.
[[HEAD OUT.|mon1]]Ori frowns at you. "Oh come now, Percy. He might be a bit awkward and quirky, but I assure you, Leo's got a good heart."
Ori puts his hand on your shoulder.
"Won't you reconsider?"
[[Okay.|day2.4]]
[[Fine.|day2.4]]You exit the shuttle. You and Leo salute off Ori and Cassie, who propel themselves in the opposite direction.
<span style="color:limegreen">Alright, Percy. Let's do this!</span>
You give Leo a nod and motion for your boot thrusters.
[[Propel towards Alpha.|mon2]]You and Leo fly through the dark sky. The stars in the distance twinkle green and purple. You make a silent resolve to rescue them someday.
<span style="color:limegreen">Watch out for these asteroids, Perce!</span>
You narrowly avoid an incoming rock, ducking just out of the way.
<span style="color:limegreen">Oh my god...that was close. Percy, the path ahead looks pretty dangerous, should we go around it?</span>
[[Let's go around the asteroid field.|mon3a]]
[[Let's go through the asteroid field.|mon3b]]You and Leo decide to travel around the asteroid field. It takes a little longer, but you both swerve around the barrage of rocks.
<<set $rocks to false>>
<span style="color:limegreen">I think you made the right choice. We wouldn't want to slam into one of these things all the way out here.</span>
Leo sheepishly smiles.
<span style="color:limegreen">I could barely keep up with you, to be honest. I've read a lot of books, but none of them have taught me anything about playing tag in space.</span>
You chuckle to yourself.
<span style="color:limegreen">Anyway, let's keep going, Percy.</span>
[[Agreed|mon4]]You and Leo decide to travel through the asteroid field. You narrowly evade the barrage of rocks.
<<set $rocks to true>>
<span style="color:limegreen">OW! Ugh, I think one these things got me.</span>
You travel back to help Leo. Thankfully, he seems alright for the most part thanks to the protective layer of his uniform.
<span style="color:limegreen">I'm sorry Percy...I was never a real sporty kinda guy. I've read a lot of books, but none of them have taught me anything about playing dodgeball in space.</span>
Leo sheepishly smiles.
<span style="color:limegreen">Let's keep going then, Percy.</span>
[[Agreed|mon4]]You and Leo reach the Alpha star.
<span style="color:limegreen">Umm...I'll follow your lead, Percy!</span>
You nod back at him and fix your gaze at a large orange star - the uniform protects your body from its powerful heat.
[[TALK|star2.1]]You try reaching out with your thoughts.
<span style="color:dodgerblue">Um... hello?</span>
<span style="color:orange">Oh...hi. I think I'm...lost. Could you tell me where I am?</span>
[[You're at home.|star2.2a]]
[[You're in a peaceful place.|star2.2b]]
[[You're in a safe place.|star2.2c]]<span style="color:limegreen">Yeah, you're just taking a peaceful rest day right at home! There's tea boiling on the stove, and um...food on the table. Kick up your feet and uh...relax?</span>
<span style="color:orange">Oh...okay. I guess I am. It doesn't feel very homely though...wait. Wh-where is my family?</span>
[[Your family?|star2.3]]
<span style="color:limegreen">Yeah, you're just..um...going for a walk...in the woods! There are lush forests of green and the birds are chirping.</span>
<span style="color:orange">Oh...okay. It is a nice day out, I guess...wait. Wh-where is my family?</span>
[[Your family?|star2.3]]<span style="color:limegreen">Yeah, it's nice and safe right here, at the heart of the city. The cars are on their way, and the people are bustling on their way to work.</span>
<span style="color:orange">Oh...okay. It is a nice day out here in the city, I guess...wait. Wh-where is my family?</span>
[[Your family?|star2.3]]<span style="color:orange">Yes, yes. My dear wife Audrey, and my sweet little girl, Marnie... Um...where did they go? No...wait I..I can't remember...</span>
<span style="color:limegreen">Please, calm down, uh...um...</span>
<span style="color:orange">Keith.</span>
<span style="color:limegreen">Yes, Keith. Um..everything is going to be okay!</span>
<span style="color:orange">Why...why does that sound so familiar?</span>
[[Your family is safe.|star2.4]]<span style="color:orange">They are? Oh, that's a relief...</span>
<span style="color:limegreen">Yes...uh...we are protecting them.</span>
<span style="color:orange">Oh..it's all coming back to me now. They told us to evacuate London, said that the day had finally come.</span>
...
<span style="color:orange">Wait...then what am I doing here? I remember the sound of the planes arriving...and...and...</span>
[[Take it easy, Keith.|star2.5]]<span style="color:orange">I sent...I sent Audrey and Marnie off and...I don't remember anything else past that...</span>
<span style="color:limegreen">Take it nice and slow, Keith. You uh...hit your head back there, so the doctors have um...told you to be careful.</span>
<span style="color:orange">Right...right... I just want to see my family though, doc.</span>
[[They're perfectly fine.|star2.6a]]
[[They're waiting for you to feel better.|star2.6b]]
[[They're in a better place.|star2.6c]]
<span style="color:orange">I know they are...Sir Churchill promised us we'd be safe...but it feels like forever since I've seen them. It would make me so so happy to see their beautiful faces again...
Oh dear Audrey...and my sweet Marnie. What I wouldn't give to hold them again.</span>
Leo looks at you with a concerned expression. He motions with his hands, signalling his panic.
[[Do you have any hobbies, Keith?|star2.7]]
[[How is your life going, Keith?|star2.7]]
[[The weather sure is lovely, isn't it, Keith?|star2.7]]<span style="color:orange">I know they are. Sir Churchill promised us we'd be safe...but..it feels like forever since I've seen them. It would make me so so happy to see their beautiful faces again...
Oh dear Audrey...and my sweet Marnie. What I wouldn't give to hold them again.</span>
Leo looks at you with a concerned expression. He motions with his hands, signalling his panic.
[[Do you have any hobbies, Keith?|star2.7]]
[[How is your life going, Keith?|star2.7]]
[[The weather sure is lovely, isn't it, Keith?|star2.7]]<span style="color:limegreen">Um.. what my partner here is trying to say is that they are in a better city...uh..um..go Manchester?</span>
<span style="color:orange">Ha ha ha...I know they are. Sir Churchill promised us we'd be safe...but..it feels like forever since I've seen them. It would make me so so happy to see their beautiful faces again...
Oh dear Audrey...and my sweet Marnie. What I wouldn't give to hold them again.</span>
Leo looks at you with a concerned expression. He motions with his hands, signalling his panic.
[[Do you have any hobbies, Keith?|star2.7]]
[[How is your life going, Keith?|star2.7]]
[[The weather sure is lovely, isn't it, Keith?|star2.7]]<span style="color:orange">...you're not doctors, are you.</span>
<span style="color:limegreen">I..uh...no, no we're just um...nurses.</span>
<span style="color:orange">It's okay. I think I...I know what happened that day now.
I evacuated Marnie and Audrey...on the bus. I..I didn't go with them. I stayed behind to fight.</span>
[[...|star2.8]]<span style="color:orange">I guess...that I didn't make it, did I?</span>
<span style="color:limegreen">Keith...</span>
<span style="color:orange">...it's okay. I appreciate that you two tried to make an old man happy, one last time.</span>
<span style="color:limegreen">Aww...</span>
<span style="color:orange">Ha..ha ha..truth be told, I really wish I could hug my family again. I wish I could see them one last time...I miss them so so much.</span>
[[You gave your life so they could live theirs.|star2.9a]]
[[You did what you could.|star2.9c]]
[[You helped them have a future.|star2.9b]]<span style="color:orange">Hmm....I guess you're right. Just knowing that they got to live their lives makes me feel a little better already.</span>
<span style="color:limegreen">You know...I think your family would have been happy to hear you say that.</span>
You hear Keith's spirit laugh to himself.
<span style="color:orange">Life is so...weird. One day you're running from the war, and the next you're talking to a bunch of kids in space.</span>
[[Our short existence give life meaning.|star2.10]]
[[We just have to keep moving forward.|star2.10]]
<span style="color:orange">Hmm....I guess you're right. Just knowing that little Marnie had a future in a world without the war... makes me feel a little better already.</span>
<span style="color:limegreen">You know...I think she would have been happy to hear you say that.</span>
You hear Keith's spirit laugh to himself.
<span style="color:orange">Life is so...weird. One day you're running from the war, and the next you're talking to a bunch of kids in space.</span>
[[Our short existence give life meaning.|star2.10]]
[[We just have to keep moving forward.|star2.10]]<span style="color:orange">I guess I did...</span>
<span style="color:orange">But... I couldn't...if I did what I could...why can't I see them? Please...I just want to see my wife...and my child...</span>
<span style="color:limegreen">Keith, you tried your best. That's what matters. Please...please calm down!</span>
<<shake>><span style="color:orange">No..no...I don't understand...if I tried my best, WHY AM I STILL STUCK HERE!?</span><</shake>>
[[Keith...|star2.10b]]
<span style="color:orange">Ha..ha ha...I agree. On that note...I think it's time for me to get going.</span>
<span style="color:limegreen">Keith...it was nice talking to you.</span>
<span style="color:orange">Likewise, you boys remind me of Marnie...always so optimistic...maybe I'll see her soon. And my wife too...and a lot of people...</span>
The star slowly fades away.
<<set $stars to $stars + 1>><<set $keith to true>>
[[NEXT|star2enda]]<span style="color:orange">Just...shut up. Please...just leave me alone. I didn't try hard enough...I deserve this fate.</span>
<span style="color:limegreen">Keith, don't be so hard on yourself.</span>
...
<span style="color:orange">Just...leave me be.</span>
<<set $keith to false>>
...
[[NEXT|star2bad]]You and Leo leave the Alpha area, propelling yourself forward past the asteroid field.
<span style="color:limegreen">Well, I guess that could have gone a bit better.</span>
You sadly nod your head.
<span style="color:limegreen">That Keith lost everything...and spent time up here wondering why. I hope maybe someday he'll find the peace he's looking for.</span>
[[Yeah.|star2end2]]You and Leo leave the Alpha area, propelling yourself forward past the asteroid field.
<span style="color:limegreen">I think that went pretty well, eh, Percy?</span>
You nod your head.
<span style="color:limegreen">That Keith lost everything...and spent time up here wondering why. But now maybe he'll find peace in another world...maybe he'll see his loved ones again!</span>
[[Definitely!|star2end2]]<span style="color:limegreen">Hey Percy, I think I-</span>
Leo's thought transmission cuts out. You look back and see him struggling for air.
<span style="color:dodgerblue">No...no...LEO!</span>
<<if $rocks is true>>The asteroid must have damaged Leo's air system. Maybe it ripped a hole or something in his uniform? Oh god..no..Leo...<<else>>Using extra air to get around the asteroid field must have used up Leo's air supply. Or maybe it got blocked from the sudden propulsion? Oh god...no...Leo...<</if>>
[[Hurry and help Leo!|leono]]You rush over to Leo and attach an auxiliary oxygen tube from your suit to his.
<span style="color:limegreen">Haa..haaaaa...oh god...Percy...it was so..scary...</span>
[[Everything's going to be okay.|leono1]]
[[You're safe now.|leono1]]<span style="color:limegreen">Oh...thank god...thank you Percy. I thought I was going to become a star myself...</span>
You support Leo with your arm and use the remainder of your air to propel back to the shuttle.
[[Enter the shuttle.|interlude2]]You and Leo arrive at the ship. Cassie and Ori sit at the desk, talking.
"There they are! How was-OH GOD LEO!?" Ori dashes over to Leo and carries him over to a bed. You and Cassie follow him as fast as your legs will allow.
"What the <<shake>>HELL<</shake>> happened out there, Percy?" Ori shouts.
"It's...it's not Percy's fault...I was reckless, that's all." Leo weakly responds.
"Oh Leo...you big ol' idiot...what did you do this time?" Cassie gently holds Leo's hand.
"Ha..ha..ha..well we went for a nice jog in an asteroid field..." Leo closes his eyes.
"Well...what's done is done." Ori affirms. "When you wake up, I'm going to give you boys a stern talking to..."
The three of you return to the helm to let Leo get some rest. You explain the situation to Ori and Cassie, Ori reprimands you for taking such a huge risk, but<<if $keith is true>> congratulates you for setting Keith's star free.<<else>> commends you for your efforts in trying to free Keith's star.<</if>>
He sends you and Cassie off to submit your reports.
[[REPORT|report2]]
MONOCEROS REPORT
AUG 09,20XX
PERSONNEL: PERCY MORGENSTERN, LEO MURRAY
STAR STATUS:<<if $keith is true>> Faded away.<<else>> Remains in space.<</if>>
Subject, Keith was a civilian casualty of war in the Battle of Britain, most likely around 1940. He'd previously lived a peaceful life with his wife Audrey and daughter Marnie, but sent his family away by bus for fear of the enemy's air raids.<<if $keith is true>> Keith reconciled with the loss of his family, accepting the ramifications of his noble sacrifice, and peacefully moved on.<<elseif $keith is false>> Keith was unable to come to terms with his noble sacrifice, and remains an angry, confused star in the dark sky.<</if>>
[[NEXT DAY|day3]]A couple weeks pass.
Thankfully, Leo recovers fairly quickly. Eventually the four of you are playing SOMNIUS on the couch and living the space life once again. Your crew steadily relays the data back to the base, and the Starchasers at home commend you for your hard work.
The ship sets off for the third destination. Ori describes it as the Lacerta Sector, named for the lizard.
"Booooring," Cassie comments.
"Awww I think it's kinda neat a little guy like that gets a star sector," Leo says. "It's like some kinda underdog constellation!"
"You'd know, Leo." Cassie chuckles.
Ori shakes his head with a grin.
[[Enter the airlock.|day3a]]As you put on your uniform, Ori points at Leo. "Now, I'm sorry Leo, but I'm gonna have to ask you to sit this one out."
Leo pouts. "Aww...come on, Captain. I'm perfectly fine now!"
"I know, son. But the ship is still repairing your uniform - that air mechanism is still pretty messed up." Ori shrugs.
"Awww...fine. I guess I'll just have to stay here and beat your high score on 'What Would You Do For Honey!'" Leo grins.
"Ya cheeky little guy..." Ori laughs. "Anyway, I'll go and take the northern sector. Percy, you and Cassie will take the EV Lacertae, in the southern sector."
[[What's the EV Lacertae?|day3b]]"EV Lacertae...is a flare star," Cassie comments.
"Wow, you're pretty smart when you're not being a total downer, Cass!" Leo smiles.
"Shut up, asteroid-boy. When did you learn to grow a spine anyway?" Cassie laughs.
"Now now, let's just get on with the mission before you two hurt each other. Percy, do you know what a flare star is?" Ori points at you.
[[Yes.|day3c1]]
[[No.|day3c2]]"Hah, knew you were a smarty, Perce!" Ori chuckles.
"But in case you lot didn't know, a flare star is a special star that emits unpredictable flashes of brightness. The scientists back home believe it to be because of a magnetic field," Ori explains.
"That's not true though, isn't it, Ori?" Cassie asks.
"Hmm...you're a sharp one, Cass!" Ori says. "Cassie is right. The real reason flare stars glow so unpredictably is because of the emotional instability of the souls that inhabit it."
"Wow, I didn't think that would affect the way a star forms..." Leo muses.
[[That's incredible.|day3d]]
[[That's so strange.|day3d]]"Aww come on, Perce. Thought you'd studied this in class!" Ori chuckles.
"Anyway, a flare star is a special star that emits unpredictable flashes of brightness. The scientists back home believe it to be because of a magnetic field," Ori explains.
"That's not true though, isn't it, Ori?" Cassie asks.
"Hmm...you're a sharp one, Cass!" Ori says. "Cassie is right. The real reason flare stars glow so unpredictably is because of the emotional instability of the souls that inhabit it."
"Wow, I didn't think that would affect the way a star forms..." Leo muses.
[[That's incredible.|day3d]]
[[That's so strange.|day3d]]Ori crosses his arms. "When you've been a Starchaser for as long as I have...you see a lot of incredible stuff."
"Anyway, let's move out, Starchasers! Here's to another great day!"
You and the crew give each other fist bumps. It's a thing now, apparently.
[[Exit the Airlock.|lac1]]You exit the shuttle. You and Cassie travel towards Lacerta's Tail and wave good bye to Ori as he heads for the northern sector.
<span style="color:indianred">Okay, come on Perce. Let's get this done.</span>
You nod and propel towards the flare star.
[[Travel forward.|lac2]]You and Cassie glide across the night sky.
Icy comets fly about overhead as you duck for cover.
<span style="color:indianred">Ugh, I'm not pulling a Leo today. These comets could be dangerous if we get too close to them.</span>
[[How so?|lac3]]<span style="color:indianred">These stupid rocks emit gases when they get too warm - it's called outgassing.</span>
You nod apprehensively.
<span style="color:indianred">But you don't care for the scientific definition do you? Yeah, me neither.
The truth is, when these things get close to stars, they absorb fragments of the star's memories. When they outgas, they release some of those memories back into the world.
If you're exposed to too much of this gas, you might get lost in these memories. It's like a personal hell, being trapped in someone else's thoughts.
So just don't touch them.</span>
[[I won't.|lac4]]
<span style="color:indianred">Good. Else I'll be doing all the work on this mission while you're in la la land.</span>
You roll your eyes and smile as you and Cassie approach the flare star. It glows a radiant green, and you can feel the heat radiating from it through your uniform.
[[TALK|star3.1]]You try reaching out with your thoughts.
<span style="color:dodgerblue">Um... hello?</span>
<span style="color: mediumseagreen">Hello.</span>
As you hear the response in your head, you note that it sounds like a child's voice.
[[Who are you?|star3.2]]
<span style="color: mediumseagreen">Hailey.</span>
<span style="color:indianred">My god. You're just a child.</span>
You notice Cassie shudder a little.
<span style="color:indianred">Wh-where are your parents, Hailey?</span>
<span style="color: mediumseagreen">I..I don't know.</span>
[[How did you get here?|star3.3]]<span style="color: mediumseagreen">I..I don't know, mister. I was in a white room..and these people with white uniforms were around me.</span>
<span style="color: indianred">Jesus. Did some people abduct you or something?</span>
<span style="color: mediumseagreen">N..no the nice people were trying to help me.
There were these big machines...we were inside them...they helped us...breathe.</span>
[[Were you sick?|star3.4]]<span style="color: mediumseagreen">I...I was. They told me I had..pol.</span>
<span style="color: indianred">You..you had polio?</span>
<span style="color: mediumseagreen">...</span>
You can't see anything but a large flaring star in front of you, but you imagine a young girl nodding her head sadly.
[[It's going to be okay.|star3.5]]
[[Things will be alright.|star3.5]]<span style="color: mediumseagreen">I..I just want to see my mommy and daddy.</span>
Cassie looks at you with a feverish expression.
<span style="color: mediumseagreen">Please...can't you take me to them?</span>
[[Your mom and dad are waiting for you.|star3.6]]
[[Your mom and dad are far far away.|star3.bad]]<span style="color: mediumseagreen">That's what the people with the white clothes were saying.
But I haven't seen them in so long.</span>
<span style="color: indianred">Hailey, it's okay. Your parents love you very much. They just can't see you right now because then they'll get sick.
You don't want that, do you?</span>
<span style="color: mediumseagreen">I...I understand. But I miss them, I'm so...so alone here.</span>
[[We're here with you, Hailey.|star3.7]]
[[You've got us here.|star3.7]]<<shake>><span style="color:mediumseagreen">No...NO NO NO! GET ME OUT GET ME OUT GET ME OUT</span><</shake>>
<span style="color:indianred">Now you've done it, Percy. We need to get out of here before Hailey's solar flares kill us.</span>
<<set $hailey to false>>
You and Cassie blast out of the flare star's vicinity. The solar flares knock you forward as the sound of a crying child fills your head.
[[NEXT|interlude3]]
<span style="color: mediumseagreen">But I can't...see you. I can't touch you. I can't even hear you...you just speak...through me...I'm all alone here...</span>
<span style="color: indianred">We're right here, Hailey....can't you s-see? Look around you, at the beautiful scenery! Um, Percy, what do you see?</span>
[[Tall trees.|star3a]]
[[Fluffy clouds.|star3b]]
[[Classroom walls.|star3bad2]]You and Cassie return back the shuttle.
"Poor kid..." Cassie says as you enter the airlock. "I hope another starchaser calms her down..."
You nod.
[[Enter the Ship.|interlude3a]]<span style="color:indianred">Uh, yeah, just look around at those trees, can't you feel the wind blowing their branches back and forth?</span>
<span style="color:mediumseagreen">I..I guess so. I wish..I wish my parents were here to see them with me.</span>
[[Your parents are always with you.|star3.8]]
[[Your mom and dad are always in your heart.|star3.8]]<span style="color:indianred">Uh, yeah, just look up at those clouds, here's one that looks like an elephant! And look, there's one that looks like a lollipop! Isn't that so cool?</span>
<span style="color:mediumseagreen">I..I guess so. I wish..I wish my parents were here to watch them with me.</span>
[[Your parents are always with you.|star3.8]]
[[Your mom and dad are always in your heart.|star3.8]]<<shake>><span style="color:mediumseagreen">No...NO NO NO! I DONT WANT TO BE LOCKED IN HERE GET ME OUT GET ME OUT</span><</shake>>
<span style="color:indianred">Now you've done it, Percy. We need to get out of here before Hailey's solar flares kill us.</span>
<<set $hailey to false>>
You and Cassie blast out of the flare star's vicinity. The solar flares knock you forward as the sound of a crying child fills your head.
[[NEXT|interlude3]]
<span style="color:mediumseagreen">But..but how can they if I can't even see them?</span>
[[Because they love you very much.|star3.9]]
[[Because they care about you very much.|star3.9]]<span style="color:indianred">Hey...listen, kid. Let me tell you a story.
When I was your age, I didn't see my parents a lot, like you. They were both stupid ol' starchasers, so they spent all their time travelling up in the sky.
Sometimes I would even doubt if they even existed. Sometimes I'd curse them for not being here with me. Sometimes I would sit down and cry in my room.
Now, one day...their ship had an accident. They crashed right into a huge star in the Libra Sector. At first, I wasn't sad - I'd only seen my mom and pop three times in my whole life. But then...then they received a transmission from the lost ship.
My parents told me that every single day they spent up there...they never stopped thinking of me....that I...mattered more to them than anything else. I never stopped learning about their jobs...so I could get closer to them.
Hailey...your parents will always care about you. They'll love you with every fiber of their being, because you are their whole world.</span>
[[...|star3.10]]<span style="color:mediumseagreen">I..I...okay. If they love me so much, then I...I let them DOWN.
I never got to be a famous actress or a movie star or anything. I'm just here...in this darkness.</span>
The flare star begins to emit small solar flares. Cassie motions for you get to get back to avoid any uniform damage.
<span style="color:mediumseagreen">I never got to grow up. I never got to see Paris - my mommy said we'd go visit together...</span>
<span style="color:indianred">Oh Hailey...</span>
[[You became something beautiful.|star3.11]]
[[You became something magnificent.|star3.11]]<span style="color:mediumseagreen">I..I did?</span>
<span style="color:indianred">Yeah. Hailey, you became a flare star. You shine brighter than all the of the night sky's lights. Your parents...would have been proud of you.</span>
Cassie has tears in her eyes.
<span style="color:mediumseagreen">I..I am a beautiful star...I think I feel...happy.</span>
You hear Hailey giggle a little in her thoughts.
The flare star begins to glow brighter.
Cassie motions for you to get away from the blast radius.
<span style="color:indianred">PERCY! MOVE!</span>
[[Hurry and get away!|interlude3good]]<span style="color:mediumseagreen">Mommy...daddy..I'm so beautiful...</span>
The star explodes in a huge supernova.
<<set $stars to $stars + 1>><<set $hailey to true>>
[[NEXT|star3enda]]You and Cassie return back the shuttle.
"Don't you dare tell Leo any of this, alright?" Cassie says as you enter the airlock. "Or else it'll be your butt flying into orbit."
You nod with a chuckle.
[[Enter the Ship.|interlude3a]]You and Cassie arrive at the helm. Leo is already there, doodling in his notebook.
Leo looks up at you. "Hey, how'd it go, guys?"
<<if $hailey is true>>"None of your damn business. Just kidding, it went pretty well," Cassie smiles.
"Hah, that's great to hear!" Leo beams.<<else>>"It could have gone better. Perce screwed it up.," Cassie explains.
"Aww, I'm sorry to hear that. Better luck next time, I suppose." Leo says.<</if>>
You look around, but you don't see Ori anywhere.
[[Where's the Captain?|interlude3b]]"I don't know, I haven't seen him," Leo shrugs.
"Lacerta is a big sector, maybe he's still working on the stars in the north..." Cassie muses.
You and Cassie sit down at the table.
"Guess we should just file today's report for now and wait for the Captain to come back."
[[REPORT|report3]]MONOCEROS REPORT
SEP 14,20XX
PERSONNEL: PERCY MORGENSTERN, CASSIOPEIA HAYASHI
STAR STATUS:<<if $hailey is true>> Faded away.<<else>> Remains in space.<</if>>
Subject, Hailey, was a young child living in era of the Polio outbreak, most likely in the early 20th century. She was most likely afflicted with the disease, being isolated in the hospital and using an Iron Lung to respire. She did not see much of her parents after being sent to the hospital.<<if $hailey is true>> Hailey missed her family very much, and lamented over her loss of life - but made peace with her missed experiences, exploding in a huge supernova and fading away peacefully.<<elseif $keith is false>> Hailey missed her family very much, and lamented over her loss of life. This anger and confusion caused her star's flares to resonate, forcing us back. She remains an unstable flare star in the night sky.<</if>>
[[NEXT DAY|day4]]A few days pass.
You and the crew wait eagerly for Ori's return, but he is nowhere to be found.
One day, Leo conducts a huge sonar scan but it is no good.
Ultimately, Cassie suggests to file a MIA report for Ori. Despite objections from the crew, you decide to follow through and assume the worst.
Cassie sets the autopilot to return to earth.
[[A few more days pass.|day4.1]]
As you pack up your things, you notice Leo in his room being awfully silent.
[[Check on him.|day4.2]]
[[Ignore him.|day4.2b]]You decide to check on Leo, you knock his door gently.
"AH OH GOD!" Leo jumps. "Oh..oh it's just you. Hi, Percy."
[[Everything okay?|day4.3]]
[[What's the matter?|day4.3]]You decide to walk past Leo's door.
You feel him tap you on the shoulder.
"Hey...hey, Percy. If you have a minute, I wanna show you something."
[[Enter Leo's room.|extra]]"Well...it's kind of a secret...but I guess I'll tell you."
Leo shows you a small hand-crafted heart-shaped asteroid.
"Well on our second mission...when we were at that asteroid field...<<if $rocks is true>>I got hit by one of those rocks on purpose...I just needed a tiny piece.<<else>>I used a little extra bit of air to grab a small piece of asteroid.<</if>> I've been working on a little..project."
[[What's this project?|day4.4a]]
[[That was risky, you could have been seriously hurt.|day4.4b]]"Well...the first mission in Sagittarius really bummed Cassie out, and since then I've been thinking of ways to cheer her up!" Leo's green eyes glow up.
"So, I've been working on this little asteroid necklace for her."
[[That's a nice gesture.|day4.5a]]
[[Isn't that a little cheesy?|day4.5b]]"I know..I know. But...well...the first mission in Sagittarius really bummed Cassie out, and since then I've been thinking of ways to cheer her up!" Leo's green eyes glow up.
"So, I've been working on this little asteroid necklace for her."
[[That's a nice gesture.|day4.5a]]
[[Isn't that a little cheesy?|day4.5b]]Leo sits down at his desk and unveils a small hand-crafted heart-shaped asteroid.
"Well on our second mission...when we were at that asteroid field...<<if $rocks is true>>I got hit by one of those rocks on purpose...I just needed a tiny piece.<<else>>I used a little extra bit of air to grab a small piece of asteroid.<</if>> I've been working on a little..project."
[[What's this project?|day4.4a]]
[[That was risky, you could have been seriously hurt.|day4.4b]]"Thanks, Percy! I knew you of all people would understand!" Leo smiles.
Suddenly, the asteroid begins to glow a deep yellow colour.
"Umm...whoaaa...what's happening!? Percy!?" Leo yells.
[[Suddenly...]]"Aww come on, Percy. I thought you of all people would understand..." Leo smiles.
Suddenly, the asteroid begins to glow a deep yellow colour.
"Umm...whoaaa...what's happening!? Percy!?" Leo yells.
[[Suddenly...]]There's nothing but [[darkness.]]You try and regain composure for a moment.
You can't feel your body, but you still feel your own being.
You try and look around. You can't see anything, but you can somehow feel Leo's presence close to you.
[[Leo?|leo]]<span style="color:limegreen">Percy? Where are we?</span>
You try and reach out, but there's nothing there.
Suddenly, you hear a [[voice.|ori]]<span style="color:khaki">Rigel...I am so so sorry.</span>
It sounds like Ori.
<span style="color:chocolate">No..no. I deserve this fate...for being a failure.</span>
You don't recognize the other voice. Is it a star?
<span style="color:khaki">No...I never stopped believing in you, even after...</span>
<span style="color:chocolate">Please...just s-shut up. I made this decision on my own.</span>
[[...|ori2]]<span style="color:khaki">You were never a failure...I was the one who failed you.</span>
<span style="color:chocolate">...</span>
<span style="color:khaki">I should have listened..I should have...I should have been there for you.</span>
<span style="color:chocolate">...</span>
[[...|ori3]]<span style="color:khaki">Well this time...this time I will be. I'll be here for you, son. No matter what.</span>
<span style="color:chocolate">Dad...</span>
<span style="color:khaki">Rigel...the day you came into my life was the most beautiful day of my entire life.
I was always proud of everything you did. But I wasn't the best father I could be. I should have listened. I shouldn't have brushed you off. I should have realized you were suffering.</span>
[[...|ori4]]
<span style="color:khaki">For the last couple years, I wished I turn back time and take back what I said to you. I wished...I wished I could see you again and tell you that I was sorry.
I studied as hard as I could to become a starchaser. Because..because even if there was a small chance of seeing you again...
I would gladly throw my life away for it.</span>
<span style="color:chocolate">Dad..you did all that for me?</span>
<span style="color:khaki">I'd do it again and again, Rigel. I wish I could hold my son one last time...but it seems that fate has given us this opportunity instead.
So..I'm sorry.</span>
<span style="color:chocolate">I..I forgive you. I wish I didn't do what I did...like you I wish I could turn back time and stop it from happening...but it's okay.
I got to see you again. That's what matters.</span>
[[...|ori5]]You feel Rigel's star fade away.
<span style="color:khaki">Ha..haaaa..haaa..oh god...my...my air supply...I guess I...I...spent too much time with you...my son.</span>
You feel Ori's presence begin to dwindle.
<span style="color:khaki">Sit tight, Rigel. I'll...I'll be with you soon. Promise.</span>
Suddenly, the vision [[fades away.]]You suddenly regain consciousness back in Leo's room.
Leo jostles you awake. "Percy...did you see what I just saw?"
You nod your head.
"The captain...I didn't know that he...that his..." Leo tries to finish his sentence, but can't stop bawling.
You put your head down as well.
[[...|orion]]Cassie enters the room. "What's all the commotion about?"
Leo keeps silent, sobbing away.
[[Tell Cassie what happened.|cassiea]]
[[Keep it a secret.|cassieb]]You tell Cassie about the strange vision, and Ori's final words.
"Oh god...Captain...well at least that old guy finally got to see his son. Of all the stars in this damned sky, and he happened to find the one that he's been searching for. Incredible." Cassie muses.
You nod.
"Let's go to the helm and file a report then, for the Captain's memory," Leo says.
[[Go to the helm.|helm1a]]"What, you crybabies are keeping a secret from me?" Cassie snaps at you. "Fine, don't tell me then."
She storms off.
"I...I..I'd better tell Cassie then. It's only fair that she knows what happened."
You nod.
[[Go to the helm.|helm1b]]You arrive at the helm with Cassie and Leo.
Tears are shed by all three of you, but you guys manage to file a report back to Starchaser headquarters.
[[...|helm2]]You join Leo and Cassie at the helm.
Cassie is in tears, Leo has most likely told her what he saw in the vision already.
"Oh god...Captain...well at least that old guy finally got to see his son. Of all the stars in this damned sky, and he happened to find the one that he's been searching for. Incredible." Cassie muses.
"Let's file a report then, for the Captain's memory," Leo says.
The three of you file the report back to Starchaser headquarters.
[[...|helm2]]A long silence ensues.
"So...what should we do now, Percy?" Leo asks.
"I hate to admit it, but you're the most qualified one here," Cassie remarks. "What now, acting-captain?"
[[Return to Earth.|endbad]]
<<if $stars is 3>>[[Search for Ori's star.|search1]]<<else>><</if>>"Percy's right...we'll have to return home then," Cassie sadly replies.
<<set $ori to false>>
"At least we got to see the Captain's final moments," Leo says. "And even if those moments were short, they were with someone very special to him."
You nod your head.
It's been a strange adventure in space, but maybe it's time to go home.
[[Reflect|endbad2]]"You really think he's still out there?" Cassie asks.
"He could have..he could have stayed behind, right?" Leo responds.
Cassie puts her hand on her chin. "Even if he is...how would we find him?"
[[Starchaser intuition.|search2a]]
[[The asteroid.|search2b]]
[[Search the cosmos.|search2c]]
"Come on, star-for-brains. Even the greatest starchaser in the world wouldn't be able to do that," Cassie says.
The three of you sit down at the table, disappointed.
"Hey...wait. What about the necklace?" Cassie asks.
"Wait..YOU KNOW ABOUT IT?" Leo asks.
Cassie crosses her arms. "Leo, you idiot. You've been in your room so often these past couple weeks, I'm sure even the STARS know about it by now."
"Aww...I wanted it to be a surprise," Leo mumbles.
"Anyway, we can use the asteroid to track down Ori's position in space," Cassie says.
[[Activate the Asteroid Tracker.|search3]]"Hmmm... that's a good idea! The one that Leo was turning into a necklace right?" Cassie says.
"Wait..YOU KNOW ABOUT IT?" Leo asks.
Cassie crosses her arms. "Leo, you idiot. You've been in your room so often these past couple weeks, I'm sure even the STARS know about it by now."
"Aww...I wanted it to be a surprise," Leo mumbles.
"Anyway, we can use the asteroid to track down Ori's position in space," Cassie says.
[[Activate the Asteroid Tracker.|search3]]"Hah! That's rich. Do you know how impossibly long it would take to search even one tiny little corner of space?" Cassie says.
"Actually, I've got a better idea. What about the necklace that Leo was working on?"
"Wait..YOU KNOW ABOUT IT?" Leo asks.
Cassie crosses her arms. "Leo, you idiot. You've been in your room so often these past couple weeks, I'm sure even the STARS know about it by now."
"Aww...I wanted it to be a surprise," Leo mumbles.
"Anyway, we can use the asteroid to track down Ori's position in space," Cassie says.
[[Activate the Asteroid Tracker.|search3]]The asteroid analysis pulls up a set of coordinates in an unidentified sector. Leo enters the coordinates into the ship's autopilot, and it shifts directions.
You and the crew eagerly await your final mission on this trip, finding your lost captain.
"You know..." Cassie says. "It was...kinda sweet of you to make that necklace that for me, Leo."
"Well..I...uh..um...you see..." Leo tries to get out words, but fails dramatically.
"Just shut up, loverboy," Cassie says.
You chuckle to yourself.
[[Travel to the Coordinates.|search4]]The trip takes a few days. In the meantime, you and the crew decide that you will be the one to encounter Ori.
"You know him the best," Cassie says. "It might be for the best... that your voice is the one he hears out there."
You suit up in the airlock, and launch towards space.
[[Travel to the star.|star4.1]]You travel through the cosmos, until you reach a large star. It radiates a brilliant yellow colour.
[[TALK|star4.2]]You try reaching out with your thoughts.
<span style="color:dodgerblue">Um... hello?</span>
<span style="color: khaki">Ah...Percy. Took ya long enough.</span>
[[Orion.|star4.3]]<span style="color: khaki">That's my name, kid. Don't wear it out. </span>
You chuckle. It's definitely Ori.
<span style="color: khaki">I'm assuming you saw what happened?</span>
[[Yeah.|star4.4]]<span style="color: khaki">Yeah. Those little rocks make great messengers. Much better than e-mail, really.. ah ha ha!
But anyway, I'm glad I got to see you again, Percy. I was hoping I'd be able to see you before I moved on.</span>
You nod your head.
<span style="color: khaki">On my first mission...we lost our captain too. Life is so peculiar, isn't it? Sometimes we humans try and invent reasons and rules to make sense of it but...life always finds ways to surprise us.</span>
[[Life is what we make it.|star4.5]]
[[Surprises make life interesting.|star4.5]]
Ori chuckles.
<span style="color: khaki">You always had quite a way with words, Percy! You know...you'll make a fine starchaser.
Whether you're chasing the past, like me, or chasing the future, like Cassie and Leo...I know you'll do great. Because you're patient. Because you listen to others. And because you care about them.
Heck, I think Nicolas, Keith, and Hailey would all agree! If it weren't for you, they'd still be drifting forever in space. It's because you stepped in and listened to them that they could move on.</span>
[[Thank you, sir.|star4.6]]<span style="color: khaki">Didn't I tell you to just call me Ori? Ha ha ha! I'm just pulling your leg.
Anyway, I think it's time for me to join Rigel. I've kept the poor lad waiting for so long. I did promise him I'd keep him company after all.
Thank you, Percy. For everything. It's been an honour to serve with you.</span>
[[No, thank you, Ori.|star4.7]]The star slowly fades away. You initially raise your hand to salute your fallen captain, but instead opt to give him an "air" fist-bump.
<<set $stars to $stars + 1>><<set $ori to true>>
[[NEXT|ori's wish]]You return to the ship, where Leo and Cassie wait for you.
You tell them Ori's final words, and you all pay your respects on the ride home. When your crew boots up a copy of "Not Your Typical Reincarnation" or "The Executioner," they leave an empty controller and spot on the couch.
You assume the Captain's duties, deciding to report on Ori's star through a live video chat. The chasers are more than happy to have you on board, commending your efforts and wishing Ori a peaceful voyage.
[[Reflect.|wish2]]Weeks quickly become months. Months quickly become years.
You spend your time at the Starchaser HQ, training new chasers on their first mission to follow in your footsteps, as Ori once did.
On one mission, you take the launchies to Orion's Belt, a beautiful sector named after a famed Starchaser and protector of peace. You feel the gaze of a friend and you smile to yourself.
Leo becomes a teacher at the Chaser Academy. He teaches courses on psychology and human equity to young pupils from all around. You set up a pilot program with the school so Leo can take students on exciting field trips.
Cassie still embarks with the team every now and then, but she also runs an orphanage on the side. She takes the children to stargaze on the weekends - on one such occasion she notices a beautiful comet orbiting earth. She decides to name it Hailey's Comet after a beautiful star - though one of the children mispronounces it as Halley's Comet, and she decides to roll with it.
You meet with the old crew every now and then to play some video games and catch up on your lives. You still can't beat Ori's high score, but your crew never stops trying.
[[And, so...]]Weeks quickly become months. Months quickly become years.
You decide to retire early from the Starchasers. The stress of helping the stars move on becomes too much for you, and you decide to settle down in a quiet town.
Sometimes, you still hear the voices when you sleep. The voices of the stars you couldn't save, their regrets flowing through you under the night sky.
Leo remains in the Starchasers, he reluctantly takes the Captain role after you retire. He tries his best to train new recruits, but he still contacts you every now and then, to ask you to take over. Everytime, you tell him no with a sad expression.
Cassie initially quits the Starchasers. You don't hear much from her for years... One day, Leo tells you that a dark-haired woman has stolen a Starchaser airship. You both know who it is, and decide to keep it a secret. You never hear from Cassie again.
[[And, so...]]Life is beautiful.
<<timed 3s t8n>>Life is weird.
<<next>>Life doesn't make [[sense|end1]] sometimes.<</timed>>But every life is precious.
<<timed 2s t8n>>Every life is an opportunity.
<<next>>Every life is a [[surprise.|end2]]<</timed>>And in life, we're all chasing something.
<<timed 2s t8n>>Whether it's...<<next>>dreams...<<next>>wishes...<<next>>hope...<<next>>or even [[stars|end3]]...<</timed>>We make the best of the time we're [[given.|endfinal]]We shine bright like stars.
[[THE END|credits]]
Starchasers
Written by Simon Seto.
Music composed by Simon Seto.
Thanks for playing!Starchasers contains mature themes of death.
Player discretion is advised.
This game is best played with headphones or a speaker.
[[Back|Begin]]<<cacheaudio "main" "audio/starchasers.mp3">>