ariel giacobbe

EXCERPT FROM ACROSS THE VOID

Below is an excerpt from the published science fiction game, Across the Void, which I created and wrote for Pixelberry Studios/Nexon America. The majority of the coding has been removed from the sample for clarity, while most of the branching is intact. In this scene, the player is Eos, a Marshall for the Vanguard, the government sworn to protect the galaxy from their sworn enemy, the Void.

As you regain consciousness, the smell of decay fills your lungs and a sticky mist clouds your vision, rising up from the orange roots tangled between your feet. As the planet comes fully into view, you realize the Void have taken you to their unforgiving homeworld.

Pinpricks of pain dot your arm where your captors’ spiked gauntlets pierce through the fabric of your uniform into your skin as you’re dragged toward a row of rusted metal rockets.

EOS

Get your filthy hands off of me!

VOID SOLDIER

Quiet, Marshall!

The soldier smacks you across the face, and you feel blood coat your mouth as your lip splits open.

You struggle against your captors as they strap you into one of the rockets, restraining your arms, legs, and chest.

As they step back, you see Barlow standing before you. His once diplomatic, princely mannerisms are gone, replaced with a wicked smile on his face.

BARLOW

Marshall Elara. I’m so glad to see you’ve awakened just in time for the party.

EOS

Barlow…

CHOICE 1: You lying, rotten slime ball.	CHOICE 2: The Vanguard will make you pay.	CHOICE 3: You don’t have to do this.
EOS You pretend you want peace, but all you want is war. BARLOW Our goals are very similar. We want a galaxy undivided. The Void will eliminate the Vanguard and Jura, and we shall have just that.	EOS They’ll hunt you down across the galaxy if they have to. BARLOW I hope so. The future paths where they do look like so much fun.	EOS Whatever the Void has on you, the Vanguard can help. You’re not alone. BARLOW All of us are alone. That’s the only thing certain in this galaxy. That’s how we live and it’s how we die.

EOS

You’re completely psychopathic. There’s no reasoning with you.

BARLOW

I’m not the one you should worry about.

The Prince walks away with a smirk, his robes flowing out behind him. You call out at his retreating form.

EOS

Coward!  

A loud banging sound vibrates through the rocket as a giant Celd sets his hands down on either side of your head, instantly silencing you as the noise cuts through your eardrums.

EOS

Hello there…

CHOICE 1: You here to haunt my nightmares?	CHOICE 2: What sparkly eyes you have.
EOS I love a good scare. Your face really does the trick. QUANDRY Ooh, a sharp tongue. Remind me to rip it out to add to my collection before I’m done with you.	EOS Really stunning. I could stare into them all day. QUANDRY And you’ve got quite the smile. Remind me to carve off your face to add to my collection before I’m done with you.

He steps back and claps his hands together.

QUANDRY

You may call me Quandry. Being on a first name basis gives torture a more personal touch.

VARIABLE, “Fought Well”	VARIABLE, “Fought Mediocre”	VARIABLE, “Fought Poorly”
QUANDRY Barlow tells me that you fought valiantly on Ocana. How refreshing. He’s been longing for a challenge. [ACHIEVEMENT] Battle Born: You were a worthy match on Ocana! EOS Next time we fight, he won’t be able to report on it.	QUANDRY Barlow tells me that you fought valiantly on Ocana. Too bad you weren’t enough of a challenge to sustain his appetite. [ACHIEVEMENT] Battle Ready: You were a fair match on Ocana! EOS He had an army to hide behind. Next time he won’t be so lucky.	QUANDRY Barlow tells me how easily he defeated you on Ocana. Pity you were such a disappointment. [ACHIEVEMENT] Battle Rusty: You were no match on Ocana! EOS I wasn’t ready to kill him then. I won’t make that mistake next time.

Barlow reappears with another group of Void soldiers, who are restraining your partner, Zekei, and your superior officer, Deimos.

As you get a closer look at their torn, bloodstained clothing and see the full extent of their injuries, you let out a soft gasp.

EOS

Oh no…

Quandry’s eyes glimmer at Barlow as their Marshall prisoners are each wrestled into a rocket and strapped down.

QUANDRY

More guests of honor? My Prince, you spoil me.

BARLOW

Of course. You know I would give you the universe and more.

With Quandry and Barlow temporarily distracted, you turn your head to whisper to Zekei and Deimos, who are now on either side of you.

EOS

Hey…

CHOICE 1: Is everyone all right?	CHOICE 2: Don’t worry, we’ll find a way out of this.	CHOICE 3: Anyone else starting to panic?
EOS Any serious injuries? ZEKEI I’m fine. It’s mostly bruises. DEIMOSI wouldn’t mind giving the Void a few to match.	EOS We’ve survived worse than this. DEIMOS I’m looking forward to wringing a few of their necks. ZEKEI I’ll settle for just getting out of here in one piece.	EOS These rockets aren’t a good sign. ZEKEI You really think they’re operational? DEIMOS I overheard them say they launched one right before we got here. They’re definitely in working condition.

A rattling drum sound pulls your attention to a table made of bones where Quandry stands with his arms outstretched.

QUANDRY

Let us hear a great big welcome for our guests!

Cheers from the hundreds of Void gathered around rise steadily into a roar until Quandry silences them with a single movement of his hand.

QUANDRY

Years ago, at the height of the Void’s greatness, the Marshalls destroyed us. But we have risen stronger than ever, and this time it is the Vanguard who face extinction!

The crowd around you stomps their feet as their hollers grow more frenzied. Their leader jumps down and grabs your chin roughly.

[ACTION MENU]

CHOICE 1: Spit on him.	CHOICE 2: Remain silent.
You open your mouth and spit on his face in disgust. EOS Soon history will repeat itself, and the galaxy will forget you as quickly as it did before. Quandry growls and slaps you across the face with the back of his armored hand. QUANDRY Unfortunately, you won’t live long enough to see yourself proven wrong.	You glare at Quandry, biting your tongue and letting the hatred in your eyes burn into him. QUANDRY Gouging out your pretty eyes now would be a kindness. You wouldn’t have to watch me slaughter your compatriots.

He releases you, turning back to his soldiers.

QUANDRY

When we take back the stars, we will return our enemies to the void from which they came! The black velvet arms of space will embrace them with open arms, marking our overwhelming mercy!

As he speaks, you take in the fervor of the horde of soldiers, and the icy grip of true horror overtakes you.

QUANDRY

To honor this great sacrifice, the others will have no choice but to join us and live without limits!

The soldiers begin chanting, pounding their fists in the air. Quandry turns back to you.

QUANDRY

Time to entertain my guests. Let’s start with a game… Pick the Marshall you like the most and see what they win.

EOS

I’m not doing anything you say.

QUANDRY

If you don’t choose, I’ll put the two of them on skewers to feast on for our banquet tonight.

He spreads out his arms, dramatically showcasing Zekei and Deimos.

QUANDRY

So, who’s your favorite?

[ACTION MENU]

CHOICE 1: Zekei.	CHOICE 2: Deimos.	CHOICE 3: Me.
Your eyes flicker to Zekei, but you quickly avert them. EOS I don’t have a favorite. Quandry smirks and steps toward Zekei. The Void leader’s yellow eyes dissect every inch of him. QUANDRY Let me guess, you’re his partner? ZEKEI More than that. We grew up together. QUANDRY How sentimental.	Your eyes flicker to Deimos, but you quickly avert them. EOS I don’t have a favorite. Quandry smirks and steps toward Deimos. The Void leader’s yellow eyes dissect every inch of her. QUANDRY It looks like you’re our lucky contestant. DEIMOS Forgive me if I don’t squeal in excitement.	You plaster on your most charming smile. EOS I’m my own favorite Marshall. Quandry lets out a deep chuckle. QUANDRY Normally I’d say you were lying to save your friends, but in this case, I believe you. …Too bad that’s not how the game works. The Void leader turns his yellow eyes on Zekei. EOS You said I could pick– QUANDRY I lied. I choose him. ZEKEI It’s okay, Eos. You don’t have to protect me.

Turning back to the crowd, Quandry raises his voice to be heard over the barren surface of the planet.

QUANDRY

On to the first challenge! Bring me a torch!

Cheers erupt, and within seconds, Quandry is delivered a square shaped device with a long nozzle.

EOS

What are you going to do with that?

VARIABLE, “Zekei is victim”

VARIABLE, “Deimos is victim”

QUANDRY We’re placing bets to see how long he can stand the pain once the metal base of his rocket starts heating up. The soldiers begin shouting out wagers. Quandry switches on the torch, and positions its steady blue flame so it’s against the bottom of Zekei’s rocket. The rocket begins glowing red, the metal absorbing the heat and carrying it throughout. ZEKEI Please, stop. The leader of the Void laughs cruelly. QUANDRY I’ve only just started. As the surface turns white hot, Zekei lets out a bloodcurdling scream. ZEKEI Aggghhhhhh! You watch in horror as Zekei struggles against his bonds, trying to arc away from the metal burning his skin.

QUANDRY We’re placing bets to see how long she can stand the pain once the metal base of her rocket starts heating up. The soldiers begin shouting out wagers. Quandry switches on the torch, and positions its steady blue flame so it’s against the bottom of Deimos’s rocket. The rocket begins glowing red, the metal absorbing the heat and carrying it throughout. DEIMOS One day you’ll suffer the same fate as every Marshall you’ve killed or tortured, you divahalc kaltracon. The leader of the Void laughs cruelly. QUANDRY You’re not the first to have made that wish. As the surface turns white hot, Deimos lets out a bloodcurdling scream. DEIMOS Aggghhhhhh! You watch in horror as Deimos struggles against her bonds, trying to arc away from the metal burning her skin.

EOS

Enough!

CHOICE 1: Hurting others only makes you look weaker.	CHOICE 2: I’ll do whatever you want. Just stop.	CHOICE 3: Torture me. Not them.
EOS You’re nothing but a coward. Quandry rotates the flames of the torch toward himself. QUANDRY Let me show you how fearful I am. Your eyes widen as he holds the weapon up to his chest, burning a hole through his clothes… and melting a layer of his skin. EOS You’re insane. He chuckles and turns off the torch. QUANDRY You should give it a try. It’s so much more interesting this way. His cruel eyes roam over each Marshall, starting with you and ending with Zekei. As he starts to pull his gaze away, he focuses back on Deimos.	EOS Please. I’m begging you. Quandry turns off the torch, turning to you with a sinister grin. QUANDRY Now that’s what I like to hear. His cruel eyes roam over you, stopping at the Vanguard symbol on your chest. Something flickers across his face, and his gaze darts to Deimos, narrowing in on the same mark stitched into the white fabric of her Thol robes.	EOS I’m the one you want. Give me everything you’ve got. Quandry turns to you with a sinister grin. QUANDRY You may regret that. I’ve got so many ways to play with you. The torch continues to blaze as he approaches you, until you can feel its heat against your chest. EOS You’ll find I’m hard to break. QUANDRY Marshall, everything you stand for is right here. He brings the flames closer to the Vanguard symbol near your heart. QUANDRY So I think I’ll take that first. Something flickers in his eyes as he looks at the mark again. He turns off the torch.  His gaze darts to Deimos, narrowing in on the Vanguard symbol stitched into the white fabric of her Thol robes.

Backing up from you, he moves toward Deimos.

QUANDRY

Have I mentioned how lovely your clothes are? They’re so different from the Marshall uniform.

Deimos grits her teeth.

DEIMOS

What an honor to be noticed.

He runs his fingers along the frame of the open metal door on Deimos’s rocket. It swings gently on its hinges.

QUANDRY

I’ve never seen a Vanguard mark featured so formally. It makes me think your rank may be even higher than your pretty Cyber pet.

You try to hold Quandry’s attention as he eyes you. Anything to keep him from focusing on Deimos.

EOS

I’ve always wanted to have a psychopath find me attractive.

With a smirk, the Void leader refocuses his attention on Deimos.

QUANDRY

Tell me who you are, or I’ll have to guess it’s someone important. And if that’s true, you’d make a fantastic grand finale to my fireworks display. Normally, I keep my guests alive a bit longer, but I’d be willing to make an exception for a superior Vanguard officer.

Quandry smiles pleasantly, then turns away, grabbing one of his soldiers by the scruff of their neck.

QUANDRY

If I don’t see more fireworks in my sky in the next five minutes, I’ll use you as kindling to help send off our distinguished guest.

As Quandry steps away to give the soldiers more instructions, you struggle against your bonds, leaning as close as you can toward Deimos.

Her eyes find yours, filled with a sorrowful acceptance. She nods, letting you know she is willing to die to protect you and the others. Her voice is a whisper.

DEIMOS

Stand down, Eos.

EOS

Deimos, you can’t–

DEIMOS

That’s an order, Marshall Elara.

You glance back and forth between Deimos and Quandry, your mind racing.

[ACTION MENU]

CHOICE 1: Convince Quandry that she isn’t worth killing!

CHOICE 2: Follow orders and respect her sacrifice.

EOS Wait!   DEIMOS Eos, stop this now! You shake your head and call out to Quandry again. EOS I’ll tell you who she is! Quandry spins back around to face you. QUANDRY If this is a trick, everyone will suffer for your lie. EOS It isn’t. I swear. She’s a Senior Marshall like me. Zekei is my partner, and hers was killed on Ocana. QUANDRY My soldiers did report that there were at least two sets of Marshalls on Ocana… But that doesn’t explain her clothes. Have you got an answer for that too? You scramble to come up with a believable lie, blurting it out as quickly as possible. EOS She’s on probation! That’s why she’s not in uniform. She’ll be on desk duty for the next few weeks. There was an incident with a bar brawl, and she landed several civilians in a med bay. QUANDRY A Marshall in disgrace? Perhaps she’s not as despicable as I thought. The soldier from earlier rushes back over. VOID SOLDIER Quandry! The fireworks are ready. Awaiting your command! QUANDRY There’s been a change of plans. I’ll need my party toy box. The Void leader pats your cheek, a deranged glint in his yellow eyes. QUANDRY Since there won’t be a grand finale, we’ll have to come up with something just as fun to do together. As Quandry turns away to continue talking to the Void soldier, Deimos releases a ragged sigh and whispers to you. DEIMOS Eos… you risked everything to save my life. Thank you. EOS Does this mean I’m not in trouble for disobeying a direct order? Deimos lets out a surprised laugh. DEIMOS Quite the opposite. I’m recommending you for another badge of honor. You chuckle, then look at her with a more somber expression. EOS I couldn’t have lived with myself if I let something happen to you. EOS Deimos… CHOICE 1: I love you. EOS We’ve had a lot of obstacles, but being with you is all that matters. DEIMOS I wouldn’t change any of it. It’s made me love you even more. EOS So when things get boring you’ll stop being interested in me? DEIMOS Neither of those things will ever happen when it comes to us. – CHOICE 2: We’re in this together. EOS No one is getting left behind. We’ll survive this. DEIMOS With you having my back, I believe it. – In the distance, explosions and deadly fireworks line the horizon, but Deimos’s face as she smiles at you, safe and sound, is enough to make all that disappear for a moment.

A sob catches in your throat. EOS You can’t ask me to do this. Please, let me help you. I know I can think of a way out of this. DEIMOS Not without putting yourself and the others at risk. It’s my job to keep you safe. A tear rolls down your cheek. EOS Deimos… CHOICE 1: I love you. EOS I had to tell you… before… DEIMOS I know. I love you too. – CHOICE 2: It’s been an honor to serve with you. EOS I would follow you anywhere. DEIMOS You have, Eos. Until the very end. – Shooing the soldier away, Quandry spins back around to face Deimos. QUANDRY Have you decided to tell the truth about your identity? Deimos rips her gaze from you and faces the Void leader with her head held high. DEIMOS I am Admiral Deimos of the Vanguard. I’ve taken an oath to protect the galaxy. It’s how I’ve lived and it’s how I’ll die. QUANDRY That’s the best news I’ve heard all day. He slams the door of her rocket shut and begins the countdown sequence. Through the clouded glass, Deimos’s eyes find yours once more, and she mouths something to you. DEIMOS ‘Together we eradicate the darkness.’ Tears pour down your face, but you hold her gaze. EOS ‘For it is up to us to keep the stars bright.’ The rocket launches into the sky, soaring into the upper atmosphere… then explodes in a sudden burst of fire and smoke as fireworks span out against the horizon.