Cinematic Script

Ext. Space

A mercenary dropship, the Iphigenia, approaches the space station Meridian One. Meridian One is huge and busy, resembling nothing so much as several different installations hastily welded together.

Iphigenia pulls into the hangar and docks.

Cut To:

Int. Hangar

The player character, RILEY, exits the Iphigenia. Originally hailing from a rural farming planet, they have recently joined the ship’s crew. Accompanying Riley is NASREEN, commanding officer of the Iphigenia; the rest of the crew trails behind, wandering off into the crowds of the station.

Nasreen is new to her role -- her predecessor died in a crash that left the Iphigenia stranded on the player’s homeworld. The newfound responsibility sits uncomfortably on her.

Riley

I thought you said the next job was in the Arcturus system. Why are we stopping here?

Nasreen

We need to resupply first. We were already running low when we crashed, and three weeks on some backwater didn’t help matters.

Nasreen realizes the “backwater” she just described is Riley’s home, and winces.

Nasreen

Uh, not to say that being a “backwater” is a bad thing ...

Riley

(interrupting, weary)

Don’t worry about it.

Riley looks apprehensively around the bustling hangar. This is the most people they’ve ever seen in one place before.

Nasreen

You’re at liberty for now, but I want everyone back on the ship by 2200 hours. Got it?

Riley

(nervous)

Maybe I should just stay on the ship.

Nasreen picks up on Riley’s mood and takes on an awkwardly paternal air.

Nasreen

You’ll be fine. Just ... don’t get arrested. We don’t have enough credits for bail.

Riley nods, a little appalled -- that was the furthest concern from their mind, until Nasreen brought it up. Nasreen pats them stiffly on the shoulder and strides off through the hangar.

As Riley tries to shuffle their way through the crowds, they collide with someone coming the other way: PHINEAS, a well-dressed man approaching middle age with a respectable, friendly air.

Riley

(flustered)

Sorry, I didn’t see you.

Phineas

(interrupting)

No, no, it’s my fault. Not a problem.

Phineas takes Riley’s hand in a reassuring gesture and notices Riley’s watch -- an antique piece from Old Earth.

Phineas

That’s quite the piece you’ve got there. Wherever did you get it?

Riley

(pleasantly confused)

Uh ... my granddad gave it to me. He said it’s been in the family for ages.

Phineas looks over Riley’s shoulder at the Iphigenia.

Phineas

Ah, and is that your ship that just docked?

Riley looks over their shoulder. The camera, but not Riley, sees Phineas slip two middle fingers beneath the watch’s wristband, undoing the buckle. Riley doesn’t notice.

Riley

Yeah -- well, not mine. I just joined up.

Phineas lets go of Riley’s hand, taking the watch with him.

Phineas

You be careful, now. There’s all sorts of untrustworthy characters on a station like this.

Riley

Oh ... thanks.

Phineas squeezes past Riley and keeps walking. After a brief moment of realization, Riley checks their wrist. The watch is gone.

Riley turns and sees Phineas hurrying away through the crowd. They chase after him, determined to get their watch back.

Resume Gameplay