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Arc 3 Seq 3 | Epilogue B

Narrative Purpose

Arc 2 Complete Path: Player returns to fully-operational Command bridge post-network restore. Commander validates sysadmin competence; Cultist delivers bemused "little hero" acknowledgment. Technician summoned from stabilized reactor room—trio assembles efficiently at Command Deck.

  • Emotional tone: Earned victory → team synergy.
  • Immediate goal: Report success → rendezvous with mobile Technician.
  • Mechanical purpose: Arc 2 reactor outcome divergence via environmental branches.

Narrative Breakdown

Beat 1 | Team Validation

Player enters Command bridge; Cultist smirks with backhanded praise while Commander confirms network restoration. Environmental state reflects Arc 2 reactor success/failure.

  • Camera: First-person, full control on bridge entry (submarine-cramped).
  • Audio: Terminal hum; Cultist smirk-chuckle; comms crackle.
  • Environmental Cues: Bridge lighting varies by Arc 2 reactor outcome.
  • Objective / Task: Report to Command.
  • Player Feedback: UI updates: "Meet Technician at Command Deck."

Actions:

  • Cultist leans against bulkhead, smirking expectantly.
  • Commander at console—looks up on player approach.

Dialogue (Triggers on Approach):

Commander (nods approval) "Kid—trunks live, voltage steady. Good sysadmin work."
Cultist (smirking, bemused) "'Kid' ran those lines like a pro. Little hero."
Commander (keys comms) "Engineering—reactor's yours. Report to Command Deck."
Technician (crackling) "Cores stable—on my way." (comms cut)

Branch A – Arc 2 Reactor Success Path

  • Environmental Cues: Full power—bright consoles, steady white lighting.
  • Audio: Clean terminal hum, no generator whine.
  • Dialogue Addition:

    Commander (added) "Power's green across board now."

  • Purpose: Rewards Arc 2 competence with visual victory.
  • Transition: Wait for Technician arrival.

Branch B – Arc 2 Reactor Failure Path

  • Environmental Cues: Emergency power—red strips flicker, dim consoles.
  • Audio: Generator whine under hum.
  • Dialogue Addition:

    Commander (added) "Emergency power only—still holding."

  • Purpose: Acknowledges Arc 2 struggle while maintaining forward momentum.
  • Transition: Wait for Technician arrival.

Triggers:

Notes:

  • No player choice—pure validation sequence.
  • Cultist's "little hero" = backhanded praise marking his humbled arc.
  • Environmental branches handle Arc 2 reactor state silently.
  • Pacing: 20 seconds max.

Narrative Intent

Arc 2 Integration Path: Rewards dual competence (network + reactor) with team assembly at Command Deck—player's sysadmin glow-up meets established trio dynamic. Cultist's bemused acknowledgment completes his character arc (cocky hauler → reluctant respect). Environmental divergence sells Arc 2 reactor outcomes without dialogue branching. Technician's mobility reinforces her reactor domain mastery. Establishes Command Deck as operational hub; gate undervolt tension lingers unresolved.

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