Author's Note: All properties are the rights of their respective owners:Rose-engine,Humble Bundle Inc, Naughty Dog,Sony
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SIGNALIS OST- Ariane's Theme
Penrose 512
Deep Space
Cycle 3018
Elster POV
Elster woke up in her calibration pod. Feeling sweating or was it just her imagination or do replikas has a sweat gland, to begin with? It has been 10 cycles since she and Ariane's mission update came through and another 8 cycles since Ariane and she make that horrible horrible promise. The constant nightmare ever since then has been away the same, waking up on the crash Penrose, fighting through All those corrupt monsters in the mining facility, descending onto the pit of rusted and fleshy hell, the urban resident's area of Rotfront, The Red Landscape, the trail of Broken LSTR unit leading To the crash Penrose is self, that horrible promise that she completely fulfill.
And all of a sudden those memories in her dream. Were suddenly all gone and forgotten from her mind and...the only thing that remains are some flashes of the said memory.
Elster pulled herself out of the calibration pod And started to make her round through the Penrose to perform her daily duty and checklist, and After confirming that the ship is holding fine for now. Elster then started to look for Ariane. She makes her way towards Ariane's Quarter and upon seeing that she wasn't at her Quarter. Elster then proceeds to look for Ariane In the mess hall and then The storage That is Until Elster Finds Ariane In the flight deck.
Elster found Ariane sitting in the cockpit, staring outside into the sea of stars. Her Lover seemed to be lost in her own thought - and judging from her appearance of bag under her eyes and her short white dress, Ariane must have stayed up all YesterCycles Sitting here instead of resting. It has been 18 cycles since that accursed Mission update came through. The callous disregard for her lover's life, just how many ships did the Nation send just to die in the cold vacuum of space not even serving a practical function, just simple propaganda elements. Elster knew her lover never care much for the Nation and Ariane know the feeling is mutual but was still deeply disappointed nonetheless.
"Morning" the Replika greeted her
"Elster, you're up!" Ariane turned fully to face her lover a bit of a surprised expression that turn into a faint blush, but when Ariane saw her Replika lover's face the surprised expression turned to concern. " You have that Nightmare again, didn't you?... I am sorry " Ariane said tears started welling up in her eyes.
Seeing that her Gestalt was in a sorrowful state. The Replikas started to walk towards Ariane, and took a seat beside her. After Elster is Seated in the chair, Elster reaches out and hugs Ariane.
"You have nothing to be sorry for," Elster said Trying to comfort the Gestalt. "It was just a bad dream" The Replikas then kiss her lover's forehead.
Elster And Ariane stay in each other comfort for what seems like a while before they reluctantly pull out. Ariane wipe her tear and responds.
"I still feel awful and responsible for putting you through this "
"It's fine". Elster said, After a while, The Replikas seem to be deciding on something, and Before The quiet becomes awkward Elster suddenly picks up a very surprised Ariane bridal style and carries her to her Quarter.
"What are you doing?"Her Gestalt Ask
"It looks like you haven't had any sleep since YesterCycles, Is your insomnia acting out?"
"It has been happening more often since at late "
This caused Elster to frown but before the two of them reach the Quarter Elster ask.
"Why didn't you wake me?"
"…"
But Still Seeing that her lover still hasn't answered yet, Elster decided to press on.
"I could have helped, you know by being by your side "
"I didn't want to bother you" Ariane finally answered.
Ariane's response caused Elster to sigh. Elster knew Her lover was a shy introvert because of her experience growing up in Rotfront and at school. It was hard for Ariane to adapt to the Nation's society being shunned and outcast, Her school attendance didn't help Ariane either, Ariane was constantly bullied and harassed physically for her irregular appearance and her odd interest, and it was one of the many reasons why Ariane Sign up for The Penrose Program. To get away from people and be far away from anyone as possible.
Elster and Ariane then arrived at Ariane's Quarter and before Elster put Ariane On the bed, Elster said.
"I don't want you to suffer for my sake "
"I know is just that…for these past few Cycles, I have been feeling Even more Tired, and my body aches just a little bit too." Ariane admitted while The Replikas set her lover down, put the pilotka that was on the Replikas's head on a small shelf next to the bed, and cuddled beside her.
Elster winced at Ariane's words as she said that. The life support and reactor shielding have begun to show signs of failure and Elster has tried to clean and reuse the old filter despite what the Mission update recommended not to do. Elster knew that all the cycles of being cooped up on this ship have been a detriment to Ariane's health and mental state and it was slowly getting worse and worse. Elster has recently noticed a small bit of Ariane's strand of white hair strut about in Ariane's Quarter and bathroom while The Replikas were doing maintenance. Ariane was withering away slowly and there was nothing she can do about it Except Putting Her lover in the cryogenic pod, but that is just going to prolong her suffering even longer. The Replikas can't figure out a way of anything short of a miracle out of this predicament, Perhaps… perhaps this is hell. From then on After the mission update, Elster and Ariane were forced to make plans for the eventual reality which leads to The Promises they made to each other, It was a terrible Promise but still a Promise nonetheless.
After Elster and Ariane settle down on the bed. Ariane turns to her lover and looks her in her blue eyes and said, "I still feel sorry and responsible for putting you through this."
"It's okay… I still haven't come to terms with it, but… watching you suffer is an even worse option. And besides, I…" Elster can't bring herself to say the last part. Ariane Would had reacted badly if Elster said she was going to soon Follow Ariane After fulfilling their Promises but instead, Elster said, "Let's just put this topic behind us for now. "
Ariane looks like she was curious about what The Replikas had to say before Elster cut herself off but seeing that Elster wants to let the matter rest for now, Ariane decided that she wasn't going to pry Elster about what she going to say so instead, Ariane kiss Elster on the lips and The Replikas reciprocate in kind. So they stayed in each other comfort until both of them fell asleep.
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The Last of Us Soundtrack 04-Forgotten Memories
USA
Union City
15 Years After The Outbreak
12:00
Unknown POV
The door slowly creaks open as I took out my flashlight and carefully peered inside the interior of the corridor making sure to be as quiet as possible. The corridor was dark but not pitch black enough that I can't see anything inside. The Interior looks like your bland typical Worker's space With file cabinets placed on Each side of the wall, with one cabinet fallen over. With paper, and files scattered on the floor and what looks like three doorways on each side of the corridor with the left door looking slightly open. After concluding that no one was inside I shine my light into the corridor.
"No spores and it looked like there aren't patches of fungal either"
Finally some good fucking news. Hmm…I probably shouldn't jinx myself. After I open the doors fully, I check my backpack to see whether I have enough room for what I need or not. I have a few cans of food, a compact, a book that detail the map of the local area, and other useful miscellaneous stuff, and by The side of my backpack are my Hunting Bow and arrows. At my Rear, I carry my Grandfather Kukri, a gasmask, and at my waist, I carry my Mk23 which holds 17 rounds of the extended magazine that had a suppressor attached to the pistol and a couple of .45 APC magazines in my pocket.
Seeing that everything was in order I aim my pistol in one hand and the other hand pointing my flashlight at the doorway. I advance through the backdoor of the store and upon reaching the interior of the corridor. I inspect the environment that surrounds me. Running my fingers on top of the cabinets. I can tell that it was barely dusty. It looked like this place was abandoned shortly after the outbreak. So it was likely that it had been a long time since anyone remotely touches this place.
Good. I thought and decided to try the left door first. I carefully open the door and After checking that indeed there wasn't anyone there I holster my gun and search the room. The room looks like an office with paper scattered on the floor and the windows All boarded up. The cabinet and drawers were open. The desk lamp and other random things were lying on the floor and on a desk lie a picture of some guy and a little kid probably the guy's son and they were smiling. This picture looks like it was taken before the outbreak. After checking out the picture I search the desk drawer and found a glass bottle, and after shining my light on the labels. I discover that it was whiskey.
Okay, this is something. I haven't had alcohol In a long while but still, I don't drink very often. After checking again that there wasn't anything in that room that was of use to me. I put the bottle of whiskey in my backpack and move out of the room. After I unholster my gun I decide to check out the right door of the interior. After opening the door and checking that there was nothing there. I enter through the door into what looked like a hallway. I see a row of lockers placed on the right side of the Hallway and to the left row of benches. But at the end of the hallway is another door, and judging from the signs on the door that room might be a bathroom. This room looks like the employee locker room.
I begin to check out the locker. All of the lockers here look like the typical locker you see at schools or the gymnasium so it shouldn't be difficult to pick the lock and see what is inside if all the lockers are locked in the first place.
Sigh…This is going to take a while. I thought as I holster my gun again and begin the tedious process of picking the lock. After a while of finding nothing but some clothes boots and shoes, and other useless miscellaneous items I finally came across something interesting. I found what looks like an MP3 player and upon closer inspection, I was able to turn the Music Player on. It looked like this thing still had a bit of juice left and after fiddling with the buttons I see It still surprisingly had a lot of songs and music All sorted and categorized. After checking the locker again I found what looks like an old pair of headphones, not the kind with the earmuffs but just the kind that is just earphones.
This is a damn good find indeed. After I checked out all of the lockers. I decided to check out the bathroom and as I was opening the door I was hit by a repugnant smell that almost makes me want to put on my gas mask and in fact, I might just do that. After I put on my gas mask I took out my pistol and enters the bathroom.
And what I found is, unfortunately, a very common sight nowadays in the last of our age. It is a Corpse a very well-preserved One and it looks like there is another smaller one laid next to the body, between the corpse and in the hand of the larger body laid a Revolver.
Upon closer inspection of the body. They look like the people in the photo that was in the office room. And what looks like a gunshot wound in the head of both of them.
Look like they took the easy way out, Poor bastard and Poor kid. I put my flashlight in a strap at my shoulder and took the revolver from the guy's hand, upon inspection of the gun. I found that the gun has a 6-round cylinder with only 4 rounds left and if I know my gun well enough this revolver looks like it shoots a .44 Magnum. This gun looks like the gun from the movie I use to watch with my uncle, it was one of his favorite movies.
Focus Alice, not the time to dwell in the good old days. Checking the guy's body again. I found some .44 rounds in the guy's breast pocket and pants. After I pocket the revolver on the other side of my waist. I make my way out of the bathroom and toward the final door of the corridor. After I took off the gasmask and put it at my hip. I open the door with my pistol still in my hand.
"Jackpot"
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Penrose 512
Cycles 3019
Elster POV
BRTTTTTTTT
Elster was suddenly woken up by what sounded like a loud piercing "Horn" noise, she then looked around startled and then she looked at Ariane who was already awake and looking surprised and a bit scared at what is going on. The Replika and the Gestalt pilot then Hurl themselves out of the bed and quickly make their way toward the cockpit opening and passing by many doors in doing so. Upon reaching the cockpit of the ship they were met with a strange bizarre and frankly incredible Sight.
Outside of their cockpit windows is what Elster described as a hole piercing through what looks like the fabric of space itself. A Wormhole is what Elster guesses to be exact. Elster then looks at Ariane who seems to be in awe at the view outside of their cockpit windows.
"My god". Ariane mutters jaw gaping a little. And Elster couldn't help but to also empathize with her lover.
After a while The Replika and The Pilot got their bearing together and they were seated in the chair again and took scans and readings of the space-time anomaly.
"This Is… this is incredible". Ariane said while leaning forward to look at the console readout in front of her. " Elster… You seeing what I seeing here". Her voice slightly wavers, trying to keep herself composed as she grips the port seat.
"Yep, this looks like a wormhole alright". The Replika confirmed double-checking the Instrument. She has a slight smile on her face while looking at Ariane who Smiles back.
"Perhaps this whole mission may be worth something after all". Elster muttered.
After a while of nothing but the beeping of the console, Ariane suddenly said.
"We should probably send a message to Heimat about this huh?"
"Really? I thought you didn't care about The Nation anymore " Elster replied. Surprised Considering How The Nation Treated Ariane and this whole Program to begin with.
"I guess in the end it still didn't matter even if we send that message through or not," Ariane said sighing her expression becoming bitter. " We are still here stranded in the void on this ship with nowhere to go but forward" The Gestalt continues. " And I bet If we send that message forward command is still not going to care enough to send someone to get us but…but…,". Elster can't make out what she says next, Ariane's voice is becoming quiet. Elster then leans To the side to hug Ariane.
"But what happens when you break down?"
"Hm?"
"We only have so many parts to maintain you, and there's not much I can do for your biocomponents, and I...I don't want to be alone anymore."
Elster loosens the grip on her, letting Ariane shift herself out of the embrace. Elster then raised her hand and holds her lover's cheeks then replied.
"Alright, you send the message, I'll..."
BRTTTTTTTT
Suddenly They hear what sounds like a Humming noise that gradually turns into a loud "Horn" Sound and before they can react they were engulfed by a white light from their cockpit windows, the last thing Elster saw before she blackout was what looks like a gigantic shape of a bird of blueish fire looking at them nodding in satisfaction in what feels like approval from the entity before letting out a loud screeching noise and vanish.
SKREEEEEEEEEEEEE
--
Penrose 512
Outside of Earth Orbit
15 Years After The Outbreak
14:00
Cycles 3020
Elster POV
ACHTUNG
ACHTUNG
Elster woke up coughing Feeling like Her entire Shell has been dismantled and Reassembled at the same time. She feel strange like something has messed with her biomechanical component, but at soon as the feeling came it was suddenly gone the next moment, then she feels fine like the day she came out of the factory. Elster then hears coughing beside her causing the Replika to turn to tend to her Lover who seems to be in a daze.
" Ariane talk to me are you hurt, " Elster said checking The Gestalt for any signs of injury
" What?"
" Ariane can you hear me"
"I... I'm all right... At least… I think I am." Ariane replied looking slightly shaken before it stop.
Elster sighed with relief, before holding up a pair of fingers." How many fingers can you see?"
" Two" Ariane Reply.
"What is your name, rank, and PKZ ID?"
"Scout officer Ariane Yeong. My PKZ is YNGARN-L-5921D."
" What is your birthday and birthplace "
"18S 6P a (Rotfront calendar) and my birthplace are Leng" Ariane replied confidently.
Hearing those words, Elster sighed with relief.
ACHTUNG
ACHTUNG
Then Ariane turns to the alert and after reading it and dismissing some of the warnings for now she then turns beside her to speak to Elster.
"What about you are... Are you alright also?" Ariane said also concerned about the Replika. But as Ariane looked at Elster's face. Her lover seen to be Focusing on something outside of the cockpit window and that was when Ariane saw it.
A Planet
From the cockpit window, The Planet looks like a blue marble with white swirls. Some parts are brown, yellow, green, and white. The blue part if Elster has to guess is the Planet's ocean. Water covers most of The Planet. The white swirls are clouds. The brown, yellow, and green parts are probably land. And the white parts are probably ice and snow.
After a while of just staring at the Planet. Elster turns to look at Ariane. Who once again look surprised at the development and just stared in awe and wonder at the blue marble.
"Are we back at Eusan again?" Ariane wonders out loud.
"No... I don't think so ?" Elster replies sounding unsure. "This planet looks like it has less water than Vineta and it doesn't look like any other planet in our system either"
"Maybe we should check up on our radio to see if we are being contacted or... or maybe another idea we see if is there any sign indicates communication ?" Ariane Suggested.
"Yes... we have to be sure," Elster said Thinking over all of the scenarios going in her head.
After a moment of checking their radio, analyzing the console and Instrument. They were left with the same definitive conclusion. This was a whole new star system.
And after double-checking again. Ariane said.
"There is a faint radio wave coming from that planet but overall this system...is all but quiet". Ariane confirms what they all suspected.
"The radio wave on the planet," Elster suddenly said. Elster then turns to face the pilot a questioning look on her face. " Could it be a sign of intelligent life on the planet?"
But after a moment of contemplation later Ariane replied.
" It could be but... what just happened? We were near the wormhole discussing what are we going to do next and then... then we hear a low humming That... That turned into a loud noise that sounds like... a horn? and Before any of us could react we were blinded by a flash of light and... and the next thing We knew we... we just woke up here."
To be honest, Elster was wondering the same thing but the image of the Bird of Fire pop up in her head before she dismissed it. It was probably just her imagination, right? But that still hasn't answered the question that they all have. Just where the hell are they?
--
Penrose 512
Outside of Earth Orbit
15 Years After The Outbreak
16:00
Cycles 3020
Elster POV
"The ship engine is damaged ". Elster reported to Ariane.
After Elster and Ariane got they're bearing together, they decided to have a thorough inspection of the ship to assess the damage caused after they assumed that the ship has been sucked through the wormhole. And... things are not looking up for them.
"And I was forced to shut down the Reaktor because it had begun to show signs of a malfunction and a beginning of what looked like a meltdown". Elster continues to report like a soldier would to Her Scout officers despite them being in a romantic relationship with each other.
Elster and Ariane were at the mess hall, With Ariane back to wearing Her Normal uniform instead of the white dress that she wears to bed. Currently, She was eating, with Elster doing the same. And Upon Hearing The bad News, Ariane let out an audible sigh.
"So...we running on backup power now?". Ariane queries.
Elster just nodded and Ariane let out another long sigh. Then she rubbed her eyes frustrated at their current predicament.
"So how much time until we are out of power?" Ariane asked again.
After a while of doing the calculation in her head. Elster response
"We have 2 of 3-hour max and if we turn off the non-essential 5".
"So not much time then?"
Elster nodded again simply. And after a moment of analyzing their situation. Ariane makes her final decision.
"We are going to land" Ariane decided.
"Are you sure?" Elster responds a bit surprised at Ariane's Statement.
A firm nod was her only reply. Then Elster let out a Sigh herself and respond expressing her concern about this plan.
"You DO know that our engine is damaged and could blow us up mid-entry in the Planet's atmosphere and...if our engine somehow managed to not Explode in our face. There might be a high chance that we might just land in the middle of the ocean anyway and IF...if we managed to land on solid ground is a toss-up if the Wild Life or The Potential Locals is going to be hostile to us or not."
"I know" Ariane nodded already firm in her decision. "But I would rather die on solid ground instead of just suffocate slowly in this God-forsaken spaceship."
Elster slowly nods in agreement with what she had said. They both knew that the Risk was high but they accepted the fact that there was a possibility of them dying. So, They started the procedure to enter the atmosphere.
The engines whirred and vibrated beneath them as the ship slowly descended through the atmosphere, the heat increasing in the cabin with its extra power needed for atmospheric reentry. As the minutes dragged by, Ariane and Elster had already gone over the rudimentary plan they had formulated before. After the ship had landed and stopped moving safely, they would immediately take stock of their situation and resources.
If they landed on solid ground, they would look for any nearby sources of food and water, while exploring the surrounding area with extreme caution. If they landed in the ocean, they would craft a makeshift raft with whatever materials they had available and try to find a nearby shoreline. Despite the danger and risk that came with the journey to this unknown planet, both Ariane and Elster stayed determined in their mission.
They had a chance and they were determined to make the most out of it.
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USA
Outskirt Of Union City
15 Years After The Outbreak
17:00
Alice POV
After I got what I needed from the store I began to make my way back to the wilderness trying to make sure there weren't any infected or other...people around my vicinity.
As I began to make my way through what looked like an abandoned sawmill. The place is nothing of particular. There is only the rusted machinery and the smell of rotten wood that...is until I hear growling and then.
BANG
BANG
It sounds like a gunshot and before I knew it I already have my gun out pointing in the direction of the sound and was crouching behind the stacked pile of wood that I use as cover. That's when I heard voices.
"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING" A male voice spoke out.
"Umm...sir We found some lone runner sir" A hush-voice female answered back this time.
"Well keep it down we don't want to attract the attention of more infected or WORSE the cultist" The same male voice response
As I lean my head slightly out to get a better peek. I see 3 people in what looks like FEDRA gear talking to each other and laying at their feet what looks like the infected that they kill.
"Sir, what are we going to do next?" A different male voice asked.
"Well, we need to recuperate and link up with FEDRA or...what is left of it after the so-call King of Yellow and their cult took over the QZ". The man who probably the leader's response.
Huh. So some group of people managed to beat back FEDRA and drove them out of the UC Quarantine Zone and out of the city.
Well good for them. After the outbreak and subsequent fall of the United States government. The Department of Defense and its Armed forces which include The National Guard, The Army, and The Marines together with The Center for Disease Control merged with The Agency known as the Federal Disaster Response Administration or better known by their acronyms FEDRA. FEDRA replaced the United States government as the nation's sole leading authority. They took control of the military, declared martial law, and removed any of the legitimate political leaders from power. Rumor had been that they took the bureaucrats, the politician, and officials and they either imprison or worse outright massacred them. FEDRA had the military move all uninfected civilians into large Quarantine zone within major cities or a rare few small QZ like the one set up in Union City.
FEDRA promised civilians still living in the surrounding towns and countryside that they could be transferred to the quarantine zones, escorted by the military. However, this was only true for zones that had space. In places where the zones were already full, like in Boston, FEDRA instead had the military take the civilians and then shoot them in the fields once they drove a set distance away. FEDRA soon used the military's might to transform the zones into individual police states, exercising absolute power over the zones which included killing civilians. They govern and police the population of the quarantine zones under martial law with an iron fist.
Hm, How do I know this? I was hearing the radio where another group who call themselves the Fireflies talk about how FEDRA has become a fascist totalitarian regime and called for the restoration of a pre-pandemic government. And I...have seen the trail of bodies for myself.
" Damn those Religious nutjobs" The female voice cursed
All of a sudden I heard a distinct croaking noise then I saw one of the FEDRA guards get tackled by an Infected out of nowhere.
"STALKER" One of the Female scream but as she started to raise her gun she was also at the same time attacked by another stalker.
The leader of the group managed to kill two other stalkers but then the same two stalkers that has been feeding on the two FEDRA soldiers turned to him and they started to tear into his flesh.
That's when I nope the fuck out of there and begin to quickly and quietly make my way around the Stalker careful to not make any noise. With a gun in my hand, I am ready to face any of the Stalkers if they tried to attack me.
That is when I heard something like a mid-range roar, the sort that one would typically associate with a jet flying overhead and then I looked up and saw a strange dot in the shape of an IS THAT A FUCKING SPACE SHIP?!!!
Then The...UFO Yeah let called it That. Seems to be flying past the sawmill and into the forest in front of me there was a distinct sonic boom before the ship was seen landing in the deep forest.
"AeEHh"
"AEEHH"
FUCK and The Stalker also apparently heard it too and they are probably going to make their way to the crash UFO right now.
"I need to get to my car ASAP" Time was of utmost importance here. I ran towards my car, quickly and as quietly as possible, while always keeping an ear out for any hostile Infected or people. Along the way, I kept jumping at every sound- and thankfully none of them have been a Stalker. Reaching my car, I quickly got in and started it. As I began to start the car, I could see in the rearview mirror the Stalkers running toward the forest in the direction of where the UFO was.
——————————————————
Penrose 512
USA
Deep in the forest
15 Years After The Outbreak
17:15
Cycles 3020
Elster POV
As the ship neared the surface of the planet, the engines shut off and the view outside changed from star-filled skies to lush greenery and life-sustaining water below them. With a shuddering thud, the ship touched down on the ground. Ariane let off a sigh of relief a smile on her face and Elster couldn't believe their luck. They managed to land the ship without the ship blowing up on them.
After a while assessing their situation again. The two of them began to make their way out of the ship and upon reaching the Airlock. As Ariane swipe the airlock control with her keycard Elster suddenly asked concerned.
"You ready?"
"Yes, I think so?" Ariane said with a hint of anxiety in her voice.
"I go first" Elster declared as she slips into The EVA suit that was kept in the Airlock.
As Elster steps into the lift that was under the hatch that would lead them to the outside world. Elster Then looks at Ariane who has already donned her EVA suit and was looking worried towards the Replika.
"I will be fine," Elster said reassuring Her lover as the lift ascent and the hatch opened revealing the outside world.
It looks like they landed in a large clearing. And around her Elster saw the tree that makes up the forest surrounding them that is until...she spotted some sort of trails that go deep into the forest. And as Elster continues her survey of the land around them. Ariane emerged from the hatch and she has a look of wonder and curiosity in her helmet's visor as she looks around at the surrounding environment. Then she looks towards The replikas and smiles at Elster who returns the gesture in kind. Elster then spoke up.
"Let's explore, we can use the trails to make our way" Elster then begins her trek into the forest while Ariane follows close behind. The two of them wander through the dense foliage, taking in the unfamiliar sights and sounds As they made their way through the forest, they encountered a plethora of wildlife. From soaring birds to humming insects but still, there was a... strange feeling like a sense of familiarity around them like recognizing some of the birds and even some of the flowers around them.
"Is that a lily?" Ariane said looking at the flowers in question
"Yeah, I think so," Elster said suddenly feeling a profound sense of nostalgia and longing...for whatever reason in what felt like an eternally before Ariane shake The Replikas out of her stupefy state.
"Elster you have been staring at the lily for...a while now are you...Alright?" Ariane asked a little uneasy about the Replikas.
"I'm fine," Elster said softly waiving off Ariane's concern.
Ariane looks like she wants to inquire more about what just happened. But Elster then suddenly points out something ahead of them "Look there's a clearing up ahead, let's check it out," Elster said, and before Ariane could inquire more on the topic. Elster has already started to move toward a clearing
As they make their way towards the clearing, they soon come upon an old dilapidated cabin that has seen better days. The two of them approach the cabin and Elster decides to push on the door which gave way with a creak. The two of them entered the cabin, it was dark and dusty inside but they could see various items scattered around the room. They both make their way to the back of the cabin where they find an old wooden trunk. Elster opens the trunk revealing some old clothes and other items that have been preserved over time. As The Replikas rummages around the trunk she finds an old journal tucked away in a corner. Elster takes the journal in her hands, curious about its contents.
The journal belonged to a Hunter called Jack who lived in this cabin many years ago. From what Elster can read from the journal, Jack was a local who moved to this area after some sort of "outbreak" occurred. Elster continues to read through the entries, slowly uncovering the details of This "outbreak" then she suddenly feels a strange sense of Deja Vu like she has experienced a similar situation before. She found out that the "outbreak" has turned normal people into "infected" and then all of a sudden Elster has a flashback.
After I obtained an Aperture card and a pistol I start to make my way out of the Observation to begin my search for my partner again. But before I truly began my search The dead EULR suddenly rose and began to attack me but not before I raised my gun and pull the trigger.
Elster was suddenly snap out of her reverie when Ariane accidentally drop something on the ground with a THUB
Causing The Replikas to refocus her efforts on reading the journal again.
After reading more about how Jack deals with these "infected". He warns that one bite from these "infected" can also turn you into an "infected" yourself. His advice to anyone reading this journal who doesn't want to get infected is "THAT YOU STAY AWAY FROM THESE MONSTER AT ANY COST".
Turning to the next page Elster Found out that...Jack himself has been bitten and has locked himself in the bathroom but as she was reading the last line.
"Aaaaa" Ariane yelled.
Then Elster rushes out toward where Ariane was crying and saw the Gestalt lying on her back and looking towards where the bathroom and upon reaching Ariane. The LSTR unit pick her Gestalt up and hugged her who then cried into Elster's shoulder. After Ariane stopped weeping, Elster peeked into The bathroom and saw what looked like a Gestalt remain that was fused to the wall with what looked like fungi and mushrooms growth covering or protruding out of the body. And upon closer inspection, she found out that the growth that covers the bodies had dry out, and likely if she had to guess this Gestalt had been dead for a long time ago.
"Alright time to go back to the ship" Elster decided as she turns away from the remains and back to Ariane who still look shaken but she nod in agreement nonetheless. The two of them then turn around and make their way out of the cabin. Elster and Ariane made their way towards the door but before exiting the room Elster took a moment to look around the room for one last time taking in its inhabitants and her surrounding before leaving.
And as they make their way back to the ship. The sense of familiarity that has once been there has been replaced by a feeling of dread when they walk the trail back to the ship. It almost feels like...something bad was about to happen. That is when Elster hears what sounds like croaking noises? And before she could react she was then tackled by something that causes both her and her attacker to fall on the ground and cracking Elster's visor.
"RUN" Elster shouted to Ariane who have a look of fear and hesitation on her face, and before Ariane could decide if she want to help The Replikas or To turn tail and run. Ariane heard more croaking noises and as she turned to the noise she saw a Gestalt that have fungal growths on the head and face covering one eye and was charging towards her with ferocious intent. But before the thing even reaches her, she hears a whistling sound and before she knew it she saw the monster's head was suddenly pierced by an Arrow and abruptly fall dead.
Then Ariane looked toward where Elster was and she saw a woman with a curve long knife who wrestle the monster off of Elster. And before the monster could react the woman then slash the curve knife into the monster's neck killing it and almost beheading the monster.
After making sure that the monster stays dead the stranger then walks over to Elster who was still on the ground and looking shaken. The woman then offer her hand to Elster and said.
"My name is Alice"
Ariane diary
Cycle 3020
I don't know what happened.
We were at the wormhole about to send the message back then all of the sudden. We were in a new star system altogether.
The wormhole that we came from is no longer there.
This system looks almost identical to the one back home. But it isn't we had check.
The ship is severely damaged.
I make the decision to land on an unknown planet.
But I suddenly feel like something was calling out to me.
And it comes from the planet itself.
I don't know if that is a good sign or a bad omen.
(end of chapter)