Episode 9: Game Over
Star City, 7:00am. Outside 'Game Hut', a huge line of gamers was waiting for the store to open. Jaden was standing in line, looking at a promotional poster for 'Outer Reaches 3'.
Jaden:
Been waiting all year for this game to come out.
Gamer:
(In front of him) You have? Did you pre-order it like I did?
Jaden:
Yep.
Gamer:
So that means you're going to get all of the pre-order bonuses like the shirt, the alternate skins for your character, and that wicked awesome statue!
Jaden:
Already cleared a space on my shelf for that statue.
Gamer:
Nice.
The store owner approaches the front door and changes the 'Closed' sign to 'Open' before unlocking the doors. As soon as the doors open up, Jaden and the crowd of gamers rush into the store, trampling the owner in the process.
Owner:
(Still laying on the floor holding a thumbs up) I'm okay.
Jaden struggles to break through the crowd. He gets an idea; he taps his watch and soon he's wearing his Hornet suit. The crowd is so occupied on getting a copy of the game, they don't notice Jaden shrink down and fly to the shelf and take a copy.
Hornet:
Like taking candy from a baby!
He regrows and gets out of his Hornet suit, before walking to the counter and paying for the game.
Cashier:
Wow, you actually fought your way through the crowd and came out alive. Colour me impressed.
Jaden:
(Shrugs his shoulders) Eh, just got lucky is all.
He takes his copy and leaves the store. Once outside, he holds it up, victoriously, humming the 'Legend of Zelda' jingle. He begins walking home.
Stone Residence, a few minutes later. Jaden enters the house, and enters the living room; he takes the cartridge out of the case and inserts it into the console, before turning it on, opening a big bag of crisps, a can of soda, putting on headphones, picking up the controller and sitting on the sofa, ready to begin.
Jaden:
My weekend starts now!
He opens the case again to access the code to get his pre-order bonuses.
Jaden:
Now which skin should I use first?
As he's deciding, Cyborg enters.
Cyborg:
Is this your new game?
Jaden:
You better believe it. I'm just trying to decide which skin I should use first. This golden armour one looks pretty sweet.
Cyborg:
Right. Well, a storm will be coming in shortly. I'm telling you now in case something happens to interrupt your playtime.
Jaden:
Don't worry, dad, games in this day and age have an autosave feature. I don't see myself losing that much progress should a blackout occur.
Cyborg:
It reminds me of when I played with Garfield. We spent hours on the Gamestation and Dick ended up yelling at us because it made us late for training. Ah, the good old days.
Jaden:
Nothing like the old days, eh?
Cyborg:
Yeah, for me. Isn't there a multiplayer mode?
Jaden:
Sorry; single-player only.
Cyborg:
Never mind. I'll play it later.
He leaves. Jaden officially begins the story mode, setting the difficulty to the highest setting.
Jaden:
Bring it on!
As he's starting to play and going through the tutorial, outside, the weather turns dour. Jaden gets up and closes the windows before returning to his game.
Jaden:
I really picked a good day to stay indoors and play video games.
The game is set on a starship in deep, unknown space. It was sent out on an expedition but never returned. It's the players' task to board the ship and find out what happened.
Jaden:
(Cracks his knuckles and picks up his controller) Alright, let's go blast some alien scum!
Outside, the storm shows signs of worsening. Regardless, Jaden isn't put off by the booming thunder outside as his eyes are glued to the screen. A stray lightning bolt strikes the antenna and causes a blackout.
Jaden:
Oh come on! Already?! I just started!
An electrical voltage runs through the TV and zaps the remote he is holding. Jaden is then engulfed in the electricity. And before he knows it, he's sucked into the game console, the remote falling on the floor as a loud rumble of thunder is heard outside. The power soon comes back on, and Jaden is gone.
When Jaden wakes up, he finds himself in an unfamiliar environment.
Jaden:
Aw, geez, did I just black out? That's a new one for me. (He stands up and looks around, quickly noticing he's not at his home anymore) What the hell is going on?
Voice:
Look out, here they come!
Outside, Jaden hears gunshots, unhuman sounding roars followed by a series of screams (One of which being a Wilhelm Scream). A tentacled alien creature appears round a corner, holding an NPC in its arms before ripping it in two
Jaden:
Wait, you're the alien that's on the cover. I hope I'm wrong but...I think I'm in 'Outer Reaches 3'!
The alien doesn't respond; instead, it charges at Jaden, viewing him as prey. Jaden reaches for his blaster, but remembers he's not wearing his Hornet suit.
Jaden:
Crap!
Jaden runs for his life as the alien quickly chases after him. He runs through an open door and shuts it behind him. As the alien bangs on the door to get in, Jaden tries to come up with a solution.
Jaden:
Alright, calm down Jaden, calm down. Think! You've played Outer Reaches 1 & 2 all last month in preparation for this. What would you do in this situation?!
The alien continues roaring on banging on the door just as Jaden realizes what room he's in; the armoury! But it's empty, save for a blaster, some explosives and a vibro-blade.
Jaden:
(Nods confidently) Good enough!
He picks up the vibro-blade and attaches it to his person, stows the explosives in a canister and attaches it to his waist and hangs the blaster from his belt. With a deep breath, Jaden opens the door and as soon as the alien enters, he throws an explosive into its roaring mouth causing its head to explode.
Jaden:
I doubt that was even the final boss. If I had to guess, I have anywhere from 15-30 more hours of adventuring to do. Time to buckle down!
Cautiously, he steps out of the armoury and begins to venture down the hall the alien came down.
Jaden:
The game's first boss should be in the bridge!
He finds the elevator, but it's non-functional.
Jaden:
Stairs it its!
When he finds the stairs, they have been completely destroyed.
Jaden:
Damn it.
He looks around for another way up, and that's when he sees a deceased soldier next to him wearing rocket boots.
He takes them off his feet.
Jaden:
These'll see better use elsewhere.
Jaden puts the rocket boots on his own feet and uses them to ascend up the ruined staircase, landing when he gets to the top. Now, Jaden is staring down a long hallway riddled with aliens, and on the other end is the bridge. He takes out his blaster and creeps slowly onwards. He only takes one step before the aliens notice him and start charging towards him.
Jaden:
So much for stealth!
He begins firing on the aliens with one hand and gripping his vibro-blade with the other. Any aliens that got too close to him got cut up with the vibro-blade while incoming aliens got shot in either the chest or the face with the blaster. Eventually, only one alien is left standing, and he's guarding the door to the bridge.
Jaden:
Mid-boss time!
The alien shoots out some acid spit from his mouth and Jaden rolls out of the way before firing more rounds from his blaster at it, only for it to deal no damage. For every alien defeated, Jaden absorbs small yellow orbs. When collecting enough, a golden aura envelops him.
Jaden:
Oh yeah!
He points his blaster at the Mid-Boss and when he presses the trigger it unleashes a powerful laser that blasts a hole right through the alien's stomach, causing him to fall down on the floor dead. With nothing blocking his way, Jaden runs through the door to the bridge where he finds a female NPC battling against the Boss Alien.
Female NPC:
(Seeing Jaden) Oh good, backup.
Jaden looks over at the boss alien who has three glowing red weak points on his body.
Female NPC:
Hitting the weak points deals extra damage.
Jaden:
Yeah, I figured that. This ain't my first rodeo.
He fires on the weak points.
Female NPC:
Do you have a name?
Jaden:
Jaden. And yours?
Female NPC:
Ashlyn. Commander of the Gamma Battalion. These slimy bastards have been thorns in the galaxy's side for far too long, and now it's up to me and the rest of my crew to finish this fight!
Together, Jaden and Ashlyn rain down attack after attack on the alien, until it falls to the floor, dead. He absorbs more of the yellow orbs. He looks at his wrist; the screen told him he had ranked up to Level 2, and his health and damage had increased by 15, and he was also eligible to upgrade his abilities.
Jaden:
Cool.
Just then a holographic screen appears in front of him, giving him a skill tree that he can use to upgrade said abilities.
Ashlyn:
Pick your poison, rookie.
Jaden:
Hmmm. Decisions, Decisions.
His four options in the skill tree are 'Speed', 'Defence', 'Melee Combat', and 'Ranged Combat'. Eventually, he settles on Defence.
Ashlyn:
Excellent choice.
Jaden:
Those aliens are only going to get tougher as we go along. Might as well ready myself for some abuse. So, what do we do now?
Suddenly, alarms start blaring.
Ashlyn:
Now what?!
Ashlyn and Jaden look on a computer in the room to see some aliens messing with the spaceship's power generator, triggering a self-destruct sequence.
Automated voice on intercom:
Spacecraft self-destruct sequence has been activated. T minus four minutes until spacecraft destruction.
Jaden:
We've gotta get out of here!
Ashlyn:
Quick, to the pods!
Jaden and Ashlyn run out of the bridge as quickly as they can to where the escape pods are located. As a countdown is heard, Ashlyn and Jaden make it to the escape pod bay.
Jaden:
(Dismayed) They're all busted.
Ashlyn:
(Looking to her right) Expect that one. C'mon!
They board that escape pod and close the hatch. The two strap themselves into the seats as Ashlyn presses a few buttons to turn the pod on before pressing an additional button to open the hangar doors.
Ashlyn:
Hang on!
Ashlyn turns on the thrusters and they fly out of the self-destructing ship as the countdown was about to reach its end.
Automated Voice:
5...4...3...2..1...
The starship explodes into space debris behind them.
Jaden:
Glad we're out of there. So, what happened to the rest of your squad?
Ashlyn:
They were all slaughtered back on the ship, making you and me the sole survivors.
Jaden:
Yikes. So, what do we do now?
Ashlyn:
Report back to headquarters.
In the real world, Cyborg came back into the living room to see Jaden's progress.
Cyborg:
Are ya winning, son? (He finds the room empty) Jaden? Where'd you go, Jaden? Probably went to the bathroom.
Cyborg suddenly hears the sounds of buttons clicking on the controller. He turns to see the controller using itself.
Cyborg:
That's suspicious.
That's when Cyborg turns his attention to the television to see Jaden inside.
Cyborg:
What the-
Suddenly, a jolt of electricity comes from the controller and envelops Cyborg, sucking him into the game as well.
In the game, Jaden and Ashlyn arrive at the Headquarters and land in the hangar. Several officers come forward to greet them; one of them was a gruff-looking man with a scar running across his face and a missing eye; his lapel was decorated with several medals.
Officer:
Ashlyn.
Ashlyn:
General Kragul.
General Kragul:
You're the only survivor?
Ashlyn:
Unfortunately, Jaden and I were the only ones to get away unscathed.
General Kragul:
Jaden, huh? You must be the new guy I've heard so much about.
Jaden:
Yeah.
General Kragul:
Well it's great to finally meet you. Tell me a little bit about yourself, son. Where are you from?
Another list of options come up in front of Jaden. The options include:
1: A backwater planet that's not famous for anything.
2: A bustling planetary empire
3: I can't really remember...
Jaden:
I can't remember really. I just wound up in the wrong place at the wrong time.
General Kragul:
Well regardless, we're glad to have you on board. The more people we have on our side the better. I'll be your new Commanding Officer.
Suddenly, a flash of electricity zaps nearby. Cyborg appears.
Soldier:
Intruder!
The soldiers, Ashlyn, and Kragul take out their guns and point them at Cyborg.
Cyborg:
Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! What is going on here?!
Jaden:
Guys! It's okay, he's not an enemy.
Ashlyn:
Wait, you know this guy?
Cyborg:
Of course I do, he's my son.
Ashlyn:
Your son? You mean this is your father?
Jaden:
Correct.
Cyborg:
(Noticing Ashlyn) And this must be your girlfriend.
Ashlyn and Jaden:
What?!
Cyborg:
Yeah, I know how these types of stories go. The main protagonist meets up with a 'rough and tough' female character. They say they have no feelings for each other but after going on a series of intense and life threatening adventures the bond they share gets stronger until they inevitably fall in love.
Jaden:
Forgive my father, Ashlyn. He's seen a lot of movies.
Ashlyn:
I can tell. But tell me, is he good with a weapon?
Cyborg:
(Chuckles) Girl, I am a weapon! Watch this.
Cyborg turns his arm into a sonic cannon which he blasts right at a statue amazing some but depressing most, especially Kragul.
General Kragul:
(Sadly) That statue was of my great grandfather, who founded our proud organization
Cyborg:
Shit. I am so sorry.
General Kragul:
(Regains his stoicism) No matter. What matters is you managed to prove your worth, and you'll definitely be a huge help in our cause. Welcome aboard.
Kragul holds out his hand for Cyborg to shake.
Cyborg:
Glad to be on board, sir.
He shakes his hand.
General Kragul:
Alright, Jaden, since you and our new recruit are related by blood, I hope you don't mind if you two team up with Ashlyn on your next mission.
Jaden:
Shouldn't be a problem at all sir. Uh, where is our next mission anyway?
Ashlyn:
There!
Ashlyn points at a desert planet not far from where they're located.
Jaden:
Is it me or do game developers always use a desert level for the second level?
Cyborg:
In most other games, it's a sewer
Ashlyn:
That planet contains one of the materials we need to make the weapon we need to rid this universe of those aliens once and for all.
General Kragul:
Before you leave, you might want to prove yourselves at the shooting range. We just got done making some new weapons that we think might come in handy on the road ahead, so it would be wise to get better acquainted with them. Go see the quartermaster.
Jaden and Cyborg head over to the shooting range.
Cyborg:
This feels like the time me and the other Titans got sucked into the TV by Control Freak.
Ashlyn:
Follow me.
As Jaden and Cyborg follow Ashlyn to where the quartermaster is located, Jaden is heard 'geeking out' to himself.
Jaden:
Aw man, I remember the weapons from the last game. I can't wait to see what weapons I'll be using this time! Hopefully the finger gun returns.
The group makes it to a pair of iron double doors.
Ashlyn:
Here we are.
She types a code into the keypad next to the door opening it up to reveal the shooting range where the quartermaster is waiting with a whole shelf full of new weapons right behind him.
Ashlyn:
Quartermaster Howard, meet our new recruits.
Howard:
Ah, wonderful. Well, choose a weapon and show us what you got.
Jaden walks up to the shelf and sees a weapon that's cold to the touch.
Jaden:
No way, is that...
Howard:
The Subzero Gatling Version 3.0. Why don't you give it a spin
He takes it off the shelf and enters the alley; at the end was a holographic dummy. He holds up the Subzero Gatling 3.0 and it fires freezing cold shots that turns the dummy into a block of ice that breaks apart within seconds.
Jaden:
Whoa ho ho! Booyah!
Cyborg:
(Chuckles) The apple doesn't fall far from the tree I guess. (Turns to Howard) Hey, doc, you think you can hook me up with some weapons of my own.
Howard:
I see you're a Cybernetic Organism with weapons built into his body. I'm sure I can add another weapon or two into your system.
Cyborg:
Awesome. Thank you.
Howard:
No thanks are necessary. All part of my job.
Howard gets out some tools and within ten seconds, equips Cyborg with a new built-in weapon.
Howard:
Go ahead and give it a try.
Cyborg aims his new missile launcher at some moving targets and as soon as Cyborg fires, the missiles go directly towards the targets.
Cyborg:
This'll save a few plasma bolts.
Ashlyn:
Keep practicing with those weapons and make sure you two get a good night's sleep. We head out first thing in the morning. (She leaves)
They keep firing at the targets until a cutscene happens.
The next morning, they start the games' first proper level. We see a transporter ship flying across the sandy landscape of the desert planet. And on it is Ashlyn, Jaden, Cyborg, Kragul, and a few other soldiers.
General Kragul:
Alright recruits, is this your first HALO jump?
Jaden:
Kind of.
General Kragul:
Get your masks on. The air of this planet is toxic!
The soldiers, Jaden, Ashlyn, Kragul, and Cyborg put on breathing masks over their mouths and noses.
General Kragul:
The material we need to make our ultimate weapon is in the deepest parts of that cave over there. Be wary; the locals don't take kindly to outsiders. They'll do everything they can to protect the material that we're after. Happy landings!
The transporters' door opens; Jaden, Cyborg, Ashlyn and the soldiers leap down and land on the sand.
Ashlyn:
Let's move!
She leads everyone towards the cave, the army clinging on tightly to their guns. As they descending into the caves, the light gets weaker and the air gets hotter and heavier.
Jaden:
What gives? I thought it would be cooler once we get underground.
Ashlyn:
Usually, but this planet has a volcanic core. It would be in all of our best interests to go in, grab the material, and get out before any of us get heat stroke.
Jaden:
I wouldn't want to cook.
Cyborg:
So, when do these locals Kragul mentioned show up?
A squat biped wearing heavy armour and carrying a spear spots them from a high ledge and makes a loud screeching noise while pointing at the group. Behind him are creatures with a similar appearance as they throw spears made of stone and shoot arrows made of stone at the group.
Ashlyn:
Take cover!
The group puts up wrist mounted beam shields to avoid getting hit by the creatures' projectiles.
Ashlyn:
Keep moving! We need that ore ASAP!
The group fire their guns at the creatures, hitting most of them, but the ones that are still standing launch a counterattack. The locals bring out five catapults that fling huge boulders at the group. Jaden freezes the boulders, turning them to ice before the intense heat melts them into water.
Ashlyn:
Practice is really paying off, Jaden.
Jaden:
(Looks at the Sub-Zero Gatling) God I love this thing!
Cyborg launches missiles, destroying each catapult.
Cyborg:
Booyah!
Ashlyn:
Let's move!
They progress through the caves, taking out more enemies and since Jaden set the game to the highest difficulty, XP came fast. Jaden quickly reached level 5, while Cyborg reached level 2. Eventually, Ashlyn gets a reading on her scanner.
Ashlyn:
Alright, we've reached the ore. (She turns to the soldiers) Prepare to mine!
Cyborg steps up to the ore and turns his arms into drills. He begins drilling into the hard earth. As soon as he's 1% of the way through, more of the aliens appear.
Ashlyn:
Defend him until he's finished!
Jaden, Ashlyn and the soldiers fire on the aliens, but the aliens keep coming, and in greater numbers. Jaden continues to freeze as many as possible but he soon runs out of ammo.
Jaden:
Damn!
He opens the weapon wheel and selects the blaster.
Jaden:
Dad, how much longer?
Cyborg:
Nearly there.
Jaden:
Good.
One of the aliens manages to hit him in the arm; his health drops down to 40/60. Next to the health bar, he sees 'x3'; the number of lives he has left.
Jaden:
Crap! If I die three times in this game, I die for real!
Ashlyn casually kicks a boulder at an alien.
Ashlyn:
Bullseye!
Cyborg:
Alright, done!
Ashlyn:
Alright men, grab a piece of ore and let's get out of here!
Cyborg collects the ore and the group make their leave, pursued by a huge mob of aliens. As they run, Jaden, Ashlyn, and a few soldiers take a few moments to shoot at the pursuing aliens.
At the transporter, General Kragul and other soldiers were waiting
Soldier:
Sir, I see them coming!
Kragul looks to see Ashlyn, Jaden, Cyborg, and the group of soldiers leaving the cave with the aliens still in hot pursuit!
General Kragul:
Open the doors! Get the gunners ready to take out the alien scum! As soon as our guys are on board, we're out of here!
The gunners cover Jaden, Cyborg, Ashlyn and the soldiers as they board the transporter. One alien fires a shot at Jaden when he's not looking and his health bar goes from 40 to 20.
Jaden:
(To himself) Damn, one more hit and I lose a life!
Suddenly, he sees Ashlyn trip and fall. Jaden stops as everyone else boards the ship.
Ashlyn:
Go without me, damn it!
Jaden sees one of the aliens about to fire at her.
Jaden:
Ashlyn, no!
As the alien shoots his projectile, Jaden jumps in front of her and takes the shot, reducing his health bar from 20 to 0, causing him to disappear. Five seconds later, Jaden reappears as the life counter now reads 'x2'. Ashlyn looks at him, stunned.
Ashlyn:
You saved my life.
Jaden:
Don't think too deep into it. I know you'd do the same for me. (He helps her on her feet) Now let's get out of here!
The two of them board the ship and as soon as they were safely on board, two other soldiers close the doors so the ship could take off.
General Kragul:
This ore is crucial to our cause. I'm impressed you were able to secure it.
Cyborg:
It wasn't easy, but we managed to pull through.
General Kragul:
Jaden, I thought for sure that you and Ashlyn were goners back there.
Jaden:
No-One gets left behind.
General Kragul:
Well, no doubt you're tired after today's mission. Why don't you all have a nice meal at the cafeteria so you can replenish your strength.
Cyborg:
I could go for some grub right about now.
Jaden:
Wait for me.
As Jaden follows his dad to the mess hall, Ashlyn watches him. A faint blush appears on her face.
General Kragul:
You'd better go grab something to eat too, Ashlyn.
Ashlyn:
Oh, yes sir.
In the cafeteria, Ashlyn arrives to see Jaden and Cyborg seated at a table. Jaden just finished upgrading one of his stats since they just beat another level; Increased damage.
Cyborg:
Jaden, are you aware that she's just a video game character and that if you die here, you die in real life too ?
Jaden:
Yes, I know.
Cyborg:
So why did you save her?
Jaden:
I think I'm in love with her.
Cyborg:
Oh, my little boy has become a man. We can't bring her back to the real world, you know.
Jaden:
With all your technology and magic, couldn't we?
Cyborg:
I'll think about it but stop sacrificing yourself for her. I don't want to lose you and neither does your mother.
Jaden:
It's okay, I still have 2 lives left.
Cyborg:
Keep them as long as possible.
Ashlyn grabs some food and walks over to where Cyborg and Jaden are sitting.
Ashlyn:
Mind if I pop a squat?
Cyborg:
By all means.
Ashlyn:
Thanks. (Sits next to Jaden)
Ashlyn:
Where did you learn to shoot like that?
Jaden:
Uh...my dad and I like to go out to a shooting range on our home planet.
Cyborg:
(Whispers while giving a thumbs up) Good save, son.
Ashlyn:
I'm asking because, out of everyone I served alongside, you're the best shot I've ever seen. Seriously, keep up the good work and you could very well surpass General Kragul.
Jaden:
Oh, stop.
Cyborg:
Sounds to me like she's sweet on you, Jaden.
Jaden laughs a small laugh and goes back to eating.
Ashlyn:
You know, Quartermaster Howard probably has some new weapons ready if you want to test them out after dinner.
Jaden:
I'd like that very much, Ashlyn.
She finishes eating and tosses away her plate and leaves.
Cyborg:
I'll try to get you two alone. Just don't do anything too crazy.
Jaden:
I can control myself.
He empties his plate and leaves for the armoury.
Cut to the armoury where Jaden is seen firing small buzzsaw projectiles at a holographic dummy.
Jaden:
A buzzsaw launcher. Now I've seen everything.
Howard:
If I can think it up, I can sure as hell make it.
Jaden tries out the buzzsaw launcher, watching the buzzsaws slice the dummies cleanly.
Jaden:
Oh, I can't wait to try this out on the aliens in our next mission.
Jaden:
(To Ashlyn) Are their any miscellaneous tasks on these missions?
Ashlyn:
If there are any, I'll be sure to let you know. But if there are any, I recommend you accept the task as it might lead you to a Eviver Fruit.
Jaden:
Eviver Fruit?
Ashlyn:
They're very rare on most planets, but rumour has it that if the one who consumes the fruit is near death it'll bring them back to life. We use these fruits to make elixirs that we take with us on missions.
That's when Jaden remembers the picture of the liquid next to his 1-Up counter.
Jaden:
(To himself) So those fruits are a key component to getting 1-Ups in this game.
Ashlyn:
If you say so.
She slugs him in the arm and leaves the armoury she leaves she looks back at Jaden with a smile which he returns. Ashlyn leaves, the doors closing behind her.
Howard:
(Walks over to Jaden) Oh, I know that look. You have a crush on Ashlyn, don't you?
Jaden:
She's a badass, and it doesn't look half-bad. Don't tell her I said that though.
Howard:
I have a hunch that she already knows how you feel. You might get closer on your next mission.
Jaden:
Where is our next mission going to be anyway.
Cut to the next day where we see the group traversing through an icy planet. Ashlyn is leading everyone as she holds a temperature tracking device in her hand. It's currently -50 degrees Fahrenheit. She then looks up towards a tall mountain, the next item they need for their ultimate weapon being at the top of it.
Ashlyn:
We're after a particular crystal. The top of that mountain is where we're most likely to find a whole cluster of them.
Jaden:
As expected.
Soldier:
Captain, look!
The soldier points up at the mountain's peak where the aliens have arrived on their ships.
Ashlyn:
Damn, they beat us to it!
Cyborg:
So what's the plan now?
Ashlyn:
Watch this.
She reaches down to her snow boots and presses a button, revealing them to also be rocket boots. The other soldiers follow suit and activate their own rocket boots.
Jaden:
God, I love this game.
Cyborg activates his jet pack.
Ashlyn:
Now, these boots have limited fuel. But it should be enough to get us all to the top of the mountain. Jaden, you're leading the way with me.
Jaden:
(Activates his rocket boots) Let's do this!
They rocket up the cliff face.
At the mountain peak, the aliens see our heroes coming, so the leader orders some aliens with wings to fly down and deal with them.
Ashlyn:
(Looking up) Incoming!
Jaden fires his new sawblade launcher at some of the aliens, instantly slicing them into bits. With others, slicing their wings so they plummet to the ground below.
Ashlyn:
Try and share some of the fun, will you?
She fires a few rounds at the aliens, blowing their heads clean off their bodies.
Jaden:
Are you?
Ashlyn:
Try and share some of the fun, will you?
She fires a few rounds at the aliens, blowing their heads clean off their bodies. One of the aliens is about to counterattack, but that's when Cyborg steps in.
Cyborg:
Big papa, comin' through!
Cyborg fires a homing missile at the alien, blowing him to bits.
Eventually, they reach the peak. The aliens at the top surrender while Ashlyn walks forward and takes the crystal.
Jaden:
That was almost too easy.
Ashlyn:
We got it. Let's report back to HQ.
Suddenly, they hear some aliens chanting. They look over and see the aliens hold their hands up in the air.
Jaden:
I thought they surrendered!
Ashlyn:
I guess there are still some stragglers hanging around.
As the aliens continue their chant, a huge mass of ice and rocks start to form in front of our heroes. The end result is a giant ice golem!
Jaden:
The heck is that?
Ashlyn:
Don't ask questions! Just shoot it!
Jaden:
Right!
Ashlyn fires a series of bullets while Jaden fires more sawblades at the ice golem, but they have no effect on him.
Jaden:
Crap! His ice is too hard.
Cyborg:
I got this!
Cyborg turns his arms into flamethrowers, and he uses them on the ice golem. The golem is weakened, but not beaten.
Cyborg:
The flames should've lowered its defences somewhat. Try firing your attacks at it now!
Jaden:
Thanks, dad! Let's go, Ashlyn!
They open fire. This time, the projectiles seem to daze the ice golem a bit.
Jaden:
It's working.
Some of the aliens try and join the fight, but the other soldiers present make quick work of them as Jaden, Cyborg, and Ashlyn continue their attack on the golem. They deduct a third of its health, until the golem gets back up. The golem counters by blowing a blast of freezing cold air from his mouth, which the trio manage to avoid.
Cyborg:
Is that all you've got?!
Jaden:
A few more hits and it's dust Now I guess is a good a time as any to try out this new toy Howard gave me before the start of this mission.
Jaden pulls out a laser cannon with a small nuclear reactor on it.
Ashlyn:
The Nuclear Beam!? Even I'm not allowed to use that weapon yet!
Jaden:
Howard said that he sees a lot of potential in me and thinks that I'm fit to use it.
Ashlyn:
One blast should finish this ice monster off for sure!
Jaden:
Only one way to find out!
He selects the nuclear blast and charges it up, pointed at the golem.
Jaden:
Smile you son of a-
He pulls the trigger and unleashes a red-orange coloured beam that hits the ice golem. As the ice golem roars out in pain, it gets smaller and smaller until it melts completely. He wipes his forehead.
Jaden:
Let's go.
With the crystals in tow, the group leaves, completing another level.
At this point, Jaden is now up to Level 10 and Cyborg is on Level 5. Once on board the ship, Jaden is given the opportunity to raise another one of his stats.
Jaden:
Health, ammo, and damage. Yeah, that'll do nicely.
Cyborg:
So, Ashlyn, how many more materials do we need to build this weapon of yours?
Ashlyn:
Just one more component.
Jaden:
Y'know, I was meant to investigate the disappearance of a crew, but now I've gotten involved in something bigger.
Cyborg:
What's that, son?
Jaden:
An intergalactic conflict.
And even though this was totally unplanned, I'm glad I get to save the universe with you dad.
Cyborg:
Glad to hear it, Jaden!
He and Jaden fist bump, opening their hands and making an explosion noise when the action is completed.
Jaden:
I'm going to run a shower. (Sniffs himself) Gotta get that dust out of my armpits.
Ashlyn:
I'd better get this crystal to General Kragul.
Ashlyn enters the command centre, where Kragul was analysing a holo-map.
Ashlyn:
We got the crystal with little to no troubles, General.
General Kragul:
Excellent work, Ashlyn. We're one step closer to eliminating the threat and creating a better universe...(Quietly; under his breath) My universe.
Ashlyn:
That's... good, I guess. Anyway, we need one final material to make our ultimate weapon. I take it your figuring out where it's located?
Kragul presses a button to reveal a planet covered in plant life.
General Kragul:
Pathusog Zeta IV. There are these large flowers on the planet that contain the pollen we need to complete our weapon.
Ashlyn:
(Looking at the flowers) But General, those flowers are a protected species. The Galactic Conservation Agency won't stand for this.
General Kragul:
In times of conflict, we have to be ready and willing to break the rules a little bit.
Ashlyn:
You're willing to sacrifice your morality for victory?
General Kragul:
I'm not the first, and I definitely won't be the last.
Ashlyn:
These flowers are the lifeblood of that planet. We remove them, we'll send the ecosystem into an irreparable state. Don't you even care that you're potentially going to wipe out an entire planet?
General Kragul:
Sacrifices must be made, even a planet.
Ashlyn:
There has to be another way! I know these aliens have been ravaging the galaxy for years, but what you plan on doing makes you no better than them!
General Kragul:
Prepare the landing gear.
Ashlyn:
No.
General Kragul:
You want to run that by me again, captain?
Ashlyn:
I'm not about to let this planet becomes a casualty in our war against the aliens! I took an oath to protect this galaxy from every threat imaginable, and that includes you!
General Kragul:
Ashlyn, you know how I feel about mutinies.
Ashlyn:
Yeah. You hate them just as much as I hate old fools like you who abuse their power!
General Kragul:
Get out of my sight.
Defeated, Ashlyn leaves saying...
Ashlyn:
We're going to stop you, you know!
General Kragul:
Heh. Make my day.
Meanwhile, Jaden gets out of the shower and wraps a towel around his waist. That's when he hears a knock on the door.
Ashlyn:
Jaden, are you decent?! I have to talk to you about something important, right now!
Jaden:
Be right there!
He opens the door and lets Ashlyn in.
Jaden:
Where's the fire?
Ashlyn:
(Begins talking as she eyes up Jaden's lean body) Listen, I just had a talk with Kragul, and...
Jaden:
Uh, Ashlyn, my eyes are up here.
Ashlyn:
Right, sorry. Anyway, I just had a talk with Kragul and to get the last thing we need to build the ultimate weapon, we need to steal pollen from Pathusog Zeta IV's flowers, which will disrupt the ecosystem of the planet, leading to its destruction.
Jaden:
Wait, I thought taking pollen was a good thing. At least that's what it's like where I come from.
Ashlyn:
Not on this planet, Jaden.
Jaden:
Oh.
Ashlyn:
Those flowers need the pollen to thrive, and it can only make so much of it. If we take the pollen out of them now, they'll die.
Jaden:
We've got to stop Kragul! Maybe we can try and talk to some of the other soldiers so we can pull off some kind of a mutiny.
Ashlyn:
It's dangerous. They all have sworn allegiance to Kragul, so it's very likely they either won't believe us or they'll report back to him and have us executed.
Jaden:
In that case, we'll have to be careful.
Once I get dressed, we'll go find my dad, and the three of us will figure out a plan.
Ashlyn:
Your battlesuit is ready.
Jaden:
You'd better believe it is. This means war!
Ashlyn watches as Jaden gets dressed.
Jaden:
(Once he's fully dressed) If you're done 'watching the show', come on! Let's go find my dad!
At the armoury, Cyborg was chatting with the Quartermaster.
Jaden:
Hey dad, can we talk with you for a minute in private?
Cyborg:
Sure son. (To Howard) Excuse me.
Cyborg follows Jaden to a quiet part of the armory.
Cyborg:
What's going on?
Jaden:
Ashlyn told me that General Kragul has gone off the deep end.
Ashlyn:
He wants to ruin the entire ecosystem of Pathusog Zeta IV just to get the last item we need for the ultimate weapon.
Cyborg clenches his fist hearing this.
Cyborg:
That just makes by blood boil. So, how are we stopping him?
Ashlyn:
Mutiny.
Jaden:
It's going to be us against him and the whole crew. Ashlyn told me that most of the crew are completely loyal to him. This isn't going to be easy. We just want to let you know what you're in for.
Cyborg:
I've faced tougher odds than what we're currently up against many times in the past, Jaden. Let's do this!
Howard:
I'm in too.
Ashlyn:
Quartermaster?
Howard:
I've seen Kragul abuse his power for far too long. It's about time someone stood up to that tyrant.
Jaden:
Alright, we're all in this together.
General Kragul:
That, you, are!
The four turn around to see Kragul with four soldiers behind him.
General Kragul:
Traitors, on my ship? This cannot stand.
Jaden:
No, what 'cannot stand' is the wiping out of an entire ecosystem. I'm sure there's another material you could use, or another way to eliminate the aliens!
General Kragul:
By then the aliens would've overrun this entire galaxy! I need to purge them all before it's too late!
Ashlyn:
You're no better than our enemies.
General Kragul:
Think what you want about me, but I know I'm in the right.
Jaden:
You're sick, and we looked up to you.
Ashlyn:
I remember when I first started you took me under your wing, General! I wanted to be like you! But seeing you become this, I've rethought my decision.
General Kragul:
(Nonchalantly) Aw, now that's a shame. (Normal tone) Men, dispose of these traitors. I have a date with destiny!
The soldiers move forward and seize them. They walk them to the door and it opens above a swamp planet. Jaden, Cyborg, Ashlyn and Howard are shoved off the edge and fall towards the murky water. They resurface to see the transporter fly off towards Pathusog Zeta IV.
Ashlyn:
No, no, NO!
Jaden:
We can't let him get away!
Ashlyn:
We also can't get off this planet and go after him without a means of transportation!
Jaden:
We should find a spaceport with a ship to spare.
Howard:
If I remember correctly, humans briefly inhabited this planet before they 'mysteriously disappeared'.
Cyborg:
Any reason why they suddenly went missing, quartermaster?
Howard:
No one knows. But maybe there's a spaceport with a spare ship nearby.
Jaden:
If there is a spaceport, let's hope it's still standing, and if there's a ship there, let's hope it works.
Cyborg:
And if it isn't, I can give it a tune-up. (Turns his hand into a Swiss Army Knife)
Ashlyn pulls up a holographic map to see where they are and where the nearest spaceport could be.
Ashlyn:
It looks like there's a town not far from here. Let's check there. We should be quick; I think something touched my leg.
They begin wading through the murky water, eventually reaching the shore. Once they're gone, a slimy figure raises from the water, staring at them.
A little later, they reach an abandoned settlement; rusted vehicles, windows either boarded up or shattered and rooves that have been caved in.
Jaden:
Geez, what the hell happened here?
Cyborg:
Whatever it was, it definitely wasn't pretty.
Ashlyn looks at her map and smiles.
Ashlyn:
There's a spaceport on the edge of this town, let's go!
As the four of them head towards the spaceport, the monster from earlier seems to have followed them into town. The monster holds out his arms as droplets of swamp water fall from them and land on the ground. When the droplets land, they rise up, creating small, humanoid entities made entirely out of water.
Later, the group reach the spaceport; however there aren't that many ships docked, until they reach Docking Bay #6.
Jaden:
There's only one left.
Ashlyn:
And it doesn't look like it can fly...at all.
Cyborg:
Time for me to work my magic.
He approaches the ship and opens it up, revealing crossed wires and rusted circuits. As he gets to work, Jaden starts a conversation with Ashlyn.
Jaden:
So you and Kragul must've been pretty close, you know before he went off the deep end and everything.
Ashlyn:
As sappy as this sounds, Kragul was like a father to me.
Jaden:
But not on the same level as me and my father?
Ashlyn:
To be honest, I kind of knew that there was something 'off' about Kragul. I truly believe that he wanted to do the right thing for us and the galaxy, but as he climbed the ranks and gained more and more power, I saw less and less of the kindhearted man I once knew.
Jaden:
That's what happens to those who taste power; one lick and they want more.
Ashlyn:
And the sad thing is, I don't think there's any way to save him from what he's become.
Jaden:
You...you mean we have to-
Ashlyn:
Yes, Jaden, for the good of the galaxy, we're going to have to kill him.
Jaden:
It goes against everything I believe in...but I guess it's like what Kragul said; to save the universe, you have to be willing to bend the rules. (He suddenly equips his blaster) And remember when you said something slimy brushed against your leg? Well, I think it followed us.
The group turns around to see the monster with it's underlings made of water.
Cyborg:
Those things could cause serious damage to the ship if they get too close to me. Jaden, do you and Ashlyn think you can keep them busy while I keep fixing the ship.
Howard:
Before I was a quartermaster, I was a mechanic. I'm a little rusty, but maybe I can help.
Cyborg:
Much appreciated, gramps.
Jaden:
You guys focus on the ship. Ashlyn and I will take care of these guys.
Jaden and Ashlyn open fire on the monsters' underlings; however, no sooner have the underlings been turned into puddles, they reform.
Ashlyn:
No good.
Jaden:
God, I wish I had the Subzero Gatling so I could freeze these things! Or even that Nuclear Beam to evaporate them!
Ashlyn:
I don't think ice would work here! And if just fighting these little guys are giving us a hard time, I'm not looking forward to fighting Big Daddy over there.
Jaden:
(To Cyborg and Howard) Are repairs almost finished?!
Howard:
Almost done!
Howard hears and aquatic sounding growl. He turns around to see one of the underlings about to throw a punch at him. Fortunately, Cyborg quickly turned his arm into a cannon and destroyed him. When the creature regains form, Jaden shoots a few bullets at him to get his attention.
Jaden:
It's us you want!
The creature lobbies a huge water bomb at Jaden and Ashlyn, soaking them from head to toe.
Ashlyn:
(Scoffs) Yeah, like that hurts us.
Jaden:
Gah! Water up my nose! Water up my nose!
He blows his nose and water shoots out.
Jaden:
Alright, I'm back! Let's get back to fighting!
Cyborg:
Alright, repairs are finished! Let's see what she can do! (He and Howard get into the cockpit, where Cyborg finds the trigger) Take this!
He fires an energy shot from the ship's cannon at the giant monster, stunning it.
Howard:
(To Ashlyn and Jaden) Quick! Get on!
Jaden takes Ashlyn's hand and the two board the ship; Cyborg fires another energy shot at the creature for good measure.
Ashlyn:
Get us out of here!
Howard:
Next stop, Pathusog Zeta IV.
Cyborg:
Let's hope we make it in time.
Jaden:
I hope we don't have to fight Kragul. He's level 50 and I'm only level 20.
Cyborg:
Next time, don't set the difficulty to maximum.
Jaden:
How did I know I was going to get sucked into the game ?
Cyborg:
Don't worry, I'll help you. Titans have always faced stronger enemies at the beginning.
Jaden:
But there are only 3 of us. No offense, Howard.
Howard:
I understand. I have no combat experience.
Ashlyn:
We'll be there soon.
Cyborg:
We need to go into camouflage mode so we don't get spotted.
Jaden:
Good idea. If the enemy is too strong, it is best to attack him by surprise. Cyborg angles the ship upwards. As they are about to leave, the monster grabs the engines and begins pulling them down. Jaden: Of course, that was too easy.
Cyborg:
I'm going to get rid of him once and for all (He opens the door of the spaceship) Hey, Ugly, you know you're as sticky as Plasmus?
The slimy monster just roars.
Cyborg:
And to beat Plasmus when Raven's not around, all you need is missiles. (He activates his missile launcher and sends all the artillery, blowing up the creature) Now is the time, Ashlyn!
Ashlyn activates the engines, pushing the monster away for good.
The ship leaves the atmosphere of the planet. While the group are catching their breath, Cyborg returns to the pilots' seat.
Howard:
Got the coordinates set?
Cyborg:
Yep.
Jaden:
Guess it's final boss time already.
He and Ashlyn sit in the passenger seats as the ship enters lightspeed. Jaden closes his eyes and goes to sleep.
Ashlyn:
(Looks over at the snoozing Jaden; to herself) He looks kinda cute when he falls asleep.
She gives him a kiss. Howard and Cyborg see this from the pilot seats.
Howard:
Your boy is a fine young man, and an even finer soldier.
Cyborg:
Thanks, Howard. My wife and I raised him well, and we're very proud of the man he's becoming. Where we originally came from, he leads his own team and they respect him.
Howard:
They must be lucky to not only have him as a leader, but as a well valued friend.
Cyborg:
I think they have an idea.
In his sleep, Jaden smiles.
Cyborg:
We're almost there. Activate cloaking device.
The ship vanishes.
Later, they arrive in orbit about Pathusog Zeta IV. The airspace was populated by Kragul's fleet. Jaden wakes up.
Jaden:
They're blind to our presence.
Ashlyn:
It's awful what they're doing to this planet.
Jaden:
Don't worry, we'll stop them.
Cyborg flies the ship past the fleet, eventually entering the atmosphere.
Cyborg:
Preparing landing sequence.
The spaceship lands in a small clearing beside a waterfall.
Ashlyn:
Now we have to stop them from destroying the ecosystem.
Jaden:
We're lucky they're not using flamethrowers.
In the clearing, Kragul was watching the chainsaw mechs cut down trees, sending birds seeing as their homes hit the ground with a mighty thud.
General Kragul:
This is taking too long. Every moment we waste gives the alien scum a chance at galactic domination. Bring out the flamethrowers.
Soldier:
But General, that's illegal. In accordance to galactic law, flamethrowers are prohibited from use-
He doesn't finish as Kragul shoots him in the head for questioning his orders.
General Kragul:
The law can't touch me. Burn this forest to the ground until we reach those flowers. Once we've extracted all their pollen, we'll burn them as well.
Soldier:
At your command, General!
The soldiers take out flamethrowers and start burning down the trees.
Meanwhile, the group smell smoke and see the flames through the trees.
Jaden:
I spoke too soon.
Ashlyn:
I won't let him burn this place down!
She runs towards Kragul.
Jaden:
Ashlyn, come back!
He tries to catch up with her but Cyborg grabs his arm.
Cyborg:
Stop; rushing in is the best way to get yourself killed.
Jaden:
Are you thinking about Ashlyn? She's going to fight an entire army alone!
Cyborg:
I know and we'll go help her when we have a plan. Rushing in is suicidal.
Jaden:
We don't have time to make a plan!
Jaden manages to break free and runs after Ashlyn.
Howard:
Ah, love can make you reckless.
Cyborg:
That's exactly what scares me.
He runs after Jaden.
Meanwhile, at the clearing, Ashlyn finds the soldiers.
Ashlyn:
General, cease this madness!
General Kragul:
Ashlyn, did you come here alone?
Ashlyn:
I don't need anyone to defeat you!
General Kragul:
As you wish.
The soldiers take aim at her.
General Kragul:
Back away. I will deal with this traitor myself.
Ashlyn:
You're the traitor and I intend to stop you!
Kragul presses his wrist; a battlesuit covers his body.
General Kragul:
Attack me.
Ashlyn shoots at him but it doesn't pierce him.
Ashlyn:
Damn armour!
General Kragul:
My turn.
He rushes forward and punches Ashlyn in the gut, sending her flying backwards into a tree. Jaden arrives at that moment.
Jaden:
Ashlyn! (To Kragul) You're going to pay for this!
General Kragul:
So, you think you have what it takes to take me on in a fight, eh? You've only had days of experience in the battlefield, rookie, while I have whole decades under my belt.
Jaden tries to punch him with his retractable claws but it breaks on him. He tries to run back to Cyborg, but an invisible wall surrounding the clearing prevents his exit.
Jaden:
That's right; the final boss. Can't backtrack now.
General Kragul:
(Advancing menacingly towards him) You should really stick to guns, boy. That's clearly your forte.
Jaden:
Great idea! (He opens the weapon wheel and chooses the Subzero Gatling) Freeze!
Jaden looks at his arm, seeing that he still has a life left.
Jaden:
That's what you think.
He activates his nuclear laser, slightly weakening Kragul's armour.
General Kragul:
You shouldn't have done that, kid.
He rushes forward at full speed and hits Jaden several times, making him lose all his health, just as Cyborg arrives.
Cyborg:
Jaden!
General Kragul:
Too late for him. Too late for you.
Cyborg arms his two sonic cannons, furious.
Cyborg:
You're going to die!
Meanwhile, Jaden has respawned next to Howard. Jaden: Nothing works.
Howard:
I probably should have told you before but Kragul's armour has a weak point.
Jaden:
Really? Which one?
Howard:
It's removable.
Cyborg respawns with one life less.
Cyborg:
(Panting) Damn, he's tough. I threw all my strongest attacks at him and it barely scratched him.
Jaden:
I'm going back.
Cyborg:
No way! This is your last life ! I don't want to lose you!
Jaden:
I have a plan. Thanks, Howard.
Cyborg:
I'm coming with you.
Jaden:
You know this isn't multiplayer. We can't fight the final boss together.
Cyborg hugs his son.
Cyborg:
Promise me you'll make it through this.
Jaden:
I promise.
Cyborg finally lets go of him and Jaden runs towards Kragul.
Cyborg:
(Looking at his arm) Kragul is level 50. How do I get Jaden to reach that level?
He accesses his inventory.
Cyborg:
What? Golden armour? He had it from the beginning? (He looks at the stats of this item and has a big smile) Kragul, you're screwed.
Jaden:
You're gonna pay for this!
General Kragul:
So, you think you have what it takes to take me on in a fight, eh? You've only had days of experience in the battlefield, rookie, while I have whole decades under my belt.
Jaden:
I know, you already said that!
General Kragul:
Insolent child!
Suddenly, golden armour appears on Jaden's body.
Jaden:
What the...is this the armour from the pre-order? But how?
Cyborg joins him.
Cyborg:
Kick his ass, son. You're level 40 now.
Jaden:
With pleasure. (He smiles smugly at Kragul) Heh.
Kragul attacks much harder, however Jaden's new armour keeps the damage sustained minimal.
Cyborg:
(To Howard) How do we remove his armour?
Howard:
There's an eject button under his right armpit.
Cyborg:
Not the most convenient location. I'm guessing on Easy mode, it'd be on his chest.
Howard:
On Easy? What are you talking about?
Cyborg:
Uh...nothing.
General Kragul:
How dare you reveal the weakness in my armour! You're dead!
He shoots Howard in the head.
Jaden:
Okay, all I have to do is lift his right arm and press the button. And now that I have more power, that should do it.
General Kragul:
Damn you!
Jaden:
No, damn you for wanting to destroy this beautiful place!
General Kragul:
This is for the good of the galaxy!
Cyborg:
You know what I think? I think you've always had good intentions, but the longer you stayed in power the more clouded your judgement became to the point where you're no better than the very monsters you hunt.
General Kragul:
Shut up, you glorified tin can!
Jaden:
Enough talking. (He uses the nuclear laser beam, weakening Kragul) It seems to have more effect than last time.
Cyborg:
Normal, you doubled your skill points.
Jaden:
Oh yeah!
Looking behind Kragul, he sees Ashlyn has regained consciousness and crept up behind him. Ashlyn grabs his right arm.
General Kragul:
Let go of me, you traitor!
Ashlyn:
You're the traitor, Kragul!
She manages to hold his arm in the air, leaving his armpit exposed. A 5-second countdown starts.
Ashlyn:
I won't last long!
Jaden throws metal balls and one of them hits Kragul's armpit, removing his armour.
General Kragul:
No!
Ashlyn lets go and Jaden uses his freeze ray on Kragul, incapacitating him. Ashlyn speaks to the other soldiers.
Ashlyn:
Lower your weapons. We will not harm this planet again.
Cyborg:
But if there are any more volunteers, I'll kick their butts without hesitation.
The soldiers drop their weapons and flamethrowers on the ground.
Ashlyn:
(To Kragul) Wait until the high council hears about the atrocities you've committed today.
Jaden:
And there you have it, mission accomplished. But how did you do that, Dad?
Cyborg:
You forget that I'm a genius hacker. I dug through your inventory, found your pre-ordered armour that doubles all your stat points, and managed to activate it on your avatar. No big deal.
Jaden:
You know that could be considered cheating?
Cyborg:
If the developers didn't want us to do that, they wouldn't give you overpowered armour from the start.
Jaden:
You're not wrong.
Cyborg:
You know, I enjoyed this father-son adventure.
Jaden hugs him.
Jaden:
Me too, Dad.
Cyborg:
And I only have one word left to say. Booyah!
Later, the Gamma High Council arrives to strip Kragul of his rank and he and his soldiers are arrested. Jaden, Cyborg and Ashlyn make a cemetery plot for Howard.
Jaden:
I may not have known him for that long, but he was definitely a good guy to have on your side.
Cyborg:
We're never going to forget him.
Ashlyn leans her head on Jaden's shoulder as they farewell the Quartermaster. Jaden wraps an arm around her waist to comfort her.
Ashlyn:
He was with us longer than anybody. Quartermaster Howard will be missed.
Jaden:
(Nods in agreement) So what's going to happen now?
Council Member:
Ashlyn? A moment?
Ashlyn:
What's going on?
Council Member:
With former General Kragul stripped of his position, that leaves us without a general. We heard about what you've done in all of our efforts to neutralize the alien threat, and if it weren't for you this beautiful planet would've been ruined forever. I guess what we're trying to say is that we're promoting you to the rank of General, if that's something you're interested in.
Ashlyn:
Promoted? I, I'm honoured.
Jaden:
Ashlyn, that's great news! Congratulations!
He salutes her.
Jaden:
So what are you first orders, General?
Ashlyn:
I will continue the war against the aliens, but no planet will be sacrificed.
Cyborg:
Already off to a great start!
Ashlyn:
There is one problem that needs to be addressed. With Howard dead and me being promoted, that leaves two positions open in our army. Jaden, would you and your father be interested in joining our cause?
Cyborg:
We're flattered by the offer, but our place is elsewhere.
Suddenly, Cyborg looks at his arm to see it starting to fade away. He turns towards Jaden to see the same thing happen to him.
Cyborg:
And I think it's about time we go back to that place.
Jaden:
(As he begins to fade) It's been nice knowing you Ashlyn.
Ashlyn:
Wait!
Ashlyn pulls Jaden forwards and kisses him on the lips. They pull apart and Jaden is left absolutely gobsmacked, his face turning red. Seeing this makes Ashlyn chuckle.
Ashlyn:
Take care of yourself, rookie. And thank you for all of your help.
Jaden:
I'll never forget you, Ashlyn. Goodbye.
Jaden and Cyborg fade away completely as they return to the Real World.
Stone Residence: Cyborg and Jaden are back in the living room; the soda and crisps remain untouched as on-screen, the credits roll.
Jaden:
Well, that's one way to experience a video game.
They hear the front door opening; Karen enters. (She's been out at lunch with the girls)
Karen:
Hey, boys.
Jaden:
Hey, mom.
Cyborg:
Hey, honey.
Karen:
So what did you two do while I was out?
Jaden:
You know, just hanging out, playing some video games.
Karen:
Ah yes, you got that new game you've been anticipating for months. How was it?
Jaden:
It was an experience I'll never forget.
Karen:
Can't wait to hear it. (She enters the kitchen) Oh, you should also check your phone.
Jaden:
Yeah, I've been playing for so long it wouldn't surprise me if my friends were trying to reach me.
He picks up his phone off the side table and opens it; 50 missed messages from his team, ranging from 'Adonis got out of jail; where the hell are you?!' from Olivia to 'Murdoc had an episode' from Helena.
Jaden:
Holy crap! I've gotta go and do some damage control! Talk to you guys later!
He leaves the house. Outside, he puts on his Hornet suit and flies off
End of 'Game Over'
Cast
Zeno Robinson: Hornet/Jaden Stone
Khary Payton: Cyborg/Victor Stone
Raven-Symone: Bumblebee/Karen Stone
Jennifer Hale: Ashlyn
Paul Eiding: General Kragul
Wallace Shawn: Quartermaster Howard
Eddie Deezen: Gamer