Dystopian Literature and Gaming
I recently finished A Canticle for Leibowitz which is a post apocalyptic and somewhat dystopian novel. Luckily, a person working on a Half-Life 2 modification is searching for writers who would be willing to work on dialogue for characters struggling in a post 1984 world. I decided to apply for the position as a writer because I figure heck, why not? Should be somewhat enjoyable and help me in developing a few skills. The title of the game is Rogue Threat and is shooting for an eery and mysterious feel.
Just to give a bit of background, the protagonist who is called Rion has just come out of the manufacturing plant and has been in stasis for some time. It isn't uncommon in this 'big brother' era for the poor to submit themselves to reprogramming and mutation so that they are able to acquire a position as a soldier, working under the ruling body. This first scene is where Ca86, a former friend and ally of Rion, awakens him with an ominous message. To be honest, I wasn't given much direction as to what to put into this piece so I went into it assuming a lot. Well...here it is, enjoy.
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…It’s time for you to wake up, Rion…
Ah, Rion. Don’t worry, once the Phosphenes wear off you will have you sight back.
It certainly is…amusing to be meeting like this. Brings back memories, doesn’t it? [With a wryness] Hopefully fond ones of your commanding officer. Whether you think of my actions as right or wrong, understand that His advice is untrustworthy. His race has been foolishly misguided for years…the advice he gives is unsound. Here is a bit of advice from an old friend – if you are to accomplish what you were born for then it is best that you keep your mouth shut. Good soldiers were never very talkative.
Like you have already guessed, there is a reason behind your resuscitation. Within the foreseeable future there will come a time when your…abilities…will come to serve a greater cause. [a smile stretches across his face, a chuckle] My dear, dear Rion, you are the future of the trans-human army. You alone will prove to them how capable we are of bringing about the greater good for society. As the great political philosopher, Niccolo Machiavelli once wrote, “better to be feared than loved,” eh Rion?
Well, let’s get going, shall we? May you be blessed by the mercy of our Masters, young soldier. Great things are expected of you…
[CA96 presses button and main character slides down the tube]
Just to give a bit of background, the protagonist who is called Rion has just come out of the manufacturing plant and has been in stasis for some time. It isn't uncommon in this 'big brother' era for the poor to submit themselves to reprogramming and mutation so that they are able to acquire a position as a soldier, working under the ruling body. This first scene is where Ca86, a former friend and ally of Rion, awakens him with an ominous message. To be honest, I wasn't given much direction as to what to put into this piece so I went into it assuming a lot. Well...here it is, enjoy.
__________________________________________________________________
…It’s time for you to wake up, Rion…
Ah, Rion. Don’t worry, once the Phosphenes wear off you will have you sight back.
It certainly is…amusing to be meeting like this. Brings back memories, doesn’t it? [With a wryness] Hopefully fond ones of your commanding officer. Whether you think of my actions as right or wrong, understand that His advice is untrustworthy. His race has been foolishly misguided for years…the advice he gives is unsound. Here is a bit of advice from an old friend – if you are to accomplish what you were born for then it is best that you keep your mouth shut. Good soldiers were never very talkative.
Like you have already guessed, there is a reason behind your resuscitation. Within the foreseeable future there will come a time when your…abilities…will come to serve a greater cause. [a smile stretches across his face, a chuckle] My dear, dear Rion, you are the future of the trans-human army. You alone will prove to them how capable we are of bringing about the greater good for society. As the great political philosopher, Niccolo Machiavelli once wrote, “better to be feared than loved,” eh Rion?
Well, let’s get going, shall we? May you be blessed by the mercy of our Masters, young soldier. Great things are expected of you…
[CA96 presses button and main character slides down the tube]
Very interesting, i like what you wrote. Its even more interesting to me i think because of warhammer and the such with Space Marines and Imperial Guard and the such. Also For the Greater Good, Go Tau! lol, anyways your like shut up you crazy idiot.
But good luck i hope youll be able to work on it.
Posted by
J.Q. |
4:25 AM