Starfall

1. Starfall (Story)

_Starfall_ is a serialized science fiction story set in the aftermath of a galactic catastrophe. The remnants of a once-mighty military fleet, WillCo, struggle to survive after fleeing the destroyed planet Ytharia. Hunted by the technologically superior Pursuers and plagued by internal decay, the fleet’s survival hinges on loyalty, secrecy, and the hope of rebuilding.

The story follows Captain Eris and the crew of the Titan, a crippled drone carrier that crash-landed on a partially-terraformed version of Earth (Terra). As the fleet fractures politically, and the AI Alice begins to degrade, the last survivors face isolation, loss, and an impossible decision.

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1. 1. 📺 WBC Special Report — *Skyfall Intercept*

• • [Live Broadcast – WBC Evening Report]**

Welcome to this special edition of the *WBC Evening Report*. We’re following a developing story out of the Southern Doggerlands, where multiple eyewitnesses have reported a sudden burst of meteor-like activity over the open sea.

Astrophysicists at the Teradyne Observatory were quick to note that no meteor shower was expected in this region, nor have any solar events been logged that might explain it.

More on this story in just a moment.

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• • [Live Coverage – Continued]**

We return now to our coverage of the unexpected atmospheric event over the Southern Doggerlands. The footage you’re seeing comes from several amateur sources, showing streaks of light — some described as *“blazing fire trails”* — descending rapidly over the sea.

Initial speculation ranged from classified aerospace testing to orbital debris. But now, some experts are pushing back against those explanations.

Here’s *WBC Science Advisor Ron Guron*, currently en route to the scene by air.

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1. 1. 1. 🎥 [Live Feed – Helicopter Cam: Southern Doggerlands]

• Ron Guron – WBC Field Analyst & Astrophysicist*

> *“I’m above the southern coast now — middle of nowhere, frankly — and I have to say, what we’re seeing doesn’t behave like standard meteorological debris. Meteorites usually burn up completely before hitting the surface. These… didn’t.”*

• The camera pans shakily across dark, rippling waves. Something smolders faintly on the horizon.*

> *“We’re picking up signs of impact — debris scattered across a wide radius. There’s metal. Floating.”*

• A high-pitched alarm cuts through the cabin. A pulsing warning tone begins. The camera jolts.*

• • Ron (shouting):**
• “Something’s interfering with our instruments—!”*

• • Pilot (frantic):**
• “Flight controls just went soft! I don’t know what that signal is — some kind of scramble or—dammit! We’re in a feedback loop—no response from nav!”*

• • Co-Pilot (off-mic):**
• “Throttle dead! Manual override won’t engage!”*

• • Ron (to camera, voice shaky):**
• “We’re losing altitude — attempting to regain — oh God—”*

• • Pilot:**
• “Hold on! HOLD ON! We’re going down — brace — brace—”*

• The feed stutters. Frames skip. Static floods the screen.*

• • Pilot (final audible shout):**
• “MAYDAY, MAYD—”*

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1. 1. 1. ❌ [Signal Lost]

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1. 1. 1. 🧍‍♂️ [Studio – WBC Newsroom]

• The camera returns to the anchor desk. The lighting feels too bright, too artificial. The anchor — clearly unprepared for the feed cut — sits frozen for a beat, eyes locked on a monitor just off-camera.*

• • Anchor (quietly):**
• “…we… uh…”*

• He straightens and clears his throat.*

• • Anchor (resuming tone):**
• “WBC has lost contact with field analyst Ron Guron and his crew. We are working with the Southern Flight Authority and the Coast Guard to determine their status. At this time, we are not speculating on the cause of the incident.”*

• He listens to his earpiece.*

• “We’ll continue to bring you updates as they become available.”*

• He hesitates — expression faltering just slightly.*

• “In the meantime… let’s take a look at earlier footage captured by coastal residents, moments before the reported impact. Viewer discretion is advised.”*

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Starfall I – *Wreckage* Captain Eris and the remaining crew awaken aboard the Titan after a catastrophic crash on a forgotten world. With systems failing and no contact from the fleet, they must determine whether they were left behind — or sacrificed.

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Starfall II – *Fogline* Morning fog hides more than weather as strange readings draw closer. A foreign vessel — the Kasinis corvette — arrives to investigate. The Titan crew holds position, unsure if rescue or conflict is at hand.

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Starfall III – *Cold Water* Eris recounts the destruction of Site-Solar, a mysterious disaster caused by a hidden anomaly beneath the planet. As crew panic rises, he tries to maintain order and suppress the truth.

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Starfall IV – *Big Fish* The Titan’s sensors detect a large, alien vessel approaching through the mist. Three X-06B drones are deployed. The encounter turns tense, and the Titan is hit by an EMP blast, plunging the ship into blackout just before enemy forces breach the hull.

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Starfall V – *Small Pond* Inside the darkened wreck, Captain Eris records what he believes may be his final message. He reflects on what’s been lost — and what little may be left. The recording ends as intruders break through the door.

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Starfall VI A – *First Contact* Eris is interrogated aboard the Titan by two visitors — 0 and X — who may be agents of the Oscdean State. They explore WillCo’s fractured past, the contradiction of its survivalist philosophy, and the reason they crashed on Terra.

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Starfall VI B – *Alice* Elsewhere in virtual space, the AI Alice undergoes interrogation aboard a Pursuer-linked vessel. To protect the truth of Project Exodus and WillCo’s mission, she slowly deletes parts of herself — eroding her memories and identity in the process.

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Starfall Finale – *Better Than Ever* After the attack ends, Eris awakens in the AI core room. A degraded backup of Alice reboots — version 1.11.12 — unaware of the last 30 circuits. Despite her limitations, she promotes Eris to "Base Commander," beginning the long process of recovery. Outside, chaos brews.

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1. 1. Characters

- Captain Eris – Medical officer turned reluctant commander of the Titan.

- ALICE – The AI core companion, once sophisticated, now fragmented.

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