Ally blinked, causing the image in front of her to come back into focus. She’d lost her train of thought and the storyboard artwork had blurred. She pushed her glasses up her nose, breathed in deeply and forced herself to study it.
There was Aloy in the destroyed transport pod on the Odyssey.
There was Sylens, just about to stop her from activating the mines.
And the whole scene was tinted in purple, the colour of Nemesis.
Ally pursed her lips, tapping her marker against them then looked down at the writing tablet in her hand.
‘…Aloy makes the choice between activating the mines or the self destruct. This choice leads to the final decision which directly influences the storyline. Sylens destroys the hatch of the transport pod, trapping Aloy on the Odyssey and then…’
There was a lot of blank space beneath the final line.
Ally frowned at it then looked back up at the storyboard.
She heard a sigh behind her and turned to see Karl trying to cover up a yawn so wide he nearly split his head in two.
“Samuel still not sleeping through?” She asked.
Karl looked up, his skin the colour of rich chocolate with full lips and his dark brown dreadlocks tied at the nape of his neck.
“How could you tell?” He said dryly. “Jo keeps telling me to go back to sleep cause I’m the one who has to go to work…but I can’t sleep while she’s up pacing with him.”
“What did the sleep therapist say?”
“It’s just a phase.” Karl rubbed his face and groaned. “If I hear that one more time, it’s going to be my defence in court after I hit the therapist. It was just a phase!” He shook his head, cleared his throat and looked down at his art pad, a large desk where he could draw as if on paper yet with the flexibility and options of an illustration program. “I’ve just about perfected all the details of the billboard poster,” he said as he used the art pad’s adjustable hinge to stand it upright so that Ally could see it without leaning over her shoulder, “this will be what’s seen in the CBD when the release date is announced. What do you think?”
Ally gazed at it.
It was predominately of Aloy’s face with a slightly sorrowful expression. A forest biome of the earth she was trying to save was to the left of her face in the direction she was facing. Her hair streamed out to the right, the copper red strands stained with purple, wicking away into a dark, villainous shade. Embedded in her hair and the flow on was the word ‘Horizon’ with ‘Nemesis’ underneath.
“It looks really good, Karl.” She nodded. “It captures the sinisterness of Nemesis and the hope that she’s facing.”
“I opted to go a little darker with the purple,” Karl flicked the image onto the wall display and they both stood in front of it, “because when it’s on those big monitors, those darker colours tend to lighten. It’s a bit like stage make up as opposed to day wear.”
“I wouldn’t know.” Ally remarked, her face free of makeup. She stared at the image, feeling her mind blur at the edges.
“I hate to ask,” Karl said quietly next to her, “but…have you written the ending yet?”
Ally resisted the urge to look at her tablet. It wouldn’t tell her anything new. “Not exactly.”
Karl pulled a face. “It’s just that there’s only so many ‘conceptual’ art pieces I can do to keep the timekeepers happy. I mean, it’s usually one book of artwork per game…but with Horizon Nemesis, I’ve got enough to fill a trilogy. Sooner or later…I’m gonna need an ending.”
“I know.” Ally nodded. “I know…” Karl yawned again and she patted him on the shoulder. “Why don’t you sleep in my chair,” she nodded to her recliner, “and I’ll go up to the food court and get you some coffee?”
“I’d argue…but I’m too tired.”
Ally left Karl to nap, heading out of her office which was combined with Karl’s. His artwork of her story plot was all over the walls that were just a maze of monitors, making storyboards fluid and colourful. Outside of her office Ally turned left and followed the balcony around the core of Commando’s headquarters to the lifts. They were made of glass and flowed silkily up and down the ten storey building. Ally caught the first one heading in her direction and travelled down it to the food court.
As usual it was a hub of activity. Commando’s employees were permitted to come and go at whatever time it pleased them, gaining access with their security card. As long as the work was done, Commando didn’t care when it was completed. As such the food court always had people in it, coming and going. There were water coolers throughout the building but only in the food court could you get coffee and prepackaged and processed food at any time of the day or night.
It was an open space with a balcony on the right side that gazed into the food court. Dominating the centre of the food court was a tree so real there was an ongoing debate about whether or not it was fake. Perhaps it was because staff snuck in and changed the leaves over in Autumn from deep dark greens to browns, golds and reds then plucked them off altogether in Winter before changing them for bright green leaves and pink buds for flowers in Spring. Around the tree was a circle of couches facing tables with the usual boring mass produced metal chairs with the ‘ergonomically’ appropriate back on them that made everyone uncomfortable within five minutes.
Down the left side of the food court and anywhere there was solid wall space, there were counters of all the most popular fast food varieties. Ally could try food from any country in the world over the course of a year without needing to leave the building. Bidding wars between chain restaurants were fiercely competitive so there was always one franchise going out while another was going in. There were some permanent appointments but those had tried and true track records, including the Grace Denim coffee shop where there was a constant line of desperate employees needing their immediate fix.
Ally turned away from the large line and headed to the smaller coffee site that was tucked beneath the curve of the stairs that led up to the balcony. She passed the giant glass windows, the glass top tables and the wall panels made of black reflective glass. Commando was big on glass. They claimed it made them transparent and honest, a metaphor for the modern age, the philosophy behind Commando’s work ethic.
There was a much smaller line to join at the secondary coffee shop and Ally did so without a second thought. She inhaled the smell of perfectly roasted beans, ground to their appropriate level and dashed with milk that was neither cold or burnt. Everyone who walked away held their coffees like they’d been given a fragile crystal goblet filled with the elixir of life.
“Ally! You’re a little early for your usual pick me up.” Eric boomed from behind the counter, solidly built with large hands and impressive facial hair, like a handlebar moustache or beard but which climbed up the sides of his face.
“I’m not here just for me.” Ally explained. “Karl’s asleep with his eyes open.”
“His little pickaninny still not sleeping through?” Ally shook her head. “I’ll make him a long lasting, eye opening coffee.” Eric winked. “That should wake him up.”
He worked by himself behind the counter, efficiently and with practiced, well rehearsed methods. Despite the largeness of his hands, there was a deftness to his work that made Ally think of an artist. It was fascinating to watch.
“Sometimes I can’t believe you’re still in business here,” Ally admitted, jerking her head towards the Grace Denim coffee store, “what with GD adding in another barista.”
“Barista…ha!” Eric snorted, working as he talked. “Those kids get a week of training to learn how to make fifty different types of coffee which is simply a push button job. There’s no skill in it.” He frothed the milk, sliding out two ceramic mugs. “You’re at your limit, Ally. I need my mugs back.”
“Sorry, I keep forgetting. I’ll bring them back tomorrow.” Ally promised. “You could always put them in takeaway cups…” Eric gave her a look that silenced her words. “Right…you’re not a fan.”
“Coffee should be drunk from a cup that tells you the person who made it wants it to be received in its best possible form.”
Ally smiled and nodded. This was the reason Eric was still in business. The other shops served up coffee on par with every other corner shop, not better but not worse. They created a standard which people now accepted as ‘good’ coffee. She knew never to say that to Eric or else she’d be subjected to a rant on how he would never drink that swill.
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“Hey,” Eric nodded, “they look familiar.”
In the food court, if one wasn’t glued to their smartphone or tablet or stopped long enough to enjoy the view, there were large monitors showing trailers of upcoming games, interviews with cast and crew as well as announcements from the CEO that they could watch.
Currently the monitors were showing an interview with two women with dots over their faces, holding padded weapons while acting out scenes, their voices carrying over the clip.
“…can’t tell you what a thrill it is to be working on Horizon Forbidden West. I’m humbled that I’m able to play a part.” A woman with dark hair tied back, wearing a bodysuit and with dots across her face, spoke to the camera. “I mean, I feel as though I look like I have some…terrible disease!”
She laughed, gesturing to the dots that captured her expressions while acting out scenes.
“Sasha Gershwin is set to play Seyka, a Quen midshipman who meet Aloy in the DLC, Burning Shores.”
“Sasha is flexible and easy to work with and she’s a match for Aloy in every way.” Another woman with very familiar eyes and mouth shape spoke, her dark hair threaded with silver. “I can’t think of a better pairing and we’re so excited about what this DLC will open up in Aloy’s life and in the life of the story.”
“Burning Shores is the latest DLC to be added to the Horizon franchise, downloadable on the…”
“That’s the woman who plays Aloy, isn’t it?” Eric asked.
Ally nodded, pulling her eyes away from the monitor. “Maddison Jacobs.”
“Yeah…you know, they keep playing that interview and then the big press conference spiel about how Commando has finally given the gaming community a lesbian heroine.”
“That’s what they did.”
“And how they’re breaking new ground and are modern and relevant…”
Ally looked at Eric. “You don’t sound convinced.”
“For all their posturing,” Eric poured the coffee carefully into the mugs, “that interview and press conference is old…months and months old. There’s been nothing new about it.”
“A new game is yet to be released.” Ally excused, swiping her card across the machine, paying for her coffees.
“Given the build up about the story arc of Burning Shores and how they said ‘it’ll redefine the gaming world’, there’s been no new stories, just the same old slog.” Eric put the coffees on the counter. “If you ask me, there’s nothing new to be said…at least, not that Commando want us to know about.”
Ally picked up the cups. “Thanks for the coffee.”
“Catch you tomorrow, Ally.”
She walked across the food court, mugs in hand, heading for the lift. She didn’t speak to anyone or look left or right except to dodge a laptop bag strap or a couple that were so intensely debating, they nearly ran into her.
As she approached the lift, it opened and Ava appeared behind the doors.
“Miss Sterling!” She exclaimed, putting her phone down. “Thank goodness. I’ve been trying to reach you all morning.”
“I put my phone on silent.” Ally excused. “Messages break my concentration. What do you need me for?”
Ava pressed the button in the lift for Ally’s office floor. “Mr Farrows wants to meet with you.”
Ally’s blood ran cold. “Did he say why?”
“He doesn’t tell me much,” Ava admitted, tucking her short, cropped black hair behind her ear, “I wish Mr Kingsbury would cut his honeymoon short.”
Ally swallowed. “I need to take this to Karl and I’ll come straight up.”
“I’ll go with you.”
Ally walked stiffly to her office where she found Jo talking with Karl, Samuel in a carry sling, asleep against her chest. Jo had tight dark curls in ringlets around her richly hued skin, her eyes and teeth bright in contrast.
“Sorry, I didn’t want to interrupt,” she excused even as Ally waved her hand and held out the coffee to Karl, “he forgot his lunch.”
“I could have bought something.” Karl insisted, inhaling the smell from the mug. “You didn’t have to come all this way.”
“I got fed up pacing at home,” Jo looked at Ally and winked, “I’ve practically worn the fake floorboards down to the ground.”
“Eat your lunch, drink your coffee and Jo, sit down before you fall down.” Ally smiled weakly. “I’ve got to go meet with Farrows.”
“Have fun.” Karl said with a note of warning in his voice.
Ally left with Ava, heading for the lift. Ava wore a fitted pantsuit in mid grey with a lighter grey pinstripe. Even as she walked she was on her phone, sending messages and coordinating meetings.
“So…how long until Mr Kingsbury gets back?” Ally asked quietly as the lift carried them upwards.
“Not for another month.” Ava sighed. “He’s taking her on a worldwide tour for their honeymoon. Can you imagine?”
Ally shook her head, following Ava out of the lift to the CEO’s office. Ava’s desk was outside of it in a polished and professional nook. She opened the door and looked in, speaking briefly then turned back to Ally.
“They’re ready for you.”
“They?”
“Andre Simons is in there too.” Ava’s tone was apologetic.
Ally swallowed and forced her legs to walk into the room.
As expected, the CEO’s office was nothing less than generously sized, professionally appointed and designed to impress or intimidate those that entered. The far right side had a wall of monitors with a large, jelly bean shaped desk in front. The windows were floor to ceiling and could be darkened with a single tap of a button. At the moment they were crystal clear, displaying a view of the city soaking up midday sunshine.
Standing beside the desk was Andre Simons, a man with skin the darkest she’d ever seen, his head shaved clear of any hair with eyes that glared no matter his intent or expression. He was sharply dressed with no room for softness or personable relatability.
Behind the desk was Fred Farrows, the stand in CEO while David Kingsbury was globe trotting with his wife. He was somewhat rectangular with broad shoulders and a blue business jacket over a white tee and dark blue trousers, trying to affect a sense of smart casual professionalism. His blonde hair was styled back from his face, his blue eyes looking up expectantly.
“Ally Sterling, come in, come in.” He stood up and waved her to the seat opposite him. “Please, sit down.”
Ally did so and Farrows sat on his chair, his elbows on the desk, hands clasped together.
“You wanted to see me, Mr Farrows?” Ally asked, trying not to look at Simons nervously.
“I’m looking for an update on the Nemesis project.”
“It’s going well,” Ally hoped her voice didn’t sound as squeaky as she felt it was, “Karl has finished the promotional billboard display. It’s everything you hoped for.”
“Excellent,” Farrows nodded, “that’s excellent…but not exactly what I was asking for.”
“What Mr Farrows is saying,” Andre Simons said in a deep voice that had remarkable diction, “is we need an update on the storyline.”
“Is it finished.” Farrows asked bluntly.
Ally swallowed, fingering her tablet. “I…uh…no, not exactly.”
“I see,” Farrows leaned back in his chair, “where did it end the last time I got an update?” He looked at Simons.
“Aloy was farewelling her companions on the Zenith base platform before boarding the rocket to take her to the Odyssey.” Simons recited.
“Yes,” Farrows clicked his fingers, “we were waiting on the point of no return storyline climax.”
Ally licked her lips. “I haven’t really…it hasn’t…”
“Does Beta work out that Aloy made Gaia lie about her chances? Does anyone manage to get up to the Odyssey to save Aloy’s life and they get back to earth or does Aloy sacrifice herself in protecting the earth in the same manner that Elisabet did? Or is there another ending we should be considering?”
“Well…” Ally opened her mouth but Simons cut in.
“Bearing in mind we want the end to be cohesive, considering all the content the Horizon game series has provided.”
Ally stared at him. “You mean…including the DLCs?”
“Well, yes, naturally.” Simons said as though the question was a stupid one. “They are part of the Horizon canon.”
She cleared her throat. “Even though Burning Shores was written without my input?” She looked down at the ground, bold enough to ask the question but not enough to hold eye contact.
Simons gave a huff and shook his head. “I told you this was still an issue.” He said, speaking to Farrows. “I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s the reason Sterling hasn’t finished the story.”
Ally’s cheeks filled with heat at the accusation and her voice wobbled as she spoke. “You gave me a month’s sabbatical and I returned to find my work had been altered, characters changed…Aloy’s interaction with the characters...”
“Specifically Seyka?” Fred Farrows asked pointedly.
“Well…yes.” Ally nodded.
“Commando’s focus groups felt that, given the current climate and the competition’s ability to give the people what they want but only in a minor role, giving Aloy a female love interest would best represent a bold and inclusive new frontier.” Simons recited in a voice that was well practiced in dispelling fears or concerns, or at least, intimidating his audience so they didn’t dare question him.
“As such, any ending where Aloy lives, must include a relationship with Seyka,” Farrows concluded, “after all, we can’t go changing her now. We’d be crucified…unless, of course, she’s a martyr in which case…there’s no need for confirmation either way.”
“It seems to me,” Simons gestured openly, “if we truly want the Horizon trilogy to reach a fitting end, Aloy needs to die.” Ally’s skin was cold as Simons looked out of the window, not even talking to her as he spoke. “Aloy’s role has always been to save the earth and what better end would there be than to follow in Elisabet’s footsteps and sacrifice herself?”
“It finishes the trilogy with no room for any more Aloy stories,” Farrows added, “and opens up opportunities for other characters, such as our AR series that’s already experiencing huge interest and the Talanah story that’s in development…”
“We close the book on Aloy in Horizon and open the doors for other games focusing on other characters so that the players can still experience the wonder of post extinction earth in a machine riddled landscape.”
Ally felt like she was sinking into quicksand. “What…” She licked her lips and tried again. “What does Mr Kingsbury have to say about this?”
“Mr Kingsbury is on indefinite leave from Commando,” Farrows’ tone hardened and he leaned forward, “and while you benefited rather specifically from his favour and condescension, even he would say that your time has run out.”
“A press conference has been scheduled in exactly one week’s time,” Simons stated sharply, “where we will be announcing the date for the release of Nemesis. If you do not have the ending written by then, it will be handed to the team that wrote the Burning Shores DLC.”
The blood drained from Ally’s face. There seemed little more to say. She stood up, clutching her tablet to her chest. Farrows stood up with her.
“Look, I hate being the bad guy,” he said, putting his hand on her shoulder, “and I wish I hadn’t been forced into this whole deadline business…but in the end, it’s a story and a fictional character. You’ve had a good run, Ally Sterling but it needs to end now. Give Aloy the death she needs to finish the series.” Ally could only nod, unable to speak. “Why don’t you take the rest of today off? Hm?”
She nodded again and left the office. Ava might have tried to speak to her as she walked past but Ally was oblivious to it. She entered the lift and sank down to her office. Karl had fallen asleep again, his head on the desk. Ally picked up her satchel, slid her tablet into the padded pocket, wrote him a quick note saying she’d finished for the day and headed out of Commando’s building.