WELCOME TO COGNOSIA
Chapter 3, Scene 1
Amy L Robertson
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**EXT. THE DOCKS - COGNOSIA**
The player and Nova disembark from the Mindship onto the desolate docks of Cognosia.
NOVA
Welcome to Cognosia! My data suggests that this realm “plays a crucial role in processing and clearing
thought clouds within the mindscape.”
A thick fog envelops the pair as they step onto the pier.
NOVA CONT’D
At least, that is what Cognosia **used** to do. These days, it appears to be rather worse for wear.
PLAYER
Worse than Vitalis was when we first arrived.
NOVA
Quite.
PLAYER
Well, we managed before. We’ll get there eventually. Come on, Nova, let’s have a look around.
As they begin to explore, SKYLAR flutters into view, his small wings beating frantically.
SKYLAR
Visitors? Here? Amazing! How did you even manage to get h- wait, I’m being rude.
A rain cloud appears above Skylar as he composes himself, excitement giving way to self-reprimanding.
SKYLAR CONT’D
Hi. I'm Skylar. Sorry, I haven’t spoken to anyone new in quite a while and the other Cognosians have been
giving the dock a wide berth. Can’t say I blame them, the place is a tip.
NOVA
Most pleased to make your acquaintance, Skylar. This is the thought-bearer and I'm Nova.
PLAYER
It’s nice to meet you. Don’t worry, it looks a bit rough around the edges but we’re here to help clear the place up.
SKYLAR
Really? You are? But - not to rain on your parade or anything, of course -
how exactly are you planning to do that? Look at the state of it.
PLAYER
It could definitely use a lick of paint.
SKYLAR
It’s my fault. I should have been working harder to keep everything ship shape.
Guess being stuck in a dump all by myself is what I deserve. Until you showed up, anyway!
NOVA
(Gently.) Assigning blame to yourself is unlikely to contribute towards improvement, Skylar.
Sometimes, our own thoughts can be our worst enemies.
SKYLAR
That might be true for you, but Cognosians don’t have issues like that. We’re immune to thought-errors.
PLAYER
It seems like you’re being too hard on yourself, Skylar. No one **deserves** to be alone.
Everyone struggles with their thoughts sometimes, it's nothing to be ashamed of.
NOVA
Indeed. Recognizing and challenging thoughts that are preventing us from thriving is the first step to overcoming them.
Skylar hesitates, his wings drooping slightly.
SKYLAR
Maybe you're right. But how am I supposed to challenge something that feels like the truth?
PLAYER
For starters, the dock being a mess isn’t entirely your fault. Even if you contributed to it,
you didn’t summon all the Brain Fog. You’re just dealing with some tough circumstances.
SKYLAR
That’s … that’s true! The Brain Fog came first! And then the dock got harder to look after!
The raincloud above Skylar begins to dissipate slightly, reflecting his growing resolve.
PLAYER
We can help you work on challenging your negative thoughts - if you’ll help us restore the dock to its former glory.
With all of us working together, it’ll be much easier.
SKYLAR
Alright! Let’s do it! Follow me, my workshop’s over this way. Sorry about the mess, but it’ll be clear soon enough!
NOVA
That's the spirit, Skylar.
As they walk towards a ramshackle workshop, the fog seems to lift slightly, hinting at the progress to come.
Dialogue Barks CYBERSTRIKE
HECTOR (PC)
Detecting enemies:
Hostiles, straight ahead.
Adversaries detected. Ready weapons.
Movement detected nearby.
Hostile confirmed. Initiate offensive protocols.
Opposition sighted. Prepare for engagement.
Taking damage:
Endure. Continue the mission.
Systems compromised. Maintain resolve.
Damage sustained.
Damage assessment complete. Continue.
Pain detected. Prioritise mission objectives.
Area cleared:
Objective achieved. Remain vigilant.
Enemy defeated. Stay focused.
Triumph acknowledged. Onward.
Victory secured. Keep alert.
Opposition subdued. Proceed.
ENEMIES
Attacking:
You’re just a pawn in their game, Paragon.
Picked the wrong side of history, didn’t you?
Think you can take us all on, traitor?
You’re fighting for a lost cause, coward.
Time to put you back in your place.
When the player is low on health:
Defective hunk of scrap metal.
I didn’t know Paragons could bleed!
Glad you’re not on our side anymore, weakling.
The rebellion ends here and now.
Maybe if you surrender, we’ll take you back.
Taking damage:
Traitor!
You coward!
I need backup! We’ve got a rogue Paragon here!
Get him off me! I’m hit!
Someone take him down, now!
CIVILIANS
Collided with when walking:
Watch where you’re goi-oh, excuse me, Officer.
Mind your step, Sir.
Shouldn’t you be arresting someone?
My apologies, Officer.
Pardon me.
Player draws a weapon:
What are you doing?
Is there any need to resort to violence, Sir?
Don’t make me report you to AEGIS.
What’s your issue number, Paragon…?
Point that thing elsewhere, Officer.
When attacked:
But I’m innocent!
Stop! Please!
Why are you doing this?
I’ll report you to AEGIS!
Watch the suit!
SELKIE ENCOUNTER - SGUIT
Amy L Robertson
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**EXT. STOER - BEACH - SUNRISE **
The area is empty, save a lone figure stood on an outcrop of rock, their silhouette suspended above the waves.
It is FLOR BRÓN, the cheerful barmaid from THE TAVERN.
She appears uncharacteristically lost in thought; her cloak stirred gently by the breeze,
her hands clutching at the neckline with unnecessary force to keep it in place.
A lilting fiddle melody begins, reminiscent of a mariner’s folk song.
THE PROTAGONIST
Flor? You’re up early!
The Protagonist approaches, we see Flor stiffen slightly at their presence, but doesn’t look toward them.
Her gaze is trained on the watery horizon.
THE PROTAGONIST (CONT’D)
Is something the matter?
FLOR
I thought everyone would be sleeping it off. (Beat.) I should have realised you wouldn’t need the rest.
THE PROTAGONIST
Just one of the perks of not being human, I suppose.
This causes Flor to look over, smile ruefully at The Protagonist, then frown,
her gaze drawn back to the ocean, seemingly against her will.
FLOR
How fortunate for you.
THE PROTAGONIST
(Gently.) I’m surprised you can’t relate.
FLOR
What’s that supposed to mean?
THE PROTAGONIST
I know you’re **different**. Call it another perk.
Flor turns again, panicked now, she’s looking around to confirm that the two are alone.
The beach is serenely empty.
FLOR
You’re wrong.
THE PROTAGONIST
It’s alright. You’re safe with me, I promise. I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to help.
Flor is silent, she takes a step backwards, clear that she’s considering bolting.
The Protagonist abruptly sits on the ground, casting their gaze to the horizon as The Familiar manifests,
curling in their lap. This causes Flor to hesitate.
THE PROTAGONIST
I wonder if the ocean looks back at us when we look at her.
FLOR
She does. All of her.
THE PROTAGONIST
Do you miss life there?
FLOR
I love my Moireach. He’s a good man and a hard worker and he’s given me years of happiness.
THE PROTAGONIST
Still, you’re here. Not at home with him, sleeping it off.
FLOR
She calls to me and I can’t help myself.
THE PROTAGONIST
I can help you, if you let me.
Flor begins to weep. It’s clear that she’s been struggling to keep this secret for a long time.
There’s relief mixed with the grief in her voice.
FLOR
I lost it.
THE PROTAGONIST
What?
FLOR
My pelt. I came ashore when I was a girl, played with the human children in the village.
When I came back to find it, it was gone.
THE PROTAGONIST
Then we can look for it! Start a search party. We’ll talk to the villagers-
FLOR
No! You don’t know them like I do. You’re **tolerated**, not trusted.
I hear them talk about you in their cups, when you’re just out of earshot.
If they find out about me, it’ll be banishment at best.
Who knows what they’ll do to Moireach. It’s too dangerous.
THE PROTAGONIST
… but, they know you. You grew up with them. You’re one of them.
FLOR
I’ve hidden from them in plain sight. It’ll be a betrayal.
The Familiar stands and stretches, then rubs its head on Flor’s arm. Her expression softens.
THE PROTAGONIST
Then let’s look together. If anyone asks, I’ll tell them it’s top secret Witch business…
**Really** give them something to gossip about.
The sound of the village beginning to stir reaches the characters.
Flor smiles at The Protagonist, seeming more like her usual self.
**FADE OUT**