Plot / Details: "After They Went Interstellar"

# Plot / Details: "After They Went Interstellar" ![](https://i.imgur.com/GQYRtUr.jpg) ## Settings Takes place in the same universe as Interstellar's, during the day when the last evacuation ship leaves Earth. ## Plot The player plays as a mailman who has delivered letters to the same person (name undecided) for a very long period of time. One day he receives yet another letter to be delivered to this man, but this letter is marked as urgent, and has very specific instructions as to how the mail should be delivered. The player attempts to knock the door to reach the recipient, but received no response. For this letter has to be delivered in person, he could not easily leave the house, so he decided to open the door. Surprisingly the door was not locked, and he enters the house swiftly to find the man as fast as he could. Soon he will find the man dead in his chambers. Shocked and baffled, he tries to find clues related to his death. In the end, the mailman discovers that for all these days he has been delivering letters regarding H.E.L.P. -- Human Extraterrestrial Landing Program, an evacuation program for humans to leave for a new planet before all is lost on Earth. The man was eventually not accepted and was destined to die on Earth of suffocation. The mailman also realizes the reason why this letter has to be delivered exactly on the determined date and time -- he was also determined to be left on Earth. The last ship bound for the space refugee station departs soon after the mailman realizes the truth behind all this, and he watches the ship as it rockets through the atmosphere and leaves the desolate planet. ## Abstract of Gameplay - Expected length of gameplay: 20 minutes? - First person (P.T.) - Picking up stuff - ~~Able to use flashlight~~ ## Characters ### The mailman The protagonist of this minigame. On the day of which the story takes place he received a set of odd instructions on how to deliver a seemingly ordinary letter (package) to the man. Later as he uncovers the truth behind these letters, he finds out that he was left behind to die on the planet. ### The Man (Name Undecided) A man who has subscribed to the HELP program by obligation; a husband and the father of a daughter. Dutifully paid his bills for the HELP program, yet only to find out later that he was not included in the evacuation program. While the HELP program offered him advice and options to compensate for his forseeable loss, he did not respond to any of these letters. Under absolute desperation, he took his life before the last letter containing euthanasia drug could arrive. ### The Man's family (his wife and his daughter) The man's family members who were also signed up for the HELP program automatically. While the wife's bills were paid by the man, the daughter was free from all fees according to the HELP's social benefit policies. They were both chosen to be evacuated on earlier ships. The wife was a painter/photographer. ## Terminology ### The Disaster The disaster, or any term used in similar occasions, refers to the blight. The blight was first introduced in the original movie Interstellar. ### H.E.L.P. ![Imgur](https://i.imgur.com/nGrGDhC.png) The acronym for Human Extraterrestrial Landing Program. A program designed to prolong humanity and preserve Earth culture from the irreversible, incoming apocalypse. Designed by scientists, the project was a multi-folded plan concerning a wide variety of studies. The project was later accepted by the government and was made law, thus making every citizen obligatory to follow all instructions included in the program. Below are some highlights of the program: > [name=Brian Teng] Probably need someone who studies law to revise this document, to make it more formal. `#todo` - All citizens (with the exception of those who meet certain standards, see below) are strictly required to participate in the program and abide with all regulations to ensure the successful execution of this program, effective immediately. However, some citizens who meet the following standards will be required to submit a self-declaration form (can be found at the office of your local government) to be included in the program: - Citizens at the age of 65 or above. - Expecting mothers within one month. - Citizens with heart troubles, back/bone problems or any other issue that requires intense medical attention. - Infants under the age of 12 months. For issuing a self-declaration form is not possible at this age, legal guardians are allowed to submit a declaration form on behalf of the infant. - All citizens are automatically enrolled in the program upon first receiving a notification from your local authorities. - All enrolled citizens will be charged monthly with (undetermined amount). This money will fund the program and cover all generated expenses, such as, but not limited to, the construction of the Space Refugee Station, fuel supply and research funds; citizens who meet the following qualities, however, is free from all fees and will not be charged: - Citizens under the age of 15. - Expecting mothers. - Relatives of NASA, Government officials....... more required - Payments will only be requested on a monthly basis. Failure to fulfill any payment will result in the subject's immediate unsubscription to the program; no re-entries will be offered. - All citizens are guaranteed a seat in the space station, but departure dates will vary from person to person, and will sometimes result in a temporary separation between members of a same party. ## Detailed Gameplay ### Opening Cutscene (Radio plays =="Help" by the Beatles==) HUD: New Mail Received. Player clicks the open button. EMAIL: > Confidentiality: Level 3 (Do Not Discuss) > >For the pass few weeks we've been sending mails regarding his exit trip. We've been expecting replies but none has been received. > > This time, aside from delivering this letter, we also need you to check on his status. Report his situation in through the app on your phone. > :::info If the player: A) hasn't finish all checkpoints (i.e. picked up all the items) B) Answered incorrectly The game will lead into an alternate ending: MR.XXXX was never to be found on the ship. ::: RADIO: ...now before we come to our final song of this hour, I'd like to make a quick reminder that some of you will be setting off on a mighty expedition into space today. If you have received your boarding notice within these few days you should open immediately. If I were you I'd turn off the radio now to go check my mailbox....No, just kidding, don't go away, don't go away! At least after this one last song of the hour, "Help" by the Beatles. ~~MAILMAN: Lucky bastards. (Laughs silently) That means you too, Mr.XXXX MAILMAN: Hard to believe it's been years since the blight took out almost every farm crop men could plant, and we're still growing wheat here. But still, they will die someday. Soon. MAILMAN: 5 years ago, the disaster killed my business. HELP reached out to me and I turned into somekind of a delivery boy for them...... doesn't look decent at all but at least I don't have to pay them anything to get me the hell out of here; Plus, I only need to send letters to one family. The XXXXs. MAILMAN: Not many people live here anymore, though. Either they moved out of town or they died trying. ==Hunger and all that.== MAILMAN: Now it's just the rest of us. And today some more will go.~~ -- ### Arriving at XXXX's place >MAILMAN: Alright, says it has to be delivered in person. Player takes control now. Player should guide the mailman to the footsteps of his house and knock on the door. The man knocks on the door and finds that the door is not fully closed. He senses something wrong: >MAILMAN: What the...... left opened? (Shouts louder)Mr.XXXX? >(silent monologue) Something's wrong. > And he proceeds into the house. ==Broken stuff are scattered everywhere `#leveldesign`==, pushing the mailman to move deeper into the building. >MAILMAN: Oh shit... >(silent monologue) I better check if he's ok. > Now the player is tasked to do a full search around his client's house. :::info Mission: Find out what happened to the XXX household. ::: Within this stage the player should come across with various pieces of information, including letters, paintings, photographs..... The ones that really count are the letters and the suicide note later found once the door to the final room has been unlocked. ## Cast ## Level Design and Decoration ### Letters - The ones before Billing invoice: 1F - The ones after: second floor ## Interactable Items ### Letters #### Content ##### 1: Introducing the HELP program Dear Mr. Blendon: On behalf of your local authorities, I'd like to welcome you to the HELP (Human Extraterrestrial Landing Program) program. We sincerely ask you to allow some time for this letter, as this letter along with the attached documents will explain to you all the details you need to know about the biggest immigration in history mankind has ever attempted. First of all, as we are almost certain that our environment is at a critical yet irreversible state, it is our duty to explore all possibilities to extend humanity and rescue all lifeforms before time runs out. After countless days and nights of research and calculations, our scientists have come up with a feasible masterplan that will allow life to continue even after Earth is no longer inhabitable -- HELP. Although this project has been proved theoretically possible, we need every citizen -- every life we intend to protect -- to participate in this program. We believe that as humans that are capable to think in a higher level, it is also our job to take the responsibility. This is why HELP was made policy and why you (and everyone you know) are automatically enrolled. As mentioned above, we don't have much time left, and we can't afford any disruptions in the execution of the program. To ensure HELP's success, we ask for your support by funding the program. Further details can be found in the attached documents that come with this letter. Finally, we'd like to make one point clear: Our enemy is not anymore the environment; it is simply time. With your support, together we can still preserve all that belongs to Earth, and your loved ones. Please refer carefully to the attached documents for information regarding terms and regulations. Sincerely, OOO OOOOO > MAILMAN: I remember this. I received this on the same day I started working for the agency. ##### 2: A portion of the terms and regulations. > [name=Brian] This part is identical to the one above. > ##### 3 ~ 15: Billing Notice Treasurer's Department Human Extraterrestrial Landing Program National Aeronautics and Space Administration Program Billing Notice Due Date:________, Mon/Day/Year Name Address HUMAN EXTRATERRSTRIAL LANDING PROGRAM Total Amount: ______ Please pay the exact amount stated amount before the due date. Failure to do so will result in disenrollment from the HELP program, effective immediately. No re-entries will be offered. ##### 16: We regret to inform you...... > [name=Brian Teng] there is something wrong in this letter..... I don't know. `#todo` > Dear Mr.XXX: Thank you for your support to the HELP program. It is with our heaviest hearts to inform you that the fundraising process for HELP was unsuccessful due to an unexpected amount of our capable participants' decision to not support the program. Although we tried our best to cut down all unnecessary expenses from the very beginning, these efforts could not fix and revert the desperate situation. Given the current status of HELP, we are unable to offer you a seat in any of the remaining evacuation shuttles. We're truly sorry. You are receiving this letter because our records have shown that you have two family members that have already received their respective departure notices. Rest assured that your beloved ones are guaranteed to reach the space colony safe and sound. We cannot imagine how desperate and fruitless you must feel at the moment you reach this part of the letter; however allow us to offer options for you to consider: 1. Medical Euthansia 2. Extended Oxygen Support Please answer as soon as possible. Once your reply has been received, we will provide you with further support and information on how your selection will be fulfilled. Again, we are deeply sorry for the unsuccessful outcome of HELP. If you need further assistance, feel free to talk to a HELP representative at your local authorities. Sincerely, OOO OOOOO > MAILMAN: Hold the fuck on. Does that mean-- ##### 17: Notice: Decisions unreplied. Dear Mr.XXX: Thank you for your support to the HELP program. It is with our heaviest hearts to inform you that the fundraising process for HELP was unsuccessful due to an unexpected amoun of our capable participants' decision to not support the program. Although we tried our best to cut down all unnecessary expenses from the very beginning, these efforts could not fix and revert the desperate situation. Given the current status HELP, we are unable to offer you a seat in any of the remaining evacuation shuttles. We are truly sorry. We cannot imagine how desperate and fruitless you must feel at the moment you reach this part of the letter; however allow us to offer options for you to consider: 1. Medical Euthansia 2. Extended Oxygen Support Please answer as soon as possible. Once your reply has bee received, we will provide you with further support and information on how your selection will be fulfilled. This mail is a second reminder of your current status and options. Your response has not yet been received. For your decision is crucial to both your life and our program, please reply to us as soon as possible. Again, we are deeply sorry for the unsuccessful outcome of HELP. If you need further assistance, feel free to talk to a HELP representative at your local authorities. Sincerely, OOO OOOOO ##### 18: Urgent notice: Decisions unreplied. The content of this mail is URGENT. Please read and respond immediately. Dear Mr.XXX: Thank you for your support to the HELP program. It is with our heaviest hearts to inform you that the fundraising process for HELP was unsuccessful due to an unexpected amoun of our capable participants' decision to not support the program. Although we tried our best to cut down all unnecessary expenses from the very beginning, these efforts could not fix and revert the desperate situation. Given the current status HELP, we are unable to offer you a seat in any of the remaining evacuation shuttles. We are truly sorry. We cannot imagine how desperate and fruitless you must feel at the moment you reach this part of the letter; however allow us to offer options for you to consider: 1. Medical Euthansia 2. Extended Oxygen Support Please answer as soon as possible. Once your reply has bee received, we will provide you with further support and information on how your selection will be fulfilled. This mail is a third of your current status and options. The content of this mail is URGENT. Your response has not yet been received. For your decision is crucial to both your life and our program, please reply to us as soon as possible. Again, we are deeply sorry for the unsuccessful outcome of HELP. If you need further assistance, feel free to talk to a HELP representative at your local authorities. Sincerely, OOO OOOOO ##### 19: Final notice: decisions unreplied. The content of this mail is EXTREMELY URGENT. Please read and respond immediately. Dear Mr.XXX: Thank you for your support to the HELP program. It is with our heaviest hearts to inform you that the fundraising process for HELP was unsuccessful due to an unexpected amoun of our capable participants' decision to not support the program. Although we tried our best to cut down all unnecessary expenses from the very beginning, these efforts could not fix and revert the desperate situation. Given the current status HELP, we are unable to offer you a seat in any of the remaining evacuation shuttles. We are truly sorry. We cannot imagine how desperate and fruitless you must feel at the moment you reach this part of the letter; however allow us to offer options for you to consider: 1. Medical Euthansia 2. Extended Oxygen Support Please answer as soon as possible. Once your reply has bee received, we will provide you with further support and information on how your selection will be fulfilled. This mail is the fourth and last reminder of your current status and options. The content of this mail is EXTREMELY URGENT. This mail is your LAST opportunity to make a decision. Your response has not yet been received. For your decision is crucial to both your life and our program, please reply to us as soon as possible. Again, we are deeply sorry for the unsuccessful outcome of HELP. If you need further assistance, feel free to talk to a HELP representative at your local authorities. Sincerely, OOO OOOOO ##### 20: Farewell and further instructions. Dear Mr.XXX: Thank you for supporting the HELP program. I am writing to inform you that we still have not received your decision as stated and provided in the preceding letters. In light of the gradually approaching life limit of our beloved planet, it is our top priority that we offer everyone we care about with the best possible solution to the inevitable event; therefore after careful calculation and allocation of available resource, we've taken the liberty to opt for you. Along with this letter comes a syringe containing drugs capable of delivering one a painless, comfortable end. We could never, and dare not, but tried to imagine how weak and fruitless you must feel upon receiving this letter. If you wish to, detailed instructions attached to the syringe will guide you through the final steps to relief. However, if you need more time or are not in need of medical assistance, please examine the following information carefully: - The Blight is a plague that preys on all plants, including crops. Although, as announced officially by NASA, that the corn is the only remaining crop raisable, you may find other types of food unharmed at your location. Do not take this symptom wrongly: the blight is guaranteed to take out all existing crop within the next 2 years. If you have food remaining in your storage, we ask you to carefully ration it to extend your time; If you happen to own, or find living crops without any signs of the blight, please harvest and preserve them now. - The Blight not only affects food supply, but it has been, and will continually be, altering the Earth's atmosphere. The plague's destruction of all living plants will completely terminate oxygen reproduction. This means that the planet will eventually run out of oxygen. This does not mean that you will face an imminent oxygen threat, as the atmosphere is still capable of providing breathable gas for at least another decade; however it does mean that the following generations will eventually suffocate from the worsened environment. If you are still planning to have a family, we strongly advise you to reconsider your options. - As soon as the departure of the last evacuation shuttle, the United States of America will officially relieve its sovereignty of all of its territory on Earth. The concept of a nation will cease to exist, and so will be all laws and regulations. Your actions, as well as those of other people, will not be warranted or punished by law. In addition, all emergency services and offices of your local authorities will end permanently. If you are planning on traveling for a long distance, please plan ahead for all possibilities. We are deeply, deeply sorry of this desperate outcome that you must confront with; yet we are more grateful, knowing that it is only with your support can the humanity and life be extended even beyond the planet. By the time you receive this letter, the last evacuation shuttle will have departed from Earth. As the chairman of the HELP project, I personally guarantee you that your sacrifice will not be in vain, and will be used on efforts to search and rebuild the society we have always cherished and loved. Thank you. Thank you. OOO OOOOO ### Flyers > [name=Brian Teng] "THE END IS NEAR", "GOD SAVE US" or sth like that ### Paintings #### Stepping on corpses to live. ### Photographs Has to reflect the barren lands of the Earth. Emptiness, poorly-saturated images, greyscale. Perhaps 5 of them. ![](https://i.imgur.com/v52Zxhr.jpg) :::info Maybe one photo about protest? ::: ### Suicide Note > [name=Brian Teng] It's pretty weird for a grown man to write a diary. Perhaps one suicide note would suffice. > Explains how the man feels. ### Graffiti "YOU FUCKING RICH BASTARDS" ### Other Information `#todo` > [name=Brian Teng] Maybe explain why the plan eventually failed. Riots, people not paying, short on funds......or perhaps news on a failed launch of an evacuating ship, resulting in thousands of deaths, immigrants-wannabe bursting into America...... Mexican Border Wall torn down (?)