Black Hole Sun
Black Hole Sun is a multi-part Story Contract arc that explores themes of ambition, risk, and scientific ethics through the story of Dr. Julian Martinez, his brother Marcus Martinez, and their work with the enigmatic Stargate Project LLC. The arc leads directly into the events of The Trouble with Tiddlets and introduces key characters, technologies, and dilemmas that shape the storyline.
Overview
The storyline unfolds across several parts, with each contract escalating the stakes and complexity. Player decisions — especially in the final mission — directly affect relationships, story outcomes, and future rewards. Notably, the arc introduces the Hop Drive, a key technology in the follow-up The Trouble with Tiddlets storyline.
Part 1: Initial Contact
- Introduction to Dr. Julian Martinez and his research efforts.
- First hints at the Stargate Project LLC and experimental technologies.
- Minor engineering and diplomatic tasks.
Part 2: Rescue and Investigation
- The player assists in extracting Dr. Martinez's missing brother, Marcus.
- Growing concerns about experimental exposure and long-term health effects.
- Introduction of complex dialogue trees and decision branches.
Part 3: The Hop Drive Prototype
- Dr. Martinez unveils the Hop Drive, a prototype FTL technology.
- The player helps complete the project and decides how much data to recover — full, partial, or abandon rescue efforts.
- This decision has long-term narrative impact and determines the player’s standing with Dr. Martinez and his brother.
- The result influences rewards and unlocks the continuation of the story in The Trouble with Tiddlets, Part 3.
Legacy
The final choice in Part 3 has lasting consequences, influencing pricing, dialogue, and moral tone in the The Trouble with Tiddlets series. The state of the Hop Drive, and the fate of Marcus Martinez, are directly referenced in follow-up contracts.