Story Reader / Event Story / Stellar Narratives / Story
The afternoon air in Constellia carries a lazy breeze.
Most visitors take a post-lunch break, leaving the marketplace sparsely populated. The mechanoids use the lull to swap jokes about screws and bolts that only they understand.
In this relaxed atmosphere, you head to the meeting spot and see a figure standing in the sunlight.
She leans against the street railing, gazing into the distance, lost in thought. The sunlight turns her golden hair into a halo of warmth. At the sound of familiar footsteps, she turns and meets your eyes.
You're here, Commandant.
No need to apologize. We still have three minutes before our meeting time, and I only just got here myself.
No, I just got here myself.
As the credits roll upward, the film's theme song comes to an end, the frame freezes, and the screen fades to black.
Bianca keeps her eyes on the screen until the lights come on. Then she turns and sees you watching her, just as you always do.
Thank you for waiting. Let's go.
The two of you stand and head out. The theater is already empty. Bianca always watches the credits to the very end, and today is no different. Out on the street, the marketplace's bustle fills your ears again.
What did you think of the film, Commandant?
Indeed. I really enjoyed it too.
Average? True, the storytelling had a few flaws, but they don't overshadow the good. I still liked it.
The play of light and shadow was fascinating. The cinematographer must have used a well-known technique from the past.
Multiple light sources with programmed control, creating soft and intricate shifts in the lighting on the actors...
She notices your smile and stops mid-sentence.
Sorry, I got a little carried away...
I just happen to know a thing or two about filmmaking.
You stroll through the market, casually browsing the strange and curious items displayed at the mechanoid stalls.
A blanket welded from metal scraps... a wheelchair that can hit one hundred and twenty kilometers an hour...
What's that?
Something at one of the stalls catches her eye.
The collector's edition box set of Lovers of Time.
On the shelf sits a square black metal box. Through the wrapping, you can see a movie poster of a couple laughing together in the rain.
The mechanoid vendor hears your exchange and turns toward you.
Finally... ahem... someone with good taste.
How can I purchase that box set?
At this festival hosted by mechanoids, every stall has its own strange rules. Some vendors even demand you run a hundred-meter sprint within their time limit before they sell to you. Everything is at the vendor's whim.
Only true film lovers can buy from me.
I'll give you a few movie questions. Answer them correctly, and I'll recognize you as worthy film lovers!
Bianca turns to look at you.
Let's do this together, Commandant.
Alright, what's the first rule?
It should be, "Don't talk about Fighting Club."
A smile plays in her eyes. She clearly knows the answer too, but gives a small nod, signaling for you to say it.
Not bad. Looks like this kind of question is no problem for you two.
Then, in Love Before Sunrise, what is the first line of the song the two leads listen to in the record store?
Bianca tilts her head down, thinking back.
Not long ago, the two of you watched it together at WGAA's screening room.
Images from that movie float through her mind as Bianca softly speaks.
"The wind comes from the north."
Suddenly, she remembers the way you look at her during the end credits. The words slip from her lips in a near whisper.
"I love feeling your eyes on me when I'm looking elsewhere..."
No, nothing. Just remembered another line from the film.
I can't believe you got that right...
The vendor scratches its metal head, its competitive spirit ignited.
Next question. Quote three lines of confession from different movies.
No repeats.
She takes a slow breath, steadying her quickening heartbeat.
I'll go first?
"Even if this wretched world and we ourselves shatter into pieces, I'd still love you."
—From the film Gone with Wind.
She sends you a look filled with subtle emotion.
Your turn, Commandant.
"I want you to know that you've taken possession of my body and soul. I love... I love..."
Before she can finish, you recognize the quote and complete it.
—From Prejudice and Pride.
On the way back, Bianca looks down at the box set in her hands.
Commandant, you planned all this ahead of time, didn't you?
We only watched Love Before Sunrise together recently. The vendor's question was a bit too obvious.
But we still answered them all, didn't we?
...Shall we watch this one together tonight?
In the glow of the setting sun, she gives the disc a small wave, her smile warm and bright.
