Prologue: Motherlode

 

Previously: Proudspire 

 

The console in the cockpit started to beep. It wasn't too loud, seeing as the cockpit was in the next room and the ship walls were fairly thick. But the beeping was loud enough, and persistent.

 

Hala rolled over in bed, pulling the pillow over her head. She wasn't tired, and got as much sleep as she wanted whenever she was scanning. But she was warm and cozy under her blanket and simply didn't want to get up.

 

After several minutes, she had to accept the beeping wasn't going to stop.

 

Hala surrendered, opening her eyes to the ceiling of her cramped cabin aboard the Redfall. She was the only one aboard the small mining ship, having learned a long time ago she didn't play well with others.

 

"Computer: lights."

 

Dim light slowly filled the room as she rolled out of bed, yawning. Her pajamas were pink, a spaghetti strap camisole with shorts and a silk bonnet to match. Hala liked pink; everything on her ship was metal and gray. She had to plug in color wherever she could just to keep her sanity.

 

The beeping from the main console in the cockpit was still going; she yawned again and following the sound while rubbing her eyes. Glancing at the readings, Hala blinked, then blinked again, leaning in to see the screen more clearly.

 

"Computer: confirm readings."

 

"Readings confirmed," replied a dulcet voice.

 

"You're saying there's ore in that nebula ahead?"

 

"Affirmative."

 

She tapped the console lightly, rechecking the numbers. "Scanners are showing half a megaton of ore, Computer. Is that correct?"

 

"Affirmative."

 

"So it's just... floating around the nebula?"

 

"Negative. The ore is located in the core of a planetoid."

 

Hala paused, refusing to get excited. "Has anybody claimed it?"

 

"Unknown. There is a large structure covering approximately 89% of the planetoid. It is a network of simulation chambers, replicators, and a small refinery directly tapped into the core. But there are no life signs."

 

Hala brow furrowed as she stared ahead for a moment. Less than an hour way lay enough ore to retire her from working, and someone had just... left it?

 

"Set a course for the planetoid," she commanded. "I'm gonna go take a shower."

 

Sonic showers aboard the Redfall were always brief. They never felt as good as the real thing and all they did was remind Hala that her next real bath was likely months away.

 

Even though she spent weeks alone, Hala always fixed her hair and applied light makeup after her shower. She sprayed her mocha-colored locs with hibiscus water. She lined her amber eyes in black and added a dab of shimmer to her brown skin. Lastly, Hala pulled on a freshly laundered gray uniform and added a light spritz of perfume. It was the cheap stuff, but it smelled of civilization. One whiff sent her back to space station markets and bars. 

 

Closing her eyes, she could hear the throngs on the promenade now, the announcements over the intercom, the smell of food rolling in from the restaurants. Hala often fantasized about living permanently aboard a space station, but that was impossible for a miner. Stations were prime real estate, desired by millions, but a miner's life was among the stars. Not only could Hala not afford a fancy apartment with a planetside view, she was destined to spend decades scanning asteroids and barren planets.

 

The Redfall entered the nebula just as Hala entered the cockpit, taking her well-worn seat and reviewing the console. The nebula was bluish purple, home to stray asteroids and dark planetoids. The largest planetoid was at the center, and even without magnifying she could see it was indeed covered by a massive complex. The boxy architecture was bland, nondescript. But even so, Hala could tell some parts of it were extremely old.

 

"Set a course for the entrance," she commanded. "We'll land just outside the doors. Continue rotating scans for the ore."

 

Hala rose from her seat, and fit herself for space travel, securing her helmet and double-checking her oxygen tank. The Redfall landed with a heavy thud, but quickly stabilized. Hala exited through a cargo bay on the lower deck, patiently waiting for the room to depressurize before stepping into the black.

 

The cold hit immediately despite the insulation in her suit. Hala ignored it; she was used to this. Instead, she made her way towards the giant entrance of the complex, where a green light scanned her before the gray double doors slid apart.

 

"New player registered," a dulcet computer voice announced. "Phenotype: Redguard."

 

"Redguard?" Hala mumbled, stepping into another cargo bay. "The hell is a Redguard?" she asked no one, as the doors closed behind her. The room was a typical simulation chamber, the gray floors and walls covered in glowing white grid lines.

 

"The Redguards are a humanoid race from the lost continent of Yokuda. They now reside primarily in the province of Hammerfell," the computer cheerfully replied.

 

Hala was even more lost than before. "Hammerfell? Yokuda?"

 

"You may now remove your space suit," the computer announced. "The complex is sealed, and the atmosphere restored."

 

Hala lifted her left arm, using her suit computer to scan the complex. Sure enough, the air was breathable. Haltingly, she disengaged her helmet.

 

The room changed, replacing grid lines with ornate stone walls. Furniture began to appear, first a canopy bed with a wooden frame, then a chest, night stands, a book case, and a desk. Sunlight streamed through the frosted glass. It felt warm and cozy.

 

"You said something about a new player?" she asked, eyebrow raised. The furniture looked like something out of ancient painting.

 

"This simulation is home to a modified version of an Elder Scrolls game," the computer replied. The voice was practically beaming. "The fifth installment in the franchise, Skyrim, is currently running. Please, place your space helmet in the wardrobe."

 

"Uh-huh," Hala said, blinking as she complied. It was bizarre. She could actually smell the wood as she opened the wardrobe. Hala couldn't recall the last time she smelled wood. Chopping down trees was illegal on most planets.

 

Closing the wardrobe, she turned back towards the bed. "And where exactly am I... in Skyrim?"

 

"You are the new owner of Proudspire Manor, in the capital city of Solitude," the computer told her. "You have two Bosmeri servants, Malborn and Brelas. Please change into the clothing provided."

 

A long blue and red gown appeared on the bed, along with a pair of soft brown boots. There was also a gold crown of some sort with green jewels, along with a golden necklace and ring.

 

Hala moved as though in a dream, obeying without thinking. She hadn't worn a dress in months, and certainly nothing that looked this refined. "So... I'm a Redguard aristocrat?" she asked.

 

"Correct. Please state your name."

 

"Hala," she said, lacing the boots.

 

  

 "Lady Hala, it is a pleasure to meet you."

 

"Lady?

 

"That is the appropriate manner of addressing a person of your station."

 

 "This is too weird," Hala mumbled, shaking her head. The dress was fitted, like a second skin, and the jewelry was cool against her skin. "What planet is this?"

 

"The planet is called Nirn and it is entirely fictional."

 

Oddly enough, that made Hala feel better. "And what exactly does one do in Skyrim?"

 

"Whatever one wants. When first released, it was heralded for its open world format which allowed players to roam freely."

 

"And when exactly was this game released?"

 

"Nine thousand, eight hundred and sixty-two years ago."

 

Hala's mouth fell open. "And people are still playing it?"

 

"In addition to free roaming, Skyrim was one of the first games to allow characters to buy property, get married, even adopt children and pets," the computer explained. "For centuries, enthusiasts have found new ways to modify the game. Would like to go downstairs and meet your servants?"

 

"This is crazy," Hala said, panicking. "I can't walk around a simulation asking the computer questions every five seconds. The characters will think I'm insane. Can't you, I dunno, assign me a holographic guide?"

 

A pale, blond woman immediately appeared. She smiled brightly and said in a voice eerily similar to the computer, "I would be delighted to guide you!"

 

Hala gawked at how quickly the computer responded. "And you are?"

 

"You may call me Jordis," she cheerily replied. "You can ask me anything you want about Skyrim."

 

Hala blinked. "You're a character in the game?"

 

"I am a self-aware hologram who has assumed the role of a preexisting character," Jordis explained. "Canonically, Jordis is the housecarl -- bodyguard, if you will -- assigned to Proudspire Manor. Therefore, she was the most logical choice." She paused, frowning as though processing new information. "It seems your predecessor modified her into a handmaiden for some reason."

 

"My predecessor? I'm not starting a brand new game?"

 

"Yes and no," Jordis said, beaming. "This particular iteration comes with a continuity modification. When you leave this place, the Non-Playable Characters will recognize you as the heir to your predecessor. Whatever you acquire in this session will be passed on to the next player."

 

Hala nodded slowly. "So my predecessor bought this house?"

 

"And amassed an enormous fortune," Jordis grinned. "Over one million septims, spread throughout the banks of Solitude, Markarth, Whiterun, Windhelm, and Riften."

 

"I take it those are cities in Skyrim?" Hala asked.

 

Jordis nodded happily. "Each one is beautiful and unique, with really interesting history. You're going to love traveling in Skyrim. And with your wealth, you'll never have to work. Are you hungry? I believe Brelas is cooking breakfast."

 

"I should probably get back to my ship," Hala said. "I don't think I can subsist on holographic food.

 

Jordis shook her head. "No worries. Skyrim may be a simulation, but this complex is very real, equipped with plumbing and food synthesizers. You can take a long bath or request a meal, and it will all be real."

 

That caught Hala's attention. "I can take a bath? With real water?"

 

"Of course! Would you like your bathwater scented?"

 

"Maybe next time," Hala said, shoulders sagging under the weight of her long journey. Her bones ached and her body deeply hungered to be fully immersed in fresh water. "Right now, I'll settle for some unscented water, as long as it's piping hot."