(Concept art for Roberto Fyka was made by myself using Stable Diffusion. For why I am using AI generated art, please visit my Itch.io page)

Robert’s story (part 2 of 2):

Benethir in exorbitant debt, its colony sixteen-light-years from Sol and virtually no water across Gliese, Robert’s achievements brought with them serious risks. Although he had the colonists he needed, if Robert didn’t see financial returns from Gilese soon, Benethir would be lost. To make the colony viable and mitigate the severity of his problems, Robert had to invest in a Hydrofier. A machine capable of converting Hydrogen into water, yet astronomically expensive, Robert could only afford a single one.

It wasn’t just tangible difficulties that weighed upon him. Robert had given one-hundred-and-forty years of his life to Benethir’s restoration. In spite of this, his plan could still be undone at any time. Additionally, the time and effort required to achieve Benethir’s restoration had cost Robert personally. The loss of his familial and social relationships was one such example.

Robert thought he could endure these problems; but to endure them for one-hundred-and-forty years proved challenging. Stress taking its toll, Robert decided to oversee every aspect of the colony himself.

In the following decades and on account of his leadership, Robert came tantalisingly close to realising his ambition. However, in 4650AD, Gilese’s Hydrofier unexpectedly deactivated, which in turn led to its destruction. The colony’s only means of water production destroyed along with it, Gilese would have to be evacuated. However, if the colony were to be evacuated, Benethir would default.

Irate, and his life’s work potentially in vain, Robert rejected this fate. Desperate, he explored every option available to him, but only one could work. Although advised against it, Robert would see Benethir restored, no matter the consequences.

Our prelude to the world of Chaos Riders will end with the story of Jaree Duratem. To see part 1 of his story, visit our Patreon, Itch page here or our other social medias Friday next week (10/05/24) at 9am.