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Even over lunch, Alexis can’t help staring at the paper sprawl across her desk. Foreclosure. The bank still addresses all its letters to ‘Joseph Amberfire.’
Her older brother, Joey.
Alexis glances at a framed photo on the wall, Nexus Brew’s grand re-opening under their management, their whole happy family with Joey and their dad pulling the first beer from the new taps. He looks so proud of his son. Without knowing more, he still is.
Alexis stabs some tofu with a fork and chomps down hard. Because what are brothers for if not taking over the family dream? What are they for if not draining the business account? What are they for when they leave without so much as a goodbye?
Debt, in the end.
“Breathe, Alexis, just breathe,” she tells herself.
The tofu helps. It’s hard to be angry when you’re eating Brisbane’s best, marinated in millennia old Elven spices. Alexis heaves up and out of the back-office. It opens across from the kitchen, behind the bar, at the beginning of Nexus Brew’s long subterranean space. Bare brick walls on either side arch overhead, along with lacquered wood beams and various technicolour pipes.
Alexis peruses the bar. A signed poster from King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard hangs next to a crested sword and shield. On a far booth sits Gorick and Cain, mother and her adult son, sipping tea. Under Nexus Brew’s illusion field, it’s impossible to tell they’re Orcs.
“You’re working hard,” Gorick says. “But you need friends too.”
“I have friends,” Cain groans.
“Well, when do I get to meet them?”
“I can’t just take them over the bridge, Mum.”
Disguised as a broom closet, at the end of the bar, is the bridge between this world and another: Omeira.
Micah, Nexus Brew’s only bartender, returns from clearing tables. Business has started to pick up. “Hey, Lex, can you get me another keg of elderberry sour?”
Before she can answer, the broom closet swings inwards. Out steps Zephrial, an old family friend. His pointed Elven ears disappear under the bar’s spell but his frayed denim overalls remain. “Alexis!” he calls.
“Hello, Zeph, how are the pumpkins?”
“I’ll get some great spices this harvest, but it’s your fortune I wanted to talk about.”
Alexis freezes.
“I’ve seen that paperwork piling up ever since your brother disappeared.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Zeph.”
“Just bring me a beer, let’s talk.” Zephrial sits down at a booth as Alexis rolls round the elderberry keg. Micah takes it, points to a smiling man in a suit leaning against the bar.
“Harold Big’s the name and securing deals is the game!” He thrusts forward a large hand. “I’m a talent scout, I hear you’ve a story or two.”
<br>
<br>
[[“Have a seat Harold, I’ll be over in a sec.”|ALPHA]]
OR
[[ “Sorry Harold, I’m already meeting someone. Could you come back another day?”|ZULU]]
[[Back|PROLOGUE]]
<br>
Alexis pulls the tap down and fills the beer glass. She spots Zeph sitting at a corner table
Alexis gives him the beer. “What do you want?”
Zeph takes a sip and wipes a stray drop from the corner of his mouth, “Your parents have an artefact. It’d be worth a pretty penny here on Earth. Something tells me you could use more than a penny.”
Alexis’ ears flush. “Why’d you say that?”
“I’ve known you since you were a kid, plus I’m 800 years old, so I know what guilt looks like.” Zeph leans back in his chair. “And I know your brother walked out on more dramatic terms than you claim.”
“What’s in it for you?”
Zeph shrugs. “Lifetime free drinks? Not having to break your parents’ hearts by telling them their son’s a thieving swine?”
“With your drinking habit I’d go broke all over again.”
“Remember, it’s not your fault this bar is in trouble. Just take a look.” Zeph slides an Elven scroll toward Alexis. “This is what you need to ask for.”
Alexis leaves Zeph. She goes behind the bar and unfurls the scroll. It is a drawing of a silver case with diamonds encrusted along each edge.
“We’re out of turnip soju,” Micah says. “Gilhur drank the last of it. That dwarf sure knows how to throw them back.”
Alexis hesitates. The foreclosure notice sitting on her desk flashes back into her mind. “Make a list and I’ll order it. I’m heading over the bridge.” Alexis snatches her faux-dragonhide backpack from her desk as she goes.
<p style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
Alexis parts the vine curtain leading into her parents’ home. Retirement must be treating them nicely. There’s a picture of her brother on their entry table. Her jaw clenches.
“What brings you here?” Her mother hugs her.
“I’m looking for this,” Alexis shows her mother the scroll.
“What do you want with this old thing?”
Alexis pauses. “I thought it might look nice displayed at the bar.”
Alexis’ mother takes a moment to search returning with a diamond case. Her father opens the old latch to reveal a golden egg.
“This isn’t just a toy, alright love?” Her father says, closing the lid. “Zeph’s father gave it to us before he died. He said it’d protect us in Omeira.”
Alexis runs her finger over some of the diamonds. “It’s collecting dust.”
“How about some tea?” Her father latches the case and pats her shoulder. Her parents leave the room.
Alexis stares at the artefact, the diamond shimmering under the sunlight.
<br>
<br>
[[Leave the egg.|YANKEE 2]]
OR
[[Take the egg.|YANKEE 1]]
[[Back|PROLOGUE]]
<br>
“Excellent! You won’t want to miss this opportunity.” The handshake pumps again until Alexis forcibly pulls away. The man maintains his wide smile. “When you’re done, bring some of your best brew over. This should cover the cost.”
Harold slams a $100 bill down. Alexis finds herself staring, the cash would pay for a round of everyone’s drinks, let alone his own. Alexis moves to help Micah. She collects an ornate bottle of mixed spices and berry wine, created with ingredients solely from across the bridge.
“Are you sure, Alexis? Who carries around 100s?”
“Don’t worry, Micah.” She waves him away. “I know what I’m doing.”
Alexis joins Harold and displays the bottle. “This is a ‘32 Moonberry Blush, named for the berries said to only grow by the light of a waning moon.”
“Magical! Right, Alexis?” He laughs. “What else can you tell me of this mystical wine? As an Imagineer, you have my attention.”
“Part of the brewing process involves sifting the wine through an enchanted sieve to enhance the flavour. To share anymore would break trade contracts.” She winks as she pours them both a glass.
Harold takes a sip. “My, that’s marvellous. Let me tell you, Alexis, this almost makes up for my earlier disappointment.”
“What do you mean?” She frowns.
“Well, I’ve heard rumours, but when I came here,” Harold chuckles. “The trip was quite...” He trails off, casts a look about the bar. “There could be something more, if you catch my drift, and as an Imagineer I am more than happy to facilitate that. So, what else do you have?”
Alexis looks around. Regulars of mundane and magical backgrounds greet one another, joking with Micah too. The illusion spell works well, but it doesn’t lighten the weight of the debt. Harold and his money could be a chance to fix her brother’s mistakes.
<br>
<br>
[[“You wanted stories? We can speak to some patrons.”|BETA 2]]
OR
[[“Come to the backroom. There’s a whole world I can show you.”|BETA 1]]
[[Back|ZULU]]
<br>
Alexis can hear her parent’s suspicious whispering from the kitchen before it’s drained out by the whistling kettle. Had she struck a nerve? She turns her attention back to the case on the desk and picks it up. She runs her fingers over it. How can such a beautiful object not be shared with the world? It must hold some value. The box alone looks worth more than the bar.
Alexis unlatches the case and admires the shine of the golden egg. Alexis listens out for her parents, their footsteps growing louder along with the clinking of morning tea. She slips the egg inside her pack, closing the lid just before the door is pushed open by a tray with a teapot, cups and biscuits.
“Tea is ready sweetheart,” Alexis’ mother says.
“I really appreciate it, I do, but you’ll have to excuse me. Emergency at work.”
“What’s happened?” Asks her mother.
“One of the taps is stuck? There’s a drunk Imagineer swashbuckling with Micah? I don’t really know.” Alexis shuffles through the door, trying to avoid eye contact with her parents, “It was hard to tell what’s going on from Micah’s message.”
“Sounds like he’ll have his hands full over there” says her father, “you’d better go save him.”
Alexis agrees.
“Tell Zeph your mother used his pumpkins in a soup.”
“Oh, and it was so delicious, wasn’t it?” her mother adds, looking back at her husband. He just manages to avoid getting caught pulling a face of disgust.
<p style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
The hallway to Nexus Brew envelops Alexis. She is overwhelmed with relief. She has the egg. This could be it. Her money troubles, her anxiety, is gone.
She reaches for the door handle, readying herself to feign indifference to the bar’s secret struggles once again, but the door creeps open before she has the chance. Zeph’s Elven features unveil themselves as he steps into the bridge.
“So?” He asks, “Did you grab it?”
“Have you had your ear pressed against the door this whole time?” Alexis replies.
“What are you going to do with it?”
<br>
<br>
[[“I’m going to hold onto it for a while.”|X-RAY 2]]
OR
[[“I’m going to find someone rich and sell it to them.”|X-RAY 1]]
[[Back|ZULU]]
<br>
Alexis looks down at the diamond case and withdraws the egg, not to steal it, just to... to simply admire it.
“How can you cause so much drama, little guy?” Alexis says with the gold of the artefact glistening in her eyes.
“What was that love?” Her father calls out.
“Nothing. I was just talking to myself” replies Alexis.
Her father enters the office and says, “People will think you’re going mad.”
Alexis smiles at her father but notices his eyes shift to the egg in her arms and his smile fades.
“You’re holding onto it?” he says.
“Yeah, I couldn’t resist,” she replies.
“How about we pop it back in its box? Your mother hates when I show it off.”
“Yeah, sure, Dad. Is everything alright?” Alexis asks. Nothing ever really upset her father, especially nothing she did.
“Like I said, your mother doesn’t like me playing with it too much.”
Alexis still doesn’t believe him. Her father hasn’t taken his eyes off the closed box on the desk.
“Truth is Zeph’s folks told us a story about that egg and it didn’t end well. Who knows though, could have just been one of their yarns.”
“Tea is ready,” announces Alexis’ mother as she enters the room, behind a tray, carrying a teapot, cups, and biscuits.
Reading the apprehension in her father’s gaze, Alexis declines the tea.
“I really do appreciate the effort. It looks like quite the spread, but I’d better be off. This Imagineer that came to visit me this afternoon was ploughing through our last keg of elderberry when I crossed, so I’d better check up on Micah.”
“That’s alright, we understand,” says her mother. “Say hello to Micah for us, won’t you?”
“Sure will,” Alexis says, grabbing her backpack from the desk and kissing her father on the head. She then gives her mum a kiss and heads through the curtain of vines.
“And tell Zephrial his pumpkins made an incredible soup. Right?” Alexis’ mother says, jabbing her husband.
“Ooh, yes, they did,” he adds, pulling a face of disgust behind his wife’s back.
Alexis smiles and parts the vines as her parents wave her off.
<p style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
Alexis opens the door to the bar. The weight of the bar’s debt overpowers her and she slumps back on the door as it clicks shut. The artefact was her last shot. There’s nothing left to do, beside wait for the bank to board the place up. Alexis’ eyes begin to well up at the thought. Is she too proud for that?
A bang brings her back as Micah rolls another empty keg of elderberry sour to the back door.
“Is everything alright?” he asks, “you don’t look so hot”
<br>
<br>
[[“Yeah. Everything is fine.”|X-RAY 4]]
OR
[[“I have a bit of an announcement to make.”|X-RAY 3]]
[[Back|ALPHA]]
<br>
Harold looks at Alexis, bemused. “Why would I want to see that?”
“It’ll confirm everything you’ve heard. Isn’t that why you came?”
“Y-yes, of course! My apologies. After you.”
Alexis leads Harold to the closet and opens the door. On the other side is a hallway, leading to another door. She moves towards it.
“As you can see, this isn’t a broom closet. It’s actually a passage called the bridge.” Alexis grabs the door handle.
“Bridge?”
Grinning, Alexis opens the door. A bright light floods the hallway. Harold’s eyes widen, and he walks through, Alexis close behind him.
“Welcome to Omeira.” A massive grassland lies before them, a dirt road cutting through it. In the distance a mountain range bends, tracing the horizon. Harold turns to Alexis.
“This is not what- you have a whole hidden world.”
Alexis nods. “Citizens from here are regulars at my bar. Elves, Orcs, the lot of them. But you’d never tell under the spell of Nexus Brew.”
“Fascinating, and this world... You need to show me more.” Harold looks expectantly at Alexis.
Is this a man looking to take advantage? Then again, what’s the harm? Alexis points straight ahead, to a small hill. “That tower, that’s Gateway Crest. C’mon, let’s take a look.” They make their way to the tower’s top, where in the distance, Alexis can see beautiful cities and villages. At the world’s edge, mountains stand proudly, looking down at the world.
Harold spots a nearby field. “Imagine what you could build on that land! I’m surprised you haven’t built another bar here!” He laughs.
Alexis laughs weakly. He doesn’t understand, there was community in the hushed hall of Nexus Brew. Harold continues to gaze at the lands, he seems to be contemplating something. Suddenly, he turns away and asks to be taken back to the bar.
“I must say, that was a satisfying trip.” Harold says as they return to a booth. “I can finally present you with my business proposition.”
“Business proposition?”
“Yes. I came here wanting to invest in the bar. But now, I’m thinking bigger. I’m thinking of a theme park in Omeira. Just think of the possibility Alexis! What could you do with Disney on your side?” He extends his hand.
<br>
<br>
[[“You’ve got yourself a deal, Harold.”|CHARLIE 1]]
OR
[[“I would like to consult with someone from Omeira before accepting this proposal.”|CHARLIE 2]]
[[Back|ALPHA]]
<br>
“Sounds like a good place to start. Do you have someone in mind?” says Harold.
Alexis scans the bar for someone capable of helping her. Damn it all, why couldn’t he have come during the lunch rush? A gentle clink catches her attention, drawing her gaze to Gorick’s booth. The orc smiles as she taps her cup against Cain’s again in mock courtesy, both sharing a warm laugh. That’s probably the safest bet.
“Let’s go and speak to Gorick, she’s a regular around here. I’m sure she’d be happy to chat.”
Harold pulls out a notepad and pen as the two head over to the orc family. Gorick notices their approach immediately. “Hello Alexis, tea’s delicious as always. Biscuits too,” she says, gesturing to an empty plate laden with crumbs. She cocks an eyebrow at Harold. “Who’s this?”
Before Alexis can answer, Harold sits right next to Cain. “Harold Big’s the name! I want to ask some questions about Nexus Brew’s community if you don’t mind?”
“Actually I do mind,” says Gorick, glaring at Harold. “I’m trying to enjoy a nice lunch with my son at the moment. Why don’t you come back later tonight and we can talk some more-”
“Come on, I’m sure you can spare some time to help me out.” Harold pulls out his wallet, sliding fifty dollars across the table. “Here, just to sweeten the deal a little.”
A gruff snort escapes Gorick as she looks to Alexis, brow furrowed. Alexis holds her hands together, mouthing the word ‘please’. Gorick grabs the money and hands it to Cain, “Fine. What do you want to know?”
“Okay, so I want to know you and the wider the community, actually go about creating and participating in the ‘shared fantasy’ of Nexus Brew?”
“Shared fantasy? I don’t understand the question.”
“All of you guys are in on this made up world right? I’ve heard all about how you guys pretend to be orcs and elves. How do you guys get on the same page?”
Gorick looks Harold up and down. “Sorry pal, but I don’t think you’re worthy of that knowledge. I don’t hand out our secrets to just anybody.”
Harold sighs, reaches out and gestures for Cain to return the money. No, not now. Not while she’s so close to securing this.
<br>
<br>
[[“Please, Gorick, just tell him.”|CHARLIE 3]]
OR
[[“Watch it, Harold, show her some respect please.”|CHARLIE 4]]
[[Back|BETA 1]]
<br>
Alexis reaches out and takes Harold’s vigorous handshake.
“Excellent! Absolutely marvellous!” he said, eyes darting across the bar and taking everything in. Alexis can almost hear the pen scratching away at Harold’s internal notepad. She clears her throat, catching Harold’s attention.
“Right. Sorry. It’s just… this place,” he says. “And that, bridge did you call it? It’s all just so… so…”
He chuckles. Alexis sighs. She has to ask him. She can’t risk losing the bar now, but the words keep dying in her throat. Harold catches her gaze.
“Sorry, you want to get straight to business don’t you? First things first, we’re going to have do some boring legal stuff, I won’t bore you with the details. Hell, I barely understand it myself sometimes.”
Alexis nods silently as she stares at the table.
“Take my card if you need to contact me, but I’ll come back here in a week’s time with some documents for you to sign. Sound good?”
“Not a week…” The words slip out of Alexis.
“Excuse me?” says Harold, leaning into Alexis’s space.
“I’ll… I’m in debt. A lot of debt. They’ll foreclose the bar by the end of the week,” says Alexis. Looking up, she finds Harold’s eyes boring into her.
“I think I have an idea. What would you say to a loan? Or I guess in your case, another loan. But you have to understand I can’t just pull that money out of thin air, Alexis. If I’m to help you, I’m going to need some collateral.”
Alexis cocks her eyebrow. “You mean the bar don’t you?”
“Didn’t you just say it was going to be foreclosed? As in its already collateral on a loan?” Harold straightens his back. “What about your own home Alexis?”
Alexis searches his eyes as he speaks. She extends her hand, finding it swiftly taken in yet another handshake. This is the start of a new beginning for her. More money than she can hope to spend, and the bar’s at no real risk. It’s a win-win for everyone… right?
<p style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">* * * 6 months later * * *</p>
Disney have announced plans for a multi-billion dollar theme park and film studio in the newly discovered parallel dimension of Omeira. However, development has halted due to the alleged keeper of the portal suing Disney for a breach of contract. Alexis Amberfire, who claims Disney illegally seized her apartment and made her homeless, is suing for the right to a portion of the revenue created by development. Disney claims Alexis is an extremist who accepted cash for the deal, and any claims of their ill treatment of Indigenous Omeirans is defamation invented by her. The Prime Minister of Australia has refused calls to regulate to ensure a fair relationship across the bridge, saying, “Australia is a land of free friends, and we will not tarnish our new relationship with Disney.”
<figure class="nb-fig"><img src="/wp-content/themes/andrewgillanders/assets/interactive/nexus-brew-img/nexus-brew-ending-well-greased-palms.webp" alt="Neon sign reading 'Achievement unlocked: well-greased palms' above a trophy of two hands mid-handshake, one in a green-tinged cuff, on a black display stand against a dark wood wall." width="1000" height="1000"><figcaption>Illustration by Jack Biggs</figcaption></figure>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Directed By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Written By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
Rory Hawkins
<br>
Jamie Stevens
<br>
Alli Hayden
<br>
Stanley Benjamin
<br>
Nicholas Farrell
<br>
Dan Hourigan
<br>
Callum Slaughter
<br>
Fernanda Bustos Venegas
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Proudly made with Twine 2</p>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Special Thanks</p>
Rohan Wilson
<br>
Ben Carey
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
[[Back to the Start|PROLOGUE]]
</div>
[[Back|BETA 1]]
<br>
Alexis closes her eyes and shakes her head. Harold retracts his hand, raising his eyebrows.
“I want to accept your offer Harold. It’s just… I can’t do this behind everyone’s back, not in good conscience. If we let the people of Omeira into the discussion, then sure, let’s talk. If not… then I’m sorry but my answer is no.”
The ensuing silence within the booth is palpable. Harold sits, deep wrinkles visible upon his forehead.
“Well obviously we should Alexis, this is the business deal of the century after all,” says Harold. He sighs, reaching out and placing a hand on Alexis’ shoulder. “I just want you to really consider the time crunch here. I mean it could take weeks to find someone! Longer still to get them clued in on all the legal minutiae. I’m more than happy to wait for that of course, but we’ve got no idea who else knows about this. We’d be doing these people a favour by getting in first before someone horrible cuts them a raw deal.”
Alexis gently removes Harold’s hand. “It’s not like we were born yesterday. I’ve got family in Omeira. Plenty of friends too. I’m not going to just sign away their land without a second thought. We either do this the right way, or I deny that this conversation ever happened. You don’t know of any other gateways, and I doubt your bigwig bosses are going to believe that you found a whole other dimension without any proof. You need me in on this, and that isn’t happening unless we bring the people from Omeira in on the deal.”
After a few moments of stunned silence, Harold realises that his mouth is still hanging open. He composes himself, straightening his tie. “You drive a real hard bargain, you know that? I suppose it’s settled. We’ll do it your way.”
Alexis offers her hand, the Imagineer taking it with a curt nod. Harold leaves the bar shortly afterwards. Alexis breathes a sigh of relief. Her heart still beats out of control, but she smiles all the same. She isn’t out of the woods yet, but at least she stuck to her morals.
<p style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">* * * 6 months later * * *</p>
The First Omeiran Summit has finally concluded, resulting in a lucrative business deal set to benefit all involved. Thanks to the shrewd terms set by Omeira’s Indigenous leaders, stable land rights and protection have been secured for their entire dimension. Disney were able to obtain the majority of IP and tourism rights, though they were unsuccessful in securing the monopoly they had hoped for. A cultural exchange on a never-before-seen scale is on the horizon, with Omeira and Australia looking hopefully towards a potential golden age. At the centre of it all stands Alexis, who has begun renovating Nexus Brew into an extravagant midway point between worlds.
<figure class="nb-fig"><img src="/wp-content/themes/andrewgillanders/assets/interactive/nexus-brew-img/nexus-brew-ending-taking-a-stand.webp" alt="Neon sign reading 'Achievement unlocked: taking a stand' above a trophy: a wall-mounted hook rack with a key hanging from it on a mouse-ear-shaped fob labelled Nexus, on a display stand." width="1000" height="1000"><figcaption>Illustration by Jack Biggs</figcaption></figure>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Directed By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Written By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
Rory Hawkins
<br>
Jamie Stevens
<br>
Alli Hayden
<br>
Stanley Benjamin
<br>
Nicholas Farrell
<br>
Dan Hourigan
<br>
Callum Slaughter
<br>
Fernanda Bustos Venegas
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Proudly made with Twine 2</p>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Special Thanks</p>
Rohan Wilson
<br>
Ben Carey
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
[[Back to the Start|PROLOGUE]]
</div>
[[Back|BETA 2]]
<br>
“Come on, Gorick, tell him what he wants to know.” Alexis offers a meek smile.
Gorick shuts her eyes and mutters orcish slurs under her breath, Cain looks to his mother and back at Harold, not knowing how to react or what to do.
“Alexis,” says Gorick. “Would you go with Cain and bring us some more of your lovely tea and biscuits.” Her voice is strains as well as her smile, attempting to temper her tone.
“Of course, on the house. Come on Cain.” Alexis leads Cain away and towards the bar, his eyes fixated on the two.
“Why are you tolerating him?” Cain finally looks to Alexis.
“You like Nexus Brew, right?” asks Alexis, as she opens a jar of cream squares full of ruby red raspberries, a rarity of the north-western white deserts.
“Yeah, it’s alright.” Alexis empties the contents of the jar onto a clean decorative bowl, which she has no idea where it’s originally from. Even Omeira must have op shops.
“At least the biscuits?” Alexis passes the bowl, presenting it to him. His mouth watering as if by famine.
“A pointless question,” smiles Cain, taking a soft biscuit.
“Well, that’s why we’re enduring Harold. It's all for the biscuits.” Alexis places the bowl on the counter. “I need you to wait here for...”
Shouting erupts in the bar. It’s Gorick’s voice. Alexis and Cain run back.
Harold jumps from the booth, grabbing Cain around the chest, using him as a shield. Gorick is raging but hesitates at what is now a hostage situation.
“What happened?” asks Alexis, who’s dumbfound by the development.
“If he doesn’t let go of my boy, I’ll kill him,” rumbles Gorick. Everyone believes her.
“This is self-defence, you were going to attack me, you swine,” squeals Harold, sweaty with fear.
Cain suddenly slips out of Harold’s hold, ducking before drawing a hidden dagger. Cain then lurches up, stabbing Harold in the side.
Harold falls back against the side of the chair, hand covering his ribs, as blood seeps through his white collared shirt. Alexis drops down and applies pressure on the wound.
Gorick runs to the bar, vaulting it. Seconds later she returns with makeshift bandages and a bottle of Hail Mary Harlot’s: rye or die rum. The whole bar is silent but indifferent.
Alexis and Gorick remove his shirt and Alexis grabs the spirits, pouring it into his open wound. Harold twitches from waves of sudden pain. Purple fumes coil out, combusting from contact. Alexis raises an eyebrow. Gorick then wraps the bandages around his torso, sealing the wound and elixir.
Eventually an ambulance arrives and takes Harold away, along with the last chance of saving Nexus Brew.
<p style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">* * * 6 months later * * *</p>
Nexus Brew has long since closed due to debt and now belongs to the bank. Harold sits with a senior board member for Commonwealth Bank, who owes him a few favours. On the table between them are stacks of paperwork, including the land, property, rights of Nexus Bar. The board member begins signing them all over and Harold gets up and walks to the window. Looking over the whole city from above, the Disney Imagineer grins.
<figure class="nb-fig"><img src="/wp-content/themes/andrewgillanders/assets/interactive/nexus-brew-img/nexus-brew-ending-disney-demon.webp" alt="Neon sign reading 'Achievement unlocked: disney demon' above a charred, splintered trophy of a suited arm and a burning hand, on a display stand." width="1000" height="1000"><figcaption>Illustration by Jack Biggs</figcaption></figure>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Directed By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Written By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
Rory Hawkins
<br>
Jamie Stevens
<br>
Alli Hayden
<br>
Stanley Benjamin
<br>
Nicholas Farrell
<br>
Dan Hourigan
<br>
Callum Slaughter
<br>
Fernanda Bustos Venegas
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Proudly made with Twine 2</p>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Special Thanks</p>
Rohan Wilson
<br>
Ben Carey
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
[[Back to the Start|PROLOGUE]]
</div>
[[Back|BETA 2]]
<br>
“Watch it, Harold, show her some respect please.”
“Respect?” Harold huffs, slamming the table. “I’ve had enough of this charade. You’re not showing me anything because it doesn’t exist.”
“This man is a fool,” Gorick moans. “Can we be done with him?”
Harold gets out of his chair, fuming, and takes a step away from the orc family. Alexis is tongue tied, between pausing and pleading, as she stands awkwardly to the side.
“Harold, it’s all real. Please, understand. I need to take precautions.” Alexis takes a half step towards Harold, palms out in distress.
“I’m not some chump off the street. I’m not going to fall for a basic costume and some mediocre acting. I’m a bloody Imagineer. I have no time for your games.” Harold stares at Alexis, dead in the eyes, and shakes his head. “You’re desperate and pathetic.”
“Harold we can figure this out.” Alexis moves after him, but Harold turns away and exits Nexus Brew, not looking back.
“Don’t worry about him. You’re better off,” says Gorick, looking back to her son.
“He’s lucky to be alive,” adds Cain, visibly happier.
They didn’t understand, her last chance was gone with Harold. She leaves the two and walks behind the bar. She grabs a few stacks of shot glasses, lining them up in a row on the front counter. Alexis opens the glass cabinet, reaching for an old decanter at the very top. Dragon Bitter Blood, known for its intensely smoky but unburnt aroma. She had been saving it for a special occasion; it was older than the bar itself.
“Everyone, listen up!” Alexis uncorks the bottle, carved presumably from some obscure, no longer needed dragon’s bone. Smoke coiled endlessly from the bottleneck. Everyone turned and made slow paces towards Alexis.
“I want to thank everyone for all the years we’ve had together. This place would be nothing without you all.” She poured the drink into each shot glass, from left to right. “Everyone, grab a glass. Tonight, I’ll be joining you for a change.”
The room erupts in cheers, everyone shouting, up in arms, handing the shot-glasses between them. At once, they all drink it down. A thin hue of black smoke has filled the bar.
Zeph approaches Alexis from the crowd, an empty shot in one hand.
“So, what about that beer? Do you have time?”
<br>
<br>
[[“Not a good time, Zeph.”|CHARLIE 5]]
OR
[[“Yeah, sure. Better now than never.”|DELTA-ZULU]]
[[Back|YANKEE 1]]
<br>
Before Zeph can reply, Alexis beelines towards the one man she needs: Harold Big, Disney Imagineer-extraordinaire. He’s about to swig from a frothing pint of Dwarven lager.
Alexis snatches it away just in time. “Oh, you don’t want that.”
It takes a second to register. “Whyish that?” Harold slurs.
“It’s uh- nowhere near the quality expected for special guests.” Alexis spies an empty bottle.
“What happened to all the Moonberry Blush?”
Somewhere, Micah polishes glasses a little faster than before.
Alexis steps behind the bar. “Let me fix you up something better.” She pours cordial into a lemonade, throws in some Gnomish sobering herbs. “On the house, while we talk business.”
A grin spreads across Harold’s face. “Whadda like to hear! Business!”
Alexis tries to smile. This really could work. “Enjoyed your drinks so far?”
“Defly hitta spot,” beams Harold.
“Well then.” Alexis unzips her bag and, with a flourish, presents the gleaming egg. “This is the family heirloom that helped inspire our very first cocktail.”
Harold flops out a chequebook and asks for the price.
<p style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
It’s a fresh new day when Alexis returns from the bank. It took all morning, but everything’s been finalised. The Nexus Bar is debt-free.
There’s plenty of the regulars, but the lunch-rush hasn’t quite started yet. There’s just enough time for Alexis to quietly toast to this victory. She marches to the bar. “Micah, my favourite bartender, a schooner of Dwarven for me and something for yourself.”
Micah’s brow furrows. “What’s the occasion?”
Alexis gulps down liquid courage. She’ll tell him all about the debt, all in due course.
“So, I finally get to meet my son’s imaginary friends!” Alexis hears Gorick tease across the bar.
“Seriously, Mum, and you wonder why,” her son, Cain, moans. A couple humans sitting with the orcs laugh. They’re not the only ones. All around, patrons of all magical and mundane backgrounds are drinking, talking, like this is the easiest place to be in any world.
“What the-” Micah picks up the bar’s TV remote.
From the corner, it blurts out “Breaking news!”
An explosion at Disney’s Sydney offices, earlier this morning.
“Of seemingly unknown origins,” the news anchor repeats. “A key person of interest, Mr Harold Big, has also since died in hospital. Speculation is that without further evidence this tragedy will be ruled as-”
Alexis shuts her eyes, tries to take a deep breath.
Sometimes accidents happen for a reason.
<p style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">* * * 6 months later * * *</p>
With its steady community of customers, the Nexus Brew continues on, debt-free… without Alexis. Knowing exactly what caused the deaths at Disney’s offices, the guilt made her choke on telling all to her parents. Alexis always jumped at loud noises – shattering glasses and slammed doors – but when Micah found her in the office mid-breakdown, he knew it was something more. Since Alexis’ confession in the back room, he has stepped into her duties as Alexis sees a cleric on Omeira – hoping one day, she can come back.
<figure class="nb-fig"><img src="/wp-content/themes/andrewgillanders/assets/interactive/nexus-brew-img/nexus-brew-ending-accidents-happen.webp" alt="Neon sign reading 'Achievement unlocked: accidents happen' above a trophy of a cracked egg-shaped stone glowing with purple veins, on a display stand." width="1000" height="1000"><figcaption>Illustration by Jack Biggs</figcaption></figure>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Directed By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Written By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
Rory Hawkins
<br>
Jamie Stevens
<br>
Alli Hayden
<br>
Stanley Benjamin
<br>
Nicholas Farrell
<br>
Dan Hourigan
<br>
Callum Slaughter
<br>
Fernanda Bustos Venegas
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Proudly made with Twine 2</p>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Special Thanks</p>
Rohan Wilson
<br>
Ben Carey
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
[[Back to the Start|PROLOGUE]]
</div>
[[Back|YANKEE 1]]
<br>
Alexis locks the office door behind her. There can be no-one else to see what she’s done. She takes the egg out of her bag. Selling this – whatever it is – will be enough to save the bar.
And they wouldn’t even have to know. At least, until after the bar was saved.
But then she’ll own up to everything – about the debt, about Joey, the whole mess.
After that, no more deceit.
A knock on the door. “Alexis?”
She jumps. It’s Micah. She scrambles to put the egg away.
“Alexis, are you alright in there?”
“I- I’m quite alright, very good thanks.”
“Really?” Micah drawls. “Cuz you didn’t look ‘very good’ coming back.”
The latch on her bag won’t open. “Don’t you have customers to serve, Micah?”
“Lex, don’t give me that.” The doorhandle judders. “What is it?”
“It’s noth-"
The egg slips out of her hands, to the floor. Purple light arcs about the room. Lightbulbs shatter, showering Alexis in glass. And then it stops. Alexis stands there, stunned.
A crack runs the length of the eggshell.
She goes to the door and unlocks it. She sits down, lets Micah sweep up the glass. The egg’s golden lustre is gone. Alexis tries to explain the whole stupid plan she had, the wider mess she’d helped make, what her parents will think of her now. When her eyes begin to well up, Micah gives her the most the magical item he can think of, a box of tissues.
“You know,” he says. “You can still try to apologise.”
<p style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
It’s the next day, almost opening time. Alexis takes a deep breath and looks around the bar. Micah strolls in from the kitchen with a firm smile. “Tell me how you’re feeling.”
“Like one night’s rest wasn’t enough.” Alexis rubs her eyes, imagines she’s anywhere else – and anyone else. “What if they don’t want to listen?”
Micah sighs. “Don’t be like that.”
“What if-”
“Go for a walk, clear your head.” He guides her towards the door.
Mid-morning air is fresh in her lungs. Alexis takes another lap round the block, thinking everything over, what she is going to say to her parents to make this a little closer to being okay. She turns the corner to the bar. The egg is in the back-office. They can still take it back.
She practices what she’s going to say. “I know that I’ve messed up but-”
Alexis is thrown back.
The city shudders.
When she finds her feet, glass crunches underfoot.
The bar is gone.
<p style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">* * * 6 months later * * *</p>
It was ruled as “a tragic but inexplicable accident.” The Nexus Brew was destroyed, along with its community, its gateway to Omeira. After Micah’s funeral and some preparation, Alexis left to travel the world, looking for another way to Omeira. She hopes if- knows when she finds a way back, her parents will be there. They have to be. Alone, what else can she do?
<figure class="nb-fig"><img src="/wp-content/themes/andrewgillanders/assets/interactive/nexus-brew-img/nexus-brew-ending-you-can-always-try.webp" alt="Neon sign reading 'Achievement unlocked: you can always try' above a trophy of an egg-shaped stone with purple lightning arcing from its cracks, on a display stand." width="1000" height="1000"><figcaption>Illustration by Jack Biggs</figcaption></figure>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Directed By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Written By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
Rory Hawkins
<br>
Jamie Stevens
<br>
Alli Hayden
<br>
Stanley Benjamin
<br>
Nicholas Farrell
<br>
Dan Hourigan
<br>
Callum Slaughter
<br>
Fernanda Bustos Venegas
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Proudly made with Twine 2</p>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Special Thanks</p>
Rohan Wilson
<br>
Ben Carey
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
[[Back to the Start|PROLOGUE]]
</div>
[[Back|YANKEE 2]]
<br>
Alexis presents herself to the bar and its patrons clearing her throat.
“Excuse me everybody,” she says. The bar quiets down, looking at her quizzically.
“I have a bit of an anounc—”
Alexis stops herself from saying any more. It isn’t the concern of her friends and patrons to help fix the mess she has found herself in. She turns away from the crowd blushing with indignation.
“Uh, nevermind, don’t worry about it,” she says sheepishly. The entirety of the bar is staring at her still, including her employees, Micah most of all. He gives her a questioning look with a raised eyebrow.
Good alcohol and company diffuse the awkward situation and Alexis stands in her usual place behind the bar. Gilhur the dwarf approaches her, mug in hand.
“Yer not lookin too happy there, lass,” says Gilhur.
“I’m doing perfectly fine. I just had a… rough night’s sleep.”
Gilhur gives Alexis a look. She wasn’t sure if it was the whiskey or the predicament she is in but at the moment, she decides she was done with the lies.
“Gilhur, my brother—Well, let's just say some bad decisions were made,” she says, sighing. “I owe the banks a large amount of money. As far as I know, there is no way I can give them what they’re asking for before they seize the Nexus Brew.”
“Is that all?” Asks Gilhur. “Don’t ya worry yer pretty head. We can fix this before midnight comes. Just wait for the rest of the usual folk and call over yer old pal Gilhur to help ye out.”
Alexis doubts his claims but waits as he says. Hours pass and the Nexus Brew holds nearly all its regular patrons. Gilhur grins, hopping up on a stool to help Alexis address the people in the bar.
The dwarf turns to Alexis and begins whispering in her ear.
“So, here’s me brilliant scheme,” he says. “Folk and I are sick of fabricating ye country’s shite laminated paper to pay for good drink. Instead, I propose ye start takin’ Omeira’s coin; gold.”
Alexis frowns at him. “It wouldn’t be right,” she says. “They have no idea how valuable gold is here.”
“Lass, gold in Omeira is like ye coal in this land, there’s tonnes of the stuff laying around and no one knows what to do with it. Sides, folks can always get more and sell it `ere.”
Alexis thinks to herself. She comes to a decision.
“Excuse me everyone,” she announces once more. “After hearing that you’re all sick of our silly paper, the Nexus Brew will now be accepting Omeiran currency.”
The bar in front of Alexis cheers and she flushes with shame. Gilhur grins at her.
<p style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">* * * 6 months later * * *</p>
Nexus Brew is busier than it ever was, not that it matters when half your patrons are paying their weight in literal gold. The bar is able to pay for improvements and Michelin star chefs as it gains infamy and before long Alexis is running workshops for the Omeirans on how not to admit you’re a fey creature. Life is good for Alexis as she becomes the talk of Brisbane when Joey walks back into the Nexus Brew, after all he heard his bar recently came into some money.
<figure class="nb-fig"><img src="/wp-content/themes/andrewgillanders/assets/interactive/nexus-brew-img/nexus-brew-ending-gold-standard.webp" alt="Neon sign reading 'Achievement unlocked: gold standard' above a trophy of stacked gold coins on a display stand." width="1000" height="1000"><figcaption>Illustration by Jack Biggs</figcaption></figure>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Directed By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Written By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
Rory Hawkins
<br>
Jamie Stevens
<br>
Alli Hayden
<br>
Stanley Benjamin
<br>
Nicholas Farrell
<br>
Dan Hourigan
<br>
Callum Slaughter
<br>
Fernanda Bustos Venegas
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Proudly made with Twine 2</p>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Special Thanks</p>
Rohan Wilson
<br>
Ben Carey
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
[[Back to the Start|PROLOGUE]]
</div>
[[Back|YANKEE 2]]
<br>
“Is everything alright?” Micah asks. “You don’t look so hot.”
Alexis wants to blurt out the truth, that the bar will almost certainly close because of her, that the bridge will be in the hands of only God knows who. She doesn’t. She gives Micah another smile. “Relax, everything is fine. I just haven’t been feeling myself lately, that’s all.”
Micah gives her an unconvinced look but leaves to give her some peace.
Zeph approaches shortly after. “You didn’t take it, did you?” asks the elf.
“Don’t give me that look, Zeph. Who in their right mind would take some strange artefact and try and sell it on Earth? Who would buy it?”
Zeph shakes his head. “When this place is ripped from your hands, don’t blame your brother; blame yourself.”
The elf walks away and Alexis takes sip of whiskey, desperate to silence the words of his still bouncing around her head.
That night, Alexis sits alone on the bed in her apartment. She thinks of the bar, her friends from the other side, her parents. She thinks of her brother, the man who decided he was above being a keeper of the bridge.
In Alexis’ hands is a book with text written in an ancient language of Omeira. Illustrations of various inhuman beings creep across every page. Alexis slowly peels through the book. She stops on a page commanded by a lone dark figure. This is it.
In front of Alexis is a ritual circle drawn on the ground. It is only missing one thing now. She goes to the kitchen, comes back with a knife.
She swallows the lump in her throat. This is the only way to get back at the bastard.
Alexis readies the knife in front of her left hand. The incision isn’t deep; she only needs a single drop of blood. It falls in the centre of the circle and a shadow rises from the circle.
“What is it you desire, summoner?” it asks.
Alexis picks up a jersey off the bed. Joey wore it in high school. She holds it up to the figure, whose long fingers take it from her and lift to where its nose should be. Steam billows from the shadow.
“Can you make him suffer?” Alexis asks.
“For a price.”
<p style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">* * * 6 months later * * *</p>
A body has washed up on the shores of a beach in Adelaide eviscerated and torn to shreds, face removed and skin barely holding on. DNA testing has identified the body as that of Joey Amberfire a suspect in an ongoing criminal racketeering case. His sister, Alexis Amberfire, is also missing, having disappeared mysteriously almost 6 months ago. Police have requested anyone with information to come forward.
<figure class="nb-fig"><img src="/wp-content/themes/andrewgillanders/assets/interactive/nexus-brew-img/nexus-brew-ending-no-price-too-high.webp" alt="Neon sign reading 'Achievement unlocked: no price too high' above a trophy of two sculpted hands crossed over each other, wreathed in magenta lightning, with a small splash beneath, on a display stand." width="1000" height="1000"><figcaption>Illustration by Jack Biggs</figcaption></figure>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Directed By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Written By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
Rory Hawkins
<br>
Jamie Stevens
<br>
Alli Hayden
<br>
Stanley Benjamin
<br>
Nicholas Farrell
<br>
Dan Hourigan
<br>
Callum Slaughter
<br>
Fernanda Bustos Venegas
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Proudly made with Twine 2</p>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Special Thanks</p>
Rohan Wilson
<br>
Ben Carey
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
[[Back to the Start|PROLOGUE]]
</div>
[[Back|CHARLIE 4]]
<br>
Alexis pours herself a second shot, downing that too. Its bite doesn’t phase her. “Who’s up for another!” They all cheer once more, loud and late into the night.
<p style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">* * * 6 months later * * *</p>
The bar has been closed down, the bridge has been raised, and the connection to Nexus Brew and the Omeira has been severed. Alexis has moved back home with her parents and is living in their windowless basement, rent-free, and sharing the space with kegs and crates of leftover stock from the bar. Her mother calls her up for breakfast but she just stays in bed. She is yet to explain why she was in debt in the first place, Alexis can’t bring herself to hurt her parents. Maybe she’ll finally get into writing that book or start backpacking around Omeira. If she went exploring she could find another bridge, maybe, rebuild?
<figure class="nb-fig"><img src="/wp-content/themes/andrewgillanders/assets/interactive/nexus-brew-img/nexus-brew-ending-no-place-like-home.webp" alt="Neon sign reading 'Achievement unlocked: no place like home' above a trophy of two hands each gripping a bottle, angled together in a V, one wearing a wristwatch, on a display stand." width="1000" height="1000"><figcaption>Illustration by Jack Biggs</figcaption></figure>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Directed By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Written By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
Rory Hawkins
<br>
Jamie Stevens
<br>
Alli Hayden
<br>
Stanley Benjamin
<br>
Nicholas Farrell
<br>
Dan Hourigan
<br>
Callum Slaughter
<br>
Fernanda Bustos Venegas
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Proudly made with Twine 2</p>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Special Thanks</p>
Rohan Wilson
<br>
Ben Carey
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
[[Back to the Start|PROLOGUE]]
</div>
[[Back|CHARLIE 4]]
<br>
Alexis pulls the tap down and fills the beer glass. “So, what is it that’s still so important?”
Alexis gives him the beer. “What do you want?”
Zeph takes a sip and wipes a stray drop from the corner of his mouth, “Your parents have an artefact. It’d be worth a pretty penny here on Earth. Something tells me you could use more than a penny.”
Alexis’ ears flush. “Why’d you say that?”
“I’ve known you since you were a kid, plus I’m 800 years old, so I know what guilt looks like.” Zeph leans back in his chair. “And I know your brother walked out on more dramatic terms than you claim.”
“What’s in it for you?”
Zeph shrugs. “Lifetime free drinks? Not having to break your parents’ hearts by telling them their son’s a thieving swine?”
“With your drinking habit I’d go broke all over again.”
“Remember, it’s not your fault this bar is in trouble. Just take a look.” Zeph slides an Elven scroll toward Alexis. “This is what you need to ask for.”
Alexis leaves Zeph. She goes behind the bar and unfurls the scroll. It is a drawing of a silver case with diamonds encrusted along each edge.
“We’re out of turnip soju,” Micah says. “Gilhur drank the last of it. That dwarf sure knows how to throw them back.”
Alexis hesitates. The foreclosure notice sitting on her desk flashes back into her mind. “Make a list and I’ll order it. I’m heading over the bridge.” Alexis snatches her faux-dragonhide backpack from her desk as she goes.
<p style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
Alexis parts the vine curtain leading into her parents’ home. Retirement must be treating them nicely. There’s a picture of her brother on their entry table. Her jaw clenches.
“What brings you here?” Her mother hugs her.
“I’m looking for this,” Alexis shows her mother the scroll.
“What do you want with this old thing?”
Alexis pauses. “I thought it might look nice displayed at the bar.”
Alexis’ mother takes a moment to search returning with a diamond case. Her father opens the old latch to reveal a golden egg.
“This isn’t just a toy, alright love?” Her father says, closing the lid. “Zeph’s father gave it to us before he died. He said it’d protect us in Omeira.”
Alexis runs her finger over some of the diamonds. “It’s collecting dust.”
“How about some tea?” Her father latches the case and pats her shoulder. Her parents leave the room.
Alexis stares at the artefact, the diamond shimmering under the sunlight.
<br>
<br>
[[Leave the egg.|DELTA-YANKEE 2]]
OR
[[Take the egg.|DELTA-YANKEE 1]]
[[Back|DELTA-ZULU]]
<br>
Alexis looks down at the diamond case and withdraws the egg, not to steal it, just to... to simply admire it.
“How can you cause so much drama, little guy?” Alexis says with the gold of the artefact glistening in her eyes.
“What was that love?” Her father calls out.
“Nothing. I was just talking to myself” replies Alexis.
Her father enters the office and says, “People will think you’re going mad.”
Alexis smiles at her father but notices his eyes shift to the egg in her arms and his smile fades.
“You’re holding onto it?” he says.
“Yeah, I couldn’t resist,” she replies.
“How about we pop it back in its box? Your mother hates when I show it off.”
“Yeah, sure, Dad. Is everything alright?” Alexis asks. Nothing ever really upset her father, especially nothing she did.
“Like I said, your mother doesn’t like me playing with it too much.”
Alexis still doesn’t believe him. Her father hasn’t taken his eyes off the closed box on the desk.
“Truth is Zeph’s folks told us a story about that egg and it didn’t end well. Who knows though, could have just been one of their yarns.”
“Tea is ready,” announces Alexis’ mother as she enters the room, behind a tray, carrying a teapot, cups, and biscuits.
Reading the apprehension in her father’s gaze, Alexis declines the tea.
“I really do appreciate the effort. It looks like quite the spread, but I’d better be off. This Imagineer that came to visit me this afternoon was ploughing through our last keg of elderberry when I crossed, so I’d better check up on Micah.”
“That’s alright, we understand,” says her mother. “Say hello to Micah for us, won’t you?”
“Sure will,” Alexis says, grabbing her backpack from the desk and kissing her father on the head. She then gives her mum a kiss and heads through the curtain of vines.
“And tell Zephrial his pumpkins made an incredible soup. Right?” Alexis’ mother says, jabbing her husband.
“Ooh, yes, they did,” he adds, pulling a face of disgust behind his wife’s back.
Alexis smiles and parts the vines as her parents wave her off.
<p style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
Alexis opens the door to the bar. The weight of the bar’s debt overpowers her and she slumps back on the door as it clicks shut. The artefact was her last shot. There’s nothing left to do, beside wait for the bank to board the place up. Alexis’ eyes begin to well up at the thought. Is she too proud for that?
A bang brings her back as Micah rolls another empty keg of elderberry sour to the back door.
“Is everything alright?” he asks, “you don’t look so hot”
<br>
<br>
[[“Yeah. Everything is fine.”|DELTA-X-RAY 4]]
OR
[[“I have a bit of an announcement to make.”|DELTA-X-RAY 3]]
[[Back|DELTA-ZULU]]
<br>
Alexis can hear her parent’s suspicious whispering from the kitchen before it’s drained out by the whistling kettle. Had she struck a nerve? She turns her attention back to the case on the desk and picks it up. She runs her fingers over it. How can such a beautiful object not be shared with the world? It must hold some value. The box alone looks worth more than the bar.
Alexis unlatches the case and admires the shine of the golden egg. Alexis listens out for her parents, their footsteps growing louder along with the clinking of morning tea. She slips the egg inside her pack, closing the lid just before the door is pushed open by a tray with a teapot, cups and biscuits.
“Tea is ready sweetheart” Alexis’ mother says.
“I really appreciate it, I do, but you’ll have to excuse me. Emergency at work.”
“What’s happened?” Asks her mother.
“One of the taps is stuck? There’s a drunk Imagineer swashbuckling with Micah? I don’t really know.” Alexis shuffles through the door, trying to avoid eye contact with her parents, “It was hard to tell what’s going on from Micah’s message.”
“Sounds like he’ll have his hands full over there” says her father, “you’d better go save him.”
Alexis agrees.
“Tell Zeph your mother used his pumpkins in a soup.”
“Oh, and it was so delicious, wasn’t it?” her mother adds, looking back at her husband. He just manages to avoid getting caught pulling a face of disgust.
<p style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
The hallway to Nexus Brew envelops Alexis. She is overwhelmed with relief. She has the egg. This could be it. Her money troubles, her anxiety, is gone.
She reaches for the door handle, readying herself to feign indifference to the bar’s secret struggles once again, but the door creeps open before she has the chance. Zeph’s Elven features unveil themselves as he steps into the bridge.
“So?” He asks, “Did you grab it?”
“Have you had your ear pressed against the door this whole time?” Alexis replies.
“What are you going to do with it?”
<br>
<br>
[[“I’m going to hold onto it for a while.”|DELTA-X-RAY 2]]
OR
[[“I’m going to find someone rich and sell it to them.”|DELTA-X-RAY 1]]
[[Back|DELTA-YANKEE 1]]
<br>
Alexis locks the office door behind her. There can be no-one else to see what she’s done. She takes the egg out of her bag. Selling this – whatever it is – will be enough to save the bar.
And they wouldn’t even have to know. At least, until after the bar was saved.
But then she’ll own up to everything – about the debt, about Joey, the whole mess.
After that, no more deceit.
A knock on the door. “Alexis?”
She jumps. It’s Micah. She scrambles to put the egg away.
“Alexis, are you alright in there?”
“I- I’m quite alright, very good thanks.”
“Really?” Micah drawls. “Cuz you didn’t look ‘very good’ coming back.”
The latch on her bag won’t open. “Don’t you have customers to serve, Micah?”
“Lex, don’t give me that.” The doorhandle judders. “What is it?”
“It’s noth-"
The egg slips out of her hands, to the floor. Purple light arcs about the room. Lightbulbs shatter, showering Alexis in glass. And then it stops. Alexis stands there, stunned.
A crack runs the length of the eggshell.
She goes to the door and unlocks it. She sits down, lets Micah sweep up the glass. The egg’s golden lustre is gone. Alexis tries to explain the whole stupid plan she had, the wider mess she’d helped make, what her parents will think of her now. When her eyes begin to well up, Micah gives her the most the magical item he can think of, a box of tissues.
“You know,” he says. “You can still try to apologise.”
<p style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
It’s the next day, almost opening time. Alexis takes a deep breath and looks around the bar. Micah strolls in from the kitchen with a firm smile. “Tell me how you’re feeling.”
“Like one night’s rest wasn’t enough.” Alexis rubs her eyes, imagines she’s anywhere else – and anyone else. “What if they don’t want to listen?”
Micah sighs. “Don’t be like that.”
“What if-”
“Go for a walk, clear your head.” He guides her towards the door.
Mid-morning air is fresh in her lungs. Alexis takes another lap round the block, thinking everything over, what she is going to say to her parents to make this a little closer to being okay. She turns the corner to the bar. The egg is in the back-office. They can still take it back.
She practices what she’s going to say. “I know that I’ve messed up but-”
Alexis is thrown back.
The city shudders.
When she finds her feet, glass crunches underfoot.
The bar is gone.
<p style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">* * * 6 months later * * *</p>
It was ruled as “a tragic but inexplicable accident.” The Nexus Brew was destroyed, along with its community, its gateway to Omeira. After Micah’s funeral and some preparation, Alexis left to travel the world, looking for another way to Omeira. She hopes if- knows when she finds a way back, her parents will be there. They have to be. Alone, what else can she do?
<figure class="nb-fig"><img src="/wp-content/themes/andrewgillanders/assets/interactive/nexus-brew-img/nexus-brew-ending-you-can-always-try.webp" alt="Neon sign reading 'Achievement unlocked: you can always try' above a trophy of an egg-shaped stone with purple lightning arcing from its cracks, on a display stand." width="1000" height="1000"><figcaption>Illustration by Jack Biggs</figcaption></figure>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Directed By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Written By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
Rory Hawkins
<br>
Jamie Stevens
<br>
Alli Hayden
<br>
Stanley Benjamin
<br>
Nicholas Farrell
<br>
Dan Hourigan
<br>
Callum Slaughter
<br>
Fernanda Bustos Venegas
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Proudly made with Twine 2</p>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Special Thanks</p>
Rohan Wilson
<br>
Ben Carey
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
[[Back to the Start|PROLOGUE]]
</div>
[[Back|DELTA-YANKEE 1]]
<br>
A grin spreads across Zephrial’s face. “And I think I know just the guy. That Imagineer goon from before seems the type.”
Alexis face drops. “Not him. That went nowhere.”
Zeph drums his hands on the bar. “But if I got him back, I’d be getting my lifetime supply of drinks.”
“Zeph,” sighs Alexis. “I told you before, I’m not-”
Zeph grins as he walks backwards, into Nexus Brew. In a blur of motion, the elf vaults the bar, over and back, plucking the dragon-bone bottle and two shot glasses from the shelves. He holds them aloft. Alexis’ mouth hangs open. “You know what, Alexis?” he croons. “Farming pumpkins for over 400 years gets pretty boring.” Before Alexis can say anything, he’s gone through the street exit, like a gust of wind.
What was in that bottle? Alexis eyes the remaining patrons for any bouts of speed, tries passing out jugs of water just in case. By the time she’s done, Zeph has already returned, and who else is with him but Harold Big, Disney Imagineer-extraordinaire, holding the dragon-bone bottle.
Alexis snatches it away. “Oh, you don’t want that.”
It takes a second to register. “Whyish that?” Harold slurs.
“It’s uh- nowhere near the quality expected for special guests. Let me fix you up something better.” Alexis steps behind the bar.
Zephrial winks at her. “I’ll leave you to it.”
Alexis steps behind the bar. “Let me fix you up something better.” She pours cordial into a lemonade, throws in some Gnomish sobering herbs. “On the house, while we talk business.”
A grin spreads across Harold’s face. “Whadda like to hear! Business!”
Alexis tries to smile. This really could work. “Enjoyed your drinks so far?”
“Defly hitta spot,” beams Harold.
“Well then.” Alexis unzips her bag and, with a flourish, presents the gleaming egg. “This is the family heirloom that helped inspire our very first cocktail.”
Harold flops out a chequebook and asks for the price.
<p style="text-align: center;">* * *</p>
It’s a fresh new day when Alexis returns from the bank. It took all morning, but everything’s been finalised. The Nexus Bar is debt-free.
There’s plenty of the regulars, but the lunch-rush hasn’t quite started yet. There’s just enough time for Alexis to quietly toast to this victory. She marches to the bar. “Micah, my favourite bartender, a schooner of Dwarven for me and something for yourself.”
Micah’s brow furrows. “What’s the occasion?”
Alexis gulps down liquid courage. She’ll tell him all about the debt, all in due course.
“So, I finally get to meet my son’s imaginary friends!” Alexis hears Gorick tease across the bar.
“Seriously, Mum, and you wonder why,” her son, Cain, moans. A couple humans sitting with the orcs laugh. They’re not the only ones. All around, patrons of all magical and mundane backgrounds are drinking, talking, like this is the easiest place to be in any world.
“What the-” Micah picks up the bar’s TV remote.
From the corner, it blurts out “Breaking news!”
An explosion at Disney’s Sydney offices, earlier this morning.
“Of seemingly unknown origins,” the news anchor repeats. “A key person of interest, Mr Harold Big, has also since died in hospital. Speculation is that without further evidence this tragedy will be ruled as-”
Alexis shuts her eyes, tries to take a deep breath.
Sometimes accidents happen for a reason.
<p style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">* * * 6 months later * * *</p>
With its steady community of customers, the Nexus Brew continues on, debt-free… without Alexis. Knowing exactly what caused the deaths at Disney’s offices, the guilt made her choke on telling all to her parents. Alexis always jumped at loud noises – shattering glasses and slammed doors – but when Micah found her in the office mid-breakdown, he knew it was something more. Since Alexis’ confession in the back room, he has stepped into her duties as Alexis sees a cleric on Omeira – hoping one day, she can come back.
<figure class="nb-fig"><img src="/wp-content/themes/andrewgillanders/assets/interactive/nexus-brew-img/nexus-brew-ending-accidents-happen.webp" alt="Neon sign reading 'Achievement unlocked: accidents happen' above a trophy of a cracked egg-shaped stone glowing with purple veins, on a display stand." width="1000" height="1000"><figcaption>Illustration by Jack Biggs</figcaption></figure>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Directed By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Written By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
Rory Hawkins
<br>
Jamie Stevens
<br>
Alli Hayden
<br>
Stanley Benjamin
<br>
Nicholas Farrell
<br>
Dan Hourigan
<br>
Callum Slaughter
<br>
Fernanda Bustos Venegas
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Proudly made with Twine 2</p>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Special Thanks</p>
Rohan Wilson
<br>
Ben Carey
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
[[Back to the Start|PROLOGUE]]
</div>
[[Back|DELTA-YANKEE 2]]
<br>
“Is everything alright?” Micah asks. “You don’t look so hot.”
Alexis wants to blurt out the truth, that the bar will almost certainly close because of her, that the bridge will be in the hands of only God knows who. She doesn’t. She gives Micah another smile. “Relax, everything is fine. I just haven’t been feeling myself lately, that’s all.”
Micah gives her an unconvinced look but leaves to give her some peace.
Zeph approaches shortly after. “You didn’t take it, did you?” asks the elf.
“Don’t give me that look, Zeph. Who in their right mind would take some strange artefact and try and sell it on Earth? Who would buy it?”
Zeph shakes his head. “When this place is ripped from your hands, don’t blame your brother; blame yourself.”
The elf walks away and Alexis takes sip of whiskey, desperate to silence the words of his still bouncing around her head.
That night, Alexis sits alone on the bed in her apartment. She thinks of the bar, her friends from the other side, her parents. She thinks of her brother, the man who decided he was above being a keeper of the bridge.
In Alexis’ hands is a book with text written in an ancient language of Omeira. Illustrations of various inhuman beings creep across every page. Alexis slowly peels through the book. She stops on a page commanded by a lone dark figure. This is it.
In front of Alexis is a ritual circle drawn on the ground. It is only missing one thing now. She goes to the kitchen, comes back with a knife.
She swallows the lump in her throat. This is the only way to get back at the bastard.
Alexis readies the knife in front of her left hand. The incision isn’t deep; she only needs a single drop of blood. It falls in the centre of the circle and a shadow rises from the circle.
“What is it you desire, summoner?” it asks.
Alexis picks up a jersey off the bed. Joey wore it in high school. She holds it up to the figure, whose long fingers take it from her and lift to where its nose should be. Steam billows from the shadow.
“Can you make him suffer?” Alexis asks.
“For a price.”
<p style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">* * * 6 months later * * *</p>
A body has washed up on the shores of a beach in Adelaide eviscerated and torn to shreds, face removed and skin barely holding on. DNA testing has identified the body as that of Joey Amberfire a suspect in an ongoing criminal racketeering case. His sister, Alexis Amberfire, is also missing, having disappeared mysteriously almost 6 months ago. Police have requested anyone with information to come forward.
<figure class="nb-fig"><img src="/wp-content/themes/andrewgillanders/assets/interactive/nexus-brew-img/nexus-brew-ending-no-price-too-high.webp" alt="Neon sign reading 'Achievement unlocked: no price too high' above a trophy of two sculpted hands crossed over each other, wreathed in magenta lightning, with a small splash beneath, on a display stand." width="1000" height="1000"><figcaption>Illustration by Jack Biggs</figcaption></figure>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Directed By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Written By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
Rory Hawkins
<br>
Jamie Stevens
<br>
Alli Hayden
<br>
Stanley Benjamin
<br>
Nicholas Farrell
<br>
Dan Hourigan
<br>
Callum Slaughter
<br>
Fernanda Bustos Venegas
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Proudly made with Twine 2</p>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Special Thanks</p>
Rohan Wilson
<br>
Ben Carey
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
[[Back to the Start|PROLOGUE]]
</div>
[[Back|DELTA-YANKEE 2]]
<br>
Alexis presents herself to the bar and its patrons clearing her throat.
“Excuse me everybody,” she says. The bar quiets down, looking at her quizzically.
“I have a bit of an anounc—”
Alexis stops herself from saying any more. It isn’t the concern of her friends and patrons to help fix the mess she has found herself in. She turns away from the crowd blushing with indignation.
“Uh, nevermind, don’t worry about it,” she says sheepishly. The entirety of the bar is staring at her still, including her employees, Micah most of all. He gives her a questioning look with a raised eyebrow.
Good alcohol and company diffuse the awkward situation and Alexis stands in her usual place behind the bar. Gilhur the dwarf approaches her, mug in hand.
“Yer not lookin too happy there, lass,” says Gilhur.
“I’m doing perfectly fine. I just had a… rough night’s sleep.”
Gilhur gives Alexis a look. She wasn’t sure if it was the whiskey or the predicament she is in but at the moment, she decides she was done with the lies.
“Gilhur, my brother—Well, let's just say some bad decisions were made,” she says, sighing. “I owe the banks a large amount of money. As far as I know, there is no way I can give them what they’re asking for before they seize the Nexus Brew.”
“Is that all?” Asks Gilhur. “Don’t ya worry yer pretty head. We can fix this before midnight comes. Just wait for the rest of the usual folk and call over yer old pal Gilhur to help ye out.”
Alexis doubts his claims but waits as he says. Hours pass and the Nexus Brew holds nearly all its regular patrons. Gilhur grins, hopping up on a stool to help Alexis address the people in the bar.
The dwarf turns to Alexis and begins whispering in her ear.
“So, here’s me brilliant scheme,” he says. “Folk and I are sick of fabricating ye country’s shite laminated paper to pay for good drink. Instead, I propose ye start takin’ Omeira’s coin; gold.”
Alexis frowns at him. “It wouldn’t be right,” she says. “They have no idea how valuable gold is here.”
“Lass, gold in Omeira is like ye coal in this land, there’s tonnes of the stuff laying around and no one knows what to do with it. Sides, folks can always get more and sell it `ere.”
Alexis thinks to herself. She comes to a decision.
“Excuse me everyone,” she announces once more. “After hearing that you’re all sick of our silly paper, the Nexus Brew will now be accepting Omeiran currency.”
The bar in front of Alexis cheers and she flushes with shame. Gilhur grins at her.
<p style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">* * * 6 months later * * *</p>
Nexus Brew is busier than it ever was, not that it matters when half your patrons are paying their weight in literal gold. The bar is able to pay for improvements and Michelin star chefs as it gains infamy and before long Alexis is running workshops for the Omeirans on how not to admit you’re a fey creature. Life is good for Alexis as she becomes the talk of Brisbane when Joey walks back into the Nexus Brew, after all he heard his bar recently came into some money.
<figure class="nb-fig"><img src="/wp-content/themes/andrewgillanders/assets/interactive/nexus-brew-img/nexus-brew-ending-gold-standard.webp" alt="Neon sign reading 'Achievement unlocked: gold standard' above a trophy of stacked gold coins on a display stand." width="1000" height="1000"><figcaption>Illustration by Jack Biggs</figcaption></figure>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Directed By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Written By</p>
Andrew Gillanders
<br>
Rory Hawkins
<br>
Jamie Stevens
<br>
Alli Hayden
<br>
Stanley Benjamin
<br>
Nicholas Farrell
<br>
Dan Hourigan
<br>
Callum Slaughter
<br>
Fernanda Bustos Venegas
<br>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Proudly made with Twine 2</p>
<br>
<p style="font-weight: bold;">Special Thanks</p>
Rohan Wilson
<br>
Ben Carey
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
[[Back to the Start|PROLOGUE]]
</div>