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Stellar Bonds: Kaiya and Elara

Stellar Bonds: Kaiya and Elara

Story Overview: “Stellar Bonds: Kaiya and Elara”

“Stellar Bonds: Kaiya and Elara” is an original sci-fi romance action-adventure short story in development, blending high-stakes rescue missions, interstellar combat, emotional trauma, and a deepening romantic bond between two strong female leads. It draws inspiration from classic sci-fi like Star Trek, with elements of exploration, alien threats, and personal growth. The narrative emphasizes teamwork, resilience, and love amid chaos, evolving from an “origin story” concept for one character into a pivotal tale for both protagonists.

The story is set in a futuristic universe featuring the United Earth Federation (UEF), advanced starships, and hostile alien worlds. It starts as a straightforward rescue operation but escalates into a test of bonds, both stellar (cosmic dangers) and personal (romantic and familial).

Key Plot Points

  • The Setup on the UEF Briggs: The story begins aboard the sleek star cruiser UEF Briggs, commanded by the authoritative Captain Dane Briggs (age 48, a commanding presence with a backstory ripe for exploration). Kaiya Voss and Elara Kane, serving as crew members, receive a mission briefing from the captain. They’re tasked with beaming down to a hostile planet to rescue survivors from a crashed starship. Rumors of alien activity add tension— the planet features dense jungles, heavy rain, and hidden threats like cloaked alien dreadnoughts in orbit and plasma-wielding foes.
  • The Mission and Separation: After beaming down (with a classic transporter effect), Kaiya and Elara enter the jungle, armed with laser rifles and sidearms. They start as close friends, chatting light-heartedly amid the foliage. However, they get separated by a rogue transporter beam. They both press on alone, spotting glowing ruins. Kaiya eliminates a few aliens along the way. Elara is attacked by 1 oversized alien. She fights valiantly but takes a severe hit from a green energy beam, slicing her left arm open. This causes agony, heavy bleeding, and long-term damage (limited use, constant pain even with meds).
    Traumatized and crying, she screams “I want my Kaiya!” while wandering in the rain, flashing back to earlier trauma (e.g., her best friend’s murder, where she chased the killer but spoke in another language from shock). Later on the medics tell her that she’ll likely never regain use of her arm, but there are some very risky experimental procedures available.
  • The Rescue and Reunion: Kaiya, skilled in tactical maneuvers, searches desperately for Elara, leading a search party from the survivors’ HQ (equipped with big weapons). She blasts aliens along the way, including a 180-degree twirl takedown with a quip like “That’s how it’s done!” / “Yeah, baby!” Meanwhile, Elara, escorted by a male survivor (who gets killed by aliens), relies on her right arm and smaller weapon to fend off attackers. The reunion is emotional. Elara collapses upon seeing Kaiya, highlighting their bond. They will beam back to the UEF Briggs (Elara out of uniform), but only after Captain Briggs deals with two alien dreadnoughts (really big starships). The shields must stay up during battle, cannot beam through shields. Upon getting back to the UEF Briggs Elara is escorted directly to sickbay while Kaiya debriefs Captain Briggs.
  • Emotional Aftermath and Resolution: Elara’s injury and trauma become central— she has recurring dreams reliving the mission, mixing pre- and post-injury versions of herself (e.g., helping her wounded self). Kaiya leaves the UEF Briggs to care for Elara full-time, and they move in together at Kaiya’s home, planning to marry. Their relationship evolves from friendship to romance, strengthened by the ordeal (including a kiss amid laser fire). Elara remains delicate, with ongoing emotional scars, while Kaiya provides support. The story ends with a cliffhanger: Captain Briggs contacts Kaiya about helping to rescue her missing diplomatic sister Liora, setting up conflict because Kaiya does not want to leave Elara. Upon hearing this Elara breaks down, still suffering from emotional trauma.
  • Starship Action Subplot: While the focus is on the women, the UEF Briggs has its moment. In orbit, it’s ambushed by two massive alien dreadnoughts with heavy weaponry. Captain Briggs shines, using orbital debris for cover, and rerouting available power to their recently acquired ‘Big Energy’ weapon. This all happens just before the women are ready to beam up, forcing Briggs and the ship to “take care of business” first.

Character Breakdown for ‘Stellar Bonds: Kaiya and Elara‘

  • Kaiya Voss (1st called: “Main Character”): A resilient pilot and tactical expert with combat skills (evasive maneuvers, laser rifle proficiency). Protective and commanding, she leads searches and adapts under pressure. She has her own flashbacks to unseen threats. Family ties include her diplomatic sister, Liora Voss (poised, in uniform with potential insignia; missing in the sequel). Kaiya’s arc involves balancing duty with love.
  • Elara Kane (Early: “Female Companion”): A medic/scientist with hacking abilities and grit. Pre-injury: Confident, long-haired, uniform clad. Post-injury: Shorter hair, scarred arm in a sling, emotionally fragile with PTSD (crying, dreams, fear of abandonment). She bonds romantically with Kaiya during recovery. Family includes brother Kael Kane (mighty warrior with combat background; joins sequel rescue) and parents who named them evocatively.
  • Captain Dane Briggs: Charismatic leader of the UEF Briggs. Provides briefings and support but doesn’t overshadow the leads. His ship has “badass weapons” and a classic exploratory design. Backstory hints at ties to a prequel.
  • Liora Voss: Kaiya’s sister, an important diplomat. Captured and longing for rescue; appears in a prisoner scene with emotional music. Her disappearance drives the sequel’s plot. Captain Briggs informing Kayia of this ends the story.
  • Kael Kane: Elara’s brother, a strong guardian figure with agility and wisdom. Approves of the mission with Captain Briggs’ blessing, bonds with the captain over shared combat experience. He’ll be in the sequel: mentioned here for completeness.
  • Supporting Elements: Alien enemies (colossal ships, ground troops with energy beams); male escort (killed); search party with heavy weaponry; survivors at HQ.

Themes and Style

  • Romance and Bonds: Starts as friendship but blossoms into love through shared trauma and support. Emotional beats include consoling, reunions, and decisions about marriage/family (e.g., Liora’s wish for children in subplot ideas).
  • Action and Trauma: Blends laser fights, ambushes, and starship battles with psychological depth (flashbacks, pain, growth from failure).
  • Visual and Cinematic: Promo videos (e.g., warp jumps, dream sequences, battles), graphics, and animations. Plans include adding titles/lettering, and epic music fades. Full video story release on X, YouTube, and Facebook. The author, Chris Jones, will narrate when needed, providing a male voice.
  • Length and Format: Short story evolving into cinematic segments; aim for “epic-ness” without overfocusing on space battles (keep the heart on the women).

Future Plans

  • Prequel: “The Right Timing”: Based on an Amazon short story that Chris Jones wrote. Explores the UEF Briggs, Captain Briggs, and early missions (possibly without Kaiya). It’s a time travel story involving repairing the timeline. Includes family dynamics (e.g., Tensions with his father, mom’s friendship with the female leads).
  • Sequel (Untitled): Kaiya’s conflict over rescuing Liora while not leaving traumatized Elara alone. Involves emotional decisions, relived trauma, action, and potential family reunions. Kael joins: Captain Briggs leads.
  • Development To-Dos: As of 9 Feb. 2026, Graphic edits, mission briefing redo, beam-down/landing scenes. Scenes for jungle entry, search party, reunion, debrief, home life, and Briggs’ call. Transcribe ideas, use mind mapping, and collaborate on twists.

Follow story development and see lots of media here: Chris Jones Gaming🎮 (@ChrisJones_Game)

‘Stellar Bonds: Kaiya and Elara’ captures a gripping tale of love, danger, and recovery in the stars – perfect for sci-fi fans craving character-driven action. 🚀
This image shows Kaiya on the left and Elara on the right.

Metroidvania MIO: Memories in Orbit quickly established itself as one of the genre’s latest stand-outs

Focus Entertainment and Douze Dixièmes are today celebrating MIO: Memories in Orbit’s critical success with a brand-new trailer. Distinguished by its striking art direction and an equally remarkable original soundtrack, this French‑crafted metroidvania has resonated strongly with international critics, securing a Metacritic score of 84/100.

Watch the MIO: Memories in Orbit Accolade Trailer.

MIO: Memories in Orbit launched January 20th and is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch (both generations), and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Microsoft Store. The game is also playable day one on Xbox Game Pass and runs seamlessly on Steam Deck.

Composed by Nicolas Gueguen, the game’s original soundtrack is now available across all major streaming platforms — including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Bandcamp, and more.

Listen to the OST here. 

MIO: Memories in Orbit is priced at €19.99, with a 10% launch discount still available for Steam and Xbox players. Owners of the Nintendo Switch 1 version receive free access to the Nintendo Switch 2 version.

Preorders Open for Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown & launch date also revealed

#DaedalicEntertainment and developer #gameXcite have announced that #StarTrekVoyagerAcrosstheUnknown will launch February 18th, 2026 for #PS5, #Xbox Series X|S, #NintendoSwitch2 and #PC

All Gaming Intel: chrisjonesgaming.net 🎮 Level up your feed!

#gaming #gamingnews #startrek

Star Trek Gaming in the 2000s

I did some mod work on 4 different Starfleet Command games, and never actually played the campaigns all the way through. There was ‘Starfleet Command’ ‘Starfleet Command II: Empires At War’ ‘Starfleet Command: Orion Pirates’, Starfleet Command 3′, and limited work on ‘Bridge Commander’.

For Starfleet Command I created a ‘TNG’ Mod. For ‘Empires at War’ there was a TOS and a TNG Mod. ‘Orion Pirates’ was the quite fun with the ‘Universe at War’, very popular. Starfleet Command 3 was TNG already, but we made it so much better. My Bridge Commander mod work was limited to lots of new maps to fly around in.

With Universe At War we had a ‘dynaverse’ that was quite popular. That was an ‘all eras’ mod covering all eras of Star Trek.

The 2000s were filled with Star Trek gaming.

This image is from The Ultimate Universe Mod for Star Trek: Legacy – our crown jewel.

Email me at chrisjones@chrisjonesgaming.net if you like.

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Step into Tales of The Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game in Wholesome Direct Showcase

At the Wholesome Direct digital showcase today, Wētā Workshop welcomed viewers home to The Shire in a brand-new trailer for the Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings™ Game featuring charming gameplay, serene surroundings, and in true Hobbit fashion – plenty of food.

The new trailer gives glimpses of life in Bywater, meeting new friends and familiar faces. Decorate your own Hobbit hole, exactly as you like, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life in The Shire. Bask in colourful seasonal changes as you stock up your pantry by fishing, gardening, foraging and trading ingredients for shared meals with friends. Your fellow Hobbits don’t need an excuse for a party, they’re just waiting for your invitation….when you’re ready, of course!

You can check out the full trailer here.  Additional assets can be downloaded here.

In addition, those eager to jump in can wishlist the game now on PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S!

From the creative studio Wētā Workshop, live the cosy life of a Hobbit in the wonderfully serene landscape of The Shire. Discover, decorate, and share in this peaceful corner of Middle-earth. Launching on July 29, 2025, for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, the game will be available digitally and physically worldwide. Pre-orders for the $39.99 Retail Edition and iam8bit Exclusive Edition are available now for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 at talesoftheshire.iam8bit.com.

For all the latest updates on the game, follow Tales of the Shire on X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. 

New Gameplay Teaser Available for INDUSTRIA 2

Today, developer Bleakmill Games and publisher Headup are releasing a new gameplay teaser trailer for INDUSTRIA 2. The video is part of the Steam “Games Baked in Germany” event and showcases over two minutes of gameplay from the upcoming sci-fi narrative FPS set in an alternate dimension. The game’s protagonist, Nora, becomes lost in a dangerous, unfamiliar world and must find her way back home to 1989 East Berlin while battling a sinister Artificial Intelligence

The video briefly introduces the game’s impressive visuals and lighting, as well as its stealth and physics-focused gameplay.

Download or Stream the trailer for an early first-hand look at INDUSTRIA 2.
 
INDUSTRIA 2 is set for a 2025 release.
 
Store/Info Pages

Features of INDUSTRIA 2  include:

  • Immersive gameplay: Physics-based interactions, along with crafting and a diegetic inventory, connect the gameplay and the game environments
  • A hero’s journey: A narrative FPS at its core, featuring memorable characters and a touching story
  • Unique setting: Industrial decay in a vast boreal landscape combined with otherworldly sprawling mechanical structures
  • Upgradable weapons: Upgrade five weapons with attachments like silencers, extended magazines, or special attacks
  • Robot “Body Horror”: Vivid machine oil spilling and body dismemberment lead to intense firefights
  • Cinematic audio: Full voiceover, dynamic music, and detailed sound design present an exceptional audio experience

RoboCop: Rogue City Coming to Mac This Fall

Lesquin, France, 11 June 2024 – Teyon studio and the publisher NACON are excited to announce the release of RoboCop: Rogue City for Mac this fall. The game will be on the Mac App Store and Steam.

RoboCop: Rogue City runs natively on Macs with Apple silicon, featuring incredible performance, smooth and immersive gameplay, with support for software technologies in macOS like HDR and MetalFX Upscaling.

Michał Tatka, CEO of Teyon had this to say: “We’re so excited by the momentum we’re seeing on Mac, which attests to the great tools Apple provides for game developers. RoboCop: Rogue City takes full advantage of Apple silicon Macs, delivering smooth frame rates and providing high quality visuals. We are delighted to ensure that Mac gamers have the opportunity to hit the streets of Old Detroit, and experience the adventures of the iconic pop culture character – part man, part machine and all hero. Dead or alive, don’t miss out this fall!”

RoboCop: Rogue City immerses the player in Old Detroit, in an original story taking place between the RoboCop 2 and 3 films. In this new first-person adventure, the player must restore law and order to a city plunged into chaos in the wake of the arrival of a new crime lord. The gameplay switches between explosive battles, investigations in the field and side quests, in which the player will decide citizens’ fates, thereby affecting the game progression.

Out of their desire to pay tribute to the franchise, the Teyon team have also left numerous references to the RoboCop world for players to discover, such as the iconic locations, weapons and characters, including the actor Peter Weller, who returns to duty as the face and voice of the cyborg cop in RoboCop: Rogue City.

RoboCop: Rogue City is the creation of the development studio Teyon and video game publisher NACON in collaboration with and pursuant to a license from Amazon MGM Studios Consumer Products and Interactive Licensing.

RoboCop: Rogue City will be released this fall for Mac via Steam and the App Store.

Chris Jones Gaming - The Ultimate Universe - and Chris Jones Media

Gaming Evolution

15 years ago we delivered a downloadable product that went viral, the beginning of our Gaming Evolution.

I was interviewed recently regarding that successful undertaking. A link to the interview follows..

It was dream for a long time to launch a digital marketing agency.

As early as 1993, before ‘Chris Jones Media’ existed, I was building websites for real estate agents, and had a side business with on-site computer consulting, taking care of software issues for customers in their own home.

This continued while I was involved in PC Gaming, modifying existing games, in the science fiction genre, with improved graphics, sound effects, and gameplay.

This evolved into leading a team of about 20 people on a mission to completely transform a particular PC Game into something much better than it was.

I was interviewed in March 2023 about this game modification by some fans of our ‘mod’. In this interview I talk about organizing teams, accomplishing goals and becoming sought after.

See it here:  https://lnkd.in/g5nWJf2Z

Our modification of a #startrek pc game garnered many thousands of downloads and is still downloaded to this day.

I mention my gaming days because of the challenges involved in coordinating people from around the world in different time zones and with conflicting personalities.

Along the way I developed a deep understanding of what consumers need and want, and how to communicate with them effectively.

This, coupled with being in Radio Broadcasting and Face to Face sales in various industries, led to a deep understanding of consumer pain points, and the methods to take care of them.

This is my Gaming Evolution.

Because of that, I formed Chris Jones Media. Initially I was building Websites – and later added Voice and Video Creation services, along with business advice.

Over the past year, with a few collaborations and work hiccups I came to understand true teamwork and it became apparent that my long held dream can be done: I have built a digital agency at chrisjonesmedia.com. That is my ‘Gaming Evolution’.

My experiences in the gaming industry set me up for what is happening today. As Sir Patrick Stewart said more than once, “Make It So”!

Chris Jones Gaming

Make A Game

At one point Chris Jones Gaming was considering making a game. This was about 15 years ago when we were modifying Star Trek games.

It hasn’t happened, but who is to say it won’t happen. If we were to do that, here’s a bit of what’s involved.

Making a science fiction game involves a lot of stuff, as you might know, including:

  1. Concept development: Developing the game concept, which involves creating the storyline, characters and their interaction with each other, and the setting. This is the foundation upon which the game will be built, where it starts.
  2. Game engine selection: The game engine is the software framework that is used to create the game. Popular game engines used for science fiction games include Unreal Engine, Unity, and CryEngine.
  3. Art and design: Once the game engine is selected, the next step is to create the game’s art and design elements, including 3D models, textures, animations, and user interface.
  4. Programming: The game’s mechanics, features, and interactions are created through programming, using languages such as C++, C#, and Python. I have a few people in mind for this.
  5. Sound and music: Sound and music play a crucial role in immersing players in the game’s world. Game developers must create or license appropriate sound effects and music tracks that fit the game’s theme and mood. I have someone in mind for this.
  6. Testing and debugging: As the game is being developed, it must be tested and debugged to ensure that it is functioning as intended. This involves identifying and fixing bugs, balancing gameplay mechanics, and optimizing performance. This is one of my favorite parts of the process.
  7. Distribution and marketing: Once the game is complete, it must be brought to the gamers of the world. This involves distribution channels, like digital storefronts or physical distribution, and marketing the game through various channels to attract players and fans.

To Make a Game, that is popular, involves quite a lot – and the talent needed isn’t going to work for free. Getting it done involves many different skills and areas of expertise. The author, Chris Jones, is working on all of that. I have talent in mind.

Stay tuned.

I have talked about this before -the fact that I’m bringing it up again means I have not, and will not, drop the idea. Full transparency – I’ve done nothing but think about making a game since I wrote the last article about making a game.

Make a Game - Chris Jones Gaming
Chris Jones Gaming SciFi
Eve Online

Eve Online 20th Anniversary

CCP Games Ignites EVE Online’s 20th Anniversary by Teasing New Expansion

Capsuleers can also celebrate EVE’s monumental milestone with in-game events, a special Twitch stream, and the chance to become legend as part of the EVE Monument

REYKJAVÍK, Iceland – May 2, 2023 – In honor of its landmark 20th anniversary on Saturday 6 May, 2023 CCP Games has revealed EVE Online: Viridian, the next content expansion for spacefaring MMO EVE Online. The first of two major expansions in this year of 2023, Viridian will empower players with new tools, personalization options and social-driven content to manifest the glory of their corporation. The expansion launches free for all players in June 2023, real soon!

“With Viridian, players will be given more power to shape and color New Eden,” said Bergur Finnbogason, EVE Online‘s Creative Director. “Viridian builds upon last year’s pivotal Uprising expansion by giving corporation leaders more means and methods to help their group flourish. There is no better time than the present for reconnecting with your corporation members to plan your next venture – you never know what’s on the horizon.”

EVE Online: Viridian will empower player-run corporations in more ways than ever before. From strengthening and growing their numbers to new personalisation options and an expanded toolset, corporation leaders will be able to create meaningful content, manage and efficiently train new recruits, and lead their corporation to collective glory.    

Ahead of the expansion, Capsuleers will find a wealth of activities to enjoy in and outside of the game in May, including Capsuleer Day celebrations, a dazzling in-game cosmic fireworks extravaganza at Jita 4-4, and a momentous opportunity to be inscribed onto the updated and expanded Worlds Within A World monument. CCP Games also shared the completed Fabric of New Eden mosaic, a celebratory digital artwork featuring over 80,000 EVE players.    

“The EVE universe has grown exponentially over the past 20 years thanks to the devoted, unshakable explorers of New Eden,” said Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, CEO of CCP Games. “From breaking world records to selflessly rallying around those in need, EVE Online’s players continue to prove why it is an MMO unlike any other. Join us in New Eden for live events and in-game activities observing this incredible 20-year milestone throughout the summer.”

For the first time in 10 years, players can have their EVE character’s name engraved on the Worlds Within A World monument in Reykjavík, Iceland, solidifying their mark on EVE Online’s storied history. To be eligible to stand alongside the legends of New Eden, players must have an active Omega account on May 6, 2023.

Igniting the birthday month of May, players can warp into EVE Online’s celebratory CCP TV stream on Twitch this Saturday, May 6 (17:00-19:00 UTC), which includes developer interviews, prizes and a live in-game (Jita 4-4) fireworks display of cosmic proportions.

Stay tuned for more information about Viridian later in May. Details for the Capsuleer Day event can be found here. EVE Online can be downloaded for free by visiting www.eveonline.com. For all the latest information about the game, please visit EVE News.

 

About EVE Online®
EVE Online (PC/Mac) is a compelling, community-driven sci-fi MMO game where players can build and pilot a wide variety of spaceships, traversing vast solar systems for free and choosing their own path from countless options, experiencing space exploration, immense PvP and PvE battles, mining, industry and a sophisticated player economy in an ever-expanding sandbox. EVE is a captivating game in which hundreds of thousands of players compete for riches, power, glory and adventure, forging their own destinies in a single thriving universe.

Gaming News and the Ultimate Universe