Arc 4 Notes - The Experiment
Arc Four: The Experiment
Chapters: 63 - 100
I had mentioned in my last notes that this arc is the beginning of the Second Act, where things begin to ramp up. Not just for our characters, but for the rest of the galaxy as well. All sorts of conflicts start to make their appearance
Arcs start to get longer and longer as a result.
My focus in this arc was to start stitching all the themes together more tightly. And also introduce lots of potential for conflict. Eva is set on her path of growth. The men in her life start to tug at her in different ways. And I hint at what will eventually trouble Miko greatly.
I also realized that I don't allow Miko to flex very much, so I'm slowly adding in more moments for her to shine. I hope you enjoy them!
Most critically, I wanted to introduce Godeater, which is what they call the thing that's out there eating dimensions. It was important that I link it directly to such an intense conflict between ideologies as it is thematically appropriate all throughout the novel.
There were honestly a few themes I wanted to explore here, or at least start exploring. Each of the three male characters who has Eva's attention have their own specific themes. Some are more pronounced than the others, and don't carry as much weight. At least for now.
And although they're begun here, they certainly won't end in this arc. Without spoiling anything, all three make decisions in this arc that will have serious repercussions later down the road. Not just for themselves, but for Eva. And of course, you won't always see what they're up to.
So if you're thinking that little side romance with Pelli is a simple one, or if you think we've seen the last of Commander Chase... well, I suppose you'll have to see.
To that end, you'll probably notice that I leave quite a few questions still open at the end of each arc. Even the pirate attack at the end of this one hasn't quite been concluded fully. For the most part, it's simply because I'd like you to imagine the possibilities of those open questions.
For example, just how angry someone like Eris would be, at losing so much capital for absolutely no profit. She's a woman who, as you'll come to find out, is all about acquisition. Denying her those acquisitions tends to result in catastrophe.