autor: Xylem
Deploying the monomyth in Space Opera
The tide of battle was turning against the rebels when the flagship of the Imperial Fleet exploded violently, several minutes after all contact was lost. The captain who assumed command was now receiving disturbing news. “This is the last video surveillance data we got from the flagship. It’s right near the main reactor.”
On the screen, a young man holding some kind of ancient sword was seen running down the corridor, with blaster rounds exploding all around him, but none actually hitting.
“What is this, a suicide bomber?”
“I don’t think so, we have detected a single escape capsule departing from the ship, five second before the explosion.”
The captain was silent for a few moments.
“Grim news. The rebels must be truly desperate at this point. It appears that they are deploying the monomyth against us.”
“What? This is against all conventions!”
“Indeed. Well, we have said many times that the Empire won’t be the first side to use Narrativium-based weapons, but those madmen leave us no choice. Arm the trope emitters. Command all ships to stop firing. Then, everyone with an brain-interface implant will take drugs - any drugs will do - and connect to the fleetnet.”
“Is this wise, sir? The rebel fleet is still firing.”
“You can’t fight a monomyth in Space Opera setting, so we are switching genres. Let’s see how long their plucky hero can survive in Cyberpunk!”