Episode 01 | ZOE – Lovers Unite
Zoe sits in P&M, a dusty, old diner/café in the heart of the desert. The place has that gritty rock & roll vibe she loves, a rare find in the middle of nowhere. It’s her daily stop on the way to the lab bunker, where she spends most of her days buried in scientific work. Here, though, she can play the role of the laid-back biker girl, sipping coffee and soaking up the atmosphere. The café is run by Mia and Pan, a pair of magnetic twins, wild and daring enough to keep this place alive. They make Zoe feel like she’s not the only one out of place in this world.
While waiting for her coffee, Zoe doodles in her worn sketchbook—a habit she’s kept since childhood. Her sketches resemble comics more than journal entries, capturing scenes from her thoughts and dreams. She laughs quietly, noticing her drawing skills haven’t exactly improved over the years, but that’s never been the point.
Mia and Pan swing by her table, as they always do. Pan, playful as ever, gives her his usual teasing grin. “Are you sure you’re a professor and not some serial killer? What’s really going on in that lab, anyway? If you need a certified lab rat, I’ll be your dedicated… volunteer.”
Zoe laughs, savoring their playful banter, but Mia cuts in. “Hey Zo, I think you’re running late.”
“Damn,” Zoe says, chuckling. “I love you guys, but it’s a big day. Wish me luck!”
Mia gives her a warm smile. “You don’t need it, you brilliant badass—but good luck anyway!”
Zoe downs the rest of her coffee, gives the twins a wave, and strides out to her bike. She doesn’t notice she’s left her sketchbook behind.
she’s left her sketchbook behind
Once she’s gone, Mia picks it up, curious. Flipping through the pages, she finds herself drawn into Zoe’s comic-like story.
-In Zoe’s Story…-
Zoe and the Commander are an unlikely duo, working together on an international mission that spans outer space and alternate dimensions. They’ve been partners long enough to respect each other’s strengths, though their approaches are worlds apart—Zoe relies on her mystical intuition, while the Commander’s all about science and logic. It’s this contrast that has slowly kindled a deep, unspoken bond between them.
The ZOElixiR
On one mission, an argument flares up over how to handle a critical issue. Zoe wants to trust her instincts, while the Commander insists on a calculated approach. Before they can resolve it, they’re thrown into an alternate dimension, separated from each other with only the equipment they carried—along with Zoe’s essential: a special coffee blend she calls The ZOElixiR.
The Commander always teased her for bringing coffee on every mission, but secretly, he loved the ritual they shared, the rich, comforting taste and the deep conversations that followed each sip. She always prepared unique flavors like whiskey or salted caramel, a sensory ritual that grounded them in their chaotic lives.
Alone now, Zoe recalls her emergency training: *“Keep a routine to prevent panic.”* She takes a steadying sip of her coffee and something strange happens—a flicker of connection, a sense of the Commander’s presence, like a shadow in her mind. The link feels random, fragmented, yet unmistakably real.
How is this happening? Where is she?
Meanwhile, the Commander navigates a dense, surreal forest, worn out and worried. He trusts Zoe’s survival skills but blames himself for the separation. He’s often brushed off her mystical side, despite knowing it’s been key to their success—and maybe to their connection.
Frustrated, he stops to catch his breath, and suddenly… he sees her. Brief, vivid flashes of Zoe trying to reach him. He can’t quite hear her, but he’s not surprised—she’s always found a way.
*How is she doing this?*
Mia feels a pang of emotion as she reads Zoe’s sketches. Could it be that the fierce, no-nonsense biker chick has a soft spot for a mysterious co-worker? Zoe’s always been a mystery herself—never seen with anyone and definitely not someone she might be romantically involved with.
Mia and Pan exchange glances, their curiosity piqued.
“Hey, we should invite Zoe over for dinner this week,” Mia suggests. “I think she might have something to celebrate soon.”
Pan raises an eyebrow. “Why do you say that?”
Mia smiles knowingly. “Just a feeling…”
Episode 2 will be released on November 8th, 2024!
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