What is ESOTERA?
Esotera is named after the first Human colony outside the Sol solar system—in this version of the future. Esotera is a collection of post-apocalyptic science fiction stories set generations after a devastating solar flare and ionospheric storm devestates Human infrastructure and ignites collapse, famine, war, and forces people to survive using the technological remnants of their society. To rebuild and find something to hope for.
Esotera attempts to approach serious ethical questions that are more easily addressed in a world where civilization has fallen apart, yet complex technology still plays an important part in everyday life. In this way, we can explore the societal implications of law and order, compassion versus pragmatism, technology, and other topics.
Esotera takes inspiration from real-world technology and projected future technologies to create a future where Humanity must deal with complicated ethical questions surrounding the use of technology. Esotera attempts to keep the technology of the world grounded in reality, where the tech has limitations that characters in the world must work around in order to succeed.
“Artificial Intelligence” - a short film set in the world of Esotera
Behind the Scenes Featurette - Making of “Artificial Intelligence”
“RESPITE” SHOW OVERVIEW
In this limited-run series in the format of shows like “Black Mirror”, “Star Trek”, and “The Twilight Zone”, each story will be largely standalone, with important threads linking each story, leading us to an inevitable and intense finale.
The story follows inhabitants of city called “Respite”. Founded by 2 patriarchs in a time of desperation, it’s taken 5 generations, but the people have created a place of relative stability, safety, and success in a world that is utterly unforgiving. Led by two men—a military commander and a civil governor—Respite’s community has grown through blood, sweat, and sacrifice, clinging to their code of honor, “First Principles”, to survive. This code has often required sacrifice to uphold, but with it, the citizens of Respite rest more easily knowing they take care of their own.
Approximate Episode Length - 45 minutes each
EP. 1 - “RESCUE”
The leader of Respite’s rescue team breaches a slaver camp to rescue some young miners and return them to freedom, but his absence has consequences for Respite. Meanwhile, a new power plant is unveiled in Respite that is meant to bring more prosperity.
EP. 2 - “RAT”
A scavenger has a shot at the score of a lifetime - and it will be all his for the taking - but his all-eggs-in-one-basket approach leaves him with a piece of tech that no one but the seediest underworld traders will purchase.
EP. 3 - “INDENT”
A debtor is seconds from his life concluding at the end of a rope. But a mysterious stranger steps in and offers rescue from the gallows on one condition: he agrees to sign a very specific contract and become a member of Respite’s contract labor force—an INDENT.
EP. 4 - “CRICKET”
A street-kid with a rare mutation and deformity—a CRICKET—endures abuse but is intent on changing his fortunes. Despite the protest of his peers, this kid sets out to prove his worth to a respected local bounty hunter.
EP. 5 - “BOUNTY”
A veteran bounty hunter follows a lead to an escaped group of Indents who have fled the city in order to leave their servitude to the city and take their chances on the outside.
EP. 6 - “SEAT OF LUXURY”
Respite’s Commerce Minister is forced to deal with a crisis when a dozen divers in a DEN—a sort of VR café—can’t be woken from their artificially induced comas. the VR’s AI has other plans.
EP. 7 - “CORRUPTION”
Brain-interface cybernetics have been outlawed for 100 years. Those that ignore the dangers for the benefits inevitably face a frightening decay of mind and body; a wealth of horrific side-effects ending with death - a “CYTOKINE STORM”. A decaying slaver blackmails a citizen of Respite into bringing him a coveted control chip that may be the key to extending his life.
EP. 8 - “LAW & ORDER”
The scandal of cybernetics in Respite has revealed the dark underbelly of Respite's culture. One by one, those involved in the corruption—including prominent citizens—are called out and made to pay the price. Who will be left to apply the law if leadership is locked away?
EP. 9 - “FIRST PRINCIPLES”
The consequence of applying harsh consequences for the breaking of Respite's laws has left the community in the hands of unchecked military control. Now a massive divide has opened and given rise to calls for a "quay" - a re-considerations of Respite's "First Principles". While Rath attempts to solidify his military authority, the quay begins, creating further conflict between virtually all levels of social order.
EP. 10 - “BREACH”
The slavers, now being in possession of key secrets and knowledge they can use to exploit Respite’s weaknesses, enact a plan to enrich themselves beyond their wildest dreams.
SOME OF OUR CHARACTERS:
Odin - the physically imposing civil governor and co-ruler of Respite along with compatriot Rath, Odin is staunchly dedicated to the First Principles of his forebearers and is constantly working to strike a balance between law and mercy in the delicate peace and success that Respite has developed over generations. However, he harbors some secrets which may ultimately undermine his authority.
Rath - a long-time soldier and survivor of many conflicts and near-death experiences, Rath became respected throughout the region. He was ultimately confirmed as Military Commander of Respite and charged with internal and external security of Respite. He’s a decisive man of action who frequently disagrees with Odin, which has led to many impassioned discussions, but ultimately, Rath and Odin are equals in practice, and lean on the others’ expertise.
Allay - A young Kathium miner who was freed from the slaver mines, but only reluctantly steps into the new paradigm of his existence; he has been freed from tyranny into another form of indentured service - or he can choose a perilous detox from the Kathium addiction all miner’s face, but face it alone in Respite, a city unknown to him.
Rich - The de-facto leader of the bounty hunters of Respite, Rich wears success on his sleeve—women, parties, flair—he’s brash, insulting, and condescending to other bounties hunters and indents alike. For all his perceived shortcomings and poor decisions, he’s extremely intelligent and quick on his feet mentally and physically, so while he does manipulate things to his own success, he rarely cheats or lies outright as he considers it a blight on his reputation as a contract-enforcer.
Carob - Carob was saved from a death sentence by a mysterious stranger, who offered to pay his debts in exchange for indentured servitude at Respite. Carob accepts, given no other choice but death, but is resentful and bitter even in his acceptance. From the moment he is taken into the stranger’s custody, he questions, backtracks and lies repeatedly in an attempt to get out of his new ‘indent’ status. As soon as he is introduced to Respite, he begins trying to find a way to lie, cheat, or steal his way out again.
CONCEPT ART
All concept art by artist James Wright
