I cant help but wonder what that other word was.
A not insignificant part of me believes it may have been hope.
But amid the rubble of a defunct, destroyed civilisation, the seeds of hope are sprouting.
In 2025, this is the message I needed to hear.
Spoilers for Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector to follow.
Olivera is a planet of refugees led by Karman.
Theyre rebuilding their lives, but are much further along the path than others you meet in the Belt.
Olivera is a functional, co-operative dwelling, where everyone chips in your Sleeper included to help everyone survive.
Sometimes thats all you’re able to do in situations like these.
The Belt is changing, and I am afraid of what is coming.
If you oughta resupply, we can help, Xander offers when you arrive.
We havent got much, but if you chip in, youll get your share.
Karman soon doubles down on this philosophy, spurred into action by your own against Laine.
Once the epilogue rolls around, Olivera isnt just surviving, its thriving.
But most importantly, itsbusy.
Oliveras founders were refugees.
Specifically, the refugees from the first game who escaped the Eye with your Sleepers help.
In Karmans words, We built our independence from their failed hope.
Of the people who have lost their homes, their memories, their everything.
Of course, but it will take time.
Time to recover, financially and emotionally.
Time to come to terms with everything that has gone and what can be remade.
Yet still, people survive.
A population that isnearly 50 percent childrenforced to live through atrocities we promised to never let happen again.
I dont live in Los Angeles or Gaza, and yet the world still feels oppressive.
I tried to fight with my vote, I tried to peacefully protest in the streets.
It all seems so futile.
Strangely, Starward Vector gave me hope.
There is something to fight for.
Ive become a bit of a nihilist in recent years.
Why bother recycling when corporations create more waste in an hour than I do in a lifetime?
Why bother voting when both major parties are just different shades of the same cruelty?
But Citizen Sleeper 2 made me realise that you’ve got the option to make a difference.
And no matter how small that difference is, helping someone is still helping.
Because thats the point.
To go on living, without conceding.
To go on building, or trying to build, something where we can find it.
Cycles of the Eye is the perfect addition to the Citizen Sleeper universe.
