Josh is a loyal, courageous, and indispensable ally to The Stranger (Gary), acting as his primary comrade in the opening, intense moments of the revolution. His personality and ultimate fate are crucial in defining the emotional stakes and the trauma carried by the protagonist.
Josh embodies loyalty and shared purpose, serving as the reliable lieutenant to Gary.
Comrade in Arms: He is first seen sprinting alongside Gary, engaging in a desperate firefight with Planetary Police robots and armored officers. This immediate, shared action establishes him as a fully committed member of the rebellion, willing to risk his life for the cause.
Trusting Follower: When Gary dives through the mansion window, Josh follows suit “clambering through,” suggesting he trusts Gary’s snap decisions and leadership implicitly. He is a steadfast partner in the chaos.
Josh’s entire existence in the narrative is defined by a single, overwhelming challenge that he ultimately fails to overcome.
Josh’s primary conflict is the immediate, life threatening pursuit by the Planetary Police.
He is constantly under fire, returning shots “in desperation” as he and Gary try to reach safety and the time portal. The danger is unrelenting, culminating in the ambush at the portal itself.
His biggest challenge is the need to escape the mansion and the present time period.
He and Gary watch helplessly as their other ally, Adam, is killed by a hail of bullets, an event that should have served as a warning.
His final, fatal conflict occurs as he and Gary are about to pass through the time portal. He is shot by a figure on the other side, preventing his escape and ending his participation in the revolution.
A Relentless, Armed Threat. He is shown only in combat, running and shooting, displaying the necessary aggression and desperation of a revolutionary.
Loyal, Supportive, Trusting. He is the familiar face in the fire, an anchor and follows his lead without hesitation.
The Emotional Catalyst. His death is not just a loss of manpower; it is the definitive moment of trauma that The Stranger/Gary carries forward, fueling his despair and sense of failure.
Josh is the first major casualty of the revolution. His death ensures that Gary’s mission is not just a political act, but a quest for revenge and redemption for the friends he lost along the way. His legacy is the trauma that defines him.
