Gemini Ascendant Episodes

[ghost-angel]

Campaign Introduction:

The Gemini Ascendant Campaign is set in the Star Frontiers setting, as an extension of the Terran Empire setting. The Frontier was populated by humans almost three hundred years ago, and did not regain contact with the rest of humanity for two-hundred and fifty years. The game opens with the TE Consular Fleet not arriving on schedule as the political backdrop.

Game Master - HeroBoards: Nolgroth

Current Characters
Character [species] - Role (player)
Ta'Rang [Yazarian, Ra'Rang subspecies] - Weapons Specialist (HeroBoards: Solron915)
Wade McCode [Human] - Pilot (HeroBoards: Starwolf)
Caspar [Drasalite] - Doctor (Starwolf's wife)
Samantha Arken [Human] - Captain, Ships Gunner (HeroBoards: ghost-angel)
Killian [Human] - Engineer (HeroBoards: Merovign)
Arthur Dane [Human] - Trader (HeroBoards: tguereca)

Past Players
Henry [Human] - Communications (HeroBoards: Funksaw)
Shr'kaak [Vrusk] - Former Captain, Detective (HeroBoards: Prestidigitator)
LtCpl Ashcroft [Human] - Terran Marine, Weapons Specialist (HeroBoards: RPMiller)
Milo Mahoney [Human] - Engineer (HeroBoards: Dale Ward)

For those not familiar with the Star Frontiers Setting:
Vrusk - an insect hive race
Drasalite - analogous to a sentient amoeba, with a sense of humor
Yazarian - loosely simian in appearance, the only race besides humans to develop genetically engineered subspecies.

There will be more detailed information scattered throughout the thread as we get what we as a group know down into coherent words and concepts.

Useful Terminology:
Void Space - this is what the Frontier calls Hyperspace. Out in the Frontier The Void is not a pleasant way to travel, there is always a constant feeling of dread when one travels in Void. Like something malevolent is watching, and waiting.
FWF - Foundation for Wayward Frontiersman. A kind of cross between the Salvation Army and USO.
UPF - United Planetary Federation. a Coalition of the four races that occupy the Frontier. It is not a unifying government, all four races maintain their own government, and all Star Systems maintain local governments and laws.
tm - tithemark, the currency of the frontier. After the Terran Empire occupies space it immediately introduces credits, which convert on a 1-to-1 basis since the Frontier is too far away to be worth trying to figure out an exchange rate. Post TE withdrawal the two terms are interchangeable.

If I've forgotten anything I'll either edit it in later, or find a clever way to include it amongst the Episode Logs. The Game's sessions are being envisioned as a kind of Television Series - there are Seasons, that end with a major event, and each game is an Episode.
The Game is an Online, Chat Based, Real Time Game. Therefore each Episode Summary is a cleaned up Raw Chat Log, if parts are missing they are filled in as best as I can do so, otherwise you are getting The Game as it actually happened. There is some editing done to lump conversations and events together into Scenes for ease of reading.

This entire body of work is dedicate to the Memory of Dale A Ward, player and friend. Rest In Peace.

[ghost-angel]

A Timeline Of Future History:
2166 - The first prototype Hyperdrive is constructed by Carson Industrial.

2170 - The first Hyperdrive ships, Ignacio and the Venezuela are constructed at the Carson Industrial shipyards in Mars orbit.

2172 - Ignacio and Venezuela launch. They are never heard from again in Terran controlled space. It will be two and a half centuries before humanity learns what happened to them.

2174 - Ignacio and Venezuela emerge from the hyperspace wormhole near what is now Yazrag. The planet is christened as New Eden and settlement begins.

2193 - First contact with Dralasite species. Peaceful negotiations begin between the two species.

2224 - The fiftieth anniversary of New Eden. Colonies are started on several new worlds.

2226 - The first contact with the Sathar.

2230 - The Sathar fleet moves into Terran Colonial territory. The relatively small Colonial fleet engages the technologically superior Sathar fleet and is decimated. The remaining forces withdraw to protect the colonies while they evacuate further towards dralasite space. Nearly 60% of all human colonists are killed in the subsequent invasion by Sathar forces.

2231 - Foundation of Gran Quivera in Prenglar.

2236 - First contact with Yazarian species. Relations are initially very tense.

2238 - First contact with Vrusk species. Prior contact with the yazarian species enables the vrusk to successfully negotiate a peaceful coexistence between yazarian and humans.

2239 - The First Sathar war begins with the invasion and destruction of several vrusk controlled worlds. The other three species respond to the pleas for assistance and the Sathar are driven back into their own space.

2243 - The First Sathar war ends with the Sathar being driven back. Realizing the possibility of further incursion from the Sathar, the dralasite, human, vrusk and yazarian peoples begin drafting out the Federation treaty.

2245 - The United Planetary Federation is founded with the headquarters on Gran Quivera in the Prenglar System.

2266 - The Second Sathar War begins much like the first; with several Vrusk worlds bombarded by a surprise Sathar assault.

2267 - UPF response fleets meet the Sathar in orbit around K'tsa-Kar and are driven back. The subsequent battle at White Light yields no better results for the UPF forces.

2268 - The Sathar, after consolidating their hold on White Light move into Tristkar. The UPF forces drive the Sathar back to White Light. The victory is the first the UPF forces experience in the war. It is a costly victory though and the UPF losses keep them from pressing their advantage against the Sathar. The Sathar also suffered extensive losses and begin a guerrilla war in the surrounding sectors. UPF forces are spread thin trying to contain the Sathar attacks.

2270 - The UPF forces strike their first definitive blow against the Sathar. Forces built in secrecy move into White Light in a surprise maneuver that throws the Sathar units into chaos. The UPF destroy an estimated 70% of the Sathar fleet before it disengages and retreats to K'tsa-Kar. Not wanting to lose momentum, yazarian Admiral Ta'Maarg follows on the heals of the retreating Sathar and joins battle with the Sathar fleet at K'tsa-Kar. Though outnumbered, Ta'Maarg proves victorious in routing the Sathar out of K'tsa-Kar. Ground forces led by General Saul Varazzi begin operations to retake the planets of Golloywog in White Light and Kawdl-Kit it K'tsa-Kar.

2271 - Ta'Maarg carries the war forth into Kizk-Kar. Once again faced with superior numbers, he manages to pull a surprising victory against the Sathar. General Varazzi destroys the last vestiges of Sathar resistance on Golloywog. He then concentrates all of his attention on Kawdl-Kit.

2272 - Ta'Maarg continues his successful campaign and frees the Rim system of Klaeok from the Sathar, effectively driving the Sathar out of UPF space. Bolstered by additional warships, Admiral Ta'Maarg presses his advantage and takes the fight to the Sathar. After reviewing the costs, both financially and in casualties, of fighting a ground war against the Sathar, Ta'Maarg chooses to systematically bombard each Sathar planet he comes across with nuclear weapons. The race to Sathar extinction begins.

2289 - Ta'Maarg retires from his position of fleet admiral after chasing the Sathar through more than twenty systems. Over thirty worlds are bombed to the point of being unsuitable for life to form. Ta'Maarg is alternately hailed as a hero or demonized for his genocidal fury. His successor, Admiral Lu Fang, a human, continues the pogrom of “cleansing” for another five years before he declares the war over and claims victory for the UPF. Fifty three life bearing worlds were sterilized in the fury to eliminate the warlike Sathar once and for all.

2294 - Second Sathar War is officially over, though no sign of the Sathar themselves has been seen in nearly six years. Former Sathar space is quarantined by order of the UPF council. The next 180 years is spent in relative peace with population growth and technological advancement at extremely high levels.

2300 - Reports of strange sensations in hyperspace travel soon lead to the phrase Voidspace being coined.

2425 - A Terran Imperial surveyor ship arrives in the Frontier. It makes contact with human agencies and then returns to Terran space through the wormhole.

2433 - The first Consular fleet arrives at Prenglar. Diplomatic relations are established between the Terran Empire and UPF.

2474 - Terran Imperial Fleet arrives in Prenglar space. They demand the immediate surrender of the UPF and all member species to Imperial control. Vrusk and Dralasite envoys protest. Yazarian envoy escapes Prenglar space. Yazarian species declares war on Terran Empire forces. Fighting is sporadic with most conflicts going in favor of the vastly superior Terran fleet.

2475 - Formation of a black hole in former Terran Colonial space. The black hole causes strange resonance with the Void and the wormholes to Terran, Vrusk and Dralasite homeworlds are destroyed. Terran leadership is demoralized in the face of isolation and diplomatic relations are opened up with Yazarian representatives.

2476 - An armistice between Terran and Yazarian forces is declared. Before the end of the year, the armistice becomes a full out peace treaty and the foundation for the new United Planetary Federation is laid. A number of splinter groups are created on both sides.

2478 - Most of the splinter groups have fallen under the direct control of either the Yazarian Freedom League or the Empire in Exile.

2480 - Current Year.

[ghost-angel]

Season 01 - Episode 001 (Season Episode 01 of 19)
The FWF lounge is pretty quiet at this time of morning. The usual outbound ships have departed and it is not yet time for the evening inbound ships. A few people are wandering the area, watching vids, or staying occupied with something.

Wade McCode walks to the bar and orders a cold one, then looks for a quiet back booth. Wade starts searching the job boards while half-way listening for background chatter that might be of interest. The job boards are filled to the brim with Dock Worker, Avionics installers, Security Officers and receptionist jobs. Wade looks disgustedly around the room. Wade occasionally sips the cold brew, for breakfast.

Milo is patiently waiting for Customs to get its act together and deliver his bottle of scotch to the FWF lounge. Mostly by standing at the counter and glowering down at the bar tender.

Shr'kaak sits at a corner table, his cowboy hat a drink, and a small sign saying, "Shr'kaak's Private Investigator Service," sitting in front of him. He studies each person who enters and gives a small nod.

Ta'Rang walks into the station looking for something to do. He looks around the room seeing if there is anyone of interesting at this hour in the bar. Ta'Rang immediately notices the vrusk with the PI sign and an old acquaintance sitting in one of the booths. A few other sentients, mostly human, are in various stages of lounging around.

Shr'kaak meets Ta'Rang's eyes when he looks Shr'kaak's way and gives a slight nod and a tiny inclination of the head towards his sign.

Ta'Rang: Is that Wade McCode I see? *walks over to the table*
Wade McCode: Sheesh no dang jobs worth a pilots salt.
Wade McCode looks at the approaching Yazarian and grins.
Ta'Rang: Hello Hotshot.
Wade McCode: Heya TAR! Hows everthing hanging? Pull up a stump and buy me drink!
Ta'Rang: Out of work again, I heard about your last landing. Whoa.
Wade McCode: Yeah those lubbers have no sense of humor.
Ta'Rang orders two beers.
Ta'Rang: What are you doing now?
Wade McCode: Just spinning my wheels looking for another contract. But nobody seems to need GOOD pilots. and I am NOT humping boxes, I'll go pirate first.

Shr'kaak eyes the conversation, noting it as the only social event of note at the moment. He discreetly slips his sign in his clothing, picks up his hat and drink, and waits for an opportune time to walk over and introduce himself.

Wade McCode: What brings a blood and guts guru like you to a backwater like this?
Ta'Rang: I thought you were a pirate of sorts
Wade snorts.
Wade McCode: some seem to think so
Ta'Rang: Ahhh a job assignment of sorts
Wade McCode: but its never been proven. No evidence, No case.
Ta'Rang: Lucky you
Wade McCode smirks. Ta'Rang lifts his beer and downs half of it.
Wade McCode: Yep...Again

The whole station shudders. Lights blow out and everything lurches. Milo falls backwards, landing soundle on his butt. Shr'kaak had just gotten to his feet and is tossed into the table he was sitting at as his legs splay. Wade and Ta'Rang were luckily still seated and able to grab onto the booth table for support.

Wade McCode: WHAT THE.....
Wade McCode trys to get under the table. Ta'Rang stands up out of his chair. Milo Mahoney scrambles to get his pressure helmet sealed.
Ta'Rang: that's not a good sign

The shockwave that passes through the station seems to have damaged the artificial gravity generator, as you are floating in the air a moment later. Yellow strobe lights are flashing and a klaxon is sounding. Shr'kaak shakes his head and puts a hand to his forehead, waving his antenae and trying to get his bearings. Milo Mahoney activates his magnetic boots.
Ta'Rang: Wade where are you? Get out from under that table!
Milo Mahoney turns on his comm unit to the emergency channel and listens for any indication of the cause of this. Shr'kaak Scrambles to try to grab on to something. "KGKGKG!"

Ta'Rang looks for a stantion or pole to grab onto. Wade McCode Grabs the table top and looks around the room. Milo Mahoney calls out for everyone to get into pressure suits and seal up. Shr'kaak grabs on to anything within reach that looks like it is anchored.

Suddenly, the gravity kicks in, pulling everybody up to the ceiling. Milo is spared this effect, but is dangling upside down relative to everyone else. Those that had managed to grab something are dangling from the floor staring down at the ceiling. Two other people are pinned to the ceiling, looking dazed.

Shr'kaak: DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON?!
Milo Mahoney: I'm trying to get an answer on the emergency channel.
Ta'Rang climbs down the pole hand over hand. Shr'kaak attempts to climb his way toward the doorway.
Milo Mahoney calls to station control for information, while staying where he is.

Emergency Comm: Explosion...massive damage . ....... escape pods.
Milo Mahoney: I'm getting a message, people... standby. Station Control, do you need assistance?
Emergency Comm: Lost environ........hull bu...........
Milo Mahoney: Okay, people... you know your emergency drills. There's been a hull breach!

Shr'kaak: "Emergency drills? I do?!" *looks confused*

From the viewport, everyone sees large chunks of debris hurtle past.
Wade McCode: HOLY CRAP!!!!!
Ta'Rang: Oh great now what?
Shr'kaak waves his antenae wildly and clatters his mandibles. Wade McCode drops to the ceiling/floor and runs towards the locker area, he makes it to the entrance and throws open the door. Ta'Rang makes his way there close behind Wade.

Shr'kaak moves over toward one of the unconcious people on the ceiling/floor to see if he can rouse them or figure out if they need medical help. Wade McCode continues into the locker room and gets into his space suit
Shr'kaak: "Are any of you doctors?"
Milo Mahoney: Only if you bleed 30 weight

Gravity suddenly reverses itself again. The two people pinned to the ceiling fall back to the floor.
Shr'kaak winces as the two bodies hit again. Wade contiinues to don his space suit. Shr'kaak continues toward the bodies.
He drags one towards the emergency lockers. "Can someone give me some assistance here?"
Those conscious get into Pressure Suits and then help the unconscious survivors into ones of their own.

Wade McCode clips his weapons, 2 tools, and med kit to the outside of his suit then picks up his duffle and heads back to the main FWF room.

Wade McCode: [On COMM] Were we attacked or is it a metoer strike?
No response. Just static.
Wade McCode: Hmmm not good

Shr'kaak finds a terminal and sees if he can find a security readout of some kind.
Wade McCode: Station control seems offline guys. I think we need to get to a life station then investigate. Ta'Rang returns with his equipment bag and has a laser pistol strapped on.
Ta'Rang: If we need this I have my med kit ready but I hope not
Milo Mahoney: The last thing I heard from them was to head to the escape pods. It must be bad.
Shr'kaak: Well, where are the escape pods then?
Wade McCode: I have one also for backup, but I am not much good with it but I can use it to resupply you if we need it.
Wade moves to the FWF main entrance and peeks outside.
Ta'Rang: What are we waitng for?
Wade McCode: There should be one closeby.
Milo Mahoney: Guys, don't unseal your helmets until you know you're in pressure.

The hallway is also a mess. Pressure doors have sealed off the hallway about ten meters down either way. Ta'Rang moves next to wade at the door.
Shr'kaak: Nothing. Let's take these guys with us. *hoists one of the bodies, supporting it mostly on his abdomen.*
Wade McCode: I think Ta'Rang should take point,
Ta'Rang: Thanks
Wade McCode goes back and helps the other fellow

There is a bank of escape pods to the left of the FWF doors.
Wade McCode: You are the most trained to handle trouble, but I got your back.
Ta'Rang: does anybody know how this stations works
Milo Mahoney: Let's put those 2 in a pod
Wade McCode: I agree.
Ta'Rang: Alright.
Milo Mahoney: At the moment, it doesn't work
Shr'kaak: It can't be too difficult. It's not like everyone who might need an escape pod is a rocket scientist, right. *doesn't look completely convinced*
Wade McCode: I have a good idea of how it works but we have some limited options with the pressure doors closed. Unless you want to go for a short walk outside.
Ta'Rang loks to right and the left moves out into the coorrinador.
Shr'kaak: NO. No thank you. *shakes his head vehemently*
Wade McCode: I am a pilot by trade if we need to fly you are in good hands. *smirks*
Ta'Rang shakes his head.
Shr'kaak: Quite a relief, my friend.
Milo Mahoney walks over to a pressure door and checks the lock.
Shr'kaak looks a bit annoyed at how his cowboy hat fits, or doesn't, over the pressure suit, and crams it in place a bit.
Ta'Rang: what's happening now, Milo?

The doors are sealed tight. Milo could override them, but at the moment they are air tight. Wade McCode puts his wounded guy into a life pod.
Shr'kaak: Do we really want to open those?
Ta'Rang: Let's load these two into a pod
Shr'kaak follows Wade's lead.

There a total of two lifepods left. There were five, but it looks like three of them were jettisoned. Each pod can hold up to six people.

Milo Mahoney: I'd kinda like to find out if everyone is off the station
Ta'Rang: I'd kinda like to get off the station
Shr'kaak: I'd kind of like to know what the heck is going on! How do we know we won't just get blown out of the sky if we launch one of these things?
Milo Mahoney: (sighs) We don't. So would you rather stay here?
Shr'kaak: Or get picked up and used for who knows what?
Ta'Rang: launch the one with these two in it and see.
Shr'kaak gives Ta'Rang a dirty look.
Wade McCode: I agree we should investgate, after the wounded are safe
Milo Mahoney: Kinda bloodthirsty, isn't he?
Ta'Rangme glares back.
Shr'kaak: Can someone get one of these stations hooked up to an external camera? I might be able to do part of it if one of you can get it jigged to the security system.
Wade McCode: yeah kinda, but he's a good man to have around in a fire fight.
Ta'Rang: how do ya launch this pod?
Wade McCode seals the pod with the wounded guys and breaks the glass then pulls the launch handle.
Ta'Rang: good now let's see what happens
Shr'kaak sighs and finds a viewport to look through.
Wade McCode: well boys it looks like we are a team. only one pod left

A set of doors closes between the pod and the hallway. With a soft WHUMP, the pod launches away from the station. A few meters out, a rocket engages and the pod streaks out of site.
Milo Mahoney: Well... no earth-shattering kaboom...
Ta'Rang: That's a good sign, Now let's explore what's left of this station and find out what happened and who's left.

Milo Mahoney makes one more attempt to contact someone on the comm.

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

---GRAN QUIVERA UNIVERSITY ONLINE REFERENCE :: SPECIES :: VRUSK---
The vrusk are descended from a hive species similar in structure to an ant hive on earth. In their primitive years, this hive structure was literally a hive with queens, warriors and drones seeking to provide for the hive. As the vrusk have evolved, both physically and culturally, the hive structure changed into competing hives. Even further along the evolutionary chain, the hives began to become more specialized and trade between hives became essential. Thus the "corporate" vrusk society was born.

To compensate a specialized caste of vrusk, the emissary caste was created. Unlike drones and warriors who were tied to the hives, the emissary caste was independent of the hive structure and was specifically designed to assimilate data and make judgement calls regarding the relative value of goods and services.

In time, an unexpected mutation developed in the emissary caste of vrusk and independent vrusk evolved. Completely severed from the hive, independent vrusk are able to move and interact without the direction of the hive queen. This unexpected caste has not only been accepted by the vrusk, but their free will and self-determination makes them valuable as explorers and ambassadors to other species.

Vrusk society is divided into castes. Presently there are six castes; Queens, Warriors, Managers, Drones, Emissaries and Independents. Queens direct the overall goals of the hive, leaving the day to day operations in the hands of Managers. Warriors have literally evolved into a pseudo-military force that protects the interests of the hive. Emissaries are the negotiators that represent the hive.

Independent vrusk are the adventurers. They are an unexpected offshoot of the emissary caste and share much of the same somatype with them. If anything, Independent vrusk tend to be larger than other Emissary vrusk.

Other species have managed to work their way into vrusk corporations, which have expanded beyond the rigid hive mentality. Other species generally occupy positions analogous to the Manager caste, though sometimes they work as independent agents (not to be confused with Independent vrusk).

Queen, Manager, Emissary and Independent vrusk are highly self-motivated and develop preferences and tastes. Their homes are somewhat weird to the mammalian eye, but each one is distinct. Warriors can exercise large amounts of judgement, but typically do not develop ergonomic preferences.

Drones, while not entirely mindless, typically do not have individual homes or preferences. They live in structures that embody the hive mentality. An alien walking into a vrusk hive truly feels out of place. The hive moves and thinks almost as one. Incidents where interlopers are considered a threat have decreased, but it is still known to happen from time to time. Visitors to a vrusk colony are strongly encouraged to stay in areas away from the central hive.
---END ENTRY---



[A note on updates: new episodes will be posted M-W-F until the backlog has caught up with the game, as of the date of this post there are 65 Episodes.]

[solron915]

Great start, it brings back memories of how this got all started and why it's still going. Keep it up Ga.

[Nolgroth]

As cool as having Keith Curtis be one of my players, Ashcroft was played by RPMiller.

[ghost-angel]

Season 01 - Episode 002 (Season Episode 02 of 19)
When last we left our intrepid adventurers, they were on a station when a massive explosion ripped through the station, causing some catastrophic results. The characters all pulled together and rescued two bystanders and are currently in the hallway outside the FWF chapter house. The center of the station is essentially a big cyclinder about twenty decks thick. Branching out from the lower decks are several mooring arms. At the bottom of the cylinder is the engineering section. At the top is the C&C.

Milo Mahoney: Yes, I was checking out the airlock door leading down the hallway
Ta'Rang: Right so How do you open this door
Shr'kaak grabs onto something just in case.
Milo Mahoney: Everyone secure?
Wade: If we can't open the door somehow we may be able to open an escape pod docking hatch and get to the outside hull.
Shr'kaak looks around for an electrical access panel once he is secure.

Currently the pressure doors at either end of the hallway are sealed shut. Wade clamps on megnetic boots and anchors himself.
Ta'Rang: I might be able to blow it open, if I have some D-20.

Across from the FWF lounge is a the admin office for the FWF. Milo Mahoney activates the manual override on the door seal. Wade anchors himself in the FWF door jamb.
Shr'kaak: Well, you could try to get that open instead. *points to where the escape pod was just launched, looking hesitant.*
Wade: Either way we have decomplression. Or we could check out the FWF Admin office....
Shr'kaak: I think I'd probably prefer to have a bulkhead between me and open space, though.
Milo Mahoney: We don't know that... the door is just sealed. There may still be pressure on the other side
Wade: True but we just need to be careful opening either door

Ta'Rang Walks to the office and opens the doors.
Wade: 'K so we need to decide right or left
Shr'kaak: Anyone know the best way to get to other levels when the lifts aren't working?
Wade: How about we listen. I would bet there is a manual hatch/ladder way to go from level to level
Ta'Rang: You would know the secret way out
Shr'kaak: Well, does anyone know where to look for such a thing?
Milo Mahoney: It's a new invention. They call 'em stairs.

Wade moves to the left pressure door, then opens his helmet to listen at the door Milo is also at the left door. He seems to be fiddling with the manual override.
Shr'kaak: Wade? *Looks at Wade* I have not introduced myself. I am Shr'kaak.
Shr'kaak waves with the hand not latched to a handhold.
Wade: (To Milo) Hey dude... give a holler right before you open'er up so's I can close my helmet
Ta'Rang: well it doesn't seem to be away to make these computer terminals work
Milo Mahoney: You should just keep it sealed
Wade Looks at his companions
Wade: I am Wade
Ta'Rang walks out of FWF Office **
Wade: Hmmm... ok then
Milo Mahoney: I'm Milo
Wade re-seals his helmet and gestures to Ta'Rang
Wade: and this is my friend... Ta'Rang
Ta'Rang: You Big Guy you know what you're doing
Shr'kaak: Pleased to meet you. I wish it were under better circumstances. So...Wade. Any idea which way would lead us to a stairway or ladder?
Milo Mahoney: Yeah... been doin' it for quite a while.
*Wade shrugs* Wade: He appears to
Ta'Rang walks over to where Wade is standing.
Wade: It is most likely near the central core...easier to build that way, but who knows.

Milo cracks the now open door seal just enough to check for pressure differences. Air rushes from the sealed area you are in through the crack. Shr'kaak clamps his already mushed cowboy hat onto his head and tenses for the possible rush of air. Ta'Rang grabs Wade arm. Milo quickly shuts the door, he doesn't even seem to struggle once doing it.
Wade: whew. . .
Milo Mahoney: Well, this way leads to open space. Let's try the other door.
Wade: We have been holed.
Ta'Rang: Well what now.
Wade: Ok. *Wade moves to the other door* I am getting an itch on the back of my neck about all this.

Shr'kaak: We may have to take one of those escape pods even without knowing what's out there.
Wade: True, but lets try that last
Ta'Rang: Wade you still have those mag boots?, If so you're my anchor for now.
Wade: yep.
Ta'Rang: Good.
Milo Mahoney moves to the right hand door.
Shr'kaak: Agreed.
Wade: Hang on, but that don't mean we are gonna share a shower in the wee hours of the morning.
Ta'Rang: I don't like you that much, Wade. I'll buy you a shot of the good stuff when this is over. Oh Hell we'll just get a bottle.

Wade follows Milo with Ta'Rang hanging on.
Milo Mahoney: Okay, I'm gonna crack the seal on this other door... everyone ready?
Shr'kaak: Ready.
Wade: Ready. *Wade braces*
Milo Mahoney operates the manual override and opens the door a crack. Air rushes out of the crack. Milo shuts the door quickly.
Milo Mahoney: Damn!
Wade: Well we have four options.
Milo Mahoney: That many, eh?
Ta'Rang: I've seen two.
Wade: One, open the left door letting the area we are in decompress, we are all in suits
Shr'kaak: I have an idea.
Wade: Two, open the right door. Three, force open a pod bay door and do a hull walk.
Shr'kaak: Those escape pods, are they on some kind of autopilot?
Wade: Or Four, get in the escape pod and go bye bye. They are on autopilot and they automatically send out a distress beacon.
Shr'kaak: Can one of you override it, and pilot the thing manually?
Ta'Rang: Well Wade what about it
Shr'kaak: Perhaps we could use it to get to the rest of the station.
Milo Mahoney: Probably best to leave that alone.
Wade: Well if you can override the autopilot I can fly it.
*Shr'kaak shrugs* Okay. You know that stuff better than I do.
Milo Mahoney looks up at the ceiling.
Milo Mahoney: I hate the idea of leaving anyone aboard this thing
Wade: I am partial to a space walk. If there are bad guys out there they won't expect us to come from outside.
Shr'kaak: We're going to have to deal with decompression either way. I vote for inside. It is safer.
Milo Mahoney: Good point. Everyone agree?
Ta'Rang: Ok so where do you plan on going and where do plan on getting back into the station at, Huh?
Shr'kaak: Those of us without mag boots can seal ourselves in that office while most of the air is evacuated.
Wade: Hmm, could be.
Ta'Rang: Well Wade what about it?
Wade: Ok., that sounds like a plan. You two anchor yourself in the office, while Milo and I bleed the atmosphere.
Shr'kaak heads to the office, preparing to shut the door after Ta'Rang joins him.
Ta'Rang: Oh Goody. *Ta'Rang joins Shr'Kaak and they seal the door.*
Wade: OK Milo lets kick the tires and light the fires.
Shr'kaak grabs onto something secure in case the office door doesn't hold. Wade moves to which ever door Milo selects. Milo Mahoney waits for them to get secured, then opens the right hand door again, holding it to control the flow, Wade braces to help Milo.

The air rushes out rather rapidly. In just a few seconds, the chamber is vacuum. Ta'Rang sits at a desk and rifles thru the drawers.
Shr'kaak: Are you ready, Ta'Rang?
Wade: 'K guys, It is safe to come out.
Ta'Rang: Yup lets go
Wade draws his Electrostunner.
Wade: Just in case.
Milo Mahoney opens the door fully. Shr'kaak reaches out with one hand to open the office door, holding on tightly as the air escapes the smaller room. Wade Covers Milo. Ta'Rang walks out the door toward Wade.
Ta'Rang: Ya think we might need that, Buddy?
Shr'kaak draws his pistols and follows.
Wade: Just being cautious. better to be ready and not need it than need it and not be ready.
Ta'Rang: If so let me be behind Milo
Wade: Ok, right.
Milo Mahoney snorts and grins.

The room beyond is shaped basically like the previous one. The curving hallway leads to another pressure door. On both sides are doors into suites. On the left is a short hall/foyer to the lifts. One of the lift doors is blown wide. There are windows on the right side directly across from the lift. They have been blown out. There are no escape pods in this hallway.

Milo Mahoney moves to the lift door and looks inside.
Ta'Rang: That doesn't look to promising does it.

The elevator doors are blown into this room from the shaft area. The windows, well the decompression would have sucked out the debris, so can't really tell if they were blown in or out.
Wade: OK well it looks like a concussion came through the central shaft....question is from above or below?
Milo Mahoney looks up the shaft toward the Command Center.
Ta'Rang: Why don't you look up the shaft and see

There are no cars between the here and the C&C deck. Burn marks spread up the wall.
Wade: Milo is doing that very thing
Milo Mahoney: Damn... helluva blast in here
Ta'Rang: Yes I see that
Ta'Rang moves over toward the door.
Milo Mahoney: I'm gonna see if I can climb up to C&C... maybe some security sensors are still operating.
Ta'Rang: Well if you are going up to C&C I'll go with you. You want me to go first
Milo Mahoney: I don't know if I can fit through that hole, don't wanna rip my suit.

Shr'kaak eyes everyone's weapons.
Shr'kaak: Think we can blast some of the debris out of the way?
Wade: Well if it's only blocked I have a small cutting laser.
Milo Mahoney: It's not just blocked... there are jagged edges that could rip a suit.
Wade looks at Milo.
Shr'kaak: Right. But if we made the hole bigger, we could probably get by without brushing against it, don't you think?

Shr'kaak: Well, stand back, friends.
Milo Mahoney steps away from the hole.
Wade: Hmmm... maybe there is another shaft beyond the next doors.
Shr'kaak sets one of his electrostunners on blast, aims, and fires.

There is a bright flash of light, but it doesn't seem that the blast did anything beyond heating the material up.
Wade: I can try cutting it. I have a tool just for that
Shr'kaak: Please do, Wade.
Ta'Rang: Go for it.
Milo Mahoney: A stunner isn't gonna do a lot to a space station bulkhead. Ya need a construction cutter.
Shr'kaak: It was worth a try.
Ta'Rang: How about explosives?
Ta'Rang looks through equipment bag. "No explosives," he sighs. Wade examines the doors.

Wade: It will take about an hour and a half to cut out a larger hole and let the metal cool off.
Ta'Rang: Hey Wade would my Laser Pistol help out in making that hole faster?
Wade: Probably not, you would exhuast your power pack. The tool is designed for prolonged use.
Ta'Rang: Just a thought.
Wade: Hmm, what do you guys think? I bet there is another shaft in the next compartment or two.
Milo Mahoney moves to the sealed door.
Shr'kaak: There's no lift in the way here.
Wade: I vote for going through the next door.
Milo Mahoney: I'm game.
Shr'kaak: Okay. Perhaps we will find something better.
Ta'Rang: I could blow a hole in that but my d-19 and 20 are in customs.
Shr'kaak: There's always the first pressure door we tried. We know there won't be a pressure differential there now.
Ta'Rang: Ok open the next one.
Milo Mahoney: So's my bottle.
Milo Mahoney operates the manual override again.
Ta'Rang: Let's go to customs then I'm sure they won't mind if we get our stuff.

As Milo cracks the door, wind blows in his face. A voice from on the other side (probably human or yazarian) screams, "Oh my God, NO!!"
Shr'kaak: (In Vrusk) SHIT!
Milo closes the door.
Wade: I wonder who those people are? Good guys or bad?
Ta'Rang: Ok we have found someone alive, now what?
Milo Mahoney: Probably good guys. bad guys would have suits.
Shr'kaak: Good. Bet on it. Otherwise they'd be prepared for vacuum.
Ta'Rang: Sooo. . .
Milo Mahoney: I wish I knew what was on the other side!
Wade: But good guys would be smart enough to get to emergency lockers. Like these two did *gestures at the two non-humans*
Shr'kaak: We don't even know this was an attack, you realize. It could have been a tremendous accident. Perhaps a freightor with a faulty maneuvering jet?
Wade smirks "Yeah or even a meteor strike."
Ta'Rang: Maybe It depends on their state of mind.
Wade: Maybe being in the service has made me paranoid. So how do we help them?
Milo Mahoney: Let me see if I can contact them.
Wade: 'K.
Ta'Rang: No way, Wade, that has nothing to do with your paranoia. *Ta'Rang smiles*
Wade sticks out his tongue at Ta'Rang confident his helmet will hide the gesture.

Milo Mahoney: Can you people hear me in there?
Voice: Yeah. That was close. Who are you?
Milo Mahoney: What's your situation? Any suits or emergency lockers? Name's Milo... just a visitor.
Voice: There were. I got the last one on just as the last pod was launched. The hatch malfunctioned and I was almost sucked out. Faceplate cracked, but I got the hatch closed.
Milo Mahoney: What do I call you, friend?

Ta'Rang looks at Wade and hunches shoulders.
Hank: Milo you said? Name's Hank. Just a stinkin' janitor about to end my shift. You know what happened?
Milo Mahoney: Looks like an explosion in the central shaft. You got any idea what's on the other side of your compartment?
Milo Mahoney looks back to the crew.
Milo Mahoney: Were there anymore emergency suits back in the FWF room?
Hank: Yeah, PanGal local HQ. I hate to see what the lift looks like. Beyond that, lessee, Cassidine Development HQ. Maybe more pods there too.
Wade: Hmm, there should be two good human size suits still in the FWF lounge emergency locker, maybe we can get one of them to him somehow.
Milo Mahoney: Hang tight, Hank... I got an idea.
Shr'kaak moves over toward Milo.
Milo Mahoney: Hank, are you normal human size?
Hank: (chuckle) Well my ol' lady says I'm pretty scrawny, but yeah.
Milo Mahoney: One of you guys go back and get both suits.
Wade: I'm on it.
Wade goes back and gets the two remaining emergency suits.
Milo Mahoney: Okay, Hank. This is gonna be tight. We're getting another p-suit for you. Hang on to something and I'll try to slip it through the door quickly.
Shr'kaak: The human suits should be compatible. We should be able to get away with just the helmet, right?
Hank: You got it Milo. Just don't take too long.
Wade hurries.
Milo Mahoney: Okay, man... we're gonna get you outta there.
Shr'kaak: Hank. My name is Shr'kaak. How are you faring over there? This must be very frightening for you.

Ta'Rang goes back to the elevator shaft, maneuvers thru hole and starts climbing toward C&C.
Hank: You bet it's scary. I'm scared shitless. Can't raise the C&C, my supervisor or anything. The bastards over here left me behind when they blasted out with the pods.

Shr'kaak: Well, keep talking to us Hank. We'll get you through it. There are plenty of resources left on this station to get us all to safety.
Milo Mahoney: Good, got the suits? Gimme one!
Wade: Here's the helmet.
Shr'kaak: So what are you going to do when you get out of this, Hank? Got family to stay with planet-side?
Wade: We need to save the air bottles from the emercnecy suit, just in case
Hank: Yeah. Ol' lady is planetside in Minos City.
Shr'kaak: Great. Any children?
Milo Mahoney: Okay, Hank. I got the suit. Grab something and let me know when you're ready!
Hank: All moved out. You? Great. Holding on.
Wade braces.
Shr'kaak: No. None. Okay. We're ready on this side Hank. Don't worry. *Shr'kaak grabs on.*
Hank: I'm ready.
Milo Mahoney braces himself, then opens the door, throws the suit in and slams the door quickly.

A couple of minutes go by. Ta'Rang climbs back down through hole and into the coordidor.
Milo Mahoney: Hank... you okay, man?
Hank: Okay. I'm suited up and the safety check seems okay. Thanks guys. I feel better now.
Milo Mahoney: Great! Now, we can get past your compartment. Opening the door.
Ta'Rang: Hey Guys I know where the exposion was, at the bottom of the elavator and its a long climb to C&C.
Wade: So the explosion originated in engineering. That's bad
Ta'Rang: Don't know but ther is a big hole at the bottom of the elavator

The door opens and there is Hank. If Milo is BIG, then Hank is small. His suit almost seems to hang on him. Shr'kaak looks carefully for any signs of a weapon.
Hank: Thanks fellas. Whew, you're a biggun ain't ya!
Milo Mahoney: (chuckles) That's what they tell me.

No weapons, other than a belt of tools. Most of them look like they are used for incidental repairs like changing the flush pressure on commodes and such. Shr'kaak relaxes a bit, taking his hand off his electrostunner.
Hank: So what do we do now?
Wade: I think we need to get to C&C.
Ta'Rang: Keep exploring.
Milo Mahoney: Well, I think we should try to find another escape pod.
Shr'kaak: I think we should figure out what caused this explosion as soon as possible.
Ta'Rang: Do you know of a way to get there Hank?
Wade: Hank is there another elevator shaft or a stair well leading up or down?
Hank: Well, C&C is easy enough to get to. There is a closet in the back of PanGal's suite. It has a service ladder that goes up two decks and down two. I think the other pod idea is a great one.

Shr'kaak moves carefully over toward the blasted out window, seeing if he sees anything outside, especially up toward C&C. Most of the mooring struts are free floating away from the station. Blown off. The ends that should be connected to the station are twisted and mangled.

Milo Mahoney: Great, Okay. We know this room is airtight, so let's seal the door behind us, just in case there's pressure on the PanGal side of this compartment.
Wade: I agree with Shr'kaak we should investigate the explosion.
Milo Mahoney goes back to the door they came in and reseals it sfter everyone joins him and Hank on the pressurized side.
Shr'kaak: All right, friends. Let's go then. Either a reactor blew down in engineering or something, or this station got hit with something BIG. Ta'Rang moves toward the next door, Shr'kaak follows.
Ta'Rang: Hey how do you open this thing anyway?
Wade follows as well.
Milo Mahoney: Very carefully!
Ta'Rang thinks about pushing some of the buttons. Milo Mahoney steps over to the new door.
Ta'Rang: Oh Well.
Milo Mahoney: Here, let me show you
Ta'Rang: Ok
Shr'kaak braces yet again, and checks to make sure Hank is doing likewise.

Milo Mahoney does his thing with the override, but knocks on the door before opening it this time. The door opens into a larger area. The hallway runs further towards the middle of the station. A large sign on the wall reads PanGal. There were eight pods here, but all have been launched.
Ta'Rang thinks 'anybody home?'
Milo Mahoney: Damn.
Shr'kaak: Damage everywhere. We were very lucky.
Milo Mahoney: Well, if the explosion was below, the upper levels may have been spared.
Shr'kaak: I hate to think how many people were sucked into space, if not consumed in the explosion.
Wade: True and we have the one pod, if we need it, but it will be very cramped. A pod for four with five people, and one of them VERY large.
Ta'Rang thinks 'better them then us.'
Milo Mahoney: That's why we're looking for another pod.
Hank: Not mention that if any ships were moored.
Shr'kaak: I'm sure there are more pods somewhere on board. Frankly there couldn't have been enough survivors.
Ta'Rang: A ship would be much better than a life pod.
Shr'kaak: Agreed, but the mooring clamps didn't look in much shape to keep anything attached, unless the other side of the station fared better. Are there internal bays as well? For repairs or whatever? *Looks at Hank*
Ta'Rang: I wonder what Pan-Gal. is doing out here, maybe a little looking through these suite might raise a clue as towhat happened up here?
Milo Mahoney: Well, we gotta go there anyway, why not.

Shr'kaak nods. Ta'Rang looks at Wade and Shr'kaak and then to Milo, Ta'Rang walks to the first suite on his right. Shr'kaak steps through and starts to work, examining any paperwork in evidence, and paying particular attention to whether there are personal affects of the employees around, or if it looked like they were ready to leave. Ta'Rang and stars searching through filesand desk and waste baskets.
Wade: Hank where is the suite with the ladder shaft?
Milo Mahoney: Hang on, guys. I'm getting a call on the emergency channel. [On COMM] Hospital ship, this is Theseus Commerce, Milo Mahoney speaking.
Demeter: [On COMM] Theseus Commerce this is Demeter. How many survivers do you have with you Mister Mahoney?
Milo Mahoney: [On COMM] Welcome, Demeter. There's me and four others, so far. We're looking for others now. Any idea what happened?
Ta'Rang moves to next suite and begins searching again.
Demeter: [On COMM] Negative Theseus Commerce. We see a whole lot of damage. Looks like everything below Deck 10 is mangled pretty bad. Do you have access to escape pods?
Milo Mahoney: [On COMM] Just one, so far, and there's no way all 5 of us will fit.
Demeter: [On COMM] Roger that Theseus Commerce. I need you to keep searching for escape pods and evac the station.
Wade: If they can come along side you four can take the escape pod and I can space walk over.
Milo Mahoney: Will do. [On COMM] Demeter, how long until you arrive?
Ta'Rang moves to next suite annd begins again.
Demeter: [On COMM] Theseus Commerce, there isn't going to be an arrival. The blast knocked the station out of its planned orbit and it is currently in a decaying orbit. We have tow rigs on the way, but there are no guarantee's they are going to make it in time. Find the escape pods.
Wade: Alrighty then.
Milo Mahoney: [On COMM] Roger, Demeter. I was afraid that might be the case. Okay, guys, there's no rescue. We have to get out of this station ASAP.

Shr'kaak: Kgkgkg. How long do we have then? *Starts moving back toward FWF*
Wade: Right you are. I am heading back to the escape POD.
Wade heads back to FWF area. Milo Mahoney sighs heavily and turns to head back to FWF.
Milo Mahoney: I hope there's nobody else on this heap.
Ta'Rang grabs a satchel and moves out into corrinador.
Wade: Wait didn't you say something about a bottle of whiskey? *Wade keeps moving while talking.*
Milo Mahoney: Forget the bottle. I can buy another.
Ta'Rang: Hey where is everybody going?
Wade: But. . . waaahhhh! We gotta get offa this heap bro! It is in a decaying orbit.
Ta'Rang: Wade what's up?
Wade: We need to get to the escape POD so move dem furry feets!
Shr'kaak: At least we know space isn't hostile. If the hospital ship was able to get close enough to communicate, things are likely safe.
Ta'Rang: Ok let's go But I think Pan-Gal sure provided something.
Milo Mahoney suddenly stops.
Shr'kaak: They left in a hurry, just like we need to.
*Wade looks at Milo* "What's up Milo?"
Milo Mahoney: Just had a bad thought.
Ta'Rang starts moving in along stride back the way they had come.

Getting back to the FWF section and thus the sole remaining pod isn't that hard.
Wade: And. . .?
Shr'kaak: What is it?
Milo Mahoney: What if the "hospital ship" isn't who it says?
Wade: What if that was not a hospital ship?
Milo Mahoney: Yeah.
Shr'kaak: Why would they lie to a couple of straggling survivors? If there's a whole ship out there, they wouldn't need to get us to evacuate.
Ta'Rang: Let's get to C&C, I have a feeling.
Wade: *laughs* Great minds. Maybe they are after something on the station and don't want any possible witnesses.
Milo Mahoney: To get us off the station. Salvage rights only take effect on an empty vessel.
Shr'kaak: We're already witnesses, though I suppose we might be easier to take into captivity sealed in an escape pod.
Ta'Rang: Hey Hank where are those stairs?
Hank: Back in the Pan Gal section. Towards station core.
Wade: Or shoot down floating through space with a shiny distress beacon for a target.
Milo Mahoney turns around and starts heading back to PanGal.
Shr'kaak: Salvage rights? If they aren't who they claimed, they just blew this station in half. Why would they be worried about salvage rights?
Ta'Rang: Or Pirates
Wade: OK. . .
Ta'Rang turns around runs back to the room he was in.
Shr'kaak: All right. Milo. Tell them we can't leave until we find out if there are more survivors on board. Let's see how they react. Can you isolate the communications so I can talk to you during the conversation without them hearing?
Milo Mahoney: I can try.
Ta'Rang finshes searching the room.

Shr'kaak: Someone get that pressure door open so we can get back to the escape pod. Someone else nail down where that ladder is. We may need to decide very quickly.
Milo Mahoney leaves all doors open on the way back. Ta'Rang moves to the next room and begin again with more urgency.
Shr'kaak: Hank. Wrack your brain for how we can get up the remaining two decks to C&C. If that ladder only goes up three.
Ta'Rang: yes.
Milo Mahoney: Hank, where is that ladder?
Shr'kaak: Milo, Let's let Ta'Rang find the ladder. Can you contact the hospital ship?
Hank: Well, if you can get up or even around to a set of lift doors that ain't all mangled like those ones there, should be a manual override. Then you just climb the ladder.
Milo Mahoney: Yeah... what do you want to tell them?
Shr'kaak: Tell them we can't leave until we know there are no more survivors on board. I want to see how they react.
Ta'Rang: Hey Hank do you have a key to these suites?
Shr'kaak: If it is with concern, that is one thing. If anger, or silence.....
Wade runs to the others.
Milo Mahoney: [On COMM] Milo Mahoney to Demeter.
Wade: WE HAVE A PROBLEM!
Shr'kaak: What is it, Wade?
Milo Mahoney: What problem, Wade?
Wade: that ship that can't make it here in time is hanging outside.
Demeter: [On COMM] This is Demeter. Go ahead Theseus Commerce.
Wade: and she is armed.
Shr'kaak: Did you see any markings?
Milo Mahoney: Dammit. I had that feeling
Shr'kaak: Milo. I think we need to get to those explosives of yours. And the escape pod.
Ta'Rang pulls out a laser pistol and shoots at the locking mechism on the door.
Wade: No markings, she could be UPF, but they said they could not get here for a pickup while they are right outside. This is hinky.
Hank: (to Ta'Rang) Some of them yeah. Whatya need?
Milo Mahoney: Demeter, we have a little problem. The one pod we found looks like it's damaged. It won't fly. We're looking for another one.
Ta'Rang: I need to open a door.

Milo Mahoney: (to crew) Let's hope that satisfies them.
Shr'kaak: Milo. I think we need to convince them we are on a pod. It may be the only weapon we have. If we could convince them a high-ranking official is with us that would be even better.
Wade: Yeah, but now we are in a pickle.
Demeter: [On COMM] Roger that Theseus Commerce. Try getting to a higher deck. We can make out several unlaunched pods on decks two and three.
Milo Mahoney: [On COMM] Roger, Demeter. (to crew) Okay... I think we have a little breathing room now. I've never been happier to be paranoid in my life.
Shr'kaak: Hank. Are there any internal ship bays on this station? Some place small ships could be repaired or something?
Ta'Rang opens door to a suite with pistol still drawn.
Wade: She's pretty big guys, probably a crew of 50 to 100. about frigate sized.
Hank: Well there were on the lower decks. Not now though. Maybe the Captain's skiff is still up in C&C.
Shr'kaak frowns.
Wade: That would give us a chance.
Shr'kaak: Not likely unless C&C was blown to pieces through those shafts. It may be our only chance though.
Wade: I bet I can make a skiff dance with the devil.
Shr'kaak: Hmm. Well, do you think it would likely be fast enough to outpace whatever's out there, Wade? Maybe get down planet-side?
Shr'kaak: Milo - How much explosive were you shipping, by the way?
Milo Mahoney: Not me. That was Ta'Rang
Shr'kaak: Enough to do a little damage to a ship that size from inside? Oh. Sorry. Ta'Rang?
Wade: We probably can't outrun them, but we might be able to out manuever them. And hide among the debris.
Shr'kaak: I say we pack all those explosives into the escape pod, and convince these people we have someone important on board so they pick it up. Can it be rigged to blow when the door opens? That might give us a diversion for getting away if that skiff is intact.
Wade: Then make a run for planetside when they aren't looking. Hmm good plan for a diversion.
Milo Mahoney: That's a little extreme. We're not even sure they're really hostile yet.
Wade: My gut tells me they are hostile and not very honest.
Shr'kaak: Are we sure they couldn't pick us up because they couldn't get here in time, or was it that they couldn't risk docking? Are we sure about this?
Ta'Rang: Well I didn't find anything in there. Did someone says something about a bomb?
Shr'kaak: Wait. They are a hospital ship. Has a hospital ship had enough time to get here since the explosion? If not, it would be some coincidence. Yes. How much explosive are you packing over in customs, Ta'Rang?
Milo Mahoney: And, how many hospital ships are armed?
Wade: They would not have to dock to pick up surviviors, they could simply launch a shuttle with a rescue party or tractor a POD or even individual survivors. Well by my timing it has only been about 45 minutes since the explosion.
Milo Mahoney: Dammit, we're talking this thing to death! Maybe OUR deaths!
Hank: Customs? Customs is, er was on Deck 18.
Ta'Rang: I had one kilogram of D-19 and two shaped charges of D-20.
Shr'kaak: Wade. You're the pilot. Has enough time passed since the explosion for a hospital ship to have been launched and arrive from the closest likely place?

Wade: Hmmm, no customs. Ok so up we go *Wade heads toward the ladder up *
Ta'Rang: Damn.
*Milo Mahoney follows Wade*
Wade: Nope not near enough time. It would take a few hours to oraginze from the planet.
Shr'kaak: Sounds like enough to cause some major havok.
*Ta'Rang follows wade*
Ta'Rang: Would they have a self destruct on the command bridge?
Shr'kaak: We need to split up. Even the skiff is a long shot.
Ta'Rang: No way and no time for that.
Milo Mahoney: Where's Hank?
Hank: Right here.
Wade: I agree I need to find the Skiff if its there and prep it while you guys find the explosives, and rig the POD.
Shr'kaak: There's plenty of time if they're waiting for us to get in an escape pod.
Milo Mahoney: Hank, did you say this ladder ends two levels below C&C?
Hank: Yup.
Shr'kaak: Ta'Rang - Can you rig those explosives to go off when the escape pod's hatch opens?
Wade: And where does the COs skiff berth Hank?
Ta'Rang: If I had a detonator.
Shr'kaak: And Milo - If you could get some sensors working up in C&C, do you think you could tell us more about this ship?
Milo Mahoney: Okay, if we find more than one pod, let's tell Demeter that we're launching and send out an empty. Just to see what happens.
Milo Mahoney: I can try.
Hank: Well it's kinda like an escape pod out of C&C. Only, he uses it to go just about anywhere. The other stations, planetside, visitng ships.
Shr'kaak: We could, but if they pick up an empty pod they might be suspicious.
Wade: Hmm, Ok but at least its rigged for non-automated flight. That is good.
Wade keeps moving.
Shr'kaak: All right. I think Milo, Wade, and Hank should head up to C&C. I can go with Ta'Rang to customs.
Ta'Rang: Ok where are the explosives?
Wade: Hank can you lead us the shortest route to C&C.
Shr'kaak: Didn't you say they are in customs, Ta'Rang?
Ta'Rang: I thought customs was on deck 18? Mine are or were.
Hank: Sure can. If we can get some lift doors open, straight up the shaft. Might need to go up a level.
Wade: OK lead on.
Milo Mahoney: That shouldn't be a problem.
Wade follows Hank. Milo Mahoney follows Wade and Hank.
Ta'Rang: Let's head for customs.
Hank Leads you up the service ladder and around to the elevator shaft on the next floor up.
Ta'Rang: Hey Hank what's the quickest route to customs?
Hank: I told you, down on Deck 18, which isn't there anymore.
Wade: Hmm, well the POD has to have fuel, maybe you can rig the fuel tank to blow somehow
Ta'Rang: Yeah.
Shr'kaak: Ta'Rang? What do you think? Okay. Let's head to the escape pod then. Milo and Wade, make sure you keep us up to date on what you find.
Ta'Rang: we should be able short the computer sytem.
Wade: Will do.
Ta'Rang: No just a small amount, but I had three Frag grenades. Do any of you have a grenade of any sort on you?
Shr'kaak: Ta'Rang - No grenades, but could you get a power beltpack to explode?
Ta'Rang: yeah that would do.
Shr'kaak: All right. It means I'm down to only one weapon, but it'll have to do.

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Season 01 - Episode 003 (Season Episode 03 of 19)
The group has just split up to further search the wreckage, with Hank, Wade and Milo heading towards Command and Control, while Ta'Rang and Shr'kaak went their own way to see if they could salvage some explosives and/or rig the escape pod near the FWF lounge as a trap. The group is mainting an open mic amongst themselves.

Shr'kaak: Milo - Do you think you could rig an escape pod to launch remotely by radio?
Milo: Sure, that's beginner's stuff.
Shr'kaak: How long would it take you? Could you do it quickly to any pods you pass on the way to C&C? That ship out there said it looked like there were some on decks two and three.
Milo: Probably not. I need the right parts. That's the only difficulty, getting the parts while we're moving.
Shr'kaak: If we have to use one of them ourselves, or the exploding pod won't work, it would be nice if they didn't know which pod to blast or pick up.
Ta'Rang: Shr'Kaak hand me your powerbelt I think I can set it up to overcharge and use it as a detonator and use the fuel cell as explosives.
Shr'kaak: Here you go. It's got very close to a full charge.
Shr'kaak hands one of his powerbelts to Ta'Rang.
Ta'Rang: Good but won't leave us alot of time before the explosion. Milo will you guys give us a heads-up when you're ready up there.
Shr'kaak: You can't rig it to explode when the pod door opens, Ta'Rang?
Milo: Ready to what?
Shr'kaak: I don't think we should launch it until we know there is either another escape pod or that skiff available. This thing might be our only way off this hunk, and if that's the case it might just be better to take our chances in it than sit on our hands here.
Ta'Rang: No, well maybe I could set it up to start overcharging when the door was opened but where would be a chance they might find it.
Shr'kaak: How long between when it starts overcharging and when it blows?
Ta'Rang: I would guess six to nine seconds.
Shr'kaak: I think that should work. They'll be looking for people inside, and scratching their heads when they don't see anyone. It should create enough of a delay.

The station lurches suddenly and they have the fleeting feeling of tumbling forward before the artificial gravity stabilizes. A few moments later and everything is normal.
Milo: Damn! I wish I had time to fix that!!
Shr'kaak: Do you think that was just the gravity unit, or were we just hit again?
Milo: That was just the grav unit, obviously keeps cutting out.
Shr'kaak: Good. They aren't getting too impatient, yet.
Ta'Rang: If they recover the POD that is.
Shr'kaak: Yes. Well, we'll work on that one.
Ta'Rang: Ok let's get started.
Shr'kaak: Okay. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help. Keep in mind I don't know anything about this stuff.
Ta'Rang: Just make sure we don't get any unwelcomed surprises.
Ta'Rang opens door to the pod and starts removing the panel to the fuel cell.

Milo levers open the elevator door and climbs out into C&C, then helps Hank and Wade in. He looks out the window when Hank points.
Milo: Crap!! Guys, there's a boarding pod approaching at about Deck 4 it looks like we got company!!
Shr'kaak: Okay. *Moves to a viewport and stays aware of any unexpected vibrations in the hull, listening for any door opening and such.*
Milo: Wade! Find that skiff and get it ready to launch!

Looking out the viewport, they see a roughly egg shaped craft moving in. The "bottom" of the craft is flat and has four magnetic clamping legs.

Shr'kaak: Ta'Rang - While your jimmying with that thing, do YOU think you could rig it to launch remotely?
Ta'Rang sets powerbelt next fuel and attches a small trip wire to the pod door, then slowlly shuts it.
Ta'Rang: I haven't a clue as to how. Maybe Milo can do it from C&C.
Shr'kaak tries to judge where the craft is going to attach.
Shr'kaak: Milo? Can you get this escape pod to launch from up there? Any way?
Milo: I'll see what I can do.
Ta'Rang: Why don't I just launch it now and we get out of here?
Shr'kaak: . . .and is there any way you can get this Station to self-destruct?
Milo begins checking the C&C computers for a working station.
Shr'kaak: Good plan. Worst case, we have another escape vessel headed our way.
Ta'Rang: Milo you make the call launch from here or up there
Shr'kaak: If we can keep them from getting whatever they're after here, I think that's for the best.
Milo: Geeez. you guys wanna blow up everything. Kids!! (sighs)

The landing pod attaches to the station near Deck 4, between Miloe, Wade and Hank and Shr'kaak and Ta'Rang. Shr'kaak believes it might be near the PanGal suite.

Milo: What's goin' on, guys?
Shr'kaak: All right Ta'Rang. Launch and let's see if we can get up to Milo and the others without being seen.
Ta'Rang pulls launch handle.
Shr'kaak: We may have guests between us and you, Milo. We're going to try to stay under their radar. Best they don't alert the ship that we are hostile.
Ta'Rang: Let's move

The Escape POD separates and then speeds away. Shr'kaak pulls his one working electrostunner and starts back toward Milo and the others.
Shr'kaak: Milo - Tell them we've found an escape pod and some high-ranking officer (you'd know a good rank better than I), and we're on our way out to them.
Ta'Rang sets pistol to burst and setting 2.
Shr'kaak: Let's go for the lift. We aren't as big and it will be faster. Do we still have those extra pressure suits with us?
Ta'Rang moves toward lift with pistol ready.
Shr'kaak: Just in case we rip something that is?
Ta'Rang: How fast can you climb Shr'Kaak?
Shr'kaak: As fast as I can run if I can get a good purchase on the metal in the shaft. We'll see. How about you?
Ta'Rang: I've been a little ways up the lift shaft and the ladder is in good shape and we need to hurry.

Milo: [On COMM] Theseus Commerce to Demeter, we're on our way out. We also have another survivor. Looks like the station commander, but he's injured and unconscious.

Ta'Rang and Shr'kaak enter into the room with the blown out lift door and view ports. The pod has attached itself to the hull and is currently cutting about a 3m hole in the wall. It is about half Done.

Demeter: [On COMM] Copy that Theseus Commerce. Continue evacuation. We are standing by.

Ta'Rang signals for Shr'Kaak to move up the shaft. Shr'kaak nods and tries to carefully slip through the hole. As he does a bad twist tears a hole in his pressure suit. Ta'Rang climbs up shaft to see what he can do, barely missing ripping his own suit of the jagged irregular hole.
Ta'Rang: whoa that was close
Shr'kaak fumbles for a patch to apply.
Ta'Rang: where is the hole?
Ta'Rang reaches for the patch.

The hull cutter is about two-thirds done now.
Shr'kaak: JUST GO Ta'Rang. I can reach any place on my body!
Ta'Rang: I'll cover ya now hurry up.
Shr'kaak applies the patch. Ta'Rang looks down thru the hole with his pistol aimed **
Shr'kaak: Hsst! Stay out of sight!
Ta'Rang: you're a larger target then me.
Shr'kaak: Best if they don't see us at all.
Ta'Rang: So apply that patch and move it.

Milo: Wade, how's that skiff comin', man? We may need to bug out quick!
Wade: Yeah, well we have a small problem, well situation here. Looks like somebody mutinied. There was a firefight. Blast marks all over the walls and such. Ship looks in good order though. Should have her up and running real soon now.
Milo: Okay, let us know when it's ready.

Ta'Rang: Hey they're almost thru the hull down here, we don't have any time left.
Shr'kaak: Milo - You may want to move over to the lift shaft if you are free. If we're detected before we can get out, we may need some cover fire.

The cutter is three-quarters of the way done. Shr'kaak quickly climbs up the shaft.
Milo: Understood, Shr'kaak
Shr'kaak: Okay Ta'Rang. Quickly as you can!
Ta'Rang: I'm coming.
Shr'kaak: Hank - Find a viewport and see if you can see that main ship, will you?

Ta'Rang Climbs up the ladder as fast as my feet and hands will let him. Shr'kaak moves quickly up behind him.

A huge shudder rocks through the station.
Shr'kaak: What the heck was that? Hank - You at that viewport?
Ta'Rang: I bet they just got through the hull.
Hank: Yeah, I didn't see anything. Maybe they blew something up.
Ta'Rang: the POD?
Shr'kaak: Like our escape pod. (sighs)
Hank: You know, I don't recall the planet being so big.
Milo: Big?!? *runs over to look*
Shr'kaak: Oh. Or we just hit the atmosphere. *Clicks nervously*
Ta'Rang thinks 'oh sh*& T.'

The planet is definitely closer.

Ta'Rang: hurry up and get that skiff started, Wade.
Milo: Wade, situation? We need to leave!
Ta'Rang: Milo did you find that big boom button yet. Maybe but they already know where it is.
Ta'Rang and Shr'Kaak Keep climbing.

Milo spots the boarding party on the monitors.
Milo: Damn, those guys are armored. They came looking for a fight!
Shr'kaak: Well let's try not to give them one, okay? Wade? How's it coming?!
Wade: Were all geared up. This bucket ain't gonna win any races and she has no FTL built in, but I think I can manage a few tricks out of her.
Milo continues scanning the monitors, checking for other survivors and anything out of the ordinary.
Shr'kaak: Planet's good enough for me.

Shr'Kaak and Ta'Rang come racing out of the shaft as fast as they can. Hank greets them.
Hank: I don't mean to sound like a wimp or anything, but any of you got a gun or something I can borrow?
Ta'Rang looks around the room for anything he use for a weapon or bomb.
Milo: You guys just made it. That boarding party is staring up the shaft.

Shr'kaak: Milo - How about that self-destruct? Find it?
Milo: Nothing yet. but I really don't think we'll need one. This station is already dead.
Shr'kaak: I just hope they don't get what they're looking for. Can you at least undo your repairs there on our way. *Points at the viewscreens*
Ta'Rang: I was thinking of another decoy for our escape.
Milo: (to Shr'kaak and Ta'Rang) You two get Hank on that skiff. I'll be right behind you.
Shr'kaak: What Ta'Rang? I wouldn't worry about the people onboard. It's that ship out there we need to worry about now.
Ta'Rang: Scrap metal is as good as any bomb when you're real close.
Shr'kaak grabs Hank's sleeve.
Hank: Don't have to tell me twice. Through here.
The crew runs for it.

The "skiff" turns out to be more of a yacht than anything. It is actually quite large and fits rather snugly into it's landing bay. Several bodies lie around the access hatch.

Milo: Keep the engine hummin'. I'll be right there
Ta'Rang moves the bodies out of the skiff. Milo unholsters his blaster and continues what he's doing, keeping an eye on the door. Shr'kaak gets in with Hank and prepars to close the hatch as soon as the others are aboard.
Ta'Rang: well these guys are no help, see ya.
Ta'Rang position himself next to the door to cover Milo as he gets onboard.
Shr'kaak: We're boarded up Milo. As soon as you can make it.
Ta'Rang thinks about armor suits and cranks his gun up to 5.
Ta'Rang: hury up Milo. We aint got all day.
Milo: Keep yer shirt on.
Ta'Rang: I don't wear one.
Milo: I'm on my way, guys!! Get ready to goose that thing, Wade!!
Wade: Oh I was born ready for this. Be prepared to see magic folks.
Shr'kaak readies the door.
Ta'Rang: Hang On People this is where he shines.
Milo: Just as long as you don't make us disappear!
Wade: Oh we're gonna disappear alright. Right out from under their noses.
Shr'kaak: It's the other ship I'm worried about. Not our pilot.
Wade: Hey you on board yet?

Milo comes running down the hall and leaps for the ship airlock
Milo: Gangway!!
Wade: Good deal. let's go.

Shr'kaak slams the door shut as soon as Milo is through and says, "HIT IT WADE!"

Wade Flies the ship out of the docking bay.
Wade: Where to folks?
Milo: Try to keep the station between us and the other ship, Wade. I'll head for the engine room.
Ta'Rang: Where's the weapon station?
Shr'kaak: As far from that thing as you can get us, Wade. Then let's head planet-side and alert the authorities. Who knows what they know so far.
Ta'Rang: Well give me a seat next to ya buddy and I'll ready the cannons sir.

Shr'kaak Shoves the seat back of one next to Wade as far reclined as it will go, straps himself in, pulls off his helmet, and looks for a ship headset. Milo goes to engineering and starts running system checks.

Wade: Uh, guys, we just had UPF cruiser drop out of Voidspace. What now?
Ta'Rang: It is tinmee to get out of these suits, well at least this darn helmet.
Shr'kaak: (In Vrusk) curses a bit at the seat.
Ta'Rang: let's not wait to see what happens.
Shr'kaak: Milo - Did you get any kind of readout on our attackers while you had those readouts working?
Ta'Rang: Isn't the others ship flying UPF colors to?
Milo: I got the station log files. they should have complete sensor information up to the time I grabbed the copy. If the sensor captured anything, it will be in those files.

Shr'kaak: Head for the new ship, Wade. If they were with these guys, they would have been here during the attack.
Ta'Rang: I'm going to check out the weapons Compartment if anything starts before I'm back I'll operate the cannons from there
Wade: Uh well, we've got the order to cut engines. Codes check out. We're getting new contacts. Do I run for it or comply with the order?
Shr'kaak puts on a headset.
Ta'Rang: Hey Wade do what you think is best.
Milo: Might as well follow orders, Wade. If they wanted to shoot us down, they already would have.
Shr'kaak: Head for the new ship, Wade. I'll talk to them. We've got to get away from those hostiles.
Wade: Yeah. I suppose the fine for flying without a license is better than being shot to pieces.

Wade maneuvers ship towards the UPF Cruiser.
Milo: No license?!? Now you tell me!!
Shr'kaak: [On COMM] Attention UPF cruiser.
Heracles: [On COMM] This is the UPF Heracles. I scan your id as the Deepwater? Do you hail from Theseus Commerce?
Shr'kaak: [On COMM] The ship in vicinity of Thesus Commerce is HOSTILE. They have disabled the station. We are four survivors escaping by the skin of our teeth. The ONLY survivors as far as we can tell.
Heracles: [On COMM] Roger Deepwater. We have a ship on evasion vector. ID scans as Demeter. Does that copy?
Shr'kaak: [On COMM] If they are in fact UPF Demeter then it has been taken. They are hostile, I tell you. As best we can tell, they destroyed two escape pods after launch.
Heracles: [On COMM] Deepwater, prepare to board the Heracles. Any attempt at evasion will be met with force. Units have been dispatched to intercept the other vessel. Over.
Shr'kaak: Wade - Watch for those vessels, will you. Make sure they are doing as they say.
Wade: Heck, we got so many contacts it'll be hard to tell what any of them are doing. Looks like there are a couple in pursuit of Demeter. Damn but she's fast. So we dock then or do I make the run for it?
Milo: Go ahead and dock, Wade. I think they're legit.
Ta'Rang: Well Wade you think you can out run a cruiser? I know she has more firepower then we do.
Wade: I might be able to make it planetside before the fighters catch us.
Ta'Rang: Then what we have to battle them on the ground.
Shr'kaak: I suggest we see how they behave toward the first ship first. If we don't have time, act like we're having ship problems. Well, we know who's down on the planet at least. It's hard to take over a whole ground base. If they've done that, we're in REAL trouble!
Wade: Yeah, I don't think they're going to catch the Demeter. She's hauling and almost far enough from the planet's gravity well to make a jump.
Shr'kaak: Well, they're running. That's a very good sign. I suggest we follow orders then, Wade.
Ta'Rang: I say approach with caution but Wade please have a backup plan
Wade: Ah relax buddy, worst case scenario we end up commandeering the ship and then what?
Ta'Rang: ok that'll do.

Wade Docks with the Heracles. Milo mutters something under his breath.
Ta'Rang: Hey milo what are you doing back there?
Milo: Making sure this rig can hold together.
Shr'kaak: [On COMM] Heracles - Be aware that there is a boarding party on the station, or was when we left. We don't know what they were after.
Heracles: [On COMM] Oh if they are there now, they got more to worry about than us. The station has entered into the upper atmosphere.

A few moments after they dock several marines enter the docking bay.
Shr'kaak: Okay boys. I suggest we leave our weapons here and join those fellows.
Heracles: [On COMM] Prepare to be boarded Deepwater. There are marines standing by to escort you to a debriefing room.
Ta'Rang: No I 'll keep mine
Shr'kaak: [On COMM] Understood Heracles. There are weapons aboard, but we are de-arming ourselves.
Ta'Rang: you are.
Shr'kaak: That's not a good idea Ta'Rang. If they see we are armed, we're going to have trouble. There's no way we can take them. *Gestures outside*

There is a pounding knock on the airlock door. Milo puts the log files in his belt pack and buttons down his holster.
Milo: Let's make our guests welcome, boys!
Shr'kaak unfastens himself, removes his gunbelt, placing it on the control board in front of him, and heads for the air lock.
Ta'Rang: If I have to I'll turn mine over to a marine first than come before them unarmed.

There is another knock on the airlock door. Shr'kaak opens both airlock doors. . . and presents his empty hands in the air.
Ta'Rang: You do what you must as for me I'll do what I want.
Ta'Rang stands next to hank and Wade.
Ta'Rang: Mine's holstered as well.
Marine: Welcome aboard. I'm Cpl Schiffer. Please leave all weapons aboard Deepwater. I just want to assure you that you are not yet considered guilty of any criminal activity. Our intel officer would like to have a word with you about the incident. It may take some time to get this sorted out.
Milo: Understood, Corporal...
Shr'kaak: Pleased to meet your Cpl. I am Shr'kaak.
Milo removes his gunbelt and hangs it just inside the airlock.
Shr'kaak: Thank you for the kind welcome. We are greatful for the rescue.
Marine: A pleasure. For security reasons, we have to conduct a search of you and your vessel. Personal affects and property will not be harmed or removed. I hope you understand.
Shr'kaak: Of course.
Ta'Rang removes his belt and holstered weapon and hangs his next to Milo belt.

Corporal Schiffer and the other marines conduct a quick pat down. Satisfied, Cpl. Schiffer gestures you towards one of the hatches. Cpl. Schiffer leads you each to a private room, where you are asked to complete a written report on what happened inside the station. Milo gives a full accurate account, including the fact that he has the log files. The rest of the group fills out their own account of the events and hands them over.

About two hours later, they are all in a comfortable meeting room with a large table and plenty of seats. A human male, dressed in an armored spacesuit, sans helmet, walks in. He appears to be scanning over your reports. Shr'kaak stands respectfully. Ta'Rang nods in greeting.
Lt. Alvarez: Good day gentlemen. My name is Lieutenant Alvarez. How are you doing?
Shr'kaak: Greetings Lieutenant. We are quite well, if a little shaken by our experience.
Milo: I'm doing fine, Lt. I'm Milo Mahoney, Engineer.
Shr'kaak: I am Shr'kaak.
Lt. Alvarez: I imagine you are shaken. Well let me start out by saying that you are all considered victims of this heinous crime. We have scanned through your reports and compared them against the station logs.
Shr'kaak: We greatly appreciate your aid. Have you determined the identity of the attackers?
Lt. Alvarez: No, I'm afraid not.
Ta'Rang: So what happened to the space station, Lt.?
Lt. Alvarez: What we do know is that somebody used a missing UPF ship to perpetrate an attack on Terran and UPF sovereignity. The station itself crashed into the planet some forty minutes ago. Thankfully, it landed mostly in a sparsely populated desert area.
Shr'kaak: Well, perhaps I may assist you there, Lieutenant. I am a private investigator. I am accostomed to examining the criminal element with little evidence available.
Shr'kaak presents his card.
Lt. Alvarez: Thank you. Rescue ops have recovered about two hundred survivors. There was an estimated 3,500 persons on board the station when the inital explosion destroyed most of the lower decks. Those in the upper five decks were able to get out.
Milo: 200 survivors out of 3500? That's terrible!
Shr'kaak: I am glad to hear that at least a few managed to escape. The loss of all that life is terrible.
Lt. Alvarez: At this time, we are unsure why the attaack occured. The goals of those who initiated this attack are still unknown and nobody has yet claimed credit.
Ta'Rang: That's amazing don't you think
Milo: Did you note the apparent mutiny that Mr. McCode discovered?
Lt. Alvarez: The Demeter got away. Since her disappearance some eighteen months ago, it appears that her systems have been upgraded since then.
Shr'kaak: I think it is interesting that they wanted us off the station before they boarded. It could prove a helpful indicator.
Lt. Alvarez: Noted, but without any testimony or physical evidence, that is just another part of the larger mystery.
Shr'kaak: That was unfortunate, Milo, but it may be due to panic.
Ta'Rang: What is housed on the top 5 levels or should I ask who?
Lt. Alvarez: Yes, that did strike us as odd. We have contacted those who have leased property on the upper levels to see if they had any sensitive projects housed out of the station. Not all have had the time to respond.
Lt. Alvarez: So that brings me to my next point.
Lt. Alvarez holds up Shr'kaak's card.
Ta'Rang: And what is that ?
Lt. Alvarez: You folks kept your cool in there. Heck, you even saved two people who were later recovered and treated for minor injuries. That says a lot.
Ta'Rang: And? By the way it was three.
Lt. Alvarez: I have checked all your records and you all seem to have talents that would compliment each other in an autonomous operation. In short, how would you like to work for UPF intelligence?
Shr'kaak winces inside and hopes the second escape pod was destroyed before being found.
Ta'Rang: And what if we asay no, will you make us work for you anyway
Shr'kaak: Intelligence? *Clicks thoughtfully and toys with his hat a bit.*
Milo: (sighs) Monkeys are so suspicious. Does it pay as good as engineerin'?
Lt. Alvarez: No. This is an offer of employment. Even if you refuse this offer, you should consider a joint career.
Shr'kaak: I believe my skills might be quite suited for that role, Lieutenant. *Looks at the others.*
Lt. Alvarez: You would be paid as an engineer, and a pilot and well, you get the idea.
Ta'Rang: what will you provide us with as in equipment and information if we decide to be enmployed by you?
Lt. Alvarez: Intel and gear would be determined by assignment. Technically you would not be on the official rolls. You would be rather more like contractors.
Ta'Rang: So it would not be an offical employment?

Lt. Alvarez: No, nor compulsory acceptance of any specified contract, though once accepted you would be bound to complete it.
Milo: What the heck. I was about to post my availability on the merchant roster anyway. Might as well take this gig as any.
Ta'Rang: We would be freelance operators for you on assigned missions?
Lt. Alvarez: Yes.
Ta'Rang: and if we fail one you can just cut us loose, correct?
Shr'kaak: ...and if private employment opportunities happen to spring up on assignment that do not interfere? After all, to keep cover we may have to keep up appearances.
Lt. Alvarez: Cut you loose? Depends on the situation.
Ta'Rang: Ok I help you out for now
Lt. Alvarez: And we would need you to seek other employment opportunities in order to "keep up appearances."
Ta'Rang: Let me get this straight. You know about all our backrounds and you have no problem with them?
Shr'kaak looks at the others with a questioning spread of his antennae.
Shr'kaak: Milo?
Lt. Alvarez: Sometimes, things just go bad. And since your pilot friend would have to act in that capacity, we've already reinstated his license.
Shr'kaak: Wade?
Ta'Rang loks at Wade.
Ta'Rang: Lucky Bastard. Can we have the Deepwater for a ship? I'm sure she could be redesignated to cover up where she came from.
Lt. Alvarez: Well, we can't exactly have you flapping those Yazarian membranes to get from planet to planet now can we? We have to do some retro-fitting and reclassification. So what are we naming her?
Ta'Rang looks around the table "any thoughts?"
Shr'kaak: We'll have to talk that one over, Lt. I'm sure it will be important for us to come up with something meaningful.
Ta'Rang: How about the phoenix
Shr'kaak: I think you have yourself a deal. *Holds out his hand.*
Lt. Alvarez: So go get some rest. We'll shuttle you down to planetside for a few days. Keep your comm units handy, as we'll be calling you for your first assignment soon. Oh and, no word to the media. You want to stay invisible.
Ta'Rang: Can we get our gear off the ship?
Shr'kaak frowns down at his offered hand for a moment, then puts on his hat, fixing the brim.
Lt. Alvarez: Yes. I see no problem with that.
Shr'kaak: I could certainly use a drink, myself.
Ta'Rang: Yeah that sounds like a good idea. what about you Milo?
Milo: Yeah, I'm in! I know a nice hotel near my apartment. You guys can stay there while we wait. They even have artificial gravity so you can compensate for Theseus being a heavy world.

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Season 01 - Episode 004 (Season Episode 04 of 19)
---BEGING NEWS FEED---
Scientists: Great Strides Towards Zero Point Energy
Scientists at the Liberty Shipyards announced today that great strides towards creating a successful Zero Point energy reactor have been made. While details of this new technology are classified, researchers point to the recent development of artificial gravity generators as being key to the next step towards a free energy source.
Professor Robert Conklin stated that the Zero Point Generators would be roughly the size of modern nuclear reactors, so they would require a large hull to mount them in. If we could just micronize the energy flow components, we could, in theory, place a ZPG into almost anything. That may well take years to accomplish, but first we need to perfect the current technology.

--
Mechan Petitions UPF For Membership
Representatives from the planet Mechan appeared before the UPF council today to plead their case for admission, with full treaty rights, to the UPF. This move has been the subject of much debate, as the inhabitants of Mechan are artificial intelligences. Admission into the UPF would force the UPF council and the member races to reevaluate the rights of AI constructs across the Frontier and perhaps into the member races home systems.
Protesters appeared outside the UPF Council Chambers on Prenglar today to denounce the Mechans as unconstrained by the concepts of morality and emotion. The demonstration was peaceful, though emotions were pretty high among the crowd. UPF Riot Police were on the scene, but were not used.
Member of the Mechan entourage were unavailable for comment.

--
Consular Fleet Misses Deadline
For the first time since contact was made with other sentient species in the Frontier, the Earth-based Consular fleet has not made its annual appearance. Top members of the Terran Embassy have expressed concerns over the failed appearance of the annual Earth visit.
It's never been heard of, not to have some contact with Homeworld, stated Ambassador Xavier Viducci.
Earth lies almost 400 light years from Prenglar, so in actuality, there are two Consular fleets. One coming and one going. Many analysts believe that the extended travel time is an attributable cause in the lack of the fleet's arrival. Technical issues could have stalled or stranded the fleet.
Other experts suggest that the distance has become to much of a hassle for Earth to continue devoting resources to make an annual goodwill gesture.
We have existed in relative peace for nearly a century and a half, states Dr. Malcolm Scott. Earth is a long way off and who knows what trials the Homeworld may be enduring. It may not be feasible for them to have sent an entire fleet of ships at the scheduled departure date. I wouldn't count on seeing another Consular fleet anytime soon.

--
Human Worlds to Elect Government
Earth Ambassador Xavier Viducci announced today that, in accordance with the Frontier Protocols Act, he is assuming the role of Commander in Chief of the human controlled Frontier worlds. Ambassador Viducci has stated that a Secretary of Elections will be appointed to develop an electoral process. Whom that will be is open to debate at this time.
According to the Frontier Protocols Act, a centralized, local government must be established in the event contact is lost with Earth. With the apparent lack of a Consular fleet, I can only assume that contact has been lost. Viducci stated earlier.
Many criticize Viducci's haste. One analyst stated in an interview;
"The Consular fleet may arrive tomorrow. We don't know. What happens if we elect a whole new government and the fleet comes rolling in. I don't think Earth would take kindly to a shiny new government. They might even see it as an act of sedition."
All of the human-controlled world currently have planetary governments, which are to remain unaffected by the formation of a human interstellar government.
So what do the other races have to say? All three ambassador's to the UPF were supportive of the move by Ambassador Viducci. In a joint statement, the UPF council stated;
"If the formation of a centralized government to replace the one lost will keep our human allies a strong asset to the UPF, we are in full support of this initiative. The UPF is built upon the strengths of each contributing member. Humanity has always been good at and requires structure. It is these qualities that you bring to the UPF that allows us to be more whole. We wish you the best."
---END NEWS FEED---

The crew is deposited on Theseus by a UPF Transport Shuttle.

Ta'Rang: I believe that Milo knew a good Hotel For us to stay at
Milo: Oh yeah. the place with the adjustable artificial gravity in each room.
Wade: Any chance of a quick poker hand while we are planetside?
Ta'Rang: Sounds good to me, this a heavy grav panet. Hope your luck changes
Wade: It already has, we have a ship, a job, and I have my ticket back.... lady luck is smiling on me
Shr'kaak: I think with our little adventure I could stand to be out of space for a time.
Ta'Rang: Maybe I'll go with you

Shr'kaak turns to his human companions after watching the vidnews.
Shr'kaak: I am sorry to hear of the possible lost connection to your homeworld. It must be devastating.
Milo: Hmmm. I think Vidduci jumped the gun a bit. I never did like that guy. Well, I wanna get out of this p-suit and into civvies for a while.
Wade: Is there a casino in the Hotel?
Milo: I never looked.
Wade: Well lets find out, shall we.
Milo shakes his head.
Milo: The only way to come out ahead in a casino is to not go in.
Wade: We have to keep our priorities straight, faster ships, younger women, older whiskey, and more money. . . in that order.

Milo goes downtown to check his collection that's in the climate-controlled storage.
Shr'kaak: Well friends, I am going to find myself a gymnasium. I'll be back when I can no longer stand the high Gs.
Wade: I am going to the hotel lobby and look for a casino, or lacking that a cabby that can take me to a poker game....
Wade and Ta'Rang head to the casino. Shr'kaak connects to the local network to get directions, hops on public transit, and isn't back for a couple of hours.

Casino Dealer: Okay everybody. Place your bets. Minimum ante is 25tm
Wade: 100
Ta'Rang: 50 tm
Michael Gideon: TM25
Freddy: 25 tm.
Michael Gideon chews a cigar that vaguely resembles a dog turd... smells worse. Wade sips his drink and watches for tells. Freddy nervously fiddles with his remaining chips. Ta'Rang stares at the table. A mostly friendly game of Five Card Draw is played out.
Casino Dealer: Okay, looks like this round goes to... Wade.
Wade grins evilly.
Wade: 'K how about we raise the stakes. I bet 200 on the next hand.
Ta'Rang bets the 200tm. Michael Gideon grins and pushes his chips in. Freddy bets 200tm. Another round of the game and this time Freddy walks away with the pot. Freddy pulls over the chips and nervously organizes them. He frowns slightly and throws in 100tm. Michael Gideon eyes Freddy suspiciously.
Ta'Rang: I'm done but I'll stay and watch
Wade bets the 100tm. Michael Gideon bets 100tm. Ta'Rang stands up beside Wade. This next hand is an intense back and forth between Freddy and Michael, with Freddy eventually taking the pot with two pair.

Wade: Deal. . .
Freddy now has a slight smile on his face, and has stopped fiddling quite so much. Wade smirks at Freddy. Freddy casually tosses in 200tm. Michael Gideon throws in 200 with a scowl. Wade pushes in 200tm, but watches Freddy closely. The next round goes more in Wades favor, though the table is more relaxed this hand. Wade wins the hand.
Wade: Ahh now thats how to play cards.
Freddy frowns at his hand slightly, then quickly tries to cover it. Wade stands up, well boys thanks for the evening but nature calls. Ta'Rang frowns.
Wade: I think I'll quit while I'm ahead
Michael Gideon gathers up his money.
Michael Gideon: Yeah... me too
Freddy isn't horribly discouraged by the slight loss and heads toward the blackjack tables.

Shr'kaak places a call to Wade. Wade answers.
Ta'Rang: Ok Let's see if I can find some one who knows where the Merc Guild is.
Wade: Hello?
Ta'Rang turns toward the door.
Shr'kaak: Hello. I have finished what I was doing, Wade. When were you fellows planning to head back to the hotel?
Wade: We are headed in that direction now. Just one stop on the way.
Shr'kaak: Ah. Okay. I am going to get a quick bite to eat someplace local. I will be back shortly as well.
Wade: (To TaRang) Cowboy wants to know when we are coming back
Ta'Rang: Soon. Maybe.
Wade shakes head and grins.
Wade: Thats my buddy...
Ta'Rang starts walking down the street and turns at the first corner, Wade follows blindly.

Shr'Kaak is the first one to return to the hotel room. There is a chrome metal tube about the size of a thermos that has been left on the table of your room. The Vrusk Frowns toughtfully and examines the tube without touching it. He examines the room for any signs of entry or someone else. Shr'Kaak calls down to the lobby.
Shr'kaak: This is Shr'kaak from room 1284. Have I by chance had any visitors? Any messages?
Lobby: Yes sir. We had a package delivered from the bureau of starship licensing. It was delivered to your suite.
Shr'kaak: Ah. Very good. Thank you. Have a good evening. *Hangs up.*
He carries the tube over to the window, opens the window, then sits and carefully opens the package. Inside is a rolled up parchment and a computer holocube. He unrolls the parchment and examines it. It is the deed to the Deepwater, rechristened, and the holocude contains has the full electronic information. Shr'kaak reads through it places it all at the bottom of his travel bag. There is a knock at the door.
Shr'kaak: Who is it? *looks through the peephole*
Milo is at the door, Shr'kaak opens it for him.
Shr'kaak: Hello Milo. Please, come in.
Milo: Hiya, Cowboy... Wade and Ta'Rang here?

Wade and Ta'Rang make their way back to the hotel after a chance meeting on the streets with another Yazarian. The meeting is a tense series of whispers between Ta'Rang and the other. Ta'Rang scans the area for any thing out of the ordinary. He finds nothing out of the ordinary at this moment. Just the normal crowd moving through the streets.

Shr'kaak: No. They aren't back yet, though they said they wouldn't be long about an hour ago.
Milo: Okay. I guess we can wait for them. I have a surprise for all of you.
Shr'kaak: Surprise? I received a deed. Did you get one too?
Milo: A what? *Milo looks totally confused.*

Wade watches behind them as they walk, looking around and glancing in windows to see if they are followed, he sees no signs of pursuit.

On returning to the Hotel Wade goes knocks on Shr'Kaaks door
Ta'Rang: Hey Wade I think it might be a good time to test out that ship. What do you think? Or maybe good fire fight to liven things up.
Wade: I agree Ta!

Shr'kaak: For the ship Milo.
Milo: Oh, they sent the papers here?
Shr'kaak: So I guess that wasn't it. What's up? *Looks up at the knock.* Well, my set. I presume everyone else got similar for their, "ships."
Wade smiles tensly and looks a bit excited.
Milo: Who's at the door?
Ta'Rang: You know I have something we need to look at. It's in my room.
Shr'kaak: It's them. *Opens the door.*
Wade: Guess what, TaRang pissed someone of and they want to kill us.
Wade plops in a chair. Shr'kaak frowns.
Shr'kaak: What is it Ta'Rang? A silver tube?
Milo looks at Ta'Rang with a smirk.
Ta'Rang: Be right back. *He goes to his room to retrieve the satchel*
Shr'kaak takes advantage of his momentary absence, "What happened Wade?"
Wade: A Yazarian approached us on the street. Actually sneaked up on us, appeared out of nowhere. Like a ghost. Oh yeah and said his crew was hired to kill TaRang so we should leave. Sheesh was he sneaky.
Milo: You had a tail, too? I caught a fellow following me back from the storage facility.
Shr'kaak: That is strange. At least there is an ally among them. Otherwise I'm sure they would have fired without the friendly warning.
Milo: Cowboy, were you followed, too?
Wade looks at Shr'Kaak.
Shr'kaak: Hmm. I suspect the only people who would have reason to follow us would be those who attacked the station, and I don't think they know what we look like, so they must have some interesting contacts. Unless one of you knows something I don't?
Wade: What is with you two going around and pissing off the local assassins.

Ta'Rang picks up the tube and satchel and returns to the others.

Shr'kaak: Not that I know of, and I am trained to notice such things.
Milo: Whatcha got there, Ta'Rang?
Wade: It can't be me, everyone likes me. Plus I shower.
Ta'Rang: A lot of good my training did, walked right up to me *Ta'Rang frowns*
Wade: Well I am highly trained, senses like a jungle cat. And I never saw the sneaky son of a buck!
Shr'kaak: Hmm. *Nods to the tube.* I see you got one too. What's the satchel?
Ta'Rang: This is something I found on the station, I don't know yet.
Wade looks at the tube.
Wade: Hey I want one.
Shr'kaak: On the station? *Clicks thoughfully.* Have you been to your room yet Wade?
Ta'Rang: yeah on the station.
Wade: Not yet, be right back.
Ta'Rang: What's in the tube?
Shr'kaak: I suspect there will be one waiting for you. A deed to, "your," ship.
Wade jumps up and runs out of the room. Ta'Rang unscrews tube, he spreads out the parchment to read what is says. Wade runs back into the room.
Ta'Rang: Good, does everyone have one?
Shr'kaak looks at Milo.
Wade: Wow, they gave me the ship! I thought we were gonna share. That's OK, I will be a fair captain.
Shr'kaak: Have you been home yet Milo?
Milo: Not yet, I guess I'll pick up mine from my apartment manager.
Ta'Rang: Well shall we see what in this bag?
Shr'kaak: Ah. Then I think it is fair to assume we each have one.
Milo: I don't like surprises, Ta'Rang. Open it carefully.
Wade: And I have a holocube, did you guys get one of those also?
Ta'Rang opens the satchel.
Shr'kaak: You don't know what is in it? Where exactly WAS it on the station?
Ta'Rang: behind a cabinet.
Shr'kaak: Yes, Wade. It is the data associated with the deed.
Wade: Ah.
Shr'kaak: I'm guessing that wasn't in your report, right Ta'Rang?
Ta'Rang rolls parchment up and puts it back into the tube with the hollcube.
Ta'Rang: Maybe.
Wade watches TaRang with interest.
Milo: So? What's in it?
Wade: So whats in the case?
Shr'kaak shakes his head. "All right. Go ahead and open it. Don't touch what is inside. It may be a good idea to dust for fingerprints if it cannot be readily identified."
Ta'Rang looks at Shr'Kaak and opens the satchel.

Inside the case is what looks like the memory core of a mainframe computer. Shr'kaak shrugs and takes out a small toolbox.
Ta'Rang: Hmmmmm what do you think
Milo groans loudly.
Milo: So, that's where it was!!
Shr'kaak: It?
Wade: I bet there is something interesting on that. . .
Ta'Rang: What?
Shr'kaak: Where was the cabinet, Ta'Rang?
Wade: perhaps we should download its contents and make a couple of backups.
Milo: The station mainframe was missing it's core memory! I had to jury rig it just to get the station monitors working.
Shr'kaak: Please don't touch it yet, Wade.
Ta'Rang: Pan-Galatic.
Shr'kaak: I see. This must be what they were after then.
Milo: Good guess.
Shr'kaak: Shall we get whatever data we can on who removed it? *Opens his toolbox.*
Ta'Rang: One way to find out Let's download it and see.
Wade is not touching it.
Milo: Well, we can work on that later... I have a little surprise for everyone.
Ta'Rang his head toward Milo.
Wade: It was important enough to someone that they risked death and starting a war, for it. And now they want to kill Ta'Rang for it.
Shr'kaak Carefully closes the case again so nothing is disturbed. "What is it Milo?"
Wade looks at Milo. Milo takes a bottle out of his case and shows it around.
Ta'Rang: What ya got Milo?
Wade: Wow. Can we drink it?
Milo: Gentlemen, this very fine scotch was aged for 25 years in oak barrels on Mother Earth. and decanted into this bottle before any of us were even born. Have a little respect for your elders.
Wade: I respect it. Now can we drink it?
Ta'Rang: Well you going to hold it all night or what?
Milo smiles as he fills four glasses and passes them around.
Shr'kaak: (sighs) I will join you in a moment. Business before pleasure. *He opens the satchel and his kit again, fussing with some devices and such.*
Wade: Ah!
Milo: To our good ship, whatever the hell she's called!!
Ta'Rang holds his glass up to the light. Wade raises his glass in toast then throws back his drink.
Wade: Ah...weeow!
Milo shakes his head sadly and sips his drink. Wade holds out his empty glass hoping for another.

Shr'kaak examines the memory core, looking for fingerprints and DNA. Ta'Rang lowers his glass to his and slowlly drink his scotch.
Wade: Well we toasted the ship, but we need to toast the crew.
Ta'Rang: all at once?
Wade looks hopefully at the bottle. Milo nods to Ta'Rang, smiling. Then turns to fill Wade's glass again. Wade smiles. Shr'kaak is examining the core, which looks like it was removed in a clean room, not much on it.
Milo: Refills for everyone.
Wade: To the crew and our long life and luck.
Ta'Rang: Here's to the crew of what's her name.
Shr'kaak packs up his kit again, puts it away, and joins the others. Wade raises his Glass. Shr'kaak grabs a glass and at least makes it for the second toast.
Milo: To the crew of the Whatsername... may we always find our way.
Ta'Rang: (To Shr'Kaak) well what did you find?
Shr'kaak: Nothing. It's clean. I guess you guys will have to see what's inside. May our voyage be productive!

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Season 01 - Episode 005 & Episode 006 (Season Episode 05 & 06 of 19)
[WARNING: RAW LOG FILE MISSING, EVENTS RECONSTRUCTED FOR EPISODES 5 AND 6]
---START NEWS FEED---
Police in Timeon Bust Cybernetics Smugglers
In an early morning raid, members of the Timeon Special Tactics Squad raided a warehouse that has been under investigation for some time. The raid netted several dozen crates of blackmarket components, including nearly a thousand Euphorix chips. Seventeen arrests were made.
Joe Takagi, a spokesman for the Timeon STS told reporters in a press release that this bust was a long time in coming, but even he was surprised at the volume. The suspects in custody will have a lot to answer for.
Euphorix is a new technology that sends signal to the brain via a standard data port. These signals key into the sensory part of the brain and transmit feelings and sensory stimulation. The user of these chips is treated to a full sensory fantasy that ranges from high-adrenaline action to sex. The danger comes from the lack of moderating circuits. Euphorix can literally burn out synapses in the user.

--
Station Explodes, Lands in Desert
The Theseus Commerce station exploded this afternoon after a surprise attack. Remnants of the station landed in a sparsely populated portion of the Galad desert approximately three hours after the initial explosion.
Sources within the UPF military have stated that the station was attacked, but did not have ready answers as to who is responsible or why the station was attacked.
---END NEWS FEED---

The crew heads out to do some snooping around on their would be assassins the next day. A chance encounter in their hotel lobby causes a short firefight.

Ta'Rang ends up shooting Shr'kaak who is rushed to a hospital. The rest of the crew retreat to the hotel, a heated argument over the actions of everyone inolved ensues.

They ultimately decide on a quick exit from the hotel and head to their newly retrofitted ship to decide on the next course of action while waiting for Shr'kaak to recover. They keep a very low profile from this point forward.

---START NEWS FEED---
Secretary of Elections Appointed
Since his bold assumption of role as Commander in Chief of the human colonies, Xavier Viducci has wasted no time on appointing a Secretary of Elections to oversee the special election to establish a central government for the Earth colonies. Such action is clearly spelled out in the Frontier Protocols Act and former ambassador Viducci has acted with great haste to begin the process.
John Ramses, formerly of the UPF Marines, was named as the Secretary of Elections. Mr. Ramses has served as a military advisor to the consulate for nearly a decade and prior to that was UPF Commander of Fleet Deployment . Secretary Ramses was unavailable for comment at this time.

--
Three Survivors of Space Station Found Dead
Three crew members that escaped the Theseus Commerce disaster were found dead this morning in an apartment in Maze. Details are sketchy, but it looks like the three were celebrating their survival of the horrific incident when somebody forced entry into their home and brutally murdered them.
Maze Police have stated that the murders were not immediately commited, stating that the murderer subdued the victims and physically tortured them for an unknown amount of time before killing them.
If you have any information that can assist the Maze Police in locating and apprehending the perpetrator of this heinous act, call your local police department.

--
UPF Committee to Debate Mechan Petition
After hearing the petition from the representatives of Mechan, the UPF Council has agreed to hear arguments against the inclusion of the artificially intelligent beings. Among those protesting are Sathar War veteran groups who will remind the Council that the Mechans were created by the Sathar as weapons of war and cannot be trusted.
We cannot allow this travesty to continue unchecked,inches states Yalarmi, a Dralsite veteran. inchesWe fought and died in that war and the Mechans were the primary weapons that the worms threw at us. To allow them as UPF citizens would undermine everything that we fought for. Can you imagine them working in highly sensitive areas? Before you know it they'd sabotage our entire defense network and nuke us to extinction!inches
Delegates from Mechan expressed sadness at the reactions of the protestors, but stated that they felt the UPF Council would make a fair and impartial ruling on the matter.
---END NEWS FEED---

[ghost-angel]

Season 01 - Episode 007 (Season Episode 07 of 19)
[That last post... not enough story... next Episode!]
---START NEWS FEED---
Hentz Butcher Involved in Hotel Shootout; Vrusk Dead
A former member of the Yazarian military was involved in a deadly shootout yesterday at the New Athens Colliseum Hotel in which a vrusk bystander was slain. Details are sketchy, but our photographer caught a photo of the infamous Hentz Butcher, Ta'Rang, leaving the Colliseum. He was later spotted at the Minos Starport.

As many readers will remember, Ta'Rang was involved in the brutal assassination of Dar'Gran, son of influential yazarian businessman Dar'Gredick. No formal charges were filed at the time of that incident and once again, the Hentz Butcher walks away without any punitive actions taken against him.

The Vrusk victim has not been identified. He was transported to New Athens Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Another yazarian was seen being escorted away by New Athens police. That person remains unidentified.
---END NEWS FEED---

A whole week has passed. Shr'kaak is recovering nicely and has been released from the hospital. It is nearing time for you to depart Theseus and there is a slight snag. The dockmaster, upon final inspection of the ship has refused to clear it on grounds that they have no physician on board.

Milo: A physician. We need a physician. I knew I was forgetting something.
Shr'kaak hitches a bus to join the others at the station. Henry is at the starport, looking for an oppertunity to get off-planet. Ta'Rang sits in the weapons room installing his new scope on the laser rifle. Wade confronts the dockmaster.
Wade: We have an autobot!
Dockmaster: Yes sir I know you do, checks out right here on the inventory.
Wade: So why is that not sufficient?
Dockmaster: But what doesn't check out is a live physician. According to UPF standards, a live physician must be aboard any vessel that has a jump drive. On the Route, you can pull into a station. Out in the Black, you must have a physician. Sorry. Until you get one, this vessel stays put.
Caspar walks up to the dockmaster, The Dockmaster turns to the dralasite.
Dockmaster: May I help you out with something?
Caspar: Does someone need a doctor?
Wade looks at the drasalite.
Dockmaster: Well these folks do. You know one?
Wade: Yeah do you know a doctor?
Caspar: I am a doctor
Wade: Great, you are hired. Get onboard and report to Shr'kaak he will handle your pay and berthing.
Ta'Rang finishes inspecting rifle and gives it a final wipe down before storing it in the locker. Wade truns back to the dockmaster.
Wade: Now are you satisfied?
Dockmaster: You bet I am, (To Caspar) just as soon as I see your credentials.
Ta'Rang walks out into command center.
Caspar: Yes, I'll go with your ship.
Dockmaster: Not so fast. I need to see some sort of credentials to prove you're a doctor.
Caspar shows its license. Ta'Rang walks over to hatch and looks out. Ta'Rang now has a full view of the argument going on with the Dockmaster and the crew about the doc. The Dockmaster looks over the file on his datapad. "Everything looks in order. I'll go ahead and clear you now."
Wade: Whew. About time. Thanks for your support
Dockmaster: Always a pleasure.

Shr'kaak arrives, carrying his bags and all bandaged up. Milo greets Cowboy and helps him in with his bags.
Shr'kaak: Greetings friends. Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated. Thank you Milo.
Milo: Good to have you back
Shr'kaak: Thank you.
Ta'Rang: Hey Cowboy you look pretty good for a dead bug.
Shr'kaak stares at Ta'Rang for a moment and then gives a slight shrug.
Wade: Boy I am glad to see you back.
Milo watches hesitantly as Ta'Rang and Cowboy greet each other. Ta'Rang holds out his hand, No hard feelings.
Shr'kaak: It has passed and the proper reports have been filed. So long as you can control yourself in the future it is no longer my concern.
Shr'kaak awkwardly takes the Yazarian's hand, his flat hand pads not quite rotating correctly for the handshake.

Henry heads over to Milo, making with the friendliness. Wade turns to Milo and Henry.
Wade: Now what. . .
Milo looks at Henry "Can I help you?"
Henry: Hey. Sorry if I'm interrupting anything, but I was wondering - see, I'm thinking of getting into shipspotting.
Milo: Shipspotting? What's that?

Ta'Rang: Ok so long as you don't shoot me I won't shoot you, agreed.
Ta'Rang takes Shr'kaak's bag from Milo and carries it into the ship.
Shr'kaak: Ta'Rang, I will do what I must to preserve life and uphold the law, in that order. I avoid unnecessary violence always, and would take all precautions not to use lethal force with my allies.

Henry: You know. See a ship, captain gives you a quick tour before liftoff, you write it in an online journal, share experiences, it's a hobby. I mean - this ship. your ship, I mean. . . It's perfect. It's. . . well, it's -real- is what it is. Real life. I wish I had my camera.
Wade: Well sorry friend but we aren't a tour ship.
Henry: Oh, of course you aren't. If you were a tour ship I wouldn't at all be interested in taking a tour.
Milo: Hmm. sounds like a waste of time. Why don't you take a position on a ship and get real experience?
Wade looks at the ship then back at Henry and smirks.
Wade: Perfect?

Ta'Rang: Yeah, Ok. By the way I didn't know that So'Runn was an ally of yours.
Shr'kaak: Ally? Of who's?

Henry: There's no reason I couldn't. Technically I'm between jobs, so I got the time. Where's she headed?
Wade: Are you bonkers? or are you're a crazy yazarian in disguise?
Milo: Wade, he's too skinny to be a Yazarian.
Wade: What skills can you offer? True, Milo.
Henry: My last job, I worked as a Comm-marketer. I know my way around a communications console.
Wade: We have a pilot, an engineer, a gun bunny, and a business manager/PI, oh yeah and now a doctor.
Shr'kaak sweeps the antique cowboy hat off his head and gives a slight bow.
Wade: Hmmm, what do you think Milo we could use a comm and someone who knows business.
Milo: Can you operate sensors, too?
Shr'kaak: Pleased to meet you?

Ta'Rang: Yours, that's why you shot at me isn't it?
Shr'kaak: No Ta'Rang. I was protecting a prisoner from unnecessary harm.
Milo shouts back over his shoulder "'Rang... you and Cowboy lighten up! It's over!"
Ta'Rang: I was protecting Wade from being killed by So'Runn.
Wade looks at TaRang, "WHAT! I had him dead to rights..."
Ta'Rang looks over his shoulder at Milo. Caspar listens to Ta'rang and the cowboy.

Henry: Not much call for sensors in comm-marketing, but I'm an extremely quick learner. If you've got an operator's manual and someone who can show me the ropes. I could be doing sensors within a week. Maybe two if you have a legacy system.
Wade: Hmm, well perhaps I can teach you the basics. What do you think Milo?
Milo shrugs.
Henry: To be honest, I could use the experience.

Shr'kaak: Wade, Milo May I speak with you privately for a moment?
Milo: Wait here. I'll be right with you.
Wade: Excuse me a minute.
Shr'kaak: (whispering) I think we should probably clear this with the UPF first, don't you? If anything, someone operating our ship's equipment might wonder at how well it is outfitted for such a ragtag bunch as us.
Milo: If nothing else, he'll free up someone important.
Shr'kaak: clears his throat.
Wade: (whispering) I agree the LT will probably have somehing to say about this, plus we need a destination.
Milo: (whispering) Our equipment isn't all that different form standard sensors. And Alvarez told us to go about normal business.
Shr'kaak: I see we have another guest. Perhaps we can introduce ourselves in a moment?
(whispering to Wade, Milo) All right. Well you would know that part better than I Milo. If you think it won't raise suspicion, I suppose we can invite them aboard and meanwhile send a status update to Lt. Alvarez.
Milo: (whispering) Yeah, I think it will be okay. I think we need to decide who is acting captain this week.

Shr'kaak: nods and walks back to the newcomers. Wade turns back to Henry and Caspar "Before we proceed I am going to need you ID cards." Wade holds out his hand.
Henry: Right. ID.
Ta'Rang: leans up against the bulkhead and watches the proceedings. Henry takes out an ID card, handing it to Wade. Caspar does the same. Wade takes the proffered IDs.
Wade: Thanks
Wade walks over to Ta'Rang. Ta'Rang looks at Wade. Wade hands the cards to Ta'Rang who takes the ID cards and walks off the ship.

Shr'kaak: Well then. We need proper introductions. I am Shr'kaak, Private Investigator. *Holds out his card to Henry and Caspar*
Milo walks back to Henry and Caspar.
Henry: Oh. *takes the card* Well, I'm Henry. I. . . don't have a business card.
Shr'kaak: That is quite all right. If you need my services, feel free to inquire.
Henry: I may just do that someday.
Milo: Okay, you two. welcome aboard. You should be aware up front that, with a small crew, everyone needs to be multi-talented. So, you'll each have other duties in addition to your stated position. Wade looks at Henry and Caspar "My Yazarian friend is just running a quick background check, just a formality, he'll be right back." Wade smiles disarmingly.
Henry: A background check? Ah, yes, well. . . hopefully it shouldn't take too long. I'd hate to hold you up.
Wade: Hmm, you appear unsettled. Anything we need to be aware of?
Milo: I'm Milo Mahoney. chief engineer and, apparently, acting Captain this week. Yes, we switch off the command duties as well, but you don't need to concern yourself with that at the moment. You two aren't in the command loop just yet.
Milo eyes Henry and waits for his answer to Wade's question.
Henry: No. Just - well, this is so spur of the moment, if I had known I was signing on a crew this morning, I would have brought some character references.
Wade purses his lips.
Henry: And a change of underwear, but that's something we can worry about later. We're about the same size, right?
Wade: Hmm, well ok we'll give you the benfit oif the doubt until the check comes back. We just have to be cautious.
Milo snickers, Wade grins.
Caspar: knock knock?
Milo: who's there?
Caspar: Banana.
Milo: Banana who?
Caspar: banabanaba *Caspar laughs*

Ta'Rang returns to the ship and says to Wade "They both checked out."
Wade: And stay away from my underwear. Especially when I'm wearing them
Shr'kaak looks a little confused. *His antenae wave uncertainly.*
Henry: Don't worry. I joke a bit, but I've got no intention of going where no man has gone before.
Wade smacks his head and groans. Milo tries hard to keep from laughing... tears streaming down his red face.
Ta'Rang: (whispering) Henry's Id is fake but let's just watch for a while, this is from Lt. Alverez.
Wade: Well you guys appear to check out. Shall we get aboard?
Shr'kaak: glances down for a moment ands acknowledges a text message on his personal comm unit. Ta'Rang hands back their ID cards.
Caspar: Thanks.
Wade looks to Milo. "OK where are we off to Captain, Sir" He salutes smartly and grins.
Milo rolls his eyes. Henry takes back his ID card. "Thank you."
Ta'Rang shakes his head and walks aboard.
Wade: I can't wait to kick the tires and light the fires.

Alvarez also sent a mission brief with Ta'Rang's messages. It simply states 'You should travel and pick up whatever kind of work they can. Make your way to Outpost #1 in six months time. While you are gone, see what you can find out, if anything, about the attack. Further orders will be waiting at Outpost #1.'

Ta'Rang: Buckle up folks.
Milo: Well, do we have a cargo?
Shr'kaak: Yes. That is a good question.
Caspar: Show me to the sickbay, please.
Milo: Lifting empty is a sure way to go broke.
Ta'Rang: No not yet, Shr'kaak do you think you can round us up some work?
Shr'kaak: I may be able to do that, Ta'Rang.
Ta'Rang: I don't think I want to go to guild right now if you know what I mean.
Henry: (To Wade) So... this communications and sensor system. Would now be a good time to take a look at it?
Wade: Yeah now is as good a time as any. come along.
Henry nods and follows Wade to the bridge. Wade starts to show henry how to operate the comm and sensors. Henry is good with the communications - like he said - but he's unfamiliar with the sensors, although he seems to grasp things quickly.

Ta'Rang takes the doc to sickbay.
Ta'Rang: well here is sickbay Doc
Caspar: thanks.
Ta'Rang: If you need anything use the intercom. ok . by the way you want us to call yopu doc or casper?
Caspar inspects the sickbay. "Doesn't matter."

Shr'kaak pulls Milo aside for a moment. (whispering to Milo) "Milo - Do you know someplace we might be able to get some expert assistance with that computer core? Someone we could trust?"
Milo: (whispering) The only thing I can think of is give it to Alvarez. But I don't know if that's wise this late in the game. He may wonder why we didn't hand it over at the beginning.
Ta'Rang: Hey Milo how good is our main computer.
Milo: It's pretty good. But it's not an AI
Shr'kaak: (whispering) Well, keep working at it and let's keep our eyes out for any chance of bettering our chances there then.
Ta'Rang: I wonder if it's up to a little extra work load.
Milo: (whispering) Not much I can do, but I'll keep at it.
She'kaak: (whispering) All right. Take your time. Something may come to you.

Shr'kaak settles into a seat and places a phone call to the local police.
Police Dispatch: Thank you for calling New Athens Police Department. You're call is very important to us. Please listen to the following message. If you wish to report a crime or have an officer dispatched, press 1. If you would like....
Shr'kaak: presses zero. After some waiting. . .
Police Dispatch: New Athens Police Department. How may I help you?
Shr'kaak: Ah. Greetings. My name is Shr'kaak. I am a private investigator. I would like to talk to someone in charge please. Your captain, perhaps?
Police Dispatch: And might I ask what this about? The Captain usually doesn't take calls through this line, so I would like to brief him before I transfer.
Shr'kaak: Oh, of course. I am setting up business in the area, and I want to make sure I don't step on the department's toes. Too much, that is....
Police Dispatch: Well sir, typically you would come to city hall for that. You know set up a business license and have the appropriate background checks run. I'm not sure why you would need to speak to the captain.
Shr'kaak: Oh yes. I know all that. It's just that private investigators can sometimes be in the midst of things, and it behooves us to coordinate with the local authorities, you understand? At times you may not fully appreciate my methods, and so I would like to discuss policy.
Police Dispatch: Well, I will see if he will take the call. I promise nothing however. Please hold.
Shr'kaak: smirks in an insectoid fashion, curving his antenae complacently.

Caspar: I am very good on the computer. I put the ack in hack.
Ta'Rang: *looks at Milo* What do you think about letting Casper work on the log?

After a short pause....
Shr'kaak: (Aside) He'll take it. If only to yell at me. All to the good.
Watch Captain: This is Captain Whipple of the New Athens Police Department. How may I help you?
Shr'kaak: Ah, Captain! So good to meet you. My name is Shr'kaak. Private investigator extraordinare at your service! I am setting up business in the area. With all the recent infocasts it seems you folks need all the help you can get.
Watch Captain: Well it seems that you want something from me, so I guess I am at YOUR service.
Shr'kaak: Now, my methods are a little unconventional, of course. But I am sure the two of us will get along fabulously given some time.
Watch Captain: Sure. what is it exactly that you wanted?

Henry: (to Wade) This bit here seems a little counter-intuitive, are you using the same sensors for normal space as you do for FTL?
Wade: (To Henry) There really is only one type of array. There is no way to detect a ship in Void Space. So we use just the one sensor system mostly in normal space. We can use it when we are in void space to detect other things in void space, but I have never actually detected anyhing there.
Henry: Oh. so. . . hmm, maybe I've been overcomplicating this. Okay, now, where's the big red button I'm never to push under any circumstances? I think I'm good for right now if I know which button that is and never touch it.
Wade grins.

Shr'kaak: I will at times have to make contact with folks in your department, you understand? Not that I wish to take up TOO much of your valuable time, but paperwork must be filed, situations must be explained.... You get the idea.
Watch Captain: Uh huh. You coming to a point here soon?
Shr'kaak: Also, where my work crosses certain legal boundaries I will of course have to get some of your personel involved.
Watch Captain: Of course.
Shr'kaak: It may be a heavier workload than you are used to. I am very efficient at my job. And let me assure you, the number of times I have to act in self defence and someone winds up getting hurt or killed...well, minimal. Quite. I assure you.
Watch Captain: What are you getting at? This is an odd conversation.

Milo: (whispering to Shr'kaak) What the hack are you up to?!?
Wade: That's classified If I showed you the big red button I'd have to kill you.

Shr'kaak: Oh, just a friendly informative, captain. And just in case you had anything to reciprocate informationally.
Watch Captain: Well, if there was something "informational" I'd be sure to let you know. Is there anything else I can help you with?
Shr'kaak: Of course, if you knew of any business in nearby systems, Captain, I do have access to a sharship, so I may consider business elsewhere for a time. Things seem awfully hot here on Theseus though.
Watch Captain: If you are looking to snoop down something, I hear that Waller Nexus is always a good place to visit, as would be Lynchpin. Lots of traffic through there. Lots of unsavory characters.
Shr'kaak: Oh! Well thank you for that information Captain. You wouldn't happen to know of anyone in particular I might contact there, would you? Going elsewhere might not be so lucrative if I don't have at least an initial contact.
Watch Captain: 'fraid not. You might try somebody at the FWF lounge. Seems to be where the almost shady hang out.

Henry: Aw, but then what if I push it, not knowing what it is. Maybe I think it's the gellato maker, and all of a sudden, I have a craving for some ice cream. Next thing you know, we're miles off course.
Ta'Rang: (to Henry) Then we throw the comm operator out thre air lock. By the way , Henry are you carry any weapons on you?
Henry: No. *Henry pauses.* No - I like to avoid situations where they're necessary.
Ta'Rang looks at Henry hard.
Ta'Rang: I don't like surprises, you understand
Henry: Clear as crystal. No surprises.
Ta'Rang: Good.

Shr'kaak: Well thank you Captain. I'll consider that. If anything comes to mind, please let me know. Meanwhile, don't be surprised if my name comes up in your investigations. I'm sure we will be seeing a lot of each other.
Watch Captain: Well then. You have a nice day.
Shr'kaak hangs up.
Wade: So Shr'kaak what was that all about? Did you get us some work, or cargo?
Shr'kaak: Kthkthkth. Well it was worth a try. He wasn't as eager to get rid of me as I thought he would be. But then, perhaps a distant opportunity or two will just happen to spring up anyway. We'll see. No. But perhaps I haven't had enough time to work up enough of a reputation in this city.
Wade: Okay...
Shr'kaak: Shall we check out the local FWF groundside? At least there are usually some passers through. Business opportunities perhaps.
Ta'Rang: Well we don't want to leave empty, don't they have a commercnce center around here?
Wade looks to Milo. "Now what mine kapitan?"
Milo: Check with the dockmaster's office, they usually know if there's any cargo waiting.
Ta'Rang: My reputation is already spread aroud the city.
Wade smirks "Ya think!"
Shr'kaak: Would YOU like to try the police then Ta'Rang?
Ta'Rang: NO!
Shr'kaak: Heh. *Shakes his head and starts pulling up the classifieds.*

Henry looks out the window at the spaceport for a second. Henry thinks to himself that this is the perfect crew. Motley enough to skirt the law, not motley enough to shoot him in the back.

Wade calls the dockmasters office.
Wade: Yeah Bernie, this is Wade we are in need of a cargo load and I was told you are the man with the plan. We can carry 1.5 ktons or 168 cubic meters
Shr'kaak: Well, apparently Lynchpin may be lucrative business wise. That doesn't help our immediate dilemma though.
Ta'Rang: Hey Milo does this ship have a place where we can workout?
Wade: How soon can you have us loaded?
Milo: The cargo bay, when it's empty.
Ta'Rang: I gotta feeling I will be in need of some exercise or some kind of workout before we land at our next stop.
Wade: Ok, yeah with a two week window we are good if you can load us today
Ta'Rang: loks at Wade "Two weeks?"
Wade: Ok. Thanks see you in an hour....
Wade hangs up.
Ta'Rang: What Wade?
Wade turns to the others. Shr'kaak looks up.
Wade: I have arranged us a load of medicals for the Liberty Naval Station.
Milo: Hmmm, not bad. How much are we getting?
Wade: We have to load cargo in an hour and we have two weeks to get it there. We will be boosting at full power the whole way to make it
Wade looks sheepish.
Wade: How much? I forgot to ask...
Ta'Rang: Won't you be cutting it close?

The Dockmaster is laughing.

Milo: Hmmm, I think we'll leave the cargo duties to someone who thinks of money instead of "Kicking tires and lighting fires."
Wade: Ack! Well I got the cargo, and the Navy has to be good for it. We'll ask when we load. It's part of my master plan.
Ta'Rang: ha ha
Henry: If it's the Navy, they probably have a set payment scheme... militaries tend to be one-price only shoppers. Only thing I'd worry about is making sure the military pays COD - if you have to make a return trip here to collect the fee. well, you're spending twice as much fuel.
Wade: Ok well we need to get fired up and warp over to berth 163 for loading
Shr'kaak: eyes the seats.
Shr'kaak: (Grumbling) Going to have to do something about these.
Wade heads for the main pilots seat.
Henry: Okay, so where am I during this?
Wade: Milo, let me know when we are ready to lift.
Ta'Rang: They loading us or are you, Wade?
Milo: The seats are adjustable, Cowboy, and I think we're ready for a short hop over to the loading berth.
Wade straps in and gets ready too play an ancient rock song called "Danger Zone."
Wade: They are.
Ta'Rang: Good for you Buddy.
Wade: I hope, forgot to ask that too.
Shr'kaak shrugs and straps himself in, not looking very comfortable even with the seat back crammed down as far as it will go. His rear legs wrap precariously around the seat back.
Milo: (grins) I like the way you put that, 'Rang.
Henry heads over to an unoccupied seat, after motioning to make sure he's not taking someone else's.
Ta'Rang: Yeah.
Milo: Grab a pew, people, the sermon is startin'
Ta'Rang: sit down at the weapons console, Caspar takes a seat and buckles up. Ta'Rang looks at Wade, "No 540s."
Wade thinks I wonder how many gees I can pull just changing berths.

Once they get to the berth a group of Dockworkers, Local 117, loads up the cargo. The Dockmaster is present with a clipboard.
Dockmaster: So who do I get the pleasure of dealing with?
Wade greets the dockmaster.
Wade: Hi are you Bernie *Wade offers his hand*
Shr'kaak disembarks, introducing himself and providing his card to the dockmaster.
Dockmaster: You bet. Here is a standard Terran Navy contract. It specifies 25tm per unit times the number of lightyears traveled. I have 75 units and you need to go 13.5 lightyears. That's 25312.5tm.
Wade: And this is my business partner, don't mind the bandages.
Shr'kaak: Pleased to meet you.
Wade looks at Shr'kaak and shrugs.
Wade: sounds good to me. . . I guess.
Ta'Rang looks at Milo "Are we making or losing money on this deal?"
Shr'kaak smiles pleasantly (or perhaps not) and let's the others do the talking, as isn't familiar with the going rates outside his own trade.
Milo: What's the value of the cargo? should be on the manifest.
Henry heads to the cargo bay to see the negotiation taking place.

The manifest lists supplies purchased for about twice the cost of the shipment. Medicines and other medical supplies.
Wade: Well by golly it sounds to me like we got a fair deal. So where does Milo sign?
Dockmaster: Right here. *The Dockmaster points to the signature block and thumbprint scanner.*
Milo shoots a dirty look at Wade. Wade grins at Milo. Henry walks down the cargo, taking a rough count of the cargo to see that it's all there.
Wade: Glad I could help, Captain.
Milo: I'll sign for the cargo when it's on the ship.
The cargo only takes about half an hour to load.
Shr'kaak helps, lightly due to his injury, with the loading and chats with the workers in the process.

And so the cargo is loaded and signed for. Within a few minutes after that, the ship is on its way.
Milo: We're outta here!
Wade: Cool. Time to test ther inertial dampeners
Ta'Rang: Wade how much leeway do we have in making this run to the shipyards
Wade: about 4 hours. Ok after everyone is strapped in. . .
Shr'kaak straps in.
Ta'Rang: That's kinda close don't you think?
Wade: Yep. kinda close, so hang on.
Wade boosts at full burn. . .
Milo: Wait! we don't have inertial. . . AAAAAHHHHHH!!
Henry feels his face smush. Milo feels his internal organs liquify. Shr'kaak clamps himself as tightly as possible to his chair.
Wade: Ok, if I start to black out I'll back off. A little.
Ta'Rang: Hey Milo can you make this ship go any faster.
Milo: NO!!

After traveling for several hours, Wade opens the Void Gate and. . .

As you slip through the Void Gate, you feel like somebody just poured icy water down your spine. The ship somehow seems a bit smaller than it is.
A momentary sensation, almost like a memory, of you fleeing something terribly frightening, flashes in your head.
All then goes quiet. The rest of the crew seem to have not been affected by whatever you experienced.
Each member crew member is affected slightly differently by entry into and travel through The Void.

Wade: Yeesh I hate that. I love flying but the jump always creeps me out. Its like there is something malevolent just waiting. And watching.
Ta'Rang: Well I think I'll go lay down for a while *Ta'Rang walks back to his state room*
Henry: So.
Caspar holds its head and moans. Wade looks at the Drasalite. Milo fiddles with something in his right hand, but nobody can see what it is.
Wade: Great we have a doctor with void sickness.
Henry heads over to the sensors and communications. Not that he knows what he's doing with the sensors, or expects anyone to contact the ship in the Void, but, well, never hurts to look busy on the first day on the job.
Wade: Do you need a valium Doc?
Shr'kaak takes a while to get over the sensation, then goes and takes good advantage of the relatively lower gravity. The crew hears him thumping around in the hallway from time to time.
Wade: Well folks we are set. We need to establish a bridge watch rotation then we can all take turns catching up on reading, sleeping, knitting or whatever.

Caspar tries to break the security on the memory core during th Void trip, though some of the crew has hesitations about letting the Drasalite try.
Wade: I say let it try. What can it hurt with us watching and in voidspace.
Milo: Okay by me. I sure can't do anything with it.
Henry: Sorry guys if I overheard something I wasn't supposed to, but what are you guys talking about again?
Ta'Rang: Nothing you need to know right now, Henry.
Caspar: well i tried but i could not get in.
Henry: 'Kay.
Caspar: sorry. I thought i was good
Shr'kaak looks a little worried about the newcomers knowing about this without trust being established, but says nothing. Wade watches with a bemused look on his face. Wade turns to Henry.
Wade: Well before we give you a crack at this. Would you care to explain why you gave us a false ID?
Ta'Rang: Well?
Henry looks around, at the rest of the crew. Wade folds his arms and smiles disarmingly.
Henry: Well, the thing is... the thing is that... I... didn't... want to give you my real ID. I suppose you're going to want more elaboration?
Shr'kaak: We may not all have spotless backgrounds, Henry. Believe me.
Wade: Well it would help... especially since we might be able to help... and we have a few skeletons of our own.
Ta'Rang: If you seen the news you know who I am
Henry: I suppose the right question to ask would be how much do you want to know? I've heard great things about plausible deniability.
Wade: Well, ok I'll tell you what. I am going to give a a little background on what you've gotten yourself into by joining with us then you decide what about yourself to divulge, then we decide how much to trust each other.
Henry: That sounds fair.
Wade: We are the only surviviors of the Attack on that space station last week. Excpet for one other person. And now we have been warned that someone powerful is trying to kill us
Shr'kaak emits a couple of barely audible clicks, but says nothing.
Wade: That is why we wanted to get off planet so quickly. We have already had one foiled attempt. So we either hang together or we most assuredly hang seperatley. Your turn.
Henry: Wait.
Ta'Rang: Why should we?
Wade grins maliciously.
Henry: You're survivors of the Thesius Commerce station?
Wade: thats right brother. And by joining our crew you painted a huge target on your back.
Henry: Would... you... be holding much of a grudge about that?
Ta'Rang: So who are you?
Shr'kaak listens attentively, his antenae upright and waving very slightly.
Wade: Hmm... it depends... I mean we didn't actually you know... DIE... but now I get the sneaky feeling you know something about who attacked the station.
Milo stands in the background taking it all in.
Henry: Before you kill me, please listen to the whole story. A few days ago, I was a law student. God, where to begin.
Ta'Rang looks intently at Henry.
Ta'Rang: How about the beginning.
Wade looks at TaRang and smiles.
Henry: It starts with my sister.
Wade: Wow understanding. That's growth.
Henry: She and I were orphans... and we didn't always get the best of foster homes. She always looked out for me - we both had some rough times, but she always sheltered me from the worst of it.
Ta'Rang: So you had a rough life and?
Henry: She bluffed her way into getting me into school - and when it came time for college... she helped me with that, too - a job, offworld, where I didn't have much contact. But the tuition checks kept coming. So I kinda knew she was okay - if distant. I last spoke to her a few months ago. That was the last I heard from her.
Ta'Rang: Where was she working at?
Henry: She was evasive about it but I didn't, you have to understand, she's my sister. I trusted her, trust her, implicitly.
Wade starts to listen intently at the mention of a woman.
Ta'Rang: So how did you communicate with her?
Shr'kaak has discreetly taken out his notepad and is making small notations now and then.
Henry: Mostly by e-communicae. Online. A few days ago, some cops came to my doorstep and started asking me questions about Liza. in regards to the Theseus station explosion.
Shr'kaak: Cops? Did they show identification?
Henry: Yeah, as far as I know, these were real cops. Took me down to the station and everything.
Ta'Rang: What did you tell them ?
Shr'kaak: Local or UPF?
Henry: The ones who picked me up and interrogated me were UPF.
Shr'kaak: Thank you. *makes another note and nods to proceed.*
Henry: And the truth is, I don't actually know anything about this. I don't know what my sister has to do with any of it. They thought I was holding out and I asked for my lawyer, but I didn't see one coming.
Ta'Rang: What were their names?
Wade: So if yoiu didn't have anything to do with attacking the station why would you think we would kill you?
Henry: Agents Stadorf and Walder. I don't know. You might have jumped to the same conclusions the cops did. I had to bolt, they weren't going to give me a lawyer, and they weren't going to let me out of there until I either gave them what they wanted, which I didn't have, or they could find some stupid other crime to charge me with. And well, I've got a record. Juvenile, only, but it's there, and let's just say they made it clear that I had no other options. If they would have given me a lawyer I would have taken my chances. But these guys aren't interested in due process. They're, Well, there you go. That's it. That's the whole, messy story.
Ta'Rang: How did you get a fake ID? And from who?
Shr'kaak: Hmm. We have some questions about what happened also. Perhaps you will be able to provide some helpful connections about the whole affair.
Henry: It's a forgery. I made it.
Ta'Rang: Sloppy job.
Henry: I was rushed.
Shr'kaak: So did your sister ever mention any names that you can think of?
Ta'Rang: So what do you think of his story?
Henry: No, but her name is Liza Djenious. That's with a Z, not an S, and a J, not a G.
Shr'kaak: Looks at the Dralasite, knowing their reputation about such things.
Caspar: He smells honest.
Shr'kaak: Well Henry, you might have been a little more proactive about your sister; it would worry me if my associates might be involved in something unscrupulous. But I don't see that you have any fault in the matter otherwise.
Henry: I know that I should have asked where the money was coming from but, she's my sister. You have to understand, she's like a mother to me. And well, you learn not to ask some things.
Wade: Ok well do we let you into the circle of trust?
Shr'kaak hesitates over it for a moment, then nods slightly. "I suppose I can understand such feelings."

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Season 01 - Episode 008 (Season Episode 08 of 19)
---START NEWS FEED---
Artificial Grav as Anti-Grav?
Scientists at the Terran Institute of Aerospace Engineering unveiled plans today to test artificial gravity generators to produce anti-gravity.

According to Stephen Landing of the institute, by using the artificial gravity generators to create a negative gravity envelope around a space vessel, the object can repel itself away from the gravity of a planet or star. The hypothetical models do indicate that the anti-gravity would have limited use away from massive gravity wells.

The commercial appliations for this type of application are numerous. Chemical rockets would become a secondary orbital propulsion system and may eventually be replaced altogether. The cost per payload benefit is incalculable in the long term.

Initial testing is scheduled on Liberty in two weeks.
---END NEWS FEED---

During the void trip the crew stays out of each others way. The uneasy feeling never quite goes away in Void Space. Shr'kaak is practicing his acrobatics as best he can. He makes ample use of the hallways, even decorating them temporarily for the purpose from time to time. Henry takes a try at breaking the protection on the pilfered memory core. Caspar hangs out in its sickbay, organizing things to its liking. Ta'Rang spends his time going over the archives of the Hentz Butcher, frowning at the media's distortion of his actions. Wade mostly hangs out on the bridge.

Thirteen and a half days pass and Wade is sitting at the controls. Shr'kaak quietly enters the cabin and straps himself in as it draws time to return to normal space. Wade straps in aftert donning his G suit.
Ta'Rang: What's up Wade, are we coming out of the Void yet?
Milo sounds general quarters and braces for the crash.
Wade: We are dropping out of void. Get ready for acceleration.
Ta'Rang sits down at weapons console and straps in, Caspar takes a seat and also straps in.
Ta'Rang: Hey doc you gotta barf bag ready?

Leaving the Void is, as always, a great relief. Muscles they didn't even know were tensed up are suddenly relaxed. What greets the crew, however, is nothing short of shocking. Several dry docks have been assembled and a massive fleet of ships are in various stages of completion. The size of the incomplete armada is equally as large as the UPF fleet. They all have Terran Navy markings.

Wade: Whoa!
Ta'Rang: Looks at those ships.
Shr'kaak goes still and issues a few muted clicks of surprise.
Ta'Rang: Man I'd like to tour some of those ships
Milo: Godfrey Daniels on a pogo stick!!
Wade: Hmmm, well then We need Henry to open a channel and request an approach vector.
Milo: Yeah. Don't wanna give these guys any reason to open fire on us.
Wade: Thats cool, our cargo was for the TERRAN Naval base... not UPF
Shr'kaak: So this fleet must be from your homeworld?

Only a few of the ships are completed and only a few more anywhere near completion.
Wade: Hmm, well my races home world. I've never actually been to Terra.
Ta'Rang: arn't they along way from your planet, Wade?
Milo: Yes, they are. And they wouldn't be out here without a reason.
Wade: This is most likely a forward ship yard as it cost less to build and repair them here than to do it all there and bring them so far.
Shr'kaak: Hmm. I think Mr. Viducci may have stepped on some toes here. We'd better keep our mouths shut and our antenae receptive. Or your equivalent, of course.
Wade grins and tries to wiggle his ears.
Ta'Rang: Well ask them permission to dock.
Shr'kaak: Is the computer core secured in a safe out-of-the-way place?
Milo: Yeah, we can't afford a late delivery. Yes, it is.
Shr'kaak: Good. I think we had better not speak of it for a while. This doesn't look like the place to be asking for help with it.
Wade: I agree.
Ta'Rang: You are right there that's for sure.

Henry gets a course and vector allowing for them to land.
Wade: Excellent.
Milo: Nothing fancy, Wade. Just land the thing.
Ta'Rang: Yeah NO 540's.
Shr'kaak: We probably shouldn't try to contact the UPF while we're in this system either. Let's conduct our business, get what information we can, and find an excuse to move on so we can report.
Milo: Or dock. whatever they said.
Wade brings it in for a perfect FLARED landing.
Milo: Oy Vey.
Wade: OAHHH!!!
Nobody even gets jostled as Wade lands the ship.
Ta'Rang: good job Wade.
Caspar: good.

Ta'Rang: Let's contact the dock master or who ever runs the yard and unload this cargo.
Wade: Good idea.
Milo: Yes.
Shr'kaak: No wonder they needed medical supplies.
Wade calls the dockmaster.

The docking bay is a state of ordered chaos. Workers, bots and others wander around, dodging each other in an attempt to get their individual jobs done. Across the bay, some very large, humanoid robot is holding several steel girders above it's head as a forklift drives underneath.
Milo: And, collect our pay, Wade!!
Ta'Rang: Yeah I don't even want to know if they are medical supplies or not
Shr'kaak: Likely they are. Such things would probably be as valuable as weapons to such a fleet. More so, perhaps.
Ta'Rang: Yah you're probablely right on that one too

A short, skinny human wearing a military jumper walks over to the ship. "Chief Petty Officer Thomas at your service. You delivering or picking up?"

Shr'kaak: There's something else that might be worth keeping in mind. These people are preparing for something. That means they will be psychologically preparing themselves also. Attitudes may not be the best, or the most friendly.

Wade: Delivering Chief.
Wade hands him the manifest.
Dockmaster: Let me see the ... well thank you.
Shr'kaak looks meaningfully at Ta'Rang.
Wade: we have 75 tons of medicals.
the Dockmaster looks over the manifest, checks his watch and turns back to Wade.
Milo: Here it comes.
Dockmaster: It's going to be a while. You may want to check with Supply to see if they can find you some quarters.
Wade: We made it with about an hour to spare Chief. Uhmm, actually we perfer to berth aboard ship, but thanks all the same.
Milo: That's all right... we can stay aboard our ship.
Wade: Where can we arrange an out bound load?
Dockmaster: Yup. Sure did. And looking at the load date, you kept a straight course here. Well done. Still going to take the better part of a day to get the personnel gathered to unload her.
Shr'kaak: I would be happy to help with the unloading, Chief.
Dockmaster: I'll see what I can come up with. Mostly passengers leaving.
Wade: Thats ok, we can carry 16 passengers in low mode.
Milo: We do...? I mean YEAH, we do!
Dockmaster: We'll see when it comes to that. You want to stay on ship, have at it.
Wade: Thanks chief... we'll be standing by to unload on your signal.
Wade gets back on board the ship.
Dockmaster: And thanks Mr. Vrusk, but we have rules against that around here. Feel free to look around the public areas though.
Shr'kaak: As you wish. And thank you. I would be pleased to look around.

Ta'Rang: Hey Doc, I been wondering how it was that just when we needed a Doctor you showed up at that moment?
Milo: (back inside the ship, to Wade) I hate carrying passengers.
Wade: Hmm, I agree, maybe passengers aren't the best way to go.
Shr'kaak: It seems strange that they are ferrying people out, too. Hmm.
Wade: But if we lift empty it can get real expensive to operate the ship.
Ta'Rang: you know how I feel about strangers, Wade.
Shr'kaak: I wouldn't worry too much Wade. We won't be going very far if we have no cargo, and we have made a decent amount on this delivery.
Wade: As I told Milo I agree, but if we don't have any other options, it is better than lifting empty.
Ta'Rang: So Doc you have an answer to my question or not.
Wade: Cool.
Caspar: Just luck.
Milo: Well, if nothing better shows up, we can check the civilian cargo facilities on the planet for anything outbound.
Shr'kaak: I think our stay is going to be difficult enough without our creating conflicts amongst ourselves Ta'Rang. Can you drop it for now?
Ta'Rang: I don't buy that at all.
Wade: Good idea.
Caspar: that's all you're going to get.
Ta'Rang: Why Shr'Kaak you didn't mind when we asked Henry the same question now did you
Milo: Caspar didn't hand us fake ID.
Shr'kaak: No, nor am I saying we shouldn't become fully informed on the matter. But this probably isn't the best place to get heated about such things.
Caspar: I didn't have a fake one *smiles*
Wade shakes his head and hides a grin behind a huge yawn.
Ta'Rang: No but you must admitt it sure was convenient that it was there when we needed one now wasn't it.
Wade: Nice day huh?
Ta'Rang: who is heated I just asked a question that has been bothering me.
Shr'kaak: Yes it was Ta'Rang. But coincidences do happen. We had two weeks to get into this conversation if you wanted to. While the fleet here does make me a bit nervous too, I think we should be focusing our curiosity outword at this time.
Ta'Rang: So you think that now isn't a good time, ok you decide when is then.
Caspar leaves for a few minutes then returns with a small box and holds it out to Ta'Rang.
Caspar: Have a donut *smiles*
Ta'Rang: What's this?
Shr'kaak: All right Ta'Rang. That is fair. When the time is right, we will discuss the matter.
Ta'Rang: Ok.
Caspar: OK. That's fair.
Shr'kaak: I am going to disembark myself. I wish to speak to some of the locals and get a feel for the mood of this place.
Wade laughs.
Ta'Rang: I do need to ask everyone a question. Where are your sidearms?
Wade: do you have any banana flavored donuts in there. Ta'Rang looks at Wade, he smiles.
Henry: What I'm wondering is why the hell there are so many naval ships here. I mean - look at 'em. I've never seen that many ships... and the only time I've seen more sailors was when I got a spyware infection and was locked into a porn-pop-up spiral.
Ta'Rang: I think while we are here they should be put in the armory.
Shr'kaak pauses for a moment, then lifts his leather jacket and displays the electrostunners holstered on his back between his chest and abdomen.
Wade: My gun is hidden in the super top secret smugglers hold.
Henry looks at Shr'kaak.
Wade: Actually my gun is here. *Wade shows his shoulder holster holding the Electrostunner*
Ta'Rang: I don't htink you should be wandering around armed on a military base they may not like that Shr'Kaak.
Shr'kaak: I don't think this it is likely wise to go unarmed here. Unless, of course, you think you might be tempted to use them in other than self-defense.
Wade: Hmm perhaps not but I am not wandering. I am staying on the ship and immediate loading dock, plus I am liscensed.
Ta'Rang: Let's say from my past experiences on military outpost that it is unwise.
Shr'kaak: Indeed. Weapons are sometimes necessary for my profession as well. I do not anticipate trouble from the authorities. This is not like the last situation.
Ta'Rang: I don't want to have to get you out of the brig.
Shr'kaak: To these people we are traders, not potential pirates coming from a decimated station.
Henry: Or fugitives, running from the law.
Wade: I don't want you to have to... again.
Shr'kaak: Me? Out of the brig? That is most unlikely, Ta'Rang.
Ta'Rang: True but as you said their attitudes maybe heighten alittle to the extreme
Milo reads the news and gets a woody.
Ta'Rang: You hope.
Shr'kaak: Yes, which is why it is unwise to be unarmed. It is a last resort, of course, but one I will not be without.

Caspar: Uh guys.
Shr'kaak: Yes Caspar?
Ta'Rang: your choice but you hacve been warned.
Caspar: before anyone leaves the ship, I saw a fellow I think was one of my old professors. And he seemed scared, but I did not let him see me.
Shr'kaak: Oh? Saw him where Caspar? While we were talking to the Dockmaster?
Ta'Rang: Why not?
Caspar: Yes, while we were talking to the dockmaster
Caspar looks out the viewport
Caspar: and there he is.
Caspar points.
Milo: Is he a human or a Dralasite?
Milo and Wade look out where Doc is pointing. Shr'kaak looks non-chalantly out the viewport.
Ta'Rang: Can't see anthing to many bodies in port hole.

The man Caspar points to his an elderly human. He is nearly bald, except for two little tufts above the ears. He is dressed in a business suit and is clutching a hand bag very closely to his body. He is rocking slightly back and forth and may even be muttering to himself.
Wade: Should we invite him in for tea?
Milo: Yeah, do that... he looks in bad shape
Ta'Rang: Well doc you want to see an old Prof.
Wade unseals the the hatch and goes out to the old man. Ta'Rang thinks 'this could be trouble.'

The old guy doesn't even seem to notice you. He is focused on some point about a thousand meters past you.

Shr'kaak: What is he doing out there? Does he seem to be looking for immediate passage or something?
Wade: Hello sir, my name is Milo. Can I offer you a cup of tea?

Wade puts his hand on his shoulder. The man almost leaps out of his skin.
Wade: Steady sir, I'm a friend
Professor Kimble: wha? who are you? What do you want?
Professor Kimble clutches the bag even tighter.
Wade: I am Milo and I have an old friend aboard that would like to say hello over a cup of tea. A Drasalite Doctor.
Professor Kimble: I don't know you. You can't have it.
Professor Kimble puts his hand over his mouth in surprise.

Shr'kaak: Do you think he would recognize you Caspar?
Caspar goes out side to talk.

Wade: It's OK sir I don't want it. You can keep it.
Professor Kimble: You don't want it? Are you mad?
Wade: Oh look there IT is.
Wade points to Caspar.
Professor Kimble: Not that. That's a dralasi... Caspar! How have you been? What are you doing here with this mad man?
Wade: No sir I am not mad, unless I can fly it or Fu...oh never mind.
Caspar: Hi sir, its been long time, can we talk?
Caspar points at wade.
Caspar: he is a friend, but a little strange.
Professor Kimble: Why yes! Always a pleasure. How is your master thesis going? "Expanding the cellular malleabilty of dralasite soft tissue" as I recall.
Wade: Sheesh.
Professor Kimble looks at 'Milo.'

Shr'kaak waits patiently inside, watching carefully through the viewport.
Ta'Rang: are they coming on board or what?

Wade walks back into the ship, the others follow.
Professor Kimble: He's positively bonkers, not to put a fine point on it.
Caspar: It's finished, sir.
Professor Kimble: Oh well done then.
Caspar: I am a dotor now.
Professor Kimble: A doctor!?! My it has been a long time then.
Ta'Rang: Let's escort the Prof tho the galley for tea, Huh?
Caspar: Yes sir.
Professor Kimble: Yes, tea would be good.
Caspar: Good.
Ta'Rang frowns.
Professor Kimble: And who is your yazarian friend?
Ta'Rang: I am Ta Rang
Wade waits til they are in the galley, then reseals the hatch and locks it.
Caspar: I just met them.
Shr'kaak removes his hat and greets the old man politely as they enter.
Professor Kimble: Ta'Rang, from the Rangri bloodline yes? Oh boy, what a particularly savage line that is. Brave, but prone to being a little high strung. Not like the. . .
Professor Kimble looks embarrassed.
Shr'kaak: Greetings Professor. I am Shr'kaak.
Wade grins.
Professor Kimble: I am sorry Ta'Rang. How rude of me.
Ta'Rang: Go on I'm interested in what you know of my family.
Wade: boy did he get that one right, hey buddy?
Professor Kimble: And Shr'kaak. A vrusk. Pleasure to meet you.
Wade pats TaRang on the shoulder. Ta'Rang folds arms over chest.
Shr'kaak: Yes. Likewise Professor. Please make yourself comfortable.

Wade gets a cup of coffee for himself then leans agaisnt the wall and watches, and listens.
Professor Kimble: well, more of a sub-species within the yazarian whole actually. You see, yazarians from different bloodlines show different characterstics. Some have better gliding membranes, some are more stocky. Some aren't affected by bright light. Yours is a younger bloodline, founded from rebels. well, it would take me some time and I can lecture for hours on the subject.
Ta'Rang wishes he had an ale right now.
Caspar: what are you doing here?
Shr'kaak settles himself next to the humanoid furnishings and waits for Caspar to initiate the conversation.
Ta'Rang: Well maybe later then I would be interested to hear what you have to say, Proffessor.
Professor Kimble: Xenoanthropology and how it relates to genetic and social adaptation is my speciality.
Ta'Rang thinks 'this maybe useful.'
Professor Kimble: Well, I was studying the ruins of some of the locals. While quite primitive when the first UPF expedition found them, their far past is remarkable. The dig site at Tulukine has some amazing artifacts. Some of them suggest that they were capable of interstellar travel, though that conclusion is hardly proved yet.
Milo perks up his ears at this bit of news.
Wade: Hmmm... where is Tulukine Professor?
Ta'Rang gets himself a cup 0f coffee and the Professor a tea.
Professor Kimble: I was just returning with some artifacts for the museum on Prenglar.
Wade: Ah so thats what you thought I might want.
Professor Kimble clutches the bag again. He doesn't seem to notice his own action.
Wade: Well professor if it doesn't go fast I am not interested.
Shr'kaak: You seem agitated Professor.
Caspar: What is in the bag?
Wade: By the way I want to apologize, you see I am not Milo. My name is Wade, I just wasn't sure I could trust you.
Milo: You gave him *my* name? *scowls*
Wade grins boysihly.
Wade: I had to think fast *shrugs*

Professor Kimble: Well, it is odd. I've been on Liberty for some time. All of this is really new. Guess I'm not quite used to it.
Caspar: What's wrong?
Shr'kaak: The fleet out here, you mean?
Professor Kimble: Well that is, really, uhm, well strange if you don't mind my saying.
Ta'Rang: Oh? how so?
Shr'kaak: The fleet or Wade's name change?
Ta'Rang: Either I guees.
Professor Kimble: Well Milo or Wade or whatever his name is. If he couldn't trust me then why bother me at all.
Ta'Rang: Because Caspar saw you.
Shr'kaak: It doesn't seem strange to me. Humans are hot tempered and hasty. One of them decided to elect himself Commander in Chief, and others got offended. This is strange?
Wade: Caspar said you were its friend.
Professor Kimble: Oh yes. I see. Still strange, but well let's leave it at that.
Wade: Done.
Professor Kimble: Commander in chief? Who?
Wade settles back to listen some more.
Ta'Rang: Ok that's normal around here.
Shr'kaak: Xavier Viducci. You hadn't heard?
Ta'Rang leans against bulkhaed.
Professor Kimble: As I said, I've been on Liberty and away from contact for some time.
Wade: Hmmm.
Ta'Rang sips his coffee.
Professor Kimble: Why would Xavier do that? He was always so stable as a boy.
Shr'kaak: As a boy? You know him then?

Wade leans over to Milo and whispers in his ear.
Professor Kimble: Well he was one of my students in his youth. A politico, but he had to take some elective classes. Always seemed rather well rounded to me. Strange that he would go and do something so rash. How has Earth responded?
Wade then whispers something in Ta'Rangs ear.
Shr'kaak: Well, it was seemingly done because the Consular fleet missed its deadline, so we can only presume they do not know. That, or this is their response. *Motions to outside.*
Wade nods and then goes outside.
Wade: Excuse me professor.
Professor Kimble: Hmmmn. The Consular fleet missing the deadline is certainly the minimum grounds according to the Frontier Act, but how long has it been?
Ta'Rang moves out of the galley.
Professor Kimble: Why yes Milo.
Milo: Beg pardon?
Professor Kimble: Oh bother! That's right, er Wash was it?
Wade waits in the passageway outside the galley.
Shr'kaak: It has been at least a few weeks Professor. I cannot tell you for sure. I had other pressing matters of a personal nature on my mind when I heard the news.
Ta'Rang walk over to Wade.
Professor Kimble: I see. Well then. If you don't mind, I need to use the facilities. Could you show me where they are?
Shr'kaak: Of course Professor. Right this way.

Ta'Rang: (Whisper to Wade) I think the old man is nuts.

Shr'kaak: Would you like me to hold your bag while you relieve yourself Professor?
Professor Kimble: NO! I mean, it has my medication in it. Have to take my heart medicine.
Henry who has been silent through this whole conversation, remains so.
Shr'kaak: Of course. Of course. Didn't mean to offend. Please, take your time.
He notices that the good professor pulled the bag away from him with some vehemence. Professor Kimble enters the facilities. Wade gets his hand scanner while the professor is in the head.
Ta'Rang: (whispers) He is intellegent but rambles on and changes subjects.

Shr'kaak returns to the others, looking pensive.
Shr'kaak: He has obviously been badly shaken by something.
Caspar: But what?
Shr'kaak: Will he trust you Caspar? Perhaps if we let the two of you have some time to yourselves?
Caspar: No he ready lied to us about the artifact.
Henry: You know, if this were a movie - and it's totally not - the way he freaked out over the bag is what we would call 'foreshadowing.'
Ta'Rang: How do you know that?
Shr'kaak: Well yes, but most of us are strangers to him. Naturally he wouldn't trust us with something of vital importance.
Henry: Not my point. My point is that most of us ARE strangers to him. There's two reasons why a guy gets that nervous. He's either in trouble, or he's about to cause trouble. I'm not saying to throw him to the wolves, I'm just saying, be wary.
Milo: Caspar, how do you know he lied about an artifact?
Caspar: All my people can smell lies
Milo: Oh. I see.
Ta'Rang: Well that's good to know ain't it. So what do we do with the Professor now?
Shr'kaak: And he seemed to be lying when he said he was returning with artifacts, Caspar? That is the part that bothered your sensibilities?
Caspar: Yes.
Shr'kaak: Perhaps we should offer him passage. Is Prenglar on our way?
Ta'Rang: To where?
Shr'kaak: Or in the general direction in any case?

Professor Kimble returns from the head.
Shr'kaak: To our eventual destination Ta'Rang.
Ta'Rang: Oh. My mistake I thought we did not have a place to go to yet.
Shr'kaak: We can speak of it later.
Professor Kimble: Well Caspar and everybody else, I'm afraid that my transport is departing soon. I should get to the boarding area again. Thank you very much for the hospitality.
Ta'Rang: You bet.

Professor Kimble sounds different. More authoritative. He looks taller. Like he stopped stooping. Professor Kimble starts moving towards the airlock hatch. Milo frowns in thought.
Milo: Professor... wait.
Ta'Rang: Hey Professor when would you like to tell me more about my lifeline?
Shr'kaak looks at Milo and gestures after the Professor. Wade stays back.
Professor Kimble: I'm afraid that must wait until another time Ta'Rang. It truly has been a pleasure, I assure you.
Milo: Professor, where is your next stop? Maybe we can get you there sooner than the transport.
Ta'Rang: Where are you going? Can we come with you?
Professor Kimble: My next stop is probably Waller Nexus on the way to Theseus. From there I will have the luxury of using more affordable Route transports.
Shr'kaak: It was a pleasure meeting you Professor. May we look you up sometime if we make it to Prenglar?
Henry heads over to Wade, and whispers to him.
Henry: (Whispered) Wade, if something on this ship gets flushed, where does it go?
Ta'Rang looks at Shr'Kraak then the Professor. Shr'kaak gestures for patience. Henry also hopes that we have some way to scan the holding tank OTHER than a visual inspection.

Professor Kimble leaves the ship and resumes his place in the boarding area. Shr'kaak motions for the others to follow and heads for the restroom.
Ta'Rang: (from the hatch) Hey Professor! How 'bout we give you a ride to Waller Nexus?
Professor Kimble waves at you, but doesn't seem to have heard you. He continues his waiting. Ta'Rang shrugs and closes Hatch.

Shr'kaak opens the door to the restroom, scanning it over visually before stepping in. The restroom appears to be completely normal.
Wade: Shr'Kaak how abot this. *Wade shows the scanner to Shr'Kaak*
Henry: Hmm.
Shr'kaak carefully notes potential hiding places, the counter and any other place where traces may have been left.
Wade: I flubbed using it but maybe you can get more out if it?

Ta'Rang looks out porthole at the Professor. Professor Kimble is staring off into space. He seems to be smiling slightly.

Henry: I want to make sure there's nothing in our poo-holding tank, but there is a rational explaination. Maybe he was constipated and just really needed to use the bathroom.

Ta'Rang continues to watch the Professor. Shr'kaak looks for evidence that medication was indeed taken, whether anything was in fact flushed, or if anything may have been hidden. Shr'kaak doesn't find anything out of the ordinary in the restroom. Henry looks in the bathroom.
Henry: Let's see. If I was going to hide something, assuming I wouldn't flush it, I'd put it?
Caspar also tries to look at the bathroom. Shr'kaak stands back, letting the others have a go.
Henry: Hold on. If everybody comes in here, we'll fit the legal definition of an orgy on some backwater planets.
Milo: (snicker) I'm game.
Ta'Rang notes that the Professor looks into the bag and smiles.
Shr'kaak: Wade, you want to try your scanner, in case it is anything highly unusual?
Wade: Sure I'll try and scan the head.

The whole ship shudders suddenly. Everyone is thrown about, all but Ta'Rang manage to stay standing. Henry helps Ta'Rang up.
Ta'Rang: Thanks, what was that?
Henry: Poo bomb.
Shr'kaak: Was that from inside, or out?
Henry: I know it's a poo bomb, I just know it.
Wade runs to the bridge. Shr'kaak looks out a viewport. Henry is already heading towards the inner holds. Milo runs outside to check the ship exterior.
Wade: Computer damage report.
Shr'kaak notices that there is a fire on the far side of the docking bay. Bodies are scattered around the area. No damage is visible as Milo does an inspection and damage report comes back clean. Ta'Rang looks for the Professor.
Shr'kaak: Trouble outside, my friends! Fire and injuries!
The Professor is not where he was. Wade hit the ships intercom. "No damage on board"
Henry: It's not the poo.
Milo: Wade! seal the ship. I'm heading for the trouble.
Ta'Rang tries to see if the Professor in the area or laying on the ground. Caspar goes outside with its medkit.
Wade: Done.
Henry heads towards the bridge and the communication/sensor console. The Professor is nowhere around that Ta'Rang can see.
Henry: Okay. Does this thing have an instant replay?
Wade seals the hatches behind the crew as they leave.

Milo heads for the fire at a dead run. Followed closely by Caspar.
Henry: [On COMM] Caspar, Milo, Shk'kaak, can you hear me?
Ta'Rang: I don't think its a good time for me to be seen right now.
Shr'kaak: [On COMM] Caspar! We need first aid here!
Milo: [On COMM] Go ahead Henry.
Henry: [On COMM] It looks like some sort of hydrogen tank exploded according to the sensors here.
Caspar: I'm coming with first aid.
Henry: [On COMM] Caspar, you better bring some respirators too. Enough for the four of you.
Shr'kaak is high-tailing it for the site of the explosion, keeping his eyes open.
Milo: [On COMM] Understood, Henry. I'm going to see if they need any additional help.

Fire crews have responded and the large robot lifter from earlier is moving debris out of the way. Still there is a lot to be done. A lot of injured people and a big mess.
Henry scans for emergency comm instructions. The comm channel is mostly filled with instructions to fire crews and emergency workers. A loudspeaker warns everybody else to stay away from the bay. Caspar starts to help the injured. Milo tries to locate someone in charge.
Henry: I'm going to try to patch into the computer here, see if there's any areas of the hull that are in danger of losing pressurization. Do I need to tell you that only emergency first-responders are supposed to be heading towards the fire?
Shr'kaak is watching for anyone who might be fleeing the scene. Ta'Rang walks back and forth acros the bridge. Wade starts warming the engines in case they need to lift off quickly to clear the hangar.

Shr'kaak sees the professor standing in the fire, for just a moment, and then he is gone. Shr'kaak rushes toward the fire.

Henry: [On COMM] Okay, no hull breaches but keep in mind, Fire Plus Heat Equals Bend Equals Bad. Don't linger. Milo approaches the fire chief and asks if they need any help.
Fire Chief: Yeah. Help with the triage. Get the wounded to medical.

Ta'Rang: Wade I think I should be out there helping but with my luck somebody will recognize and think I set a bomb off.
Henry: And with me here with you. Oh lordy.
Milo starts moving wounded away from the danger.

Shr'kaak isn't sure, but the Professor's eyes might have been glowing with a bright yellow, almost white light.

Wade: I don't think they would notice my friend. Besides you aren't wanted by the authorities. Only oldman Hentz's goons.
Henry: [On COMM] Keep the chatter up so that I can keep track of you guys.
Ta'Rang: Alright let me get my med kit and I'm going to help the doc with the wounded.
Ta'Rang leaves the bridge to get his med kit. Milo looks around for Caspar, thinking it would be assisting at the medical station. Wade cycles the hatch open then closed again behind TaRang. Ta'Rang heads over to where Caspar is helping the wounded.
Ta'Rang: Hey Doc you need some help?
Caspar: Yes.

Henry looks over to Wade, he looks grim.

Shr'kaak makes a careful circuit around the site, looking for signs. He isn't quite certain he can believe his eyes.

Ta'Rang opens his kit and stares tending to the wounded. The clearing of bodies and treating of the injured takes a little over an hour. The statements that follow take about the same time.

Henry: [On COMM] We're coming up on 60 minutes. Everyone out there, please check in.
Ta'Rang: I'm with the Doc.
Shr'kaak: I am fine. I think.
Milo: Milo here, I'm good.
Ta'Rang: We're about ready to return to the ship. You ready, Doc?
Caspar takes one last look around for Kimble. The Professor seems to have disappeared in all the confusion.

The Dockmaster approaches the ship. Milo greets the him.
Dockmaster: We need to get you unloaded and out of this bay. It's been ordered sealed, but with all this, we really need to get those supplies unloaded.
Shr'kaak offers an offhand greeting, looking distracted.
Milo: Understood. How can we make it go faster?
Dockmaster: Once were done unloading, you can find a berth on station Delta. That's the one on the far end of the row.
Shr'kaak: Of course Chief. As I mentioned I would be happy to help. I don't know if this changes anything.
Dockmaster: Well, if you have loaders, move the crates over there.
Thge Dockmaster points to a section of empty floor. Wade lowers the cargo elevator. The Dockmaster walks on to the next ship. Shr'kaak helps with the unloading. It takes a couple of hours to unload the crates.

Wade: OK, Milo did you rememebr to get us paid.
Milo: That was your job.
Wade: Ah. Ok then.
Shr'kaak sighs.
Shr'kaak: I will see to payment.
Wade calls the Cargomaster and passes the link to Shr'kaak.
Shr'kaak: [On COMM] Greetings Cargomaster.
Supply Sgt.: [On COMM] Yeah, this is Sergeant Smith. Make it quick there is a lot going on.
Shr'kaak: [On COMM] Of course. I understand. I am afraid in all the confusion we have not received payment for our delivery. I would settle it later, of course, but unfortunately we invested enough in the run to make our immediate situation rather tight.
Supply Sgt.: [On COMM] Yeah. What's the manifest number again?
Shr'kaak motions to Wade to show him the paperwork. Wade hands over the manifest, Shr'kaak recites the number carefully.
Supply Sgt.: [On COMM] Let me check with the Chief on the dock. (few seconds of silence) Yeah, he's got it. Is that an account credit or cash?
Wade: Cash.
Shr'kaak: [On COMM] Cash please. We have had some unfortunate mistakes in credit transactions recently.
Supply Sgt.: [On COMM] Yeah, okay. Well cash is harder and takes longer. Call me in the morning and I'll have it ready. I could have it this evening, but the incident has slowed things down considerable.
Shr'kaak: [On COMM] Thank you Sgt.
The Supply Sergeant disconnects the line.

Shr'kaak puts down his headset and reflects quietly for a moment.
Shr'kaak: Did anyone notice anything odd after the explosion?
Wade flies the ship over to berth Delta.
Ta'Rang: No I was up to my armpits in wounded and didn't have time to look around
Shr'kaak: Milo? Caspar?
Milo: I didn't notice anything odd.
Henry: Me, I thought the explosion itself was odd.
Caspar: Not really.
Wade: Yep.
Henry: It's classic, though.
Milo: What did you see, Cowboy?
Shr'kaak: Well, this could be attributable to my recent head injury, though I don't seem to have suffered other such ill affects.
Ta'Rang looks at Cowboy, then smiles showing all his teeth.
Shr'kaak: Caspar, when you said your Professor friend was odd, what did you mean?
Henry: So, anyone else thinking that this is just a big distraction for something we don't know about because we were all, y'know, distracted?
Caspar: He was acting nervous is what I meant.
Shr'kaak: Ah.
Milo: C'mon, Cowboy... spill it! What did you see?
Shr'kaak: I thought for just a moment I saw him amidst the flames, his eyes glowing. Then there was a burst of flame, and he was just gone.
Milo blinks. Milo blinks again.
Shr'kaak: He never displayed any kind of psychokinetic ability or anything Caspar?
Milo: Umm, okay.
Ta'Rang: While I was watching the Professor he was smiling and then he look into the bag and smiled again. Thats when the explosion happened and I fell on my butt
Wade: Ok thats just. . . strange.
Ta'Rang: When I looked out thr porthole again he was gone.
Shr'kaak: Hmm. Wade, Is there any way we could discretely get a list of the deceased? You said you have a Navy background.
Henry: Psychokinesis?
Wade: I could try. but I was UPF, not Terran. It would probably be easier to hack their database. If the Doc or Milo was so inclined.
Henry: Isn't that, y'know, a bit sci-fi?
Ta'Rang: Well look at us. Before we meant each other as a race you would think we are a bit sci-Fi as you say.
Wade: Hmmm.
Caspar: hmmm.
Wade rememebers he was about to scan the head when the explosion happened, he goes and scans the head.
Shr'kaak: Well, as I said I cannot be sure of what I saw. Since no one else saw it I don't think we should base our actions on it.
Wade: Nope just. . . POO.

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Season 01 - Episode 009 (Season Episode 09 of 19)
---START NEWS FEED---
PanGal Reports Missing Financial Records
Pan Galactic Corporation Headquarters, PanGal System

Officials at PanGal are concerned about the possibility of financial records having been removed from the Theseus Commerce Station just prior to its deadly entry into Theseus IV's atmosphere.

Recent data released by UPF Intelligence indicates that minutes prior to the entry of the Theseus Commerce station into the atmosphere of Theseus IV, a small group of highly trained persons entered the PanGal Branch office. They were looking very specifically for something and apparently found it. Since there was nothing on the Theseus Commerce station of any value, other than the financial records, we are assuming that was the objective of both the station attack and the later infiltration by this team of operatives," states PanGal Spokesperson Rhia'tarn told reporters at a press conference.

Pan-Gal also confided that the exact damage caused by the loss of the records has not been calculated, but could run in the millions of Tithemarks.
---END NEWS FEED---

Payment took awhile. Between the confusion caused by the explosion on the hangar deck (Dry Dock 1) and the typical bureaucratic mixups inherent with such a large operation, it took a week of running around the adminstrative system to get your funds. Finally though, you have cash in hand. That's the good news.

The bad news is that there is little work available going outbound. Most of the passengers leaving Liberty are gone, ferried away by other ships during the week. It looks like you might have to settle for a dry run to leave this place.

An email dated two days after the crews departure from Theseus arrives.

Milo: Gee... why would we want to leave this little piece of paradise?!?
Milo looks up from his computer monitor.
Milo: Hey... I just got some email from our friend Alvarez.
Wade: As did I, what did yours say?
Milo: He's sending us some new equipment, and wants us to check into some stuff on Liberty II.
Wade: Mine says he would like us to check on the archeological dig on Liberty II.
Shr'kaak: That's where this professor of Caspar's was, yes?
Wade: You mean the whack job that blew himself up?
Ta'Rang: If Shr' is the Captain this week. Then this email is right up his alley (aside) Saving the world. It appears he ain't dead.
Shr'kaak: Hmm. Very well.
Wade: That should be a short jaunt for us we are already in the liberty system.
Shr'kaak: He isn't dead? What makes you say that Ta'Rang?
Wade: HUH? Not dead?
Ta'Rang: Just a feeling.
Shr'kaak: Well, what I saw was strange. I probably should not call it more than a feeling either. Let us keep our eyes open and not assume anything.
Ta'Rang: To many things about this Professor make me wonder what that artifact was he had and what's on Liberty II that he is worried about.
Wade: He says they have not had any communication from the site and wants us to check on it. And he'll pay us handsomely.
Shr'kaak: Did he have an artifact or was he losing his mental capacity? I am not sure.
Wade: My question is what interest does the UPF have with an archelogical dig? Especially Intel Services?
Shr'kaak: It seems we may have our opportunity to look for an export after all.
Wade suddenly looks distressed, and whispers "oops"

A whispered discussion takes place with Henry and Caspar pre-occupied.
Shr'kaak: Err...did we bring Caspar into the loop yet? I can't remember.
Milo: not that I remember, but we should.
Wade: nope I forgot, thats why I look distressed.
Ta'Rang: No we have not.
Shr'kaak: Did we get any information from the Lt. about them? Backgroud checks and whatnot?
Wade: Yes we did they both were ok excpet for Henry's fake ID but Alvarez cleared them for boarding.
Milo: Caspar was okay, but Henry came back fake. We already confronted him about it, and he explained... but I don't think Wade believed him
Shr'kaak: Did he okay it for bringing it onto the, "project," or did we ask that?
Wade: he did not ok it, and I don't think we asked.
Ta'Rang: we should do that but how do we communicate with him quickly?
Wade: ok so no message and for now they are NOT cleared.
Ta'Rang: Let's send one anyway and ask him about the Doc joining us completely.
Milo: I suggest we bring Henry and Caspar into the fold. If we're that far away from our contact, we surely have command authorization in the field.
Wade: I agree, and as acting CO right now I think Shr'Kaak should do the honors.
Shr'kaak: Agreed. I'll Send it. Perhaps being less careful at this point wouldn't be inappropriate. I don't know about spilling all the beans until we get the okay.

Milo calls Caspar and Henry into the command deck.
Shr'kaak: Caspar, Henry - We have a friend who we owe a favor or two. He has been so considerate as to offer us payment for this one. It may be dangerous. If you wish to disembark here before we leave, we will understand.
Caspar: I am going with you.
Shr'kaak nods to Caspar and looks pointedly at Henry.
Henry: Okay... what the heck, I'll go with ya. I sure can't stay on this Navy base.
Ta'Rang: Why not?
Henry: Uh... because I'm not in the Navy?
Shr'kaak: As you will Henry.

About an hour later you get a call from the Quartermaster asking where to leave the "heavy environment suits."
Ta'Rang: Well Cap where do you want them
Milo directs the QM to the cargo bay. The QM drops off six very large crates, doesn't ask for a signature and doesn't ID himself. His name tag is obscured.
Wade: Hmm I may just be being paranoid. But I think we should scan these things before we take them onboard and again before we open them.

Shr'kaak: Wade, if you could clear us to leave please, I think we should be underway. Every hour we are here is just that much more risk.
Wade: I'm on it me Kapitan!
Milo salutes Shr'kaak. Wade calls port control for take off clearance. Shr'kaak looks a little confused, but shrugs it off.
Milo: Captain Cowboy, I turn the ship over to you.
Shr'kaak: Thank you Milo.
Ta'Rang: Yo Ho, Captain.
Milo grins. Wade gets clearance to launch.
Wade: K... boys here we go...
Ta'Rang grins at Capt. Cowboy as well. Wade straps in after donning his G suit.
Shr'kaak: This contact could also be trouble, with these people. *waves to indicate the general Navy presence*
Wade: K everbody. We have clearance. As soon as the Captain gives the word we are outta here.

Shr'kaak straps himself in, looking perhaps a tiny bit more comfortable despite the awkward nature of his seat. Ta'Rang straps in at weapons console. Caspar straps in.
Ta'Rang: Hey, Doc how do you guys stay in one shape?
Shr'kaak: All right Wade. Don't make a big show of it, will you?
Milo returns to engineering to nurse his babies. Ta'Rang grins.
Wade: You got it boss.
Ta'Rang: We're locked and loaded Captain.

Wade boosts out of the port just a tad faster than port regulations allow, throwing in a barrel roll just as he clears the station.
Ta'Rang: YEEE * AAAAAAH
Shr'kaak keeps his eye on the ships around them and his ear to the headset, but doesn't remark on Wade's showmanship. Milo pauses a moment. . . then shrugs and continues.

--Tybor's Quick System Reference--
Liberty III is the occupied planet. Liberty II is a dead world similar to Mercury, but a tad farther from the system's star. It tends to be a little less warm in the day and colder at night.
The Liberty system has only been recently been colonized by terrans. Liberty III is the only natively inhabitable planet in the system and is home to a sentient species. There is no preclusion from "advancing" the tech level of native species, so in the last two decades, it has been elevated from Bronze Age to current tech.
--END ENTRY--

Milo: So, now you guys know why we need the heavy environment suits.
Ta'Rang: Did we get any direction on where this dig is on the planet
Wade: I suggest Henry keep a close eye on passive sensors and we not initiate an active scan until we have completed a complete orbit while passive.
Shr'kaak: You know best about such things Wade. It sounds like a good plan.
Ta'Rang: But that is not a course of action to see what Old Prof was doing but I am interested though.
Milo thinks a bit.
Milo: Ummm... did I mention exactly WHERE Alvarez said we should go?
Ta'Rang: No.
Caspar: The prof lied about the artifact. Yes
Ta'Rang: Oh Boy another witch hunt.
Shr'kaak: Do you really think you could tell if it was truthful if he was delusional Caspar? It sounds as if the planet is rather barren. Perhaps this dig will be obvious.
Caspar: Yes I can smell a lie.
Ta'Rang thinks 'I'm taking the rifle on this one.'
Shr'kaak: But Caspar, what if someone BELIEVES something to be true even if it is not? Or is unsure about their beliefs even if they might be true?
Caspar: If they believe it, it would smell as truth, he did not believe so it smelled as a lie.
Ta'Rang: Did he say anything that was true.
Shr'kaak: Okay. I hear you. Keep it in mind everyone.
Wade: I suspected him cause he called ME crazy.
Caspar: I think the bag was the bomb.
Wade: you are right Dr
Shr'kaak: Probably. I'm really not sure I can believe what I saw.
Ta'Rang: If that is true why do it at the naval base?

Wade: It will take a couple days to go in-system. We should use the time to check out the new suits, and clean and prep our equipment.
Shr'kaak: All right. Let us familiarize ourselves with these suits. Best if we are used to moving about in them before we really need them.

The "heavy environment suits" are actually full bore Heavy Combat Armor. While they have some power assist mechanisms built into them, they are not actually powered armor. They also do not give you any penalties to move about in them. There is, however, a full suite of sensor equipment. IR, UV, Radio.

Ta'Rang starts checking out his suit.
Wade: I suggest we adjust the artificial gravity to match Liberty II so that we can acclimate a little bit.
Milo: Mine's the one that looks like a small studio apartment.
Shr'kaak fiddles for a while with the helmet, his antenae not quite fitting right despite the custom build. Shr'kaak finally gets it on and crams his cowboy hat betwen the helmet protusions.

Two days pass and you are in orbit around Liberty II.
Wade: do we detect anything on passive sensors in near space or the planets surface?
Milo: If we don't detect anything, I suggest we hail the orbital monitoring station.
Wade: Is there an orbital monitoring station?

There is a beacon, weak, coming from the planet near the equator. There is also a monitoring station that is powered up. Other than the landing beacon, there are no radio transmissions coming from it.

Wade: Well boss I got us here how do you want to play it?
Wade looks at Skr'Kaak.
Shr'kaak: Can you examine the area about the beacon Wade? See if you see any evidence of a dig nearby?
Wade: Sure can
Wade runs has the computer run an active scan of the area around the beacon.

-DATA REPORT-
There is a bit of atmosphere. Toxic. Lots of wind scoring on the terrain. There is a deployable command module that is the source of the beacon and some vehicles. It looks like there may be some actual ruins scattered around the command module.
-END REPORT-

Wade hails the orbital station.
Ta'Rang: Any signs of violence?
Shr'kaak: Very good.

No response from the orbital.
Wade: Hmm....
Shr'kaak: Let us start there Wade. See what we can tell from up here.
Ta'Rang: Should we check out the orbital first?
Shr'kaak: Yes.
Wade: No response from the station Gang!
Shr'kaak: If there is something wrong we can still leave. If we descend and leave something at our back.
Ta'Rang: I think so.
Milo: Yes. Check the station first.

Wade flies in a slow loop completely around the station before approaching looking for any damage. He doesn't find any. Ta'Rang thinks 'I hope we have better luck with this one.'
Wade: Henry can you man the scanners while I fly this thing? We need a scan before we dock I think.
Shr'kaak unplugs his beltpacks from their charging and secures his weapons in their hiding places.
Henry: Here comes a computer scan of the station.
Ta'Rang heads for the armory to get his equipment.
Wade: Ok I will dock with the station

Wade initiates docking. Ta'Rang straps on laser pistols and picks up his laser rifle then returns to the bridge.

The docking bay is very small. There was obviously a landing craft/short range transport in the bay at one time, but it is not here presently.
Wade: Is there atmosphere in the docking station?
Caspar: I am getting my med kit ready.

There is No atmosphere in the hanger. There is no indication of hull breach to suggest the rest doesn't have atmo. Wade looks at Caspar and then gives it his stunner. "You might need this Doc"
Ta'Rang: So How do youn want to do this Capt.
Ta'Rang looks at Shr'Kaak.
Wade: I can seal the bay and equalize pressure.
Shr'kaak: We stick together until there is a reason to do otherwise. Milo - keep your eye out for any obvious electromechanical problems, either to worry us or to explain the situation.
Ta'Rang: Good time to test out these suits.
Shr'kaak: Agreed. While we don't SEE a breach, we might as well play it safe. But try to operate the station controls and get that bay door shut anyway Wade.
Wade: Got it. OK we need to cross the vaccum to seal the bay.
Shr'kaak: It cannot be operated remotely?
Wade: Not by us.
Wade heads to the Cargo bay to don his armor and clips the electrostunner and his tools, scanner, and hand comp to his harness. Ta'Rang follows Wade. Shr'kaak takes a moment to scan the hangar for a moment in peace, then joins the others. Caspar follows. Milo tries to access the station systems through his hand computer. Shr'kaak dons his suit, cramming his hat on again and fussing with his electrostunners for a bit before looking satisfied that he can reach them well.

The suits work. Walking out into the exposed bay is not at all uncomfortable. It appears that artificial gravity is still working. Shr'kaak carefully scans the area for signs of trouble or evidence of what may have happened while they walk.

There is somebody looking at you from the interior airlock window. He seems afraid of you. His eyes are wide open with fright. Milo brings everyone's attention the face in the window.
Shr'kaak: Act calmly everyone. We do not want to alarm our host.

He still doesn't seem to be moving. Shr'kaak holds his arms up, his hands open and obviously empty. Milo approaches cautiously. Ta'Rang moves behind the others. Shr'kaak points slowly and deliberately at the bay doors.
Milo: Cowboy... don't bother. This guy won't be any help to us.
Ta'Rang: Why is that?
Shr'kaak: Dead?
Ta'Rang: How do you know Milo?
Milo: (labored voice) It's just his head.
Shr'kaak approaches cautiously. Ta'Rang fals in behind him, rifle ready.
Wade: Hmm...ok...yuck
Wade draws his pistol. Milo checks the airlock controls.

Looking through the airlock window, you see that the head has been placed on some sort of light stand or similar device. The rest of the body is on the floor. The airlock controls seem to be intact and functional.
Shr'kaak: Interesting. Obviously a greeting for whoever shows up.
Wade holsters his pistol and draws his scanner.
Ta'Rang: Milo, open the hatch I'll go in first.
Milo: Looks like we have pressure inside. Did we get the outer doors closed?
Ta'Rang: No.

Milo looks for controls to the outer door, and starts the cycle process. A few minutes later the hangar has pressurized atmosphere. Milo opens the inner airlock.
Milo: I suggest we stay on our suit life support.
Wade tinkers with the scanner and sets it read for life signs.
Ta'Rang: I think we might keep our helmets on until after we open the hatch.
Wade then draws pistol and holds his scanner in his left hand and his pistol in his right.
Shr'kaak: Best to do that until one of you can scan for contaminents, for that matter.
Wade: Roger that, I will scan once we open the doors.

Ta'Rang steps through the hach. Shr'kaak examines the scene for cause of death and evidence as to the nature of the attacker. The "cut" is very ragged. Looks like it was sawed, but with what Shr'kaak can't tell.

Ta'Rang looks down at the body, then scans the room. The opposite door is also closed. The airlock, other than containing the gruesome remains of whomever this person was, doesn't look particularly strange. The scanner shows no life signs within range.
Shr'kaak: Well, what OTHER surprises should we expect? Keep those scanners up my friends! We don't want to miss anything nasty here.
Ta'Rang: Milo please do the honors, with the hatch.

Milo cycles the airlock hatch. Ta'Rang looks through hatch then steps into room. Wade continues scanning for life forms. "Pretty little life forms...where are you?" Shr'kaak draws his stunners, watching the corners as the others scan.

The airlock opens into a narrow hallway. Some of the lights have been blown out. Some of them are blinking. The wall has been scorched in several places. A large power saw, suitable for cutting through metal has been dumped just outside the door. Blood and other tissues are crusted on the blade.
Wade: Still nothing, Doc have you checked for bio-hazards yet?
Shr'kaak: Wade, keep your eyes out for signs of explosives or other hazerdous materials while you are at it.
Wade: Roger that boss
Caspar: Not yet.
Shr'kaak: Well, I guess that was the implement. Ta'Rang, care to take point?
Ta'Rang: It looks like we had a fire fight up here.
Milo records all sensor input and video of the scene.
Ta'Rang: moving up the passage
Shr'kaak: Whatever this was, it was not like our last incident. Whoever did that had no cool objective. This is a depraved mind we are dealing with.
Caspar: I'll scan for bio hazards.
There are no overtly hazardous materials in the atmosphere. There is a large amount of radiactivity near the light pole and saw.
Wade: I agree just don't throw up in your helmet.
Milo: Did you have to mention throwing up?!?
Shr'kaak: Throw up? Why would I waste body liquid like that?
Caspar: keep the suits sealed.
Ta'Rang: Come on big boy a little bit of blood and bone won't hurt yah.
Milo gulps a bit and continues scanning.
Shr'kaak: No. Of course not. *seems genuinely confused*
Wade: yeah right, as long as its not my blood and bone.

Up the corridor leads to a common mess area. Two more bodies, on opposite sides of the room, are here. A blaster lies in the deck not too far from each of the corpses. Shr'kaak looks for signs that others were involved in the gunfight.
Milo: Ahhh
Wade checks the other direction in the corridor.
Ta'Rang: I have found 2 more bodies in the mess hall
Shr'kaak: Right behind you Ta'Rang.

The other direction leads to a medical lab. There is a yazarian body in there. Caspar examines one of the bodies, Shr'kaak examines the other body. Each is more than a few days old. Possibly two weeks, their throats were slit.
Ta'Rang: Ok, moving on to the end of the corridor.

The corridor circles around itself, with a lounge area and a general purpose science lab in between Wade and Ta'Rang.
Wade: Hmm... how about a central office or control room? I think we should head there.
Shr'kaak follows Ta'Rang after his brief inspection.
Milo: Yeah... me too
Caspar: we should stick together.
Wade follows the others only pausing briefly to scoop up a blaster from the floor.
Ta'Rang: Moves over to the lift.
Shr'kaak: Another throat cut. Hmm. Awkwardly jots down a few brief notes, not entirely used to his gloves. Wait for the rest of us please. Let's not split up if we don't have to.
Milo: Aye, stay together, people.
Ta'Rang: wouldn't go anywhere without you.

It looks like the Yazarian slit her own throat. There is a scalpal next to her on a tray. It also looks like she calmly sat down and waited to bleed out.
Wade: hmm.
Shr'kaak: I suspected something very odd was afoot. You guys are right. Let's head straight for command. Maybe there are logs that would help figure this out.
Ta'Rang: We need to check the roster and who is here.
Wade: something made these poor devils go mad and kill each other and commit suicide.
Shr'kaak: Good idea Ta'Rang. I have the vague suspicion we will find no one missing though.
Ta'Rang: Maybe.
Shr'kaak: Maybe the Professor WAS here. Hmm.
Wade: I bet we will find someone missing, someone took their shuttle and left the bay doors open.
Shr'kaak: True. Why though? Another form of suicide? Head for the planet? Everyone ready to head for command?
Milo: Yes.

The command center is a mess. It looks like a full scale battle was waged here, but only one body can be found. A dralasite with a makeshift sword plunged through it where the vital organs would be. Other than that, the whole place is torn apart. Blaster marks, a small explosion, blood and general debris.
Wade: Well based on what the Doc here just said these guys have been dead for about 2 weeks. That is before we even left Theseus, he could have very well been here. Shr'kaak studies the mess for a moment.
Shr'kaak: Milo see what you can do about finding some system logs, will you?
Wade: Nope nothing on the scanner.
Ta'Rang: Are the computers operational, Milo?
Shr'kaak: Security videos would be ideal.
Milo sits down at a work station and begins powering up the system.
Milo: We'll see...
Wade waits nervously. "This place gives me the creeps."
Shr'kaak: No one remove your helmets. Period. No matter what. I'm not trusting those scanners.
Ta'Rang slowly looks around the area looking for anything out of place.

Everything is out of place.

Wade: I agree even if there is no Bio-Hazard the Doc detected radiation
Shr'kaak looks carefully at the expressions of the deceased.

Hard to tell what the dralasite expression would be. The yazarian was blank. The two people in the mess hall were angry. Security video doesn't exist.
Milo: Damn. They don't keep the entries.
Ta'Rang: Have you found a ship's roster.
Milo: Not yet... still checking the logs.

-Last Three Log Entries Audio Replay Begin, Oldest First-
News from the dig site. They have found some sort of relic or artifact. Not sure what it is yet, but we should be getting video feed really soon. At least I hope so. Damn but to be stuck up here while they have all the fun.
-
Dr Kimble is on his way with the find. An actual piece of art from a dead civilization. I saw the pictures and it is grotesque, but the very idea that we have something tangible is wonderful news.
-
No word from the dig site. We have a connection as I can send commands via the computer, but nobody is responding. Will need to take the shuttle down and make sure everything is okay.
-End Log Entries-

Shr'kaak: Well, it looks I think like the two in the hall shot themselves or each other too.
Wade Aha...the Prof was here....
Wade: Milo the log mentions pictures are they in the computer?
Ta'Rang: Amazing.
Wade: I am curious to see these pictures.
Milo checks for crew roster and picture files.
Wade: Dang...maybe in that lab we saw on the way here
Ta'Rang: I think we should send out a message to our enmployer and tell him what we have found out so far.
Wade: It would not do any good TaRang, the message will take a week to reach him and another week for him to respond, we are on our own for now.
Shr'kaak: Agreed Wade.

To make a long story shorter, the Dr Kimble you met is the same one who was here. All of the people you have seen are on the roster and there are eight more. Five of those are assigned to the dig site. According to the logs. One vrusk, three humans and a dralasite.
Pics of all the crew members and pics of the artifact. It is a statue about a foot tall. The subject is vaguely remniscient of Anubis, if Anubis were reptilian with a long tail and red gem eys. The features suggest something that is comfortable in both upright and all fours.

Wade: (mumbles) Ugly bastard.
Shr'kaak: Must be there's some kind of delay. The Professor was at the dig site, then here, then we saw him at the Naval Base.
Ta'Rang: Yeah but it is not for him to repnd to it is just an info update for him.
Wade: I think we need to check out the lab... then the planet, but I suspect we are going to find more bodies.
Shr'kaak: I am wondering what we should do about the Naval base...and ourselves.
Wade: Oh I see, yeah we can send him a SITREP.
Ta'Rang: Yes you got it.
Shr'kaak: Caspar, Wade - Can you isolate us once we are back on the ship. Make sure we haven't been affected by some form of strange radiation?
Wade: If we enter through the Airlock we can go straight to sick bay with out entering the rest of the ship until we are scanned.
Ta'Rang: Do we have a detox area?
Wade: Well we have a sickbay.
Caspar: A nice one too.
Wade: That's as close as we have.
Shr'kaak: All right. Let's make a very quick scan for more bodies on the other deck while we head back for the shuttle, then do what we can to make sure we haven't been infected with anything.
Wade: I agree.
Caspar: Me too.
Milo: We still don't know what's down below.
Shr'kaak: No, we don't. We also don't know how much time we might have left to deal with whatever we might have caught from that crazy Professor.

Shr'kaak heads back to the lift.
Wade: I recommend the Doc go into the ship via the lock first and alone and perform a self scan, then it can call us each in turn til we are all aboard.
Ta'Rang: Let's finish the search then
Wade follows Shr'Kaak, Ta'Rang heads for the lift as well.
Shr'kaak: Yes. Quickly Ta'Rang. No detailed searches. Just look for more bodies and anything obvious.
Caspar goes last.
Shr'kaak: Caspar and Wade - Can you stick together and go back to the ship to start the proceedures while we scan the other level?
Ta'Rang: Aye Aye Captain.
Wade: Sure thing boss.

There are three more humans in the crew quarters. One died by strangulation. One from stab wounds. One from a self-inflicted wound to the head.

Milo: Is that the entire crew?
Wade and Caspar head back to the ship.
Shr'kaak: If we include the five that were supposed to be on the planet, it should be. What was the date of the last log made?
Milo: The most recent is about 3 weeks old, and the other two are only a couple of days older.

Milo: Alright. Captain, I'll put a security lock on the station and we'll seal it for the UPF investigators as soon as we get out of the docking bay.
Shr'kaak: Good plan Milo. I suggest we make careful scans again once we leave the station. In case anything from here might be messing with us.
Ta'Rang returns to the Captain.
Shr'kaak: Let's get back to the ship.
Ta'Rang: I did not find anything down there

The scans indicate nothing wrong. There is a little bit of radiological activity around the boots of the party, but nothing alarming.
Shr'kaak: I wonder where the doctor was in the meantime. We'll have to ask Wade how fast that shuttle likely was when he is free. Ta'Rang takes equipment back to the armory. Milo sets an access code on the stations systems to deactivate all devices and seal all hatches and bay doors.
Wade: Can the computer tell what type of radiation? I don't recall anything that would produce even a slight fallout.
Shr'kaak heads back to the ship.

Shr'kaak: Wade Given what you know and what you would guess these people to have as a shuttle, how long would it have taken the Professor to get to the Naval Base from here?
Wade: About two days boss.
Milo also programs an automated comm message to alert any visitors that the station has been sealed pending official investigation.
Shr'kaak: Then where was he in the meantime? Can you compile a list of places he could have been to betwen here and there?
Ta'Rang returns to the bridge.

Wade: And we have all picked up trace amounts of some type of radioactive dust from the station corridor floors. It doesn't seem to be threatening but I can't determine the source, unless it came from the planet surface.
Shr'kaak: Caspar - have you searched also for any biological agents?
Caspar: Yes, there aren't any.
Shr'kaak: Well, whether he did it purposefully or not. I doubt this artifact statue thing is a coincidence.
Wade: Did I mention this place is creeping me out?

From the planet below a distress beacon launches.

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Season 01 - Episode 010 (Season Episode 10 of 19)
---START NEWS FEED---
Riots in Waller Nexus
Riots broke out in the Waller Nexus Commerce Station this morning. If that isn't unusual enough, the circumstances around the riots leaves a lot more questions than answers.

Apparently around 0915 this morning, travelers in the passenger loading/unloading section of the Waller Nexus Commerce Station began arguing and then fighting each other. The general melee left one dead and eight injured. Station security responded and used riot control techniques in a failed attempt to subdue the crowd. What happened next is even stranger.

According to one of the maintenance personnel on the station, "Everybody just kind of stopped and started looking around like they just woke up. Strangest thing I ever saw. One minute they were trying to kill each other and the next they were apologizing and trying to help those that were injured."

Station officials are looking into the cause of the riot.
---END NEWS FEED---

aThe crew has sealed the Liberty II station and altered the local authorities. They receive an infocast packet and a signal appears on the screen that wasn't there before. It looks like the emergency launched beacon probe has been launched from the planet below.

Wade: I just got a signal on my console...something was launched from the planet, can you get a fix and let us know what it is?
Henry: Yeah... I got it - looks like a distress probe coming from the planet. Standard infocast packet.

Ta'Rang looks at weapons console and locks onto the probe.
Ta'Rang: I got weapons lock.
Wade: OK so we can assume someone is alive down there, but is he, she, or it contaminated?
Ta'Rang: How would we know from up here, Wade?
Wade: Henry, can you get a fix on where the beacon was launched from? Someone had to be alive to launch the beacon Ta.
Ta'Rang: Yeah but you can't tell what state of mind they are in from up here can you?
Henry: Yeah - I'm working on that. *types some numbers*
Wade: Nope, you are right, and that is exactly what I was wondering, myself.
Henry: Not nessesarily. They could have set it to launch in case no one touched the, ah, here we go. There's a command center over here, on this hemisphere. It came from there. At least judging from trajectory, likely launch points and, okay, I just know it came from there because the computer told me.
Wade: Hmmm...

Wade sets a course for the launch point.
Wade: Henry, can you try to raise the launch point on Comm?
Ta'Rang: Hey Milo where is Cowboy, don't tell me thatr bug is hibernating again, Dam I shot him once
Milo: The captain is indisposed. We should elect a new one for the week anyway.

Ta'Rang smiles to himself.
Ta'Rang: You did a good job the first time, do it again.
Milo: No repeats until everyone has served.
Henry: I can raise the launch point on comm but I suggest we do voting first.

Ta'Rang smiles broadly.
Wade: Okay, I nominate... Ta'Rang!
Ta'Rang: We ask the Captain, Haha.
Milo: I nominate Wade.
Caspar: Me too.
Ta'Rang: Wade you lose.
Henry: I don't care who's captain so long as we get to vote via Instant Runoff Voting.
Ta'Rang looks at Henry.
Ta'Rang: You have no vote yet.
Wade: Lets see if we can talk to who ever is down there then.
Ta'Rang: Yer the Capt. Sir.
Wade: Then if they aren't nice Ta can shoot-em.

Henry presses the "hail the planet" button.
Sam: (female voice over the comm), a ship! tell me you're landing on the planet. *a hint of desperation*

Ta'Rang starts setting weapons console for target shooting, he shakes head.
Wade: See if she is a human of legal age... Uh... no forget that... see who she is and what is her situation... we are about 10 minutes away....
Ta'Rang looks at Wade.
Henry: Uh... hold on a second, I'm having trouble... and I think it's on your end... We're a ship, yes. What happened, and how can we help?
Ta'Rang: When did you care about age?, hmmmm.
Wade: Ask if she has a picture.
Sam: You can help by getting off this dirt ball, as to what happened? I'm not entirely sure.
Henry: Seriously, guys, I think their video's down - and it sounds serious.

Ta'Rang frowns and thinks 'Not now Wade.'
Henry: Explain it as best you can. Take it step by step.
Sam: I was knocked unconscious, and woke up to no ship and a facility full of bodies.
Wade: Henry, can you scan the area as we get closer to determine if she is alone or are we going to have to come in hot?
Ta'Rang: Dead bodies.
Sam: This was an archeological dig, or some such.
Henry: Working on it, T. Where were you when you were knocked unconscious?
Ta'Rang: Did you shoot them or did they shoot each other?
Sam: Hangar bay.
Ta'Rang: Have you searched for any other surivors?
Sam: No survivors down here, I'm just going to assume none are on the station?

A scan shows a standard deployable command center. There are a couple of all-terrain vehicles outside the station, but they appear to have been damaged by explosives. There is an armored form on the ground near one of them.

Henry: What's your name?
Ta'Rang: How where you knocked unconscious?
Sam: Samantha. What's yours? A very large man named Ivan hit me off a catwalk, the planet then proceeded to sucker punch me into uncondciousness. Now, are you landing or will we play 20 questions until the stars burn out?
Wade: Guys I am going to land a short distance away from the Hangar so Ta can cover the Hangar with the laser cannons, then if she is able have her come to us. If not we'll go to her.
Ta'Rang: Guns ready sir.
Wade: Does she need medical aid or can she come to us Henry?
Henry: We need to get the doc in the hanger. Samantha? We're coming in and we're coming to help. We've got a doc on board. Keep in contact with us. Are you injured?
Sam: To answer the earlier question, there are four dead down here. two beaten with a pipe. Ivan, the aformentioned tank, was shot outside. I've seen better days. mild concussion I think, otherwise not bad. Aside from being stuck on a floating rock at least.

Wade: Doc can you and Milo head to the Cargo bay to meet our guest?
Ta'Rang: I have a fix on the hangar.

The planet's environment is outright hostile, Milo and Caspar go to suit up in enviro-suits.
Milo: On my way.
Ta'Rang: Do you have any explosive ordance on station?
Henry: Do you need an envirosuit?
Sam: No, I have a working one down here.
Ta'Rang: Any explosives?
Sam: If I say yes do you land faster?

Coming in Wade encounters an immense amount of wind shear he has trouble compensating for.
Henry: We'll be right --- son of a BITCH!
Wade: Oops hold on.
Sam: Mind the sheer coming in, bit tricky.
Wade: This is gonna be rough.
Ta'Rang: Hey Milo could you get me the explosives and detonators while you're over there.

And with a slightly less that settling crunch, the Gemini lands.
Sam: Nice landing. *sarcastically*
Ta'Rang: You should have seen the 540 landing. It was messy.
Ta'Rang looks at Wade and smiles.
Wade: At least it didn't mess with the hair.
Henry: To be fair, Samantha, I'm not fully trained in crisis communication. I used to work at a suicide helpline, but I kept bumming-out my coworkers. We're on the planet, and we're coming, so sit tight till we get to you.
Ta'Rang: So ya say.
Sam: Right. I'll be here.
Ta'Rang: I have the laser locked on the hangar as ordered, Wade.

Milo seals his helmet, then helps Caspar with its suit seals.
Ta'Rang: But I want those explosives.
Wade: Once down and when Milo and Caspar give the word I'll lower the cargo ramp and they can go get our girl.
Caspar: Thanks.
Milo: We're ready to go, Captain.

Samantha exits the station after a few minutes, in an EnvriSuit. Wade lowers the cargo ramp once he verifies she is alone.
Sam: I'll be by the hangar doors. I'm the only moving object out here. Hopefully at least.

The only radio signal is Sam's. No other visual evidence of a horde of alien xenomorphs or anything else is found.

Ta'Rang: I've got ya covered.

Surface winds are in excess of 50 kph average and gusting up to three times that. Milo tethers himself and Caspar to the inside of the ships cargo bay.
Ta'Rang: As big as you are Milo.

She's carrying two bags, and has a rifle slung over her shoulder, one of the bags looks mostly empty. Milo grins. Ta'Rang thinks I like heralready.
Milo: If she's carrying luggage, she probably doesn't need the Doc.
Milo begins moving cautiously, braced against the wind. Wade thinks to himself 'leave it to a woman to bring extra luggage.'

At the base of the ramp the figure in the big heavy suit just looks up, waiting for a sign it might be safe to get out of the wind. Milo and Caspar help her back to the ship.
Sam: Thanks.
As soon as they are on the ramp Wade starts to raise it.
Ta'Rang: Can I? *Looks at Wade*

She hands the mostly empty bag to the nearest of them, "Someone asked for explosives, two seismic charges."
A particularly hard gust causes the ship to shudder a bit.
Ta'Rang: I'll take that.
Sam: You're welcome.
Ta'Rang: Thank you. *Takes the bag*
Milo: Captain, I don't think we should stay for a search. Let's just get off this rock and let the UPF handle it.
Ta'Rang opens the bag and looks at the two charges.
Sam: Stunningly good idea. off the rock, into space.

Wade: HOLY CRAP... Hang ON
Wade lifts off at full emergency thrust as the others strip quickly out of their enviro-suits.
Ta'Rang: He's done better
Wade: Sorry for the rush gang but I saw something crawling on top of the station.

The wind catches the ship as they take off, Wade thinks, for just a second, that it is going to push them into the station, but the ship clears it and head out to space.
Sam: Who the hell taught him to fly?!
Milo: Crawling?
Wade: WHAT!
Ta'Rang: Hey Wade you getting rusty or what?
Wade looks at Sam.
Henry: Dude, I saw the crawling thing too.
Sam: See, now that's why I hate dirt balls, always something crawling somewhere.
Wade: And just who the hell are you? some ditzy broad that probably couldn't fly a paper airplane let alone a starship.
Sam: Is that what you think flyboy?
Ta'Rang looks at Sam then Wade.
Wade: Yeah. Look LADY we just saved your bacon back there.
Henry: Well, even if it got on our ship, I'm sure the ascent into space killed it. Lack of oxygen, bitter cold and searing heat, pressure, no way it could survive to menace us later, picking us off one by one until we all make a final desperate move to kill the alien menace by hurtling ourselves into the nearest class 4 star. I need a gun.
Ta'Rang: Oh Milo we could use a refree.
Wade thinks. 'She likes me... I can tell.'
Sam: And for that, I thank you. You still can't fly.
Ta'Rang smiles. Caspar going back to sick bay, if it had a discernable head it would be shaking.
Wade: Yeah...well...damn... Uh Henry can you scan the outside of the ship for any foreign objects.
Henry: I could... but it would just ruin the suspense.
Sam: Ok, so, anyone got a name or should I just use Hey You?
Henry scans the ship.
Wade: I saw something crawling on the station just as you were coming on board.
Milo: I'll do an EVA and check for any damage after we're in space, and look for any visitors, too.
Wade smiles his most charming smile... "I am Wade... acting captain, and all around good guy."
Ta'Rang: I'm Ta'Rang.
Milo: Milo Mahoney, Ma'am.
Henry: Nope, nada. Outside of the hull is just fine, no space monsters, beasts, serial killers or Daleks.
Sam: 'Acting Captain'? What happened to the actual captain?
Henry: He failed Shakespeare at Juliard.
Ta'Rang: Milo take a laser pistol with you just in case, Ok.
Milo: You bet.
Henry finally turns around and gets a look at Sam, who is five-four with a small build and wearing a flight suit.
Wade: Well we are a team here and the four of us co-own the ship, Milo, Cowboy, Ta, and myself.
Wade: So we take turns captaining, and this week you were lucky, IT'S MY TURN... *smiles*
Sam: Lucky me.
Wade: And by chance you got the best pilot in the sector to boot.
Sam: I did now did I?
Wade smiles very nicely at her AGAIN.
Henry: To be fair, it's a small and lightly populated sector.
Milo chuckles.
Sam: How many on board?
Wade glares at Henry.
Wade: Don't you have something to scan?
Ta'Rang: Well if the pleasantries are over. I'm out ta here with these. *holds up the bag*
Wade: Well let's see now that we are graced by the fairer sex.
Sam: Have fun, don't set them off inside.
Milo: Captain, let me know when we make orbit, so I can take a little walk outside.
Wade: We have Myself, Milo, and Henry, Then theres my apish friend TaRang, Shr'Kaak, and our puffy doctor.
Henry: It would be impolite to do that, Wade. I'm surprised you even suggested it!
Sam: So, if you don't mind my asking, what were you doing out here?
Ta'Rang looks at Wade and says "good luck." Henry blinks.
Henry: You meant scanning space, didn't you?
Wade looks at Henry, then looks back at Sam. Ta'Rang raises from the console and heads for the lift.
Wade: Yes I did. Sheesh good help is so hard to find.
Sam: Uh huh. How long have you been attempting to fly any way?
Ta'Rang laughing as he reachs the lift, thinking of what is to come.
Wade: Look Sam. It seems we got off on the wrong foot can I buy you a drink later?
Sam: I'll be fine once I'm in space a bit. Sorry, last week has been rough. *She seems relaxed now that they're in flight*
Henry: Seriously, Sam... he has a penchant for... shall we say, 'aggressive driving' but I've yet to crash with him at the helm for as long as I've been with this ship.
Wade: Just got my license... from a ration box *smirks*
Sam: I can appreciate aggressive flying.
Wade: Seriously Sam I bet MIlo has some really good juice I can steal. Uh, I mean borrow. Just the two of us, we can work on a peace treaty.
Sam: I'm sorry, it might be the concussion, or sitting on a planet for a week, but are you hitting on me?
Wade: Hitting? No. Just being friendly.
Sam: be friendly that way. *points towards the console*
Ta'Rang returns to the bridge, "Sam let me have your rifle and I will store it in the armory next to mine."
Henry: "Now, see, Ta'Rang just hit on you."
Sam hands the rifle to Ta'Rang.
Wade: Ok... but you just wait... I grow on people.
Milo: Like a fungus.
Wade: *laughs* I have a host of friends.
Sam: Well, since I'm currently out one job, don't suppose you need a spare pilot then?
Ta'Rang turns around to leave then turns back to Henry, "No but I may hit you" then leaves the bridge.
Wade: Well I have to sleep sometime. And you couldn't ask for a better teacher. You're hired!
Sam: Thanks, but I don't think I'll need the lessons.
Wade: Provided you can pass the background check.
Sam: Background check? What do you need to know?
Wade: Are you sure? my rates are reasonable, and I offer PRIVATE tutoring. Well actually that is Cowboy's arena, but before we hire anyone he runs a security check through our sponsors.
Sam: Sponsors? Don't suppose you could elaborate on that one then?
Wade: Hmm...not really.. at this time... I could tell you but then I'd have to have Ta'Rang kill you.
Sam: Fair enough.
Wade: and I'd much rather offer you dinner than a an execution.
Sam: Given that choice. I'd have to think on it a bit. *smirks*
Henry: Funny. Most people choose dinner.
Wade smiles. Ta'Rang checks out the seismic charges and wonders just how he put these to use.
Sam: Can't make it that easy for him, now can I?
Wade: I like a challenge.
Ta'Rang returns to bridge.
Ta'Rang: Hey Wade how you going to arrange quarters for her?
Henry: We could suspend a throw rug in the hammer and make a makeshift hammock.
Wade: Henry we need to send a SITREP to Lt Alvarez. All hands at the station are dead except one survivor. And send her ID to him as the sole survivor.
Henry: Not hammer. I meant to say hanger. I'm sorry, sometimes I'm just shag with words. Bad with words.
Wade: She can have my stateroom. I'll move my kit into one of the Cargo pods.
Wade smiles at Sam gallantly.
Sam: How considerate of you.
Wade bows, "My pleasure... milady."
Henry: Aw, can't I have the stateroom if you're moving into the cargo pods? I do have seniority.
Sam: I can use a cargo pod however, I don't have much in the way of a kit, *she motions the single bag next to her.*
Wade: As you wish. Each cargo pod is designed with four fold down bunks. For use as low passage.
Ta'Rang: You can use one of the beds in sickbay too
Ta'Rang thinks to himeself 'you are proablely safer down in the cargo bay with Milo and me.'

Wade notes the Deathwish Squadron logo on Sam's bag, as she notices his UPF academy ring, both of them graduates of the UPF Navy. Though Wade doesn't look old enough to have served a rotation after the academy and grown out his hair as long as it is.

Sam: Cargo works fine. Thanks.
Ta'Rang: Well come on then and you can make you a room of your own in the cargo bay.
Sam: Sounds good to me.
Ta'Rang turns and heads for the lift, Sam follows.
Ta'Rang: You any good with that rifle?
Sam: Not fond of them, but I'm a decent shot.
Ta'Rang: good we may have need of it in the future.
Sam: I see . . . plan on getting into firefights then?
Ta'Rang: When we get planet side you and I can do some target shooting . . . maybe. You never know what might come up.
Sam: Ah, right. Planet side . . . If I never see the surface of a mudball again, it will be too soon.
Ta'Rang: with us it may be a whlile before we have to land again.
Sam: Sounds good, fights are best done from the cockpit of a fighter and planets are best experience from a great distance.
Ta'Rang: I like to see their faces before I kill them, myself.
Sam: What for? That means they're close enough to see your face. . .
Ta'Rang: So your quarters are here and the gallery is on the next deck, this is the armory and my quarters and the engines amd Milo's quarters are back there.
Sam: Looks cozy.

Wade: So gang what do we do now... we have appraised Lt. Alvarez of the situation, and Milo is checking... so what next?
Milo: Okay... I'm in the airlock and on comm now.

Milo cycles the airlock and turns on his mag boots and tethers. Exiting the airlock he sees that the wind storm planetside did an amazing job on the paintjob. Henry turns back to the comms.
Henry: [On COMM] Milo, how's it look out there?
Milo: [On COMM] It looks pretty wild. Sandblasted paint job for sure. Still checking

Ta'Rang: Shall we head back to the bridge?
Sam: yeah.
Ta'Rang and Sam head for the lift.

The ship looks in excellent shape, barring the paintjob. It doesn't look like anything big is broken. There is a small panel that has been blasted off near the main gun. Milo recalls it handles targeting. Milo approaches the panel and shines a light inside to get a better look at the damage. The electronics have been fragged, the insulation on the wiring has been scoured off and the circuit boards look a lot like the paintjob.
Milo: [On COMM] Problem, Captain... we got no targetting on our main gun until we replace the system.
Wade: [On COMM] Check Milo, Can the gun be aimed manually or is it offline completely? and does it affect our torpedoe launcher?
Milo: [On COMM] I think manual is okay... I don't see anything wrong with the torpedoes.
Henry: We have a torpedo launcher?
Wade: [On COMM] OK...Well I guess thats a wrap Milo....if all else is clear and you think it is safe we can proceed as Lt. Alvarez directs... or as the group consensus dictates.
Milo: [On COMM] On my way back inside.

Ta'Rang: Sam did they find anything down ther on that rock.
Sam: Some artifacts of some sort. the lead Professor, Kimble or something, found some little statue he claimed for himself, that's about when all hell broke loose.
Ta'Rang: The reason I'm asking is we met this crazy professor on Liberty naval station who talked alot about a dig he was at.
Sam: That can't be good. Whatever happened, I'm pretty sure was related to whatever they found.
Ta'Rang: Then you don't know what was found?
Sam: The only thing I saw was an ugly little statue, kind looked like a cross between a bear and a jackal. Beyond that, I just flew the supply runs.

Sam: So, Wade, you tested this tug in a dogfight yet?
Wade: Well, I outran a converted frigate.
Sam: Outran? It outgun you that badly?
Wade: Uh yeah, this tub is a converted captains shuttle. Even the jump drive had to custom fitted. The Frigate probably carried a half dozen shuttles the size of us in her hangar.
Ta'Rang: she has a few surprise in her.
Milo gets back inside and cycles the airlock.
Sam: Half dozen . . . I like those odds.
Wade: Yeah she does...and the biggest suprise is her crew... we aren't half bad... if I say so myslef.
Ta'Rang: [On COMM] hey Milo have the Doc scan you before you come inside will ya.
Milo: [On COMM] Will do.
Caspar: Milo is in better shape than the Gemini.

Wade: Ok well it will take a few days to hear anything from Alvarez, so do we hang here in orbit, go back down and investigate some more or head to our next destination. Where ever that is?
Sam: I'm all for not going back down to the rock.
Ta'Rang: I say we go to the nearest planet and pick up some cargo for now and wait for Alvarez to reply.
Sam: Hey, if I get a vote I say anywhere but back dirtside.
Wade: I vote for waiting out the storm then taking another look at the dig site.
Milo: Did the professor mention where he was heading?
Ta'Rang: Yes, I believe he did.
Sam: To me? Last I heard was back to the station.
Wade: Right where he either killed or caused to be killed the entire crew then took their shuttle and went to the Naval station and blew up a bomb, then disappeared.
Sam: Lovely.
Wade: There is something strange going on and I think the answer is on the planet beneath us. Much as I hate to say it.
Ta'Rang: But while we were talking he said that he was headed for somewhere where he could pick up better flight to. . .
Milo: To where?
Ta'Rang: Don't we have that recorded somewhere on this ship.
Caspar: My vote is the dig.
Milo: The ship has already taken damage from those winds. If we go back and stay for any length of time, we may never lift again!
Caspar: I didn't know that.
Ta'Rang: Yeah well what ever is down ther isn't going any where , so I think we can hold off on going down there.
Sam: I'm going to regret saying this . . . I could get us down and into the hangar with no damage.
Wade: I agree thats why I said we should wait a bit and see if the storm abates.
Wade: Ah but can you get us down and into the hangar inverted and undamaged.
Sam: Why the hell would I want to do that?
Milo: Well, if we can get into the hangar, I may be able to repair our damage.
Wade: Just turn a 180 lateral at the last instatnt.
Sam: Not how, why?
Ta'Rang: NO!
Wade: For the rush. *Wade smiles at Sam*
Sam: Did you make it out of the academy?
Ta'Rang frowns.
Milo: The rush of urine flowing down my leg.
Wade: With flying colors. It was just that crash afterwards. They had the markers set wrong and field control was not very understanding.
Sam: There's no rush in landing. You want a rush charge head on into two dozen oncoming hostiles.
Wade: But I walked away.
Ta'Rang: How about the rush of me smacking you up along side the head, Wade.
Wade: Sheesh you guys are no fun.... ok lets try and do it the SAFE way... spoil sports...
Sam: I still say going anywhere else is a better bet you know.
Wade: Ok so we go down and shelter in the hangar. Then while Milo effects repairs the rest of us can check out the dig.
Sam: And that crawling thing?
Wade: Or we can help Milo on the repairs and then all of us investigate. Carry a gun.
Sam: I'll help Milo. I'm not leaving the ship this time around.
Wade: And stay together.
Caspar: I got a small gun.
Wade: Okay first things first. Care to take the CON Sam? *Wade vacates the pilots seat.*
Sam takes the pilot seat.
Ta'Rang: Damn ,I should have taken the Captains chair.
Sam: Last chance to go somewhere more pleasant. Please?
Caspar: What is dowm there?
Sam: A planet, which is the problem.
Ta'Rang leaves the bridge and heads for the armorey.
Wade: Now a couple of pointers, she pulls a little to the port when you first enter the atmo, and she has the aerodynamics of a house so keep a steady hand. I'm right here if you need me.
Sam: Right, flies like a lead block in a puddle of mercury. Bet it handles better than a destroyer.

Wade straps in at the aux nav console. Ta'Rang enters the armorey and starts gathering his gear. Sam takes the ship into atmosphere. Caspar get ready to sit. Ta'Rang pulls out the laser rifle and attaches his scope on it. Henry looks at Sam.
Henry: You know, Wade, not... not that I'm saying anything, mind you... but...
Ta'Rang puts the charges in a pouch on his weapons belt, then holsters his laser pistol.
Henry: You know, that didn't really involve... a whole lot of, you know. Clanging, banging, and sudden jerking. Does that mean she's doing it wrong? Cause every time you steer the ship...
Milo: Oh hell... the thrusters are shaking!!
Wade: Yeah not bad....but then she left out the barrel roll and the high G flaired landing.
Henry: I'm not complaining.
Wade: ACK! Spoke to soon
Henry: Thrusters seem to be shaking a little, though.
Milo heads back to the engine room at a dead run.

BOOM, the starboard thruster blows.
Wade: She broke the ship.
Henry: Oh, hell.
Wade: Oh crap!
Ta'Rang: what the?
Henry buckles up.

The Ship lurches all sorts of ways.

Wade: that will put us into a port lateral spin, can you compensate with manuevering thrusters.
Sam: well, shit on me.

The Gemini starts to spin.

Ta'Rang jumps into aux weapons console seat and straps in.
Wade: Do you want me to take her?
Sam tries to pull it out of the spin.
Ta'Rang: what are you guys doing up there?
Sam: Maiden voyage you say?
Wade acts like he REALLY wants to grab the controls... but retrains himself visibly.
Wade: For us we got her used. And she has been pushed pretty hard by a previous pilot.
Ta'Rang: What are you doing, Wade?
Sam looks unphased so far.
Henry: Do we call for a mayday yet? Cause - that's all I'm useful for right now.
Wade: Watching our new pilot crash buddy... WAH HOO!
Sam: I hate planets.
Ta'Rang curses in Yazarian. Henry looks at his console, none of the buttons have any use to him in this situation.
Sam: You wanted a barrel roll or two right?
Ta'Rang: Milo can I be of any help to you?

Sam manages to get the ship straightened out. It is still really hard to maneuver and the braking thrusters are having a hard time slowing the ship down.
Wade: One or two. You are doing great.
Henry: Must go slower. Must go slower.
Sam: Bought used huh?
Wade: Hey she worked great for me... just don't bump into anything hard... like the PLANET.
Sam makes a circling pass to slow the ship down before trying to land.
Sam: Did I mention I hate planets?
Ta'Rang heads for the engine room to see if he can help Milo.
Wade: You could use atmospheric breaking. Bounce of the atmo as we enter a decaying orbit and use the frictioin to slow us down. But if you hit the wrong angle we burn up.

Sam brings the Gemini in for a landing on the planets surface.
Henry braces for impact.
Wade: Not bad for a girl.
Sam: Or I could circle and drop her softly.
Henry: Dear god in heaven, stop hitting on the woman and let her steer!

With a surprise flaring maneuver, Sam manges to touch down no rougher than Wade did earlier. May have been a touch lighter actually.
Sam: Relax, we're on the ground.
Caspar: Thanks.
Wade: Hmm. But she still broke the ship. Not bad though.
Sam: You might want to check out your engines though, bit patchy if you ask me.
Henry: Damnit.
Milo: [On COMM] Are we on the ground yet?
Henry: [On COMM] Yeah, we're on the ground.
Ta'Rang looks in on Milo.

Milo: [On COMM] Good. These thrusters need major work.
Wade: Are we in the Hangar?
Sam: No.
Wade: Crap... So where are we?
Sam: On dirt.
Henry: Let's see. Sensors indicate. . .
Sam: There's lots of the stuff around. planets are known for them.
Ta'Rang: Well what are youn two waiting for?
Henry: We are about five clicks from the command center, indeed on the planet, and the general threat level index is at 'severely boned.'
Sam: Oh well, that failed, back into space then?
Wade: Ok so we have a hike ahead of us. You are funny. I don't think we are leaving this rock 'til we make repairs.
Ta'Rang: How do you plan on fixing the ship out here?
Milo [On COMM]: We're not going anywhere until I fix these thrusters. If the winds don't cause MORE damamge before I finish!!
Sam: Well. Damn.
Wade: Ok here is what we need to do. We trek to the command center where we help Milo repair one of the vehicles and use it shuttle parts back here. Then we effect just enough repair to lift the ship to the hangar where we can make a better more permanent repair.
Ta'Rang starts speaking in Yazirian.
Wade: Meanwhile anyone not helping on the repairs investiagte the dig.
Sam: Don't suppose if anyone cares that I don't leave the ship then? right, good, I'll stay here.
Wade: Then we haul butt outta here, anyone have anything better?
Ta'Rang: How many of us do we need to go?
Henry: I'll go. Might actually be useful down there. Okay, probably not, but I've been on this ship since we got there and the only thing I can do from here is send out a mayday.
Milo: [On COMM] Sam, this is Milo. You there?
Ta'Rang: Henry on your last sweep of the area you said that both vehicles were damaged?
Sam: I can help Milo. On the ship.
Wade: I think Shr'Kaak and Sam if she is really scared can stay behind the rest of us need to go in case there is trouble or Milo needs help on the repairs
Sam: [On Comm] I'm here. (To Wade) Has nothing to do with scared, has everything to do with hating balls of mud floating in space.
Ta'Rang: Do we need the doc?
Wade: We might.
Ta'Rang: Everybody out there is dead.
Milo: [On COMM] Sam. The maneuvering thrusters are still online. If we baby it, we might be able to use them to get us to the hangar. Can you handle that?
Wade: Are we sure. I saw something crawling on the station. Maybe we can do what Milo is saying.
Ta'Rang: So we kill it when we get there.
Sam: [On COMM] Milo, shouldn't be a problem, the wind will be a pain to compenstate for though.
Milo: [On COMM] Do your best.
Henry: Right, but I don't think this thing gives tons of specifics from orbit. And I don't have LOS now.
Ta'Rang: I wonder how these guns work with out a guidence system
Sam: you want this one, or is there not enough challenge in taking a crippled ship through atmosphere Wade? (To Ta'Rang) You aim manually.
Wade: Humph. ok let me have her.
Sam vacates the pilot seat. Milo nurses the maneuver thrusters. Ta'Rang sit down at weapons console and starts checking the systems. Wade starts the thrusters and eases things very gently, tacking into the wind so that it helps to push the ship towards the command hangar.
Sam: nothing says Top Pilot like a gentle ride.

The maneuvering thrusters aren't really designed to operate as the primary motivation for the ship and the environmental conditions, Sam takes the copilot seat to work the flaps as Wade concentrates on the thrusters themselves.

Milo kisses the engines for luck of the Irish.

The first km is nice and easy. You get the Gemini up in the air and glide on the winds like a sailboat.
Sam: nice and easy.

They think you have the hang of it now as the gently guide the Gemini through the win torn atmosphere.
Sam: heh, we make a good team.
Henry: Did you guys think, maybe we should put on envirosuits... just in case?
Ta'Rang: Ya think if I take a few practice shots it will disturb this boat?

Sam: Gust.
Wade: Hah a good team indeed
The third km is going smoothly. They still can't see the station through all the dust, a gust of wind spun the ship slightly.

Sam: Steady. . .
The winds are getting a little gusty, causing some turbulence.

Sam: You ever get a bad feeling about things? *A heavy gust hits the ship* That was close.
Wade: Wheww! I am sitting on the edge of my seat.

With a little jarring, the Gemini skids into the hangar.
Milo: [On COMM] Are we there yet?!?
Sam: No, few more clicks to go. . .
Wade: [On COMM] Just arrived.

Wade: [On COMM] TaRang can you and Henry get the doors?
Sam: Not bad, for a boy.
Wade grins at her.
Ta'Rang: Sure let me jump into my suit
Wade: Thanks Mom
Sam smiles back. Henry gets into his suit.
Sam: I'm still not leaving the ship.
Ta'Rang suits up inhis enviro-suit.
Wade: No problems.
Henry nods and he and Ta'Rang head for hatch.

Sam heads down to engineering "OK Milo, you have an extra pair of hands"
Milo: Good. You can get into the tight places.
Sam: Yeah, I'm good for that. *Sam looks up at the much much larger Milo*

Ta'Rang: Ok where's the damn switch for these door Sam? Ah here it is I found it, how long before we have an atmosphere in here?
Wade: Hey guys I figured some things out.
Ta'Rang: I hate these suits.
Wade: I know whats on the Hard drive. And I know where we need to go next to track the doctor.
Henry: [On COMM] Stop! I hear something. It's a. . . it's a hissing sound. . .

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Season 01 - Episode 011 (Season Episode 11 of 19)
[Game Night Bonus Episode!]
---START NEWS FEED---
Mechan Appeal Denied
Gran Quivera, Prenglar System
In a 3-to-1 vote, the UPF Council denied Mechan's appeal to enter the UPF as a member state. The Council cited "bad blood" and "distrust" stemming from the Mechan involvement in the Sathar War.

In a rather surprising twist, the Terran Ambassador voted for the acceptance of Mechan into the UPF. When asked about the official policy change, Orator Terrenus William Jacobs stated that the Terran government's views the Mechan artificial lifeforms as capable of peaceful coexistence as a biological life form and we should give them a chance to prove it.

That chance was shot down when the Dralasite, Vrusk and Yazarian council members voted against Mechan acceptance.

Ir'k T'Sarkik, Orator for the Vrusk nation stated that it would be "impractical" to trust a machine intelligence, especially one that had been programmed by the Sathar. "Who knows what sort of sub-routines lie hidden within the deep recesses of these artificial intelligent constructs."

The Mechan ambassadors were escorted from the Council chambers and are scheduled to be returned to the Mechan planet, which is still under UPF quarantine.
---END NEWS FEED---

When last we left our intrepid adventurers, the hardy group of explorers had just returned to the surface of Liberty II. En route, engine failure caused a near crash. Only with great skill (and more than a little luck) the pilot was able to set down with little additional damage.

A terse journey from the "landing" site to the command center followed soon after. Like most mechanical apparati on Liberty II, the bay doors failed to automatically close, so Ta'Rang and Henry stepped out of the Gemini to manually trigger the door to close.

The mission was a resounding success, with the doors clanging shut. It was then that Henry's voice came over the comms, "Stop! I hear something. It's a... it's a hissing sound..."

Wade: [On COMM] WHATS GOING ON OUT THERE TA!?
Milo: Okay. Henry heard a hissing sound.
Samantha: The ship is nice, the ship is safe, the ship will hopefully get us off this mudball.
Ta'Rang: [On COMM] I did not hear it, Henry what's happening

Henry doesn't answer. Caspar runs to get its med kit.
Ta'Rang: [On COMM] I can't see him *Ta'Rang looks for Henry*
Henry is gone.
Ta'Rang: [On COMM] I can't find Henry.
Samantha: See! Planets are bad news!
Ta'Rang starts searching the hangar bay. Shr'kaak anticipates a trip outside and starts pulling on his environment suit in back. Samantha runs and gets her rifle. Milo checks the instruments for hangar atmosphere. Ta'Rang thinks 'Where the hell did he go?'

Ta'Rang finds Henry slumped next to the landing gear.
Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Everybody look out there is something on the ship, I'm bring Henry back into the ship, get the doc. Hurry.
Ta'Rang pics up henry and starts for the hatch. Doc, Wade and Shr'Kaak head towards the cargo hatch.
Milo: [On COMM] What is on my ship?!?
Ta'Rang: [On COMM] some thing that crawls, and it attacked Henry.

Samantha Grabs her rifle and runs back to engineering. Ta'Rang throws Henry over his shoulder and draws his pistol. Ta'rang notices movement on the top of the ship, just in time to see the crawley thing leap at him from the top of the ship, slamming directly into his chest and knocking him onto the ground. Shr'kaak draws his electrostunners and waits for Caspar to open the door before diving out and appraising the situation. Caspar puts on its suit.

Ta'Rang flies into a rage, punching the creature for all he's worth with a snarl.
Wade: [On COMM] Hold on buddy I'm coming.

He hits the crawler with a solid punch, but it doesn't seem phased. In retaliation it rears back and slams down into Ta'Rang with its legs. The airlock cycles open just as Ta'Rang falls unconscious, Wade and Shr'kaak appear with guns drawn. Wade fires his electrostunner at the creature as Shr'kaak dives past him and fire his own guns at the thing. Both make contact.

The crawler, some kind of bizarre insect like monkey, seems to expand with cracks of energy forming all over it. Then it explodes in a ball of light. Mental static causes Caspar to puase before rushing outside to check on Ta'Rang. The hangar finally pressurizes and has breathable atmosphere again.

In egineering...
Samantha: Ok, Milo, where can I help?
Milo: Sam, you can squeeze in behind this panel and release the two bolts holding the plasma conduit in place.

Wade helps the Doc get the two wounded to sick bay. Henry looks like he may have been jumbled around inside his suit. There is a nasty bruise on his temple, but no other signs of injury. He is breathing steadily. Ta'Rang has a nasty bruise on his right shoulder but is otherwise alright. Shr'Kaak climbs over the hull of the ship checking for more of the things, finding none.
Caspar: Did you guys see the silver stuff?
Wade: what silver stuff?
Ta'Rang: Did I kill it?
Milo: [On COMM] Just out of curiosity. Did anyone ever figure out what was hissing? Was it the critter, or air escaping?
Samantha: How long do we plan on staying again?

Milo and Sam take a quick inventory of the damage. One engine is mostly shot. Fortunately they have parts to fix it. Unfortunately, it is going to take a few days to get everything pulled and replaced. The weapons control panel is an easy fix. Probably an hour or two.
Ta'Rang: Well now what are we doing?
Shr'kaak: K-k-k. It was strange the way that thing disintegrated.
Samantha: A few days? *sob*
Milo: Let's get the weapons control out of the way first. just in case.
Samantha: Fair enough.

Wade: [On COMM] Meanwhile I think we should check out the interior of the station, and may be try to find out what the silver flash was that Doc mentioned.
Shr'kaak: What silver flash was that?
Wade: It said that it saw a silver line leading into the ground just after the thing disappeared/exploded.
Ta'Rang: So what happened to that crawley thing that jumped me?
Caspar: I saw it when the bug died.
Shr'kaak: Into the ground. All right. *Jots that down on his notepad*

Shr'kaak: Well, once the immediate repairs are done, let us see what our situation is with this base. Best to know we are safe before doing any long-term repairs.
Ta'Rang: what do you say to the three of us look over this station?
Samantha: I spent seven days in this hunk of scrap without incident.
Wade: I agree. In addition there are a couple of things I have noticed or thought of.
Ta'Rang looks at Wade and Cowboy.
Wade: There are two land transports broken down ordamaged outside, maybe between the two we can salvage one.
Milo: So, you never saw that critter before?
Samantha: Nope. I have no idea what it is, where it came from or anything. I'm assuming it got in when we landed while the hangar was open.
Wade: Also we got a news cast just before we came down here, and it mentioned a couple of things.
Shr'kaak: I say we secure the base before heading out. It would not be good to get in trouble out there and not have a place to retreat in relative safety to.
Wade: I believe that the encrypted hard drive has very valuable data belonging to PANGAL of a financial nature that is worth millions.
Samantha: Encrypted hard drive?
Wade: Also TaRang might have an idea on where the Prof is at and where he's headed next.
Ta'Rang: Yeah I found it. I think our Professor was at Waller Nexus when the riots broke out and he is heading for Prenglar system.
Shr'kaak: Samantha, did I hear? I am sorry, but I did not know we picked up a passenger.
Samantha: Right, I was stuck here in this scrap heap of a base. The professor vacated it a short while ago.
Shr'kaak: Oh. You knew the Professor?
Samantha: I worked for him. I was the pilot that did the supply runs between the land base and the orbital station. I knew his name, but pretty much kept away from the dirt hounds. Not my kind of thing.
Ta'Rang: Wasn't the Professor an exobiologist?
Shr'kaak: Very good. Did he act or appear odd before he left?
Samantha: I have no idea, this was an archeological dig. Something about some ancient civilization. I've no idea.
Ta'Rang: Why would an exo be on a arc. dig?
Samantha: You could say that, he had some weird statue with him that he claimed for himself, then all hell broke loose. I survived by virtue of luck. Luck and being unconcious for several hours.
Shr'kaak: So there WAS an artifact. I wonder what happened to it.
Ta'Rang: I bet the Professor still has it.
Shr'kaak: I guess it could have been the artifact that exploded.

Milo cusses in Gaelic when he bangs his head against one thruster body.
Shr'kaak: What makes you think the Professor is still alive Ta'Rang?
Ta'Rang: The trouble here then at the Naval base and then he said he was head for Waller nexus and there wasda roit there, that's why.
Samantha: Follow the space station riots? nice trail.
Shr'kaak: A riot. Interesting. I will have to catch up on my reading when we have some time.
Ta'Rang: To many things are happening and the Professor seems to be always involved.
Samantha: I'm going to help get this bucket spaceworthy, I'm tired of being on a rock.
Shr'kaak jots down a few more notes, slowly and carefully managing his pen through the clumsy gloves, then stuffs the notebook away again.
Ta'Rang: I believe he will head for Theseus next
Milo looks up.
Milo: Why Theseus?
Ta'Rang: Or whatever that planet we came from was called. It's the shortest route to Prenglar and the museum.
Milo: Hmmm.
Wade: But isn't Prenglar like a hub of this sector?
Shr'kaak: Can we send this information to Alvarez while we are still stuck here, or will it have to wait?
Samantha: Comm works, video screen is . . . out of commission.
Ta'Rang: The radio still works don't it Wade.
Wade: We have sent him two SITREPS since we arrived in system and found the bodies.
Samantha: In the station at least.
Wade: Our comm works fine. It's just that it takes about two weeks for stuff to transmit to Theseus from here.
Ta'Rang: We're not going anywhere soon are we?
Samantha: Few days at least.
Shr'kaak: Then better to send it as soon as possible. The more potential time to act he has the better. Please send it now if you would. And thank you Ta'Rang for the well-made suppositions. We cannot be certain without more facts, but it may allow for preventative measures.
Ta'Rang looks at Shr'Kaak and nods.

Henry remains unconcious in sick-bay while the others rest from the first attack. Milo and Samantha effect repairs on the ship. The crew keeps a wary eye out for any other creatures throughout the night.
Samantha: If we work around the clock I bet we could cut a day off the repairs easy.
Milo: Maybe. But would they last long enough to get us into orbit?
Samantha: I meant working longer hours, not cutting corners. The absolute last thing I want is to fail to achieve orbit.
Shr'kaak: Samantha - I understand your desire to leave this place, as I am sure the experience has been traumatic for you, but I suggest we all get as much rest as possible so we can stay alert and focused.
Samantha: If by traumatic you mean being on a planet at all, I agree.

Ta'Rang: Well shall we explore the station while these two repaisr the ship. I have another thought is there anyway we can find out more about this system?
Shr'kaak: All right. Milo and Samantha are making repairs. Caspar will you be attending Henry or is he stable enough that you can join us?
Milo: Ta'Rang, you can check the online encyclopedia.
Ta'Rang: Ok I will when we return from our exploration of the station
Caspar: I can go with you.
Shr'kaak: That is a good idea. Once we have checked out the base, or if anyone here has time while we are investigating, let's see if there is any information about these creatures.
Samantha: There isn't much here.
Shr'kaak: Good. Milo, Samantha, we will keep our comms open. Please be alert in case we need assistance. And keep us appraised of your progress.
Milo: Will do.
Samantha: No problem.
Ta'Rang: So do we jump back into our evo suits, I say yes.
Caspar: Yes.

Shr'kaak makes a few barely audible clicks, sounding thoughtful, then is quiet.
Ta'Rang: hold on a minute Doc I need to get some weapons before we go outside.
Wade: I think we should carefully make our way to the command center. Then decide where to go from there.
Shr'kaak: I suggest we stay to the perimeter at first, to see if there are any obvious breaches.
Wade: You mean go outside?
Ta'Rang heads for the armory and gets his laser pistol and laser rifle.
Caspar: I am taking the med kit and my hand computer and laser pistol
Shr'kaak: Do you think you could operate any surveilance equipment there Wade? No. I don't think we should go outside yet if we can avoid it.
Wade: Hmm, I have this. *Wade shows his hand planetary scout scanner*
Ta'Rang returns to the hatch, Ok Doc I'm ready now.
Caspar: Me too.
Shr'kaak: Well, hopefully this facility has a security system of some sort that we can take advantage of, but please keep your eye out for anything unusual as we progress Wade.
Wade: Will do.
Ta'Rang: Alright Let's see what we can find.
Shr'kaak nods, draws his weapons, and prepares to follow Ta'Rang.
Wade: As our combat spec Ta should take point.
Ta'Rang bring his rifle to the ready position.

The command center is roughly disc shaped. At the top of the disc is the hangar. From there down there are five full decks and some smaller decklettes. In order, they are. . .
6 Hangar
5 Supples, Labs and Shops
4 Living Quarters
3 Command and control.
2 Vehicle storage and shop
1 Lower hangar, though garage would be more appropriate.

Shr'kaak: Let us head down to CC on floor 3. If we can't make good use of a security system, we can then examine the outer walls to see if the building is still secure.
Wade: I agree.
Ta'Rang: Should we use the lift or an access ladder?
Shr'kaak: I don't know much about such things, Caspar maybe you can enlighten us, but didn't that creature have a strange anatomy for a baren and wind-swept world?
Caspar: Yes, but I've never seen it before.

Getting to C&C is really easy. Up here, there are no problems. As you go, you notice that the place is fully stocked with food and medical supplies. C&C is another matter altogether. Like the station in orbit, lots of signs of combat. Most of the consoles seem intact.
Ta'Rang: Well it looks as if they planned on being here awhile by these supplies.
Wade: Hmm, maybe the Doc can access there computer logs and find out what they had discovered if anything.
Shr'kaak: And also that our friend Samantha is probably the only survivor. I presume anyone who left the station would at least have grabbed food in a hurry.
Ta'Rang: Maybe it depends on how big of hurry they were in , don't you think?
Wade: Except that so far by body count there were only two survivors. Sam and the Prof.. and I think the the Prof did something to cause this.
Ta'Rang: I wonder about that statue?

Looking out the large viewport, they can make out the dig site some quarter of a klick away.
Shr'kaak: Right. Stay alert for anything unusual. Particularly if it looks like anything we saw in the orbiting station. Wade, watch for any similar radiation to that we found up there if you would.
Ta'Rang: You want to go out there later and look at it?
Shr'kaak: I believe we will probably have to Ta'Rang. But first things first.
Ta'Rang looks around at the damage areas. Shr'kaak attempts to determine causes of death, with the last station's situation in mind. Caspar points out the viewport.
Caspar: Look the silver line.

The damage is the station is small arms fire and brute force mostly. It looks like some serious damage in the stairwell leading to Deck 2. Maybe one of the seismic charges was set off there. Wade and Shr'kaak look out the viewport and both see nothing.
Wade: What silver line Doc?
Wade scans the area looking for any anomalies with the scanner.
Caspar: I think are coming back.
Wade: Nope sorry Doc but the sensors say there's nothing there... are you ok?
Shr'kaak: What was that Caspar? You think what are coming back?
Ta'Rang: What are you talking about? Who's coming back?
Caspar: The careatures are coming.
Wade looks worried at the Doc.
Ta'Rang: How do you know?
Shr'kaak adjusts his hat, clicks a few times, and scans the working readouts for a security interface.
Wade: I don't see anything Doc and the sensors don't either.
Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Milo did you hear that?
Caspar: I saw the sivler line.
Milo: [On COMM] Hear what, 'Rang? I had my head inside an engine port?
Wade puts away the hand scanner and draws his electrostunner. Wade looks spooked.
Ta'Rang: [On COMM] The doc says the creatures are coming back.
Wade: Uh this is creepy.
Samantha: [On COMM] back?

Shr'kaak finds the cameras, but all they show are views of the major entry ports. Currently nothing but blown sand in view.

There is a webcam, for lack of a better term, here in C&C so that you get visual during conversations with orbital or ships.
Shr'kaak: This will have to do for now. Wade and Milo can you two work together to get a feed from these cameras sent to our ship?
Ta'Rang: I say that we move back to the ship and lock her up tight.
Caspar: I am guessing it is the same silver creature I saw when the bug exploded.
Wade: I can try.
Milo: [On COMM] Cowboy... do you want cameras worked on, or the ship fixed?
Shr'kaak: That might be helpful.
Ta'Rang: It seems that you are the only one who can see them Doc.
Samantha: [On COMM] Ship fixed! Focus on the ship!
Wade rushes to the console and tries to figure out how to set them top a continuous transmit mode.
Ta'Rang: Hey Doc if you can see them can you talk to them?
Shr'kaak: You can't get a quick video link set up Milo? I think being able to see outside may be a great help.
Milo cusses in Gaelic some more as he links the ships monitors to the video signal from the base. Samantha frantically continues to work on the mostly dismantled engine.
Caspar: I see sox of the lines.
Wade looks grim.
Ta'Rang: Can you commincate with them?
Caspar: I don't tlhink i can.
Wade: *whispers under his breath* great six monsters, and me with only one gun. Dang. sorry Shr. the lense is smashed. The camera will transmit but it's blind.

The comm camera is a bit smashed to pieces. The signal connection works fine, but it seems the lense has been damaged.
Shr'kaak: All of this is curious. Obviously the minds of the inhabitants were affected. Caspar is seeing things we don't. And we saw a creature that doesn't seem to fit here and doesn't even seem very physically likely. We have to consider the possibility that we are hallucinating.
Ta'Rang: Let's move people.
Shr'kaak: All right. Let's get back.
Wade rushes towards the door.
Ta'Rang: Maybe but I don't want to put your theory to the test right yet, Cowboy.
Wade: YEP. I am outta here.
Shr'kaak: Of course not. It is merely speculation. Oh. Well, outside views will do.
Ta'Rang: Move it, I'll bring up the rear.
Caspar shudders in a almost a seizure.
Milo: [On COMM] Alright, Cowboy... I've got the base video signal playing on the ship monitors. I have an excellent view of all the exterior doors of the base.
Caspar: They are inside. Run.
Shr'kaak draws his weapons.
Shr'kaak: All right, but no panicing. Stay in a group.
Wade: Holy CRAP. I hate it when that happens.
Ta'Rang: Run?
Caspar: run.
Shr'kaak starts moving. Wade back pedals as fast as I can to the ship. staying with the group of course.

A hissing sound comes from all 'round. It echoes through the halls and rooms. Ta'Rang bring up the rear guard. Caspar runs as fast as its trembling appendages allow. Shr'kaak glances at side passages and doors as we pass. The sound of claws clicking on metal comes from behind. Wade readys his gun as he runs.
Wade: feets don't fail me now.

Milo: Sam can you help at the airlock? cover them as they get aboard.
Samantha: On it.

Ta'Rang glances over his shoulder and sees shadows and glimmers of movement.
Ta'Rang: Run faster damnit.

Wade: [On COMM] Milo, can you power up the shields as we come aboard. It may slow them down.

Milo hears something from the cargo bay. A box or something was knocked over.

Wade: [On COMM] pant... pant...

Milo: [On COMM] Sam is that you in the cargo hold?
Milo moves toward the cargo bay.
Samantha: [On COMM] Cargo? No. Why?
Milo: [On COMM] We got company.

Caspar and Shr'kaak see the creatures just before they leap out.

Samantha: [On COMM] Company?
Milo peeks around the corner into the cargo area. Samantha readies the rifle, looks nervous, possibly on the verge of panic.

Wade: [On COMM] Huh. (huff...huff...)
The creatures are flanking the goup and coming from behind. Immediately near you are four and 'Rang sees at least that many from behind. The crew is making it's way through Deck 4.
Wade: you guys are scaring the crap out of me. I still don't see anything.
Ta'Rang: Don't stop running!

Samantha: [On COMM] Milo, can we even lift off as is?
Milo: [On COMM] Not a chance in hell, Sam the engines are torn apart for repair.
Milo: [On COMM] DO NOT PANIC, PEOPLE!! We can't afford to give up any IQ points!!
Samantha changes positions and goes to cover Milo in the cargo bay.

Caspar, Shr'kaak, Ta'Rang both turn and fire at the jumble of insect-like creatures. Shr'kaak and Ta'Rang's targets stumble over their own limbs and lie still on the deck. Caspar's target is taken by a single shot in a full autofire barrage, but does not drop. Two of them continue the pursuit of Wade. His dead run seems to have triggered their hunter instinct. The one remaining one up front pounces, only to sail over Caspars head and slam into the railing. From the rear two of them get entangled and start snapping at each other. The other pounces and strikes Ta'Rang, but doesn't knock him down.

Milo is searching the cargo deck, which looks "rummaged" through. There is an access panel to some eletrical conduits opened up. It could fit a small person in there. Milo cautiously enters the cargo hold with Samantha covering him.

Milo hears a voice, almost panicked, whispering, "They're not going to get me. They're not going to get me."
Milo moves toward the open panel. Samantha follows slowly, finger on the trigger.
Samantha: What is it?
Milo: Shhh...

Milo carefully peeks around the edge, ready to make a grab. Inside the crawlspace is Henry. he is pale and sweating profusely and pointing a blaster in Milo's direction. "You'll never take me!" he screams. He fires.

Roll End Credits