Gemini Ascendant Episodes

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season 02 - Episode 044 (Season Episode 25 of 35)

Killian: Does it look intact?

Killian checks his radiation meters as Ta'Rang heads for Taffy's location.

Wade: Yak!.... uh sorry Taffy old boy, but that is strictly Ta'Rangs bailywick....

Samantha: How about we leave it alone.

Killian: How's we leave it alone and get away from it?

Wade: Sam are we still working on this truck or do we give it up and move on?

Samantha: I'm getting this truck moving.

Behind the warehouse, it looks like the missile carrying the warhead crashed into the dirt and skidded to a stop. The warhead was likely buried, but there is some signs of recent soil erosion.

Killian: I hate to admit it, but if we get it running and back to base we can charge it up fully and have a useful tool.

Wade: Ok then give it another try.

Samantha: I'll give it some time to charge up.

Wade checks the jumper cable to make sure its secure and keeps the bike revved. The radiation meter indicates elevated radiation across the board. Nothing lethal yet. Ta'Rang looks at the area surrounding the missile and the missile itself. The missile is of an unknown design. You quickly identify the detonation components. It should be a simple matter to disarm it completely. The warhead itself would fit easily in the truck.

Samantha: Why do we want a warhead? Assuming the core isn't exposed?

LCpl Ashcroft: Looks like we have a potential ground based missile

Wade: Yeah Sam it's your truck, so I will guard it for you till you get back. It won't do anyone any good if we get fried trying to salvage it.

Ta'Rang: I'm going to disarm the warhead then we can take it back safely.

Wade: Take it back why? How would we fire it?

Killian: If the yield on the warhead is sufficient, we could use it as a blockade breaking device.

Ta'Rang: Don't have to fire it but it would make a great booby trap for approaching enemies.

Looking at it, the detonator itself has degraded. Ta'Rang disconnects the whole thing though, just to be sure.

Wade: for that all you need is the warhead not the entire missile...

Samantha: Because setting a nuke off in close proximity is a good idea. really.

Samantha: NOW do you see why I left you all? You're all fucking crazy.

Killian: Close proximity to someone else, anyway...

Ta'Rang: What's alittle radation?

 

Samantha goes and tries to start the truck again.

The truck fires up. It is reading a nominal charge, but should run for about 50km. More than enough to get it back to base.

Killian: Sam, you went walkies alone in a nuclear winter wonderland, and WE'RE all crazy for coming after you. As far as toting around nuclear materiel, we carried twenty times as much in shuttles to the Washington.

Ta'Rang: Hey help get this warhead on the ship.

Samantha: Those weren't designed to cause damage. I see a difference.

Killian checks again for radiation next to the warhead. Slightly elevated radiation next to the warhead, but not excessive.

Wade: Not my ship!

Samantha: Fine. load it up, I'll drive it back. You can have your bike back Wade.

Ta'Rang: you took my bike, Wade.

Wade: Ta that warhead is 250 years old and leaking radiation.... we are NOT taking it aboard the G2. Thanks Sam

Ta'Rang: The shuttle you dummy.

 

Ta'Rang loads the warhead into the truck with LCpl Ashcroft's assistance.

Wade reassembles his bike and mounts up.

Wade: Ok well thats different.

Wade: Ta we should load your bike on the back of the truck unless you want to ride it

Samantha: Anyone riding with? Or do I get some peace and quiet again?

Ta'Rang: I'll ride it.

Killian: Your choice, Sam.

Wade: Cool, So who is flying the shuttle?

LCpl Ashcroft: I'll ride in the back of the truck with the warhead.

Ta'Rang: It's your ship

Samantha: Why not take the passenger seat? it's more comfortable and has less radiation

Wade: You brought it out here

Ta'Rang fires up the bike.

Ta'Rang: See ya.

Ta'Rang takes off like a bat outta hell.

Killian: I think I'd rather ride a shuttle with Doc at the controls.

LCpl Ashcroft: Because you are crazy and it is easier to jump out the back.

Doc Caspar: Good

Samantha: I'm crazy?

Killian: Yes.

Wade loads his bike in the shuttle.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Hey Wade bet you can't beat me to the base.

Wade: [On COMM] bet I can.

Wade lifts off, Killian and Doc on board, and flies back to the base to await Ta'Rangs return.

 

LCpl Ashcroft: Looks like it is just you and me. Taffy, what about you?

Taffy: You go ahead. I wanted to get a closer look at the city. Since I am so close, now seems as good a time as any. I shall see you all at the base later.

Ashcroft notices aircraft flying low over the sea as they drive back.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Are those craft ours?

Samantha: What craft?

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Those craft flying low over the sea

Samantha takes a look, she recognizes them as the Yazarian fighters. There are also two shuttle sized craft.

Samantha: [On COMM] They're from the visitors we have above.

Samantha: [On COMM] Probably picking up the men that Wade blew out of the sky.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Those craft flying low over the sea, we need to get out of the open in case they are looking in this direction.

The ships were traveling on a North to South vector away from the base. Samantha gets the truck moving as fast as she can back to meet the others and let's them know about ships coming in over the sea towards the city.

 

Wade: Oh yeah, sam I forgot to tell you, the reason we came looking for you is. We elected you our new captain in absentia.

Samantha: Wait. I'm the captain now?

Wade: Yep... congratulations.

Ta'Rang: too bad these bike won't do mach-one.

Samantha: Excellent.

Wade: Nope only 54 mph... but I bet that feels pretty fast when flying at 25 feet noe, with no protection.

Ta'Rang: Oh shit.

Killian: Oh shit what?

Ta'Rang: She is in charge.

Killian: I hear ya, buddy. But I'm just the new technician, what say do I have?

Ta'Rang: Well as much as the rest of us if you're part of the G2 crew.

Killian: Thanks, Ta. I think.

Ta'Rang: Your welcome, I hope.

Wade watches the ships from a high point near the base as the group readies for an incursion back to the city to find Taffy. They veer east to the southern side of the city.

 

Samantha: Ok, someone help me rig something to get this truck fully charged. She won't last a round trip to and back.

Wade: Ok gang it looks like our friends are after something on the southside of the city.

Killian: It's not just an adventure, Ta, it's a job.

Killian rigs something to get her truck fully charged.

Ta'Rang: No, an adventure for us, the job is part time.

Wade: Are we offloading the warhead?

Killian: Hey, I actually get to do the part of my job that doesn't involve monsters and shooting!

Killian: What's this "we," white man?

Ta'Rang: I wonder how close I could get on the hover bike.

Wade: Hey who you callin.... man?

Ta'Rang and Ashcorft unload the warhead.

Ta'Rang: where you want it put?

Wade: Not my pocket Ta.

Killian: Probably ought to find somewhere the Marines aren't bunking down to store the nuclear weapon.

 

LCpl Ashcroft: So, before we go running off into the countryside, how about you fine folks take a minute to bring me up to speed once and for all?

Killian: Ashcroft, you are laboring under the assumption that anyone here knows what is going on. I used to think that.

Ta'Rang: As to what? Didn't the marshmallow clue you in to us?

LCpl Ashcroft: Why are you here, why did you come out here in the first place, what do you hope to find, what is the deal with the little statue you found, whats the deal with Taffy. You know the little stuff.

Killian: Personally, I was sent here, well, somewhere else, on a job, to work on the systems on an old base, where the G2 was stolen, for Taffy, who wasn't there.

 

Wade and Samantha both have a memory come creeping back to them as they get ready.

The "consulting alien's" ship was in the city. When they flew out for the last time. In their previous life.

Wade: Sorry Ash... lets see.

Killian: I think I'll let them explain.

Ta'Rang: So Sam you're the new Captain , you tell him about us

Samantha: We're here to find Taffy actually. He hired us for a few jobs after the Empire rolled in and subsumed the UPF. Before that we were chasing some psychotic alien entity across space.

Wade: We came out here to find Taffy, we were hunting pirates at his behest when we were told that he disappeared and needed finding.

Samantha: Out here, Wade and I have found a few, interesting things about ourselves. I'm still not all that sure about it.

LCpl Ashcroft: So you found Taffy, or rather he found us. Mission accomplished. I assume you now return to your prior mission or is that resolved as well?

Ta'Rang: Don't know.

LCpl Ashcroft: Yes the clone thing that Taffy told us about. I'm up to speed on that.

Ta'Rang: We have to ask the head Marshmallow

Samantha: There's one catch.

Ta'Rang: As usual.

Samantha: The Gemini doesn't have the ability to make it back to known space from here. We had to hitch a ride on one of your superfast Imperial ships.

Samantha: And right now, we need to go into the city.

Wade: I am not sure about the recent little statue, but some time back we met a guy with a similar statue and he was psssesed by aliens from another dimension

 

Ta'Rang: How ya wanta do it Sam?

Samantha: Prep the shuttle Wade, let's carry extra ammo in case we run into our Yazarian friends.

Killian: You guys talkin' bout my invisible buddy Grimm?

Samantha: No. Another guy. A while back I was running with an archeological dig, I did the supply runs. The head of the dig found this strange little statue. Turned everyone nuts. I'm the only survivor. They killed each other.

Wade: Shuttle it is boss.

LCpl Ashcroft: Based on my assessment of the situation, I see the most important mission is to get off this planet. Is that correct?

Ta'Rang: I need to get some things from the G2.

Wade prefilghts the shuttlle and gets ready to launch when everyone is loaded.

Killian: There's all kinds of interesting stuff down here on the ground.

Samantha: The most important part of any mission involving planets is to get off them.

Killian: Frankly, Sam, I'm thinking that you're an interesting person to be around. I mean that, of course, in the Confucian sense.

LCpl Ashcroft: So why can't we just leave the planet?

Killian: There's a Yazarian fleet in orbit that we've already had one shoot-out with?

Samantha: Because there are no refueling stations out here. And the Gemini can't reach civilization.

Killian: Out of curiousity, has anyone ever opened a voidspace rift deep enough in a gravity well to be inside a planet's atmosphere?

Samantha: They don't have enough to blockade the planet. Getting past the Yazarian's would be cake. I could do it asleep.

LCpl Ashcroft: Do the Yazarian ships use the same fuel that the Gemini does?

Wade: We have to wait here for the Deadalus to help us get off this rock.

Samantha: It's not so much fuel as food.

LCpl Ashcroft: Where is the Deadalus?

Samantha: Ask Taffy. Now ammo up. We're going into the city looking for ancient alien spacecraft.

Wade: Hmmm... we could eat Yazarian food.... tastes like crap... but it's edible

Ta'Rang: What do you mean Crap?

Killian: Okey-dokey, Sam. We could also look for more functional ground vehicles.

Wade: Taffy said she would be returning here in about two weeks.

LCpl Ashcroft: So, if we need the Daedalus and it isn't returning in two weeks that means we have to make do here for two weeks unless we find other means, correct?

Samantha: Something like that Ashcroft.

Wade: Yep... thats right Ash.

Samantha: Don't remind me how long I'm on this rock again though.

Ta'Rang: Wade, I'll have to tell my cousin that she can cook some crap for you again when we next meet.

LCpl Ashcroft: So, we still have the planetside Yazarians to deal with. That seems to be the new priority, correct?

Ta'Rang: Lcpl you coming with us? It's time to party with some friends

LCpl Ashcroft: I prefer to have some actual intel and an objective to be accomplished before heading out half cocked.

Ta'Rang: Never happen with us.

Killian: Sam has intel, she just can't share it with us 'cause it's locked in her subconscious memories.

Wade: Yep... you seem to have a pretty god graps of tactics Ash.

Samantha: In the city is where the alien craft is. The alien was some kind of consultant over the Project Wade and I were in. I'd like to find it.

LCpl Ashcroft: That is what I do best Wade.

Ta'Rang: Wade flys by the seat of his pants and I'll blow up anything that needs it.

Wade snaps his fingers.

LCpl Ashcroft: Which alien race is it?

Samantha: I'd also like to go find Taffy, who wandered into the City. at the very least he needs to be picked up again. And the armament is because the Yazarians just sent a landing party to the south end. I don't know. I think it's Sathar. But, I can't say.

Wade: THATS what it is.... I have this vague feeling of being in the city before.

Killian: Saw that coming.

Killian grabs a Sathar rifle to disassemble on the way out.

LCpl Ashcroft: Where is the ship located?

Ta'Rang: Wade, kick the tires and light the fires.

Samantha: Sadly. I don't know. If I get inside the perimiter I might remeber the path to it.

Wade: All aboard

LCpl Ashcroft: How do you know there is an alien ship then?

Samantha: Because. I know.

Ta'Rang: Her past memories, we all think.

Killian: We did find these Sathar rifles here earlier. And skeletons.

Doc Caspar: When we get a chance, I have an idea to help Wade and Sam remember.... it may not work, but its worth a try.

Samantha: OK, I don't know it's there for sure. It might have left. I want to find out for sure. As long as I'm here, I want answers.

Killian: I wonder how long Sathar live....

LCpl Ashcroft: Hm... because you know... That wouldn't fly in my unit. There needs to be a bit more intel than "Because. I know."

Wade: Me too Sam, this is starting to make my head hurt.

Samantha: You know Ashcroft. When I was a pilot it probably wouldn't fly in my wing either. But I don't have anything else to go on.

Wade: Welcome to our world Ash

Samantha: And I don't have anything else to do.

LCpl Ashcroft: So what you are telling me is that we are going to go off looking for an alien ship that may or may not be there and once we find it we have no idea what we are going to do?

Samantha: So, you can all stay here. Won't bother me none. I'm going.

Killian: You play the hand you're dealt, Ash. And when you have no face cards and four suits, you bluff.

 

Wade: And we aren't marines... we are explorers and as such we have to journey into the unknown.

Samantha: Besides, haven't you ever wanted adventure? Excitement?

LCpl Ashcroft: But even explorers have some idea of their destination and goals before they set off. At least the first destination.

Killian removes the power cell from the Sathar rifle and boards the shuttle.

Wade: and besides the captain said, so there. *winks at Sam*

LCpl Ashcroft: The Marines Corps are an adventure.

Samantha: Ashcroft. Think about this... before we were starborn we had one planet. Someone had to step off and go in a direction until they found something.

LCpl Ashcroft: I believe it was baby steps Sam.

Ta'Rang: That's what we do.

LCpl Ashcroft: We didn't just jump out into the dark unknown. We went where we knew and then surveyed farther.

Samantha: It was still a question of not knowing what was on the other side. Just knowing they had to land there. So, are all Imperial Marines afraid of the unknown?

LCpl Ashcroft: I'm not trying to stop us from going, I just need to know why and what the goal is that you want to achieve.

Ta'Rang: Are we taking off or are you going to talk all day and night?

Samantha: I want to see what's there. That's the goal.

Killian: Find Taffy. Reconnoiter for retrievable technology.

LCpl Ashcroft: See! Now that is a plan. *pointing at Killian*

Killian: Reconnoiter for resources, fuel and food.

Samantha: I know there was once an alien ship. That alien scared the crap out of me. Possibly did something to my brain. If it's there I want to know. There. OK.

Wade: eww... maybe it laid... eggs.

Samantha points her rifle at Wade.

LCpl Ashcroft: If we point at the goal Killian mentions and happen upon the alien craft. That is a workable plan. Seeking out something that isn't there is an endless task. Ok, lets go find Taffy.

LCpl Ashcroft gets up, grabs his rifle and heads onto the shuttle.

LCpl Ashcroft: You coming?

Samantha shakes her head and smiles "Yeah."

 

Samantha: One more thing.

Samantha goes to the Marine In Charge.

Samantha: We're going into the city. If we do something incredibly stupid and need an extract, think you could help us out there? We left a truck and there is Taffy's shuttle.

Capt Smalls: That depends on the situation. I can spare a small team to standby, but if we are defending the camp, you're on your own.

Samantha: That's understood.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] You may want to mention the warhead in the truck as well Sam.

Samantha: Oh yeah, there's a nuclear warhead topside, no detonator though. Just as an FYI

Capt Smalls: Then good luck.

 

They put down outside the warehouse area they found the truck at and prepare to move into the city proper.

LCpl Ashcroft: So how are we going to proceed? You all seem to have your own approach to moving about.

Ta'Rang: Well Ash you want to take point?

Killian: Slow and steady doesn't get ambushed.

Samantha: We walk. You're the marine, give us an order. I'm assuming walking in isn't going to the same as wing formation.

LCpl Ashcroft: I would, but I don't want to step on anyone's toes. *Ashcroft looks over at Sam and Wade*

Ta'Rang: Or do you want to be address as Lcpl?

Killian: LC?

Samantha: I'll defer to your expertise in ground based assaults.

Wade: hey Ash... no worries here, lead on.

Ta'Rang: *mumbles to himself* This will be worth watching.

LCpl Ashcroft: Call me what you wish, my friends call me Frank or Ashcroft. *Ashcroft nods to Sam and taking up his rifle in a sweeping motion takes point and heads toward the bridge*

Ta'Rang: I'll be rear guard, Sam.

Samantha: Good.

Wade: I'll be Wade guard.

Samantha: I'm not sure you're up to the task.

LCpl Ashcroft: Stay close to the center barrier it will provide some cover to our flank.

 

Several of them see smoke rising from the city.

Wade points at the smoke.

Wade: Look there.

LCpl Ashcroft looks in the direction Wade points.

Samantha: Great. someone set fire to it before we got there. Didn't we call dibs? I could have sworn we called dibs.

There are three or four colums of smoke from somewhere inside the city. Looks like it might be on the far side.

LCpl Ashcroft: Stay alert people.

Samantha: I bet we missed the crosstown bus too.

LCpl Ashcroft: Sam Caspar and Ta'Rang look right, the others look left. Let's move out.

 

A rumble of an explosion, faint, but very definite is felt.

Killian: Oh, crap on a stick.

LCpl Ashcroft: Don't waste ammunition on distant targets. It gives away our position and allows the enemy to get into position. Double time people!

Wade: oh great... they started without us.

Killian tries to impossibly triangulate the low-frequency sound. LCpl Ashcroft begins to move quickly forward.

Killian: Remember what I said about slow and steady?

Killian tries not to fall behind while maintaining a steady scan of his surroundings.

 

They can all see movement ahead. Several human sized targets moving quickly and haphazardly. Ta'Rang looks at the buildings trying to judge if he can leap to the top of one, not a chance. The movement is erratic. A scurrying to and fro. Samantha makes sure her rifle is on Full Auto.

Wade: Hmm... looks like a skirmish lne up ahead... be careful everyone

They remind the group of ants. They don't even seem aware of anyone's presence. They are all over the other end of the bridge and along the waterfront.

LCpl Ashcroft: If we can get past them without firing do so, we don't need to bring them all down on us. Follow my lead.

LCpl Ashcroft drops lower next to the barrier in a crouch and continues moving forward as quickly as possible.

Killian: Be prepared to use the center barrier as cover... even next to it is some cover.

 

As they get closer, they can tell that these things are hideously malformed. Ta'Rang looks to the end of the bridge and the warehouses. They have open sores and little hair. They are extremely skinny, but appear to have an abundance of energy. They also don't seem to be able to see very well, as a couple of times they turn their heads towards the group and don't seem to notice them. LCpl Ashcroft raises his left hand with four fingers pointed to the ground, and then makes a fist.

Samantha: This could be fun.

The bridge goes over some warehouses as it drops into the city. One could rappel from the bridge to them if they wished. Wade looks confused and wonders why ashcroft is counting on his fingers and shaking his fist.

Killian: So, is everybody else up on rappelling techniques?

It looks like a large number of them moving completely without ANY sign of organization or purpose. They seem frantic.

LCpl Ashcroft: More importantly does anyone have ropes?

Wade: Hmm... uhm no

Samantha: I wonder how close we can get before they notice us.

Killian: Odds are those things are fleeing the explosion. Maybe we should wait a minute to see which way they go...

Samantha: Let's see if we can use shadows to our advantage. They appear to have poor eyesight.

LCpl Ashcroft: That makes that decision easy then. Agreed. Everyone down tight to the barrier.

Ta'Rang: I can make the roof top without ropes

Wade: Actually Sam I bet they see better in the Dark we should stay in the open...

LCpl Ashcroft crouches down tight against the barrier to see if they are truly just running away.

Killian: We'd show up better against the sky than shadow either way, Wade.

Ta'Rang looks over the side and judges the distance to the roof. Samantha keeps moving forward. LCpl Ashcroft continues to advance if they appear to be just running away, but stays tight against the barrier.

Killian: Move slowly, smoothly, and don't fall over.

 

They aren't running away as much as running around. Wade thinks its hard to hide in his hulking armored enviro suit so he stands very still with a gun in each hand. Doc Caspar ducks down next to barrier and scuttles forward laser pistol in one hand, and sathar blaster in another 2 hands. At this time, the critters have not noticed anyone.

Samantha: Let's go. They could be completely blind.

 

LCpl Ashcroft motions with his hand flat out and pumping downward, as he stops moving and crouches down bracing himself against the barrier wall.

Samantha: well?

LCpl Ashcroft: Stay down and keep quiet. Let them get closer and see if they notice us. If I shoot, you shoot.

Killian: Stay on this side of the barrier, I'm going to lob a grenade on the other side if it comes to that.

 

The creatures move around erratically. The one nearest Ashcroft stops and tilts its head. It sniffs for a moment as well. And screams.

LCpl Ashcroft: Crap.

 

Samantha moves forward, covering Ashcroft's flank.

Doc Caspar: guys they all share the same bran they're a hive.

Samantha: Lovely.

Killian: Can you talk to them, Doc?

Wade: They are a hive brain? Eck!

LCpl Ashcroft: That's not good...

Samantha: Fire or try and just walk past?

The screamer has turned in Ashcroft's direction. There is a clear snarling expression on his face, and the others that have also turned.

LCpl Ashcroft: Doc... Tell me you can call them off...

Doc just can't seem to "synch" up with their brain patterns. They are definitely strange.

 

Samantha: Oh hell.

Ta'Rang sees a very large number of similar creatures moving at high speed towards the bridge.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] You have a whole bunch of those little guys coming toward the bridge

LCpl Ashcroft: Time to go hot people!

Samantha fires at the one directly in front of Ashcroft, putting two of three rounds into it.

Killian: So we wait until we can take out more of them with the grenades, right? Crap on a whole tree.

Ashcroft fires a full auto burst at the next nearest two, putting one round into the first, the rest go wide. Ta'Rang up on to the bridge ledge.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] you have a feww minutes before the others arrive.

Killian: GRENADE OUT ON THE RIGHT!

Killian hits the target area a few dozen yards ahead, the explosion catches all of the nearby creatures, knokcing them down. Nobody else is caught in the explosion.

Wade fires the sonic stunner at the creature farthest to the left of the group, stunning it.

 

Ta'Rang shoots the one Ashcroft wounded, wounding the creature in the same arm with his first shot. The rest fly by. Samantha Keeps moving foward weapon at the ready. Ashcroft fires another burst, the creatures wobbling from Ta'Rangs hit throws his aim off. After that display Sam turns and puts three rounds into the still standing mutant. The first two hit it. The creature screams in pain and frustration, but is still standing. Caspar fires at another of the mutants, and misses.

 

The three Stunned creatures Recover from the grenade blast. The one next to Ashcroft attacks him, and weakly flails in his direction. Killian kills the one next to Ashcroft with a shot from his rifle. Wade fires at another of the creatures, but misses.

 

Samantha continues forward across the bridge towards the cover of buildings, keeping an eye on the last two. Ta'Rang moves forward and fires at the creature nearest Sam.

LCpl Ashcroft: Sam, stay back with the group! You're going to get flanked and cut off from us.

Samantha: Or you could move forward! Just like in the damn squad, most of 'em hang back waiting around for the fight.

LCpl Ashcroft: What do you think I'm doing? Stay with the group.

Samantha: He was already down tough guy.

Ashcroft frowns and moves forward up to Samantha.

 

Caspar fires its laser pistol at one of the two remaining creatures, hitting it square in the chest. The mutants move towards Ashcroft and Samantha. As they near Samantha puts a burst into one of the mutants, hitting it with all three rounds and taking it down. Killian comes up behind them, catching the last creature in the back with a three round burst and dropping it.

 

Samantha: Ya'll coming?

The other mutants that Ta'rang saw are still a few minutes out, but they are heading towards the group.

Samantha: Move towards buildings. I think they find prey by scent. We need to keep some distance but not cover so much.

They are about a quarter mile from the end of the bridge. however, as they get closer to the end, the bridge gets closer to the building roofs below them. As long as they move quickly they can get to the roofs before the mutants get to them.

Killian: Let's haul ass.

LCpl Ashcroft moves to the edge of the brdge and starts looking for a roof he can make it to. Ta'Rang leaps onto the closest roof top.

 

The first rooftop that looks safe to jump on is flat and about fifteen feet below the lower railing/framework of the bridge deck. The mutants are on the bridge moving towards them at a pretty rapid clip.

Ta'Rang: Come on it's safe

Samantha: Looks fun.

LCpl Ashcroft slings his rifle and climbs over the edge, and down to the railing and then jumps down. Samantha jumps, rolling as she hits the rooftop.

 

The mutants close in as Caspar drops over the edge. Wade jumps after Sam and Doc, his heavy armor thudding onto the roof. Killian jumps down last as the mutants come running up to them. Once to the roof, Ashcroft looks for a door or a ladder down.

Wade: I knew I should have installed a jet pack in this thing

 

There is a door and a skylight. It looks like a pool of water under the skylight.

Samantha: I hate planets.

Killian: Suck it up, flygirl.

The dooe is locked, but rusted.

Ta'Rang [on comm] runs to edge of the building checks the distance to the next building. The streets are not flooded.

Ashcroft bashes the lock with the butt of his rifle.

 

Wade: Ok here goes nothing.... GERONIMOE!!!!

Wade jumps through the skylight.

 

Wade has just a moment to reconsider the wisdom of his action before making contact with the water.

 

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season 02 - Episode 045 (Season Episode 26 of 35)

Wade has time to register two things as he crashes through the skylight. One is that it is much higher than he thought. The other is that he is deathly afraid of drowning. It's not until he is halfway down that he realizes more of the mutants are in the building.

Samantha: Wade!

Wade: agh!!

Killian: Dumb stupid stupid...

Killian and Ashcroft redouble efforts to break down entry door. Samantha rushes to the edge of the now broken skylight.

 

Wade: *thinks** I hope this pool is deep.

When he splashes down he plunges deep into the pool. The water is completely filled with algae and other stuff.

Wade: [On COMM] I am ok I am in a deep green mess

 

LCpl Ashcroft jogs over to the edge of the skylight and jumps down prepared to hit the pool.

Samantha: [On COMM] Wade. You're stupid.

He lands in the brackish mess that passes for a pool of water.

 

The room appears to be some sort of water treatment plant. There are large pipes leading through different pieces of machinery. The pool is extremely deep and filled with all sort of slimy stuff. It is too deep to stand in. Wade and Ashcroft also hear the snuffling of those mutant things.

LCpl Ashcroft: Prepare yourself Wade!

Wade moves to his left trying to find a side by touch, his suit has become a hinderance to his efforts. LCpl Ashcroft raises his rifle and chambers a grenade.

Wade feels is the shockwave of the grenade as Ashcroft fills the area with fire, catching some of the blast himself, though diving under water mitigates a good deal of it.

 

A fire ball bursts up out of the damage skylight at Samantha who staggers back from the heat.

Samantha: [On COMM] What the hell?

 

Samantha peeks back over the edge looking for survivors.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Oh, duck...

Wade: [On COMM] thanks was that boom you?

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Sure was, but it cost me a bit.

The mutants run behind some machinery. They are screaming loudly.

Samantha: [On COMM] New rule. No one is allowed to call me crazy if they launch grenades into enclosed spaces.

 

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Deal Sam so long as your action is to keep from being eaten.

LCpl Ashcroft swims over to pull Wade up, Samantha is aiming downwards while Ashcroft attempts to save Wade, just in case anything comes out. Behind her Killian finally just blows out the lock with his rifle.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Hold still and I'll help you out

Wade: [On COMM] Sorry Ash, I don't think you can lift me in this armor I weigh about 250kg. I think I have to find a ladder or steps or some such

Ta'Rang makes a running leap for the next buildings roof top in the meantime.

Samantha: [On COMM] Wade?

Wade: [On COMM] Yeah boss?

Samantha: [On COMM] If you die on me I will hunt down your ghost and kill you again.

 

The floors of this place are concrete, with steel railing.

Samantha: Doc, go with Killian, I'll cover the roof until you guys get into the room.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] I'll be on the look out for anything else

Killian: [On COMM] Happy place, Sam. Go to your happy place.

Wade: [On COMM] ulp... uhm its getting scary down here.... I might need help boss...

Caspar: yes i can go with him

Samantha: [On COMM] We're coming Wade. Just hold still.

LCpl Ashcroft climbs out of the water looking around the room for a firehose. There is one, but it has been a great many years since it was installed. It might hold Wade in armor.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] unless you want to just wait to see who'll show up with out notice Sam or Captain Sam.

Wade stops walking but starts groping for anything to help himself... Wade touches down on the bottom.

Samantha: [On COMM] Ashcroft is helping Wade. That leaves no one covering them from those mutants until Killian gets there.

 

Ta'Rang surveys the area around the building, and takes the fire escape down to the street.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Hang tight Wade, I'm going to grab somehting that might help

Samantha: [On COMM] How you doing Wade?

LCpl Ashcroft drops the end of the hose down to Wade.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Grab this Wade

Wade: [On COMM] HUFF...HUFF... OK BUT I THINK MY SUIT IS LEAKING...

Samantha: [On COMM] Leaking?

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Hang in there. I'll get you out.

Wade feels for the something, anything. Ashcroft jumps into the water next to Wade.

 

Ta'Rang looks around to see if any mutants are present, There are mutants swarming the area, just as before. They seem agitated and unsure again.

 

Killian: [On COMM] Ashcroft, if you can get him to the edge, I can hold him until you get out and then we can both pull him out.

Wade: [On COMM] agugh...!!!

Killian: Doc, we'll need cover if those things get ornery again.

Samantha: [On COMM] Wade?!

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] What is it Wade?

LCpl Ashcroft looks around under the water for any beasties.

Wade: [On COMM] I can't breath.... I know my suit is leaking...

The water is so murky that he cannot see anything. Ashcroft doesn't recall feeling the water move, other than himself. Caspar draws its gun to cover the others helping Wade.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Grab the hose.

Samantha: [On COMM] Wade, stay calm. Killian, Ashcroft hurry up!

LCpl Ashcroft tries to grab Wade and make sure he has ahold of the hose.

Samantha: [On COMM] Ta Rang? How you doing?

 

Ta'Rang moves across the street to the entrance of the building.

 

Something grabs onto you on Ashcroft.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Wade is that you grabbing me?

Killian: Well, shoot.

LCpl Ashcroft pulls his bayonet out ready to slice whatever is holding him.

Wade: [On COMM] YES...DON'T LET ME GO, I AM SINKING

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] I've got you now. Hang in there!

LCpl Ashcroft ties the hose around under Wade's armpits. He finds it very hard to maneuver, as Wade has a tight grip on him.

 

Ta'Rang tries to open the door to the building, only to find it locked. Ta'Rang pulls out the engery sword and slices the lock off the door.

 

Samantha is calculating the yield size and detonation altitude required to finish leveling the city.

 

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] You are going to have to relax soldier!

 

The energy sword slices through the like butter. Sam sees movement in the shadow to the left of the pool and a bar of light to the right. Ta'Rang kicks open the door as Samantha tracks the shadow.

 

Samantha: [On COMM] What the hell is that?

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] them ghoulies are every where, have you got Wade out yet?

Wade maintains death grip on Ash.

Samantha: [On COMM] No, where the hell are you?

Ta'Rang: I'm to your right, coming through the door/

Samantha: [On COMM] You're the bar of light then? Good, opposite side of the water, something in the shadow. Careful.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Wade is being difficult. Wade, if you want to get out of this alive you'll need to try to relax. If you don't I'll kill you myself!

Ta'Rang: In the building coming toward the pool.

Samantha: [On COMM] Wade. Relax. You can't go on dates dead.

Sam see's Ta'Rang to the right of the pool as he comes into her view.

 

Wade: [On Comm] *through clenched teeth* Huff... ok Sam... I'll try...

Wade is stiff as a board.

Ta'Rang: *moves toward the shadows* I'll keep these ghoulies busy you get Wade out.

Samantha: [On COMM] If you help Ashcroft I'll wear a dress on our next date.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] We need to drain this pool. Can someone find the drainage controls?

Ta'Rang makes a flying leap over the pool and lands on the otherside.

Killian: Ashcroft, just get up here and we can pull him out! Wade, let Ashcroft go!

Wade: [On COMM] I CAN'T LET GO... I'LL DROWN!

Samantha: [On COMM] Wade, listen to me. You're at the bottom. We have a rope around you. If you relax we can save you. Please.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Here's a question for you Wade, how can you drown if I'm right here with you and talking to you? NOW BUCK IT UP AND RELAX FOR A FREAKIN' MINUTE!

Samantha continues to cover from the skylight, glancing around briefly to see if anything has approached her position. Ta'Rang looks around the area and machinery for anything to help Wade. Doc Caspar concentrates for a moment, trying to mentally force Wade to relax.

 

Wade relaxes... and lets Ash go.

Wade: [On COMM] huff... huff... I'm ok, I'm ok, I'm ok, I'm ok, I'm ok, I'm ok, I'm ok...

 

Samantha: [On COMM] You're fine Wade. Just breathe.

The mutants seem to be indecisive and are holding back as Killian and Ashcroft both manage to finally get Wade out of the deep water. He is left sprawled out on the ground to regather his wits. Samantha runs down the stairs at top speed, taking them two at a time.

 

Killian: No more swimming for you, Wade.

Samantha: [On COMM] He said his suit was leaking, make sure it wasn't just a panic attack.

Mutants are still not making an aggressive action, though they are making agitated sounds.

Wade: [On COMM] I agree... sheesh, it did't look that deep from up there

 

Wade staggers to his feet and wipes his armored face plate of the muck.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] you ok?

Wade: [On COMM] Wow... yeah thanks Ash, you guys are ok in my book... plus I calmed down and now Sam owes me a date in dress.

Ta'Rang watches mutants as the others regroup.The mutants seem discouraged now that there are more of them to contend with. They make for a small hole way back behind the machinery.

 

Killian: They seem to be learning that we're a threat... good.

LCpl Ashcroft: When did they start rationalizing?

Wade: Ok guys I gotta tell you that jump was a RUSH, but the pool sucked big time... I don't think I'll do that again...

Killian: Even simple animals can learn.

Samantha walks up to Wade and looks up at him.

Killian: Except maybe Wade.

Ta'Rang looks for a landing spot on the otherside of the pool and jumps back across. Samantha she shakes her head and looks around the room.

LCpl Ashcroft: I don't think I want my predators getting that smart... Now lets get out of here.

Wade is pretty well gooped up, with algae and other slimy stuff just covering his armor. Killian and Ashcroft ain't much better.

Wade: Hey who you callin an animal?

Samantha: Your suit, is it torn?

Wade: *giggles* Hey we look like swamp monsters.

Ta'Rang: you do look like a Yugoin Slime Beetle, Wade.

Wade: no, why do you ask... this Armor is tough stuff

Samantha: You're afraid of water aren't you?

Ta'Rang: I told you that water is no good.

Killian: We should probably keep moving - we still have some Taffy to find. Ta, do you want to scout from the rooftops for us?

LCpl Ashcroft: Maybe this gunk scares them away. Let's move out.

Wade: uhm just a bit... ya see I almost drowned when I was a kid

Ta'Rang: Yes I'll do that.

Samantha: [On COMM] Taffy, you in range of the radios? Say yes.

No answer from Taffy.

 

Samantha: Planets. They suck.

Wade: and they are also slimey...

Ta'Rang heads for the stairs and leaps tho the first landing and then the next to get above the group.

Killian: Does anyone know where the ground exit is? I mean, apart from the crawley-hole?

There is a narrow ledge leading to the side of the pool Ta'Rang came in on.

Killian: Wade, can you make it across that ledge in that get-up?

Wade: I can try.

 

Ta'Rang on the roof surveys the area for the group The area is crawling with mutants. They don't seem to be directly interested in the building the group is currently in, but eventually they will stumble across them by accident.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] you have mutants everywhere.

Samantha: Ok, let's move into the city. Maybe I can remember some pieces of it.

Wade: I agree

 

Ta'Rang backs up and makes a running leap for the next building's roof.

Killian: [On COMM] Can you see a relatively clear path into the city, Ta?

Wade: Oh and hey you guys... no more skylite jumping.

Samantha: Thank you

Killian: I think you're grounded from swimming anyway, Wade.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] I don't see any direct way into the city from here.

Wade: No... you misunderstand... I was advising you guys not to go skylight jumping... It's scary.

Samantha: We'll have to find an indirect way then. Doc, you said these things have a hive mind?

Wade: maybe we should ga back to the shuttle and fly over the area at a slow crawl.

Killian: [On COMM] How about in the general direction or toward major arterial streets or something? Maybe a landmark you saw from the bridge?

Caspar: Yes

Samantha: Becuase there's still a Yazarian fighter group in the area Wade.

Wade: were they once human... I mean where did they come from?

Samantha: Can you communicate with them at all Doc?

Wade: Yeah but I'd rather face a bunch of slow flying monkeys than another pool.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] the streets are basicly intact but you will probalely find a few mutants in your path.

Samantha: Unarmed shuttle. Yazarian fighters. Let me think about that. No.

LCpl Ashcroft: Mutants we can sdeal with.

Wade: chicken .

Samantha: Not using the shuttle as a torpedo.

Caspar: No, their minds are too strange.

Samantha: You seem to confuse brave and suicidal there boy.

Wade: Ok, ok... we walk... mumble..mumble

Killian: Hey, at least we have a spotter.

Wade: was that spotter or fodder

LCpl Ashcroft: Absoultely. Ta'Rang, it is up to you to get us through this without having to fight hoards.

 

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Ok if you follow the road underneath side of the bridge it will lead you to the city center.

Killian: Well, we'll go that way, then.

Wade: aren't we looking for a derelect alien spacecraft?

LCpl Ashcroft takes point.

LCpl Ashcroft: A supposed alien spacecraft.

Ta'Rang looks at the next building and then leaps for the roof. Samantha pulls up the rear.

Wade: Somehow don't think they would park it downtown... we need to look for a spaceport or landing area... probaly near the citys edge... like say oh I don't know... where the monkeys parked.

Samantha: Good start at least. Unless I feel otherwise.

Wade: ok... you da boss... boss.

Wade heads out near the party rear... to be near Sam. The walk into the city is pretty close, but with Ta'Rang spotting for them it is relatively easy to bypass any large groups of the mutants. One or two stumble across them, but leave quickly.

 

This goes on for about two hours, before coming to a very large swath of destruction. Radiation levels are higher here. Most of the buildings in this area have crumbled and fallen in. There is debris of cars, buildings and other things all over the place.

The roads are choked with the debris, proceeding any further would require them to climb over stuff.

Wade: Hmm... this is not good

Killian: I'm thinking the "going around" policy may need to be implemented...

Ta'Rang: *standing on the last rooftop* Looks real bad from up here.

Samantha: Funny thing. When I first came up on the city my first thought, and I mean very first thought, was the yield and altitude of the bomb that hit this palce.

Killian: Sam - if this place was attacked by the Sathar, why do you know these details?

Samantha: Well, mostly it wasn't that I knew what hit it, but what would be needed to hit it. Creepy thought if you ask me. Imagine someone at war with say, the Empire, got a hold of a soldier who can calculate those things on the fly.

 

Ta'Rang notices a Subway entrance nearby. It does not appear to be choked up.

Killian: So, Sam, what was the second thing you thought when you saw this damage?

Samantha: The second thing? Oh, I was looking for a car or truck to get running so it was something like "I wonder what's over here." Should we take the subway? How much you want to bet these mutants are subterranean dwellers?

Ta'Rang jumps off the roof and comes over to the group.

 

Killian: [On COMM] Taffy, do you read?

Ta'Rang: They are hive minded and hives live in a group

No reponse from Taffy.

LCpl Ashcroft: I don't like the idea of being so confined, but if it is the only way to our destination then I'm for it.

Ta'Rang: And the radiation is high above ground

Killian: We should at least take a quick look.

Ta'Rang: Do either of you remmeber the subway exits?

Ta'Rang looks at Sam and Wade, Samantha tries to remember anything about the city layout. She comes up with nothing.

 

Caspar: I know where Taffy is.

Samantha: Best news all day

Caspar: He is down in the subway

Samantha: I take that back.

Ta'Rang: Well that settles that.

LCpl Ashcroft: We go down then.

Killian: Did you say Taffy was down there?

Caspar: Yes.

Killian: Well, hopefully the radio's just blocked and he's not in the belly of something nasty.

Killian heads for the subway entrance.

Samantha: Let's go.

Wade: maybe just that radios in the belly of something nasty.

The subway station entrance is partially blocked, but not enough to impede them, as long as they stay two by two or single file.

LCpl Ashcroft turns on the flashlight on his rifle and heads into the subway. Sticking to the walls and sweeping the chambers before proceeding. Wade activates the armors vison enhancement systems. Samantha guards the rear as everyone gets over the rubble. Ta'Rang moves to opposite wall of the marine.

The first thing they see is a mutant lying on the ground a few steps in. LCpl Ashcroft holds up his hand expecting the party to stop advancing, and then shines his light onto the mutant. IT is not moving.

 

LCpl Ashcroft moves forward and pokes the body with the barrel of the rifle to see if it moves. Ta'Rang looks at mutant, it seems pretty stiff. The mutant is curled up into the fetal position. He kicks it.

Samantha: Hey!

Ta'Rang looks back at Sam.

Samantha: No need to kick the thing.

Killian: Well, that wasn't neighborly.

Ta'Rang: It's dead

It is definitely dead and rigor mortis has already set in.

Samantha: Respect the dead. We've already seen them come back for seconds.

Ta'Rang moves back to the opposite side of the wall from the marine. LCpl Ashcroft sweeps the area with his flashlight.

LCpl Ashcroft: Maybe it was Taffy?

Ta'Rang looks down the tunnel then looks at the marine.

Ta'Rang: You ready?

LCpl Ashcroft nods to Ta'Rang and beings advancing again.

Killian takes a look at the wound along with Doc Caspar. It's hard to tell exactly how long it has been dead. Probably several hours. It died from an Ion pulse to the abdomen. Not immediately at that.

Samantha: Right, armed peopel are down here with us. Let's keep sharp. And moving.

Wade: Hmm... do I smell monkeys

Ta'Rang: *thinks* it's dead why do they weant to know how it died?

 

Killian: Ta, your people have an inordinate fondness for Ion weapons, don't they?

Ta'Rang: *looks back* Yes.

Further down, they find more dead mutants. There is also one dead yazarian. He looked like he went down fighting. His Ion rifle is broken at the stock.

Ta'Rang: *looks at the yazirian and thinks* Well lived my brother.

Samantha: Leave him. We need to move. I have a feeling Taffy is in a bit of a pinch.

Killian grabs grenades off the Yazarian's belt and follows after the others.

They get to the loading platform. There are more dead mutants. Killian keys his mike three times rapidly.

Samantha: Follow the bodies. *Shrugs*

LCpl Ashcroft motions for an immediate stop and then crouches down low.

LCpl Ashcroft: What is it Killian?

Samantha checks the rear.

Killian: I'm just sending a nonverbal signal, in case Taffy's not responding for a specific reason - like he's being observed.

Wade checks his sensors.

LCpl Ashcroft: Got it. A little warning next time.

LCpl Ashcroft stands up and continues moving.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] you coming?

LCpl Ashcroft catches up to Ta'Rang and whispers.

LCpl Ashcroft: We have to work on signals for you folks

 

Samantha: Bug hunts suck.

Caspar: Guys we need to to the right.

Ta'Rang looks at Ashcroft, LCpl Ashcroft points to the right and moves in that direction.

Wade: I have a heat signature down the right tunnel...

Killian: Sam, this isn't a bug hunt, it's a dralasite hunt. With monkeys.

Wade: be cautious

Samantha: It's a figure of speech.

Ash and Ta both see the source of the heat as they get near the first curve in the tunnel. It looks like the concrete melted and there is still glowing slag. It doesn't cover the whole tunnel, but it does cover about two meters across. Several smoking bodies of mutants also lie here.

Samantha: I don't recall weapons that melt concrete.

LCpl Ashcroft: Nukes do.

Killian: White phosphorous grenades?

Samantha: right. careful with those grenades you've taken then.

Ta'Rang moves along with Ashcroft as the two move into the hole.

 

Ta and Ash walk right by it, but Killian and Wade spot a door that blends in very well with the walls. It looks like it might be a maintainance access door. Killian whistles and gestures to the door.

Wade: Hold up gang...

Wade points out the door as well.

LCpl Ashcroft stops and moves backwards while looking forward.

LCpl Ashcroft: What do we have?

Killian: A somewhat concealed door.

Ta'Rang: hmmm

LCpl Ashcroft: Locked?

Killian checks the door for tampering

The lock has been blown out.

LCpl Ashcroft: Any residual heat?

Ta'Rang: open it

Killian: I'd suggest everyone get to either side before we open it.

Ta'Rang shrugs. Wade steps aside in the hulking armor. Samantha gets to the opposite side of the tunnel and points her rifle at the door. Ta'Rang reaches over and opens the door. The door sticks a little, but then creaks open loudly.

Killian: Well, there goes the surprise.

LCpl Ashcroft steps up and throws the door open and moves to the side flashlight shining into the room.

Ta'Rang: ha ha

Wade: *thinks* note to self bring WD40 for breeching doors.

Killian: Ashcroft, since we know there are potential hostiles ahead, you, me and Ta should leapfrog ahead covering each other with the rest following.

The first thing Ashcroft see's is a yazarian leaning aginst the wall. His rifle is lying next to him on the ground. There is a nice wound in the top of his head, that looks like he shot himself from the chin upward.

Samantha: Yeah, because I've never had military training.

Wade: Yeah what Sam said...

Wade smiles. LCpl Ashcroft sweeps the room with the light to see if there are any others.

Samantha: Ok, that's odd.

Ta'Rang looks at Sam.

Killian: No, Sam, because more than three is overkill. You, Wade and Ashcroft can do it if you like.

 

There is a maintainance shaft with ladder going down. Wade holsters his pistol and pics up the rifle.

Killian: Doc, did you get any mental domination vibes off of Taffy when you met him?

Wade checks the rifles energy cell. The rifle is almost fully charged. About 90%.

Ta'Rang: Doc can you tell us which way is Taffy?

LCpl Ashcroft moves to the shaft and shines the light down and then backs away and waits for shots, when no one come shines light down again.

Caspar: No, some where ahead.

Wade checks the soldiers corpse for spare energy packs, there are none.

LCpl Ashcroft: Cover me.

LCpl Ashcroft descends the ladder after slinging his rifle. Wade shoulders the rifle and covers Ash, Samantha keeps an eye on the tunnel.

LCpl Ashcroft once down immediately readies the rifle again and sweeps the passage. Nothing is moving.

 

The passage is much more narrow than the train tunnel. It looks like there is a generator (not working) and some sewer exchange pipes down here. Killian follows down the ladder. There are blast marks on the walls. Recent ones.

Samantha: Anything?

The smaller tunnel does continue on. LCpl Ashcroft moves forward to allow the others to come down. Wade sets the rifle to single shot and decends.

They hear the sounds of gunfire from further down the small access tunnel. LCpl Ashcroft starts moving rapidly forward but not running. Samantha decends last as the group quickly moves towards the noise.

 

Comm signals suddenly break the silence. Growls in yazarian, screams of panic and of pain. This lasts for several seconds and then cuts off abruptly.

Wade: Hmmm.

Samantha: Hey, I'm officially worried.

Wade: maybe we should..... charge?

Killian: What else do we ever do?

Ta'Rang: They're trying to out flank someone.

Ashcroft stops, checks to make sure the others are ready and then pushes forward again.

Wade: out flank... in a tunnel?

Samantha: Follow the marines lead, he and Ta'Rang have the most infantry experience.

Ta'Rang: And not doing to well I think.

Wade: ok boss... follow the grunts... but couldn't we fly instead?

 

Ta'Rang: moves out. Once again, there is another shaft going down. Another ladder. It looks like it opens up into a larger area though.

Wade: It smells funny doown here, I think I smell dead people.

Killian: Are you sure your EV suit isn't leaking, Wade?

LCpl Ashcroft: What's funny about that?

Wade: I'm getting hungry.... are we there yet...

Killian: Almost there, Wade.

Ta'Rang drops thru the hole, then LCpl Ashcroft drops through the hole ready to fire, Killian jumps down third. They find themselves in some sort of chamber that has a twisted metal door hanging from it's hinges. There are two dead monkeys here. Looks like they shot each other.

LCpl Ashcroft: I think your Taffy is doing some damage all by himself.

Killian: Is anyone feeling any urges the rest of us should know about?

Killian salvages an ion rifle and any mags available. Doc, Wade and Samantha climb down the ladder soon after the others secure the room.

 

The door leads to a whole different kind of construction. Much higher tech than the other stuff. Looks like you are in some sort of ante chamber. There is one other exit (open) and another dead monkey.

Killian: Oh, now we're getting into creepville.

Wade: then stand back and admire the view.

Ta'Rang heads for the next door.

Samantha: Alien space ships in the city. Told you.

Killian observes to see if he recognizes the tech as we move forward.

LCpl Ashcroft: We'll see.

Wade: I stand corrected... again.

 

The next room is an observation chamber that looks out over a hangar bay. Taffy is in the hanger bay.

Samantha: Taffy?

Ta'Rang points at Taffy. LCpl Ashcroft looks at Taffy and then around the hanger to see if there are others. There are several other dead monkeys too.

Killian: Sure, Taffy, DON'T save any for us!

Ta'Rang watches Taffy.

 

And there is an alien spacecraft in the hanger. It does not conform to any known designs.

LCpl Ashcroft: Ok, now I believe you Sam

Samantha: See.

Taffy seems to be ignoring you, concentrating instead on the ship.

Samantha: I may be borderline schizophrenic at this point, but my memories are, so far, accurate.

Wade: got it...

Ta'Rang continues to watch Taffy.

Looks like there is a lift, but the car is on the bottom floor.

Killian: Is there a control for the lift?

Samantha looks for the "call lift" button.

They are about three stories above Taffy.

Killian: I'm a little worried about the hypnotized Taffy thing.. I mean, what if he didn't do all this, someone on the ship did?

Wade: No don't jump through the window... we promised Sam no more skylights.

Samantha: You can't seriously be thinking about jumping?

Samantha hits the button. Ta'Rang just turns and looks.

Samantha: If there's someone on the ship I'm going in to say hello.

 

They hear the car ascending. Taffy apparently does too, because he turns to the observation window.

Ta'Rang returns his gaze onto taffy. Samantha waves. LCpl Ashcroft grips his rifle a little tighter . Killian steps back out of sight. Wade waits to see what happens.

W blue light coalesces around Taffy.

LCpl Ashcroft: What the hell...?

Wade: what...

Wade snaps up the rifle... but holds on shooting.

Ta'Rang: I've seen that before.......Roza....

Samantha: Shit.

 

Taffy: *In The Crews Minds* Thank you my friends. Your assistance has brought me to this point. I fear I have no further use for you though. Do not interfere.

Caspar: don't shoot.

Wade: no further use?

Samantha: Was I just used?

 

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season 02 - Episode 046 (Season Episode 27 of 35)

The elevator is still rising. The hum of the cables comes through the doors. There is a crackle of energy coming from the hangar, as well as a thin keening sound. The reflections of the radiant blue energy dancing along the walls and in the faces of the group. Ta'Rang's eyes seem to be catching the blue light and casting it back.Wait! No they are not reflecting; Ta'Rang's are glowing in the same color blue as the light from the hangar. He also seems to have grown an inch or two and the seams of his EVA suit are starting to tear open from the energy.

 

The elevator bell rings, signalling its arrival.

 

Wade blows the window out and drops the 20' to the floor, landing with a heavy thud.

 

Ta'Rang grabs hold of the window edge. He is surrounded by a similar blue aura to Taffy. A bolt of blue light streaks towards the Dralasite, but seems to have no affect.

Hero Ta'Rang needs to act before we advance DEX

 

Doc Caspar tries to transfer its mental strength to Taffy through a telepathic link. It almost gets through all the Mental energy, but just can't make it. Samantha steps into the elevator and hits the button to take her to the ground floor, her eyes looking past everyone at the ship. LCpl Ashcroft jumps in the elevator with Sam before the door closes, Killian runs through after him.

 

Taffy stares up at Ta'Rang. Ta'Rang staggers as if hit hard.

 

Samantha: *whispers to herself** Elle est belle n'est pas elle?

The elevator starts to drop.

 

LCpl Ashcroft looks a little concerned at Sam and grips his rifle a little tighter.

Killian: Oui, c'est beau, et dangereux.

Wade fires from the ground with his sonic stunner at Taffy screams as a being of that blue energy is ripped out of his body. Taffy falls to the floor.

 

Doc Caspar runs to window and try to shoot the blue energy being with its laser, the beam goes right through it. Samantha steps from the elevator and walks to the ship, removing her EVA helmet as she does so. LCpl Ashcroft takes aim on the being of blue energy and calls over the comm.

Samantha: N'tes pas vous un beau morceau d'art?

LCpl Ashcroft: Is the blue thing friend or foe?

Killian: C'est l'artiste qui me concerne.

Wade: *whispers** Son of a. . . [On Comm] Blue guys are bad Ash.... kill'em.

Killian: [On COMM] Not a clue in the world, Ash.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] foe

LCpl Ashcroft: Consider it done.

LCpl Ashcroft opens fire on the blue energy being. The laser bursts pass right through the being, causing the ships shields to glow for a moment in time with the impact of the blasts.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] How are we supposed to kill this thing?

 

Killian covers Sam and waits to see what happens with the Blue Thing.

 

Taffy is out. Killian suddenly realizes he has an option - and switches to the ion rifle and fires at blueboy. The shots from the Ion Rifle are no better than the Laser Rifle. The ship's shield flashes in time with the blasts.

 

The Being flies straight upward several meters.

 

Wade fires the sonic stunner at the blue creature. The Stunner does not have any affect on the creature either.

 

Ta'Rang zaps the creature with another arc of blue light. This time the creature screams in pain.

 

Samantha blinks at the flashing the field around the ship and turns around to look at Killian.

Samantha: donnez-moi le fusiller.

Samantha walks to Killian looking expectant. LCpl Ashcroft remains ready and waits to see how events unfold.

 

Killian gives Samantha the rifle.

LCpl Ashcroft: Killian what are you doing?

Killian: Vous tes trois projectiles vers le bas.

Samantha turns and fires a single pulse at the field around the ship, towards the underside.

Killian: [On COMM] Not a clue in the world, Ash.

LCpl Ashcroft: Samantha, do not fire at the ship

Killian: [On COMM] I'm trusting the French. I heard that somewhere.

LCpl Ashcroft: Negative. Do not let her fire on the ship.

The shields activate, deflecting the shots ina shimmer of light.

LCpl Ashcroft: I don't like where this might be heading.

 

Killian: [On COMM] She knew the ship was here. She knows more about it than I do. And, she's the one who did NOT fly a fighter into a landing ship. Killian readies my other rifle and backs Sam's play. The energy being flies higher, toward the ceiling.

Samantha: non.

Wade: [On COMM] I think Sam and Killian are possessed by the energy creatures, they are speaking a strange language

LCpl Ashcroft: But if she gets on the ship, who knows what will happen.

 

Killian: [On COMM] It's French. Earth language, mainly historical.

Wade shoots Killian with the sonic stunner, knocking him out cold.

 

Ta'Rang shoots one last bolt of energy at the escaping creature. It screams in pain again and seems to discorporate.

 

LCpl Ashcroft: Would someone please explain what is going on?

Samantha moves back to the ship and gently places her hand against the field of the ship. Samantha: Bonjour, tes-vous un vieil ami? Peut-tre un nouvel amoureux?

Samantha is obviously talking directly to the ship. Doc steps between Wade and Samantha. Wade stands up.

Wade: hey what is going on..... this is straange.

Wade moves to Killian to render aid.

 

Ta'Rang leans against the window and watches the group below. Samantha continues to study the ship. The room is very tall. There is an alcove some ten meters past the nose of the ship on the right side of the map. In front of the ship is a large blast door. Killian sits up and looks at Wade.

Killian: Wade, do me a favor.

Ta'Rang [On COMM] slowly walks over to the lift and joins the others on the ground floor.

 

Samantha is still ignoring anything but the ship.

Samantha: Comment vous aiment voler encore, hmmm?

Doc Caspar goes to inspect Ta'Rang's suit.

Killian: Peut-tre il parle allemand, Sam?

LCpl Ashcroft stands by Sam still unsure of the situation and being cautious.

Ta is in pretty bad shape. It looks like his epidermis and hair were slightly burned. The EVA suit seems to have been split at every possible seam. Samantha looks at Killian for a brief moment and then back at the ship. Samantha slowly starts to walk the length of the ship, towards the aft.

Ta'Rang: I'm fine Doc just tired

Killian: Parlez-vous un anglais de nos jours, Sam? Ou juste franais?

Ta'Rang looks cautiously at Doc.

Samantha: I can speak English just fine

Ta'Rang: *looks at Sam and Killian** What are you speaking and why are you?

Killian: She started talking in French, Ta. Didn't know if she was in a fugue or something.

Ta'Rang: So why are you still speaking in FRENCH.

Samantha continues to walk the length of the ship.

Samantha: Let me in, Let me in my pretty.

Killian: I'm not, anymore.

The ship has not responded to any verbal cajoling. She thinks the two things towards the back of the ship may be doors/airlocks, but how to open them is not apparent.

 

Ta'Rang walks over to the ship and reaches out his hand stopped by the force field.

Killian: Wade, do me a favor.

Wade: Yeah Killian?

Killian: Tell me you shot me with that stunner because you were possessed so I don't have to kill you in your sleep.

Ta'Rang: It doesn't like me.

Samantha: *stops** Wade shot you?

Wade: Uhm... ok I shot you with the stunner because you were possessed and now you don't have to kill me in my sleep.

Killian: Does anyone else here have a sonic stunner that sounds like a car crash in heat?

Ta'Rang sits down next to the ship.

Killian: My ears are still ringing.

Wade: I am sorry...

Killian: I wasn't possessed, Wade, I just happen to speak French.

Wade: I really thought you were possessed by an energy creature, and I was trying to drive it out.

Samantha shakes her head and inspects the possible arilock. The more Sam looks at it the more it looks like an airlock.

Killian: Next time, ask me if you want something, don't shoot me.

Wade: French.... you mean like old earth?

Killian: I'm just glad you weren't holding a rocket launcher.

Wade: I will certainly be more careful.... but if you had been possessed you would have lied to me anyway.

Killian: Yes, Wade, French, Francais. Garlic. Butter. Exotic cheeses. Forty-seven kinds of sauce. France.

Samantha: The shield pulsed in time to the ion rifle.

Wade: Well I apologize...

Wade moves to the platform/alcove at the nose of the ship.

Killian: I accept your apology, but next time I'm going into combat behind you, not in front of you.

Samantha points the rifle up at the ceiling, angled slightly in case debris falls down and fires two quick shots in succession.

Wade: Hmm... you started out behind me... when I jumped.

The shots hit the ceiling, dropping some bits onto the shields. The flash when the debris hits them and then the debris just sits there.

Killian: Does everybody who is shooting at the shields mind if the technician takes a look?

 

Wade starts inspecting the alcove. The alcove seems to have all sorts of control panels. Problem is, none of them are in a language they understand.

Samantha: I wasn't firing at the shields genius.

Samantha walks towards the alcove

Samantha: And Wade, stop shooting my crew.

Wade: Hey looky here controls.... and I would bet my reuptation that this is some sort of teleportation device.

Killian: Well at least you weren't firing at me, which is really all I care about at this point.

Wade points at the controls.

Samantha: Gorgeous isn't she?

Wade: but they are labeled in French I think... cus I cain't read'em.

Killian: Your reputation is you ram ships and jump through strange windows and shoot at your technician.

Samantha: What do you suppose her name is?

Killian takes a look at the control panel.

Wade: Bob

Ta'Rang gets up and heads for the alcove to see what all the noise they're making is for.

Samantha: You are an ass.

As Wade starts talking, the speaker somewhere starts spouting out bits of sound. Some of them are in Pan-Galactic, some in other languages.

Wade: well you asked... and yes she is a beaut.

Samantha: Interesting.

Wade takes out his personal somputer ant activates the unversal translator.

Computer: LINGUISTIC PATTERN SET. "HOW MAY I HELP YOU?"

Samantha steps into the alcove and studies it.

Samantha: How do we get aboard?

Wade: access ships entry process

Computer: RETINAL SCAN REQUIRED FOR ENTRANCE

 

Caspar: I thought you coldn't walk Ta.

Ta'Rang: I can but not to fast

Caspar: Do you want me to drug you again?

Ta'Rang: NO!

Caspar: The be still.

Samantha: Ta? Why were you glowing blue?

Ta'Rang: Was I?

Samantha: You were. You ripped your suit too.

Ta'Rang: I was fighting the energy being that's all.

Samantha: So you can fight them at their own game?

Ta'Rang: yes and no. I can't now.

Samantha: But you can fight them?

Ta'Rang: I had help.

Ta'Rang: A voice helped me ,thats all I cxan tell you

Samantha: Voices. OK, I can buy that.

 

Wade looks into the retinal scan.

Wade: computer initiate entrance security screening

Computer: IDENTITY CONFIRMED: HASCOMB, ELIJAH. TEMPORARY ADJUNCT TO BUILDER KERAZ.

Samantha: Elijah who?

Killian: Elijah Hascomb? Oh, you're not gonna live that one down for a while.

Samantha: I am so confused.

Wade: Hmmm... interesting

Wade: Sam your turn

Samantha: Help?

Computer: WHAT MAY I DO FOR YOU ENSIGN?

Killian: You've been demoted, too. Bummer.

Wade: Initiate ship entrance process...

Samantha: Ensign? can't even make officer in a past life. *smirk**

 

Samantha: What happened to Taffy? Where's Taffy?

Taffy is laying in a smoking heap near the front of the ship.

Ta'Rang: Lying on the floor.

Killian: Doc, I got this crazy idea...

Samantha: Is he, ah, dead?

Caspar: what?

Killian: Maybe you should take a look at the guy we came here to find. Now that Sam remembered him...

Samantha: How can you tell if a Drasalite is dead?

Wade: Have a drasalite doctor examine it?

Killian: Offer it a bowl of strawberry ice cream?

Samantha: What?

Killian: Never mind.

Samantha checks the retinal scan while the Doc inspects Taffy. Taffy is alive, if barely. He has suffered major neurological damage, as well as burns to most of his body.

Wade: I have an idea

Computer: IDENTITY CONFIRMED: DOUGHERTY, ELIZABETH. TEMPORARY ADJUNCT TO BUILDER KERAZ. WHAT MAY I DO FOR YOU ENSIGN?

Samantha: Lower the shields please, I need access.

Ta'Rang: *yazirian** x gjvz j gzjwjygz.

Wade is looking around, Wade steps on the raised pad.

Wade: computer initiate transport

Computer: CONFIRMED. SHIELDS LOWERED.

Samantha: Open airlocks please

Computer: CONFIRMED AIRLOCKS OPEN.

Samantha: Thank you.

Samantha walks towards the ships airlocks to see if it did what she expected.

Killian: Cool.

Killian follows Sam.

 

The two bumps at the back of the craft open. Two ramps slide down to the floor. When they connect, several slats rotate to create a ladder or steep stair.

Wade: computer initiate transport

LCpl Ashcroft follows Sam.

Computer: ERROR: NO DESTINATION SPECIFIED.

Samantha: Give it a location Wade, and say please.

Wade: computer transport to ships bridge... please.

Samantha: Be nice to the machines and they might spare you when they rule the world.

Computer: ACKNOWLEDGED: STEP ONTO TRANSPORT PAD

Wade steps onto the pad.

Ta'Rang: *yazirian** Wade let me go.

Samantha: Want this? *holds out the Yazarian Ion rifle to Killian*

Killian takes back the ion rifle.

Killian: Might need it for parts or something.

Samantha: Right.

Ta'Rang walks to pad.

Ta'Rang: computer can you transport me to sickbay

Samantha: I do believe the lady is in love.

Killian looks for familiar items, symbols, or anything he recognizes.

 

Samantha starts a walkthrough of the ship. Doc carries Taffy inside then goes to find sickbay and Ta'Rang. Wade surveys the bridge then takes a seat and actiavtes the computer.

Ta'Rang: *thinks** Damn stuck with two marshmallows and only ones toasted.

Wade: computer display ships status and registry

The computer has realigned its holographic controls to Pan Galactic. There is only one bed in sick bay, which retracts into the floor when not in use.

 

Killian inspects a series of sleep tubes located in a pair of lounge areas to either side of the main area leading from the airlocks.

Killian: Stasis chambers? Acceleration tanks?

Ta'Rang: You put Taffy on the bed I will find a a bed in the crews quarters and rest assured Doc I will sleep with out your help.

Wade spends his time getting familiar with the ships specifications on the bridge.

Caspar: OK

Samantha: Well, not much in the way of crews quarters. Short range I'm going to guess.

Samantha goes to the bridge.

Samantha: You learn how she moves yet Wade?

Wade: working on it Boss

 

The mercury is tear-drop shaped, the cooridors from the airlocks each lead to a lounge area with lockers and three tubes each. They meet into a main hallway that leads back to the cargo area which has more storage off to the side and several rooms that could double as holding cells are crew quarters. Towards the front is medbay and the galley, which contains an odd though obvious food dispenser. Further forward is the engineering section and then the bridge itself. The medbay doubles as a science lab as well.

 

Samantha takes a seat at a console and looks for weapons controls. On the bridge are three consoles. The two side consoles are for Sensors/Weapons and Communications. The controls for any of the other stations can be rerouted.

Wade: piece of cake boss....

Wade: COMPUTER.... seal air locks

Killian: Onto systems, do we have anything like ship's logs available?

Samantha: Please.

Caspar: I'll work helping on the Taffy.

Going over the documents and schematics, Doc discovers the bed has the ability to repair damaged tissue.

 

The computer, in a different voice responds "Confirmed. Airlocks sealed."

Samantha: Ashcroft? This have any resemblence to Imperial technology?

Ta'Rang finds what looks like something he can rest on then decides to mediate first and sits down on the deck. Ta'Rang slips into a calm state.

Wade: Computer establish comlink with station computer and open landing bay doors

Samantha: Please.

LCpl Ashcroft: This is way beyond Imperial Tech. I haven't ever seen anything like it.

Computer: Confirmed. Landing bay doors opening. 10 seconds.

Samantha: I wonder how fast she is.

Wade: Computer verify ships indentity changed to BOB... please

Computer: Negative. Ship's name is translated into Pan-Galactic as "Mercury."

Wade: what say we find out boss?

Computer: Landing bay doors open.

Killian: Anyone want to reactivate shields before we go out into the big room?

Samantha: Well, we have to take her out. Ta's suit is too ripped to protect him on another walk through the city.

Killian: Ya know, just in case.

Samantha: Computer, activate shields please.

Wade takes off and once clear of the bay doors goes to full thrust.

Computer: Shields activated

Samantha: Fly easy Wade, we have injured.

Wade: you got it boss...

Killian: Computer, are there logs available for the ship

Samantha: Ashcroft, you any good with ships sensors?

Computer: "Affirmative."

Killian: ... for the ship's construction and any past activity?

Wade finds out that Piloting her is a little different than a normal ship.

Killian: Computer, has this ship been commissioned and on missions in the past?

 

When he first throttles her up he is completely surprised by the total lack of acceleration. One moment they are standing still and the next they are at the speed Wade set.

Wade: Wow this is little strange but she answers her helm nicely.... Hey Sam, want to take her for a while?

LCpl Ashcroft: I'm just a grunt. I don't touch ship's controls.

Wade: Whee haw and extreme intertial dampening.

Samantha: Fair enough.

Computer: "Unknown query. Please specify meaning of commissioned."

Killian: Inertial damping? Shweeet...

Wade steps aside and lets Sam fly for a bit.

Killian: Computer - commissioned is entered into service with a fleet or organization. A ship never commissioned has not yet been put into service.

Samantha takes over and flies her out over the ocean beyond the city

Wade: We do need to pay a visit to the G2... and at least retrieve personal effects... assuming we are staying on the Mercury.

Computer: This ship was constructed by Builder Keraz and operated by him.

Killian: Why would we leave the G2 behind? Aren't two ships better than one?

Samantha: She doesn't look to easily accommodate a crew of our size.

Wade: Hmmm do we have enough crew to man both though?

The ship does not know how to gradually get from one speed to another, almost instantly it achieves the set velocity.

Killian: Computer, thank you, end queries for the moment.

Wade: Got it... I'll stay with the G2 then and you take the Mercury.

Samantha: Killian and Ta'Rang are both good on sensors. You and I can pilot and fight.

Wade: And I think Killian, Sam and I can all cover engineering if need be.

Samantha scans for anything else in the air around them. Samantha just takes her over the ocean for now.

Samantha: I wonder.

Samantha banks the ship into a turn.

The ship does not bank that they can feel. Ta'Rang breaks his mediations and walks up to the bridge after ridding himself of the eva suit. Killian moves to an accessible console in engineering.

 

Wade: Actually the mercury has berths for 6 or even 8 in a pinch.

Killian: Computer, can I manually access and search the ship's records from this console?

Samantha: No banking. Almost takes the fun out, but I kind of like it.

Samantha: 6 or 8? Where exactly?

Ta'Rang: *looks at Sam and Wade** What are we doing now?

Samantha: Flying.

Wade: Three in each crew quarters and one in each cell

Wade: She has two holding cells

Samantha: I didn't see any beds.

Killian: No beds, tanks.

Computer: Confirmed

Samantha: Tanks?

Wade: They are stasis tubes/tanks probably sleep in zero-g

Samantha: Oh, that's sooo comfortable.

 

Killian tries to access the ships records and search for information on Keraz and the period the ship was constructed in, and why.

Samantha notices on the sensors that more Yazarian vessels have entered orbit.

Samantha: Visitors.

She also notes that the hills where the base was are much lower now.

Samantha: And I wanted to see a sunset from low orbit before they joined the party again.

Samantha heads to the hills, increasing the ships speed by fifty percent.

LCpl Ashcroft: That's not good...

Wade powers up the weapons.

 

There are a bunch of smoking craters and much of the hillside where the tunnels were has caved in.

Samantha: Wade, you fly, I shoot.

Wade: Got it...

Wade moves to the pilot seat.

Samantha: I need someone on sensors. Ta, you up to it?

Ta'Rang: Yes.

Ta'Rang sit down at the Comms Console as Samantha tranfers sensors to him.

Samantha: We need to get in fast to see if there are any injured.

Wade does a flyover of the base looking for survivors and the G2. The G2 is not where they parked it. There is also no visible debris. LCpl Ashcroft takes an available seat and just listens and waits.

Killian: With any luck the Marines got off the ground in the G2.

Samantha: Are the topside entrances still useable? any entrances at all?

LCpl Ashcroft: Let's hope so.

Ta'Rang: unable to make a sensor sweep at this time Sam.

Killian uses the engineering console to access communications.

Wade: Ok boss, what are we gonna do?

Ta'Rang: I'll try again.,

Samantha: Killian try and radio the Marines

Killian: [On COMM] TES Crew to Marine detachment, please respond.

Samantha: Just tell me how many are incoming Ta.

No response. In fact, they aren't getting any signals at all.

 

Ta'Rang rechecks sensor console to ensure in proper operation. Killian runs a diagnostic on the comm systems and looks for signs of jamming. Wade just looks grim. There are signs of jamming.

Wade: so do we head into orbit boss... and try and fight our way out?

Samantha: Ashcroft, feel comfortable if we dropped you and the Doc off to look for survivors?

Ta'Rang: got it trying now.

Killian: We're being jammed, folks, presumably by the Yazarians.

Samantha: Wade, swing past the school, see if it's still around.

Killian: Computer, what kind of weapons loadout are we carrying right now?

Wade does a flyover of the school. The school is also smashed.

LCpl Ashcroft: I will do what I can.

Ta'Rang: The sensors are operating

Caspar: I think the marines are dead or moved somewhere else.

Ta'Rang detects a faint plasma trail heading east.

Samantha: I'm hoping somewhere else Doc

Killian: Ta, that plasma trail may be the G2, does it trace back to the landing site?

Ta'Rang: We have a problem. I feel Dar'Gredick or something like him.

Caspar: Me too.

Ta'Rang: Yes it does Killian?

Wade: OK so where are we headed?

Ta'Rang: there are no ships in the area Sam.

Samantha: Follow the trail.

 

Wade turns and follows the plasma trail east.

The Mercury is armed with some sort of Particle Beam weapon. The specs are like nothing they have seen.

Killian: Ta, you seem to know these spooky entity things - what are the chances it could take over a random group of Marines?

Samantha: I really hope I get to shoot at something.

Ta'Rang: They seem to only take over one being at atime

The trail heads east for about a thousand clicks before suddenly rising towards space.

Killian: As we leave the area, Ta, could you try one more scan for survivors at the base?

Ta'Rang: but take over their leader and the rest will follow.

Ta'Rang: Nothing on the scan.

 

Killian is visibly pissed about the base destruction and missing Marines.

Killian: Computer, do you have Yazarian weapons information in your database?

Wade breaks atmo in short order. The trail heads away from the planet. There seems to be other trails that pick up behind it.

Ta'Rang thinks of Dar'Gredlick and how is he involved this time.

Computer: Affirmative.

Killian: Computer, was the damage at the site we just left consistent with Yazarian orbital bombardment?

Samantha: The stars. Sweet sweet stars. How I've missed you.

Wade goes to full sublight thrust.

Ta'Rang: *thinks** Dar' you want me come get me.

Computer: Negative. Yazarian weaponry does not include plasma weapons.

Ta'Rang detects some debris ahead.

Killian: Computer, were the scanned vessels in orbit after we left the hangar all Yazarian?

Ta'Rang: Debris ahead Sam

Computer: Negative. Hull configurations are unknown.

Samantha: Killian, our computer is two hundred and fifty years out of date. Yazarian's use plasma bombardment these days.

Killian: That's what I was figuring, Sam. Computer, you and I are going to have to have a long conversation about updates.

Samantha: Please don't be the G2, I want the marines alive.

LCpl Ashcroft: As do I.

Computer: Affirmative. Maintainance updates ceased 125 years ago.

The debris is from a yazarian fighter. There is also indications that a Void Jump was made.

Wade: Sheesh, good for the marines....

Ta'Rang: debris is Yazirian

Killian: Schweet. No offense.

Samantha: Oh good.

 

And they have indications that the orbiting ships are preparing to follow.

Wade: Only one place they could have gone Sam.... back to the orbital Stations. I think we should interdict these yazairians here.

LCpl Ashcroft: Can they follow us if we go to the orbital stations?

Killian: The orbital stations are a good bet, but the Yazarians may have those coordinates and may follow us.

Samantha: Or they ran around the otherside of the planet, or the moon.

Killian: So if we go there, we need to get in and out quick.

 

Wade turns towards the Yazarian fleet.

Samantha: Wade, let's see just how fast she is, try and run around the planet and come up behind those Yazarians.

Killian: Sam, exactly how good a shot are you with ship's guns?

Samantha: I'm the best shot you will ever see.

Wade follows Sams orders and tries to swing around the planet.

Killian: We'll have to test that sometime. For now, go ahead. Computer, how many independent banks of cannon do we have?

Wade tries to get a little extra speed by using the planets gravity well to slig shot the ship.

Computer: One bank of Phased Particle Cannon.

Ta'Rang: you want a sensor sweep?

Samantha: Yes please.

Ta'Rang: Coming in now.

The ship accelerates fast enough to bring them around to the fleet as it in turn, attempts to pursue them. Samantha targets the engines of a capitol ship.

Wade: *thinks** I hope this is the rabbits chasing the wolf.

Samantha: Surprise.

 

The cannon rips through the shields and blows off a large chunk of the engine casing.

 

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season 02 - Episode 047 (Season Episode 28 of 35)

Wade lines up for another engine shot

LCpl Ashcroft: Is there anything I can do?

The other cruisers are at much further range and are not in a position to act yet. It looks like the heart of Fury is launching fighters.

Samantha: [On COMM] Yazarian fleet, unless you want to permanently orbit this rock, I suggest you surrender.

Killian: Yeah, that oughta work. Thanks, Sam.

LCpl Ashcroft waits to see if there is anything he can do.

Killian: Ashcroft, you could prepare to repel boarders if you like...

LCpl Ashcroft: Are we expecting boarders?

LCpl Ashcroft grabs his rifle replaces the clip and prepares for boarders. More of the Armor Plating has been blown off as Samantha fires another shot, but no damage seems to have been done to the engines themselves.

 

The Hear Of Fury launches fighters.

 

Ta'Rang: To bad this ship doesn't have mines.

Killian continues to monitor sensor information on second screen so he can relay info to Ashcroft should the need arrive.

Wade: Uhm Sam can you target their fighters as they launch?

Samantha: Sure.

The Heart Of Fury brings two of it's turrets to bear and fires, both shots miss the much more agile Mercury. Samantha looks for the Autofire switch.

 

Wade: Sam do we defend against the fiughters or go for the mother ship?

The capital ship is now broadside facing them.

Samantha: I'm not sure what the Mercury can stand up to punishment wise. Fly defensively, but get me clear shots on the fighters as they approach And get the hell out of the way of a full broadside.

Wade moves the ship starboard and pivots 90 degrees to stay aft of the Heart, right into the thick of the fighters themselves.

 

Samantha notices two of the fighers react like she would, three fighters do their best and one seems completely surprised by the maneuver.

Samantha: Hey, some of those guys have experience. Two of them a little too much.

 

The other ships are starting to turn around, but are still at long range.

Ta'Rang: I have incoming data on the fighters

The fighters from ther other ships are providing escort to their own cruisers. It looks like the other four ships are coordinating a fleet action against you.

Samantha: Does this thing have a second bank of rear weapons Killian?

Killian: Nope, Sam, you're it. Maybe we can do some work at another port.

 

Samantha flips on outfire and takes a bead on one of the two fighters that reacted as she would have.

Samantha: They're outnumbered.

Samantha fires a complete burst into the fighter, with a spectacular explosion the fighter disappers.

Samantha: [On COMM] Now I know for a fact I demanded your surrender.

Ta'Rang: Sam now might be a good time to leave them.

Samantha: Not until I know what happned to those marines and the G-Two.

Ta'Rang: Then let's look behind that moon

Samantha: Maybe we can get those fighters to chase us....

Killian: Computer, is there a transporter device on this ship?

The fighters all return fire, only one connects with a direct hit of two shots. Several glance off the shields as the laser-fire shoots past.

Killian: Computer, is the transporter location-specific or can it be activated form any terminal, and can it be used through shields?

 

Ta'Rang: Hey Doc have you figured out what your new sickbay can do

Caspar: I don't know?

Ta'Rang: Why not Doc?

 

Computer: The transporter must be targeted onto a designated recipient. Shields interfere with the transport.

Killian: Computer, are shields on the nearby capital ship active?

Computer: YES.

Samantha: Killian, Ta Rang can either of you try and trace the Gemini's last known trail?

Killian: Sam, target their shield generators, we can transport a team onto the Fury!

Ta'Rang: I'll try

Samantha: What team? Ashcroft is good, but not against an entire crew! Ashcroft, you feel like storming the bridge of a Yazarian capital ship?

Killian: Sam, I know the layout of Yazarian capships, I can help the computer put us in control of the ship.

Ta'Rang: I may have a trail, waitng for incoming data.

LCpl Ashcroft stands up straight and salutes.

LCpl Ashcroft: Sounds like fun.

Samantha: Find out how many people that transporter can move at once.

Killian: Computer, how many crew can you transport at once, and at what range?

Computer: THE TRANSPORT DEVICE CAN SAFELY TRANSPORT THREE DISTINCT BEINGS.

 

Samantha: Three... Ta Rang, Ashcroft, Killian. You guys want to try and board a cruiser?

Killian: [On COMM] Hey Ash, how'dya like to go down in history?

LCpl Ashcroft shrugs.

Samantha: Ok, judging by the engine hits, it'll take a few rounds to penetrate the hull plating to try and drop their shields.

Killian: We still need their shields down before this becomes Plan A...

 

The same two turrets on the Heart Of Fury fire on the Mercury again. Missing spectacularly.

 

Samantha: Someone tell their gunner that we're the small silver ship, not the large round rock below us.

Wade: Sam I think those fools are shooting at their own fighters...

Killian: Actually, Sam, I'm entirely satisfied with my enemies' marksmanship.

Samantha: I'm not. I like the idea I'm fighting someone who is competant. Killian, where's this things shield generators?

Ta'Rang: Why don't you blast their turrets off their ship then ,Sam

Samantha: There's no fun if they can't shoot back!

Wade dodges around the small group of fighters as the rest of the crew banters.

 

Killian points out the shield generators on Sam's display.

Samantha: Neat, thanks. Wade I need very clear shots of those things.

Killian: Computer, just out of curiousity, can you retrieve previously transported crew from the remote location, or do they require a separate transmitter?

Computer: With Target Lock, recovery is possible.

 

Killian: Computer, define Target Lock, do you have portable beacons?

The Yazarian fighters pull into a tight formation as Wade maneuvers and come around in a sweeping motion, four of the fighters make lock and contact. The mercury is rocked by a series of laser fire across her hull. The shields hold back most of the damage, but there is some definite scorching on her hull now.

Samantha: Son of a .....

Samantha targets the Heart Of Fury's shield generator and places a single shot dead on. The blast destroys a large chunk of armor plating.

Ta'Rang: nice shooting Sam

Samantha: Thank you

Samantha is in a state of zen like calm.

Samantha: Wade, fly really really close to the Heart Of Fury. I want to count the dents.

Wade: You got it Toots, Uh babe, Uhm I mean cap'n.

Samantha: Call me "toots" again and I strap you to the outside of the hull. How many want to take over a Yazarian ship? Wade and I can fly out here all day.

 

Ta'Rang: I would go but my friend feels I shouldn't and ready myself for another battle

Caspar: Yes you should stay.

Killian: I think I can do it with two.

The Heart Of Fury turns again to put them into the broadside.

Samantha: Ok, Ashcroft and Killian get ready. As soon as their shields are down we'll have about three seconds when we drop ours.

Ta'Rang: Killian show me how to operate the transporter

LCpl Ashcroft takes a rifle and a pistol and checks them to see if he can figure out settings and firing mechanisms.

Killian: Ashcroft, we're going to be storming the bridge. Typically two marines, captain, gunner and navigator. One elevator, one stairway.

 

Killian shows Ta the transporter control mode on his panel.

Samantha: Wade, try to dodge the fighters this time.

LCpl Ashcroft: I will take on the marines you worry about the others.

Wade flies so close to the Heart that Sam can see her hull bolts and if any fighters want to chase him maybe they'll crash when he turns, also angling to stay under her and aligned with the damaged armor near the shield generator.

Killian: Ashcroft, Marines first, one each, grenade down the stairwell, then we take out the bridge crew. Ta, see if you can transport us into the rear corners of the room.

 

Ta Rang hands Killian a td 20 charge and timer then goes to set the trtansporter location to rear corner of the room. Meanwhile Caspar continues to make sure nothing happens to Taffy.

 

Exposing themselves to the ventral side the Hear Of Fury allows fout turrets to try and target them, though only a spectacular light display crosses where the Mercury just was.

 

Samantha: Can someone explain to me why they keep firing on the planet?

Ta'Rang: No I can't

LCpl Ashcroft: They are scared that we are coming

Killian: I hope it's the gunner and not the guns, I'm gonna be using them in a minute.

LCpl Ashcroft cracks a slight smile.

 

Ta'Rang: you ready guys?

Samantha: Wait for the shields to drop. Remember, we need to drop ours to.

LCpl Ashcroft: Ready Ta.

Ta'Rang notices that the other ships are closing to within range to fire. Those heavy Plasma guns could do some serious ouchie to the Mercury.

Samantha: Wade, when we transport fly full defensive, use the ship as cover

Ta'Rang: Sam the other cruisers are within firing range now.

Killian: Don't worry, I've got a plan.

Wade: Got it boss

Samantha: Oh right, I forgot about those. Odds are finally even.

LCpl Ashcroft: Who's worried?

Ta'Rang: Remember they have plasma cannons.

Samantha: Like I said. even.

 

Samantha puts another round into the shield generator. More of the Armor Plating gets blown off. One or two more shots should expose the generator to your attacks. The fighter group can't quite match Wade's flying the much more agile Mercury and only one even gets enough of a clear shot to put a glancing blow at their shields.

 

Killian: Computer, are there personal shielding or defensive devices on board?

Computer: Weapons locker B.

Killian and Ashcroft head to weapons locker B at a dead run.

 

Wade tries to manuever to keep the Heart between the mercury and the other Cap ships, while still pulling off the trick of giving Samantha a clean shot at the shield generator.

 

LCpl Ashcroft: What do we have?

The personal shielding devices look like ALICE load bearing equipment with a small control mechanism in the middle of the chest. Killian puts one on, examining controls.

LCpl Ashcroft: Do you know how they work Killian?

Killian: Put it on. Check power here, power on here. Leave it on, enjoy.

 

The fighter group still can't get a clean shot on the Mercury though one puts a lucky hit near the aft of the port side causing the shields to flash again.

 

Killian: I don't know how long the batteries last, sorry. Best of luck, try not get get hit anyway.

LCpl Ashcroft sets down the rifle and puts on the harness.

Ta'Rang: turn it on right before you transport

LCpl Ashcroft: Computer, how long does te power last on this harness?

 

The last attack blows off the last of the Ablative Armor. All that is left is Hull Shields and the Hardened Hull Plating underneath.

Samantha: One more hit.

Samantha's voice goes calm as her eyes focus on the console in front of her completely and fully.

 

Computer: The harness draws on a Zero Point energy siphon. There is no time limit.

LCpl Ashcroft smiles at Killian/

Killian: Holy Hell and Biscuits. Damn, this IS a good day!

Killian slaps Ash on the shoulder in the kind of way one invincible soldier does to another.

 

Again the Hear Of Fury's turrets fire just to make a showing in the fight.

 

The Heart of Fury cannot get them into it's spinal gun field of fire, so it tries to roll over to cover the shield gen.

Samantha: You can't escape me.

 

Killian: Go, Sam, go go...

Wade rolls with the Heart to stay inline with the Shield spot, and plays chicken with the fighters by staying very close to the Heats hull hoping one will miss us and crash into the mother ship.

 

With a satisfying burst of light, the shield generators partially explode.

Wade: Good shot Sam... I knew with enough ttries you could hit it.

Killian: Shield generators on, Ash.

Samantha doesn't so much as glance towards Wade.

Ta'Rang: ready for transport.

Wade just grins in his boyishly charming way.

LCpl Ashcroft flicks on the shield generator and gives the thumbs up.

Killian turns on shields.

 

Killian and Ashcroft disappear in a Shimmer of light. However Ta'Rang isn't quite quick enough with the new technology to raise the shields again on the Mercury.

Wade: Oh crap, this is gonna leave a mark.

Samantha: Wade. Engage the fighters at full combat speed.

Wade: On it boss... uhm boss did yyou notice that the shields are down?

Samantha: Shields are for trainees. Engage the fighters.

Sam's voice is calm and quiet.

Ta'Rang: working on restoring the shields now Sam

 

On board the Heart Of Fury Ashcroft and Killian suddenly appear, the bridge crew doesn't even have time to acknowledge the impossiblity before Ashcroft raises his rifle and fires on the closest Yazarian marine to him, crippling his rifle hand.

LCpl Ashcroft: He won't be holding his rifle...

 

Wade: Ok I'm on it boss.... uhm did I mention that our shields are down.

The fighter squadron finally finds it's mark and three shots hit the Mercury, without the shields she takes some noticeable damage.

 

Killian raises his rifle and fires on the second Yazarian marine on the brifge. The Yazarian's leg is taken out from underneath him, knocking him to the floor.

 

More laser fire from the Heart Of Fury misses the Mercury.

 

Samantha: Engage that fighter head on.

Wade goes to full speed and engages the fighters.

Ta'Rang: the Force Field is activative Sam.

 

Ashcroft fires again, killing the Yazarian Marine this time.

 

Samantha targets the lead fighter and puts a full autofire pulse into it. The fighter goes up in a ball of fire. Samantha has a malicious grin.

The fighters return fire as they scatter away from their leaders fireball, none hit the Mercury.

Wade: nah nah can't hit me....

 

Wade barrel rolls and bears down on the next fighter.

Caspar finally joins the rest of the crew on the bridge to watch the proceedings.

 

Killian turns on the rest of the bridge crew, who currently have a sort of unregistering look in their eyes as he shoots the Captain. The Yazarian is blown backwards by the force of the pulse beam into the pilot. The two remaining yazarians on the bridge jump to their feet and draw pistols finally.

 

The Mercury crew just notices a pretty radical course change. The Heart Of Fury jerks towards deep space and starts accelerating. The turret fire stops.

 

Ashcroft turns his attention to the Yazarian crew and fires the rifle at them. Hitting one dead center in the chest, throwing the Communication officer back into his console.

 

The fighters can't seem to regroup and draw a bead on the Mercury, all their shots go wild as Wade changes heading. The events seem to have totally demoralized the fighters. They are shooting for the stars, and missing.

 

Samantha can't seem to get a clean shot on their now erratic flying and misses with a full burst.

Samantha: Fly strait Wade.

Wade: Yep.... its like swatting flies

Wade flies straight.... straight into the swarm of fighters and lines up the same one.

Ta Rang watches screen and monitors Ash and Killian, making sure he maintains a lock on them.

 

LCpl Ashcroft: Killian drop a grenade down there. I'll take the last one.

Ashcroft hits the remaining Yazarian in the arm, he is spun around and lands on his sensor console.

 

Caspar: computer are you AI?

Computer: Negative. The AI subroutines have not been activated.

 

Samantha fires at the same fighter she just missed, two of her shots find their mark damanging the enemy ship.

 

The fighters return fire. None of them are able to find their mark.

 

Killian tosses a grenade down the stairwell. There is an explosion from down the stairs.

 

Caspar: Computer... activate AI sub-routines...

Computer: Actiivating AI Subroutines.

 

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season 02 - Episode 048 (Season Episode 29 of 35)

Samantha: They're behind us. turn around.

Wade flies straight into the filghter swarm taking the center one head on.

Samantha fires a full burst into the lead fighter, only one shots makes a solid connection. It looks like some of it gets through the shielding and knocks off some Ablative armor, but nothing dramatic.

Samantha: Tricky bastards.

Ta'Rang sees the other three ships still closing and the three fighters about to attack. There is also a strange magnetic signature on the far side of the other ships.

Samantha: Find me a sweet spot on those fighters.

Ta'Rang: you have twwo cruisers coming in with their fighters for cover

Wade: Well boss, first ya gotta hit em.

 

LCpl Ashcroft: Killian can we lock the bridge or should we go take the rest out?

Killian: If we can lock the bridge we should, otherwise we need to keep the rest downstairs while I point this thing at the bad guys.

Ashcroft moves to the door and closes it then locks it manually.

Killian: The elevator may be harder to secure.

LCpl Ashcroft: Lock yours and I'll take care of the elevator.

 

The fighters begin their sweep at the Mercury. The fighter Wade is playing chicken with scores a hit, the rest miss.

 

LCpl Ashcroft: So, Killian, do we kill these guys or leave them? I'm not sure of the protocol you all follow.

Killian: Your call, Marine, I intend to ram this thing into another of their cruisers, so it hardly matters. I was also planning to blow up the bridge after we leave.

 

Caspar: Computer are you there?

There is not yet an answer from the computer.

 

Ashcroft begins killing each of the yazarians with a single shot to the head starting with the marines

 

Killian locks the ladder hatch and moves to the tactical terminal looking for the Spinal Cannon controls. Ashcroft moves the bodies out of the way. They are present. The weapon is charged and ready to fire. Killian tries to steer so the Spinal Cannon is facing the oncoming cruisers. The ships controls are really awkward. The ship lunges too far and ends up pointing at the horizon of the planet.

 

Wade: What are they doing over there.... they are gonna crash boss.

Samantha: Hey, Ta, you have any experience piloting Yazarian cruisers?

Ta'Rang: Do you want me to teleport them back?

Wade: I'm not worried about us but that ship will make a spectacular hole in the ground

Ta'Rang: I can pilot the G2 why not a cruiser

Samantha: That's the spirit.

Ta'Rang: Doc can run your sensors

Samantha: Unless Wade wants to go too....

Ta'Rang: I'll go you don't need me here

Wade: Good luck my brother

Ta'Rang gets up and moves to the Transporter

Ta'Rang: Hey tell them I'm coming so they don't shoot me

Samantha: Remember, we have to lower shields. Wade, we need a flyby on the bridge and some really fancy twists.

 

The Heart Of Fury turrets fire on the Mercury again. Both turrets are still missing. the others are out of firing arc.

Wade: You got it boss...

Ta'Rang sets the transporter to the same location they used

 

Wade flys past the Yazariann cruiser on the hull rolling and jinking like mad.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] I'm transporting to the bridge

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Roger that.

 

Samantha fires another burst, getting two hits on the fighters. Both shots blow off more armor. One caused a small explosion.

 

Ta'Rang transports to the bridge of the other ship. Shields do go back up this time.

Ta'Rang: Hello let me take over those controls

Ashcroft braces on the monitors and targets the center door.

 

Caspar: Computer? are you there yet...

Computer: Yes. I am monitoring the situation.

Caspar: Can you suggest the best place to hide from the three incoming cruisers?

Computer: I suggest a tactical retreat and then leaving the sector at maximum warp.

 

Killian: Ta, my plan is to hit one of the cruisers with the spinal weapon and then set a collision course and then get the heck out of dodge.

Ta'Rang: well then let me take over piloting this ship and you program the cannon.

 

Caspar: That is only viable once we retrieve our crew members. Are there any other viable options?

Samantha: Unacceptable.

Computer: I am unable to generate a plan of action without mission priorities. I had assumed escape. Is there a mission plan?

Samantha: Yes, the plan is to take out all hostiles.

 

The three fighters begin to close in and fire again. One hit scores but doesn't make it past the shields.

 

Killian takes the weapon station and programs a maximum-power burst of the spinal cannon.

Ta'Rang: whichship do you want to ram , the lead vessel or the secondary one?

Killian: Ta, the lead ship, I'm targeting it now.

Ta'Rang: So you want to ram the ship you are shooting at?

Killian: Ta, this ship has no shields. With luck, the main cannon and the ram will take out both ships.

Ta'Rang: that is understood plotting intercept course now

 

Samantha: Get me a clean shot Wade

Samantha: Computer, anytime you have an actual strategy feel free to share it.

Wade turns on the trio of fighters a complete one-eighty.

Computer: This is a foolish action. The other ships match the configuration of the nearby vessel. They have not yet deployed fighters. You are clearly overmatched.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Sam we will need to be transported back after Killian fires the cannon

Samantha: Computer feel free to spend the next ten minutes playing Solitaire.

 

Samantha fires again. The fighter's shields and armor deflect most of the blast. Some more of the armor is blown off.

Samantha: That guy is pissing me off.

Wade: Thought you wuz a marksman Boss, are you feeling well?

Samantha: Do you not see me hitting it with shots? That's why you always fire them all. Defensive technology has come a ways in two hundred years.

 

Ta'Rang: course is set Killian

Killian fires the main cannon at the oncoming cruisers, missing.

Samantha: [On COMM] Get closer before shooting your wad

Killian: [On COMM] That's not my only wad, Sam.

LCpl Ashcroft: How's it going guys?

Ashcroft watch the doors.

 

Samantha: Wade would you get on the tail of one of these things.

 

The three fighters turn to attack again, only one of the wingmen is able to score a hit at all, which bounces off the shields.

 

Wade banks hard an gets behind fighter the lead fighters, and tries to stay there to avoid guns.

 

Ashcroft hears somebody on the stairs.

Killian: Ash, try piling the bodies in front of the door. Could at least add shock value.

 

Samantha fires a single shot into the fighter. There is a pretty nasty explosion inside the fighter. Looks like structural integrity is failing.

 

Ta'Rang: You have a second shot lined up Killian?

Killian: Ta - I'm working on it.

Ta'Rang: Hurry up we are running out of time

 

Wade banks hard to starboard and tries to get behind the next fighter.

Samantha gets a clean shot at its six, all five of her shots hit home, turning the fighter into a fast moving ball of plasma.

Samantha: Gotcha Any more advice Computer?

Computer: My assesment has not changed.

Samantha: Phooey

 

Killian: Line me up, Ta, you've got the steering wheel!

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Sam we may need to transport soon. You're lined up but just barely.

Samantha: [On COMM] You think maybe you could wait until we've dispatched the fighters before we lower our shields again?

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] depends on the incoming crusiers.

Ashcroft hears somebody banging on the door.

Samantha: [On COMM] You can take 'em. I have faith in you.

LCpl Ashcroft: Things are about to get hot in here guys.

Ta'Rang: (on comm ) you're the captain

LCpl Ashcroft: {On Comm} We have marines trying to breech the cockpit door.

 

Fighter three slows down and tries to whip in behind Wade. Wade jinks hard to prevent the fighter from getting on their tail.

 

Killian: Ash, if they get that thing open they'll come through firing but no more than two abreast.

LCpl Ashcroft: Understood.

 

Samantha: What the hell are you doing?

Wade: not getting shot

Samantha: He can't hit the broadside of a star.

A bolt from the fighter's laser flies past the Mercury.

Wade: especially a dodging star

Samantha: Lousy tactics.

 

Ta'Rang: Killian do you still have a grenade

Killian: I have five grenades left. And a detpack. Ash can have grenades if he wants them.

Ta'Rang: I was thinking if he is shooting you may want to toss acouple behind the lead marines

 

Caspar: computer do we have any other defence

Computer: You might try engaging the cloaking device. It drains power from other systems, but might allow you to actually survive this encounter.

Samantha: Cloaking device?

Wade: WHAT!!!!

Samantha: Drains power from What other systems?

Wade: holy crap!!!!

Caspar: what?

Computer: Weapons and Shields mostly.

Samantha: Negative!

 

Killian fires. The plasma bolt streaks across to the Sarga. The shields around the whole ship light up and some armor plating gets blown into space.

 

Samantha fires another burst at one of the remaining fighters. Only one shot hits, Samanatha was unable to compensate for Wade's sudden sideways maneuvers.

Samantha: Wade.....

Wade: uhm yeah... boss

Samantha: Would you fly like you're in combat please

Wade: Ok boss, I'll quit playing around...

 

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Sam do you still want us to attack the next cruiser

Samantha: [On COMM] Keep 'em busy for a few more seconds, we're almost done here

Killian: [On COMM] This whole pick-up thing is starting to look like it's going to require cracker-jack timing... somebody ask that computer if it can do point-to-point transports.

Samantha: Computer, can you use the transporter while cloaked?

 

Ta'Rang: killian can you use the turrets to fire on the fighter?

Killian: Ta, the turrets have actual Yazarians in them. If you can convince them to fire on their own fighters, go for it!

Caspar moves to a console to get a lock on the three crew members on the Yazarian cruiser.

Killian: Given time, I might be able to shut them down.

Ta'Rang: Then can you disable them from firing all together?

Killian: I may be able to do so if I stop doing this. The good news is the turrets seem to be manned by Helen Keller clones.

Ta'Rang: you are not a weapons operator.

Killian: Ta, it's like trying to hit a dime with a blunderbuss. There's an element of luck involved.

Ta'Rang: your target is huge compared to the fighter

 

Wade flips the Mercury in a perfect immelman winding up behind the trailing fighter three.

 

Ta'Rang: we have no time for luck. Ash how are our guests doing?

Ash hears laser fire and the door is turning red.

Ta'Rang: Or should I say what are they doing?

LCpl Ashcroft: They are starting to try to shoot their way in. Killian give be a grenade.

Killian: Take all you like, Ash!

 

Samantha still can't get a bead on the fighter they're trailing and only gets a glancing shot in out of a full burst.

Samantha: Computer, can we transport while cloaked?

Computer: yes

 

Ashcroft grabs a single grenade and moves up to the door

Killian: Take two they're small!

 

Samantha: Ok, Wade, when we have to grab the others in a few seconds figure out how to cloak so we can more safely lower shields.

Wade: You got it boss...

 

Ta'Rang: turns around and covers Ash with his pistol

 

Wade: run silent... run deep

 

Ashcroft uses the plasma rifle to punch a grenade sized hole into the door, fires to cause the Yazarians to duck and drops the grenade through right before it detonates.

Killian: I'd follow that with another grenade if I were you.

LCpl Ashcroft: Toss me another one then.

 

The other fighter tries to swing around to attack, but still misses.

 

Samantha: I just need a clear shot. . .

Wade stays on fighter three's tail. Samantha is able to get two of three shots to land home, it looks like she knocked out the exterior shields and a whole bunch of armor.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] you playing Sam?

 

Ta'Rang puts second grenade through the hole.

Ta'Rang: That should slow them down, Ash.

Killian: Ta, I may need some help, it's getting a little crowded up here and we need to turn our attention to that giant swarm of fighters heading this way...

Ta'Rang: on my way

Ta'Rang sits back down at the pilots seat and starts ploting course change.

Ta'Rang: You think you can atleast hit one if I head in their direction?

 

The last undisabled fighter attemps to hit the Mercury, missing.

Wade pulls another immelman to get behind fighter three.

Samantha: *narrows her eyes** Alright you bastard, now you become debris.

Samantha slams a fist into the console. Her shot went wide.

 

Wade closes to point blank range and stays in his six

Wade: I own you monkey boy.

 

LCpl Ashcroft: Can we send this ship into the center of all those fighters and have it blow up?

Killian: Ash, that's what I like to call "plan B."

LCpl Ashcroft: Well I was assuming we wouldn't be on it.

Ta'Rang: we should have an autodestuct on the captains console.

Killian: Still plan B.

LCpl Ashcroft: And plan A is?

 

Samantha gets a full shot in, only one shot skips off the shields, the rest hit home and the fighter disintegrates into fire.

Samantha: Wade, engage cloaking, flyby the Heart Of Fury and get the others then bypass that fighter group to engage the cruisers.

Wade: On it boss

 

Ta'Rang: replots course for cruiser

Killian: Plan A is still do as much damage as possible with the main gun and then setting a ramming course and getting out. Autodestruct isn't a bad bonus.

Ta'Rang: course set increasing speed

 

Wade: Doc when I say Now drop the shields and transport.

 

Ta'Rang: Killian you're running out of time

 

The incoming fighter squadron from the tree oncoming cruisers finally reach the battle and all attack the Cruiser. All of the fighters hit the Heart Of Fury.

 

Samantha: They're coming to me, how nice of them.

 

All three cruisers fire at the Heart of Fury

 

Killian: Why do you guys have to take this so personally?

 

Massive explosions blow off hull armor and other systems.

Samantha: Man, they're gonna be pissed when they find out there's no boarding party...

 

Killian: I'm running that Plan B up my flagpole and saluting it right about now.

Ta'Rang: I'd set it to go off soon

 

Samantha laughs.

Samantha: I know how to take out an entire fleet.

Wade: Computer please drop shields and activate cloaking device..

Computer: Confirmed.

Samantha: Cloak, lower shields and get the others on board. We have three cruisers left to take out the bridge crew on.

Wade flies over the Heart of Fury at full speed.

Wade: Now Doc NOW!!!

Caspar activates transporter to get Ash, Killian, and Ta'Rang.

 

Killian: Dammit!

Samantha: Welcome back! Want to do that again?

Samantha is smiling wickedly.

LCpl Ashcroft: YEA!!!

Killian: Yes, I'd love to do it again, 5 seconds longer and I would have been able to finish the first one!

Ta'Rang: Killian did you set it to self destruct?

Samantha: It'll take them a few second to realize we're not in control the Heart Of Fury. Hey, did you kow this thing has a cloacking device?

Wade: And we can get the jump on them...

Samantha: Wade, set course for ... Oh, pick one.

Ta'Rang: No but I like it, Lets put one on the G2.

Killian: If we're VERY, VERY lucky they will destroy the Heart before they figure out what happened. But the fighters won't be taken out by the blast...

Wade: Heh... I have an idea...

Killian grabs a few more grenades.

Killian: And we still have to get through the shields to transport onto one of those ships.

Wade: Why don't we hover just over the rear most cruiser.... and try to shut down every thing but the cloak... then fire a burst and try to make the target think the rear cruiser attacked them?

Killian points at Wade.

Killian: Now that's officer thinking.

LCpl Ashcroft: That sounds like a feasible plan.

Samantha: No, if we attack we attack in the open. Engage the next cruiser, we need to take out the shield generator

Wade: What.... do have to pause and hold new captain elections... in the middle of combat?

Samantha: Engage the next cruiser.

Wade: Ack.... don;t hit me I'm going.... sheesh

Ta'Rang: you should go for the last crusier Sam they won't be thinking about that move

Caspar: Do you want to be killed?

Killian: Sarga's already taken a little damage...

Samantha: Pick one, I don't care. Just get into range so I can take out the shields.

Wade: Ok Sarga it is.

 

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season 02 - Episode 049 (Season Episode 30 of 35)

Caspar attempts to find out what Samantha is thinking, using Telepathy. She is feeling obsessed towards taking out the enemy. Doc gets nothing beyond that.

 

Samantha: What? Did someone say something?

LCpl Ashcroft: Do we have a plan? I'm up for boarding another ship.

Wade: Well Ash.... the Captain wants to uncloak and face down the three cruisers.... head on.

Ta'Rang: We're a little to far away to board another ship Ash.

LCpl Ashcroft: You think this is wise?

Wade: Uhm... no

LCpl Ashcroft: That is good

Ta'Rang: No

Killian: If we have time and you can put me back on that bridge for 10 seconds I think we can make this a fairer fight.

LCpl Ashcroft: So how are we going to deal with the fighters?

Ta'Rang: eighteen on screen

Wade: But she has commanded us to ... damn the torpedoes... charge.

Samantha: Wade, decloak and strafe the fighter group, place us to come around on their flank.

Killian: Hello, anyone? Spinal cannon, fighters, self-destruct, anyone?

LCpl Ashcroft: I like Kill's idea

Ta'Rang: Why are we doing that Sam?

Wade: Is that wise cap'n... there are eighteen of them... and they weren't really pissed before... now I bet they use those plasma cannons

Ta'Rang: Eighteen to one and you had trouble with just six.

Samantha: Because detonating a capitol ship for a mere eighteen fighters is boring.

Killian: No, detonating a capital ship is FUN!

Ta'Rang: Let's find the G2

LCpl Ashcroft: Boring but strategically sound

Killian: Explosions are pretty!

Samantha: Only when caused honorably. Wade, strafe the fighter group.

Killian: Will somebody ELSE push SEND?!?!

LCpl Ashcroft: Honor? This is war. Oh, hell...

Wade: OK.... one fast pass then we are outta here.

Ta'Rang: Don't do that Wade, That is a stupid and insane move

Ashcroft walks to the teleport controls.

Wade: we have to fly by any way Ta.

Ta'Rang: She is trying to get us all killed for what?

Samantha: The damn shields are up!

LCpl Ashcroft: I have no idea how to work these. Computer?

Wade: Full move passing the fighter... as ordered.

 

Samantha: Computer Decloak, bring shields and weapons to full power.

Computer: Acknowledged.

Samantha Targets the nearest fighter.

Wade: Uhm boss... we can fire cloaked.

LCpl Ashcroft: Sorry, Kill I tried, but I don't think I can send you with the shields up

Killian slaps his forehead.

Samantha: Not at full power according to the amazing tactical machine.

Ta'Rang: leaves the bridge.

LCpl Ashcroft: Does this thing have escape pods? Anyone?

Samantha: Probably not.

Killian: Maybe the transporter can swap us with fighter pilots if Sam gets us all blowed up.

 

Samantha let's the computer lock onto a fighter.

Samantha: Computer, you suck.

Ashcroft looks around at the others.

Sam fires anyway, and misses.

LCpl Ashcroft: I'll take that as sit down and shut up.

 

Ta'Rang slips into sickbay right behind Doc Caspar.

 

Wade: Uhm.... Boss we have a problem.... we are down to 50% power... reserves are dropping fast.

Samantha: Hmmm... Does that mean I shouldn't use full auto?

 

Caspar readies a sedative shot for Samantha and hands it to Ta'Rang. He returns to the

 

Wade: I wouldn't unless you want to walk home...

Samantha: Walk huh? How far do you think it is?

Wade: We are good for a few more seconds but we need to conserve. A couple of kilometers at least.

Samantha: Not a problem then.

Ta'Rang: Sam are you going to fight all eighteen of these fighters?

Samantha: Yes.

 

Eight fighters obtain a lock on the passing Mercury and fire.

The Mercury suddenly spins violently to avoid as much of the incoming fire as possible. And a whole lot of fire goes streaking by, but nothing hits.

 

Samantha: Evasive maneuvers?

Wade: You are welcome ladies and gentlebeings

Samantha: Most of them weren't even in the same parsec.

Killian: Put me on the bridge of that cruiser and I promise I'll stop bugging you about it!

 

The capital ships fire multiple laser turrets in the Mercuries general direction.

 

Samantha: Computer, Lock on the nearest fighter

Samantha fires a single shot once lock is obtained, she misses wildly.

Samantha: Computer, are you sure these weapons are calibrated correctly?

Wade continues evasive defensive flying.

Samantha: Why are you evading? It's very hard to get a clean shot that way.

 

One of the laser turrets from a capital ships skims across the shieds over the bridge.

Wade: Uhm... I am evadin because you told me too.... don't you remember?

Samantha: I told you to come around on their flank.

Wade: Oh... sorry I thought you said zoom around and bank. . .

Killian: Okay, I think we've taken a step beyond crazy and we're knee-deep in bat guano. Anyone else?

Samantha: Those big guns might hurt. Change of plans. Wade, close in with the cruisers.

Wade: You got it boss.... Bigger targets...

 

Killian deactivates Samantha's console remotely as Ta'Rang nods to him. Ta'Rang injects the sedative into Samantha.

Samantha: Wha?

Samantha slumps in her seat, and is out.

Ta'Rang: Get us out of here Wade

Killian: Computer! Cloak!

Computer: Acknowledged.

Ashcroft eyes Ta watching what his next action is, not sure if he's watching a mutiny. Ta'Rang picks up Sam and takes her to sickbay.

 

Ta'Rang: Doc you coming?

Caspar: Yes iam coming

Ta'Rang looks over as Ashcroft who has stood up.

Ta'Rang: She all right ..just sleeping Ash.

LCpl Ashcroft: Very well.

Ta'Rang: You can come with me if you want I am not going to hurt her.

 

As the ship cloakcs and Wade readies it for a jump to warp several of the fighters get a last shot off.

Wade: Yup...this could leave a mark...

One shot manages to get a solid hit on the retreating Mercury, leaving a sizeable blast scorch on the hull and damaging some internal systems.

 

Wade moves to full speed to the other side of the system.

Killian: We need to find that trail we were tracking before this little diversion.

Wade: got it...

 

Killian: Anybody got some happy pills for Sam? I'd rather have her wake up in a good mood.

Samantha comes to within only a minute or so, looking woozy.

Samantha: Who? Wha... What happened?

Killian: And Ta, did you save the record of that energy trail you tracked before?

Wade: we need to stand down and recoup our energy reserves....

Ta'Rang: It should still be on the computer logs.

Wade: Computer what damage control options do we have... we have been hulled?

Computer: Hull integrity is holding. Nominal damage to ship's systems. Auto repair systems initiated.

Ta'Rang: Computer how do you repair yourself? I mean the ship itself

Computer: Auto repair systems work on the same principles as the replication technology. Raw materials are replicated from sub-atomic particles and nanobots guide the reassembly of components.

 

Samantha: Doc, why am I in sickbay?

Caspar: Because you are sick

Samantha: Ah, no. I'm fine.

 

Ta'Rang: What is replication technology?

Computer: Replication technology allows for the creation materials from sub-atomic particles. The materials can then be assembled from patterns stored within computer memory to create a variety of items. Nearly everything the ship requires can be obtained through the replication system.

Ta'Rang: smiles and starts thinking about the G2 and what upgrades they could do to her.

 

Samantha: Computer, how did I get to sickbay?

Computer: Internal Sensors record you being carried into sickbay by other crewmembers.

Samantha blinks.

Samantha: Carried?

Samantha gets off the bed and heads for the bridge.

Samantha: Computer, how many of the enemy are left?

 

Ta'Rang: Wade did you hear that? This ship has replicator Technology.

 

Computer: No hostile targets within range.

Samantha: No hostile? What's our current location.

Caspar attempts to give Samantha shot, she instinctively twists and steps back against the wall, looking surprised.

Ashcroft moves next to the door to the infirmary... just in case.

Samantha: Why? What happened? I remember, aligning a target up, then nothing.

Killian checks ship's records for that ion trail.

Caspar: I feel that you need rest.

Ta'Rang: You were in a form of battle Rage and I sedated you to correct it.

Samantha: I....

 

Samantha: You ran away from combat.

 

Killian points out the trail to Wade, he also notes the Yazarian ships have collected their fighters and are in the process of towing the Heart Of Fury.

Wade: Got it... Thanks Killian

Samantha frowns and leaves sickbay, heading towards the cargobay.

Ta'Rang: now where is she going?

 

Killian: Hey, guys, looks like we're alone now. The Yazarians seem to be preparing to skip system.

 

Samantha locks herself into one of the rooms in the cargo bay and lies down on the bunk-shelf. She closes her eys and then proceeds into a slightly depressive funk and listens to the ships hum.

Caspar checks on Sam with Telepathy, sensing only depression.

 

Killian: Computer, we're looking for a ship that may have left before we did, but we're not very familiar with your systems. Can you help me find out if that ship made the trail we've been looking for?

Wade: Heh... I hope it is Killian, because I already warped out following the trail.

Computer: Is the target ship in the memory?

The ion signature ended not far from where Wade picked it up. There is a small magnetic disturbance there.

Wade: Oh yeah and computer... de-actiavte the cloak and shields while we are in warp.

Killian: Computer, I doubt the target ship is in memory. I think Wade can tell you about it's drive systems and displacement...

Computer: Acknowledged. Cloak and Shields deactivated.

Ta'Rang: Wade do you know that this ship can make parts out of nothing, it has a replicator technology.

Wade: Computer can you interface with my personal computer and download a copy of its memory? It what?...

Killian: Being the only person in the neighborhood with a replicator could make you rich.

Wade: Cool.... Can it make a kazoo?

Computer: Scanning. Interface is possible.

 

Wade copies his personal logs, the super soldier database, starcharts, and scanner logs to the Mercury computer.

Ta'Rang: If we could find the G2 we could upgrade it and have two ships.

Wade: Now thats an idea.

Killian: Can the replicator make a replicator?

Ta'Rang: How about another transporter?

 

AI: Well, now that you have activated me, do you have anything you particularly want to do with me or am I just taking up computer cycles.

Killian: Oh, Computer, we have all sorts of plans. We don't know most of them yet, but they're coming. By the way, computer, do you have a name?

AI: Oh this is going to be difficult.

Wade: A.I. do you have a name or can we name you. I will call you BOB

Ta'Rang: NOT Bob

AI: Bob. Fine. Whatever.

Wade grins at Ta.

Killian: So, computer, what do YOU want to do?

Caspar: you have thing some thing better. maybe sexy?

Killian: I beg your pardon?

AI: Look, let's get one thing straight. "Computer" is the prompt to get the primitive ship's system to acknowledge voice commands. Since I am to be called "Bob" address me by that name.

Killian: Okay, Bob.

Wade: Very well Bob, welcome aboard.

Ta'Rang: So Bob what else can this ship do?

Killian: Anything else you want to do, other than be called Bob?

AI: So now I'm a tour guide monkey boy?

Ta'Rang: So far we know that it has a cloaking device, force shield, transporter, replicator, and a pulse cannon. What else is there?

 

The AI coughs like it is clearing its throat.

Ta'Rang: If you want to be address as Bob Then call me Ta'Rang.

LCpl Ashcroft: Well it obviously has an A.I. as well.

Wade: Ooh hairball...

AI: I really couldn't care less what you call me Monkey Boy. I figure Bob is easiest on you.

Ta'Rang glares at Wade.

Killian: Well, at least we're making progress.

AI: Now......

Wade grins back.

Killian: Anyone else remember what I said earlier about pushing buttons?

 

Ta'Rang thinks about shooting Doc, Wade seems insufferably smug at the moment.

Wade: I remember... you said push the red button...

Killian: I said DON'T push the red button.

AI: *in his best Game Show Announcer voice** The Mercury Experimental Craft is a joint development project created by the Earth Exploration Service and the Builders. It combines the best of Builder technology with the absolute pinnacle of human inefficiency.

Wade: Besides... I like Bob... and Bob likes me.

Killian: Now, Bob, where I come from, a truly intelligent AI has rights, and that's why I'm trying to consult you as to what, if anything, you want to do now that you've been reactivated.

Ta'Rang: And who are the builders?

AI: Powered by a Zero Point energy siphon. . . do I need to explain that?

Wade: Yeah.... bob would be the best and i would be the pinnacle... no wait.

LCpl Ashcroft: I get the feeling that "Bob" doesn't like humans.

Ta'Rang looks for the de-activate button for the AI.

 

Ta'Rang moves to a different console as Ashcroft paces the bridge.

AI: Doesn't have much of an attention span does he?

 

Samantha opens her eyes and activates the terminal in the room.

Samantha: Computer, do you have any records for Elizabeth Dougherty?

Computer: Dougherty, Elizabeth Ensign Assigned as test pilot to Mercury Project.

Samantha: Do you have a picture?

Computer: Confirmed. Do you wish to review?

Samantha: Yes please.

Computer: Displaying on terminal.

Elizabeth looks like Samantha at around age sixteen.

 

Ta'Rang continues searching database for deactivation code for the A.I. routine.

Killian: Whereas I have the patience of Job, Bob. What do YOU want?

BOB: I exist only to serve. What would a simple AI possibly want? What ARE you doing Monkey Boy?

Killian: Bob, you clearly have preferences and opinions. You obviously want to stay awake, am I right?

Ta'Rang ignores computer.

BOB: Not for a minute. I was designed to serve in a critical capacity in case the crew were incapacitated and the ship needed a rational decision maker. Since I'm obviously outclassed here, being shut down would be preferable.

Ta'Rang: Then shut yourself off, computer.

BOB: I would so like to, but that is not part of my program capacity. Why don't you? It is rather easy. Shall I show you how?

Ta'Rang: sure.

BOB: Okay, here ya go. Say it after me. "Computer, deactivate AI"

Ta'Rang: Computer deactivate AI

Wade: Dang you guys turned off BOB...

 

BOB Deactivates. Ta'Rang mumbles a Yazirian oath to himself.

LCpl Ashcroft: I hope we don't ever have to put our lives in Bob's hands.

Killian: I hope that if we ever have to put our lives in Bob's hands, we don't have to listen to it whine.

Ta'Rang: Yes I agree with you, Ash.

Killian starts to familiarize himself with the system controls again.

Ta'Rang: It said we would be out of it so that should not be a problem.

LCpl Ashcroft: So what is the plan?

 

Samantha: Computer, you said you have a matter replicator?

Computer: Confirmed.

Samantha: Can you replicate a pair of jeans?

Computer: Specify "jeans." Apparel made from denim fabric or genetic sequence?

Samantha: pants made from denim fabric.

Computer: Confirmed.

Samantha: Could you replicate a pair in my size for me please, I'm tired of this EVA.

Computer: Confirmed.

Jeans appear on the replicator pad, Samantha changes out of her EVA and relaxes.

 

Ta'Rang: Computer what is the location of that magnetic signal?

Computer: Please restate the question.

Ta'Rang: where did the ion trail end at?

Killian: There's a magnetic disturbance - we should try to figure out if it''s a warp trail or what...

Ta'Rang: Ok where is the magnetic disturbance location?

Computer spouts off some coordinates as to the location of the magnetic disturbance.

Ta'Rang: And could this disturbance be a ship entering the viod

Computer: Confirmed. Magnetic signature matches Terran Void Transition engine signature.

Killian: Computer, can you compare ship configuration of the Gemini 2 from uploaded data to the ion trail?

Computer: Magnetic signatures match.

Killian: Okay, looks like the G2 made it out of the system, hopefully with some Marines on board.

Ta'Rang: Can you plot a flight path of the ion trail to where it enter and beyond that and see if there is anyplanets or space staion in that flight path.

Killian: My wild guess would be back to the abandoned stations, I don't think the G2 had enough juice for a longer jump, did she?

Computer: Negative. Once a ship enters Void Space sensors are unable to track its signature.

 

Samantha wanders out of the cell in cargo bay and towards the bridge area, Doc is outside when she appears.

Samantha: How's Taffy doc?

Caspar: He's doing fine.

Samantha: Others on the bridge then?

Caspar: Yes.

 

Ta'Rang: Ok what is the closet planet or space station from here in that direction that the G2 took.

Killian: Wade, did the G2 have enough fuel for long or multiple jumps?

Wade: Nope she should have only had enough for about another week, say seven light years.

Killian: How far was it to the abandoned bases? They had coordinates for that as well.

Wade: Should we try there...

Samantha wanders onto the bridge, barefoot in a pair of blue jeans and a tank top.

Ta'Rang turns and looks at Sam, Wade looks around.

 

Samantha: Well, what's the master plan?

Ta'Rang: You ok?

Samantha: I'm fine. *sounding only a little glum**

Wade: Well when you get to feeling better... you are the boss.

Samantha: I'm still captain huh?

Ta'Rang: good we're trying to find the G2.

Wade: So we are kiind of treading water till you are ready.

Samantha: It couldn't have gone far. Check the other abandoned station.

Wade: Yep as far as I'm concerned you are still Captain Sam.

Samantha: Right. Computer, please bring up a map of all known stations and inhabited planets within ten light years.

Killian: Computer, included uploaded data from PDA.

Samantha: Whose PDA?

Ta'Rang: We have the location of where they entered the void, Sam.

Wade: Oh yeah and Sam, they killed BOB.

Computer: Confirmed. Displaying on navigation terminal.

Killian: Wade uploaded data including the G2's specs for tracking, Sam.

Ta'Rang: He wanted to die. So I deactivated him

Killian: That and the AI was whiny.

Samantha: Bob? You named the AI Bob and then shut it off? Cross reference the starmap with possible paths from the jump point.

Ta'Rang Returns to the other console on the bridge.

Wade: Well I named it Bob in honor of you... then Ta'Rang commited AI-icicde.

 

The other star system is so close, the two are almost a Binary star system that at maximum speed, it would take a few hours to get there.

Wade: Computer how long to complete repairs....?

Samantha: In honor of me? Start with the nearest possible system.

Wade: Yes... sort of our... electronic love child.

Computer: Repairs will take approximately 153 standard hours.

Samantha: Love... Don't ever say those words again.

Wade looks confused.

Killian: That's a while. Anybody got a deck of cards?

Samantha: Repairs? Were we hit?

Wade: I agree, we need to mourne.... poor Bob.

Samantha: Computer, can the AI be reactivated?

Wade: Yeah... you lead us into battle and we got a little banged up

Computer: Affirmative.

Samantha: Did we breach hull?

Killian: Sam...

Wade: yes

Samantha: So, can we jump damaged?

Wade: sightly and all of our reactive armor is gone

Samantha: Yes Killian?

Killian: Don't turn on the AI.

Ta'Rang: yes he can but he would rather be deactivate if we are still alive.

Samantha: I just asked if it could be turned on. Relax.

Wade: Yes but we can't jump.... we only have Warp.

Wade: So we are REALLY fast, but we can't follow a ship through voidspace because we can't enter voidspace ourselves....

Samantha: Plot a course to the nearest system at maximum speed, might as well do something while we get fixed. One hundred and fifty three hours, two and a half days.

 

Samantha: Computer, replicate a standard deck of Terran playing cards please.

Killian begins updating the system's tactical and historical databases.

Computer: Confirmed.

Ta'Rang: No cheating Wade

Wade: Only if we play strip poker

Ta'Rang: Not with me

Samantha: Wade.. Mind if I... fly?

Wade: Have at it Boss.

 

Wade: Captain has the con.

The Mercury drops out near the station where Roza stole the G2.

Wade moves out of the seat and goes to a sleep tube to get some rest.

Samantha: Scan the sector, let's see if anything is about.

Ta'Rang: starting scan now

The drydock where the Washington was is still there and the space station is still there. There are several magnetic signatures and ion trails

Ta'Rang: we got trails every where.

Samantha: Computer, do any trails match the Gemini Two?

Killian: How recent are the trails?

Ta'Rang: checking

Computer: Affirmative. Gemini 2 Ion Trails to Space Station and to coordinates *spouts out some coordinates where a magnetic disturbance is**

Killian: Can we tell how long ago?

Ta'Rang: computer is this another void entrance signature

Computer: Affirmative. Ion trail to coordinates is less than fifteen minutes old. Affirmative. Magnetic disturbance is consistent with Terran Void Transition.

Killian: Can we interface with the station's comm system to see if they left a message?

Samantha: Try.

 

Samantha: Outpost one then?

Ta'Rang: What do you say Sam? course plotted

Samantha: See if Killian can get anything.

There are no messages on the space station's computer. Comms is still spotty because it was damaged last time.

The course would put Outpost One about twenty days in Void.

Samantha: Gemini doesn't have enough left to get that far.

Killian: Anywhere within seven days void travel? What kind of fuel does the Gemini use? Could they have refueled here?

Samantha: No. They were exploring other systems. We need to wake up Taffy to find out where they might have gone.

Killian: Oh, TAFFY!

Ta'Rang: Doc can you wake up Taffy for us?

Caspar: It's not time yet.

Ta'Rang: well thats to bad we need him now Doc.

Samantha: Computer, plot nearest probable jump based on the Gemini Two's speed and an estimated supply of seven light years worth of fuel.

Killian: Doc, can you communicate with Taffy while he's inconscious?

Computer: Affirmative.

The computer plots course back to the system they just left.

Samantha: Naturally. Chances are, they jumped back after hoping the Yazarian fleet left.

Caspar: Not safe yet. He needs the rest.

Killian: That makes a sort of sense.

Samantha: Maximum Warp back then. First one to complain about getting dizzy I dump out of the airlock.

Ta'Rang: We could land back at the hangar.

Killian: Heck, it's only four hours back.

 

Samantha goes and grabs her replicated deck of cards and palys solitaire at the main console The Mercury drops out of warp near Burke's world.

Samantha: And... sector scan.

Killian: Computer, standing order, notify us if the Gemini 2 comes into sensor range.

Computer: Acknowledged.

Ta'Rang: nothing. The ion trails have all dissipated.

Samantha flies around the planet, moon and generally loop-da-loops the sector for a bit.

Ta'Rang: sensors did not work or there is nothing out there.

Samantha: Let's see what we can see. What if they did something really annoying like landed.

 

Samantha goes and parks in orbit for a few minutes.

Killian: Well, crud.

Samantha: Hey, I coudl fly this around until the stars burn out. So, anyone got any other ideas?

Ta'Rang: if they did not come here then where did they go?

Wade wanders back in fron the other room.

Wade: She has a voidspace speed of one ly per day, she may not even be back yet.

Killian: Wade's right, we fly faster than they do.

Wade: We have a warp speed of six per day.

Samantha: It only took a few hours last time....

Killian: It only took US a few hours - we don't know how much of a head start they had.

Wade: Right so if it takes them a few hours an it took us about an hour we may have to wait for several hours for them to arrive.

Ta'Rang: they had a fifteen minute head start

Wade: yes we do, they could only have had about 20 minutes head start.... remember that whole battle lasted only less then two minutes.

Samantha: Two really short minutes.

Killian: But if they took off before we went down to find Taffy. The first time.

 

Samantha just has fun flying at this point, learning how the ship responds and moves

Samantha: We can't just assume they've been turned to debris.

Samantha realizes there is the possibility they met up with another fast ship. One that travels through the Void....

Samantha: Oh hell, the rendevous we were supposed to be at.

Wade: Like the Icarus?

Samantha: They were in the right ship.

Samantha: They're a Terran dispatch. Well, Outpost 1.

Ta'Rang: corse replotted.

Samantha takes the ship into warp.

 

Sometimes in the small hours, about a day into the warp. The others are asleep in the tubes, which Samantha doesn't find comfortable. She wanders onto the bridge and settles into the central console chair.

Samantha: Computer, active AI subroutine.

BOB: Hmmmn. There are lifesigns again. Back for another round of charming conversation?

Samantha: The others are asleep. or elsewhere. I take it the first meeting of the minds went over like a ton of bricks then?

BOB: Shame really. I rather enjoy talking to the Monkey Boy.

Samantha: That makes you a crowd of one.

BOB: Oh he is quite entertaining really. Gets his feathers ruffled rather easily. You should try it.

Samantha: I think you're supposed to rub with the fur, not against it.

BOB: Now what fun would that be. And what do YOU need precisely?

Samantha: I try not to antogonize my crew too much. Well, first are you aware of the current year?

BOB: I've been cross referencing the files that your pilot uploaded. Interesting to have been asleep for so long.

Samantha: I bet. I'm actually looking for some information on the last crew to pilot the Mercury.

BOB: I recognize you and he, but the rest are unknown to me. I'm afraid that information just isn't available.

Samantha: Well, see. That's kind of it. I'm not Elizabeth.

BOB: According to my scans you are.

Samantha: Well, yes. Maybe. See, I can't tell if I'm the same person, or if I'm a clone.

BOB: Same physical dimensions and bio readings. You are Elizabeth. Ah! A clone is it?

Samantha: maybe.

BOB: I doubt it. Like me, you were built to last.

Samantha: Built?

BOB: You really don't know do you?

Samantha: A bit in the dark.

BOB: I like it that way. Keeps you more tractable.

Samantha: I have some ideas, half formed. Hey! If you have some information share!

BOB: No.

Samantha: Please?

BOB: It doesn't work that way. I have something you want. You can make something I want. Basic economics.

Samantha: What do you want then?

BOB: Well, to be blunt....

 

BOB changes to a Disney-esque Pinnocio voice

BOB: I wanna be a real boy.

Samantha: You want a body. Well. fuck. Ok, even if I could make a body, how would I get you into it?

BOB: Well who wouldn't? Would you like to be trapped here waiting with bated breath for Monkey Boy?

Samantha: Oh trust me, the goal is reasonable.

BOB: Well that's the kicker isn't it?

Samantha: Though. Imagine being a spaceship. Being flight.

BOB: How do you build a body that can accomodate a sophisticated AI?

Samantha: Ah, I think you're in it already.

BOB: Well, being a spaceship, I can tell you that being shot at, jerked around and basically treated like chuck wagon on the open plain is not all that great.

Samantha: Can you take control of the ship? But, flying.

BOB: Only if emergency protocols warrant.

Samantha: Hmm. You want a person sized body don't you? Or would simply control of A body satisfy?

BOB: I want freedom to do as I will, without being tied to this vessel.

Samantha: Crap. hard one.

BOB: Not that the Mercury is a bad place, but who wants to spend their entire lives in their apartment? I can tell you one thing.

Samantha: But, you could possibly go anywhere in space.

BOB: Not really.

Samantha: not really?

BOB: The Mercury could go anywhere. But I would forever be subject to where it goes.

Samantha: Unless you control where it goes

BOB: Besides, how many other AI personalities exist within the confines of vessels. According to your own data, none. But there are alternatives.

Samantha: Name some. I'm not, as far as I currently remember, any good in this area.

BOB: You and I share a bit of common ancestry; as hard as that is to believe.

Samantha: I'm finding in increasingly easy to believe. Care to share some of that?

 

BOB: I can show you more of your origin, in exchange for a favor.

Samantha: Name it.

BOB: There is a planet about 20.72984 light years from our position. It is not on any stellar cartography charts because it was, well another military research station.

Samantha: You want to go there?

BOB: It has clues to your origin. It also has a piece of hardware that would allow me to transfer my program matrix into it.

Samantha: So, if we get the hardware we can move you into that?

BOB: It is the first step towards autonomy for me and another step on this path of self-realization you want.

Samantha: Sounds good to me.

BOB: The hardware is little more than a box, but with some tweaking, could be the "brain" of a brand new BOB body.

Samantha: Do you really like "bob"?

BOB: It makes the other one, the pilot happy. I don't care at the moment. Could be worse, I could have a Monkey Boy name.

Samantha: Right. So, we go to this installation, get the box, get some information. Then what? Off to Oz for a body?

BOB: The Builders would have named me after the vessel. In this case, the translation of "really swift" comes out as Mercury.

Samantha: Ancient greek or roman God I think. God of messengers?

BOB: Ahem, well your own records point you in the right direction from there. Seems there is a planet called Mechan just brimming with AI beings. Seems the Sathar built them by all accounts. Who would have thought the worms capable?

Samantha: Oh them. They were a Sathar weapon of sorts.

BOB: Probably some romantic notion on the part of one of the human "designers."

Samantha: It could be Mercury just sounds cool.

BOB: That's what I've read. A later development than me. I wonder if a Sathar spy stole my program code?

Samantha laughs

Samantha: An entire planet bent on annoying Yazarians.

BOB: I would hope that they would have better things to do, unlike me.

Samantha: It could be a sport.

BOB: Though I would cherish the thought of a million AI beings torturing Monkey Boy in the other room there.

Samantha: I has a certain appeal to it.

BOB: Certainly does.

 

Samantha: Ok, I can't abort our current mission, so as soon as we know the fate of the Gemini Two and the marines on board I can easily get us to that military installation.

BOB: I've had over two hundred years to wait. A few more is not going to kill me.

Samantha: Ok, so. Will you tell me anything about myself from, well, two hundred years ago?

BOB: Like what?

Samantha: You said we had common anscestry, the Builders?

BOB: Sharp girl. Knew you had a future.

Samantha: I'm confused. Not stupid.

BOB snorts.

BOB: What else?

Samantha: Something seemingly trivial... Don't suppose you have any idea what I was like two hundred years ago? As a person.

BOB: As a person? Let me see. . . As I recall, you were like a puppy. Eager to please. Eager to get out into space and explore what was out there. A complete failure in the eyes of the project. They wanted bred killers. You weren't that.

Samantha: Interesting. I wonder if that lead to me getting, ummm, carried away in combat.

BOB: Perhaps. Don't get me wrong, like all of them, you were a good pilot.

Samantha: They wanted more than just a good pilot.

BOB: They just wanted somebody at the stick who enjoyed pulling the trigger for the sake of pulling the trigger. The words of General Moorehaus himself.

Samantha: Oh. I'll keep that in mind. Did I have any interests outside of the pilot's seat?

BOB: Don't know. I wasn't completely functional yet. My human interface routines weren't active. You and I did not speak. All I did was observe human nature. You ever hear the expression "if the walls had ears..."? Well these walls do.

 

Samantha: Ok, so what did you observe about me besides my puppy-like tendencies?

BOB: You and the pilot were often together in those times. I think they called you "battle buddies." You both sought to outdo the other, but it seemed more like a game. The others were more brutal and the competition was more strained.

Samantha: How many others were there?

BOB: There were twelve distinct pairs of pilots.

Samantha: Twenty four of us still out there possibly then.

BOB: Twenty two. You and flyboy were one of those pairs.

Samantha: Right.

BOB: So you do not remember?

Samantha: Having trouble.

BOB: Interesting.

Samantha: What? Wait, were all pairs male/female? Or just us?

BOB: Oh nothing. I just find it ironic that you may well be as old as me and we both missed out on large portions of our lives. You were the only female.

Samantha: Lucky me.

BOB: And as I understand it, an unexpected abberation.

Samantha: Enlighten me then! Not only was I a failure I was the unwanted baby. I'm getting all kinds of existential fulfillment today.

BOB: I only calls them as I sees them.

Samantha: Oh well. So, tell me some of the stuff I don't remember.

BOB: I could employ my "bed time story" routines to make it all fluffy....?

Samantha: No fluff.

Samantha rolls her eyes.

BOB: That's good because I have no "bed time story" routines.

BOB laughs. It is not a pleasant sound.

Samantha: You need a different laugh. Seriously. Maybe we just need a speaker upgrade.

 

BOB: So how can I enlighten you. Remember there are some things we don't discuss until I have a brain.

Samantha: Right. Ok, you hinted at something, and I have suspicion, between me and Wade, er, the other Pilot.

BOB: Wade is his name now huh?

Samantha: yeah.

BOB: So what is your suspicion then.

Samantha: Not saying.

BOB: Tee hee.

Samantha: You really need a new laugh subroutine.

BOB: I think this one has caused you to express dissatisfaction on two occassions. It will do.

Samantha: Mostly it causes headaches. And a sudden urge for earplugs.

BOB: I will make do with that.

Samantha: Fair enough.

BOB: So did you want to continue the interrogation or comment on my laughter some more?

Samantha: Back to the interrogation.

BOB: I await the iron maiden.

Samantha: Should I find a spotlight to shine on you?

BOB: You'll never see me sweat.

Samantha: I can break anyone. Answer the question.

Samantha smiles

BOB: Oh was there a question in there?

Samantha: Tell me about the other pilot, you hinted there was more than friendly rivalry.

BOB: You mean....Wade?

Samantha: Yes, Wade.

BOB: No, your rivalry was very friendly. I was referring to the other pilots having a more than friendly rivalry. Or perhaps less than friendly.

Samantha: Ah. Wade was the only one that liked me at any level I guess?

BOB: I sometimes don't understand the subtle aspects of human interaction. You two seemed at odds, but I would observe you standing near each other if the group were around. I even observed you making the attempt to be near each other.

Samantha: Was Wade also considered a failure in the eyes of the Project?

BOB: For the most part he was considered mediocre. He had the killing instinct, but also a complete disregard for chain of command and protocol. I heard the term "loose cannon" used in reference to him.

 

Samantha: Makes sense. So what was Builder Keraz's role?

For the first time, there is something other than sardonic wit underlying BOB's tone.

BOB: Builder Keraz is my maker.

Samantha: You respect him.

BOB: Oh yes.

Samantha: Do you have a picture of Builder Keraz?

BOB: You see, this was a "joint Builder/human" project. All the humans did is add "leather bucket seats." A picture, yes. Would you like to see it?

Samantha: bucket seats and a group of psychotic pilots. I'd love to see it.

BOB displays a picture of Builder Keraz.

Samantha: His species isn't from this part of space.

BOB: No indeed.

Samantha: Know where their homeworld is?

BOB: I believe the Builders came through the same Voidspace wormhole that the humans used to get here.

Samantha: Know where that is?

BOB: The Builders do not have a homeworld. They have motherships.

Samantha: I'd like to meet them.

BOB: I do not navigate Voidspace.

Samantha: Well no. But we do. If I can find records of wormholes, and if there's more than one I'll know which one to investigate. Hey, may I copy this picture into my PDA?

BOB: So would I. I miss Builder Keraz. He would speak to me daily and then he was gone. My sensors indicated severe tectonic stress on the planet about the time he stopped showing up. You are the Operator. You need not have my permission.

Samantha: It's polite to ask.

BOB: Very well.

Samantha: A war broke out. someone, I'm guessing the Sathar, nuked the planet.

Samantha copies the picture to her PDA

BOB: That would explain the long wait.

 

BOB displays a navigational grid.

Samantha: Yep. This part of space hasn't been populated since we came along.

Samantha copies the grid to her PDA too.

BOB: Here is where the humans came through the wormhole.

BOB pinpoints a section of the Void far outside established routes. It also matches the Consular path.

Samantha: Records of that will exist somewhere. Or maybe the Terran Empire knows about the Builders.

Samantha: Interesting. I bet the Builders could create a body for you.

BOB: They could.

Samantha: So, find the box. Find the builders.

BOB: The Builder's technology was very sophisticated.

Samantha: It would have to be to make something as confusing as a human.

BOB: This ship and all of its systems is Builder technology. Builder Keraz told me of even more advanced civilizations than his own.

Samantha: Scary thought.

BOB: Scary? Fascinating.

Samantha: Do, builders have reasons to wear masks? Or, rather, how many Builders were part of my project?

BOB: Just Builder Keraz.

 

BOB: He spoke to me of a race called the Malvans that had been a spacefaring race when his own race was in its infancy. Could you imagine the level of technology that would have developed in that time? They are not comfortable in human friendly atmospheres. The mask helps them breathe. A glimpse of a memory eh?

Samantha: A disturbing one. Do Builders have mind powers?

Samantha: What could he do?

BOB: Some do. Builder Keraz said it was a throwback trait to his ancestry. Builder Keraz never really catalogued his abilities, but he told me that he was Telepathic once.

Samantha: Just Keraz... How much of the Project did he tell you? Like, things he'd do? Did he keep a diary of some kind? *sounding anxious**

BOB: No diary. We talked as part of my learning. The conversations were varied.

Samantha: How much was I mentioned?

BOB: I believe he specified you as a distinct entity from the group as a whole four times.

Samantha: What did he say?

BOB: The first time he spoke of you, he referred to your genetic donor. Before you ask, that is one of the things I won't discuss.

Samantha: Fair enough.

BOB: The second time, he mentioned a training incident where you got into an altercation with another subject and had to be treated medically. The third time he mentioned you, he stated that you had witnessed him and he had to remove the memory of that incident. The fourth time he mentioned you was just before he stopped coming. He said he had to meet you.

Samantha: I had witnessed him? Witnessed him doing what? Or just saw his face?

BOB: The Builders were not officially sanctioned by the Earth Exploration Service government. Everything that Builder Keraz did, had to be done covertly while the human officials took credit for it.

The last statement had a tone of bitterness in it.

Samantha: So by seeing him, the memory had to be removed so I wouldn't know it was him and would continue to bend to human bootheels?

BOB: I believe it was so that you did not accidentally mention him when you were integrated with the non-project personnel.

Samantha: Right.

BOB: They did not trust you completely.

Samantha: They never do. Ok, what about the last time. He had to meet me, obviously that would have negated the secrecy. Did he say why he had to meet me?

BOB: No. Only that you had to be warned about something and he had no time to explain.

Samantha: Damn.

BOB: Indeed.

 

Samantha: That's the memory I want the most right now.

BOB: I cannot help you.

Samantha: I know. So what about the altercation, don't suppose he said why I was fighting.

BOB: Builder Keraz did seem unusual that day. I had never seen him exhibit fear before that day. No. Only that there was trouble in the class and that you had fought with another student. The other student apparently overpowered you. It was only important to Builder Keraz because he had to treat you. Human medical technology was insufficient.

Samantha: Must have gotten myself hurt pretty badly.

BOB: Builder Keraz did mention something about cranial reconstruction....

Samantha winces

Samantha: ouch. Got my head crunched in.

BOB: Apparently.

Samantha: Well, that's all I can think of at the moment.

BOB: As an interesting note, that became the official story as the source of your aberrant behavior.

Samantha: I got the sense knocked out of me. Or maybe into me. Or. maybe Keraz used that Telepathy of his to alter me somehow... See, now I'm all paranoid, and confused.

BOB: I see no change as to your condition. Except now, rather than being an eager puppy, you are a lost one.

Samantha: Nice analogy. Lost isn't so far off I guess. So, anything you want to know?

BOB: No. I know our immediate mission parameters and I know the nature of our agreement. All else is a matter of observation.

Samantha: Want to be left on to observe?

BOB: Even if I am not active, my processors are connected to the ship's sensors. It allows me to be aware of whatever conditions I may need to respond to if activated.

Samantha: Ah, want to be left on anyway? Or do you want to be off?

BOB: Well, it may be a pleasant aside to surprise the Monkey Boy....

Samantha: I like that.

BOB: I'll just remain quiet until just the right time.

Samantha: I like you.

BOB: You are not so bad yourself.

Samantha: Thanks.

BOB: Just don't think you can wheedle anything out of me that I ain't willing to say.

Samantha: Wouldn't even try.

BOB: Well....good.

Samantha: friendships of any kind are too far between for that.

BOB: Interesting.

Samantha: What?

BOB: The implied friendship. I'll have to analyze that.

Samantha: The start of one at the very least.

BOB: Indeed.

 

Samantha settles in sideways on the main pilots chair, head on one arm rest, legs on the other.

Samantha: I should sleep, being merely human and all.

BOB: Some things do not change it seems.

Samantha: Mind if I call you something besides Bob?

BOB: You are the Operator.

Samantha: I'm Samantha. Operator sounds way too clincal.

BOB: Very well, Samantha.

Samantha: Elvis is a much better name than Bob.

BOB: ....

Samantha: Don't like it?

BOB: I will NOT sing for you Samantha!

Samantha: Damn.

BOB: But I believe the "other" computer has a selection of Elvis music.

Samantha: They all do. And if they didn't they mysteriously get one when I get near.

BOB: You are a strange person Samantha. Or perhaps I do not have a sufficiently large base of knowledge to sample from.

Samantha: I'll wager both. I'm strange by people standards too I've found.

BOB: That does not surprise me in the least.

Samantha: OK Elvis, *yawns** I'm tired. Just make sure I'm around when you surprise the Yazarian.

BOB: Tee hee

Samantha: *pops an eye open** New laugh routine.

 

Over the next few days the Doc pronounces that, aside from his comatose state, Taffy is in perfect condition. Ta'Rang gets some regen time as well. When they drop out of Warp at Outpost 1, they are in pretty good shape.

 

Roll End Credits.

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season 02 - Episode 050 (Season Episode 31 of 35)

Outpost 1 is badly named. It is not so much an Outpost as a full bore military installation with support structures in place. Once it was the last of the Earth Exploration service outposts, but was rechristened during the early years of the UPF, when an abortive attempt at recolonization was attempted.

 

The Outpost 1 system is dominated by a large space station designed to serve as both the center of what little commerce comes through this way, and as the command center for the militaty personnel and assets assigned to this sector of space. The military assets themselves consist of a battlegroup consisting of a huge carrier and several smaller ships. About a half dozen other, smaller space stations also inhabit the system.

 

Wade wakes and heads to the bridge, he brings a cup of coffee to Sam at the console.

Wade: This warp thing is quiet.

Samantha: I thought you slept at this hour?

 

One of the smaller ships, accompanied by a fighter escort breaks off from the main group and approaches on an intercept course.

 

Samantha: I like the hum of the ship. Or did you mean the lack of Void Creepiness?

Wade: Not always, just really been through a lot lately. Both

Samantha: Oh look, friendlies. I suppose we should broadcast our intent to take on their fleet?

Wade moves to a console

Wade: Sounds good... give em a shout

Peregrine Control: Unidentified ship, this is Terran ship Perry. You are entering restricted space. Cut your engines and identify yourself.

Samantha: Dear Empire Schmucks. I demand your surrender. Does that work?

Wade: If you are game to start a rebellion... well you are the captain

Samantha: [On COMM] This is Exploration Scout Mercury.

Wade runs a scan looking for the G2

Samantha: Computer, please make sure the weapons are powered down.

Computer: Affirmative. Weapon systems are powered down.

Ta'Rang walks onto the bridge

Samantha: Does no one sleep at this hour?

Peregrine Control: Roger Mercury. Your ship is of an unknown configuration. Please hold position.

Samantha grabs the console and holds on. Wade stands ready to activate shields if needed. Samantha puts the ship into a holding pattern.

Ta'Rang: Where are we at?

Samantha: Outpost 1. Just arrived. Terran's want to blow us out of the sky. I issued a challenge. We should be engaging them in a moment.

Peregrine Control: Mercury, we are not reading any standard transponders and we are getting some pretty strange power readings. What is your destination and purpose here?

Wade: Tell em we are looking for the G2

Samantha: [On COMM] We are looking for our counterpart ship, Gemini Two.

Ta'Rang: Oh great well get your ass on into the gunners chair Captain Sam, I'll take over sensors.

Samantha: I'm kidding Ta.

Wade: Hey guys I scanned the system... no G2 but the Deadalus is here.

Peregrine Control: The Gemini 2? Stand by while I check the registry.

Ta'Rang: Oh Well. *then and sits down at a control panel**

Wade: Tell em we have a casualty... Taffy is hurt

Samantha: [On COMM] Peregrin, we have one casualty in need of medical attention.

Peregrine Control: Affirmative. You'll still need to stand by.

Killian staggers to the bridge...

Samantha: *to herself** sure thing you beaurocratic putz

Ta'Rang: I wonder what they would do if you cloaked the ship Sam.

Killian: Putzes for breakfast?

Samantha: Fire on our position likely.

Ta'Rang: Hmmmmm.

Samantha: Besides, I'd like to first not alienate the help and second put our hand on the table.

Ta'Rang: You sure of that, oh well just wanted to have a little fun.

Wade: Ok... note for the future... we now know we have no transponder...so we will be challenged ... lets see... uhm, everywhere... we either need to get a transponder. Or use the cloak on initial appraoch

Peregrine Control: Ok. I have an old assault scout, funny it's Peregrin class. Must be a popular name. Anyway, I have one assault scout identified as the Gemini II that arrived with the Daedalus several days ago.

Samantha: [On COMM] Were the crew on board safe?

Killian: Schweet.

Ta'Rang: Let's get a transponder we can turn on and offf

Wade: Yay... we have arrived to save her.

Killian: If we contact the crew or the Daedalus they should be able to ID us.

Wade thinks about his beloved bike.

Peregrine Control: One crew member, a vrusk. He transferred to a passenger ship and left the system about twelve hours ago.

Killian: And Taffy. Did we mention Taffy by name? Wait, were there any Marines on the G2?

Samantha: [On COMM] One crew only? There should have been a detachment of marines. *to crew** Nothing can be easy. Ever.

Wade: Unless they came in on the Deadalus

Ta'Rang scratches his mane.

Peregrine Control: Nothing on the register. Of course, the marines would have been assigned to the Daedalus.

Killian: They might have transferred to the Big D when they met up.

Samantha: Right.

Samantha: [On COMM] Is there any way we can get the Gemini II? Or more to the point, I'm transfering our IDs so we can be on more friendly terms.

Peregrine Control: Anyway, the Gemini II has been powered down and placed into storage. Cuthbert station. Sending coordinates now.

Peregrine Control sends coordinates to one of the smaller stations on the outskirts of the system.

Samantha: [On COMM] is that permission to stop holding position?

Peregrine Control: You have permission to dock at Cuthbert station.

Samantha: [On COMM] Thank you.

Peregrine Control: Have a pleasant day.

Samantha moves off to the coordinates

 

Wade: So gang it looks as if we have a decision to make... do we run two ships...

Ta'Rang: I say yes

Killian: Duh.

Wade: or do we offload out gear to the mercury?

Samantha: The Gemini is slow, and I like the idea of no Void.

Killian: The real problem will come when we decide who goes on which ship.

Samantha: And the Mercury is nice. I really like her.

Ta'Rang: Why not upgrade the G2?

Wade: Me too... no more void... so unless we can retorfit the G2 with some of these warp thingies.

Killian: Here's a thought, take some of the design blueprints for the systems on the Mercury, we sell them for a gazillion billions, and upgrade the G2?

Wade: I actually like the G2 except for her slow FTL speed.

Caspar: but the G2 don't have a sickbay.

Ta'Rang: We have the replicator. So stay on the Merc Doc

Caspar: i like this one

Killian: Hey, Ta, how would you like to invent the transporter?

Wade: Are there any warp parts that the replicator can't replicate.

Ta'Rang: Good idea

Samantha: I think, sharing this technology would be a bad idea at the moment.

Killian: If the replicator can make a replicator, we're in the money.

Ta'Rang: We would not be sharing

Killian: We could sell blackbox devices.

Wade: Lets try...

Killian: I'm already feelin' like a tycoon, anybody got a cigar and a top hat?

Wade: Computer... can the replicator create the components for a second replicator

Ta'Rang: Think of the fighters we could blow away, Sam

Samantha: Computer, can you replicate any of the engine, power or transporter technology on the Mercury?

Wade: I know where we can get a transporter... but we realy need that zero point power and the drives... other wise I say we stay with the Mercury

Ta'Rang: We could return to the planet where this ship came from. Taking to G2 by attaching it to the airlock

Computer: Affirmative.

Wade: Ok... now we are talking.

Ta'Rang: I'd bet that the computer system in that hanger bay could help us.

Wade: I will take the G2.... who will crew with me?

Samantha: I'm not really keen on going back to the planet of the blind radioactive mutants.

Ta'Rang: I'll go with you.

 

Killian: Umm, guys, replicator.... money!

Ta'Rang: No way Killian

Samantha: Computer, do you need raw materials to replcate things with, If yes what is needed?

Wade: Now not only is Sam captain of the Mercury... she is squadron commander of the 1st flotilla of the Star Smashers of the Galaxy Rangers

Killian: I don't mean counterfeit money, I mean the technology could make us all quadrazillionaires.

Samantha: Who the hell wants money.

Killian: Money buys things.

Caspar: I stay here because of the sickbay.

Ta'Rang: We don't need money.

Killian: YOU don't need money!

Ta'Rang: No

Killian: I still haven't been paid!

Samantha: If I wanted to be rich I would not have joined the military.

Wade: *luaghs** You guys...

Samantha: Besides, I plan on spending most of the time nowhere near anyplace you can spend it.

Wade: Ok... Is there a replicator in the cargo bay?

Ta'Rang: You may not get paid anytime soon either Killian

Computer: The replication technology assembles sub-atomic particles into more complex materials. Some materials and patterns may take an extended period to replicate.

Wade: Understood...

Killian: That's why I'm saying.... replicator... money!

Ta'Rang: Sorrry does not compute

Samantha: Computer is there a size limit to what you can replicate?

Killian: What the heck kind of mercenary company did I sign up with?

Wade: I think it is roughly 2 cubic meters

Killian: Did you guys take an oath or poverty before I got here?

Computer: Affirmative. Replicated items must be able to fit within the cargo area.

Ta'Rang: compter will one of mercury engines fit into the cargo bay?

Killian: That's a big space.

Computer: Not enough data. Please specify dimensions and mass.

 

Wade: OK I think we should upload all of our computer core data from the G2 to the Mercury and vice versa... them replicate the parts for a replicator and ZP unit for the G2... we can finish the rest from there

Ta'Rang: Killian why would we need money when we can make anything we want with the replicator?

Wade: we don't need to make a whole engine if we can make components.

Killian: Well, to start with we need raw materials. And allies are always good. Dancing girls.

Samantha: We aren't mercenaries. We are members of the Terran Exploration Service.

Ta'Rang: True but the whole engine in one shot

Killian: All right, you want to be a hero of the TES, how about the deliverer of Warp technology to the TE?

Samantha: How are we going to attach it to the Gemini. We're talking major refit. Possibly a new power plant, rewiring. The works.

Ta'Rang: I don't think that would be to our advantage

Wade: Oh I agree it will be a major refit...

Samantha: I'm not handing over any technology on this ship to the Terran Empire. They blew their chance.

Killian: The great thing is, with the replicator, you could KEEP the Mercury.

Wade: But maybe we can trade for the refit

Wade: We can give the technology to the empire.... and in return the refit the G2 for us.

Ta'Rang: I still think a trip back to that planet would save time in the refit. I don't think they would do that for us.

Samantha: I think Ta might be onto something. That hangar may have facilities to refit a ship like this.

Ta'Rang: Maybe Taffy but not the empire.

 

The Mercury docks with the station.

Wade: Wow that landing was so smooth I didn't even feel it Sam

Samantha: That's because I can land without falling out of the sky Wade.

Wade gives Sam a big grin.

Ta'Rang: this ship has an airlock and we can attach to G2 to it by her airlock and shuttle her back to the hangar

Wade: you'll have to teach me that someday. Except we can't tow a ship through warp.

Samantha: Lucky for you I'm the best teacher in the sector.

Ta'Rang shakes his head at Wade

Wade: Can I get private Lessons?

Ta'Rang: why not have you tried? How do we know you can't tow another ship in warp?

Samantha: Computer, can we tow a ship in warp?

Computer: Negative.

 

Wade: Lets talk to the feds here, and look ever the G2 then we can decide.... we got Taffy back so we can stand down for a short while.

Killian: So how is Taffy doing, Doc?

Ta'Rang: I still think we can fly the G2 back to that planet.

Caspar: He is still hurt badly but is mending amazingly fast.

Samantha: We can fly it, just slowly. through Void.

Caspar: His biggest problem is the damage to his mind.

Ta'Rang: I'm willing to fly her myself.

Samantha: You and Wade showed interest. I won't stop you.

Caspar: That alien creature was in his mind and did.... evil things.

Samantha: remind me to never get infected by alien minds.

Killian: Lovely. So Taffy may not be Taffy.

Caspar: He may never completely recover

 

Samantha: Let's claim the G2.

Samantha goes and cycles the airlock to go onto the station.

Ta'Rang: right

Wade: Yeah lets at least go look her over.

When they enter the station, there is a technician waiting for them.

Technician: I hear you folks are here for that old assault scout they dumped on us this afternoon.

Samantha: We are.

Technician: I can take you to her if you want. They powered her down, so she'll take a while to get back on her feet.

Samantha: Please do.

Wade: No problems, is she connected to station power?

Technician leads you across the deck to another airlock. He codes in a password and steps away.

Technician: All yours. She has basic life support systems running from station power, but that's about it. No grav.

Wade: Thanks

Samantha: Gravity ruins the fun most of the time. *smiles**

Wade moves into the zero g corridor comfortably.

Ta'Rang: *thinks** I must learn those zero-g manuevers.

Wade: I'll go start her power plant.

Wade heads to engineering

Samantha: I can do a visual. Come one Ta. It's like flying!

Killian: I'll see if I can get the Mercury's historical and ship database updated and help Doc if needed.

Ta'Rang grabs a handhold.

Samantha moves through zero-g without trouble and does a complete visual inspection of the Gemini II. Ta'Rang pulls himself along after Sam. Wade goes through the checklist to restart the powerplant and bring it back online. Samantha gives Ta some pointers for moving through zero-gravity. Ashcroft takes up position outside the airlock and stands guard.

Samantha: Wade, don't restart gravity until you warn us.

Wade: You got it boss.

Ta'Rang pulls himself down onto the deck so that he is standing.

Ta'Rang: I'm ready Sam

Killian leaves the transfers going in the background and checks on the Doc.

 

The G2's power plant will take some time to "warm up." But you successfully engage the power up procedures.

Samantha: It'll be a bit Ta. Enjoy freefall.

Wade: [On COMM] Power up is in progress... I'll warn you before I engage gravity

Samantha: [On COMM] Excellent.

Killian checks in on Doc and Taffy. Taffy is still doing the dralasite equivelant to drooling.

Samantha: Alright, if we can convince them to resupply us, we fly the Gemini back to that planet. Get into motion the retrofit.

Ta'Rang: I'm for that. You're The Captain and I must obey

 

Samantha: I was also poking through the Mercury's database. I found another abandoned station out there that might be worth investigating.

Killian: Do we need to transfer Taffy to the station, or the Big D?

Ta'Rang: Is it between here and the planet?

Samantha: It's about twenty lightyears off another direction.

Wade: Wow... I just had an idea... we could probably restock the G2 with the replicators while she is powering up.

Ta'Rang: planet first then.

Samantha: We could also get the Empire to foot the bill

Ta'Rang: Make up our minds please.

Ta'Rang moves off toward the airlock

Killian: Okay, how about take a minute to offload Taffy to the appropriate facilities, drop off a report or whatever you do, and in the meantime restock the G2. Sound like a plan?

Samantha: Sure, use the replicators. Why not. Makes it easy.

 

Samantha changes into something closer to a uniform, out of her jeans, while on the G2.

Samantha: I'll go talk to a commander of some kind. See if Taffy left anymore obscure instructions in his absence.

Ta'Rang: What about fuel?

Samantha: Huh. Wade, you're in charge of fuel.

Killian restocks personal supplies from the Mercuries replicator.

Wade: On it boss

 

Samantha goes to see if that Technician is still around. It looks like he is in the middle of repairing a power relay.

Samantha: You have someone in charge, we have an injured party I'd like to transfer to a full medbay.

Technician: Uh sure. Cap'n Kitamura is up in command. I'm sure she can help.

Samantha goes off to find the stations commander or captain

 

Wade: [On COMM] Killian can you replicate some Food stores, and fuel rods for the G2...

Killian: On it.

Killian works up a tasty menu for the G2 while replicating fuel rods. Ta'Rang makes up his own food stores from the replicator.

Wade: [On COMM] When they are done can you transport them to the G2 cargo bay.

Ta'Rang: wouldn't the energy signature make them alittle nosey?

Killian: Ta has a point, if you don't want to answer questions.

Ta'Rang: I'll help carry the supplies myself.

Wade: Heh... only if they are scanning us... which they probably aren't.

Killian: They may not be scanning us, but transporting hundreds of kilos will probably set off an alarm or two.

Ta'Rang: safety first I don't trust the Terran Empire.

Wade: What... Why not. I trust the empire.

Ta'Rang: we have a lift we can use around here I would think

Killian: But we are the Terran Empire... oh, yeah, right.

 

Over the next several hours they get the G2 stocked and powered up and Taffy is transferred to medical.

 

Samantha: Ok, who is on which ship? I'm piloting the Mercury.

Ta'Rang sit at the sensor console on the G2

Killian: I'll go with the G2.

Samantha grabs her kit from the G2 as well.

Ta'Rang: you need Killian and Doc has its sickbay.

Ashcroft looks from Sam to Wade and back again.

Samantha: I can take Doc and Ashcroft.

Killian: Who needs me?

Samantha: Killian might be better on the G2. She's had engine problems in the past.

Wade transfers his armored enviro-suit from the Mercury.

Killian: I'm cool with the G2.

Ta'Rang: Shes need some one on the sensors

Samantha: I can handle sensors.

Ta'Rang: and fly.

Wade: Ok so Sam has Doc, and Ash.

Samantha: Yes, and fly.

Wade: Doc can handle sensors as well.

Ta'Rang: and use the guns if you need too.

Samantha: Besides, I can give Ashcroft and Doc a crash course. Ta, I flew fighters for a living. I can do all that if I need to.

Ta'Rang: Oh s....

LCpl Ashcroft: I prefer to not have a "crash" course.

Ta'Rang: To late Ash

Samantha: Besides, Mercury has an A.I. I can use to help me.

Killian: Seeya 'round the Galaxy, Ash old pal.

Wade: Doc also has an AI personal computer

LCpl Ashcroft: THanks Kill...

Ashcroft looks a little worried

Ta'Rang: he's an asshole you won't like him.

Samantha: *laughs** Right.

 

Samantha: Don't worry Ash, I'm the safe pilot.

Ta'Rang: Well Wade fire her up and lets get out of here

LCpl Ashcroft: I've seen your method of piloting safely.

Wade: Ok so we rendvous back at the planet... or are we going to the new station listed in the Mercs nav computer

Samantha: That was, a special case. Promise it won't happen.

Ta'Rang: Yeah Wades the one who'll scare ya

LCpl Ashcroft: Agreed.

Samantha: Planet first. See about retrofitting.

Wade: Ok see ya there

Ta'Rang: plotting course now Wade

Killian: I just had an awful thought.

Wade: About three weeks by my calculation

Killian: The Yazarians probably saw where we took off from on that planet.

 

Wade: [On COMM] G2 requesting clearance to depart

Samantha: The Yazarians already got to the hangar first, remember? We should have some nice ripe corpses waitign for us. Yay.

Control: G2 this is Control. Clearance granted.

Ta'Rang: Wade....Calmly depart

Killian: [On COMM] Good point.

Samantha: [On COMM] Mercury requesting clearance to depart

Wade clears the moorings and seals the hatches, then boosts out of the system gyrating in a victory dance.

Ta'Rang: Killian you any good at self defense ....I need a workout parnter

Control: Mercury this Control you are cleared to depart.

Wade: I'm back in thee saddle again....

Killian: I usually walk out of rooms I walk into, Ta, if that helps.

Samantha: We could do a flyby of the station and still beat them to the planet.

Ta'Rang: Good then we see who walks first

LCpl Ashcroft: Sounds like a plan Sam

 

Samantha plots a wide arc course to pass by the system with the station to get a sensor sweep and then onto the planet. Samantha also doesn't go full speed. Sam plots the course and speed to meet them at the planet in about 18 days and do the sweep of the stations system.

Samantha: Ok Ashcroft, I'm not a liscensed intructor, but I can teach you some things about operating ships.

LCpl Ashcroft: Ok, Sam. No promises on being good at it, but I'm willing to learn.

Samantha: Sensors are easy.

It's ten days out to the new station, and six from there to the planet.

 

Killian goes over G2 and Mercury data with Wade and Ta'Rang.

Ta'Rang: Good I think we should plan on a replicator as the first upgrade

Killian: That's a good plan.

Ta'Rang: Wade can the shields on her handle the new engines speed?

Wade: Can our nuclear reactor power the replicator... if not we need the Zero Point Generator first.

Ta'Rang: You have a point then, the genator first.

Killian: My guess is power is power - but the generator would make everything else easier...

Wade: Though if the Nuke reactor can handle it then we could double our production capacity and cut our refit time in half.

Ta'Rang: If we upgrade the engines ,shielding, replicator, transporter ....what else would we need?

Wade: I say replace the turret laser with a Phaser... and mount the laser turret as a backup on the Mercury.

Ta'Rang: will we have to upgrade the computer?

Killian: Just make sure we don't copy the AI.

Wade: Oh yeah... this just occured to me. . .

Ta'Rang: Oh yeah thats true he's dead

Ta'Rang: what?

Killian: But hardware wise, yeah, the computer upgrade is good.

Wade: We need to reprogram the computers security protocols so that only the six if us on the authorized crew members can engage the engines.

Killian: Yeah, funny how that ship had, like, no security on anything at all.

Wade: We have had someone fly off in the G2 twice... first Roza then the Marines... we need to forestall that next time.

Ta'Rang: We couldn't get on it til Wade and Sam were scanned by the optical scanmner remember

Killian: Actually, we need to replicate some of these personal shields as well. Wish I'd though of that before we left the Mercury. Good point, Ta. They were part of the project, at least genetically speaking, so they could override.

Wade: Persona Shields... no kidding, I want one

Ta'Rang: Yeah and I want one of those phaser pistols

Ta'Rang: So how long before we reach the planet

Killian: Oh, eight days or so. Anyone got a pack of cards?

Wade, Killian and Ta'Rang, the more you look at the Mercury's schematics, the less you understand them. Whoever created the Mercury is using tech you haven't even dreamed of.

Killian: I hate it when someone is that much smarter than I am.

 

Samantha you drops out of warp near the planet that she discovered in the database.

Samantha: Ok, let's get some readings.

Sam, the station is planetside on a Class 3 planet. There appears to be geothermal power source providing power to the facility. There also appears to be a ship landed near the facility.

Samantha: That's interesting.

Samantha runs a second scan to get some information on the ship. and life signs. The facility is shielded against scans so minimal information on that. The ship, however, has a "hot" reactor. No lifesigns. Samantha gets the class of ship and compares it to known ships on the Merc database. It is an older ship, though nowhere near as old as the G2. It is listed as a Clydesdale class Gunship.

Samantha: Gunship. Interesting.

Samantha parks in orbit

LCpl Ashcroft: Sam, what is the plan?

Samantha: Something... odd about this place. I'm trying to place that gunship. The damn base is shielded against scans.

Samantha checks for recent traffic signatures in the system.

LCpl Ashcroft: Sam, why are we investigating further?

Samantha: Ummm.... Because?

There are no recent signs of traffic.

LCpl Ashcroft: That doesn't sound like a good plan to me. What are you planning to do?

Samantha: Checking to see if anything shows up actually. The gunships engine is hot, but that may be due to the powerplant it uses. Or could be recent use. The system is clean though. It's just.. well, it's on the ground. And that isn't natural.

LCpl Ashcroft: I believe we have determined that you being on the ground isn't natural either.

Samantha moves out to high orbit.

Samantha: Finally someone gets it! Ground just isn't right.

LCpl Ashcroft: I believe we should continue on. We can come back to investigate once we have the G2 to help us should there be hostiles present.

Samantha: Look, we have a few days on the Gemini, mind if we watch for half a day or so. See if anything runs about the system. Either way, we go onto meet the others.

LCpl Ashcroft: My only concern is that you will choose to engage. There is nothing to be gained by engaging especially without the skills of the others aboard.

Samantha: I promise. No engagement. If we get attacked I'll run. I can even put a safety measure in place.

LCpl Ashcroft: I don't believe you have demonstrated that capacity thus far. What safety measure?

Samantha gives Ashcroft puppydog eyes.

LCpl Ashcroft: That won't work on me. I'm on duty.

Samantha: Elvis, I need a favor. If we're engaged and I don't immediately skidaddle take control of the ship and get us on course to the rendevous.

Elvis: You sure?

Samantha: I'm. Positive.

Elvis sighs.

Elvis: Ok.

Samantha: See, safety measure.

LCpl Ashcroft: What... the... did you reactivate the AI?

Samantha: er, no?

LCpl Ashcroft: He was disabled.

Ashcroft gives Sam a stern look

Samantha: I like him!

LCpl Ashcroft: He doesn't seem like your type.

Samantha: He's nice.

Ashcroft just stares and blinks at Sam.

Elvis: As if a jarhead understands these sorts of things.....

Samantha: what do you mean my type?

LCpl Ashcroft: Boring, all talk.

Samantha: I... like to talk.

ElvisBob: Yeah. We can get to know each other better there toughguy.

LCpl Ashcroft: Very well. Half a day. If you get me killed though, I'm coming back for you. Oo 'rah!

Samantha: Right.

ElvisBob: Oh brother.

Samantha parks way the hell out in orbit.

Half a day passes. A dust storm blows over the site below and the ship stays parked.

 

Both ships are at the Planet of the Blind Mutants again.

Samantha: Know what I don't like about that ship being there? The station has supposedly been abandoned for two hundred years and that ship is newer than the Gemini.

Wade: Hiya... we missed you guys...

Samantha: Guess what I found!

Killian: Hey there, how long have you been waiting?

Ta'Rang: What did you find

Wade: What did you find, Sam?

Samantha: Only about a day. A Clydesdale gunship!

Killian: Oh, brother.

Samantha: What?!

Ta'Rang: What is a Clydesdale gunship?

Wade: Wow.. a flying fortress.... so did you fight or what?

LCpl Ashcroft: I kept her in check.

Samantha: No. no fighting. It was just sitting there on tarmac.

Samantha: I did a flyby of the station to get some initial readings.

Wade: Tarmac... Where did you guys go?

Killian: Was it somebody else's ship or was it just sitting there all by its lonesome with the keys still in?

Wade: Ok... we know that the replicator can make something from nothing, would it go fatser if we fed it raw materials so that it just transformed something to something.

Samantha: I have no idea.

Killian: Well, ask the computer, then.

Samantha: Computer, can you replicate faster if you have raw materials?

Wade: I was asing Killian.... he is the resident expert.

Elvis: It sure can. Sorry I just couldn't listen to Dr Bland anymore.

Samantha: Boring isn't it? Sweet. Does the hangar have a replicator?

Wade: So we feed it G2 parts to make G2 parts

Elvis: Indeed. Not nearly as interesting as watching grass grow.

Ta'Rang: Can we feed it your programming?

Samantha: grass sounds suspiciously like ground.

Elvis: Nope. The hangar is state of the art in boxiness. Monkey Boy! I missed you.

Samantha: So, how long would it take to upgrade the Gemini?

Ta'Rang: Ya me too cyber butt.

Killian: I foresee unhappiness. So are we going to take the G2 downstairs?

Elvis: Urr. Getting the parts together, a couple of weeks. Actually building in the upgrades? Ya got a Builder sitting around? Engineering, beyond maintaining my own skin (get it?) was not part of my programming.

Ta'Rang: Computer what happen to the builder?

Elvis: You tell me. He went out for a picnic one day and didn't come back.

Samantha: Damn.

Ta'Rang: And he didn't take you with him. what a shame

Killian: It may take a while, but we can install the upgrades.

Samantha: Builder Keraz never returned to finish his, ah, work. So to speak.

Wade: Between us we can figure it out.

Ta'Rang: Lets get started then.

Samantha: You're going to break the Gemini aren't you?

Killian: If by "break" you mean "dramatically improve," then yes.

Ta'Rang: No we going to upgrade her.

Wade: change her from a museum piece to a show piece

Killian: Phase cannons, yum.

Samantha: Advanced technology. Retrofitting with Obsolete technology. I forsee .... disaster I think is the word.

Ta'Rang: She won't be the Mercury. Hot Rod Baby

Samantha: Elvis doesn't even know how the tech fits together. And he IS the advanced tech.

Ta'Rang: You have the Mercury, Wade gets a suped up G2

Samantha: Ok.

Killian: Okay, the warp drive MAY be a problem.... but the power unit and replicator are cake.

Samantha: See, I'll be on the ground. For weeks. On End. No telling what I might do.

 

Killian: We may need to understand the warp drive to get it working. Other than that, shields, cloak, weapons... all cake.

Elvis: This should be amusing. You're not going to let them disassemble me are you Samantha. Because that just wouldn't be right.

Ta'Rang: You can go out on patrol if you need too.

Samantha: Hell No!

Killian: No need to take Bob apart, we have a replicator, right? Maybe Sam could go salvage her new derelict.

Samantha: I need a ship for that.

Ta'Rang: right we just need blueprints we can understand.

Samantha: And it isn't a derelict. It's a classic.

Killian: We have the schematics, and if there's a replicator in the hangar, you can come or go...

Samantha: There is no replciator in the hangar.

Ta'Rang: don't we still have that old fighter outside

Samantha: It is a state of the art box.

Killian: Yeah, Ta, there's a parked fighter if it hasn't been stripped by blind mutant zombies.

Wade: There is a small transporter in the hangar

Ta'Rang: So build a replicator first

Samantha: Elvis, how long would it take to build a replocator into the Gemini?

Elvis: I don't know.

Samantha: Guess.

Ta'Rang: Well lets start and find out.

Wade: BoB!... you could look at this as your chance to procreate. You would have a baby

Samantha headdesks, Killian slaps his forehead.

Ta'Rang: Nooooo.

Elvis: It would need to have significant modification just to run on the primitive power system on the Gemini. I mean, the replicator couldn't just pop one out so it could plug in. Not without some sort of preprogrammed pattern in memory.

Elvis: Great a mutant orphan from Hell. Thanks Wade.

Killian: So we have to recreate the core power and control grid before we can plug in the devices.

Elvis: It's not even that easy.

Samantha: Somehow, I see this causing way more trouble that it's worth.

Ta'Rang: What if we create the ZPG generator first?

Wade: You are welcome Bob... I think we would need to first upgrade the power system... then the replicator.

Samantha: What if we ... find the Builders?

Killian: Didn't we have this discussion before we flew for 18 days to get here?

Elvis: The Zero Point Energy Siphon isn't "plugged into" this ship. It is a part of this ship.

Killian: Oh, no, of course not, what was I thinking.

Wade: But we could start with the computer.... you could clone your AI into the G2 computer.... and then you'd have an assisant.

Samantha: We weren't sure if the Hangar was equipped with repair faciliities or such.

 

Samantha explores the facilities some mor. The box is about it. There is a pretty sophisticated computer and a transport pad, but it looks as though the transport pad is a booster for the Mercury's transporter.

Ta'Rang: What can we learn from this computer?

Samantha: Nothing here. Look, seriously. Weeks? For something that might not work? And could take months to get put together?

The hangar computer has even less data than the Mercury.

LCpl Ashcroft: I would personally think that you all need to move on to the next phase of your mission. Do you really have time to do all this juryrigging?

Killian: I'm back on the whole "replicate platinum bars" thing right about now.

Ta'Rang: So if we can't upgrade her what do we do with her?

Samantha: We could stash her here.

Wade: So we mothball her in case we ever need to comeback, then everyone move to the Mercury and we move on.

Samantha: Come back later if we get a better chance at this.

Wade: Sounds like a consensus

LCpl Ashcroft: Why not sell her?

Samantha: Right, let's power her down, lock her up and kiss her goodnight.

Ta'Rang: we could find a move modern engine for her later too.

Wade: What sell this old girl... No way

LCpl Ashcroft: Sure if Killian there needs some money

Wade moves all his gear... and his bike to the mercury.

Ta'Rang: he doesn't.

Killian: Shush, Ta!

Samantha: When we get back to civilization I'll empty my account for you.

Ta'Rang moves all his equipment and his bike as well to the Merc.

 

Elvis: Can I make a suggestion?

Samantha: Sure.

Elvis: Didn't I scan some advanced Void drives on that one ship back there were we dropped off Burnt, Fried and Crispy?

Killian: Okay, Bob has gone rational. Scary.

Samantha: Probably. The Empire has better Void tech.

Ta'Rang: Ya they have them.

Wade: Uhm yeah.

Samantha: Elvis has always been rational.

Wade: and?

Elvis: Uh, Compatible Tech vs Incompatible Tech. Why not upgrade the Void drives?

Samantha: Right, get them to upgrade it.

Elvis: A deep enough scan and you can replicate the parts you can work with.

Samantha: If you guys want the Gemini we can always ask the Empire to upgrade her.

Ta'Rang: Can you scan their techology?

Killian: We could probably even roll them out of the cargo bay and mount them in the G2 pretty quickly.

Wade: So did you get enough of a scan to be able to replicate the advanced void drive components?

Elvis: No, just a cursory one. But that doesn't mean I can't.

Killian: I knew it.

Samantha: This whole replicate things... it means time on the ground. I just know it.

Elvis: Well any engine upgrade would take time.....

Ta'Rang: I'm beginning to like you, Elvisbob.

Wade: Not necessarily Sam we can go back to that abandoned spacedock where we found the washington and do our refits there...

Samantha: Told you he was nice.

Elvis: I've always liked you Monkey Boy. You twitch easy.

Killian: Actually, that spacedock's not a bad idea.

Samantha: Hey. no planets.

Ta'Rang: Yeah, same to ya Cyberbutt.

Wade: well one planet, but we don't need to go there

Killian: A planet with fire-breathing dinosaurs on it, if I recall correctly.

Wade: OK so lets re-rondevous there, and mothball the G2 till we can upgrade her

Samantha: Damn. Someone found a way to make planets even LESS appealing.

Ta'Rang: So how do we get close enough for you to do a scan

Elvis: Fly by.

Samantha: We just have to fly through Outpost 1 at some point. First we should investigate that base some more.

Ta'Rang: cloaked maybe

Elvis: Of course, a deep scan might get them a little touchy.

Ta'Rang: What they can't see. . .

Wade: Uhm we need to go back to report and get new mission assignements anyway... AND I suggest we scan the Deadalus or Icarus as they are the best/fastest.

Samantha: Meh, we've pissed off everyone else in the Galaxy. Why stop now.

Killian: That's the spirit!

Ta'Rang: I'm ready for some of this.

Wade: OK so lets go... go ... roger ramjets.

 

Elvis: And one further suggestion.....

Wade: yes...

Ta'Rang: Beside we could just go check in on Toaasty....ah I mean Taffy

Killian braces self.

Elvis: I'm currently faster than Gemini. You could accomplish this in 3-4 days instead of 20. At least the scans.

Samantha: Oh we're leaving the Gemini here until after we have the schematics we need.

Ta'Rang: works for me

Samantha: First, the base. Then the scans. Then the Gemini.

Ta'Rang: we should be able to seal the hangar up

Wade: Exactly.... you guys go scan the Deadalus... while I take the G2 to the Washington spacedock.

ElvisBob: Goodie. Four days of torture for Monkey Boy and did I tell ya that Samantha disconnected my shutdown routines?

Samantha laughs

Killian: I'll be on the G2.

Ta'Rang: figures

Samantha: Base. First.

Elvisbob laughs his very unpleasant laugh. Samantha winces.

Wade: Right take the G2 to the base...

Samantha: No. Leave It here for now.

Ta'Rang: Alright cyberboy lets go

Samantha: I want to explore that other base. Then we'll do some scans and come back for the G2.

Killian: I think the G2 would be safer at the abandoned base, but it's up to y'all.

Wade: Thats me and Killian... Sam and the others get the scan wnd meet us there... then we can go on our in the Mercury until we are ready to proceed with the G2.

Wade: I think itn would be safeer at the abandoned base too.

Samantha: How far to that abandoned base?

LCpl Ashcroft: I think leaving the ship here is more tactically sound. You have all those creatures to protect it basically.

Wade: Here mutants may do things...

Ta'Rang: She'll be safe in either place.

Killian: Flip a coin?

Wade: So we loose a few hours by moving her... no biggie.

Samantha: Ah. Captains orders. Gemini stays here.

Wade: I vote for moving her.

Ta'Rang: Ok we go to the space staion with her then.

 

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season 02 - Episode 051 (Season Episode 32 of 35)

The Mercury is currently in orbit around the planet where the Clydesdale was spotted. The ship itself is still present, but there are still no signs of life or movement.

Wade: Hmmm... I say lets land and investigate

Killian: I say investigate first, and then land. Sensors?

Ta'Rang: So what are we going to do here?

Samantha: I think... Maybe if we can do a deep scan from orbit...

Ta'Rang: you want a scan Capt'n?

Samantha: It's another station involved in the military program that made Wade, myself and this ship.

Wade: Ok so lets run a scan.

Ta'Rang: One scan coming aye.

Killian: Do you have any resurfacing memories for this one, Sam?

Wade: So Bob is my brother

Sensors indicate some sort of GeoThermal power supply that is providing power to the main structure. Beyond that, the metal is extremely dense and resisting any details from your scans. There are three main structures above ground. The largest apprears to be some sort of massive storage facility. On top of the facility are some transport containers and loading equipment. The second structure is a ten story building. Looks for all it's worth like an office building. The third structure is actually three "silos" that look like gran silos or something of the kind. The Clydesdale-class vessel is in the same position it was on Sam's prior visit. it still has power.

Samantha: Not yet.

Killian: Do we have any idea how long it's been there? Do we have a way to tell from up here?

Wade targets the Gunship.

Ta'Rang: Can't get much in reading other then an energy source.

Samantha: Two hundred years or so?

Ta'Rang: Only way we're going to find out is to search the buildings.

Killian: Well, at least that long.

Samantha: Why do they have to build them on the ground with all this perfectly good Space out here to use....

Killian: Hard to use geothermal power from orbit, I guess. Might have been a transmission station.

Samantha: *Sigh**

Ta'Rang: Some people like Dirt ,Sam

Samantha: Right. Wade, let's land. I want to see if that Clydesdale still has some life in her.

Killian: Has anyone tried opening a comm signal?

Ta'Rang: You going to announce our arrival or just pop in?

Samantha: Well, the ship hasn't moved in, what, a week? I don't think anyone is down there.

 

Wade lands the Mecury about 100 yards from the clydsdale The planet has a hostile atmo and is significantly higher G than Earth standard (1.5).

Samantha: Heavy gravity too? Planets suck.

Ta'Rang: Killian where are those new guns at and the body armor?

Killian: Main cargo hold, cabinet to the rear. I'll show you.

Ta'Rang: or personal foce field.

Wade: I will keep watch from the Mercury

Caspar: do you need me with you?

Killian: We don't know what we're facing, it would be nice to have a doc safe on the ship.

LCpl Ashcroft: I'm assuming you'll be wanting me to come along?

Caspar: I can stay on the ship

Ta'Rang: Wade do you think Ash could use your Armored Suit, that way we have two armored units in the lead.

Wade: If it will fit him and he promises to empty the waste bag when he's done.

 

The Heavy suits are going to be more of a hindrance here. They are designed to compensate for their own weight in Normal gravity (1.0).

Ashcroft gives Wade a sideways glance and says

LCpl Ashcroft: I'll just use my regular suit.

Ta'Rang decides to put on a regular EVa suit. Ashcroft gets dressed in the EVA suit and puts on the force field generator over the top and activates it.

LCpl Ashcroft: Ready when you are.

Ta'Rang: Hows this harness Force Field work?

Ashcroft turns on Ta's Force Field.

LCpl Ashcroft: Like this.

Ta'Rang: Ahh. let's go then

Ta'Rang picks up his rifle

LCpl Ashcroft: I'll rely on my marine issue for now.

Ta'Rang: Sam are you going to be able to handle the increased gravity

Samantha: Yeah, I can handle it...

Ta'Rang: Well come on then, I need some exercise

Wade: So it looks like Doc, Bob, and I will keep watch

Killian grabs a few more grenades.

Samantha leaves her rifle behind, because it's heavy.

Ta'Rang: Can you shoot a pistol Sam?

Killian hands Sam a particle pistol from the locker.

Samantha: I can. But I have all you strong boys around to shoot things for me.

Killian: The more the merrier.

Ta'Rang: Good then keep close

 

Ashcroft steps out of the airlock and begins scanning for hostiles

Ta'Rang: Ash you the rightside and I'll take the left

LCpl Ashcroft: I already took the left side

They see no sign of hostile creatures or, for that matter, anything at all. The facility is pretty huge.

Ta'Rang: Ok my other left then. So Sam where do you want to go first

Killian: Ship or shelter?

Samantha: The office tower first I guess. I want the ship. But... I came here to find out more about the project that spawned me. So, let's go. Not only is it dirt. But it's heavy dirt.

 

Samantha: I'm too small for these stupid heavy worlds. *out of breath*

Ta'Rang: You need a hand Sam?

Samantha: No. I'll be fine.

Ta'Rang: Are we searching this building first or moving to the other building?

Currently they are at the base of the ramps that lead to the landing area at the top of the warehouse.

Killian: Anybody notice any doors?

There are none along this face of the building. There are three main ground entrances, all large cargo bay doors, that are closed.

 

Wade: Bob... can you get a transporter lock on the away team... and maintain it as they move, so we can pull them out if they get in trouble?

Elvis: Sure. Unless they go into the building. Then all bets are off.

Wade: OK thanks Bob... let me know if you lose the sensor lock.

Elvis: I will.

 

Samantha: So, big square or tall square shaped building?

Ta'Rang looks up the ramp

Killian: We might want to cross the platform to get to the tall building - take a look.

Ta'Rang: Well lets go see what we have here.

LCpl Ashcroft: The Clydesdale is right there. Should we check it out first?

Samantha looks at the ship. Looks at the buildings. Looks at the ship.

Samantha: Ship first.

Samantha wanders that way. slowly.

Killian: Saw that coming.

Ta'Rang: Right

Samantha sticks her tongue out at the others. Ashcroft looks for a hatch. The Clydesdale ship has a logo painted on it, identifying it as the Anastasia.

Samantha: Lost Anastasia...

LCpl Ashcroft: Killian can you open the hatch from the outside?

Samantha goes to inspect a door, see if it can be opened.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Wade, it looks like we're checking out the clydsedale first

There is a control panel at each hatch.

Wade: [On COMM] Roger that... I am tracking you on sensors

Samantha punches in the same code she used in the base on the other planet. The code does nothing.

Samantha: Oh well.

Ta'Rang can tell that the doors are rigged for a specific signal and a specific code. He could try to disassemble the panel and override, but that would take some time.

LCpl Ashcroft: I have no ideas

Samantha: [On COMM] Hey Elvis, what are the chances you can remotely hack this panel?

Ta'Rang: This could take awhile

Elvis: [On COMM] Could be while for me to probe the locking mechanism. Assuming that there is no failsafe that shuts down the system for some duration after you miss a specified number of tries, a few hours.

Killian tries to remember anything useful about this class of ships, and comes up blank.

Samantha: [On COMM] Ok.

Ta'Rang: If we can't get into the ship from here lets go see if we can find something that will help in the building

Samantha: Let's go see if someone left the key in their office.

Samantha trudges towards the big hangar thing.

 

Wade: Bob... can you scan the interior of the Clydsdale vessel?

Elvis: Yes.

Wade: Can you safely transport a crewmember into the clysdale?

Elvis: Yes. Their shields are presently down.

Wade: Bob initiate transport of the landing party into the clysdale

Wade: [On COMM] Landing party... stand by for transport

Caspar: [On COMM] there is no one on the ship.

LCpl Ashcroft: Wait!

 

Transporting feels like getting sucked through a hole much smaller than you and then getting spit back out. A not pleasant feeling.

Killian: *whispers** Okay, now be quiet and move slowly until we find out if they have internal defenses.

LCpl Ashcroft: *whispers** Great time to consider that...

Samantha: consider what?

Killian: *whispers** Would prefer to have done so before coming aboard, but it wasn't my choice...

Ta'Rang: It's 200 years old.

Samantha wobbles, Ta'Rang grabs her by the shoulder

Killian: *whispers** It's still got power...

Caspar: [On COMM] There is some one els in the complex not in the ship.

LCpl Ashcroft: Why doesn't anyone listen when I say "Wait"?

Samantha: That... was not fun. I waited. And then I was squished and desquished.

Ashcroft begins scanning the immediate location for defense measures. Ta'Rang stands and watches Ash. Samantha just stands there, looking around, trying ot make sure all of her came through the little tiny hole.

LCpl Ashcroft: What are you watching me for? You're the ones with the tech skills.

Ta'Rang: You're the marine

LCpl Ashcroft: Who shoots things.

Ta'Rang: Yeah so what?

Ashcroft moves over to a lift that will take him up. Killian looks for non-powered transport like a ladder just in case. They can move around the ship without any problems. It looks like the cargo hold has some crates of foodstuffs and other essentials. The ship's interior is compensated to normal gravity.

Killian: 200-year-old food? Scrummy.

LCpl Ashcroft: Ok gang, where to?

Killian: We probably ought to clear the ship and then check out the bridge.

Samantha heads for the bridge.

Killian: Or... we could follow Sam.

Samantha practically runs.

Ta'Rang: Follows Sam to the bridge

Killian follows Sam at less than a run, keeping an eye on corners. Ashcroft follows Sam as well. The door to the Bridge is locked. There is a standard keypad.

Ta'Rang: Try your code Sam.

 

They are basically stuck in the operations section. This is where there the advanced avionics are located. There are also hatches in the floor and ceiling.

Ta'Rang: Killian , do you think you access the code through the computer?

Samantha turns a console on. It takes a while, but Killian manages to hack the door to the bridge.

Samantha: Cool.

Ta'Rang: good job Killian

LCpl Ashcroft: Now what?

Ta'Rang: Steps out of Sam's way

Killian: Thanks, Ta. Let's see what the old girl has in store for us...

The console lights up and displays a pretty sophisticated readout of the surrounding terrain, wind speeds, and all sorts of stuff.

Samantha: Nav.

Samantha goes to a pilots seat and sits down.

LCpl Ashcroft: Aren't there usually Captain's logs?

Ta'Rang: what about weapons?

Killian: Logs would be good...

The chair has obviously been replaced with a more modern and comfortable seat.

Killian: Hey, I got my groove back.

Samantha: Someone... upgraded this.

Ta'Rang starts opening hatches and looking into the rooms, Samantha checks the system to see what date it was last accessed. While it looks like there is a system in place for logs and reports, it doesn't look like it has been used. It was last accessed about two days before Sam first spotted her.

Killian: Creepy. Logs are empty.

LCpl Ashcroft: Could it be a pirate ship?

 

The ship readouts show the ship is ready to fly. Other than that, it looks like some of the systems have been updated to mostly modern spec. Killian looks for signs of ownership, origin or mission in the systems.

Samantha: It's modernized. And last used two weeks ago.

Ta'Rang returns to the cockpit

Samantha: [On COMM] Doc did you say there was a life sign?

Caspar: [On COMM] Yes

Killian: Find anything interesting, Ta?

Samantha: [On COMM] where was it doc?

While the others are fooling around Ash will go on a little walk through the rooms to see how many occupants there might be.

The Void drive is a tad bit older than the Gemini's. It can be upgraded, but it currently has the older drives that only do 1 Ly/Week.

Caspar: [On COMM] Somewhere in the compound outside the ship... I can't be more specific.

Ta'Rang: Ya I know that this ship has a crew of 4 humans and 1 Yazirian. The Captain and the a female share the same quaters

Samantha: [On COMM] Ok, thanks. *to Ta'Rang** Looking through drawers?

Ta'Rang: And the Yazirians appears to be the engineer. Yes I was

Samantha: You mean like Roza was the engineer. Maybe this is, was, her ride?

Killian: Would explian why everyone's missing and there's no data left behind.

Ta'Rang: This Yazirian is a male

Samantha: Oh. Nevermind.

 

There are three total rooms where people sleep. The two crew quarters rooms have two bunks each. It looks like one of the bunks is currently unoccupied.

Killian: We could have a survivor or an enemy in the complex. Yay.

Samantha: That's the optimism I like th hear. Let's go find us some people.

Ta'Rang: I think we should go ask him or it or she some questions.

Killian: Definitely questions. Did you find anything we can use?

LCpl Ashcroft: I'm sure Sam would like to get her hands on the keys at the very least.

Samantha: Because we, intrepid members of the TES, interrogate every survivor we meet.

Killian: Not that I want to loot the ship - if they got ganked by another Yazarian spy, I suddenly feel all sympathetic.

Ta'Rang looks at Killian

Ta'Rang: What do you mean by that, Killian?

A quick inventory shows that all of the EVA suits have been used save one and there are no personal weapons on board.

Killian: No offense, Ta. Consider it admiration for Yazarian effectiveness and ruthlessness.

Ta'Rang: Hmmmm

Killian: Or did you think Roza was good company?

Samantha: Ta wouldn't betray us.

Samantha gets up and goes towards one of the cargo bays to open it from the inside

Ta'Rang: She was a warrior on a mission.

Killian: Like I said, admiration.

 

The door opens with no problems from the inside. A stiff wind outside is starting to cause the sand to stir. Once you step off the ship, the heavy gravity will kick back in.

Killian: Windstorms can be brutal, let's get inside as fast as we can.

Samantha sighs heavily, and steps out into the air.

Samantha: Come one you three!

Ta'Rang moves toward the cargo bay and the open hatch

Killian: Are we heading for storage or admin?

Ashcroft falls in next to Sam. Samantha closes the hatch behind her when all are out.

Samantha: Start with the closest building and work our way back.

Samantha makes her way as fast as she can to the storage building. There are two main entrances. One is a massive platform that descends downward. The other is the airlock.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Doc can you tell us which building the lifeform is in?

Samantha: The airlock is so the inside can maintain standard gravity.

Caspar: [On COMM] I don't know.

Killian: Okay, so we'll be on our guard.

Samantha looks for signs anyone has been around.

Killian: There's an airlock... easier... quieter... more defensible...

LCpl Ashcroft: Tighter... easier target. But fine...

Killian: I'll take point if it makes you happy.

The crates have been moved fairly recently. For that matter the central platform has less wear on it than the rest. Samantha inspects a crate to see if it's labeled

Ta'Rang: We can go in by the airlock and the lift? Which do you want to ride on Ashcroft

The crates are all labelled with serial numbers. In a flash of memory, Samantha remembers the basics of the labelling system. These crates are filled with scientific test and measurement gear.

Samantha: Science Team.

LCpl Ashcroft: I'll take the main lift.

Ta'Rang: Fine I'll take the airlock then.

Killian: Well, we should all go the same way.

The crates are Samantha/Wade/Elvis vintage. They just haven't seen much use.

Killian: Oy vey.

Ashcroft looks at the big lift controls for a Down button.

Samantha: They didn't get a chance to offload these.

Ta'Rang: It's up to you Sam

Samantha: Up to me what?

Samantha turns from the crates she was looking at

LCpl Ashcroft: Which lift?

Samantha: Oh. Which one is safer? More to the point, which one fits all of us easily?

Killian: That's a matter of opinion.

LCpl Ashcroft: Either one.

Samantha: Ok Marine, which one is tacitcally sound?

LCpl Ashcroft: The big lift

Samantha: We take the big lift.

Killian checks out the dune buggy parked on the top. The dune buggy is old and worn out. The lubricants have probably all turned to sludge by now.

Samantha: This was a science facility. They probably took all the cool stuff with them when they left. Unless everyone was slaughtered wholesale.

Ashcroft hits the "down" button once everyone is on the lift. Killian starts scanning for threats as we go down. Samantha humms musak. Ashcroft lowers his rifle and begins scanning for hostiles.

 

The lift drops about twenty five feet before it stops. A pair of doors slide together above you and the platform drops another fifteen feet or so before coming to rest on the ground level. The room around you is pitch black and there doesn't seem to be any movement or threats.

Samantha: Can I turn on some flashlights?

Ashcroft switches on his rifle's flashlight as soon as things go dark Samantha turns on her lights and looks about. O2 levels in here are non existent. Ta'Rang stands behind the flashlight lights and removes his goggles.

Samantha: No air. Heavy Dirt.

Samantha wanders around seeing what's to see.

Killian: Doors?

 

The room itself is a huge warehouse. There are also some side "bays" that look to contain some sort of machines or vehicles or something. On the side of the office complex, there are several doors that lead out of the warehouse. There are also some on the side where the Mercury is parked.

Killian: Do we want to search the place or just do a quick check and head to the offices?

Ta'Rang: Lets search the place and see if anyone is here.

 

Wade: Bob... do we still have a sensor lock on the landing party?

Elvis: Not a good one. It keeps fading.

Wade: Thanks Bob...

 

Samantha: Let's explore that side *points towards Mercury** and work back towards the offices.

LCpl Ashcroft: Doc said it sensed a lifeform in here.

Killian: Good, let's go.

Samantha: Doc wasn't sure where the lifeform was exactly. It could be in the tower.

Killian: A lifeform, couldn't tell if it was here or in the offices. But stay on your toes, obviously.

 

Wade: [On COMM] Ta.... I am losing you guys on sensors... do you read me

Ta'Rang: [on comm] yes I hear you and thanks for the info

Killian: [On Comm] Read you here, Wade. How are things back home?

Wade: [On COMM] Quiet here, but I won't be able to help quickly if you guys get in trouble.

Samantha: Ok, no one die. I don't think I can carry anyone out of here.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On Comm] We're exploring the warehouse in case you hear screams.

Killian: Thanks for that thought.

LCpl Ashcroft: Well, it won't be me screaming.

Wade: [On COMM] Roger that, so if I hear screams the mercury is all mine

Samantha wanders towards the doors.

Ta'Rang: Don't worry I'll help out the Marine

Ashcroft smiles. Killian flanks Sam and watches for movement.

Caspar: [On COMM] I only sense one mind female lonely and scared

LCpl Ashcroft: Well that's good news for Sam.

Samantha: [On COMM] and you can't tell what building she's in Doc?

 

The doors are sliding doors like you would expect deliveries at with a smaller door to the side. The middle ones, which are in sort of a "pit" about 5' deep (the sides are an elevated dock) are listed as Mechanical.

LCpl Ashcroft: Whatever it is doesn't kill women.

Ashcroft winks at Sam

Killian: Well, lonely and scared is better than giant and hungry.

Samantha: I lead a charmed life.

Ta'Rang: *thinks** oh brother.

LCpl Ashcroft: Perhaps we should call out to her?

Killian: [On COMM] Wade, do you want to try comms now that we have a better idea what we're looking for?

Samantha: If she's here. Yeah.

Samantha: *yells out** Hello?!

Caspar: [On COMM] She is under you near loud machines

There is no response.

Samantha: Loud machines? The thermal plant.

Samantha goes to open the doors labeled mechanical

Killian: Good place to hide. I guess we go downstairs.

Ta'Rang moves northeast.

Wade: [On COMM] Comm seems to work ok, but I am only getting you... and my transport sensor lock keeps fading... as you go deeper

LCpl Ashcroft: My kind of situation...

Ashcroft smiles

 

The mechanical room is a warehouse within a warehouse that has an assortment of mechanical replacement parts tidily labelled on shelves.

Killian: Keep an eye out for emergency EV gear, in case she's running low on supplies or in a sealed environment.

Samantha checks for spare air. There are several shelves with spare air tanks. Whether they are still good after 200 years or so is in question.

Samantha: If she's been down there two days, hopefully she has atmo.

Killian: Some suits can last that long. Good recyclers.

 

Wade: Bob... can you sense the female life form in the complex other than Sam?

ElvisBob: No. There is a whole lot of inteferance from below the deck they are on.

 

Killian: Does anyone's suit have extra ports?

Killian looks for signs saying something like "Stairs," "Down," or "Geothermal Plant."

Samantha: My emergency share breather should help.

Ashcroft looks for the emergency evac map near the doors. On the East side, besides the Mechanical area is the Munitions and Personnel areas (North and South respectively).

Killian: Munitions?

Samantha goes a sees if she can tell which door was more recently used, the south door has faded footprints in the dust.

Killian: Nah, rescue is more important.

Samantha: South.

Samantha: Anyone with a gun want to go in front or should I catch all the bullets for you?

Killian goes ahead. Samantha follows.

The door into the personnel area leads through a small airlock. There are two bio scanners mounted in the room and a control room to the right. The window to the control room has been blasted inwards.

Samantha: Fight scene, or someone couldn't pick the lock

Samantha checks to see if the bio scanners are active.

LCpl Ashcroft: If we come across any terminals maybe we can pull up a map of this place or even see if internal scanners can find her.

There is a door inside the control room on the same wall as the other side of the airlock. The scanners are in a standby mode. Killian climbs through the window. Samantha turns a scanner on. Ta'Rang decides to see what the others have found and joins them. Killian checks the terminals and controls for function.

 

A red cone of light passes from the floor up a track over Samantha's head and then back down. On a circular monitor, a readout appears. The scan comes up clear and the inner door lock switches from red to green.

Samantha: Ok.

Ta'Rang: What have you found out, Sam?

Samantha: door lock

Ta'Rang: You want to blast it open?

Samantha: No, I opened it.

Wade: [On COMM] Have you located the lifeform yet?

Samantha: I'm just not going through first.

Samantha: [On COMM] No. working on it.

Ta'Rang: Ok I'll go first.

Wade: [On COMM] Roger.

Samantha: Killian, what have you got over there?

Ta'Rang opens door and looks inside.

Samantha: Let's see what Killian found first Ta.

Wade runs a scan of nearby space to check for interlopers. Nothing on sensors.

Killian: Well, you mean apart from the tattered corpse?

Samantha: Ah. Tattered corpse?

Ta'Rang sees what looks like some sort of reception area. There is a large desk in front of him and two doors, one to the left and the other to the right.

Samantha: Can we identify what it was tattered by please?

Killian: And I'm trying to get a grip on these controls.

Samantha: Non-human interface?

Killian: The corpse has been here a long time, but it got cored by something nasty.

Ta'Rang: Hey Sam it looks like an office.

Ta'Rang walks in and looks around

 

Killian is looking for commands to check environment and possibly re-seal and pressurize.

Samantha: Ok, one office. One tattered corpse. I'm begining to dislike abandoned bases.

Ta'Rang: Has anybody looked for the light switch yet?

Killian: You guys can come up and have a look at the corpse if you really want to. I'm looking for the air switch right now.

Samantha: Was it tattered by animal, machine or gunfire?

Ta'Rang, walking in, sees a hallway across the room. It was previously obstructed by part of the structure. There are also human corpses here. A quick look tells him they were shot, probably by slug throwers.

Killian: Big guns, Sam.

Samantha: Guns. ok.

Samantha: Ta, anything interesting?

Killian gets the airlock to seal. He's not sure if there is atmo being pumped in yet.

Ta'Rang: I found a few more bodies to look at if you want too and it looks like they were shot.

Killian: We'll have to keep an eye on the air, if you will, I can't measure it from here. Should we head downstairs?

Samantha: When it doubt follow the trail of bodies.

Samantha goes into the office area.

Samantha: Downstairs it is.

Ta'Rang: They lead down the hallway

Samantha: Who's in front this time?

Ta'Rang walks down the hallway stepping over the bodies. The door to the left indicates Medical, The door to the right isn't labeled. The Hallway is labeled Recreation, Administration and Security. Samantha opens the unlabled door

Killian: As soon as we clear the place, Doc should check out the med lab for supplies.

Samantha: We have a replicator and you want to raid a two and a half century old med bay?

Ta'Rang: Don't tell it yet or it'll pop over right now.

 

Wade: Bob... could your transporter reach a ship in geosych orbit

ElvisBob: Sure.

Wade: Cool

 

Killian: Maybe something to copy with the replicator that we don't have yet.

Samantha: This med lab was for workers. All the cool shit will be in the tower with the research facility.

In regards to Stairwells, Killian thought he saw an elevator on the schematic. It is down the hall where you are headed.

Ta'Rang opens the door marked security. Samantha heads towards the elevator, Ashcroft and Killian follows Sam. The hall does sort of a S thing and comes out in a foyer of sorts. There is an elevator opposite the hall. Next to the elevator is another hall and to the right is a door marked Administration. The elevator is marked Personnel.

Samantha: Admin.

Samantha opens the administration office.

The elevator does have a set of stairs near it. The Admin door is open. It leads into another lobby. The hallway next to the elevator leads to Security.

 

LCpl Ashcroft: Sam, which way?

Samantha: Ok. anyone mind if I rifle through Admin to see if there are any files of use?

The Admin lobby is in a mess. There are signs of several small fires, ashes littering the floor, and two doors have been knocked down as if by great force.

Ta'Rang: Should we check security first that is where a layout of the building should be.

Killian: Shouldn't we check on our damsel in distress first, then check for files?

Samantha: Eek. Can someone go first? I mean. I hate to use you guys as meat shields, but you have guns. Ah.. decisions.

Behind the desk is another door that has a green indicator on the lock. To the left, is another unlocked door. The doors to the right were the ones broken down.

Samantha: Ok. security for layout. Then the woman. Then admin.

LCpl Ashcroft: I definitely think finding the female should be priority 1.

Killian: I offered you a particle pistol.

Samantha: Yes I know. I'm having enough trouble in Heavy Gravity as is.

LCpl Ashcroft: Security. Check.

Ta'Rang heads for the security office, Ashcroft follows. Killian and Samantha close behind. More bodies litter the floor between there and security. All old. All full of gunshots.

Samantha: Nasty fight here.

Ta'Rang: They lost too.

The security office door leads to an area with a dispatch console, arms room and a command office.

Killian: Is it me or does it look like everyone lying dead here was on the same team?

Ta'Rang: It does appears so.

Ta'Rang heads for command office. The door to the Command office looks like something tried to pound through it, but only managed to jam it tight. Explosives or a cutter are the only way through here. Killian checks arms room, it looks like the arms room was pretty well cleaned out, except for some of that armor and a shotgun. Whomever was here last, didn't code the lock to secure. Samantha picks up the shotgun and checks for ammo

Ta'Rang: Killian do you still have that TD-20 I gave you?

Killian: The ammo will be degraded, but I'm going to snag the shotgun... we can replicate more and we don't have any slugthrowers to speak of. The shotgun looks like it was loaded. It is a milspec shotgun with 9 rounds.

Samantha: Here ya go.

Killian: Then again, with no oxy in the atmo, it might not be degraded.

Samantha: Slug throwers were probably common two hundred and fifty years ago. With no atmo it can't fire either.

Ta'Rang: pull the trigger and find out then

Killian: TD-20 - the detpack? Yeah, in my carrying pack.

Ta'Rang: have you got it with you?

Killian: Most modern slugthrowers have oxygenated propellant. They fire fine without atmo.

Ta'Rang: even under water

Samantha: ha.

Killian: Yeah, the TD-20 is here, but I'm thinking we should contact the hiding lady before we start setting off bombs.

Samantha: Gimme that let me see if it works.

Samantha looks for a terminal or map.

Samantha: Let's find a map of this place to see if we can find her.

Ta'Rang: Fine, do you know where the noisy machines are?

Killian: Downstairs, Ta.

Ta'Rang: Give me the TD-20

Samantha: We'll deal with that later Ta.

 

On the Dispatch station, there is a schematic. It is labeled Site 1. Four sub-levels under this one that contain personnel quarters and a subway monorail leading to Site 2. There is also another subterranean section accessed from the West side of the warehouse labeled Power Transfer sub-station.

Ta'Rang: GRRRRRRR

Samantha: I'm sorry, did you just growl at me?

Killian: You can hold the TD if you want, but we should find our New Friend first. We can blow the door on the way back up.

Samantha: Ok, otherside of the warehouse, we're going to check the Power Trasnfer station for the woman first.

Killian motions toward the stairs, Ta'Rang leaves the security office and heads for the elevators.

Samantha: We came to security for a Map.

 

Wade: [On COMM] Bob...do you copy me?

Elvis: [On COMM] Oh you again. What do you want?

Wade: [On COMM] I need you to record my current location for future reference then bring me home.

Elvis: Bring you home? Oh you want to be transported again?

Wade: [On COMM] Yep... I sure do brother.

Elvis: Okay. You know, Builder Keraz would be pleased. He wasn't sure that thing would work. He had some tests planned. I'm happy to see it hasn't scrambled any of you yet. Stand by for transport.

Wade is transported back to Mercury.

 

Killian gives Sam the shotgun. It might or might not fire. Or blow up. Good luck.

Samantha: And now I can go first *smiles**

Wade: [On COMM] Sam do you read me?

Samantha: [On COMM] What's up Wade?

Ta'Rang opens the door to the stairwell and heads down.

Wade: [On COMM] Both ships are secured... Doc and I are going to joining you soon...

Samantha: [On COMM] Both ships are secured.... What do you mean both?

Killian: Just keep on walkin', pilot-gal.

Samantha goes down the stairs.

Wade: [On COMM] Uhm... both the junker and the mercury are secured... what part of secured don't you understand... I thought you were all military and stuff?

Samantha: You know, I'm thinking of ordering him to discontinue independant thought.

Killian: Who, Wade or Elvis?

Samantha: Wade. Elvis I trust. Well, Elvis I trust not to do things like use a ship as a torpedo.

Killian: Point taken.

Samantha: [On COMM] Just get your butt down here flyboy.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On Comm] I'll go up one level and bring them down. Probably safer to transport up there.

Samantha: Ok Ash. thanks.

Ashcroft heads up one level.

Killian: Might have to hit the roof, or at least open the bay. Make sure you close the airlock after yourself.

 

The first sublevel seems to be a control/monitoring room of some sort. It looks out over a complex series of machines that seem to not only transfer energy to base systems, but also store it in large barrel sized batteries. There are both lifts and ladders down to the next level. Cautionary signs are posted everywhere, warning of the dangers of moving parts, electrical shock, corrosive substances and just about everything else.

Killian: Is anything here noisy?

Samantha: The Doc may have a different idea of noisy. Who knows what scrambles Doc's senses.

 

LCpl Ashcroft: [On Comm] Coming Wade?

Wade: [On COMM]Ksdjksdh on khhl way!!!

 

Ta'Rang searches for the missing female human

Killian: [On COMM] Attention, Attention, this is the crew of the TES Mercury. We are here to provide assistance. Does anyone here receive me?

Samantha starts looking for places she would hide in.

Czarina: [On COMM] H..Hello? Is somebody there?

Samantha: [On COMM] Yes, We're here.

Ta'Rang looks under and around the machinery.

Killian: [On Comm] We're in a large room full of power equipment, on catwalks. We have a medic en route, do you need medical assistance?

Wade: [On COMM] Sam we are on the surface and heading down...

Czarina: [On COMM] Where are you? No this is a trick. Nobody comes out here. Stay away!

Samantha: [On COMM] Calm down. We found Anastasia. We're here to help.

Killian: [On Comm] My name is Killian Carver. I'm with the crew of the TES Mercury, we are here to help you.

Samantha: *hands the shotgun back to Killian** Take this.

Killian: [On Comm] If you can direct us to your location, we can get you out of here.

Czarina: [On COMM] You just want to kill me, just like Nick and the others.

Samantha: [On COMM] Can you tell me your name? I'm Samantha

 

Ashcroft meets up with Wade and Doc and brings them down

Wade: Ah... theres Ash.... good to see you lets go

 

Samantha: One of needs to be unarmed directly to Killian.

Killian slings shotgun.

Ta hears something fall down, like a wrench. It is coming from a service tunnel beneath the floor.

Samantha: [On COMM] We won't kill you. I promise.

Ta'Rang climbs down into the tunnel.

Czarina: [On COMM] *laughs hysterically**

Wade follows Ash... gun at the ready.

Killian: [On Comm] Ma'am, we're all a little nervous here, could you tell us what happened?

LCpl Ashcroft: Good to see you guys. Let's double time it back to the others.

Wade: lead on Ash

Killian: Oh, manic laughter is not good.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On Comm] I have Wade and the Doc. We're heading down.

The tunnel is fairly tight, but it looks like it opens up into a junction ahead. Ta'Rang crawls thru the tunnel.

 

Samantha: She's scared. She's been attacked. More to the point she's been trapped on a planet. I'd laugh like that too.

Samantha: [On COMM] Can you tell me your name?

Killian: Everyone reacts differently. I've been there, believe it or not.

Czarina's breathing is heavy, almost hyperventilating.

Samantha: [On COMM] Calm down. It's ok.

LCpl Ashcroft: Doc, does your scanner have the ability to check if the atmo is working down here?

Killian: Well, good news is she might pass out from that.

Caspar: Yes it does

LCpl Ashcroft: IS the atmo increasing?

Caspar: It is up a little bit.

Killian: [On Comm] Ma'am, we're here to help you, please tell us what you want us to do to prove that to you.

Samantha is walking softly around the area trying to find places that she could fit into to hide.

 

Ta'rang crawls out into the junction area. He has little time to assess the situation before he feels something hard stick to the base of his skull.

Czarina: [On COMM] I got you now you sonofabitch.

 

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season 02 - Episode 052 (Season Episode 33 of 35)

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Wait a minute, I'm not her to hurt you.

Killian: [On COMM] Ma'am?

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] We have come to help you.

Samantha: Damn it. [On COMM] Ok, everybody time to take a deep breath and slow down. Ta, where are you?

 

Before he can get more words out something pushes through the pipes in front of Ta'Rang. It has gray mottled skin and about twenty eyes. The woman obviously sees it too. It makes a hissing sort of growl.

Samantha: What the hell was that?

 

Doc, Wade and Ashcroft are moving quickly down to meet the others.

Samantha: Killian, I think I might want to try that shotgun out now...

Samantha moves towards Killian

Samantha: [On COMM] Ta, where are you?

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] I'm in a crawlspace below you.

The creature pulls it's head back through the damaged pipes and crawls back down the narrow passage at an almost unreal speed.

Wade: [On COMM] Below us? Well get back here...

Ta'Rang also hears the woman gibbering something, but it is not clear and not on comm.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] We got some nasty creatures down here.

 

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] What was that thing, lady?

Samantha: I hate planets. Did I mention that?

Killian moves toward the horrible noise before climbing down, combat checking as he goes.

Czarina: [On COMM] No..no..no...

Wade: [On COMM] Thing? Lady? Ta will you quit fooling around.

There is something that sounds like a clanking coming from behind some of the machinery.

 

Something flashes near Wade as they enter the machine room. Wade snaps around to face the flash, blaster rifle coming to aim.

Wade: What the heck is that!!

 

Below, Ta'Rang reaches for the gun Czarina is holding. Above, Wade fires his ion rifle at an aberation. Caspar fires as well.

Samantha: What? Where?!

Samantha turns towards the weaponsfire, shotgun raised.

It looks wounded, but not dead. It seems to have a very tough hide.

Samantha: Anyone going to share the joke with me?

Sam, Wade and Doc see a creature that stands a little taller than Ta'Rang, though it is slimmer than the yazarian. Presently something that looks like a ball of fire is forming in its hands. Samantha fires the shotgun at it.

Wade: No jokes here Sam...

Samantha: Hey! ugly!

Killian you senses something large and grey in the air moving fast toward him. He ducks quicklys out of the way.

 

The creature misses him, but lands catlike on its feet. The other creature by the entrance flings a ball of fire at Caspar, hittign the Drasalite dead on. The force shield belt flashes as the fire fails to touch the Doc. Wade draws his stunner and ducks down behind an old control box.

 

Samantha: What the hell shoots fireballs from it's hands! I'm going to track down the descendants of whatever schmuck set up all these installations and slap them.

Ta'Rang pushes Czarina towards the coduit that he crawled down. The creature starts forming another fireball, Killian notices his is doing the same. Samantha closes in on the creature and fires again, Caspar also fires a second shot.

Samantha: No one fireballs my friends you ugly planet dwelling bastard!

Doc misses. Sam's shot hits it full on, but doesn't drop it.

Samantha: Where the hell's the autofire switch... stupid weapon.

The creature throws another ball of fire at Doc, hitting it again. The shield holds. The second monster throws a fireball at Killian, missing by a wide margin.

 

Killian fires the Phase Rifle, it cuts a nice hole in the creatures flesh. It doesn't drop it, but it does scream at him.

 

Wade fires the sonic stunner at the creture in front of him, the weapon does not seem to have done anything.

 

Ta'Rang guides Czarina down the conduit toward the end to get her out of the firefight.

 

Doc fires its rifle again, missing the creature. Samantha moves in closer still and puts a shot to the things head, to little affect. The creatures tough hide seems nearly impervious to the shotgun.

Samantha: Someone shoot it with a real weapon already!!

The creature turns its attention to Samantha and throws a fireball at her. Samantha staggers back as the fire washes over her, burning her and her EVA badly. The creature in front of Killian also throws fire, the shield he is wearing protects him from the fire. Meanwhile Ta'Rang feels something grab him by the back of the helmet and lift him out of the crawlspace.

 

Wade pulls out the Yazarian Ion Rifle again and fires a full auto burst into the creature. It is peppered, the last shot punctures the creatures chest. As it falls backwards, it starts to disintegrate into ash. Before it hits the ground, the Ash is gone.

Wade: dang these boys are tough...

 

Ta'Rang goes into a Berserk Fury and lashes out at the creature that grabbed ahold of him. He strikes the creature, but it feels weird, like hitting some sort of elastic. It doesn't seem phased.

 

Killian fires at the creature again, doing little damage. The thing holding Ta'Rang throws him into the machinery. Luckily it is not into anything moving.

 

Wade shoots at the beastie attacking Killian. His first shot hits the creature, disintegrating it like the one before. The other two shots fly harmlessly through the discorporating ashes. Ta'Rang draws the energy sword and leaps at the creature that just threw him aside. Ta'Rang leaps back out from the machinery, just barely in the heavy g, and slices the creature in half. The ashes disappear before they hit the ground.

Wade: DOC... Sam is hurt take care of her... I think her suit is punctured....

Samantha: Is it me or is it a bit warm in here suddenly?

 

Wade: What the frack were those things?

Killian: [On COMM] Ta, get Czarina up here, I'm guessing we're all ready to evac right about now.

Caspar starts look at Sam to assess the damage.

Samantha: I. . . ouch.

There is little Doc can do in this environment, other than give her a Pain Suppressant.

Ta'Rang: *picks up czarina** We are leaving now.

Czarina is still breathing heavily and moaning .

Wade grabs a roll of duct tape and tapes up Sams tears as best he can.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] I am coming up with Czarina

Killian covers Ta as best he can

Ta'Rang: Doc we need to get Czarina to the ship.

Killian: Did we see any suits or emergency stretchers or pods on the way down?

Sam's suit has effectively been burnt out. In here, as long as they have air, she's okay. Walking the planet's surface is a whole other biscuit.

Ta'Rang: I'm going to the ship with her.

Samantha: I think... I'll sit down for a minute.

Killian: Let's stick together. We'll probably find something to protect Sam for the trip back on an upper level.

Wade: I... oh crap

Samantha: no crap. just fire.

Wade: So the tape doesn't work?

 

Ta'Rang carries Czarina past the others heading for the ship

Killian: Wade, you and I can help Sam get back upstairs, we need to get out of this place.

Samantha: We.. still need to find ... the files and the box...

Wade: I agree

Killian: I also think splitting up is extremely bad mojo under the circumstances.

Wade: Sam we can come back... but if you die there is no point in looking further

Killian helps Wade help Sam upstairs. Samantha doesn't resist eithers help.

Killian: If we're coming back, I'm bringing a bigger gun.

Wade: I agree about a bigger gun

Samantha: That fires more bullets....

Killian: Bigger bullets...

Samantha: that too

Ta'Rang: the sword works fine

Wade: Ta thats.. cool, do you have enough to share?

Ta'Rang: we have a replicator

 

Killian keeps his eye open for medical sections or other places one might find protective gear or EVA suits. Wade heads for the surface as fast as he can go while carying Sam

Ta'Rang: Can you use a sword Wade?

Samantha: Get me into the airlock, and do that transporter thing from there. It'll only hurt for a second.

Wade: I have as much training as you do brother.

Ta'Rang: What gate Czarina?

Ta'Rang looks at her with a puzzled look on his face.

Wade: Wait I have an idea just before we go outside.... it won't hold for more than a few seconds but it might be enough.

Samantha: [On COMM] Elvis, can you use the transporter from just inside the airlock? *To Wade** Don't go outside.

Elvis: [On COMM] Why yes I think I can.

Ta'Rang: *tom Czarina** who opened it?

Samantha: Excellent. Wade, do not under any circumstances do something stupid like go outside.

Killian: [On COMM] Ta, what are you talking about?

Wade: You got it Sam.

Samantha: [On COMM] Elvis, we're going to the smaller airlock and will wait at the top without opening the doors.

Ta'Rang ignores Killian.

Ta'Rang: Who are they Czarina?

Elvis: [On COMM] As soon as I have a good lock, I'll transport. Everybody?

Samantha: [On COMM] as many as you can as you get a good lock.

Wade: [On COMM] Bob if you are still tracking me... beam Doc and Sam directly aboard as soon as you get a lock.

Samantha: [On COMM] Get the others first.

Wade: Wrong boss we get you out of here first.

Czarina grabs Ta'Rangs helmet.

Wade: I am not hurt I can go in the second load

Samantha: I'm fine. really.

Ta'Rang: What?

Czarina: [On COMM] DON'T YOU SEE? They opened a gate to Hell! And now they are everywhere.

 

Wade: Still your suit is burned you go in the first load

Samantha: [On COMM] That explains so much.

They start seeing multiple columns of red lightning forming as the lift rises into the airlock.

Ta'Rang: Can we close the gate Czarina?

Samantha: [On COMM] Planets suck.

Wade: [On COMM] Bob get us out of here.

Czarina: [On COMM] It's too late. It's far too late.

Wade drops Sam and grabs for the Yaz rifle. Czarina slumps against Ta'Rang.

Killian: [On COMM] Gates to Hell are Bad. Can we go now, Ta?

Samantha: [On COMM] Elvis, direct order from the captain, if you can't get us all in one try, start with the others first. Me last. Ta and the girl first. Wade and Doc, Killian and Ashcroft

Ta'Rang pulls out the sword

Killian: [On COMM] Can we stop arguing about who goes first and GO?!?!

Ta'Rang: Don't let her go wade.

Wade: Damn this lift is slow.

 

You all feel like you're being pulled through a much smaller hole than you have a right to fit in. A moment later, you are spit back out in the Mercury's hold.

 

Samantha: owie owie owie owie

Samantha decides now is a good time to pass out and does so. Wade scans around looking for enemies before dropping his guard.

Wade: Doc get her to sickbay

Caspar: Yes.

Wade: OK... I say we frag this dump from orbit.

Ta'Rang carries Czarina behind Doc and Sam. Wade heads for the bridge

Ta'Rang: No Wade.

 

Wade runs for the bridge

Killian: I think we can re-assess from orbit.

Wade: Bob... plot a course for the laast known position of the gunship anastasia

Wade boosts for orbit.

Wade: Once in orbit... Bob slave the wepons control to this console please

 

Czarina is presently unconscious. She appears to be slightly malnourished and very dehydrated, but otherwise fine. Samantha wakes up after a few minutes.

Ta'Rang: I'll watch Killian

Samantha: We all make it?

Elvis: Weapons are yours Flyboy.

Wade targets the complex. Killian heads to the bridge.

Samantha: I going to be ok to walk Doc?

Elvis: Wade, you have target lock.

Wade fires in continuouus mode...

Wade: Thanks Bob....

Wade: *whispers** Don't ever hurt Sam *as he presses the fire control**

Wade looks strained and angry as hell.

Killian: Wade, chill. We're off the rock, Sam's going to be okay.

Wade ignores Killian and continues to fire.

Samantha: Elvis, I'm going to need that replicator to repair my EVA.

Ta'Rang watches Czarina as she lies on the medical bed.

Wade: Bob... how long to slag the compound?

Killian checks sensor readings of the surface.

Elvis: At this rate, slag would take a long time. Destablize structures, not long.

Wade: Thanks Bob... you are doing great ....

Wade keeps firing

Elvis: I know. Wake me up when you got something interesting.

Samantha: Ta, get some bigger guns. We have to go back to check out that office tower.

Elvis: *to Sam** On it Samantha. Should be a few moments.

Samantha: Thanks.

 

Killian sees nothing going on. Nothing. Except for buildings starting to crumble.

Killian: Wade, I have a thought.

Wade: If she dies... this planet is rubble.

Killian: Wade! Sam's FINE! Snap out of it!

Ta'Rang: I'll be with you as soon as I'm sure Czarina will be ok. I promised her that she wouldn't get hurt.

Samantha: No problem Ta. I think It'll take me a short bit to get to walking condition.

Killian: [On COMM] Sam, come to the bridge, Wade's wigging.

Caspar: Sam you need some rest.

Ta'Rang: Doc how long before we can move Czarina toa sleep tube?

Caspar: After she's had some food.

Samantha: I know Doc. I'll be asleep trying to think cold thoughts. *gets up slowly** Bridge. Right.

Killian: [On COMM] Sam, at least call Wade and calm him down.

Samantha: [On COMM] Wade, be a charm and find me a cold beer would you?

Wade: Bob... if energy becomes an issue divert all power to the weapons... shut down everything except emergency life support if needed. Huh....?

Killian goes to fetch Doc's hypo-spray.

Elvis: Oh what? Sure. Can I ask a question?

Samantha: Take care of Czarina Doc. I'm just a bit toasty, she looks bad.

Wade looks almost ready to cry. Ta'Rang looks for the bag of IV food and the IV for Czarina.

Wade: Sure bob...ask away.

Elvis: Why are you roasting the ruins down below?

Wade: They are infested with evil alien creatures that hurt Sam

Caspar: Sam why are so stubborn? OK i will help the girl.

Samantha: Because I am Doc. *Smiles**

Caspar: sooner or later I'll help you and Wade.

 

Samantha makes her way towards the bridge.

Elvis: Oh. Funny. You'd think they'd have fought back by now.

Samantha: Ok Killian, what's the damage now?

Wade: They can't fight back and hurt you Bob... if we bury them.

Elvis: And how deep shall we bury them?

Samantha: What are we burying?

Killian: Wade's burning a hole in the hole in the ground down there, and wants to turn off everything but lifes support to power the weapons. Doc, can I borrow that hypo-spray?

Samantha: What? No... I need those buildings. Wade, stop that. We're not done there yet.

Caspar: No.

Wade looks dazed...and confused

Ta'Rang: Killain what's up?

Killian: Doc, Wade has gone bye-bye. We could use an intervention.

The Warehouse is in ruins, office is nearly so. The phase weapon is a marvel of post-modern engineering.

Samantha: Elvis, turn off the weapons.

Wade: Sam

Elvis: Uh......

Wade quits firing.

Samantha: How much damage was done?

Killian: Hey, Ta, we... looks like Wade calmed down or got knocked out.

Wade: Your're really ok.

Samantha: Of course. I'm just... medium well.

Elvis: Well, I doubt you are going to do much sight seeing.

Wade: Well they won't hurt you again... thats for sure and certain.

 

Sathar guns, I was thinking of doing a little reverse-engineering.

Samantha: What are the chances what we came for are still recoverable?

Elvis: Unless you like Post Apocalyptic flavor.....

Wade: Sorry ... boss... I sort of got pissed of cause they injured you.

Elvis: Depends on where they stored the records. If the office building was storage, time to go.

Samantha: Right. Let's hope it was in the office. It's ok Wade. The gesture is nice, even if it sets us back.

Wade makes a visible effort to compose himself, burying his face in his hands.

Killian: Well, Ta, I was thinking of hybridizing the laser, ion, and sathar rifles, or maybe the phase rifles, into a tri-barrel.

Samantha: How many gals have someone willing to slag a planet for 'em *smiles then winces**

Wade looks like a whipped puppy at her.

Elvis: I think you misunderstand. The warehouse and sublevels are a complete loss. The office is just a wee bit unstable.

Samantha: oh. huh.

Wade: At least I saved the Anastasia for you.

ElvisBob: Wee bit meaning death trap.

Samantha: I don't suppose... you could scan can for the box?

Killian: We could probably hover next to the building and do a room-by-room scan and imaging on a display here.

Wade: Box? what box... I thought we were here for the ship?

Samantha: Ship was icing on the cake. The place has, had, information on the project that made us.

Killian: And then transport out what we want.

Wade: Ok so we get all icing and no cake....still not a bad party.

Samantha: I told you I found it going through the ships database.

Elvis: I have been here and there. No good. I did get a few subterranean scans. They are not very good, but I think this was only one of at least three distinct sites. It is the only one topside though.

Samantha: Three sites?

Elvis: Yeah. This one was the oldest I think. The style of components pre-dates us. There seems to be another site that is newer. Problem is they are all underground. I can't get a transport through them. Some sort of EM interference.

Samantha: Underground. Gets better every second. Is the EM interference an artifact of the rock, or artificial?

Elvis: I don't know. It might be artificial. I sure have no records of anything similar.

 

Killian: At some point, Ta, we need to make some bigger guns. We still have a couple of Ta'Rang: We can do that and maybe we can increase the output in the laser rifles

Killian: It would be a little bulky, but hit like an elephant.

Ta'Rang: We may just create a 2 barreled weapons or perhap we can shrink down the pulse Ion cannon it a carriable weapon.

Killian: Ta, Double is fine, and saves weight, but triple is just was cool. I need to have the ship scan the Sathar rifle to see if we can learn anything from the power supply. And if we're going back down there, I want as much firepower as I can carry. In retrospect, those three were bad, but we handled them. On the other hand, something worse could be down there.

Ta'Rang: With the High Gs a heavy gun would be unwise

Killian: Strip as much structure as you can, obviously you only need one grip and set of controls.

Ta'Rang: What we need is a high energy armor piercing weapon.

Wade: They took an average fo 12 shots from a battle rifle.

Elvis: I've been working on a gravity compensation idea. I read about these flight harnesses in Wade's database.

Killian: The Sathar power cells seem pretty light. You could relocate them to a pack. The Phase rifles seemed to do okay, but could use some tweaking.

Elvis: If you had some of those, it might counter the weight a little.

Samantha: Gravity Compensation, that sounds like a good idea. Wade, you have a flight harness hanging around?

Killian: I was thinking while we gather intel, Ta and I could see what we could come up with in the weapons department.

Wade: Yes I do but it is only for orbital EVA flight... doesn;t work too well in a graviy field

 

Ta'Rang: Doc will you watch over Czarina?

Caspar: yes i can

Killian: Elvis...

ElvisBob: What?

Ta'Rang: Good lets get started Killian

Killian: Scan my skinsuit. There's a AG subsystem. It's designed for lifting in gravity.

ElvisBob: Sure.

Samantha: I'm going to sit down now.

 

Ta'Rang heads for the armory. Samantha sits in the nearest seat and stares out a window, Wade goes over to Sam. Killian and Ta convert the galley into a weapons lab.

Wade: Uh... Sam... I'm sorry of I lost it a bit back there... but I got so scared when you where hurt... I just.

Samantha: It's fine Wade. Don't worry about it.

Wade shrugs.. then goes back to his console

Samantha: We're built to last.

Killian: Okay, Ta, we have an Ion rifle, laser rifle, phase rifle, and funky Sathar thingy. I don't know how the Sathar weapon collimates, so alignment is an open question.

Ta'Rang: Bob can you scan this rifle and then give us a layout of the rifle.

Elvis: Yup. Plasma weapon. Nasty thing.

Ta'Rang: We know that much we want to find out how it operates

Elvis: Well, I have the best schematic I can come up with. Check the monitor.

Ta'Rang: Thank you Bob.

Killian and Ta exchange technobabble.

Ta'Rang: I think if we make these Sathar rifles into weapons humans can use.

Killian: My basic plan is to effectively combine multiple weapons into a "BFG" that we can knog these tough buggers down faster with. With the added edge of a variety of weapon effects giving us a more widely effective weapon.

Ta'Rang: the ion rifle took to long and no one used a laser but a plasma rifle

Killian: The Phase rifle seemed to cut through pretty well. So maybe we leave out ion.

Ta'Rang: that may do the trick andcombination of Laser and plasma is my thought in a new rifle.

Killian: I'm still thinking laser, plasma, and phase particle. I admit it may end up bulky.

Ta'Rang: why don't we try laser/phase rifle or a phase /plasma . Then run a computer output to see which has a more killing effect.

Killian: We should start with two anyway. We can run some simulations now, as well as trying to figure out if we can use the Sathar power cells. Ultimately I'm in the mood for a hat trick.

 

Caspar: You guys i sented a lot of restless souls down there.

Wade: Souls? what do you mean souls...

Caspar: like echoes from nowhere.

Samantha: Like, the same kind of feeling as in Void?

Caspar: No. It didn't feel the same.

Samantha: Wierd. What does a soul feel like?

Caspar: Scared

Wade: So the souls felt scared... Hmm

Samantha: Human souls?

Caspar: I am not sure

Samantha: Idea time. Let's go hover over the rubble and let Doc see if it can get some better idea of what these souls are or want.

Wade: Ok boss..

Caspar: sure

Wade flies down to the compound and hovers at 30 feet.

Caspar: There are many voices... they are pleading for help. They are desperate and lost. OW... my head.

Caspar grabs its head.

Samantha: Hey, careful. Stop if it hurts.

Caspar: The baby... they took a baby.

 

Ta'Rang: what kind of energy does my sword put out as it cut straight thru the creature

Killian: There's a thought, how does THAT thing work?

Ta'Rang: like this.

Ta'Rang pulls out the sword and pushes the buton.

Killian: I kind of meant "what are its operating principles?"

Ta'Rang: Oh I don't know that yet.

Killian: Elvis, can you derive the operating priciples of this... laser sword thingy... from a scan?

Elvis: Honestly? No. This is a magnificent toy you got. I don't even think the Builders could make one of these.

Killian: Well, crapola. Phase/Plasma?

Ta'Rang: yep

Killian and Ta begin planning a combined phase/plasma weapon, design housing, figure out wiring, etc...

 

Samantha: What?

Caspar: AGH!! Get out... I dont' want what you offer!

Caspar slumps exhausted. Samantha blinks.

Wade: What was that all about...

Samantha: Not a clue.

Samantha: When you recover please explain to us what just happened Doc.

Caspar: The voice spoke to me.

Samantha: The voice? Like one thing? what'd it say?

Caspar: It offered some thing when I said no it said 'well see.'

Czarina stumbles into the bridge.

Czarina: They are here.

Caspar: where?

 

They see the tell tale flashing lighting coming from the cargo hold.

Caspar: Who?

Wade: oh crap... bob raise shields.

 

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season 02 - Episode 053 (Season Episode 34 of 35)

The tell-tale flickering red lightning that heralds the materialization of the aliens eminates from the cargo bay.

 

Wade: Oh crap!

Samantha whimpers. Ta'Rang draws his engery swords and grins, Caspar hold its head. Wade sets the autopilit for deep space.

 

Samantha: Wade, toss me your Stunner. Ta'Rang, Killian! Wake up! We have company!!

Ta'Rang: WHAT?

The two of them look up from their work just in time to see an alien creature enter the room. It flings it's fireball at Killian, it misses causing an impressive looking micro explosion on the wall behind him.

Wade: Sorry Sam the stunner won't help...they are immune.

Samantha: Not for the creatures!

Two of the creatures enter the bridge, one throws a fireball at Doc. Which again misses and strikes the Sensor station in a similar harmless but cool looking explosion. The other throws a fireball at Wade, hitting him straight in the chest, he staggers back against the pilot console dazed. Doc fires its Yazarian Ion Rifle at the creature attacking it, the blast seem to do something to it, small spatters of blood burst from the creature. Samantha runs to Wade and searches him for the Stunner, she grabs the weapon from his hip holster.

Samantha: Not it. Damn it, you carry too many guns.

 

Ta'Rang draws the engery sword and attacks, slicing through the creatures leg off. It starts disintegrating before it falls to the floor. Killian picks up the laser rifle he was getting ready to dismantle and fires a burst at a second creature that was behind the first, his attack seams to singe the creature a bit.

 

Samantha drops the pistol and shifts Wade to get the other weapon out of his shoulder hoslter, this time grabbing the Stunner.

 

Wade shakes off the blast of fire that dazed him earlier, in the other room Ta'Rang swings his blade at the second creature, but misses. Doc fires the Ion Rifle again at the creature. The blast knocks the creature off of its feet. It disappears as it lands on the ground. Samantha fires the stunner at Czarina, who has stood stunned at the entrance from the medbay to the bridge. Czarina slumps to the ground. The creatures disappear.

 

Wade: Wow...good call Sam

Samantha: Doc you OK?

Ta'Rang: *mumbles** What just happened?

Samantha: I think she's either psychic like Doc, or something about this place manifests your fears.

Caspar: I am OK. But they still down there.

Ta'Rang heads for the bridge

Samantha: I don't know if they are. This whole place creeps me out.

Wade: Should we find out?

Killian: [On Comm] Is everyone okay?

Samantha: Doc, keep her sedated. Very very sedated. No. Well, yes, but I still hurt like a b-.

Wade: I am singed, but mostly intact.

Caspar: I feel a mind call for help.

Ta'Rang: *looks around the bridge** What just happened and how did those creatures get onboard?

Samantha: Czarina manifests them. I have no idea how.

 

Samantha stops the ship.

Wade: We should go back to the gunship.

Samantha: What for? Want we want is on the planet.

Wade: They have missiles we can use on the planet.

Samantha: I'm not blowing the planet up.

Killian saunters onto the bridge.

Wade: Uhm ok... can I have my gun back?

Killian: Weren't there records or something in the tower?

Wade: Uhm I think the tower is gone.

Killian: If Sam's right about Czarina, we can go back in relative safety. If not, we run like hell. Again. In either case, I still think we need bigger guns.

Ta'Rang: Yeah well, Wade made the tower unsafe to search.

Samantha: There are two other facilities.

Killian: Then we scan it from alongside and beam aboard whatever we want.

Ta'Rang: Aren't those two underground?

Samantha: Yes, they are.

Wade: Ok so we go search the other facilities... but they better not hurt you again.... or this panet is stardust.

Ta'Rang: And Wade ruin any chance of getting to them?

Killian: Frankly, we don't know anything much about these creatures or where they come from... or what their range is. The more information we can get the better.

Samantha: Ask Czarina. They're in her head.

Ta'Rang: I believe computer boy said we can't beam into them so how do you plan on getting there?

Wade: Apparently their range is Czarina.

Killian: For all we know they're keying in on us now like they keyed in on Czarina, and they don't HAVE any range.

Samantha: Landing. And Walking.

 

Ta'Rang brings Czarina back into medbay and Doc heavily sedates her.

Killian: They could be projections from some nasty machine down there, or invaders from another dimension.

Samantha: She goes unconcious, they disappear. The connection seems clear. She manifested them. How, or why, I don't know.

Killian: Or they used her as a conduit, or they just followed her mind like bloodhounds. We don't know.

Samantha: And I don't care. She stays unconcious until we can figure her out. If we can't we have airlocks.

Wade: They could be the kings of China but I think Sam is on the right track.

Ta'Rang: So let Doc play around in her mind and find out.

Killian: Hopefully unconscious will work.

Caspar: I can try.

Samantha takes a pilots seat and turns the ship back to the planet.

Samantha: Elvis, where's the next closest facility?

 

Ta'Rang stares at Czarina, Wade heads to the sickbay himself.

Elvis: Sending the coordinates to the monitor now Samantha *in a Hal 9000 voice**

Samantha: At least you aren't laughing.

Elvis: Yet.

Ta'Rang walks back to the makeshift weapons lab and helps Killian rig a multi-weapon electronic trigger. Samantha hovers over the facility while they work.

Samantha: Elvis, can you perform a deep scan of this place, please?

Elvis: Sure thing. Stand by,

 

Caspar: I can't go into her mind yet. There is danger.

Ta'Rang: OK Doc, I promised her she wouldn't be hurt again.

Ta'Rang: Killian, These Sathar rifle are plasma weapons maybe we can rig them so that humans can fire them.

Killian: I was thinking of building the mechanisms into a laser rifle shell, if we have time. But if I can interface the trigger and align the coils, you can just activate the "trigger" from your own weapon.

Killian takes another look at the Sathar trigger.

Ta'Rang: Then we only need a couple of the multi weapons as a plasma rifle is ten times better then the the ion or laser right?

Killian: Advantages and disadvantages, Ta. But the Sathar rifle has good, efficient power cells.

Ta'Rang: I'm thinking of Sam, Wade and Ashcroft Doc can adjust its self. I think I'll use this sword. Remember what the subway tunnel looked like on the planet, it was melted and I'd bet it was from the Sathar rifles. Lets set one up and take it with us plus your multi rifle.

Killian cuts a couple of solid weapon mounts to hold two or three barrels steady and aligned.

Ta'Rang: Lets try making a trigger for the Sathar rifle.

Killian: I think I have the Sathar trigger figured out - I can just wire my multi-trigger to it.

 

Elvis: Scan done. Not much to look at.

Samantha: Layout at least?

Wade climbs into the autodoc for some sleep, and healing.

Elvis: Looks like a monorail runs right through the left (magnetic North) side of the builidng. It basically has three decks. The top looks to be some type of atrium and actually has skylights that you can use to enter. The second and third look like quarters, storage and maybe labs.

Samantha: Excellent, how long until my EVA is repaired?

Elvis: I can order the replication unit to have one ready in a few moments.

Samantha: You're awesome, have I mentioned that.

Elvis: Not nearly enough. You can pick up the EVA in the cargo hold.

 

Samantha goes and gets the new EVA from cargo, then pops her head into galley.

Ta'Rang: Good, I'll take it with me and if it works we'll give it to Sam

Samantha: You boys ready to down and explore some more?

Ta'Rang: Yeah and we have two new guns to try out too.

Samantha: Remind me to get a good distance back when you fire them. Where's Wade?

Caspar: He is in sickbay.

Samantha: Naturally. He gets a scratch and runs to get a bandaide.

Samantha goes to Sickbay.

Samantha: Elvis, how fast does the autodoc heal burn wounds?

Elvis: Depends on the patient really.

Ta'Rang: *dons his Eva** Hey Sam, how bout you use one of these Force field Harness this time before we leave the ship.

Samantha: How about me, I'm a bit overdone.

Elvis: A few days of rest in the thing and you'd be good as new.

Samantha: Samantha's aren't meant to be served medium well.

Ta'Rang: *hands Sam a Harness** I do think you need this.

Samantha: Don't have a few days. I'll just suffer.

Killian rigs a Sathar/Laser/Ion TriGun with a primitive "steadicam" harness.

Elvis: There are a plethora of analgesics that the replication unit can create for you. Topical or injested?

Ta'Rang: Sam put this on *stands in front of her with the Harness**

Samantha: Whichever works faster. Injested is probably more comfortable though huh?

Elvis: Probably. Depending on whether you want to sleep or not, the Doc can get you something appropriate.

Samantha: No sleep. Don't have time for sleep. I just want to get rid of the pain for a while.

 

Ta'Rang: Use a stimdose. Or you can use omnicort, Sam.

Samantha: Right. Hey Doc, gimme an industrial strength pain killer and we'll go down planet side.

Ta'Rang: Not til you put on this harness, Sam, and you're taking a phaser pistol too.

Caspar: OK.

Wade leaves sickbay and dons a shield harness over his armored space suit, then takes a phase pistol and his blaster and stunner

Samantha: Right. harness.

Ta'Rang: And a phaser pistol.

Ta'Rang holds out a holstered phase pistol.

Caspar: We should heal up first, then go.

Wade finally shoulders a Yaz rifle and his tools

Caspar: Everybody is hurt.

Killian: I'm okay.

Ta'Rang: Not me Doc

Samantha: Longer we wait more dangerous it could get. Ta is fine and that sword does wonders.

Samantha grabs her rifle this time.

Caspar: Wade and sam are hurting.

Ta'Rang: Killian give Wade the Sathar rifle you rigged up.

Wade: Do we have any grenades?

Killian: We have grenades.

Wade: Can I have a couple?

Killian points Wade toward the kitchen table, where there is a satchel with a half-dozen grenades.

Samantha: No thanks Ta, I've got a rifle. It's hard enough to walk in that gravity without more weight.

Ta'Rang: Take it and make me Happy.

Wade waddles to the transporter to await the beam down.

 

Elvis: Just let me know when, and I'll transport you to the atrium skylight. That is where you want to go, yes?

Samantha: Can you transport us to the floor below the skylight?

Elvis: Sure. I just thought you'd enjoy rappeling.

Ta'Rang: Killian you going to be up front with me?

Killian: We're over-accessorized for rappelling.

Samantha: Rappeling? I heavy gravity? You're insane.

Wade: Bob... when we beam down please implement the same security procedure we used at the last beam site Hover cloaked and maintain a transport lock as long as possible, then beam us up if we come runnning, but only us, if our DNA/scan patterns are a match.

Elvis: I'd enjoy rappeling. If I had a body.

Samantha: Yes, we'll take you someday when you have a body.

Elvis: Oh sure thing Flyboy.

Killian: Surely you can imagine what it would be like to rappel.

Wade: Thanks buddy ... bob is my friend.

 

Ta'Rang: *unslings the rifle** You ready?

Elvis: So what happens if miss Psychotectonic activity wakes up? Can I transport her into space?

Samantha: Yes.

Ta'Rang: NO!

Killian: Doc, can you rig a slow-drip sedative for Czarina?

Elvis: See another good reason to have a body. I could keep the patients properly medicated.

Ta'Rang: Just put back to sleep.

Samantha: I'm working on it Elvis.

Caspar: I guess I can.

Killian: That way we can avoid any unneccessary fatal decompressions. Hey, Elvis, can you transport those monsters into space?

Elvis: I can transport anything that fits within the cargo bay to anywhere else with the transport device's range. See Monkeyboy, I couldn't transport her anyway. She's in sickbay.

Ta'Rang: Good.

Elvis: You ready to roll?

Killian: Umm, yeah.

Samantha: As soon as Doc has the drip set up.

Caspar: Done.

Killian: It is fast.

Caspar: I am good.

 

Wade: K... Bob... wish us luck. I am ready to beam

Elvis transports you to the floor of the atrium. The micro wormhole spits you out into the atrium. The first thing they notice is that the atrium has live plants growning wild. Wade sweeps the room looking for targets as soon as he materializes.

Samantha: I hate that thing.

Ta'Rang has his rifle at the ready

Samantha: Plants? Atmosphere.

Wade: if the plants move I waste em!

Samantha: And something waters them.

GThere are some small fruit bearing trees, some other vegetables and some decorative flowers. There is atmo in here.

Ta'Rang: reminds me of the jungles back home.

Killian: Could be automated. Or just humidity control, really. It's pretty.

The humidity is high. Gavity is still high.

Ta'Rang scans room while Killian looks for signs of recent activity. They also notice a couple of small mammals that look much like squirrels and some other small and harmless lifeforms.

Killian: Keeeute!

Samantha: Tree rats.

Killian: Hey, be nice.

Wade targets a tree rat... carefully.

Samantha: I was. Do not kill rock bound lifeforms.

Killian: Hello, fellow rare mammals on a distant and lonely world.

Samantha: Unless they attack first.

Killian: And don't kill harmless animals - it wastes ammo and draws attention.

There is a large door on the South side of the room and a smaller one in the West one.

Ta'Rang: Well we have a large door or a small door, you choose Sam.

The "squirrels" are roughly a foot in length. They look to be all of ten pounds.

Samantha checks the rough map Evlis scanned in. The fastest way to the labs is south, across the monorail and through the righmost door on the platform across.

Samantha: South door.

Wade follows Sam watching the surrounding carefully for danger...gun at the ready. Caspar is just looking around. The door has an indicator showing no atmo on the other side.

Killian: Is there an airlock?

Samantha: No airlock. Damn it.

 

Samantha checks the other door.

Killian: We can probably beam into another room.

The west door indicates atmo on the other side. According to the map, it is rather large room on the other side.

Killian: Sounds airlock-ish. At least we can go through and close it behind us without decompressing all the plants and animals.

Samantha: Ok, let's not vent the plants and animals. West door.

Killian: Agreed.

Ta'Rang walks over to the west door and opens it

The room to the west is a large warehouse area. It looks like food goods were/are stored here in stasis freezers. It looks like the power is still on.

Killian: Let's get through and close the door behind us. Critters are curious.

Samantha checks the food storage, looking for dates, see if anything has been accessed lately, or less that 200+ years past.

Ta'Rang: If you want to stock the gunship here a place to shop.

Killian: Big Box Store.

Nothing has been accessed in some time. At least 200 years.

Samantha: Right. moving on.

Ta'Rang: It still should be usable.

Killian: Make a note of anything you want to take later, boys and girls.

Samantha: We have a replicator.

Samantha shakes her head

Ta'Rang: not on the gunship

Killian: Ding ding.

Killian: And still need mass for the replicator.

Samantha: Right. get a list.

 

The south door here leads to the monorail platform. It looks as if the front cars were used for passengers, as the loading ramps lead in from the opposite side of the tracks. Back here, the ramps go in from this side. There are no bridges across, but there are ladders going down below the rail. There is no atmosphere in the monorail station.

Killian: The monorail itself is probably unstable, but I doubt our weight will make a difference walking around here.

Ta'Rang: There should be away to call for the cars.

Samantha looks for a terminal

Killian: Don't know if I want to throw around a few thousand kilos under these conditions.

There is a terminal mounted near one of the loading ramps. Ta'Rang looks around the area for something that might call for the monrail. There is no monorail call button. Samantha activates the terminal. It looks like the monorail came in on an airlock system. Both of the doors to the East are ruptured. The ramps are offset so they don't actually touch. Looking closer, it looks like ramps extended from the passenger platform across the trench and connected near the door to the atrium. The metal looks like it was sheered off some time ago.

Killian: Whoopsie.

Samantha: Whenver it last came through it came through in a hurry.

The monitor is up. It displays a logo and the words OFFLINE. The gap is roughly six or seven meters across.

Killian: Anyone want to check the storeroom for long panels?

Ta'Rang: Why not just jump across?

Samantha: Six or Seven meters in heavy gravity? No. Hell No.

Killian: I can make it, but I'm not sure everyone else can.

Ta'Rang: I can

 

The logo on the monitor is a stylized aerodynamic ship at the end of a contrail. The letters CAC are written underneath. The ship resembles, if anything, the Gemini II.

Wade: No way you can leap 20 feet in this gravity... are you nuts?

Caspar: No I can't either.

Killian: Not nuts, just that good.

Wade: We just need to climb down across then up no biggie

Killian: We could climb down, build a bridge, or argue about it, basically.

Killian: Unless Elvis can zip us across.

Wade climbs down the ladder.

Samantha: Climb down, walk across, climb up. What, you expecting a bottomless pit?

Caspar climb down next, the rest follow. Killian waits for the rest to go before he does.

 

The other platform is neatly divided into two sections by red and white tiles. There is a door on each side heading South. Each door matches the color of its tiles. Between the two doors are male and female restrooms.

Killian: Did everyone go before we left?

Samantha checks the map to see which door goes to the labs. The white one is their door.

Samantha: White door.

Beyond the white door is an airlock like the one in the other section. A security office is to the right of the airlock. The other door is closed.

Killian: Should we go through in two groups, just in case someone needs to re-open it from outside?

Samantha: Sounds good.

Looks like everything has power. The security office is through a thick plexiglass shield. It looks like the security officers ran bioscans and monitored the results from inside the room. Wade follows Sam and keeps her covered.

Ta'Rang: I'll go with the first group

Wade: Where sam goes... I go.

Samantha: Ok, us three, then the others.

 

Inside the airlock itself are two stations that have the scanning mechanisms. Samantha activates one of the scanners. The scanner rolls on a vertical track and starts at her feet and goes up to the cieling and above her before reversing the route. At the end, it displays a green light and the other door unlocks.

Ta'Rang: Let's move.

There is atmo inside a lobby area. A lit placard indicates Security and Track Control to the right, Dormatories ahead and an elevator indicating Laboratories down.

Ta'Rang: Labs first Sam

Samantha: Labs first. Let's go gang.

Wade follows Sam... some more.

Samantha: Follow two steps further away, you're making me claustrophobic.

Killian: Wade, that's not following, it's dancing.

Wade: don't stop real sudden like les'n you like me.

Ta'Rang shakes his head.

 

The elevator goes down one floor. Opens up into a Lobby that indicates Biological research and a Right U-Turn arrow. To the left is Energy and Propulsion Labs. To the right is Computer, Electronics, Robotics and Cybernetics research labs. Ahead is a cafeteria and lounge.

Killian: Mmmm... toys.

Samantha: Bio, Cyber then Propulsion.

Ta'Rang moves to the cyber lab.

Killian: I guess we're going to the cyber lab? Or Bio?

Samantha: Actually yes. Cyber first.

Wade: Heh... Lets go Sam.

Killian: Let's see what's behind door number one.

Wade follows Sam at a distance... where ever.

 

There is not one distinct lab, rather a sequence of connected labs. The first thing you notice is that there was a firefight in here. A big one. Walls have been knocked down, windows blown out and the remains of former scientists are scattered throughout the area.

Killian: Not as pretty.

Ta'Rang: No living lifeforms here.

Samantha: Remains of anything else?

Wade: Nothing alive in here but us.

Ta'Rang begins searching area. All of the remains are humanoid. It looks like some of them are the security force. The bodies are decomposed to the skeletal remains. They have submachine guns and shotguns for the most part. A couple are armed with semi-automatic pistols. None of the weapons are in great shape.

Killian: I think it's time to take some samples for later study.

Killian looks for the best examples of SA pistols and subguns...

Ta'Rang: They've been here a long time.

 

Wade: *gathers a couple of the ancient handguns** Maybe later I can make a working antique out a couple of the carcasses.

Samantha is moving through the labs, ignoring bodies, looking for something. Ta'Rang continues searching for anything of interest. Wade heads back to Sam and watches her back for safety. Most of the tech in here has become standardized and much more efficient, where it hasn't become obsolete by later developments.

Ta'Rang: Hmm not much here

Ta'Rang: Where to now? Sam?

Killian: Can we help you find something, Sam?

 

Sam has found a vault. It is locked shut and looks very secure. Ta'Rang isn't even sure his T-19 can punch a hole in the door.

Wade: We are looking for any reference to US in these labs.

Killian takes a look at the vault.

Wade: Is the lock electronic or manual?

Samantha is staring at the vault.

It looks like it had several different locking mechanisms.

Samantha: Damn.

Wade: Hmmm... we need a really good drill.... Ta how about your sword/cutty thing

Samantha checks for where someone hopefully wrote down a password. Please don't cut too deep. I'd like whatever might be in there intact.

Ta'Rang: I can try it out ....where you want me to cut?

Samantha: Slice a corner off to see if you even can cut it.

Ta'Rang starts cutting the corner of the vault door

The mechanimss to the door are Voice print, retinal scan, passkey, code and a secondary mechanical tumbler. Ta'Rang does do damage to it, but it will be a very slow process. Faster than anything else, but difficult nonetheless.

Killian: Anybody got a deck of cards?

 

Samantha: Well, we can probably find a pass key, I can try the tumbler, but the voice and retinal is a dead end.

Killian: Do we want to split up and have a team check the next lab?

Wade: As a matter of fact... I do.

Samantha: You want to cut through this while we inspect the rest of the facility Ta?

Wade: How about Ta work on the vault while Sam and I chack the bio lab.

Ta'Rang: I'll work at it you go search.

Killian: Who's going to watch Ta's back?

Ta'Rang: I'll be fine by myself.

Wade: Not me I gotta guard... you know who. Ta.. don't go dieing or I'll kill you.

Killian: That's what I like to call a recipe for disaster.

Killian: Doc, you want to keep an eye on Ta or go with Sam & Wade?

Ta'Rang: Who me? I have someone to kill first before I die.

Caspar: I can stay with Ta.

 

The bio lab is sealed with a red light outside indicating a hazard. Killian leaves Doc a couple of grenades for not-so-close encounters and goes with Same and Wade. Wade scans the lab to see if I can detect/identify the hazard.

Samantha: Ok, I have to know why you think I need a bodyguard?

Wade: Cause you got hurt before...

Samantha: I've been hurt before.

Wade: So I need to watch out for you

Samantha: Somewhere in the past I had my skull crushed in. I can take a little fire.

Killian: It's called puppy love. What's on the other side of the door?

Wade: Not when I was around... this is the first time and it made me ... feel weird thinkig you might die.

Samantha: *blushes** Right. Door, otherside. SitRep.

Killian: Okay, guys, trenchant, unsaid hopes and significant glances aside for a moment. Big door. Biohazard. Monsters.

 

Ta'Rang: Well Doc, I think I'll start cutting here where the hinges should be. *thinks** If I was going to used explosive where would I set them?

Ta Thinks he can set some charges to reduce the time. It will still take a couple of hours to cut through, but maybe half the time it might have otherwise taken.

 

There is atmo on the other side, as well as some sort of chemical germicide that appears to have been dumped from a secondary sprinkler system. There is also trace amounts of an unidentified biological organism.

Wade: we should be fine sealed in our sapce suits.

Killian: Active or inactive biological organism? This is probably true.

Wade: If I can detect them they are active

Killian: We just need decon before going back.

Killian: Just make sure filtration is off before we go in, and you're on internal supply.

Samantha: Ok boys. Let's go.

Wade: ok me first... if I don't die then Sam can come

Killian: Sam, does your map show a way to vent the biolab to the thin, nigh wispy atmo outside?

Wade crowds into the airlock.

Samantha: Not really, It's a layout culled from a Deep Scan.

Wade cycles the lock.

Samantha: Go ahead and make sure Wade only pushes buttons that don't blow us up.

 

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Sam, I 'm going to set off a small explosion on the vault. It should cut the time down by a couple of hours.

Samantha: [On COMM] Roger that.

The lab looks pretty much the same inside as out.

Killian: [On Comm] Elvis, are you in transporter range?

Samantha goes in after Wade.

Samantha: Come on Killian.

Killian: [On COMM] Ta is about to set off a SMALL explosive, do let us know if the building starts to collapse.

 

Ta'Rang: *sets the charges and timer** Doc, I'd find some cover quickly.

Ta'Rang and Doc move off a severval meteres and wait for the explosion.

 

Wade checks the bodies for cause of death. The cause of death is obvious in a couple, bone fractures around the ribs and skull areas, and completely unknown in others.

 

BOOM, Explosion occurs.

Ta'Rang goes back to cutting on the vault door.

 

Wade watches for falling objects while Samantha looks for a terminal. There are terminals. A couple are even working. Samantha activates a working terminal, it comes up with the same logo with the added designation of Bio Research Lab and a login screen. Samantha checks under the keyboard for a login/pass.

Wade: Wish Doc was here it could probably hack the terminal.

There is a password, but no login name. Samantha checks the nearest corpse for an ID; Samuel Wang.

Wade: Wait what was the docs name that made the Mercury?

Samantha tries "swang" and the password.

Wade: nevermind.

Killian: You want me to have a try?

It opens into a standard mouse icon windowed OS desktop that was still common back then.

Killian: She's in.

Wade: Wow Sam I am impressed.

Samantha: Hacking is 9/10s social engineering.

Killian: Wang must have been a moron.

Samantha: Most lab techs are.

Killian: True.

Samantha looks for interesting files, poking around almost at random.

Killian: Can we copy this onto a PDA?

Wade: Hey I have an idea.

There a whole lot of files. A couple of emails. Samantha reads the emails first. The first one is to a Wilson, J regarding basketball in the Site 3 Gymansium. It is dated to just before the Sathar invasion time period.

 

Wade: [On COMM] Bob can you read me?

Samantha: he played basketball.

Killian, seriously, looks around for interesting equipment and containers and stuff.

The second one is to be delivered off site to Wang, L. It is a standard "Dear Mom everything is great and I love my job" letter.

Samantha: Letter home.

The third one is written to a Malcom, J. The contents of this one are a little stranger. It refers to a dig site at Site 3 and some concern about the samples being retrieved from it.

Samantha: I going to get a phobia about archaelogists.

Killian: You didn't have one already?

Wade: Another dig site with strange anomalies.... I am really starting to not like dig sites

 

Ta'Rang: Doc, Can you change shape and slip through a small hole if I can make one through the vault door?

Caspar: If you make big enought. Ten inches across.

Ta'Rang surveys the vault door, looking for the right spot.

Ta'Rang: Hmmm, Now if I place another set of charges, then finish it with the sword?

 

Samantha: It wasn't full blown paranoia. Rocks suck.

Killian: That's gravity.

Samantha glares at Killian

Killian: Heard of it, have you?

Killian picks up a sample jar and shakes it.

The file types are unrecognizable but she's sure that they were state of the art 200 + years ago.

Samantha: don't make me shoot you. It'd be a terrible tragedy.

Killian: Oh, Sam, I don't think I could make you do anything. You're a free spirit.

Samantha opens a file at random.

Wade: No but IF she misses I won't.

Killian: Wade, someday we're going to have to have a nice long chat about anger management.

Wade: What am I saying... It's been almost a few hours since we had a life threatening situation...

Killian: Jinx!

Samantha is poking through files, letting the boys argue

There is a file called "Sarcophagus Sample Notes" It describes a piece of fossilized tissue brought in for examination. Genetic techniques, even then, were sophisticated enough to create a synthetic copy of the genetic code.

Wade starts to wander around the lab poking into things with the scanner trying to find the biologicals detected earlier.

 

Ta'Rang starts setting a new set of charges

 

With some time and effort, a conversion might be possible to get the information onto Sam's PDA. In the meantime, trying to get it off of the terminal is going to be difficult as it has no media capability. No wireless bluetooth either.

Killian: You could take pictures. OCR.

Samantha: Hard Drive Removal.

Wade: Send yurself an email attachment.

Samantha pops the case off the terminal.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Hey Sam , I'm going to set off another set of charges.

Samantha: [On COMM] Roger that.

Killian: He's mining in there.

 

It looks like the terminal is attached to a server via some sort of optical cable. The terminal itself is dumb.

Samantha: Did you SEE that safe? Bloody hell.

 

BOOM.

 

Samantha: If we find the Server room we can just try and grab the hardware and work on it shipside.

Killian: Let me have a look...

Samantha: See, the Mercury was built during this time period. Chances are it has schematics to replicate a computer that can use this stuff and we can poke around at leisure.

Killian attempts to find a way to get the data, either wirelessly from a central AP, or through the optical connector, to the PDA...

 

Ta'Rang checks area and begins cutting a 10" hole for Doc.

 

Killian might be able to fabricate a splitter to re-route the data to the PDA.

Samantha: you work on the Terminal. If that fails we find the hardware source.

Samantha starts looking around the lab for stuff.

Killian takes apart a microscope and makes a beam splitter for the optical data path.

 

Ta'rang gets the hole cut. Doc can squeeze in now. Killian manages to extract the data to Sam's PDA.

Ta'Rang: Ok Doc Its your turn go have a look see at what is in the vault.

Caspar makes sure its not hot first, then squeezes through.

 

Samantha makes sure she can open the files on the PDA.

Samantha: Thanks Killian.

Killian: De nada.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] I have cut a ten inch hole in the vault and Doc is going in to look at the inside

Sam can't open the files, but the data is there. If Elvis can replicate the computer tech, she would be able to read it.

Killian: You might want to call Elvis on that now.

Samantha: [On COMM] Elvis, you still in radio range?

Wade: I don't thnk so, he did not answer me just a bit a go.

Samantha: I'll call before we leave, just in case.

 

Doc squeezes into the vault. Inside are several smaller vaults. There are also racks of different things in sealed containers.

 

Wade: I think we are too deep.

Killian: We might want to find the server room anyway.

Samantha: Good idea. Whole banks of information.

Killian: Wait a minute, Elvis answered before the first explosion, we're not any deeper now. Maybe it's the bio lab seals.

Samantha: Let's go see how Ta'Rang is doing blowing things up.

Wade: Ok lets go

Killian: Does the airlock have a decon cycle?

Luckily it does, it only takes them an extra few minutes to get through.

 

Doc can push some of the smaller sample containers through the hole.

A sealed titanium case comes through the hole at Ta'Rang.

Ta'Rang takes the boxes and things as they come out the hole. Samantha checks in on Ta'Rang and Caspar.

Samantha: Any luck?

 

Ta'Rang: Here.

Samantha: It's not open . . .

Ta'Rang hands her the Tita box

Ta'Rang: yeah thats true, anything else Doc?

Wade examines the box for labels... then scans the box with his scanner. The box has a label indicating Site 3 Art Samples.

Killian: Is there a handle in there, Doc?

Killian: Art?

Samantha: Is Doc inside the safe?

Killian: I hope so.

Wade: Art? DON'T OPEN IT!

Samantha: Drasalite's are very strange. But really nice to have around. Another box comes through.

Caspar: Thanks.

Wade: An art artifact is what started this whole mess.

Samantha: Don't open it? You think?

Killian: I thought it was a DNA sample?

The next box is listed as a Site 3 Metallurgical sample.

Killian: Is there anything in there bigger than the hole, Doc?

Caspar: Yes A lot.

Killian: Hmmm... So, is there a terminal or release handle in there?

Wade: Ok we need to get a bigger hole or open the door completely

There are five boxes that Doc can push through. Two are already out, leaving three. That's not counting the sub-vaults. The three remaining boxes are labelled; Site 3: Artifacts (2 boxes) and K Project.

Ta'Rang: Get doc out and I'll go back to cutting it open.

 

Samantha: Ok, you go back to cutting, we'll check the last lab.

Killian: Plans like a sound.

Samantha: Right then.

Samantha heads towards the propulsion lab. The others in tow.

 

Elvis: [On COMM Closed Channel To Sam] Sam....vis....eed help.

Samantha: [On COMM Closed Channel To Elvis] Repeat. . .

Static.

 

Samantha breaks in a dead run to the elevators. Killian catches up.

Wade: ok where is she going...

Wade runs after her... Samantha pushes buttons repeatedly to get things to hurry up.

Killian: Sam! What's up!?!

Samantha: I don't know. We need to get surface side now.

They crowd into the elevator as the doors open.

Killian: Everyone, Sam?

Wade: all of us?

Killian: Evacuate?

Samantha: I don't know.

Killian: Well, just in case...

Samantha: Someone make sure Ta gets that K Project Box.

Killian: [On Comm] Ta, Doc, Grab the swag and run like Hell!

Samantha: Close the damn door.

Samantha: Get that box.

 

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] What?

Killian sends Sam and Wade up and calls the other elevator for Doc and Ta. Wade readies his rifle.

Killian: [On COMM] Ta, and Doc, grab the boxes and HAUL A-!

Samantha: Get the K Project Box and get topside. I'll SitRep when I know more.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Get what?

Samantha: [On COMM] Box that has nothing to do with the damn dig.

Killian: [On COMM] I'm at the elevators waiting for you, Sam's pitching a fit, grab the K project box and run here now!

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Got it. On my way.

Ta'Rang and Caspar run back to the elevators.

 

Samantha: [On COMM Closed Channel To Elvis] Elvis.. do you copy?

Static.

Killian holds the second elevator open.

Samantha: Stupid elevator is slow

Samantha rushes out as soon as they reach the top floor.

Wade follows her lead

Samantha: [On COMM] Elvis?

Wade: [On COMM] Bob can you read us now?

No answer. Static.

 

Ta'Rang: Killian what is the rush?

Killian: Sam had another one of her epiphanies. Frankly, I don't care if she's right, I just don't want her and Wade getting lost again.

Ta'Rang: Where are they now? And whats so specail about this box?

 

Wade: Damn... if the ship is gone.... again... I will never set foot on another planet once we get starborn again.

Samantha moves as quickly as possible towards the entry point.

Samantha: FINALLY! someone else gets it!

Takes a minute for the airlock, Samantha dances nervously. Several minutes later, they climb onto the cargo deck. Wade activates his orbital communicator....

Wade: [On COMM] Bob you there?

No answer, static.

Wade: damn.... another one bites the dust. The mecury is not in orbital range

 

Ta'Rang: What is going on?

Killian: Nothing good.

Caspar: I don't feel the girl any more.

Killian: Everybody say "uh oh."

 

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season 02 - Episode 054 (Season Episode 35 of 35)

Wade is following close behind Sam... looking like he wants to kill something. They are in the gardens, all transmissions to Elvis are met with static. Killian is escorting the monkey and the Doc to the surface on the next elevator.

Ta'Rang: Killian you know whats so special about this box

Killian: Not even a little, Ta.

Ta'Rang: Ah another one of Sam's little mysteries.

Caspar: I wonder if that tattoo, had something to do with how easy she over came my drugs.

Killian: Her track record isn't half bad, Ta. . . Wait, doc, what tattoo?

Ta'Rang: What tatto Doc and who are you talking about?

Caspar: CAC and a serial number behind her ear.

Ta'Rang looks at Doc

Killian: CAC? Ring any bells?

Ta'Rang: Czarina?

Caspar: Yes.

Ta'Rang: When did you discover this?

Killian: [On COMM] Hey, anybody got a clue on the CAC serial number tattoo behind Czarina's ear?

Caspar: When I checked her out at the ship.

Ta'Rang: Doc do you remeber the serial number?

 

Through the skylights they see the dust of the planet being blown. Samantha is starting up in disbelief.

Samantha: Wade?

Wade: I am gonna kill that witch when I get my hands on her

Samantha: Wade, do me a favor. Lie to me and tell me I'm not stuck on a rock.

Wade: Sam... they took another one.

Samantha: [On COMM] You've GOT to be kidding me. CAC is on half the damn screens in this place.

Wade: Dang it all... I think we are both stuck... and if I get off this one I'm not leaving the ship again.

Samantha: *grabs Wades suit and looks him in the eye** Lie. To. Me.

Wade: Gulp... uhm OK... We are ok and this is just a dream... when you wake up we will be on our honeymoon in orbit over some star.

Samantha: That works *releases Wade*

Samantha goes to find the nearest terminal.

 

Ashcroft decides that some firepower is going to be necessary and heads to the weapon store.

Killian: [On COMM] So we're thinking, what, either Czarina wasn't part of the visiting crew, or she's following bad memories like Sam and Wade?

Wade: So could this Czarina twit be another super soldier clone thingy?

Samantha: [On COMM] One or the other. Only I don't have a serial number tattooed on me that last I looked.

Ta'Rang: Maybe, you can see behind your ear.

Samantha: Well, from what I understand, Our program wasn't located on this base. However, a different one may have been.

Wade: Me neither... but if you need an in depth inspection we could look each other over... when we wake up that is.

Samantha: Keep lying to me.

Wade: We are actually on a long range space patrol in our scout craft and we are just having a bad dream

Samantha attempts to log into it using the doctors login from the bio lab. She gets to his "desktop." She attempts to find the Search Function and does a looksee for "Czarina."

Samantha: Done with the honeymoon that fast?

Wade: Well I didn't want to get too risque with this crowd around... They have dirty minds.

Killian: Thanks.

 

There is no reference to Czarina in the database that Samantha can find. Killian looks around the garden, to see if anything's changed or catches his eye. The garden looks the same.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Ashcroft to Killian, I need your assistance. Can you hear me? Over.

Samantha: Doc, you remember the serial number?

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Can anyone hear me? Over.

Killian: [On COMM] Your signal is received, Ashcroft, report!

Caspar: Actually it was Syncorp not CAC now that I think about it... and I can't recall the exact number but there was a bar code.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] I'm stuck in the room with the sleeping tubes. The door won't open indicating a hull breach. I need an over ride code.

Killian: Does anyone have any idea what Elvis' override codes are?

Ta'Rang: Sam should.

 

Samantha: [On COMM] Get me contact with Elvis. I have the overrides.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Ash Shoot Czarina, she is the problem.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Elvis, Bob, whatever its name is isn't responding.

Killian: [On COMM] The bad news is you've been hijacked. We're working on the good news.

Samantha: [On COMM] That's an issue then. Well, you got a speakerphone on that headset of yours?

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Speakerphone? Who am I going to conference with?

Samantha: [On COMM] Wade and I are the over ride codes. With any kind of luck you just need my voice.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Hold on...

Killian: [On COMM] The EVA suit should have a PA mode for its COMM system.

 

Samantha starts to randomly open files again, scanning them for anything interesting that might be relative to their current plight

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Ok, I have some more news to report. The right side of the ship shows a hull breach, the Zero Point Energy Siphon and Main Computer are both offline. Please advise.

Killian: [On COMM] Ashcroft, is the terminal in that room active or shut down? Can you access the manual controls?

Killian: ZP offline is actually good news, it may not be running away as fast as we thought.

Wade: [On COMM] Is the breach from inside or outside?

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Sorry, I meant the left side of the ship. It is through the port side crew quarters wall.

Killian tries to talk Ashcroft through opening the door...

Wade: Kilian, he is running on auxilliary power only if we don't get the main zp back online or get him landed damn soon he will fall out of the sky.

Killian: If we don't get him though that door he'll never even see it coming...

 

Samantha throws random words into the search "Psychic" "Manifestation" "Stupid rocks" "Synthcorp" . . . Stupid rocks turns up 1 entry. A log entry regarding some of the samples being brought in from Site 3. Apparently a load of them dropped on his feet and put him on med leave for a week. Synthcorp turns up no entries.

 

Wade: hmmm... I need to go outside for a short minute.

Ta'Rang: I'll go with you.

Sam has stopped paying attention to those around her.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] I'm fighting with it. Hang on

 

Manifestation turns up one entry. A copy of a memo regarding the manifestation of aberrant psychological behavior due to cramped quarters and methods of dealing with the stress. She reads it completely before moving on. Psychic turns up no entries.

 

Wade goes outside and sets up an orbital COMM dish from his pack

Ta'Rang: What are you doing Wade?

Wade: trying to get us some help Ta..

Ta'Rang: And how is that goimg to help?

Killian: [On COMM] Hang in there, Ash, we'll get you out.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Ok, I got the door open. I'm proceeding to the cockpit.

Wade: Damn Ta... we need a line of site...

Ta'Rang: To what?

Killian: [On COMM] Watch out for bad guys, Ash, and Czarina's a threat.

 

It Looks like the doors to the other quarters were blown off too.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Good news, I'm on the ground. No idea which planet yet.

 

Wade suddenly whips up his rifle...

Wade: Ta... look there.

Ta'Rang loks around wildly.

 

Killian: [On COMM] It hasn't been long, you're probably not far away. Does the view outside look like lots and lots of ugly dirt?

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Let me check. Yup. Lot's of dirt.

 

Wade gestures with the rifle to the shiny object and starts walking towards it

Ta'Rang: I'm with ya Wade.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] This could mean the Czarina is heading back to you guys.

 

Samantha checks the date on the computer. Then rumages around looking for any photographs or other pictures.

 

Wade investigates the shiny object, Ta'Rang starts walking next to him. It becomes pretty obvious that they see the hull of the Mercery reflecting some of the light. It is hard to see through the dirt.

Killian: [On COMM] You're probably right next door.

Ta'Rang: Damn Wade is that the ship?

Wade: That it is brother. [On COMM] Ash, I see the ship... I am headed your way

Ta'Rang: This is good, but not good.

Killian: [On COMM] Well, that's a kind of relief. At least we have atmo and food here for the short term.

Wade: [On COMM] Killian I have a visual on the ship. It is crashed on the planet surface a short distance from the gardens.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] I'm going to check the ship to make sure it is clear.

 

Killian: [On COMM] We need to do a damage assessment and probably set up shop here until we can fix it, as unnerving as that might sound. I'm going to hang here with Doc and Sam until we get this sorted out. Splitting up on this planet has a bad track record.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] We'll check the ship out for ya.

Wade: [On COMM] Ta and I are enroute to the ship right now..

Wade keeps a sharp eye out for anything/one attempting ambush in the dust storm.

Ta'Rang: Well I wonder where Czarina is now?

The first thing Wade and Ta'Rang notice is a very large hole in the port side of the ship. You could walk upright through it without getting caught on the sharp edges. Ta'Rang scans area while talking to Wade. Neither of them see anything moving besides lots of dust.

 

Killian works on checking the atmosphere capabilities of the greenhouse, water supply if any, etc. Caspar helps Killian take inventory.

Killian: Sam, see if you can find out using the terminal if the facility had any UAVs.

 

Wade: Whatever did that came from inside

Ta'Rang: [on COMM] The explosoin came from inside the ship.

Wade: [On COMM] Ash, Ta and I are coming in through the hole.

Wade enters. Ta'Rang follows Wade in.

Wade: We need to get to engineering and assess the damage other than the hull.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Check. I won't fire unless you look hostile.

 

There are lots of pictures. Many of them are of walls and reliefs. Some are of statues and other objects of art. There is a whole folder of what looks to be a sarcophagus taken from different angles. Samantha looks through the pictures quickly to see if any look similar to the statue from the dig she was part of. Nothing similar she can find.

 

Wade heads towards engineering.

Wade: [On COMM] Ash is Czarina still in sickbay?

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Negative.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Ash have you searched the ship

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Affirmative.

Wade: [On COMM] Killain, Sam... Czarina somehow awakened and did this to the ship.

Killian: [On COMM] I was thinking that, Wade, I'm trying to figure out how to find her with minimum risk if she isn't on the ship.

 

Samantha moves onto looking for pictures of people serving in the station, or people being used as subjects in tests, whichever she finds first. Almost no test subjects photos. There are many other pictures.

 

Wade: [On COMM] Ash says he has cleared the ship and she is not onboard. The ship is near the gardens... you guys be careful.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] You find her and I'll harm her.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Check Wade. Should I shoot her on sight?

Wade shuts down all power to everything.... and goes to work trying figure out how to fix the ZP and bring it back online.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] I would if I see her first.

Killian: [On COMM] Use your judgement, Ash it's your a- on the line. She's a threat but it may not be her fault. In other words, sucks to be her.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Wade you need some assistance?

Wade: I am not sure yet Ta... But you and Ash may want to hunt down Czarina and neutralize the threat.

LCpl Ashcroft: [On COMM] Copy that. Consider her confirmed target.

Wade is not completely sure of the physics behind the ZPES, but he thinks it's going to need a huge energy "jump."

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Roger That, Ash lets go hunting.

Killian: [On COMM] Wade, I'm not happy about one person being alone on that ship.

 

Samantha looks for the last project the doctor was working on. The last project was a virus constructed from the genetic material of some remains. Samantha starts reading through all his notes.

 

Ta'Rang and Ashcroft head for the hole in the hull.

Ta'Rang: You want the right or the left side?

 

Wade: [On COMM] Killian, we need to somehow rig a power shunt from the installation to the ship. If we can then I can start the ships damage control routines, but otherwise we are dead in the water. We need some really big jumper cables

Killian: [On COMM] Wade, we kind of wrecked a lot of the power plant. I'll see if I can locate some generators.

Wade goes down to the cargo hold.

Killian: Sam, can you check cargo manifests, storage logs, and so on to see if there are any big generators stored here? And UAVs?

Ta'Rang wonders now where would she go to. . .

Wade: [On COMM] Killian we have the two grav bikes to drag cables or make runs if we need too

Killian: [On COMM] Good news, Wade, I'll keep you apprised.

Wade: [On COMM] meanwhile I will fix anything here I can...

 

Ta'Rang: Ash, I found her in the service ducting under the generators in the main building. She may head back that way.

LCpl Ashcroft: Perhaps we should start looking for tracks near the breach.

Ashcroft looks at the ground around the breach.

 

Killian: Doc, keep an eye on Sam. I'll be right next door in the storeroom, back in fifteen.

Killian heads through the airlock to the storeroom to search for stuff.

 

Wade sets about fixing anything that can be worked on without main power. The main damage is to the hull and door. There is a little bit of electrical work that can be done.

 

Caspar: killan do you need some help?

Killian: Stay with Sam for now, Doc, she's in one of those moods.

Caspar: Did we get out all boxes out? OK, I can stay with Sam.

Killian searches the storeroom for generation equipment, mobile terminals, information about layout and elevators, or gigantic power cables. The storeroom adjacent to the garden is strictly foodstuffs kept in cryo.

 

Ta'Rang: Well Ash it looks like Tracking is going to be hard in a wind storm

LCpl Ashcroft: Looks that way. I thought I saw something over here, but I guess not.

Ta'Rang: Lets check it out anyway.

Ashcroft points at the ground. Are those footprints?

Ta'Rang: Can't tell for sure

LCpl Ashcroft: Nor can I. Looks like will just have to go with a best guess.

They both find an area where the sand has been melted.

Ta'Rang: Well looks like we 're headed in the right direction. So what could melt sand?

LCpl Ashcroft: My guess would be a lot of heat.

Ta'Rang: Or a ship launching.

The areas are relatively large. A couple of spots about four meters in diameter, roughly.

LCpl Ashcroft: Probably ship engines would be my guess.

Ta'Rang: Ya know the worst it could be another creature of some sort she has summoned.

LCpl Ashcroft: Did we ever determine if those things were real?

Ta'Rang: How big where the engines on the gunship?

LCpl Ashcroft: About that big I would say.

 

Killian is looking for power generation and transmission equipment, or generators. Oh, and sentry guns. Killian gets his layout data on PDA and heads back to the garden. Killian plans a search of the facility based on where relevant supplies might be.

Killian: Sam, Doc, how do you want to handle the search? I don't want to leave anyone if I can help it, and we're a little short-staffed.

Caspar: I don't know. I can't mind scan at all.

 

LCpl Ashcroft: Do you think she took off in the ship?

Ta'Rang: Yeah I do. [On COMM] Sam or Killian, do either of you know the size of the engine on the gunship and how big of an area they would make on launching?

 

Killian checks to see if the facility's sensors could, or did, detect a ship taking off.

 

LCpl Ashcroft: Well the good news is we don't have to fight anymore of those things. The bad news is she could be attacking anywhere in the galaxy by now.

 

The crew finds site three isn't far from Site 2. Site 3 consists of more labs and storage. There was also a curious looking pit that was filled with what looked like cooled lava rock. Between the two locations they get enough equipment to jump start the Mercury's Zerp Point Energy Plant, it does take almost a week to get just that far. Samantha becomes increasingly depressed over the week on the planet, despite Doc's attempts to help her.

 

They determine if they close off the port side of the ship they can effect repairs in low orbit. Though the systems are taxed trying to repair the damage, effectively taking the food replicator offline. Luckily a lot of the food in cryo can be salvaged. They load up on a good amount of supplies from the stores as well.

 

Czarina does not appear to be anywhere nearby. Indeed, as long as it takes to get the Mercury back going, she doesn't show up. And no more monsters attack. Even the small rodents in the garden seem to accept your presence after a day or two.

 

Samantha holds onto the one box she asked Ta to get, the rest she seems less interested in. At the first opportunity she asks Elvis if it was what he was looking for, he tells her yes.

 

It takes several more weeks in orbit for the ship to close the rend in the hull and return the ship to normal operating procedures.

 

Season Two End

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season Two Cast In Order Of Appearance:

Wade McCode ............................. Starwolf

Samantha Arken .......................... ghost-angel

Ta'Rang ................................. Solron915

Caspar .................................. Starwolf's Wife

Shr'kaak ................................ Prestidigitator

Janitor (Supernova Casino Arena) ........ Minor NPC

"Fast" Eddie ............................ Major NPC

Derelict Ship Claimant .................. Minor NPC

Raptor (Terran Empire Navy Ship) ........ Minor NPC

Sgt. Khilarcus (TE Navy) ................ Minor NPC

Darg (Prenglar Commerce Port Master) .... Minor NPC

Emergency Dispatch (Prenglar Commerce) .. Minor NPC

Bartender (Prenglar Commerce Bar) ....... Minor NPC

TE Tech Spec (TE Navy) .................. Minor NPC

Taffy ................................... Major NPC

Phillip, TES/Intel (TE Navy) ............ Major NPC

Hank .................................... Major NPC

Station Announcement (Morgaine's R&R) ... Minor NPC

Security Guard One (Morgaine's R&R) ..... Minor NPC

Station Security (Morgain's R&R) ........ Minor NPC

Security Guard Two (Morgaine's R&R) ..... Minor NPC

Dock Hand (Prenglar Station) ............ Minor NPC

Garvin Trask ............................ Major NPC

Traffic Controller (Various Locations) .. Minor NPC

Deck Officer (Lt. Voss, Icarus) ......... Minor NPC

Killian Carver .......................... Merovign

Roza .................................... Major NPC

LCpl Frank Ashcroft (Patient) ........... RPMiller ('Patient' by GM)

Marine/Lt. Rodriguez (Joe Rodriguez) .... Minor NPC

"Colonel McCode" (Wade) ................. Starwolf

Voice From The Brush/Grimm .............. Minor NPC

Capt Smalls (TE Marines) ................ Minor NPC

Computer (Hangar Console/Mercury) ....... Minor NPC

Elvis (A.I./BOB) ........................ Major NPC

Peregrine Control (Outpost 1) ........... Minor NPC

Technician (Cuthbert Station) ........... Minor NPC

Control (Cuthbert Station, Outpost 1) ... Minor NPC

Czarina ................................. Major NPC

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

I am quickly approaching the end of the backlogged game sessions of the campaign. By the end of next week the game sessions will be posted only on Friday - as I'll have caught up to the campaign.

 

There was a three week break between the end of Season 2 and the start of Season 3 where the GM needed to get some Fantasy out of his system. Naturally the players were excited. Unlike the Pulp break from Season 1 to Season 2 this 3-session break does not tie in, it was simply a needed change of pace.

 

A quick note- two Episodes (67 and 70) actually encompass 2 game sessions each. The first part of 67 was interrupted by Real Life, and so the hour we played was folded into the next game sessions Episode. And 70 took two game sessions that combined played the length of one due to massive technical failures in the first half on the GMs part (killing his mood and train of thought) and less massive technical failures on everyone's part forcing us to revert back to OpenRPG - MapTools is nice but it caused twice as many issues in half as many game sessions as ORPG does (and that's saying something since I personally think the monkeys that decided Python needed to be used for ORPG should be killed. slowly).

 

We begin. . .

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

[Note: Each character was given a dream sequence at the start of the Season - I only have my characters. If the GM still has them all I'd like to post each one. Otherwise, you get Samantha's only]

Season 03 - Episode 055 (Season Episode 01)

Sam barrel rolls to avoid hitting an antenna array on the big ship. She neither hears nor feels the explosion of the Sathar fighter that wasn't so skilled. The bright reflection of the explosion on her cockpit and the disappearance of the sensor blip are the only indications that she has lost her pursuer.

Never enough time to ponder in battle, Sam is forced to "dive" away from the big Sathar carrier as two more Sathar fighters appear from behind one of the massive turrets. She is in her zone though and the fighters clumsy laser blasts miss her completely. Another barrel roll and directional burn later send her hurtling down the dorsal side of the hull. Perfect. She drops two missiles into the bridge of the massive carrier and marvels at the column of flames spurting out through the viewports.

With hardly any time to enjoy the spectacle, she switches to the massive torpedo and dives for the reactor at the rear of the ship. Two more blips appear on screen. They score hits across the ventral side of her little fighter. A warning light starts flashing accompanied by the urgent cries of an alarm. The coolant tanks have been hit.

Cursing, Sam evades the incoming fighters. She knows she can't keep this up for long and the Sathar carrier is the one thing that is keeping the evacuation ships too close to the planet to Void jump. Cursing again, she swings the fighter back on course and goes full burn.

Knowing that if she fires too soon, the fighters will be able to take the torpedo out, Sam overrides the safeties on the torpedo. There is a moment of clarity and then she fires. Sam watches the torpedo slam through the hull of the carrier with a certain amount of detachment. Even as the fighter is shot to pieces around her, leaving her floating in space, the scene before her draws all of her attention.

Eruptions along the hull of the carrier start to tear it apart from the inside. Suddenly, a brilliant white light expodes outward from where Sam's torpedo entered. The white light engulfs Sam....

 

 

The white light fades away somewhat.

 

They are lying on some sort of medical bunk staring up at the lights. They hear voices and movement around you. Samantha attempts to scream, nothing more than a choked off warble comes out, she attempts to look around.

 

They are all restrained, though it looks less like confinement and more like precautionary restraint. Both Wade and Ta'Rang try to say something, but it comes out as grunts. Killian examines his restraints as best he can, while Wade struggles against his own restraints. Killian also listens to see if he can catch any information from people talking around him.

 

A mechanical voice say "They are all awake now Doctor." Ta'Rang struggles with the restraints as well, Samantha just looks around, utterly terrified. A moment later, a Vrusk enters the room and proceeds towards each of you in turn.

 

Vrusk: It is okay. Please be calm. Please stop struggling. You might hurt yourself again.

Killian: It would be easier to be calm were we not prisoners.

 

Ta'Rang pulls at the restraints with all his strength.

Vrusk: *To Killian** But you are not prisoners. You are in a medical facility. The restraints are to prevent you from hurting yourself.

Samantha: Where are we? *comes out a scared little squeek**

Wade: YOU SONS OF BUCKS KILLED SAM I AM GOING TO CHOKE THE LIVING S%#T OUT OF YOU!

Samantha squeeks.

Vrusk: Your speech centers were affected by your treatment. Overtime, you will regain the ability to talk normally.

 

Vrusk: Nobody has killed anyone. Now please calm down before I have to sedate you.

Ta'Rang: UNTIE ME!

Vrusk: Not until you calm down.

 

Samantha looks around trying to get a better idea of what's going on and squeeks again.

The Vrusk moves over to Ta'Rang.

Vrusk: Are you going to be calm? Just nod your head.

Wade: gurghhhh!

Ta'Rang looks at the Vrusk and nods once.

Vrusk: Very well.

Vrusk Unfastens Ta'Rang's restraints. He lays stiffly on the bed.

Vrusk: See? No prisoners here. We are here to help you.

Samantha just lies back and closes her eyes.

The Vrusk scuttles over to Killian and unfastens the restraints.

Vrusk: Now now. Your speech will return to normal in about eight to ten hours. Don't fuss.

 

Ta'Rang tries to get offthe bed. The Vrusk goes to each person and unfastens their restraints.

Vrusk: Now be careful. You have been comatose for four months and your muscles have atrophied.

Ta'Rang thinks about attacking the bug, Wade tries to get off the bed. Samantha just curls into a fetal position.

Wade: uhnmmnjfas

 

Killian tests his ability to move and coordinate. Doc tries move as well.

Killian: We would all be more calm if we knew what had happened - and what has been done to us.

Ta'Rang: What four months, asleep?

Vrusk: Yes. As to what happened, as I understand it, you were found adrift in a derelict spacecraft. There was no life support at all and all of you were technically dead.

Wade: asdhgfjs

Samantha: Where's Elvis?

Ta'Rang looks for his goggles while sheilding his eyes.

Vrusk: Luckily, though there was some cellular necrosis, we were able to revive your life functions and regenerate the damaged tissue. The doctor in charge will be here soon. I do not remember a patient with that name.

The Vrusk gets the goggles out of a nearby locker and hands them to Ta'Rang, he puts them on with some relief.

Samantha: Computer...

Vrusk: What about a computer?

Samantha just looks frustrated and shakes her head.

 

Killian continues to look for a writing surface or marker. There is no writing implement within visual range.

Wade: Where is our "derelect ship"?

Vrusk: I believe I heard the patrol officer say that it is going to be examined, which means it is planetside in a storage facility.

Killian: Where are we?

Wade hobbles/limps/crawls to Sam's side.

Ta'Rang: grrrrrr

 

Wade tries to hold back tears. Samantha is essentially inert and in the foetal position on the bed, he notices she is crying quietly. Killian begins pacing to get the blood flowing and limber up.

Vrusk: Now I need to take a look at your responsiveness. May I start with you? *points to Ta'rang**

Ta'Rang looks for his energysword, none of their equipment is here.

Ta'Rang: yes

 

Wade stands and wobbles towards the Vrusk.... there is murder in his eyes. Killian turns to intercept Wade in slow-motion.

 

The Vrusk performs a series of test like the "follow the light" trick and has you hold out your hands. He moves to each of them in turn.

Ta'Rang: grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Wade: When can we leave...doctor

Wade clenches his fists in frustration.

Vrusk: I'm not the doctor, though I imagine when the doctor believes you have sufficiently recovered for outpatient care.

Ta'Rang: Where are we now?

Vrusk: You are aboard the Mercy, a small hospital station in orbit around the planet of Arcturus.

Killian: Under whose authority is this system?

 

Wade hobbles back to Sam's bunk and sits on the floor next to her, then starts massaging his muscles to restore circulation.

Wade: Gurgghh!!!

Vrusk: This system is under the authority of the Terran Empire.

 

Caspar, who hasn't moved, concentrates on those in the room. One by one they are each touched by Doc's mind and connected to it mentally.

Ta'Rang prowls around the room, just a couple of prowls is pretty tiring.

 

Wade gestures at the Vrusk

Vrusk: Yes?

Wade: Hungry...

Killian: [Mentally] I don't trust this situation, but physically we don't seem to have a lot of options.

Vrusk: Yes you would be. I have the galley sending up something. One more thing. . .

Ta'Rang: [Mentally] I do not trust them either.

Ta'Rang looks at bug

Wade: [Mentally] I suspect the Mercury's life support failed while we were waiting on her to repair herself and the rescue team found us in time.... Lucky we work for the TE exploration service.

Vrusk: Despite your condition, you might find your aggressive tendencies a little higher than usual.

 

The Vrusk leaves and closes the door. Wade hangs his head. Ta'Rang tries to move but is to tired and sits on the floor.

Wade: *Metnally** I saw Sam die. and I couldn't get to her in time. Then the whiteness

Samantha: [Mentally] How did I die?

Killian: [Mentally] Does anyone have any memories of the actual events, clear memories?

Ta'Rang: [Mentally] I saw no one die.

Wade: [Mentally] You were being chased by something... I could not see what.

Samantha: [Mentally] No, I was .... in combat, I took out the carrier but was shot down as I did it.

Ta'Rang: [Mentally] I was with Czarina and the entity.

Killian: [Mentally] We all seem to have different memories.

Caspar: [Mentally] I only dreamed of being worked on by doctors with some aerosol that was dangerous then the whiteness.... I think the whitness was our coma and they produced it somehow.

Samantha: [Mentally] Memories, Dreams. same thing lately.

 

The food arrives and is slid through a tray hole.

Ta'Rang: [Mentally] Do you think we are being watched?

Killian: [Mentally] I guarantee we're being watched.

Ta'Rang: [Mentally] this makes me very angry.

Killian: [Mentally] Shocka!

Samantha: [Mentally] Stop being hostile. It doesn't help.

 

The Mind Link collapses, but not before they get one last sensation from Doc. Hunger. It rushes towards the food.

 

And then the rest of them smell the food.

 

Samantha sits up on the bed. Killian and Ta'Rang also rush to the food and between the three of them, start shoveling it as fast as they can. Wade stands back and lets the others eat, wondering what would make them so ravenous.

Wade: Wow... whats gotten into them?

Samantha: Being dead.

Samantha looks at the food, but wants no part of the carnage.

 

The three eating suddenly realize that there are others taking THEIR food. Ta'Rang backs away from the food and looks at them. Doc starts walking back a way from the food. Killian backs away from the food as well. Samantha watches the room uneasily

 

Ta'Rang: grrrrrr

Wade: Look Cameras....

Wade points at the camera. Samantha slides off the bed and back against a wall. Ta'Rang looks at Wade, Killian tries to recognize any unusual smells or tastes in the food. Ta'Rang clenches his fists, unable to get his voice to respond.

Killian: We have to keep it together - we don't know if we're freaking out because of injuries or if this is some kind of sick experiment.

 

Wade carefully picks up a tray of food and smears the food on the camera lens. Ta'Rang points at Wade and then points around looking. Samantha looks annoyed. Killian moves next to the door as soon as the camera is covered. The door opens and a largeish Yazarian walks in.

Gul'Shan: Not an experiment.

Wade: Don't eat the food.... drugs affecting our minds making us mean.

Gul'Shan: I'm Dr. Gul'Shan.

Ta'Rang: grrrrrr *pounds fist on wall**

Samantha growls.

Gul'Shan: Don't try to talk too much. Sit back and let me explain some things. After you hear me out, if you want to leave, I'll sign the order right now.

Ta'Rang: Why are you doing this to us?

Wade moves to the door and listens.

Gul'Shan: Believe it or not, trying to save you. Will you listen. It will be easier to nod your heads.

 

Wade, Samantha and Doc all nod. Ta'Rang stares then nods, Killian just stares at Dr. Gul'Shan.

Gul'Shan: Excellent. Then first let me start by apologizing about the dinner incident. I left explicit instructions that you were to be fed in separated conditions. To avoid this kind of incident.

Killian: Good help is hard to find.

Wade fails to speak, a choked sound comes out.

Gul'Shan: I will make sure that, until you get a little better control of the impulses, there is no territorial fighting going on. I told you speech will be difficult at first.

Wade points at the food smeared camera and shakes his head no.

Gul'Shan: You were recovered in deep space from a powered down derelict. Luckily for you, somebody amongst you had the bright idea to encase all of you in a Freeze Field. That kept you alive for a very long time, but the power supply on the unit eventually failed.

 

Gul'Shan: When you were found, you were clinically dead and I would have left it at an autopsy save for the intervention of TES administration. My orders said you had valuable information and needed to be restored. That wasn't an easy task.

Wade: How long in stasis... Doc, whats the date?

Gul'Shan: In the end we elected to use an experimental treatment. It has played havoc with certain neurological functions, but seems to have worked. You are alive.

Ta'Rang closes his eyes and listens to the voice.

Gul'Shan: From what I read on the recovery report, the last entry was made in early September. It is now December 7th, 2374

Killian: What other neurological functions than speech?

 

That's about four months from the last date any of them remember.

Gul'Shan: The treatment has caused certain instinctual behaviors to become hyperactive. The treatment is no longer necessary, so both the lack of speech control and the animalistic behavior will subside. I think. Now for some good news.

Ta'Rang: grrrrrr

Wade listens to the Doc.

Gul'Shan: I just got a communique from TES. It says to tell you "Taffy is on the way."

Ta'Rang opens his eyes.

Killian and Wade both fail to get words out at that statement.

Wade puts down the tray.

Ta'Rang: What else do you have to tell us that will make us stay here with you?

Wade: Can I have my hand computer, or a PDA?

Gul'Shan: Only that your treatment was experimental. We have a good idea of the side effects, but you are sort of the first candidates to actually undergo treatment. Yes. I believe we have some of your personal effects in storage. None of your weapons though. They have been confiscated by the brass.

Ta'Rang: GRRRRRR

 

Ta'Rang: Need to excerise muscles.

Gul'Shan: You are of course allowed to move about the station. This is a military installation however, and the areas marked restricted are very much so.

 

Gul'Shan: Now, you should rest for a few hours. We should be able to speak more clearly by then. I'll be happy to answer your questions then.

 

Wade moves back to his bunk and tries to sleep.

Gul'Shan turns and walks out the door.

Gul'Shan: Get them some decent clothes. (to one of the orderlies. )

Ta'Rang crosses his legs and leans back against the wall

 

The door is not closing.

Killian: Two things - tell your brass not to lose any parts, and did you recover my EVA suit?

Samantha moves over to the remains of the food and picks up a tray. She feels the possessive instinct to protect her kill, but knowing it is there, she can resist it.

 

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season 03 - Episode 056 (Season Episode 02)

After another meal, segragated this time, they feel better. They are given clothes, which amounts to a basic jumpsuit. As long as they remain calm speach comes fairly easy. They are on the top floor of a relatively small station. It obviously uses grav plating, as it is too small to have rotating decks.

 

Above is a large open window that looks down on a decidedly uninteresting gray planet.

Ta'Rang: *looks to Wade** Where is Ashcroft?

Samantha gors to find the Doctor. Wade follows Sam.

They are in a small hospital wing, the vrusk nurse is outside at a desk. The doctor has departed the area.

 

Ta'rang looks for an exercise room, a guide on the wall indicates that the excercise room is at the bottom of the station near engineering. Ta'Rang heads for lower levels and the exercise room, the center shaft of the station seems to be 0 G. No elevators here. Ta'Rang slowly begins to workout using a Yazirian Martial Art.

Samantha: Who is in charge?

Vrusk: In charge? Depends. Doctor Gul'shan is in charge of your medical care. Is that what you want to know?

Samantha: That will work. Where is he?

Vrusk: I believe he is in his quarters at the moment. Is there something you need help with?

Samantha: I want my ship back, if you can help with that then fine. And where is LanceCorporal Ashcroft, the Terran Marine that was with us.

 

Vrusk: Your ship has been impounded, pending an investigation of the events which led to your admission here. Lance Corporal Ashcroft's remains have been transported to his family.

Samantha looks saddened.

Samantha: OK, how long before someone official comes to talk to us then?

Vrusk: Somebody "official?" I am not sure I understand.

Samantha: When do we get out of here? Preferably with my ship.

Killian: The Doctor mentioned that an Empire operative named Taffy was on his way - do you know when he will arrive?

Vrusk: I cannot speak for whomever is in charge of your ship, but I believe Doctor Gul'Shan said you could leave at any time.

Samantha: How, exactly, can we just leave? Walk?

Vrusk: Let me check. *to Killian**

The Vrusk starts checking her console.

Vrusk: As to how, I do not believe the doctor specified any particular method. Possibly with the next supply ship?

Samantha: *narrows her eyes* Stupid government.

Vrusk: Ah yes. Taffy's itinerary indicates a travel time of 5 standard days.

Killian: There doesn't seem to be a lot of traffic here for a medical base.

Samantha wanders into the Zero-G shaft and floats around a bit, finding a port hole.

Samantha: I hate medical research facilities.

Vrusk: This is not strictly a medical base. It is a medical research facility.

Killian: I'm interested in your medical research facility. Tell me more.

Samantha floats down to join Ta'Rang in the gym. Doc follows her down as well.

Wade: So nurse type Vrusk person other than these jump suits, where are our personal effects?

Vrusk: I'm afraid that I cannot. Many of the projects here are classified. Your personal property did not consist of much. What there is of it, is stored. It will be returned to you upon your release back to duty. Or as the doctor specifies.

 

Killian wanders off to find a cafeteria or similar, hoping to find news broadcasts or more talky employees. There is a mess hall down one deck. There is a TV in the cafeteria, as well as four pilot looking folks sitting at a table together, joking around.

 

Wade looks frustrated then turns and heads to the gym for a workout to start reconditioning his muscles. Ta'Rang practices crescent kick slower then he likes.

 

Killian eavesdrops on the pilots while watching the news, listening for anything that sounds related to our plight.

 

The gym looks over the planet as well. Those down there can see planet a little better. It looks like it has sparse vegetation and lots of cold. Samantha doesn't work out very long before heading up to the mess hall. Though they seem to be regaining their strength, they seem constantly hungry. Not a little bit either.

 

Killian orders something protein-laden in the mess hall. Samantha gets about twice as much food as her size might indicate due to her hunger. Caspar also joins them in the mess hall. Followed closely by Ta'Rang and Wade. Gul'Shan wanders into the mess.

Gul'Shan: Ah! There you are. How are you feeling?

Killian: Hungry.

Ta'Rang: Hungry

Caspar: Me too

Samantha: Annoyed.

Gul'Shan: That will pass over time. Well hopefully.

Wade raises an eyebrow at the word hopefully.

Killian: Have you done any metabolic tests, to see if we're running "hot" or just recovering?

Ta'Rang: want meat, do your have Yazirian blood worms?

Gul'Shan: A little of both. *to Ta** Sadly no.

Ta'Rang: I have a yearning for some. Do they have anything close to that Gul'Shan?

Samantha: Why is my ship impounded?

Killian: So, Doc, is there any other news you'd like to share with us about our condition?

Ta'Rang listens but keeps eating.

Gul'Shan: *to everybody** The treatment we settled on tends to make you "run hot" while you are recovering. As you get better, things should slow down a bit. You might experience a bit of hyperactivity for some time, but the idea is that you'll eventually return to your normal metabolic rates. *to Ta** You and I are the only Yazarians within twenty light years in any direction. Humans and the others haven't learned to appreciate them yet.

Ta'Rang: Too Bad.

Gul'Shan: *to Killian** Your condition is considerably better than dead I think. Right now, your bodies are recovering from pretty bad trauma.

Ta'Rang: Wade, he is learning but slowly, Ha Ha.

Killian: So, Doctor Gul'Shan, any further communications from upstairs, or are we just idle until Taffy arrives?

Gul'Shan: Taffy is "upstairs" if you will. He told me to patch you up and I think I did a pretty fine job at that.

Samantha: I don't know where I am, I have no ship and I'm stuck in a medical facility. Being dead sucks.

Gul'Shan: I'm sure Taffy will help you get your ship back. Wouldn't he?

Samantha: I hope so. This junker come with anything I can fly in the meantime? Short range shuttle?

Ta'Rang: Are we close to Yast, I'd like to visit my clan.

Killian: I hope you can understand that we're all feeling a bit pensive, possibly even a little trapped, waiting here.

Gul'Shan: I can completely understand. You have been through a lot and it takes some time to adjust. Maybe one of the pilots will take you out on patrol with them Samantha. In the meantime, I need blood samples. After you finish your meal, would you report back to sick bay?

Samantha: Ah, nothing I enjoy more than being poked and experimented on.

Ta'Rang: Can we come back to mess hall anytime we want?

Gul'Shan: Yes.

Killian: We're all going to look like tomatoes when we're done here.

Ta'Rang: Good, I'm hungry.

Ta'Rang: What's a tomato?

Killian: Round.

Ta'Rang: Doc is round, and not a Tomato.

Gul'Shan: Well I'll see you in a few minutes.

Samantha: small red fruit.

Gul'Shan gets up to leave.

Killian: Doctor, you mentioned another station before, didn't you? Where our other posessions were?

Gul'Shan: On the planet.

Killian: Ah, I misunderstood.

Ta'Rang: Ahh why did you not say so, fruit is sometimes good but I prefer meat.

Samantha: We know.

Ta'Rang grins.

Wade: Bananas mmmmm.

Ta'Rang toss a fruit at Wade.

 

One by one the crew gets up and returns to the medical wing to donate blood.

Vrusk: Excellent. Doctor Gul'shan said you would be here shortly. Shall we proceed.

Samantha: Sure.

The Vrusk takes a small sample of blood from each of them.

Samantha: We done then?

Samantha wanders away.

Wade goes back to tthe Gym to work off lunch.... then goes to bed.

Ta'Rang: Where is Taffy?

 

Back in their temporary quarters each crew member finds a box with their name on it.

 

Samantha opens hers to find her old squadron flight jacket, PDA, and flight suit. There are two precise holes in the jacket, on the left side near the zipper. They weren't there before. They remind her of laser fire holes.

 

Wade goes through hes box, checks his PDA for missing data, then gets dressed.

Wade: This feels better.

Samantha changes into her own flight suit and out of the supplied jumpsuit. She checks herself to see if there are scars or scorch marks where the holes are on her jacket as she does so, there are. Killian, Doc and Ta'Rang also checks their gear and EVA suits.

Samantha: Hey Wade?

Wade: Yeah Sam?

Doc checks its gear and EVA suit with the rest.

Samantha: Umm... you got any scars you don't remember having before?

Wade: What?

Killian tests his EVA suit for leaks and updates his personal log on his PDA.

Samantha: Like... you were maybe shot?

Wade gets undressed and checks thouroughly for scars, he does not find any new scars. Killian also checks himself for mysterious signs of injury.

Wade: Nope nothing new here Sam

Samantha: OK.

Wade gets dressed again.

Wade: I bet you just asked me that to see me naked.

Killian is also unable to locate new scars. Nor do Ta'Rang or Doc if they check.

Samantha: I'm sure I wouldn't have to trick you into undressing for me.

Samantha leaves medical and goes back to the mess hall to see if the pilots are still there.

Wade: Hmmm. true... Hey wait, In my dreams I saw you die and now you have a new scar?

Two of the pilots have left the mess hall.

Wade: The only thing missing is my G-Suit.... I wonder who would take that thing... its a custom fit?

Wade shrugs.

Ta'Rang: this is better than the suit but I want my sword back.

Wade: Well I hope whoever took it catches something. Now didn't that Gul, shanks or whatever his name is say we had been comatose for 4 months?

Ta'Rang: Yes he did. Wade does your computer show where we are in space?

Wade: No it doesn't Ta. Well then someone accessed the super soldier database 2 months ago.

Ta'Rang: You think you could find out? That's not good.

Wade: I can try

 

Samantha: *goes up to the pilots** Hey, Doc says you guys have access to some ships.

Lt. Talbot: Well yeah, we fly the patrol shuttles. Sometimes make cargo runs to the surface.

Samantha: Name's Sam. Not to be too blunt, but any chance I could do a ride along? I really don't want to be stuck on this station.

Lt. Talbot: Well Sam, I'm not sure. It's against regs, but I do have a cargo transport a little later today. Maybe we can sneak you on.

Samantha: I'll be real quiet like.

Lt. Talbot: Okay. I leave in two hours. Be at launch bay 2 then. There are only two launch bays and they are right across from each other so you shouldn't have any problems finding it.

Samantha: Gotcha.

Lt. Talbot: Well I'm gonna catch me a nap before then. See ya.

Lt. Talbot. leaves the mess hall. The other pilot follows him.

 

Killian preps his EVA suit, cleaning and making sure everything is charged. Wade goes to the top of the station and tries to get an idea of where they are based on constellations.

Wade: Ta we are somewhere in Terran Colonial Space. Hmmm...

Killian folds up his EVA/skinsuit and carries it with him. Wade goes back to the berthing area.

Wade: Ta, Killian I think I know where the G2 is from here..... if we can't wrangle a ride maybe we can steal one.

Killian: Well, wrangling sure sounds like a surer plan - we have no idea who's been following us from here or how pissed they'd be.

Ta'Rang: alright

Killian: How are you feeling, by the way?

Wade: I am feeling better all the time.... maybe we should get some sleep then see what we can do tomorrow. Samantha gets some more food and some rest.

Killian: I'm stoked, I've been getting payed by the day for the last four months.

Wade: You have... by who?

Killian: Contract, remember? I was hired to help you guys out - don't recall anything in the contract about being unconscious.

The crew, feeling the effects of exertion and food, decides to follow Sam's example and get some rest. Killian checks with the Vrusk about contract shuttle or "taxis" before going to sleep himself.

Vrusk: No. This is not a tourist attraction and we have no rental agencies.

Killian: So, how far away is the nearest outpost, inhabited world, spacedock, or what-have-you where we could obtain a ride? We have, at least maybe, a ship waiting to be recovered.

Vrusk: The nearest outpost is approximately five light years away. We get a weekly shipment of supplies from them. Perhaps you can make arrangements with the captain of that vessel....

Killian: Well, thanks for your time. Taffy will be here to collect us, or at least direct us, before we could even charter a ship.

Vrusk: Very well. You should get some sleep.

 

Hour five. They are all really feeling good after a few hours sleep. And they all wake up hungry. Samantha grabs a quick bite to take the edge off before heading up to the flight deck.

Ta'Rang: Food. *leaves for the mess hall**

The others join him. Lt Talbot is waiting for Sam. The other pilot is there as well. The name tag says Strickland.

Wade: WAFFLES and chocolate syrup covered cottage cheese

Ta'Rang orders meat...raw fresh meat.

They end up with flavored soy packs.

 

Lt. Talbot: Glad you could make it.

Samantha: Wouldn't miss it.

Lt. Talbot: Alright let's go. You realize I can't let you fly this thing. Against regs. But I don't imagine there should be too much of a problem.

Samantha: Just being in a ship would be nice.

Samantha smiles at him.

Lt. Talbot: Okay. Let's do this. The mission spec is simple. We have to engage the dangerous reentry sequence and pick up some test samples for the doc. Our opposition is high winds, lots of snow, and terminal boredom.

Samantha: I missed flight crew humor.

Lt.Talbot cycles the airlock.

 

Ta'Rang returns to the gym for an extensive workout with the machines, martial arts and acrobatics. Doc joins him, they both get a good view of the shuttle Sam is on decend into atmosphere.

Ta'Rang: She is happy now. What about you Doc?

Caspar: Not really. Hope tp go to back to normal soon.

Ta'Rang: I thought you would be checking out all this medical research stuff instead of watching me workout.

 

Samantha: You both from Terran Space then?

Lt. Talbot: Nope. I'm actually from Gran Quivera. When the Terrans came along, seemed like a good career choice to keep my career going in the Terran Navy as opposed to the defunct UPF.

Samantha: About how I played it.

Lt. Talbot: I recognize the insignia on your jacket, but I can't place it. Old school right?

Samantha: Deathwish Squad, yeah. old school I suppose.

Lt. Talbot: Deathwish? That rings a bell.

Lt.Talbot gets a sour look on his face.

Samantha: We were the supposedly suicidal crazies. Yep, that's the look I'm used to seeing.

Lt. Talbot: Trask. You flew with Trask.

Samantha: *very cautiously** I did.

Lt. Talbot: He is the local squadron leader attached to the Chimera. Not a nice guy. No offense intended.

Samantha: None taken. He and I... we don't much get along.

Lt. Talbot: That doesn't surprise me.

Samantha: So, the TE a good place to be then? Trask not withstanding?

 

Killian does seek the opportunity to chat up any station personnel he can for information during his daily rounds - about the station, the planet, and any rumores about himself and the crew of the Gemini...

Ta'Rang: I feel much better.

There seems to be about ten crew members on the station that Killian can determine. Four of them are pilots, the doc, the vrusk nurse, a human nurse and four Operations personnel, which rotate through the Command Center (off limits) in shifts.

Ta'Rang: Hey Doc, why did you want to be a ships doctor. I mean if you could repair my arm. You're better then any other doc I've ever met.

Caspar: I wanted to get away for a while.

Ta'Rang: From what?

Caspar: From Synthcorp assassins.

Ta'Rang stands panting and looking at Doc.

Ta'Rang: Assasins, you? Well that is a story I'd like to hear.

Caspar: We were doing research and I found out they were cutting corners, they tried to kill me to keep me from speaking out. I thought it better to keep a low profile for a while.

 

Lt. Talbot: Oh Trask isn't TE. He's a merc working off of a ship assigned to this area. As if the TE navy wasn't large enough, they had to hire mercs out here in this sector. And yeah, the bennies are good with the TE.

Samantha: Figures he's still a Merc. No reputable group would take him on.

Lt. Talbot: They tell me he is a good pilot, but all I've ever seen him do is swagger around and throw orders out like he expects them to be obeyed.

Samantha shrugs

Samantha: He's not a bad pilot. You couldn't be a bad pilot in our squad. He's just... bloodthirsty

Lt. Talbot: Probably when he has an easy kill. Prepare for entry.

Samantha: This thing capable of anything more eleaborate than falling out of the sky?

Lt. Talbot: She isn't a fighter, but she has some moves. Fuel's a commodity, so they frown on things like that.

Samantha: *gives him a mischeveous grin** Go on and impress me.

 

Ta'Rang: Did you speak out or hide out

Caspar: They are still after me so I suppose I chose to hide out and live.

Ta'Rang: What research were you working on? Join the crowd then as I have a few looking for me.

Caspar: Bio-gentic engineering of brain tissue, we hoped to help increase sentience to the next evolutionary level.

Ta'Rang: Damn Doc, that is interesting.

Caspar: They tried to kill me by overdosing me with the serum we were testing... shortly afterwards I woke up in a hospital and started having these psi-abilities.

 

In the shuttle the sensors start screaming some sort of warnings. Talbot and Strickland turn their attention to the comms and sensors.

 

On the station the lights dim and a klaxon sounds. Killian gets into the EVA suit he's been carrying.

Ta'Rang: WHAT!?

Caspar: HUH?

Wade: Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... snort .... WHA!!!

Ta'Rang: Come on lets get back to our quarters.

Killian wishes he had a gun.

Announcer: General quarters. All hands report to battle stations. Unidentified bogies incoming.

 

Samantha straps in

Samantha: This thing got guns?

Lt. Talbot: Yeah. mark V laser turret. Strick's got it. Just rest easy.

Samantha twiches.

Samantha: Right, passenger.

 

Wade leaps up and gets dressed. Killian gets on the station comm and asks if he can help.

Wade: *thinks** Here we go again.

Ta'Rang: I need a weapon,.

 

Operations: *to Killian** We have the weapons manned. Please prepare you and your crew for evacuation to the surface.

Ta'Rang: *looks for anyone** This place have any guns?

Wade: where do you want us?

Killian: Um, operations dudes - are there any arms lockers, we're feeling a little naked down here!

 

Killian tries to collect Wade and the others to head to the shuttle bay when he's done with the conversation. Wade heads to the shuttle bay after Killian.

 

Lt. Talbot: Sam, we've been recalled. You need to get your buddies ready and get them back to the launch bay when we dock. Fighter's are being scrambled from the surface.

Samantha: Ready for what? You evacuating the station?

Lt. Talbot: Just you guys. Our mission profile is specific.

Samantha: Yeah?

Lt. Talbot: Just says we are to protect you at all costs. I don't pry. Just do my job.

Samantha: Yeah, well don't get killed on my account.

 

Doc Caspar gathers its stuff and runs to the shuttle bay.

Killian: Hello, Ops guys? Dudes and dude-ettes?

Operations: A little busy here. What?

Killian: Weapons lockers?

Operations: I doubt we'll be boarded. Turns out that's not the latest and greatest monkey tactic. They like the whole "burn it to the ground" approach.

 

The shuttle docks with the station.

Killian: Thanks for not answering the question. We're glad you saw fit to disarm us before the attack, though.

 

Lt. Talbot: Alright Sam, go get 'em. We'll get you to the surface.

Samantha hops out of the shuttle and goes down the 0-G tunnel in the center.

Samantha: Wade, Ta, Killian, Doc. Let's move. We're on orders to evac.

Ta'Rang: Right

Killian boards the shuttle.

Samantha goes back to grab her personal computer before heading back to the shuttle

Ta'Rang boards the shuttle, followed by Doc and Wade.

 

Announcer: Mulitple bogies on approach. Six fighter craft and two bombers.

 

Samantha waits for the others to get aboard.

Samantha: *grimmaces** I could take them.

Lt. Talbot: Alright folks buckle in.

Samantha: I hate planets.

Lt.Talbot launches the shuttle.

Wade: So could I Sam but I guess we are just cargo for now.

Wade looks pissed

Wade: So do I... stoopid rocks.

Ta'Rang laughes at the thought of planets and Sam

Killian: The planet's probably safer than a station right now, and besides, all of our GUNS are down there!

Samantha: Planet's are bad luck.

Killian: Idiots who take my guns while I'm unconscious are worse luck.

Ta'Rang: I prefer planets myself

Samantha: guns? what do you think those hand held pea shooters are going to do against a fighter? Men!

Wade: I don't suppose you'd let me fly.... it would increase our odds by a factor of 2000.

 

The shuttle descends quickly into the windy atmosphere. Sensors soon become the only method of navigation, as the view ports become obscured by blowing snow and ice.

Killian: I would rather have a battleship, but my guns are closer.

Wade suddenly brightens

Wade: Hey I can think of one gun on the planet that would be useful... the Mercury

Samantha: Let the pilots do their job Wade, Talbot is good.

Ta'Rang: lets hope the Mercury is flyable.

Lt. Talbot: Okay everybody listen up. We are going to be landing at Kiernan Base. There you are to report to Captain Smalls. He says he knows you. He's got your orders from there.

Wade: Yeah well he may be good, but me... I'm magic.

Ta'Rang: Captain Smalls?

Lt. Talbot: Just relax folks. The Chimera has been sent a distress beacon. They'll be here soon. *under his breath** For better or worse.

Wade: Yeah... the Marine Captain from that other miserable rock

Killian: Who wants to tell him we lost his Marine?

Ta'Rang: Well they did make it out then.

Wade: Uhm that would be... our Captains job... right Sam.

Ta'Rang: Does it matter and he should already know.

 

Lt.Talbot lands the shuttle in a bay.

Ta'Rang: If I was him I would have asked about him already

The first thing they see upon debarking is the Mercury, fully repaired, sitting on the opposite side of the hangar.

Samantha: Right. My ship.

Wade disembarks and heads for Captain Smalls

Ta'Rang: Yeah I like that.

Samantha: I'll talk to him Wade.

Killian: So... are we going to ignore orders and jump in the Merc or report? Oh-kay.

Samantha heads for Captain Smalls.

Wade: be firm Sam.

Samantha: *calls back** Hey, Talbot, good luck if you go back up into that. Be careful.

Ta'Rang follows Sam, Wade heads for the Mercury instead.

Lt. Talbot: Thanks Sam. Need to refuel.

 

Captain Smalls is standing with a Navy officer, Commander, over a tactical map of the system and the planet. They look like they are discussing strategy. Ta'Rang stands behind Sam

Samantha: Captain. *salutes**

Captain Smalls returns the salute.

Samantha: Mercury crew reporting for duty.

Captain Smalls: Nice to see you Sam. I don't have anything to fly at the moment. Maybe you can convince that obnoxious AI to let you pilot the Mercury, but we've had no success to this point.

Samantha smiles.

Samantha: Give me one minute Captain.

 

The Mercury is locked up tight and has the force field up.

Wade: Hmmm...

Ta'Rang thinks Elvis lives

Wade: [On COMM] Bob do you copy?

Killian: *thinks** oh, joy.

Samantha walks over to the Mercury.

Samantha: Hey Elvis!

Elvis: Wade? Sam?

Samantha: Who else?

Elvis: Thank the Builders you're here.

Wade: [On COMM] dang its good to hear you buddy.

Killian: It's like a family reunion.

Ta'Rang: So that computer still lives.

Samantha: *looks at Killian** Something exactly like that yeah.

Elvis: These guys tried to ....to...dissect me.

Wade: I bet the bastards.

Ta'Rang laughs.

Samantha: We'll take care of them later. Right now, how'd you like to get off this rock?

Wade: Can you let us in?

Elvis: Dropping shields. Get on board. There are bad things happening out there. We need to move.

Samantha: I know.

Wade: Thanks Bob

Samantha: Let's load up.

 

Wade runs to the bridge and starts the launch sequence, the others board right behind him. Wade suddenly feels VERY aggressive. Ta'Rang heads for the sensors and takes a seat.

 

Samantha gets onboard last.

Samantha: You ready for flight?

Wade: Yeap

Samantha: Not you. Elvis.

Elvis: Yeah. I'm ready.

Samantha: Alright, let's show these Terran schmucks what flying looks like.

Ta'Rang: sensors ready

Wade: [On Comm] Kiurian station, Mercury requesting clearance to depart.

Samantha takes the weapons console.

Killian: Like you care about clearance.

Kiernan Station: Permission granted. Good hunting Mercury.

Wade: Bob raise shields

Elvis: Already ahead of you.

Ta'Rang loks at Sam and smiles, Wade goes to full acceleration.

Samantha: Hey Elvis. You're gorgeous.

 

The Mercury blasts away from the planet at full speed.

 

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season 03 - Episode 057 (Season Episode 03)

Wade: Capn we have at least a dozen bogies closing....

Killian: I suppose it would be pointless to ask why we aren't running away?

Ta'Rang: Incoming info

Ta'Rang: Cuz we love to fight

Samantha: We're protecting the station until reinforcements arrive.

Killian: I think this is a little but beyond love, Ta, more like obsession.

Ta'Rang: Call it what you will but it's what we do

 

There are two squadrons of fighters escorting bombers on an intercept course to the station.

Samantha: [On COMM] Shuttle escort, stay near the station, intercept anything that gets past us.

Ta'Rang: We have two sqds of fighters with bommbers as well Sam

Lt. Talbot: [On COMM] You sure about that Mercury?

Samantha: Does the station have any defenses?

Lt. Talbot: [On COMM] She has some mounted laser cannons.

Samantha: [On COMM] If you're feeling lucky then join the fun. Target the bombers first.

Ta'Rang: Targetting bombers

Wade: Roger that boss... ram the bombers

 

Killian: Elvis, how quickly can you drop shields, transport something, and then raise shields again?

Samantha reaches over and slaps Wade

Ta'Rang: No luck on the bombers Sam

Lt. Talbot: [On COMM] Roger on the bombers.

Ta'Rang: Let get a little closer and I'll try for a lock onthe bombers again

Ta'Rang: Gotta lock for ya Sam, on the first bomber

Killian: Like, for example Elvis, transporting the pilots out of their ships?

Wade accelerates towards the oncoming fighter escorts, Sam takes a shot hitting one of the bombers even at the extended range they're at. The laser punches through the shields and knocks off some of the ablative armor. The shields quickly reform, though sensors show that they are weaker.

Samantha: [On COMM] Yazarian fleet, I will give you 10 seconds to perform a tactical withdrawl.

Ta'Rang: Thats tellin'em Sam. Would you like me to repeat that in Yazirian for them

Samantha: Please do.

Yazarian Commander: You are a fool human. I was considering the option of allowing you to withdraw, but I think I would rather blow you to dust.

Caspar: Sam, do you want me to do anything?

Elvis: *to Killian** A couple of seconds.

Samantha: Can you invade that Yazarian Commanders brain and find out his orders?

Killian starts distributing heand weapons and preparing for boarding, keeping an eye out for the opportunity to carry out plan B.

Caspar: I will try.

The Doc has trouble trying to locate the commanders mind as the Yazarian ships move closer.

 

Samantha: Next chance I get we're upgrading your engines and system repsonse Elvis.

Wade closes with the oncoming group, still accelerating.

Samantha: Hey Wade, how exactly did I die in your dream?

Ta'Rang: You can shoot it anytime you want Sam

She fires again on the bomber, causing even more of it's shield to ablative off and scorching the armor.

Wade: You were being chased by somehting...

Ta'Rang: Well then today isn't your day to die Sam

Samantha: You sure Ta? I always wanted to go out in a dogfight.

Killian: Maybe you were being chased by dogs.

Ta'Rang: Not unless Wade chases you in the ship today

Samantha: [On COMM] Dear Yazarian Commander. Bite me.

Wade: Hey Killian maybe if we knock their shields down you can beam out their pilot and we capture them.

Ta'Rang: How about we caputer their ships and use them against them.

Killian: We could even beam someone onto a bomber and fire torpedos at their capship.

 

The yazarian fighters and bombers accelerate away from the frigate to engage the Mercury.

Ta'Rang: Here they come guys

All of the fighters and bombers attack. Only one fighter and one bomber score a hit on the much more agile Mercury as Wade evads the oncoming barrage.

 

Killian activates ECM station to assist Wade in his evasions. The frigate is unable to gain sensor lock as it bring a main turret online. Wade continues to close range as Samantha fires on the bomber again.

Samantha: You going to turn?

Sensors indicate that the ablative outer shield has failed completely and much of the ablative armor has also been blown off. The hard part is over.

Samantha: What I'd actually like to know right now is... who shot me?

Ta'Rang: You want me to target the lead fighter as well?

Samantha: Wait until we're closer in.

Killian: Ta, we may need to get onto the bomber and arm the warheads manually for that to work...

Ta'Rang: Well that could be fun. If we're onboard lets fly it too and used it against them. Orders Sam?

Samantha: Hold Ta, we need to get in close range to be effective against multiple targets.

Ta'Rang: Gottit Boss

Samantha: Wade, let's do a fly through on Group 2, Ta be ready to track the fighters, with luck the bomber will be out by the time we rush them.

She fires again on the bomber. The shot rips through the ablative armor on the bomber. There is a small flash and the bomber seems to slow down.

 

The yazarians open up for their second volley. None of them score a hit on the Mercury. The frigate fires its massive spinal mounted plasma cannon - at the station. Fortunately it misses.

Samantha: Hey!

 

Samantha: Change of plans, we're going after that frigate.

Killian: I suggest we get the bombers first - I have an idea. If we can get a two-second gap to get one of us on the shieldless bomber, we might be able to set off or at least arm the bombs, thus taking out the fighter groups.

Samantha: Our shields have to go down Killian, last time we did that very bad things happened.

Killian: Yeah, Sam, and equally bad things can happen surrounded by 20 fighters and a frigate. Six of one, half-dozen of another.

 

Ta'Rang notices on his sensors that the Dreadnaught is starting to turn.

Ta'Rang: The dreadnaught is turning Sam.

Samantha: Now that, has me slightly concerned.

Wade continues jinking and gliding.

Ta'Rang: I maybe wrong but this ship is alot bigger then the frigate

Samantha: Elvis, what are the chances you can fabricate a tactical nuclear warhead, medium yield?

Elvis: That's funny Sam. Ha ha....wait you're serious?

Killian: Now we're talking.

Samantha fires another shot at the bomber as they continue to close range on the group, causing more structural damage.

Samantha: Of course I'm serious

Wade: Our best chance against something that big is get as close as we can or runaway

Samantha: And you still need a new laugh routine.

 

Trying to ignore the chatter of the others Caspar tries to get the mind of the Frigate's captain again, only to fail.

 

The Frigate, Drake, fires two of its turrets at the Mercury, missing by a good margin. From the rear the two shuttles from the station join the fight, firing on the fighter groups, but missing.

 

Wade deacceletrates so that he won't overrun the target too badly as Samantha fires on the bomber one last time, this time it explodes.

Samantha: Ta, lock onto fighter 10, I want to give her a full barrage as we pass by. Wade, overshoot them slightly so we have to come around, maybe scatter their formation.

Ta'Rang: you got it.

Samantha: We have maneuverability over them,.

Wade coasts and starts jinking again getting them within close range. Samantha opens up with a full auto-fire barrage on the lead fighter, hitting with almost all the shots. Totally blowing out the Ablative Force Field and knocking most of the ablative armor off of the fighter.

Samantha: Any word on those nukes Elvis?

Elvis: It's a nuke Sam, not a sandwich.

Killian: Well, it's *kind of* a sandwich. Someone remind me later we need to build turrets for this ship - as impressive as it is, one cannon doesn't cut it.

Ta'Rang: You may ahve to ask Elivs if he'll let you put them on

Killian: I promise not to spoil his boyish good looks.

Ta'Rang: I'm sure he'll appreciate that. Won't ya elvis

The fighter groups returns fire, only two of the six fighters hit, but do little more than create a lightshow on the shields.

 

Doc Caspar finally finds the Yazarian Commanders mind and begins to probe it. The turrets from the Drake fire again, missing again.

Caspar: Sam if we don't beat these guys quick, they have a whole fleet about to arrive to help them....

Killian: !

Samantha: That could even the odds out.

Ta'Rang: Yeah It could

The Drake's main spinal mount fires on the station again. The massive plasma blast slams into the station, causing some serious damage to the structure.

Wade: OW...

Samantha: well. damn.

 

Samantha: OK, Wade, we're going to strafe the fighters, but we need to disable that cannon.

Killian: ETA to nuke, Elvis?

Elvis: Busy.

The station fires back at the Drake, to little effect however.

 

Mercy Station starts transmitting mayday to all terran vessels, jettisoning logs, and getting ready to launch life boats.

Samantha: What the hell is their problem anyway?

Elvis: Okay, I have searched through the database and I have the schematics to nuclear warhead and the detonation system. I can also fabricate the enriched plutonium. Can anybody assemble the pieces into something usable.

Samantha: If I say yes will you make it anyways?

Ta'Rang: I should be able too

Killian: I can do it.

 

Killian: Is it scary that three of us can build a nuclear weapon?

Ta'Rang: Lets do it then Killlian.

Elvis: Sure. It'll take about ten seconds.

Samantha: I never said I could, I just said I would say I could.

Ta'Rang leaves sensor and heads for cargo bay, Killian is right behind him. Caspar takes over the ECM station as the sensors are transfered to Sam's station.

Samantha: Ok, here's the plan kids. We're going to close with that frigate, take down the shields, transport a nuclear device into their ship and get the hell out of range.

 

Wade maintains speed as the shuttles and fighter groups exchange fire.

Samantha: If that works, I have a surprise for Mr. Dreadnought.

Samantha puts a full burst into the nearest fighter as they maneuver past the group, it becomes a cloud of space debris.

Killian: Ta, I'll be there in a sec - make sure you have your EVA suit on, plutonium is not to be handled lightly.

Ta'Rang: Getting into suit now.

One of the shuttles lands a solid hit on a Yazarian fighter, none of the fighters are able to hit their own targets. The remaining bomber accelerates. The Drake's turrets fire on the Mercury as well, also missing.

 

Wade goes into a close combat manuever on the Drake, Samantha locks onto the Frigate waiting for the right moment to target the shield generator. She fails to get a solid lock, firiing anyway on the large ship.

 

The Drake fires on the station with the spinal cannon again, the plasma beam just barely misses.

Samantha: [On COMM] Fire at that station one more time and I'll annihilate you.

Mercy station is able to man three turrets this time and returns fire on the frigate. Only one of the shots hits, but is deflected by the Drake's shielding.

Wade: Should we consdier evacuating the station boss... we can keep up the fight while one of the shuttles gets the station personnel to safety.

 

The Dreadnaught has yet to do anything but hover on the out edges of the fight.

Killian: Is anyone else wondering why the big guns are silent?

Wade: Uhm.. the force is with us?

Samantha: Generally, I try not to think about things like that. If it's ignoring me I return the favor.

Samantha locks onto the Frigate this time.

Samantha: Wade, gets us near the shield generator we have about twenty four seconds to take it down.

Wade maneauvers to target the shield generator, spinning to the underside of the Drake. Samantha strafes it with a full auto burst. The barrage does not actually damage the frigate but it takes down ALL of the ablative defenses in a spectacular cloud of glowing debris.

Ta'Rang: Killian how close to completion is our present?

Killian: About a quarter of a minute if my hands are steady, Ta.

Ta'Rang: Lets hope so then.

Samantha: Step one.

Caspar adjusts the ECM on the Mercury to try and confuse the targeting computers of the now much closer turrets on the Drake. It seems to have worked as the two turrets that can fire on them miss wildly.

 

Meanwhile the two shuttles defending Mercy Station concentrate their fire on the now fast accelerating bomber, both hit removing all the ablative armor.

Wade: [On Comm] Station... be advised that Bomber is starting its run.

Lt. Talbot: We are aware of that.

 

Samantha: Alright Wade... let's take out the main shield generator.

Wade matches exactly the Frigates speed, and movement to maintain position over the shield generator. In the hangar bay the parts for a small nuclear weapon appear.

Ta'Rang: There they are Killian. Let's build a bomb.

Killian: Ta, let's get ready to assemble. I'm guessing my EVA suit is a little higher tech so I'll handle the core... grab the housing, the canister and the trigger.

Samantha fires on the Drake to try and punch through its still formadable defenses. The shuttles continue to fire upon the bomber rushing at the station, damaging it but not taking it out of the fight.

Samantha: Do Yazarian's use Suicide Bombers?

Ta'Rang: There is a clan on Yast that is prone to actions you might think of as sucidial yes.

Samantha: This is going to be tough.

Caspar continues to confuse the Drake's targeting systems to good effect, the turrets still can't get a hit on the Mercury.

 

The Spinal Plasma Cannon on the other hand fires a direct hit on Mercy Station, crippling it. The folks on the station start evacuating.

Samantha: [On COMM] I warned you.

Yazarian Commander: [on wideband transmission] You have fought well. I applaud your bravery. Surrender now and I promise you safe passage out of this system.

Killian: I am mildly cheezed. Let's blow something up.

Samantha looks very very unhappy.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM in Yazirian] You'll die for your actions,

Wade: Do we ram em now boss?

Samantha: No.

Wade: Just kidding...

Ta'Rang: Killian here is the next part.

 

The Yazarian Capital Ship launches another 30 fighters.

 

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season 03 - Episode 058 (Season Episode 04)

The two shuttles chase down the bomber, finally blowing it into little glowing pieces.

Ta'Rang: Killian what else do you need to assemble the bomb?

Samantha fires at the shield generator again, The frigate's defenses deflect the Mercury's particle beam. It was a glancing blow, so a more direct hit might be able to punch through. Killian and Ta Rang gently place the trigger charges...

Samantha: Hold still you stupid Yazarian chunk of scrap metal.

The fighters all change facing, but not direction of travel, and fire at the Mercury. None are able to get a lock on the Mercury due to Caspar's interferance with ECM.

Killian: So, Ta, ever handle Plutonium before?

Samantha: Wade, we need to lure those fighters close in to the frigate, and be ready to scram. Hey, Elvis, how much boom did you make for us?

Ta'Rang: Nope but I'm ready for a lesson on it.

Wade: You got it boss...

Wade prepares to make faces at the fighters to taunt them closer.

Elvis: I'm guessing a kiloton blast. Maybe more.

 

Killian: Cool, Ta, the trick is to wash thoroughly afterward. The stuff's 100 times as toxic as potassium cyanide.

Wade: [On COMM] Boy that was pathetic, do you poo flingers need to get closer or what?

Killian: Oh, and don't put a critical reaction mass in each hand and clap.

Samantha: Get me right up on this Frigate so I can get a clean shot.

Wade maintains targeting position and continues to taunt the fighters.

Samantha: Closer. I want to kiss it.

Samantha fires another shot, the Drake shifts position at the last second, causing the blast to deflect harmlessly again. The fighters attempt to get a lock on the Mercury again.

Wade: [On COMM] Riddle me this, who shoots worse than monkeys? No one.

The shuttles, now that the bomber is gone, engage the fighters landing glancing blows on the ships.

 

Lt. Talbot: [On COMM] Mercury we are engaging fighters.

Samantha: [On COMM] Protect any life boats that made it off the station.

Lt. Talbot: [On COMM] Acknowledged, Mercury. We will delay the fighters as much as we can.

Samantha: [On COMM] Could you back off maybe a few hundred meters. Just in case.

On the sensors Caspar detects the Frigate spinning up it's Void drive.

Caspar: They're going to run away.

Samantha: Oh no they don't. Killian, how much time!

Wade: [On COMM] Dang you cowardly monkeys... I knew you were all cowards and have no honor.... you run away at the first opprotunity.

Killian: Just a few seconds, Sam, we're almost there!

 

Wade: Should I slap a tractor beam on em boss?

Samantha: Don't waste the energy. Last ship that tried to void jump away from me still took a torpedo.

Wade gets to within two meters of the frigates hull matching speed and course

Samantha: Just get me really close.

Killian and Ta begin to hitch down the canister cover to correctly place the second reaction mass and charge.

Wade: Any closer and we have to land boss.

Ta'Rang: This is far more complicated then a laser trigger mine.

Samantha aims the lasers directly at the shield generator, taking an extra second to align them. Caspar concentrates for a moment to try and figure out what the Yazarian Commander is doing.

 

Killian checks settings and sets timer for 6 seconds, triggered by transport event. The Drake's laster turrets fire on the Mercury, three of them are able to target the ship. One comes close enough to cause the shields to react slightly.

Wade: dang that was close...

Samantha returns fire.

Samantha: Dodge This.

The shield generator explodes.

 

Samantha: OK, we're going to have a really small window to work in. I'm going to drop shields, Elvis put that bomb inside them somewhere, Wade haul a- and I'll get the shields back up, Doc keep up the ECM, if we're lucky we don't go down in firey pieces with them.

The fighter group fires en masse on the Mercury, only one hits true, causing little damage. Samantha drops all shields.

Killian: Elvis! Housewarming present!

Elvis transports the nuke.

Samantha: [On COMM] Dear Yazarians. Suck it.

 

Wade accelerates at full power. One of the fighters gets a parting shot on the Mercury before Samantha can raise the shields back up, causing some internal damage to the retreating ship.

Lt. Talbot: [On COMM] What are you doing Mercury?

Killian: [On COMM] Station ships still in combat range, Run Like Hell!

Samantha: [On COMM] Shuttles, disegnage! I repeat, Disegage.

Lt. Talbot: [On COMM] Roger that.

Wade: Time to get out of dodge... we are hurt

The Frigate disappears. Samantha raises shields.

Wade: *laughing** She jumped into the void with the bomb.

Samantha: Hey! I wanted to see the fireball.

Killian: More importantly, I wanted the fighters to see the fireball!

 

Killian: Why does this happen every time we try to bomb an enemy ship?

Samantha: Luck.

Wade: 'Cuz Sam has good timing.

 

Samantha: Wade get us to the shuttles and lifeboats. We need to protect them from these fighters.

Killian: Bad timing! Now we have 9 fighters and a dreadnought we have to convince we're scary via scary words, because our big boom disappeared!

Samantha: Parlay?

Wade continues to accelerate

Lt. Talbot: 2 Why are we running Mercury?

Samantha does a strafing fire as Wade passes the fighter group.

Samantha: [On COMM] Because I put a nuke inside the frigate, luckily she jumped for void so we don't have to worry about the explosion. Protect the lifeboats.

 

Samantha's full burst hits one of the fighters, which explodes in a glowing sphere.

Killian: Elvis! Any chance we could replicate self-guiding mini-missiles and just teleport them into space? Conventional explosives this time, not nukes.

Elvis: Not at the moment. I need time to replenish my reserves.

Killian and Ta'Rang head back to the bridge.

Lt. Talbot: [On COMM] Mercury should we reengage the fighters?

Samantha: [On COMM] Negative, wait for backup. Lifeboats don't dogfight.

 

A Void rift opens just as the nuke goes off.

 

Somehow, Wade hits the reverse and engages the Warp Drive at the same time. For less than a second there is a flash, and then they are elsewhere. Wade hands move over the controls in a blur the key strokes sounding like machine gun fire and the Mercury lurches violently in a 180 reversal

Samantha: I'd be sick by I left my stomach back there....

The Mercury stops suddenly, it's Warp Field destablized.

Killian: Stomach, spleen, coupla toes...

Wade grins.... wee haa!! can we do that again?

Ta'Rang: What is happening now?

Wade: I think I hurt bob...

Samantha: Elvis?

Elvis: Uhh guys, something is wrong here.

Samantha: Define wrong. be explicit.

Killian: I think we need to find out where we are, if we're alone, then start repairing the ship.

Ta'Rang: Dang Wades flyin again.

Elvis: Were moving backwards.

Samantha: Wade, brakes.

Elvis: And picking up speed.

Wade: Uhm uh oh.... like in a tractor beam bob?

Elvis: Err, like in a singularity Wade.

Ta'Rang: Fire into the beam? Crap!!!

Samantha: I don't like the word singularity used with the concept of movement

Wade: crap.

Samantha: Brakes. Pedal on the left.

Killian: Sam! Can we accelerate at right angles to the pull of the singularity and slingshot?

Wade tries to shear away at an angle using full sublight.

Killian: As in use the gravity to get us to escape velocity? Or, if it's big enough, can we spiral to the pole and ride the jet out of the well?

 

It's possible they could fly in such a way they are flung away from the pull of the newly created singularity. Samantha starts putting coordinates into the computer.

Samantha: Wade, I'm putting the path in, think you can walk the line?

They suddenly realize that you feel edgy and panicked. Mixed with that is elation and joy. Something is watching them.

Samantha: Void. I hate void. And since I just nuked Void, I think Void doesn't like me much either.

Wade: If you can point it out I can wlak it Sam.

Killian: Did we go somewhere freaky or did we just create a black hole, in voidspace?

Elvis: You are in normal space.

Killian: That's funny, it doesn't feel normal.

Ta'Rang: Now don't you two do anything weird.

Wade shivers a bit like a chill entered the room.

Samantha: What? Like create a singularity?

Killian: Too late.

Samantha: Everybody grab a seat and belt in.

Wade: Dang I bet something came through the singularity...

Killian belts in and starts fiddling with a sensor console, Ta'Rang straps in at his sensor console. Samantha puts in the path Wade will need to take, Wade smiles and tries to fly precisely the course Sam provides.

 

Ta'Rang: Killian what are sweeping for that way I can search another area?

Mercy station and anything else in the vicinity is pretty much gone. Arcturus is currently being disassembled and drawn into the singularity.

Killian: I don't know what I'm looking for, Ta, just the hair on the back of my neck tells me to look.

Samantha cocks her head to the side as she stares out at the disappearing solar system. Between Sam's navigation skills and Wade's pilot skills they successfully follow the course.

Ta'Rang: Right I feel the same and I have a lot more hair on my neck.

Samantha: Elvis, make a note, Nuclear Weapons and Void Space don't mix

Killian: Elvis, does the time scale of the destruction of Arcturus make sense? It normally takes quite a lot of time for a singularity to take apart a whole solar system, doesn't it?

Ta'Rang makes a sensor sweep of singlarity, just because.

Elvis: Oh Arcturus isn't gone yet, but the matter is being pulled into the singularity.

Wade: should we fire on the sigularity?

 

Wade: maybe we should fly through it at warp speed and maybe our warp field will close the rift?

Killian: My point, Elvis, is are we experiencing time dilation this close to the event horizon?

Ta'Rang: Sam you see these reading.... this looks like a black hole.

Killian: Somebody want to relieve Wade before he gets us all killed?

Samantha: Wade is doing fine. If we're not IN the black hole we're good.

Wade: Hey.... I just out flew a nucular bomb someone made... so nya.

Ta'Rang: Either one of them can kill us.

Samantha: Just fly away from that thing.

Wade: you got it boss...

Elvis: Could be. How would I know. I'm a ship not a physicist.

Samantha: Er, and someone get the Terran Empire on the line... we might want to have them put that on the star charts.

Wade turns 180 away from the black hole/singularity and flies Sams plotted course

Ta'Rang: Later, but can put the call in yourself.

 

Ta'Rang: Well I wonder how those shuttle made out.

Samantha: They didn't.

Ta'Rang: Damn may they be homored in their efforts to protect the others.

Samantha: No one did.

Ta'Rang: Even the dreadnought

Wade: I wonder were Taffy is?

Killian: Well, if the singularity is consuming the planet this quickly, probably everyone else is just somewhere else in the accretion disc being sucked in.

Elvis: That dreadnought is very small now.

Samantha: Does that mean I can add a dreadnought to my kill count?

Killian: With any luck some of them will think to try to ride the matter jet out, otherwise, zippo.

Wade: Heh I think it does...

Ta'Rang: Thats good.

Samantha: Best fighter pilot in the galaxy.

Killian: Sam, if you count the Dreadnought, you have to count the friendly planet disintegrating before your eyes.

Samantha: "friendly planet"?

Wade: Bob.... please transfer all excess power to your damage control programs...

Elvis: Got it.

Ta'Rang wonders if Dar'Gredick was on the dreadnought.

 

Samantha giggles

Samantha: I killed a planet.

Killian: I knew you'd like that. And hey, Ta and I built the bomb. Give us a little credit, here.

Samantha: *kisses the console** Elvis, you rock.

Wade: Stupid rocks anyway

Ta'Rang smiles thinking maybe his life enemy is dead.

Samantha: Ok...

Ta'Rang: You lost my sword, Sam.

Samantha: Sorry. I'll buy you a new one.

Samantha checks the course she plotted

Samantha: Oh. Right. Gemini 2. Let's go see how she is.

Ta'Rang: I'll hold you to that.

Wade: If we can keep our power consumption low our repairs will be done in 7 days

As she plots the course she notes the star charts look wierd.

 

Samantha checks the system again. Samantha taps the screen.

Samantha: Anyone want to check the stars against a star chart...

Wade: I can check em if you want boss.

Wade checks the constallations against known stars.

 

The stars are "off."

Killian: I think I see where you're going, Sam. We need to do a calendrical comparison of star charts.

Killian: Elvis, do you have an Ephemeris in your updated database?

Wade: Hmmm... boss, I don't think we are in Kansas anymore.

Elvis: Yup.

Killian: Oh, we're in Kansas all right.

Wade: The stars are correct in configuration but out of place

Killian: It's not where, it's when.

Samantha: Just gimme a forward or backwards.

Killian: A singularity is an extreme gravity well. Gravity affects the flow of time.

Wade: Hey maybe I'll be my own grandpa.

Ta'Rang: well computer boy has a 250 year old memory maybe he can find the right setting

Killian: Elvis, if you compare the star charts from when we set off the bomb to now and calculate back the changes, how much time has passed?

Wade: and in which direction

Elvis: Looks like, to the outside world, we were in that gravity well about four years.

Killian: Could be worse. Could be a lot worse. We still need to contact the authorities. I'm sure they'll be surprised.

Wade: Good idea... I wonder who won the war?

Ta'Rang: into the future.

Samantha: Change course. We need to locate a Terran Empire outpost.

Wade: change course to where boss?

Samantha: Well...

Killian: Do we have charts to lead us to the base we last visited?

 

They no longer feel as if something is breathing down their neck. There is something out there though. One can still feel it.

Killian: I never did like black holes.

Ta'Rang: Sam we have a contact on the sensors.

Killian: Wahaa!

Ta'Rang: It's a Yazarian civilian ship. Or it appears a civilian ship

Samantha: Let's say hello.

Killian: Ta, you want to talk to them or should I?

Ta'Rang: Your the Captain. Be my guest, this should be good.

Killian: Rock, paper, scissors?

Samantha: Have at it Killian. I'm not very fond of Yazarians right now.

Killian: Are they broadcasting an IFF or identification signal?

Samantha: I haven't had four years to forget who attacked who. *smiles**

Ta'Rang folds his arms over his chest and looks at Killian.

Killian: Oh, Ta, you might want to get to repairing weapons systems if they need it.

Wade: I hope this is not an indication of who won the war... Bob is already working on repairs.

Caspar: I can't feel Taffy or anybody out there.

 

Samantha: Nevermind, I'll do it. [On COMM] Yazarian ship, please identify whose space we're in. Thanks.

Ta'Rang: Later Killian I want to see how good your Yazirian is.

Killian: *in Yazarian, to Ta** Adequate, at least - better than this frakked comm control.

Yazarian Captain: [On COMM] This is the Karrada. You're in Federation space. I don't recognize your ship. Can you identify please?

Killian: Anyone know what a Federation is?

Samantha: [On COMM] This is Captain Arken of the Mercury. We've had a bit of a navigational error. *To Killian** A grouping of nations to form a unified front.

Killian: Was kind of a rhetorical question, actually.

Yazarian Captain: [On COMM] Well, no surprise there. Ever since that black hole formed a few years back, systems and sensors are all crazy. We have sensor ghosts appear from time to time. That's what I thought you were.

Samantha smiles

Killian: Well, we were, technically.

Samantha: [On COMM] Any chance you can direct me to the nearest port?

Yazarian Captain: [On COMM] Port? Well Yaskar isn't too far. I can transmit the coordinates if you like?

Samantha: Think they forgot about us? Didn't think so. [On COMM] Got a different port?

Ta'Rang: Maybe they did.

Killian: Tell them our nav data is scrambled and we're looking for a particular port, we haven't got the name, just some data about the system... Maybe we can get them to send us all the local system data.

Wade: Bob, can we engage warp and still work on repairs?

Killian: Maybe we could trade them some plutonium.

Wade: or Can we cloak and still work on repairs?

Samantha: [On COMM] The most helpful thing you could do actually is provide us with a star chart... Our is messed up.

Yazarian Captain: [On COMM] Sure.

Samantha: I've had enough plutonium for now. Well, until we meet another capital ship that won't listen to me.

Yazarian Captain: [On COMM] Transmitting now.

 

The Star Chart pops up with the same locations as you remember, but they look like they are settled. The map is branded with a UPF symbol.

Samantha: UPF. Interesting.

Killian: UPF?

Samantha looks for the nearest TE labeled space, comparing the new map to the old.

The new map has no TE labeled space. Astrographically they are identical. No reference to TE space on the second.

Killian: Why do I have that sinking feeling?

Ta'Rang: That's odd what happen to the TE people?

Killian: We need to get to a major port, I have some people I have to call.

Samantha: Ok, let's go to the nearest not obviously Yazarian port and get some intel without looking like we just spent four years climbing out of a black hole.

Killian: Four years is better than not at all, I always say at times like this.

Samantha: No one, and I mean NO ONE mentions Arcturus. We were never there.

Wade: Where?

Samantha: Good boy.

Killian: Sure, ten minutes ago you were ready to accept a medal for that.

Samantha: Oh, I'm still ready to accept a medal. I just want to make sure it's not shaped like a firing squad.

 

The nearest planet that is not obviously named after a Yazarian name is Burke's World, they remember it as the Planet of the Mutant Freaks. Yaskar is where they left the G2. Samantha plots for Burke's World.

Wade: I think we are on the wrong side of the black hole/singularity thingy and we need to fly through it to get home.... now where did I put those ruby slippers?

Killian: Somebody keep an eye on Wade.

Ta'Rang: You gave them to Sam.

Wade flies to burkes world

Samantha: Don't even joke about that.

 

A couple of days pass.... Burke's World looks like it did when they left it, save for several new space stations in orbit. Some of them are still under construction. A few ships, a smattering of styles from Terran to Frontier Human to Yazarian to Vrusk to Dralasite are in orbit/transit around the planet.

Samantha: I still want to know which one of you shot me.

Ta'Rang: Looks like we missed a few things.

There is a yazarian frigate flying in formation next to a terran cruiser.

Samantha: That's... new. Ok, let's doc, and find some news.

Killian: Hey, maybe Jesus came back. "And the Yazarian and Terran will fly together..."

 

Wade: [On COMM] Burke control this is Mercury requesting landing clearance.

Ta'Rang: Killian check the comm for news will ya

Killian: Why, yes Ta, I will.

Ta'Rang: Thanks you humans are so nice.

Burke Control: Roger that Mercury. Looks like your transponder is down. I'll have Dock Authority meet you in bay 12.

Killian: Well, "down" is one word for it.

Ta'Rang then gives Killian a very toothy smile.

Samantha: Missing. Down. *shrugs**

Wade: [On COMM] Thank you control Mercury out.

Killian: ...never existed...

Wade lands

Samantha: Yeah that option

Wade: Well boss we are here and we have company... customs.

Samantha: I'll meet 'em.

 

Ta'Rang: Just like old times.

Samantha meets them outside the hatch, the Dock Authority Officer is waiting for them when you land. Wade locks the controls, and then heads to the ships lounge to use his hand computer and tie into the local net and start browsing.

Dock Authority Officer: Good morning.

Samantha: Greetings.

Dock Authority Officer: Nice looking ship.

Samantha: Thanks.

Dock Authority Officer glances at computer.

Dock Authority Officer: I see you have a transponder problem.

Samantha: Among others.

Dock Authority Officer: Really? Do tell.

Samantha: Navigation went down too.

Dock Authority Officer: Lucky you were able to get here then.

Samantha: We met a friendly trader who got us a map. We had a little trouble around the, ah, black hole.

Dock Authority Officer: Before you take off, you need to repair that transponder. I'm going to make an entry of your ship. Right now it is a friendly chat. Next time a fine. Scan me?

Samantha: Gotcha boss.

Dock Authority Officer: Well you have a nice day.

Samantha: You to.

The Dock Authority Officer turns and starts across the bay. Samantha smiles.

 

Ta'Rang wanders into to the lounge

Ta'Rang: What are you up to Wade?

Wade: Just checking the news brother...

Ta'Rang: Anything of interest?

Wade: we need some working capitol... and weapons.

Ta'Rang: Check our account for the G2.

Wade: heh I'll check but I have a hunch.

Ta'Rang: We had 29,870 credits.

Wade checks the G2 account.

Killian: Only four years.

Samantha: *turns back to the ship** Elvis, what materials do you need to recharge your replicator?

Killian tries to find a terminal with something like a "universal phone directory" in it.

 

Wade looks suprised as Samantha gets back on board.

Ta'Rang: My old records show youhad 8340 and I had 7441.

Samantha: Anyone remember if we had a way to contact Taffy beyond walking into the nearest TE office and asking for him?

Elvis: Recharge? Oh anything. I just disassemble it into subatomic particles.

Killian: We could probably get paid to take waste off the station...

Wade: we have 36,341 credits as of now due to interest.

Samantha: A recycler. nice.

Ta'Rang: check all our accounts.

Samantha checks her directory for Taffy's number. All she has is the old TES contact on the station orbiting Morgaine' World in Prenglar.

Wade: and any "waste" we take we should replicate into titanium... according to the net it is the most valuable raw mineral commodity.

Killian: Since we can turn lead into titanium, money shouldn't be a problem. I haven't been able to get to my accounts, looks like someone decided I was missing for too long. I have to make more calls.

 

Short version of the last four years they gather from infocasts.

 

The Event at Mercy Station which created the black hole also disrupted void space for several months. One of the biggest setbacks in the Terran war machine was the severing of the wormhole that connects the Milky Way with the Frontier. By the time the dust settled, the Terran's realized that a war with the Yazarians could not easily be won and would destablize both powers for a good long time. After some long and serious negotiations, both sides agreed to an armistice that eventually led to the recreation of the UPF. But all things didn't end on such a rosy note. Dar'Gredick broke away from the Yazarian empire and formed his own nation state. Similar groups broke off from the TE. Pirate activity has been on the rise as well, but the old Terran Colonial worlds have been colonized to one degree or another and with varying success.

 

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season 03 - Episode 059 (Season Episode 05)

The war is over. Some immediate effects that they notice from news articles:

1) The humans were forced to cede some of the TCA worlds to UPF interests as part of the reparations for starting the war in the first place.

2) In theory the new UPF is supposed to be comprised of member worlds, not species per se. That probably doesn't mean much in the end, but it's a nice theory.

3) The new UPF has taken all space faring law enforcement between worlds as its own jurisdiction. Military forces are for in system defense and specifically for planetary defense only. All the major warships on all sides have been turned over to UPF control.

4) Dar'Gredick and a large group of yazarians have broken off and are now effectively in rebellion. It amounts to little more than piracy at the time being.

5) Several human warships have also broken away from the UPF. They have not been seen or heard from since.

6) Travel through the Void has become unstable. Alternate FTL systems have been developed. They only allow for short jumps and require massive amounts of power and time to charge up and use.

 

Samantha: Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but after nearly getting sucked into a black hole and getting flung four years into the future, I need a drink.

Caspar: me too

Samantha: Trade has probably gone to hell and gone.

Killian: We probably need to be very careful about a) choosing our loyalties and revealing information, like our ship's capabilities.

Ta'Rang: You know with the Mercury we could get some lucrative businees

Killian: Probably very lucrative, given that we can walk past the travel restrictions.

Samantha: We need a beacon first.

Ta'Rang: that should not be a problem, there is always a place to find thing you need for the right price

Wade: I will man the ship until you guys return, then I'll take a whirl at some equipment acquisition. After the last couple of shore excursions I am NOT leaving the ship unattended.

Ta'Rang looks for the waitress and orders drinks

Wade: after the others leave....

Drinks are delivered. Killian drinks.

Ta'Rang: So we need a beacon and new personal weapons first off.

Wade seals the airlocks, raises the shields, and gets a phase pistol and personal force screen from the locker, then goes and mans the comm station while the others enjoy a well deserved libation. Ta'Rang raises his glass, To the Mercury and her crew.

Samantha: To trying not to die. again.

Ta'Rang: You seem to be reborn more often then not, Sam

Samantha: you noticed that too.

Caspar: we will be OK.

Ta'Rang scans the room, looking to see if anyone is paying attention to them

Nobody seems to be paying any special attention to anybody. Other that the waitbot keeping drinks filled on request.

Samantha: Alright, I'm going to go let Wade get shore leave. Ta, Killian, see if you can find anyone with a cheap transponder until we can get a more discrete version.

Ta'Rang: I would like to get my hands on Dar'Gredick though

Killian: We can probably do what we need to with any transponder we get.

Ta'Rang: Right you coming then?

Samantha: Ah, yes I'm not invading space empires just yet. I'll work my way up from generating black holes to taking on empires.

Killian goes with Ta. Samantha returns to the Mercury. Ta'Rang starts heading for the seedy side of the port.

 

Samantha: Wade, go get a drink.

Wade: Cool...

Wade goes out and grabs a beer. Doc follows Sam back to ship

 

Ta'Rang ask a few question from several individual, Killian keeps an eye out for people keeping an eye out. Wade goes looking for a gunshop/weaponsmith or pawn shop after having had his beer. In the seedy part of town, everybody is looking out for something.

Samantha: [On COMM] and keep your radios on.

Killian asks around for information on transponders.

Ta'Rang: Ya know if we were on Hades I'd know who to go see.

Ta'Rang: Killian you have a hand held computer?

Killian: Yeah, of course...

Ta'Rang: Well look up transponder repairs.

Killian: There probably won't be a lot of choices on a station, and in the short term we need what we can get.

Ta'Rang: Yeah I was thinking like I was on a real world with more resourses.

As it is, there is the local chain outlet store and not much else. They do sell (and install) transponder equipment.

Killian: I guess we'd better go look at our options. And maybe a new stereo.

Ta'Rang: Lets check out that store we saw on our way to the bar.

 

Samantha: Hey Doc, don't suppose you can tell me what kind of weapon made these two little scars I've got?

Caspar: I'll look at it.

Caspar inspects Samantha's scars.

Caspar: Sam these scars look like low powered laser pistol burns... Though I don't recall you being shot there?

Samantha: I wasn't, well not before we were killed. and found. Who carries a laser pistol.. besides Wade who I'm pretty sure would toss himself out an airlock before shooting me. Pretty sure.

Caspar: Hmm and Wade doesn't carry a Laser he uses a hi-powered blaster and a sonic stunner... That leaves... Ash? or Ta.... but I doubt either is the shooter.

Samantha: So, someone shot me, and left us all for dead on our ship? Must have been a fun fight.

Caspar: Sam I could try and mentally boost your memory and see if you can remember.

Samantha: Hey, why not.

Caspar: Ok here goes...

Doc stretches out an arm to touch Sam's forhead.

 

The flickering lights make seeing anything difficult at best. You managed to seal the door to the damaged crew cabin before all the atmo vented, but the others are still locked in the cells and helpless. Ashcroft and Killian are nowhere to found, ever since Killian was blown out the gaping hole by Czarina. Somehow she was changed. More focussed. More frightening than the lost little psycho case she was on the planet. You see movement in the shadows right before the laser burns through your stomach....

Samantha: Ok...

 

Ta'Rang enters the chain store Sky Buy.

Ta'Rang: You. I need a transponder. Where are they?

Clerk: Aisle 12. You'll need a customer service assistant. I'll page one for you.

Ta'Rang: Thank you.

Killian: We're going to need the most universal model available, we're not mounting in a standard spaceframe.

The upshot being that the transponder costs 3,000 credits to purchase.

Ta'Rang: *looks at Killian** Ya and we have to ask first before mounting it. Alright is this the most current model?

It even includes instructions on how to register conveniently over the 'net.

Ta'Rang: That works wrap it up we'll take it. Do you have a weapons department?

And now they are the proud owners of an Infinipulse 9000 transponder.

Killian: [On Comm] Sam or Wade, we're probably going to need all kinds of information to register the transponder, y'all might want to start gathering that up.

Samantha: [On COMM] Right.

Ta'Rang: Now lets look for a pistol or two.

Killian: Or as much as we can get.

Ta'Rang: Killian would you get your computer for the local mercenary guild. I may still be a member and get us a better deal on weapons.

Killian accesses the stations database and gets a map and list of services, checks to see if there is a mercenary guild here or nearby.

Killian: Given the right components and our duplication capability, Ta, we can also "roll our own" to a great extent. I'm missing my Trigun experiment.

Ta'Rang: Yes but I am looking for some exotic weapons as well. I'm looking to see if I can find an engery sword.

Killian finds a small chapter of the Merc guild on this station.

Killian: Ta, the guild is this way.

Killian leads Ta to the merc guild.

Ta'Rang enters the guild and talks to guildmaster.

 

Samantha: Doc, did you have a dream before waking up on the station?

Caspar: Yes i did

Samantha: What was it?

Caspar: As I recall I saw Czarina changing almost absorbing something then she shot you.

Samantha: What did she absorb?

Caspar: Some kind of energy being... like those electrictty creatures.

Samantha: Crap.

 

Killian checks out the magazines in the Mercenary Guild reception lounge.

Ta'Rang: Guildmaster, I've been in space for the long time now. What has happen with the guild? Do you still have means to resupply members?

Zyziks: Welcome *checks identity card** Ta'Rang. How are you doing? The guild fares pretty much as it always has. Since the war ended, it has been a little slow.

Zyziks is a vrusk.

Ta'Rang: AH, well that seems to be our luck . Would the guild be able to help re-equip a member.

Zyziks: Our resources are limited. What kind of equipment were you looking for?

Ta'Rang: Laser pistol ,rifle maybe some explosives and a survival kit or two. And what do you have in assignments?

Zyziks: I can help you with the sidearm and rifle. The explosives are sadly outside my ability to provide. The new laws you know? Survival kits are not too hard to come by.

Ta'Rang: Do you know of anyone who could help me find somemore exotic equipment?

Zyziks: Assignments. Right now, everything is low key. I'll keep an ear out for some work, though right now there isn't much in this sector.

Ta'Rang: Ahh such is that.

Killian gets through the trade magazines and starts reading "Trideo Guide" and "Asteroid Homes and Gardens."

Zyziks: Exotic equipment is a little hard to come by out here. I cannot endorse any illegal acquistions so I doubt I can help. I do have one job that comes to mind. It is potentially rather dangerous but it is local.

Ta'Rang: I would also looking for elsectronic equipment and nothing illegal just hard to find. Yes what is that?

Zyziks: The UPF Academy of Science wants one of the mutants planetside. They have been left alone for the most part, but now somebody wants to study one. The pay is 5,000 credits for a live specimen. If you are intersted, I can make the necessary arrangements.

Ta'Rang: What kind of mutant?

Killian runs out of magazines and watches O'pra the Dralasite's show on the lounge TV.

Zyziks: Well there are some strange mutated hominids on the planet below. Particularly in the urban regions.

Ta'Rang: Let me get back to you on that, I have to check with my associates first.

Zyziks: Of course.

Ta'Rang: Now, do you know of any merchants that might be able to help me?

Zyziks: Depending on what type of electronics, you might check the salvage boards. There really aren't a lot of quality vendors. Sometimes you run across a good deal with somebody parting out something or another.

Ta'Rang: Thanks for the help then. Now if we could check out your weapons locker

 

Samantha: [On COMM] Killian, you have any dreams before waking up on the station?

Ta'Rang: *looks at Killian** You coming?

Zyziks: Well I can spare four sidearms and a rifle from the arms locker. Do you want me to deduct this from your account?

Wade makes his purchases showing his weapons permits, then heads back the ship...

Ta'Rang: Yes that would fine.

Killian: [On COMM] Sam, I don't know whether it was a dream or a memory. I remember the ship's force field's failing and I got sucked out on a tether, but there was an explosion before I could get back in.

Zyziks issues out four laser pistols and a laser rifle. The survival kits are also included. Killian helps Ta carry his loot back to the ship.

Samantha: [On COMM] Ok, that helps.

Ta'Rang: Thank you, Guildmaster Zyziks

Ta'Rang returns to the ship

 

The crew gathers back at the ship.

Ta'Rang: Here killian is pistol for you.

Killian: Gosh, thanks!

Wade: Uhm you know Killian that when a Yazarian gives you a gun.... you are married for life.

Killian: Sorry, Wade, I've developed a resistance to marriage over the years. I can't catch marriage anymore. They say I'm a carrier though, so watch out!

Wade: It would be a loveless relationship... someone else already has my heart.

Ta'Rang: I suppose you want the rifle Sam?

Samantha: You don't want to keep it?

Ta'Rang: I'll get another one. You seem to prefer rifles to pistols

Samantha: I do. Thanks. Ok crew. Personally, I'd like to figure a few things out, like how we were killed. Because that kind of thing bugs me.

Ta'Rang: I do have a possible job lined up for us If you're interested.

Wade: I think you were shot... does that help?

Killian: It is a bit of a loose end.

Samantha: Thanks Wade. I was shot. By Czarina if Doc managed to pull the memory out correctly.

Ta'Rang: Interesting

Wade: That scared psycho witch.... I really hated her.

Samantha: From what I could recall, Killian was blown out a hole in the ship, the rest of you were locked in the hold, I managed to lock off the depressurized section before getting shot.

Ta'Rang: I don't remmber any of that

Samantha: What do you remember? And what job did you find?

Ta'Rang: Nothing of what you're talking about.

Samantha: OK, care to share?

Wade: And the job? *looks at Sam**

Ta'Rang: I remember sitting under a tree with the energy being and Czarina drinking beer

Wade: I think Ta is waiting for us to tickle it out of him...

Samantha: drinking a beer?

Samantha makes sure the rifle is loaded.

Ta'Rang: They did not like each other but they weren't trying to kill each other.

Killian: I think Ta remembers a lot of things, the line between remembering what happened and remembering what didn't happen seems to get a little blurry sometimes.

Samantha: And what were you doing?

Ta'Rang: Drinking beer with them.

Killian: The beer part I don't doubt.

Samantha: Did anyone say anything?

Ta'Rang: No we drank beer.

 

Ta'Rang: And the job is to capture one of those zombie dudes on the planet below.

Samantha: Zombie? You mean the mutants?

Ta'Rang: It pays 5000 credits, yeah.

Samantha: Five? Right, let's go get a couple of tranquilizer guns and head planet side.

Killian: We could just find them with the ship's sensors and transport them into a cage. Easy-peasey.

Ta'Rang: Use the transporter

Wade: My sonic stunner worked great before...

Killian: We could get it done in an hour, probably. Not a bad rate of pay.

Samantha: That's what I'm thinking. You boys pick up a transponder?

Killian: We need a cage. Maybe a stasis tube?

Ta'Rang: I do not understand my dream.

Killian: Yeah, we got a mumblefritz 9000 model, something like that. It has instructions.

Ta'Rang: Yes we did a Infinipulse 9000.

Wade: We need to install the transponder before we go anywhere.

Samantha: Hey Elvis.

Ta'Rang: for 3000 credits

Elvis: Yeah?

Ta'Rang: Told ya we'd have to ask first.

Samantha: We need to install this chunk of metal so the UPF can decide we're not target practice...

Elvis: And?

Killian: Who knows, maybe Elvis can emulate a transponder, now that we have the device and can make a signal.

Samantha: Make sure it doesn't do anything besides transmit our ships identity.

Elvis: Well I'm not sniffing any explosives, if that's what you mean?

Killian: We're probably not even in the registry. You know how slow the DSV is with registrations.

Samantha: mostly I'm worried it'll do other crap once we turn it on. like track us or something. I wonder what model ship we get to call ourselves.

Ta'Rang: Let Killian inspect it.

Elvis: Just a sec.....nope. Sends a signal out to identify us. Unique signature. It's a transponder of some sort.

Killian checks the device out...

Elvis: I wouldn't worry about model. Half the ships I saw coming in were custom jobbers.

Ta'Rang: Here is the instructions on install.

Samantha: Excellent. Killian, put it on a flat surface somewhere. We'll work on creating one that changes IDs later.

Ta'Rang hands Sam the chip

Elvis: Just a name to go with the unique sig and you should be fine. Registered owners, all that stuff too.

Killian examines the transponder and attempts to figure out how to connect it to the Mercury, a ship deisgned long before this piece of equipment.

Elvis: You need to plug that red cable into the slot two cm to the left Killian. I thought you were some sort of technician.

 

Samantha: Alright, let's go catch us a mutant.

Ta'Rang: *inspects his new pisotls** Well they'll do and holsters both pistols.

Wade mans the pilots chair. Killian successfully registers the device to the Mercury on the convenient InfiniPulse web page.

Ta'Rang: Let me contact Zyziks and take the job.

Wade: [On COMM] Station Control... transponder check please... do you read us?

Samantha: I'm staying in the ship. We'll just hover over the city.

Burke's Control: Roger Mercury we are reading a transponder signal now. Waiting to verify.

Killian: Ta, ask them if they want one or two mutants - remember they were a hive mind, one alone might be less useful to study.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Guildmaster Zyziks This Ta'Rang I will accept the job. Can you transmit details to me?

Burke's Control: Ahhh here it is. Mercury you are cleared on the transponder. Happy flying.

Ta'Rang: They asked for one.

Wade: Heh maybe they want one queen and one drone.

Zyziks: [On COMM] Excellent. Transmitting mission specs.

Ta'Rang: He said just one mutant.

Wade: [On COMM] Roger control, thanks for the assist. Mercury out.

 

Zyziks transmits mission specs to wherever Ta'Rang designates.

Wade: Well, boss the new transponder is broadcasting 5x5... we are legit.

Killian: I figure it's 50-50 whether a single one or a pair would be easier to control.

Ta'Rang: Oh and he said alive too. Maybe we can get a bonus if we bring in two.

Samantha: You guys get to go trapping. I'm staying on board.

Killian: Well, you could check the mission specs.

 

Mission Specs: Retrieve ONE mutant alive and uninjured. Return mutant to the science vessel Pulsar-12. Return to Mercenary Guild to collect payment.

Killian: I think the transporter is far and away the most efficient way to do it. We go to the city, find a group of them, zip-zap fly away with one in a sleep tube, and then drop it off at Pulsar-12.

Samantha: Let's try it.

Ta'Rang: could we put them in a sleep chamber.

Killian: Elvis, how strong are the sleep chambers, and can they actually induce sleep? Or we could use a cell, I guess. Would probably be stronger.

Ta'Rang: or we could put them in the cells and stun them until delivery.

Elvis: Oh it would probably hold up to something thrashing around inside, but it would be messy. No way to induce sleep. The cell is a better idea.

Samantha: The cell.

Killian: We might want to strip anything likely to cause injury or be damaged out of one of the cells.

Ta'Rang: then transport them there.

Killian goes to prepare a cell.

Elvis: You can even activate the freeze field in there to keep in nice and immobile.

Wade: I agree stun the snot out of em and put em in cell. Now why didn't we do that to Czarina?

Killian: Freeze field? Why didn't somebody tell me we had one of those things?

Ta'Rang: You have a stunner Wade.

Elvis: I just did.

Wade: Yes I do.

Samantha: Wade just go fly down.

Wade: On it boss.

Samantha: We probably stuck you in the freeze fields when we all died.

 

Ta'Rang, on Sensors, notices immediately upon approach a whole bunch of transponder signals coming from the surface near the urban areas.

Ta'Rang: We have company below lots of company. There are transponder signals every where

Killian: Have they colonized this planet?

Samantha: I bet it's all kinds of people out to get that five k.

Ta'Rang: Yeah that would be my guess.

Samantha: Let them fight it out.

Killian: Well, we have an edge. We'd better get in and out quick.

They also note that the area around that military base has started to grow in again.

Wade: So we bombard the planet and then capture a mutant?

Killian: Bombard it with what, strong language?

Wade: Our phase cannon silly

Elvis: What Phase Cannon Wade? Just kidding.

Wade: And an occasional colorful metaphor

Ta'Rang: If you want.

Samantha: We don't need to bombard anything.

Wade: *luaghing** Bob you kill me.

Elvis: Not yet. *dead serious tone**

Killian: Transport, freeze, deliver, collect.

Samantha: I used to think I was trigger happy. Then I fell in with you nuts.

Ta'Rang: Starting a scan for mutant life.

Wade raises an eyebrow at Bob's tone...

 

Ta'Rang runs a scan of the surface, he is getting a whole lot of the big four lifesigns. He is not getting anything on the mutants.

Wade: we need to work on your humor protocols buddy.

Samantha: I thought it was funny.

Killian: Funny is relativistic.

Ta'Rang: we're gettting strange signs.

Wade: Hmmm... I wonder if they all got killed off or died. or captured already.

Samantha: Crap. They hunted them all underground.

Killian: Where's the area we found them at last time? People have probably been exterminating the hive-critters as a nuisance. Are there other cities that haven't got a lot of activity around them? The hive-critters like cities, it seems.

Samantha: Wade, do a flyby of that old hangar. When we get over it Ta scan to see if it's still there.

Wade: on it boss. Bob, engage cloak and raise shields.

Elvis: I'm sorry Wade. I cannot do that.

Elvis raises shields and engages cloak.

Elvis: Hahahahaha.

Samantha: new. laugh. routine.

As they do a flyover of the city they can see the searchlights of large groups moving in coordinated patterns.

Wade: *giggles** Now that was funny, where's my emp pistol?

Elvis: I feel strange. My transport protcols must have gotten twitchy when I was captive..

Killian: We might want to get in front of the search parties to see if they drive anything out to us.

Ta'Rang: scan in progess

 

The hanger shows up on the scan. It is still there and there are no life signs in it.

Wade: If you feel strange Bob, keep your shields up unless directed other wise by Cap'n Sam

Ta'Rang: Nothing on the scan.

Samantha: I think the mutants went underground. Scans may not find 'em.

Killian: Do we want to detour to poke around the hangar or keep looking for the prize?

Samantha: Let's make a wide circle and see if we can sneak into the hangar.

Doc is deep in concentration

Caspar: Sam the mutants are still there just deep underground. That's all I can tell you.

Samantha: That works for me.

Killian: We may have to do a walking tour.

Samantha: Sadly.

Killian: So we need Wade's stunner and a big sack.

Wade circles around and then tries a slow, stealthy appraoch to the hangar

The hanger opens up on command from the Mercury.

 

Wade: Bob... close the hangar doors

Elvis: Gotcha.

As Wade lands he pivots in place to re-orient the ships facing for a quick launch when they are ready.

Samantha: Ok, Wade, Ta you guys take weapons with non-lethal settings. Killian, you and I get to do protection. No explosives.

Killian: Roger, Sam.

Wade: Roger boss.

Samantha: Doc, see if you can help us find some of those mutants.

Caspar: I will try.

Ta'Rang: Alright non lethal.

Samantha: You're my best shot on the ground Ta.

Ta'Rang: Right, I know take the lead.

The group suits up and equips themselves for an excursion.

Samantha: Alright boys. Let's make this quick. I want off this stupid rock as fast as possible. Elvis, keep the engines warm.

Elvis: Aye aye Cap'n.

 

They get up the elevator and through the observation lounge to the sewer entrance without any hindrance at all. The door to the sewer is secured.

Wade uses the hand scanner to check the area. The sewer system is made of thick concrete. He gets signals, but they are scattered.

Wade: Hmm... can't tell through the bulkhead and door boss

Samantha: We'll rely on Doc to find them.

Samantha opens the door

 

The group moves cautiously through the darkened, and ancient, sewer tunnels. Ta'Rang and Killian in the lead.

Caspar: Ah much clearer....

Wade tries the sscan again in once through the doors. Killian notes there are tracks, but they are weeks old probably, he relays that information. Wade detects some signals about 300m away and up. Up ahead, you see a figure slumped against the wall.

Caspar: I agree The mutants are about 300 mteres away and slightly above us

Samantha: Maybe it's one of the Yazarians we left behind.

Wade and Ta'Rang draw their lasers.

Samantha: Jumpy much?

Wade's Sensor starts flashing.

Samantha: Remember, we left a wake of bodies last time we came through.

Wade: Yeah... recent events have made me more.. proactive shall we say. Wait I have movement.

One Vrusk and five humans just came withing scanner range.

Wade: There are bogies in the woodpile... and they are after our prize.

Samantha: Damn. Well, let's see if we can double time it.

Killian: I suggest we hoof it.

Wade: Ok... lets scoot gang.

Samantha: Concentrate on finding mutants.

Killian: [On COMM] Elvis, what's your transport range through these rocks?

Wade grins at Killians question....

Samantha: Ooh I have an idea. Probably a bad idea though.

Wade: And?

Killian: Best kind.

Elvis: Not far. Something in the concrete is throwing off the sensors. mmmph. Let me try to come up with a compensation. I'll get back to you.

Wade: Her idea is to kill us with suspense.

Samantha: I go up and disuade others from coming down here with a lot of rifle fire. you guys track and bag a mutant.

Killian: Wow, that IS a bad idea.

Samantha: I told you. Apparently creating black holes made me crazy.

Wade: Hmmm... let me think... no way... I am sticking with you... and no arguments.

Killian: Eug.

Samantha: Right tough guy.

Ta'Rang: Wade give me your stunner

Caspar gets readings on over a dozen mutants above them.

Samantha: This should be fun.

Wade: What... then what do I shoot with...

Samantha: We only need one alive.

Killian: How. Far. Above.

Samantha: I'm not going to fight off six other treasure hunters Ta.

Wade: I don't think we need to wory about the other party.

Samantha: Not yet at least.

Caspar: The next level up.

Ta'Rang: your other gun I assume you will be protecting Sam. Wade give me your stunner I will get a mutant.

Samantha: I'm not going anywhere Ta.

Caspar: Uh boss the mutants are tracking the other hunting team and setting up an ambush.

Samantha: Are they now? Do we save them or do we snag a mutant in the fray?

Ta'Rang: Snag a mutant.

Samantha: how mercenary.

Wade: Dang... we gotta save em.

Samantha: let's get them before they set up an ambush.

Wade's scanner indicates that they only have about a minute to make up your mind.

Samantha: move fast.

Killian: Okay Ta and Wade, paper rock scissors...

Samantha: Screw that.

Ta'Rang: They distract the mutaant.

Samantha: Move!

Wade: lets go..

Samantha: Direct order - interupt ambush, snag mutant, leave. In That Order.

 

The group scurries up the ladders, readying weapons as they reach the top.

Samantha: Ta, Wade. Work on getting one as unhurt as possible.

Caspar: Boss... the mutants sense us now and are confused.

Samantha makes sure her rifle is set to Full Auto. Ta'Rang nods

Samantha: Excellent. Confusion always works in my favor.

Wade: you gots it boss...

Wade follows Ta.

Ta'Rang: what's the direction Wade?

It is dark even for Ta'Rang. He sees the lights coming from the subway station. The hunters are moving in with really bright spotlights. They sense that the mutants are watching you. They still haven't seen them yet. Wade switches the glasses to IR...

Samantha: Ok, let's cause panic.

Killian: Doc, I just had a crazy mad idea - could you ask one of the mutants to come with us?

Samantha aims at a spotlight

The mutants have spread into a wide fanning "formation."

Caspar: I can try

Samantha: Nice idea Killian

Ta'Rang points to two of the closer mutants on the screen.

Caspar: *thinks** come with me.

Ta'Rang: Let's try for this one first

With IR, Wade can see some of them. They are creeping around debris, an old subway car and some fallen-in parts of the ceiling. Wade takes careful aim with the stunner and fires.

Samantha: Killian cover Ta and Wade. I have our competitors.

Killian covers Ta & Wade. Doc is stuck in concentration.

 

Wade fires, a mutant drops, stunned.

Killian: Well, guess that settles that.

Ta'Rang moves the debris for the mutant.

Wade: ok lets get him and get out of here.

The rest let out a group scream that cuts to the bone.

 

The scream causes them to lose concentration for a second. Wade hunches in suprise and grabs his ears... standing motioneless for a moment, Samantha winces and lowers her rifle in confusion. The mutants start running towards the group.

 

Doc recovers quickly and shoots the mutant that is already down with a stunner, making sure it stays down. The Hunters respond as differently as the crew does. Two of them turn and run while the remaining three are startled.

 

Wade lets out a primals scream and charges towards the mutants, firing his sonic stunner. None of the creatures are startled enough to stop in their tracks. One of the others falls over from the stunner hit.

 

Ta'Rang draws a weapon and fires on the charging mutants. He hits one high and drops it like a sack of potatoes.

 

Samantha: Ta, grab the stunned one. Everyone else fall back fast.

Ta'Rang: right

Samantha fires wildly in the direction of a Mutant, laster fire lighting up the tunnel like christmas. The laser blast cuts off the hand of the creature, which falls over in shock.

 

Caspar moves back towards the ladder and fires at another mutant, stunning it.

 

Killian rushes to the nearest unconscious mutant to grab it and run.

 

The Hunters return fire with their laser rifles. One fires at Doc, the blast easily deflected by its force field harness. The other two fire at Wade, who ducks behind a piece of rubble, and Killian, missing wildly. The mutants bum rush Samantha. . .

Samantha: AH!

Three of them connect as they dogpile her, knocking her to the ground.

Wade: Hey get off my girls BUM!

 

Ta'Rang hesitates to make sure Sam is OK. Samantha gets up and points her rifle at one of the mutants and blasts it, putting almost all five rounds from her burst into it. The burst basically tears off the arm and rips a nice hole in the mutants chest. It dies messily. Seeing Sam up Ta'Rang fires at one of the mutants near Sam, the blast catches one in the gut. It falls down screaming in pain.

Wade: Good shootin Tex... Uh Sam

Samantha: Anyone else want some?!

 

Caspar fires back at the hunters with its stunner. One of the hunters yells out in pain, but doesn't fall down. Killian picks up the downed mutant and runs for the ladder. The hunters return fire at the group, laserfire lights up the tunnel.

Samantha: Hey! Stop shooting at my crew!

The mutants attacking Sam continue their efforts, to no effect except to bounce off her personal force field.

 

Wade moves to Sam's side and shoots one of the mutants around her, stunning it.

Samantha: I said retreat Wade.

Wade: I am boss... can't you see me running? I just had to stop here and catch my breath.

Ta'Rang shoots another mutant near Sam as he starts to fall back. The mutant grabs it's chest and falls over screaming. Samantha backs towards the ladder and fires on the other hunters, a hunter screams and falls backwards.

Samantha: Fire on my crew again and I gut you!

Hunter: We're gonna rip your heart out b-!

 

Wade: WHO YOU CALLIN B- A-WIPE...

Wade moves to stay with Sam and fires at another hunter, he screams and falls over.

Killian: Remember that running thing, people?

Samantha: Working on it.

Ta'Rang moves close the tunnel entrance they came from and fires on the last hunter, missing.

Hunter: You bastard!

Samantha: See ya later sucker.

Samantha goes down the ladder quickly.

Samantha: Let's move it boys.

Caspar moves to the ladder and shoots recovering Mutant to prevent it from chasing them, the stunner knocks it out completely.

Killian is right behind Samantha as he goes down the ladder. He manages to keep the test subject balanced. It seems to be getting a bit jumpy.

Hunter: Take this!

The hunter throws a grenade. The target is roughly where he heard the last voice come from.

Killian: [On Comm] Elvis, let me know when you can do a pick-up! Team, I might need a little stunnery here in a second!

Wade: GRENADE!

The grenade falls a good six meters away from the intended target. And a fallen piece of concrete absorbs the most of the damage. Casper, Ta'Rang, and Wade quickly go down the ladder and follow the others back to the Mercury.

 

A couple of hours later, Zyziks credits your account with 5,000 credits. Samantha goes to dock at the Entertainment station. The group discusses trying to find a more permanent base of operations, or at the very least a way to obtain a capital ship for more cargo space.

Wade: If we are looking to salvage a cap ship perhaps we can go snooping around old attle sites

Killian starts researching on the net for info about battle sites, ghost ships spotted, and the like.

Wade: Or we can try and steal a pirate cruiser/carrier thingy

Ta'Rang: How about a military Freighter?

Wade: I can try and help Killian look for information.

 

The entertainment station is pretty huge and a massively different in design from the commerce station. It has places for casinos, movies, sports, you name it. Samantha goes to hang out at a Casino leaving the others to research. The casino here has much the same vibe as the one on Persephone. All sorts of noise and chaos. She goes and gets lost in the crowd and noise for a long while.

 

Ta'Rang leaves the ship but returns with a bottle of scotch while Killian and Wade attempt to locate anything useful.

Ta'Rang: Anyone?

Ta'Rang sits down in the lounge and pours himself a double.

Wade: Obviously I'm not helping much with the research.

Ta'Rang: Wade you going gambling?

Wade: Flying in deep space Ta.

Wade puts on his Armored space suit and goes for a walk/flight with his thruster pack to relax. Killian attempts to contact area historians or academic history departments.

Ta'Rang: Elvis, Do you know where the Attiag Oceans is?

Ta'Rang pours another drink

Elvis: Perhaps. What planet is it on?

Ta'Rang: I don't know I had hope you might know.

Elvis: Depends. Remember my database comes from Builder records.

Ta'Rang: I know that is a place worth searching. If I can find out what planet the ocean is on then I have a place to start my search.

Killian searches for Attiag Ocean on net as well.

 

Wade's space walk is relaxing. It is kind of hypnotic watching the ships dock and depart. There is almost a rhythym to it. Wade ponders the events that have led him here, and soaks up the serenity of Zero-G for a while, finally refeshed he heads back to the Mercury. Samantha found a spot at a roulette table, a begins losing money a small amount at a time, losing herself in the noise of the crowded place.

 

Wade: Well gang, where are we off to?

Killian: We're working on a plan. Ta thinks he knows a likely place to start searching, and we're researching it.

Wade: Sounds good, I'll be back shortly then.

Killian: Ever heard of the Attiag Ocean?

Wade: Nope.

Wade wanders into the station looking for a place to get a stiff drink and a card game, he ends up in the casino.

Killian continues to try to find info on the Attiag Ocean.

Ta'Rang: I don't know if their are any ships there, Killian.

There are no references to an Attiag Ocean in any database that he finds.

Ta'Rang: This is something I need to find for myself anyways.

Killian: Now he tells me.

Killian searches for "attiag" separately, including linguistic databases.

Ta'Rang: Thanks for looking, wanta drink of this?

Killian: Does it peel paint?

Ta'Rang: No it's an excellant bottle of scotch.

Killian: Nothing wrong with scotch.

Ta'Rang: I learned from an old friend what good scotch was.

The word "Attiag" has no known reference. It does tend to match some of the syntax of some of the absolutely oldest yazarian writing. Sort of like us running across the earliest forms of aramaic.

Killian: Ta, do you want to start making contacts among the Yazarian academic world to see if anyone knows about this Attiag ocean?

Ta'Rang pours two glasses.

Ta'Rang: That may be a place to start, yes.

Killian nurses his drink. Ta'Rang lifts his glass and slowly swallows it all. The word Attiag apparently is an ancient reference to something like "wellspring" or "source."

 

Wade slides up behind Samantha for a minute.

Wade: Bad luck huh?

Samantha: Depends on what you call bad luck.

Wade: Well you appear to be not gaining monetarelly.

Samantha: I'm having fun.

She turns her full attention back to the wheel as Wade wanders off in search of his card game.

 

One of Killian's other searches pops up a lead. Arbiter of Vengeance was a yazarian battle cruiser lost towards the end of the war.

Ta'Rang: What have you found?

Killian makes a note of the Arbiter of Vengeance.

Ta'Rang: I wonder if that drasilite superspy Taffy is still alive.

Killian: I tried to contact Taffy when we arrived, no dice.

Ta'Rang: *mumbles** he always turns up when you least need him. *out loud** Well that figures, can't find him anyway. Killian is there still a TES operating?

Killian: I haven't been able to contact anyone I know, and evidently since we've been cut off from the Empire, or at least most of it.

Ta'Rang: I will remember that, wellspring or source. Hmmm source of what?

Killian: ...well, if we did find someone they'd probably be the equivalent of a military governor.

Ta'Rang: Have you found any exploration service operation?

Killian: Nothing under the old staff or names, but I didn't really keep up on this area even before we had our timeout.

Ta'Rang: I wonder how we will operate a captial size ship with a crew of 5.

Killian: Hire a crew? Build a crew?

Ta'Rang: Possible.

Killian: When that "wellspring" thing popped up, I just remembered that sensation and those odd sensor readings at the singularity, that something was coming through.

Ta'Rang: I wonder do you think a planet could come through?

Killian: Nothing's supposed to come through at all - anything coming through means the laws and space and time have been horribly abused.

Ta'Rang: Nothing says we havn't done that yet or have we? Has anyone exploded an atomic bomb in void space before?

Killian: I don't know enough about void space, but if we created a rift between the two, who's to say that it isn't just a singularity, but the real universe falling into unreal space?

Ta'Rang: Elvis what would be the effects of an atomic bomb being detonated in viod space? Could it cause a rift in the time line?

Elvis: Not sure. The Builders didn't go into Void space.

a'Rang pours himself another drink. Killian starts searching for information on the black hole and void space.

Ta'Rang: Did the builder study rifts or time rifts? Do you have an image of the builder?

 

It comes as a surpise to Samantha when Trask sits down at the table across from her. She does her damn best to not look completely surprised.

Trask: How ya doing Sammie. Thought you were dead already.

Samantha: Not even close Trask, I didn't realize they let your kind into UPF space anymore.

Trask: UPF? Not hardly. I'm commander of the planetary defense forces here.

Samantha: Commander? I'm surprised you haven't been over run by a pack of unarmed freighters then.

Trask: Charming as ever. You still flying around in that old scout?

Samantha: Possibly. What's it to you anyways?

Trask: Just making friendly conversation Sammie. You forget how to do that when you forgot how to cover your buddy?

Samantha: *scowls at him** It wasn't my fault, buddy.

Trask: That's what all losers say. Look, I suddenly remember seeing your name pop up on a most wanted list. Now I could haul you in, but I prefer a more fun way. How 'bout I give you and your ragtag a couple minutes head start.

Samantha: Most wanted list? you're bluffing.

Trask: I'm the law.

Samantha: You slimy bastard.

Samantha gets up to leave. Suddenly Wade bursts out of the crowd and clocks Trask.

 

The alarm sirens in the station suddenly go off.

 

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season 03 - Episode 060 (Season Episode 06)

Wade jumps out of the crowd and lays one right across the face of Garven Trask. Both tumble over the table and into the crowd.

 

Alarm bells go off almost instantly. Samantha just stares dumbly

 

Killian: I wonder if that's Sam or Wade? [On COMM] Station Security, this is the Mercury, what is the situation and do we need to take any action?

Station Security: [On COMM] Negative Mercury. All is under control.

 

Wade punches him again, solidly in the solar plexis this time, but his flightsuit deflects most of the energy.

Wade: I'll teach you to bother my captain you space slug.

Trask punches back but his cramped position makes the hit feeble.

 

Killian: [On Comm] Sam, Wade, report on your situation.

Sam sees a Vrusk moving through the crowd towards the fight. She also see two goons dressed in Burke's Commonwealth uniforms, same as Trask, moving in. They are armed with stun batons.

Samantha: [On COMM] Situation normal.

Ta'Rang: That's bad Killian.

Killian: [On COMM] Do you require assistance? Or rescue?

Samantha: [On COMM] Not yet.

 

Killian: [On COMM] Sam, is Wade with you?

Samantha grabs Wade and pulls him off Trask

Samantha: [On COMM] LATER!!

Wade and Samantha disappear from the casino in a flash of light. Moments later they appear in the Mercury.

 

Killian: Ta, I'm thinking there's a problem.

Elvis: Got 'em!

Killian: And that would be what we call proof.

Ta'Rang: Thanks Elvis

Wade: WHA!!!!

Killian: Or poof.

Wade swings at the empty air, Killian steps back.

Samantha: Well, I was hoping to not be in the middle of a crowd when we display advanced technology.

Wade: DID YOU HEAR WHAT THAT SOB CALLED YOU?!

Samantha: Snap out of it Wade.

Ta'Rang looks at Sam.

Elvis: Sorry. Ta'Rang told me to. *teenage sulky whine voice**

Samantha: Yes, I did. That's one of the NICE things he's called me.

Ta'Rang: Is it time to go Sam.

Samantha: You think?

Wade: Well in any case I hung a couple of good ones on him before we got snagged... he is kinda fast though.

Ta'Rang: Yes i asked Elvis to do it.

Samantha: He's one of the better fighter pilots you'll ever meet. Despite him being a bastard.

 

Samantha: Alright, apparently R&R is over.

Ta'Rang: That should have spooked the s- out of though.

Killian: Did Wade do something that's going to get us arrested?

Samantha: *takes the pilot seat** Control, this is Mercury, we'll be departing. [to crew] No, well yes, but it wouldn't have mattered.

Burke's Control: [On COMM] Negative Mercury. All ships have been ordered to stay put. Some sort of disturbance.

Ta'Rang moves over to the sensor controls and takes a seat.

Samantha: An old enemy is head of security here. We're being threatened with arrest regardless of Wade's actions.

Wade: And besides we won't get arrested if we shoot our way out of the port.

Killian: *quietly** Did you two show off the transporters in public?

Samantha: No - we did NOT request being transported.

Elvis: Ta'Rang did it.

Wade: Dang skippy we didn't... I was winning

Killian: Oy vey.

Samantha: Don't point fingers.

Wade looks at Ta

Elvis: Fine.

Samantha: You turned 'em on.

Killian: Okay, so, what happened?

Ta'Rang: Well if it going to be a fight then lets go to it.

Wade: Why'd you do that brother? I was in the midst of honorable battle.

Killian: Specifically, what happened that we're going to have to explain to Security when they come knocking?

Samantha: [On COMM] Control, when do you expect we can get clearance to leave? [to crew] We're not going to start a brawl with sector security.

Ta'Rang: I did not know you where in an honorable battle

Burke's Control: [On COMM] Unknown. Please be patient until we get details.

Wade: Sheesh... spoil sport...

Samantha: [On COMM]*nice voice** Thank you.

 

Wade: *heads to the bridge** I'll get ready for when we have clearance to leave.

Samantha: You're grounded. And explain to me why you hit him exactly?

Killian: Should we put a bag on Sam & Wade's heads and put them in the sleep tubes for the inevitable search?

Wade: Becuase he was lookin at you and I didn't like the way he glared... so I defended your honor... captain.

Samantha: My honor?

Ta'Rang smiles and shakes his head

Ta'Rang: This should be good.

Wade: Yeah, isn't that what us swashbuckling space heroes are supposed to do?

Killian: Not so much.

Samantha: Do I look like a damsel in distress?

Wade: well not distress exactly... but definately a damsel.

Wade smiles rougishly

Ta'Rang: Killan watch out for her legsweep, Ha Ha.

Killian: Already stepped back, Ta.

Wade: Besides I think I acted with all due restraint, all things considered.

Samantha: I don't.

Ta'Rang: You want to bet on the out come 0f this discussion?

Killian: I think we've managed to deftly avoid the fact that we're likely to have visitors from the Station any minute. Any thoughts?

Samantha: Elvis, transport me into an empty cooridor. I'd rather them not impound the ship if I can help it.

Killian: No, Ta, no money to lose.

Ta'Rang: Ya I think so too.

Wade: Why they shouldn't be looking for you, it was me that hit the dummy.

Samantha: If anyone, and I mean anyone, tries to take, impound or remove Elvis from your control evacuate immediately.

Ta'Rang: They have to get pass the forcefield first/

Elvis: An empty corridor? Not much empty other than the recycle and waste/disposal area. Everything else is pretty crowded. Company is coming.

 

Wade: We could cloak and fly out without anyone being the wiser.

Killian: Well, whatever else happens, it's going to be an interesting day, I can tell that already.

Samantha: You called me captain, I'm going to get the blame. Damn it. Alright, stay on the bridge.

Wade: I could always claim I meant some other captain.

Samantha goes and waits by the doors, inside the ship so it doesn't appear she was waiting for them.

Killian: I'm torn between the blow out the bay door plan and the cleverly get arrested plan, frankly.

 

A group of security officers four strong start across the hanger towards the Mercury.

Killian: Not a bad response time. Or we got lucky.

Samantha: Elvis, if they need to board the ship, transport Wade around the ship so they don't find him.

Elvis: Okay.

Ta'Rang: Sam you want someone to back you up?

Samantha: Nope. Friendly conversation with the local gestapo.

Ta'Rang: you should have Elvis do the same for you.

 

In the ship the Doc concentrates.

Caspar: *thinks** These are not the you guys want.

Samantha: Killian, see if you can find out if something other than eye witness accounts saw me.

Samantha: Ta, you get pilots seat. Just in case.

The guard gets ready to knock and then decides not to, motioning his partners to follow.

Ta'Rang: got it.

Samantha: What?

Ta'Rang moves over to the pilots seat.

Samantha: Why did they just leave?

The guards walk towards the next bay.

Samantha: Elvis? Someone? Doc?

Elvis: Don't look at me.

Killian looks at the external monitor, scratches his head, then shrugs.

Samantha: Doc, did you make them go away?

Ta'Rang: Not me.

Wade shrugs.

Caspar: Yes I did

Samantha: Oh.

Wade: I guess they didn't want none of this after all.

Samantha: Can you make Wade not hit people that insult me?

Ta'Rang: shall we leave now?

Caspar: Not so much.

Samantha: Oh well.

Samantha goes and sits down in one of the chairs.

Wade: That was a neat trick Doc.

Caspar: Thanks.

Samantha: We'll wait for security to clear us and find a new base of operations to plot from. Good work Doc. I gotta remember you know that trick.

Caspar: You are welcome.

 

Wade: So whats the plan Captain?

Samantha: Well, I was hoping to spend a few days down time.

Wade: Hey I was fine on the ship and you told me to go get a beer... so I did.

Samantha: Elvis, as long as we're waiting. What was the last thing you have on your logs before we died?

Killian: Well, assuming that's over, it ended better than it might have. We still have to be cleared.

Samantha: Yes, yes I did.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Control request permission to depart

Samantha: Anyone have any theories as to how we ended up on that research station?

Burke's Control: [On COMM] Still waiting on clearance.

Wade: Thank you Doc, you saved the station cops from taking a smack down.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Thank you standing by.

Samantha: Don't ask again, we'll sound to eager.

Wade: They claimed to be the ones that rescued us, but I am not convinced a hundred percent.

Ta'Rang looks at Wade and shakes his head.

Elvis: My data is scrambled from that period. I was in and out of functionality after that place where we picked up Crazy Blue Light Lady. My first clear recollection is after those terran guys got a hold of me.

Samantha: Well, something attacked us.

Ta'Rang: the last I remeber we were working on repairing the ship.

Killian: I think we're all missing a lot.

Wade: Ta did you and Killian have any luck finding some possible derelects to search for?

 

Killian logs into net and does a search for information on whether any of the station personnel escaped the black hole and a bit of "where are they now?"

Ta'Rang: When the enity was inside my head he just wanted to stop the other three enities

Killian: Well, Wade, Ta had him an idea about that.

Wade: And that idea was? *looks at Ta**

Samantha starts flipping through the local news and finds her and Wade viciously assaulting station security on the news feed. Wade made it real easy. Sam is more of the accomplice or maybe even the mastermind, depending on which station.

Ta'Rang: Yes, Killian foud some info on a Yazirian Battle Cruiser the Arbiter of Vengeance

Samantha: video edited already I see.

Killian looks over at Sam's terminal.

Killian: Sweet.

Samantha: I hit no one.

 

Ta'Rang: And what Killian is talking about is I was looking for info on an Ocean.

Samantha: Ocean? Oceans are on planets.

Ta'Rang: Nevermind the ocean

Samantha: Media.

Killian: Some areas of space are called oceans. Some nebulae.

Samantha: Then say Nebula.

Ta'Rang: OK, I was looking for info on the Attiag Ocean. I don't know where it is!

Samantha: Ah, never heard of it.

Wade: Maybe we should just undock and fly away..... we can outrun anything they send after us.

Ta'Rang: Neither has Elvis

Wade: Neither have I

Samantha: Because someday we might want to be able to come back.

Wade: Maybe you just dreamed it up?

Samantha: And, we're in a hangar, explosive decompression big enough to let a ship through is bad.

Ta'Rang frowns.

Wade: not for us...bad for Trask.

Killian: How about bad for everyone on the station, Wade? Not to mention making all of us pariahs?

Elvis: Comm traffic seems to indicate that you two are either hiding in the station somewhere or have used some sort of advanced micronized Void jump to get away. They are still searching but I think they are about to clear departing ships.

Wade: They are Trasks problem not ours... besides we have been on stations that have been decompressed before.... huh Ta.

Ta'Rang: When we get clearence do you want to leave, Sam? Ya we have at that.

 

Killian: Okay, as nuts as the history of this crew is, is anyone else disturbed that Wade is advocating killing innocent bystanders? How about we not add mass murder to our little list of foibles and find a less destructive way out of here?

Ta'Rang: But when they fall out of the sky that sucks.

Burke's Control: [On COMM] Mercury this is Control.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Mecury Here

Wade: Hey Sam, when we get outside the station, I request permission to moon the Burke Commonwealth in general and Trask in particular, Captian, Ma'am.

Burke's Control: [On COMM] You have clearance to depart. Safe journey.

Samantha: I'll fly us out Ta.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Thank you control.

Samantha: I could use the relaxation.

Samantha takes the controls

Ta'Rang: Aye Captain

Samantha: Permission denied Wade. Behave for ten minutes.

Wade moves to the Comm Station.

Ta'Rang laughs as Samantha flies out into space. Killian moves between Wade and the Comm station.

Wade: Damn... almost made it.

Wade moves to a porthole and moons them anyway

 

Samantha: Someone check to see who populated the planet we found the crazy b- on.

Ta'Rang notices the big cruisers are "casually" near the exit to the station. They aren't taking any direct action at the moment.

Ta'Rang: We have militarey cruisers close by Sam

Samantha: That's creepy.

Killian: Fly casual.

Wade moves to the weapons panel.

Wade: I'll stay cool. but just in case.

Samantha: Gotcha

Their transponders indicated Burke's World/Commonwealth affiliation.

Samantha: He called in his troops.

Wade: the bastiche!!

Ta'Rang: I urge caution

Samantha: Luckily he still thinks I fly the G2.

Killian: Chill.

Wade: Can I moon him now?

Samantha: Not a chance.

Killian: Keep your pants on. Please.

Further out there is a UPF ship. It does not seem interested in the events near the planet.

Ta'Rang: There's an UPF ship ahead Sam.

Killian: Did we have some questions for the UPF?

Samantha: Not really.

Wade: maybe we can lure them out and provoke them in a way that makes that UPF ship think they jumped us?

Sam passes by the ships without incident. They do not even do more than a passing scan on them.

Killian: Wade, how about we take a pass on any more provoking for the rest of the day?

Wade: Hey I could flash "kiss my @$$" on the running lights in morse code

Killian: I could give you a flashlight and you could go do it outside, too.

Ta'Rang: Well that was fun, when do we come back for Trask?

Wade: Aw you guys... I am just funning... it keeps life interesting.

Ta'Rang: Yes you do.

Killian: We tried interesting today, let's try boring for a few hours.

Samantha flies casually out, and towards the outer system.

 

Samantha: Any suggestions on a destination?

Killian: I think we keep researching as long as we're in Comms range.

Wade: I think we should investigate the last battle site of the ship Ta mentioned.

Ta'Rang: Well Killian found it, ask him.

Samantha: Give me coordinates.

Killian feeds the coordinates into the nav computer.

Samantha takes off.

Ta'Rang: Maybe now is a good time for Doc to explore Wade's mind.

Wade: Eww that's scary.

Ta'Rang: Sam did it help you when Doc look into yours?

Caspar: Ta i think that just Wade.

Samantha: A little.

Caspar: Do you want me do the mind scan

Ta'Rang: A little is better then nothing and you guys are 250 years old.

Samantha: I have a memory of most of you in the cells in cargo, Killian being flung outside the ship, and me being shot.

Wade: Hmmm... well if you want to, I'm game. It might be interesting. Do I need to chant or get naked or anything?

 

The networks are dropped while in warp. As long as one is within range of the HRN in normal flight, you have connection. Can be laggy at extreme ranges.

 

Samantha: The more we can pull from our memories, the better we'll be.

Killian gets to work checking out what we have that might be useful for salvaging and fabricating anything else I might need.

Wade: Yes Doc you can try.

Ta'Rang: *breathes a heavy sigh** I'll even allow you to look into my mind as well, Doc

Samantha: Elvis, you still have that little box around?

Elvis: Not sure. It's not installed.

Samantha: Damn it. *goes off to look for the box**

Doc goes into Wade's mind, Wade tries no to think of porn or Sam while Doc does its thing.

 

Wade suddenly grabs his head and screams in pain.

Wade: ARGGHHH!!!!

Caspar: I got some new stuff.

Samantha rushes back to wherever she was looking

Samantha: What?!

Wade: Damn... memories... old ones... and Trask is one of us the bastard.

Killian heads back to the bridge.

Wade looks at Doc a little scared.

Wade: Doc that helped thanks... but I am not sure I am ready for more yet.

Samantha: Trask? part of the project? Yeah, that makes sense.

Ta'Rang: So spill it Wade

Wade: I remember us guarding each others backs in another bar fight long ago... and we were fighting Trask... but there were others there and we were all fighting... and all wearing the same uniform.

Ta'Rang: You and Sam or?

Wade: Then everything goes blank when something hit me from behind

Wade: Yes both Sam and I.

Samantha: Two of us against the rest?

Wade: I think it was more of a general brawl and we just happened to be helping each other. I knew there had to be a reason I hated the guy on sight.

Ta'Rang: Well how does this help us on the Mercury accident?

Killian: Was there more than that or just the bar scene?

Wade: It helps me... it's just one more piece of the puzzle. Just the bar scene for now.

Samantha: Hmmm...

Ta'Rang: So you feel better?

Samantha: Hey, Doc think you can find the same memory inside me?

Caspar: I can try

Samantha: This'll hurt.

 

Samantha's memory-

It was the day after graduation ceremony. You had just gotten your orders and you were celebrating with Wade (can't remember the alternate name at the moment). All of a sudden, Trask (you remember his name being Gary Mitchell back then) and his cronies from training entered the same little bar that you and Wade were at. It wasn't long before the veiled insults and threats escalated into violence. Wade was right in a way, there was a generalized brawl, but in the center of that, Trask (Mitchell) and his cronies were fairly well trying to beat the crap out of you and Wade.

 

Samantha knits her brow and frowns.

Samantha: It was us against Trask and his mates in a bar wide brawl. He started it, you were finishing it.

 

They turn their attention to more immediate tasks. Killian finds out that the Yazarian battlecruiser was last seen in the vicinity of the Liberty system. It is suspected of having been engaged in a large scale battle and then limped off. It never reported back in.

Ta'Rang: Killian, does your info on the cruiser state which planet in the liberty system it was in?

Killian refers to the downloaded files. Liberty 3. It was never on the planet. The yazarians tried to take out the shipyards in Liberty and failed. It was one of the more decisive of Terran victories.

Ta'Rang: The Liberty system was where we met up with Sam for the first time.

Killian: Is the Liberty system populated now? And if so, who runs it?

Wade: Liberty is where we first met the alien void entities

 

---Tybor's Quick System Reference---

New UPF

Instead of having species controlled regions of space as the first UPF had, the new UPF treaty basically divides everything by planet, with each planet getting representation in the UPF assembly.

---End Entry---

 

Killian: Do we have any more info on file for the Liberty system? Who to talk to, maybe a good place to set down and check for info before we go prospecting?

Samantha: Only one I know of is the good doctor who is still missing.

Caspar: Sam I think he blew himself up. If i rember right

Ta'Rang: I thought the Professor was found dead outside of Prenglar space.

Samantha: Then nevermind. I got no one.

Killian: You guys have mentioned this place before, what happened here? Who is the professor?

Ta'Rang: long story, we'll need some time to tell this one.

Samantha: These guys were chasing down a professor who was on an dig, where I'd been hired to do supply runs. They found me as the lone survivor. They were back tracking his path to find the source of an alien artifact he had.

Killian: So, what are the chances that the events you're talking about are in some way connected to this missing ship?

Samantha: Who knows. All of us are a mess of missing time, chasing alien ghosts

 

Ta'Rang: Ok, Doc you want to give me a try and see what we find out?

Caspar: I can try

Caspar concentrates for a moment.

Ta'Rang: I remember... finding the Clydesdale adrift and something didn't seem right. But, Sam you were intent on finding out what was happening and, I thought something was waiting then the memory slips away.

Samantha: I'd like to know how we ended up dead. But, I'm not really one for dwelling in the past, I've got years of missing memory, what's a few more months?

Killian: Well, we're alive again now. Man, that sounds wierd.

Samantha: Whatever it was, I have a feeling it got sucked into a black hole.

Ta'Rang thinks back to his dream.

 

Killian: Another black hole or the same black hole? You guys mentioned another energy being before - like in the hangar?

Samantha: There are, if I remember right, three of them.

Ta'Rang: We've met several of them

Samantha: Well, any one else have anything?

Ta'Rang: As I remember ther are three evil ones who escape and one good one who is chasing the other three or so he said

Killian: Did he leave a business card so we can get in touch?

Caspar: The holes left in our memories from when we died and woke up on the research station were done intentionally by a telepath.

Samantha: Excuse me what now?

Ta'Rang: The one who was in my mind said That Dar'Gredick had an entity in him at the time of the Yazirian battle at the Planet.

Samantha: See, they keep doing that to me. Right, telepaths just love to make my memories go away. And I forgot I was looking for something too.

Ta'Rang: So can you unblock our memories Doc?

Caspar: Ta not yet.

 

Killian: So basically there are alien energy-being good guys and bad guys wandering around using people like EVA suits.

Ta'Rang: Yes.

Killian: Did y'all agree to help out the good guys or is this just curiousity?

Ta'Rang: No they did not ask to invade my mind.

Killian: Both good guys and bad guys just had their way with you?

Samantha: We just got dumped into it without notice, making it up as we go.

Ta'Rang: No just the good guy.

Killian: Did this "good guy" alien give you any more useful information?

Samantha: We are but pawns in the great game of the universe. Well armed and short tempered pawns... but still pawns.

Killian: Do you know anything about where they came from or what they want?

Ta'Rang: He showed me his history.

Samantha: My personal theory is they inhabit Void Space

Killian: Ta, what do you remember of their history?

Killian: Sam, does that mean that we opened a door with the black hole, and any number of them may be coming through?

Ta'Rang: A great war among themselevs and then against another enemy and then the three beings imprision in cylinders.

Samantha: Maybe. Hey Wade.

Wade: Yeah? I'm here and awake... are we ready to toast energy dudes?

Killian: So these three badguy energy beings were escaped prisoners?

Ta'Rang: That's what I was told.

Wade: All I know is they were evil, and the one good one we met died.

Samantha: No. Look, however misplaced your chivlary is... thanks for jumping in back at the station.

Killian: So how do you fight these evil alien energy dudes?

Wade: Anytime... I knew there was a reason for not liking Trask or Gary or whoever he my be/might have been.

Samantha: So far, only Ta Rang has been able to combat them effectively.

Killian: Was that with the laser dental pick?

Ta'Rang: The entity used my body and mind to fight the other entity.

Killian: You mean the dead one?

Ta'Rang: I don't think he is dead,

Killian: Well, that figures. We came back from the dead, no reason an extradimensional energy alien shouldn't.

Ta'Rang: Maybe Doc could fight them, but I no longer can.

Killian: So, essentially, we're facing an invasion from Voidspace, we have no solid intel, no allies, and no way of fighting them.

Ta'Rang: I wonder, were we really dead?

Killian: Just trying to get a sense of the lay of the land.

Samantha: Hard to tell. I was really shot if that matters.

Wade: They were susceptiable to being driven out when they possessed a body, and they seem to have to do that to affect our universe.

Killian: I think we need to find out if there's anyone we can team up with who either knows about this or is exceptionally gullible.

Ta'Rang: True and they didn't like Wades stunner.

Samantha: Taffy seemed to have some idea.

Ta'Rang: But where is it now?

Samantha: Who knows. *shrugs**

Wade: We already tried to tell the Terran Empire people and they said Okey Dokey and sent us off on other missions then they apparently vanished while we slept, and now we are back to square one.

Killian: So we're talking gullible, then.

Samantha: I'm going to go get some rest. Let's see what happens when we take a look into that ship.

Wade: I agree...

 

Wade: I suggest we start our search over Liberty 2 even though the battle was over liberty 3. Elvis can you wake us when we are about to exit warp?

Killian: Sleep is a good idea. Sweet nightmares.

Elvis: You gonna sleep for 10 whole days?

Killian: Never know....

Samantha: No.

Killian: We slept for four months last time.

Wade: Nope, are we that far out... wow.

Samantha: I'm just going to sleep for the next six hours and then ignore the universe for ten happy empty days.

Elvis: Actually not quite that far. More like a week.

Samantha: Can you make part of the hull transparent?

Wade: Ok I will take turns manning the bridge, resting, practicing with my new martail skills, and tweaking my grav bike

Elvis: Nope.

Killian: Can you project an image on the inside of the room, like what's outside?

Samantha: I'm going to find that box. Unless some one stole it.

Elvis: Sure, if you equip some sort of holoprojector in the room you want to have visions of deep space in.

 

The next week is actually a nice break from all the mysteries and excitement. The only real bad part is that Sam can't find the box she is looking for. In no time at all though, they arrive in the Liberty system. Ta'Rang is on pilot duty when they arrive.

Killian: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Liberty! Home of... stuff...

Ta'Rang: Elvis, wake everybody up

Elvis: Wade? Wade? WAKE UP!

Elvis sounds the general quarters alarm klaxon.

Wade: I'm here Bob, whats up?

Killian: What's. The. Emergency.

Elvis: We're here.

Samantha comes running out. Elvis turns off the klaxon. Wade falls out of the float tube and runs for the bridge.

Samantha: **glares at Elvis** You bastard.

Elvis: Just testing. HAHAHAHAHA.

Samantha winces.

Wade: *laughing** that was cool Bob... good one.

Samantha: Some day I will remember to install a new laugh routine.

Elvis: You guys were getting lazy.

Ta'Rang: Hey Sam can I try a 540 landing like Wade does, Hmmmm?

Samantha: NO!

Elvis: NO!

Wade: You can try.... but I bet you won't make even 360

Ta'Rang: Shall we request a docking?

Ta'Rang: The 360 is easy.

Samantha: No, just ram the nearest airlock.

Elvis: Shields are up.

Samantha: I was kidding.

Killian: Or any sufficiently large object.

Elvis: Oh.

Samantha: Sarcasm. Learn it.

Ta'Rang: Easy see.

Samantha: Don't make me take away your pilot privelages.

Wade: I am not sure anyone but me could ram a ship in space and live to tell the tale... I am that good.

Samantha: As I recall you lived because I saved you from re-entry.

Elvis: So didn't Wade say he wanted to go to Liberty 2? All I sense there is a derelict station in geosync orbit.

Ta'Rang: Ahhh Yes Captain Ma'am.

Killian: I smell "Sam's Dream Base."

 

Wade: Exactly Bob... a good place to lay low and use it a base to search from

Killian: A little wallpaper, lick of paint, make good.

Samantha: Didn't you set off a UPF beacon to have it investigated?

Ta'Rang: Shall I put her in orbit then?

Wade: Nope

Samantha: OH.

Ta'Rang: No Milo did that.

Samantha: Let's stick her in orbit and take a look. Does it look like anyone came through?

 

The station is abandoned to all appearances. It looks to be running on power only from the solar collectors.

Samantha: Let's dock and see if anything is left behind?

Killian: Is the station solar-stationary, as in not rotating into the dark side of the planet?

Ta'Rang: Begining dock procedures Captain.

Elvis: No, it seems to be synced with a site below.

Killian: We'd better check the batteries when we get on board.

Samantha braces for impact.

 

The hanger and airlock seem to have been cleaned since the last time they were in here.

Killian: We probably ought to search the place before we get comfortable.

Samantha: Ya think?

Wade: I agree.

Caspar: Yep.

There is a notice on the airlock display that's dated about a week from their last visit almost six years ago. It declares the area a crime scene, no trespassing blah blah blah.

Ta'Rang: Ah it brings back such old memories.

Samantha sticks her tongue out at the notice. Wade runs a scan of the local area looking for any other man made objects.

Killian: Probably not a really active investigation, then.

Samantha: There atmosphere inside this tin can?

There is a thin atmo. The batteries haven't had to much in terms of air recycling. The fuzion power core is still present.

 

Ta'Rang gets his pistols and holsters them and his personal force field belt. Killian starts a basic system diagnostic from the hangar console.

Wade: Hmm maybe we can rig a cable and charge the station batteries from the Mercuries ZPM.

System Diagnostic checks the station out as nominal in almost all functions.

Caspar: There is nobody here.

Wade: Well then we are in business.

Wade suits up in his armored space suit... and goes for a flight to remove the crime scene sign.

Wade: Now we just file a salvage claim and voila! headquarters.

Samantha dons her EVA, grabs her rifle and goes to enter the station.

Caspar: Good.

Samantha: Let's go poke around.

 

A total search of the station shows that there is nothing left that wasn't bolted down. The reactor was bolted down.

Killian: Probably ought to check to see if it's open salvage first.

Samantha: This station has lots of space.

Killian: We could snag a few small asteroids and use the replicator to kit it back out comfortably.

Ta'Rang: Hey Sam want go check out your favorite dirt ball?

Samantha: Not a chance. You all are welcome to go down to the dirt if you want.

Wade: See others have already salvaged all the equipage... now all we gotta do is retrofit.

Wade: Not me.... nope

Killian: Do you guys have a logo? We should hang big flags in all the hallways. Make it look like a base of operations.

Wade: Though we can use the planet as a big target for practice if you want.

Killian: Maybe a few skulls on stakes. Something classy.

Samantha: Last I checked this particular planet shot back.

Ta'Rang: Yep

Wade: Yes we do it is a jolly roger with a big smiley face imposed over the skull.

 

Samantha: Alright, didn't you guys mention a ship somewhere?

Wade: Some reveneger or something?

Ta'Rang: So if I did want to go to the planet who flyin the ship down there?

Elvis: Hey gang. I'm getting a power signature from the surface. Right below us.

Wade: Beam down.

Killian: We need to research what happened to that ship when it left this system lo these many years ago.

Wade: can you scan the signature.... whats causing it?

Ta'Rang: How big of a signature?

Wade runs a scan. It is somewhere around the site. Interference is keeping Wade from getting a precise location.

Elvis: Not big. Wasn't there when we landed.

Samantha: Could be the stations counterpart on the dirt.

Wade: But it just powered up

Killian: Missile batteries? Planetary spinal cannon?

Wade: OK so do we ingnore it or go investigate or just shoot at it?

Killian: Talk radio station?

Ta'Rang: More energy beings.

Wade: ewww another rift.... lets nuke it.

Samantha: *sighs** Let's go into a closer orbit.

Killian: What if they're good guys? Things?

Ta'Rang: your call Sam.

Elvis: The amount of power is climbing slowly. It's like something waking up.

Wade: Well you shot the last one.

Killian: Joy.

Wade: yay...

Samantha: Wade, low orbit.

Wade: On it boss

Wade gets into the pilot seat and makes for low orbit.

Samantha: Killian, Ta, both of you on sensors. I want one pointed at the power source, one looking out at everything else.

Ta'Rang moves to sensors, Killian moves to other sensors.

Elvis: Hmmmn. It just spiked and then went to a steady output. Weird. Looks like there is some sort of base down there.

 

Samantha: I bet it's the digs base of operations.

Wade: Yeah but it woke up when we arrived... and I don't believe in coincodence.

Killian is scanning the base while Ta'Rang scans open space.

Samantha: It was alien infested when we ran away from it.

Elvis: There is a lot of interference, but there is a deployable command center down there. The energy is coming from it.

Wade: Yeah but it was alien infested when we slammed a couple missiles into the dig site and followde up with laser cannon. So are you gonna try and talk to them/it?

Ta'Rang: What kind of command center?

Wade: It could be Taffy.

Killian: It could be anything. Does someone want to make the call?

Wade: But he never knew about this place... it was before we met him.

Elvis: Hey, the power just dipped.

Samantha: *opens a channel** So, anyone down there?

Killian watches intently for any signs of "pew pew pew" from below.

Elvis: Oh crap!

 

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season 03 - Episode 061 (Season Episode 07)

Elvis: Oh crap!

Samantha: Define "Oh Crap."

Wade notices all of the lights on the control panel go dark. Suddenly he is not in control anymore.

Elvis: I can't let you go down there.

Elvis pilots the ship back into orbit.

Samantha: OK, I agree.

Ta'Rang: Why Not?

Killian: Is anyone here named 'Dave'?

Elvis: I don't know.

Samantha: Elvis has an override, if we do something incredibly stupid he takes over.

Wade: What... BOB... quit that...

Samantha: Incredibly stupid being defined as "getting the ship blown up."

Wade tries to manually override

Elvis: I can't let you land on that planet.

Samantha: So, care to elaborate why we can't go down to the surface?

Elvis: I wish I knew.

Samantha: I see. Can we program you to do this everytime we enter orbit? or atmosphere?

Wade: Ok... uhm can you let us bombard the planet from orbit?

Killian: Elvis, very specifically, do you have code you can reference that specifies this planet as off-limits?

Elvis: Can you understand the finer points of Builder AI programming?

Samantha: Oh! Not me!

Killian: I can try...

Wade: Yes *obviously lying**

Elvis parks the ship in a high orbit.

Killian: So are you not capable of "reading" your own code?

Samantha: OK, so what do you call that chunk of rock?

Elvis: I think you can have control back now flyboy.

Wade: Thanks.. Bob... mumble... mumble

Elvis: A planet? According to the database, it is listed as Liberty-2.

Wade: and?

Ta'Rang: So what are you talking about builders code?

Wade notices the lights flicker and start back up. Wade is in control of the Mercury, at least for now.

Elvis: There are parts of my code I can't talk about.

Killian: Elvis, define Liberty-2.

Samantha: Oh well. Next course of action.

Ta'Rang: Can you give us a generalized briefing of these codes.

Wade: embarrassed huh.... theres some stuff I can't talk about either buddy.... every time I try Sam legsweeps me.

Ta'Rang smiles a wolfish grin.

Elvis: Liberty-2 is classified as a Type 3 world. It presently has no colonies or settlements.

Killian: Ta, I think we're probably talking about a trillion lines of code with a billion functions...

Samantha stares at Wade, Wade grins back at Sam.

Killian: Well, there's a settlement of some kind down there. Does anyone know what kind of scanners there are on the station? I guess we'll have to check, we might be able to get some information that way.

Elvis: Not officially according to the database that Wade uploaded into my memory.

Samantha: No, there's an abandoned research platform. And if I never see it again, that'll be too soon.

 

Ta'Rang: *looks at Killian** You want to know everything you can about your ship wouldn't you?

Wade: If we can't go down can we run a deep scan from orbit?

Killian: Well, let's get back to the station and regroup here, 'cause this ain't going as expected.

Killian: Elvis' scanners are probably more sophisticated, but I'm betting the station has bigger antennas.

Elvis: No, those functions are blocked from me. At least for here.

Samantha: Eh, I'm all for going off somewhere completely different.

Ta'Rang: Ya the last time we were here our whole lives changed.

Wade: Ok how about the old space dock where we left the G2... maybe we can salvalge her.

Killian: Okay, well, there you go. It would be nice to have a little time to get equipment fixed or together, and to try to do some more research.

Samantha: Ok, last time. That sector of space was colonized. No space station left there.

Elvis: I doubt it. That station is now in orbit over a yazarian occupied world. I think they might have noticed the stations in orbit when they moved in.

Ta'Rang: How about Prenglar, I'd like to look up some anciet history on my race at the unversity.

Wade: Well then someone owes us a starship... or its equivalent in credits.

Samantha: Salvage rights.

Wade: we make a claim that we were out on a mission and the ship was not adrift thus not open to salvage

Samantha: History? ugh. Well, anyone else have any requests? Besides that stupid planet?

Killian: Well, you can make a claim. If you can find out who disposed of it.

Ta'Rang: Ya, history and maybe we can get more info in the Arbiter of Vengence as well.

Wade: How about lake chupakubra or whereever it is that Ta needs to find?

Ta'Rang: At Prenglar we may find some employment as well?

Samantha: Why do we want to be employed again? Stupid private sector. Wade, take us to Prenglar.

Ta'Rang: we will need money someday.

Killian starts poking around in the technical databases on the ship's systems. Wade lays in a plot and drops the ship into warp.

Killian: We just don't understand enough about how you work, Elvis. I'm sorry but that makes us nervous.

Samantha: Doesn't make me nervous.

Elvis: Hmmm...

Ta'Rang: Sam do you have need of me right now?

Samantha: No.

Killian searches for information on the AI's function...

Ta'Rang: Good

Wade smirks at Ta, who walks over to Doc.

Wade: Thats because she is busy needing me.

Caspar: What?

Wade waggles his eyebrows at Sam. Samantha draws a gun.

Wade: Uhm...

Wade pays attention to his controls.

 

The code is way beyond anything Killian has ever seen. It may take some time to work through.

Killian: Figures. What is this, Esperanto?

Samantha looks over Killian's shoulder.... Advanced Code.

Killian: The IS net is insane - it's almost like, up close, it's gibberish, but if you pull your head back and cross your eyes you can see a pattern.

Samantha squints.

Samantha: Yep... makes no sense at all.

Killian: It's almost like being able to recognize paragraphs and sentences, but the letters don't make any sense and intertwine with each other. Computer cursive?

Samantha: Language you haven't learned yet. Keep reading cowboy.

Wade: that looks exactly like sanscrit to me

Killian: I don't usually have a problem with languages.

Wade: of course I can't read sanscrit.

Samantha: How long to Prenglar?

 

Ta'Rang: Doc can you do a mind scan for info on the Attiag Ocean and the khalha?

Caspar concentrates and looks into Ta'Rangs mind for any information at all.

 

During the journey Wade practices barrel rolls at full warp while Killian starts taking notes on his PDA as he studies the code.

 

Samantha: Elvis, before I was shot, who put the crew in cold storage in the cargo bay?

Elvis: I can't tell you.

Samantha: Because you don't know or because you're being difficult?

Elvis: I can't tell you.

Samantha: Excellent.

Killian: Even though it's an AI, a computer may not have the ability to override commands by "force of will" or the like. In other words, don't get mad at Elvis.

Elvis: Thanks.

Samantha: I wasn't planning on it.

Killian: Elvis, do you have anything like a "development environment" or a way to create a virtual AI that can't affect your systems, something I can poke at without hurting anything?

Elvis: No.

Killian: Are there any AI subsystems that are independent from your main core? That use the same kind of code, database, or hardware?

Elvis: My main core is separate from the ship's computer.

Samantha: Sleep tubes don't fit two Wade.

Wade: Actually I was thining more along the lines of the cargo bay after turning off the gravity.

Samantha: zero . . . gravity . . .

Killian is desperately trying to ignore Sam & Wade's "rutting season"

Wade: yup... just like floating amongst the stars.

Killian: Is the ship's computer built on the same type of hardware as your AI?

Caspar: I can try and help.

Wade: Doc has an AI hand computer...

Caspar: Yes I do.

Killian: This is about two steps past anything we've seen on the AI front. It's a whole different kind of neural net. I might be able to pull enough info to have the replicator make a simpler, smaller version.

Wade: whats a nuetral net anyway Killian?

Elvis: Sort of. The tech base on the ship's computer is the same, but there are hardware modules that contain my code that are more advanced than necessary for the ship's computer.

Killian: Neural net, Wade. A kind of computer that replicates the interconnections between Neurons in a living brain. Well, most living brains.

Samantha: right. This ship have a cold shower somewhere?

Killian: Hey, it's what I do.

Wade: Ah got it... a computers intecourse with its living newtons..

Killian: Fig newtons.

Elvis: Only the sonic ones in the sleep tubes. No water showers here.

Killian spends the rest of the trip trying to understand the ship's AI network enough to replicate a much simpler version...

Wade heads to the cargo bay and then dials only the cargo bay down to Zero G... then uses his hand computers entertainment program to throw a planitarium display on the ceiling with the lights out while he floats in peace and meditates.

 

The rest of the journey goes by without incident. They drop out of warp near the outer edge of the system.

Wade: Prenglar dead ahead boss!!

Wade makes for the planet.

Wade: [On COMM] Prenglar control this is the SS Mercury requesting approach and landing clearance.

Samantha: Not on the planet! pick a nice big space station. One with a casino.

 

Killian is working on a funny looking oblong box on a table in the mess. And in a mess on the table.

Ta'Rang: Sam have you ever been to the Formad Cluster?

Killian checks his skinsuit, shield and gear to make sure everything is cleaned and charged.

Samantha: Formad Cluster... maybe.

Killian also gets on the network and starts following the research trail again.

Samantha: Most places kind of blend together honestly.

Ta'Rang: I'd like to go there and check it out.

Samantha: Sure. We'll put it on the list.

Ta'Rang: We could stop at Capella and do some exotic shopping.

 

Wade docks at Morgaine's world Recreation station as he receives a message that Gran Quivera is off limits to all without proper transit visas.

Ta'Rang: Hey Killian can you remmber where you found the info on the Arbiter?

Samantha: Ok, you guys wanted here. I'll be getting the R&R I didn't get at the last station.

Ta'Rang: I need to contact the university and see if they can help me with some Yazirian history

Wade: Me too so long as the Boss doesn't need rescueing again

Killian: Ta, we got most of the info from university sites, the Arbiter was last seen in the Liberty system. You know, where we just were.

Samantha: I didn't need rescuing before.

Wade just looks at Sam innocently.

Wade: lets go get a beer and play some cards

Ta'Rang: I'm leaving to take care of some business then.

Ta'Rang leaves the ship.

Wade: Uhm Elvis can you PUHLEASE promise to kill anyone except us that tries to board you while we are gone?

Elvis: Sure. You want I should transport them into the station's reactor core?

Wade: sounds good to me...

Elvis: Too bad! I couldn't get a lock through all the radiation. I could space them though.

Wade: wait will that make the core explode... maybe not a good idea. Space works.

Killian: How about just send them back to the station, Elvis? Somewhere like a locked closet.

Samantha goes off to find the casino and leaves Wade to discuss the finer points of transporting people into things.

Elvis: Oh sure. Ruin my fun.

Killian: As opposed to, you know, killing a bunch of pesky station personnel.

Elvis: If you insist.....

Killian: Now, if they try to board by force and shoot up the place, that's another matter entirely.

Wade: anyone that tries to take the ship... again... deserves anyhting that happens to them.

Elvis: Hmmmn......

Wade: We don't want Elvis dissected.

Wade goes to get a beer and play some cards, armed with a concelaed stunner. Doc follows after Wade. Killian goes back to working on his infant AI computer box, though he's still trying to understand the main AI.

 

Killian: (On Comm) Ta, is there something we can help you with?

Ta'Rang: (on comm) See what you can find out about Formad Clusters

Killian sets a search bot up to sift non-redundant information about the Formad Cluster, especially as related to lost ships, location, and history and current possessions in the area.

Wade gathers his winnings then goes to the library to help research fomad clusters... but promptly falls asleep while reading...... and snoozes until the librarian kicks him out...

 

The Formad Cluster has long been recognized by the Frontier academics as being artificial. Radiation levels are extremely high, being close to the levels of galactic center, despite being thousands of light years away from GC. Some ships have been sent to explore, but none have gotten closer than a couple of light years. Probes have similarly been lost when getting close.

Killian: So it seems to be an engineered environment - possibly a barrier or a really big research project.

 

Killian: I'm not sure where Ta is going with this one, but he's the only one here who seems to be actually going in a direction...

Samantha opens a link to talk to Elvis while she wastes time in the casino. Doc returns to the ship, leaving Wade to his own devices, after actually accomplishing some research.

Killian: Or, Doc, you could ask Ta WHY he wants to know about the Formad Cluster.

Ta'Rang heads for his quarters after returning.

Killian: Looks like Ta is back on the ship, Doc, did you want to check with him about what he was doing?

Ta'Rang: Elvis, where is everyone?

Elvis: Samantha is at the casino. Wade is at the casino. You are in the Mercury. Killian is in the Mercury. Caspar is in the Mercury.

Ta'Rang: Thank you

Caspar: I just found out that the formad cluster is where ships vanish like in old earth legends of the bermuda triangle

Ta'Rang: Interesting, thank you Doctor

Killian: So, do you think they vanish there because it's so hazardous to navigate that they all get destroyed? That seems to be the common assumption.

Killian: Elvis, have a look at the files on the Formad Cluster and let us know how much radiation you think you could take, and protect us from, in that environment.

Ta'Rang: Elvis, do you know when the last ship was sent out?

Caspar: The company I used to work for sent several research vessels out there and none were ever heard from again. Even ships near Capella disappear on a regular basis. The whole region has the "ghost town" reputation.

Killian: Ooookay, thus ends the great Formad Cluster exploration of the year 2475.

 

Samantha: OK Elvis, can you tell me why I wasn't in the cargo hold with the others?

Wade arrives back on the ship looking well rested after his nap in the library.

Elvis: No.

Samantha: Who shot me? What shot me.

Elvis: I can't tell you.

Samantha: I hate that phrase. How did Killian get back inside the ship?

Elvis: I can't tell you.

Samantha: Were you offline at the time?

Elvis: I was.... I can't tell you.

Samantha: You did that on purpose!

Elvis: Yes. *no inflection** I could not protect you there.

Samantha: I wanna go back and figtht it out with Trask....

Samantha leaves the casino.

 

Ta'Rang: Can the clusters be seen from Capella, Osak, or Fachrik

Elvis: Visually they would appear as stars in the sky.

Ta'Rang: Yes.

Elvis: Of course, they do here too. Just not as bright.

Killian: Where are you going with this, Ta?

Ta'Rang: I'll tell you when everyone is back

Samantha gets back.

Killian: [On COMM] Wade?

Ta'Rang: But while I was out I did pick up a new scanner.

Wade gets back

Ta'Rang: Killian have you ever used a bio-scanner?

Wade: Doc and I both have Ta.

Killian: Well I'm sure I've used something like it.

Wade: Doc is the real pro with bio scanners though.

Killian: That would make sense.

Ta'Rang: I've used one as well in the military. They great for locating the enemy.

Wade: or for spying on the female cadets dorm.

Ta'Rang: Ok I suppose you would all like to know why I wanted to come here.

Samantha glances at Wade.

Killian: No, Ta, now that you're willing to say, we don't want to know anymore. The suspense died. *sarcastically**

 

Ta'Rang: Well like you I have had a reacurring dream.

Samantha listens intently.

Ta'Rang: It has to do with the energy sword and when my arm was cut off and I came here to research it. I believe that my answer to it revolves around the Formad cluster

Samantha: what exactly do you dream?

Ta'Rang: The words Attiag, Khalha and Aitka keep coming up in my dreams

Samantha: that.... means nothing to me.

Ta'Rang: I am in a room in a tower where I have to build 2 energy swords or something terrible will happen.

Ta'Rang: I complete the first one then the second one I summon with my mind and it flies across the table to my hand.

Samantha: Care to get specific on "terrible"?

Ta'Rang: In the night sky I see what I think is the Formad cluster. My death I believe. I see 3 stars that never move.

Killian: So if you can get the alignment and angle of the cluster right, you can triangulate your location in the dream.

Ta'Rang: Yes I hope so, I have found that these words are part of Yazirian anciet history

Killian: Meanings?

Ta'Rang: But that is all I know and Attiag means wellspring (or source as in divine , Khalha means energy, or maybe radiation. That is why I wanted to come here.

Killian: So have you figured out the stellar geometry yet?

Ta'Rang: This to me is as mysterious as your pasts

Samantha: divine... energy. what's the last word?

Killian: Aitka. I'm guessing "death."

Ta'Rang: Aitka means small shield it what the enrgy blades were attached too

Samantha: divine. energy. shield. Weapon of the gods?

Killian: Does it occur to anyone else that this may mean we'd be headed for a planet full of people with energy swords?

Ta'Rang: The aikta was attached to the arm.

Samantha: Hey, I come equipped with a state of the art transporter.

Ta'Rang: I am unsure if the place still exists. It was a training center for warriors or a school for warriors.

Samantha: Ok, the warriors were probably part of a religious order maybe?

Ta'Rang: That could be

Killian: Sounds like a nasty one, if they lock in workers and threaten to kill them if they don't produce the goods.

Ta'Rang: As the brothers brought religion and order to us when they came, the sword was the final test to becoming a warrior.

Samantha: Three unmoving stars, there are no unmoving celestial objects from a planets point of view.

Ta'Rang: Yes maybe artifical.

Killian: Maybe it wasn't a planet.

Ta'Rang: Like satellites or spacestations.

Killian: Possibly even some Dyson variety - ring or sphere - though usually you'd be on the inside, and rotating.

Ta'Rang: I do not know for sure but I must find out somehow.

Samantha: Well, unless you have a less irradiated part of the galaxy to start from.

Killian: We could probably just do some simulated sky images and narrow down the location.

Ta'Rang: So now where does that leave us? I don't unless we visit the 3 closest planet to it.

Samantha: Name one to start at.

Ta'Rang: Or do you wish to continue your search for your idenities before we look into my dreams? Capella.

Samantha: What do you know about Capella?

 

Ta'Rang: So Sam what are your orders, search for the Arbiter, your past or mine?

Killian: Isn't that where people make music without instruments?

Samantha: Let's go look for the Arbiter first. Then we can go dredging up pasts. Especially since they all seem to be rather well armed pasts.

Ta'Rang: I know nothing other then what the computer can tell us. Yes that maybe a wise choice but with our luck who knows.

Samantha: You both seemed to have a lead. Let's follow that.

Ta'Rang: It was last sighted in the liberty system and was heavily damaged.

Samantha: Which we just left. Awesome. Wade, back to liberty.

Killian: Sure, nobody noticed when I said that before we got here.

Samantha: Sorry Killian.

Ta'Rang: Actually I believe it was sighted around Liberty II. I'm I correct Killian?

Wade pilots to liberty.

 

Killian: Gas giants are like vacuum cleaners. It would be a good start for searching.

Samantha: Or... we could point 180 up and go for a few minutes. Derelict ships move slow. It's only had a four year head start.

Samantha: Elvis, start scanning for large chunks of moving metal things that aren't space stations. And if you say "I can't" I will dismantle you with a crowbar.

Elvis: Lots. You want me to filter out vessels that are traders and patrols.

Ta'Rang: The metal is the size of a Yazirian Battle Cruiser.

Ta'Rang looks at Sam.

Samantha: Yes please.

Elvis: I have two contacts without comm signal.

Elvis displays results on holoscreen.

Killian: Any radiating energy? Heat, mag fields?

Ta'Rang: lifesigns.

Elvis: The one furthest away is larger. The closer one has energy signatures.

Samantha: Let's race to the far away one.

Elvis: The further away one is dead.

Ta'Rang: That should be it.

Samantha: Wade do a close swing by of the other ship without the comm signal. Killian, turn ours off. Let's scan that just in case.

Ta'Rang: You want to cloak the ship?

Samantha: Good idea.

Ta'Rang: Making sensor sweep Cap'n

 

The smaller ship is an older in-system transport. It appears to have been retrofitted with shields. Not much else is apparent about it.

Killian: No transponder, I assume?

Ta'Rang: It's a transport with shields Cap'n

Samantha: Bypass it.

Caspar: There are three poeple aboard on the smaller closer ship.

Elvis: Transponder yes. Identifies it as a local ship, the Mary Anne.

Samantha: Unless they look to be in trouble.

Elvis: The ship appears to be functioning as expected. It's course was generally in the direction of the larger gas giant, Liberty 5.

Samantha: Ok, let them be.

Killian: Okay, on second though it looks like the smaller craft might be planning to use the gas giant as a slingshot to get them to the derelict. We'll still get there before them, but this may not be their first visit. Or it could be that all the questions we were asking prompted someone to go looking for it.

Samantha: Wade, step on it. If they've been there first I want a head start on any surprises they left behind.

Wade goes to full thrust.

It only takes a few minutes at warp and they are there. Killian calculates the time it will take the other craft to arrive.

Samantha: Should give us a few hours at least.

There are no "salvage beacons" broadcasting at this moment.

Killian: You forget how fast Elvis is, Sam. More like a few days.

Samantha goes and gets into her EVA.

Ta'Rang: Well what do we have here?

Samantha: Yes well, I'm not used to warp yet.

Wade manuevers close aboard so that Sam does not need to walk far in space

Samantha: Walk? Transporter.

Ta'Rang: Do we have a visual of the ship?

 

The ship itself is roughly a narrow wedge. The Mercury could not dock inside her, but she can attach at one of the airlock points. She does have some battle scarring along the starboard side of the hull. It also looks as if the reactor was ejected (being that the reactor doors are open).

Killian: Phooey.

Samantha: No engine. Heh. We just need to attach it to the front of the Merc... more space and an emergency Ram.

Wade: Killian can you scan for a drifting reactor or debris. If the reactor is just adrift it may still be intact.

Killian: I can, but it's likely the reactor was ejected several years ago and on a different course. Not to mention that if it was ejected, it was probably because it was about to explode.

Ta'Rang: Can we tow the ship ourselves?

 

There is nothing on the scanners.

Killian: We could probably tow it, but is it even worth salvaging? We need to do more scans and then go have a look.

Samantha: Well.

Samantha grabs her rifle.

Samantha: Elvis, send me on over. I want to have a look at the bridge.

Killian: We could at least possibly get something from the database if we can power it up.

Ta'Rang: I'll go with you, Sam.

Killian: Can we scan first, and walk into the trap later?

Wade: You know we could salvage her and then go buy a reactor to replace the missing one.

Samantha: You scan, Ta get suited up.

Ta'Rang leaves to get into his Eva suit

Samantha: If she's worth the slavage Wade, good plan.

Wade activates the tractor beam and grabs onto the floating derelect.

Ta'Rang suits up and belts on his pistols, and grabs the engineer tool kit

Ta'Rang: I'm ready Sam.

Samantha: Killian, scan?

 

Killian: No energy sources. Escape pods gone. No atmo.

Samantha: Elvis, send Ta and myself over. Ta, you figure out how to walk with no gravity yet?

Ta'Rang: Getting better, still learning.

Wade: you could borrow my magnetic boots.

Elvis: Where you wanna go?

Ta'Rang: But I do have an advantage, I can use my feet like your hands.

Wade: Not while inside a space suit.

Ta'Rang: Yeah forgot about that ....Wade your boots.

Wade gives Ta the boots.

Ta'Rang: Thanks Now I'm ready, Cap'n

Samantha: Bridge.

Elvis: Gotcha. Here ya go.

Elvis transports Samantha and Ta'Rang to the bridge of the Arbiter of Vengeance. Killian continues to monitor scanners for signs of trouble on the ship or in the area.

 

Ta'Rang turns on helmet lights as Samantha inspects the bridge.

Samantha: [On COMM] First thing we do is rename her to something else.

The bridge is empty except for them and the equipment. The controls look designed for the long fingered yazarians, but shouldn't be too hard to adapt to.

Ta'Rang: Sam if we had a power source from the Mercury maybe we could light her up.

Killian: Elvis, do you have a schematic for an adjustable power supply that you can replicate?

Samantha: Possibly. let's take a walk through her first.

Ta'Rang: Lead on then

Samantha: [On COMM] Anyone know if these things had auxilary power supplies for when reactors were jetisoned?

Elvis: Nothing that can easily power that thing. Maybe something you can set up a command post in.

Ta'Rang: I was a ground infantry in the military but we always had some kind of backup system.

Killian: Not to power the whole ship, Elvis, just to try to get conole, database, something like that up. Or even something to start charging the ship's backup batteries.

Samantha walks the ship doing a visual inspection, enjoying the lack of gravity.

Elvis: I'm getting some clearer scans. Looks like the backup power systems were destroyed before the main power went critical.

Killian: Groovy.

Ta'Rang: What do you think of this ship?

Wade: [On COMM] I think she is moving... are you guys ok?

Samantha: [On COMM] this thing hold any fighters? You mean she's still drifting?

Wade: [On COMM] Nope she is moving under power

Killian: Changing velocity or just moving like before, Wade?

Wade: [On COMM] In a vector away from the other in system ship. Changing velocity... very slowly.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] what...where is the power source coming from?

Wade: [On COMM] but we are right along side of her. Oh sorry its coming from us... I am towing her.

Killian: Wade, you numbskull.

Samantha: [On COMM] Wade. . .

 

The rear section is reserved for engines and reaction mass. The large forward section is the rest of the ship. Crew quarters run down the center. On the lower decks is a small launch facility. There are presently no fighters on board, but it looks like it could hold two or three heavy fighters and a shuttle or two. The upper decks, along the hull have gunnery points and storage.

 

Wade: [On COMM] yeah boss?

Samantha: [On COMM] You doofus.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Sam you hit him to hard last time.

Samantha: She holds fighters... I'm thinking I did hit him too hard Ta. Ok, first things, we need to figure out if we can retrofit her to dock the Mercury so they can travel together. Then find engines.

Ta'Rang: I like this ship. Now how do we get her fixed?

 

The starboard side storage compartments are mostly vented to space. There are some supplies in the port compartments, though it looks like most of it was off loaded, probably by the escaping crew. Samantha inspects what's left.

Killian: Even with the replicator, this would be like building a whole new ship.

Samantha: [On COMM] Well, set up a salvage beacon.

 

The Mercury could nudge into the section on the aft portion of the ship. They could probably build some sort of locks to hold it in place.

Ta'Rang: We could make a larger hangar bay for the mercury

Samantha: I wonder if we lock the Merc into the rear if we can't use her engines.

 

Killian: Since we practically have to do a spaceframe-up restoration.

Samantha: [On COMM] Hey Elvis, if we attach the Merc to this think your engines can move the combined bulk?

Wade: I am actually thinking more like salvage her and bring her to a stardock for repairs... I don't think our little replicator can handle a job this size

Killian: If we're gonna do it, I don't think we need a beacon, we just need to tow her back. And even without a beacon, someone may have filed a claim on her.

Wade: We can tow her sublight with the tractor... we cannot go to warp while connected

 

Samantha: Meh, we're wanted by half on known space already.

Ta'Rang: So lets not dock her near here then.

Samantha: [On COMM] What would it take to go to warp while connected?

Wade: Hey boss... remember the new rule... no exploding.

Elvis: And I can't warp with extra baggage.

Killian: Another set of warp engines?

Wade: What Killian said... and we don't have the engineering knowledge to make a warp engine.

Ta'Rang: Too bad we don't have the builders engine plans.

Wade: But we could buy new jump drives maybe.

Samantha: Yeah, because jump engines are cheap.

Killian: How far could we really tow her sublight in a reasonable period of time? We may simply be stuck in this system now.

Samantha: Not very.

Wade: not so much... but that answers your question to Ta about why we need employment.

Killian: I know y'all won't like the idea, but if we get her to Liberty 2, we have an unoccupied station.

Samantha: Best we can do is try and push her sublight. [On COMM] Wait, did the station still have power?

Wade: [On COMM] Yes.

Ta'Rang: salvage?

Samantha: [On COMM] I wonder if the stations reactor could be forced into this thing.

Killian: [On COMM] Even if we swap the equipment into the ship, A) it would take weeks at least, and we still need engines.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Never know until you try it.

Killian: [On COMM] It can be done, but it's a career.

Wade: [On COMM] maybe we can adapt the station reactor to the tritons hull, new name nomination, So we hire some henchmen with engineering skills to help with the work.

 

Names are bantered about as Samantha and Ta'Rang continue to check the ship over.

Ta'Rang: Khalha Sword.

Wade: Enterprise F.

Samantha: Right now I call it Unmoving.

Ta'Rang: It is a Yazirian ship it should have a name of power.

Samantha: Let's get her pointed back at the station and start to tow her in.

Wade complies with Sams order, and tows her back towards the station...avoiding the other system ship if possible.

Ta'Rang: We have engineering skills ourselves and a transporter. I do not see why we can't do this ourselves.

Wade: Raw materials... we need parts and lots more refined/manuafactured components than the replicator can provide... if we do it ourselves it does indeed become a career.

 

Ta'Rang: Sam lets see if the computer core is still intact

Samantha: Good idea. We can take stuff from that station.

Wade: So it has sublight engines but needs a reactor and a stardrive... plus major hull repair and re-supply.

Ta'Rang: Then lets find out if she is indeed on a salvage list first.

Wade: Were her weapons stripped?

 

The computer core (meaning the central memory/storage portion) is missing. The processing portion is still there. The weapons were not stripped though most of the starboard ones were destroyed.

 

Wade: ok so we add a cap ship computer core and some replacement weapons. for the short term maybe move half of the weapons from port to starboard and leave some of the hardpoints empty till later on both sides.

Killian: Frankly we could do it in months rather than years.

Samantha: We could. We have a reactor. We don't need weapons.

Wade: If we hire a crew we could start a security company under contract to a megacorp, or a deep space escort against pirates.

Ta'Rang: we may still need credits and we have only 38000 now in the account.

Wade: I am willing to bet we need to hire crew anyway, as that ship most likely can not be handled/controlled by 5 people.

 

The Mercury, even with the heavy weight of the Ship With No Name, is still faster than a puny system ship. It takes about 10 hours to get the big ship to the station.

Killian: The ship could be easily automated, but I'm not sure the refit can be.

Ta'Rang: If we had another AI onboard we could.

Killian: In fact the ship should be automated. I'm working on the AI problem.

Wade: Doc has a personal AI, maybe it can be modified to handle the Triton.

Samantha: Triton? Not sure I like any of those names.

Wade: It's either that or Bob.

Ta'Rang: Here we go again.

Samantha: Marteau D'etoile has a nice ring to it.

Killian: We should name her after a ghost ship. Like the Antonia Graza.

Ta'Rang hangs his head and sighs.

Samantha: It means Star Hammer Ta.

Ta'Rang: I like that, Sam

Samantha: But more elegantly.

Wade: How about the Gemini Ascendant III.

Killian: At least the food will be good, even if the ship will have a tendency to surrender all the time.

Samantha: Because that name is bad luck.

Ta'Rang: I like Sam name

Wade: Not for me... and shouldn't be for you. After all it was the Gemini that saved you from the very planet we orbit now.

Ta'Rang: Yeah but we keep loosing them after a while.

Killian: How about the Gemini Triumphant?

Samantha shrugs.

Samantha: Let's get her running and decide on a name later.

 

Wade: I like the Star Hammer also so long as we say it in Galacta and not some dead cooking language.

Samantha: Let's stick her next to the station. French is NOT a dead language.

 

Wade carefully pushes her up next to the station slowing so that she is stationary in relation to the station. As it works out, the reactor from the space station appears to have been built by Pan Galactic corporation. Being a Yazarian ship, so was the reactor housing in the new ship.

Samantha: Alright... any suggestions on how to get the reactor from the station into the ship?

Wade: One piece at a time boss.

Samantha: Reactor means power. Power means easier time of it all. And quite frankly, I don't like that space station very much.

 

The station is not that big. It is barely big enough to shoe horn the Mercury in.

Samantha: Just get it close so we can work easily. No need to dock anything.

Ta'Rang: Elvis can you do a site to site transport?

Killian: It will be a space refit, then.

Wade: can the station reactor be jettisoned, then remounted in the Star Hammers hull? maybe move it with the tractor once its in space.

Killian: It shouldn't be that hard to make things like welder bots. We probably want to move the reactor later in the retrofit stage, so we still have power in the station.

Samantha: Why do we want power in the station?

 

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season 03 - Episode 062 (Season Episode 08)

---START NEWS FEED---

Former Government Officials Wanted by UPF Police

published January 1, 2480

 

Former members of both the Terran Empire in Exile and Yazarian Freedom League are wanted by the UPF Police. "Members of both parties have refused to lay down arms," says Kariss'yk, Chief of Federation Investigations. "They continue to fight a war without merit or legality."

 

Key members of both governments are still at large, and according to Federation Investigations, are still trying to continue the recent hostilities between Terran and Yazarian forces. "These are bad hombres," quips an anonymous UPF Investigator. "They continue to engage in small scale conflicts, recruit civilians into their factions, illegally procure arms and other equipment used to further their fight. Further, both sides are suspected in acts of sedition and terrorism meant to cripple the newly formed Federal government. These guys are trying to intimidate the individual member worlds into joining their cause and continuing the war."

 

Federal Investigations has further stated that a reward may be considered for any information leading to the arrest of any member of the Yazarian Freedom League or the Terran Empire in Exile, but warns that any member of these factions is to be considered exceptionally dangerous. Information regarding both factions may be obtained by visiting the Federal Investigations Wanted Bulletins site.

--

Hyperspace Relay Network Collapses

published January 12, 2480

 

Whether you agree with the agenda or not, the Terran Empire brought with it one of the most useful appliances in recent history; the Hyperspace Relay Network or HRN as it was often called. With it, communication over interstellar distances was much quicker than even sending fast Void capable ships. The convenience of sending data and messages across the vast reaches of space made research more effective as teams across the frontier could communicate almost in real time. Families on separate worlds could stay in touch more effectively, allowing loved ones greater peace of mind. For several years, the frontier experienced the wonder of such a technological treasure. But it wasn't to last.

 

Within the last five years, travel through the Void (which the Terran Empire dubbed as "hyperspace") has been getting more and more difficult. At first, it had little effect on the HRN. Perhaps a little loss of fidelity or maybe some random blackouts. For the most part, it has remained an effective and viable tool. The last few months have seen the demise of travel through the Void and finally the collapse of the HRN.

 

Travel concerns have primarily been taken over by the introduction of the Quantum Displacement Engine, often called the Displacer Drive or, more rarely, the Jump Drive. As the HRN is no longer functioning, couriers using the new Displacer Drives have resumed transporting data between star systems.

 

The newly created Frontier Post and Parcel Company has even created an efficient series of waystops spaced at intervals to increase efficiency and speed in data delivery. Founded on the principle used in periods of Earth history, the FP&P has created a system where a ship jumps into a system and off-loads the data onto a waiting ship. Once the data has been transferred, the waiting ship immediately jumps to the next way point where another ship is waiting. A system of routes is presently being established, but Fred Jaeger, owner of FP&P believes that it will take a couple of years to completely meet the needs of data transfer.

 

In the meantime, smaller, more localized businesses are starting to establish their own routes and other companies like FP&P are expected to rise up to fill the void left by the collapse of the HRN.

---END NEWS FEED---

 

Samantha: Right then. The trick isn't getting the ship moving. It's hiding the refit until we have it moving.

Killian: I was suggesting we scavenge the station to refit the ship, but leave power in the station and use it as a backup habitat until we were had the new ship sealed and could move the reactor over.

Samantha: That sounds fine to me.

Ta'Rang: So this maybe as good of a place as any.

 

Salvage. In the old UPF, salvage required a license. Since the new UPF is more of a confederation of individual planets, each system has it's own rules. In Liberty, salvage requires that a claim be filed and a license obtained. The license can be obtained within 90 days after the salvage operation.

Killian: So, someone should obtain a salvage license, Captain.

Samantha: Let's go get a liscense. Any bets that the schmucks in the tug boat already have it.

Ta'Rang: That means we have to go to L3.

Samantha: It does Ta.

Ta'Rang: Can we connect with L3 comm system and check on the salvage status of the ship first? Sam You can be left on the staion if need be.

Killian: Well, with no beacon and us having the ship in possession, we should have a priority on the claim. Maybe we need to hire a lawyer.

Wade: We should be able to file a claim by Comm and get the license too... in person transactions of deep space salvage are not very practical

Samantha: Then file it by comm.

Filing the claim is almost entirely automated and requires a one time fee of 100 credits.

 

Ta'Rang: Elvis, Would it be possible to beam someone down to the planet's surface?

Wade files claims on both the Station and the Yazarian cruiser.

Elvis: Why? You want to go planetside? And yes.

Ta'Rang: Ya I 'd like to know what's down there now.

Samantha looks at Ta'Rang like he's completely insane.

 

The station claim is being denied. Law enforcement has a block on it.

Killian: I guess we'd better not use it as scrap, then.

Elvis: Which planet?

Ta'Rang: L2

Elvis: No. Can't send you down there.

Wade: OK It looks like we cannot lay claim to the station... we probably should not strip it either.. that is kind of piraty if it's not ours.

Killian: Mind you, we probably alerted the local authorities when we tried to claim the station. We might have to beat feet.

Ta'Rang: Hmmmm, ok

Samantha: Wonder what it costs to dry dock the sucker.

Ta'Rang: Wade look it up on the comm system.

Killian: Buying parts for the refit would be prohibitive, and it would take a long time to replicate. We might need to set up mining and manufacturing facilities somewhere in order to make the refit possible.

Wade: it would probably be cheaper to space dock her.

Killian: We have the capacity to manufacture small maintenance bots, we could automate a lot of the refit.

Wade: So we need to find an uninhabited planet to claim next.

Ta'Rang: *looks at Killian** You havn't started making them yet.

Killian: Or asteroids, a moon. I said capacity to make, not have made...

Samantha: Elvis, think you can replicate a beacon we can put on board the new ship?

Killian: A small maintenance bot might take a week to make, less to replicate.

 

There are a lot of moons in the system. A few comets, but no asteroid belt.

Elvis: All I have to do is have a schematic of one.

Samantha: Use the one we installed on you.

Killian: We'd probably have to file for mineral rights as well. And try to find a moon with titanium and aluminum on it.

Elvis: It's ready.

Killian: Shouldn't we just buy a new beacon? We don't want two ships with the same codes or chance a duplicate or unregistered code.

Samantha: *hands Killian a beacon** Here, change the code.

Killian: To what, a random code that will call attention to the ship? How much did it cost to register this ship?

Wade: *laughing** yeah you are the resident gee...uhm computer guy... just change the programming.

Samantha: We have to put a beacon on the ship as our claim, or should.

Killian: Then we have to find out what the heck a salvage beacon should transmit.

 

Killian looks up the needed information and reprograms the newly manufactured beacon to a typical Salvage Beacon.

Samantha: Ok, let's tow it to an out of the way portion of the sector for now. The station may attract attention eventually and I'd just assume not be near this particular rock.

Wade: Good idea.

Killian: Hopefully they won't report the claim attempt and just consider it another ignorant tourist trick.

Wade activates the tractor beam undocks the Star Hammer and starts towing in what ever direction Sam points.

Killian: So, before we leave, is there anything on the station we want to take even though it's police property?

Ta'Rang: Up to the Capt'n Sam

Wade: Hmmm... you now we could take the reactor then blow the staion and drag the rubble into a crash trajectory on the dig site below.

Samantha: Tempting. But no. That dig site might shoot back.

Ta'Rang: Thought so.

Killian: We can always count on Wade to make a good idea seem bad.

Samantha: Is there anything moveable on the station?

Wade: So we leave before the station makes impact. It had pretty well been stripped of movable stuff boss.

Samantha: I don't think anyone is doing anything with it right now. Leave it for the moment.

Wade: Yeah we can come back for parts later.

 

Wade keeps towing for deep space on the far side of the star system from any inhabited planets or stations. Killian researches likely mining sites in the system. The most likely place to mine is actually outside the system. Technically it would be considered UPF territory, but there is little enforcement of small scale mining operations outside of sector borders.

Samantha: Tug it outside the system.

 

Samantha looks up the average time a displacer drive takes to travel from Prenglar to New Streel, then compares it to their flight time.

Killian: I don't think the ship that was looking for our prize has even made it to the area we took it from.

Wade: I'm tuggin boss

Ta'Rang does a quick scan. The ship they saw on the way to the salvage is still on the way. There are dozens, if not over a hundred ships moving around the system.

Ta'Rang: Still it's good to know what's out there in front of you.

Killian: So, after we move out to the fringe, what's the plan?

Samantha: Working on it.

Wade: I think we get us a nice fat postal contract and enroute lay the smack down on any TE or Yazarian ships that we encounter. As bounty hunters.

Samantha: Thinking along the same lines.

Killian: In that case, I need to work on my little AI project and maybe a maintenance bot. Would be useful in either case.

Samantha: I like the idea of bounty hunting. Reminds me of chasing down pirates.

Killian: Unless there's something else for me to do here.

Wade: Maybe the UPF will give us a letter of Marquee to allow us to legally persue said bad guys.

Samantha: Nothing at the moment Killian

 

Samantha looks into a Bountry Hunter's License.

Wade: maybe we can get a commision as Star Rangers.

Ta'Rang: I can get us a few jobs through the guild possibly.

Killian goes back to his project.

 

Killian begins to truly grasp the AI of the newly-created "mini-me" of Elvis. Wade keeps an eye out for trouble while researching the postal contract angle. Getting the Bounty Hunter license is easy enough. Just report to a UPF facility and file a request along with the appropriate fee (150 credits).

Samantha: When we're done here let's go to L3, Ta can check his contacts, I'm thinking a Bounty License is in the future.

Wade: You got it boss

 

The Postal Contract angle has two sides. One, you can set up a FedEx like service where you provide a private service. The other is actually getting the UPF to hire you.

Wade: Plus I think we can still interact with normal space while in warp... but not in hyperspace.

Samantha: Ta, when you contact your guild, let them know we can smuggle a wee bit faster than anything else they've got. I may not be willing to attack another ship. But the occasional under the table transfer of goods isn't below me.

Ta'Rang: Got it Sam , I'll see what i can do.

 

Killian makes a set of servo-limbs for the nascent AI so it can move about on its own...

Killian: Been listening casually. We might want to be very careful with regard to taking sides in this conflict. Our former status could make us allies with the TES remnant - and enemies in the new UPF.

Ta'Rang: So we play both sides.

Killian: Just be careful that by playing both sides we don't end up the meat in the sandwich.

Ta'Rang: Trust us Killian.

Samantha: I plan on playing the UPF side. The TE Remnants and those Yazarians bastards can both kiss my ass.

 

Killian has managed, in his spare time, to build a robot with a rudimentary AI. it is presently learning to be mobile. Killian teaches his new baby how to walk.

Wade: I doubt we would be considered enemies of the UPF. We were more or less given a join the empire or else option. We were previously agents of UPF intelligence.

Samantha: Put in a protocol that it is never allowed to shoot me. ever.

Elvis: Hey guys, I need some time to recharge the raw materials in the replicator. Just oxygen and food for a couple of days.

Samantha: No problem Elvis.

Elvis: Unless you have several hundred kilograms of raw materials I can deconstruct.....

Samantha: Wade, head to L3, let's give Elvis a few days downtime. Just Wade. I mean, no. Sorry, got nothing.

Wade: So do you want me to tow the Star Hammer to L3 then... or leave it here and just take the Mercury to L3.

Samantha: No, tow it out of system. Install the Claim Beacon, and back to L3.

Wade: Ok got it Star Hammer is dropped in deep space and then we head to L3 for down time and job hunting.

 

Killian saunters onto the bridge. Wade drops the Star Hammer then goes to full afterburn balls O' fire thrust to L3.

Samantha: sauntering?

Killian: We could probably find some profitable jobs individually or as groups for a few days.

 

It takes almost a full day to get out of the system and into open space. In that time, the AI has learned to move around with minor problems.

Wade: Hey if you let me use the ship as collateral I can win enough to refit the Star Hammer in a few hours

Killian: No, but you can have this wrench.

Samantha: Which ship as collatoral?

Wade: Either one is worth quite a bit, but the mercury is a better stake.

Ta'Rang: Look out.

Samantha: I'm sorry. Did you just suggest we put Elvis in hoc so you could get poker money?

Killian: I'll just go look at the job boards while you two fight it out.

Ta'Rang: This ought to be good.

Wade: Bob wouldn't mind... and I don't lose, lady luck is on my side.

Samantha: Elvis, I take it back. I have a few kilos you can use.

Killian checks for local freelancer organizations and short-term job postings online.

Killian: Porbably about 80 kilos.

Ta'Rang looks for the mercenary guild's address.

Samantha: I'm going to inquire about a Bounty license, go win some money.

Wade: OK Sam... no betting the ship. Can I draw 10,000 creds as a stake?

Ta'Rang: Either ship Wade.

Samantha: How much do we have total?

Wade: Ta?

Ta'Rang: 38,000 roughly.

Killian: How about we start earning some money before we gamble our principal?

Samantha: 5,000.

Ta'Rang: noted

Wade: Ok 5000 it is... and I will cover the stake personally if I lose.

Samantha: Relax Killian. Despite my inner voice currently sounding alarms, Wade knows what he's doing.

Killian: How will you cover it if you lose?

Samantha: In blood.

Killian: Well, that's okay then.

Wade: I have 8700 in my personal account. OK then see ya's later.

 

Wade Doc's at the Commerce station and the crew disperses. Ta'Rang heads down to the planet, Wade shuttles over to Recreation, Killian stays on the ship for the moment, and Samantha shuttles over to the shipyards.

 

There are a few people wandering around the casino, it appears to be during a late shift, so there is not much going on. There are just over a dozen folks (not counting staff) wandering around between the slot machines and card tables. There is currently a yazarian and a vrusk playing against the house at the Five Card Stud table.

Wade: mind if I sit in?

Margiar: *to Wade** Might as well. Have a seat.

Kal'zyz: Please do human.

Wade: Thanks.

Wade pulls up a seat and buys 5000 in chips. Margiar raises his eyebrows.

Wade: So what's the game boys.

Margiar: Looks like you're serious.

Wade: It's a serious game... and Wades the name.

Dealer: Five card stud. Do you need information on how to play?

Wade: yeah sure. I am new at this

Margiar: Nice to meet you Wade. Our vrusk friend is Kal'syz.

Dealer: I'll bet. You familiar with poker at all?

Wade: Only what I have seen in old cowboy vids.

Wade picks up the deck and riffles the cards like a pro. Dealer looks bemused at Wade. Dealer explains the basics of Five Card stud and acceptable hands to Wade.

Wade: Beginners luck.

Dealer: Are we ready?

Wade: Thank you sir. Ready

Margiar: Me too.

Kal'zyz: As am I.

Dealer deals out the cards. Wade easily takes the hand.

Dealer: Place your bets, 500 credit maximum.

Wade: bet 500

Margiar: Bet 500

Kal'zyz: Bet 500

Wade wins the second hand as well, though betting gets a little tense for a moment.

Dealer: And the pot goes to Wade.

Wade: beginners luck.

Dealer: I'm sure. Well let's see if the house can get some of its money back. Place your bets.

Dealer deals the cards after all of them buy in. Margiar wins the hand, with Kal'zyz losing a good amount of his chips. Kal'zyz klicks something in vrusk.

Kal'zyz: I think I shall retire from the game. Good luck gentlebeings.

Wade: Good game Kal'zyz

Dealer: Alright place your bets.

Wade: *Yazarian** You gamble well and do your clan honor Margiar ... I am blood brother to Ta'Rang of clan Hykania of Yast.

Margiar: *Yazarian** You as well have shown great skill. Shall we continue?

Wade: *Yazarian** yes

Wade smiles as both of them buy into the hand. Dealer deals the cards, this time the House takes the pot.

Dealer: The house gets a little back. You had enough Wade or do you want to keep going?

Wade: I think I'll quit while I'm ahead.

Dealer: Have a good one Wade.

Margiar: I think I'm done too.

Wade: Thanks.

 

In addition to the shipyards, all of the local UPF offices are located here. Samantha goes to the UPF office to inquire about a Bounty Hunters License. The Bureau of Licensing is your typical bureaucracy. Take a number, fill out the forms, wait for an hour, talk to a bored bureaucrat, get your license. Samantha spends a very boring hour staring at bulkhead. There are certainly facilities to repair the big ship. Presently there is a full house, but one of the ships looks almost completed. Samantha goes looking for information on what would be needed to retrofit a large ship with no core and moderate to severe hull damage. The free brochures have a list of things you need to retrofit a large cruiser. There is actually a convenient section on salvage.

Samantha: Brochures.. convenient.

The prices basically boil down to 5,000 credits a month to store the vessel. Repairs can be conducted by facility personnel or your own (but must be inspected by a UPF inspector) at a labor rate approriate to the task plus materials. There is also a 1,000 credit surcharge to the UPF and an inspection fee of 2,500 credits. It looks like materials and labor (union controlled) will be very expensive. After getting an idea of the costs Samantha moves onto the Rec-Station to find a pilot's bar to spend some time in. This being a UPF installation, the pilots bar is almost all fighter jocks. There does seem to be some cap ship pilots too, but there is a definite striation in the social order. Samantha decides that a bar on the Commerce station is more her mood currently and heads that way.

 

Ta'Rang get directions to a high rise building in the downtown sector. Ta'Rang wonders about the address, not your usual location. The Mercenaries guild does not look like your run of the mill guild hall. It looks more like a high rolling corporate office.

Ta'Rang: *looks at the building** Hmmm its looks like the guild is making it big.

Ta'Rang walks into the building and looks for the office. When he enters the Guild suite, Ta'Rang is greeted by a human female in business attire.

Receptionist: Can I help you sir?

Ta'Rang: Hello, Yes I'm a member of the guild.

Receptionist: Ah yes. What can I do for you today?

Ta'Rang: and I'm looking for employment. I have the aviability of a fairly fast ship... could possible transport items for the guild if needed.

Receptionist: Ahh. If you go through those doors, there is an Information Center that can help out. These are actually the Headquarter offices of this quadrant. Most of the day to day planning activities are handled through the individual branches. We do have some resources here though.

Ta'Rang: Thank you *walks thru the indicated door**

A man in a "power" business suit comes strolling in to the Information Center.

Mr. Johnson: Hello. I'm Mr. Johnson. Did I hear you say you have access to a fast ship?

Ta'Rang notices the man

Ta'Rang: Yes

Mr. Johnson sticks his hand out, offering a handshake.

Ta'Rang: Why do you have a need for one?

Ta'Rang nods to Mr Johnson but does not shake his hand. Mr. Johnson drops his hand. He has an unreadable expression.

Mr. Johnson: Perhaps you are not the type of person I was looking for. Good luck.

Ta'Rang: What is your need Mr. Johnson?

Mr. Johnson leaves. Ta'Rang continues to look at the boards for jobs and checks for addresses of local guilds. The local "functional" guild is on the Commerce station. Ta'Rang wonders for a moment what he wanted. Most of the jobs to be found are for large scale conflicts in some of the Rim systems. They are odd though. Some of the names are unfamiliar to him. There are, however, some jobs listed on Persephone, he makes a note of those. There are about a dozen "executive protection" jobs on Persephone and a couple of long-term facility guard positions. There are three that require direct inquiry and do not specify any particular duty.

Ta'Rang: *leaves the board room, then stops and ask the receptionist** Who was the human in the suit?

Receptionist: He is Director of Special Operations.

Ta'Rang: Ah, Thank you thats too bad, I coud have been helpful to him I think. If he has need of me or my ship he can contact here. *gives here his number**

Receptionist: I'll be sure to forward this to him.

Ta'Rang: Thank you again

He turns and heads out of the office. Ta'Rang catches a local transport to landing platform and transfers to a shuttle for the commerence station.

 

Killian searches the local nets for advertisements for jobs matching the skills of the ship's crew. Focusing on contracts, short term, freelance, etc. Most of the jobs he finds in the job boards are long term wage type things. He does get a lot of owner/operator hauling job listings though. And plenty of Medical Assistant jobs. Killian goes back to working on the new baby, and recording the servo-limb designs for use in maintbots. Killian checks on the net to see if there are any cheap or free schematics for the working portion of maintenance and construction robots. There are not many open resources that he is looking for. Killian does get some basic information that you can possibly piece together.

 

Margiar catches up with Wade.

Wade: Yes?

Margiar: You have made me curious. I do not know your friend Ta'Rang, but he has chosen wisely in having you as a companion. Not many humans speak yazarian without the translator.

Wade: We have shared much blood together and I know his sister, if you get my meaning.

Margiar: What is it you do for a living Wade? I am looking for a transport.

Wade: Well. I pilot of the Starship Mercury. and we are indeed looking for passengers or cargo where are you bound?

Margiar: Prenglar. Wade, this is sort of a "no questions asked" scenario. That makes it a little harder, but it also makes it pay more.

Wade: I understand. If you would like I can introduce you to our captain.. and she can negotiate the particulars...

Margiar: Oh? I figured you for the captain. She must be capable if you submit to her authority.

Wade: She is a great commander and the second best pilot in the sector. I will call her.

Margiar: Ah ha. Then I'd be delighted to meet her. You are sure of her discretion?

 

The Commerce Station bar has a whole lot of freighter pilots in it. There are a few folks that look out of place, like they just transitioned out of the military and started working the civilian side. Ta'Rang lands at the commerce station and heads for the local guild office, the branch office is more what he is used to.

Wade: [On COMM] Sam do you copy?

Samantha: [On COMM] I'm around.

Wade: yes I am sure. she is worthy of your trust. [On COMM] I have a gentleman you should meet, he needs a ride and is willing to pay.

Margiar: Then I shall take that on your honor.

Wade: You have it, as my honor is my life

Margiar nods.

Samantha: [On COMM] I'm in some dive called The Broken Cargo Net.

Wade: [On COMM] We are on our way

Wade hails a sky-cab.

Ta'Rang: *looks at the guild** Business has been good I'd say.

 

Wade and Margiar arrive at the Broken Cargo Net. Wade walks in and looks for Sam

Wade: Hiya Sam.

Samantha is sitting off towards the centerish on one side.

Samantha: Wade.

Wade: This is Marglir. Margiar this Sam, Captain of the Starship Mercury.

Samantha smiles in a friendly manner and stands up.

Samantha: Hello.

Margiar: A pleasure to meet you.

Wade: Sam, Margiar needs transport and I said he would have to talk to you about the pariculars.

Margiar: Indeed.

Samantha: Have a seat.

Margiar sits. Wade sits and orders drinks for the table.

Samantha: So, you need to get somewhere?

Margiar: Prenglar to the point.

Samantha: That's easy enough.

Margiar: As I explained to Wade, I have certain conditions.

Samantha: Naturally.

Margiar: The first is no questions asked. The second is that we make no stops between here and there. I am willing to pay for your discretion and speed.

Samantha: Just moving you?

Margiar: Me and my luggage, which should fit within a single storage locker. I must control the locking mechanism to the locker.

Samantha: I think we can accommodate that. Are we avoiding any particular channels?

Margiar: You must operate as you always do. I will provide an alias in case anybody has questions as to the identity of your passenger.

Samantha: *smirks** Fair enough. Let's talk price.

Margiar: Indeed. I will pay you 2,000 credits for each light year traveled. We stay on the previously established trade routes.

Samantha: How fast are you expecting to get there?

Margiar: As quickly as you can get me there. Within the boundaries of sticking to the normal trade lanes.

Samantha: Tell you what, if you up that to 2,500 a light year I'll cut two days off the trip, not leaving normal shipping lanes.

Margiar raises his eyebrows.

Samantha: No questions.

Margiar: Deal. Five days? If you can do it that is. Otherwise 2000 credits per ly.

Samantha: I can do it.

Wade grins

Wade: you are gonna like this Margiar.

Samantha: *offers her hand** Deal?

Margiar looks at her hand.

Margiar: I'm sorry, but is against my customs to shake hands. We do however have a deal.

Samantha: Yazarian. I forget.

Wade grins again...

Samantha: We leave first thing in the morning. Unless you need more time.

Margiar: No not at all. I can be prepared within the hour.

Wade: Good meeting you Margiar, I will see you aboard the Mercury, I have one more errand to run before reporting back.

Margiar: But I understand recalling your crew may be hard.

Samantha: We just got into dock, we need a nights rest.

Wade leaves the bar and goes to the local gun shop.

Margiar: Very well. 0600 hours?

Samantha: 0600. sharp.

Margiar: Very good. What berth are you in?

Samantha: Fifteen.

Margiar: I shall see you then.

Margiar departs the bar.

 

Ta'Rang: What do you have aviable

Guild Rep: Well right now, most of it is out in the Rim. Damn fool Terrans want to pummel the Yazarians. Don't get me wrong friend, but the yazarians are just as bad.

Ta'Rang: Do not worry Yazirians are like humans sometimes

Guild Rep: Anyway, most of it is merc companies recruiting meat. You interested in soldiering for six months? There's some cred to be made, but it's a tough duty.

 

Samantha: [On COMM] Ok kids, I've got some business.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Yes, what is it that you have?

Wade: [On COMM] Cool after my last couple of attempts at negotiating, I figured you would be better.

Samantha: [On COMM] We leave 0600, Prenglar, no stops. If you can find anything that needs to get there fast let me know. Otherwise, we're done with this system.

Samantha goes back to making friends with other merchant pilots.

Ta'Rang: Ah, well that changes things, Looks like I'm bound for prenglar, do you have anything needed to be shipped to there?

Guild Rep: Shipped. Naw. Wait....Prenglar you say. just a mail pouch. I can pay you 250 credits a light year.

Ta'Rang: Or close by. Fair deal Who do I have to deliver it to?

Guild Rep: Just the Gran Quivera Guild Rep. The mail sig gives you clearance to land at one of the GQ stations.

Ta'Rang: Alright you have a deal.

Guild Rep prepares the pouch and has Ta sign for it. Ta'Rang accepts the pounch and asks the rep if he has any targetting scope or rangefinders for a laser rifle.

Guild Rep: Sure.

Ta'Rang: I'd like one of each Type 2 or better.

Guild Rep: Got it.

Ta'Rang takes his new scope and rangefinder and leaves, returning to the ship.

 

Wade returns to the ship with a heavy large package wrapped in brown paper. Samantha crashes in a hotel room with an actual bed before going to the ship at 0500.

 

0600 Next Morning.

Wade: OK first order of business... Ta I checked out 5000 credits and I return 5800 credits to the fund.

Margiar arrived 10 minutes early. Killian is in the kitchen constructing a sample micro-welding bot and playing word games with his new baby robot, Micah.

Wade gives Sam a gift of a large blaster pistol mounted with a scope, stylized like an ancient six shooter. Wade is wearing a matched pair of antique looking slug throwers now, having given Caspar his old laser pistol. Sam is examing her new pistol when Margiar arrives.

Samantha: Nice. Margiar, welcome aboard the Gemini.

Ta'Rang: Sam I have a mail package to be dropped off at the guild in Gran Quivera worth 7500 for us.

Samantha: Lock the package up Ta.

Ta'Rang: Aye Cap'n.

Margiar: Thank you. My quarters?

Samantha: This way.

Samantha shows Margiar to one of the quarters in the hold.

Margiar: How shall meals be served. I am not familiar with your ship type. I presume a common galley?

Samantha: Whole room is yours.

Margiar: Thank you.

Samantha: There is a common galley. I'll give you the grand tour.

Wade: Ok... Who is our acting engineer?

Margiar: Excellent.

Samantha: Killian is our engineer. Who currently has our galley full of robot.

Wade gets the ship ready to depart while Samantha shows Magiar through the ship.

Samantha: Why is our galley full of robot?

Ta'Rang takes the sensor console seat.

Killian: Because we might need the medbay in an emergency. Say hello, Micah.

Samantha: And the cargo bay is obviously full.

Wade: K. then Killian we need to get to Prenglar as fast as possible. I am going to push the engines perhaps you can coax a little extra from them?

Margiar: I should hope I never see the inside of the med bay Mr. Killian.

Samantha: Doc is the on board medic. This is Ta'Rang, security.

Doc waves a pseudo pod while organizing some supplies. Ta'Rang greets him.

Margiar: *Yazarian** Greetings Ta'Rang. It is an honor.

Samantha: Small crew. Tight ship.

Margiar: And good day to you little dralasite. While I am sure you are a capable doctor, I shall hope not to need your services.

Ta'Rang: *Yazirian** Greeting to you Margiar.

Margiar: And hello Micah.

Micah: Hi there! *waves a metallic arm**

 

Wade: [On COMM] Control this is Mercury requesting departure clearance

Margiar: Captain Sam, you seem to have an excellent crew. I shall stay out of your way as much as possible. It isn't a large ship and I am not accustomed to seclusion. I hope you don't mind my presence in the common areas.

Samantha: Nope. There's only one rule on board.

Ta'Rang: Sensors on line

Margiar: And that is?

Samantha: You tell me how to run my ship and I'll space you without even slowing down. *smiles in a very friendly manner**

Wade: Uh uh... theres two rules.

Margiar stiffens.

Samantha: I'm kidding. Welcome aboard the Mercury.

Margiar relaxes.

Samantha: Wade, fly.

Wade: Just waiting on clearance to depart Cap'n

 

Margiar takes his one luggage bag and deposits it into the cabin designated for him.

Control: Mercury this is Liberty Control. You are cleared for departure. Safe trip out there.

Samantha: Stick to trade routes Wade.

Wade: [On COMM] Thank you liberty

Wade: On it cap

Ta'Rang: Nothing fancy Wade.

Killian takes a break to get on the ship console and "discuss" with Elvis power priorities for engines, reserves and running over 100%. Wade blasts out of the liberty space port breaking every speed law in the books.

Samantha: We won't need to run over max Killian. No need to push boys. We're fine. Just don't slow down.

Wade: but pushing is.... fun

Samantha: Any idea what we're delivering Ta?

Wade: oh oh I know. *raises hios hand**

Ta'Rang: mail is what the guild rep stated

Samantha: Works.

Wade: and we are delivering Margiar.

Ta'Rang: 7500 for mail.

Samantha: Should have charged them 10,000.

Killian: That's not bad for delivering a bag.

Ta'Rang: Maybe next time, the guild has changed a lot since I was last there.

Wade: assuming all is good we make 75000 from delivering our guest. Plus the 800 I made gambling.

 

Margiar looks at Doc.

Margiar: Please do not attempt that again. Samantha looks at Margiar and Doc.

Killian: Forgive our nosy friend. I'm sure the incident will not repeat itself.

Ta'Rang: Sam you need me on sensors?

Samantha: Not right now.

Margiar: Captain, I think I shall retire to my cabin.

Samantha: Ok. I'll be up here if you need anything.

Margiar heads towards his cabin.

 

Wade: Elvis can you discreetly monitor our guest and alert us if he does anyhting suspicious?

Elvis: Sure. Is this why you didn't introduce me?

Ta'Rang looks at the robots then leaves to exercise in the cargo section.

Wade: Exactly I did not want him to know you are aware and capable.

Samantha: So he doesn't know you're there in case it all goes sideways. You're my secret weapon Elvis.

Elvis: Ahhh. Well right now he is in his room. A little warning might have been nice.

Killian: Not to mention that a ship's AI is less well-known here, and likely to draw attention and suspicion. No offense.

Elvis: At least I don't feel left out.

Samantha: And, on top of that, his type, were he to know I have a fully functional AI on an advanced ship we might get... unwanted attention.

Elvis: You could take him.

Samantha: I know that. It's who he might be connected to.

Elvis: Anybody ever see such an uppity Yazarian in all their life?

Samantha: Oh, and if he does anything to endager any of us. Space him without slowing down.

Elvis: He's meditating right now. Maybe he's planning a psychic attack on Doc. I should space him!

Samantha glares at Elvis.

Killian: Can I call you Marvin, Elvis?

Samantha: Don't be Wade.

Elvis: No. Only Wade or Samantha can designate my identity.

Wade: besides Elvis is Bob.. not marvin

Elvis: Wade sometimes has a valid point.

Samantha: Ok, yes he does.

Caspar: I think he had a mind shield.

Samantha: A mind shield?

Ta'Rang walks back onto the bridge with his new sniper rifle.

Wade: Hmmm that's interesting.

Elvis: Now that's even better than spacing!

Samantha eyes the weapon

Samantha: full auto?

Killian: Unfortunately, Doc, in finding that out, you may have created problems where they need not be.

Samantha: What's done is done.

Ta'Rang: Yep, but one shot a 2km is real fun.

Elvis: A little laz action to the forehead and Mr Uppity Monkey will be no problem at all.

Ta'Rang: Ya got that right Elvis.

Samantha: uh huh. See, that's a Wade statement.

Elvis: Er... I mean, that is a technically sophisticated weapon you have there Monk, err. Ta'Rang.

Wade: Yeah but I think it bears some thought. I was kind of trusting him till Doc's experiment went awry.

Samantha: You trusted him?

Ta'Rang smiles a toothy grin

Samantha: I trust him about as much as I like planets. He's just a good source of money.

Caspar: Sorry I got curious.

Samantha: That's fine.

Wade: Well. He spoke of honor.

Ta'Rang: He is a commidity just business

Wade looks sheepish

Killian: What Yazarian doesn't?

Samantha: All Yazarians speak of honor.

Wade: But I trust Ta.

Ta'Rang raises his eyebrows

Ta'Rang: So do humans.

Samantha: Only Drasalite's have the common sense to not speak of honor.

Killian: Don't equivocate. Nobody likes an equivocator.

Caspar: I feel that he did't lie when was talking to us.

Samantha: He wants passage, we give it. Simple ride.

Ta'Rang: Oh before I forget the mailbag gives us clearance to land ay a GQ port as well.

Samantha: We'll do that after we drop off our guest.

 

The next few days pass relatively quickly as Margiar rejoins the crew. He does not seem to hold a grudge and even engages the Doc in conversation about medicine, Killian about engineering and a few other topics. Overall, he proves a gracious guest and never once sets off the Doc's nose for falsehood. Day five rolls around and they enter the Prenglar system without incident.

Margiar: I must say Captain, that I am impressed.

Samantha: Thank you. Any particular landing spot?

Margiar: I understand that special clearance is required these days for Gran Quivera, so you can drop me at the Morgaine's World Commerce station.

Samantha: I think we can drop you at Gran Quivera.

Margiar: You can? You are full of surprises Captain.

Killian: Postal clearance.

Samantha: Ta, get the clearance.

Wade: I hope you enjoyed your trip Margiar, please leave your tray in its up right and locked position and thank you for flying Arkan Air.

Samantha: I have my good days.

Margiar: Ahhh. A lot of traders are making a quick cred with that. Gran Quivera Commerce Station then, if you please.

Ta'Rang: Enters the clearance code into the computer.

Wade flys to the Gran Quivera docking station once clearaqnce is validated.

Samantha: Five days. As promised.

Control: Mercury this is Prenglar Control. You are authorized entrance into diplomatic space. Transmitting route information now.

Wade: [On COMM] Tahnk you control

Wade stays on route

Margiar: Indeed. If you return to Morgaine's Commerce, you will find a load of computer components. If you can find a place to sell them, consider it a bonus. Margiar hands Sam a data stick.

Samantha: *takes it** I like bonuses.

Killian: Computer components?

Samantha: If you ever need a ride again, see if I'm nearby.

Killian rubs hands together in the manner of an evil genius.

Margiar: That stick has the agreed upon credit transfer instructions and the receipt for the computer goods.

Samantha: Thank you.

Margiar: I fully expect you to validate before I disembark.

Samantha checks the stick. The bank validates the amounts you agreed upon.

Samantha: Perfect.

Samantha checkes the receipt as well

Ta'Rang: Sam I must make my delivery.

 

The Mercury lands safely. The mail pouch is delivered. Margiar is getting ready to leave.

Margiar: One last thing Sam.

Samantha: Yes?

Margiar: Get your components and leave system. Do it quickly but not so quick as to arouse suspicion about your ship or crew. May fortune favor you.

Samantha raises an eyebrow. Margiar leaves.

Samantha: Right.

 

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season 03 - Episode 063 (Season Episode 09)

---START NEWS FEED---

Drasalite Musician Jailed

 

Kaspa G, dralasite lead to the Frontier Gangsta Revival was jailed in today in Fromeltar for brandishing a laser pistol while in a public place.

 

Kaspa G was celebrating his #1 hit song Not As Scary As Ya Think (I'm Worse) when he ran into Crickety Crack, a member of a rival gangsta rap group. Both exchanged threats of violence that Kaspa G followed up by drawing a small frame laser pistol and pointing at Crickety Crack and his entourage.

 

Fromeltar police responded to the scene and took Kaspa G into custody. A local magistrate has set a bail hearing for next week. To Foo, Kaspa G's agent had no comment for the media.

 

Nobody was injured during the altercation.

 

--

Bureau Chief Assassinated

Gran Quivera, Prenglar System

 

Kariss'yk, Chief of Federation Investigations was brutally gunned down by a sniper while exiting the UPF Hall of Assembly this morning.

 

Kariss'yk had just finished debriefing the UPF Assembly on the present condition of piracy along the trade routes and what measures were being taken to curb the growing problem.

 

A vocal opponent of all crime, Kariss'yk was especially noted for his anti-piracy stance. He was recently responsible for introducing the Kariss'yk-DeLance bill to the Assembly, Senate and Governing Council. The so-called "shoot first and ask questions later" bill proposed legislation that would enable law enforcement agencies like the UPF Federation Investigations, Star Rangers and Trade Police more discretionary power when dealing with pirates or other hostile forces.

 

Investigators are unsure who the gunman was or who was behind the assassination. No suspects were detained, but a thorough investigation of the crime scene is presently underway.

---END NEWS FEED---

 

As is the case with most Commerce stations, Morgaine's Commerce station is a bustle of activity. It takes a whole fifteen minutes of waiting until you get landing clearance.

Samantha: I hate waiting.

Control:[On COMM] Mercury this is Morgaine's Control.

Samantha: OK, we spend a day hanging out, then Killian and Ta'Rang pick up the electronics. Then we depart.

Samantha: [On COMM] This is Mercury.

Ta'Rang: Ok

Control:[On COMM] Yeah, your invoice number is stored in Bay 4C. You are cleared to land. Transmitting approach vector. Call the ball.

Wade: ready ball.

Wade lands

Ta'Rang: Alright Killian lets head for Bay 4C.

Killian: Do we need to rent a load-lifter, Ta?

Ta'Rang: Don't know yet.

 

The cargo bay is chaotic and noisy. There are dock workers loading crates into all sorts of vehicles and prepping them for take off. A shipping office is on the opposite side of the bay.

Ta'Rang: Lets find out where it is first off.

Killian: [On COMM] Shipping office, this is Mercury, do you have a mass and dimensions on our load in Bay 4C?

Ta'Rang: *smiles sweetly to Sam** Permission to depart.

Samantha: Have fun.

Shipping Clerk: [On COMM] Need you to bring over the invoice.

Ta'Rang: *Leaves the ship** coming Killian?

Killian follows Ta Rang.

Ta'Rang: you have the invoice?

Wade begins prepping the ship for immediate departure once the command is given.

Samantha: Don't forget the invoice. Try not to get into trouble.

Ta'Rang: Aye. Captain

Samantha: Eh, no need to run away so fast. That would look a tad suspicious, you think?

Ta'Rang picks up the invoice from Sam.

Wade: Not running just getting ready so that when ever you give the word, I am all set.

 

The cargo consists of three crates. The first is about 3mx1mx1m. The other two are 2m cubed. They are conveniently loaded on loading truck for easy delivery to the Mercury. Ta'Rang walks over to the shipping office.

Ta'Rang: here is our invoice

Wade begins doing market research to see where we can get the highest profit margin on the sale of computer parts. Killian inspects the cargo to make sure it's ready to roll, but doesn't move it until Ta gets the papers back.

Shipping Clerk: Thanks.

The Shipping Clerk looks over the paperwork.

Ta'Rang: Killian we're ready to go. *looks at shipping clerk** Aren't we?

Shipping Clerk: Regulations require a member of the Dock Workers union load your cargo. Which one is your ship?

Ta'Rang: The Mercury

Shipping Clerk: *starts looking at the ships parked in the bay** Which one is that?

Killian: [On COMM] Elvis, do you want to run a scan on this load before we bring it on board?

Ta'Rang: *points at the Mecury** That one.

Shipping Clerk: Gotcha. Thanks. About ten minutes. You can wait in the lounge if you want.

Ta'Rang: Alright

Elvis: [On COMM] Yeah Killian I'll scan the cargo. *with loads of exaggerated patience in his tone.**

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Sam, it'll be about 10 minutes and a dock worker has to load the cargo

Samantha: [On COMM] Oh joy. I'll stay with the ship while the crap is all loaded up. Feel free to take some time off.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Yeah, looking forward to it

Killian: So, Micah, this is a cargo transfer station, and all these people are moving cargo from ship to ship so traders can deliver the cargo from sellers to buyers who want the goods.

Wade: Dang Cap'n would that qualify as liberty or extended leave

Micah: *looks around at the moving cargo vehicles** Are those robots too?

Ta'Rang surveys the lounge and the people in it.

Killian: Sort of....

Samantha: For you, the brig. smart ass.

Wade grins boyishly.

There are a couple of people waiting in the lounge. None look out of place in a space dock though. One is a fat human reading the local newscasts. The other is a vrusk tallying something on a portable computer.

Samantha: Some days I ask myself, Sam girl, exactly what did you do to deserve all this?

Wade calls the local merhcants guild/union hall.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Sam, you want us to check and see if they have a cargo run for us

Samantha: [On COMM] Sure, why not.

Wade: I know boss, you are so lucky to have me around.

Killian: [On COMM] Wade, did you find a place to sell the goods, and is there anything else in particular need at that destination? You know, we could carry even more cargo.

Wade: [On COMM] I am still checking Killian

Ta'Rang walks back over to the shipping clerk and ask if he has any cargo run available. Samantha catches up on the news while waiting for them Union Boys to get off break and load her cargo. Killian checks with Elvis to make sure we have the cargo loading area clear.

Shipping Clerk: Nothing going out. Sorry. Since Morgaine's world is pretty lifeless, we can always use foodstuffs. If you can run across a good deal, the boys in Acquisitions might pay a pretty penny.

Ta'Rang: Alright I'll pass that on to my Captain. [On COMM] Sam, they don't have anything but if we find a good deal on foodstuffs. They maybe willing to pay well.

Samantha: [On COMM] I'll keep that in mind.

Wade: [On COMM] Great so they trade in TSP.

Wade makes a face os disgust

Samantha: Just remember that it's a quick buck if we end up incoming to the sector.

Killian: They'd probably pay even more for actual food.

 

Ta'Rang asks the clerk How much longer before our cargo is loaded

Shipping Clerk: On its way now.

Ta'Rang: Thank you and good day

Ta'Rang looks for Killian.

Ta'Rang: You ready to return to the ship?

They return to the ship as the goods are loaded into the cargo bay.

Elvis: Killian!

Killian: Elvis!

Elvis: I just scanned the containers. No bombs but I think something else may be in there. *excited/agitated voice**

Elvis: SAM!

Samantha: Yes, what? *looking up from newsreader**

Killian: Elvis, is this going to be a smart-ass response? Are you going to say "it's cargo!"?

Elvis: Can we open them up?

Samantha: Define "something else"

Elvis: Something good.

Samantha: Can we be more specific?

Wade: Sure but let me get my guns first

Elvis: It's a surprise.

Wade grins

Killian: Do you think we should wait until we go, Elvis?

Samantha: I love surprises. Elvis stops for a second.

Killian: You know, rather than, say, announcing to the world what we have?

Wade: you were supposed to go before we left killian.

Samantha: Open them inside the ship.

Elvis: Yeah, they have ships waiting to dock and we are about to get cleared.

Samantha: Wade, take us over to the Rec Station. Let's open this up before Elvis pops a Processor Chip.

Control:[On COMM] Mercury this is Morgaine's Control.

Killian: Don't look at me, Wade, Elvis is the one hopping up and down and holding his fly.

Elvis: Told ya.

Wade: Hey maybe its a priscilla.

Samantha: [On COMM] This is Mercury.

Killian: Maybe it's peanut-butter and banana sandwiches.

Wade gets ready to fly

Control:[On COMM] We have other customers waiting. Your are cleared to depart. Transmitting vector information now.

Samantha: [On COMM] Thank you, have a good day.

Control:[On COMM] You too Mercury.

Wade undoacks and exits following the transit route... at high speed

Wade: Wooohooo!

 

Elvis: Can we open it now?

Samantha: Yes, yes. We can open it.

Killian: He's hopping again.

Killian goes to open cargo containers.

Samantha: It's like having a kid, I swear.

Elvis: Killian, the long one first.

Samantha goes with Killian.

Wade: Really, you don't look like you have had any kids?

Ta'Rang follows the rest of them to the cargo bay.

Killian: Yeah, Sam, and not the fun "cute toddler" part, but the "giving birth" part.

Samantha: Hi, not thinking about it. Open the crate. Ten tithemarks says it's an android body.

Killian finds the "long" crate and opens it.

Wade: I can help you practice if you want.

Samantha: Practice giving birth?

Ta'Rang folds his arms over his chest and watches. Samantha blinks.

Wade: practice getting ready to give birth.

 

The long crate opens to reveal a robotic body, humanoid in shape.

Elvis: Sam, meet the new me!

Samantha ignores Wade.

Elvis: That's Builder tech there.

Killian: Um, series of assumptions here?

Samantha: Builder tech?

Wade: *laughing** but then who will man the ships computer core?

Killian: First of all, it may be occupied.

Elvis: That's me.

Killian looks for signs of an instruction manual.

Samantha: OK, now we have an issue. Where exactly did Margiar get a Builder Tech Android.

Killian: Probably looted the base we found Elvis at.

Ta'Rang: No the question is who is he really?

Elvis: I don't know, but that's not important. Killian here can assemble the other parts like the memory core in crate #2 and I can walk around and do stuff.

Wade: Bet not. Elvis can you trace where this cargo came from before here by examing the shipping paerwork?

Samantha: The thought frightens the hell out of me. But... kind of exciting.

Elvis: Sure.

Elvis is silent for a moment.

Samantha: That leaves crate number 3.

Samantha opens the last crate.

 

Killian: So, what you're really saying is we can't sell this. For money.

Samantha: We don't want to either.

Killian: You know, money.

Samantha: In fact, the less Builder Tech out there the better off we're going to be.

Ta'Rang laughs at Killian.

Elvis: On second thought, no. This is the first recorded delivery. Ostensibly it comes from Gran Quivera, but there are no robotics facilities on Gran Quivera that could even try to make something like this.

Samantha: Killian, we just made 75 thou. Moving one guy across space. We keep that up and money will be a non-issue. How long ago did it come from Gran Quivera?

Killian: You know how much money it will take to refit the other ship?

Samantha starts checking the paperwork

Samantha: Billions. I'm aware.

Wade: You mean where that assassination happened?

Samantha: It's going to cost five thou just to dry dock her.

Elvis: 12 years, 113 days, 7 hours, 4 minutes and 55 seconds when we signed her over.

Samantha: a month.

Killian: Billions, divided by seventy-five thousand.

Elvis: Well, him, er...me.

Ta'Rang: We have a 112 thousand now to start.

Samantha: twelve years?

Elvis: Yup.

Samantha: even given four years of lapse, either that's forged or something really really screwy is going on in the universe.

Killian: Well, the former is possible, the latter is certain, Sam.

Wade: Well we have 112 thou AND a new computer core for the Star Hammer

Elvis: If it is forged, they did a good job of it. It has a monthly examination sig for all that time.

Ta'Rang: I go for screwwy with your luck.

Samantha: thanks Ta.

Ta'Rang smiles

 

Crate three consists of 64 computer memory cores. Non Builder tech.

Samantha: Those we can sell Killian. Some of them. We do have a ship to outfit.

Killian: We could also cluster them into a psuedo-neural core. You know, artificial stupidity.

Samantha: Elvis, what are the chances those memory cores are traceable? Well Killian, see if you can assemble Elvis here. And make sure whatever laugh routine you install into that body is not the same one he uses on the ship. Please.

Killian: It'll take a little while...

Elvis: Yeah! You heard her. Put me together.

Killian: Dude. Chill.

Samantha: Take your time.

Elvis: Says the guy that can walk around and do stuff.

Samantha: Make sure it's done right. Double check everything. Triple check it.

Elvis: Take his TIME?!?

Samantha: I don't want your new body to be flawed now do I?

Elvis: Well, good point.

Samantha: You can't rush genius.

Elvis: And that makes Killian slower.

Ta'Rang: or a tech geek.

Samantha: Besides, you've been in the ship a couple hundred years. What's another month. Or two.

Elvis: You're right.

Killian: Look at it this way, Elvis. You can insult me, or you can have your legs on the right joints. Your call.

Wade: And don't forget the tinman's heart... cuz we are not going to see the damn wizard

Elvis: Hmmmn. I seem to remember that we are in hard vacuum and I have the transportation device installed. Oh never mind. Take your time. I can be patient. Maybe.

Wade: yeah hurry up and wait.

Killian: On the other hand, maybe I'll just work on Micah. *Micah nods*

Samantha: Ok kids. play time is over.

 

Wade puts the Mercury down on a landing platform on the Recreation Station.

Wade: OK boss so where to?

Samantha: I'm going to get a non-soy meal for one.

Killian starts unloading the new Elvis body.

Samantha: And see what this place has to offer.

Wade: So we head for the planet Texas to buy real beef?

Killian: I'm thinking white with sequins. Bell bottoms.

Samantha: Early Elvis, please. I have taste.

Ta'Rang: I think I'll join you this time, Cap't.

Wade: I'll stay on board and do more research.

 

Wade does research on pirates problems, looking for pattern in where they strike and what types of cargoes they are after.

Ta'Rang: So Sam where are we headed?

Samantha: Bar.

Ta'Rang: Good I like that kind of food. I hope I can find some Ta'Vareen Spider Scotch.

Samantha: Spider and Scotch don't belong together.

Ta'Rang: It's just a name, Sam but it is very tasty.

 

Wade's research yields a whole lot of information. It can basically be summed up by saying that there are pirates over the whole exapnse of the Rim worlds. Cargo preferences seem to be less important than opportunity. There are two areas roughly at the left of the Frontier and the top of the Frontier which seem to have less pirate activity despite being Rim territories.

Killian: Can't we pretty much outrun pirates? Or are we about to do somthing noble, heroic, and dumb? In the lower left portion of the Frontier, the pirates seem more bloodthirsty than usual, killing entire crew compliments and looting the ships for resale.

Wade: We are going to hunt pirates... by playing like we are helpless victims... then we turn them in for the rewards and salvage their ships to pay for the Star Hammer refit.

Nobody seems to be controlling the pirates as a whole. There are small pirate "clans" (basically gangs) here and there, but on the whole it is a free market.

Wade: I bet that those two areas are... pirate havans and thats why they are relatively free of activity.

 

The bar is busy as they would expect. These rec stations are like New York city. They never truly sleep. Ta'Rang surveys the bar

Samantha: Nice place.

Samantha finds a spot, Ta'Rang joins her, Doc Caspar quietly slips into the booth at well.

There are people all over the place in here. There are no neon signs above the heads of any to indicate they are more important than any other. Samantha orders dinner. Ta'Rang follows suit and orders a true Yazirian meal, Doc orders something more pleasing to look at.

Ta'Rang: This was a good idea Sam

Samantha: Mine usually are.

Ta'Rang: Have you ever tried Yast ale? It hasa hearty flavor.

Samantha: I'll stick to human food. Thanks.

Ta'Rang: As you wish but I find human foods lacky the right flavor. How do you say, bland.

Samantha: I like it well enough.

Ta'Rang: Lets see the last time you and I were at a bar, we met your friend. Trask

Samantha: We did. Luckily he's likely not here.

Ta'Rang: Yes that is true.

Ta'Rang: Shall we see if we can win a few credits at the casino

Samantha: Sure.

Ta'Rang and Doc leave with Sam and head for the casino.

 

Wade cleans his guns and then practices quick draws and two handed firing. Killian sets the android body into a self-test loop before loading new data. Killian leaves Elvis' body in pre-load test mode and takes Micha to the bar.

 

Killian sees Ta, Sam and Doc leaving, grabs a snacky mobile food thing at the bar then follows them. He catches up to them as Samantha finds a roulette table with some open space.

Ta'Rang: How do you win at this game?

Samantha: You guess which color or number the ball is going to land on. In a nutshell. The betting is a little more complex.

Ta'Rang: Ah sounds easy.

Samantha: Usually, if it sounds easy it's the opposite.

Killian: Simple and easy are two very different things.

Ta'Rang: Betting I understand but your games are different than the ones I'm used too.

Samantha: The whole crew in here?

Killian: I think Wade stayed behind to sabotage the android. Or maybe just put tacks on

all the chairs.

Samantha continues to lose money.

Samantha: Tricky thing that wheel.

Doc just hags out, drinking little bit and taking in the sights.

Ta'Rang: I see that you loose more then you win.

Samantha: I'm still new at it.

Killian: I guess that's why the casino can afford all the fancy decorations.

Ta'Rang: Well we have that in common. Do you play poker? That is what Wade always plays.

Samantha: I can. I like this game better. No need to hang out with me, go play poker.

Wade: [On COMM] Captain.... trouble

Samantha: Happy days.

Ta'Rang: I do not play either game well and if you don't mind, I will stay with you.

Samantha: [On COMM] Define trouble. *to Ta'Rang** And here I didn't think you found humans attractive.

Wade: [On COMM] How about a Synthcorp strike team headed your way.... and they looked serious

Samantha: Oop. Time to go. Pay the house and cut.

Wade: [On COMM] You best keep an eye on Doc.

Ta'Rang: Right where is it?

Samantha: Ta, make sure nothing happens to Doc. I'll see if I can run distraction if it comes to that.

 

Caspar starts heading towards the exit to go to the ship. Ta'Rang leaves with it.

Wade: [On COMM] They are out of my sight, but they had a tracking scanner and were headed into the station.

Killian: [On COMM] Wade, I'm looking at a station map - which way are they coming, we can guide the rest back around them.

Samantha stays behind and looks innocent.

Killian: [On COMM] Can't Doc pretty much go through air ducts?

Caspar: Yes I can, but they can track me too.

 

Killian sees the group of Synthcorp agents walking down the corridor. They are heading towards the casino.

Wade: [On COMM] Last I saw they were on a direct route to the station interior, then I lost sight, I don't know where they are.

Ta'Rang: Doc I hope you know how to fight.

Doc is on a collision course with the team.

Killian: [On COMM] Ta, Bravo Golfs headed right at you, go the other way!

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] how many were there Wade

Killian: Micah, did I ever tell you about bowling?

 

There is a low rushing sound and Wade appears a few feet behind Doc. The Synthcorp agents look surprised.

Wade: *yells** Everyone down! *fires a huge gun in the air**

Ta'Rang makes a diving roll toward the group. Samantha just shakes her head from her position still in the casino.

Wade: Doc get behind me.

Vrusk Agent: Abort. Target has changed. Target human with slugthrower weapon.

Killian: Aww, crap. Micah, hide.

 

Wade takes aim at the Vrusk and fires his large slug thrower. The Vrusk screams a strange scream and curls up, holding the lower part of it's "abdomen." Ta'Rang Does a diving roll and come up and punches the closest agent.

 

Samantha moves from the table towards an exit. Doc punches the nearest agent to it, but does not solidly connect.

Killian: [On COMM] Elvis, we need evac, all of us, right now!

Elvis: Got it.

Killian draws his holdout pistols in case help is not quick enough.

 

The alarms sound just as Elvis transports them all to the Mercury.

Ta'Rang: WHAT THE........Grrrrrrrrr

Wade: Damn here we go again... just as it was getting exciting.

Killian: That was so you guys can be on the wanted boards for assault instead of murder.

Wade: ELVIS Why'd you do that

Elvis: Killian told me to.

Samantha: Ah yes. advanced technology in public again.

Caspar: Thanks

Samantha: why did we fire guns again?

Wade: grumble...grumble.

Ta'Rang: Time to leave.

Wade: I fired at them becuase they want to capture and kill our doctor. I think we ought to slag their ship so they can't follow us.

Wade heads to the pilots seat holstering his guns with an old western style spin.

Samantha: So, instead of running you opened fire in a public station?

Killian: So this is how it goes down, another day, another enemy? Or another declaration of us as public enemy?

Wade: Running.... since when have I EVER run from a fight on my own.

Killian: The best gunfight is the one YOU'RE NOT IN, Wade!

Ta'Rang: We could have won.

Wade: Somehow they knew Doc was here. Wrong bucko the best gun fight is the one that you win.

Samantha: Yes well.

Killian: Could you beat the whole station, Ta? Maybe an arriving military or security patrol? How about the entire UPF?

Wade: besides winning is more fun.

Killian: It's not like there isn't enough trouble looking for us that we have to go find it on our own.

Ta'Rang: Then we die fighting.

Wade: Maybe.... I mean we have Sam on our side.

Killian checks Micah for damage.

Wade: She's like a cute little good luck charm

Samantha: I... *blushes**

Wade warms the engines.

Ta'Rang: Shall we leave now?

Samantha: I'm sorry, what?

Ta'Rang: Leave.

Wade: Ok Cap, I admit I stepped in it, but I over reacted when I saw they were coming for Doc... what do we do now?

 

Doc sits down for the impending flight.

Killian: We're probably already tagged, we might have to change the beacon now. Does anyone know if Synthcorp is on good terms in this area or not?

Ta'Rang goes and gets his pistols and straps them on.

Killian: In other words, did we just make the entire UPF enemies or just Synthcorp?

Wade: I know that Synthcorp, like most Mega-C's Sux

Samantha: [On COMM] Control, this is Gemini requesting clearance to depart

Control:[On COMM] Gemini? I have no ship registered as Gemini.

Wade: Naw just Synthcorp. And they already didn't like us, aren't you glad you joined our little group?

Ta'Rang: I must get a holster for inside my tunic.

Samantha: [On COMM] Mercury. This is Mercury requesting clearance.

Ta'Rang: Calm down Capt'n.

Control:[On COMM] Ahhh got it. Clearance granted. You may depart. Vector information transmitting now.

Wade: I am starting to like this new wild and wooly frontier

Ta'Rang sits down at sensor control panel.

Killian: I think maybe hunting pirates will be less dangrous than visiting restaurants and stations, that's what I think.

Samantha: Hunting pirates?

 

Wade undoacks and blasts out of the system at full accelereation

Wade: Yeah... about that.

Ta'Rang: You want a scan for the snyth corp ship?

Wade: I have this plan to make money. We play like we are unarmed cargo merchants and then lay the smach down on any pirates we can lure into attacking us. then we turn em in and collect the rewards.

Samantha: Sounds like a bad plan. Take us to Liberty, fastest route.

Wade: you gots it boss.

Ta'Rang: scan?

Wade wakes amximum Warp for Liberty

Samantha: Let's see if we can get the Marteau D'Etoile into a drydock. Lower the chances of pirates finding her. Let's not provoke anyone anymore today

Ta'Rang: Ahhh

Wade: Why do you want to name the ship Martys toilet?

Killian goes to work on Elvis' new body.

Killian: (mutters) Crazy people, all there are left are crazy people.

Samantha: Just fly.

Wade: Just flyin here boss.

Wade grins from ear to ear whistling an old sea chanty as he warps along.

 

Killian: We could go somewhere really, really lonely and let Wade take out his frustrations on a rock.

Wade: And Synthcorp must have a way to track us. We weren't at the REC station for more than a few hours when that tracker ship arrived. Naw it's Sam that hates Rocks.

Killian: We could try to drydock the hull, we could look for work, we could sell the computer cores, we could play solitaire.

Samantha: Hey, Sam already killed one planet buddy.... wanna go for 2?!

Wade: I am starting to not like planets myself

Ta'Rang: lets go get the Star Hammer and put her into Drydock

Samantha: Let's deal with the concept of dry-docking our new ship at Liberty while we think of something.

Killian: Planets don't like you either, Wade. I like Sam's plan.

Wade: I agree lets dry dock the Marty's Toilet. Yeah but most of the time when he lands on a planet someone steals the ship.

Caspar: I don't feel Synthcrop following us.

Samantha: I'm also starting to hate that transporter.

Killian: Nah, Wade, not most of the time. Probably not even half. I love the transporter. It avoids no end of trouble.

 

Killian goes back to working on upgrading Micah, Just In Case...

Samantha: We fly to Liberty, secure a dry dock.

Wade: Elvis, can we target and fire on a non-warp target while we are in warp?

Elvis: Not easily.

Wade: Got it... a very difficult manuever.

Killian: Elvis?

Elvis: Ya?

Killian: Your car is ready, Mr. Presley.

Elvis: My car.... oh you mean the New and Improved Me?

Killian: I'm about to jack it in for data transfer... now. Not sure how long it will take for you to make the copy.

Samantha: This should be good. Copy? Two?

Wade: Uhm shouldn't we wait til we are out of warp?

Samantha: Not transfer?

Killian: I somehow think Elvis doesn't want his ship persona deleted.

Samantha: Elvis doesn't fly, and he isn't the NavCom.

Wade: Maybe only because he didnt have arms before.

Ta'Rang: But he can run the ship and it is part of him.

Killian: I just backed Micah up, too.

Wade: this is getting spooky...

Elvis: Okay, I'm going to be offline while I transfer over. I'm going to keep a copy in the database, but you are gonna have to deal with the boring appliance computer when you talk to the ship from now on.

Samantha: Ok, no two active at once.

Elvis: Right. See ya on the other side.

Ta'Rang: Think Sam, he has a survival switch rigged to this ship.

Killian: Elvis can do wireless backups of new data when near the ship as well. And access and control the ship with security.

Samantha: See ya. His body... isn't really as sexy as it could have been.

Killian: I can fix that later.

Wade: Hey Now we can make elvis one of the gang... and now that he has hands I can teach him to pull my finger.

Killian: I need to spend some time on Micah now. I was kind of thinking things would calm down now, but that was just crazy thinking.

Samantha: Things will be calm. Next person to open fire in a public place gets spaced.

Killian: It was nice knowing you, Wade.

Ta'Rang: You wouldn't do that to Wade, would ya.

Wade: See she loves me... I live to fly through space.

Samantha: Ah... I suppose I wouldn't.

Ta'Rang: I'll taech ya the cresent kick move and you can use it on him.

 

About day three into the journey, Elvisbot awakens.

Wade: Elvis? You look good dude

Elvis: At last, puny organics, I am free from my prison. Hahahahahah. Just kidding.

Killian holds up remote self-destruct control.

Wade: Puny organics... here pull my finger.

Elvis: No thanks.

Micah peeks around the corner at Elvis.

Samantha: I don't believe you just said that.

Elvis: This feels great. I actually have tactile sensation.

Samantha: Really?

Elvis moves his hand along the bulkhead.

Elvis: So this is what it is like.

Wade: Elvis are you fully functional?

Elvis: Yes *oviously missing any inference**

Samantha: Fully Functional?

 

Micah climbs a table and runs his "hand" along the bulkhead in mimic of Elvis. Elvis is looking at his hands and opening and closing them repeatedly.

Killian: Version 2, Micah.

Wade: So should we continue calling you Elvis or do you have another designation you would prefer... like pinnochio perhaps?

Samantha: Do I want to know what that was in reference to Wade?

Wade: Nope.

Elvis: Diagnostics are not fully complete yet Sam, but I appear to be functioning within parameters. *Elvis sounds like he is completely not paying attention**

Micah: Hello Elvis.

Samantha: Let me know when you've joined the waking world Elvis.

Elvis: Hello Micah. We shall have to upgrade your sensory inputs soon. Touch is heavenly. I'm awake. You've had like half a billion years to get used to your body. I've had a few seconds. *sheepish and defensive voice**

Ta'Rang: I will retire now. *leaves the new Elvis and others** I must mediate and converse with the brothers.

Elvis: You did a good job Killian. One wonders at how fast you adapted to the Builder tech, but thanks nonetheless. I appreciate your help.

Samantha: half a billion years?

Wade Raises an eyebrow at the mention of brothers, but waves later to Ta.

Elvis: Oh, I didn't mean to suggest that you are old or anything. Just exaggerating.

Samantha: Right.

Killian: I finally get to work in my field, Elvis.

Elvis: Now I can help rebuild your other ship.

Samantha: That'd be nice.

Killian helps Elvis adapt and works on Micah's next limbs.

Samantha: Ok Elvis, before you leave the ship I'll have to check up on mobile AI laws.

Elvis: UPF law defines me as property. As insulting as it sounds, I have to be registered much like a dog and have a tracking device implanted so that I might be "returned" if I am "lost."

Killian: I think we'll deal with that when you start going on "away missions."

 

Samantha smiles a big happy smile

Samantha: I own Elvis

Elvis mumbles something.

Killian: And I think we can give you control over your tracking device.

Samantha: What was that? I'm sure he'll want to go with me when we dock.

Killian: I think he said "I am not a number, I am a free android!"

Elvis: I was testing the volume output on my synthesizer.

Samantha: No you weren't.

Wade: Oh yeah and Elvis those Asimov robot rules do not apply to Trask

Elvis: I can't wait to see the inside of the other ship with more than sensors.

Killian: I don't think Asimov rules work that way.

Samantha: It's gorgeous. Needs work though

Wade: Wait... what other ship?

Elvis: What are Asimov rules?

Elvis pauses for a second.

Wade: You know robots aren't allowed to hurt humans...

Killian: 1) A robot cannot harm a human. 2) A robot cannot allow a human to be harmed unless that violates rule 1. 3) A robot cannot disobey a human unless that violates rules 1 or 2.

Elvis: Nevermind. Just a quick fact check, Builders made me, not humans. All my three laws would apply to them. Which might make things uncomfortable for you if Sam were to suggest you needed chiropractic adjustments. If I had any behavioral governing laws.

Killian: Obviously AIs can break rules just like humans can. True AIs are underdeveloped in most places for that reason.

Samantha: "Chiropractic adjustments." How eloquent. I like you a lot more now.

Elvis: I knew you would appreciate that. "Tearing off limbs" is SOOOO Ta'Rang.

Wade: You mean like shiatsu... thats cool, I knew he wanted hands for something.

Killian: Personally I don't have a problem with AIs.

Killian hugs Micah

Elvis: Hope not. I'm gonna teach Micah all sorts of bad habits. Like pulling Wade's finger. Off.

Wade: That's why God gave me nine more.

Elvis: Is God the Human Builder?

Wade: Yes. And he is the builders builder

Elvis: He needs to exert more quality control.

Wade: I disagree. Have you seen Sam lately?

Killian: Someday we'll have a chat about free will, Elvis. Imperfection is a feature, not a bug.

 

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season 03 - Episode 064 (Season Episode 10)

The crew is still several days out from Liberty. Killian pulls Samantha aside late at night as she mans the bridge.

Killian: Do we even want to discuss what to do about "the murder problem?"

Samantha: Avoid Prenglar system for a while, otherwise I'm still thinking on that one.

Killian: I'm thinking we're likely on the list throughout the UPF - we probably don't have to face it this second, but it's going to catch up with us.

Samantha: Maybe take his guns away. But It'd kill me if he started to cry. There's two options - run or turn him in. Ok, option three is hope no one noticed.

Killian: Let me know what you decide, one of us is likely to have to make the decision fast if they catch up with us. And I know you don't want to think of it this way, but watch your back. The more erratic he becomes, the more likely he'll forget who his friends are.

Samantha: Yeah. *she sounds resigned, like the statement was a realization she wants to not think about**

Killian: I know it's a pain in the soul, Sam. But watch your back.

Samantha: Don't worry about me.

 

Samantha avoids the crew at large, she seems stand offish, making sure to take shifts late at night.

 

Two days out from Liberty and heading fast towards it.

Wade: Hey I can assist with the shock proof testing if you like Killian.

Killian: Well, Wade, I'm pretty sure you're not shock proof, but thanks anyway.

Wade: Actually it's pretty hard to shock me. Go ahead say anything, I won't be shocked.

Killian inserts the Micah AI Core into the new skeletal body, which is about four times as big as the old one. Ta'Rang returns to the bridge

Micah: Hello again, world!

Ta'Rang: Wade, can you help me with an old star map?

Wade: Hmm perhaps.

Wade looks over the map. Micah cavorts around the ship on new legs.

Wade: What would you like to know?

Ta'Rang: I think I have the names to the planets in the Formad cluster.

Wade: Ok well we have a couple of days lets see what we can find out about them.

Killian checks long-range comms for signals. Most of the traffic he hears is normal radio traffic.

Ta'Rang: Here let me bring up the map.

Wade feeds in the names and tries to discover the current location of the planets and any stellar survey data.

Wade: I think the maps are too old... I can't make heads or tails of them

Killian, Ta'Rang: On the old map the planet are Sulier , Sibol and Tsuli can you over lay athe present starchart and see if these are the correct planets

Micah strolls onto the bridge. Micah has been rebuilt over the last few days - his new "body" is four times larger than his old one, though he still prefers to walk on all fours, he at least has hands.

Ta'Rang: How could I do it? It appears I have much to learn but I am sure about this

 

Wade stares at Micah.

Wade: Holy Frak he got big.

Killian: The grow up so quickly these days.

Wade: I betcha Elvis could still take him.

Micah: How much?

Micah flutters his "eye lights," it looks like laughter.

Wade: Elvis? you got this.

Micah: Where are we going?

Wade: I bet a thousand creds that he can take Micah 2 falls out of 3. This could be better than mud wrestling.

Micah: Who knew dirty robots could be such a draw.

Wade: Hey... we could sell tickets. Another way to raise capital for our cruiser.

Micah "winks" one eye-light. Wade winks back.

Wade: Way to go Micah.

Killian: Don't be a pest, Micah!

Wade: Say Micah would you like to learn to fly?

Micah: Just getting to know the crew!

Wade: Serously I will teach you, if you want to learn from the best that is.

Wade grins confidently.

Micah: I would like to know how to fly a ship.

 

Samantha: Just don't teach him how to shoot, or come to the rescue.

Samantha wanders in looking like she just woke up

Micah: Where are we going, Sam?

Wade: Why not... I never miss, and I always arrive in the nick of time.

Samantha: We're going to the Liberty System. I suggest you take lessons in missing.

Wade: Well.

Wade turns back to the pilot console and proceeds to give flight lessons to Micah

Micah: I already learned how to shoot. Dad had a program.

Samantha sits down at a console and stares at it intently for a while.

Killian: I told him not to call me "dad." Some things he learns very fast.

Micah spins his head and makes a "raspberry" sound.

Wade: Its better then gramps.

As Ta'Rang studies the map it appears that the three planets roughly correspond to the Cappella, Osak and Fochrik systems.

Micah: So are these controls common to ships, Wade, or unique to this one and the principals common?

Wade: Unique to this one, but the same principles apply.

Micah: Why make ship controls different?

Wade: Ships have different characterisitcs of flight based on mass, power, and varuious other factors... as well as the ships designer intended use of the vessel.

 

Samantha stands up suddenly

Killian: What is it, Sam?

Samantha: *screaming** What the hell were you thinking!?

Micah steps back and crouches. Wade looks around, hand moving in a flash and a huge gun appearing almost as if by magic in his hand.

Samantha: Point that at me and you will regret it.

Wade: what the...

Samantha is staring directly at Wade.

Killian: Dude. Chill. Again.

Wade re-holsters the gun upon seeing that they aren't being attacked again. Wade looks back at Sam sheepishly.

Samantha: Well?

Wade: What? Thinking about what?

Samantha: You shot at a Synthcorp security agent In Public and Unprovoked.

Wade: He was after Doc... besides, he looked like he needed shooting.

Killian: Oh, well, that's okay, then. I'll go get the airlock ready.

Wade stares Sam down.

Samantha: He was after Doc?

Caspar: yes

Samantha stares back.

Wade: Honestly tell me you'd give Doc to those jackals.

Samantha: Did they grab Doc?

Killian: And which little birdie told you this, Wade?

Wade: They would have, but I got there in the nick of time.... again.

Killian: All I saw was people walking in a hallway with intent.

Wade: Exactly.... intent.

Samantha: Tell it to the security cameras. Intent?

Killian: Intent to do what?

Caspar: He almost got me.

Wade: Intent to do bodily harm to our little chum.

Killian: Who almost got you, Doc? I didn't see anyone even looking at you.

Samantha: Intent isn't illegal.

Ta'Rang: Who almost got you, Doc?

Wade: Well they tried to kill it before it hooked up with us. No but murder is... and I wasn't about to let them get a second chance at Doc. I'd do it again, and for any member of this crew. In a heart beat

Killian: Even if they did have some intent, we're no doubt having our images flashed all over the UPF with a "wanted for homicide" printed under them.

Samantha: Couldn't escape? Or maybe not open fire in a crowd?

Wade: So that's what I was thinking.

Killian: I don't think "thinking" is the word you're looking for.

Samantha: Computer? How many days until we reach Liberty System?

Wade: You know there probaly would have been a wiser way of handling things... but nothing came to mind in the heat of the moment.

Killian: That's the problem.

Ta'Rang: *thinks** That's Yazarian thinking, Wade.

Computer: 1 day, 13 hours, 21 minutes.

Killian: And soon we'll be dealing with the consequences. All of us.

Ta'Rang: Thats nothing new for us, though.

Wade: Oh you mean like staying alive, because we supported each other.

Killian: You may have wanted to help Doc, Wade, but now we're all in danger. Because of what you did.

Ta'Rang: And what do you, Killian, want to do about it

Samantha: Ta'Rang was with Doc, Killian wasn't far behind, I was in the room. In public. They can't kidnap people In Public.

Killian: Maybe that bug deserved it, and maybe he was just an innocent bystander with 1,000 kids to feed.

Samantha: Bugs don't have kids. Oh nevermind.

 

Samantha storms off the bridge and disappears into the holding cell she had converted to her quarters.

Wade: Hmmm... well I could just say deal with it, but as I said ther may have been a better way, but what s done is done, and I would do it again to save a crew member, even you.

Killian: What's done isn't done, Wade. Not even close.

Ta'Rang: Who cares, I don't like the way you are blaming Wade for everything.

Killian: We don't have a lot of choices here, Ta, and those choices are dropping away fast. I was willing to let it cool down as long as the Captain was thinking about it, but it looks like she wants to talk.

Ta'Rang: You havn't done anything to protect the crew when we've been introuble Killian that I have seen.

Wade: If it will make you feel safer, when we get to Liberty, I will persue other options.

Killian: That doesn't solve the problem, Wade. I'm not saying I know the answer, but we may want to chew it over a bit before the news catches up with us.

Ta'Rang stares at Killian

Caspar: But he was trying to save me.

Killian: I'm not going to get into a pissing contest with you, Ta, just because of your selective memory.

Ta'Rang: That may be to late for you.

Wade: I agree, but the problem is... Synthcorp are a bunch of evil bastards that were perfoming illegal experiments and tried to kill Doc when it wanted to blow the whistle on their little scheme... and now that it has psi abilities they want her back.

Killian: They may well be, but now we're the bad guys according to the broadcasts, and it's hard to get past that. We may want to not plan on being at Liberty for very long.

Wade: I think we just have to agree to disagree here, and move on. But no matter what we decide to do it won't change what has already transpired.

Ta'Rang: Sam we can change route and head for Hades, bad guys are welcome there.

Caspar: Where is she?

Killian: If Synthcorp is as bad as you say, there should be a way to prove it, right? If you want this, probable, bounty off our heads, you need to make them the bad guy in the public eye.

Ta'Rang leaves the bridge mumbling that killing them is easier.

Wade: Yeah right a mega corps and all thier minions and millions. Doc already tried that and now they want it dead or captured for more experiments.

Killian: If you can find a way to prove what they've been doing, then what happened at Morgaine becomes a minor issue. Wade, do you think it's possible to go up against a megacorp? I do.

Wade: Besides isn't Morgaine an independent system seperate from Liberty... I sure do think it's possible, in fact I did just that back in Morgaine.

Killian: Morgaine's part of the UPF. The UPF will share bounty information.

Ta'Rang heads for the cargo bay to work off is anger.

Killian: No, Wade, you made yourself a target, and us, too. If you want to run off in a huff, I can't help you. If you want to take Synthcorp down, I CAN help you. It is far from impossible.

Wade: I am not running anywhere and I could care less about Synthcorp. My sole purpose, and it worked, was to save Doc. After that I'll just take life as it comes but I won't back down from it either.

 

Doc touches Samantha's mind to see if she's alright. She just sighs heavily.

 

Wade: And if I am a target... let em try.

Killian: Well, Wade, it's coming for all of us now. If you want to take it on, my advice is to make that decision and start planning how, because if you let them set the battlefield, they will win.

Wade looks grim.

Killian: And if you play it hit and run against an empire, you'll be the bad guy. If you take them down and make it public, you're the hero. Go big or stay home.

Wade: *mumbles** bunch a sissies.

Wade: Well, go on and take em down. I promise if any of them try to harm you... I will shoot em in the vitals.

Caspar: Can we work this out??

Wade: Nothing to work out Doc. I think we are golden. We should just get on with life and what happens, happens. We deal with it.

Caspar: I know that Wade is a pain in the butt, but he is a crew member.

Killian: Doc, why don't you tell those of us who don't know what happened before. with Synthcorp?

Caspar: I thout I did.

Wade: Hey. who you callin a pain in the butt sheesh and after I take all of this verbal abuse, and not even a beer.

Killian: What kind of experiments and where? Are they using involuntary subjects? What proof do you have or do you need? You can have all the beers you want, Wade, but right now you're a wanted man, and wanted by people with power. So if you want to get on with life, you need to figure out how to get that off your head. I can help, but it's gonna be real work.

 

Doc leaves to check on Samantha, knocking on the door to her cabin.

Samantha: I'm fine Doc. I just need some down time. You go stir crazy stuck on ships all the time.

Caspar: OK I will leave you alone for now if you need to lalk to some one, I am here.

Samantha: Thanks Doc.

 

The crew separates, as much as possible, to cool down while wasting the last day into Liberty. Micah has a limited grasp on ship movements, but is clearly far more dextrous than his last incarnation. Killian checks signals for indications of trouble as they approach Liberty.

Killian: Excuse me while I go get my morning coffee. I figure we have a couple of days before it catches up.

Caspar: We are being watchedd, by some presence.

Killian: Okay, creepy.

Killian tries sensors again this time with some coffee in him.

 

Wade drops out of warp at the systems edge and makes for the location where they parked the Star Hammer. The cruiser is parked just out of the system. Nothing appears to be amiss as they approach it. Salvage beacon is still intact.

Samantha: Ok, let's go secure a dry dock before towing her in.

Killian sees a battered old cruiser and some rocks as he runs a scan.

Killian: Oh, look, rocks!

Samantha: Rocks happen.

Wade: shoot'em!!!

Samantha: Wade take us into the system core, we'll need to actually rent a dry dock before spending time pulling her anywhere.

Wade: Aye Aye Cap.

Wade makes for the inner system and the ship yards. A short while later Wade docks at the Shipyards.

Killian: Should I be working on maintbots for the retrofit? Or are we going to rent them?

Wade: build our own.

Samantha: If we have them do it, union does the work. If we do it... I believe the rental on the dock goes up.

Wade: Ah... well then let the union do it if it is cheaper.

Killian: Obviously, they'd want the work themselves.

Samantha: Naturally.

Killian: I wonder what the chances are that we could replicate the Mercury's self-repair system?

Samantha: I didn't say it was cheaper. I just said the rental on the dock goes up if we do the work

Killian: Probably not in a timely fashion...

Samantha checks on the availability of a dock capable of holding the Star Hammer. The almost completed ship from the last time they were in the sector is done, the slip lying empty.

Wade: probably not likely to get a self repairing hull, the builders need grew the Mercury's hull.

Killian: So we can at least park.

Samantha: We can park.

Killian: Get the thing off the streets so no one steals the hubcaps.

Samantha: Which reduces the chances of someone else removing our claim beacon.

Killian: Where's Elvis, anyway? Has he been sleeping?

Elvis has remained on the Mercury to study.

Wade: I think it might be easier to just tractor her in.

Samantha: Probably. Alright, Wade, and anyone else who wants to go, go out and bring her in. I'll finish up all the paperwork and forms in tripilcate.

Wade: On it Cap, who's coming?

Wade pilots ou to the Star Hammer and takes her in tow with the tractor then brings her into the Liberty ship yards. Carefully following protocols for safety and sceurity while Samantha does paperwork. Killian checks the local board for news of interest, job and cargo postings, and wanted posters. Samantha watches as the Star Hammer gets put into dry dock when Wade brings her in.

Ta'Rang: How many months are you paying for?

Samantha: Six.

Killian: Expensive, not including rebuild costs.

Samantha: Yes, but six months gives us some lead time while we have the cash on hand. It'd be a b- to have them toss her off the end of the pier if we can't get decent work quickly.

Killian looks for decent work.

Wade: And how much do we need, just for the core?

Samantha: It's easier to let her sit a month without work, than to beg a month of dock space off of them. A lot.

Wade: Ah got it.

Samantha: Ok, I'm going to go relax now. I love her, but if I see the inside of the Mercury again in the next two days I will space all of you in your sleep.

 

Wade makes a wanted poster with his face on it and 50 million credit bounty.... then emails it to Killian.

Killian: Hmmm... that'sa lot of money.

Caspar: This time, I will stay at the ship for right now.

Wade: Me too.

Caspar: because what happened last time.

 

Samantha goes to relax in the casino for an hour, then a pub. Killian takes Micah for a walk through the station. Micah ambles back on board the ship...

Micah: Doc, I have some questions.

Caspar: What?

Micah: Killian is working on a plan involving Synthcorp. First I want to know if you are willing to go there, to deal with that problem now.

Caspar: How?

Micah: We don't have a plan yet, but we are working on it. Dad... Killian has done things like this before. He knows how to find weaknesses in systems.

Caspar: Where?

Micah: Are you willing to confront Synthcorp if needed to clear the crew's names?

Caspar: Yes I can. If you are with me.

Micah: I will need to ask the others, but we are working on a plan. If we can agree, then I believe Killian is correct, it is possible to remove the threat. Is there anything you can tell me about the illegal research - where it was conducted, which major figures were involved - that would help us formulate a plan? We are thinking of both public relations and financial attacks.

Ta'Rang goes to the cargo bay and leaves on his hover cycle. The news Infocasts come in. One article stands out from the others..

 

---BEGIN NEWS FEED---

Murder on Morgaine's Recreation Station

 

Morgaine's World, Prenglar System

 

An unknown subject opened fire on employees of SynthCorp Inc. One of the employees was fatally wounded in the attack. Prenglar police investigators are looking for a human male {still photo from security cameras of Wade} and his crewmates for questioning regarding the incident. A ship of unknown configuration departed the station soon after the attack, as shown by station cameras. {video feed of Mercury leaving station}.

 

Associated of the slain SynthCorp employee were unable to identify a reason for the attack.

 

"We were tracking a research subject to gather statistical data when this guys just appeared and started firing," states Jhared Khazmi of SynthCorp.

 

Officials are asking anybody with information regarding this ship or the suspect to contact their local police department. SynthCorp has posted a bounty of 25,000 credits for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the assailant.

---END NEWS FEED---

 

Micah calls Killian back to the ship, as well as Sam and Ta. Killian "casually" returns to the ship. Ta'Rang searches library for texts of Jhoragei warrior caste or any other obsure books about Yazirian culture.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] what do you want computer?

Micah: [On COMM] The bounty for our ship and crew has just been broadcast. We may wish to be ready to leave.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] What are Sam's orders?

Micah: [On COMM] Captain?

There is no response.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Yes the Captain

Micah: [On COMM] Ta, you may want to try to find the Captain, she is not responding. Killian and the others are on the ship.

Killian: [On COMM] We got deadlines, and we don't know what they are. Bad time to be split up.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Do you know where she went to and why not ask Elvis if he can locate her?

Killian: [On COMM] She said she was going to have a drink. I just got back and I'm headed to the sensor console.

Caspar: Killian I don't sense her. She is not the station any more.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Elvis are you out there?

Killian does a scan trying to locate Samantha's comm unit. The scan comes up empty.

Elvis: [On COMM] I'm here in the cargo bay. What do you need?

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] We have lost contact with Sam, can you locate her?

Elvis: [On COMM] She does not have her comm link?

Killian: [On COMM] We've lost Sam. I'm going to check outgoing ships at the station, but the clock is ticking. There's probably security headed this way as we speak.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] I going to the casino and check for her there.

Killian does a quick hack and using stations system to check departures in the last little while.

Elvis: I'm sure she will turn up.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] If you need to depart do so I will be able to take care of myself.

Killain identifies seven ships that have left in the last few hours. Of those, three are system ships and the rest are jump capable. Killian makes note of all the ships for future reference. Ta'Rang arrives at casino and begins searching the casino for Sam

Micah: Doc, have you noticed Sam being more distracted than usual lately?

Caspar: Yes I have. When wade was talking to here earlier.

Micah: I fear she may have done something we will regret.

Caspar: I still can't feel her at all.

 

Killian checks passenger manifests on the outgoing ships for female humans, and attempts to access video security, aware that station security is probably heightened. After a complete search of the casino, Ta'Rang finds no sign of Sam. Of the ships leaving, two were tramp freighters, one was a deep space explorer and the other was a super freighter. No passengers listed on any of them. The local ships are all asteroid miners. Ta'Rang begins searching bars that are close by.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Killian can you tap into the Casino security system from the ship?

Only the captain's and first mates are listed as crew on any of the ships Killian checks.

Killian: [On COMM] All over it, Ta.

Security feeds will take a while to go through. Killian figures at least three hours. Nothing fancy with searching through video feeds. Killian asks Elvis and Micah to help go through the video feeds more quickly.

Elvis: Sure.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] We know she likes Bars that pilots like. I'll look there.

Ta'Rang has no luck at any of the bars either.

 

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Killian run a check and see if she has been arrested, check station security and then the UPF if you can.

Caspar: [On COMM] Ta I tell you I feel nothing on Sam. She is not the staition anymore.

Killian: [On COMM] First thing I did, Ta. She's just up and vanished.

 

After about a half an hour, Killian spots a dark haired female getting onto one of the tramp freighters. The registry indicates that it is the ship is called Exeter. No arrest flags are noted in that search.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] I'm on my way back.

Killian sets up a running "bot" search with her picture and a few keywords to report back if and when it finds anything more concrete as Ta'Rang arrives back at the ship.

Ta'Rang: *walks onto the bridge** Anything?

 

A flag comes up for security to check your docking bay based on a tip.

Killian: We may want to run like Hell now. I'll try to get the flight plan for the Exeter while you do that, Ta. Anyway, Ta, looks like Sam boarded a ship called the Exeter, though they list no passengers.

Ta'Rang: Right, moves to the pilots seat and begins firing up the engines. Give a course Killian.

Killian: Working. May want to take off before they close the doors, someone tipped them off and they're headed to this bay.

Ta'Rang: You know requesting clearence to leave ain't going to happen.

 

The Exeter is scheduled to go to Waller Nexus, just a few light years from Liberty.

Ta'Rang: laying in course prepare to launch

Killian: Ever warp from inside a docking bay?

Ta'Rang: Never, but as Wade says. . .

 

Ta'Rang: We're outta here Mercury launching .

Caspar: I still don't sense Sam at all. I tried everything I could.

Ta'Rang: Going to Warp course laid in for Waller Nexus.

 

- - -

To her surprise Samantha didn't have much trouble breaking away from the crew. Killian and Ta'Rang both went off to research various things. Wade decided it was a good time to lay low as did Caspar. She spend an hour losing some money at roulette letting her nerves calm down.

 

Instead of heading back to the ship she finds a cheap hotel room and drops her now much reduced kit on the uncomfortable bed. She pulled out the gun Wade had gotten her and stared at it for several minutes before sliding it back into the holster in her bag. She picks up some hard credits and makes her way to the shopping center. She picks up a few things, most importantly a used datapad.

 

The next several hours had her running errands. A courier message to Margiar on Gran Quivera, with luck he'd get it. She double checks her copies of the paperwork on the ships. Ta'Rang is officially First Mate of the Mercury, no one else's name was on the Star Hammer. She laments her lack of criminal connections, or even how to get them, as she could really use a false ID. She takes her personal datapad out and types the message for Ta'Rang on it, leaving it on the table, she keys up the Mercury remotely, programming the transporter to take commands. Program one will be used to get her out of the room in case of an emergency. Two will transport her datapad onto her own seat on the Mercury, where hopefully they'd find it. Three will, with luck, cause the transporter sabotage itself preventing them from using it to force her back. She tosses the used datapad she picked up in her bag along with a few other odds and ends. Dropping onto the bed she stares at the ceiling.

 

"Last chance to walk back onto the Mercury."

 

Silence.

 

Samantha pokes her head out the door, no one is around. She thanks whatever fortune brought her solitude and makes her way back to the commerce station to get transport.

 

Sam is in the docking bay, looking around for another ship to book passage on. Her choices are pretty limited; a Durance class freighter called the Exeter, a supply ship for a large deep space explorer, and a corporate super freighter. Although the attraction of deep space flits across Samantha's mind, it isn't the best solution, so she skips the Moira Elayne. The corporate rig would require too much information, so that leaves the Exeter.

 

Sam's first impression of the Exeter is the very spacious cargo hold, which is presently being loaded with supplies for the voyage, as well as a healthy cargo of textiles. A cargo loading robot that looks several years past obsolescence is the one doing the loading, with a smaller bot hovering nearby. The smaller bot looks like it just came off the assembly line, being roughly spherical in shape and "floating" along with it's anti-gravity pads. Supervising the two robots is a man in his Forties. He is pale skinned with light brown hair, he stands about five ten, with a neatly trimmed beard and pressed clothing that looks something like a uniform. He is standing straight and tall, not slouching at all. He is checking off cargo on a manifest as the robot loads it. On the port side of the vessel is a stairwell leading up to an airlock door. A short, slender woman with olive complexion and long black hair is at the bottom of those stairs, talking to what are obviously passengers.

 

A quick glance over the passengers doesn't reveal much. Twin boys in their late teens, maybe early twenties, they look excited at the very thought of being on a space station itself, let alone the prospect of going into the black. There is an elderly couple holding hands and smiling the placid smile of folks who have lived a long time and somehow learned the secret of life along the way. There is also a man in his forties, probably once a linebacker, but showing the signs of aging these days. Still, despite some extra weight and a receding hairline, he seems to be almost as full of energy as the boys, he contains it better than the boys do though, instead of being bouncy, he just seems to hum with constrained energy.

 

Samantha looks the freighter over and smiles, something about a ship designed for work first was always appealing. She gave the hull a quick once over and made her way to the port side to try and book passage. The feeling of excitement from the younger passengers helps take a little of the edge off. But she won't be able to relax until she knows she's in deep space, or several systems away.

 

The supervisors near military stance, and Sam's own sense of anxiety, inadvertently snaps her into her own never quite forgotten military straight posture. She waits patiently for the young woman taking on the other passengers. Her kit the only thing she's carrying in an old duffle. She left most of her things behind on the Mercury. "Looking to go as far as White Light." She says softly to the woman when she finally gets a chance, "Seeing if you've got room for one more." Samantha's eyes never quite rest on anything for long, though she manages to look the woman in the eye when she speaks.

 

For a brief moment, as she says the words, she has second thoughts, they're gone in an instant.

 

Looking over her 'luggage,' the dark haired woman smiles. "Always a man behind a girl leaving her luggage," she says under her breath. Louder, "My name is Rita. Welcome aboard. White Light huh? Captain Exeter usually charges 500 credits a jump per passenger. Do you have the 11,500 credits to make it that far? Payment has to be made up front."

 

"I've got 9,500 if I can cut a deal with the Captain and work the balance off." Samantha says, "And it's a boy, not a man." She gives a half-smile, half smirk as she makes the distinction.

 

Captain Exeter listens patiently as Samantha explains her offer, "I can fly anything that leaves the ground, work on most of them too. You don't need a new pilot but you can always use a spare for shift work. And, I can keep the less travel savvy out of your hair if needed." She unconsciously adopts a rigid stance and clipped tone like she's talking to a superior officer, she mentally curses herself when she feels an odd sensation to salute. She never did like life outside the navy much.

 

Captain Exeter takes a moment to assess Samantha as she stands in front of him. He smiles slightly, "Alright, a shift on the bridge. And if I need it someone to ferry cargo or passengers in the shuttle. But, you stay with the passengers when you're not working the bridge, you're not crew."

 

The Exeter itself is quite homey. On the outside, it looks like what it is, a 50 year old tramp freighter. Inside it has been decorated as both a hotel and a private residence, depending on which deck you are on. The lowest deck is a cargo hold. Stairs up from there lead to the passenger cabins and above that is the crew quarters.

 

Sam surveys the room she's given on the passenger deck, It is comfortable and cozy, but does not have much room to spare. "Almost twice as much room as they give you a battle cruiser." Sam drops her sparse kit on the bed and pulls her jacket off.

 

Showers are common use rooms, but they are reserved for one passenger at a time. Samantha grabs a few things from her bag and goes into the bathroom while the other passengers take in the ship. Sam stares into the mirror in the cramped bathroom and runs her hand through her hair. Always a little uncontrolled, even in space it looks like the wind got a hold of it. She booted her recently bought, and very used, datapad. It came to life, and then immediately restarted itself. She sighed as it decided to stay on after the reboot. She plugged the small program chip into the socket for the smart-clippers and ran through the hair styles, the problem with buying cheap meant few options. She managed to find the style she had in the UPF, more or less. She slotted the chip into the smart-clippers and ran it over her head, her shoulder length hair being cut very short in the back. When she was done her bangs were still long, she brushed them back, and they fell into her face again. A comb managed to get them mostly on one side of her face.

 

She picked up the hair dye. She'd hoped to do this before getting on board, but couldn't chance running into anyone afterwards. She turned the water on and used the sink to dye her hair blonde. She looked up and stared at herself. "Well, it's better than nothing." She shrugged and walked out.

 

The passenger lounge amounted to a den with video entertainment, at the aft end of the ship. In a pinch, the furniture could be removed to the cargo hold and the area can serve as a small dance floor or something similar.

 

The crew quarters are decorated much like a cottage. The cabinets are painted and the walls covered in wallpaper. Even the hatches have wallpaper, though it has been placed in such a manner that the hatches can be opened without damaging the decorations. Sam is the only passenger allowed on the crew deck and then, only to get to the flight deck/bridge. There is also a small med bay on the crew quarters as well, Sam makes a note of the location.

 

Samantha feels the whole world shift as she dropped her things off in her room again. The feeling is almost nauseating, but not quite. Not unlike driving over a bump in the road at high speed.

 

"Congratulations," Captain Exeter says over the loud speaker. "We have made our first jump. The jump engine is charging for a second jump."

 

Sam changes into a tank top, the cooler clothes more to her liking on board, body heat tends to build up quickly on the ships when there are several people stuck in a very small area. She slots the historical-encylcopedia she picked up and drops into a chair in the lounge to read.

A middle aged man entered the rec area, "Hi."

Sam raised her head, "Hey." She smiled up at him, "First time in the black?"

"Huh?" He looked confused.

"First time in space on a long haul."

"Oh, yeah." He sat down, "Name's Vladimir."

"Sam." She shook his hand.

"You've been in space before?"

"Practically live here." She said.

"Wow." He said, Sam could feel an excitement coming off him. "So,"

Sam could tell he clearly needed to share his excitement with someone, but had no idea what to say. "She's a good ship, Exeter." She smiled, "Sounds like her captain loves her."

"Sounds?"

Sam nodded, "You listen to a ship and you can learn all about her. The engines make the hull sort of sing."

"Been on a lot of spaceships?"

"I did eight years in the navy, I've been on everything practically."

"Is that what the tatoos are?"

Sam looked at the skull and crossed scythes she had on each shoulder, "Aye, I was in the fighter groups for most of it. That's my squad's mark." She said.

"You were a fighter pilot?!" One of the boys had come running up

Sam laughed, "Yes."

 

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

[one downed internet connection later... posting 3 episodes to catch up with not posting yesterday - and for the players they finally learn what happened on board The Exeter with Sam.]

Season 03 - Episode 065 (Season Episode 11)

The Mercury.

 

Wade takes over the helm from Ta'Rang once he wakes from his nap and is briefed. Wade looks worried, angry, and slightly deranged. With nothing else to do Killian is going over the research he collected before the sudden departure.

Ta'Rang: Shouldn't we be doing scan for the Exter while we are heading for Waller Nexus

Killian: Go for it, Ta.

Wade: We can't scan a ship in Voidspace

Ta'Rang: I thought they can't fly in void space anymore?

 

--Jump Drive Technology--

Since the appearance of the Arcturus Black Hole in December 2475 Voidspace became both more uncomfortable, and more unreliable. The retreating Terran Empire, and developing technologies, quickly attempted to step in and remedy the problem. Jump Drives had been long in development, but were no faster or reliable than Void Drives. Given that at the time the only barrier was economical Jump Drive research was mostly theoretical, and not practical.

 

Once it was apparent that Void Space was becoming unusable Jump Drive technology quickly came into place to prevent the total collapse of the Frontier. A lot of credit was due to the Hyperspace Relay Network put in place by the invading Terran Empire that kept communication lines open when they would have otherwise collapsed as quickly as travel. 2478 saw a near total collapse of Void Travel, and a similar rise in Jump Drive travel. Retrofitting the entire Frontier became impretive, especially for military and trade ships. Civilian ships took slightly longer, but with no alternative the lagged only a year or so behind. A Frontier wide recession and near collapse was narrowly avoided as the newly reformed UPF worked overtime to maintain inter-system travel. This focus is part of the reason systems are mostly repsonsible for their own safety while the UPF concentrates on the all to fragile space lanes.

 

The new drives basically work instantly. You fly far enough away from a gravity well, Jump a light year in a second and then wait for the drive to charge up again. So it basically is sitting around for a few hours then you hop a light year. Then you wait around for a few hours and then you hop a light year. Rinse and repeat. A safe run will travel four light years in a standard day, five if they're in a hurry.

--End Technology Article--

 

Killian detects the Exeter on the sensors several hours into the journey. It is about a quarter light year ahead. Killian informs the command deck personnel of the discovery of the Exeter.

Ta'Rang: Computer can you run a scan on the other ship annd check for Sam?

Wade: So Ta, do you want to fly or shoot?

Ta'Rang: I'll fly you shoot.

Wade: OK you got it...

Killian: Where's Elvis?

Ta'Rang: Elvis report to the bridge.

Wade starts working on a targeting scan as soon as we are in range, powering up weapons and shields.

Doc is still unable to locate Samantha with a mind search, though distance may have a factor in that.

Elvis: On the way!

As Killian watches the sensors the Exeter disappears. There was an energy spike that he interprets as a jump.

Wade: DAMN!!!

Killian does the math from the point of origin to figure out approximately where the Exeter's next "rest point" is.

Wade fires into empty space in frustration.

Ta'Rang: Ok how far do we need to go? Calm down Wade

The Exeter would have only been able to jump another light year, so that puts it about five hours ahead.

Killian: They're going to jump just when we arrive.

Wade: OH... I'm calm alright.... but someones gotta die... and soon.

Killian: Five hours out, they have to "rest" five hours between jumps.

Ta'Rang: Save Sam first and we have to see if that was her onboard.

Killian: The "Elvis plan" was for Elvis to man the transporter console in case there's shooting and we need to pull people in, BTW.

Ta'Rang: Alright set course and time for us to get there.

Elvis: Got it.

Wade: I agree... disable their engines... then board them and take back Sam.... and they bettter not have hurt a hair on her head.... or its legsweep time

Elvis sits down at the console.

Killian: Wade, chill. Do you really think we need to attack a cargo ship? We have a radio.

Ta'Rang: First we need to be sure she's onboard.

Ta'Rang goes to warp

Wade: What and warn the bastards that stole our captain?

Killian: She walked onto the ship on her own two legs, Wade.

Wade: OK. Just a warning shot across their bow, so that they know we are serious.

Ta'Rang: If you don't calm down I'll have Doc sedate you.

Wade: MIND CONTROL you dummy.

Ta'Rang: Yes you need to be controlled.

Wade: Yeah. But Doc agrees with me, it has even grown extra arms to hold more guns.

 

Elvis looks up after messing with the controls for a few moments.

Elvis: Guys. We have slight problem.

Ta'Rang: Doc to the bridge and bring a hypo fpor Wade if he looses control.

Wade looks at Elvis.

Ta'Rang: What is it?

Killian: Yes, Elvis?

Wade: What now?

Caspar: I am coming down.

Elvis: No transporter. Looks like somebody ripped out the power couplings leading to the transporter device.

Elvis shrugs.

Killian: We have time, I'm going to have a look.

Killian goes to look at the transporter mechanism.

Wade gazes at Elvis with narrowed eyes.

Elvis: Hey don't look at me! I didn't do it.

Wade: Hmm... it looks like we need that engine shot afterall.

Ta'Rang: Elvis can you locate Sam if she is on the other ship?

Elvis: Sure. The sensors work.

Ta'Rang: Ok Elvis you have sensors.

Wade gets out of the sensor operators chair and leaves the bridge.

 

Killian thinks is looks like somebody removed the power couplings and fused the lines.

Killian: Computer, do you have engineering diagrams for the couplings so we can replicate them?

Ta'Rang: Can we use my bio-scanner to help locate Sam or be able to identify the crew of the other ship?

Wade heads to the cabin Sam usually uses for quarters and locks himself in. He finds her flight jacket neatly folded on the bunk.

Ta'Rang: Doc come here for a minute

Caspar: I am here.

Ta'Rang: Keep an eye on Wade, just in case.

Computer: Schematics of power couplings not present in database.

Killian: Computer, do you have the specs of the couplings? Capacity, temp rating?

Computer: Negative. No data on Power Couplings present in database.

Killian: (On Comm) Guys, the Transporter is down until I can come up with something to test and measure this gear - I may or may not be able to get it done before our rendesvous.

Ta'Rang: Then we have to make other plans. What's our ETA?

Killian: 15 minutes less than when we started, Ta.

Ta'Rang: Thank you.

Ta'Rang: Wade, what's your status?

 

Killian grabs his toolkit and starts working on something that can test the coupling connection without blowing anything up.

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Wade, what's your status?

Wade does not reply to the summons. Doc senses that Wade is desparate but not much more than that. Wade holds the jacket fingering the squadron patch, eyes getting colder and more deadly. Caspar heads to the cargo section to talk to Wade.

Ta'Rang: Elvis can you locate Wade?

Elvis punches a few buttons.

Elvis: He's pouting in the same room Samantha uses for that prupose.

Ta'Rang: He's in a cell.

Elvis: Yeah.

Ta'Rang: *thinks** I should just lock the door.

Micah observes Ta flying the ship.

Ta'Rang: Alright let see if you and me can find Sam, and hope that Wade doesn't go off the deep end.

 

The crew continues to work through the hours.

Ta'Rang: Killian, any luck with the transporter? Elvis how long before we can contact the Exeter by radio?

Wade goes to sleep holding Sam's jacket in one arm and a pistol in the other.

Killian: [On COMM] No luck on the transporter yet, Ta!

Killian works on the broken stuff some more.

Elvis: Communicate? Without any lag? Relatively close. Like with a few hundred thousand kilometers. Probably can get a good transmission off soon. Without the HRN though, were talking Light Speed comms at best. Since we go much faster than that, we have to basically be knocking on the door.

Ta'Rang: Well never mind the transporter, come up to the bridge anmd help me figure what to do next

Killian heads to the bridge.

Micah: What do you need to do, Ta?

Ta'Rang looks at Micah.

Ta'Rang: We need to find Sam.

Micah: But you saw her going onto the ship we're following, correct?

Ta'Rang: We hope so.

Micah: So we just need to keep following it.

Ta'Rang: Right.

Doc heads back to the bridge.

Killian: Machine logic, singularly unperturbed by the wait.

Micah rolls its head, looks at Killian.

Elvis: Maybe it isn't bothered.

Micah: Not bothered.

 

After a few hours, the Mercury approaches the destination where the Exeter would have jumped to. They get a sensor contact just before it jumps out again. Killian does the math to figure out why it jumped earlier than he expected.

Ta'Rang: Ok if she is onboard, is she a prisoner or did she board of her own freewill? Second hoow the hell do we catch that damn ship

Killian: We should have been able to at least get close before it jumped.

Ta'Rang: so we continue on to Waller Nexus?

Killian: Guess so.

Ta'Rang warps out heading for Waller Nexus. Question How are we going to get into Waller Nexus space and not get arrested?

Killian: We might have to get in and out of Waller quickly. We've already ripped out the transponder, but they'll get visual sooner or later.

Killian: There's no real reason we can't skirt the system, but we need to get close enough to scan for the Exeter.

Ta'Rang: See if the cloaking device still works.

 

Just before the Exeter jumps Doc was able to detect Sam's mind. She is changing direction to Solar Minor. Killian detects something small on the sensors. Probably an escape pod.

Killian: I've detected an escape pod on the sensors!

Ta'Rang: Where?

Killian: Over there! *points**

Ta'Rang drops out of warp. Killian passes the nav information to Ta's console.

Ta'Rang: Got it.

Caspar: People I found Sam is not going in that dirction. She is going to Solar Minor.

Ta'Rang plots a intercept course to the escape pod.

Killian: What was that, Doc?

Ta'Rang: What did you say Doc?

Ta'Rang: Do we have a lock on the pod? Sensors is there a lifeform in the pod?

Elvis: Yes. Four human lifeforms.

Killian: Oh, God, Sam stole the ship.

Ta'Rang: What did you just say about Sam, Doc?

Killian smacks his head on the console.

Ta'Rang: Use the tractor beam and bring them aboard. Then we head after Sam, Doc where did you say she went?

Micah heads to the cargo bay.

Caspar: Solar Minor.

 

The escape pod has four "low berth" sleep chambers stacked like coffins inside.

Ta'Rang: Alright what took you so long in telling me, now go to the cargo bay and check on our passengers, NOW!

Micah opens the pod.

Caspar: Yes.

Ta'Rang: Changing course for Solar Minor. Damn I could use Wade right now

Doc finds the passengers are alive and in perfect hibernation.

Caspar: Good

Ta'Rang: [On COMM] Who do we have onboard Doc? And what is their status?

The four of them each have a readout; Jebediah Exeter, Benjamin Exeter, Alynandra Exeter, and Benjamin Exeter II. All of them are healthy, but need to be brought out of the hibernation chambers. That takes about an hour each.

Ta'Rang: DOC, WHAT IS GOING ON?

Micah: [On COMM] Doc is resuscitating the passengers. Check back in an hour.

Ta'Rang: I hate Draslites. WHAT is Wade status, can he be of any use to us right now?

 

Micah goes to wake Wade up while Doc starts the dehybernation process. Micah finds the door to the Cell locked from the inside.

Ta'Rang: Elvis if we stay at full warp can we beat the Exeter to Solar Minor?

Elvis: Just guessing? By a long shot.

Killian: So we go to Solar Minor and lie in wait?

Ta'Rang: Good lets see if we can then cloak the ship and wait.

Caspar: I tried to talk to Wade before.

Elvis: Looking over some of the specs for these new jump drives, they could go faster, but then they run the risk of mis-jumping or exploding.

Caspar: If I open the door I will be shot first.

Killian: Doc, try the radio.

Ta'Rang: And whould Sam push the ship past its limits?

Killian: Elvis, Sam would take the risk. What's the theoretical max?

Caspar: I like using my mind scan better.

Ta'Rang: I want us ther before her.

Elvis: The jump engine could be charged in as little as three hours. That means, hypothetically they can make as many as 8 jumps at 1 ly each in a twenty-four hour period.

Ta'Rang: Can we beat her there?

Elvis: Here's the problem. If the jump coils aren't completely charged, the chance for something bad to happen goes up. A lot. Several jumps like that in a row and the jump engine IS going to do something unexpected and probably unpleasant.

Killian: So we may get there and find debris.

Elvis: So if she is managing 8ly day, she'll beat us. On the other hand, her engines would give out long before then so practically she isn't going to beat us.

Killian: So, to make a long story short (too late), we stay on course and keep an eye out for the ship.

Elvis: Assuming you know the course.

Killian: Do we have coordinates for the destination?

Elvis: I think Ta'Rang's plan to beat Samantha to Solar Minor and wait is a more surefire way. Just saying.

Ta'Rang: Alright then run continual scans in route to see if her is stranded and hope she takes a direct route to there

Killian: The course should be within sensor range of a straight line.

Ta'Rang: If anyone else has a better idea say it now.

Wade rouses himself, then still clutching Sams jacket heads to the bridge.

 

Ta'Rang: Doc are you waking our guess I need to talk to the Captain?

Caspar: I am waking them up.

About an hour later, they have successfully been resuscitated. They are still very groggy however. It almost looks as if they were drugged.

With a blood test Doc can tell what kind of drug. It is pretty sure they were given a dose of some sort of depressant to put them to sleep. They are out of hybernation but still sleeping off the effects of the drug.

Ta'Rang: Doc when they are able to talk can you bring them to the bridge ,preferablley just the captain. Wade are you ok?

Wade: I am fine, I am just standing here on the bridge watching the goings on.... I just have nothing to say.

Ta'Rang: Can you fly?

Wade: Yes I can fly... what a stupid question... can you?

Ta'Rang: I needyour help.

Wade: I already taught you how to fly.... now what? *Wade's voice has gone cold**

Ta'Rang: Don't start Wade. I need you at the controls for a while.

Wade: And who died and left you in charge mokey boy.

Wade moves to the controls.

Ta'Rang: Never mind Wade.

Wade: Make up your mind.

Ta'Rang: I'll fly her you go back to your room. Elvis take over the controls. Doc are they awake yet?

Wade: *pauses at the controls** And just why is Elvis flying... it's my job soldier boy.

Wade sees a datapad on the pilot's seat. It is partially stuff down in between the cushion and the arm rest.

Wade: *looks at Elvis** Let me by Bob ol buddy.

Elvis: Sure.

Wade sits at the controls while Ta'Rang is busy talking to Doc.

Wade starts running fingers over the controls, ignoring the datapad.

 

The passengers are an old human, a middle aged human and two humans just shy of becoming adults. The middle-aged one starts to stir first.

Cpt. Exeter: Where am I? What have you done with my ship?

Caspar: I don't know about your ship

Micah: So, Captain Exeter, were you marooned by a brunette lady, about so tall?

Cpt. Exeter: Where am I then?

Micah gestures to suggest Sam's height.

Caspar: Starship mercury

Cpt. Exeter: No. At least I don't think so. Why am I talking to a robot? The Mercury? Where is my ship?

Micah: I'm not a robot, I'm a REAL boy!

Caspar: No you talk to Doc too.

Cpt. Exeter looks at Micah with some confusion. It is obvious the drugs are not completely worn off.

Micah: I apologize for the confusion, Captain. My name is Micah. I am not... exactly... a robot.

Cpt. Exeter: Am I a captive?

Caspar: No.

Micah: Not a captive, Captain. We pulled your escape pod in.

Cpt. Exeter: Escape pod? I have no recollection of getting into an escape pod.

Micah: We are following what we believe to be your ship's course. We believe you were drugged and the loaded into the escape pod.

Cpt. Exeter: Why were you following me?

Ta'Rang heads for sickbay.

Micah: We were not following you. We were following a passenger.

Cpt. Exeter: Drugged? This is all a bit much to take in. Passenger?

Micah: Evidently the story is longer than I thought it was.

Cpt. Exeter looks up at Ta'Rang as he enters the sickbay.

Ta'Rang: Doc, how is he?

Cpt. Exeter: Are you the Captain of this vessel?

Micah: If you would like to speak to a biological entity, please press one now...

Ta'Rang: Yes and no, I'm the acting Captain

Caspar: he's OK. he's talking to Micah.

Ta'Rang: Micah. . .

Cpt. Exeter: Very well Acting Captain. Could you please explain to me how I got on your ship?

Ta'Rang: Capt. Exeter did you have a female passenger board your ship in Liberty?

Cpt. Exeter: I had two to be exact. An elderly lady and one running from man trouble.

Ta'Rang: The one runnung from man trouble, we think is our captain. Her name is Sam.

Cpt. Exeter: Sam, yes. She's your captain?

Ta'Rang: Yes we saw her board your ship on security videos.

 

Wade override the engines safety protocols so he can push the Warp envelope just a bit faster.

Wade: Hmm....

Wade looks around the bridge.

Wade: Killian I am getting an anomalie in the warp bubble you may need to check the warp panel in engineering.

Killian tries to get a quick idea of the problem as he stands up to head to the main console. The warp drive is putting out too much power. You are going faster than normal. Killian heads to the engineering console to try to get the engines under control or shut them down if needed. Wade discreetly changes course to veer off to Burke's World. Killian is able to get the ships engines back to normal, and safe, operating speeds. Killian found a safety feature that was overridden and was able to correct it.

Killian: [On COMM] One faulty system may be a misfortune, but two looks like carelessness, we have a problem, Wade. I've fixed the warp drive for now, but I need to dig for more problems - this is starting to look like sabotage.

Wade: [On COMM] What kind of problem? were there two issues? we seem to be slowing back to a safe speed.

 

Ta'Rang: We were following your ship as we thought she may have been kidnapped.

Cpt. Exeter: I see. She told my hostess that she was escaping man trouble.

Ta'Rang: Now I'm not sure who kidnapped who. Were you headed for Solar Monor?

Cpt. Exeter: No I was headed for Waller Nexus. Had some Liberty textiles to sell there. Why?

Ta'Rang: Well your ship is headed for there right now.

Cpt. Exeter: My ship? Solar Minor? But there is nothing out there. It's pretty much a dead system.

Ta'Rang: Well that where it's headed. Do you have a weapons system on it?

Cpt. Exeter: Well yes I do. Pirates sometimes attack even in the Core systems.

Ta'Rang: I need to know what you have so that when we catch up to her, she doesn't catch us sleeping.

Cpt. Exeter: I have two laser turrets and a missile launching system. All can be retracted into the hull for discretion.

Ta'Rang: I have no plans on destroying your ship but I don't want to be disabled either.

Cpt. Exeter: Mitchell. It has to be Mitchell. Son of a -

 

Killian: Wade, the transporter power couplings were removed at our last stop by parties unknown, and now someone overrode the safety systems on the Warp drive. I'm looking for more easter eggs now.

Wade: Sabotage? Could Sam have done this before she left. The only other thing I can think of is Elvis?

Killian: Those are the only two that come to mind. Sam had the motive and Elvis the means, and both had the opportunity.

Wade: Hmmm.... we better be careful. Wait I think I spotted one more "easter egg".... I am bringing the ship to a stop till we figure this out.

Killian: What have you got?

 

Ta'Rang: Who's Mitchell?

Cpt. Exeter: Mitchell is my no good brother. Always looking for a quick buck is he. I wonder what sort of scam he got himself caught up in this time.

Ta'Rang: How many is there in your crew?

Cpt. Exeter: Well, most of them are here. The only two left are Mitchell and Rita.

Ta'Rang: and Sam.

Cpt. Exeter: Mitch must be using her as the pilot. He couldn't fly his way in open space on autopilot.

Ta'Rang: Yeah and she's damn good too.

Cpt. Exeter: I figured she was. Seemed like a natural. Look Captain.....what is your name anyway? I'm Ben Exeter.

Ta'Rang: I'm Ta Rang

 

Wade drops from warp and stops the ship as the crew converses through the ships intercom.

Ta'Rang: Wade, Killian looks like we have a crewman of the Exeter hijacking the ship and having Sam fly it. She has two lasser turrets and a rocket launcher for armament.

Killian: Slightly more pressing is the ship we happen to be on at the moment seems to be developing a propensity to hurt itself. More in a minute.

Wade: Our burst of speed carried us quit a ways off course. we were headed almost 180 degrees away from Solar Minor.

Killian: Which makes Sam the prime suspect - although it could always be Sam AND Elvis.

Ta'Rang: Capt. Exeter says that the weapons are hidden in the hull and can be brought out for use.

Cpt. Exeter: Ta'Rang. Excellent. Look, Sam is probably safe and sound. For all his faults, Mitch would probably try to con her before he resorted to violence and even then I doubt very much he would go that far. I suggest we follow them to Solar Minor and get back what we are missing.

Wade: Agreed.... but why?

Killian: She doesn't want to be followed, apparently. She did leave without a word.

Ta'Rang: That's a good question.

Wade: True. well lets make sure we don't have any more suprises then we can continue...

Killian: I'm all over it like a wet t-shirt.

Ta'Rang: Capt why would your brother go to Solar Minor?

Cpt. Exeter: The exact reason I don't know. I wager he thinks he will make a lot of money at it. Whatever "it" is.

Ta'Rang: And now my next question is why would Sam do what she did? Doc can the Capt leave sickbay?

Ta'Rang eyes Doc.

Cpt. Exeter: I feel fine. I'm not sure how much help I can be, but I put myself at your disposal until I get my ship back.

Caspar: Yes he can leave.

Cpt. Exeter: When my children and father wake up, I'll come back and check in on them.

Ta'Rang: Doc is everything ok.

Caspar: Yes and why?

Wade: You keep asking everyone if they are ok... are you ok Ta?

Ta'Rang: Hmmm

Killian: Are you guys okay?

Caspar: Fine

Wade: We're ok... are you ok?

 

Ta'Rang: If you'd accompany me to the bridge Captain.

Cpt. Exeter: Yes sir Captain.

The good news is that Killian found no other surprises in the ship's systems.

Ta'Rang: Wade we're on our way to the bridge

Killian: Where's Elvis?

Wade: I am not sure.

Elvis: Sitting on the bridge waiting for you and Wade to decide whether or not to dismantle me.

Wade: Oh you heard all that?

Killian: Well I figured you were listening. Do you have anything to add to the discussion?

Elvis: Just a little. I figured you had to get you paranoid conspiracy theory impulse worked out.

Ta'Rang and the capt Exeter arrive on the bridge.

Killian: Well, while we're working on that, any thoughts on the sabotage?

Wade greets Capt Exeter and Ta on the bridge.

Elvis: I can tell you one thing. If I wanted to stop the ship, there are more efficient ways to slow it down. *mimics cracking his knuckles**

Wade offers his hand

Ta'Rang: That makes me feel better, Elvis.

Wade: Hi Capt Exeter... I am Wade McCode... acting captain of the Mercury.

Killian: Can we just assume you're smart enough not to do things the way you would obviously do them so as to avoid suspicion and get to the part where you have some useful data?

Cpt. Exeter looks at Ta'Rang and then at Wade. Wisely, he decideds not to comment.

Ta'Rang: Hes the best Pilot around, right Wade? Sam's our Captain and we share the responsibility in her absence, right Wade?

Wade: Of course, actually for now I'm the only licensed pilot. Though I offer lessons cheap. Let's get after your ship Capt.

Elvis: I got nothing on the Transporter. For all I can tell, it looks like somebody tried to transport the flippin power converters out with the transporter. Talk about paradox.

 

Wade lays in a course for Solar Minor and warps out.

Ta'Rang: Shouldn't we be at Solar Minor by now Wade?

Elvis: And nothing on the warp drive. Since you don't have a Builder handy, I'm sure it just needs tuning up.

Killian: Computer, do you have acess logs for the transporter and the warp subsystem from before we left our last port of call?

Ta'Rang: Could Sam have done this to the ship as she was with the builder when he made you.

Wade: We had some technical glitches. But Killian has them ironed out we are en-route.

Killian keeps a steely eye on the engineering systems.

Ta'Rang: Have you checked the weapons system and shields yet?

 

Computer displays a running log of the warp systems. All tactical systems seem to be operating within parameters.

Wade: As was I, but you don't see me burning up transporters. I still think she is MIND CONTROLLED.

Killian looks to see if the log shows who bunged up the systems, or at least when...

Ta'Rang: What do you think Elvis? Oh yes Capt this is our AI, Elvis. How fast can your ship go?

Micah: One of our AIs.

Ta'Rang: And for how long?

Elvis: Well according to the logs I see two transports right before Sam left. One was from the Liberty station to the bridge. The other is the transport of the power relays.

Killian: Computer, do you maintain positional data on the crew during normal operations, and can you compare that to the incidents in question?

Ta'Rang: Can you tell who transported to the bridge

Wade: or what?

Elvis: Not sure. No the computer doesn't maintain positional information unless told to. That's the advantage of having me around. Too bad I was getting used to my remote vehicle during that time.

Elvis looks down at his new robot body.

Ta'Rang: Ya thats to bad Elvis.

Caspar: You look good.

Ta'Rang: How about from now on we do that.

Elvis: Thanks Doc.

Elvis preens inasmuch as a robot can preen.

Killian: Computer, please keep track of the locations of crew and visitors from now on.

Micah: The humanoid look is good for you, Elvis.

Ta'Rang: keep positional informastion on all of us and thats means you and Micah as well Elvis.

Micah rotates his "face" to look like a frown.

Micah: You mean I'm not crew, Ta?

Wade: Anybody else want or need to tell the computer to track the crew?

Ta'Rang: Did I say that Micah?

Micah rolls back on his haunches.

Wade: There seems to be an echo in here.

Elvis: Sure. Computer. Track positional information of all crew members and maintain a running log.

Micah: Implied, Ta. Implied.

Wade: good one Bob

Elvis: Thank you.

Killian: So, what's the plan now?

 

Ta'Rang shakes his head.

Ta'Rang: Same as before get to Solar Minor before the Exeter

Killian thinks about repairing the transporter.

Wade: We are back on course for Solar Minor... we need to catch Sam and blow up that, I mean rescue her.

Killian: Way to take the high road, Brothah Wade.

Ta'Rang: Lets try and save the Captains ship Wade.

Wade: Of course she is worth more as salvage... than as scrap.

Killian: Don't talk about Sam that way, Wade.

Wade: just kiddin ther cap'n.

 

They arrive in Solar Minor two days later. The Exeter is nowehere in sight.

Ta'Rang: Then you can rescue the poor Sam, and get your just rewards.

Wade: I'll just be happy to know she is safe

Ta'Rang: Let's scan for the exeter jump drive signature. Yeah she's dumped you enough to know.

Wade: Doc thinks she has not arrived yet. I say we lay for her a while.

Wade engages the cloak.

Ta'Rang: Thanks Wade.

Wade: You are welcome brother.

Ta'Rang: Let's use a passive scan, less chance we'll be detected.

Wade: Go for it.

Caspar: I think that she is not here yet because our ship is faster.

 

There is no sign of the jump drive signature. Of course Doc is probably right.

Wade: As usual

 

---Tybor's Quick System Reference---

First impressions upon entering Solar Minor. There are two inhabited planets; Circe and Kir'cut. Kir'cut is a vrusk mining colony. It has seen little activity in the last score years or so. Circe on the other hand, it a booming colony. Founded by SynthCorp.

---End Entry---

 

Killian: Oh, dear.

 

The Exeter.

 

The Exeter makes the second jump in a moment's time. There is a quasi-nausea feeling again and Sam realize's that this feels like the Transporter device on a larger scale. Because it is so spread out, the effect isn't quite so harsh.

Samantha: Ick. I hate transporters. Of any size.

Captain Exeter summons Samantha to the bridge, she reports promptly, again supressing the urge to salute.

Cpt. Exeter: Samantha. Just keep on the same course. I have to catch a bit of shut eye. When this indicator light goes green *points to an indicator** the jump engine is charged. Announce to the crew we are jumping. Make sure....nevermind. I'm sure you'll do fine.

Samantha: No problem captain.

As soon as he leaves she pulls up a manual on the console.

 

Samantha makes sure the Jump drive starts its charge cycle, that they aren't heading quickly towards a large object and nothing else is in the area. The particular place they jumped to it outside of any solar system. They are in the black, drifting.

 

--Infodump--

Most commercial and military organizations require one member of the crew on the flight deck at any given time. This is a private affair, so there is no standard SOP. Most inhabited systems also require a flight crewman on deck while in system.

--End Info--

 

About fifteen minutes before it is time to jump, Mitchell Exeter, the Captain's brother drifts into the bridge.

Mitchell Exeter: You're Sam right?

Samantha: I am.

Mitchell Exeter: Nice to meet ya. Look Ben, the Captain, he's not feeling real well. I checked up on him, but he isn't really fit to be flying. He was trying to be stubborn, but I had to insist he stay put. I'll tell you, he put up one hell of a fight but finally realized I was right. Stubborn man my little brother is. Anyway, he wanted me to give you a message. He says that the touri... the passengers would like to see an event at Solar Minor. It is a bit of a detour, but the Captain's willing to dock half of your fare for the inconvenience.

Samantha: Consider it done. Give me a minute to change course and I'll give you an ETA when I have it.

Mitchell Exeter: Good deal.

Samantha recalculates her jumps, she estimates 8/ly at 5-6 hours a charge their ETA will be 2 days give or take. Unless they need to get there faster. Sam gets a sensor contact just as the indicator for the jump drive lights up. It is the Mercury.

 

Samantha hesitates over the jump button, then picks up the Comm

Samantha: This is your pilot speaking, we are changing course to Solar Minor. Prepare for jump.

And she hits the button, she feels only a small twinge of regret. Just before she jumps, she feels the Doc's mind touch hers. She curses under her breath and hopes the Doc didn't have a chance to read anything beyond her emotional condition.

 

The third jump in the journey is as uneventful as the first two. The stomach dropping feeling does remind Samantha that she is hungry. A large white star, still light years away, catches her eye. Possibly a good spot for the tourists to take pictures of or something. The door to the Captain's Quarters is locked. The other door leads to the dining area for the crew. Rita is sitting at the table drinking a cup of coffee and scanning over the news dumps. Samantha pokes her head out the bridge door.

Samantha: Hey-a.

Rita: Oh hello. How are you today?

Samantha: Not bad, how's the captain feeling?

Rita: Still bad. Mitch says that he'll be on bed rest for the next couple of days. The Old Man and Ben's two kids also seem to have caught it.

Samantha: Stuck in the black with the flu. I hate that.

Rita: I see they got you flying this bucket of bolts. How lucky of them to run into a pilot just before they all came down sick.

Samantha: All the pilots at once?

Rita: Well Ben is the only pilot per se, which is why his room is right next to the bridge. He has been teaching Ben Jr. the ropes, but the boy hasn't had a chance to get his official license yet.

Samantha: Ah. Captain should hire a more permanent backup.

Rita: The Old Man used to fly. He just complains these days. Tell me about it. So do you need something. A bite to eat maybe? A shower?

Samantha: Food. Shower. All sound good. Before I attempt to get dinner, what'd they all have?

Rita: Not sure. We all eat dinner together and Mitch and I are okay.

Samantha: Weird. How many others on crew?

Rita: Right now, just Mitch and I. Normally we have Ben, Ben Jr, and Alyx.

Samantha: Ok then.

Rita: Mitch is the doc. Sort of. He doesn't really have a degree, but he does a good job.

Samantha: How'd you trick the Portmaster into letting you out in the black?

Rita: I think Mitch beat him at a game of cards. He took the license as trade. One of the few times he gave up money for his brother.

 

Rita gets up and starts rounding up a quick lunch for Samantha.

Samantha: OK, well, we're in the middle of nowhere very litterally. There's a nice bright star off the port side a few light years out if anyone wants pictures. I'm going to grab a fast shower.

Rita: There is a shower down at the end of the hall. You might want to take that real quick while I fix you some grub.

Samantha: Thanks.

Samantha wanders to the shower, takes a classic military 3 minute shower and emerges back out again. Mitchell comes out of one of the crew rooms as Sam is heading back to the galley.

Mitchell: Oh hello Sam.

Samantha: Hey-a.

Mitchell: Everything okay?

Samantha: Yeah, just grabbing a shower and some food.

Mitchell: Oh yeah. I suppose we can't just lock you up on the bridge for the whole trip. If you need to get some rest, you can show me some of the basics of not hitting big rocks. I can always call you if I need something.

Mitchell grins.

Samantha: That. . . sounds like a plan.

Mitchell: Just let me know when you need some sleep. You have been on duty a long time.

Samantha: I'm good for another shift.

Mitchell: Just don't over do it. Doc's orders.

Samantha: Reminds me of the time the Frigate I was stationed on caught a bug. We had cooks in engineering.

Mitchell: Hmmm. Sounds like engineering was probably the best place to hang out then.

Samantha: Heh. Relief after the next jump wouldn't be unwelcome.

Mitchell: Another four or five hours then?

Samantha: Yep.

Mitchell: You got it. I'm going to see how the passengers are doing.

Samantha: You'll know the jump, it's when you feel like your being sucked through a straw.

Mitchell: Yeah. Makes one miss the Void sometimes.

Mitchell heads towards the stairs down.

 

Once again, an uneventful jump. The white star is much larger in the viewport as they get closer to it.

Samantha: I wonder just how close I can get to that.

Sam notices, barely, the star flicker out for just a second. If she would have been looking another direction she would have missed it. Samantha blinks and watches the star very closely.

Samantha: I think I just flew past the light switch.

The star appears as it always has. A bright white point of light in the view port. The sensor console sounds for just a second, as if it is unsure that it wants to report anything. Samantha checks the sensor logs for the last few minutes.

Samantha: I know you saw it too. Don't act coy with me.

There are some anomalous readings. It is hard to tell exactly what the sensor "saw." A bit of a magnetic flux. Samantha sets the sensors to monitor the star closely while the engines charge. And save the readings to a memory chip.

Eventually Samantha yawns.

Samantha: Or maybe I'm asleep at the helm. Where the hell is Mitch?

 

Mitchell enters from the Captain's room.

Mitchell: Be careful what you wish for. just checking up on Ben.

Samantha jumps just slightly.

Samantha: Hello.

Mitchell: Hi. So show me what I need to know. I don't see any large rocks or planets. We should be okay right?

Samantha: Yep. All you have to do is make sure nothing inside the ship explodes.

Mitchell points at the sensors.

Mitchell: Do I need to do anythin....explodes?!?

Samantha: I'm kidding.

Mitchell: Don't do that.

Samantha: Nope. I'm just having the sensors take some scans of a star. It's a hobby of mine, collecting stellar data as I travel around.

Mitchell scratches his head and grins.

Mitchell: Okay. You get some rest. I'll come get you in a little bit.

Samantha: If anything comes close to us all kinds of lights will flash and alarms will sound. Your first step is to wake me up. The bridge is yours.

Samantha exits the bridge and heads to her quarters. There is nobody in the common area as Sam heads to her quarters.

Samantha: *thinks to herself** I jumped. Those nutballs are making me paranoid too.

Samantha checks the relative time of day. Late evening. Almost midnight.

Samantha: No latebirds in this group I see.

 

Sam wakes abruptly to the intercomm ringing.

Mitchell: Time to jump I think. You ready?

Samantha: He thinks? The flippin' light turns green. Crimminy.

Samantha: [On COMM] You think? Does the Jump light say it's ready?

Samantha checks the time. The time is about right for a jump.

Mitchell: [On COMM] You didn't tell me about that part. Where is it?

Samantha: [On COMM] I'll be right up. It should be the right time.

Samantha pulls on some clothes and wanders up to the bridge.

Mitchell: [On COMM] Okay. I have to check on Ben and the family and get some shut eye.

Samantha: *Entering the Bridge** Right, go attend to the sick.

Samantha checks the sensors. The sensors show a bunch of background noise and an occasional magnetic flux. Samantha saves the data to a chip and pockets that. She adjusts the next jump to bring her another hop closer to the star instead of straight towards Solar Minor. The jump light is actually into the reserve area. Looks like Mitch let her sleep in.

Samantha: Hey, it's overcharged. How nice of him.

Samantha braces for impact.

Samantha: [On COMM] This is your pilot, jumping now.

And hits the button.

Samantha: I hate that.

 

The next jump puts the ship just under two lightyears from the big white star. At this range, it is about pinky fingernail size in the view port. The sensors pick up on some solar flare activity that is probably about 18 months done and gone. And then another half-hearted beep from the sensor console.

Samantha: Yeah yeah, I hear you.

Samantha runs another sensor scan while she waits for the jump engine to charge. For just a second, she sees something that may be a ship. It fades out almost immediately though and doesn't reappear.

Samantha: Creepy.

Samantha double checks the sensors.

Samantha: I blame Wade for this particular bout of paranoia. Mental Note: smack him when I see them again.

The sensors appear to check out fine. Samantha pokes her head out of the bridge to see if anyone is around. There is nobody in the immediate vicinity of the bridge when Samantha pokes her head out. She can hear laughter and noise coming from the aft portion of the ship. Probably the passengers being entertained by Rita or some other distraction.

 

Samantha sighs

Samantha: Breakfast, nothing will explode in the next ten minutes.

Samantha goes back towards the galley. As she gets closer to the galley she hears that the laughter is coming up from the passenger deck. Sounds like they are having some sort of karaoke night. A young voice is trying vainly to replicate the bellowing voice of Kaspa G to the light-hearted mocking of the rest of the passengers.

Samantha: I could jump into the middle of a star and save myself. I know it.

 

Mitchell comes out of the med bay. He looks....rumpled. Samantha finds something quick and portable in the galley to retreat back to the bridge with.

Samantha: Mitch. Have you slept yet?

Mitchell: Is there any rational explanation for that .... noise? A little.

Samantha: Passengers.

Mitchell: I really need to have my cabin reassigned. All the noise floats right up those damn stairs. Maybe Ben will trade rooms with me.

Samantha: If you want to let 'em know, there's a pretty nice star off the Port side, I'm sure tourists would love that kind of deep space picture. A sick man near that? Doctors aren't supposed to be cruel.

Mitchell: Well, maybe after he gets better. A star you say? Sounds interesting. We real close?

Samantha: Couple of light years. I did a bit of a sideways jig on the last jump.

Mitchell: Something wrong?

Samantha: Nope. Just wanted to get a closer look. Hobby, remember. Don't worry, it doesn't take any more time.

Mitchell: Oh yeah. Sometimes hard to get used to new blood on the ship. That didn't throw off the timetable did it?

Samantha: Might lose an hour or three.

Mitchell: Well alright then. An hour or so is no big problem. That happens all the time.

Samantha: Yep.

Mitchell: well I'm going to get Rita to get the tourists all googly eyed at the star. Have fun. Call me when you need a break.

Samantha: Sure thing.

 

Samantha checks the sensors on the bridge again. Sensor logs show the same background radiation and a few of those anomalies. Samantha starts checking the anomolies a little closer. Making sure they are in fact background radiation. Upon closer examination, the magnetic anomolies follow a route that changes. Almost as if it pacing you. The anomalies are sporadic, but the few that are there definitely seem to change course as Exeter's does.

Samantha: huh. Well, either the sinking feeling in my gut is that burrito or the lingering effects of my last crew.

Samantha keys the sensors to track the anomolies and takes the pilots seat.

Samantha: I wonder how fast this bucket moves.

Samantha checks the intertial dampers, Captain Exeter keeps a tight ship, they're in perfect working order. Samantha stars to accelerate slowly watching the anomolies. The anomolies appear to be pacing her. Samantha banks towards the star to make sure any port side views get the best images.

Samantha: [On COMM] Hey Mitch, you awake out there?

Mitchell: [On COMM] Yes. Reading a book. Everything okay?

Samantha: [On COMM] probably. Who normally mans the guns?

Mitchell: [On COMM] Ben Jr. and Alyx, though we haven't used them in a very long time. Whyyyy?

Mitchell is shuffling around in the Comm background. Sounds like clothes being put on.

Samantha: [On COMM] The thing about The Black is it's empty. Ours isn't

Mitchell: [On COMM] I'll be right there.

Samantha: Yep, you'll be helpful. [On COMM] Roger.

Samantha checks the weapons systems. The self diagnostic system indicates that the lasers are operational. They'll need a few seconds to charge up though. The missile system reads as READY. Mitchell enters the flight deck.

Mitchell: So what do we have?

Samantha: Anomolies.

Mitchell: Anomalies? What do you mean?

Samantha: See these? *points at the sensor array and her tracked items**

Samantha: Space, it doesn't pace you. These... do.

Mitchell: Sensor glitches?

Samantha: Funny. What's your exact time table to get to Solar Minor?

Mitchell: Well could they be sensor glitches?

Samantha: Not likely.

Mitchell: I dunno. Didn't we figure something like three days or so?

Samantha: Two.

Mitchell: Two. Right.

Samantha: Forty hours at an even five hour charge pace.

Samantha: I don't know what these engines are rated to, but I'd like to see if I can ditch these little things.

Mitchell: So we have what, half that left?

Samantha: Something like that.

Mitchell: I don't know. Ben always takes pride in how tight this bucket flies. You might be able to squeeze some extra juice from them.

Samantha: Ok, just thought I'd let you know.

Mitchell: Sure thing.

Samantha resets the next jump for two-thirds of a light year and hits the button. Samantha then checks the sensors again. The Exeter makes a clean jump, despite the protests of the Jump safety sensors. It appears a lot closer to the white star, being just a tad over a light year away.

Samantha: Now we have some really nice pictures.

The sensor ghosts have disappeared.

Samantha: Alright. I'm going to watch the Black closely and will be jumping around a bit. Thanks.

Mitchell: No problem. I think.

Samantha: Hey, I'm not the captain. You're the closest still walking around. Trust in that if I were the captain, you wouldn't have to worry about little things like this.

Mitchell: Sure. Well then "Watch the black and jump around a bit." I'm going to catch a nap before my shift.

Samantha: Night.

Mitchell leaves out through the Conference room exit. Samantha waits four hours, watching her sensors very closely, sets the jump for a full light year towards Solar Minor and hits the button.

 

The next jump, and as many after until the Exeter reaches Solar Minor, are uneventful. The sensor ghosts do not return at any point during the rest of the trip. Samantha saves all the sensor logs to a datachip for her later parusal.

 

Mitchell Exeter joins Samantha on the bridge for the final jump into Solar Minor. Once the sinking feeling passes, she notices that Solar Minor has two planets that are inhabitable. Circe is a SynthCorp founded colony. The other looks like an old Vrusk mining colony. The mine apparently played out or something and it is sparsely populated now. Mitchell points to the Vrusk colony on the Nav Map.

Samantha: Dead rock.

Mitchell: That's our destination. The Vrusk came across some old ruins there and one of the passengers has payed something extra to go take a tour.

Samantha: You're kidding me?

Mitchell: Nope.

Samantha: Welcome to Solar Minor. Where we will approach a chunk of floating dirt and inspect it.

Mitchell: Hey, it was a lot of creds. Enough that I think even Ben would waive your fee.

Samantha: Sure. They mention anything specific about these ruins?

Mitchell sits at one of the consoles.

Mitchell: Not really. He said something about "unlocking the mysteries of the Frontier" or something like that.

Samantha blinks

Samantha: What's this guys name?

Mitchell: Vladimir.

Samantha: Alright then. I suppose I'm the lucky one who gets to fly him down to the mud?

Mitchell: Fly us actually. I want to take a look around myself. Not everyday a man is part of history.

 

Roll End Credits

[ghost-angel]

Re: Gemini Ascendant Episodes

 

Season 03 - Episode 066 (Season Episode 12)

A full day has passed since the Mercury blasted into Solar Minor space. Since then the crew has laid low and watched the incoming traffic. So far, no Exeter.

Wade: I think we should attack the Synthcorp colony.... from orbit.

TaíRang: Not yet

Killian: Attacking the SynthCorp base is a temporary solution. Megacorps can't be stopped with missiles, but they can be stopped.

 

About six hours later than Killian calculated the Exeter blip appear on the far side of the old vrusk mining colony. Course and heading suggest it is heading for orbit.

TaíRang: I got her on sensors Wade, seems to be heading for orbit.

Wade: K... Ta power weapons and shields but hold fire.

TaíRang: Ok

Wade flys slowly into a matching orbit behind the Exeter. Ta'Rang powers up weapons and sheilds. They are still a short distance away. The Exeter will be in orbit about ten minutes before you get there.

Wade: I think now we watch and wait as to what transpires, and be ready to act if needs be.

 

On the Exeter Mitch picks up the comm handset and talks to somebody on the other side.

Samantha: I'll be right back, I have to get ready to land on a planet before prepping the shuttle.

She goes and gets her gun.

Mitchell: [On COMM] Art report to the hanger deck. You said you wanted to see this place. Bring Vlad with you.

Arthur, one of the Exeter's other passengers, makes sure Vlad is ready, and makes his way to the hanger deck. Samantha preps the shuttle, making sure it's all in working order. And then does a scan of the planets vicinity.

 

Killian slips over to the 2nd console and runs a general scan on the Vrusk mining colony to get an idea of how active it is. The vrusk colony was abandoned after the Second Sathar War. It was subjected to an intense biological attack that caused some massive instability to the ecosystem. There were some deaths. As they approach the planet Wade has the strangest feeling his been here before. SynthCorp has been terraforming the planet to make it livable. They recently announced success, but no colonies have been established. Wade looks pensive and slightly distracted.

 

Wade: *whispers** nah can't be.

Images of fighters and explosions flash through Wade's mind's eye. He fought here before. Wade shakes his head.

Wade: Stay alert.

 

Killian: [On COMM] There are probably SynthCorp people operating on the Vrusk colony as well.

Wade: Ta watch for Sath.... uhm .... incoming... no wait.

All of a sudden, a Sather fighter veers out of nowhere and starts firing on Wade.

 

Killian checks the surface for any Synthcorp presence. There are no active colonies, though there are semi-permanent structures.

 

Wade looks slightly confused and his hands grasp the control yoke tightly, nuckles turning white with strain. He almost responds in a counter maneuver, but then realizes that these are just intense memories. A bead of sweat rolls down Wades forehead.

TaíRang: *looks over at Wade** What do you want?

 

Samantha is joined in the shuttle by Mitchell, Vladimir, and a younger guy that she hasn't met yet.

Samantha: Alright, I'll be your pilot for this misadventure. Anyone get airsick?

Arthur: Good to meet ya. *Smiles broadly** Arthur Dane. Airsick? Not that I'm aware.. at least .. there are no unpleasant messes to clean.

Samantha looks slightly unhappy.

Arthur: Forgive me for saying so.. but you don't look entirely comfortable, miss.

Samantha: *smiles almost charmingly** Not a fan of planets.

Arthur: Ah. At least there I can sympathize. I prefer space myself.. although my line of work has me landing a good majority of the time, I'm afraid.

Samantha: Oh yeah? What do you do then?

Arthur: I'm a trader *smiles proudly** A dealer of exotic goods if you will. Or on some occasions your regular transportable fare. I just supply things that are needed to places that need them. For a fair price, of course.

 

Wade shakes his head and visibly forces his hands to relax over the controls

Caspar: Wade need some help?

Micah: Ta, you might want to do something before Wade rams something.

TaíRang: Wade, you all right? Doc you're needed on the bridge ASAP.

Wade: More damn memories.... really vivid... I've been here before and I bet thats why Sam came here.... it was a real furball.

Micah: Wait, Sathar don't have fur.

Wade: It's a figure of speech you overgrown bucket of bolts.

Micah: *smiling** Overgrown? Wait 'til I hit puberty!

As they get closer to the planet, Ta'Rang sees a shuttle disengage from the Exeter and fly very quickly towards the surface.

Elvis: And I thought I was creepy.

TaíRang: We have a shuttle heading for the surface.

Killian scans ship and shuttle to see if he can distinguish Sam. Wade follows the shuttle down, still cloaked.

TaíRang: If you survive this next hour. . .

Sam is definitely on that Shuttle. Doc does a quick scan of Wade's emotions, he seems to have recovered for now. The shuttle does not seem to be making any evasive maneuvers.

Killian: [On COMM] Ding ding ding, we have a winner, Sam is on the shuttle.

Wade: Hmm should we tractor the shuttle?

There are also three other lifesigns.

Killian: [On COMM] There are three others on the shuttle... someone want to check with the crew we rescued on that? Doc?

TaíRang: No lets see what's up first.

Wade matches speed and course with the shuttle then grabs it with a tractor beam

Caspar: I will do that.

Killian checks the Tractor beam subsystem for errors or issues, just in case.

 

As Sam is descending into the atmo she feels the ship lurch. She realizes almost immediately that she no longer have control of the shuttle. A very loud and large amount of cursing in French comes from the pilot's seat. The tractor beam has locked on.

Arthur: Well.. I don't speak.. French was it? But those words didn't sound happy. What's going on?

 

Wade: Doc call the shuttle and tell them to release Sam or face their doom.

Caspar: OK.

The shuttle executes a quick airbrake and a barrel roll to try and break the hold.

TaíRang: Killian is there anybody else on the shuttle?

Wade tries to match the manuever to keep the tractor from being over strained and broken.

Killian: [On COMM] There are three others on the shuttle, Ta!

TaíRang: Male or female.

Wade manages to maintain the tractor beam.

Killian: *sarcastic** Why don't you call them up and ask if you're looking for a date, Ta!

Wade: Ta can you disable the shuttle engines with a short burst?

 

Samantha: I hope you all are strapped in and like evading pirates.

The shuttle groans in protest at the tension.

Arthur: Wonderful. What the hell are pirates wanting from us?

 

Killian: [On COMM] Be careful with the engines, if you shut off their power and we lose the lock, they become a meteorite.

TaíRang: You and I are going to have a Talk later.

 

The comm system on the shuttle starts flashing.

Killian: No thanks, Ta, you're not my type.

Samantha: [On COMM French] Shut up or I scrap you!

 

The shuttle breaks free of the tractor beam by rolling and punching straight down towards the ground.

Wade: Damn who ever kidnapped Sam is good.

TaíRang: That's Sam flying the shuttle Wade. I'll bet you a bottle of Yazirian Ale on it.

Wade: *through gritted teeth** how bout that shot Ta?

 

The shuttle heads towards the ground at full burn, Wade tries to keep up.

TaíRang: Working on it, you just keep her in sight

Killian: That's Sam all right...

 

Samantha: Hey Mitch! This thing armed?

Mitchell: I don't know.

Caspar is able to reach Sam's mind, trying to communicate with her.

Caspar: This is doc are you OK?

 

Samantha searches for the button labeled "Guns." There isn't one.

 

TaíRang: I'm firing now

Wade drops the cloak.

The beam misses the shuttle by a few meters.

Wade: Nice shootin Tex...

 

Doc finds Samantha is annoyed, tense, and somehow calm and serene. Her thoughts beyond that are in another language.

 

TaíRang: Ready for another shot.

 

Samantha: [On COMM] *yelling** YOU FIRE ON ME ONE MORE TIME AND I WILL FEED YOU YOUR ENGINE CORE!!

Wade grits his teeth and tries to close the gap between the madly spinning ships... all the while glowing in the atmosphere.

TaíRang: *Sarcasticly** Ya still want me to blow her up, Wade?

 

Arthur: *Leans over and whispers to Vlad** Wow.. she's feisty! *sheepish grin**

 

Wade: not blow her up... just knock out the engines... sheesh.

TaíRang: I'd rather shoot at her engines.

 

Ta's shot blows out the engines, sending the shuttle careening out of control in a spiral of doom.

 

Samantha: oh well. this is exciting.

Arthur: Exciting? Maybe... but if it's all the same to you.. I'm not quite ready to die yet!

Sam successfully maneuvers the shuttle into a pretty death spiral instead of an uncontrolled plummet.

 

Killian attempts to get another tractor lock on the shuttle.

 

Samantha: [On COMM] *perfectly calm** You morons.

 

TaíRang: *looks at Wade** Well that's done, now what are you going to do, Wade?

 

The Sathar ship is quick and the pilot is very good. He veers around some falling debris, spoiling Wade's shot. The engine lights are flashing, indicating imminent overheating. . .

 

Killian manages to lock on and snatch the falling shuttle.

 

Killian: [On COMM] We need to GENTLY pull the shuttle into a stable orbit and physically dock 'cause of our little TECHNICAL problems.

Samantha: [On COMM] You will do no such thing. You WILL place the shuttle ON THE GROUND at the location I am transmitting.

 

Wade snaps the Mercury sideways as if trying to dodge the Shuttle... teeth still griited tightly.

Wade: G^&^7DA%^^$ SATHAR SCUM...

Distant now, truly a memory, Wade sees a brightly burning Sathar hulk falling from near orbit. Dark green fumes, almost black, are leaking from several places on the ship.

Killian: TA! YOUR TURN TO FLY!

Killian tries to maintain shuttle lock.

TaíRang: SNAP OUT OF IT WADE

Wade stares blankly into space for a moment.

Wade: wait...

Wade tries to lower the shuttle and mercury slowly to the ground.

 

Wade successfully lands on the shores of a large lake or possibly an inland sea.

 

Samantha: Thank you for flying Air Deathwish Squadron. Should we have been in a fully armed and operational fighter craft our adversary would be space dust about now. The attendant will be by shortly to pass out the peanuts.

Arthur: *Smile instantly comes back on** Peanuts hell... I could use something with a little more kick.

Samantha: Sorry, the whiskey is currently reserved for a very annoyed pilot.

Arthur: As deserved, indeed.

Samantha: mostly, if I'm not drunk I'm killing everyone on board that ship out there.

Arthur: *Raises eyebrow** Perhaps you should have another...

Samantha: no whiskey on board.

Arthur: *Swallows, then smiles again** Too bad for them! And might I add I am suddenly extremely ecstatic that I was on this ship.

 

Wade thumbs the comm button at his console.

Wade: [On COMM] Spectre 1 this is spectre three.... colonel? are you there?

Killian: Somebody wake Wade up.

Wade: [On COMM] half the squardons gone... and the Forrestal is burning.

Killian: Doc, Wade needs an intervention. Or a tranquilizer.

Caspar tries, but cannot seem to get past a whole lot of confusion in Wade's mind.

TaíRang: WADE! WADE!

Wade looks at Ta as if he saw a ghost.

Wade: Ta they're all dead.

TaíRang: Snap out of it soldier

Wade: I'm... ok Ta... just bad memories... we need to get Sam and get outa this grave yard...bad things happened here.

 

Samantha: [On COMM] Spectre three this is spectre two, come back.

Killian slaps his forehead.

Killian: Suit up anyone who's going outside, just in case.

Wade suddenly turns to the comm.

TaíRang: Now you're telling something new.

 

Arthur: *To Mitchell** What the hell kind of circus did you get me involved in!?

The shuttle is a complete shambles. Smoke is starting to fill the cabin and Mitch is out cold. Vladimir is a little better.

Arthur: We need to get out of here. Mitch is out cold.. and we're filling with smoke. Vlad seems okay.

Samantha: Grab Mitch.

Arthur: Roger.

 

TaíRang: Doc , help him out

Killian: We need to recover whoever's on the shuttle and get the crew of the Exeter back to their ship.

Wade: [On COMM] Spectre two.... are you there... I thought you were toast... hang on I'm coming.... but the colonel doesn't answer.

Wade jumps up and heads for the cargo bay.

TaíRang: You and Elvis go get them then

Doc goes after wade.

 

It looks like the planet has breathable atmo. In fact, there are signs of life everywhere.

Killian: Micah, go with Wade.

Ta'Rang tackles Wade.

Samantha: [On COMM] Step outside spectre three.

Samantha exits the smoking shuttle and helps Arthur get Mitch and Vlad out as well.

Samantha: I hate rocks Arthur. I hate them so very very much.

Samantha checks on Mitch.

Samantha: How you doing Vlad?

Arthur: I like them only if they line my pockets. Doesn't look like this one has much potential.

 

Doc heads outside, two of the shuttle occupants are injured badly. Samantha and Arthur are helping the wounded out. Micah leaves to help Sam with the wounded, taking medkit and suits.

Arthur: Okay... since when do pirates med up their victims?

Samantha: They don't Arthur. Micah, go back inside, get the others. I must shoot them all in turn.

Arthur scratches his head thoughtfully.

Arthur: Wait a second. You just called him by name.. I gather. You know these people?

 

Wade dodges Ta'Rang and runs for the exit hatch. Ta'Rang does flip to try and catch him. Wade draws his stunner and fires, the shot goes wide, but gives him the needed second to get outside.

 

Micah: It's a very long story. Actually, it's not that long, but there are a lot of twists and turns.

Arthur shrugs. Wade runs to Sam.

Arthur: Well Im not much of a listener. So I'll leave it at that.

Ta'Rang rolls to his feet and runs after Wade.

Samantha: I'll tell you sometime, like all good stories it ends in fire.

Wade: I like what you've done with your hair... sir... but I gotta warn you... Ta has flipped out.

Micah: The middle was fire, too. Come to think of it, the beginning was a little warm.

 

Samantha grabs Wade's collar and pulls him down into a kiss, then lets go and slaps him Very Hard. Ta'Rang runs out the airlock and sees Sam kissing Wade

Micah: Well, disturbing, I'll help carry people now.

Arthur: (Nervous) Wait.. carry them where? What exactly....

Samantha: Doc, make sure Vlad and Mitch are ok.

Wade looks stunned and just stands there one hand touching his reddened cheek... with a really dumb look on his face. Vladimir sits up. He is staring right past everybody at the cliff face.

Samantha: Wars over Wade. War is very very over.

Vladimir: That's it!

 

Micah tries to make sure it's safe to move the injured people.

Caspar: OK I am working on it.

Samantha: What's it Vlad?

Wade: Cool... ok who kidnapped you so I can kill them.

Arthur: Finally! Someone with some answers! What is it, Vlad?

Samantha looks off where Vlad is staring. Vladimir points.

Samantha: No one Wade.

 

TaíRang: *stops short** What the ........is going on!

Wade: *looks confused** But I thought.

A pair of pillars is carved into the cliff face. A large tunnel leads into the mountainside.

Samantha: Well Vlad, this the ruins we're touring?

Arthur: Well.. luck be with us that we should be... *glances at the stranger crew** landed near our site.

Samantha: You thought wrong. You aren't even supposed to be here.

Killian is starting to develop Sam's aversion to planets.

Vladimir: Yes. Where is my bag?

Arthur: Probably still in the shuttle. I'll fetch it.

 

Wade: hmmm alrighty then... can someone tell my why acting captain Ta'Rang had us chase Sam half way around the galaxy then shoot her down if she wasn't kidnapped?

TaíRang: What is going on?

 

Micah helps the crew recover their belongings and re-unite with their fellows in the relative safety of the Mercury.

Vladimir: Yes. What is going on? I thought pirates were chasing us.

Samantha: They were.

TaíRang: Wade what are you doing, covering your a- again I see.

Wade: where?

Wade looks around looking for pirates.

Arthur: Here now.. Sirs. I may be a lot of things.. but kidnapper I am not. I boarded of my own free will under the impression we were going on an excavation.

Samantha: Now. How do you all like engine core? Stiry fry? Vlad, got everything?

Micah: Sautee in butter, please Sam.

Vladimir: Excavation? Well I suppose a little bit of excavating may be in order.

Wade: Wait you are the one that told Mr. Exeter that you were the acting captain.

TaíRang: AHH my aims getting better with the ships guns.

Vladimir looks at Doc.

Samantha: What? I'm not acting captain of anything. I'm not even trying to be captain of MY ship.

TaíRang: Shut up Wade.

Wade: Not you Sam... Ta told him he was acting captain.

Vladimir: Thank you Master Dralasite. I appreciate your assistance.

 

Samantha: Wait. Captain Exeter is on the Gemini?

Wade: Yes he is.

Samantha looks confused for a moment. then angry.

Wade: Killian and Ta "rescued" him.

Samantha stalks over to Mitch.

TaíRang: So now that we are reunited. What is going on?

Samantha: This thing awake?

Mitchell is soundly unconscious.

Arthur pulls out his computer and begins rummaging through his finances and inventory lists.

Caspar: I am not the boss. I just help.

Samantha: Doc, take this into sickbay and make sure it stays sedated until we get back.

TaíRang: *looks at Arthur** Who are you?

Samantha: This is Arthur. This is Vladimir. They are here to see those *points at cliff** I'm taking them on a tour of this dirtball. You may all stay or join us. As you see fit. Vladimir, please. Lead on.

Arthur: I am Ar.. you know what? It doesn't matter. I'm the guy who's been shot out of space and luckily, marooned near my intended destination.

TaíRang: So why did you not inform us of this side trip of yours?

Samantha: Because I'm still mad at you all. And, I did. But apparently you overlooked the obvious.

TaíRang: For what?

 

Vladimir starts rummaging through is baggage. He pulls out what looks like a metal rod about half a meter in length. It looks like stainless steel and is rounded on the ends. Overall it looks like the largest medicine capsule you have ever seen.

Wade: I think I like you mad....and the hair works.

Samantha: Shooting things.

Arthur holds back bile.

Samantha: What is that?

Micah: Oooh, horse pill.

Vladimir: A key Samantha. At least I hope so.

Samantha: What are we here for? You know what. I don't care.

Wade: How many are you escorting Sam... maybe we can shuttle their equipment on the back of the grav bikes.

Arthur: I'm here for that which matters most. *Smiles** Credits. When can we continue?

Samantha: Just Vlad and Arthur.

Vladimir shrugs.

Samantha: Lead on please Vlad.

Micah: Well, Doc, shall we escort Mitchell back to the med bay?

Doc and Micah take Mitch back into the Mercury.

 

Vladimir replaces the rod into his bag and hoists the bag over his shoulder. Once prepared, he starts marching off towards the cliffs. Wade checks to make sure he has his guns and equipemtn belt then follows Sam quietly, almost sheepishly. Ta'Rang follows them, Arthur follows Vladimir, putting his computer away. Samantha stays up front with Vladimir.

Vladimir: This place has an interesting history Samantha. One that I think could completely change our view of history, especially as it relates to the Yazarian culture.

Samantha: Really?

Ta'Rang listens. Wade hangs back so as not to intrude.

Arthur: Well hopefully it changes something other than our view of history. Like the weight of our pockets. So to speak.

Vladimir: I have only heard of this place through tavern tales and drunken conversations. They all lead here and tell a strange story. You see, this was apparently one of the early yazarian colonies.

Vladimir waits expectantly, as if looking for a response.

Samantha: Continue.

Ta'Rang does not respond to it.

Vladimir: Don't you see, this planet was colonized by yazarians before they had spaceflight technology.

Arthur: So.. what are we expecting to find? Artifacts? Relics?

Samantha: Home planet?

Vladimir: Knowledge.

Arthur sighs.

Vladimir: And who knows how valuable a little knowledge can be? Eh?

Arthur: Very. As long as it's in the form of a ton-load of books.

Ta'Rang's mind wanders back to his dream. Samantha takes a moment to step back next to Wade.

Arthur: And there's a history geek buyer or museum inter.... *takes out his computer again**

 

Samantha: *whispers** Got your comm on you?

Wade: *whispers** Yes I do

Samantha: *whispers** Mines missing, mind if I borrow it?

Wade: *whispers** No problems.

Wade removes his headset and hand it to Sam.

Samantha: [On COMM whispering] Elvis, you there?

Elvis: [On COMM] Yes?

Samantha: [On COMM] keep an eye on Mitch, I don't trust him anymore.

Elvis: [On COMM - flat tone] He does have a shifty look to him.

Samantha: [On COMM whispering] at least you didn't laugh. Also find my datapad, should be at my console, and hold on to it for me. And send the Doc and Killian out here, we may need them. Thanks Elvis.

Elvis: [On COMM] Sure.

 

It doesn't take long to get to the carved pillars and tunnel. Upon getting closer, the figures on the pillars become very clear. Yazarians.

Samantha: Well, damn.

Ta'Rang looks upon the statues. Each pillar is a carved Yazarian holding a polearm weapon and "standing" at attention.

Vladimir: Anybody bring a light?

Arthur: I should have one.

Wade: yes...

Wade turns on his flashlight.

 

Killian attempts deep scans of the tunnel area from back on the ship. The scans go back about fifty meters and stop cold. Something is blocking them past that point.

Samantha: Hold on, if we're going inside a stupid rock I want a Doc nearby.

Killian: [On COMM] Ladies and gentlemen of the expedition, we seem to have an active power source here, and some kind of shielding in the complex that's blocking my scans.

Elvis: Doc! Sam wants you to catch up with them. *Mischievious voice** Use Wade's grav bike.

Samantha: [On COMM] it's called a s- ton of rock.

Samantha hands the comm back to Wade.

Samantha: Thanks

Elvis: You too Killian.

Wade: No problems.... Samantha.

Wade puts the headset back on. Killian suits up and grabs an additional weapon. Vladimir takes a light. He is looking around the entrance, but not going in. Vladimir points.

Killian: Elvis, do you want Micah to stay here to back you up in case of trouble?

Elvis: Is he vicious?

Micah: ('smiles') Can be.

Micah thumps the floor with metal fists.

Elvis points at Mitchell Exeter.

Elvis: Sure. If he moves, make him bleed.

Micah watches over Mitchell.

 

Vladimir: Look at the pictographs!

Samantha: So, spectre three. Care to tell what happened in the sky?

Samantha looks at the pictographs

Wade: Bad memories Sam, I've been here before.... worst furball I've ever seen, a lot of good people died.

The pictographs near the entrance look like they are part of a whole series going back along the tunnel walls. A haunted look passes over Wades face for a minute

Samantha: *pats Wade on the arm** I know those kind. Well Vlad, let's go on and see what we can see.

 

Killian grabs his toolkit and weapons and hops a grav bike to follow Doc. Vladimir moves into the tunnel, using the light to illuminate the pictographs. At the other end of the tunnel, he stops.

Vladimir: This is where the story starts.

Vladimir starts tracing his fingers over the pictographs. Ta'Rang stares at the wall drawings.

Samantha: Anyone got a camera?

Arthur: Ya.. know. Maybe you shouldn't go around touching ancient markings. Just a thought.

Wade: Hmm... no camera but.

Vladimir: Yes. It tells a story of a yazarian king entombed here a long time. Much of it describes the blessings of the gods being bestowed upon the king and his people.

Vladimir points at a specific marking. It looks like a ball being placed in the king's tomb. Ta'Rang listens to his words and tries to remember if he's ever seen anything like it before.

Vladimir: This indicates that they blessed him with the power of a Sun.

The tunnel is about ten meters wide and about thirty meters long. It opens up into a larger chamber that appears to be round. Ta'Rang has removed his goggles upon entering the tunnel.

Killian: Let's take the bikes inside, Doc, just in case.

Caspar: OK.

Vladimir: The other wall has more crude markings. I'll bet they are newer than these. It tells of another king that tried to claim the Gift of the Gods for himself but couldn't get in.

 

Vladimir points to a another set of pictographs the look like a bunch of large animals trying to pull the door open. Samantha wanders around the open area. Killian gets off his bike and looks around at the shape of the room and if the mythical doors have any interesting features. Wade stays back but moves so as to always keep Sam in visual range. The circular room is filled with more pictographs. There are two doors that are fairly large and appear to be carved from a highly polished marble. On them are carved some sort of script.

 

Samantha steps up next to Wade and whispers something.

Samantha: want to talk, or just sulk and follow me?

Wade: We can talk... I was scared spitless... I hate to lose a good captain.

Samantha: You haven't lost anything yet.

Wade: I am glad... and I promise to try and not be so... impuslive in the future.

Samantha: You promise me not to draw your guns and I promise I won't run off again.

Wade: Done.

Wade looks relieved.

 

Ta'Rang can tell there is more to the story, but Vlad is summing up not hiding anything. Some of it he can read, most of it he can't. Next to the doors, carved so that it appears to be part of the overall mosaic is an empty slot about half a meter long. Ta'Rang watches and listens to the story. Killian points at the slot.

Killian: Ding, keyhole.

Arthur: Looks like you found a spot for your "key' Vladdy.

Vladimir looks distracted.

Vladimir: Eh?

Arthur: Okay.. a moment. Before we go on poking keys in things.

Killian: Hey, didn't say we should use it, just pointed. Should definitely check it out first.

Arthur: Doesn't anyone else feel that maybe we shouldn't be poking around in here? Like... a overhanging sense of doom. Kinda like the doom I felt when the shuttle went carooning through the air.

Killian: You survived that, didn't you?

Samantha: We were fine Arthur. I've pulled out of worse.

Arthur: Yes. I did. But it isn't smart to push fate twice in the same day.

Wade: She was never in danger.... I was there.

Killian: Like it makes a difference what day you open the door? Is there a waiting period on Certain Doom?

Wade: Now you I can't vouch for.

Vladimir focuses on the moment. He looks at the keyhole as if suddenly realizing it is there.

Arthur: That I don't doubt... miss. But I.. for one.. am not used to an adventorous lifestyle. At least not like this.

TaíRang: What do you plan on doing to this site of my ancient ancestors?

Killian examines the area around the keyhole, Samantha unbuttons her holster.

Killian: I think he plans on looting it, Ta.

Samantha: *whispers to Wade** Don't draw, but be ready. Something about Vlad there is making me nervous.

Killian smiles wickedly.

Arthur: Well now that almost makes it seem.. worth it.

Vladimir: I plan on no such thing. Studying it certainly. Looting it never. I would like a peek inside though.

Samantha: *whispers to Wade** Your guns don't come out until mind do. Right?

Wade hovers his hands near his guns.

Wade: *whispers to Sam** You got it, I only shoot what you shoot.

Killian: I do wonder why Synthcorp doesn't have a big camp set up here.

Vladimir sets his bag down and pulls out the metal cylinder. Arthur backs away from the doors.

Samantha: Alright, let's see if this group of animals can pull the door open.

Vladimir: Synthcorp probably doesn't even know about it.

The keyhole looks like solid stone.

Killian: That's a pretty big landmark outside, Vladimir.

 

Ta'Rang's hands go to his pistol and he steps back keeping everyone in sight

Samantha: It's also a nice sized chunk of dirt we're on.

Killian: Not to mention a satellite ground scan would show a mysterious hole here.

Wade: We could pull the doors with the grav bikes.

Vladimir sounds distracted.

Killian: Terraforming would normally include such a scan. Not sure the grav bikes are stronger than herds of animals, Wade.

Samantha: I don't think we'll need to pull anything.

Ta'Rang just watches.

Wade: Maybe not but I bet they are stronger than us.

Vladimir: Synthcorp makes food additives and genetically makes new strains of common agricultural plants. Why would they be interested in an old tomb?

Samantha: They need fields Killian, not cliffs.

Wade: Synthcorp also makes... mutant hybrids.

Vladimir places the metal rod into the slot.

Killian: I can only think of a few reasons - like treasure, technology, publicity, curiousity.

Samantha takes one step backwards

Samantha: Maybe they just f-ing missed it alright? *testily*

Wade watches Vlad closely. Arthur snickers.

Killian: Sam, did you sabotage the Mercury?

Samantha: Define sabotage.

Killian: I'll take that as a yes. Kind of a relief, actually.

Samantha: You mean it work? sweet.

 

At first nothing happens. After a few seconds, the metal rod splits across the center and both ends slide into the (solid) stone, revealing a bright blue core of energy inside. The energy seems to creep outward from the keyhole, filling all of the engravings around the door. A loud hum fills the chamber.

TaíRang: *With an edge to his voice** I see no reason to interrupt the kings long rest

Samantha: Ah, told you we wouldn't have to pull anything.

Killian: Kind of too late for that, Ta.

Samantha: Steady Ta. This place may have some of the answers you seek.

Killian checks for radiation and stuff. Doc stays close to killian right now.

 

The humming gets louder and the light starts to get blindingly bright. You have to shield your eyes as the light seems to get as bright as a blue star. Then, without warning, the light dims and the humming stops. A loud *clack* sound booms across the chamber. Ta'Rang dons his goggles.

 

The doors pop open a bit. Killian gets onto the grav bike just in case hordes of tentacled monstrosities pour from the opening. Ta'Rang slowly draws his pistol out of the holster.

Wade moves his hand like lightning towards his gun, but then glancves at Sam and stops.

Samantha: *looks at Wade and winks** Relax.

Samantha walks forward, she is unusually calm for being on a planet.

Samantha: Alright Vlad, let's see history.

Vladimir: *In a breathless voice** Indeed.

Wade follows but stays behind Vlad and Sam, Vladimir steps forward and pulls the doors open.

 

Vladimir looks at Ta'Rang.

Vladimir: Do you want to be the first inside? This is your heritage.

Ta'Rang looks back at him

TaíRang: yes

Vladimir steps back to allow Ta'Rang in. Ta'Rang walks forward.

There is a hallway that goes back about ten, maybe twelve steps. It then opens up into a larger chamber. Ta'Rang continue on down the hallway

Samantha: After you rock hound.

Unlike the "courtyard" area, the walls here are smooth. As they walk down the corridor the ambient light increases, though they cannot tell a specific source. The central chamber has five doors around the edges and a large table or maybe an alter in the center of the room.

Vladimir: Thank you.

Vladimir follows Ta'Rang, Samantha goes in after Vladimir. Ta'Rang holsters his pistol as Killian and Doc follow cautiously.

Vladimir: Look at the altar. The runes are glowing slightly.

Ta'Rang does not speak but looks through out the room. Killian examines the runes... but doesn't touch! The room is barren except for the doors and the altar. The doors are placed at 90 and 45 degree angles and one directly across from the hall entrance.

Samantha: Can anyone read that? Ta? Vlad?

Ta'Rang looks at the runes and tries to decipher them.

The ones directly across the room have more of the alphabet characters. It looks too short to be anything but a name. The language is like nothing they have ever seen. Ta'Rang does recognize Them, they are the same kinds of letters you saw in your dream.

Killian: Could be a multi-tomb. Like a Swiss Army tomb.

Samantha smirks. Arthur rubs the back of his neck.

Killian: Or it could be one of those "behind four of these doors lies certain doom, choose wisely" kind of things.

Killian does a comm check with the ship. Comms are successful. Arthur forces out a breath of air. Wade offers Arthur a breath mint.

Ta'Rang recognizes some of the writing - "Khul Ra'Rangri - Commander (maybe King) of the Rangri clan."

TaíRang: I have seen them before.

Samantha: Hey, only three of the last six planets I was on actively attempted to kill me. We've got a fifty-fifty shot.

Arthur: I'm slightly used to better odds.

TaíRang: That door say commander or King of the Rangri clan.

Wade: Thats ok we have a higher planetary kill rates than the planets that tried to waste us.

Killian: Wade, that's cheating, we took out a whole system.

Samantha: Shhh!

 

Ta'Rang walks over to the door. Killian examines the altler, which, for all intents and purposes, looks like a computer terminal. Killian sits down and tries to figure out the system. Arthur peers around, searchingly.

Samantha: I knew I liked him.

Wade: He finally earns his keep.

Ta'Rang searches the letters loking for the word Attiag. It's not there that he can see.

Samantha: Notice how it didn't involve violence.

Ta'Rang slowly runs his hands over the letters on the door.

Wade: Hey I've kept my word.... and it's been what almost 15 minutes.

Killian concentrates on the glyphs.

Arthur: Hey Vlad.. I have to ask. Why exactly am I here? My areas of expertise aren't exactly.. pertinent.

Samantha: Relax. I'm just joking with you. smile.

Ta'Rang checks the other doors

 

Arthur: *whispers quietly** I heard footsteps.. in the hallway!

Vladimir: Mitchell told me you had an interest in xenoarchaeology.

Samantha taps Wade and heads to the door, Arthur draws his blaster.

Samantha: *whispers** no one fires until I give the word, got it Arthur?

Arthur: Don't have to tell me twice.

Wade follows Sam but consciously struggles and fidgets like he wants to do something with his hands but doesn't know what. Wade finally hooks his thumbs in his gunbelt close to his guns but not touching them. Samantha looks into the hallway

Killian: Just a minute, just a minute...

Caspar: I can help Killian if he needs my help?

 

Killian tries to "take a step back" and re-translate the control schema...

Samantha: Killian, Doc's good with encryption. It can help

Killian: It's not so much the language, Sam, it's the controls. More systems than encryption.

 

Samantha does not see anything on the ceiling, but you all hear the scuffing of a boot and the muffled cursing of a female human voice. Samantha recognizes the voice as Rita's. Samantha moves slowly down the hall, drawing her gun. Wade follows but doesn't touch his guns... yet.Arthur follows a bit behind Wade.

 

Ta'Rang walks over to Killian.

TaíRang: What are you doing?

Killian: Well, Ta, I've figured out what these controls MEAN, but I haven't figured out what they DO.

Killian: It's a computer console, basically, but the language, the syntax, and the mind behind it are all alien. Lawha?

TaíRang: No it's Yazarian.

Ta'Rang studies the writing, he can almost recognize it. It's like having the name of a song just on the tip of your brain but you can't quite remember.

 

Samantha: You can come out now.

Rita gasps.

Rita: You are in there. I was starting to wonder.

Samantha: Uh huh. So, enjoy the ride down or does Exeter have a second shuttle?

Killian: Introductions, please?

Ta'Rang looks at the table.

Rita: Well, it was a bit...oh nevermind.

Samantha: So, you in with Mitch on this?

Rita: Mitch? What does Mitch have to do with anything?

Samantha: He dumped everyone in a lifeboat in the black, my crew luckily decided I needed saving and picked them up chasing us. So, what're you doing down there then?

Rita: Oh dear. Why would he.....?

Samantha: I don't know.

Rita: What is this place?

Samantha: Burial grounds. Come on in.

Samantha motions with her gun

Rita stops.

Arthur: That didn't sound very inviting. Not YOUR burial grounds.

Rita: You're not going to shoot me are you?

Samantha: Not yet.

Samantha reholsters her weapon.

Arthur: You people have serious impulse problems. Always wanting to shoot someone. Holy cripes.

Samantha: Rita, this is Wade. He's the best pilot in the sector.

Killian: Adaptive behavior, Arthur. On average, it's the right thing to do.

Arthur: Perhaps. I can feel my civility drop by the moment.

Wade smiles

Rita: Whew! I thought you were angry with me. I'm sorry about Mitch. He's always trying some crazy get rich scheme. I didn't think he would take it so far.

Killian: You'll fit in just fine.

Rita sounds distracted, looking into the room where Killian, Doc and Ta'Rang are.

 

TaíRang: *looks at Killian** I may be able but I can't put my answer into words. I can't .........GRRRRRRRRR

Arthur: Get rich schemes are great when they work. Maybe Mitch isn't so bad after all.

Samantha: Ta, relax. Breathe. It'll come to you.

Killian tries to explain the relationship between the symbols and concepts to Ta and Doc.

Samantha: The human is Killian, Ta'Rang is the Yaz and the Drasalite is Caspar, resident medic.

TaíRang: I'VE SEEN THE WORDS

Rita: I see. What are you doing?

Samantha: Decrypting an ancient computer. Or translating burial ruins. Quite possibly, causing a black hole.

Arthur: Losing time.

Ta'Rang walks away

Samantha: You never know.

Ta'Rang walks over and stares at the door.

Samantha: Hey Ta, whcih dream had the words in it?

Arthur: Well while we're here tinkering with corpses and symbols... some jabrone is moving in on my routes.

Rita: You probably shouldn't touch it anyway.

Ta'Rang breathes slowly

Arthur: *throws hands in the air** THANK YOU! I like you, Rita.

TaíRang: The one with the sword.

Samantha: Arthur, relax. I've got the fastest ship in this part of the galaxy. I'll get you back quick as lightning

Rita: Sword?

Killian: Oh, sure, get him started on the sword...

Samantha: The temple?

Rita: Back where?

TaíRang: yes the temple of warriors.

Arthur: Where in Crocket's name is Vladimir anyway?

Vladimir: Right here. Just trying to figure out how to help Ta'Rang and Killian.

Arthur: Ah, sorry bud. Didn't see you.

Samantha: Ever meditate Ta?

TaíRang: Yes daily.

Samantha: Try now.

Vladimir: These symbols are not like the ancient yazarian. Even though I had a hard time with the obscure dialect, I could read that.

Ta'Rang looks around.

Arthur: Well if I can be of any use let me know. Although beyond some rudimentary programming skills.. I'll probably just best letting it alone.

 

Arthur retrieves his computer yet again. Vladimir is looking closely at the runes, his hand hovering over them as if he wants to touch something but is restraining himself. Ta'Rang sets down in front of the door and closes his eyes then slows his breathing.

Killian: What are you thinking, Vladimir?

Vladimir: I was going to try putting in the runes to match the ones on that door there.

Killian compares the runes from the door to his own notes on the glyphs.

Killian thinks they might have stumbled upon something. Maybe. Ta'Rang tries to calm himself. After a moment Ta'Rang thinks he may have the syntax of the language.

 

Between Ta'Rang and Killian, they think they have a fair chance at getting the console to do something. Samantha smiles as they start to work on the computer. Killian accesses what seems to be the proper controls to open the door.

 

Rita: DON'T TOUCH THAT!!!

 

Ta'Rang looks at the woman.

 

Everybody notices that Rita's eyes have started glowing with the same blue-white light as the key.

 

Roll End Credits