A Pirate's Life

Part 2 of Plans Go Awry

Last time, our heroes were beset by an insectoid looking spaceship. After a brief altercation, it fled and the Templars arrived at Pictoris Station.

Now to continue with our story.

As they approached the station, Rugen hailed for permission to dock. Silence. He tried again and again to no avail. Finally, he headed toward an empty bay and docked himself.

As they passed through the airlock into the station they were greeted by an eerie silence, as if no one was there. Yet they had seen several ships docked. What had happened to all the people, and especially the Station officials?

They strode through the station's corridors until they found something on the ground. A body! Investigating, they noticed that it seemed desiccated, as if it had been drained of its bodily fluids. In addition, there were strange marks on its body. Claw marks? They could not tell for certain.

The duo continued through the station, at high alert. Once again, an eerie silence permeated the place. That is, until they heard the sound of running footsteps. They looked down a corridor and saw a fleeing figure.that disappeared around a bend.

They followed the retreating figure a little way until they came to a barricade erected across the corridor.

"Halt mate! Don't ye come any closer," a voice called out from behind the barricade.

"Who's there? What's going on?" queried Rugen.

"Never ye mind, matey. Jest be on yer way." A man had thrust his head over the barricade. He began gesturing with a laser pistol.

"Is there danger? Can we be of assistance?" asked Rugen. He heard some voices behind the barricade. A figure appeared, aimed his pistol, and shot!

With nary a thought, Rugen drew his stun sword and blocked the shot. It ricocheted and struck their assailant. With a mighty leap, Rugen cleared the barricade. He found three figures. By their dress, they appeared to be Tellusian pirates. It wasn't his mission, but Rugen was not going to allow these menacing figures any more free reign. He slashed with his weapon while Tee jumped onto the barricade and began shooting at the pirates. Soon, the three figures had been rendered unconscious, but our heroes had also been wounded.

Suddenly, two more figures came around a corner. More pirates! Armed with laser cutlasses, they rushed into the attack, swinging their deadly blades. Rugen frantically parried, but some of their blows got through. Wincing in pain, Rugen continued to defend himself. Tee opened fire, taking out the smaller of the two figures. The other rushed him, knocking his blaster from his hands. Tee grappled the figure. Rugen struck with his blade and the pirate collapsed. 

Tee turned and thanked Rugen. Rugen shook his head in acknowledgement. Then with a thud, he collapsed to the ground.

What's next for our heroes? Find out in our next episode!