Episode 4 of Plans Go Awry
In our last episode, Rugen and Tee defeated the pirate captain and his crew.
"Well Captain, what IS going on?"
The pirate captain appeared frazzled. "Enough! I'm jest tryin' to survive. The station's been invaded. Bugs, I tells ya. Big 'uns. Smart, too. They came in ships and carry lasers. "They're roundin' up every person on board. I don't know why, and I don't want to find out!"
"Bugs, eh? Well, we'll deal with them." The captain gave Rugen a skeptical look.
Now, have you seen a man named Jacinto Barik?"
The pirate captain winced.
"Speak!" commanded Rugen.
"All right. All right. I was set to rendezvous with him. Didn't show up. I'm bettin' that the bugs got 'im."
"Well, just in case you DID meet him, I'm going to have to search you. Come on, Tee. Let's get to it."
Rugen and Tee cared for the wounded then found an empty airlock. With a little jury-rigging, they turned it into a prison cell and locked up the pirates. None of them carried the Templar secrets that were the focus of their mission. The duo then decided to look for Barik, even if that meant facing the "bugs."
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Last Stand - Part 3
Episode 3 of Plans Go Awry
After the defeat of the pirate crew (see Part 2), Captain Nat Crowe personally challenged Rugen. Rugen dropped his laser pistol and advanced with his stunsword at the ready. Crowe rushed forward, his blade raised above his head, ready to strike death upon Rugen. As the pirate's blade slashed in a downward arc, Rugen neatly sidestepped. The Templar's riposte struck Crowe's left arm. The pirate backed off.
Crowe snarled at Rugen and said, "Ye'll pay fer that, dog of a priest!"
Crowe launched into a spin move that caught Rugen off guard. The blow struck Rugen's leg. He stumbled back and fell to the ground. Crowe rushed forward, slashing down again. Rugen just managed to get his sword into position. The two blades sparked with electricity when they met. Rugen kicked with his leg. Crowe exclaimed in surprise and momentarily lost his focus. Rugen rolled away then leaped back to his feet.
With Crowe momentarily dazed, Rugen lunged at his foe. The pirate recovered, parried the attack, and countered. This time, the blade of pulsing energy tore into Rugen's arm. He grunted in pain then jumped back, out of reach of his foe.
The captain advanced again, more cautiously this time. He rained a series of blows on Rugen but the Templar parried them all. The two began to circle, looking for an opening in the other's guard. Then like a cobra, Rugen struck. But Crowe was quicker and dodged the attack. The pirate followed with a sudden counter. Rugen just managed to get his blade into position. Again, sparks flew as the swords met.
Another round of circling. This time, Crowe broke the stalemate with a sudden slash. Rugen parried, but his riposte left him unbalanced. Crowe snorted triumphantly, swinging his blade in an arc that looked sure to decapitate our hero. Rugen leaped, somersaulting over and around his foe's blade. Landing on his feet with his back to Crowe, he then reversed his grip and thrust his blade backward. This time it struck true, right in the center of Crowe's chest. A visible pulse of energy rushed from the blade and engulfed the captain. He froze as if electrocuted, then crumpled to the ground.
A few minutes later, Crowe awoke. Kneeling beside him, a robot was tending to his wounds. He looked up, and saw the tip of a stunsword pointed at this throat.
"Now Captain," commanded Rugen, "perhaps you can tell us what is going on around here?"
Stay tuned for Episode 4!
After the defeat of the pirate crew (see Part 2), Captain Nat Crowe personally challenged Rugen. Rugen dropped his laser pistol and advanced with his stunsword at the ready. Crowe rushed forward, his blade raised above his head, ready to strike death upon Rugen. As the pirate's blade slashed in a downward arc, Rugen neatly sidestepped. The Templar's riposte struck Crowe's left arm. The pirate backed off.
Crowe snarled at Rugen and said, "Ye'll pay fer that, dog of a priest!"
Crowe launched into a spin move that caught Rugen off guard. The blow struck Rugen's leg. He stumbled back and fell to the ground. Crowe rushed forward, slashing down again. Rugen just managed to get his sword into position. The two blades sparked with electricity when they met. Rugen kicked with his leg. Crowe exclaimed in surprise and momentarily lost his focus. Rugen rolled away then leaped back to his feet.
With Crowe momentarily dazed, Rugen lunged at his foe. The pirate recovered, parried the attack, and countered. This time, the blade of pulsing energy tore into Rugen's arm. He grunted in pain then jumped back, out of reach of his foe.
The captain advanced again, more cautiously this time. He rained a series of blows on Rugen but the Templar parried them all. The two began to circle, looking for an opening in the other's guard. Then like a cobra, Rugen struck. But Crowe was quicker and dodged the attack. The pirate followed with a sudden counter. Rugen just managed to get his blade into position. Again, sparks flew as the swords met.
Another round of circling. This time, Crowe broke the stalemate with a sudden slash. Rugen parried, but his riposte left him unbalanced. Crowe snorted triumphantly, swinging his blade in an arc that looked sure to decapitate our hero. Rugen leaped, somersaulting over and around his foe's blade. Landing on his feet with his back to Crowe, he then reversed his grip and thrust his blade backward. This time it struck true, right in the center of Crowe's chest. A visible pulse of energy rushed from the blade and engulfed the captain. He froze as if electrocuted, then crumpled to the ground.
A few minutes later, Crowe awoke. Kneeling beside him, a robot was tending to his wounds. He looked up, and saw the tip of a stunsword pointed at this throat.
"Now Captain," commanded Rugen, "perhaps you can tell us what is going on around here?"
Stay tuned for Episode 4!
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Last Stand - Part 2
Episode 3 of Plans Go Awry
With the scout ship's hatch blown open (see Part 1), laser bolts filled the passage. Rugen peeked over the metal box behind which he hid. Several pirates were heading down the gangway, pistols ablaze. Tee raised up and got off a shot, taking out a pirate. But he exposed himself and a shot glanced off him. Rugen could smell the odor of burning metal.
Rugen and Tee began firing wildly into the mass of enemies, and they dropped like flies. Rugen drew his stunsword and used it as defense, deflecting the pirate's bolts. He managed to managed to knock a laser shot back at the target, knocking out the shooter.
Another shot struck Tee, but his return fire dropped the last enemy.
Tee and Rugen ducked back behind cover. Tee began to tend to his wounds.
"Are you all right?" Rugen asked, concern in his voice.
"I am fine. I was grazed a couple of times. My systems appear to be fully functional, however."
Another volley of lasers traced through the air above them.
"Here they come again!"
This time, the pirates, led by a tall, imposing figure, approached more carefully. They hugged the walls or crawled forward, using their downed comrades as cover. All the while, they kept up a steady fire.
At a word from the leader, they concentrated their fire on Rugen. He dodged, squeezed off a shot that took out one pirate, then deflected a shot from the leader.
The pirates hit the deck. Tee's marksmanship kept them pinned until Rugen was able to finish them off. In frustration, the leader starting blasting shots at Rugen. He whipped his sword in the laser's path, deflecting it back to the shooter. The leader dropped like a dead weight.
But the pirates were not finished. More shots echoed through the passage. Then, a massively built human, stripped to the waist armed with a blaster and stunsword rushed forward. Both Tee and Rugen hit him. He shrugged off the shots and continued forward!
The pirate fired. Rugen parried the shot. It struck the pirate who was stunned for a moment. Tee and Rugen used the opportunity to pour shot into him. He went down.
Through the smoke that filled the passage another figure appeared. An elegantly dressed man, stunsword in his hand.
"Ye've taken out me men," the pirate sneered, "but do ye think ye can best Cap'n Crowe with that blade of yers? Or are ye chicken?"
"He's mine," Rugen whispered to his friend. Then Rugen stepped out from cover, his sword at the ready.
Stay tuned for Part 3!
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Last Stand - Part 1
Part 3 of Plans Go Awry
In our last episode, our heroes stumbled upon a band of pirates. Although they were victorious, Rugen was rendered unconscious.
Now to continue with our story.
Tee picked up his friend and began to make his way back to their scout ship. Soon, he heard the sound of pursuit behind him. More pirates! Tee began to run, his mechanical muscles easily handling the weight of his unconscious friend. Yet the weight slowed him down; he could hear footsteps grow closer behind him.
A flash of light passed him.
Pew! Pew! Another sound rang in his auditory sensors. Laser fire. He turned to look and saw pirates behind him.
He was nearing their ship, though. Soon they would be safe - temporarily.
Pew! Another shot passed dangerously close! Almost there though!
Shouts sounded behind him. "Stop or die!" Tee ignored them, ducked into the scout ship, and hit the controls. The hatch snapped shut just as a laser beam struck. The sound reverberated through the ship.
Tee grabbed a med pack and applied it to Rugen's wounds. His friend's eyes snapped open.
"Thanks, friend," the wounded Templar said.
"Unfortunately, we are not safe yet." At that second, a laser blast hit the hull.
A moment later, their comm panel began to beep, Incoming message. Tee clicked it on.
"Federation ship. Consider yerself confiscated. Surrender and ye'll be allowed to leave the ship unmolested. Refuse and ye shall face the consequences."
Rugen, weak but regaining his vigor, responded emphatically: "Never! We know that you are pirates. We will not allow you to escape and continue your reign of terror on the peaceful citizens of the galaxy!"
"Tut. Tut. So hostile! Would ye risk yer own skin for the 'citizens of the galaxy?' Be wise, and ye'll live."
"We are Templars! It is our duty to defend the galaxy."
There was a moment's pause. On the other end of the connection, Rugen could overhear a heated discussion. Then, the enemy's voice responded: "And I be Cap'n Nat Crowe - scourge of the seven systems! We be needin' yer ship so we're gonna take it - over yer dead bodies!"
Another laser blast struck the side of the ship.
"Let's get out of her!" commanded Rugen. He jumped into the pilot's chair, but immediately muttered a curse.
"They've engaged a tractor beam. We're stuck!"
Rugen fiddled with controls, trying to disengage the lock on their ship. Tee began to stack some heavy metal boxes in the hatchway.
"I think we need to prepare to repel boarders." he calmly stated. Rugen turned, nodded, and joined to help him.
After a few more laser blasts, the hatch shuddered and blew in. Laser bolts filled the air as Rugen and Tee, armed with laser pistols, ducked behind the boxes.
In our last episode, our heroes stumbled upon a band of pirates. Although they were victorious, Rugen was rendered unconscious.
Now to continue with our story.
Tee picked up his friend and began to make his way back to their scout ship. Soon, he heard the sound of pursuit behind him. More pirates! Tee began to run, his mechanical muscles easily handling the weight of his unconscious friend. Yet the weight slowed him down; he could hear footsteps grow closer behind him.
A flash of light passed him.
Pew! Pew! Another sound rang in his auditory sensors. Laser fire. He turned to look and saw pirates behind him.
He was nearing their ship, though. Soon they would be safe - temporarily.
Pew! Another shot passed dangerously close! Almost there though!
Shouts sounded behind him. "Stop or die!" Tee ignored them, ducked into the scout ship, and hit the controls. The hatch snapped shut just as a laser beam struck. The sound reverberated through the ship.
Tee grabbed a med pack and applied it to Rugen's wounds. His friend's eyes snapped open.
"Thanks, friend," the wounded Templar said.
"Unfortunately, we are not safe yet." At that second, a laser blast hit the hull.
A moment later, their comm panel began to beep, Incoming message. Tee clicked it on.
"Federation ship. Consider yerself confiscated. Surrender and ye'll be allowed to leave the ship unmolested. Refuse and ye shall face the consequences."
Rugen, weak but regaining his vigor, responded emphatically: "Never! We know that you are pirates. We will not allow you to escape and continue your reign of terror on the peaceful citizens of the galaxy!"
"Tut. Tut. So hostile! Would ye risk yer own skin for the 'citizens of the galaxy?' Be wise, and ye'll live."
"We are Templars! It is our duty to defend the galaxy."
There was a moment's pause. On the other end of the connection, Rugen could overhear a heated discussion. Then, the enemy's voice responded: "And I be Cap'n Nat Crowe - scourge of the seven systems! We be needin' yer ship so we're gonna take it - over yer dead bodies!"
Another laser blast struck the side of the ship.
"Let's get out of her!" commanded Rugen. He jumped into the pilot's chair, but immediately muttered a curse.
"They've engaged a tractor beam. We're stuck!"
Rugen fiddled with controls, trying to disengage the lock on their ship. Tee began to stack some heavy metal boxes in the hatchway.
"I think we need to prepare to repel boarders." he calmly stated. Rugen turned, nodded, and joined to help him.
After a few more laser blasts, the hatch shuddered and blew in. Laser bolts filled the air as Rugen and Tee, armed with laser pistols, ducked behind the boxes.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
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!
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!
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
A Bug in the System
Part 1 of Plans Go Awry!
In the last episode, Rugen and Tee had been tasked with retrieving stolen secrets from a criminal named Jacinto Barik. Taking a standard scout-class ship, they set out for Pictoris Station.
Our heroes leave hyperwarp and set a course for the orbital station around the rocky planet of Pictoris 3. Pictoris Station is a rough-and-tumble frontier post, populated by miners who make a living off the cold planet as well as shopkeepers and other, less savory persons who make a living off the miners. Even without sensors, Rugen could see the station as a glint of light framed by the dark planet. He opened a subspace frequency and requested permission to dock but he received no response. He tried again without luck.
"Strange," Rugen commented, "I thought we would be hailed by them."
"Perhaps interference," mused Tee as he fiddled with the subspace controls.
"I don't think so," remarked Rugen. There would be some indication on our monitors. Tee had to agree.
Moments later. another glint of light appeared. It seemed to be approaching.
"I guess it's a welcoming committee," joked Rugen. His android comrade did not get the joke.
Rugen tried hailing the approaching light, presumably another ship, but this too was silent. Yet it steadily drew closer. Soon it was close enough to view on long range sensors.
"What??" queried Rugen, for he has never seen such a ship. It looked like a big, black beetle. Rugen wondered if it was friendly. His question was soon answered when it opened fire! Laser beams blasted the hull and shook the scout.
Rugen immediately launched his ship into combat maneuvers. He found himself in position to fire upon the enemy vessel but his shots were off target.
A swirling dogfight ensued. For a while, neither ship could get into a good firing position. Then, the alien pulled a tight turn and found itself honing in on the scout's flank. Lasers lanced toward the ship, scouring the hull. Warning lights buzzed, warning of a possible hull breach.
"Tee, see if you can do something!" commanded Rugen.
Tee's scientific knowledge paid off and he was able to repair some of the damage. Meanwhile, Rugen jerked the ship into some radical maneuvering. The tables were reversed! Rugen pulled the trigger on his guns!
Laser fire struck the alien's front. There was a small explosion, then the alien turned and fled from the battle.
"Sensors indicate that its weapons are out," announced Tee.
"Let's see if we can catch him, and find out what's going on!" Rugen replied. Alas, the alien ship pulled away from the scout, and soon was gone.
"I guess we'll have to ask at Pictoris," concluded Rugen as he turned his ship's bow toward the gleaming station.
In the last episode, Rugen and Tee had been tasked with retrieving stolen secrets from a criminal named Jacinto Barik. Taking a standard scout-class ship, they set out for Pictoris Station.
Our heroes leave hyperwarp and set a course for the orbital station around the rocky planet of Pictoris 3. Pictoris Station is a rough-and-tumble frontier post, populated by miners who make a living off the cold planet as well as shopkeepers and other, less savory persons who make a living off the miners. Even without sensors, Rugen could see the station as a glint of light framed by the dark planet. He opened a subspace frequency and requested permission to dock but he received no response. He tried again without luck.
"Strange," Rugen commented, "I thought we would be hailed by them."
"Perhaps interference," mused Tee as he fiddled with the subspace controls.
"I don't think so," remarked Rugen. There would be some indication on our monitors. Tee had to agree.
Moments later. another glint of light appeared. It seemed to be approaching.
"I guess it's a welcoming committee," joked Rugen. His android comrade did not get the joke.
Rugen tried hailing the approaching light, presumably another ship, but this too was silent. Yet it steadily drew closer. Soon it was close enough to view on long range sensors.
"What??" queried Rugen, for he has never seen such a ship. It looked like a big, black beetle. Rugen wondered if it was friendly. His question was soon answered when it opened fire! Laser beams blasted the hull and shook the scout.
 |
| Rugen's heads-up-display when the alien ship first attacked |
 |
| Rugen gets a shot. |
"Tee, see if you can do something!" commanded Rugen.
 |
| The scout takes more damage. |
 |
| The alien in his sights. |
"Sensors indicate that its weapons are out," announced Tee.
"Let's see if we can catch him, and find out what's going on!" Rugen replied. Alas, the alien ship pulled away from the scout, and soon was gone.
"I guess we'll have to ask at Pictoris," concluded Rugen as he turned his ship's bow toward the gleaming station.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Plans Go Awry
Introduction to the next adventure in the Tales of the Templars
Rugen had just returned to Federation space and was looking forward to some much needed recuperation when he received a summons from the local Preceptor of the Templars. He sighed in frustration but rushed to the Preceptor's office and reported for duty.
"I am sorry to do this to you after your harrowing experience on Xarxes, but I have no one handy who can do the job and time is of the essence."
"I am happy to be of service/" Rugen replied. A little white lie; he would need to confess - later.
"Good," the Preceptor gave a wry smile. He must have seen through Rugen's pretense.
He continued. "A petty criminal named Jacinto Barik has acquired some rather sensitive Templar secrets. Naturally, we would like them returned."
"I presume that these secrets were acquired illicitly?"
"Naturally."
"Why not ask the Star Patrol to arrest him?" Rugen asked.
"Ah, there are two difficulties with that plan. First, the Star Patrol is not always discreet. But most importantly, Barik is not in Federation space."
"I see. And where is he?"
"The Pictoris Station, located in Conclave space near the border with the Federation and the Dominion. And time is of the essence. If his buyer arrives before we do, then the secrets will be out. We need someone, you, to go to Pictoris and retrieve the secrets, before it is too late."
Before he knew it, Rugen and Tee were piloting a scout vessel en route to Pictoris station.
Stay tuned for Part 1 of our adventure - Plans Go Awry!
Rugen had just returned to Federation space and was looking forward to some much needed recuperation when he received a summons from the local Preceptor of the Templars. He sighed in frustration but rushed to the Preceptor's office and reported for duty.
"I am sorry to do this to you after your harrowing experience on Xarxes, but I have no one handy who can do the job and time is of the essence."
"I am happy to be of service/" Rugen replied. A little white lie; he would need to confess - later.
"Good," the Preceptor gave a wry smile. He must have seen through Rugen's pretense.
He continued. "A petty criminal named Jacinto Barik has acquired some rather sensitive Templar secrets. Naturally, we would like them returned."
"I presume that these secrets were acquired illicitly?"
"Naturally."
"Why not ask the Star Patrol to arrest him?" Rugen asked.
"Ah, there are two difficulties with that plan. First, the Star Patrol is not always discreet. But most importantly, Barik is not in Federation space."
"I see. And where is he?"
"The Pictoris Station, located in Conclave space near the border with the Federation and the Dominion. And time is of the essence. If his buyer arrives before we do, then the secrets will be out. We need someone, you, to go to Pictoris and retrieve the secrets, before it is too late."
Before he knew it, Rugen and Tee were piloting a scout vessel en route to Pictoris station.
Stay tuned for Part 1 of our adventure - Plans Go Awry!
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