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's heads-up-display when the alien ship first attacked

 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.

Rugen gets a shot.

 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.

The scout takes more damage.

 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!

The alien in his sights.

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.

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!

Away!

The Thrilling Conclusion to the Arena of Xarxes

In our last episode, Rugen and Tee, with assistance from a Federation spy posing as a guard, escape from the arena.

Our trio of heroes rushed through the crowded streets of the city, anxiously looking behind for signs of pursuit. Fortunately, they saw no one chasing them, yet.

"Where are we heading?" Rugen asked, confused because they were heading away from the starport.

Their friend replied, "I have a ship on the outskirts of town, where the authorities won't think to look."

Shortly thereafter, they approached a dilapidated junk yard. "In there," the spy pointed. Just then, they noticed a pair of police patrolling the street among the crowds moving to and fro.

"Let's cross casually. They may not notice us," stated their rescuer. Rugen nervously nodded agreement. They hid their weapons and as nonchalantly as possible they crossed the road. As they approached the entrance to the junkyard, they heard a man call to them to stop. It was one of the patrolmen.

"Inside!" yelled the spy as he opened the gate. Rugen and Tee rushed in while their friend pulled out his blaster and began shooting at the police. Winged by a shot, the officer went down, calling for assistance. The trio began running for the scout ship hidden in the yard. The second officer pursued, and began shooting at the fleeing Federation operatives. Bolts of energy whizzed by them but they safely made it to the ship, ran up the open gangplank, and closed the hatch behind them. The spy jumped into the pilot's seat and began flight preparations. Rugen manned the mini-laser turret and returned fire on the Xarxes officer, who fled for safety. The engines roared to life and with a jolt the ship catapulted into the sky!

Soon they were in orbit with no hint of pursuit.

"It won't be long until they are after us." stated the spy as he began making calculations for hyperwarp.

"Let me," stated Tee as he settled into the navigators spot. Tee then began making calculations to take them back to Federation space.

Their respite was not long. Within minutes, an Imperial fighter flew into view, rapidly gaining on them. Rugen yelled a warning, then opened fire. His shots were true, and the fighter spun off into space. Another fighter rushed by its stricken comrade. Laser bolts lanced from its cannons, tracers whizzing by our trio's scout.

"Almost got it," stated Tee.

The spy began evasive maneuvers. The enemy fighter could not get a lock on the scout. Rugen returned fire, but lacked his earlier success. Then, without warning, the scout bucked and the stars seemed to spin. Hyperwarp! They were free from the Arena of Xarxes and headed to Federation space!

FINIS

A Chance to Escape!

Part 3 of the Arena of Xarxes

For weeks, Rugen and Tee were forced to fight, taking wounds and suffering the incessant mocking of the Inquisitor. Once again they were heading to the arena.

As Rugen and Tee entered the gates to the arena, they were met by a familiar face, the Inquisitor. He gave them his mocking smile and spoke. "This may very well be your last chance. Will you give me the plans?"

"Save your breath, Imperial stooge. You will never break us."

The Inquisitor's smile faded at the jibe. "You will regret your decision. Today will be the day." He then strode off.

Their guard then spoke. "He is correct about one thing. Today IS the day."

Rugen looked at him. It was the same guard who encouraged them to have courage many weeks ago.

"You will know when it is time to act," the guard continued, looking around warily as he prompted them to head in to the killing field.

Moments later, Rugen and Tee stood in the middle of the arena, clubs in hand. The doors opposite them opened and out rushed a gargantuan, insectoid creature with large, slavering mandibles - an ankheg!

Rugen's eyes widened, but then he screamed defiance and charged. Tee followed his comrade. They circled the monster, trying to avoid its mandibles while finding an opening to strike. Alas, when they hit, their clubs did no damage to the hard exoskeleton. Fortunately, they were faster than the creature and managed to avoid its jaws. Then, it reared back and spewed a stream of acid from its mouth. The potent liquid struck Rugen in the leg. He went down. The ankheg rushed forward, eager to finish off his prey, but Rugen rolled to the side, scrambled to his feet, and got out of range.

Puffing with exertion, Rugen called over to Tee: "What can we do?" Tee could only shrug. But then a voice called out. "Here!" They looked, and from the crowd two thrown objects spun through the air and landed near the heroes. Rugen smiled - one was his stun sword and the other was Tee's blaster.

Rugen dove for the weapons, tossed the blaster to Tee, then reached for the stun sword. The ankheg rushed forward, its slavering mandibles slashing at Rugen's wounded leg. Rugen rolled and struck upward, his sword set to full power. The laser-like blade thrust deep into the creature's jaw. It screamed in pain and recoiled, green blood spewing over Rugen. Tee opened up with the blaster, scoring more hits on the insectoid.

The crowd roared with delight, believing that the new weapons were merely part of the entertainment. One of the guards looked at the Inquisitor. He scowled, but then shook his head. "Let's see if the ankheg can finish them off. If not, open fire."

Meanwhile, Rugen and Tee circled warily while the thing periodically rushed them. They managed to get hits in while avoiding more wounds. The ankheg seemed to be weakening, but it maneuvered Rugen into a corner. With a blood-chilling screech, it charged. Tee opened fire - his accurate shots severed the beast's front leg. It fell and slipped forward, its mandibles reaching for the cornered Templar. Then, with an agile spring, Rugen leaped over the creature's head, landed on its back, and struck with his blade, severing the ankheg's head from its body.

"Fire!" yelled the Inquisitor, and a hail of laser bolts pierced the air around the duo. Then they heard their friend call out: "Over here!" He was guarding one of the exits. Rugen and Tee rushed toward him, laser shots streaking by. One shot clipped Tee and he fell for a moment. He scrambled back to his feet and they made it to the exit, with their friend providing cover. Cheers from the crowd echoed in their ears as they ran down the corridor, and directly into a menacing figure.

"So you thought you could escape," the Inquisitor mocked, "You will see how wrong you are. You will wish you had died in the arena."

"He's mine," ordered Rugen, and he stepped forward, his stun sword at the ready. The Inquisitor likewise readied himself. They began a series of lightning strikes and parries, their swords sending off sparks in the gloom of the corridor. Rugen's wounds leaked blood and he seemed to weaken. When he slipped, the Inquisitor struck. Rugen was ready. He parried and then counterattacked; his blade slicing into the Inquisitor's arm. The Inquisitor howled and struck back. Rugen felt the force blade stab into his leg. He fell. The Inquisitor rushed forward, but Rugen lunged from his knees. His blade sunk deep into the Inquisitor's stomach. Blood spurted out and the Inquisitor collapsed. Rugen fell on top of him.

"Let's hurry! I have a ship waiting." yelled their friend. Tee and the guard picked up Rugen and they rushed into the streets of Xarxes. Soon, the were lost in the crowd.

Stay tuned for the final episode!

Death in the Arena

Part 2 of the Arena of Xarxes

Wounded in his first fight in the arena, Rugen was escorted under armed guard to the medic. Before the doctor could attend to his wounds, the Inquisitor arrived.

"Do not fret, Templar," the Inquisitor commanded, "we will patch up those wounds. We have far more in store for you."

Rugen replied with a sarcastic "Thanks."

The Imperial snorted in derision. "You may not thank me after your treatment. On my orders, the doctor will not be using standard medical technology. He will be using paroxymed."

Rugen's eyes widened slightly. Most people would not have noticed, but an Imperial Inquisitor is not most people.

"Ah, so you have heard of it," the Inquisitor continued. "It is very effective in healing any wounds, so you will be back in the gladiator pit in no time. Of course, its healing process is very painful, akin to the proverbial rubbing salt into a wound, although much more, er, uncomfortable."

The doctor arrived and began treatment. Rugen was roughly strapped to the treatment table. As the Inquisitor walked from the room, he chuckled while Rugen's screams echoed off the walls.

Once Rugen's wounds were healed, he and Tee were brought to the arena once again.

This time, the opposing doors opened and out rushed four large, powerfully built men practically naked from the waist up. They wielded an assortment of wicked looking two-handed axes.

"Brutians," stated Tee. "They love nothing better than to kill."

Soon, the Brutians were upon them, hacking away with their axes. Our heroes dodged, ducked, and parried, trying to stay away from the nasty blades. Rugen parried one attack, but this left him open to another one of the enemy. He swung; Rugen managed to get his club in the way, but the power of the blow pushed aside his club. The axe buried itself in his arm. Rugen screamed, then riposted madly. His blow caught the Brutian on the side of the head and the enemy collapsed in the heap. The other opponent facing him slashed at Rugen's legs. Rugen managed to skip away, but the blade grazed his thigh, opening another deep wound.

Meanwhile, Tee was facing his own assault but his android reflexes prevented any blows from landing. One of the Brutians took a wild slash. Unbalanced, he spun around slightly. Tee wasted no time in landing a shot to his head. Another Brutian was down. 

Before Tee knew what was happening, the remaining Brutian facing him leaped upon his back. Normally, an android would have no difficulty grappling with a humanoid, but the Brutians are incredibly powerful. The Brutian kept Tee's arms in his grip while he beat relentlessly upon Tee's skull. In moment's, Tee sank to his knees then collapsed face first into the sand. The Brutian stood and raised his ax over his head, ready to strike a killing blow on Tee.

Suddenly, the Brutian felt a weight hit his back. He stumbled forward and fell into the dirt. Regaining his feet, he turned and saw a bleeding Rugen standing in front of Tee. All the other Brutians lay dead upon the sand. Screaming in rage, the Brutian rushed the Templar. Despite his wounds, Rugen easily parried the blows. Stepping inside the ax's blade, Rugen jammed his club into the Brutian's guts. While the barbarian doubled over and struggled to regain his breath, Rugen spun, raised his club, and brought it down upon the Brutian's head. The last opponent crashed to the earth.

Rugen rushed to Tee's side, anxious to determine if he still functioned. As he checked for vitals, he heard a voice behind.

"Tsk, tsk. Such a waste."

Rugen turned to see the Inquisitor standing over him.

"Oh, don't worry Templar. We will fix your friend . . . this time. Of course, who knows what might happen in later fights? But then, this could all be avoided . . ."

"What are you talking about?" Rugen growled.

"The plans, Templar. Give them to me and you both will be safe."

"Never!" Rugen yelled as he leaped forward and rushed the Inquisitor. Suddenly, a flash of pain raced through his nervous system and he collapsed.

"Uh, uh, Templar. You should know better than that," the Inquisitor stated as he held up a hand-sized electronic device. The Inquisitor glanced at the device, smiled, and simply said, "the controls to that collar of yours."

Stay tuned for part 3!

Gladiator

Part 1 of the Arena of Xarxes

In our last episode, our heroes' ship was destroyed by an Imperial cruiser. They jettisoned successfully but were caught up in a tractor beam.

They were taken inside the airlock, where they were met by a squad of Imperial troopers with blasters leveled. Having no choice, our heroes surrendered. They were taken into custody and interrogated extensively, but they would not divulge the fate of the research. After many fruitless sessions, the interrogator had to report to the captain.

"So they still will not talk?"

"No Captain," the Inquisitor replied. "The Templar's discipline is too strong and the other is an android. None of our usual methods will work on an artificial being."

"Have your engineers tried to hack into his cerebral processors?"

"Yes, sir. However, the information has been encoded and protected. We cannot access it without frying its entire system."

"So? One less Federation robot the better."

"But it would also fry the information, Captain."

"Pity. It appears that there is nothing left to do. Dispose of them."

"Wait, sir. I may have a better idea," replied the Inquisitor with an evil smirk upon his face.

Days later, our heroes were transported to the Imperial planet Xarxes. It was arid, squalid, and brutal. The Xarxians' favorite past time was gladiator games, and Rugen and Tee became the latest participants in this brutal sport. Stripped of their uniforms, fitted with obedience collars, dressed in the traditional breech-cloth of Xarxian gladiators, and armed with rudimentary clubs, they were escorted to the arena by blaster-toting guards. At the entrance to the arena, they were met with an Imperial Interrogator.

"Welcome to your new life, Federation stooges. You will now entertain us, and risk death every day. Of course, there is a way out. Turn over the research plans and I will change your assignment. Oh, you will still be slaves, but I can find you a much less dangerous post."

"Save your breath, Inquisitor, we will not betray the Federation." Rugen retorted.

The Inquisitor snorted, then ordered them to be escorted into the arena.

Rugen and Tee walked into a large, dusty, oval field surrounded by stands. The stands were filled with cheering patrons. Workers were cleaning up the remains of the last bout, shoveling body parts onto a grav sled. Speakers blared and the workers hurried from the field. Then, a door across the field from our heroes opened. Out rushed a swarm of short, bluish creatures with sharp teeth and long claws.

The enemy

Our heroes advanced upon the creatures, swinging their clubs. Rugen connected, swatting the little gremlins aside. They were weak, so one blow would incapacitate them. Unfortunately, they seemed to many to count! The beastly beings swarmed around the legs of our heroes, slashing and clawing. A group of them managed to trip Tee. He fell flat on this back. One of the gremlins leaped at his face, ready to claw his eyes out. Rugen knocked aside his attackers, spun, and smashed the gremlin attacking Tee. The android was able to scramble to his feet, kicking aside the creatures.

Rugen and Tee stood back to back, fending off the gremlins each time they surged forward. One managed to leap upon Rugen's arm and take a deep bite. Rugen screamed in pain but managed to shake off the beast. Another was able to dig its claws into Rugen's abdomen, tearing away at the flesh before Rugen brained it.

Nevertheless, the clubs of our heroes whittled down the horde's numbers, until only one remained, Finding itself alone, it ran away in fear for its life, but one of the guards blasted it into oblivion with his laser rifle. Rugen, his blood pooling at his feet, and Tee remained standing.

Rifle-armed guards escorted the duo of the field. As they exited, the Inquisitor was there. He ordered the guards to escort Rugen to the medics. "After all, we do not want him to die before his time."

One of the guards was assigned escort duty. Once they got out of earshot of the Inquisitor, the guard whispered, "Have courage. Help is on the way."

Stay tuned for part 2 of the Arena of Xarxes.

Blast!

The Conclusion of the Caverns of Tantalus

Our heroes are trying to recover some critical research before it falls into Imperial hands. They entered the Caverns of Tantalus and in the last episode reached the laboratories. They are facing a deranged security bot. More from Rugen's video log:

We turned and saw the security bot level its blaster at us.

"Wai . . ." I began to cry out but I was too late. An energy bolt discharged from the blaster!

Tee and I were encased in a sparkling energy field, but we felt no pain or adverse affect.

"An electrostatic defense field," the bot explained. "It will provide additional defensive benefits."

Relieved and thankful, we left and headed immediately to the laboratory's central control room, where we would find the research.

We made it to the room without incident and rushed inside. On the floor lay a burning security bot. Beyond it was a man, he looked like a scientist, and a looming hulk. The figure turned upon hearing our entry. It was an Imperial soldier in a full battle suit. He leveled his weapons at us and began to blast away. Tee ducked for cover and began to return fire. I leaped up and forward, clearing the beams of lethal energy and landing next to the Imperial. Flicking my sword to full power, I thrust its blade into the armor. Sparks showered the room. The soldier swung his arm at me, knocking me aside. He pointed his blaster at me and fired. I rolled to one side, but still felt the heat of the beam scourge my skin. I gritted from the pain, spun, and landed another blow.

The Imperial retracted his blaster and engaged his own stun sword. I stood ready to meet his attack, when I felt something hit my side. I turned for a fraction of a second to see the scientist with a light laser in his hands. He must have shot me, but the security bot's electrostatic defense deflected the beam. Tee took aim and stunned the scientist with one shot.

I turned back to the Imperial soldier. He began hacking at me but I parried his blows. Back and forth we went, until I finally spied an opening. I thrust; it penetrated the armor. I could hear the soldier grunt, then he collapsed.

We woke the scientist. "Where is it?" I demanded.

He laughed at me. "Do you really think you can make me talk?" he scoffed. "Even if you do find it, you are doomed. I alerted my comrades. There is an Imperial cruiser waiting for you."

We tied him up and rapidly searched the room until we found the research files and downloaded them onto a disk. We then destroyed the computers and fled.

Soon, we were racing through the atmosphere and into space. Sure enough, there was an Imperial cruiser waiting for us. Our runabout was faster, however, and we began to outpace them. Unfortunately, they were heavily armed and blaster fire began to light up the sky around us. 

"Make it quick!" I yelled to Tee as he worked on the navigation calculation to take us into hyperwarp. Then I engaged the remote turret and began firing at the cruiser. Perhaps a lucky shot could distract them. As luck would have it, an explosion shot from their hull. One of their gun emplacements had been crippled!

Unfortunately, too many turrets remained. They opened fire. An explosion ripped through our shuttle. Our roundabout began to spin uncontrollably. A hull breach! Tee had to stop his navigation calculations to deal with the breach. More enemy fire and more explosions! Our engines had been hit.

"We need to abandon ship." Tee stated.

"We need to destroy the research first!" I said.

"Wait. give it to me." I gave Tee the disk and he downloaded it into his memory banks

"Do not worry. They will not be able to hack into it."

I nodded and used my sword to melt down the disk. I then donned an escape suit and the two of us jettisoned from the disintegrating ship. In a moment, the cruiser loomed above us. A tractor beam caught us in its grip and pulled us into the enemy ship.

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

TALES OF THE TEMPLARS

(and it won't take 5 months either).