Starting new adventures

 December 2025 starts off with a Pirate Borg campaign begining. 

There may be a pair of Pirate Borg games runing about 1 a month going into 2026. We will see what happens. As of now the first game was played December 6th with three main players: Zach, Adrian, & Blakeley. There may be some other crew members that pop in and out of this game.

The second game is still in a holding pattern, we will post more whe this one happens. In the meantime look for a quick recap of the action from the first game soon.

Dead Man's Hand Game!

 Cowboys vs. Renegade Apache at Dry Gulch.

Game played: 6/14/2025

Players:  

Mark "Six Guns" E.

MightyEroc "Soaring Hawk" 

Two rival gangs faced off against each other over three Scenes in a story of horse stealing & outright gunplay!

A few pics from our game of Dead Man's Hand, a wild west miniature skirmish game.

The town of Dry Gulch

Renegades being sneaky!

Rifleman on the water tower!

The chief goes down in scene 3!

Been awhile since we broke this game out, and it was a wonderful return!! We pledged to play this at least once a month. Such a great miniature game, a blast to play! If you've been on the fence about a skirmish level western minis game this is THE ONE you should get.

The End, for now partners!! 

Starships & Spacemen preliminary setup game

 Starships & Spacemen adventures in Quadrant 44

Prelim game & setup for short campaign. 

5/25/2025

Players:

Mark E.

Mightyeroc

Intro:

This session sets up a ship and her crew that operates a couple of centuries or so prior to the events taking place in the White Star Star rogues campaign. There will be familiar terminology as well as locations, alien & human races, star sytems, and governing bodies in use here but as they appeared in this earlier time when Quadrant 44 was new.

We are initially going to be following the Captain and crew of a Solar Alliance Frigate the S.S. Malkoha. Let's meet the crew starting with the Officers.

Left to Right - 1st Officer Dukes & Captain Roark

Captain Ethan Roark: Race - Human, Branch - Military / Subclass: Command, Rank: Ensign

First Officer Merle Dukes: Race - Human, Branch - Military / Subclass: Fire Control, Rank: Ensign

L to R: Asta, Arnn, Morr, & Bul'Rx

Navigator Asta Heimisson: Race - Human, Branch - Technical / Subclass: Navigation, Rank: Ensign

Science Officer Arnn Relos: Race - Tauran, Branch - Scientific / Subclass: Sentient Life, Rank: Ensign

Medical Officer Morr Relos: Race - Tauran, Branch - Scientific / Subclass: Medical, Rank: Ensign

Engineer Bul'Rx: Race - Dreiped, Branch - Technical / Subclass: Engineering, Rank: Ensign 

Now the final members of the Malkoha, the Enlisted crew:

L to R: Jiang, Noij, Ayers, Moloney and SE9

Chin Jiang: Race - Human, Branch - Tehnical, Rank: Spaceman Recruit

Noij Jqks: Race - Daelen, Branch - Military, Rank: Spaceman Recruit

Garth Ayers: Race - Human, Branch - Scientific, Rank: Spaceman Recruit

Neassa Moloney: Race - Human, Branch - Military, Rank: Spaceman Recruit

Warrior Robot: Strategic Enforcer Nine - SE9

Now the ship our intrepid crew use on their missions in Quadrant 44, a Solar Alliance Frigate class the S.S. Malkoha.

Crew: 10 + 1 robot

Command Rank: Ensign

Power Pile Base: 50 Energy Units 

Teleporter Capacity: 3 at a time

Beam Banks: 1 

Ion Torpedoes: 6

Shuttle Ships: 1

Sick bay Capacity: 2

Ships Locker: Lanspeeder, Laser Sword, & a Beam Rifle

Solar Alliance Frigate S.S. Malkoha

Trial Missions & Encounters:

We had two space encounters, the first was with a Gas Cloud. Initially we suffered a directional failure and went off course. However Astra the Navigational Officer was able to correct course and get the ship out of the cloud. This hazard is now marked on the star charts so other ships can avoid it.

The second space encounter was an attack by a Pirate cruiser. The Malkoha suffered a critical Fire control malfunction after the first hit by the pirate vessel. First officer Dukes was injured and rushed to medical. Bul'Rx was able to rig the system so a single laser shot could be made, which did hit and damage the attacker. In the end Captain Roark was able to evade the Pirates and limp the damaged ship back to Starbase for repairs.

We played out a pair of Planetary missions as well. The first was a Scientific investigation of an alien herbivore on the forest planet of Ozu. Science Officer Arnn aided by recruit Ayers took 3 days to trap and anaylze the new creature.

The second planetary mission was to discover the origin of a geological disturbance in another area of the planet Ozu. After a day of failed attempts the mission was scrapped and turned over to starbase for reassignment to a full geological survey team to handle.

THE END, for now. . . 

More to come, stay tuned!

Wine Cellars: A Wizardly Contest

 Wine Cellars prelude: A Wizardly Contest!

Somewhere deep in a secret lair of mighty magic & sorcery, three powerful wielders of mystic energies are deep into a philosophical debate and many empty bottles of VERY special vintage!!

L to R: Thwarx, Vulgari, & Hazbrooga

Thwarx the True: "Forsooth good Hazbrooga, the Rod was fairly won by Vulgari." said the wiry haired wizard, as he conjured up the last bottle of Marqrest Red. 

Hazbrooga the Stellar: "The Rod was my first choice!" gasped the portly mage, "my die roll was altered by this shoddy table!"

Vulgari the Learned: "First choice indeed!" The tall sorceror tightened his grip in the glowing rod, "You diced for the ring and you know it, now release your hold."

Thwarx the True: "I tire of this game anyway, we need something more exciting. Something to rouse our senses and get the heart pumping!"

Vulgari the Learned: "Ha, mental joust if you will! We shall match our intellects agaisnt one another and create a new spell!"

Hazbrooga the Stellar: "We did that last month Vulgari. Thwarx is correct, something else..." lifting his glass ans sipping the deep red wine. "Is this the last bottle?"

Vulgari the Learned: Looking about the chamber at all the empty bottles. "Hmm, it would seem it is. I thought we had more."

Thwarx the True: "I've got it! A competition!! A test of our magic, our mentorship, and our apprentices!"

Hazbrooga the Stellar: "What are you on about, Thwarx?"

Vulgari the Learned: "Go on good fellow, my interest is peaked."

Thwarx the True: "Each of us picks an apprentice, equips he or she both magically and mundanly. And we set them off to gather us more wine. Whoever returns with the best vintage wins!"

Hazbrooga the Stellar: "Equipped mundanly with no more than a single apprentice can carry, and each of us can supply them with one special spell for the trip!"

Vulgari the Learned: " Also, we may bestow upon them two items of magical power. No more and no less. But these items are to determined randomly from our collections!"

Thwarx the True: " Yes, and we shall watch thier progress remotely by crystal ball!"

Hazbrooga the Stellar: "OOh, I like this game. When do we start?"

Thwarx the True: "We shall also give our contenders a guide, a neutral party to keep them on track. Someone from that quaint village near the castle. What say you both??"

Vulgari the Learned: "I like that, my apprentice can sometimes get sidetracked. I agree!"

Hazbrooga the Stellar: "As long as the guide is not a user of the mystic arts, I agree."

Thwarx the True: "Alright, it is settled. We shall each choose an apprentice, outfit them and set them upon thier quest!"

In a laboratory a few doors down, another wielder of mighty magiks decides to join in on the contest.

Pristinio the Unwilling: "So my fellows think to win this game eh! I Pristionio shall equip an apprentice and add a fourth member to this contest! The wines shall be mine to claim!!

Watch out for a fantastic tale of frenzied wine gathering and freaky encounters deep in the cellars coming soon!  

 

White Star: Star Rogues episode 9

 White Star: Episode 9 - Chance Encounters

The Shesha's Nest

game played: 2/8/2025

Players:

Josh - Dame Joohdi Dench, Alien Mystic

Selina - Master Vitis, Star Knight

Steven - Argenti Root, Bounty Hunter

support NPC's

R3-K8 - Argenti's Mech-bot

T8-TUM - Diplomatic bot and companion to Dame Joohdi.

[ Having taken on a bounty from Kellic Van, Argenti and Joohdi have tracked the wanted criminal Crystophon Marrs to the Tannoa system. The bounty hunter anticipates his quarry will be with her gang and Joohdi has agreed to help as the two have become fast friends through the adventures they have already shared. ]

Location: 

Red Shift - Kelron Sector - Tannoa system - Vector 11/24

[The Shesha's nest reverted to normal space as Argenti checks their vector. The blueish glow of the E-drive dimming and replaced by the glare from the binary suns of Tannoa.]

Argenti: I thought you said there were no temples in this system, what made you still want to come along?

Joohdi: Besides our friendship, and my willingness to aid you. I sense a pull in this direction, different from the ones that guide me to the temples. This is more like the connection I felt with the Sailors, but different... I must investigate.

Argenti: The star-girls huh? That was a wild tale, maybe I'll get to meet one this time. K-8, will you transmit our Bounty code to the local GC Feed-comm. Then we can start our search on Furnna.

T8-TUM: Furnna, not Tannoa prime?  The population densities are greater amongst the..

Argenti

Argenti: If Crystophon is still in this system, then Furnna is where she'll be. Tannoa is thick with GC forces and the High Port would be way too dangerous for her. Furnna has a small base population and a higher percentage of transient miners and prospectors. Good place to lay low and furthest from the gravity well of the suns. So quick escape jumps can be done faster from there.

T8-TUM: I see, most logical once all factors are taken into  consideration. 

Location:  9 centars [hours] later

Red Shift - Kelron Sector - Tannoa system / Furnna - Vector 11/24

[ The Bounty Hunter sets down at the Landing zone without incident. Only two other small ships are present, a battered light transport and a scout ship. ]

Argenti: K8, you stay here and be ready to lift-off on my call. Joodi is also cleared to give commands as well. Use standard secure protocols.

R3-K8: Bleep-boop!

T8-TUM: I pick up no other life-signs within 18.288 meters. We appear to be quite alone here at the moment.

Argenti: I see a lot of ground vehicle trails heading off in multiple directions. It's going to be like finding a needle in a haystack if Marrs and her crew are here.

Joohdi: I feel the pull again, it's closer... [ the Mystic turns and faces west. ], and stronger clearly from a living entity.

Argenti: [slinging his rifle.] Well let's check it out. Maybe we'll find a clue to the location of our quarry as well. 

[ Just west of the landing zone, an escape pod rests in the cooling crystal sands. A lone fugure emerges and gazes eastward. ] 

Master Vitis: What's this! The light of Illuma shines brightly suddenly. Is this why I was pulled here? No time for idle questions. I will meet my destiny face to face.

[ the alien Star Knight sets off on foot toward a large crystal column just east of his pod.]

Master Vitis: I wonder how Yuug is handling himself now. The child shows much promise if he can just keep himself centered. He has much to learn and we have too little time I fear.

[ Farther west two pairs of eyes scan the horizon.]

#1: I'm sure it was an escape pod I saw coming down earlier. A meteor would have impacted the surface and we'd have heard it!

#2: Perhaps, if it were large enough, but a small one... Let's just be extra wary anyway eh brother. 

[ A half centar later, the trio rounds the side of a large crystal outcropping.]

T8-TUM: I am afraid I just was not built for long term difficult terrain hikes.

Argenti: It's okay Tatum, we're in no rush.

Joohdi: Argenti! [ pointing at a robed figure standing before them]

[ The trio find themselves face to face with an unexpected being.]

Master Vitis

Master Vitis: Greetings, are you locals to this area?

Argenti: [ hand near his stunner, while eyeing the short metal rod on the stranger's belt ] No, we just happen to be visiting. How about yourself?

Joohdi: It is you I sensed is it not? The light of Illuma is strong within you!

Master Vitis: I am a follower of the Way. I sense something as well, but it is carried with you. Do hold something upon your person??

Argenti: [ stepping back and talking to Tatum] Are they both the same species? I can tell there is a similarity between them.

T8-TUM

T8-TUM: Only in as much as Dame Joohdi and the newcomer are both what you refer to as "Plantients". Or per the Galactic Encyclopedia entry - Sentient Organic Plant Species. The stranger is of the Sedom species and Dame Joohdi is of the Luminae species. Though similiar both are quite...

Argenti: Ok, I got it.

Master Vitis: It is quite rare to see a Luminae off-world. What is you're title?

Joohdi

Joohdi: [ rooting through his pack, reveals the statue he carries to the stranger.] I am called Dame Joohdi Dench, my title is "He who Seeks".

Master Vitis: [ taking the statue, and inspecting it intently] Yes, this makes sense now. Illuma has seen fit to guide us both to meet. Then the search has begun? How many have you found?

Joodhi: If it is the Temples you speak of, I have located two so far. And I have a sense of a few more.

Master Vitis: [ handing back the statue] That is good news, and it adds a sense of urgency to my own task. Have you encountered any others like me? Is this human your ally?

Joohdi: Yes, and my friend. We work together and it has been beneficial to us both. I trust him with my life. I have also met a pair of Star Sailors, they were there for my initiation.

Master Vitis: The Sailors have returned, fortutious indeed! In that case, I am Master Vitis and I will aid you in your endeavor here. I recently landed in a pod just over that rise.  You both came to this planet for a reason I surmise did you not?

Argenti: We have. I'm tracking a wanted criminal named Chrystophon Marrs. I need to bring her in alive, but I don't see how you'll be of much help having just arrived here. I can vouch for Joohdi's skills, but what can you do to help us.

Master Vitis: Illuma's light has brought us together, how I can help exactly remains to revealed. But it will be, in time. I do happen to know there is an outpost west of here, about two centars walk I estimate.

Joohdi: Illuma guides Argenti, nothing is by chance.

Argenti: Ok, ok. Well at least we can ask around for info at that outpost. Alright Master Vitis, welcome to the team. For now.

[ The group of four head west and soon top a rise overlooking a dilapidated prospecting outpost. From the cover of a large crystal spire they decide what to do next.]

Outpost

Argenti: Looks deserted, oh nope there is someone now. [ sees a lone figure emerge from a hut and enter what looks to be a garage shed.] I suppose we should head down there and see what we can discover.

Joohdi: We should ask for water canteens as well, if we have to continue on from here.

T8-TUM: Do you think they might loan us a speeder or rover? My knee joints are getting stiff with crystal dust and I fear...

Argenti: Maybe we can oil your joints in thier garage.

Master Vitis: I sense something. . . .

[ The party are taken by surprise as a pair of beings leap down on the group from above. They had been watching them approach from their hiding place atop the crystal spire. A pair of reptillians quickly disarm Joohdi of his staff, and Argenti is incapacited with a stun-net!]

Plietuz & Izohsta

Plietuz: What have we here brother? A well armed human, two plants and a valet-bot. What an odd group.

Izohsta: That one's a Hunter for sure Plietuz, look at his weapons! [gesturing towards Argenti, struggling on the ground in the net] We should kill them now!

Joohdi: [eyeing the silver whip the second retillian used to disarm him.] We are but humble prospectors, and the human is our hired guide.

Plietuz: [tongue flicking] Hear that, Izohsta?? They are mere prospectors, marching about the dunes with no proper gear or rover! Hah!

Master Vitis: [Steps towards the one called Plietuz, and makes a subtle motion with his hand.] Dear Plietuz it is I Vitis, your companion of old.

Plietuz: [stares at the old one for a few seconds then lowers his weapon] Vitis! How long has it been? Brother watch the human, Vitis is an old friend!

Izohsta: [confused] He is? I don't remember you ever knowing a plantient!?!

[ After a few minutes, Master Vitis is able to convince the reptillians that he and Joohdi were captured by Argenti for the bounties on thier heads. The brothers agree to take the Hunter and the others to the cantina at the outpost where they can talk about what to do next. ]

 Plietuz: [dragging the net-bound Argenti] Lucky we happened upon you eh, don't like bounty hunters much!

Master Vitis: Indeed fortunate for my companion and myself. We thought we had evaded him, but he quite tenacious. Have you been on Furnna long?

Izohsta: [trailing the party, still suspicious of his brother's "new" found friend] Old friend, indeed. Since when my brother, since when??

Joohdi: [keeping an eye on the second reptillian, while giving a hand signal for patience to Argenti] That is a fine whip you have there, is it handcrafted.

Izohsta: Eh? No, it is typical of its make. I lifted it from a human I killed in a bar fight.

Cantina

[ Entering the cantina, Plietuz leaves Argenti bound on the floor a few feet inside the doorway. A dark haired woman sitting at the bar turns to look at the group, she is armed and seems quite disturbed.]

Marrs: Plietuz! What in the dark-star are you doing!

Plietuz: Marrs, this is my old friend Vitis. We caught the Hunter that was after him and...

[ before the reptillian can finish, the woman unslings her laser carbine and taps a crystal buckle on her belt that emits a high-pitched whine.]

Marrs

Marrs: You idiot, that's a Star-Knight youv'e been brain-swayed!! [ firing two bolts of energy at Vitis]

Izohsta: I knew something was off! [stepping forward, he smacks Vitis in the back with the pommel of his knife] I'll brain-sway you!!

T8-TUM: [shuffling quickly to one side of the doorway, hands raised] I have no weapons!

Joohdi: [swings his staff to knock Izhosta off the old master] Step back, please!

Master Vitis: [reeling from the blaster hits and the blow upon him from behind, draws and ignights his Star-sword, deftly slicing the net open holding Argenti] Quickly lad, I'm afraid I'm worse off than it appears!

Argenti: [rolling out of the net but staying prone he draws his blaster and fires on Plietuz, the shots just miss as the reptile dives behind a table for cover] Don't let Marrs get away!

 [ Marrs takes aim at Joohdi, whose back is to her as he is facing off with Izohsta. Plietuz fires back at Argenti striking the bounty hunter once. The Star Knight stumbles to cover trying to stay concious!]

Joohdi: [sweeping his right hand from left to right, then pointing at the floor while staring intently at Plietuz and Marrs] This ends now!

Izohsta: [watching as his brother and Marrs slump to the floor seemingly dead!] What have you done... do they live??

Argenti: [standing and pointing his blaster at the reptile.] They'll live, but you won't unless you drop your weapons! All of them!

Joohdi: [looking from Argenti to Izhosta] His aim is much better when he's standing, and he means what he says.

Izohsta: [dropping his knife and belt to the floor] Let me take my brother from here and we will not hinder your hunt.

Argenti: [moving to place himself between Vitis and the reptile] Take him, but leave his weapons here as well. If i see you again, I'll put you both down. Joohdi, secure Marrs and Tatum check on Vitis.

 [ Izohsta is allowed to take his brother and leave the cantina, while Joohdi binds  and disarms Marrs. Master Vitis is aided to a seat by Tatum and begins a healing meditation. After collecting all the weapons left by the three criminals, they hear the sound of a rover engine start and then drive off.]

Argenti: [looking out a window] The brothers and the man we saw earlier, high-tailing it out of here. I'll call K8 to come pick us up. How you doing old plant?

Master Vitis: I'll be fine in a few microns, just a little winded.

Argenti: Well that didn't go the way I anticipated. You're pretty good with that sword Vitis, think I could get one of those?

Master Vitis: Only those who are special, may wield a Star sword.

Argenti: I'm pretty special! [ spinning his blaster and holstering it in a quick motion]

Joohdi/Vitis: [simultaneously] Not "that" special.

Argenti: Ouch! 

[ The Shesha's Nest arrives and the party stow Marrs in an ISO-Cabinet till she can be delivered to GC Authorities. ] 

Location:  9 centars [hours] later

Red Shift - Kelron Sector - Tannoa High Port - Vector 11/24

GC High Port SEC

GC Sec-sergeant: Nice work Hunter, here's the voucher for Marrs. You can convert it to a cred-stik at any exchange in the Sector. Take a look at the Most Wanted Feed, we got a half dozen scum roaming the Red Shifts. You could rack up some cash if you keep bringing them in like this.

Argenti: Thanks, think I'll take a little break before I set out again though. 

[ Argenti watches as a pair of SEC troopers wheel Marrs through a set of reinforced doors still in full stasis in the ISO-cabinet.]

Argenti: When do I get my ISO back? Those things aren't cheap you know.

GC SEC-sergeant: The voucher covers the cabinet, you'll have enough to purchase another one.

Location: 30microns later - the passenger gate for outbound ships.

Joohdi: May Illuma guide you Vitis.

Master Vitis: And may your way never be darkened, my son.

Argenti: Where are you headed to Vitis?

Master Vitis: That is for me to know, and my apprentice to figure out. Though i have a strong feeling we will all meet again.

SPEAKER: Outbound shuttle 42 now boarding at gate 3.

Master Vitis: That is my ship, be seeing you my friends.

[ The pair watch as the elder Star Knight blends into the crowd and disappears from sight.]

Argenti: We didn't meet any Star-girls, just an old plantient that swings a mean laser sword.

Joohdi: A Star Kinght, Argenti. [ the Mystic whispers, as the pair turn and head back to the docking bay.] And they are called Star-Sailors, the Star-girls were the headliners at that low rent cabaret you took me to on Argon station.

Argenti: Oh yeah, that's right! Pretty good show too, we should go there again when we get back. what do you say?

Joohdi: I say I have a lot a meditating to do, and my search for more temples to direct my attention towards.

Argenti: ok, ok Temple hunting. Say did i ever mention that place where lost my mentor? I think it might be one of these places you're seeking.

THE END

for now. . . . .

White Star : Star Rogues episode 8

 White Star: The Orpheus Cycle, part 2

game played: 5/27/2024

Stellar Coyote

Players:                                                             

Selina - Yuug Star Knight Apprentice

Mark - Max Arden, Aristocrat / Free Trader

Deborah - N0-VAK-33, Robot Bodyguard

Having departed Argon station our party travels to the Brinn system hot on the trail of a ship called the Orpheus Cycle. Yuug's Master is believed to be travelling low on this craft and Max wonders why he really keeps "losing" his young apprentice.

Location: 2 Cycles (days) later

Red Shift - Kelron Sector - Brinn Alpha station - Vector 14/29

Brinn Alpha / GC station

Max: Stellar Coyote to Brinn Alpha control, requesting permission to dock on repair level.

Brinn Control: Stellar Coyote, sensors show minor rad scoring, what happened out there?

Max: Had a run in with a trio of Rills*, we got real lucky and shook them.

Brinn Control: Confirmed, you are clear for docking in repair bay 12. Align to vector 4.5 and slow to standard by 0.5. Control will lock and bring you in.

Max: Thank you control, Coyote set for vector and lock-on.

Yuug: I sense cheese toasties nearby. . . . 

[ After docking, Max gets a repair crew to take care of the damage caused by the Rills. Our trio then heads to the promenade level and stops at a Starbeans Cafe, then Stay-Fresh Snaks for Yuug. Finally Max gets N0-VAK to stay with Yuug at a Holovid Cinema while he runs down info on the Orpheus Cycle. ]

Max: We just missed the Orpheus by a few hours. Seems they picked up a cargo heading to Janaris II. I've taken on a cargo for the Recreational facility as well  on that planet so we can head in the same direction without drawing any unwanted attention. If there isn't anything either of you need, we should head out.

N0-VAK-33: I am ready to depart.

Yuug: You need to refill your pantry on the ship, and some space-cheese would be good too!

Max: Refill the pantry!? There was enough basic onboard for two sectons when we left Argon station! You owe me kid!

Location: 36 Centons later

Red Shift - Kelron Sector - Hyperlane to Janaris system - Vector 16/29

Spaceship wreckage

[ Console starts beeping. ]

Yuug: What's that sound, is the ship gonna explode? I'm hungry still.

Max: No, the ship isn't going to explode. Looks like we're picking up a distress beacon. I have to drop out of the Hyper-lane. Everyone strap in, I'm shutting down the E-drive.

Yuug: Why are we stopping? Are we at Janaris already? Where's the rest of the space-cheese?

N0-VAK-33: Upon detecting a distress beacon a ship is required to respond and give aid if possible or at least survey the situation and report it to the authorities as soon as possible. We may need to provide medical or mechanical to those in need. 

Max: Well, we can't take on any passengers, but we'll do what we can.

[ The group see's the wreckage of a ship drifiting in space. ]

N0-VAK-33: The damage looks severe. Do you think they were attacked?

Max: No, pirates don't blast the ships they hit, you don't want to risk damaging valuable cargo. This looks more like a really bad malfunction of some kind. See how the rear end is ripped open, looks like an internal rupture or power overload maybe.... 

Yuug: Hey is that someone in a spacesuit out there!!! Looks like they are holding onto something, a crate or a box I think. 

[ The body and the crate are brought onboard the Coyote, and it is discovered by the markings on the spacesuit that this is a member of the Orpheus crew. The crate contains what appear to be drugs of some type and both are stowed in the cargo hold. ]

N0-VAK-33: I have scanned the wreck and found no other survivors. Oddly there are no other bodies among the wreckage either. It is possible they have drifted beyond or sensor range.

Yuug: Oh Master, what happened?? Where are you?? If he were dead, I would feel it, I know I would!

Max: I don't think your Master's dead kid. Something happened here and the question is what exactly. Well, we've done all we can, better get back on course for Janaris. There is a GC outpost there we can lodge our report with.

Location: 36 Centons later

Red Shift - Kelron Sector - Janaris system - Vector 17/30

GC Outpost comms

GC Outpost: Your report has been logged and you may continue your journey to Janaris II. We have already contacted Resort Control and they are expecting you. Docking ring secure and you are clear for maneuvers Stellar Coyote.

Max: Setting course for Janaris II Resort, speed standard x1. Stellar Coyote out. 

N0-VAK-33: Yuug is convinced his Master is alive. He is still in the meditative trance he says will lead us to him. This is highly unusual.

Max: I hope the kid is right, and his Master and the rest of the people that were on that ship are alive. But the GC didn't seem overly concerned, and that was weird. They took the body and the crate, reviewed our data-scans and gave me no hassle. This just seems like something is really off. 

[ The Stellar Coyote arrives safely at the pleasure resort on Janaris II and Max gets the cargo unloaded and collects payment. In conversation with the Dockmaster he makes a discovery the only reinforces his prior suspicions. ] 

Max: There is something going on, and I don't like it.

N0-VAK-33: What do you mean? 

Max: The Dockmaster told me the Orpheus was never logged to make a delivery here. The Coyote is the only cargo hauler they were expecting. I don't like being mixed up in "situations", and this is quickly becoming a very mysterious situation.

Yuug: [ coming out of his trance ] Master!! Max, Novak! I felt him calling to me!! He's here on Janaris, in a tower of ice with a bunch of robots and others from the Orpheus!!

Max: Whoah kid, slow down. What do mean he's here on Janaris?

Yuug: I can sense him, he's here on this planet. I can lead us there!

N0-VAK-33: Perhaps we should humor him. If we go where he wants us to, we will either find his master and the missing crew. Or we will find nothing and be able to move on from this "situation".

Max: Alright kid, let's see where your senses take us.

[ The Coyote leaves the port at the Janaris Resort and keeps a low flight path as they let Yuug act a humanoid compass guiding them ever closer to the location of the missing victims of the Orpheus. ] 

Yuug: Oh! We are close, I can sense my Master clearly!!

Max: There's nothing out here but ice-covered mountains! I'm picking up no beacons or power readings within a thousand kliks of us.

[ Suddenly the ship is rocked as a tractor-control beam targets the Coyote!  A hidden docking bay in the side of a cliff becomes visible as a cloaking shield drops. ]

N0-VAK-33: A hidden base, no wonder we deteceted nothing on our instruments.

Max: I don't think whoever is in there is going to be very nice either.

Yuug: They won't keep me from my master, I'll show them what it means to mess with a Star Knight and his apprentice!!

As soon as the Coyote was settled in the landing bay of the hidden base, our trio burst out o the ship taking thier captors by surprise! A quick but intense battle was fought against three very strange Bio-Robotic creatures. Throughout the fight the "Bio-cans!" as Yuug called them, kept screaming "Obliterate!" in high-pitched voices. Max having a dislike for robots in general had no problem using his firearm to handily dispatch these things.

Bio-Can

Yuug's master was quickly located as well as the "Real" cargo of the Orpheus Cycle - Ten low berth pods and their occupants. It seems the Bio-Cans were going to use them as test subjects for some experiment they were about to do when the Coyote arrived.

Not wanting to linger and possibly draw GC attention. The group loaded the Low berth pods on the Coyote and they plotted a course from Janaris back to Argon station.

Location: 5 cycles later

Red Shift - Kelron Sector - Argon station - Vector 14/33

Master Vitis

Master Vitis: We are in your debt Mister Arden. I thank Illuma Yuug met you and N0-VAK, or things may have ended quite differently for myself and those poor people.

Max: Please, call me Max. I'm sad the crew of the Orpheus were all killed, but at least we can now get the other nine victims safley back to thier loved ones. What will you and Yuug do now? I'm afraid if the GC get word of you both you'll be hunted down quickly in this sector.

Yuug: What are we going to do next, master? Is it time for a new trial? Can we get some toasties with cheese before we move on? When will you teach me a ....

Master Vitis: [ holding up his hand to silence the apprentice ] I have booked us passage on a ship leaving Argon within the centar. Yuug and I have a mission that lies elsewhere. I hope you and N0-Vak stay well, and follow the path of the White Star.

N0-VAK-33: Farewell Master Vitis and Yuug. If you ever have need of me, here is my private FEED-COM. May your journey be pleasant and fruitful.

Max: Goodbye you two. By the way Yuug. you still owe me for a quarter ration of Basic! As for you N0-Vak, thanks for help. For a robot you aren't half-bad. Maybe I'll see you around.

N0-VAK-33: Perhaps you will Max, perhaps.

[Returning to the Stellar Coyote, Max takes stock of his venture so far.]

Max: Okay, enough "situations". I need to get down to some serious trading. The ship needs some upgrades and I think it's time I invested in a Mech-bot too. But first, a little game of P-zak down at Theta-Blooms.

THE END. . . for now

*RILLS: see the White Star & Quadrant 44 page for more info.

Epilogue: Secret base in the Ice mountain on Janaris II.

GC Operative: The ship is registered to a Maximillan Arden out of Tellian, a Free Trader. Shall I have the outpost send word to stop him at his next port?

Blue-Man: No. I am taking over from this point forward. The young Arden has twice now thwarted my Dark-Masters endeavours. There is somethnig more to him that I first thought, and I must know what it is. Wipe this place, there must be no trace of what transpired here. Also alert Talamacus that a Star Knight is active in this Sector, I think he'll be very interested in that.