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.

White Star: Star Rogues episode 7

 White Star: Star Rogues episode 7: A Little help from friends

Game played on: 5/10/24

Players:        

Josh: Dame Joodi Dench - Alien Mystic & Diplomatic Bot: CH-T8UM

Steven: Argenti Root - Bounty Hunter & R3-K8 mechanical bot

Joe: Zorn - Alien Brute

Scott: B00m-5haka-L0c4a - Robot, Sports/Entertainment model

Argon Station

Location: 

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

The shipment of parts was finally sorted and prepped for refurbishment. BOOM turned away from the racks and placed the empty bins in the corner. The robot yearned to overextend his spring coils and rezz up the null grav gyroscope. His hands crumpled a sheet of zyluminum into a ball, he spun around and tossed the now ball-shaped metal ten feet across the room. The ball ricocheted off a shelf and landed in a wastebin.

BOOM: "That's a 3 pointer!" the bots vox-box chimed, mimicking a GSPN announcer. [ BOOM turned to head for the exit, his shift was over and he felt the urge for a spicy lube pint from one of the bars on the station.]

Supervisor Borg

Supervisor Borg: You're sheduled for recycling duty next cycle B00m. You are meeting all work
standards that have been set for you. I must admit I did not think a Sport-Model like you would fit in here. You have exceeded our expectations. Have a good recharge cycle. [ The supervisor watches as B00m leaves the work area and heads for the lockers.]

BOOM: [ turning towards the Supervisor as he walks by] "No hocus pocus, just focus from Boom-Shaka-Locka on that drive!" Placing the non-static coverall in his locker, the tall robot dons his well worn Nova team jersey and leaves the Android Recycling and Parts Replacement warehouse. There was a time, he would have overloaded the logic capicitors on a Borg like her after a game. But those days were over, and he missed his team. Time for that drink, maybe more than one.

Theta-Blooms Hydroponic Agri-bar was packed with patrons. Since the disaster on Brinn Beta alot more ships were diverting through Argon station, and spacer crews were not shy about their shore leaves! At a circular table near the back of the bar a human, a pair of aliens and diplomatic-bot are deep into multiple rounds of drinks.

T8-TUM: Since our return from Gizon system, Dame and I have become engaged in a journey of enlightenment of not only ourselves but to bring the light to others as well.

Joodi: Illuma guides me, I follow where her light shines.

Zorn: This light shining your way to any creds?

Argenti: Well, I don't know about all this Lords of Light stuff but my old mentor Buloke paid homage to them. So do as you will my friend, I'm just no zealot for this stuff.

Joodi: There is more to life than creds, Zorn. 

Zorn

Zorn: [The large alien brute frowns and finishes off the pitcher he's using as a mug.] Hugs and starlight never bought anyone more ammo and a stack of zorst steaks.

As the conversation continues Zorn happens to see a tall robot enter and head to the bar, the faded astro-ball jersey catches the big guy's attention as he notices the name and number on the back!

Zorn: Well I'll be a scratchers uncle! That looks like Boom-Shaka-Locka over at the bar.

Argenti & Joodi: Who? [ Looking in the direction Zorn indicates.]

Zorn: #81 Boom-Shaka-Locka! Star player of team Nova!? Astro-ball Champion! [ The brute is bewildered his friends have no clue who he refers to.]

T8-TUM: If I may sir, Zorn is speaking of the disgraced Astro-ball champion that was the only survivor of Tanoan system Solar Flare catastrophe of 3022. We watched the docu-drama on the feed last night.

Joodi: I must have been meditating during that part.

Zorn: [ getting up from the table] I'm going to see if I can get him to autograph the rookie holo-card I have. Imagine running into BOOM here on Argon!

Pushing his way through the crowd, Zorn reaches the bar and overhears the sports-bot trying in vain to order a drink, but his ability to only communicate in game calls is annoying the server.

Barman: Look buddy, I get that you're an astro fan but the lingo needs to be put in orbit. When you know what ya want tell me.

BOOM: " They need a timeout to stop the bleeding!" [This is so much easier with non-organic servers, as I can order using binary.]

A large figure looms over the former baller and he turns to get an optic full of a big organic

Rookie Holo card image

brute smiling and holding out a holograpic Astro-Ball trading card.

Zorn: Hey, aren't you BOOM-shaka-Locka? Will you autograph my card? I've followed you since you started with Aranons. I think you got shafted by Computia.

BOOM: " It's always been an adventure at the free throw line."

Zorn: I'll say! Hey would come meet my friends at our table?

BOOM: [ reaching for the holo-card, he is jostled by a patron moving to the bar.] " That was a smart foul!"

Zorn: Oh sorry, I mean if you don't wanna be bothered I'll move along. [ thinking the remark was meant for him]

BOOM: [turning towards Zorn and motioning to the brutes friends] "The refs should let them play." [ he then puts a digital-autograph on the rookie card.]

Zorn: [ smiling, he puts his arm around Boom's shoulder and guides him back towards his friends] Yeah, they should get to play. C'mon they're going to love you!

BOOM: "They play above the rim."

Zorn: Sure BOOM, we're all on the same team.

Minutes later a round of spicy-lube and a pitcher or three of Bloom ale are served up and the group get to talking. Suddenly the bar is stunned into silence as a shaggy old prospector climbs up on the bar pulls out a double barrel hand cannon and blasts a lighting fixture to smithereens!

the old man

Prospector: Listen up you bunch of hull hugging Rills! I got a little something for any of you brave enough to dare the dangers of space! [ from his pocket the old man reveals a half dozen palm-sized stamped plates of what look like gold latinum.]

Each one of these is a map to a stake on an uncharted planet, enough to set a being up for life! 

Bar Patron: Stuff it, you old coot! 

Prospector: Believe me or not, but I made these here maps from just a little of what lies waiting for someone to claim it! I got the RADS and no time left, so this is my gift to you blackhole bastards! Get it before the Consortium does! [ the old man tosses the golden maps up in the air and in an arc across the bar.]  

The entire bar goes quiet as the light reflects off the golden rectangles, everyone thinking about what the old man said. Then chaos explodes across the room! Fists, tentacles, and a myriad of other appendages slap, swing, and pound into faces and bodies. Knives and pistols start to be drawn and the barman ducks down to get his own roomsweeper! He knows this is going to get real bad before station enforcement arrives. The old prospector on the bar points his gun into the crowd firing and howling like a rabid moon-hound.

Zorn made use of his "fake" grenade, allowing Argenti to grab a gold map plate and the party escaped from the bar out the emergency exit. Figuring they have little time to waste the group board the bounty hunters small ship and quickly decipher the star chart imprinted on the golden map.

Argneti: These are coordinates alright, but according to the nav-comp there is nothing there but empty space. The old guy could have made this all up, some kind of sick joke!

BOOM

Zorn: Or it's a real treasure map, and leads us to his secret stash! We better leave now!

Joodi: A new path lies before us, yet is our choice as to whether we follow it or not.

BOOM: "This game has turned into a free throw shooting contest!" 

Argenti: Ok then. K8 power up the engines, looks like we're going on a treasure hunt.

A course is plotted and Argenti takes his ship out of Argon station headed into deep space. Once safely beyond the asteroid field they power up the jump drive and punch in the mysterious co-ordinates. During the week long trip in jump space, the ship suffers a minor malfunction leaving the flight deck in darkness as the interior illuminator power regulator overheats and becomes slag.

Red Shift - Kelron Sector - Uncharted System - Vector 19/28

Soon after dropping out of jump, the group find they are indeed within an uncharted star system. They follow the map and soon locate the single hospitable planet and head for it. The long range detectors wail as another ship is picked up going in the same direction as our team.

Survey ship: Amelia Earhardt

Zorn: You got guns on this thing right, we should shoot them down!

Argenti: Calm your jets Z. We don't fire on anybody till we know their intentions. I'll signal them on the comms, see what sort of response we get. K8, take the wheel.

K8: -affirmative-

Detector screen

Argenti: Unidentified ship, this is Shesha's Nest. Please state your inten . .  [ get's interrupted by Boom entering the cockpit]

BOOM: " It's a two possesion game." pointing at the blip on the detector screen. 

Unknown Ship: Shesha's Nest, this is the Amelia Earhardt. We are on a parallel course for the planet ahead. Did you guys get one of those maps too?

Zorn: [whispering to Argenti] Get closer so we can shoot them, or maybe board them...

Argenti: [ waving Zorn out of the cockpit] Amelia, we did get a map. We would prefer to keep things peaceful if that's good with you? [ motions to K8 to maneuver their ship closer to the newcomer, and activates the vid-feed]

Amelia pilot

Amelia Earhardt: We would prefer that as well, we're just a survey vessel hoping to score this chance for a planetary listing. There isn't much we could do if you guys are lying anyway...

BOOM: "That was a ticky-tack call!" [moving into view of the comms vid-feed]

 Amelia Earhardt: .. we, holy quasars!!! Is that BOOM-Shaka-Locka!?!

BOOM: [ giving a thumbs up sign] "Coast to Coast!"

Argenti: [ muttering to himself ] How does everyone recognize this Bot? Yeah, Earhardt. It's the old astro-champ himself!

Suddenly both ships detectors begin screaming as multiple incoming objects are picked up. It is quickly surmised the objects are missiles, and right behind them is the bulky ship that launched them. Some fancy flying by Argenti allows the Nest to avoid being hit, but the Earhardt is damaged and a casualty is seen being sucked out a hull rupture!

Amelia: Shesha's Nest, we're hit and venting O2. Engaging emergency landing protocols. We can't take another hit like that!

Argenti: Everyone strap in! [ turning back to the comm vid-feed ] Amelia, hold her steady I've got a plan. We're going to magno-grapple you and use my retros to stabilize your re-entry! 

The two ships link up and are able to pull off an emergency landing without damaging themselves. Also the bounty hunter was able to knock out another pair of missiles fired at them by the intruder! Once planetside the crews of both ships make introductions and form a plan of action.

Earhardt crew ATV

The party leave K8 to help two of the Earhardt's crew repair their ship. While Todd and Amanda the planetary surveyors let the rest of our guys ride in the ATV they have. Using the map plates they head out for the location shown on the flipside of the star chart.

Joodi: [ to the group] I feel the light of Illuma here. It is strong, and has grown stronger since we landed.

Joodi

Amanda: That bodes well for our journey then right?

Todd: Seems you've got a fellow believer here 'manda. [ smiling he starts the ATV]

Argenti: We should go, no telling where that ship went that tried to kill us all.

Zorn: If we see them again, I'll smash them into pulp!

T8-TUM: I do hope there is no further need for violence on this trip.

Joodi: [ to his Bot, and the others in the ATV] Let us be quietly alive, aware and alert, ready for whatever may come.

BOOM: "We need to domiate the boards!"

wildlife

The next couple of hours are spent driving through thick jungle and dense grass plains. Eventually the ATV arrives at the destination co-ordinates supplied on the map plate. Everyone is in awe of what they see upon arrival.

Jungle temple

   The party enter and begin exploring the temple while Amanda and Todd perform their environmental survey. Dame Joohdi takes the lead as the alien's connection to the Luminae guides them to something awaiting within!

Upon entering a large chamber near the top of the temple complex, Joohdi is overcome with the spirit of Luminae and the room springs to life with cosmic power!

Zorn: [ hefting his power axe ] Do we need to fight?

Argenti: I don't think this is bad, but we should be wary. . .

BOOM: [gives a thumbs up to Argenti], stays close to the big alien Zorn.

T8-TUM: There is no power source within my sensor range, the lights we are seeing are being created by some other means.

Joodi: The White Star senses us, I will enter the circle and commune with Illuma. [ the mystik steps forward and enters the glowing circle upon the dias at the center of the room]

Argenti: Be careful Joodi.

Joodi: There is nothing to fear here, other than that which we bring ourselves.

While the Mystik communes with the cosmos, Zorn and Boom hear cries of alarm from outside. Finding a vantage point in the crumbling temple wall, the pair witness a group of armed humanoids capture Amanda and Todd. The scruffy opponents proceed to blast the ATV before departing into the jungle in a large open topped air-car.

BOOM: [ pointing to their captured friends] They can't buy a basket!

Zorn: I think the pirates just kidnapped our friends, we gotta get back down there!

Joodi: [ coming out of the trance ], I am done here, we can go.

Argenti: [ quietly to the mystik ] What did you see?

Joodi: In good time my friend, let us aid those in need first!

Reaching the base of the temple the party discover the ATV has been disabled by laser fire. Argenti notes he could track the pirates, but doesn't advise trekking  through the alien jungle on foot! Suddenly T8UM alerts the group that they are surrounded by two dozen lifeforms!!

the natives

Surrounded by native inhabitants, the group prepare to possibly fight their way to safety. Joodi commands T8UM to start a communication link through his language database in hopes of communicating with them.

After a tense few miniutes with things seemingly headed towards a bad outcome, it's BOOM that swings the situation back in favor of a peaceful outcome. The Astro-ball player activates his internal Inflato-ball modification, and begins a one-bot display of his Astro-ball skills!

Zorn: We gonna fight, or play ball?

Argenti: I think BOOM may have saved us from a big misunderstanding. . . 

Joodi: His actions are giving T8UM time to analyze their speech patterns. This non-threatening display is de-escalating our predicament from outright violence to probable parley.

BOOM slowly gets one native after another to join him in a makeshift game of Half-court. Twenty minutes later T8UM is able to assemble a rudimentary translation matrix allowing him to act as intermediary between the two parties for communication.

BOOM: They match-up well size wise. [motioning to the natives]

The party learns the pirates have a makeshift base set up a few kilometers to the west of the temple. They also discover the pirates have been using the locals as forced labor in a strip-mining operation. The native leader agrees to lead the party to the base in exchange for aid in freeing their people and destroying the pirates.

In the end, the group through wise use of Mystic powers, stealth and robo-sports were able to destroy the mining facility, save Todd, Amanda, and the local natives. The group also took command of a modified cargo ship carrying a load of unrefined latinum ore. They sold the ship and stored the ore for later use once back at Argon station. The system and planet was registered by the crew of the Amelia Erhardt [ K19-28: Kroonstad ] and the natives are now under protection from further illegal activities as the Galactic Consortium takes over commerce with the Sector guild commitee.

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

Relaxing with a round of Blue-Nebula's, the party thinks about what to do next.

Argenti: Well done everyone, there's nothing better than breaking up pirate schemes!

BOOM: We really lit up the scoreboard!

Zorn: Ended up with a fat load of credits too!

Joodi: We surely brought the light of Illuma back to the oppressed beings of that world. However the darkness of the void still closes in around us. I gained knowledge that can help spread the light once more across the sectors, will you all aid me in this endeavor?

There is a moment of silence as the Mystik looks to each of his companions.

Zorn: As long as there are credits to be made and foes to be smashed!

Argenti: I hunt those who break the law, and I can't abide any who would willingly do evil to others. I'm in.

BOOM: Looks like the refs are gonna have to let us play!

THE END