Early September 1997 Story
So it was that the small black freighter made no sound, despite the atomic
force behind its engines. A lengthy landing procedure followed and the
hull docked itself firmly in the cramped First Landing starport.
Robotic arms probed deep into the ship's hull, extracting neatly stacked
cubes filled with valuable Streel goods. The cargo unloading would take
some time, and the crew was exhausted. A quick refresher in the
underground entertainment areas would do them good.
The silence that followed was not caused by the void of space, but rather
by the fact that the ship's crew had evacuated.
Then a scaping sound broke the silence!
A gray floorpanel in one of the ship's corridors pushed itself up. . .then to
the side, revealing a black service pit beneath. Black arms appeared,
followed by a head and legs--all black. The form was Human, but moved more
like a spider.
The dark clad Human stopped abruptly at the corridor's porthole to avoid
revealing his presence. But he could not resist slowly gazing out, looking
upon the grid of First Landing's protected tubes. The Human's sunken eyes
widened with wonder.
Then they narrowed with hatred.
"If you woulda left the darn holographic units on, we coulda done this
meeting remotely." Taanik is definitely disappointed.
"Oh no," replies Kare. "There's no way we're letting some curious blob
poke his head in our place any time he wants."
"That's right!" concurs Tork, who has experienced the pleasure. "Listen
blob. Don't you ever wake me up more than one hour before training!"
The Yazirian stares the Dralasite down.
"I normally won't deny anyone his beauty sleep," says the Dralasite.
"But since beauty sleep in your case is a lost cause--"
"Stop! Stop! Stop!" T'Klkk is holding both hands out, palms open.
"Before any of this goes any further, thank you, cell-mates, for responding
so promptly to my invitation and coming
to this meeting."
The door chimes and Kare answers it.
Syzygy enters the room wearing his best coveralls and holding a pipe
as a show-piece, even though he doesn't smoke. His eyes drift from fixture
to
decoration, leering openly. He walks through the area where everyone else
is
sitting waiting, and whispers to T'Klkk.
"Hey! When you invited me up to your room, I thought. . .(ahem) okay, baby,
that's cool. I like a little hard-to-get." He visibly tries to regain his
cool. "How you all doing? (ahem) Nice place, T'Klkk."
"Sit down, Syzygy," says T'Klkk in a tone that, if not stern, is void of
any warmth.
Eight people fill the apartment's main room: Kare, Syzygy, T'Klkk, Taanik,
Tork, Urugg, Zane, and Fle'xx who has asked to appear as Selson's
representative.
"How do those holo things work anyway?" asks Kare. "Do they broadcast over electromagnetic waves or do they use dedicated lines?"
Fle'xx answers her question. "There is actually a complex web of high bandwidth fiber connecting every point of the city to the Central Computer Spire. The holographic communication panels use this network of fibers to handle all transmissions."
T'Klkk brings the group back on subject. "As I understand our function, this cell has been
charged with investigating the terroristic criminal activities which have
been occurring at the colony.
To do so, we must work as a team, devising an effective strategy and
coordinating our efforts so that each cell-mate's particular strengths are
maximized.
"I would like to review all of the reports filed by First Landing Law
Enforcement after they investigated each incident. It would be good of
Syzygy to help me with the download of all those files. In speaking
with him earlier, I believe that he will do this. Sifting through all of
that data should take me quite some time, so I would be willing to serve as
checkpoint coordinator for all the teams in the field. Tork, I believe,
mentioned the importance of having such a 'command center', and I tend to
agree. Any 'away team' doing investigative work in the field should
probably
check in at regular intervals, just so that we are all alert to any dangers
and so we can respond quickly in case of an ambush. Check ins should
include
current location, intended destination and route, and an estimated time
table;
that way, we can pinpoint roughly where mischief occurred if a team fails
to
check in due to foul play.
"It is also important that we investigate the physical sites where the
explosions occurred. Since Tork is the demolitions expert of this cell, he
would be the logical choice for this work; I would suggest that either Kare
or
Taanik accompany him since technician skills may also be of use in doing
this
work."
Urugg speaks up. "Kare and I were planning to check out some of the
commercial centers while we stock up on supplies. While we're out we could
also check up on the areas that Tork visits. I might be able to add some
insight from an environmental point of view."
"We were also going to check some records at the law enforcement
offices," adds Kare.
"That's right," says Urugg. "I need to see if I can get my foot in the
door with the chief of police, Karmen Ap-Harrow."
"Understood," says T'Klkk. "If Kare stays with Urugg, and Syzygy stays with me,
that means Tork will need to work with. . ."
There is an uneasy pause as Tork realizes who his tech partner will be.
His cat-like eyes widen in shock, and his jaw drops open, revealing a set
of sharp white fangs.
"Partners!" proclaims Taanik, placing an unwelcome pseudopod on the
Yazirian's back.
Tork must still be in shock, because he makes no reply.
"And you, cell-mate Zane?" says T'Klkk.
"I'll play up the traveling college student bit and try to use a little
charm. I want to see what the common people think about the colony, the
attacks, the demonstrations, the food, the weather, etc. I'd like to get
some pictures of the computer spire, and visit the local university. I'd
like to see if there is some sort of student underground, maybe some help
making shady contacts."
The female Vrusk frowns. "Your proposition carries exceptional risk. Especially if you are to be alone."
"I'm not planning on going into any dangerous areas alone. But I think the
traveling student bit would be more convincing without a constant
bodyguard."
"I would rather you stay with us. There is a lot you could do to help with the social profiles in the records Syzygy and I will be analyzing."
"I intend to help you, but at the same time I need to get out and familiarize myself with this environment."
"As you wish," replies the Vrusk after hesitation. "But be sure to check in
with Syzygy or myself regularly every half hour. Do nothing that
might bring risk to yourself or to our mission, and try to stay reasonably
close to other members of the away team."
"And once I've made fake records for us all," says Syzygy, "I can go out and act as your tail."
Fle'xx nods. "Going undercover shouldn't be a problem. All I ask is that you keep Selson and myself advised of your identities so that we can be assured of your safety. We'll keep your identities confidential if you wish." The Vrusk gets up. "Well, if that is the end of this meeting, I have other matters I must attend to."
"And don't forget my request for closer quarters!" says Syzygy. He leans back, kicking two of his eight feet up casually--only to knock Taanik's drink over in Tork's lap.
"Oh! Oops! Uh. . .heh heh. . .sorry 'bout that, big fella. . ."
Urugg, Tork, Kare and Taanik examine the most recent vandalism in one of the city's storage areas. A Dralasite attendant accompanies them.
Urugg begins taking environmental samples of the area, so that he can compare them to control samples he has taken at other parts of the city.
[Urugg Analyze Samples: 50 (base) + 20 (skill x 10) + 13 (LOGIC modifier) = 83%; Rolled: 92]
The Yazirian frowns at his inconclusive test results. He looks up at the attendant. "Did the vandals steal anything?"
"You bet they did!" answers the Dralasite. "We have everything carefully inventoried and catalogued. After we found this, we also discovered that 16 blankets, 52 everflames, two class I parabatteries, 162 food rations and 32 liters of water were unaccounted for. You know who ends up paying for that? Me! I hope you find these guys so I can take a little bit of that out of their hides!"
"Did anyone see anything?" he asks.
"No one was around as far as I know," says the attendant. "We don't have much of a staff here, except a few robotics experts that handle the robot loaders and unloaders."
Kare notices a number of security cameras. "And you're telling us you didn't get a single thing on film?"
"I haven't seen any of the security camera footage, but I suppose the local law enforcement has it on file. They said it didn't help, though."
Kare is not on her most polite behavior--if she ever is. "I'd like to see for myself, if you don't mind. What do you think, monkey-boy?"
The question is aimed at Urugg. The Yazirian environmentalist consults his geoscanner one last time. "I can't find anything out of the ordinary here. We might as well check up on leads at the law enforcement offices in the government building." Right before leaving, he notices that Tork is also carrying an envirokit. "Tork, why don't you do a chemical check on this place? See if I missed something."
Urugg and Kare step over to the nearest accelerator strips and slide away in the distance.
"Can I be of any more help?" asks the attendant.
"We just need some time to look around," says Taanik politely. "But thanks for your offer. We'll let you know if. . .oh my GOSH!"
"What is it?" demands the attendant.
"There's some type of green ooze climbing up your pseudopod!"
The attendant looks down in terror.
"Made you look!" announces Taanik, more than a little proud of himself.
The Dralasite attendant actually seems to appreciate the joke.
Once the two of them are alone, Taanik turns to Tork. "What do you think of this?"
[Tork INTUITION: 50 + 10 (familiarity with explosives) = 60%; Rolled: 25]
Tork's mouth twists, revealing a glimpse of fangs. "It's obvious that whoever did this didn't know what they were doing. Look where the explosions occurred. I could have gotten through this wall with one tenth the firepower by placing the charges correctly. Also look at all of this unnecessary damage. My guess is that whoever did this didn't know how to correctly dose his stuff."
The Yazirian pulls out his environmental equipment and does a quick scan.
[Tork Analyze Samples: 50 (base) + 10 (skill x 10) + 0 (LOGIC modifier) = 60%; Rolled: 17]
"Hmm. . ." he says. "This wasn't just any Joe-blow brand of kaboomite. Look at these chemical traces."
Taanik looks at all of the multi-colored bars on the geoscanner graph, although they mean nothing to him.
"Not only is this Streel's recipe of explosives, this is their premium stuff. Why would someone who needs to steal blankets use such an expensive grade of TD-19? Unless of course they stole that, too."
"You speaks as though you don't know them, but I does." The voice comes from behind Taanik and Tork, startling them both.
They turn to see a withered old Yazirian woman with dark mahogany skin. She is wearing a simple white dress and is heavily laden with all sorts of beads and trinkets. Her bony fingers twist about as though she is casting a spell.
"They is the Shadows, and they is out there." The old woman's eyes roll to one side, then the other.
"Where?" demands Tork.
"No one sees them, they does. But they is real. Ask the man that runs the food plant. He meets them face to face."
"We would like to talk to him about these. . .Shadows, if that's possible," says Taanik.
[Taanik PERSONALITY: 70 - 10 (Dralasite to Yazirian racial reaction modifier) = 60%; Rolled: 51]
"I takes you there, I does."
Tork and Taanik follow the strange woman westward through the city.
Hours of tedious research have passed.
T'Klkk has been going over dozens of reports of both Star's Arm activity and anonymous vandalism. The facts are the same.
The anonymous attacks have been going on for several months. No witnesses or confessions have been linked to the crimes. Security camera footage has been labeled as "inconclusive." So far, the attacks have only occurred in the south-most section of First Landing. It appears that the two types of structures that have been hit most heavily are storage pods and food production plants.
Star's Arm protest marches have been growing considerably the last few months. Only recently has the group been bold enough to sabotage equipment and set up blockades. The purpose of these stunts appears to be the getting of attention. No First Landing citizens have been physically harmed as a result of any of these demonstrations, annoying as they may be. Property damage, if any, has been minimal. Geographically, Star's Arm activity seems to happen in several areas of First Landing--not just the southern portion. Activity is more common in business areas, production sites and high traffic sections (like the starport).
[T'Klkk INTUITION: 40%; Rolled: 10]
"This is interesting," T'Klkk says aloud. "A long list of known Star's Arm activists is listed in the records. When I cross-reference these citizens, I see that many of them have left their employment in the past few months and have given up their places of residency. Where they are living and how they are sustaining themselves is unknown." Her antennae fidget in perplexity.
"Are the addresses of any of the activists known?" asks Zane.
"There are a few that still have current addresses on file, assuming the records are up-to-date."
Syzygy looks up from the apartment's computer terminal. "The background information on the Star's Arm leader just came through from Ap-Harrow's office."
Syzygy, T'K'lkk and Zane all look it over.
Lohr was born in the diminishing forest lands of Hargut in the Gruna Garu system.
She completed 18 years of environmental studies there and later
went on to teach environmental science at a number of universities.
During her stay on Hargut, she was known to be affiliated with
a number of nature preservationist groups--all of them legal.
She made public her opinions that Hargut inhabitants had no right
to decimate the planet's natural resources in the name of progress.
In particular, she targeted Hargut's mining industry,
the staple of the planet's economy.
Loer moved to Metrosphere five months ago,
where she was offered a teaching position
for advanced environmental studies in the First Landing school system.
She has no previous criminal record.
The present whereabouts of Loer are unknown.
No Star's Arm activist to date has been detained, although First Landing's law
enforcement agency is willing to hold Loer if she can be found.
[T'Klkk Comprehension: 21%; Rolled: 15]
"If we assume that this report is accurate, then Citizen An-Tehr is sincere in her efforts," says T'Klkk. "That is obvious when you examine the social structure behind her efforts. She has no malicious intent; nor is she concerned with personal gain. As unjustified as it may seem to you or me, Citizen An-Tehr's true motives are to protect the natural state of the Metrosphere moon."
"That's quite perceptive, T'Klkk," says Zane. "From a phycho-social point of view, it looks like she has her priorities confused, which might hint to a degree of instability in her personality. But I can't really say more without observing her in person."
A call comes in to T'Klkk's chronocom. Kare's face appears in the small viewpanel.
"Hiya, bug," she says.
T'Klkk flatly ignores another of the blasé Human's racial slurs. But the breach of social conduct shall be noted.
"Just checking in," continues the Human woman. "We're going to the government building to check some official police records. And ape-face wants to see if he can. . .get things going (wink) with the police chief. Two monkeys. . .yuck!"
"Understood," acknowledges T'Klkk.
"Well," says Zane. "If they're going to the government building, I might as well make my visit to the Computer Spire. It's close by, so they can run over to help me if something bad happens." He smiles and shakes his head. "But I'm sure it won't."
"If you see it as necessary, cell-mate," says T'Klkk. "Kare, watch your chronocom in case he needs assistance."
Meanwhile, Syzygy tries to get into Metrosphere's personnel files to create false records for eventually going on under-cover assignments. He learns that personnel records are actually stored in the Computer Spire. Since he has been given permission to attempt to create false personnel files, he does not have to worry about bypassing or defeating security.
[Actually, successfully creating the false personnel files requires operating the apartment computer (a level 2 device), interfacing to the Computer Spire (a level 6 device), operating the computer in the Spire, and manipulating a level 2 program.]
[Syzygy Operate Apartment Computer: 100 (base) + 20 (skill level x 10) + 10 (LOGIC modifier) - 20 (computer level x 10) = 110%; No roll needed (see AD rules p. 12)]
[Syzygy Interface Computers: 30 (base) + 20 (skill level x 10) + 10 (LOGIC modifier) - 60 (computer level x 10) + 40 (computers already on same communication network) = 40%; Rolled: 64]
"Dagnammit!" curses the Vrusk. "I can't seem to get remote access to the Computer Spire from here."
"What are your options?" asks T'Klkk.
"I can go directly to the Computer Spire, or I can try again from here. Once I've interfaced, the job should be just as easy from either location."
Kare and Urugg look around the busy office. Law enforcement officers and robots crisscross,
some eating, others talking, some filling out reports, others carrying equipment or electronic info-pads.
"There's a police computer terminal," says Urugg. "Maybe we could find someone to help us use it."
Kare lifts a wry smile. "They are best helped who help themselves."
She steps over to the terminal and starts to work.
[Kare Operating Computers: 100 (base) + 20 (skill level x 10) + 3 (LOGIC modifier) - 40 (computer level x 10)
= 83%; Rolled: 54]
[Kare Displaying Information: 80 (base) + 20 (skill level x 10) + 3 (INTUITION modifier) - 40 (computer level x 10)
= 63%; Rolled: 26]
The two look over the same report on Loer An-Tehr that Syzygy was given. Then they pass to another report.
"This is the 'yaz' that broke off and started Lost Point," says the woman.
Snarr had a long-running reputation of disloyalty and insurrection. He was
also known as being outspoken and stubborn. In retrospect, it was not
surprising that Snarr would have wanted to break off and form his own
group, but he was originally hired for the Metrosphere project because it
was thought that his technical skills outweighed his difficult attitude.
At the time of his hiring, Snarr was considered one of the top computer
specialists in the sector.
"Alarm bells! Alarm bells!" says Urugg.
"'Top computer specialists in the sector' - hmm,
sounds like the kind of guy who could hack into the Metrosphere system,
create himself a new identity; who could then hack into the life support
system, cargo manifests and divert supplies to a covert group or base; and
who could modify any number of mining or cargo robots to respond to his
commands. . ."
"Can I help you?" asks an irritated Vrusk security officer. He doesn't seem
too happy that Kare and Urugg have helped themselves to the law enforcement computer.
Urugg growls and includes the man in their conversation.
"Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you.
Especially when you're living in a glorified collection of tin cans - don't
you ever wish you could get some fresh air - and NOT out of a canister?"
"Look, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
Urugg lowers his voice. "We're here on official business."
He flips out his ID card discretely enough so that only the security guard can see it.
"I need to see Captain Ap-Harrow."
"I don't think so," says the Vrusk.
"Maybe you don't understand how busy we are.
The captain cannot see unscheduled visitors. Out of the question."
"Can we fix an appointment then?"
"With someone else maybe. There's no room in the captain's schedule."
Urugg breathes deeply. His mind reviews all that he has learned while
persuing his psycho-social studies over the last few days.
"I understand the circumstances, but this situation warrants special attention."
The Yazirian goes on with a very convincing--almost entrancing--plea for his cause.
[Urugg Persuasion: 10 (base) + 20 (skill level x 10) + 5 (LEADERSHIP modifier)
= 35%; Rolled: 64]
"I'm really sorry," says the Vrusk. "The captain can't be bothered.
Take a number and you'll be served by the next available law officer."
The Yazirian supervisor at the food plant has a heavy white bandage covering the back of his neck.
Some of the bandage is soaked with dry blood.
"Who was that lady?" asks Tork.
"The spiritualist? Most people call her Cimmy. I'm not sure what her real name is.
She comes from a rural area of Hentz where the people are very gherra."
The supervisor glances at Taanik. "In the local Yazirian dialect, that means
'firmly believing in the supernatural.'"
"So you were attacked by something," continues Tork.
"Yeah. I never saw a thing, though. The lights were dimmed, but I see quite well in the dark.
I was doing a visual check on the food storage section over here when I heard an explosion.
Then I could have sworn I could hear footsteps and voices, but no one was around.
I don't even know what hit me, but that's the last thing I remember."
Tork's cat-like eyes squint in skepticism. "So you think you were attacked by some supernatural force?"
The Yazirian supervisor is hesitant to reply. "Well, I don't know if I believe in that stuff."
He points to his bandages. "But how do you explain this?"
"Did they take any equipment?" asks Taanik.
"No, just food. About 20 kilos."
Taanik's rubbery neck stretches out in the direction where the attack occurred.
"Looks like they've repaired the damage," says the Dralasite.
"It might not do much good to look around here."
The Human law officer is sitting behind a small desk, arguing with a Dralasite in the corner.
A small electronic readout on the desk displays the occupant's name: "Lt. Dimmer."
The circle of floor in which the Dralasite stands does not match the rest of the office floor--an
obvious sign that the Dralasite is communicating remotely through a holographic panel.
"I've told you this before, Baab. How many times--"
"But I--"
"How many times have I told you? You can't sell this stuff on Metrosphere."
"But that's quality Streel merchandise," replies the Dralasite.
"This is not Streel merchandise. Look at--look at this. What does that say?"
The Human officer holds up a hand-held mini-computer. "That does not say 'Streel,' Baab.
That says 'Srteel.' This is Oni-Senada shit. The next time I see you peddling this
on the street, I'm going to deport more than just your merchandise.
Is that understood?"
The Dralasite looks at his section of the floor.
"Communication closed!" orders the Human.
The Dralasite disappears.
The Human turns to Kare and Urugg. "Now, what do you want?"
He suddenly redresses himself. "I mean, what can I do for you?"
Kare pulls out her ID card.
"We're investigating the string of theft and vandalism in the south
section of the city, something that apparently your force can't handle.
I hear you've listed all security film as 'inconclusive.' That's not good enough for me.
Where is it?"
The Human officer lifts one side of his mouth--more in a snarl than a smile.
"Oh, that is just great! Superwoman and her sidekick, Cheetah,
come to save the day. You want to know why we called the films 'inconclusive?'
Take a look for yourselves."
The Human fishes in his drawer for a small black chip and inserts it in a Streel brand holographic
recording device. A small area of 3-D space is filled with a poor quality hologram of
a dark storage pod. The back wall shakes with an explosion, and plastic chunks fall from the ceiling.
A second explosion cracks the wall, but like the first, fails to breach it. A third
explosion blasts wall fragments in every direction.
Kare and Urugg squint, trying to see anyone beyond the hole in the wall.
There is no one.
"What the--" says Urugg. A red laser beam slices out of thin air, melting a container lock
and badly damaging the container. Contents of the container find themselves thrown out in all directions,
but there is no one and no thing doing the throwing.
"What is this? Trick photography?"
"That's the best film we've got," says the officer. "Most of them don't even show you that much."
"Can we get copies of these?" asks Urugg.
"If you see something I don't. . .heh. . . Help yourselves!"
Zane steadies himself on the innermost acceleration strip and gazes upward. Beyond the transparent airtube walls, he can see the Spire--rising three fourths of a kilometer into the black sky. A bluish force field shimmers about it.
"Excuse me, sir!" The bass voice of the Yazirian guard booms into Zane's face, and is far from apologetic. "You need authorization to get through here."
"I'm just visiting," explains the Human. "I'm a student doing some field analysis and--"
[Zane PERSONALITY: 60 - 5 (Human to Yazirian racial reaction modifier) - 40 (violation of regulations) = 15%; Rolled: 59]
"You need authorization to get through here!"
"I just wanted to--"
"You need authorization to get through here!" The Yazirian unleashes a mean looking sonic disruptor.
"I have authorization," says Zane, pulling his ID card out as discretely as possible.
The Yazirian gives the piece of plastic a scrutinizing look and gives Zane an even more scrutinizing look. After a delay he runs the ID through a computer scanner and hands it back to Zane.
Zane is left to interpret the guard's silence as permission to proceed.
The area beyond the forcefield is AMAZING!
The entire section within the field is populated with an atmosphere, complete with grass, trees, streams and flowers! The air smells as fresh as the spring valleys of New Pale.
"The force field must be capable of holding in oxygen," he says aloud. "I've got to show this place to Urugg!"
"Akshully, the who-o-ole planet may some-a-day look-a like this." The voice is from a Dralasite gardener who has overheard Zane's words.
Zane doesn't bother mentioning that this is only a moon. "How's that?"
"When enough people move in, Streel is a-plannin' to set up a planet-wide grid o' forcefields. That way they can fill the who-o-le planet with breathable air." In response to ids own words, the ameboid inflates idself to smell the garden fragrances.
"I didn't know that. Mind if I take some pictures?"
"Why no, go right on ahead."
But every time Zane tries to snap a good photo, the Dralasite somehow slips into the picture with a rubbery smile as big as ids head.
The interior of the Computer Spire defies description!
Three dimensional mazes of wide service corridors tunnel through the computer's interior. Zane has never seen more techno-geeks in his life, and they are all bustling around, performing thousands of simultaneous operations. Rainbows of lights flash in every direction.
Zane shivers spasmatically. They must keep this place heavily air conditioned for the computer's sake.
In space all is silent!
[Kare and T'Klkk's apartment, O15 on First Landing Underground Map]
[Storage Pod, L16 on First Landing Surface Map]
[Kare and T'Klkk's apartment, O15 on First Landing Underground Map]
There is no known record of Star's Arm activity beyond Metrosphere.
The society seems to have formed in the last few months, and is allegedly
under the direction of a Yazirian female named Loer An-Tehr.
[Government Building Upper Level, I7 on Surface Map]
Snarr Ap-Rewann, leader of the original Metrosphere revolt and founder of
Lost Point, is assumed dead. His body has never been accounted for, but
then again, the same is true for several former Lost Point citizens.
[Food Production Plant, D16 on Surface Map]
[Government Building Upper Level, I7 on Surface Map]
[Surface Airtube L9, Heading West]
[East Force Field Entrance, West Edge of K9 on Surface Map]
[Park area, J9 on Surface Map]
[Central Computer Spire, I9 on Surface Map]
A row of three chairs catches Zane's eyes. Three Human technicians are working busily in the chairs, but one of them seems. . .different. He works in spurts of energy, intermixed with periods of inactivity.
Zane's first medical opinion is that the Human must be suffering from exhaustion. He steps closer for a better look.
Sheets of sweat are running down the man's face, which seems all the more odd considering how cold it is in here. The flesh about the man's eyes is puffy and red.
Zane is about the ask the man if he is feeling all right--when the man suddenly snatches a plasteel support bar and knocks his coworker clean out of his seat.
"Will you stop staring at me!" yells the man.
The smitten technician begins to tremble and back away.
The third technician intervenes--only to get smashed in the face from another swing of the bar.
"Stop staring at me!" screams the man with reddened eyes.
A small handful of technicians has arrived on the scene and slowly starts to surround the man.
"Harox, are you all right?" asks one of them.
"Stop it!" The Human seems to go into something worse than a Yazirian battle rage. White lab coats flap about as the plasteel beam swipes and swings through the crowd. One man sails backward and slams into an access panel. Blood oozes from his mouth as he slides motionless to the floor.
Soon the technicians are running for their lives. Dozens of workers find themselves trampled in the panic that follows. Zane himself is shoved forcefully into a data bank and barely dodges another frightened technician.
Zane looks up and notices that there is a clear path between himself and the crazed worker.
The worker rasps heavily and glares him down.
Zane has barely the time to activate his chronocom when he sees the man charging.
"Stop staring at me!!!"
Legal Notice: STAR FRONTIERS is a trademark owned by Wizards of the Coast, Inc., a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc.
Computer room picture by Sierra.
Site created and maintained by Layne K. Saltern (layne@xmission.com)