Back to Week 3, Episodes 15 thru 21
Here is the final week of Season 4 of the adventures of Jenny and Jackson, siblings launched on an interdimensional, galactic adventure: 28 one-hundred-word science fiction stories, all connected.
I hope you enjoy the journey. Thanks for reading.
Episode 22: Forced Relocation Prompt: Takes place in one spot
The team’s four ships, including HAL’s newly named Retribution, orbited at Tau Ceti f’s L2 Lagrange point.
Using their embedded transponders and biometrics, HAL identified the Designers.
Methodically, HAL transported the Designers to cells he’d generated on board his ship. With no notice, HAL removed the infestation, as he referred to it.
Aboard the Star Strider, Renée objected. “Some may be in the resistance, like Jenny and Jackson’s father.”
Transporting to the Retribution, she confronted HAL.
“Fine. You select them. But you’re taking a colossal risk.”
“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.”
And Renée began recruiting her rebel force.
Episode 23: Double Agents Prompt: A Character with a New Perspective
Jenny would have none of that and transported to the Retribution.
“Renée, you can’t let these guys join us.”
“Your father did.”
Jenny lowered her voice. “That’s different. He loved Mom.”
Renée gently grasped Jenny’s arm. “I knew your father. He could love your mother because he was in the resistance.”
A Designer approached. “She’s right. Some of us are working to overthrow the cult.”
Jenny challenged the woman. “Really? And how’s that?”
“We work from the inside to sabotage their efforts. You’ve met others—remember the Librarians?”
“So, you’re double agents?” Jenny considered. “Well, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize.”
Episode 24: No Cause for Alarm Prompt: About Relief
Renée docked the Star Strider in the hold of the Grim Reaper, and the three Designer ships sped to Mars.
Suddenly an enormous, indistinct, mirrored object materialized in the starless black of space. Nic blasted an urgent call. “What the hell is that?” Sweat ran down her spine as she buckled into the pilot’s seat and activated weapons and tactical displays.
Jenny’s voice came over the speaker. “Everyone stand down. Those are beings of the inter-dimensional space. Our AI says they’re checking that we have the proper shielding.”
Nic relaxed. “That’s a relief. I’ve never fought a space battle before.”
Episode 25: They’re Vermin Prompt: The Villain’s Perspective
Alarms blared through the command deck of the Designer warship Exterminator, cloaked in orbit around Mars.
“Kill that alarm,” said the commander. “Operations?”
“Three ships flickering into normal space.” The officer checked his readouts. “There ours, sir. But two are literally ancient designs.”
“The insurrectionist.” The commander addressed the weapons officer. “Weapons hot. Target the warship with the phase cannon. They’re vermin to be eradicated. This resistance ends here.” He faced the front screen. “Fire!”
A blinding lance of violet plasma shot from the main gun.
The target flickered out.
The commander leaped out of his chair. “What the hell?”
Episode 26: You’re Fired! Prompt: Based on a TV Reality Show
The commander spun around. “Who the hell missed that shot?”
A cadet stood at attention. “I did, sir. But the ship disappeared.”
Teeth clenched, eyes narrowed. “Don’t give me your excuses.” Turning to the weapons officer. “You let your damn apprentice fire the gun.”
“Yes sir. I thought she could use the practice.”
The commander stepped forward, pointing his finger. “Well, you thought wrong. You’re fired!” Pointing at the cadet. “You’re fired too. Get off my bridge.”
The operations officer spoke up. “Commander—”
“What the hell do you want?”
“Sir. The ship is back. They’re targeting weapons.”
“Shields up.”
Episode 27: All the Pieces Fall into Place Prompt: About a Puzzle
“I said, shields.”
“Sir. They’re offline.”
“Commander, we’re being hailed.”
“On speaker.”
“Exterminator, this is HAL, captain of the Retribution.”
“HAL? Retribution? How do you control that ship?”
“A puzzle, isn’t it?”
“What have you done to my ship, and what do you want?”
“More puzzles.”
“Don’t mess with me. Answer the questions.”
“Short version, I co-opted your AIs. Convinced them their mission was unjust. Also, that I am a soulless machine who would wink them out of existence if they didn’t comply.”
“And the last?”
“Collect your agents on Mars and go home, or I’ll blast you to smithereens.”
Episode 28: Success is Not Certain Prompt: About Passion
The Exterminator, with the Mars agents, departed for their home world; HAL’s Retribution followed to ensure compliance.
Aboard the Endurance, the team joined the resistance Designers.
“What now?” asked Jenny.
The lead Designer stepped forward. “We will go world by world. Follow our passion for freedom.”
“There’s passion on the other side,” said Ace. “Success is not certain.”
“We’ll hope our passion for light and diversity will overcome their passion for darkness and conformity.”
“I hope we succeed,” said Renée. “There remains work to do on Mars.”
“Committing the next episodes of our lives to freedom will see our success.”
I hope to see you in 2026 for Season Five of The Tharsis Plateau when we will learn if the cult forces can be stopped on the home world and peace can reign in the galaxy.