Back to Week 3, Episodes 15 thru 21
Episode 22: That’s One Big Ship Prompt: <650 Words about an image
Image Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/309763280603574357/
The massive, matte-black ship hung motionless against the starfield. Ten times the size of the Grim Reaper, it bristled with antennae and weapons.
The Designers had built for subjugation.
Jenny activated the cloak, dropped out of interdimensional space, and engaged the thrusters.
She activated the short-range sensors. “I can detect Designer bio-signs, but no human or Tau Ceti ones.”
The A.I.’s image popped up on the monitor. “I’ve linked to my counterpart. They’ve agreed to help us. Get your friends to an open area. We can transport them out.”
Jenny activated her comm-link, hoping Jackson still had his aural insert.
Episode 23: Help is on the Way Prompt: A whispered conversation
Jackson wasn’t sure he’d heard the buzz. He swatted his ear and tried to focus.
“Jackson. Can you hear me? We’re here to rescue you.”
“Jenny?” Jackson saw the guard glance over. He turned to the wall, lowering his voice to a whisper. “Jenny. We’re here. Sore but alive.”
“I’ve got Lucky with me. It seems the A.I.s have a conscience and don’t want you harmed. We’re transporting in a stun gun. The A.I.s will open the doors. Get clear of the brig and we’ll transport you out.”
“What?”
A little flicker and small stun gun materialized on the floor.
Episode 24: Jail Break Prompt: Rewrite a nursery rhyme
Jack and ‘Brill knew not to kill
But had to clear the jail.
Jack shot the guard, who tumbled hard,
And ‘Brill came running after.
Out they got, and aft did trot,
Quick as they could caper.
Sped round a curve, steeled their nerve,
With the hopes they’d be escapers.
Jack and ‘Brill both knew the drill
They’d been this way before.
Two more they stunned, more guards benumbed
They ran back towards the core.
Space was found, and both slowed down,
To wait for their transport.
Guards came a-running, for Jack were gunning
A flicker their force did thwart.
Episode 25: First Time Offender Prompt: Experiencing something for the 1st time
Jackson and l’Kebrill materialized aboard the Grim Reaper. Jenny initiated the interdimensional drive and headed back to civilized space.
l’Kebrill flopped into a chair. “That was not fun. I’ve never been arrested and never want to be again.”
Jackson smiled. “Well, there is always a first time.” He turned to Lucky and was enveloped in a bear hug.
“Good to see you kid. Yep, the first time is always the hardest. I remember one time the Sirians had me in their clutches—”
Jackson patted Lucky’s shoulder. “Can this story wait? We need to plan.”
Lucky flashed a sheepish smile.
Episode 26: Really Guys? Prompt: A series of text messages
JENNY: Where to next?
JACKSON: Dad’s notes mention a network.
N’KEBRON: A network?
L’KEBRILL: A spy network?
JENNY: Dad was working with someone on Mars.
L’KEBRILL: I’m not going to Mars.
N’KEBRON: We could visit Earth. Always wanted to go.
JENNY: A Designer plot. That’s why he left.
N’KEBRON: Your dad was a Designer?
JACKSON: Turns out my sister and I are hybrids. Go figure.
L’KEBRILL: Is that why you’re so good at that thing you do?
JENNY: Yuck, ‘Brill. I don’t want to know.
LUCKY: Really guys? You’re all sitting right here in the lounge. Why are you texting?
Episode 27: Time to Go Home Prompt: Following in Parents Footsteps
Jenny scrolled her dad’s datapad. “Lucky, these entries are illegible.”
Lucky plugged a fob into the pad’s port. “Special encryption.”
Jenny studied the new text. “Dad was on the verge of exposing a cell of the Designers’ spies on Mars. No wonder they wanted his pad.”
Lucky scanned the group. “They’re called Designers because the cult “designs” societies—our quadrant is next.”
Jackson stood. “We need to finish Dad’s work.”
“If we go, it won’t be easy, and it won’t be quick. It could take a year to unravel what they’ve done.”
“Then let’s go.” Jackson headed to the bridge.
Episode 28: Gird Your Loins Prompt: A one-sentence story
As the Grim Reaper sped to Mars, cloaked, shielded, and silent, through the formless void of interdimensional space, our intrepid adventurers planned, plotted and prepared their assault on the Designers’ machinations, guided by the wisdom and experience of Lucky Starr, and strengthened by the spirit of l’Kebrax, now melded with the A.I., Archetype, not knowing what lay ahead, not knowing if they could accomplish their mission or if the Designers would relent, finally completing their efforts as the Grim Reaper flickered into normal space in orbit behind Deimos, an apt start to a future possibly filled with terror and dread.
Episode 29: The Final Countdown Prompt: Write about the stars
Jenny had the ship extrude a transparent dome above the lounge.
Gazing up, Lucky swept his arms in an expansive gesture. “Around those stars, orbit planets, with unique societies and rich cultures. If we fail, the stars will look the same, but the galaxy will be a poorer place.”
Jackson gripped Lucky’s arm. “Then we better not fail.”
Lucky grinned. “Just like your dad. He knew what his people would do—make everyone like the cult. It’s the rich diversity that makes us all better.” Lucky scanned the group. “Let’s get some sleep everyone, we’ve got a big day tomorrow.”
I’ll see you in 2025 for Season Four of The Tharsis Plateau when we will learn if the plans of the Designers can be thwarted by our small band of adventurers.