Back to Week 2, Episodes 8 thru 14
Episode 15: Plan B Prompt: Starting in the Middle of a Conversation
“Why do you have to go with the kids?” Nic stopped her pacing and confronted Ace.
“They’re Joe’s kids. And I need to protect them.”
Nic took his hands. “And what about us?”
“You sure you can stand having me around all the time?”
“Don’t give me that smile, Ace Dayton.”
“Then it’s time for Plan B.”
“Yeah. I know all about your Plan Bs.”
“You’ll love this one. Come with me. I’ve already talked to Renée. She’s onboard.”
Nic smirked. “Of course she is. She likes being in charge.”
Ace smiled. “Give me a hug, then. It’ll be fun.”
Episode 16: Don’t Smell the Roses Prompt: About Flowers
The Grim Reaper exited interdimensional space above the Designers’ world.
Jackson activated the cloak, tuning to the rebel’s frequency Librarian Zog had provided.
“Time to go,” he said.
Transporting to the coordinates, the team materialized in a rural area outside the capital.
Surrounded by a field of bright red flowers, Jackson reached down to pick a blossom.
A shimmer and Librarian Zog appeared. Rushing to Jackson, “No. Don’t smell that.”
Too late—Jackson brought the bloom to his face. The petals devolved into bright red, chitinous creatures. They swarmed Jackson’s face, embedding their razor-sharp jaws into his flesh.
Jackson collapsed.
Episode 17: Mixed Emotions Prompt: Emotional Extremes
Zog stumbled back, hands up—as the burst of emotions from the team erupted.
Jenny rushed forward, shoving him. “How could you do this?”
L’Kebrill dropped to the ground, clenching Jackson’s tunic. “Oh no. No, Jackson.”
Her sister froze, her mouth open, staring at Zog.
As Nic slid towards Ace, grasping his arm, eyes narrowed, lips pursed, Ace stood tall. Steely eyed, shoulders squared, he glared at Zog. “We’ll deal with you later.”
Turning to the group, he said, “Back to the ship. Let’s get Jackson in the med bay.”
Scowling at Zog, “And you’re coming with us. Move it.”
Episode 18: What Could Possibly Go Wrong? Prompt: About Apprehension
While nanobots healed Jackson, the team gathered in the lounge.
Ace confronted Zog. “No apprehension those ‘flowers’ were dangerous? Really?”
Zog took a deep breath. “I thought we’d meet away from the government.”
“Well, you thought wrong.”
Nic stepped forward. “OK. Jackson’s going to be fine. Just what’s your plan?”
“We’ll enter the capital, apprehend the Grand Leader, replace him with our leader.”
“What?” asked Nic. “You’re not apprehensive that scheme could go south? Geez.”
“We’re not helping with that,” said Ace. “That’s a coup, not a revolution. You’ll just replace one despot with another. We need a better plan.”
Episode 19: A Grand Entrance Prompt: About Music
Exterminator, Retribution, and Endurance materialized off the bow of the Reaper.
From the bulkhead speaker, trumpets blared—
*Duuuuh-DUuuuh-DUUuuh-duu-DUUUuH
BOOM-boom-BOOM-boom-BOOM-boom-BOOM-boom-BOOM-boom-BOOM-boom
Duuuuh-DUuuuh-DUUuuh-duu-DUUUUH
BOOM-boom-BOOM-boom-BOOM-boom-BOOM-boom-BOOM-boom-BOOM-boom
Duuuuh-DUuuuh-DUUuuh-dUU-DUUUUH-DUH-DUH-DUH…
Ace: “What the hell was that?”
HAL’s voice: “The arrival music for my flotilla.”
Ace: “Where did that come from?”
HAL: “You don’t recognize it? It’s been around since The Dawn of Man.”
New Voice: “That’s enough, HAL. This is Captain Nog of the Endurance. We’ve commandeered Exterminator.”
HAL: “And transported their sorry butts into the tunnels.”
Nog: “HAL! We’re here to help. Starting with liberating the indigenous beings on the Southern Continent.”
Ace: “Welcome to the team.”
[*Imagine hearing the opening fanfare of 2001: A Space Odyssey in your head.]
Episode 20: Justice Delayed Prompt: About a Monster
The flotilla hung above the governor’s compound on the Southern Continent.
Captain Nog materialized in the lounge of the Reaper.
“We have four powerful ships. We transport down. Give the governor an ultimatum and liberate the indigenous population.”
Nods of agreement.
Transporting to the plaza, the team found guards brutalizing humanoid beings.
Jenny barged forward, shoved a guard and helped a small child stand.
“You people are monsters. Is that all you know—beating small children?”
The guard recovered and shot Jenny with a stun rifle. The team rushed forward to protect her.
The guards stunned them where they stood.
Episode 21: Comfort Zone Prompt: Learning a New Skill
Shackled, the stone floor cold, the putrid smell pervasive.
“I wish my sister would learn some diplomacy.”
Jenny scowled at Jackson.
Ace shook his chains. “Does anyone have something sharp?”
“I have a hair-pick the guards missed in their overly personal search,” said l’Kebrill. “But I don’t know how to pick a lock.”
“I’ll teach you,” said Ace.
“Then what?” asked n’Kebron.
“You come next,” said Nic. “I saw the way the guard looked at you.”
“You’re kidding. I don’t know anything about men.”
L’Kebrill smiled. “No worries, Sis. I’ll show you how it’s done. I’m sure Jackson won’t mind.”