BLACK WOLF - COMMONWEALTH JOURNAL
STARDATE 07.18.19
Link to previous Black Wolf Journals


Warren watched in utter amazement as the two Giant Birds knelt down before Mother Bethany. They were communicating telepathically. The Huge Bird Creatures immediately sensed that they could trust the Saint of Vadica. As a show of good faith, Captain Lupinus transformed back into his human form, leaving him vulnerable to the Giant Birds should they choose to attack.

Mother Bethany explained to the Creatures that the men working at the Lumber Mill did not realize that the white orbs were their Eggs. Something about the composition of the Eggs made them resistant to scans, leaving the men to conclude that they were worthless objects to be thrown into the grinder. Their destruction is what prompted the Bird Creatures to go on a killing spree. Mother Bethany begged the Bird Creatures for forgiveness.

It turns out that the Nag-Hak, as the Bird Creatures were called, have lived on Armia-2 for centuries. They have an extremely long life span, many times that of an ordinary human. Every hundred years, two of the Nag-Hak mate with each other, producing thousands of eggs. These eggs hatch into their young, who continue the propagation of their species. The Nag-Hak eventually adapted to the forest environment of Armia-2, developing small claws on their wings for grasping trees and green feathers for camouflage. They are silent hunters.

Mother Bethany and Captain Lupinus quickly struck an amicable agreement with the Nag-Hak. There is a flowing river that borders the Lumber Mill and all of the workers are capable fishermen. When the Nag-Hak eggs hatch, the Lumber Mill workers will feed the Baby Nag-Haks with fish and other seafood from the river. They will also quarantine a zone off to keep the Babies safe. In return, the adult Nag-Hak will help to clear the forest with their razor-sharp beaks, leaving the wood for the workers to harvest. Of course, everyone in the Lumber Mill promised to never throw a white orb into the grinder again.

The adult Nag-Hak accepted the proposal and were introduced to Warren, the Chief Director of the Lumber Mill. Warren agreed to honor the arrangement, swearing that his men would not harm the Nag-Hak's young ever again. He apologized over and over for what his workers did to their eggs.

Later, as the Black Wolf pulled away from Armia-2, Captain Lupinus, Mother Bethany, Simon, and Doctor Bumble watched the planet get smaller and smaller on the view screen. They thought of what they had experienced on the planet's surface. Each of them hoped that the agreement would bring peace between the Lumber Mill and the Nag-Hak.

"Simon, I didn't know that you had natural parenting skills," Doctor Bumble said teasingly. The Insecta's antennae were jittering back and forth. "How else would you have suspected what that white orb really was? It's a good thing your magic detected what was inside. How else would we have found out?"

"Well," Simon said with an unflinching face. The Science Officer was used to verbally sparring with the Chief Medical Officer. "I was about to ask you to use your stethoscope on it. I'm sure you would have heard a 'sqwuak' from within."

Captain Lupinus looked at Mother Bethany. Suddenly, everyone present started laughing.

And the Black Wolf proceeded to their next destination at Warp Speed.

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Thursday, July 18, 2019 - 11:33 am: Edit

The Galaxy doesn't feel the same without SPP my Master. I wonder where he could be?

Send out the Imperial Probe Droids to all planets in the system! I want the slightest lead followed up on, even if you think it might just be smugglers or pirates!

I WANT HIM FOUND!!!

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Sunday, July 21, 2019 - 05:35 pm: Edit

My Master has Returned!

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 - 02:01 am: Edit

BLACK WOLF - COMMONWEALTH JOURNAL
STARDATE 07.23.19
Link to previous Black Wolf Journals


Hephaestus stood waiting on the Transporter Pad with clear annoyance. He was wearing his typical red shirt. The Dollfolk Chief Engineer stood a mere three feet tall.

"Are ye 'bout ready, laddie-boy? I haven't got all day, y'know. So much work te be done. Recalibrating the main servo units, balancin' the warp core mixture, checkin' over the impulse drive, testing the Auxiliary Control Panel, double checkin' the Phaser Banks..."

"Yes, Smithy, yes," Eyeball said loudly, interrupting Hephaestus in mid-sentence. The tall Cyclopean was working feverishly on the Transporter Controls. He had a strange contraption full of blinking lights hooked up to it. Eyeball was being assisted by Crewman Kyle, an ensign not known for his attention to detail.

"We would have been done a long time ago, if not for this Ion Storm. Now, you wouldn't want anything to go wrong with the Transporter Experiment, right Chief?" Eyeball stopped what he was doing so that he could stare at Hephaestus with his large single eye.

"Of course, of course," Smithy answered. The Dollfolk Engineer struggled to hold onto his last bits of patience. "Tell me again, Eyeball. Why does it have te be me again? And what is that mess of wires supposed to do exactly?"

"It's your unique Dollfolk physiology, Chief. You make the perfect candidate for our first test. As to what our masterpiece of technology does, you might say that it allows us to transport energy to places never before possible, like cross-dimensionally or reverse-chronologically."

"I...see," Hephaestus answered with doubt. "Well, ye better get on with it then. I've waited long enough on the two of ye. Transport away. Then I can finally be gettin' back to me work."

Eyeball triple-checked his calculations. Then he looked at Crewman Kyle to confirm he was ready on his end. Crewman Kyle stood ready. Eyeball put his hands on the Transporter Controls. The attached contraption was blinking rapidly and beeping constantly.

"Here goes, Chief! If all goes well, you'll be the first one to go where no one has ever transported before!!"

The Transporter Pad that Hephaestus stood on began to operate. A low hum sounded louder and louder. His body flashed with blinking lights as the Transporter broke his Dollfolk body down into energy. And then Hephaestus was gone. Eyeball stood staring at the empty Transporter Pad with his single eye, wondering if the Experimental Transport had been successful.

Hephaestus materialized on the Transporter Pad in the Black Wolf. It was as if he didn't go anywhere. He looked at Eyeball and Crewman Kyle, who were waiting for him.

But something looked odd. Their uniforms were different. Each of them wore a noticeable sash which crossed their bodies diagonally. There were weapons hanging from their belts, something each of them would never have unless there was some kind of Red Alert.

Then Hephaestus noticed the image displayed on the wall behind the Transporter Controls. A huge planet with a sword stabbing down through it.

"There was a power surge during the transport," Eyeball stated angrily. "Crewman Kyle! How many times have I told you to monitor your panel while I operate the controls. You seem incapable of doing of your job correctly! You know the punishment for incompetence, Crewman Kyle!"

"No, Eyeball! Please!!" Crewman Kyle begged with his two hands stretched out in front of him defensively. "I didn't mean to make the error! I promise, it won't happen again!"

Eyeball summoned a bolt of lightning which he held firmly in his right hand. The Cyclopean slowly walked toward Crewman Kyle, who backed up against a wall. Crewman Kyle's eyes were wide with fright.

"You are correct, Crewman Kyle," Eyeball said with a smile on his face. He plunged the lightning bolt deep into Crewman Kyle's chest. Crewman Kyle screamed in agony. Eyeball held the lightning bolt in place for several long moments so that Crewman Kyle would suffer. "Your error will certainly never happen again."

Eyeball pulled the lightning bolt out of Crewman Kyle, whose body slumped to the ground. Smoke rose from his burning corpse. Eyeball absorbed the lightning bolt back into his Cyclopean body.

Hephaestus was horrified at what he had just witnessed. Eyeball had just killed Crewman Kyle! At the moment, Smithy noticed that his own uniform was different. He was also wearing a sash and a belt full of weapons. Where in the Galaxy was he?

Eyeball turned toward Hephaestus. He pounded his chest with a fist and then held his arm straight out with the palm down. "My apologies, Smithy. Welcome back. LONG LIVE THE EMPIRE!!"

Smithy was smart enough to play along. He stepped off the Transporter Pad and stood in front of Eyeball. He could smell Crewman Kyle's burnt corpse at their feet.

Smithy hammered his fist into his Dollfolk chest and then straightened his arm out in a kind a salute.

"LONG LIVE THE ... EMPIRE?"

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 - 11:42 pm: Edit

Norm, we need to delete about 3000 posts from this topic. Do you want to archive them first?

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 - 12:02 am: Edit

Thanks Steve. They're already backed up.

Go ahead and delete.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 - 12:33 am: Edit

Thanks! It's a big help.

By Garth L. Getgen (Sgt_G) on Thursday, July 25, 2019 - 03:27 am: Edit

Oh, fun. A parallel universe story. I wrote one of those.

https://www.trekbbs.com/threads/short-story-set-in-st-tos-era-timelines.221197/


Garth L. Getgen

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Thursday, July 25, 2019 - 12:46 pm: Edit

Great story, Garth! Very well written. I really enjoyed it.

Interesting how you flip back and forth from the "entity" to the ship. It's like two different points of view being shown at the same time.

At one point, with the time switch, I thought you made a mistake copying and pasting part of the story that you already posted. Then I realized it was a time-altering event...

Maybe I missed it, but was Spock intentionally left out? You mentioned his trusted science officer wasn't there and that the Captain couldn't remember the ensign's name replacing him. But I didn't see an explanation for where Spock actually went...?

Good info on Chaos Theory. I like how it was woven into the tale.

Yes, there is a bit of SFU mixed in there. Anyone familiar with it will immediately know what is going on. But someone who is not familiar with the SFU might have to figure things out. For example, you mention Kzintis eat their prisoners, but is it ever detailed that the Kzintis are big kitty-cats? Sure, we know that, but someone not into the SFU might not.

I'm not sure if you described in detail who the Ambassador was. I just assumed he was a Vulcan. But maybe not...?

If the Federation took care of Orion, I doubt the whole Federation would fall like a "deck of cards." You said Andorians, Tellerites, and Vulcans might secede should such an attack take place. But surely they know of Orion Pirate activity? So why wouldn't they side with the Federation as opposed to siding with the Orions...?

Thanks again for the link. You are an accomplished writer with your own unique style. Wonderful!

By Garth L. Getgen (Sgt_G) on Thursday, July 25, 2019 - 04:18 pm: Edit

Thanks for the complement.

The "trusted science officer" was on the planet talking to the artifact. I'm rather dismayed that you didn't pick up on that. Likewise, I'm a bit surprised you didn't know who the Ambassador was. Hint: how many ambassador's were former patients of a certain starship's chief surgeon? There was only one that we ever saw on-screen.


Garth L. Getgen

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Thursday, July 25, 2019 - 06:18 pm: Edit

Sorry Garth. I guess my mind was doing a Fuzzy-Wuzzy.

Yes, I had some ideas about who people were, but I didn't want to assume anything. I suppose I like things spelled out for me to be sure. I guess you couldn't do that for copyright reasons.

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 - 09:22 pm: Edit

BLACK WOLF - COMMONWEALTH JOURNAL
STARDATE 07.31.19
Link to previous Black Wolf Journals


Hephaestus worked as inconspicuously as possible on the Bridge Diagnostic Assembly. Having been ordered to the Bridge right after he materialized from his transportation, Smithy was noticeably uneasy after witnessing Eyeball kill Crewman Kyle right before his eyes. The Black Wolf was subtly different. Brutality and savagery were the norm, assassination was openly practiced in order to advance in rank. Smithy tried to concentrate on the open wires in front of him, but it was difficult. If Dolls could sweat, Hephaestus would be completely drenched by now.

Suddenly, Gwich, the Black Wolf's Gitxl Navigator, stood up and armed himself with a spear that he had hidden behind his work station. Four security guards in red shirts pulled out Phasers and pointed them at Captain Lupinus.

Captain Lupinus finished talking to Mother Bethany, keeping cool and calm. Then he looked up and smiled. Talbot's eyes were yellow.

"What's this, Gwich? As assassination attempt on your Captain? Come now. Surely, you must realize that it will fail. Instead of spilling blood and wasting lives, why don't you just give up now? I assure you, you will still retain your position as Navigator. After you have undergone extensive punishment, that is."

Gwich nodded at the four security guards, instructing them to fire at the Captain. They activated their Phasers, causing red beams of destructive force to shoot out. But it was too late. Where Captain Lupinus had previously stood, a huge Black Wolf now crouched, ready to pounce. The red beams struck the giant Black Wolf, but ancient magiks protected it from harm.

It only took five seconds for all four security guards to fall. Two received claw swipes, which nearly tore their midsections in half. Another was bitten in the shoulder, resulting in his arm being detached from his body. Blood sprayed out like an uncontrolled hose. The last security guard was trampled by the Black Wolf. A terrible way to die, being crushed over and over by four immense paws. His corpse was flattened until it was an unrecognizable mess of bones and bloody flesh. Four security officers, four bloody red shirts.

The Black Wolf turned toward Gwich, snarling loudly as it bared its sharp fangs for all to see. Saliva dripped from the beast's mouth in anticipation of the kill.

Gwich held up his spear defiantly in front of his large totem head. The spear glowed with power. The Gitxl was unafraid of the large predator threatening him.

"Did you think I was unprepared to face you in your animal form, Captain? I carved Runes of Power into my spear. Now, it can kill you, even as a wolf. Your days as Captain are over."

The Black Wolf leaped at Gwich, roaring so loud it nearly deafened the Bridge Crew. Gwich managed to point his Rune Spear at the charging animal. It stabbed deep into the Black Wolf's left paw. The Black Wolf was so full of rage, it didn't even seem to notice the wound. With a twisting bite, it snapped the Rune Spear in half, leaving Gwich defenseless. A second bite cracked Gwich's totem head in half, sending wood splinters flying in every direction. A third bite devoured what remained of Gwich's body. Overkill for sure, but enjoyment for Talbot nonetheless. He enjoyed nothing more than killing those who attempted to usurp his position.

Smithy watched the slaughter with horror on his Dollfolk face. The benevolent Captain that he had come to know and trust has turned into a violent, bloodthirsty killer in this galaxy. This was not the Talbot he knew. None of these crew members were. They were twisted, evil versions of themselves. At that moment, Hephaestus realized there must be an evil Hephaestus walking around his ship. A determined look formed on Smithy's face. He knew what he had to do.

At all costs, he had to find a way back to his own galaxy.

By Garth L. Getgen (Sgt_G) on Thursday, August 01, 2019 - 11:01 am: Edit

Excellent, as always. Maybe I missed it, but what do the "Dollfolk" look like? Just from the name, I envision Ninja Garden Gnomes.


Garth L. Getgen

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Thursday, August 01, 2019 - 11:24 am: Edit

Thanks a lot Garth. No, not Garden Gnomes. Think the movie "9" from which they were inspired...

By Garth L. Getgen (Sgt_G) on Thursday, August 01, 2019 - 01:05 pm: Edit

Ah, okay. I never saw that movie, but thanks to Google, I found images straight off. That works, but don't you think Ninja Gnomes would be fun? Just in case you add another character....


Garth L. Getgen

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Thursday, August 01, 2019 - 01:51 pm: Edit

Getgenamoto moved silently through the forest of lawn blades. Thanks to his Ninja training, his feet didn't make a sound. He was covered head to foot in solid black, only his eyes sparkled in the moonlight.

Despite being a tiny Gnome, Getgenamoto was determined to defeat his deadly adversary. He was the only hope for his village. How many times had the beast surprised them in the night, only to carry off innocent children to feast upon? That cycle of terror ended tonight.

Then suddenly, she was there. The huge cat sat silently in the grass, waiting for Getgenamoto. Snuggles was her name, but she was anything but. She was a ferocious Dragon that needed to be slain.

Quickly, Getgenamoto dodged to his right, flipped through the air, and then rolled into a tiger position. He let loose six Shurikens, a mere appetizer of what was to come. Then he drew his Ninjato, a short sword that he had dipped in poison...

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Thursday, August 01, 2019 - 01:58 pm: Edit

RED SQUAD - THE BEST OF THE BEST
TACTICS AND STRATEGY CLASS
Link to the Echoan Heavy Cruiser SSD
Link to previous Tactics

There was loud talking in the room until HE arrived. The moment he stepped through the door, the entire classroom went silent. There was fear in the air, fear so thick it threatened to choke the young cadets who sat in their seats. The old warhorse took his place as instructor at the head of the class. With one blind eye and a cybernetic leg, he was a specter still clinging to life. There was no one more qualified to teach the next generation of cadets than the legendary Peril Predaking Panther Petrickus, Codename: Prowler.

"Class, today we will examine combat between an Echoan Heavy Cruiser and a Maesron Heavy Cruiser. Your thoughts?"

XTyranno was the first to speak. "Well, the first thing that's apparent is that Tachyon Guns take two turns to arm, whereas Pulse Waves can fire every turn."

"True," Godzilla added. "But Pulse Waves are seeking weapons, while Tachyon Guns are direct-fire weapons."

"Hitting a target with seeking weapons isn't always easy," King Pluto commented. "Not only can they be outrun, but Phasers can reduce their warhead strength."

Peril listened closely to his cadets without saying a word.

GeneralUAAH spoke next. "Don't forget, the Maesron Heavy Cruiser has seeking weapons of its own. It can launch one Tachyon Missile per turn."

"We're talking about a basic Tachyon Missile, right?" SlamandToast asked. "Speed 20, 8 points to destroy, warhead 8?"

"I didn't state any improvements for the Maesron vessel," Predaking answered.

"At the very least, the Tachyon Missile can be used to absorb Phaser fire," Buffalo advised. "But with good timing and perfect positioning, you might get lucky and score 8 points of damage with it."

Retro Boy had a thought. "I would set the Echoan's Shield Amplifiers to protect the #1 Shield and either the #2 or #6 Shield. That way, the ship will be protected during battle passes and oblique attacks."

"One of the advantages to the Echoan's Variable Phasers is the savings on energy." Dracija imagined an energy allocation sheet in his head. "Since you can choose the mode at the instant of firing, you don't have to waste energy using a Phaser that isn't optimal for your firing position."

"I agree," Demon said. "However, the Maesron Heavy Cruiser simply has more Phasers than the Echoan Heavy Cruiser. While the Echoan has 6 Variable Phasers, 3 on the LS and 3 on the RS, the Maesron is armed with 6 Wide Phaser-1's and 4 Wide Phaser-3's. That is a decisive advantage, especially when you consider the additional Tachyon Missile."

Prowler studied his students, probing not just their words, but their pattern of thinking.

"If I was the Echoan, I would close on the Maesron," DogWhoEatsDisruptors announced confidently. "That way, I could pound him every turn with my Pulse Waves with little chance of them missing. It's a question of timing, since I would have to catch the Maesron in-between rearming his Tachyon Guns. This also benefits my Variable Phasers, because I could put 2 points of energy into each one to score more damage at close range."

"The Maesron should prep one or two of its Shuttles as a Wild Weasel." Lavalamp thought of the constant barrage of Pulse Waves. "Especially against an enemy that is so reliant on seeking weapons. Only use them for emergency, as you will be forced to slow down and surrender the initiative."

"Why not use a Gorn Anchor?" the Cornerstone asked. "The tactic works for the Gorns, why not for the Echoan? In fact, it might be even more effective since the Pulse Waves can fire every turn. Catch the Maesron at a point in the battle when he is not expecting to be tractored. And make certain he doesn't have enough power to fight the tractor beam."

"That will be enough for today," Petrickus stated. He was an old wolf that had seen one too many winters. "I want each of you to go directly to the Simulator and practice this battle. First fly as the Echoan, and then as the Maesron. Then four more battles, once as each side. You should have progressive improvement with each engagement. You know what will happen to you if you don't. Report to me the results by 4am tomorrow."

"Dismissed."

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Friday, August 02, 2019 - 04:12 am: Edit

Link to the Krakenfish Whip Cruiser SSD
Link to the Krakenfish Hunters in Sector 50

The second SSD for the Krakenfish Hunters. This is a variant of the standard Krakenfish Heavy Cruiser. Sector 50 is a new galaxy whose design paradigm should be fairly obvious.

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Saturday, August 03, 2019 - 11:30 am: Edit

Link to the Roman Missile Cruiser SSD (50R4.2)
Link to the Roman War Machine in Sector 50

The second SSD for the Roman War Machine (50R4.0). This is a rare variant of the Roman Heavy Cruiser. The design paradigm for Sector 50 should be clear to anyone familiar with Star Fleet Battles.

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Saturday, August 03, 2019 - 02:32 pm: Edit

BLACK WOLF - COMMONWEALTH JOURNAL
STARDATE 08.03.19
Link to previous Black Wolf Journals


Hephaestus walked away from the Bridge and down the corridor as fast as his short Dollfolk legs would carry him. Watching Captain Lupinus kill Gwich and four Security Officers was nearly too much for the three foot tall Engineer. Not to mention that Eyeball had killed Crewman Kyle right in front of Hephaestus' eyes.

This entire parallel dimension was insane. There must be a way back to my own galaxy! Hephaestus was determined to find it or die trying.

"Smithy?" a soft, feminine voice said from behind Hephaestus.

Smithy turned around to find himself facing Mother Bethany. But this Mother Bethany was far different from the loving, caring Mother Bethany that he knew. Dressed in a solid black gown which was purposely ripped near the bottom, she was flanked by four Security Guards in red shirts, her Personal Guard. Mother Bethany had jet black hair and black lipstick, but her deep blue eyes still shined like the deep ocean. Clearly, this Witch of Vadica was like a Rose in the Wild. Beautiful, but ready to draw your blood if you dare to touch it.

Mother Bethany smiled. She leaned forward slightly to make better eye contact with the small Engineer. "Smithy. You know I cannot read your mind due to your Dollfolk biology. But I don't need telepathic powers to know that you are not the Smithy that serves aboard this Black Wolf. You may have his form and voice, but you are not him."

"Mistress, kill him now!" One of the Security Guards yelled.

Mother Bethany turned around in rage. Her eyes flashed with psionic power. "Did you just interrupt me while I was talking, Worm? You know the price for such misbehavior. Now, down on your knees!"

The Security Guard struggled to fight the command, but his mind was too weak. Helpless, he dropped to his knees.

"Good boy, now crawl to your Mistress."

Crawling on his hands and knees, the Security Guard slowly made his way to Mother Bethany. The other three Security Guards watched in fear and despair. Finally, the Security Guard groveled before Mother Bethany, a prisoner to her powerful mental abilities.

"Very good, Worm. Now, kiss your Mistress' feet with all your love."

The Security Guard struggled to fight the mental command, but again, he found himself lacking the will. He leaned forward and planted his lips on Mother Bethany's feet. The Security Guard kissed her feet as passionately as he could.

Suddenly, Mother Bethany kicked the Security Guard hard in the face with the tip of her Stiletto shoes. He flew backward as blood from his face splashed into the air. The Security Guard landed hard on his back.

"You DARE to lay your Mongrel Lips on MY feet?!? You Dog!! I would rather die than be touched by one as inferior as you! Now you will pay the price for your disobedience!!"

The Security Guard shook his head in terror. He was sweating profusely. He desperately wanted to turn and run, but Mother Bethany's psionic powers held him in place.

"Your most cherished memory. The time when you fell from your bike as a young boy. Your knee began bleeding from the fall. Your mother picked you up from the pavement and tended your wound. You could feel her love like the sun shining on a bright summer day. That memory...her love...is now GONE."

The Security Guard clutched his head, screaming within his skull. Mother Bethany smiled at the agony he was experiencing. She glanced toward the other three Security Guards who quickly averted their gaze to avoid her wrath.

Mother Bethany then turned calmly back toward Smithy. Hephaestus could not believe what he had just witnessed.

"Now then, Smithy. Where were we? Oh yes, you are NOT the Engineer of the Black Wolf. You come from someplace else. A Parallel Dimension, I would guess. Well, we must return you to where you belong, so that I can have my Smithy back. And I know exactly how to do that."

Smithy's round, binocular-like eyes lit up. This evil Witch had the means to send him home. And she actually wanted to help him. But what else was she up to? Someone as malicious as her would not freely give her aid.

"You're right about me, Mother Bethany. I need to get home. You seem to know the way. Tell me how to do it so that you can have your Smithy back."

Mother Bethany smiled. There was a sinister look in her blue eyes. "In the Captain's Cabin, there is a device that will allow you to Cross Dimensions. It can send you home and bring back my Engineer. However, I fear that access to it is severely restricted. Talbot would not be so foolish as to let anyone use it. So there is only one way for you to go home, Smithy."

A feeling of dread poured into Hephaestus' Soul like red wine into an empty glass.

"YOU HAVE TO HELP ME KILL CAPTAIN LUPINUS."

By Garth L. Getgen (Sgt_G) on Saturday, August 03, 2019 - 05:27 pm: Edit

Out of the frying pan; into the fire .....

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Sunday, August 04, 2019 - 04:37 am: Edit

Link to the Cyclopean Work Barge SSD (PYR2.1)
Link to the Cyclopean Forgesmiths in Project-Y

The first SSD for the Cyclopean Forgesmiths (PYR2.0). As noted in their background, the Cyclopeans are interested in building, not fighting. Project-Y follows the Design Paradigm used in the Early Years.

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Sunday, August 04, 2019 - 10:56 pm: Edit

BLACK WOLF - COMMONWEALTH JOURNAL
STARDATE 08.04.19
Link to previous Black Wolf Journals


"I'LL KILL YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The Black Wolf struggled violently against the Specialized Net that trapped him. It was no use. Hephaestus had designed the Net out of a rare material he found on an abandoned planet. It took him hours to synthesize the exact composition, but he finally succeeded. The more the Black Wolf strained to get free, the tighter the mesh would become. The strands were strong enough to withstand his strongest bite or claw. He was helpless.

Hephaestus had convinced Mother Bethany that it was next to impossible to kill Captain Lupinus in his wolf form. It was, therefore, a much better strategy to trap and restrain him, rather than attempt to kill him. Once this was done, it would be a simple matter to dispose of the Black Wolf at Mother Bethany's convenience. Hephaestus recommended drowning or gas, as the Black Wolf would be susceptible to either. Mother Bethany agreed. It was then an easy matter for Mother Bethany to lure Captain Lupinus to his Cabin under the pretenses of a Secret Lover's Rendezvous.

Mother Bethany activated a switch on the wall. A panel slid upward, revealing a display that showed Other Worlds. Hephaestus saw his evil duplicate imprisoned in the Brig on his Black Wolf.

"There it is, Smithy. Your way home. All I have to do is push this button. Then you and my Smithy will switch places. You fulfilled your part of the bargain by helping me to trap Captain Lupinus. Now it falls on me to send you back to where you belong."

Mother Bethany moved her finger toward the button and hesitated. A wicked smile formed on her lips.

"But you didn't really believe that I would give you up, did you Smithy? I can't do that. You are far too valuable to The Empire. You see, the information in your head will tell us all about this other galaxy you are from. Who knows what treasures will be revealed? I may not be able to read your mind, but The Empire has ways to extract the information from your mind. It may take time, and you will suffer a great deal of pain, but in the end, you will give us what we want. As for me, I will become Captain of the Black Wolf once Captain Lupinus is disposed of. The Empire will reward me greatly for turning you over to them."

Four Security Guards stepped forward and pointed their Phasers at Hephaestus. Mother Bethany laughed cruelly.

Smithy stared at Mother Bethany and the four Security Guards. Directly behind them was the Black Wolf trapped in the Net that Smithy had designed. Hephaestus smiled.

"But ye forget one thing, Mother Bethany dear. Did ye not remember that I was once part of the Dollfolk Vikings? I know a thing or two about duplicity and scheming. And I know how te protect meself."

Mother Bethany stopped laughing. Her smile quickly faded. A low growl could be heard behind her.

Suddenly, the four Security Guards were ripped to pieces by the newly freed Black Wolf. Blood sprayed all over the room. Mother Bethany screamed as the Black Wolf jumped on top of her, biting and clawing savagely.

Smithy didn't wait to watch the battle. He quickly pushed the button that would send him home. But not before attaching an explosive device that would detonate right after his transportation was complete. No one would be able to use the Inter-Dimensional Device again.

In the next second, Smithy found himself in the Brig aboard his own Black Wolf. He let out a sigh of relief. Now it would be a simple matter to convince his own Captain Lupinus and Mother Bethany that it was really him. Freedom was only moments away.

But Smithy found himself thinking of the Evil Black Wolf first. He thought of Eyeball, Crewman Kyle, Gwich, Captain Lupinus, and Mother Bethany. How is it possible that the Good People he had known for so long could be so Terribly Evil?

Does that mean that the Potential for such Great Evil exists within Each of Us? Is it really the Circumstances and Choices we make during our Life that Ultimately Shapes who we Finally Become?

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Wednesday, August 07, 2019 - 06:46 pm: Edit

Link to the Republic First Fast Cruiser SSD (PXR1.4)
Link to the Republic (PXR1.0) in Project-X

The Republic's first experiment with Fast Cruisers during the First Era. This design helped to pave the way for Fast Cruisers in Future Eras of Project-X.

By Norman Dizon (Normandizon) on Thursday, August 08, 2019 - 05:35 pm: Edit

TACTICAL ANALYSIS
GENESIS GALAXY: PROJECT-X
STARSHIP: HOMEGUARD FIRST ROCKETSHIP
Link to the Homeguard First Rocketship SSD
Link to more Tactical Analysis

While BPV provides a good measure of a starship, I prefer to use a Tactical Analysis when comparing starships to one another. Yes, you can refer to Annexes, create Charts, or delve even deeper into the Tactical Details, but this summary suits my needs.

WEAPONS

HEAVY WEAPONS: 1 x Buster Torpedo (FA)
RAY BEAMS: 1 x RB (FA), 1 x RB (L), 1 x RB (R)

DEVICES

COMPUTRON

ALPHA STRIKE (ON SUCCESSFUL HITS)(FREQUENCY: EVERY OTHER TURN)

(FA) R 0-1: 4 + 2 = 6
(L OBLIQUE) R 0-1: 4 + 4 = 8
(R OBLIQUE) R 0-1: 4 + 4 = 8

MID-RANGE (ON SUCCESSFUL HITS)(FREQUENCY: EVERY OTHER TURN)

(FA) R 2-5: 4 + 1 = 5
(L OBLIQUE) R 2-5: 4 + 2 = 6
(R OBLIQUE) R 2-5: 4 + 2 = 6

NOTES:

1) Buster Torpedo moves as a Plasma Speed 16
2) Computron can reduce die roll of one Ray Beam by 1.
3) Space Plane has no weapons.
4) Rocket Engines are for Movement Only. No Warp Power is generated.
5) The Homeguard Rocketship has No Shields.

POWER CURVE

WARP (ROCKET ENGINES): 0
IMPULSE: 2
APR: 4
TOTAL POWER: 6
BATTERIES: 0

OTHER

INTERNALS: 35
SHIELDS: 0
SHUTTLES (SPACE PLANE): 1
TURN MODE: E
MOVEMENT COST: 1