Player-characters

Jo'din Northstar
Terri Lexgar
Dr. Ugavine Junior
Jan Vincent Torm
Kreel

The Warriors are on city-world with high skyscrapers, but the buildings are in disrepair, it's people are poor.  Technology has gone backwards to fossil fuels, with thick smoke choking the skies.

Terri and Torm are in a mid level cantina with an assortment of aliens.

Torm "Fifty Kreds is all I have, but if you have information I need, they're yours."  (Bargain - success)
Drunk #1 "I used to work for the company on a small swamp world, Alpha Magna.  The locals talked of a sacred cave.  I even saw it once, a large arch."
Drunk #2 "Ah, you ain't tellin' that swampy story again.."
Drunk #1 "It's true, I'm telling you, a big arch in an underground cave."

Torm thanks them and tosses them the Kreds.

Terri, who is leaning against the wall some distance away, but still able to hear.  "'you going to take the word of a drunk?"
Torm  "Drunk people rarely lie.  And it's all we've got.  We've spent days here and it all led to him, and now we're out of money."

They head back to the flying saucer.

The ships computer identifies the world of Alpha Magna and they go to warp.

Soon the planet looms into view.  A dull grey/green world. 

Torm  "The guys said the cave belongs to the locals, but I want to check out that installation down there.  Jo'din, I'll drop you Junior and Kreel off then Terri and myself will go to the facility.  We'll meet you as soon as we can."

Doing just that, Jo'din Junior and Kreel are dropped off in the swampland and Torm heads to the Mining Facility.  Torm receives a comm and is given clearance to land.

Terri and Torm are met by four security guards and a human guy in suit.

Denning "I am sub-supervisor Denning.  What brings you to Alpha Magna."
Torm "Torm, Terri.  We've been in space for weeks, I just wanted somewhere to set down, change of scene and give the engines a rest." (Con - success)
Denning "Very well, this way."

Terri and Torm are led to a lounge area.

Denning "This is a private facility, we don;t really have public areas, but you can make use of this area, you will find rooms down the hall if you need rest.  Wandering the facility is not permitted, although I could ask the Supervisor Gen't to arrange a tour if you wish."
Torm "Actually I would like that."

Once Denning has left...

Terri "So why are we here?"
Torm "Companies like this are rarely clean. I want to see what is going on."
Terri  "Oh yay, Torm the Galactic Crusader and his sabacc deck of justice."
 

In the swampland Jo'din, Junior and Kreel search for the locals.

Junior "So they get the cushy facility and se get a swamp, and it stinks."
Jo'din "It's not that bad."
Junior "When you have a nose like mine, it's bad!"

Suddenly a creature, much like a Nexu, leaps from the undergrowth, but Junior spots it giving the Warriors time to react.  The creature lunges at Jo'din who cuts it down with her Lightsaber.

The Warriors are then very aware they are surrounded, but not my creatures... the locals. About a dozen green skinned humanoids in primitive rags.  Although junior does note that the rags are not all primitive, some are tatty but from high tech protective suits.  They are all armed with spears.

Lang  "I am Lang of the Swap People.  Why do you trespass on our lands?"
Junior "We seek your help.  We have travelled the stars for your help.  I am Doctor Ugavine Junior, my friends are Jo'din Northstar and Kreel."
Lang "If you have travelled the stars there is nothing we have to offer."
Junior "We search for a Hypergate.  A giant arch capable of sending us home.  Maybe once used by the gods."

Junior did not need to ask if they had seen it, the murmurs in the crowd told him they have.  Lang invites the Warriors to join them at their village.  As they do the ground shakes, just a little, but Lang assures them they are safe, he believes it is caused by the Hydra mining facility.

Episode Two - Aggressive Negotiations

Touring the mining facility Torm learns they are mining swamp gas and processing it into fuel.  Several Swamp People are seen working through out the facility.  Torm stops to look at the company logo, Hydra Corporation.

Torm  "Why Hydra?"
Denning "This is an old company, but I believe it goes back to some ancient local superstition."

Knowledge checks, including those in the Swamp, all fail except Junior.

Terri and Torm are taken to a meeting room.  There are four security guards and Supervisor Gen't, a well dressed corporate man with broad shoulders; he looks at the Warriors accusingly.

Gen't "So now you have seen our facility, why are you here?"
Torm  "Just for some rest."  (Con - fumble!)
Gen't "You landed in the swamp first.  Smugglers.  You delivered something to the Swamp People."
Torm "No, just dropped off some friends.  Are you paying the Swamp People I saw working for you?"
Gen't "They are just primitives, workers, not employees."
Torm  "You mean slaves."
Gen't  "You are a bold man.  What we do here is not of concern to you."
Torm  "I grew up in a mining facility, not gas, but I know my way around a place like this.  And I know the practices of corporations like yours."
Gen't  "I think you should leave. But fetch your friends first.  I'll arrange a skiff.  Your female friend will remain here."
Torm  "And if I object you'll make various wordless threats?  Fine.  But I don't want anyone hurt."
Gen't  "Don't worry, I'll look after your friend here."
Torm  "Actually, I was talking to her."

Torm is led away.

Gen't  "Can I get you a drink my dear?"
Terri  "I would hope so."
Gen't  "I will have to take that weapon from you."
Terri (smiling) "You can try."

In the village of the Swamp People the Warriors are told about how the company uses the locals as slaves.  They also learn that the locals are not are primitive as they would appear, it is a life choice.  Many are trained in mining and computer systems.

Junior "I have to ask... Hydra?"
Lang  "A beast of legend.  It is said it was once a guardian sent by the gods."
Junior "Hmm... very similar to the Gargantuan of Gar or the Mythosaur of Mandalore."
Jo'din "I heard stories when I was on Gar.  But it doesn't exist."
Junior "Many legends are based on a truth." 
Lang  "You believe in such a creature?"
Junior "I know that that land tremor was not caused by the mining facility.  I could do with taking a look at the facilities telemetry."

Jo'din  "Anyway... the hypergate."
Lang "The arch you speak of is in out holy temple.  But there was fighting with the company a while back.  The entrance is sealed."
Jo'din  "It's very important to us."

Torm meets up with the others in the Swamp People village.

Torm  "Okay, Jo'din and Kreel, you see if you can find the Hypergate. I'll get Junior into the facility."

Torm arrives back at the facility and is escorted back to Supervisor Gen't along with Junior.  Terri is laughing and drinking with the guards (is Terri drunk?  Stamina - rolled 30 - No.)

Gen't  "Well, I didn't think you would actually return.  Is this creature... it."
Junior  "Your facility is in incredible danger.  I need to see all the seismic telemetry at once."

Gen't is taken aback at Juniors boldness.

Gen't  "I don't think that is going to happen."

Terri and Torm drawn and blast the guards on Stun!  Torm misses at first but he and Terri are successful on the second attempt.  Junior pushes past Gen't to use his computer terminal, easily hacking in.

Junior "Here.  These quakes are not from the facility.  Something is waking up!"

Gen't  "How dare you!!"
Terri  "Oh please, you were planning on having us killed.  Maybe I should just gut you right here and now!"

Terri still fails to intimidate Gen't

Gen't  "When the company learns..."
Torm "We won't even be in this galaxy, so what are they going to do?"

Another, stronger quakes shakes the facility.

Junior  "Let me guess, these quakes started shortly after the company attacked the Swamp People temple?"
Gen't  "Well... yes."
Junior  "The attack must have triggered a defence system.  It's been slow, but the creature has been waking slowly for the last year."
Gen't  "Creature?  What creature."
Junior  "The Hydra!  No doubt left here by the gods to protect their gateway."
Gen't  "Mythical beasts?  Gods?  That's all nonsense."
Junior  "If only for my own sake, I really wish is was."
Torm  "How long before it wakes."
Junior  "Well, it might not.  Unless the alarm is triggered again."
Torm  "You mean by going in the Swamp People temple... where Jo'din is going right now?"
Junior  "Oh... err... this thing is waking up!"

Jo'din and Kreel are led by Lang and a small group of Swamp People through the swampland towards a cave in a small outcropping.  Rocks have fallen blocking the entrance.  Jo'din ask eveyone to stand back, then reaching out with the FORCE telekinetically moves the blocking boulders out of the way.  Lang, and Kreel are amazed at what they see.

Lang  "Are you one of the gods?"
Jo'din (with a smile) "No.  But I know one of them." (referring to her time on Gar meeting Ares and Aphrodite)

The Chamber is large with broken relics littering the floor, alas broken parts of the Hypergate arch are also on the floor.  The control panel is still intact, but slightly different to what she has seen before.  Her computer skills are not great, but as she touches the controls a holographic display fills the room.

Jo'din calls Torm on the comlink
Torm  "Give me some good news."
Jo'din  "Sorry, the gate is damaged, but there is a map.  Not just of this galaxy, but of many."

Suddenly the ground shakes violently.  Jo'din, Kreel and the Swamp People are thrown to the floor.  The Mining Facility too shakes.  The Hydra awakes!

Episode Three - Attack of the Hydra

The gargantuan creature rises from the swamp, not more than a mile away from the mining facility.

Supervisor Gen't is in shock.

Junior  "It is unlikely this facility holds enough explosives to harm that creature.  The Flying Saucer laser are probably not strong enough either."
Terri  "What about the processed gas?"
Torm  "Get your people out, in the swamps and as far away as possible"
Gen't  "I am not allowing you to destroy this facility!"
Torm  "Either we destroy it or the Hydra destroys it."

Gen't reluctantly agrees and starts the evacuation.

Junior  "You'll need the laser form the ship to ignite the gas, but the storage is shielded and it's on a manual release.  Someone will need to go over and manually turn off the shields."
Terri  "I'll do it."
Torm (glares are Terri) "You'll need Junior."
Junior  "Oh.  Thanks."

Torm gets to the Flying Saucer and picks up Jo'din and Kreel.  He then flies near the Hydra, firing at it to get it's attention and lead it towards the mining facility.

Terri and Junior make their way to manually release the shielding, but are blocked by Gen't and three guards.

Gen't  "Sorry, but I cannot let you do this."

Terri slowly puts down her blaster, and with raised hands and starts to approach (Con - failed - fumble)

Gen't "That is close enough!"

Junior draws his blaster and dodges, two of the guards shoot at him but are nowhere close, but it gives Terri the time to lunge forward.  All three guards try and shoot her.  Terri punches the first unconscious, but the platform is slippery and she loses her footing allowing the other two to hit her, stunning her, but not wounding.

Junior blasts one of the guards but they focus on Terri.  Terri punches them both and recovers her stance.  Gen't goes to draw a weapon but Junior has him covered.  The Guards get lucky and both Stun Terri again.  Gen't was surprisingly not quick enough and is shot and incapacitated by Junior!

Terri spins and hits both guards with a roundhouse knocking them out.

Junior finds the controls but it is a heavy manual lever.  Terri tried to move it and it won't budge.  Together... (fumble) it's rusted and is not going to move. 

Terri "What now?  Torm will be here with that monster in moments."
Junior  "I'll have to take the control panel apart."

Junior, Technical roll (fumble)  "Err... it won't come apart."
Terri  "Then we blow it."
Junior  "There is an inherent risk that... yeah..."

Terri sets the explosives and they take cover.  Demolition (Moderate - 15!  Success!)  The controls explode, without igniting the gas chambers just as Torm is approaching.  The roar from the Hydra can be heard.

Terri and Junior run to the landing pad and onto the flying Saucer. 

The Hydra is closing on on the facility... Torm fires... the facility explodes engulfing the Hydra as Torm ignites the engines and leaves the planet.

Torm  "Jo'din, the map?"
Jo'din  "It's in the cave."
Torm  "WHAT?!!"
Jo'din  "Don't worry silly, I can remember it, and pass it on."

Jo'din places her hand to the side of Juniors head and closes her eyes, brings back the image of the cave and the galactic map, and passes those images to Junior.

Torm  "Well?"
Junior  "Athens.  The planet Athens in the core.  There is Hypergate there.  And I also now know the code for Gar."

Episode Four - The Way home

The planet of Athens, according to the Flying Saucer computer, was once the shining star capitol of the galaxy.

Kreel "I never went to Athens, but I know my people did.  I doubt there is much left."
Torm  "If we find a way home, are you coming with us?"
Kreel  "I have no home, but this is my galaxy.  This is where I will remain."
Torm  "Then I guess this ship is yours very soon."
Kreel  "Thank you Torm.  I wish you success."

The planet looms into view, but it is not dead.

Junior  "According to scans there are masses if biomass covering much of the southern continent, but but to the north is clear."
Kreel  "Amazing.  Then the Athenians were not destroyed.  The legends of their warrior prowess must be true."

The Hypergate is not even hidden, it is a great monument in the middle of the largest city.

Torm  "Looks low Tech."
Junior  "Don't let that deceive you, I'm picking up energy readings across the city."
Torm  "So, just primitive on the outside."
Terri  "Much like Gar."

The Warriors land their ship outside the city and make their way on foot.  They pass farmers tending their crops, but are given little attention.  As they reach the city limits four female Guards approach.

When Torm says we want to use the Hypergate the guards get aggressive.

Guard  "The Holy Monument is not for strangers.  Only the goddess may use it's power."
Jo'din  "I am a Priestess of Aphrodite.  I only want to get home where I can serve my goddess."

The guards also protest at Kreels presence, but Torm calms their fears.  The Warriors are allowed into the City, but they must meet with the General.

They are led to a large building where refreshments are provided.  Terri and Junior chat.

The General meets with the Warriors.  Despite all of Torms bargaining access to the Hypergate is refused.  They are allowed the stay the night, then they must leave.

The hospitality is good, the wine and food excellent.

Torm "We have to sneak up.  It's the only way.  Kreel, you should get back the the ship now so there is now fallout."

In the early hours the Warriors sneak out and through he town towards the Hypergate.  Alas, Terri and Kreel are spotted (failed hide/sneak check), so give themselves up to allow the others to proceed.

At the Hypergate Junior enters the coordinates for Gar. 

Junior  "You know as so as I engage the gate the whole thing will light up and everyone will know."
Torm  "Do it."

The Gate explodes into to life, louder than expected in the quiet city streets.  Guards are alerted and come running.

Terri and Kreel make they break, knocking out the guards that caught them, and run for the gate.  With blaster on Stun Torm gives them cover

The wormhole of the gate hums steadily.

Torm  "Jo'din, Junior... GO!"  they do.
Torm  "Terri..."
Terri  "No more orders.  You knew this was going to happen."
Torm  "This is not the time."

Athenian guards surround them, their weapons raised.

Terri kisses Torm  "Take care of Blue Tits for me."  Then she kicks Torm through the Hypergate.

Torm falls to the floor in the Gar Hypergate chamber, and slowly picks himself up.  Junior just stares at the floor.
Jo'din looks around  "Where's Terri?  Torm?  Where's Terri."
Torm shakes his head and hugs the blue twi'lek  "Don't worry.  She'll be fine."
Jo'din  "No.  She won't... she'll be magnificent."

END