What Buck_Rogers DiD. (Now a `join in` game!)

[Buck_Rogers]

Hi guys

Just busy writing the next chapter and wanted to ask:

Do you think adding some dialogue to the story be OK? Or would it spoil it? It wont be interactive. Just thought about adding some conversations between my pilots?

Hope your all enjoying reading this, as much as I am writing it!

[Buck_Rogers]

OK. I'm just gonna do this, since no-one has suggested otherwise
My best work yet. (I think anywayz) Its's a biggy to.

12. Birth of a Legend...

Or leg end, depending on how good you so called "combat pilots" are!
Well. After many Wozura's of trading between my self, flying the "Lazy Geordie", and Nil Rana in "Happy Hauler". I've finally managed to throw enough money together to buy the boys their 1st ships. Although once they see them, I'm not sure wether or not they will be happy about it! Meh, I'm the boss. So they will have to get what they are given! After all, they're not paying me a credit for them!

Speaking of the "Lazy Geordie", here she is:

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00095.jpg

Not the prettiest ship your ever gonna see, (looks almost Boron, like a fat fish! lol) but to me she is beautiful! Anywayz. After a quick trip to the Specialist Sales Shipyard in The Vault, I am now the proud owner of 3 L class Harrier Sentinals. After equiping them with all the necessities I could afford, I was left with the fine sum of 36k. Needless to say, Nil Rana was'nt impressed at having her budget cut! The boys did'nt exactly take to their new ships neither When they saw them for the 1st time after stepping of the transport TP, Mckenna was almost beside himself with rage!

"How the hell do you expect a combat pilot to be effective flying in those pea shooters?!" he scolded.

"Hey! If you think your Terran friends will take you back and provide you with a better ship for nothing, then there's the door Bastu!" I replied

Mckenna did'nt have any comeback on that one.

"Look. They're one of the best armed M5's around. Not to mention the fact they ARE the heaviest shielded craft in the M5 class to. 2 X 5MJ units."

I looked at Jack Jomar and Frozen, and could see they were'nt exactly happy about it neither, but they kept their mouths shut.

"Here are you access cards boys" I said as I handed over the keys, so to speak.

"When your ready, we'll take them out on a shake down cruise, and make our way to the patrol zone I've set up for you."

All 3 nodded quietly in response. With that, we headed to our ships. The boys in their Harrier's and me back in "Inferno", with "Lazy Geordie" on remote trading duties for now. So, without furthur ado. Ladies, gentlemen, Boron, Argon, Split, Paranid, Teladi, Terrans and all other low life of the Universe! It gives me great pleasure to present to you:

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00131.jpg

(updated screenshot)

Sabre Squadron! Watch out scum, were coming to get you!

Meet the pilots:

Suadron leader 1st

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00088.jpg

Sabre 2, pilot is:

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00089.jpg

and last of all, Sabre 3's pilot:

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00090.jpg

After Arriving at the area I designated for patrol, I gave the order to enter formation and start the patrol. The lads in front with me a few K behind them, for safety, ready to issue the attack order. With Nothing sinister appearing in Teladi Gain, we moved onto Ceo's Buckzoid. A single Pirate Buster decided to show up.

Fun time!

"OK boys. here's your chance to show me what you got! GO GET HIM!" I called through the comm.

Sabre Squadron immediately broke and headed for their target. The excitement of our 1st enemey encounter was short lived though, as non of the lads got close enough before the Buster went BOOM!

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00093.jpg

That was as close as anyone got! Not sure who or what got it in the end, but it was'nt any of us! Dissapointment all round. No matter though as we recommenced the patrol. Although our next encounter, in Profit Share turned out to be 1. Scarier than I had imagined 2. More successful than I had imagined! A lone Pirate Falcon appeared on the Gravidar. However, with this being an M3 I decided I wasn't going to just send the boys in all guns blazing. At least, not until I knew more. So armed with a freight scanner, I ordered the boys to back off, and got closer to their potential prey......

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00096.jpg

Excellent! An extremely undershielded Pirate Falcon. Although I was a bit wary of those 2 CIG's it was carrying!

"Think you lot can handle an M3?" I called out over the comm again.

"You just watch us boss!" Came the response from Jack Jomar. I hoped and prayed he was'nt going to regret those words!

"Just be careful! He's carrying CIG's!"

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00097.jpg

I was also thankful for the Teladi Sector Patrol ships that were also closing in on the Falcon, As they caused enough distraction......until.....

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00098.jpg

First of many kills for Sabre Squadron! I radioed congratulations to the boys. Although they were more bothered about who scored that kill, to care about what I thought. So a quick check of the database on "Inferno" reveals......

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... oard04.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... oard03.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... oard05.jpg

I call out "1st kill to "Damnation" and Frozen, plus 20800 credits! Nice job. Not a scratch on any of you neither"

"Bring on my next victim!" he laughed. Cocky bugger!

It was'nt until we reached Seizewell that the next target appeared.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00100.jpg

Guess the RNG gods are smiling again today. Another undershielded Falcon, and no CIG's this time!

"Do your stuff boys!" I said as I throttled back "Inferno" and watched as Sabre Squadron accelerated into the distance. Everything went smooth to start with, until the Falcon got a bead on Jack Jomar as he negotiated around a large asteroid! The Pirate let rip into the little Harrier. Shields down and taking damage.....

"Get......*crackle*.....Bastu.....*fffzzzzzt*......offa me!"

I was about to call a retreat when.....

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00101.jpg

I shouted to Jack to check he was OK.

"Still in one piece boss, but that Falcon put a few good holes in my hull. Looks like it'll need fixing! 48% integrity. Heading for nearest Repair Facility in Ceo's Sprite now"

"OK, We'll tag along to make sure no-one decides to finish you off!"

Note to self: Never send ships into battle in a pebble dashed sector! Perhaps we were all a bit cocky today. Especially after our first highly successful sortie. Either way, I was going to have to be a bit more careful about where, when and what I sent Sabre Squadron after. Reaching the Repair Facility, I instructed Jack to dock there and sort out "Dragonfire". While the rest of us docked at the Trading Station, for a well earned drink! After a while, The comm pad in my pocket beeped. It was Jack.

"22,973 credits for the full repair boss" He said rather Argnuily!

I sighed and pressed the button to authorise the transfer of funds to Jacks account to pay the mechanics.

"I know your probably not bothered." Said Mckenna, "but can you tell us who waxxed that Falcon, and saved Jack's Bastu in the process?"

I chuckled "Surprised you did'nt ask sooner Mck!"

Reaching for the comm pad again, I key in the command sequence to the database on "inferno". I show Frozen and Mckenna the score's.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... oard07.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... oard08.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... oard09.jpg

A smile crept across Frozen's face....

"Well, well. 2nd kill for you Frozen, Plus another 20800 credits. Becoming quite the capable pilot arn't you?"

Frozen said nothing, but smiled as he downed his Whiskey.

Game time = 2D 10H 32mins
Ranks = Harmless/Petty Retailer
Cr = 260K

Assets:

8 x Advanced Satellites
1 x Mercury "Happy Hauler"
1 x Discoverer "Inferno"
1 x Octopus Vanguard "Universe Explorer"
1 x Terracorp Vulcan "Lazy Geordie"

3 x Harrier Sentinal (Sabre Squadron)
"Ascendant"
"Dragonfire"
"Damnation"

[Buck_Rogers]

13. Revenge is a Xenon best served dismantled!

After the Return of Jack Jomar in "Dragonfire", we headed back to our patrol area and set off again on another sortie. After docking at the local Trading station in Greater Profit for supplies (or in other words, to save), we took off again. to my surprise we find these buggers, coming through the South Gate.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00103.jpg

The Xenon! Will these flying, recycled, robotic, rubbish heaps ever leave me alone?! I doubt it! Well, of course, the red mist descended upon me, and without a moments hesitation I ordered Sabre Squadron to attack.

Pay back time, for all the detours and for almost getting the drop on me in Ghins Escape!
Glad the 4 x Teladi Customs Pegasus decided to help though. I'm calling this operation:

One 'L' of a battle get it? OK, I'll get my coat. Whilst you lot peruse the battle pics

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00104.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00108.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00111.jpg

Quite quickly, the last Xenon's hull gives way and he goes boom! Even more quickly, my fingers are over the console of "Inferno" to see if Sabre Squadron scored any kills this time. To my dissapointment, they did'nt! Only the 2 Pirate Falcon kills registered to Frozen are on the pilot roster. So it's a good job none of them took any damage!

"Never mind lads. There will be plenty of other opportunities."

The next one comes fast aswell. As more Pirates show up.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00116.jpg

Another Falcon & a Harrier this time. I let the Harrier move off and set up to scan his friend.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00117.jpg

hmmmmm............This one at least has some sense! His shields are maxxed out, plus he's carrying a Silkworm and a handful of Mozzie's. Meh. No matter. I'm sure the boys will still have a go!

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00120.jpg

They sure did! And the results?

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00121.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00122.jpg

Hmmmm........A Mixed bag. Checking the pilot roster reveals a 1st successful kill for Jack Jomar, no bounty and this time "Damnation" is down to 68% hull intergrity. Also A Pirate Falcon Vanguard has joined the party. Time to bug out and make the 2nd trip in less than a day to the Repair Facility in Ceo's Sprite!

Game time = 2D 16H 10mins

a) 314,817 b) 0, c) 5 d) 2 e) 0

Key to above as below:

a Cr, b capital ships, c fighters, d civilian ships, e stations. Just trying out Gazz's idea of shortening the summery. Let me know what you think?

[Buck_Rogers]

YAY! 1000+ views. Just another 380 odd thousand to go before I reach the same dizzy heights as a certain Mr Slug

14. Helping Others

After a quick repair costing 14,137 credits, Frozen eventually caught up with us at the local Trading Station. It was at this point, I informed the boys I was going on a little errand to OTAS Headquarters. To see what was what.

"Let us know if they have better ships!" said Mckenna, rather snobishly. Obviously still not happy with my choice of ship for Sabre Squadron!

I told them to stay put in Ceo's Sprite just now, till I returned. No point in risking any other lives unecessarily. Especially as I would have to go through a Pirate sector (EEK!), to get to Akeela's Beacon. Which is where the co-ordinates from the OTAS Transporter I rescued earlier, are from. So, with my missile defense system operating again, I set off. Although not before I see a message of interest on the BBS. The same Teladi is offering the co-ordinates of a ship for salvage, again. For a little over 50k this time. I accept and am given:

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00081.jpg

I'll keep a note of that for later.

The journey through Hatikvah's Faith went without incident, thank the stars! There were a couple of patrol groups spread out around the sector. Of course they made a beeline for my ship as soon as I registered on their Gravidars. However "Inferno" was fast enough to give them a VERY wide birth. There was enough distance between me and them to escape without a shot, or a missile being fired. Onto Akeela's Beacon.

upon Arriving, I was 1st struck by the shear size of the sector! Everything was so spread out. No wonder OTAS are able to hide here. Although judging by the number of transporters heading my way, It's not exactly a secret! I keyed in the co-ordinates and sat back as the auto-pillock took over and swung the ship to the South. After an incredibly long and boring journey, the silouette of OTAS Headquarters appeared. I then notice the reason all those transports where heading in the same direction. OTAS HQ ia parked right next to the South Gate! Silly place to put it, if it's supposed to be secret!

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00133.jpg

(Sorry bout crap piture. Game would,nt let me zoom in, even just a little)

I think the 1st words which sprang to my mind were something like:

"My God!"

Except there were a few expletives chucked in there for good measure. This thing is bloody huge! After an insane amount of time taken to dock, I was suprised to find a welcoming commity waiting for me.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... 0080-1.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... 0079-1.jpg

What is it with OTAS and lost ships?! Geez man! Maybe they should tag em with tracking devices! Well, there is no way I have the resources to track down this ship. Especially if it was taken. I bet it won't be so easy to take the thing back again! So, Although I told them I would help, I took a quick peek at what they had on offer to the public and left OTAS to head back to Ceo's Sprite.

Upon returning to Ceo's Sprite, I rejoined Sabre Squadron. From there we took off and headed back to Greater Profit. Where I spent 300k joining the Racers Guild. Well, we all need a break now and then! Who knows, I may even win a race or 2 Then, we set off North. Our patrol was really quiet this time. Too quiet! We found nothing of interest until we hit Ceo's Buckzoid:

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00125.jpg

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....A guy called Neol Braks, piloting an Argon Mercury, requesting an escort to Kingdom End? 12K payout when we arrive. Meh, why not? Breaks the monotony a bit. Also gives me a reason to visit the fishies again! So I accept the job, activate my missile defense system to protect the whole convoy and call Sabre Squadron into escort formation behind the TS.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00126.jpg

"Keep your eyes open for those fighters!"

Crawling along at a paltry 76m/s, my finger constantly hovering above the command console, to order Sabre Squadron to attack whatever jumps us. One eye on my Gravidar, Constantly on edge, I almost jump out of my skin when passing through Queens Space, "Betty" chimes "Incoming message". Bloody computer! I'm sure she did that on purpose!

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00128.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00129.jpg

Well, here is a turn out for the books. Looks like my fish friends want me to play hero now and rescue their Princess! Well, since this looks like a kidnapping, I think I'll hold off for now. Although I did say I would help. I told them I'd be back as soon as I could buy an Octopus. Even though I already have one in the shape of "Universe Explorer". Glad I've been able to keep him alive now! Again, I bet the kidnapper wont let the wee Princess go without a fight. I also bet they are not flying M5's neither! So, for now I have 2 missions on hold

1) Find the missing OTAS ship
2) Rescue the kidnapped Boron Princess

Returning to the controls of "Inferno", we finally enter Kingdom End and follow the TS to it's final destination. Once docked the Mercury pilot contacts me and confirms the 12k payment. Not bad, considering we did'nt bump into any hostiles. Somehow I doubt we will be so lucky next time.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/ ... n00127.jpg

Final job of the day is to check on the progress of the trading side of the business. I'm glad to see that Nil Rana in "Happy Hauler" has made it to a level 10 trader. I congratulate her, then ask if she would like to expand on her duties, by becoming a Universal Trader. Of course she jumps at the chance, blabbing off some rubbish about wanting to see more of the Universe. Meh. Whatever, so long as she rakes in the moolah! So, I instruct her to dock at Terracorp HQ and await further instructions.

Game time = 2D 18H 32mins

a) 414,802 b) 0, c) 5 d) 2 e) 0

Key to above as below:

a Cr, b capital ships, c fighters, d civilian ships, e stations

[Buck_Rogers]

The above chapter will probably be the last for a wee while. As I have used up all of my written notes. This means I'll have to find the time from somewhere to play again. Don't worry though. I'm not giving up!

However, with a wife and 3 kids my time is very limited just now. Although the Mrs does have a Christmas party to go to tonight! So, depending on what time I get the bairns of to bed and how long the house work takes, I might get enough time to sort stuff for another chapter. I hope!

Also stay tuned. I'll be looking for more volunteers for Sabre Squadron shortly.

[Apollo303]

I`ll take you up on being a part of that Sabre wing

Slightly slower than the Kestral but at least i can fight

P.s not posted or done much for my own DiD game for a bit as my motherboard blew and killed my hard-drive too, but alas a mate of mine managed to save the day, unfortunatly i lost my game save and other bits and bobs....... have spent the last several days craming my time into game and getting the story up to where it was albeit with a few minor changes to which i will update my DiD with later.

Also on a better note it will be sporting a few screenshots

Hope to see/read more soon !!

[Buck_Rogers]

I`ll take you up on being a part of that Sabre wing

Slightly slower than the Kestral but at least i can fight

I hope you don't think you'll be flying Terran Sabre's? For 2 reasons.

1. They're not in X3R XTM
2. You'll be flying this instead ...........hehehe

[ external image ]

It's just shear coincidence that my personal wing is called "Sabre Squadron". It always has been. Since the days of X2. I knew of the Terran Sabre's, but did'nt want to change the name of the wing.

Sorry it if mislead you!

[Apollo303]

I kinda forgot about your game is X3R, still im happy to pilot whatever is available just as long as i survive awhile

[Buck_Rogers]

Right. As I will soon be expanding Sabre Squadron, I am now looking for volunteers. See application form below.

Full name of pilot:
Name of ship:
General background:

*NOTE* Your ships name will appear alongside your assigned squadron and ship number. Also please keep your background brief, I dont want a life story! This is only to determine wether or not I need to buy level`d pilots or start your career from scratch. No ship/weapon preferences please. Not just now. You will have to make do with what I give you. As I am a law abiding citizen, I dont want any Pirates neither, Unless you are going straight.

Thats all just now.

[Apollo303]

What ships you got in that wing/squadron then.... ??

Pilot name : Apollo

Name of ship : Warbird

General Background : Looking to get my revenge on those piratical types after being shunned out of my captiancy of a Galleon, promised to me after the successfull retrieval of it from a Yaki fortified system.... no easy game i tell ya, lost many a good comrade on that adventure. Still heres hoping to get aboard and give those scum a taste of what they deserve.

[Buck_Rogers]

Well for now, all members of Sabre Squadron will be flying.........................Harrier Sentinals!

At least until I get a good cash flow going. Then I'll upgrade you all to something with a bit more bite! If you suvive that long!

[Buck_Rogers]

Only 1 volunteer? I cant do this without help peeps. Thats the point of this, to involve you lot

I have 3 new ships waiting for pilots. I only have 1 applicant (thanks Apollo303) Any chance of a few more?

Pretty please

[travisdh1]

Alright, I guess we'll give it a go.

Pilot Name: Speedy
Name of Ship: Oops

Background: I've had been piloting m5 scouts for the argon military. Quite accomplished in the scouting and fighting screening units. I guess the military doesn't appreciate their pilots making pancakes out of fighters (have a tendency to run into things in the heat of battle.)

Edit:
Race: Argon (I guess it's not a given even if in the argon military, doh!)

[Buck_Rogers]

WAHEY!

Another pilot! Thanks for applying Speedy and welcome to Sabre Squadron! Here's hoping you rack up the kills!

Almost forgot. If anymore pilots wish to join, can you please state your race? It may be easy for me to determin from names (H t'Sht etc etc), but I would'nt know the difference between an Argon and Terran

Next chapter will be written as soon as I can get just one more pilot!

[Fendalis]

Uh, I'll sign up I guess. Harrier's are funish. Um... I'll go with me, Argon... don't imagine I'll last long, but why not.

[Buck_Rogers]

Ahhh Fendalis, you see. I put all my emphasis on the think side of things. Unlike other admirals, I don't send, my ships into battle expecting casualties. I look after my boys.

That's the challenge. Keeping you lot alive till I can get you in something with more bite

So what's your details?

Pilot: Fendalis?
Ship name:?
Race: Argon
General Background:?

[Fendalis]

oh, details...right then.

Pilot: Fendalis
Ship name: Shoot that Guy ->
Race: Argon
Background: Fighter pilot with some skill that talks the talk, but generally hangs back in a fight looking for an opportunity to make himself look better than he is. If there's a fight to be had, he'll be pushing to jump into the fray, and then quietly hang back until the fight is almost over before helping to mop up. Yeah...how's that?

[Buck_Rogers]

That's fine ta.

Answer me this though:

Would you be the same mighty Fendalis who had his own DiD going with X3R + XTM?

[travisdh1]

*looking over his new ship*

Well, with a reputation for pancaking ships she's not so bad. Life support looks solid, everything else is secondary of course. Let's go hunting!

[Fendalis]

that's the same old me. Unfortunately with a nasty hard drive crash, I lost the game - but technically never died. Back to playing TC now that I've got my rig repaired and refitted a bit. Pity, cause that was a really fun DiD game I had going.