Operation Arrakis: Auger

by Brad Corletti

Brad slumped in the cockpit of his B-wing. Relentlessly interrogated by French police, he was badly sleep deprived. He remained conscious barely long enough to switch his bomber to automatic pilot before he drifted off completely.


Autonomous Bodyguard Unit DRK-001 observed the lifeform through passive vislight sensors. Lifeform "Brad" was asleep, recharging neural energy levels (subdata file: Human Physiology, Weaknesses).

Navigation system. Current position above nation-state France (subdata file: Land of the Frog People), altitude 10 km (subdata file: Merits of Metric Vs Imperial Vs Galactic Imperial). Velocity imparted by vehicle "B-wing" (subdata: Rebel Starfighters). Flight path stable, controlled by integral avionics system.

Threat search. Bioform "Brad" -> protect. Asleep. Mechanical unit "Dunno". Astromech droid -> mostly harmless. Passive.

Expanded threat search. Sweep area with vehicle sensors. No hostiles detected.

Incoming threat!

Concussion missile inbound. Boost shield strength. Override integral avionics. Begin evasive maneuvers. Wake bioform "Brad".


The impact rocked the B-wing. G-forces washed through the inertial dampener and smashed Brad's limp neck against the flight panel. Triumphant music began playing as he cracked open his eyes.

A red sun?

I'll lose my powers!

Wait.... red suns don't blink.

Brad lifted his gaze from the control panel's blinking threat display. "Oh no," he cursed. "Not again!"

The world was upside down, and closing fast.