Space: 2022 - Episode Eight

 At Pinewood, everyone can hear you scream!!!

Another (fake) episode in the can from the Alternate Anderson series "Space: 2022"!  This installment required a guest model, where most of this story will take place.  It is also an "original" episode not based on the Year Two series; Frankensteined from other episodes and series.  (At first it was going to be derived from a first season episode of "Buck Rogers" called "Space Vampire", which was my favourite of that series back in the day.  But when I recently re watched it to familiarize myself with the subject matter, I was disappointed to say the least!)  I had planned to have the Vorvon terrorize Sandra after the Phoenix encounters a derelict freighter, but all that went out the airlock.  

The guest model was already under construction, so I had to come up with another story.  Taking elements from various sources,  including the second episode of "Lost in Space" (which also has the same title by the way...),  I put them in the concept blender.  This one will still have Sandra in it, and she will get to scream several times at various decibels!  So here, submitted for your approval, is episode eight, and commercial free!

The PHOENIX, continuing in its search for a way home, comes out of Q-Drive into a desolate area of space.  There are no stars or planets nearby, just emptiness.  But suddenly VICTOR pipes up.  "Alan, there is a large metallic object ahead."  It is a huge spaceship, over a kilometer long!  But it is drifting, and no signs of life can be detected.  Command staff see this an unexpected opportunity.  Perhaps there are aliens aboard who may have information on this area of space or resources & technology that may help them return to Earth.  Maya recommends she take "Psyche" and use stealth mode to recon the ship, for it may have automatic defensives.  Alan concurs, the little green ship heads for the derelict, and then disappears.  

Maya circles the ship several times, amazed at its size.  Occasionally she "flashes" the derelict by turning off the stealth field, but there is no reaction.  The ship is dormant, dead, and surprisingly there is no sign of damage.  Also, Maya does not recognize the alien symbols.  She returns to the ship and command have another conference.  They have to get on board that ship.  A minimal crew is selected to assess the situation.  (Perhaps more can go aboard later once the ship is deemed safe).  As Alan can't leave the PHOENIX, Koenig volunteers to lead the team.  Maya and Sandra for science, Doctor Spencer (zero-G medical), and one security guard, Hans Einweg.  Kelly will pilot Dove 01.  

Following Maya's previous course, the Dove circles around the ship looking for any access; hatches, docking ports, windows, but no luck.  Analyzing the configuration of the ship it is theorized the large bump on the bow could be the bridge, so they make their start there.  Koenig goes out first, being the leader, followed by the rest of the team.  But Kelly has to stay on the Dove.  Tethered together, they explore the the surface of the ship.  Someone does something.  A panel slides and they are pulled in by some kind of tractor beam.  The hatch locks behind them.  Sandra screams (70 db).  Are they trapped inside this space hulk?

They have lost coms with Kelly and the PHOENIX as well.  It is dark inside, cold, and no gravity.  Koenig tells them to keep their helmets on until they find the bridge.  They make their way to the hump, which is the bridge just as they thought.  But still no crew.  Maya finds the on switch and reactivates the ship; it was in sleep mode.  They now have life support, gravity and lights in the immediate area.  There is a weird filament here and there, like cobwebs, plus a desiccated body sitting in the command chair.  Sandra screams (80 db).

While Maya and Sandra continue analyzing the bridge controls, Doctor Spencer examines the corpse.  Despite it being a 6 foot prune wearing a perspex helmet, it is actually humanoid.  "He did not die of natural causes, perhaps some kind of an infection" he says to Koenig.  "But where is the rest of the crew?" responds John. 

Meanwhile, Einweg has heard a strange noise coming from far down a corridor.  Doc Spencer goes with him, as does Sandra, in case they find more tech or other crew members who may need help.  Maya has discovered an interface consisting of round cylinders and tubes.  It is the ships log, plus access to a large amount of scientific data.  She and Koenig try one of the cylinders and a large screen appears before them.  They go through the entries to find out more; they are successful.  The ship is called the 'Menon', and is from the planet 'Betanon'.  It is an exploratory science vessel with a crew of 2,000.  The corpse in the chair is identified as Captain Duro.   

Further into the ship, our trio is following the strange sounds.  Light is intermittent and the cobwebs seem to be increasing in density.  A large door appears before them, and Sandra is able to open it.  The room is huge; an auditorium perhaps?  More shadows than light; shapes emerge.  Sandra screams (90 db).

Maya and John find the Duro's final log entry.  Apparently they were bringing biological samples aboard from a recently surveyed jungle planet, but something nasty hitched a ride.  The crew began to get infected by some kind of exotic fungus, a very thirsty fungus.  Nothing could stop it.  But wait, was that a scream?  "Check it out, Maya" says Koenig.  She turns into a bat and flies down the corridor.

Our trio has found the crew, or what's left of them.  The interior is a nightmarish fusion of desiccated bodies and fungus, draped by tendrils and filaments.  Suddenly a large tendril darts out and grabs Hans.  Sandra screams (100 db)!  Maya arrives too late to help; Einweg is finished.  The mass begins to pulsate and glow.  More and more tendrils begin to approach the door.  They close the bulkhead and run like hell.  But they can hear some loud pounding on the other side...

During this horror show, Koenig has re established coms with Kelly.  He informs him they are trapped and cannot get out.  Three pairs of hurried footsteps get closer and closer, and our revised trio bursts onto the bridge.  "We have to get out, NOW!" exclaims Maya.  The fungus has broken through the bulkhead and is oozing up the corridor.  Sandra screams (100 db).  There are only minutes left!  "Put your helmets on, and get behind those consoles!" orders Koenig, "Wrap the tether around you and hold on to each other!"  He then orders Kelly to use the Dove's laser and blast a hole in the hull.  The explosive decompression blows the team out into space, and Sandra screams (80 db; it was inside her helmet this time...).  They climb aboard the Dove and head back to the PHOENIX with no signs of pursuit.  Guess the fungus cannot live in the vacuum of space.

They return to the PHOENIX, but one man short.  Sandra is taken to medical and given a good dose of space valium.  Luckily Koenig was able to download a good chunk of the data before the mushroom attack.  They will have some new information to decipher and hope it will get them back to Earth.  But what to do about the 'Menon'?  "We just can't leave that infected derelict here.  Another ship may pass by and not be so lucky," says Alan.  "Looks like we have only one choice".  He gets Petrov on the line and authorizes the firing of a planatomic missile.  The crew stands in silence in remembrance of Security Guard Hans Einweg, and the derelict is vaporized.  (We are now down to 109 crew on the ship).

This is the "hide behind the sofa" episode for Year Two.  Done in the tradition of the (real) "Dragon's Domain" from Year One, which still freaks me out, even to this day.  Minimal set design as lighting will be very dark.  The giant fungal mass will be another miniature.  (I'm not building that one folks...).  A good space monster which should keep the suits in the New York office happy.  To maintain the dark tone of the episode, only the open and closing credits will utilize the Derek Wadsworth score.  Incidental music for the show will use several of those spooky Barry Gray electronic tonalities (You know the ones I'm talking about!),  which will be occasionally punctuated by various levels of screaming.  As for our doomed guest star, I thought Jeremy Wilkin would have been a good choice.  He's an Anderson veteran and he had the right look for a stoic security guard.  Too bad he never was in the original "1999"...

Building the "Menon" 

The script called for a derelict spacecraft.  The "Buck Rogers" episode I was going to adapt used a freighter called the 'Demeter' (actually just the repurposed Gemini freighter from Galactica), but looking back the last several modeling months I realized I was stuck in cargo mode.  So I wanted to look for inspiration elsewhere.  In the two years of "Space: 1999", where was the best collection of derelict space ships?  Back to "Dragon's Domain" of course!  In amongst the dozen or so ships from previous episodes, Sir Martin also constructed (besides the two Ultra Probes), five more derelict craft for the episode.  The one I chose was seen mostly in medium and long shots from various angles.  

As luck would have it, this model was built using parts from the Airfix Saturn V kit, the same one I bashed to build the PHOENIX.  But the images from the episode are not very clear.  Now any serious fan of "1999" knows about the website "The Catacombs".  They had an extensive visual library of the original model there which helped immensely.  I don't have permission to post those pics here; you'll have to go there yourself if interested.

The original fuselage is made up of four sections, all utilizing some pieces of the Saturn V model. As I only had the one kit, I salvaged the left overs, plus some plumbing fittings, vitamin bottles, more greeblies, and finally good ole Kinder Eggs.  The main section is the first rocket stage, which was the last major piece left.  I played around with various configurations of the parts until something pleasing to the eye took shape.  I was not going to be making a replica of the original, but more of a hommage.

I built it in two sections connected by a brass rod.  It will be easier to work on it this way.  A vitamin bottle extended the rocket stage (section 1), whilst intermittent bottles, lids, and plumbing fittings combined to make section 2.  I didn't have a dome for the bow of the ship, but had (of all things) a chromed egg from a panty hose container popular in the '70s.  (I have a box full of Ultra Ban domes too!).  Those two tanks are from the Laser Battle Station kit, another one I stole parts from for the PHOENIX model.

I used two types of textured styrene sheets to make various panels, and to add texture to the hull.  I also added low detail greeblies here and there, even duplicating some that Sir Martin used, but keeping restrained as I wanted it to be alien looking and not so NASA looking. 

The plumbing fitting at the rear of the ship was hexagonal, which gave me the excuse to include the Kinder Eggs (which had been lacking lately).  They were salvaged from the Buzzard refit.  I included some more Saturn V leftovers, but the boosters were from the Space Shuttle kit.  Satisfied with the basic model it was prime time.

I used Rustoleum camo Sand for the base coat and primary colour.  Avoiding the NASA colour palette of greys, blacks, and whites, as well as on the original model, I decided to use earth tones and avoid those colours entirely.  (Guess I have spent too much time in the desert lately...).  Khaki drab, buff, tan, and burnt sienna worked best with the sand base.  Panels painted and patterned with these colours; there was to be no metallic either.  Also on the forbidden list was no weathering or panel lines.  Aliens don't necessarily build their ships the same way after all...

The completed model is 31" long, a little shorter than Sir Martin's version, as I omitted two sections.  As it is stated to be a little over a kilometer long in the episode, the scale of this ship is 1/1270.  Because of its relative size to the PHOENIX, I thought it would have been fun if the Menon swallowed it "You Only Live Twice" style, but that would have added more hours to the project than I was willing to invest.  It's so easy to get carried away with these things...

To create the random rectangular pattern on the hull, I wanted to avoid having to mask off individual areas; I have found no matter how careful the paint always bleeds under the tape.  So I did it the opposite way.  I took some old colour beige masking tape and painted them using the established colour palette.  Then using a sharp knife, I cut out the desired shape and pasted them on the hull.  Again, trying not to overdo it.  This way if I didn't like how it looked, I could just peel it off.  

The alien graphix were created using just some military stencil font decals and cutting them accordingly.  Just some random symbols here and there, and very "1999" in their aesthetic.

So many space ships always have the boosters directionally pointing straight back.  I wanted to try something different.  For the engine nacelles I tacked on some old swivel faucet spray heads, this way I could have them on an angle, or even put straight back if I wanted to.  

That single cone in the middle is from the Saturn kit.  It is the shield for the command module during launch.  Sir Martin used four of them in the original model as boosters; I don't have the budget.  I believe when he was building the models for "1999" he must have cleaned out every Woolworths for fifty miles around!  

The four tanks on the original studio model were identical from a Harrier kit.  Again, I don't have the budget, so I made do with what I had.  The core piece are the guts from a Gardenia hose fitting.  

And yes, that large hump at the front is the bridge.  So that about wraps it up for the 'Menon'.  There are  only a handful of bits left from the original Airfix kit now.  But if I ever wanted to do something similar again, it would be cheaper to 3D print them in massive quantities!  

Hope you enjoyed tonight's scary cosmic horror tale!  There are still 16 more episodes to go in the series, and at least three require guest models.  So what's next is anybody's guess.

Have a better one!

Diorama Apocalypse: 2092

Introduction & Ramblings

Once upon a time, models were built, simple solitary things displayed on nice little wooden bases, maybe with some rocks or trees or other bits added for effect.  This has now become a thing of the past, which can be traced to about 10 years ago starting with "Space: 2019".  Simple ideas mutated into conceptual juggernauts, consisting of multiple models, interchangeable pieces & accessories, and back stories and/or episode guides with fake histories.  Which is why I can't seem to get anything finished these days!  Currently, I am working on several major concepts, all with the parameters as mentioned just now.  "Space: 2022" (in the queue are four more remaining guest models and the completion of the Season Two episode guide), "Cargo: 2023" (multiple models and swap pieces with episode guides and back stories; this I blame on 3D printing...),  "Space Battleship Yamato III" (mucking about with the current reboot timeline; one model built so far with several more to come), and when taking a break from static kits, working on my 00 gauge model railroad "Rusty Rails".  With this death of dioramas, I have replaced them with another term:  Playsets.  And today's post is no exception, as I have expanded yet again on a previous series started ten years ago.  Here now is the current just-completed miniature from that series, with many more already either on the bench, or rattling around in my head:

The first model constructed before this became a series was the NA-HAAG-39 Tortoise, a walking mech from the New Albion United.  (Let's just say British to make it easier!).  It was posted on April 26, 2015.  The second model came 6 years later, posted on March 14, 2021.  The Gottesanbeterin was not intended for this series, but after a few meals of large waffles, it became part of the Neuer Deutschland Allianz (you know who!), engaged in a conflict in North Africa circa 2042.  (Feel free to look them up if you like).  This conflict is based on resources, not politics.  This is a world ruled by corporations; there are no more governments.  A tired sci-fi trope I know but it works for this scenario.  One major change I made though was the date.  2042 seemed too close all of a sudden.  The future has caught up a lot faster than expected.  Already long gone is the wet & gritty world of Los Angeles in 2019, the clean, optimistic view of 2001, and even the more prophetic green cracker world of 2022.  (I'd say the last example is more relevant even now!).  

This completed miniature was actually conceived during the construction of the (still in production) model currently on the bench.  I reasoned I would need a supply pipeline to ship cargo across the desert to various locations.  So with both my interest in trains and cargo in general, the Heavy Cargo Crawler Schnecke was born.  Before we get started, (and there is a lot of ground to cover in this novel, so you may want to get yourself a coffee...), here is an image of the full model with just one of a multitude of potential cargo and wagon configurations:

Schnecke und Nacktschnecke

Might be hard to see, but that is 30 inches of desert train.  Scale is 1/220.  (I chose this scale because its the same scale for that primary model I mentioned still under construction).    There are two main units for this train.  The Schnecke (snail), which is basically a locomotive, and the Nacktschnecke (slug), which are the wagons.  The concept has a lot of "Thunderbirds" and other Anderson shows influence.  (You can just about hear the Barry Gray music as it trundles across the landscape).  

The Schnecke (which here on in will be called the S-Unit in order to save time, and wagons the N-Units) is 170mm x 42mm x 25mm.  Which at full scale would/will be 37.5m x 9m x 5.5m.  It consists of a dual quad-track drive unit which are steerable.  It has a cockpit which can accommodate three crew at a time, a crane with magnetic plate, a cargo area which is also a magnetic plate, and an atomic fusion motor slung under the frame.  Port side has an access hatch for personnel,  and on the starboard side:

is the exhaust pipe array.  There is also a coupling unit at the stern, various radar units, crew cabins, and rolled  tarpaulins here and there.  The N-Unit is similar but lacks all the luxury items.

Basically a powered flatbed which is un-manned (although there is a control cabin in the belly of the beast if needed).  Two couplings, tarps of course, a larger (magnetic) cargo area, and those teeth-like blocks on the flatbed are for cargo securement.  Slugs are controlled from the main cockpit on the S-Unit, but they don't have to be linked to be maneuvered.  So now that you know the back story, I will tell you how I built these four little bastards!

Since this model was to be a train of sorts, just no tracks, I rummaged around and found these two old flatbeds I had from a charity shop purchase many years ago.  Now discontinued, these were  Tyco/Mantua HO flatbeds.  They have some very unique features which made them different from other brands.  (I knew they were old as they had the place of manufacture as Hong Kong!).  Initially, I was only going to make the S-Unit and one N-Unit, but as stated earlier, I lost control and purchased two more wagons whilst attending a recent train show/sale.  

I began by dismantling the wagons, discarding the bogies & couplings, and grinding down the ridges down the centre.  Mounting sleeves were drilled in for the quad-tracks, and the open area of the bed replaced with some textured styrene.  The engine room was made from a truck petrol tank from the greeblie box cut in half; it was enough for both wagons.  The tie downs were made from those many tank tread pieces (which are now starting to diminish), and then a few more details added here and there.

The S-Unit section was more complex. The cockpit was made from a small helicopter kit (I wanted a retro-future/Heinkel He 111 look to it).  Other greeblies added around this feature from various sources and a few small guns.  The crane was cobbled from various cheap dollar store vehicles; at least it moves!   That was the easy bit; I still had to make the treads....

I wasn't about to go out a purchase 8 tank kits, model or toy.  So obviously the Anycubic X6Ks was drafted into action.  Then a few hours of virtual rummaging over at Thingiverse!  I found some suitable files, scaled them, and printed off 8 pairs of treads.  I combined the treads into a cluster of four, and installed a peg on the top.  The result was this:

The initial two units were already completed when I decided to make two more.  I had only the one petrol tank so I had to print one from a similar 3D file.  Had to print off 16 more tread sections too.  Unfortunately, I did not keep a photo record of the build after priming.  

For the base colour, I used my new favourite Vallejo spray Dunkelgelb Panzer Yellow, which I have used several times previously.  Other sections were painted a lighter version of the same colour.  The tank treads were dark grey then dry brushed with steel to simulate wear.  Paint chipping was done with the sponge method, added some decals, and then the model was lightly washed.  

As this was supposed to be future tech, I was trying to avoid iron based elements.  But securing the loads is done with magnetism, so iron slabs it is!  Dry brush several tones of rust, and then bordering the area with some left over graphics.  Couplings are made using some greeblies, stock styrene and combining them with existing German HO couplings.  They were weathered and still work, attached with a small screw so they can turn on the flatbed as required.  At the end, everything was dusted down with yellow-brown pigments.  But only one N-Unit type?  Not bloody likely....

Every train has a caboose, or similar end of train device or feature.  The Pellbock unit can be removed using the same mounting system as the couplings, or left in place.  The primary slab was made by combining two landing pads from the standard Eagle model kit.  The rest of the bits are the usual assortment of greeblies.  Finished it with painting it the lighter yellow-green, washed & weathered, graphics added, then dusted.  

You may notice that all the units have rolled tarps/stowage randomly placed on the wagons.  Of course you need protective covering for cargo.  There are several methods I could have used to make these tarps (3D print, model kit accessories, molded putty, tin foil, or tissue paper soaked in PVA glue).  I chose a method (I believe was unique), by using latex gloves.  Since I use a lot of them for painting and cleaning resin parts, there was an endless supply, as they don't have to be perfectly clean.  

I start by cutting off the finger section and making a small puncture in the tip.  I then roll the strip from the cut end using a piece of sprue, which in these examples are 1" long.  Once fully rolled I tie the roll with very fine floral craft wire.  Coat of primer and then dry brushing base and highlights.  I don't think this method would work for tarps much bigger than these (although I will try someday), or as flat sheets.  I then glued them to the wagons.  Try it yourself!  Rolled tarps from latex gloves!

Heavy Cargo

So now we have a locomotive and three wagons.  But if this model train is to have any lasting play value, we are going to need loads and stuff to haul around, which is a good segue to this next section.  Now would be a good time to refill that coffee!  Firstly, here is an assortment of pics with various cargo configurations:

There are of course many more possibilities, but we don't have time for that.  In the inventory of available cargo, there are three types of containers to start; the Type 1 (large), the Type 2 (medium), and the Type 3 (liquid).  Here is where the 3D printer came in real handy!  

I had actually created these for one of my other series "Star Lorries".  They fit very nicely in the wagons, so I started printing them off in large quantities.  

In the end I had printed 24 Type 1, 4 Type 2, and 5 Type 3.  (There is also a special T1 variant which I will discuss later).  I primed them first in red oxide and then a thin coat of water based hairspray.  Final coat with various greens and subtle military colours.  I used a wire brush with a bit of water to scuff them up and do some subtle exposure of the undercoat.  Some graphics and then sponge painting various shades of rust.  Lastly a coating of dust.  The containers are rusty due to an outer veneer of iron needed for the magnetic loading system.  It also looks better too!

They work best when stacked two high, but three up for special occasions, which refers to the special one I mentioned earlier.  A vehicle this large is of course very vulnerable to attack, so in most instances the train will go out with various armed escorts (still in early phases on the bench).  But it doesn't hurt to keep something up your sleeve just in case.  So I came with the Springteufel, basically a very nasty jack-in-the-box!

Surprise!  I adapted a nice AA gun/missile pod I found on Thingiverse.  The special (yellow green) containers are mounted on the top of the stack, and when some baddie flies in too close, who's laughing now? 

You may have noticed something else in the last pic.  Can't just be hauling containers around; we need some variety.  Using the same basic file for making the Type 3, I scaled it up and made it much longer.  Added some greeblies to the resin part, primed, and then the usual format.  I now have a nice tank full of atomic fuel!

These final loads justify the reason tarps are hanging off the wagons.  I made two full tarps; one for the S-Unit and the other for an N-Unit.  Nothing fancy, just a cover for a standard 10 crate load.  

These I made using aluminium foil, as it conforms nicely in the right places.  I made a block of foam using the dimensions of a standard load, over which I carefully folded the foil (using a makeshift break out of rulers), and then added some subtle folds and creases.  Primed, painted and some dry brushing for highlights.  Dusted lastly of course.  Also added a chain around the load to keep the tarp down.  Rather than cover the detailed containers with these tarps, I instead made another block of foam for it to sit on, and then painted it dark green.  

Even at this point I still had several more ideas for other loads.  But I held myself back as there were other models to build.  And now, here are some nice staged beauty shots taken by NAU spies lurking about in the rocks and bushes:

"Looks like we stumbled on a delivery...."

"Those aren't fly swatters..."

That completes the report on the Schnecke.  It's now safely tucked away in (one of many) display cases.  At last count, I still have at least 7 more planned models for this series.  Fortunately I am keeping everything at 1/220 in order to save space.  Next year I plan on doing up a photo novel with all the models; I have a few stories in mind.  Anyway, thanks for sticking around.  

Have a better one!

Space: 2022 - Episode Four

 

This post is first in a new feature whereas a specific episode will be showcased for a distinct reason, either for a guest miniature, story arc turning point, or in this case, the addition of a new cast member (and new miniature!), which will change the dynamic of the stories from this point on.  So stand by for a plethora of plot contrivances, Deus Ex Machina, and merciless rewrites of Year Two episodes!

As you may remember, we left the PHOENIX and battered crew in deep space after the unfortunate encounter with a proton storm (it's not safe out here...).  Badly damaged and limping through space, VICTOR detects an alien planet nearby.  The ship heads for the new planet with hopes of finding materials and minerals (especially titanium) to make repairs to the ship.

Bill Fraser and Co-pilot Ray Torens head down in Dove 01 and encounter an inhospitable planet with volcanoes and quakes, but no life.  As luck would have it, large quantities of titanium are detected, and Dove 01 heads back to the ship for more equipment and some navvies to do the heavy lifting.  Suddenly, a large ball of green light appears and engulfs the ship, reverses and returns to the planet.  Guess it wasn't uninhabited after all!

Alan initiates Red Alert and all weapons are charged.  How can anything live down there?  Suddenly, a loud booming voice breaks the silence.  "Commander Carter!".  The volume is lowered on the speakers and a large bearded man appears on the main screen.  It is Mentor Blessed, the sole inhabitant of the planet "Psychon".  After some discussion,  an exchange will take place in orbit.  First returning the first two pilots,  and then negotiating for the minerals required.  Alan commands Dove 02, with Koenig along for support, Helena for any medical needs, and Science Officer Picard (no relation..) for mineral advice.  But no one has seen the lioness behind him.  The big cat transforms into a young woman; she is a shape shifter and Mentor's daughter!  Back on the PHOENIX, the five board the Dove and set off for the planet.  In near orbit, a ship appears...

VICTOR scans the ship, but there are no life signs aboard.  It's a trap!  Mentor's ship, using magnetic energy, begins to drag the Dove down to the surface.  Alan hits the boosters but no effect.  As G forces increase, Alan tries a short burst of the Queller drive and they escape.  Safety is short lived as Mentor's ship has turned into a glowing green energy ball and engulfs the Dove as before.  The green ball descends and lands amongst some volcanoes.  But as the light dissipates, the captives realise they are in a kind of spaceship graveyard, made up of assorted Year One ships turned upside down.  They also see Dove 01 on the other side of the crater.  

Mentor tries his word tricks again, and they cannot contact the ship.  A cave is nearby so they disembark and head for entrance.  Meanwhile, Toren's is having his psychic energy extracted into Mentor's computer "Psyche".  He hopes to exploit this energy to rejuvenate the planet.  Meanwhile, Alan and the gang are exploring the caves.  They hear tools and find an area full of various humanoid aliens doing unpaid mining.  Torens appears and starts digging as well.  "Some sort of brain damage", says Helena.  Mentor appears as a hologram, and Picard shoots him, but the energy is reflected back and he is vapourized.  Helena screams.  The green ball of light appears again and the remaining four in the landing party are transported to a cell.

Maya, Mentor's daughter, has a chat with Alan; she is naive as to what her Father is up to, using beings as fodder for his evil machine and exploiting the left overs as labour.  Maya takes Alan to Mentor; he has John, Helena, and Fraser hooked up for psychic energy extraction.  Mentor will spare them all if he agrees to bring down the rest of the crew.  He complies, contacts the ship, and orders the crew to leave the ship;  "Directive 4".  No one on the ship knows what that means.  VICTOR does.  It means destroy the origin of the transmission.  With some protests, Tony agrees and Petrov dispatches a Planetomic bomb (they are not supposed to be carrying these...).

Mentor sees the deception, and destroys the missile.  And in kind, sends a few missiles back at them, but luckily Petrov's marksmanship prevails.  Meanwhile, Maya has been talking with the hostages.  They convince her to go to the mines and see what her Father is really up to.  She reluctantly agrees and sees for herself the results of Mentor's work.   Maya then takes Alan and John to Mentor for a final negotiation.  He will not listen so they begin smashing "Psyche".  Unfortunately, this machine is holding the planet together; Pychon starts breaking apart in spectacular miniature pyrotechnics.  Alan, John, Helena, and Bill make a run for the Doves, but Maya will not leave her Father.  Bill takes 01 and the others escape in 02.  The planet explodes and they return to the ship.  Just before they are about to leave, they hear a cry for help.

It is Maya in a strange alien spaceship, the "Psyche".  "Please, I have nowhere to go..."  Alan gives her permission to come aboard and the ship docks at the main airlock, the docking clamps giving her ship a warm, welcoming embrace.  (They never did get any titanium...).

Current Mission Report:

Ship's Complement (109)

Unwilling VIP Passengers (ep03)(added to roster)(+2)

Crew Deaths (ep04) (-2)

Alien Refugee (ep04)(+1)

Revised Complement (110)

"Space:1999" - Year Two, in this twisted 2022 timeline, is ship based rather than set on a rogue moon, so I had to devised an alternate way to get Maya on board that ship.  I borrowed (OK, stole...) the addition of Hawk (and his Hawk Fighter) to the cast/scenario of "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" - Season Two.  Now that Maya has joined the crew as Science Officer, she will also utilize her ship, the "Psyche" when convenient for the plot.  As to the back story of this ship/miniature, please continue.

Building "Psyche"

I wanted Maya's ship to be radically different from the other primary ships, nothing 1999ish or recognizable.  I rummaged through my kit warehouse and found a suitable model from a totally different source.  The 1/550 HG Bandai kit of the MA-06 Val-Walo, a mobile armour from "Gundam 0083". 

Perfect size and very organic!  Of course I could not build it stock out of the box; I had some modifications in mind already.  Since Maya is a metamorph, I thought it would be a good plot device to have her ship able to change appearance as well.  Not by changing mechanically or by molecular re-arrangement, but by using holographic emitters.  To make the emitters, I remembered a Peter Elson painting I had seen (Perry Rhodan - 30 to Arkon book cover) of a craft encrusted with small domes.  Perfect for those emitters...

Built the kit over a few evenings, re-arranging some of the bits, and adding others.  Not going to over the top, as afterall, it has to be filmed...  Final step was adding on various sizes of domes (those plastic pearl things from the good old dollar store craft section) to complete the job.

It would have been easy to overdo the domes.  Luckily restraint prevailed!  After prime time, a final colour had to be chosen.  It's an alien craft, so (by law, somewhere...), it was painted green.

A basic off-the-shelf olive drab really with some highlights and minimal weathering.  Some metallic accents and a few alien-looking decals (ripped from a Macross kit..) completed the job.

That gap is where the cowling can be removed for docking.  I put some magnets inside the ship as well as in that main docking tube with the claws.  So the ship can be held there when not in use; it is permanently berthed there now.  It can hold two people if need be, but somewhat cramped.  And only Maya can operate the ship as it is controlled by her Psychon mind.  Maya can board the "Psyche" in seconds from the Command Module; just a few quick zero-G yoga moves!

Welcome aboard the PHOENIX, Maya!  We'll see what this little ship can do in later episodes to help combat the scores of alien baddies which, as you all know, are omnipresent in deep space!  You never know, it may turn into a hawk!

Have a better one!