Techwhispers - A Sci-Fi One-Shot

Techwhispers is a science-fiction one-shot inspired by a specific moment in the Babylon 5 television series and written for the Sci-Fi One Shot Jam 2023. It was developed around the jam theme of Hostile Architecture.

The adventure is however system and setting agnostic. It may be set upon any space-ship, used within generic sci-fi campaigns as part of the overall story or as a short transitional (e.g. while travelling) filler adventure.

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Dim industrial illumination glances over the surface of metallic boxes and crates, it sinks into dark corners between them as it arrives at a sarcophagus-like container. Its contents are obscured by milky glass and foggy atmosphere within. Suddenly it unlocks, the cover jolting open slightly. A humanoid hand reaches out and takes hold of the container’s edge. The escaping atmosphere hisses and a body silhouette emerges from inside. It limps through what seems to be a storage space as if looking for something…

You are lower key members of the crew currently on stand-by, ready to do your best, as the fast rumor spreads of opening jump gates following a fast foray of invading ships entering the area and closing in on your positions. “All hands on deck!” You are prepared to serve – as suddenly lights blink couple of times and a nervous feel spreads throughout the crew. Shortly afterwards you hear rumors of systems failing and the drive shutting down. Captain James runs by but stops at your position as he recognizes some of you: „Hey, you all! There seems to be a problem with some systems, the general suspects an intruder on board who arrived with the last shipment of supplements from Mars. Find and eliminate the threat! What are you waiting for? Go!“

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Images by Erick Butler, Michael Dziedzic & Robert James Models

Content Warning: Death, Psychological Trauma, Claustrophobia, Isolation