Mutabilis

Can you create a better cover? See the competition

Introduction

This is a short story based on Oolite, the sequel to 'Status Quo' by Drew Wagar.

"When a series of linked murders forces GalCop to outlaw the shadow organisation known as 'The Dark Wheel', a mysterious top secret document must be found in order to stave off a Galactic conflict. The document contains a devastating secret; the key to power, domination and control. A secret as old as space itself, the location of the legendary planet Raxxla."

Readers are welcome to submit feedback and comments to the author via his website.

Competition

A competition to design a cover for the book is currently running. For rules and details on how to enter, please refer to this thread. The winner will see their artwork on the cover of the book, and as with Status Quo, this will be available as a hardcopy via Cafepress, once all chapters have been released.

Feedback so far

Cracking start - I'm hooked already!

Ohh. That was brilliant. I really like the tension that builds up at the end of the chapter.

Absolutely superb! A gripping plot from the start, characters and scenes that are the result of a very creative imagination and lucidly expressed. Can't wait for the next chapter!

Excellent! Love it. I eagerly await the next chapter!

It's going to be a ripping roaring ride!

This is great... keep it coming!

Excellent stuff, tension building up nicely!

Bravo!

Hilarious!!! (Chapter Three)

...fantastically written!

Superb. You have surpassed yourself. Beautifully executed.

Damn fine writing!

Great stuff!!!

Superb as ever! I am so enjoying this!

Keep up the splendid work!

I'm back in the 1s 6d seats on a Saturday morning waiting for the next episode!

Downloads / Hardcopy

Chapter One.

Chapter Two.

Chapter Three.

Chapter Four.

Chapter Five.

Chapter Six.

Chapter Seven.

Chapter Eight will be available by early AM on the 1st of November.

Notes

Mutabilis is set two years after Status Quo, in the year 3140. This is two years before the unofficial Oolite timeframe of 3142, and 15 years after the events of Elite itself in 3125. Dates are based upon David Hughes' unofficial (but excellent) timeline.

The Planet Oresrati, as featured in this story, is a real Oolite Planet and can be found in Galaxy 8 as per the route in the story.

Captain Hesperus, as featured in Chapter Three, has his own 'unique' biography, and can be found live and in person on the Oolite Forums.

Mutabilis features a number of different ships. The Cobra Courier, the Imperial Courier, the Constrictor (which was a special mission in the original BBC version of Elite, and has been included in Oolite), and the Vampire.

To play Oolite with most of the features represented in Status Quo and Mutabilis, gamers may wish to install the following OXPs:

Tianve Pulsar, Famous Planets, Tionisla Graveyard, System Redux, Boy Racers, Cobra Courier, Imperial Courier, Oo_Haul, Lave, Tori and the Vampire.