‘Escorting Bill’

If you want him, come and claim him

The preceding story mission was: ‘Pirate Raid’

The following story mission is: ‘Tutorial : Buy New Spaceship’ or ‘Smuggler’s Revenge’

Jake Rattenbury appears again, rubbing his hands together with greed. The Colonial Administration has tightened rationing again which is always good for black markets. Bill Darius is delivering some contraband and it’s your job to escort him safely to his delivery.

First you fly down to the surface and find your charge. Uncle Bill thanks you and reflects on how when you first met, he was escorting you. You can fondly reminisce if you like, or just get on with it. When I played this mission there were two Colonial Guards at the point that Bill and I met up so there was a brief fight, when you play there may be no enemy around.

Bill heads off to his delivery point with you covering him. If you are surprised when you get jumped by three Colonial ships, well then I just wish I was blessed with your wide-eyed innocence.

Then you are hailed by the number the lovely Major Ivanova. Another red-head, what is it with the artists in this game? You are going to get to know this young lady very well over the course of your career.

The Major puts you and Bill under arrest, but a fire fight breaks out. I’m not sure who fired the first shot, but make sure you fire the last one. The Major is in the big ship, but make sure you attack the two smaller ones. When you destroy them Ivanova flees, cursing you and saying that you don’t know the damage you are doing. .

In the middle of all this fun, Bill gets podded. Collect him and then go to orbit. Jake Rattenbury is not happy that the contraband was lost along with Bill’s ship and threatens to get rid of him. Bill is a nice guy though, and thanks you for saving him by giving you a Blueprint for a new and tougher ship, the AnIn-1450 Armoured Transport.

Now then, the 1450 has a shield, and according to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Pirate Galaxy, better armour. It’s a better ship than the 1300 you are in now, but you don’t have to buy it. You can carry on through the game in your existing ship and save the Cryonite that it would cost to buy and equip the 1450 for better ships that aren’t too far away.

This is the first real strategic decision you will have to make in PG and it’s totally up to you. My advice would be that if you have had trouble completing the missions up until now then buy the 1450. If you’ve been sailing through and haven’t even been podded yet, then hold on to your crystals and jump straight to ‘Smuggler’s Revenge’ and skip the tutorials. Don’t fret too much about it, because it’s not a decision that will severely hurt your progress if you make a ‘wrong’ choice.

For the sake of exploring all of the story missions I bought a 1450, but I’ll be attempting to continue in the 1300. I’ll keep you updated on how I manage.