The Grand Council: Time and Consequences

[Sedodes]

Nyquist, captain of the Earthling destroyer-class starship Wayfarer, sat uncomfortably in his chair as a squadron of Pkunk furies flew by on patrol.  Luckily, the Wayfarer remained unnoticed, hidden by the extreme radiation and anomylous phychic fields of the Vulpeculae systems.

It had been roughly 350 years since the destruction of the Sa-Matra, the meeting of the Grand Council*, and the psychotic rage that the Pkunk had fallen into.  The Pkunk were now the only major power in all the known quadrants, destroying all races they encountered in an attempt to, as they called it, "prevent unraveling".

The Earthlings now hid in the few systems and starbases which were protected from detection by the Pkunk.  Accompanied by the VUX, Melnorme, and Supox in the Vulpeculae system, they were no match for the mighty Pkunk.  Earth, and the other races, had been destroyed long ago.  The last race aside from the VUX, Melnorme, and Supox to be confirmed as surviving were the Umgah, however, that was over 25 years ago.

Suddenly Thompson, the Science Officer, burst onto the command deck.

"Captain Nyquist, we've been getting strange readings from the surface of Delta Vulpeculae IIa."

"Thompson, we always get strange readings from the Vulpeculae systems."

"I understand, Captain, but this is... different.  It's like a pulsing gap in the information feed.  Almost as if our signals are being swallowed by the sattelite itself."

"There's Pkunk in the area.  If you wish to go, keep in mind that we may not be able to retrieve you for some time should we have to leave."

"Understood, Captain.  Lee, Rogers, you're with me."

Thompson and the others left the command deck en route to the bowels of the ship where they packed up a lander and departed...

[Sedodes]

The lander touched down gently on the frozen moon.  Gigantic arcs of electricity occasionally sprung fourth from the massive nitrogen cloud which the lander had pierced, and every now and then a tectonic shift would gently rock the lander as it made its way toward its destination.

As the lander neared, the power to the instruments and controls began to pulse and throb in the same manner as had the readings from the instruments on the Wayfarer.  As they reached the rim of the crater from which the readings were coming from, Thompson, Lee, and Rogers all sat in stunned silence.

Before them lay a ship they'd never seen before.  It was blue, had a MASSIVE turreted cannon on top, and about 3/4 of it was sticking out of the ground at a 12 degree angle.  The lights pulsed in unison with those of the lander.  After a moment the lander's computer proudly announced that the ship was an Orz Nemesis.

Lee stammered nervously, "But the Orz were destroyed just as the Pkunk went insane.  Do you think there's any left?"

"No," Thompson replied, "Our records of the time are sketchy at best, but the Melnorme have assured us that they and the Umgah were the only two surviving races when they same to Vulpeculae."

Rogers chimed in, "Cool, salvage.  Let's go check out our new ride."

The lander's computer quickly gained control of the Nemesis' systems and opened a bay door, which Thompson and the others triumphantly stolled into.  The hull of the Nemesis had microbreeches throughout, and the atmosphere had escaped.

Rogers had the Lander run a complete query of their spoils' systems.  The Nemesis hadn't actually crashed -- it mistakenly *existed simultaneously* with the planet 350 years ago.  Confused, Thompson disregarded it as a mistaken translation by the compter.  A device which the lander called a *slippery maker* was indicated as the only salvageable component.  It was located in engineering

"If the engines aren't working, how are the lights pulsing like this?" asked Lee.  Lacking an answer, the trio drew their weapons and decided to trek deeper into the depths of the alien vessel.  The hallways seemed to get strange the deeper they went.  Large sections of granite inexplicably blocked passages and seemed almost to be growing from the walls.

Upon reaching engineering, the superstructure of the ship seemed to be twisted and warped in inexplicable ways, however, before them was the *slippery maker* -- and it had a metal plate installed upon it with an inscription... in... English?!

We are watching, children.
Please make good use of this gift.

[Sedodes]

Thompson's voice rang out on the ship's communicator, "Captain Nyquist, we've something important here.  Something amazing, but still just a something until we can find out what it does."

It was decided that, in order to prevent the entire ships' systems from "pulsing", the device would be kept in tow via tractor beam.  The Wayfarer returned to starbase New Brazil via maximum burn.

***

Weeks later, the Wayfarer was at minimum safe distance from New Brazil, ready to make its first *slide* into the Orz dimension, where time was a transversable axis and non-linear.  All Earthlings were put into hypersleep, as the fragile human mind had not held up very well in the hastily run tests, and Chief Engineer Yellowish was put into command of the ship.

With a flash the ship was surrounded by an eerie green light, than then it was gone.  In the Orz dimension, Yellowish saw large, tentacled spheres writhing slowly; however, it was only for a moment as the Wayfarer just as quickly dropped back to realspace.  According to the hyperwave traffic being intercepted, it was 350 years in the past, just as the Grand Council was being concluded!

The time travel was a success!  Yellowish put the Wayfarer into stealth mode then began to wake the crew, whom quickly prepared to about their two-fold mission -- collect genetic material and individuals from all of the races in order to repopulate them in the present, and find out what had made the Pkunk go insane in hopes of reasoning with them in the present.

[ErekLich]

From his desk aboard the Druuge flagship Duum,  Puuppet gazed intently at the screen.

*Transmission confirmed.  Transdimensional transmitter active; recieveing data.*

Puuppet smiled to himself.  He'd be damned if he simply let the Melnorme have all the fun and profit...  Knowing everything that happened aboard the Wayfarer would certainly make his futur business... better.

[Sedodes]

Communications officer Seed's voice came over the captain's secure laser communications channel in his quarters, "Captain Nyquist, we have confirmation that the Druuge are intercepting our signals."

"Good," replied Nyquist, "Be sure to mention our cargo of 'next generation sattelite mounted weapons components,' but not so obviously that they can tell it's a ruse.  Were our tactical decoys fully successful?"

"Yes, captain.  Our identification was interpreted as a Buffalo class cargo ship with minimal armaments, even by their primitive standards.  They believe us to be from the year 2715 in an attempt to deliver our freight to the Utwig to prevent them from being conquered by the Druuge in the future.  Our decoy is also transmitting that our stealth and security modules have undetected damage, which is why we're able to be detected."

"Excellent.  Keep the decoy 5 kilometres below our hull bay doors.  When the Druuge come searching, I want us to merely descend and envelop a single ship with minimal hassle.  Be ready to activate the Melnorme scrambling field after the Druuge ship is taken aboard.  Have the androids prepared with appropriate tools to incapasitate the Druuge ship and crew, I don't want to risk any personnel should the captured Druuge choose to put up a fight."

"Aye, captain."

Nyquist knew this wasn't going to go down without a hitch.  Even if it did, the Crimson Corp. would surely investigate the loss of their assets.  The last thing Nyquist wanted was to reveal the Wayfarer in an all-out brawl with a squadron of Druuge ships.  He was taking a big enough tactical risk even to reveal the ship's presence only to the Druuge, the rest of the quadrant knowing would surely disrupt the timeflow.

Leaning back in his chair, Nyquist wondered if he should even bother to rescue the Druuge.  They were, after all, responsible for destroying the only force which could have stopped the Pkunk's conquest.  Or at least, they would be shortly.  Perhaps the Druuge deserved their fate?  Maybe the present was better of without them?  The Druuge were going to doom the entire quadrant to eventual extinction by the hands of the Pkunk.  Truly they must be made to answer for their crime.

But Nyquist was under orders.  Like it or not, he was to sully his hands with the Druuge.  Nyquist sighed deeply and continued to plan how the crew would split up to gather the rest of the species and information.

[Lukipela]

From further away, safely tucked away in an asteroid field, a single scout observed the events. Onboard, it's crew of hard-eyed marsupials gazed intently at their impressive arrays of eavesdropping equipment. Bought from the Melnorme, this was the most advanced long range scanning equipment available. Still, compared to the Wayfarer these were childrens toys, and so the Shofixti remained unaware of the ships true nature.

"Honoured Captain! The Druuge are observing the transport, and we believe it is most probable that they aim to attack the defensless vessel. What are your orders?"

The captain, a grizzled old veteran weighed his words carefully.

"We are outnumbered by the Druuge. Yet we may be able to buy the transport some time. Start powering up our offensive systems."

The first mate, obviously taken aback by the order, began to stammer.

"But.. but captain! Is that entirely wise? Sacrificing ourselves for some unknown aliens? Prime Minister Wasabes directives were to obs.."

The gnarled and greying captain struck out with his fist, flinging the younger male across the cramped cabin.

"I am well aware of "Prime Minister" Wasabes directives. We are supposed to observe, but not interfere. But now you listen to me, you deformed snivelling rat! This is not the Shofixti way! In my youth, I fought with Ichiban. We gave our lives for honour, because without honour life is meaningless! Yes, we will surely die! But it will be a worthy death. The death of a warrior. I am tired of this hiding in the shadows, this dishonourable spying on our former compatriots.  We are Shofixti, not cowardly Spathi! Today we stand and fight! For honour! Unless someone would like to challenge me?"

Silence fell in the cabin, the yuonger males avoiding the captains iron gaze. The young first mate slowly picked himself up, and returned to his post.

"I thought so. Now power up the offensive armaments!"

[ErekLich]

From his desk, Puuppet decided that the time was ripe.  "Commence the attack.  Salvage the illegal derelict for the Crimson Corporation."

Luuser confirmed the order, then dropped out of Hyperspace beside the Wayfarer.  "This is the designated representative of the Crimson Corporation.  Your vessel is unarmed, and therefore inciteful to violence.  By the laws of the Crimson Corporation, we declare your vessel derelict and subject to summary salvage."

"Captain!  Shofixti vessels detected!"

"What?  Why did we not see them before?"

"Their weapons were powered down!"

"Red Alert!  Battle Stations!"

[Lukipela]

Suddenly, first mate Genjiro turned around, and squeeked in the high pitch that only a shocked Shofixti can produce:

"Captain! The  Relentless is powering down and adjusting its course!"

The wizened old Captain wrinkled his silver-grey eybrows.

"Hail Captain Bonsuhida immideatly."

As soon as the first mate had reactivated the communications panel, the brash young face of Captain Bonsuhida appeared. His voice filled with cold fury, and his whiskers dangerously still, the captain spoke.

"What is the meaning of this Bonsuhida? You are disobeying my direct order, in conflict with your oath of fealty to the glorious Emperor."

With a haughty look of arrogance on his face, the young captain mockingly answered him.

"You are the one to speak of disoebying Daikon! You are in direct violation of Prime Minister Wasabes orders. I do not intend to sacrifice myself or my crew for some foolish aliens, especially not against the direct orders of my honourable leader. I will return to our space, and report your traitorous behaviour. No doubt your family will be punished for your sins, you wizened old fool."

A long moment of silence passed. Finally, Captain Daikon spoke again, his voice swelling with every word, filling to the brim with raw anger.

"Should we ever meet again Bonsuhida, I swear that I will wipe that smug smile off your face, you cowardly snout-rotted little weasel! Run away? Did Tanaka ever run away, even when alone and facing a Dreadnought? Did Ichiban flee before the monstrosity of the Orz? Shofixti do not run! You and your kind are an disgrace who have even forgotten, that a leader who gives honourless orders, is a leader without honour. Crawl into your pit, you flea-infested rathead! Run with your tail between your legs. We at least will go out in a blaze of glory!"

Flicking his hand quickly, Daikon terminated the transmission. Surveying his crew of young, unproven Braves his resolve only hardened. They might be unproven, but at least they would die honourably.

"First mate! Ready the Glory Device!"

Already nervous from before, Genjiro was now actually twitching as he adressed his captain.

"Honoured Captain... The Honourbound does not carry a Glory Device. It was.. it was taken out in order to make place for more intelligence equip..."

Snarling, Daikon sent Genjiro flying for a second time, bashing him noisily into a vidscreen.

"Why wasn't I informed of this, you honourless furball? No matter, we do not need the Device. The druuge are slow and fat. We shall fly circles around them, and blast them to bits. What a glorious battle this shall be. However, cowardly as the Druuge are, they may attempt to board us. Ready your melee weapons, so that if this should occur we'll give them some cold tempered Shofixti Steel, and a few hot plasma bolts as well!. Yes Ensign Kimba?"

During the end of Daikons speech, Techmaster Kimba had nervously put up his hand.

"Begging your pardon honoured captain, we don't carry any melee weapons. They were taken out to make place for more.."

.."intelligence equipment" Daikon groaned. "That's just great."

And so, as one Shofixti Scout accelerated away through the asteroid field to report to a distant Prime Minister, another one placed itself between the Wayfarer and the Druuge, ready to do what little it could. For honour.

[ErekLich]

Luuser turned to his subordinates.  "Status."

"Two Shofixti vessels to our five Maulers.  Also, one of the vessels seems to be fleeing."

"Fleeing?  That isn't like the little rodents at all.  They must be up to something.  Send two ships to intercept if possible.  As for the other... form an ad hoc advisory commitee.  I want opinions on the relative effectiveness of boarding vs. destruction.."

"Yes master!" Came an unholy chorus of voices.

Two ships broke off to pursue the Relentless.  Knowing that they could not match it for speed, they took a few longrange potshots at the agile craft.  However, they fast ran low on energy.  The captain of the Hostile Takeover grew angry.  "Gunner Shuut, you are hereby fired for incompetence, and subject to summary destruction in the furnaces."  His replacement took the seat, and, with renewed energy stores, turned to shooting the Shofixti down...

[Lukipela]

Captain Bonsuhida smiled as his ship passed into the dense asteroid field. They were safe. One of the Maulers had actually come close to clipping them, but the nimbleness and agility of their Scout had served them well. He turned to adress his crew of young opportunistic Braves.

"Well done men. The Druuge are fat and slow, and their ships have neither the agility nor the courage to enter a class 5 asteroid field. Stay on course and divert full power to the engines. I want us to put enough distance for us to be able to exit the system unchallenged. The Prime Minister must learn of Daikons foolishness."

The Relentless sped up, dancing over the surface of larger asteroids, and dodging the smaller ones with grace.

On the Honourbound things looked much grimmer. As two Druuge had broken off to pursue the traitorous Relentless, the Honourbound faced three capital ships. As with its sister ship, speed and agility served it well as it dodged the destructive Mauler shells and wore away at the armor of its chosen target ship. However, in the long run, its luck could not hold.

[Sedodes]

Nyquist was awoken from his slumber as Tactical Officer FEZ's voice rang out over his comm. channel.

"Captain, two Druuge ships have broken formation and are moving to intercept a departing Shofixti vessel.  The other three Druuge ships are holding position, and a second Scout looks to be positioning itself to cover our shadow.  It looks to be unarmed and without a Glory Device."

"The Shofixti are leaving a confrontation?  Will the departing scout be able to safely escape the Maulers?"

"It's tough to say, sir.  The Maulers could score a lucky hit on the Scout, but in an asteroid field, and with the Scout's superior handling, I'd say they've little less than a one-in-three chance."

"Very well.  Send out Stem, Tealish, and NIX in a cruiser to cover the Shofixti.  They are to remain cloaked under all circumstances and are under direct orders to only use the Melnorme scrambler bean if forced to engage.  As for us, let's do the old switcheroo.  I want us to get every last Shofixti off that stationary ship and replace them with automated crew."

"Sir, if we were to envelop the Scout the Druuge would notice us.  The only way to do that without the Druuge becoming aware would be to directly couple with the Scout, and something tells me that the Shofixti wouldn't be too happy if we just came knocking on their hatch.  Aside from that, we risk the Druuge destroying the Scout while we're coupled and damaging the Wayfarer."

"I don't want excuses, FEZ, I want solutions.  Make it work, and make it fast.  The Druuge are now looking at a cargo ship full of next generation weapons and a free Scout.  Something tells me that for whatever reason they're waiting to assault, it's not going to be for much longer."

"Yes Sir."

"And Fez, I do mean fast -- if the Druuge attempt to board our decoy first who knows what they're going to do when their couplings just dangle about in empty space."

[ErekLich]

Luuser finished looking through his commitee's report.  It wasn't as thourogh as he would have liked, but he promised he'd consider that they only had five minutes to make it on their next performance review...

Recommend abandoning pursuit of fleeing ship, Sending one ship to board Wayfarer and one to board the remaining scout.

It seemed like the best course of action at the time.  And he'd known he'd be risking his entire career on this job from the start.

"Radio HQ.  Tell them we hope to have both a scout and the Wayfarer shortly."

The two ships abandoned the Asteroid field, coming back to deal with the Honourbound.  Meanwhile, the Paycheck moved to intercept the Wayfarer, while the remaining Druuge vessels kept their guns trained on both it and the Scout.

It was a tense moment.  No one aboard the Maulers dared breath, fearing that they were about to be stealing company air.

A second rank technician aboard the Hostile Takeover passed gas.

Despite that, it was a tense moment.

[fluffy_banana]

Captain Purplish, of the Always Profitable Investment, was interested, as he saw the situation as he dropped out of HyperSpace. His Melnorme smile was wide, and his back sphere vibrated with vigour.

He had just found a very interesting situation -- one that must be investigated. His smile turned to a frown, as he noticed the Druuge Maulers.

However, that only spurred his curiosity, and need to stay equal with the competition.

He asked the young Melnorme at the helm to set the Always Profitable Investment heading toward the nexus of the unfolding situation, and the hems-Melnorme obeyed quickly.

Purplish vibrated again, and bobbed over to his Second-in-Command, to confer with him on his plan.

[Lukipela]

The Melnorme arrival went completely unnoticed by the Shofixti, despite their advanced intelligence equipment. However, this was quite natural as neither ship was, at th moment focused on gathering intelligence. On board the Relentless, all hands were busy navigating the asteroidfield, and the young Captain was muliing over how to report this disaster to the Prime Minister.

On board the Honourbound, a more traditional Shofixti reason prevented the crew from noticing the Melnorme entry. Despite being in the heat of a battle in which they were severly outmatched, the young Braves aboard the ships were singing ancient combat tunes. Techmaster Kimba had managed to scurry up a toolbox, and had thus armed the crew with everything from welding torches to pliers. The grand prize however, was the sledgehammer that some thoughtless mechanic had forgotten in the service compartment. These primitive tools, coupled with captain Daikons plasma pistol and tradtitional sword would make any boarding attempt... interesting.

In fact, between the bouts of singing there was a heated argument between captain and first mate as to the wisdom of a preemptive boarding. While Captain Daikon believed more damage to the enemy could be accomplished by simply ramming a Druuge ship when things turned critical, first mate Genjiro, now totally swept up by the heat of battle, wanted to try his sledgehammer out on a Druuge, "up close and personal".

Filled with the happy noises of Shofixti in combat, the Honourbound danced through space, an annyoing insect pricking the clumsy Druuge vessels.

[FreakyM]

A Melnorme with an unusually nasty personality, and the very suspicious name Crimson-the second-in-command of the vessel,approached Captain Purplish from behind in his disturbingly silent manner. "Yes captain? You wanted to talk with me?"