"KALATIR: Where Evil Dwells!"

"KALATIR: WHERE EVIL DWELLS!"

FADE IN:

EXT. LAVA CAVERNS

This is a narrow chamber with a rivver of lava, a natural bridge spans it connecting two small cave entrances. Steam and heat rise up. Suddenly, someone races out of one of the caves and onto the bridge. He is about 33 years old, tall, skinny, plain looking and has black hair. He is in a gray uniform with boots, on his shoulders are golden insignias of half crowns. He is wearing a special wristband made of strange animal hide and has heliographics etched into them. Fastened to a metal ring is a gold disk in which half of it has been broken off, it leaves jagged edges. This is Nikolai Solace. He races across the bridge, he looks as if he is running from death itself. As is approaches the other side the bridge crumbles apart, he falls with it. He manages to grab onto the edge of the cave and dangles there. He looks down and gasps at the lava below. He looks back up and tries to pull himself up but he is too weak.

VOICE (SMUG)

Looks like you really have yourselff in a mess this time, Nik.

Nikolai looks up to the cave entrannce before him, a woman steps out. She is about the same age as he, tall, attractive and is a blonde. She wears the same uniform as he right down to the insignias, this is Catherine Welchof. He is pleased to see her.

NIKOLAI (EXCITED)

Thank goodness you’re here Catherinne! I really could use a hand!

As Nikolai looks up to Catherine shhe folds her arms and looks down to him.

CATHERINE (SMUG)

And exactly what have you done to ddeserve my help?

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

We are inseparable! We love each otther with all our hearts!

CATHERINE (BLUNT)

You mean we USE to love each other!! You betrayed me! You called in the Marines against me!

NIKOLAI (DEFENSIVE)

You were going to kill your own commmander and our Comm Officer!

CATHERINE (ANNOYED)

I was doing it for you! So you coulld be the new commander! But instead you sided with Felinions over your own girlfriend! You deserve to die!

NIKOLAI (DEFENSIVE)

I had no choice! My back was up agaainst the wall!

The rock under Nikolai’s fingers beegins to crumble, he is losing his grip. This makes Catherine smile.

CATHERINE (SMUG)

It looks like it still is.

NIKOLAI (FRANTIC)

Please Catherine! Help me!

Catherine unfolds her arms and poinnts to Nikolai.

CATHERINE (STERN)

You sent me to my grave so now I amm returning the favor.

Nikolai completely loses his grip aand plummets towards the lava, he screams in terror. Catherine watches him fall and laughs insanely. As he is about to hit everything goes black.

FADE OUT:

Catherine’s insane laughter can be heard echoing.

FADE IN:

INT. MINSK - NIKOLAI'S QUARTERS

This is a small modest room with a bed, a chair, a desk and closest. On the desk is a small computer console. Fastened on the wall at waist height is a seat belt like strap. Nikolai is sleeping in the bed. Suddenly, he snaps into a sitting position. He pants heavily and is sweating profusely, so much so he is near to hyperventilating. He quickly looks around the room, when he realizes where he is he settles down. He rubs the sweat from his face.

NIKOLAI (TO HIMSELF, RELIEVED)

It was only a dream.

Nikolai looks to his water soaked hhand.

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

More like a nightmare.

He falls back onto the bed and runss his fingers through his hair.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

I don’t know how much more I can taake of this Deposits!

Nikolai groans and continues to plaay with his hair.

EXT MINSK NEAR FELINIA (OPTICAL) – LONG SHOT

The ship is a corvette (quarter thee size of a frigate with a very small bay and a few light guns) that slowly makes its way through space. Off in the far distance is a large mass of dark clouds.

INT. MINSK - MESS HALL

This is a small room with a few long tables each with a metal bench fastened to it. Against one wall are some vending machines. They have many lights, buttons and a clear plastic door on the bottom. Nikolai is standing at one of the machines. He is dressed in workout clothes of shorts and a t-shirts, on his feet are slip on workout shoes. He looks worse than he did in his bed. He places his hand on a large illuminated panel on the front the machine, the panel turns black. He removes his hand and pushes several buttons on the machine. It hums and a plastic cup falls behind the plastic, it fills with a thick black liquid. The machine beeps and the plastic door slides up, the machine beeps again. He reaches inside and pulls out the cup. The machine beeps one more time and the door slides closed, the black panel lights up again. Nikolai walks over to the nearest table that has several discarded cups on it. He sits next down, closes his eyes and sips his drink. He finds some comfort in this. The hatch opens and Lena Pagoda enters. She is a fairly attractive woman with red hair and wearing a standard uniform which has gold wrench symbols on it. She heads for the vending machines but when she sees him she changes direction and heads for Nikolai, she stops before the table.

LENA (PLEASED)

Morning darling.

Nikolai does not open his eyes.

NIKOLAI (MUMBLING)

Morning.

The response concerns Lena, she wallks around the table to his side.

LENA (CONCERNED)

You don’t look so good.

NIKOLAI (MUMBLING)

Trust me, I feel a lot worse than II look.

Lena looks to the cup.

LENA (UNDERSTANDING)

I should have known, you don’t typiically drink Javro. You must really be in bad shape if you need that to stay awake.

Lena leans down and kisses Nikolai on hhis cheek.

LENA (SYMPATHY)

My poor baby.

Nikolai opens his eyes and looks upp to Lena.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

You’re in uniform?

Lena smiles.

LENA (EXPLAINING)

Can’t go to work without it.>

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

But Codi revoked us from duty untill we hear from the Felinions on whether they want to continue our relationship between our races.

LENA (EXPLAINING)

Well she did that out of sympathy ffor our new found love but it has been nearly two CentaYerks with no word, who knows how long it will take. I love you very much but this ship won’t keep maintained on its own.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

But you have a staff, an entire creew for that.

Lena pauses to consider something then sighs.

LENA (FRUSTRATED)

Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m getting raather bored. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy my time with you but I need to satisfy my other love, this ship. I’m sure you understand, Nik.

Nikolai looks like he has seen a ghhost, Lena picks up on this.

LENA (CONCERNED)

You don’t understand?

Nikolai shakes his head.

NIKOLAI (REASSURING)

No, its not that. It is just that is the nickname that Catherine used for me.

LENA (UNDERSTANDING)

I see, you still miss her… To be quiet honest I miss her too even after all this time… Would you like me to use a different name for you?

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

No, it’s just that…

Nikolai’s voice trails off. Lena waits for him to continue but he doesn’t, so she sits next to him and places her hand on his.

LENA (CONCERNED)

What’s wrong darling? You’re acting very strange.

Nikolai refuses to respond or even look to her.

LENA (CONCERNED)

I’m here for you so no matter what it is you can tell me. We are in this together.

Nikolai pauses to consider her words.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

I’ve been having these dreams, of Catherine.

Lena smiles.

LENA (RELIEVED)

Is that all? I have them about her too every so often.

Nikolai looks to Lena.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

You don’t understand! I have the same dream over and over! In it she kills me every time!

This takes Lena by surprise at first, but as she thinks she smiles.

LENA (UNDERSTANDING)

That is understandable. It can be perceived that you were responsible for her death. You called in the Marines which lazed her down. But you had no choice, if you had not reacted she would have lived but Codi and Ban would now be dead. You did the right thing.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

I know that! That is what I tell her in my dream but it doesn’t matter! She still accuses me!

Lena pauses to think.

LENA (THINKING)

Well you do know that this is not Catherine who is talking to you.

Nikolai nods.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

Yes, there are no ghosts. When you die you sleep in the grave until the second coming. So it has to be my subconscious. What I don’t understand is if I know I acted appropriately why does my mind think otherwise?

Lena continues to think.

LENA (THINKING)

Have you tried apologizing in your dream?

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Apologizing? But I didn’t do anything wrong.

LENA (EXPLAINING)

I know but you are still sorry for what happened. Perhaps if you took responsibility your subconscious would be satisfied.

Nikolai pauses to consider this.

NIKOLAI (THINKING)

That makes sense. But this is a dream, I have no control over it.

LENA (EXPLAINING)

You do if you know it is a dream, if you don’t let it take over you. Keep reminding yourself as you go to bed of this.

Nikolai smiles.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Yeah, that could work.

LENA (CONCERNED)

Look, if you still need me I can stick around I’d be more than happy to.

Nikolai shakes his head.

NIKOLAI (REASSURING)

Nah, I appreciate it but best to get this over with. I’m filled with too much Javro to sleep so I think I’ll hit the gym and try and get myself tired. You have fun crawling around the bowls of the ship in all the grease and grime.

LENA (TEASING)

You sure know the way to a girl’s heart.

Nikolai chuckles, Lena gives his hand a gentle squeeze and kisses him again. Then she gets up and goes over to the vending machine.

NIKOLAI (THANKFUL)

Thanks for being here for me, honey.

Lena turns to Nikolai and smiles.

LENA (SMUG)

That is what a girlfriend is for.

Nikolai smiles to Lena as she collects her thoughts.

LENA (CURIOUS)

Speaking of which, any consideration on that little thing we talked about?

Nikolai looks to Lena confused and she sees this.

LENA (EXPLAINING)

About that thing you use to share with Catherine.

Nikolai thinks for a bit and then nods.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

Not really, I can’t really concentrate on anything until I get Catherine out of my dreams. I hope you understand.

Lena smiles.

LENA (UNDERSTANDING)

Of course, darling. I won’t bring it up again until you are ready.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Thank you.

Nikolai begins to collect the cups on the table as Lena turns back to the vending machines, she starts to use them.

EXT MINSK NEAR FELINIA (OPTICAL) – LONG SHOT

The ship continues slowly through sspace all alone.

EXT. LAVA CAVERNS

VOICE (SMUG)

Looks like you really have yourselff in a mess this time, Nik.

Nikolai looks up to the cave entrannce before him to see Catherine, he is pleased to see her.

NIKOLAI (EXCITED)

Thank goodness you’re here Catherinne! I want to apologize! I admit it! It is my fault that you died! I am so ever sorry for that.

Catherine smiles down to Nikolai.

CATHERINE (PLEASED)

I’m glad to here that.

NIKOLAI (RELIEVED)

Great! Now how about giving me a haand here?

Catherine’s smile fades and she follds her arms.

CATHERINE (ANNOYED)

The problem is that is not why I reefuse to help you!

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Then what is it?

CATHERINE (ANNOYED)

You’re the Exec Officer! You figuree it out!

Nikolai looks to Catherine confusedd. The rock under Nikolai’s fingers begins to crumble, he is losing his grip. This makes Catherine smile but sends him in a panic.

NIKOLAI (FRANTIC)

Please tell Catherine! I want to maake this right!

Catherine refuses to answer. Nikolaai completely loses his grip and plummets towards the lava, he screams in terror. Catherine watches him fall and laughs insanely. As he is about to hit everything goes black.

FADE OUT:

Catherine’s insane laughter can be heard echoing.

FADE IN:

INT. MINSK - NIKOLAI'S QUARTERS

Nikolai is sleeping in the bed oncee more. Suddenly, he snaps into a sitting position. He pants heavily and is sweating profusely, so much so he is near to hyperventilating. He quickly looks around the room, when he realizes where he is he settles down. He rubs the sweat from his face.

NIKOLAI (TO HIMSELF, ANNOYED)

No! Not again!

Nikolai runs his fingers through hiis hair like an insane man.

EXT MINSK NEAR FELINIA (OPTICAL) – LONG SHOT

The ship continues off on its own sslowly.

INT. MINSK - CODI'S QUARTERS>

This is a small modest room with a chair, a desk and closest. On the desk is a small computer console, on the monitor is a silhouette of Russia. In the corner is a large fluffy mattress with no frame. In another corner is a large pan full of sand and a sink. In the center of the room is a large wooden post that has deep claw marks in it, lying on the floor next to it is a ball of yarn. Also in the room and against a wall is a large wooden chest with carved hieroglyphic markings. Against one wall is an old treadmill made of wood and rope. It has many claw marks on it and hieroglyphics on the sides. The room is very clean except there is cat hair is all over the place. Codiozianquy Zqiuvxbiea (Codi) and Nikolai are here. She is a Felinion, a cat‑like creature with the frame of a human but is covered with fur. She has finger-like claws on both hands and feet, pointed ears and whiskers. Her fur is blonde with black stripes. He is in his workout clothes while she wears a uniform of a short sleeveless vest and shorts with no boots, on her shoulders are golden insignias of a full crown. She is sitting on her bed on the floor while he is in the chair, he is pouring his heart out to her as she listens intensely.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

And that is where I fall to my death.

Codi pauses to think things over.

CODI (THINKING)

Though you changed things around you still ended up the same. Interesting.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Interesting to you, insanity to me.

Codi smiles.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

What I was thinking was perhaps your subconscious doesn’t disapprove what you did to Catherine, but why.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

But I did it to save you and Ban, I would do it again despite these awful dreams.

CODI (UNDERSTANDING)

Yes, you are very convicted in that so I never doubted that was the cause. What I mean was, how shall I say this…

Codi tries to come up with the right words but can’t, Nikolai sees this and smiles.

NIKOLAI (REASSURING)

We are Kalatirs, bounded friends for life. Just like you and Ban were. We can be open to one another.

Codi studies Nikolai as sees he is telling the truth.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

It is just that Catherine had no love for Felinions, she thought of them as most humanoids do. We are lazy, stupid and worthless. Perhaps by saving us Catherine resents you.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

But Catherine is dead, the woman in my dreams is not her but my subconsciousness. She holds my thoughts. I do not hold anything against Felinions but have all the respect for them.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

Yes, but you indicated that these dreams started right after you returned expelled from Felinia. You did nothing wrong yet they accused you of wrong doing. More so, they hold your career and very life in their paws. If they decided your actions were inexcusable then this will be reported back to Command control, not even your mother will be able to save you. Your subconscious must hate them for that.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Yes, I have some regrets for what I did. I would have done some things differently if I had the chance. But I was still following orders. I am to find out if the cruel punishment the Felinions have on the Prevaricates is just.

CODI (BLUNT)

As I have told you many times before they are, they killed my parents and nearly reduced the population of my planet to extinction.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

Yes, but when you started winning you did the same to them. Now they are prisoners on their own planet with all contact to the outside world cut off! Also a lot of time has passed, there are some Prevaricates that did not take part in this conflict. You have condemned an entire race for what others have done.

CODI (STERN)

Because their evil is not in their minds but in their hearts! It is inherited! They can’t be trusted!

Nikolai sees the fire in Codi’s eyes, he sighs.

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

The subject here is not the Prevaricates but of Catherine.

Codi calms down and nods.

CODI (BLUNT)

Correct. So I suggest in your next dream you bring this up to Catherine.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

You want me to apologize for liking and support Felinions?

Codi shakes her head.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

No, your conscious mind would not accept this. What I suggest is you discuss this with Catherine, feel her out as if you were on a diplomatic mission. Then proceed on from their. It may even take several dreams to sort it out. The key here is to make progress.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTAND)

Yes, that will make sense. I will try it. Once again you have helped me worked things out, thank you.

CODI (PLEASED)

You are quite welcome… It is one of the benefits of being a Kalatir. Speaking of which…

Codi’s voice trails off as Nikolai holds his hand up in a stop motion.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

I already know where this is going. I know I have put our training on hold, I value your friendship very much but I feel it is pointless at this juncture. If the Felinions do reject me the admiral has promised to ship us off to the darkness corners of the universe. In that case I will have failed you as Kalatir, because of me you'll be punished.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

I think you have it the other way around, he wanted to exile me alone and give you the Minsk. But I managed to drag you into this, it is I who has failed.

Nikolai lowers his hand and shakes his head.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

No, once again I opened my mouth and got myself in trouble. This is my own fault.

Codi smiles.

CODI (SMUG)

We both insist the other has done no wrong. What would be a better match as Kalatir?

Nikolai thinks on Codi’s words and then chuckles.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

I see your point and you are right once again, no better time to start than the present. So what does the next trial involve.

Codi is about to speak when the computer on the desk beeps.

GOLDA (OVER COMPUTER, BLUNT)

This is Comm Officer Mystroski to Commander Codi, please respond.

Codi and Nikolai look to the screen to see a lovely blonde who is dressed in a Minsk uniform with golden symbols of computers on her shoulder’s, she is reporting from the bridge. This is Golda Mystroski.

GOLDA (OVER COMPUTER, BLUNT)

Repeating. This is Comm Officer Mystroski to Commander Codi, please respond.

Codi jumps to her feet and steps over to the computer, she leans towards it.

CODI (TO COMPUTER, BLUNT)

This is commander Codi to Comm Officer Mystroski, I read you. What’s up?

GOLDA (OVER COMPUTER, CONFUSED)

I’m not really sure. We just got a signal from the Court of Chaw, they are going to send a shuttle up to us.

CODI (TO COMPUTER, CONFUSED)

Did they indicate what the reason is for this visit?

Golda shakes her head.

GOLDA (OVER COMPUTER, BLUNT)

I’m afraid not, we don’t even know who is on board. They only said that they were on their way up and they expected us to receive them, they want us to move closure to the planet.

Nikolai looks to Codi.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

They must have made a decision. The question is it favorable to us or them?

Codi looks to Nikolai.

CODI (HONEST)

Impossible to tell. Protocol dictates that if it is bad or good news it would be delivered in person regardless. We’ll just hope for the best.

Nikolai smiles.

NIKOLAI (UPBEAT)

You mean pray for the best.

Codi smiles back and then looks to the screen.

CODI (TO COMPUTER, BLUNT)

Have the Gator take us back to Felinia then tell the Bay Room to prepare to receive the shuttle. Also spread the word, I want full honor guards. That should about cover it.

GOLDA (OVER COMPUTER, BLUNT)

Yes ma’am, bridge out.

CODI (TO COMPUTER, BLUNT)

Commander out.

The screen switches back to the silhouette of Siberia, Nikolai gets to his feet.

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

I guess we had better go and get dressed, have to look your best for your own funeral.

Nikolai turns to leave.

CODI (BLUNT)

In a MiniYerk, Nikolai.

Nikolai looks to Codi oddly, she pauses to collect her thoughts.

CODI (CURIOUS)

It has been some time since you asked me about my past. Of why the Court excelled me to live with humanoids. Of why my sister attacked me the last time I set foot on Felinia. Has your interest in these matters faded?

Nikolai shakes his head.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

No, I am still very concerned. Not only as your Exec but also your friend. But to be quite honestly I haven’t had the time with my world turned upside-down since I returned. Especially with the new information I have learned.

CODI (CURIOUS)

Oh?

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

I have learned that Felinions are all born with spots for their natural markings. But those who have served in the Court’s capacity must have their’s changed to stripes, like yourself. This can lead to the logically conclusion that you severed with the Court.

CODI (CURIOUS)

And?

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

And that is all.

CODI (BLUNT)

Then it is best you learn the whole truth.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Now? Why now?

CODI (EXPLAINING)

What I am about to tell you may not believed. It is certain there is a member of the court on that shuttle, this may be your only chance to verify my story.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

But I have asked members of the Court about what happened, they all told me that they have taken a vow of silence on this matter. Why would they tell me now?

CODI (EXPLAINING)

They have been sworn not to explain what happened, but they can verify if you tell them what happened.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What did happen?

CODI (BLUNT)

You had better sit down for this.

Nikolai looks to Codi and she sees the dismal look on her face, he does as he is told. As he looks up to here she begins to explain.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

Yes, I was a member of the Court. In fact, I was in the position that Wactorii now has.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

You were a princess?

Codi nods.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

Yes. My father, my adopted father, the great warrior that led against the Revolt of the Prevaricate arranged that. Though it took more than his influence, my family had to be given Wayside Status.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Wayside Status?

CODI (EXPLAINING)

These are families of the court that are considering part of it even though they have no real titles. They handle some of the minor duties and function, this is to groom them if they are to be called into power.

NIKOLAI (CURIOUS)

So I’m guessing this included your sister as well.

Codi nods.

CODI (BLUNT)

That is correct, we shared the same authority as the other Waysiders. Unbeknowtice to me Xiiltriiana, my own flesh and blood, would be my downfall.

Codi looks off into space as if to reflect.

EXT. FELINIA – REFUGEE CAMP

This is a huge area of field, forest and stream. There are people sleeping in clear comfortable huts, they don’t seem to be suffering at all.

CODI (VOICEOVER, EXPLAINING)

One of the key problems for the time was the refugee camps of The Wane. As you know this was a disease that has no cure, it breaks down the structure of the body more and more until death occurs. Back then the Court did not frown upon those who were affected. In fact, they were very eager to help them. The Court had allowed certain individuals to run the camps. They were supplied with funds and material to make the camps more of a resort than a confinement. No expense was to be spared for their comfort.

The scene switches to the same area but now it has high walls all around it with no gates. Here people are sleeping outside in the wilderness, they are cold and miserable. No shelter or blankets to protect them. Everywhere are sick and ailing Felinions, clumps of their fur have fallen out and the exposed skin is red and raw. Some can barely walk but other doesn’t seem as affected.

CODI (VOICEOVER, EXPLAINING)

Unfortunately, these keepers decided to keep all that was given to them by the government for their own. The afflicted suffered starvation, exposure and even death.

EXT. FELINIA - FOREST TRAIL

This is a winding dirt trail that leads through a thick forest of trees towering over a hundred feet in height. Light shines down through the trees. Guards are riding on Yzupaps. These look very similar to rhinoceros but slightly smaller. There skin blends in very well with the forest surroundings. Strapped to their backs are horse-like saddles and packs full of provisions. The riders are wearing no uniforms, just gold head and wristbands with hieroglyphic symbols on them and a matching belt and holster with a laser pistol in it. Thick fur hangs between their legs and hides their reproductive organs.

CODI (VOICEOVER, EXPLAINING)

But like every horrible secret it could not be contained forever.

As the guards continue one the refugees stumbles out of the woods and falls onto the path, they stop and jump off their mounts and go to his aide.

EXT. FELINIA – REFUGEE CAMP

Felinions dressed in fine clothes and expensive jewelry is paraded out before the refugees by guards, their hands are tied behind their backs. The afflicted curse them while the prisoners cower in fear.

CODI (VOICEOVER, EXPLAINING)

Once exposed the guilty parties were administered justice.

The guards line the prisoners up and shoot them dead with lasers, the refugees cheer.

CODI (VOICEOVER, EXPLAINING)

As princess I was assigned to deal with this mess. I was not only to collect information on what was needed to give these poor souls dignity but come up with a plan to deal with the problem as a whole.

INT. CHAW CASTLE – CODI’S CHAMBERS

This is a huge fancy room. The carpeting is plush and made of alien animal skins and hanging on the walls are heads of dead animals. In the center is a large fluffy mattress with no frame. In another corner is a large pan full of sand and a sink, it is jewel encrusted. To the side is a large post that has deep claw marks dug into the fine wood, images are carved into the top and bottom. Lying on the floor next to it is a ball of yarn and other toys but they have seen little use. The room is spotless. Everything is made of high quality materials. Codi is here, she is dressed like the guards but has a golden cape and a large amulet hanging around her neck. She is sitting at a desk poring over reports, she looks very busy. A Felinion of Codi’s build but slightly older enters, she has pink fur with gray stripes. She is dressed in simple animal hide wrist, ankle and headband. Around her neck is a necklace made of animal teeth. This is Xiiltriiana.

CODI (VOICEOVER, EXPLAINING)

Since the task was so daunting I enlisted the help of my sister, again I had no clue she was so evil. None of us did. I would collect the general information from various sources but she worked on the detailed work. Each was compiled into reports I would have to sign off on and present them to the Court.

Xiiltriiana steps up to the desk annd Codi looks up to her, she hands her another report and the princes sighs. She takes the report and puts it on the desk, she begins to look it over but the aide says something to her. Codi nods, picks up a gem and uses it like a pen to sign it. Then she puts the gem down and hands the report back, she goes back to her reports. Xiiltriiana turns and walks away.

CODI (VOICEOVER, EXPLAINING)

Unfortunately, she presented me with a report that was affixed to a military order so I ended up signing the order and not the report.

Xiiltriiana stops at the door and ppeals the report from an official looking document, she smiles to it with glee.

CODI (VOICEOVER, EXPLAINING)

It stated that in behalf of the Court the refugee camps had been considered a menace and a poor use of funds. To correct this the military was to go out to the camps one by one and level them to the ground, killing all inside. I would be responsible for mass slaughter of innocents and I didn’t even realize it. As it turned out my sister was very jealous of my success and lusted for power. She knew once the orders were carried out I would be blamed for this heinous crime. I would get Prsdlik or worse. With me out of the picture she would be the most likely successor.

INT. CHAW CASTLE – CODI’S CHAMBERS

All the reports are gone and Xiiltriiana is sitting at the desk alone, she has a specially made headset on with a microphone. She is taking call after call.

CODI (VOICEOVER, EXPLAINING)

As it was customary, if anyone questioned the orders they would contact me. Being my assistant, my sister would intercept all the inquires. She would tell them just to follow orders and I would never hear of it.

INT. CHAW CASTLE - ROYAL HALL

This is a long marble corridor whicch is trimmed with gold and is lit by electronic lighting. There are several paintings on the walls of famous Felinions. At one end of the hall are a pair of large doors made of solid gold, two Felinions guard them. At the other end are two large metal doors. Codi is walking down the hall when a Felinion soldier comes up to her and begins to question her.

CODI (VOICEOVER, EXPLAINING)

Fortunately, one of the commanders sensed something was not right. He took an unorthodox approach to contacting me. I quickly realized what was happening. I tried to contact the other commanders but since their orders had already been confirmed they had to accept their written orders over my verbal, there was no stopping them. With no time to talk to the Court and I had to take matters in into my own paws. I ordered the royal military to attack their own troops. At first they refused as all good soldiers would, but once they tried to confirm with the troops already in motion they knew they had no choice.

EXT. FELINIA – REFUGEE CAMP

Guards with laser rifles surround the camp, the refugees run around in a panic but there is no place to hide.

CODI (VOICEOVER, EXPLAINING)

As they camps were surrounded and about to be attacked those loyal to me swung into action.

Armed shuttles swoop down from the sky and open fire with lasers, the troops on the ground are cut down.

CODI (VOICEOVER, EXPLAINING)

Many died that DecaYerk but many more were saved. But as the smoke cleared there would be one more causality to this vile act, me.

INT. CHAW CASTLE - THRONE ROOM

This is a huge dark and dank chambeer, several lit torches scattered around the room are the only source of light. A variety of complete taxidermy alien animals are fixed to the walls. At one end of the room is a huge marble slab, at the other end is a silk curtain. A carpet of alien animal skins and furs runs between the two. On the slab are six large thrones, these are made of blood stained animal bones and the arm rests are of animal skulls. Seated in them from left to right are Ry, empty throne, Queen Ezzlaaaty Mezimallo, King Xjklu Uieoallph, High Priest Poynhidf Tewb and High Priestess Nylgdre Lukjxrt. They are wearing head and wristbandds similar to the guards, a large solid gold amulet with hieroglyphic symbols and a golden cape. Ry is a male Felinion with brown fur and purple strips while. Ezzlaaaty and Xjklu are dressed similar to the others but they have scepters made of large bones which have a Felinion head carved into each, small knives in their belts and are wearing a large animal skull as a crown instead of a head band. Ezzlaaaty has green fur with white strips and Xjklu has orange fur with blue stripes. Poynhidf is a male Felinion with Blue fur and brown stripes while Nylgdre is a female Felinion with red fur and yellow stripes. To one side is a large marble desk with a scribe seated at it. The scribe is a female Felinion who is dressed similarly to the guards but has no weapons and holds a strange looking gem. The desk has a stack of documents on it and several spare gems. The scribe is using the gem like a pen to fill out one of the documents. There are two guards on both sides of the slab and a guard at each side of the curtain. Xiiltriiana is standing before the court as Codi is dragged in by guards.

CODI (VOICEOVER, EXPLAINING)

Once the Court heard of what happened both I and my sister were brought before them. By now I figured out how my sister had betrayed me and why, this evidence was present to the Court.

One of the guards steps forward with the documents, it is handed to the king. Codi explains to them indicating to the evidence but Xiiltriiana plays innocent.<

CODI (VOICEOVER, EXPLAINING)

Of course she plead innocent, it was my pawwriting on the order not hers. I could prove she was capable of tricking me but I couldn’t prove that she actually did. It was her word against mine, with all the evidence pointing against me they believed her.

Xjklu points his specter at Codi annd barks a command, the guards stripe her of all her clothes.

Xiiltriiana looks on with glee.

CODI (VOICEOVER, EXPLAINING)

My title and freedom were striped, all they had to do was consider my punishment. My sister had won. Or at least she thought she had.

Ezzlaaaty touches the arm of Xjklu,, he looks to her and she explains something to him. His anger fades.

CODI (VOICEOVER, EXPLAINING)

Since I was the one that stopped her wrenched plan I was looked on in a positive light, though it was dim. They still thought I was guilty and I just had second thoughts but to prosecute someone who had saved the DecaYerk would have been political suicide.

Miwea Karrroiq rushes in. He is an older Felinion male with brown fur and purple spots. All that he wears are wide wrist and ankle bands, he also has a headband. They are made of metal and have heliographic etched into them. The headband also has a large disk set into it made of gold, it has the image of a paw with extended claws slicing through the air. He pleads to the court.

CODI (VOICEOVER, EXPLAINING)

My father had a paw is them seeing the light. So instead on incarcerating me on Felinia they came to an agreement. If I resigned my position publicly and left stating I wanted to go off and help others I would be spared.

Xjklu addresses Codi and she relucttantly agrees, Miwea is relived but Xiiltriiana is outraged.

CODI (VOICEOVER, EXPLAINING)

With little choice I agreed though my sister protested, she felt that I deserved far worse. But she had other motives, as long as I was free there was a possibility I could expose her for what she did.

Miwea interjects and Ezzlaaaty sileences Xiiltriiana, she pouts.

CODI (VOICEOVER, EXPLAINING)

Because of the ramifications if the public learned what just happened which could result in them losing all faith in the Court every member, including the Waysiders, took an oath to never speak of this incident again.

Everyone in the court raises their hand and takes a pledge. Then the guards escort Codi out, Xiiltriiana looks to the empty throne and smiles. Then she addresses the Court.

CODI (VOICEOVER, EXPLAINING)

Once I dragged out my sister asked to take my place, in order to clear the family name. But as it turned out she condemned herself to any chance for ascension.

The court all shakes their heads, Xiiltriiana is taken aback.

CODI (VOICEOVER, EXPLAINING)

Though they could never prove it their instincts indicated she was not as innocent as she claimed. Because she confirmed my orders, her defense was she was just doing as I instructed her, but a real member of the Court would not have gone along and done something to stop it. So she was denied the throne and would be stuck permanently as a Waysider.

Xiiltriiana clinches her fists in aanger.

INT. MINSK - CODI'S QUARTERS>

The flash back ends, everything is as it was before.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

Wactroii then took my place. My sister has continued to blame her failure on me, we despise each other to this DecaYerk because of this. So now you know my terrible secret. What do you think of me now Kalatir?

Nikolai pauses to collect himself.

NIKOLAI (PROUD)

I’m even prouder of you than before.

CODI (CONFUSED)

How can you say that after what I told you?

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

You were betrayed, you were deceived. Though it was not your fault you took action to minimize this.

CODI (BLUNT)

I see you don’t understand. Because of my sister’s treachery the Court now looks differently on The Wane camps. They are an eye sore and nothing would make them happy if they disappeared.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

But it was your sister’s doing, not you. You have no reason to feel shame.

CODI (STERN)

That is the sole reason I feel shame! I was a member of the Court, I asked her to be on my staff. I brought shame and humiliation not just to myself or the Court, but to my family. It is something I have had to live with the rest of my life.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

No one is perfect, Codi. Not even you. The important thing is not what happened but how you handled it. It is not how sorry you are but how you use the experience to learn and grow on. You came out here and made the best of it. You opened the eyes of me and this crew to how Felinions really our. You have helped us every step of the way, for that I am grateful. But more importantly you should be grateful for your work. No matter what happens to us, no matter where the admiral sends us, I will always feel that way.

Codi studies Nikolai and then smiles.

CODI (PLEASED)

The only thing I’m grateful for is having you as a Kalatir, thank you.

Nikolai smiles and then stands up.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Well we had better get ready.

Codi nods, Nikolai turns and leaves. As he goes she smiles to him.

EXT. MINSK NEAR FELINIA (OPTICAL) -- MED SHOT

As the ship closes in on the cloud mass two Felinion Escorts ships join up with them. They are similar to frigates but they have no fighter bay, more armament and are sleeker looking. A shuttle clears the clouds and heads for them.

INT. MINSK - BAY ROOM

This is a huge room with two shuttlles and four Battleship Fighters on one side and refueling tanks and repair equipment on the other. Above is a huge mechanical arm. There is a large hole under it set into the floor which is bathed in green light and open space can be seen through it. Nikolai and Codi are standing next to the light. They are wearing dress uniforms with headsets, she has a specially made one. Codi is wearing boots. He is wearing a special wristband made of strange animal hide and has heliographics etched into them. Fastened to a metal ring is a gold disk in which half of it has been broken off, it leaves jagged edges. A detachment of Marines are in dress uniforms and stand in two perfect rows on each side of the Commander and Exec. The landing decks start to come up through the hole. A strange looking shuttle is on one of the decks and rises through the green light. On the side of it are hieroglyphic symbols. Everyone stares at the shuttle as it is raised up, the deck below it seals off the hole and completely blocks out the green glow. The hatch of the shuttle slowly folds downward. The Sergeant of the Marines, an ugly muscular woman, turns towards her troops.

SERGEANT (ORDERS)

Ten hutt!

The Marines snap to attention and sstare straight ahead. The hatch locks into place and forms a ramp for the shuttle. Nikolai and Codi walk up to the ramp and look up into the ship. Four large male Felinion guards rush out of the ship and down the ramp. They carry long ceremonial spears. Thick fur hangs between their legs and hides their reproductive organs. Two Guards stand at the bottom of the ramp and two stand on top. They all stand at attention and tap their spears in unison on the ramp. There is a long pause. Wactorii Tqwzxcvbyyaao, a female Felinion with gray fur aand pink stripes, steps out. She is dressed like other members of the Court but she also wearing a matching wristband to Nikolai’s, she strides slowly down the ramp. Codi looks indifferent to her but the sight of her makes Nikolai smile. She stops between the guards at the bottom of the ramp and looks to the two of them, she shows no emotion.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Wactorii, it is good to see you.

Wactorii nods to Nikolai.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

I am here on behalf of the Court of Chaw representing the Felinion domain.

CODI (UNDERSTANDING)

I take it that you are here to give the Court’s decision on whether to continue down the path of alliance or to turn their backs on us.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

That is correct, commander.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

So what is the verdict?

Wactorii does not answer but pulls out an amulet very similar to the one she is wearing, the chain to it has been recently repaired. She holds this out to Nikolai, he smiles to it.

NIKOLAI (EXCITED)

My amulet!

Nikolai takes it and looks to it.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Since this was originally given to me as an honorary member of the Court, its return must mean that I have been reinstating.

WACTORII (FRUSTRATED)

I’m afraid it means just the opposite.

Nikolai and Codi look to Wactorii with concern.

WACTORII (EXPLAINING)

The alliance is shattered and humanoids are forbidden to come with in eyesight of our planets, any to do so will be destroyed. The amulet was returned as a sad reminder of what could have been but will never be. It is over Nikolai, I’m sorry.

CODI (CONFUSED)

What happened?

WACTORII (HONEST)

The problem is that Nikolai is as stubborn as the king, rather than working together you two would rather bump heads. In an effort to win we all must lose. It is as simple as that.

NIKOLAI (APOLOGETIC)

I’m sorry! I really am! Maybe if I apologized, if I threw myself to the mercy of the Court. I can suggest our government to send a real ambassador to clear this up. I’ll do anything!

Wactorii smiles to Nikolai.

WACTORII (UNDERSTANDING)

I know you did not mean for this to happen and you’d do anything to change things. But nothing can be done to alter the situation. I did my best, I twisted every arm and bent every ear I could but in the end I was the only one that favored you. The decision is cast in stone. I’m sorry.

CODI (CONCERNED)

Is there nothing we can do?

Wactorii shakes her head, Codi and Nikolai are defeated.

WACTORII (REASSURING)

Where is some consolation in this. The Court has given you authorization to accomplish what you came here for. You will be allowed to travel to the Prevaricate world. You may not step foot on it but you may use your signalers to talk to them. Specific instructions will be sent to you once I leave. The Court is allowing you to do this as the last slap in the face. They know that when you talk to them you will discover like we have warned you all along. They are barbaric animals that kill and torture anything they can. Had you listened to us, had you trusted us and not pursued them none of this would happen.

Wactorii looks between Codi and Nikolai.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

I must go now.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

So this is it, I will never see you again.

Wactorii nods.

WACTORII (BLUNT)

Once you talk to the Prevaricates we will be cut off, it will be as if neither our civilizations existed. Not until you start back to your home will the Court notify your government of this so your shame will not happen right away. Farwell.

Wactorii turns back up the ramp.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

I will miss your race Wactorii, but most of all I will miss your friendship.

Wactorii falters for a moment but does not look back.

WACTORII (EMOTIONAL)

So will I Nikolai. May we remember only the happy times we spent together.

Nikolai’s eyes glaze over and Wactorii rushes up the ramp, as she does she wipes a tear away. She disappears into the ship. The guards at the bottom of ramp rush up the ramp and inside the ship, the ones at the top then do the same. The ramp begins to raise, Nikolai and Codi look to the ship.

CODI (BLUNT)

Looks like the admiral finally has us by the tail, there will be no escape this time.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

And it is all my fault!

The ramps seals closed. Codi turns to Nikolai but her runs for the exit. She considers going after him but decides not to. She looks back to the shuttle as it begins to lower back into the light, all is lost.

EXT. MINSK NEAR FELINIA (OPTICAL) -- MED SHOT

The ship heads away from the cloud mass, the two Felinion Escorts flank her. Once they are a good distance away the Escorts bank and turn back for the planet, the Minsk continues on away.

INT. MINSK – OBSERVATION DECK

The is a small room that the walls and ceiling are made of thick clear plastic, all around space can be seen as the ship continues on. In the center of the room is a ladder leading down, a hatch to it is open. There are two large comfy loungers her, Nikolai is laying in one of them. In his hand he grasps the amulet. He stares off towards the cloud mass behind the ship, it is slowly getting smaller. He is lost in thought. Lena climbs up the ladder up into the room, she looks around. When she spots him she smiles.

LENA (PLEASED)

There you are, Nik.

Nikolai does not respond but keeps looking to the clouds. Lena walks over to him.

LENA (PLEASED)

I’ve been looking all over for you,, we all have.

Nikolai is still lost in his world,, she sighs. She sits on the armrest of the chair and grabs his free hand, she squeezes it tight.

LENA (CONCERNED)

How are you feeling?

Nikolai continues to look to the cllouds.

NIKOLAI (DISTANT)

Oh like anyone who just slit his owwn throat.

Lena tries to think of something to sayy but can’t.

NIKOLAI (DISTANT)

I blew Lena, I really blew it this time.

WACTORII (REASSURING)

No you didn’t, we have faced worse before. We always manage to pull it off in the end. We’re not licked yet.

NIKOLAI (DISTANT)

No, not this time. This time I havee really done it. I have messed up so much even God has forsaken me!

LENA (REASSURING)

You are forgetting you are the optiimist, I’m the pessimist. You’ll think of something. The admiral hasn’t won yet.

Nikolai looks to Lena.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

You don’t understand. Before all thhis when we faced the admiral’s wraith he just threatened to send me and Codi off to the far reaches of space. But now he doesn’t have to lift a finger, Command Control is going to eat us alive. Not just me and the commander but probably the entire crew. You will all have to pay for my crimes.

Nikolai throws the amulet and it hiits the plastic wall, it falls to the ground. Lena lets go of him and stands up, she walks over to it.

LENA (BLUNT)

Perhaps I made a mistake.

Lena bends down and picks up the amulett.

LENA (BLUNT)

I thought I fell in love with a mann that had his sights on justice and honor.

Lena looks to the amulet.

LENA (BLUNT)

But I see I was wrong.

Nikolai glares at Lena.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

This is no game Lena!

Lena glares to Nikolai.

LENA (STERN)

Either is my love!

Nikolai is taken aback and Lena callms herself.

LENA (HONEST)

Part of the reason why I love you NNik was that you never gave up, no matter what the odds. No matter who the foe was. You didn’t dwell on if you could be victorious but how. Because of that you earned this!

Lena holds up the amulet and Nikolai loooks to it.

LENA (HONEST)

And because of your self pity you llost it! What happened to the man I was proud of?

Nikolai sighs and looks away.

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

He died on Felinia.

LENA (STERN)

Then so is our love. You can’t lovee a dead man!

Lena storms up to Nikolai, tosses the aamulet into his lap and continues to the ladder. She then climbs down it. He looks to the amulet sadly.

NIKOLAI (TO HIMSELF, FRUSTRATED)

If only I could do things differenttly… If only I could go back in time and make things right… If only…

Nikolai clutches the amulet to his chest, he closes his eyes and drifts off into sleep.

EXT. LAVA CAVERNS

VOICE (SMUG)

Looks like you really have yourselff in a mess this time, Nik.

Nikolai looks up to the cave entrannce before him to see Catherine, he is pleased to see her.

NIKOLAI (EXCITED)

Thank goodness you’re here Catherinne! I want to explain something! I want to explain why I picked the Felinions over you! They are intelligent noble creatures that-

Catherine smiles down to Nikolai.

CATHERINE (SMUG)

They must be since they kicked you out of paradise along with the rest of the humans. I have no qualms with them.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

If they are not what had turned youu against me then what has?

CATHERINE (ANNOYED)

If I have to explain that then you deserve to die!

Nikolai looks to Catherine confusedd. The rock under Nikolai’s fingers begins to crumble, he is losing his grip. This makes Catherine smile but sends him in a panic.

NIKOLAI (FRANTIC)

Please Catherine! I want to make thhis right! Tell me what I need to do!

FADE OUT:

Catherine’s insane laughter can be heard echoing.

FADE IN:

INT. MINSK – OBSERVATION DECK

Nikolai’s eyes spring open, when hee realizes where he is he sighs.

NIKOLAI (TO HIMSELF, ANNOYED)

Even Catherine still hates me.

VOICE (CONCERNED)

You still having those dreams?

Nikolai looks to the lounger next tto him, laying in it is Lena.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

You came back?

Lena nods.

LENA (FRUSTRATED)

I wasn’t sure if it was to stranglee you or beg for forgiveness.

Nikolai reaches over and grabs Lenaa’s hand.

NIKOLAI (APOLOGETIC)

I’m the one that should be apologizzing. You were right, I am a coward. You tried to set me straight and I slapped you in the face. It was not God who forsaken me but I forsaken him. I’m sorry.

LENA (APOLOGETIC)

Well I didn’t give you much of a chhoice. Instead of being the supportive friend I turned into the nagging girlfriend. I’m the one that is sorry.

Nikolai smiles.

NIKOLAI (REASSURING)

No matter whose fault it is the impportant thing is I’m not going down without a fight.

LENA (CURIOUS)

Oh?

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

Well I haven’t left myself a lot off options but maybe we can find out something from the Prevaricates. Hopefully this is not as clean cut as the Felinions make it. There is still hope.

Lena smiles.

LENA (UPBEAT)

Well at the very least it will alloow us to spend a little more time together.

Nikolai gets to his feet and so doees Lena, they go into each other’s arms and smile at one another.

LENA (SLY)

Are you thinking what I’m thinking??

Nikolai smiles back.

NIKOLAI (SLY)

I think so.

Lena goes to kiss Nikolai but he breakss away from her, she is confused.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

But first I need to go see the mediic.

Nikolai heads for the ladder, Lena glares at him and puts her hands on her hips.

LENA (ANNOYED)

Typical man! When you try and get cclose they run away!

Nikolai Chuckles as he reaches the ladder and starts down it, Lena stands there and fumes.

EXT. ASTEROIDS (OPTICAL). MED. SHOTT

This is a cluster of asteroids of aall shots and sizes, some are stationary while others fly around. The largest one has been bored out from the inside and converted to a base, this is Ceres Major. Heavy guns are mounted all over the place. A small human shuttle is heading for it. “DEMOCRATIC LEGION” is marked on the side of the ship. Below is “UNITED COMMUNISTIC FORCE” which is scratched out and barely readable. Below that is a large silhouette of England which has a giant skull and cross bones in it. Also scratched out are the words “LIVERPOOL” which have been replaced with “DEMOCRATIC REVENGE” Also on the side is “L-1”

INT. SHUTTLE - COCKPIT

This is a small cockpit full of all sorts of buttons, switches and knobs. Out the front window the asteroids can be seen. Aboard are Bill Sierras and Corrine Joyce. He is a short, has black hair, a short beard and is very muscular. Bill is wearing a black leather uniform with large red skull and cross bones on the chest, he has little metal symbols of a Commander on his shoulders. She is a tall gorgeous brunette. She is wearing a very short skirt that is slitted on each side up to her waist, a tube top and stiletto heeled knee high boots. All the items are made of black leather and are two sizes too small. On her chest is the same skull and cross bones as his. Pinned to her top are Exec Officer Symbols. She is in the pilot’s chair flying the ship while he is seated in the copilot’s chair, he has his arms folded and looks very annoyed.

BILL (ENGLISH ACCENT, ANNOYED)

I hope you know this is all your faault.

Corrine rolls her eyes.

CORRINE (ENGLISH ACCENT, ANNOYED)

Oh not this again!

BILL (ANNOYED)

Because of you the Minsk slipped thhrough our fingers! Not only did it escape but it saved that ore carrier! You ruined my perfect record! That is why our leader has recalled me!

CORRINE (BLUNT)

Would you get a grip? Out of twentyy attacks one got away! He is not going to chastise you for that!

BILL (ANNOYED)

In UCF that would probably be true,, but here in the Legion weakness is sought out and destroyed! You have made me weak!

Corrine glares at Bill.

CORRINE (STERN)

I hope you are in trouble! Big trouuble! I hope they fry you!

Bill is taken aback.

CORRINE (ANNOYED)

Because that is what you deserve foor what you have put me through!

BILL (CONFUSED)

What do you mean?

Corrine glares at him.

CORRINE (ANNOYED)

I’m not an Exec Officer to you but a simple sex toy! I have to perform these weird and repulse act for you in bed! All you care about in what is on my chest and not in my head! You disgust me!

BILL (CONFUSED)

Of course that is how I treat you. You are the commander’s woman. That is why you are the only female on board. You are here for one reason and one reason alone. To please me. That is all women are good for.

CORRINE (ANGRY)

You jerk! I’m smarter than you, morre capable and well trained! But you can’t see past that! In the UCF women are not treated better than men but equally! That is all I want! I wish I was on their side instead of stuck here!

BILL (ANNOYED)

That is traitorous talk! You had beetter watch it!

CORRINE (ANGRY)

Who cares! You are about to meet ouur leader! He is going to fry you so you will be out of my hair once and for all! You can’t do anything about it!

Bill looks to Corrine and sees her smile, this annoys him even more.

CORRINE (SMUG)

I just hope they let me watch you ddie!

Corrine busts out laughing. Bill faaces forward and sulks.

EXT. MINSK IN SPACE (OPTICAL) – MEDD. SHOT

The ship continues on its way alonee, the cloud mass is long gone.

INT. MINSK - MEDIC CENTER LAB

This is a small room packed with alll sorts of electronic equipment. Nikolai is here with Ken Keith. He is about Nikolai’s age, red hair and has a goatee. He is wearing a white uniform with a headset, he has gold symbols of a staff with a snake wrapped around it on his shoulders. They face one another, the Exec talks as the medic listens.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

You helped me get over Catherine’s death the first time, you are my best chance this time.

Ken pauses and rubs his chin.

KEN (THINKING)

Well there is a female in your lifee that is causing this bad dreams. It is not Catherine but Lena.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Huh?

Ken lowers his hand.

KEN (EXPLAINING)

The problem began when you started dating Lena. Part of you accepts this but part of you does not, the part that still loves Catherine.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

But Catherine is dead.

KEN (EXPLAINING)

That is the whole point. If you commpletely accept Lena then there is no place for Catherine in your heart, it will be as if she never existed. Your guilt of her loss will never allow this to happen.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

So I have to break up with Lena in order to get some sleep?

Ken nods.

KEN (BLUNT)

Correct.

Nikolai looks upset and Ken sees thhis.

KEN (EXPLAINING)

Or you could confront Catherine in your dreams, explain to her she will always be special to you. But it is time to move on, you have a life to live. Tell her if she really loved you she will let you go. For your good she will set you free.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

You think it will work?

Ken smiles.

KEN (REASSURING)

I may not be an expert in psychologgy but I have worked with you enough to know this is the way to go.

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

Hey, I’m desperate so I’ll give it a whirl.

Nikolai smiles to Ken and he smiless back.

INT. CERES MAJOR - CORRIDOR<

This is a long hallway that has beeen carved out of the very rock, there are laser turrets mounted into the walls. At the end of the doors are heavy metal doors. Bill and Corrine are escorted down the hall towards them by two Guardians (large androids with jet black armor, smoke black visors and are armed with laser rifles) As they proceed the lasers follow them. The humans looks around with concern. They are led up to the door where two more Guardians are waiting for them, they use scanners built into their hands to scan the guests. Once they are satisfied they turn to the door and emit and series of beeps. The door open and the humans are led inside.

INT. CERES MAJOR – INTER SANCTUM

This is a huge room that serves botth as an office and a bedroom. There is a large polish desk with a huge striped red flag with a skull and cross bones on it. Ted Delrayy is sitting at it. He is a middle aged man, tall and skinny. Ted is wearing a uniform similar to Bill's but has Admiral symbols on it. He is flanked by two more guardians. Bill and Corrine enter through the doors, they automatically close. The Guardians that enter wait at the doors, the humans step up to desk and bow.

BILL (ORDERLY)

Hail Ted Delrayy.

CORRINE (ORDERLY)

Exalted leader of the Democratic Leegion.

They continue to bow but Ted does nnot even knowledge them. So they sneak a peek but he still ignores them, they look to one another unsure what to do. They look back to him and he finally looks to them, they quickly look to their feet.

TED (STERN)

You may grace me with conversation..

They stand up and smile to them.

BILL (PLEASANT)

You requested my presents.

TED (STERN)

I am the leader here! I don’t ask! I demand!

BILL (HUMBLE)

Yes, of course. I’m Bill Sierra, coommander of-

TED (INTERRUPTING, STERN)

You think I’m some senile old fool that can’t remember everything?

BILL (APOLOGETIC)

Of course not sir!

Corrine enjoys in his squirming, shhe smiles. Ted notices this.

TED (ANNOYED)

And what are you so happy about sweeetie?

CORRINE (APOLOGETIC)

I have nothing to be happy for! I sswear!

TED (ANNOYED)

As it should be! The war is going vvery badly for us! It is worms like you that refuse to do their job that are the cause of this!

CORRINE (PLEADING)

I am most loyal to the cause!

Corrine bows.

BILL (PLEADING)

Not as loyal as I!

Bill bows to Ted as well, he looks them over.

TED (ANNOYED)

That is about to be tested!<

They look up to Bill concerned.

TED (BLUNT)

The reason why you have been recallled is that your record is most impressive.

BILL (PLEASED)

It is?

CORRINE (CONCERNED)

It is?

TED (BLUNT)

Yes. Because of that we have a speccial assignment for you. One that if successful would turn the tables of the war.

BILL (CONFUSED)

What is it?

TED (ANNOYED)

You’ll learn the details soon enouggh! For now return to your ship for further instructions.

BILL (ORDERLY)

As you command oh great Ted Delrayyy.

They bow to Ted and he waves them aaway. The doors automatically open and the two minions continue to bow and back out the door, the two original Guardians follow. Even before they are gone Ted goes back to his work.

INT. CERES MAJOR - CORRIDOR<

As the doors close Bill and Corrinee are walking down the hall, he looks on straight ahead but she looks to him with concern.

CORRINE (CONCERNED)

I wonder what this is all about.

BILL (BLUNT)

I have no idea but there is one thiing for sure.

Bill glares at Corrine.

BILL (STERN)

For your traitorous words and insubbordination earlier you will pay dearly once we get back to the ship!

Bill looks forward again as she loooks to him in horror, they continue to walk.

EXT. MINSK NEAR TETHYS MINOR (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship speeds towards a similar clouded planet like Felinia. Many metal spheres with flashing lights surround the planet. The ship continues towards it.

INT. MINSK – BRIDGE

This is a huge room with several different types of computer systems, but all of them are high-tech. In the center of the room and elevated is the Command Station: It is a circular section that has a seat and many computer consoles. Circling the Command Station are several other stations: Exec, Comm, Gator, Engineer and Sensor. Each station has a single display screen which is unique in its own way. On the top of each of the monitors is a large light, it is currently burning green. In the back of the room is a hatch with a familiar button next to it. Vladimir is seated at the Gator station, he is a fairly handsome man in a standard Minsk uniform with insignias of a golden compass on his shoulders. Ivan Alexander, a geeky looking man who is wearing a uniform too and has golden symbols of eyes and ears, is seated at the Sensor Station. Lena is seated at the Engineer Station. At the Comm Station is Golda Mystroski who is a lovely blonde who has golden symbols of computers on her shoulders. Nikolai is seated at the Exec station, he is back in his old uniform. Codi is seated at the Command station and she too has her old uniform on. Everyone in the room is wearing a standard headset with microphone but they also all have on one black glove which is covered with electronic sensors, some of them have it on their right and some on their left. Codi has a specially made one, this is what they use to issue commands at their work stations. They wiggle their fingers in a certain order then when snap their hand into a flat position to process the command. Vladimir looks up to Codi.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

We're coming up to Tethys Minor, ma'am.

Golda examines her screen.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

I'm picking up the PSN signalers, ma'am.

CODI (STERN)

Path it over to me.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

Golda uses her instructer to follow her orders.

CODI (STERN)

Slow to one-fifth load, Gator.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

Vladimir issues the command.

IVAN (BLUNT)

I'm picking up a bunch of metallic spheres orbiting the planet. They are giving off some sort of energy. I'm attempting to analyze it now.

Codi's screen comes to life, words begin to appear on the screen in many different languages and synchronized to the words coming over her headset.

PALISADE (OVER HEADSET, COMPUTERIZED VOICE)

Repeating. This is the Palisade Security Net. This planet is closed to all ships. You have been identified as the United Communistic Force Corvette Minsk. Your ship has been granted access to this area. But you must first give the proper authorization phrase and codeword or reverse course immediately. If you do not do either or give the incorrect authorization phrase and codeword within 25 MicroYerks you will be destroyed.

IVAN (CONFUSED)

The readings from the spheres are some sort of weapon systems, but they are somehow shielding and jamming our sensors. I can't identify anything.

CODI (BLUNT)

They're Piercers.

LENA (CONFUSED)

Piercers?

CODI (BLUNT)

Highly intense weapons that can cut through our Quziis in a fraction of a MicroYerk even if they are at full strength and maximum layers.

IVAN (EXCITED)

Well they're powering up!

CODI (INTO HEADSET, BLUNT)

Authorization phrase. Peace and prosperity. Codeword. Ambassador.

There is a moment of silence.

PALISADE (OVER HEADSET, COMPUTERIZED VOICE)

Authorization phrase and codeword are correct. You may lock into orbit. But you still do not have permission to land on the planet. Disregarding this warning will result in your immediate destruction. Enjoy your stay.

Codi’s screen goes blank.

IVAN (RELIEVED)

Piercers are powering down.

CODI (BLUNT)

Lock into orbit of Tethys Minor.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

Vladimir goes to work.

EXT. MINSK NEAR TETHYS MINOR (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship slowly passes between two spheres and begins to orbit the planet.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Everyone is idly monitoring their station. Vladimir looks up to Codi.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

We're locked into orbit, ma'am.

CODI (BLUNT)

Good.

Vladimir smiles and turns back to his station. Codi looks down to Nikolai.

CODI (STERN)

I still think this is a waste of time. Prevaricates are born liars, they will say anything to trick you.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

It is a shame we can’t go down there.

CODI (STERN)

Be grateful you can’t! They would kill you on sight!

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

They wanted this meeting. Why would they do that?

CODI (EXCITED)

Because they love death! It's in their blood!

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Or maybe you're afraid what I might learn.

CODI (ANNOYED)

And what does that suppose to mean?

NIKOLAI (STERN)

Going back to our first trip to Felinia you have been dragging your feet on this issue, every Felinion I have met has. It is as if you fear something.

CODI (ANNOYED)

We do, them! They nearly wiped us out! They will do the same to your race if given a chance! I wish we would have exterminated them long ago!

NIKOLAI (STERN)

No matter what your feelings are they are the only hope for this ship, for us. They are all that stands between us and command Control.

Codi sighs.

CODI (TIRED)

Let's just get this over with, Exec.

Nikolai nods, he looks over his screen.

NIKOLAI (INTO HEADSET, PLEASANT)

This is Nikolai Solace. United Communistic Force Ambassador. I'm trying to get into contact with the government of the Prevaricates. Please respond.

There is no reply.

NIKOLAI (INTO HEADSET, PLEASANT)

Repeating. This is Nikolai Solace. United Communistic Force Ambassador. I'm trying to get in contact with any prevaricates. Please respond.

Nikolai studies his screen, he is discouraged. He turns to Golda.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Comm Officer. Is my signal getting down to the planet?

Golda studies her instruments for a moment.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Yes sir.

Nikolai looks back at his screen.

NIKOLAI (INTO HEADSET, FRUSTRATED)

Are there any Prevaricates down there?

VOICE (OVER HEADSET)

I knew you would come, humanoid.

Garth The Trader appears on Nikolai's screen. The Prevaricate has the frame of a human but is covered with black fur of that of a dog, finger-like claws on his hands, toe-like claws on his feet, a long bushy tail, a head of a husky and red eyes. The Prevaricate appears to be in some sort of cave.

NIKOLAI (INTO HEADSET, SURPRISED)

Is that you Garth?

GARTH (OVER HEADSET, SURPRISED)

I am honored that you remember me from the banquet the first time me met. After I was dragged away and returned here I discussed the situation over with my leaders, they made me arbitrator between our races. I have been waiting for your return ever since.

NIKOLAI (INTO HEADSET, PLEASED)

That's good to hear. Now, what was all this about beatings?

GARTH (OVER HEADSET, CONCERNED)

No. I can't tell you here. The Felinions could intercept this conversation. It would not endanger just me by my entire race. It is too risky. We must meet face to face so I can talk freely.

Nikolai shakes his head.

NIKOLAI (INTO HEADSET, FRUSTRATED)

I'm sorry, Garth. But the Felinions are in control of this area. They have strictly forbidden us to step foot on your planet.

GARTH (OVER HEADSET, ANNOYED)

Then you are on the side of the Felinions.

NIKOLAI (INTO HEADSET, DEFENSIVE)

If that were true would I be here?

Garth just stares at Nikolai.

NIKOLAI (INTO HEADSET, REASSURING)

Look, I'm on no one's side. I just want to get to the truth.

GARTH (OVER HEADSET, THINKING)

I see you have come in trust so I will not break that trust. If you cannot come down to me I will come up to you.

NIKOLAI (INTO HEADSET, CONFUSED)

Huh?

As Nikolai looks to the screen it goes blank, he is really confused now. Ivan quickly turns towards Codi.

IVAN (EXCITED)

I just lost the Palisades!

Codi turns towards Ivan.

CODI

(CONFUSED)

What do you mean you lost them?

IVAN (EXCITED)

They all gave an energy surge and then went dead! As if they shorted out!

CODI (CONFUSED)

All of them?

IVAN (EXCITED)

Yes!

LENA (PUZZLED)

But how can that be?

CODI (STERN)

It is not important how they did it but the deed is done! The Palisades are the only thing keeping the Vice Sirius' planet bound. If they were to escape…

Codi voice trails off as everyone looks to her, she pauses to think.

CODI (URGENT)

Get a fast scan of the entire area!

IVAN (EXCITED)

Yes ma'am!

Ivan turns back towards his station, he uses his Instructor. He studies his screen for a few moments.

IVAN (EXCITED)

I have a frigate class ship coming around the planet! It's headed right for us!

CODI (URGENT)

Give me a medium scan of that ship.

IVAN (EXCITED)

Yes ma'am!

Ivan uses his instructer again as Codi looks at one of her screens, she does the same. The screen quickly flashes “Selection” and then “Change” and then “Parameter” and then “Station status” and then finally “Yellow” She completes the command, there is a slight pause. Then “Selection valid. Parameter valid. Are you sure you want to change station status from Green to Yellow?” She flicks her hand and then “Processing…” appears.

MINSKIAN CONTROL (OVER LOUD SPEAKERS, COMPUTERIZED VOICE)

Alert! Alert! All stations to yellow status! All stations to yellow status! All defensive grids come on-line! All defensive grids come on-line! Alert! Alert!

A siren sounds. The large lights on all of the stations changes from green to yellow and begin to slowly flash. Ivan looks up to Codi.

IVAN (EXCITED)

Medium scan complete! The ship is a class B Felinion cargo transporter! She's lightly armed and heading at us at minimum load!

Codi looks at Ivan.

CODI (STERN)

Get a slow scan of her.

IVAN (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

Ivan turns back towards his screen, Codi looks to Golda.

CODI (STERN)

Get me a comm. Line to Felinia!

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Yes ma’am.

Golda goes to work. The hatch opens and a Marine with a side arm rushes in, he takes his position next to the hatch.

EXT. STRONG-BACK ORBITING VICE SIRIUS (OPTICAL) - MED SHOT

The ship flies around the planet towards the Minsk. The lights on all the spheres are off. The Strong-Back is a cargo ship twice the size of the Minsk, has two huge guns mounted on the front and a few small guns on the sides. There is a bay underneath the ship which is open and strange Felinion markings on the side of the ship, the ship continues towards the Minsk.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Everyone is intensely monitoring their stations, Golda looks to Codi.

GOLDA (CONFUSED)

I was in the middle contacting Felinia when everything went dead.

CODI (EXCITED)

What?

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Now all that is out there is jamming.

IVAN (BLUNT)

It's coming from the cargo transporter.

CODI (EXCITED)

What is the life form output on the cargo ship?

Ivan checks his screen.

IVAN (SURPRISED)

Nothing I've ever seen before!

CODI (ANNOYED)

Which is?

IVAN (SURPRISED)

90 by 16 119 by 270 by 1.7

CODI (SHOCKED)

Vice Sirius'!

LENA (CONFUSED)

The whole ship?

IVAN (BLUNT)

Yep.

CODI (STERN)

The cargo transporter in now designated Adversary Alpha!

IVAN (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

Ivan goes back to work his station..

LENA (EXCITED)

Where in the Carbon Deposits did they get a ship?

CODI (DISAPPOINTED)

We've let them have them so they can be of some use and trade with us. The Palisades prevent them from going off on their own. They are always escorted by our ships when they leave orbit and all the their ships are unarmed.

IVAN (BLUNT)

I've got some bad news. This ship IS armed. Worst yet is that the main guns on the front of the ship are Piercers.

CODI (EXCITED)

Where did they get Piercers?

LENA (STERN)

Since they are able to control the Piercers they were probably also able to remove some and place them on their ship.

CODI (EXCITED)

We need to contact any Felinion patrol ships in the area.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Not through this jamming.

NIKOLAI (DISAPPOINTED)

Beside there are none. The information that was transmitted to us indicated that the Court wanted to give us all the breathing room we wanted. They recalled all patrol ships back to Felinia.

LENA (EXCITED)

Great! What are we going to do?

CODI (STERN)

Since that ship can cut use to ribbons we're going to have to stall.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Stall?

CODI (STERN)

Stall until the Felinian Response Fleet arrives. They must have noticed by now that the Palisades are down.

LENA (HONEST)

Unless the Vice Sirius' also fixed them so they can't be noticed.

CODI (STERN)

Well. One way or another we have to prevent that ship from leaving. Kazan only knows what damage they could inflict on the solar system.

LENA (CONFUSED)

Are they THAT dangerous? After all, it's only one ship.

CODI (COLD)

They are not only dangerous but deadly. They have been caged up a long time. They desperately want to make their mark in the universe. This is what this is all about.

Everyone looks very concerned.

EXT. STRONG-BACK NEAR VICE SIRIUS (OPTICAL) - MED. SHIP

The ship continues slowly around the planet towards the Minsk.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

An alarm is sounding.

MINSKIAN CONTROL (OVER LOUD SPEAKERS, COMPUTERIZED VOICE)

Alert! Alert! All stations to red status. All stations to red status. All offensive stations on-line. All offensive stations on-line. Alert! Alert!

A siren sounds. The large yellow light on each station changes to red and starts flashing quickly. Golda looks to Codi.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Advisory Alpha is trying to contact you, ma'am. They are asking for you by name.

Codi hesitates for a moment, then looks at Golda.

CODI (UNEASY)

Path the Communication through.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

Golda uses her Instructer. The hatch opens and the other Marine with the laser rifle walks in and takes his place next to the first. The hatch closes.

GARTH (OVER HEADSET, SMUG)

I'm trying to get a hold of Commander Codiozianquy Zqiuvxbiea.

Codi looks at one of her screens.

CODI (INTO HEADSET, UNEASY)

This is Commander Codiozianquy Zqiuvxbiea to unidentified ship. Go ahead.

Garth appears on one of Codi's screens. He on the bridge of his ship Codi is surprised to see Garth.

CODI (SHOCKED)

Garth!

GARTH (OVER HEADSET, SARCASTIC)

Who else were you expecting to be in command?

Codi stares at the screen for a few moments.

CODI (INTO HEADSET, ANNOYED)

What is this all about?

GARTH (OVER HEADSET, SMUG)

You Felinions think they are so smart. By your offensive and defensive posture you know exactly what this ship is capable of but it will do you no good. You are finished!

CODI (INTO HEADSET, BLUNT)

Let me guess, you expect us to surrender.

Garth shakes his head.

GARTH (OVER HEADSET, STERN)

No, what I expect you to do is die.

Codi looks confused but Garth looks off the screen and nods. A female human steps into view with two Prevaricate guards. She is wearing a black leather uniform with large red skull and cross bones on the chest, she looks to Codi and smiles.

LEGION REPRESENTATIVE (OVER HEADSET, SMUG)

Ah this is the famous Felinion commander that has been such a great pain to the Legion and its cause. Well we are about to repay the favor.

GARTH (OVER HEADSET, PLEASED)

The Legion was kind enough to send this representative, thanks to her we can turn off the PSN at will. We owe her a great deal of thanks that we will now repay.

The guards look to Garth and he nods. One of them grabs her by the neck and picks her up. She gags and tries to pull herself free of Sean, but he is way too strong.

LEGION REPRESENTATIVE (OVER HEADSET, GAGGING)

No… We had a deal…

She continues to try and struggle free vainly.

GARTH (OVER HEADSET, SMUG)

You are as pathetic as the Felinions! Did you really think we would keep our word to someone like you?

CODI (INTO HEADSET, PLEADING)

Stop! You'll kill her!

GARTH (OVER HEADSET, CONFUSED)

But she is your enemy? Why would you care for her?

CODI (INTO HEADSET, PLEADING)

Because she is a living creature too! She deserves to live despite her beliefs!

GARTH (OVER HEADSET, SMUG)

You are weak a feeble. How did you ever win the revolt?

The guard squeezes her neck. There is the loud sound of bones breaking as her neck is snapped, her entire body goes limp. She is dead. Garth is very pleased.

CODI (INTO HEADSET, SHOCKED)

No!!!

The guard lets go and her dead body falls to the deck.

CODI (INTO HEADSET, SHOCKED)

Why did you have to do that?

GARTH (OVER HEADSET, SMUG)

Wasn’t it obvious? To prove that the only life meaningful to us is that of a Prevaricate. We are above all others. All those aboard your ship will meet the same fate.

CODI (INTO HEADSET, DEFIANT)

You will fail!

Garth laughs.

GARTH (OVER HEADSET, LAUGHING)

Out of compassion I will give you a few MiniYerks to make peace with whatever god you worship. Then you will be destroyed.

Garth laughs again and Codi's screen goes dark. She stares at it for a few seconds and then looks to Nikolai, he is smiling.

CODI (CONFUSED)

What are you so happy about?

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

Oh this little play.

CODI (CONFUSED)

What are you talking about?

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

Don’t tell me the Felinions have fooled you.

Codi looks to Nikolai confused and he sighs.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

Oh come on. When we come to visit the Prevaricates just so happen to get lose so
I can witness their rampage. It is an effort to ensure that I see them in a negative light.

CODI (STERN)

This is not some game Exec! This is not some simulation! This is real!

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

Oh I know the actors and props are real, but the plot is fake. This is just another apparent by the Court to trick me.

Codi just shakes her head in disbelief and then looks towards Ivan.

CODI (EXCITED)

Are we in attack range?

IVAN (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

CODI (STERN)

Are they still heading towards us?

IVAN (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am, and at minimum load.

CODI (STERN)

What is their Quzii protection?

Ivan checks his screen.

IVAN (BLUNT)

Two layers. Most of their power is going to their Piercers.

LENA (PLEASED)

Then we could easily breach them with our lasers.

CODI (STERN)

But they would cut us in two as soon as we opened fire.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Then we could launch Battleships.

CODI (STERN)

The piercers would destroy them before they got off the launch decks.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What are we going to do?

CODI (STERN)

Wait.

Everyone looks to Codi confused.

INT. STRONG-BACK - BRIDGE

This room is similar to the one on the Minsk, except that all the stations are facing away from the Command Station and it is not built on a platform. Every station is manned by a variety of Prevaricates wearing headsets. the most notable is the one at the Exec Station, Tosi the Exec. Tosi is a female dressed like the others. At the front of the room is a large screen, the image of Minsk is on it. Sean the Vanguard stands next to the commander, he is similar to Garth in everyway except he has a piece of paper in his belt and is larger. Two guards flank Sean, two more guards stand near the hatch.

GARTH (CONCERNED)

The trap has been sprung.

SEAN (SMUG)

Yes, the humanoid are so gullible. Just like the Legion. They actually believe that we would join THEIR cause and help fight THEIR war just because they gave us the means to free ourselves.

Sean pulls the piece of paper from his belt and hands it to Garth.

SEAN (STERN)

Here is the outline of our plans. There have been a few modifications.

Garth nods. He takes the paper and folds it up. He opens a secret compartment on his belt buckle and slips the paper into it. He closes the compartment and looks at Sean.

SEAN (STERN)

You know what to do.

GARTH (PROUD)

Yes Vanguard.

Sean ignores Garth and heads for exit, his guards follow him.

EXT. STRONG-BACK NEAR VICE SIRIUS (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship continues towards the Minsk. A tractor bean lowers a shuttle from the cargo ship, they releases it. The shuttle accelerates and heads away from the two ships.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Ivan turn towards Codi.

IVAN (EXCITED)

I'm picking up another ship of the same mass as Advisory Alpha, but it is of a different configuration.

Codi turns towards Ivan.

CODI (CONFUSED)

Where did it originate from?

IVAN (EXCITED)

The same place as Advisory Alpha, the other side of Tethys Minor.

CODI (ANNOYED)

And I suppose it is heading towards us too.

IVAN (BLUNT)

No ma'am, its heading away.

CODI (CONFUSED)

Designate it as Advisory Beta and keep a close eye on it. We can only handle one ship at a time.

IVAN (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

Ivan turns towards his screen, he quickly looks it over. He gasps, then quickly looks towards Codi.

IVAN (CONFUSED)

Ma'am. A shuttle has just left Advisory Alpha.

CODI (SURPRISED)

What?

IVAN (CONFUSED)

It's heading away from us and towards Advisory Beta.

CODI (SURPRISED)

Huh?

Golda turns towards Codi.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Garth is trying to get a hold of you, ma'am.

Codi hesitates and then turns towards Golda.

CODI (STERN)

Let it through to me.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

Golda uses her instructer. Ivan turns back to his station. Codi looks down at one of her monitors, Garth appears on it.

GARTH (OVER HEADSET, SMUG)

I hope you have made your peace.

CODI (INTO HEADSET, ANNOYED)

I hope you have too since we're going to blow you out of the stars.

Garth begins to laugh.

GARTH (OVER HEADSET, LAUGHING)

It doesn’t surprises me why Felinions aren’t known for their intelligence. I have yet to run across one that actually demonstrated it.

Garth settles down.

GARTH (OVER HEADSET, STERN)

I see reality hasn’t set in so I will give you a little more time but be warned my patience is running thin!

The screen goes blank once more, Codi pauses to think.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

Garth should get an award for his acting.

Everyone ignores Nikolai.

CODI (STERN)

What is happening with Advisory Beta?

Ivan checks his screen.

IVAN (BLUNT)

It's pulling up the shuttle.

CODI (STERN)

How far off is Advisory Alpha?

IVAN (BLUNT)

It's entering our red range.

CODI (CONFUSED)

Their Piercers could easily wreck havoc with us. Why haven't they fired?

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

Then the play would be over.

CODI (CONFUSED)

They have us by the tail! If we could only get out of the line of fire of their weapons.

Vladimir turns towards Codi.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Why don't we use our Ultra-Light thrusters?

CODI (ANNOYED)

We can't turn tail and run and let two armed Vice Sirius ships roam the system unchallenged.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

No. What I meant was that we could engage the thrusters just long enough to jump behind Advisory Alpha, out of the line-of-fire of their Piercers. Then we could attack unarmed.

Codi quickly turns towards Vladimir.

CODI (SURPRISED)

Brilliant!

IVAN (CONFUSED)

Could this actually be done?

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Sure. If we engage them for less than a MicroYerk. But it's going to take a bit of calculating.

CODI (EXCITED)

See to it!

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

LENA (BLUNT)

What kind of attack pattern will we be using?

CODI (STERN)

All out attack, we need to obliterate them instantly. If they manage to turn the ship around we are doomed. We also have to remember that there are two ships out there.

LENA (BLUNT)

Yes ma’am.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

I sure wish I had some popcorn for this show.

Codi groans as the others work.

EXT. STRONG BACK NEAR VICE SIRIUS (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship slowly continues towards the Minsk, it is very close. The other Prevaricate ship is far off in the distance and heading away. Several Ultra-Light thruster pods hang from the bottom of the ship. The pods light up and the ship speeds away at Ultra-Light speed.

INT. STRONG-BACK - BRIDGE

The Sensor Officer looks to Garth.

SENSOR OFFICER (BLUNT)

The Extricate has gone to Ultra-Light.

Garth smiles.

GARTH (PLEASED)

Good. Now we can get back to the REAL business at paw.

The Sensor Officer turns back to his monitor, Tosi looks to Garth.

TOSI (SMUG)

Now that the Vanguard is safely away we can deal with the Minsk.

Garth smiles to Tosi.

GARTH (SMUG)

Patience my dear Tosi.

TOSI (ANNOYED)

You know as well as I do that our race is not known for patience.

GARTH (SMUG)

Everything in good time.

TOSI (ANNOYED)

Permission to speak freely!

Garth sighs.

GARTH (FRUSTRATED)

That has never stopped you before.

TOSI (ANNOYED)

We came to destroy the humanoids! Why do we just sit here and wait?

GARTH (BLUNT)

If I need to explain that then I question why you are my Exec!

Tosi glares at Garth but it has no affect, the Sensor Officer looks oddly to the screen.

SENSOR OFFICER (CONCERNED)

I'm picking up a strange reading from the Minsk.

Garth turns towards the Sensor Officer.

GARTH (CONFUSED)

Strange. How is it strange?

SENSOR OFFICER (PUZZLED)

The Hydrogenoxide Floureen output is slowly rising.

GARTH (SURPRISED)

Huh?

The Sensor Officer double checks his screen.

SENSOR OFFICER (PUZZLED)

Their Ultra-Light systems are coming on-line.

TOSI (CONFUSED)

Are you sure?

The Sensor Officer checks his screen again.

SENSOR OFFICER (PUZZLED)

Yes. I have tripled check.

Garth thinks for a moment.

GARTH (STERN)

It must be some sort of trick. They're trying to change our course.

TOSI (FRUSTRATED)

Let's be safe and open fire now.

Garth looks over to Tosi.

GARTH (STERN)

No. The time is not quite right, yet.

TOSI (FRUSTRATED)

Can we at least lock the Piercers on the power station?

GARTH (STERN)

No. They would detect this and really go to Ultra-Light.

TOSI (FRUSTRATED)

So in other words were going to fly escort until the jump out of here!

GARTH (ANNOYED)

What is your problem Exec?

TOSI

(ANGRY)

Our orders from the Vanguard are to take out that ship! I suggest we start doing that! Now!

Garth thinks for a moment.

GARTH (ANNOYED)

Very well.

Tosi smiles.

TOSI (EXCITED)

Lock Piercers onto the power station. Fire on command. Have all other weapons stand by for attack. Prepare attack pattern.

Everyone goes to work on their stations.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Everyone is wearing their seatbelts. Codi finishes barking some commands into her headset.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

All stations report they are ready for Ultra-Light, ma'am.

Codi looks at Vladimir.

CODI (STERN)

Are you?

VLADIMIR (CONFIDENT)

Just give the word ma'am, and we'll be there.

CODI (STERN)

Good. The belly guns will fire as we pass.

LENA (CONCERN)

The only problem with that is humans won't be able to target anything at that load.

Codi looks at Lena.

CODI (STERN)

Then I guess we'll have to use the Automatons.

LENA (CONCERNED)

They are not as accurate and could possible be jammed out.

CODI (ANNOYED)

Do you have any other ideas?

Lena thinks for a moment, then shakes her head.

CODI (STERN)

Then Automatons it is.

LENA (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am. Anyway, the rear guns and tubes will fire after the jump.

CODI (STERN)

Anything else we need?

Codi looks around the room, no one responds. She looks at Vladimir.

CODI (STERN)

Are we in position yet?

Vladimir checks his instruments.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Just about, ma'am.

CODI (PLEASED)

Good.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

This is silly, this is all one big play. They aren’t going to attack us eve if we just sat here. Not one laz will be shot!

Everyone ignores Nikolai as the others continue to work.

INT. STRONG-BACK - BRIDGE

It is at it was before. Tosi is looking to the Engineer Officer whose is busy working at their station. They stop and look at her.

ENGINEER OFFICER (BLUNT)

Peircers are locked on target.

TOSI (SMUG)

Then open fire!

GARTH (STERN)

Belay that order!

Tosi looks to Garth.

TOSI (CONFUSED)

What ever for? We are set to attack!

GARTH (STERN)

I’m still in command of this ship! I will give the order.

TOSI (ANNOYED)

Fine! Then give it!

Garth hesitates.

GARTH (STERN)

No, I’m not ready yet.

TOSI (ANNOYED)

The Deposits with this! I’ll fire them!

GARTH (FRANTIC)

NO!!!

Tosi touches a control on the Engineering Station.

EXT. MINSK NEAR VICE SIRIUS (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

As the Minsk approaches the Strong-Back the Ultra-Light thrusters fire for a fraction of a second. The Piercers fire at the spot the Minsk was. As the ship passes over the bottom guns fire, they breach the Quziis of the Strong-Back. They concentrate on the same spot and there is a large explosion on the top of the ship and the Power Planet is destroyed.

INT. MINSK – BRIDGE

Everyone is looks at their screens but Nikolai is confused.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

There must be some mistake. Had we not used our Ultra-Light we would have been destroyed.

CODI (ANNOYED)

It is like I said! This is no game!

LENA (EXPLAINING)

One of their Power Planets is down but they are not out of it yet!

CODI (STERN)

Fire all rear weapons!

Lena goes to work but Nikolai is still in shock.

EXT. MINSK NEAR VICE SIRIUS (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

Two Missiles Projects on the rear of the Minsk come to life and fire Light-Missiles (similar to Light-Explosives but longer and larger) and head towards the Strong-Back's thrusters. The rear lasers fire as well, they continuously hit the engines on the enemy ship.

INT. STRING-BACK - BRIDGE

Everyone looks dazed. The lights flicker an alarm buzzer sounds. Garth looks around confused.

GARTH (CONFUSED)

What was that?

Some of the crew regain themselves and check their screens.

SENSOR OFFICER (UNSURE)

The Minsk firing on us.

TOSI (SMUG)

But thanks to my quick thinking our Piercers have since knocked the Minsk out of action.

SENSOR OFFICER (AFRAID)

Not exactly.

TOSI (ANNOYED)

What do you mean not exactly?

SENSOR OFFICER (CONFUSED)

Our Piercers DID return fire but missed.

TOSI (SHOCKED)

How? They were locked on!

SENSOR OFFICER (SURPRISED)

I can't explain it but they are now behind us, out of the line-of-fire of the Piercers.

GARTH (EXCITED)

I told you we should have waited!

Garth and Tosi exchange glares, the Exec snarls.

GARTH (ANNOYED)

Damage report.

ENGINEER OFFICER (EXCITED)

The upper power station is gone!

GARTH (SARCASTIC)

I expected as much.

SENSOR OFFICER (EXCITED)

I have two incoming targets to aft! Closing quickly! Probable Light-Missiles!

TOSI (EXCITED)

Hard to port! Full load! Lock all reserve power to aft section!

The Gator and Engineer goes to work.

EXT. STRONG-BACK NEAR MINSK (OPTICAL) - CLOSE SHOT

The Strong-Back and Minsk's afts face one another. The lasers are still attacking the engines as the missiles are about to hit the ship. The cargo carrier begins to speed up and turns sharply. The missiles are able to pass through the weakened Quziis and hit the Strong-Back. They explode the ship shakes violently as there are several smaller explosion at the aft of the Strong-Back.

INT. STRONG-BACK - BRIDGE

The ship continues to shake violently from the direct hit. Everyone else is trying to stay seated and working desperately at their stations. The shaking quickly subsides.

TOSI (EXCITED)

Damage report!

The Engineer Officer studies his screen.

ENGINEER OFFICER (SHOCKED)

Most of our thrusters have been either knocked off-line or destroyed.

Tosi turns to the Gator.

TOSI (EXCITED)

Gator! Use what maneuvering power we have left to line up our Piercers on them.

SENSOR OFFICER (EXCITED)

They're coming around!

TOSI (EXCITED)

Have all batteries commence fire! Now!!!

EXT. STRONG-BACK NEAR MINSK (OPTICAL)

The ship turns very slowly towards the Minsk. While the Minsk quickly turns towards the ship, all of its guns open up. The cargo ship begins to fire on the Minsk, but her Quziis easily absorb the Strong-Back's lasers. The missiles on the front of the ship fire and hit the enemy at several points/.

INT. STRONG-BACK - BRIDGE

Everyone is busy working at their stations while Garth and his guards look around the room. The power is phasing in and out, there is panic.

TOSI (EXCITED)

Do we still have enough power to work the Piercers?

ENGINEER OFFICER (FRUSTRATED)

No way! The second Power Planet is still online but severally damaged, our Quziis can’t hold them back. We have breeches all over the ship! Structure damage is extensive! We can’t last much longer!

GARTH (STERN)

Then give the word to abandon ship.

Tosi turns to Garth.

TOSI (EXCITED)

Vice Sirius' abandon ship. Never!

GARTH (ANNOYED)

They do when I'm in charge!

Tosi points an angry finger at Garth.

TOSI (ANGRY)

You are a disgrace to all Vice Sirius' everywhere! I’d do them all a favor if I killed you with my bare claws!

The guards watch Tosi carefully, ready to pounce. Garth glares at her.

GARTH (STERN)

Careful there Exec!

Tosi looks to the guards and backs off.

TOSI (ANNOYED)

Fine! I’ll leave but not out of cowardness like you! It is so I can return home and tell them of the disgrace you have put upon us!

Tosi turns and storms out. As Garth watches her go he smiles, then he heads for the exit. The rest of the crew joins them.

INT. MINSK BRIDGE

Ivan is talking to Codi.

IVAN (BLUNT)

And both Power Planets are out. All weapon systems are drained. They don't even have any Quziis up. The entire ship is buckling, I suggest we move back or be caught in her own explosion.

CODI (PLEASED)

See to it.

Vladimir goes to work. Codi smiles and looks around the room.

CODI (PLEASED)

Good work everyone.

Nikolai looks a bit sad.

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

All but me.

Codi looks to Nikolai confused.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

Everyone but me believed that this was no trick so I just sat here and laughed at you all. I was such a fool. I’m sorry.

LENA (SMUG)

No need to apologize, we are use to you doing things like this.

Nikolai finds nothing funny.

CODI (REASSURING)

The question is how do you view Prevaricates now?

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

I now see them as they truly are. Barbaric animals that get pleasure in killed and torturing. You and the Court was right, they have gotten what they deserve.

CODI (REASSURING)

How about you help in ensuring that they do.

Nikolai smiles and then goes to work with the others.

EXT. STRONG-BACK NEAR VICE SIRIUS (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship floats through space and is totally disabled. The Minsk has stopped firing and has backed off. Escape pods begin to launch from the cargo ship and head towards the planet.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Everyone is checking their screens. Ivan turns towards Codi.

IVAN (EXCITED)

Ma'am. Advisory Alpha is launching escape pods.

CODI (CONFUSED)

Escape pods. That is not like Vice Sirius'.

Codi thinks for moment.

CODI

(CONFUSED)

Are there life readings inside them?

Ivan turns back to his station and checks his instruments.

IVAN (BLUNT)

Affirmative. And they have Prevaricate Life Form Outputs.

CODI (CONFUSED)

Strange. Usually they would have fought to the last Vice Sirius.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Well this isn't an usual situation. This is the first time they have fought humans.

CODI (UNSURE)

True. But they didn't even self destruct it.

LENA (CONFUSED)

How could they? Their major Power Planets were knocked out.

Codi pauses to consider this.

EXT. STRONG-BACK IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - CLOSE SHOT

All the escape pods are gone. There are several explosions on the Strong-Back which begin to throw debris outward. Finally, the entire ship explodes. There is nothing significantly left.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Ivan is talking to Codi.

IVAN (BLUNT)

Advisory Alpha has been completely destroyed. All of its escape pods have reentered Tethys Minor's atmosphere.

Codi sighs with relief.

CODI (RELIEVED)

Good.

Ivan looks back to his screen but then frowns.

IVAN (CONFUSED)

Correction, all of them but one has left.

Codi looks to Ivan confused as he studies his screen.

IVAN (EXPLAINING)

It headed away from the planet.

CODI (CONFUSED)

It is trying to escape?

Ivan shakes his head.

IVAN (EXPLAINING)

No, it just got out of the blast range and stopped. It is just stilling there.

Codi opens her mouth but Golda cuts in.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

It is trying to contact us, ma’am.

Codi looks to Golda and pauses to think.

CODI (CURIOUS)

Path it through.

Golda goes to work.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

I’m only getting audio.

Codi looks to her empty screen and listens to her headset.

GARTH (OVER HEADSET, PLEADING)

You must save me Felinion!

CODI (INTO HEADSET, CONFUSED)

From who?

GARTH (OVER HEADSET, PLEADING)

From my own people!

Codi looks confused to the screen.

GARTH (OVER HEADSET, PLEADING)

Since you bested me I’m considered a traitor! I can never return to my world! They would kill me on sight! You must take me in!

Codi smiles.

CODI (INTO HEADSET, BLUNT)

You are scared because you are getting exactly what you deserve! What every Prevaricate deserves! I will not help you!

Codi looks to Golda.

CODI (STERN)

End the transmission.

NIKOLAI (URGENT)

No! We must help him!

Codi looks to Nikolai.

CODI (ANNOYED)

After the brutality you have witnessed you still side with these animals?

Nikolai shakes his head.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

No, but he was in charge of the operation. He could tell us where that other ship went to.

Codi pauses for a second and then nods.

CODI (BLUNT)

You do have a point.

Codi looks back to the screen.

CODI (INTO HEADSET, BLUNT)

Very well Prevaricate, I will save you. Not out of sympathy but pity.

GARTH (OVER HEADSET, PLEADING)

Thank you!

Codi looks to Lena.

CODI (BLUNT)

Tractor the scum onboard.

LENA (BLUNT)

Yes ma’am.

Lena goes to work and Codi looks to Golda.

CODI (BLUNT)

Inform the Marines, I want them on paw when that pod comes on board.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Yes ma’am.

Golda begins to mumble into her headset.

EXT. MINSK IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship slowly heads towards the debris and a small escape pod. A tractor beam fires from under the ship, it pulls it closer.

INT. MINSK – DETENTION

This is a long hallway that has been divided into separate cells by visible Quzii fields. A variety of roughians are locked up here, all of them human and most of them are crewmembers. A Marine stands guard at set intervals, there are also some patrolling up and down the corridor. All of them are armed. The Sergeant of them leads Codi and Nikolai pass the cells. As they go some of the prisoners sneer at them and some yell obscenities but none of them can be heard since the fields are blocking all sound. The group is lead up to one particular cell, in it is Garth. He has been stripped of his clothes but his thick fur covers everything it should, he is sitting on his bed. They all stop and look inside, they all seem to be happy to see him but the Prevaricate is even happier.

SERGEANT (SMUG)

We have finished our interrogation but didn’t get anything out of him, he is very resilient.

CODI (BLUNT)

Prevaricates my act like animals but they are no fools, they know what is in their best interest.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

So we saved him for nothing.

The Sergeant shakes her head.

SERGEANT (SMUG)

Not exactly.

Nikolai and Codi are confused but the Marine does not let on. She uses a keypad strapped to her forearm to type in a code, the shielding around Garth’s cell changes color. The Marine smiles.

SERGEANT (SMUG)

I hope you are enjoying your new accommodations, Prevaricate. Retention fields are all you are ever going to see.

GARTH (SMUG)

You forget I hold the advantage, humanoid. All I was ever asked in my torture was the location of my Vanguard’s ship.

NIKOLAI (CURIOUS)

You mean you would tell us where it went in exchange for your freedom?

GARTH (ANNOYED)

You may be gullible humanoid but I am not! I know as soon as I divulged that information my life would be at an end!

CODI (STERN)

We may be enemies but we are not animals like you. We would never kill you.

GARTH (ANNOYED)

I do not fear your wraith but the wraith of my people! I will not betray them!

CODI (CONFUSED)

But you said you already have, that is why you asked for our help.

GARTH (ANNOYED)

The wraith of failure is immeasurable compare to the wraith of betrayal! I will tell you nothing!

SERGEANT (SMUG)

Well then you had better get use to your new home.

Garth looks around.

GARTH (SMUG)

By Prevaricate standards this is a palace. That is for the few prisoners we do take.

Garth looks back to them.

GARTH (SMUG)

But still I will find comfort in my fate because mine has yet to be decided where yours is already sealed.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What do you mean?

GARTH (SMUG)

Right now the vanguard is striking a devastating blow against you pathetic race humanoids! Soon it will be you who will find yourself in a cage! A cage I hold the only key to but will never surrender no matter how much you torture me!

The Sergeant smiles.

SERGEANT (SMUG)

Fortunately we have already found it.

Garth busts out laughing, that is until the Sergeant pulls out a folded piece of paper. The prisoner looks with concern to it.

SERGEANT (SMUG)

We found this hidden in your belt. You guys are pretty pathetic yourself when it comes to hiding things. The secret compartment was not even shielded.

CODI (CURIOUS)

What is it?

The Sergeant looks to Codi.

SERGEANT (EXPLAINING)

It appears to be some kind of battle plan.

Garth’s fears fade and he smiles.

GARTH (SMUG)

Appears? That means you can’t even read it.

CODI (BLUNT)

Let me see that.

The Sergeant hands the document over to Codi, she takes it and unfolds it. She looks it over.

CODI (PLEASED)

You were correct, Sergeant. Apparently the plan was to hold us at bay while the other Vice Sirius ship, the Extricate, posed as us and infiltrated the UCF repair facility at Uranus. Apparently they got all the call signs and ID frequencies from The Legion. Their primary mission is to create as much havoc as possible. Command Control would think that the Minsk, commanded by a Felinion, attacked the UCF. The Vice Sirius would demand that since Felinions can not be trusted that they be set free, with the help of the UCF of course.

GARTH (SHOCKED)

Everything is ruined!

Nikolai smiles.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

It will be once we contact Command Control to intercept them.

CODI (PLEASED)

Let’s go.

Nikolai and Codi turn to leave, Garth jumps to his feet.

GARTH (ANNOYED)

No! This will ruin everything you-

Before Garth can continue the Sergeant uses her keypad to punch in a code, the walls of the cell turn back to normal and he is muted. He continues to throw a fit and the Marine giggles, turns and follows the others.

INT. MINSK - MESS HALL

Codi is here sitting at one of the tables, in front of her is a plate with some food cubes on it. She picks up one of the cubes, she pops it into her mouth and chews it, it is very unsatisfying.

CODI (TO HERSELF, DISGUSTED)

How can humanoids survive on these deposits?

Codi begins to work on the rest of the cubes. The hatch opens and Nikolai rushes into the room, he heads for the table. She looks up and notices him, then looks look down at her food and continues eating. As the hatch closes he stops before her.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Golda said you'd be here.

CODI (SARCASTIC)

That is the disadvantage of being a Commander. You don’t get scheduled meal cycles.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

Still no word from Mars, though they are still probably still in a tizzy that you sent two messages.

CODI (BLUNT)

You didn’t come all the way down here to state what I already know.

Nikolai sighs.

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

You are right. Are you sure about this?

CODI (BLUNT)

To be quite honest I’m not sure about anything.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

But the plans we confiscated all point to Uranus yet you sent a second message stating the target had to be Pluto. Why?

CODI (EXPLAINING)

The discover of their plan was too easy. For one thing, Prevaricate are masters at deceit. The hidden plans would have taken more to discover than a simple scan. Also, a ship of the class of Advisory Alpha have the capacity of having four layers of Quziis yet the most they ever had up were two.

NIKOLAI (DEFENSIVE)

They were probably rerouting the power over to the Piercers.

CODI (BLUNT)

No. Once they are charged they need minimum power to keep them there.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

But if that was the plan then why did Garth ask for our help? He could have returned to his planet a hero.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

So we would find the plans. If he truly intended to keep them hidden he could have destroyed them before he was captured. After all, they were useless to him at that point.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

I see your point.

CODI (BLUNT)

Look at the plans themselves. Impersonate a ship twice as small as theirs. Penetrate defensives that triple check both identification signalers and markings. All there outer markings are Felinion. Plus a quick scan would reveal that only Vice Sirius' were aboard the ship. The small fleet that guards the repair facility may be partially ripped apart, but their fire power alone would eventually destroy them. And we're not even counting the S-Qs of Battleships they have there. Deposits. There is always at least one Battlecruiser orbiting Uranus and it’s always at full battle status. If it wasn't so the Legion could easily rush in and pick up some free ships.

NIKOLAI (DEFENSIVE)

Okay. Let's just say all that you stated is true. What would their motivation be for this deception?

CODI (BLUNT)

To trick me into contacting Command Control and telling them of their false plan. This would force Mars to move all available ships to Uranus. This would leave other UCF facilities vulnerable to attack. Since I'm a Felinion they could easily perceive that my people are devious and untrusting. Nothing we have stated about the Vice Sirius could be believed.

NIKOLAI (EXCITED)

That would inflict more damage against your race than their original plan!

CODI (BLUNT)

Exactly.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

But since they were the ones who attacked the UCF wouldn't that make them untrustworthy as well?

CODI (BLUNT)

They could easily say since we were in control their planet we threaten to torture and kill their families if they didn't conduct that attack.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

But what could possibly be there REAL target?

CODI (BLUNT)

The only substantial target this side of Mars other than Uranus is Pluto. It contains the main food supply to UCF. If that was destroyed Mars couldn't fight long against the Legion.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

But it’s protected by Quziis so strong that even Piercers couldn't breach them. Even if we crashed the Minsk into them at Ultra-Light it wouldn't even dent them.

CODI (BLUNT)

That is what makes their plan so deadly. It is so desperate. But we can't underestimate them. The last time we did they almost destroyed my race.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

I’ll go back to the bridge and see if we have heard anything.

Nikolai turns and heads towards the hatch. Codi goes back to her dinner.

EXT. MINSK NEAR VICE SIRIUS (OPTICAL) - LONG SHOT

The ship is orbiting the planet. Off in the distance, four Felinion escorts approach.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Everyone is at their stations except Codi, her station is empty. The hatch opens and Codi walks into the room, the hatch closes. Nikolai turns towards Codi

NIKOLAI (LOUD)

Commander on the bridge.

Everyone sits at attention. Codi heads towards the Command Station.

CODI (STERN)

At ease.

Everyone goes back to work.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

You're just in time, ma'am. Four Felinion ships are approaching.

CODI (STERN)

Give me a scan of them. Let's make sure they're the real thing this time.

IVAN (BLUNT)

I already have. They're definitely Felinion escort ships. Life form levels indicate that only Felinions are aboard.

CODI (PLEASED)

Thank you Sensor Officer.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

They're trying to get a hold of us.

CODI (STERN)

Then path it through to me.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

Golda follows her orders.

ERICTROKYZ (OVER HEADSET)

This is Erictrokyz Toteie, Vanguard of the Felinian Response Fleet. I wish to speak to the Minsk.

CODI (INTO HEADSET)

This is Commander Codiozianquy Zqiuvxbiea of the Minsk. I read you.

Erictrokyz appears on one of Codi's monitors.

ERICTROKYZ (OVER HEADSET, COLD)

Commander Codiozianquy, it is a pleasure to see you again.

CODI (INTO HEADSET)

Thank you, Vanguard. Now that you are here, you may take control over this area. We have business to deal with else where.

ERICTROKYZ (OVER HEADSET, COLD)

That will not be possible. Too many strange things have happened here in the passed five Yerks. All of which are tied to you and your ship.

CODI (INTO HEADSET, SURPRISED)

I've explained everything. Didn't you get my report?

ERICTROKYZ (OVER HEADSET, COLD)

Yes. But it just has brought out more questions. Like why is it that the Palisade Security Net failed just as you happened to arrive.

CODI (INTO HEADSET)

That is explained in my report.

ERICTROKYZ (INTO HEADSET, COLD)

Explain it to me in person. And this time with more detail.

Codi stares at the screen.

CODI (INTO HEADSET, ANNOYED)

Very well. But only because we are waiting for a response back from Mars.

ERICTROKYZ (OVER HEADSET, SARCASTIC)

How fortunate for me.

Codi sighs and begins to talk to the screen.

EXT. EXTRICATE IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - CLOSE SHOT

The ship is coasting through space at normal speed, a Legion scout ship is running along side her. The scout ship is smaller than a Corvette, has no weapons and most of the ship is comprised of thrusters.

INT. EXTRICATE - BRIDGE

This is similar to the one on the Strong-Back. A variety of Prevaricates are scattered among the stations. Sean is seated at the Command Station. The Comm Officer is intently monitoring his screen. After a few moments he turns towards Sean.

COMM OFFICER

(BLUNT)

Transmission completed and verified, Vanguard.

SEAN (STERN)

Decode and apply.

COMM OFFICER (BLUNT)

Yes Vanguard.

Sean turns towards the Gator.

SEAN (STERN)

Set for Ultra-Light.

GATOR (BLUNT)

Yes Vanguard.

Sean looks at one of his screens and smiles.

SEAN (TO HIMSELF, PLEASED)

We have a rendezvous with destruction.

Sean is very happy.

EXT. EXTRICATE IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship turns away from the scout ship and vice versa. They continue away from each other.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Codi is still talking to Erictrokyz on her monitor.

ERICTROKYZ (OVER HEADSET, SARCASTIC)

You're telling me your crew just walked aboard that Vice Sirius ship and took control?

CODI (INTO HEADSET, ANNOYED)

For the last time, they cut their way in after most of the crew abandoned ship. Haven't you been listening for the past five Yerks?

ERICTROKYZ (OVER HEADSET, SARCASTIC)

With what? Hand lasers.

CODI (INTO HEADSET, FRUSTRATED)

I give up.

Golda look up to Codi.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Excuse me, ma'am.

Codi sighs and looks down to Golda.

CODI (ANNOYED)

What is it?

GOLDA (BLUNT)

I've just wanted to let you know that we've received a transmission from the Admiral. I've recorded it.

Codi smiles, she looks back at Erictrokyz.

CODI (INTO HEADSET)

You are going to have to excuse me for a moment.

Codi nods to Golda, she uses her Instructor.

ERICTROKYZ (OVER HEADSET, EXCITED)

Oh no you don't! You will not pu-

The screen goes blank and the word HOLD comes up on it.

CODI (STERN)

Okay, let's hear it.

Golda follows orders. Joseph appears on another of Codi's screens.

JOSEPH (OVER HEADSET)

This is Fleet Admiral Joseph Mazeppa to the Minsk. What in the deposits is going on out there? First you tell me some wild story about Prevaricates taking control of Felinion ships and their plans to attack Uranus. So I divert ships from Pluto to intercept them. Now you're telling me that it's all a mistake and all ships should now go back to Pluto. Have you guys gone crazy? Your message took five Yerks to reach us, yet no one has attack Uranus or Pluto or any place else! But just in case I am going to leave my first order as is. The Germany and Japan are still part of the Pluto garrison anyway. Besides, you're next message will probably say they are going to attack Uranus again. I knew it was a big mistake putting a Felinion in charge of a UCF ship! You can be well assured that Command Control will be notified of this. I here by scrub your current mission. You are to return to Mars as soon as possible. This is Fleet admiral Joseph Mazeppa, out!

The screen goes blank. Codi stares at it for a few moments, then turns towards Nikolai.

CODI (CONCERNED)

I don't know about you, but I have a bad feeling about Pluto.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

But there hasn't been any attacks.

CODI (STERN)

That still doesn't ease my feeling about Pluto.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Well, there is not much we can do.

CODI (STERN)

Well. As I see it we have three choices. Sit here for the rest of our lives and have Erictrokyz question us over and over and over. Return home as ordered. Or go and see what's going on at Pluto.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

You're suggesting we go against a direct order?

CODI (STERN)

The order was to return as SOON as possible. Not immediately.

Nikolai smiles.

NIKOLAI (SARCASTIC)

Well he really has us all by the tail anyway, my vote is for Pluto.

Codi nods, she looks back at Golda.

CODI (STERN)

Put Erictrokyz back on.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Ma’am, I’d just like to say you made the right choice.

CODI (PLEASED)

Thank you.

Golda goes back to work. The Vanguard appears on Codi's screen again.

ERICTROKYZ (OVER HEADSET, ANGRY)

It's about time!

CODI (INTO HEADSET)

Sorry, but something just came up. We have to leave at once.

ERICTROKYZ (OVER HEADSET, ANGRY)

Oh no you don't! You still have a lot of questions to answer!

CODI (INTO HEADSET)

It is imperative that we leave now.

ERICTROKYZ (OVER HEADSET, ANGRY)

We're in control of all space between here and Felinia! We decide who may enter and who may leave here! And when! If you try to leave we'll disable your thrusters!

Codi stares at the screen and thinks. After several moments, she smiles.

CODI (INTO HEADSET)

And risk starting a war?

Erictrokyz throws up his arms and screams.

ERICTROKYZ (OVER HEADSET, ANGRY)

Go on! Get out of here!

Codi's screen goes blank, she sighs with relief.

CODI (SARCASTIC)

What a sorry excuse for a Felinion.

Codi turns towards Vladimir.

CODI (STERN)

Gator. Set course for Pluto. Ultra-Light load.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

Everyone goes to work.

EXT. MINSK NEAR VICE SIRIUS (OPTICAL) - LONG SHOT

The ship is orbiting the planet. Off in the distance, four Felinion escorts approach.

EXT. MINSK NEAR VICE SIRIUS (OPTICAL) - LONG SHOT

The ship breaks orbit and heads away from the planet and the Felinion escorts. The Minsk moves faster and faster until it disappears to Ultra-Light speed and is gone.

EXT. LAVA CAVERNS

VOICE (SMUG)

Looks like you really have yourselff in a mess this time, Nik.

Nikolai looks up to the cave entrannce before him to see Catherine, he is pleased to see her.

NIKOLAI (EXCITED)

Finally! I know what is ticking you off!

Catherine smiles down to Nikolai.

CATHERINE (SARCASTIC)

That you have no clue what I’m mad about?

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

You’re not mad at me but Lena! She is taking your place, you are jealous of her.

Catherine folds her arms.

CATHERINE (BLUNT)

You couldn’t be further from the truth. Lena was my best friend when I was alive, she would be my pick for you to fall in love with. I trust she will love you as I love you.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Then what is this all about?

CATHERINE (BLUNT)

It is about greed and selfishness, all coming from you. You have turned your back on the one that loves you the most! You are making the same mistake that I made when I was alive! I have tried my best to correct your ways but I see this is hopeless.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What do you mean? Explain it to me! Tell me straight out what I am doing wrong!

Nikolai looks to Catherine confusedd. The rock under Nikolai’s fingers begins to crumble, he is losing his grip. This makes Catherine smile but sends him in a panic.

CATHERINE (BLUNT)

If I have to do that then you will learn nothing. You have to find the answer yourself. Only that way you will learn and grow as you were meant to be.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

But-

Nikolai completely loses his grip aand plummets towards the lava, he screams in terror. Catherine watches him fall and laughs insanely. As he is about to hit everything goes black.

FADE OUT:

Catherine’s insane laughter can be heard echoing.

FADE IN:

EXT. GERMANY AND JAPAN NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

These are UCF class destroyers. They slowly orbit Pluto side by side. The planet is protected by thick Quziis which are yellow in color. Through the Quziis Pluto can be seen, the planet is covered with fields of corn, wheat and other crops. As the ships continues to orbit, the Extricate comes out of Ultra-Light and decelerates some distance away from the planet and the ships.

INT. JAPAN - BRIDGE

This is similar to the one on the Minsk. The crew is made up of a variety of Orientals, the Commander is a beautiful tall female and has the name Iwo Ito. The Sensor Officer turns towards her.

SENSOR OFFICER (WITH JAPANESE ACCENT)

A ship has come out of Ultra-Light. It's heading right at us at slow load. Fast scan indicates that the ship is a cargo carrier, possibly Felinion.

EXEC OFFICER (WITH JAPANESE ACCENT, EXCITED)

Take us to red status!

IWO (WITH JAPANESE ACCENT, ANNOYED)

Belay that.

The Exec Officer turns towards Iwo.

EXEC OFFICER (SURPRISED)

But they'll attack us at any moment!

IWO (ANNOYED)

I'm not going to jump to conclusions and blow up some innocent bystanders, even if they are only Felinions. Besides, the Admiral said to fire only when fired upon.

Iwo looks down at the Sensor Officer.

IWO (STERN)

Are they in range of our turrets?

The Sensor Officer checks his screen.

SENSOR OFFICER (BLUNT)

Not just yet.

IWO

(STERN)

Give me a medium and slow scan of that ship.

The Sensor Officers nods. Iwo turns to the Comm Officer.

IWO (STERN)

Open a Tac channel to the Germany.

COMM OFFICER (WITH JAPANESE ACCENT)

Yes ma'am.

The Comm Officer mumbles into her headset. Iwo then looks at the Exec.

IWO (STERN)

Take us to yellow status.

EXEC OFFICER (DISAPPOINTED)

Yes ma'am.

The crew goes to work.

EXT. EXTRICATE NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship heads slowly towards the Japan and the Germany which continue to orbit the planet.

INT. EXTRICATE - BRIDGE

Everyone is intensely monitoring their stations. The Sensor Officer turns towards Sean.

SENSOR OFFICER (BLUNT)

All defensive systems on both targets just came up. Including their Quziis.

SEAN (TO HIMSELF, SMUG)

That can't save them now.

Sean looks at the Comm Officer and nods. The Comm Officer looks down at his screen, mumbles something into his headset and then looks back at Sean.

SEAN (INTO HEADSET)

This is the Extricate to the two UCF ships orbiting Pluto.

Sean looks over his screen, there are no changes in the displays.

SEAN (INTO HEADSET, ANNOYED)

This is the Extricate to the two UCF ships orbiting Pluto. I am demanding that you respond.

Sean looks over his consoles again, still nothing.

SEAN (INTO HEADSET, ANGRY)

Respond UCF ships or I will have to do something drastic to get your attention!

IWO (OVER HEADSET, BLUNT)

This is Iwo Ito, commander of the UCF Destroyer Japan. I read you.

Iwo appears on one of Sean's screens.

SEAN (INTO HEADSET, ANNOYED)

I am Sean the Vanguard, leader of this Mercenary attack force. We have been hired by the Felinions of Tethys Major to secure this area for invasion. I am ordering both of your ships to drop their Quziis and prepare to be boarded.

IWO (OVER HEADSET)

And if we refuse?

SEAN (INTO HEADSET, STERN)

We'll do it by force.

IWO (OVER HEADSET, LAUGHING)

Forgive me. But we're twice as big as you and out number you.

SEAN (INTO HEADSET, ANNOYED)

Don't under estimate our determination.

IWO (OVER HEADSET, LAUGHING)

It's not that we under estimate you, it's the fact that we'll rip your ship apart before you can even get near us.

SEAN (INTO HEADSET, STERN)

You have been warned. We will give you five MiniYerk to reconsider.

Sean looks back down to the Comm Officer and nods. As Iwo opens her mouth to respond her image disappears and is replaced by a blank screen. He turns towards the Sensor Officer.

SEAN (STERN)

Any changes?

The Sensor Officer checks his screen.

SENSOR OFFICER (BLUNT)

All offensive systems are now coming on-line, Vanguard. Both ships are breaking orbit and heading directly for us.

Sean turns back to his screens.

SEAN (PLEASED)

Steady as she goes.

Sean smiles ear to ear.

EXT. JAPAN AND GERMANY NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ships turn away from the planet and head towards the Extricate, they speed up a little.

INT. JAPAN - BRIDGE

The Commander of the Germany is on one of Iwo's screens. Two armed Marines are guarding the hatch. The large indicator light on each station is quickly flashing red. The Sensor Officer is talking to Iwo.

SENSOR OFFICER (BLUNT)

And they've just raised their Quziis to five layers.

IWO (STERN)

So shall we.

ENGINEER OFFICER (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

COMMANDER (OVER HEADSET, WITH GERMAN ACCENT, CONCERNED)

Are you sure they don't have anything that can cause us serious damage?

Iwo looks at the screen with the Commander on it.

IWO (INTO HEADSET)

Affirmative. We've double checked. The only weapons they have are some high intensity turrets and they can only breach our Quziis at blank range.

COMMANDER (OVER HEADSET)

If its suicide then what hope do they have?

IWO (INTO HEADSET)

It's a bluff. But it isn't going to work. I heard these Prevaricates aren't too bright, just like Felinions. I guess this proves it.

COMMANDER (OVER HEADSET, CONCERNED)

Maybe. But I'm going to reroute all rear turret power to my front Quziis just in case.

Iwo stares at the Commander for a moment.

IWO (INTO HEADSET)

Perhaps that would be wise. We will do the same.

Iwo looks at the Engineer Officer.

IWO (STERN)

See to it, Engineer Officer.

ENGINEER OFFICER (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

As the Engineer Officer goes to work, Iwo looks down at the Sensor Officer.

IWO (STERN)

Are we in turret range yet?

SENSOR OFFICER (BLUNT)

Affirmative. We are just entering the green range.

Iwo looks back at the Engineer Officer.

IWO (STERN)

Lock all forward turrets onto target and prepare the forward tubes for launch.

ENGINEER OFFICER (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

Iwo looks back at the Commander.

IWO (SMUG)

This shouldn't take long.

The Commander on the screen is not very convinced.

EXT. EXTRICATE NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - MED SHOT

This ship is bearing down on the Germany and Japan which continues to head towards the cargo ship.

INT. EXTRICATE - BRIDGE

Everyone is busily working at their stations. The Sensor Officer quickly looks up from his station and up to Sean.

SENSOR OFFICER (EXCITED)

Their weapon systems are coming up to full strength!

Sean looks down to the Engineer Officer.

SEAN (QUICKLY)

Lock pod one onto target number one's thruster section, full velocity. Lock pod five onto target number two's bridge area, full velocity.

ENGINEER OFFICER (BLUNT)

Yes Vanguard.

The Engineer Officer mumbles into his headset. The Sensor Officer looks back at his station. The Exec Officer turns to Sean.

EXEC OFFICER (CONFUSED)

Bridge? That won't destroy them.

SEAN (STERN)

But it will knock them out of action. We're going to need some witnesses.

The Exec Officer shrugs his shoulders and turns back towards his console.

SEAN

(STERN)

Is the shuttle is position?

COMM OFFICER (BLUNT))

Yes Vanguard, it reports it is ready to be released.

The Engineer Officer looks up to Sean.

ENGINEER OFFICER (BLUNT)

The pods are ready, Vanguard.

The Sensor Officer quickly looks up to Sean again.

SENSOR OFFICER (EXCITED)

Their missiles are fully charged!

SEAN (EXCITED)

Route all port Quzii power to starboard!

ENGINEER OFFICER (BLUNT)

Yes Vanguard.

SEAN (EXCITED)

Hard to port!

GATOR (BLUNT)

Yes Vanguard.

SEAN (EXCITED)

Fire the pods!

Everyone does their job.

EXT. EXTRICATE NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The Germany and Japan continue to head towards the ship. The Extricate turns sharply to the port and two of the Ultra-Light thruster pods beneath the ship ignite and launch off the ship, they head towards the two ships at Ultra-Light speed. One of the pods hits the front of the Germany and explodes, a fourth of the front of the ship is destroyed. The other pod whizzes by the Japan, then makes a 180 and heads for the rear of the ship. The pod hits the Japan's thrusters dead center and explodes. There are several large explosions at the rear of the ship, then the Power Planets explode. There are huge explodes all over the Destroyer and then the entire ship explodes. Both the Germany and Extricate are engulfed in debris from the Japan, though most of it engulfs the Germany. There are a few more explosions in the debris. The Extricate clears the debris. After a few moments the Germany clears the debris, but it is slowly spinning out of control and away from Pluto. The debris begins to disperse.

INT. EXTRICATE - BRIDGE

Everyone is working at their stations.

SENSOR OFFICER (PLEASED)

Scans indicate that the Target one has been totally destroyed. Target two has been severally damaged but is still intact, she spinning out of control.

Sean smiles.

SEAN (PLEASED)

Set Quzii power to normal.

ENGINEER OFFICER (BLUNT)

Yes Vanguard.

Sean looks at the Comm Officer.

SEAN (STERN)

Order the shuttle to be lowered.

COMM OFFICER (BLUNT)

Yes Vanguard.

Sean looks at the Gator as the Comm Officer begins to speak into his headset.

SEAN (STERN)

Turn us back towards Pluto.

GATOR (BLUNT)

Yes Vanguard.

The Gator mumbles into her headset. Sean looks back at his controls.

SEAN (TO HIMSELF, PLEASED)

Now for phase two.

Sean smiles.

EXT. MINSK IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - CLOSE SHOT

The ship speeds by at Ultra-Light speed and continues on.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Lena is looking down to her screen, the image of Boris Miclenho is displayed on it. He is a young man with red short hair who is wearing a Minsk uniform with metal symbols of wrenches on it. He is in the Bay Room.

LENA (INTO HEADSET, BLUNT)

We're going to need all the Minskians ready to be lowered by the time we reach Pluto, Lead Maintenance Tech. We don't know what we can expect.

Boris shakes his head.

BORIS (OVER HEADSET, WITH RUSSIAN ACCENT)

No can do, all of them are out of commission.

LENA (INTO HEADSET, CONFUSED)

How can that be? They have seen no use on this mission. Are they affected by some sort of virus?

BORIS (OVER HEADSET, BLUNT)

Worse, someone down here without my permission decided it was a good time to overhaul them.

LENA (INTO HEADSET, CONFUSED)

All at once? Only one someone reckless and insane would do that Boris!

Lena pauses as she realizes something, Boris sees this.

BORIS (OVER HEADSET, BLUNT)

Yes, it was Lyndal.

LENA (INTO HEADSET, ANNOYED)

I’ll kill him! I swear I’ll kill him!

BORIS (OVER HEADSET, BLUNT)

It has already been dealt with. I’ve got everyone working on this. We’re doing the best we can.

LENA (OVER HEADSET, REASSURING)

I know you will. Keep me informed.

BORIS (OVER HEADSET, BLUNT)

Of course.

Boris disappears from the screen, Lena sighs and looks to Codi.

LENA (FRUSTRATED)

I’m afraid I have some bad news.

Codi looks to Lena.

CODI (STERN)

So I heard.

Lena is confused and this is seen, Codi wiggles her ears.

LENA (UNDERSTANDING)

Ah yes, Felinion hearing.

CODI (STERN)

If the Prevaricates succeed because we did not have battleship support The Lead Maintenance Tech will share the same fate as Lyndal.

LENA (DEFENSIVE)

But this wasn’t Boris’ doing!

CODI (STERN)

Well he was close to the situation, he should know what was happening! It is no different if anyone up here messes up. It would be my fault.

Codi glares at Lena and she sighs.

LENA (CONFUSED)

Should I go down there to help?

Codi shakes her head.

CODI (STERN)

You need to trust in your people even when they mess up!

Lena pauses to think and then nods.

EXT. EXTRICATE NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - LONG SHOT

The ship is heading straight for the planet. A little ways ahead of it is a shuttle. Off in the distance is the Germany, it is still spinning out of control and away from the ships. The cargo ship opens fire and lasers whiz by it. The shuttle continues towards the planet.

INT. SHUTTLE - COCKPIT

This is a small cockpit full of all sorts of buttons, switches and knobs. Prevaricates sit in the pilot and copilot seats. The hatch leading to the Main Compartment has been removed, through it are large thrusters surrounded by many large barrels marked Hydrogenoxide Floureen. Out of the front window are the Quziis of Pluto, the ship is dangerously close to them. Lasers whiz by the ship and hits the Quziis, they easily absorb the blasts.

COPILOT (INTO HEADSET, EXCITED)

Repeating! Please lower the Quziis and let us in!

PLUTO CONTROL (OVER HEADSET, HEAVY STATIC)

And repeating. We don't have a clear scan of you. It's all this jamming. We don't know who you are.

COPILOT (INTO HEADSET, EXCITED)

I told you! We're from the Germany!

PLUTO CONTROL (OVER HEADSET, HEAVY STATIC)

That is what you say. But we don't know if your really human, Felinion or Prevaricate.

More lasers whiz by the ship. The Copilot looks at something written on his paw.

COPILOT (INTO HEADSET, EXCITED)

For, God's sake! Let us in!

The Copilot looks out the window again.

PLUTO CONTROL (OVER HEADSET, HEAVY STATIC)

I'm sorry, but we can't. Even if we could identify you as human we couldn't risk letting the ship attacking you within our Quziis.

The Copilot looks at writing on his other paw.

COPILOT (INTO HEADSET, EXCITED)

Look you heartless, swine! We're going to continue on our present course! Its up to you whether you let us in or we crash into the Quziis!

There is no response. The Pilot and Copilot stare out the window at the Quziis.

EXT. SHUTTLE NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - CLOSE SHOT

The ship heads right for the Quziis. The Extricate is right behind the craft, still firing. Just before the shuttle is about to hit the electronic wall, a small section in front of the shuttle disappears and the ship flies through it. Once the shuttle passes through the opening it seals back up. The Extricate is forced to turn sharply. As the shuttle continues down towards the planet the cargo ship heads away from the Quziis.

INT. SHUTTLE - COCKPIT

The Pilot and Copilot look down to the planet with big smiles on their faces.

PLUTO CONTROL (OVER HEADSET, HEAVY STATIC)

Welcome to Pluto.

The Pilot and Copilot turn towards one another and give each other a wink.

PLUTO CONTROL (OVER HEADSET, HEAVY STATIC)

But don't get any ideas. A S-Q of Battlefighters are on their way to intercept you. They'll guide you in. If you try anything they'll blow you away.

The Pilot and Copilot lose their smiles.

EXT. MINSK IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - CLOSE SHOT

The ship continues on at Ultra-Light speed.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Golda looks up to Codi.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

The Bay Room reports that they've gotten one of the Battleships operational. They don’t have time to QA it but they think it is flyable.

CODI (DISAPPOINTED)

It will have to do. Tell the Bay Room to lower it once we leave Ultra-Light.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

Golda turns back towards her screen. Ivan looks towards Codi.

IVAN (BLUNT)

Ma'am. I'm picking up a lot of jamming around Pluto. Also, element scans indicate a high level of Hydrogenoxide Floureen near the planet.

CODI (COLD)

Like from two exploding Destroyers.

Ivan shakes his head.

IVAN (BLUNT)

No. More like one.

Codi's eyes widen. She quickly looks over to Vladimir.

CODI (STERN)

Gator. Lock onto Pluto's marking signal. Use it to bring us out of Ultra-Light as close to Pluto as possible.

Vladimir looks up to Codi.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

You mean as close as safety parameters will allow.

CODI (ANNOYED)

I mean as close as possible!

Vladimir looks back at his screen.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

Codi turns towards Golda.

CODI (STERN)

Notify Command Control of our findings.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

Ban begins to mumble into her headset. Codi looks around the room.

CODI (BLUNT)

Stay sharp everyone, we're going to yellow.

Codi starts working her station.

EXT. SHUTTLE OVER PLUTO (OPTICAL) - LONG SHOT

The light generated by the Quziis are as bright as the sunlight on Earth. As the ship continues towards the surface it is joined by 25 Battlefighters. These ships are similar to Battleships except that they are a little smaller, have fixed wings and no Light-Conversion capacity. The ships fly along side of the shuttle.

INT. SHUTTLE - COCKPIT

The Pilot stares straight ahead while the Copilot checks his instruments. The planet can be seen far below.

FIGHTER LEADER (OVER HEADSET, STERN)

You've probably been informed why we are here. To make sure you don't get yourselves into any trouble. So stay close to us and everything will be alright. Understood?

The Copilot looks over to his Prevaricate partner, the Pilot nods. The Copilot looks forward again.

COPILOT (INTO HEADSET, BLUNT)

Sure.

FIGHTER LEADER (OVER HEADSET, STERN)

Good.

FIGHTER PILOT (OVER HEADSET, SURPRISED)

Hey. I'm picking up only Prevaricate life form levels.

FIGHTER LEADER (OVER HEADSET, CONFUSED)

What?

FIGHTER PILOT (OVER HEADSET, SURPRISED)

Worst yet I'm picking up a large quantity of Hydrogenoxide.

FIGHTER LEADER (OVER HEADSET, CONFUSED)

But shuttles don't have Ultra-Light capacity.

FIGHTER PILOT (OVER HEADSET, EXCITED)

It's a trap!

FIGHTER LEADER (OVER HEADSET, EXCITED)

Lock onto the shuttle and open fire!

PILOT (QUICKLY)

We're locked onto course.

COPILOT (QUICKLY)

Then let's end this all.

The copilot pulls on a large red handle above his head.

EXT. SHUTTLE OVER PLUTO (OPTICAL) - CLOSE SHOT

The rear of the shuttle explodes exposing the large thrusters inside the ship, they ignite. The ship accelerates towards the surface of the planet. The Battlefighters open fire with lasers and Light-Explosives at the spot where the shuttle WAS, they all miss. The ships bank, accelerates and head after the shuttle but the ship continues to pick up speed and continues to pull away from the Battlefighters.

EXT. QUZII PROJECTION STATION 9471 (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

This is a large metal building with a huge electronic dish on the roof pointed upward, 9471 is marked on the side of the structure. The building is surrounded by fields of corn. Above, the shuttle speeds down towards the station. It crashes into the dish and explodes, the remains of the shuttle crashes through the roof of the building. There are several explosions inside the structure and a fire breaks out.

EXT. QUZIIS AROUND PLUTO (OPTICAL) - CLOSE SHOT

A large section of the Quziis begins to flicker on and off. Then finally stays off.

INT. EXTRICATE - BRIDGE

Everyone is looking towards the Sensor Officer, anxious. He is intently monitoring his screen. A smile comes across his face. He studies the screen for a few more seconds and then turns towards Sean.

SENSOR OFFICER (PLEASED)

The shuttle destroyed the projector. There is a hole in the Quziis big enough for us to fly through.

SEAN (SMUG)

It only needs to be big enough to drop the Bio through.

SENSOR OFFICER (PLEASED)

They're trying to close the hole using the other projectors. But as the Legion promised, it isn't enough. We should have no trouble.

The Sensor Officer goes back to his screen.

SEAN (STERN)

Gator. Set the course for the opening.

GATOR (BLUNT)

Yes Vanguard.

The Gator turns towards his screen.

SEAN (STERN)

Comm Officer. Tell the Bio team to prepare our little surprise for release.

COMM OFFICER (BLUNT)

Yes Vanguard.

The Comm Officer turns towards his screen. Sean looks over his screens.

SEAN (TO HIMSELF, PROUD)

Now for the final phase.

Sean smiles.

EXT. EXTRICATE NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship turns towards the planet and heads for the hole in the Quziis. As the ship continues towards the planet the Minsk comes out of Ultra-Light and decelerates near the planet. The decks below the Minsk lower and a Battleship launches from them. The Battleship heads towards the Extricate, the Minsk slowly follows it.

INT. EXTRICATE - BRIDGE

The sensor Officer quickly turns towards Sean.

SENSOR OFFICER (EXCITED)

A ship has just come out of Ultra-Light! It's the Minsk!

Sean jumps to his feet.

SEAN (SURPRISED)

What are they doing here?

SENSOR OFFICER (EXCITED)

I don't know! But they've launched a Battleship and it's heading right at us!

Sean stares off in space for a moment, then he turns towards the Comm Officer.

SEAN (STERN)

Have the team release the Bio. Now!

The Exec Officer checks his screen, then looks at Sean again.

EXEC OFFICER (EXCITED)

But at this distance it will take Pluto's gravity a lot longer to pull it into position.

SEAN (ANNOYED)

There is a military ship out there that can both out gun us and has missile capability. I want to start this before they get into range.

EXEC OFFICER (EXCITED)

But if we release now it will give them a chance to destroy the Bio!

SEAN (ANNOYED)

Then it's up to us to make sure we keep them busy.

EXEC OFFICER (EXCITED)

But-

SEAN (INTERRUPTING, ANGRY)

Enough with the talk and speculation! Understood?

The Exec Officer pauses, then nods.

EXEC OFFICER (QUIETLY)

Of course Vanguard.

Sean looks over to the Comm Officer.

SEAN (ANGRY)

Carry out my order!

COMM OFFICER (FRIGHTEN)

Yes Vanguard!

The Comm Officer begins to mumble into his headset. Sean turns towards the Gator.

SEAN (ANGRY)

Prepare for Ultra-Light!

GATOR (BLUNT)

Yes Vanguard.

Sean turns and plops back down into his chair.

EXT. MINSK AND EXTRICATE NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) – MED. SHOT

As the Corvette heads towards the freighter the Battleship closes in.

INT. MINSKIAN ONE - COCKPIT

This is a small fighter cockpit witth a huge windshield. A pilot sits in the ship and checks his controls. The pilot is wearing a helmet with a smoke black visor which covers most of his face.

GOLDA (OVER HELMET, BLUNT)

Our scans indicate that Advisory Beta is preparing for Ultra-Light. Your job is to make sure she doesn't. Keep her busy until we can get into range.

MINSKIAN ONE (INTO HELMET, BLUNT)

Will do. Scans indicate that those pods below her are Ultra-Light thrusters. I'll start with them.

GOLDA (OVER HELMET, BLUNT)

Understood.

There is a pause.

GOLDA (OVER HELMET, UNEASY)

Good luck.

MINSKIAN ONE (INTO HELMET, PLEASED)

Thanks.

Minskian Leader starts flipping some switches.

EXTRICATE NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

As the ship begins to turn away from the opening a large round object drops from the Extricate and slowly drifts towards the opening. The cargo ship continues away.

INT. MINSKIAN ONE - COCKPIT

Minskian leader is checking his scans, his screen goes dark. He fiddles with an adjustment knob next to it.

MINSKIAN ONE (TO HIMSELF, FRUSTRATED)

Come on. Don't start acting up on me now.

Minskian Leader plays with the adjustment some more, it is of no use. He bangs his fist against the screen.

MINSKIAN ONE (ANGRY)

Deposits!

Minskian Leader gives the screen another whack, there is no change. He sighs.

MINSKIAN LEADER (INTO HELMET, ANNOYED)

I've got a problem, Minsk.

GOLDA (OVER HELMET, CONCERNED)

What is it?

MINSKIAN ONE (INTO HELMET, ANNOYED)

Advisory Beta launched something towards Pluto, its nothing like I've ever seen. But I’ve lost my scans. Can you give me an ID on the object?

GOLDA (OVER HELMET, BLUNT)

Hold on. Let me switch you over.

There is a pause.

IVAN (OVER HELMET, BLUNT)

I'm checking it right now, Minskian One. Hang tight.

MINSKIAN ONE (INTO HELMET, FRUSTRATED)

Will do.

There is another moment of silence.

IVAN (OVER HELMET, BLUNT)

I'm getting something now. It appears to be some sort of container. I'm checking what is inside now.

Another pause.

IVAN (OVER HELMET, EXCITED)

It contains aggressive agriculture Bio-Agents! If my scans are even close to being accurate it is some sort of lethal poison!

NIKOLAI (OVER HELMET, IN BACKGROUND)

What would happen if it is released into Pluto's atmosphere?

IVAN (OVER HELMET, TO NIKOLAI, CONFUSED)

I'm no Medic Tech... But of what I can make out its a transferable poison. If only a microbe gets into the atmosphere it could poison the entire food supply of the planet.

CODI (OVER HELMET, EXCITED)

Minskian Leader! This is Commander Codi. You must destroy that container before it reaches Pluto's atmosphere!

MINSKIAN ONE (INTO HELMET, BLUNT)

I'll try.

CODI

(OVER HELMET, STERN)

That's an order, Minskian Leader.

MINSKIAN ONE (INTO HELMET, ANNOYED)

Yes ma'am.

EXT. MINSKIAN ONE NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship turns away from the Extricate and heads straight for the Bio container which has picked up speed. The Extricate takes a few shots at the Battleship but it is too far away, it misses. The Minsk continues to head after the Extricate. The container is very near the opening in the Quziis.

INT. MINSKIAN ONE - COCKPIT

The falling Bio container can be seen out the window, it is just passing through the opening. The Battlefighters can be seen far below circling. Minskian Leader is using his helmet targeting system to lock onto the container.

IVAN (OVER HELMET, EXCITED)

The container is about to enter the planet's atmosphere!

MINSKIAN ONE (INTO HELMET, ANNOYED)

I'm working on it.

IVAN (OVER HELMET, EXCITED)

You've got one shot at this!

MINSKIAN ONE (INTO HELMET, ANNOYED)

I'll use double launch mode.

The word FIRE flashes over his visor.

MINSKIAN ONE (TO HIMSELF, SARCASTIC)

Light-Explosives don't fail me now.

Minskian Leader presses the fire button. A buzzer beeps in protest. Nothing else happens. Minskian Leader looks over his instruments in horror.

MINSKIAN LEADER (TO HIMSELF, SHOCKED)

Oh no! Please God! Not now!

There is a loud beep and an electronic whine quickly builds.

EXT. MINSKIAN ONE NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - CLOSE SHOT

The ship closes on the container. The nose of the craft glows brightly and two Light-Explosives, one right after the other, fire from it. They speed towards the container. The first hits the Bio container and destroys it creating a huge fireball. The second hits the fireball and explodes. The ship flies through the fireball which quickly disperses. The Battleship banks and heads for the Extricate.

INT. MINSKIAN ONE - COCKPIT

Minskian Leader clenches his fist.

MINSKIAN LEADER (INTO HELMET, EXCITED)

Got it!

IVAN (OVER HELMET, EXCITED)

Scans show total destruct!

MINSKIAN LEADER (INTO HELMET, RELIVED)

But it was close. My Light-Explosive Generator almost didn’t work.

There is a pause.

CODI (OVER HELMET, PLEASED)

Good work Minskian Leader. Hold your position and guard the opening in the Quziis.

MINSKIAN LEADER (INTO HELMET, CONCERNED)

What about the Advisory Beta?

CODI (OVER HELMET)

Your battle status is questionable. Leave her to us. Under no circumstances are you to leave your position. Understood?

MINSKIAN LEADER (INTO HELMET, DISAPPOINTED)

Understood. I'll say a pray for you.

There is no response.

EXT. EXTRICATE IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship is clear of the planet. Far behind it and near the opening is the Battleship and the Minsk, the Corvette is slowing closing in on the Cargo ship. The Extricate continues away from Pluto.

INT. EXTRICATE - BRIDGE

Everyone has the seat belts on. The Sensor Officer quickly turns towards Sean.

SENSOR OFFICER (EXCITED)

The Battleship has destroyed the Bio with Light-Explosives.

Sean turns towards the Sensor Officer.

SEAN (CONCERNED)

Did any of the Bio get into the atmosphere?

SENSOR OFFICER (EXCITED)

All of which survived the initial explosion was destroyed by a second Light-Explosive.

Sean slams his fist to his arm rest.

SEAN (ANGRY)

We have failed!

There is a moment of silence.

GATOR (BLUNT)

We are set to go to Ultra-Light.

Sean stares at the Sensor Officer, he shrugs his shoulders and turns back to his console.

SEAN (ANNOYED)

Cancel Ultra-Light acceleration.

GATOR (BLUNT)

Yes Vanguard.

Everyone unfastens their seat belts.

EXEC OFFICER (CONFUSED)

Why? We have failed. There is nothing else for us here.

SEAN (SARCASTIC)

As the humanoids say, there is more than one way to skin a cat.

EXEC OFFICER (CONFUSED)

But the Minsk is commanded by a Felinion which helped coordinate the destruction of our Bio bomb. Even a humanoid would still not believe that the Felinions put us up to this.

SEAN (SARCASTIC)

Not if all the witnesses were dead.

EXEC OFFICER (EXCITED)

We can't take on a Corvette!

SEAN (ANNOYED)

Why not? We took out two Destroyers.

The Exec Officer stares at Sean.

EXEC OFFICER (UNSURE)

I still don't like this.

SEAN (SARCASTIC)

I don't remember asking for your opinion?

The Exec Officer shrugs his shoulders and turns back towards his station. Sean looks over to the Gator.

SEAN (COLD)

Bring us around.

GATOR (BLUNT)

Yes Vanguard.

Everyone works their stations, the Exec looks defeated.

EXT. EXTRICATE IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

As the Minsk continues to close on the ship, the Extricate turns towards it.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Ivan looks up from his screen, he looks over to Codi.

IVAN (CONFUSED)

Advisory Beta has turned and is heading straight for us.

CODI (SURPRISED)

But we have way more fire power than them.

NIKOLAI (CAUTIOUS)

Yes. But remember that they somehow wasted a Destroyer and crippled another. Plus they took out part of Pluto's Quziis.

Codi looks down to Golda.

CODI (STERN)

Well have you at least had any luck in contacting that Destroyer or Pluto Control?

Golda looks up from her station to Codi.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

No ma'am. There is too much jamming.

IVAN (BLUNT)

I don't know what they are using but it's kicking out more jamming than a S-Q of Battleships.

Codi looks back over to Lena.

CODI (STERN)

Switch all Quzii power from the rear to the front.

LENA (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

CODI (STERN)

Are we in range?

IVAN (BLUNT)

We are now.

CODI (BLUNT)

We can't afford to take any chances. We need to go in hot and heavy. We're going to red. All turrets open fire. Lock all bow missile tubes onto the bridge of Advisory Beta.

LENA BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

Codi smiles.

CODI (SARCASTIC)

It's pay back time.

EXT. MINSK IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

As the ship closes on the Extricate the ships lasers open fire. All the shots hit their mark and the cargo ship's Quziis absorbs the blasts, the Extricate rocks a bit.

INT. EXTRICATE - BRIDGE

Everyone is busy working at their stations. The room rocks slightly.

ENGINEER OFFICER

(BLUNT)

Pods are locked onto targets, Vanguard.

SEAN (PLEASED)

Excellent.

The Exec Officer looks at Sean.

EXEC OFFICER (CONFUSED)

Why have you set both pods to half velocity?

SEAN (COLD)

Still questioning my orders?

The Exec searches for something to say. Sean smiles.

SEAN (STERN)

They have cost us dearly. A lot of time and effort went into this mission. Because they stopped us from destroying the food supply on Pluto the Legion will surely break their alliance with us forcing us to be on our own again. But most of all, because of them I have been disgraced. That Felinion and her humanoid friends will not die painlessly.

The ship rocks some more from the attack. Sean looks up towards the ceiling. The Exec Officer looks at the Engineer Officer.

EXEC OFFICER (EXCITED)

Return fire.

SEAN (EXCITED)

No!

Sean looks at the Exec.

SEAN (ANGRY)

I give the orders around here! Hold your fire!

Sean and the Exec Officer exchange looks. The Exec turns and looks back at his station. Sean looks over to the Engineer.

SEAN (EXCITED)

Fire pod two!

ENGINEER OFFICER (BLUNT)

Yes Vanguard.

EXT. IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship continues towards the Minsk which continues to fire, the cargo ship rocks more and more. One of the Ultra-Light pods ignites and speeds towards the Minsk.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

There are now two Marines at the hatch. The large light on each station quickly flashes red. Lena turns towards Codi.

LENA (BLUNT)

Bow tubes are locked and ready to fire.

Codi opens her mouth to speak.

IVAN (EXCITED)

One of Advisory Beta's Ultra-Light pods has just activated and launched from the ship! It flew underneath us and just missed... Wait! It's coming back!

Codi jumps to her feet.

CODI (EXCITED)

Full load ahead! Hard starboard!

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Yes ma'a-

The ship lunges forwards and rocks violently. Codi is thrown from the Command Station, tumbles over a console and falls to the deck.

EXT. MINSK IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - CLOSE SHOT

The pod has hit the ship in the rear in the thrusters. The thrusters give off several explosions as the ship lists to one side. The lasers keep firing.

INT. EXTRICATE - BRIDGE

The Sensor Officer quickly turns towards Sean.

SENSOR OFFICER (EXCITED)

A direct hit on the Minsk's thrusters! I'm getting major damage feedback!

Sean smiles and stares ahead.

SEAN (PLEASED)

Good. Fire pod four.

ENGINEER OFFICER (PLEASED)

Yes Vanguard.

EXT. EXTRICATE IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

Another pod fires from underneath the ship and heads for the top of the Minsk. The pod hits the Corvette's top Power Planet and explodes. The Minsk's nose rises up slightly and the entire ship shakes violently.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

The room shakes violently. The power comes on and off several times, everyone looks around the room. The Marines pick themselves off the floor. The power comes back on and stays on, but a little dimmer than before. Everyone goes back to work. Codi sits up and grabs her leg, she is in extreme pain.

VLADIMIR (EXCITED)

Stabilizer three and four are not responding!

CODI (IN PAIN)

Cut all thrusters!

Vladimir begins to go to work. Nikolai looks around the room and spots Codi lying on the floor. The room stops shaking.

NIKOLAI (HORRIFIED)

Codi!

Nikolai jumps to his feet and races over to Codi, he kneels down next to her.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

Are you okay?

CODI (IN PAIN)

It's my leg. I think it's broken.

NIKOLAI (COMFORTING)

Don't worry. We'll get you to the Medic Center.

Codi looks up to Nikolai.

CODI (IN PAIN, ANNOYED)

We don't have time for that deposits. I have a battle to fight.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

You're in no condition. I can fight the battle.

CODI (IN PAIN, ANGRY)

I'm still the Commander here! I'll decide who is in what condition and who fights what!

Nikolai look down at the deck.

NIKOLAI (HURT)

Sorry ma'am.

Codi sighs.

CODI (IN PAIN, APOLOGETIC)

No. I am the one who is sorry. But we're at war here. We don't have time for protocol.

Nikolai looks up and forces a smile.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

I understand.

CODI (IN PAIN)

Good. Now help me over to your station so we can finish this.

Nikolai nods and helps Codi up on her good leg.

CODI (IN PAIN)

Damage report. And just stick with the important stuff.

Codi places her arm around Nikolai's neck and he grabs her tightly around the waist. He helps her towards the Exec Station, all the way she moans with pain.

IVAN (EXCITED)

We've lost 87% of the sensor arrays in the aft section of the ship! We also lost an additional 79% around the upper Power Planet!

GOLDA (EXCITED)

9% of the Communication lines in the ship have either been destroyed or knocked out of commission!

LENA (EXCITED)

Both Ultra-Light thrusters are destroyed! 53% of the main thrusters have also been destroyed! 21% have been knocked out! Upper Power Plant has been totally destroyed! Stabilizer three is damaged but repairable! But stabilizer four is totally gone!

Nikolai and Codi have reached the Exec Station, he eases her into the chair. She moans once and then looks around the room.

CODI (IN PAIN)

Get all the repair crews working on stabilizer three, I want to be able to use what thruster power we have left.

LENA (EXCITED)

Yes ma'am.

Lena begins speaking into her headset. Codi looks at the Exec Station screen and mumbles into her headset, the screen changes to show a lot of figures.

CODI (IN PAIN)

What is going on with Advisory Beta?

IVAN (EXCITED)

They're still heading for us!

CODI (IN PAIN)

What is the status of the bow tubes?

Lena checks her screen.

LENA (BLUNT)

They're still ready but no longer locked. The attack shifted us, we can't realign them until were moving again.

CODI (IN PAIN)

Have all guns seize fire. Reroute the power to the Quziis, we're going to need it.

LENA (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

Lena continues speaking into her headset. Codi looks over to Golda.

CODI (IN PAIN)

Get a hold of the Bay Room. See if they can't rig up some sort of bomb we can drop on Advisory Beta.

BAN (QUICKLY)

Yes ma'am.

Golda begins to speak into her headset. Nikolai looks down at Codi.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

How do you know they are going to pass underneath us?

Codi looks up to Nikolai.

CODI (IN PAIN)

That's where our only remaining source of power is.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

Maybe we should recall the Battleship.

CODI (IN PAIN)

No. It must hold its position. Pluto must be protected. In case we fail.

Nikolai pauses and then nods.

EXT. MINSK IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship continues to list. The Minsk stops firing. The Extricate continues towards the Corvette.

INT. EXTRICATE - BRIDGE

The Sensor officer is talking to Sean.

SENSOR OFFICER (SMUG)

They're listing and dead in space.

EXEC OFFICER (PLEASED)

Then let's open fire and finish them off.

SEAN (STERN)

No. They have half Quzii power. All we have to do is slip underneath them and take out their last source of power.

EXEC OFFICER (EXCITED)

But they still have turrets!

SEAN (STERN)

True. But we have Quziis.

EXEC OFFICER (EXCITED)

But what about their missiles?

SEAN (ANNOYED)

They can't aim them while they are motionless.

EXEC OFFICER (EXCITED)

Yeah but what about the Batt-

SEAN (INTERRUPTING, ANGRY)

End of discussion! I said I was going to make them suffer and that is exactly what I intent to do!

Sean looks at the Gator.

SEAN (ANGRY)

Execute a course underneath them and at slowest possible load.

GATOR (BLUNT)

Yes Vanguard.

SEAN (ANNOYED)

I want them to have a lot of time to think about their demise.

Sean looks off into space.

EXT. EXTRICATE IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship decelerates and heads for the Minsk.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Boris is on the Exec Officer screen and is speaking to Codi. Nikolai is leaning over Golda and whispering to her.

BORIS (OVER HEADSET, BLUNT)

We haven't been able to come up with any ideas for a bomb. But I think I got something better. We've placing the remaining Battleships on the Launch Decks and are trying to angle them downward. We'll tap them into the lower Power Planet reacts so the Light-Explosive generators should be twice, maybe three times as powerful. Plus since they will have a continuous power supply, reload time will almost be nothing. The only problem is that the Battleships still aren’t fully functional so we don't know what the result might be.

Golda nods and Nikolai stands back up, he walks back over to Codi.

CODI (INTO HEADSET, IN PAIN, DISAPPOINTED)

They'll have to do. Tell me when you are ready.

Boris nods and turns away. Codi jerks and moans with pain, she grabs her legs. Nikolai bends down next to her ear.

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS, SARCASTIC)

I always thought cats landed on their feet.

Codi ignores Nikolai.

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS, COMFORTING)

Hang in there. I've contacted the Medic Center about your leg.

Codi lets go of her leg and looks at her screen.

CODI (IN PAIN, BLUNT)

I told you I'm not leaving this room.

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS, SARCASTIC)

But you didn't say anything about them coming up here. A Medic Team is on it's way.

CODI (IN PAIN, ANNOYED)

I don't have time to play games, Exec.

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS, REASSURING)

I know. But maybe they can give you something for the pain.

CODI (IN PAIN, ANNOYED)

I can handle the pain. Reroute that Medic Team to someone who really needs help.

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS, BLUNT)

Which is you.

Codi stares at the screen.

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS, CONCERNED)

What is it with you?

CODI (IN PAIN, FRUSTRATED)

It'll make me look weak. And Felinions look weak enough in humanoid eyes.

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS, ANNOYED)

For God's sake. Your leg is broken.

Codi just stares at the screen.

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS, CONCERNED)

Look. We can put into the record how I insisted and pleaded for this. You can tell everyone how your wimpy HUMAN Exec forced you to seek medical attention. How he defied your direct orders against it. We can say all this because it IS true. I can't just stand here and watch you suffer.

There is a long pause, then Codi nods.

CODI (IN PAIN, APOLOGETIC)

Okay. You win. But it is going into the record that I request it, your name has been tarnished enough in the last few DecaYerks.

NIKOLAI (WHISPER, RELIEVED)

Thank you.

Nikolai stands back up. Codi looks over to Ivan.

CODI (IN PAIN)

Status on Advisory Beta?

IVAN (CONFUSED)

She is still heading for us but has decelerated to minimum load. It is as if they are giving us all the time we want.

CODI (IN PAIN, ANNOYED)

It's an old Vice Sirius tactic. It is used only when victory is insured, to unnerve the enemy. They know the Battleship and Pluto are watching.

Codi looks over to Lena.

CODI (IN PAIN, BLUNT)

How is the stabilizer coming?

Lena checks her screen.

LENA (FRUSTRATED)

Nothing yet.

Nikolai shakes his head.

EXT. MINSK IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The Extricate continues slowly towards the ship.

INT. EXTRICATE - BRIDGE

The Exec Officer turns towards Sean.

EXEC OFFICER (TENSE)

Isn't this close enough?

Sean looks over to the Exec.

SEAN (STERN)

No. It must be point blank.

Sean looks over the Engineer Officer

SEAN (STERN)

Lock all turrets onto their remaining power station.

ENGINEER OFFICER (BLUNT)

Yes Vanguard.

Sean faces forward.

SEAN (TO HIMSELF, SMUG)

And now the final blow.

EXEC OFFICER (TO HIMSELF, SARCASTIC)

Against them or us?

SEAN (STERN)

Shut up Exec.

EXEC OFFICER (FRIGHTEN)

Yes Vanguard.

Sean relishes in his glory.

EXT. MINSK IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The Extricate begins to head underneath the ship.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Boris is on the Exec station screen. Lena turns towards Codi.

LENA (BLUNT)

The stabilizer is functional again, ma'am.

CODI (IN PAIN)

Good. Get set to bring us around at full load. Be ready to lock and fire the missiles on my command.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

LENA (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

IVAN (EXCITED)

They're now passing under our bow!

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

They'll be opening fire at any moment.

CODI (IN PAIN)

Then so shall me.

Codi looks down at the Exec Officer screen.

CODI (INTO HEADSET, IN PAIN)

Lower the Battleships and open fire. First concentrate on the upper Power Planet and then work on the thrusters.

BORIS (OVER HEADSET, EMBARRASSED)

Well... We're not quiet set yet.

CODI (INTO HEADSET, IN PAIN, ANNOYED)

It's now or never!

BORIS (OVER HEADSET, EMBARRASSED)

All we need is another MiniYerk.

CODI (INTO HEADSET, IN PAIN, ANGRY)

Either those Battleship open fire now or we're all dead!

Boris thinks for a moment.

BORIS (OVER HEADSET, QUICKLY)

They're on there way down, ma'am.

Codi's screen goes blank, she looks over to Lena.

CODI (IN PAIN, EXCITED)

Have all turrets open fire!

EXT. MINSK IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - CLOSE SHOT

The Extricate is moving underneath the ship. The decks below the Minsk lower quickly, a Battleship is on each deck and is tilted downward towards the cargo ship. A thick cable runs from each ship and up through the green light into the Minsk. The noses of the Battleships begin to glow and then fire Light-Explosives brighter and bigger than normal. The explosives hit the Quziis surrounding the Power Planet and explode, the Quziis protect the Power Planet. The Battleships continue to fire and after a few more hits, the Quziis breach. Several explosives hit the Power Planet and it explodes. The Minsk's turrets begin to fire.

INT. EXTRICATE - BRIDGE

The room is shaking slightly. The lights dim dramatically. Sean looks around the room.

SEAN (CONFUSED)

What is happening?

SENSOR OFFICER (EXCITED)

The Minsk has lowered two Battleships on their launch decks! They are firing light explosives at us! They are unusually powerful!

ENGINEER OFFICER (EXCITED)

Our upper power station had been destroyed.

Sean looks over to the Engineer.

SEAN (ANGRY)

What!

SENSOR OFFICER (EXCITED)

They are working on our thrusters now!

SEAN (ANGRY)

Have the turrets destroy those Battleships! It shouldn't be too hard at point blank!

ENGINEER OFFICER (EXCITED)

We can't return fire! The sudden change in the power status has overloaded a lot of systems.

Sean quickly looks over to the Gator.

SEAN (ANGRY)

Full load ahead!

GATOR (EXCITED)

Can't! The power fluctuation is having the same effect on the thrusters as the turrets!

ENGINEER OFFICER (EXCITED)

We can't do anything until the power have leveled off.

The lights come back to full brightness again. Sean looks over to the Engineer Officer and opens his mouth to speak. The lights dim back down again. Sean slams his paw against his arm rest.

EXT. EXTRICATE IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - CLOSE SHOT

The Battleship's Light-Explosives destroy the protective armor of the main thrusters. Then, they start destroying the thrusters themselves. The Minsk's lasers concentrate on various sections of the ship.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Everyone is working furiously at their stations.

IVAN (SMUG)

The Battleships have destroyed the Power Planet and are in the process of taking out the thrusters. Turrets are also inflicting heavy damage.

CODI (IN PAIN)

Pivot to the port, full load.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

CODI (IN PAIN, BLUNT)

Once we come around lock and fire all tubes on their deadliest threat. The remaining Ultra-Light thruster pod.

LENA (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

Codi looks on with concern.

EXT. MINSK IN SPACE

As the Battleships and turrets continue to fire on the Extricate, the ship's thrusters come alive. The Corvette slowly turns to the port. The cargo ship is directly below the Minsk.

INT. EXTRICATE - BRIDGE

The room shakes violently. The lights brighten again and stay bright.

ENGINEER OFFICER (EXCITED)

Power output is level again!

SEAN (EXCITED)

Full load ahead.

GATOR (BLUNT)

Yes Vanguard.

SEAN (STERN)

Have all turrets open fire on their launch decks. I want those Battleships destroyed.

ENGINEER OFFICER (BLUNT)

Yes Vanguard.

SEAN (STERN)

Once that is done I want the pod fired at the Minsk's bridge, Full velocity. This has to end here.

The Exec looks over to Sean.

EXEC OFFICER (CONCERNED)

But that is our last one.

Sean looks over to the Exec Officer.

SEAN (STERN)

Desperate situations call for desperate actions.

EXEC OFFICER (WORRIED)

But without it we won't have Ultra-Light capacity. Then even if we destroy the Minsk we will not be able to escape the humanoids.

SEAN (ANNOYED)

You knew this could a possibility when you volunteered for this mission.

EXEC OFFICER (EXCITED)

But I didn't volunteer for this mission! None of us did!

Sean looks forward again.

SEAN (STERN)

Like I said before Exec. Shut up.

The Exec give Sean a cold stare.

EXT. EXTRICATE IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship turns and begins to move away from underneath the Minsk. The cargo ship opens fire and concentrates on the Launch Decks, the Battleship on the lower deck is instantly destroyed. The remaining Battleship continues to fire on the Extricate's thrusters.

INT. MINSKIAN TWO - COCKPIT

Minskian Two is seated in the ship. He is busy firing at the Extricate which is reflected in his visor. Part of his controls go dead. He furiously tries to restore them but he is unable. He smashes his fist to the controls.

MINSKIAN TWO (INTO HELMET, FRUSTRATED)

I’ve have a fatal failure! I'm dead down here. Bring me up.

The room is hit by a laser and explodes. Minskian Two screams.

EXT. MINSK IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The remaining Battleship explodes, destroying the deck. The Extricate speeds up and clears the bottom of the ship. The Minsk has come completely around and its nose is pointed towards the cargo ship. The forward tubes fire and two missiles speed towards the Extricate. The missile fly under the cargo ship and impact on the Ultra-Light thruster pod. The pod explodes in a great explosion

INT. EXTRICATE - CORRIDOR

This is a long hallway with a few hatches. Several Prevaricates racing in different directions. The room rocks violently and knocks one of the Prevaricates off his feet. The plating on the floor is ripped upwards as then entire room explodes.

EXT. EXTRICATE IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship lists to one side and stops firing. The Minsk continues to fire at the ship.

INT. EXTRICATE - BRIDGE

The room shakes violently and the power continues to flashes on and off. Sean looks around the room.

SEAN (CONFUSED)

What in the Vice Sirius was that?

The Engineer struggles to check his screen.

ENGINEER OFFICER (EXCITED)

They got THE pod!

Sean eyes widen, he looks at the Engineer Officer.

SEAN (CONCERNED)

What is our situation?

The Engineer Officer still struggles to focus on the screen.

ENGINEER OFFICER (EXCITED)

23% of out main thrusters have been destroyed! The lower power station is only running at 48% capacity. The Quz-

SEAN (EXCITED, INTERRUPTING)

Switch everything to emergency power! Then re-route the power station output to the thrusters!

EXEC OFFICER (CONCERNED)

What about the Quziis?

Sean faces forward.

SEAN (ANGRY)

Forget them! I want to put as mush space between us and the Minsk!

EXT. EXTRICATE IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship pulls away from the Minsk which continues to fire at the cargo ship.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

The hatch opens, Ken and a Medic Tech rushes into the room. Nikolai turns towards them as the hatch closes.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

It's about time.

The Medic Team ignores Nikolai and move towards Codi. She looks at Ivan.

CODI (IN PAIN)

What's Advisory Beta doing?

Ivan checks his screen.

IVAN (RELIEVED)

Pulling away from us.

Codi looks at Vladimir.

CODI (IN PAIN)

Pursue.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Yes Ma'am. But our best possible speed is half of what their current speed is.

Codi looks over to Lena.

CODI (IN PAIN)

Continue firing on her. Reload the bow tubes.

LENA (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

The Medic Team stops before Codi.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

Her leg is broken.

KEN (SARCASTIC)

We'll be the judge of that.

Ken pulls his scanner from his belt and starts using it on Codi.

CODI (IN PAIN, ANNOYED)

This really isn't a good time.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

We've already gone over this. We're in pursuit mode. It will take a bit before the tubes are ready. Let's see what the Medics can do till then.

Codi thinks for a moment, then nods.

CODI (IN PAIN, FRUSTRATED)

Okay. But make it quick.

Ken smiles.

KEN (SARCASTIC)

I promise, this won't take long.

INT. EXTRICATE - BRIDGE

The room is lit with dim red emergency lights. The Sensor Officer sighs with relief and turns towards Sean.

SENSOR OFFICER (RELIEVED)

We're out of the Minsk's attack range.

Sean smiles.

SEAN (PLEASED)

Good. Bring us around.

The Exec Officer quickly spins around and faces Sean.

EXEC OFFICER (EXCITED)

What!

SEAN (STERN)

Set and execute a direct collision course with the Minsk.

EXEC OFFICER (EXCITED)

Are you crazy? They have missiles and lasers! We'll never get near them!

SEAN (STERN)

Not if we are able to close the gap more quickly.

EXEC OFFICER (EXCITED)

Even if we could. What would be the point?

SEAN (ANNOYED)

So we can finish what I begun.

EXEC OFFICER (EXCITED)

You're going to kill us all just to satisfy your pride? I won't let you do it!

The Exec Officer turns back towards his console. Sean mumbles something into his headset and the Exec's instruments go dead.

SEAN (ANGRY)

You're relieved of your post Exec Officer!

The Exec turns back towards Sean.

EXEC OFFICER (ANGRY)

I'll still stop you! Even if I have to use my own two paws!

As the Exec gets to his feet Sean reaches inside his belt and pulls out a small laser weapon, he points it the Exec Officer. The Officer is stunned.

SEAN (ANGRY)

Any more out bursts out of you and you'll REALLY be relieved.

The Exec Officer pauses for a second.

EXEC OFFICER (ANNOYED)

What's the difference? You're going to kill us anyway.

SEAN (ANGRY)

The difference is that you can either die quickly when this ship explodes or slowly right now when I start blowing away your joints. Which difference would you prefer?

The Exec Officer thinks for a moment, bares his teeth and then sits back down in his chair.

SEAN (ANNOYED)

Now set the collision course.

There is no response by the Gator. Sean turns and looks at him, he just stares at the Vanguard. Sean points the weapon at the Gator.

SEAN (ANGRY)

Now set the course! Or do I have to give you the same choices as well?

GATOR (QUICKLY)

Yes Vanguard.

The Gator quickly turns back towards his station, he goes to work.

EXT. EXTRICATE IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship is some ways away from the Minsk. The Cargo ship turns and heads towards the Corvette. No fire is exchanged.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Ken is busy fusing Codi's leg together, she watches him work. Ivan turns to Codi.

IVAN (CONFUSED)

Advisory Beta has reverse course. It is heading straight back at us at full load.

Nikolai opens his mouth to respond but Golda cuts him off!

GOLDA (CONFUSED)

The Extricate is trying to contact us.

Codi looks up to Golda.

CODI (BLUNT)

Path it through to both me and the Exec.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Yes ma’am.

Golda uses her Instructer and Sean appears on both the Exec and Command station. Codi and Nikolai glare at him but Sean smiles back.

SEAN (OVER HEADSET, PROUD)

This is Sean the Vanguard to the Commander the Minsk.

CODI (INTO HEADSET, ANGRY)

This had better be to surrender!

Sean starts laughing.

SEAN (OVER HEADSET, LAUGHING)

I see it more as a stand off.

NIKOLAI (INTO HEADSET, ANGRY)

We can out gun you at least three times over! Plus we have missiles!

SEAN (OVER HEADSET, LAUGHING)

But we can still out maneuver you.

NIKOLAI (INTO HEADSET, ANGRY)

You're going to die! I'm going to make sure of that! You're not going to harm anyone ever again!

Sean stops laughing.

SEAN (OVER HEADSET, STERN)

Stop talking and start doing. Come and get me if you can.

The screen goes blank. Nikolai stares at the screen for a few moments and fumes, then he turns towards Vladimir.

NIKOLAI (ANGRY)

I want every available MiniProd of power directed to the thrusters! We're going after them!

CODI (COLD)

Belay that order.

Everyone turns towards Codi.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

What?

CODI (COLD)

Turn us around.

NIKOLAI (CAUTIOUSLY)

Look. You've been through a lot. No one would blame you if you stepped down.

CODI (COLD)

That is not an option right now.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

You're in no condition to command.

CODI (COLD)

I'm in fine condition.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

Ma'am. I'm relieving you. No military console would be against me under the current situation. And even if they were I don't care at this point.

Codi looks over to Nikolai and gives him a cold look.

CODI (PLEADING)

Please don’t take this final victory from me Nikolai.

Nikolai hesitates.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

But we can't let them escape. Not after what they've done.

CODI (COLD)

The last thing on their minds is escape. But if we do as you suggest we'll be falling right into their paws.

Nikolai thinks for a moment.

NIKOLAI (UNSURE)

Okay. We'll play it your way. What do we do?

CODI (COLD)

First thing is to trust me.

Nikolai forces a smile.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Of course.

Codi then looks over to Vladimir.

CODI (COLD)

Take us as close to Pluto as possible.

Vladimir pauses.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

Vladimir turns back to his station, so does everyone else. Codi looks down to the Ken.

CODI (COLD)

Are you done yet?

Ken looks up to Codi.

KEN (REASSURING)

Yeah.

Ken puts his bone fusion device away, he stands up.

EXT. MINSK IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship slowly turns away from the Extricate and heads for Pluto. The cargo ship continues towards the Minsk.

INT. EXTRICATE - BRIDGE

Sean is still grasping his weapon, but not pointing it at anyone. The Exec Officer is fuming at his station. The Sensor Officer turns towards Sean.

SENSOR OFFICER (CAUTIOUS)

The Minsk is heading away from us. It's heading towards Pluto.

Sean slams his paw against his armrest. The Sensor Officer quickly turns back to his station.

SEAN (ANGRY)

They saw through our plan!

Sean thinks for a moment.

SEAN (ANNOYED)

Well. One good thing is with them facing our back sides they can't fire any turrets or missiles at us.

Sean thinks again.

SEAN (STERN)

Divert all available power to the thrusters. I want a lot of ramming load.

ENGINEER OFFICER (BLUNT)

Yes Vanguard.

The Engineer begins to mumble into his headset. The Exec Officer just sits there and stares coldly at Sean.

EXT. EXTRICATE IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship speeds up a bit. The Minsk continues to head towards Pluto, the cargo ship pursues.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Ken is gone. Vladimir turns towards Codi who is monitoring her screen.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

We are within orbital range of Pluto.

IVAN (BLUNT)

Advisory Beta is still heading for us and has accelerated.

CODI (STERN)

Turn towards Advisory Beta.

Nikolai looks over to Codi.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What?

CODI (SARCASTIC)

What did I say about trust?

Nikolai shrugs his shoulders and turns back to his station.

CODI (STERN)

What is the status of the missiles?

Lena checks his screen.

LENA (BLUNT)

They have a charge, but due to us down a Power Planet it is not complete. At best they probably could only breach their Quziis.

CODI (STERN)

That's all we need. Lock all tubes on the bow port side of Advisory Beta.

Nikolai looks at his screen in disbelief.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Huh?

Codi offers no explanation.

EXT. MINSK NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

As the ship orbits the planet it turns towards the Extricate which is very close to the ship.

INT. EXTRICATE - BRIDGE

The Sensor Officer turns toward Sean.

SENSOR OFFICER (CONFUSED)

They have turned towards us and are heading directly for us.

Sean smiles.

SEAN (PLEASED)

They have no choice but to fight with their back up against Pluto.

SENSOR OFFICER (CONFUSED)

But they still haven't open fired on us.

SEAN (PLEASED)

They know that will only slow us down, not stop us.

Sean's smile widens.

EXT. EXTRICATE NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - MID. SHOT

The ship races towards the Minsk, they are about to collide.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Everyone is monitoring their stations, they all have their seat belts on. Codi is monitoring her screen intensely.

CODI (STERN)

Sound for final collision.

Nikolai works his station and an alarm sounds.

CODI (EXCITED)

Here we go! Fire all missiles! Hard to port! Route all power to starboard Quziis!

Everyone goes to work.

EXT. MINSK NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - CLOSE SHOT

Two missiles fire from the front of the ship as it heads for the Extricate. The Minsk turns slowly to the port. The missiles hit the port side of the cargo ship, the ship turns slightly to the starboard. The Extricate skims the starboard side of the Minsk. The two ships lurch.

INT. EXTRICATE - BRIDGE

The emergency lighting flickers on and off as the room shakes wildly. Everyone is thrown from their chairs. Alarms sound.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

The lights flicker slightly and the room shakes some. Everyone is thrown forwards but the seat belts keep them in their seats. The collision alarm is still sounding.

INT. EXTRICATE - CORRIDOR

This is a long hallway with hatches only on one side. The room is shaking violently. Several Prevaricates are running to and fro. The wall without the hatches is ripped open to exposes open space. All the Prevaricates are sucked out into space.

EXT. EXTRICATE NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - CLOSE SHOT

The Minsk and Extricate bounce off each other, there is a huge gash in the impact area of the cargo ship. The Minsk heads for open space while the Extricate heads for Pluto.

INT. EXTRICATE - BRIDGE

The shaking has subsided but the lights still flicker. Everyone works their way back to their seats. Sean looks around the room.

SEAN (CONFUSED)

We're still alive. Why?

Everyone checks their screens, the Gator begins to work at his station.

SENSOR OFFICER (BEWILDERED)

According to the Sensor log, the Minsk turned away at the last moment so there was no head on hit. To make matters worse they fired their missiles at the contact area just before impact breaching our Quziis. So where their Quziis absorbed most of the collision we had no such protection. We've taken major damage including a massive hull breach. But the worst thing is we're headed right for Pluto.

SEAN (EXCITED)

Turn!

The Gator works furiously at his controls.

GATOR (EXCITED)

I have been! But too many systems are gone or overloaded!

The Gator continues to work madly at his console but his screen goes blank, he slams his fist to his console. Sean notices this.

SEAN (CONFUSED)

What does this mean?

The Gator slowly turns and looks at Sean.

GATOR (COLD)

We're dead.

The Exec looks to Sean.

EXEC OFFICER (ANGRY)

You killed us! You killed us all!

Absolute horror comes over Sean's face.

EXT. EXTRICATE NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - CLOSE SHOT

The ship collides with the planet's Quziis, the front of the ship explodes. The Minsk continues to head away from the Extricate and Pluto.

INT. EXTRICATE - BRIDGE

The room lurches forward. Everyone is thrown from their stations. The crews yells out Prevaricate curses, Sean just screams in terror. The entire room explodes.

EXT. EXTRICATE NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - CLOSE SHOT

The front of the ship collapses onto itself from the impact. There are more explosion near the front of the ship. There is a huge explosion in the mid-section. After several more explosions the entire ship explodes and scatters debris everywhere, most of it misses the Minsk.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

The room shake a bit, Ivan turns to Codi. The shaking subsides.

IVAN (EXCITED)

Advisory Beta bounce off of us and ran right into Pluto's Quziis! The ship was totally destroyed.

Everyone but Codi turns towards Ivan and cheers. Nikolai looks over to Codi.

NIKOLAI (EMBARRASSED)

I'm sorry I doubted you, ma'am. I guess trust does pay off.

Codi looks to Nikolai and smiles, he smiles back. Everyone goes back to their station.

IVAN (EXCITED)

Wait a MiniYerk! A ship just came out of Ultra-Light very close to us!

Codi looks up. Everyone looks towards Ivan.

CODI (CONCERNED)

Give me a scan of that ship.

IVAN (EXCITED)

Yes ma'am!

Ivan goes to work at his station.

NIKOLAI (SARCASTIC)

So help me if this is another Prevaricate ship, I'll simply cry.

Everyone waits tensely.

IVAN (TENSE)

She's big… Four times our size… She's got some damage, though… Wait! ID is coming back UCF… I'm getting a partial identification signaler reading… It appears to be a Destroyer… Verified. It's the Germany. I'm picking up human life form outputs only.

Everyone is relieved.

CODI (CONFUSED)

What are they doing here? Last report was the ship was disabled and a drift.

IVAN (BLUNT)

Medium scan shows most of their systems are on-line.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

I'm getting a communication from the Germany.

Everyone is looking towards Golda.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

They report they have set up a temporary bridge on the Engineer Deck. They are operational and ready to assist.

LENA (SARCASTIC)

Sure. Now that all the work is done.

Everyone goes back to work. Codi stands up.

CODI (COLD)

Tell them thanks and to form up on us. Find out what happened with them between Advisory Beta. Make a full report to Command Control. In it state that we are heavily damaged and practically immobile. And don't forget to tell Minskian Leader he can come on home. He'll have to be brought in on tractors with the Landing Decks destroyed. You have the bridge, Exec.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Yes ma'am. Where will you be?

CODI (SMUG)

I’m going to thank Boris in person.

Nikolai nods and Lena smiles, Codi heads for the exit.

EXT. MINSK IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship continues to pull away from the plant. The debris of the Extricate begins to disperse. The Germany is near the Minsk and heading for the Corvette.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Everyone is monitoring their station. Nikolai is sitting at the Exec Station and new crew member is working at the Comm Station. The status indicator light at each station is yellow, a single Marine is guarding the hatch.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

We're orbiting Pluto, sir.

LENA (BLUNT)

The Battleship is back on board, sir.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Your report has been sent to Mars, sir.

Nikolai looks around the room.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Good work. Everyone. Once again we have turned disaster into victory.

Everyone smiles, Nikolai continues to look around and smiles.

EXT. MINSK NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - The ship orbits the planet near the hole in the Quziis, the Germany runs along side her. The Quziis over the hole come back on again, then go off, then come back on and stay on. The ships continue around.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

It is as it was before except the bridge is at green status and the Marine is gone. Minskian Leader is standing before Nikolai.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

You did a great job out there. If it hadn't been for you we would have lost Pluto's entire food supply. The UCF's only food supply.

MINSKIAN ONE (DISAPPOINTED)

Thank you, sir. I just wish it wouldn't have cost so much.

Nikolai looks at him oddly.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Excuse me?

MINSKIAN ONE (DISAPPOINTED)

The only Miskian pilots left are me and the backup... We lost a lot of good people out there.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

We lost a lot of good people in here too.

Nikolai smiles.

NIKOLAI (REASSURING)

But the important thing is we succeeded. And we did it as a team. But mostly those who have fallen will not be forgotten.

MINSKIAN ONE (BLUNT)

Yes sir. Will there be anything else sir?

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

No. That will be all. Thanks for the report.

MINSKIAN ONE (BLUNT)

Yes sir. You’re welcome sir.

Minskian One gives Nikolai a salute, he returns it. Minskian One spins around and walks towards the hatch.

EXT. MINSK NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The Minsk and the Germany continue to orbit the planet.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Everyone is back at their stations, Golda looks up to Codi.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

We've just recorded a message from the Admiral, sir. It is addressed to the Commander but it concerns all our fates.

Codi and Nikolai look to each other, everyone else is concerned. Then she looks to Golda.

CODI (BLUNT)

Path it through you everyone.

Golda nods.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Yes ma’am.

Golda uses her Instructer. A screen on everyone’s station changes to show Joseph Mazeppa. He is middle aged, wearing a gray uniform with large gold Scepters on each shoulder and is seated at a much cluttered desk. He is trying to smile.

JOSEPH (OVER SCREEN, UNEASY)

This is Fleet Admiral Joseph Mazeppa of the United Communistic Force. This is to the Commander of the Minsk. The Felinion government has reported your deeds of the last couple of DecaYerks.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

Uh oh.

JOSEPH (OVER SCREEN, UNEASY)

They have reported you doing some astounding things. Such as you foiling the Prevaricate uprising on Tethys Minor. They were equally impressed when we reported how you foiled the Prevaricates at Pluto.

CODI (CONFUSED)

Impressed?

JOSEPH (OVER SCREEN, UNEASY)

But what impressed me the most of all is how you secured an alliance between our two races. They explained how you preformed flawlessly while down on the planet, they had nothing but compliments for you.

LENA (CONFUSED)

There has to be some sort of mistake.

JOSEPH (OVER SCREEN, UNEASY)

I have personally contacted all members of Command Control and they have overwhelmingly agreed that you have all done an outstanding job. It was my personal recommendation that the commander and Exec of the Minsk work in such perfect harmony that it would be a crime to split you up.

IVAN (CONFUSED)

Is this some sort of dream?

JOSEPH (OVER SCREEN, UNEASY)

The ships of the Pluto Garrison have been recalled. In the meantime, the Frigate Ontario has been dispatched to you so they can tow you to Uranus. As a reward for the crew's fine performance they will not only get a MaxiYerk long leave, but the Minsk will get a total refit with the finest and latest technology.

VLADIMIR (PLEASED)

About time they noticed us!

JOSEPH (OVER SCREEN, UNEASY)

Well, that about does it. I just want to say again of the fine job you have done. This is Fleet Admiral of the United Communistic Force, Joseph Mazeppa. Out.

The screen goes blank.

GOLDA (PLEASED)

That's it.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

That was more than I expected.

LENA (HONEST)

Yeah? I wonder why the admiral did a complete turn around.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

I imagine it would be kind of hard to chastise us while everyone is praising us. He is covering his tracks in case we try and report him to Command Control about trying to ship us off to nowhere. They wouldn’t believe us after all this.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

I understand that part but why did the Court bend over backwards to praise us as well? They didn’t breath a word of how I messed up.

LENA (OFFERING)

Perhaps they wanted to save face too.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

That is partially true but I figure Wactorii had a bigger paw in this. After all, she used a lot of favors to back us look good. After our performance they may have actually believed her.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

I think God had the biggest part in all of this. He answered my prayers. Perhaps he can help me with my other problems.

Everyone looks confused to Nikolai but he just sits there and smiles.

EXT. MINSK NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship and the Germany continue to orbit the planet.

INT. MINSK - CHAPEL

This is a small room with four rowss of metal pews. At the front of the room is a small altar, above it on the wall is a large crucifix. A woman dressed in a standard Minsk uniform with small metal crucifixes on her shoulders is here. The Pastor has short blonde hair, is middle aged and is polishing the crucifix with a large rag. The hatch at the far end of the room opens and Nikolai walks into the room through it. He is wearing his uniform and has his headset clipped to his belt. The Pastor turns towards the hatch and smiles. He walks up to her and the door closes.

PASTOR (WITH RUSSIAN ACCENT, PLEASED)

Exec Officer, this is a pleasant suurprise. It's been some time.

NIKOLAI (DISAPPOINTED)

Far too long. Unfortunately, I'm heere on business.

PASTOR (SURPRISED)

You sound like my husband. What mayy I do for you?

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

I’ve talked to the commander, the LLead Medic Tech and even my friends but none of them have been able to help me.

PASTOR (CONFUSED)

What is the problem.

NIKOLAI (OFFERING)

You remember Catherine.

The Pastor looks away for a moment to reflex.

PASTOR (REFLECTING)

Catherine Welchof, our previous navvigator.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

It was no secret that she was also my girlfriend.

The Pastor looks back to Nikolai.

PASTOR (EMPATHETIC)

Her loss my felt by many.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Well she has come back to haunt me..

The Pastor smiles.

PASTOR (SMUG)

Aren’t you a bit old to believe is ghosts?

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

Well, not her exactly but my subconnscious has been using her in my dreams. In them I need her help and she refuses to help me, it results in my death.

PASTOR (SURPRISED)

So your mind is trying to tell you something but not directly.

Nikolai nods.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

Yes. In my drams I have apologized for ordering her death, for siding with Felinions over her even for my new girlfriend but these appear not to be the real problem.

PASTOR (UNDERSTANDING)

So you think I can some how help yoou?

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

With God’s help of course. I>

The Pastor smiles and indicates to one of the pews.

PASTOR (POLITE)

Please.

Nikolai takes and seat and the Pasttor sits next to him, they look to one another.

PASTOR (EXPLAINING)

I’m no physiologist but I have had experience in these sorts of things. Since the true problem refuses to make itself apparent it is highly unlikely that Catherine in your dreams represents something more than her.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Then who is Catherine?

PASTOR (EXPLAINING)

You be quite honest it could be anyyway.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Maybe all I need is a confession, yyou would be the best to tell.

PASTOR (PLEASED)

I'm pleased to hear that you wish tto confess your sins, but it is not I who you need to confess to.

NIKOLAI (SURPRISED)

You're not? But you're the only cleergy on the ship.

PASTOR (EXPLAINING)

Yes. But to the only one who can foorgive you is God, through his son.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

But if all we have to do is confesss to God then why are you here?

PASTOR (HONEST)

I take care of the Chapel. Give serrmons. Bare witness. And give human comfort when needed, such as now.

NIKOLAI (SURPRISED)

I see.

PASTOR (CURIOUS)

But back to the problem at hand. Whhen did these dreams start happening?

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

About a MiniYerk after I started daating my new girlfriend, Lena.

PASTOR (CURIOUS)

Have you two been getting along?

Nikolai smiles.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Very much so, she is the best thingg to happen to me in a long time. She feels the same way about me.

The Pastor smiles.

PASTOR (PLEASED)

I’m happy to hear that. Since this is so important in your life right now I would guess this is the root of your problem.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Like I said before, I have addresseed this in my dreams but it was not an issue.

The Pastor pauses to thing.<

PASTOR (CURIOUS)

Regarding this relationship, has annything changed in the last MiniYerk?

Nikolai shakes his head.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

No, not really.

PASTOR (CURIOUS)

Anything that has put strain on youur relationship? Perhaps a disappointment or something unfulfilled no matter how small.

Nikolai pauses to think.

NIKOLAI (THINKING)

Well… There is one thing… Somethingg I shared with Catherine.

PASTOR (INTERESTED)

Oh?

Nikolai pauses to collect his thougghts.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

I’m not sure how I can say this.

PASTOR (REASSURING)

It is best just to state is rawly, don’t hold back.

Nikolai pauses again.

NIKOLAI (NERVOUS)

Well, I committed adultery with Cattherine and now Lena wants the same experience.

The Pastor stares at Nikolai, conceerned.

PASTOR (CONCERNED)

I see. How does that make it feel wwhen you did it with Catherine?

NIKOLAI (DISAPPOINTED)

To be quite honest routine. Ordinarry. The only reason I did it was that I loved her so much I didn’t want to risk in losing her.

PASTOR (EXPLAINING)

If she loves you just for that thenn she never really loved her, the same goes for you. Love does not come from your sex organs but from here.

The Pastor points to her chest.

PASTOR (EXPLAINING)

That is the way God intended it. Thhat is the way it should be. If you truly love someone you would wait to you are married. A commitment only strengthens love.

Nikolai pauses to think.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

I see your point. It only cheapenedd our relationship. I feel like I betrayed her. And it is a feeling that I'll have to live for the rest of my life. It's not worth it.

PASTOR (OFFERING)

Do you think that is why God made iit a sin?

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

I know that is exactly why. He is oonly interested in the best for us. I’m glad I put it off with Lena.

PASTOR (IMPRESSED)

I know she is someone special.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

How could you know?

PASTOR (HONEST)

Well, you've performed adultery manny of times yet it this case you refrained. You also came forward and confess.

Nikolai smiles.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

I never thought about it that way. You’re pretty smart.

PASTOR (SARCASTIC)

Nah. Just married… And in love.

The Pastor smiles, Nikolai considerrs something.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

So you think that is why I am havinng these dreams?

PASTOR (EXPLAINING)

There is only one way to find out.<

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Talk it over with Catherine?>

The Pastor shakes her head.<

PASTOR (EXPLAINING)

I think you need to talk to someonee of a higher power.

The Pastor stands up. Nikolai bows his head, closes his eyes and folds him hands. The Pastor walks to the back pews and sits down. She folds her hands, bows her head and closes her eyes. They pray in silence.

EXT. LAVA CAVERNS

Nikolai is back here. He races across the bridge, he looks as if he is running from death itself. As is approaches the other side the bridge crumbles apart, he falls with it. He manages to grab onto the edge of the cave and dangles there. He looks down and gasps at the lava below. He looks back up and tries to pull himself up but he is too weak. He looks to the cave but no one is there, he is confused. The rock under Nikolai’s fingers begins to crumble, he is losing his grip and sends him in a panic. Nikolai completely loses his grip and plummets towards the lava, he screams in terror. Suddenly a hand grabs him, he looks to see it belongs to Catherine.

CATHERINE (SMUG)

Need a hand?

Nikolai smiles and Catherine helps him up, once on solid rock they look to one anther.

CATHERINE (PLEASED)

It is so good to be on the same sidde once more.

Nikolai loses his smiles and looks to his feet.

NIKOLAI (APOLOGETIC)

I’m sorry Catherine, I’m sorry for everything. But most of all of adultery.

Catherine touches Nikolai’s chin annd gently tilts it up, she looks into his eyes.

CATHERINE (UNDERSTANDING)

I’m sorry for that too. But now thaat it is out in the open we can but it behind us, your sin is forgiven. What you need to do is focus on Lena.

Nikolai is confused.

CATHERINE (EXPLAINING)

Your love is much stronger than ourrs ever was.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

But-

CATHERINE (INTERRUPTING, SMUG)

Denying it won’t make it the truth.. I used you Nik, I used you to get my way. I said it was for your good but it was really for mine. But with Lena you it is different, your only concern is each other’s feelings. That is what true love is about.

Catherine and Nikolai share a momennt as they stare at each other, then she lets me go.

CATHERINE (BLUNT)

My time has come and gone but you sstill have your moment to come. Enjoy it, cherish it.

Catherine walks to the edge and loooks down to the lava below, Nikolai notices this.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What about you?

Catherine looks back over her shoullder and smiles.

CATHERINE (SMUG)

It is time for me to die.

Nikolai looks concerned but Catheriine looks back down. The she does a swan dive towards the lava, he watches her all the way down. She plunges into it and is gone. Nikolai looks down with mixed feelings, finally he smiles.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Farewell Catherine.

Nikolai then turns and heads into tthe cave, he is gone.

EXT. MINSK NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The ship continues to orbit the planet with the Germany. Far off in the distance the Ontario comes out of Ultra-Light and heads towards the Minsk.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Everyone is checking their equipment. Everyone is at there stations, only the Exec one is empty. The hatch opens, Nikolai walk into the room. Codi turns towards him.

CODI (PLEASED)

You’re just in time, the Ontario has just come out of Ultra-Light.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Speaking of which, ma'am. It is requesting permission to tractor link us.

CODI (PLEASED)

Permission granted.

Golda begins to mumble into her headset. Nikolai takes his seat, Golda looks to Codi.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

The Ontario has knowledged, ma'am.

Codi looks at Golda.

CODI (PLEASED)

Good. Notify all stations to prepare for Ultra-Light acceleration.

EXT. MINSK NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The Ontario moves past the Germany and pulls in front of the Minsk. Tractor beams fire from the Frigate and hit the Corvette.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

The ship rocks for a moment. Everyone monitors their instruments. Ivan turns towards Codi.

IVAN (BLUNT)

The Ontario's tractors are linked onto or Quziis ma'am.

Codi looks over to Vladimir.

CODI (STERN)

Disengage all Nav system.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

EXT. MINSK NEAR PLUTO (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The Ontario turns away from the planet and the Germany. The Minsk is pulled away also.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Vladimir is intensely checking his screen.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

We've been pulled out of orbit, ma'am

GOLDA (BLUNT)

All stations report they are ready for Ultra-Light.

LENA (BLUNT)

All systems are go for acceleration.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Ontario says they are ready for Ultra-Light. They want permission for acceleration.

CODI (PLEASED)

Tell the Ontario we are ready for acceleration.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Yes ma'am.

Golda mumbles into his headset. Then, everyone fastens their seat belts. Lena’s and Nikolai's eyes meet.

LENA (CURIOUS)

So what kept you away from the bridge so long?

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

I fell asleep.

Lena and Codi look concerned to Nikolai, he sees this and smiles.

NIKOLAI (REASSURING)

Relax, we finally made our peace. It is just you and me from now on.

Nikolai reaches over and grabs Lena’s hand, she looks to him and smiles.

LENA (PLEASED)

Now that is an alliance I can live with.

CODI (TEASING)

Have you forgotten your Kalatir already?

Nikolai looks to Codi, she giggles and so does she. Lena joins in as well. Everyone is very happy.

EXT. MINSK IN SPACE (OPTICAL) - MED. SHOT

The Ontario has pulled the Minsk some distance away from Pluto, the Germany is still orbiting the planet. Ultra-Light thrusters on the back of the Frigate light up and the ship pulls the Corvette away and out of sight at about the third the speed of Ultra-Light. The words “THE END” replace both ships.

FADE OUT:

ROLL CREDITS:

THE END