KALATIR:

"KALATIR: AFTERSHOCKS!"

FADE IN:

EXT. URANUS - UCF REPAIR FACILITY

Off in the distance is the planet of Uranus. Around the planet are many ships under repair. A few of this are getting overhauls or refitted and are incased in visible force fields in a box formation. There are also several capital vessels patrolling the area, one of which is the Battlecruiser Asia. It has three large fighter bays beneath her (all covered with a strange green light), is heavily armed with both light and heavy weapons (including missile systems) and is in the shape of a giant wing. As we move in closer “22ND CENTROIDS PRESENTS’ appears for a few seconds and then fades away.

EXT. URANUS - UCF REPAIR FACILITY (OVERLAY)

PLANET: Uranus

DIAMETER: 30,000 Millis

SATELLITES: Fifteen

INSTALLATIONS: UCF Repair Complex

EXT. URANUS - ASIA

We zoom into the Asia.

INT. ASIA - LAUNCH ROOM #3

This is a huge room with a large square hole set into the middle of it, a strange yellow light covers it. There is a similar hole up above with red light. On each side is a track that starts at each edge and leads away from the center hole through other holes in the bulkheads and into other large rooms. Each of the rooms is filled with Advanced Battleships and equipment to support them. The Battleships look like F-14's with wings that run down the length of both sides of the ship from the back to the front (and can swing out) and a twin tail. These look slicker and meaner than the Minskian's old ones. The end of each track at the center hole flares out and down about ten feet. An alarm is sounding. Three Battleships race in on one of the tracks in a line.

ASIA CONTROL (COMPUTERIZED VOICE, OVER LOUD SPEAKERS)

Battleship Group CAD. All systems are primed for take off. All systems report full functionality. You have final clearance for drop.

The first Battleship reaches the edge of the center hole and goes over the edge, it follows the track downward and plummets through the strange light nose first. The other two Battleships follow and do the same.

INT. ASIA - RECOVERY ROOM #3

This is a large bay that is like Launch Room #3 as far as holes, anterooms and tracks. Except the light above is yellow and the light below is green. There are also tracks on the ceiling which some have huge mechanical arms. Around the bottom hole are many shuttles and large Utility Craft. An alarm is sounding here as well. The first Battleship plunges through the yellow light and falls through the green light. The other two Battleships follow suit.

EXT. ASIA - BAY #3

This is the bay opening furthest back on the BattleCruiser. The three speeding Battleships break through the light, as each does its rear engines fire.

EXT. ASIA - BATTLESHIPS

The three Battleship pickup speed and head down and away from the Asia.

INT. CAD-LED BATTLESHIP - COCKPIT

This is a small fighter cockpit with a huge windshield. Minskian One sits in the ship and pulls back on his controls, which are very high tech. The pilot is wearing a helmet with a smoke black visor that covers most of his face. Computer generated readouts appear to each side.

CAD-LED (RUSSIAN ACCENT, INTO HELMET)

This is Cad-Led to all Cads. Form up on me.

CAD TWO (RUSSIAN ACCENT, OVER HELMET)

This is Cad Two. I copy that, sir.

CAD THREE (RUSSIAN ACCENT, OVER HELMET)

I'm on my way.

The pilot sighs and shakes his head.

EXT. URANUS - BATTLESHIPS

The first ship levels off and the others quickly fall into position behind and to each side of the first.

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET)

I'm here.

CAD TWO (OVER HELMET)

This is Cad Two. I'm in position, sir.

CAD-LED (OVER HELMET)

Well, time's a wasting. Kick in you Turbo Inflators and follow me.

CAD TWO (OVER HELMET)

This is Cad Two. I copy you, sir.

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET)

Gotcha.

The lead Battleship lunges forward, the other two ships are a second behind. They continue away.

EXT. URANUS (DISTANT) - BATTLESHIPS

The three Battleships are a good distance away from the planet and the Asia. They are still at high velocity.

CAD-LED (OVER HELMET)

Cut all Inflators.

The Battleships decelerate back to attack speed.

INT. CAD-LED BATTLESHIP - COCKPIT

The pilot is still flying the ship.

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET)

Done.

The pilot just shakes his head.

CAD TWO (OVER HELMET)

This is Cad Two. Inflators are off, sir.

CAD-LED (INTO HELMET)

Okay. This is the place. Looks like we made it ahead of him.

The pilot flips a few switches.

CAD-LED (INTO HELMET, QUICKLY)

Decelerate to min load. Unfold battle wings. Reduce Quzii's to one layer.

The pilot moves a lever and flips a set of switches and turns a knob.

EXT. URANUS (DISTANT) - BATTLESHIPS

The ships fly together. The wing that runs the length of the ship folds out. There is a laser cannon on the end of each wing. The ships also slow down.

CAD TWO (OVER HELMET)

This is Cad Two. I've decelerated, unfolded and layered sir.

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET)

All done.

CAD-LED (OVER HELMET)

All we can do is wait.

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET, DISAPPOINTED)

He isn't going to show.

CAD-LED (OVER HELMET, SARCASTIC)

What was that Cad Two?

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET, ANNOYED)

No, that was I.

CAD-LED (OVER HELMET, SARCASTIC)

What did you say Cad Two?

There is a slight pause.

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET, ANNOYED)

This is Cad Three. The remark was mine.

There is another pause.

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET, ANNOYED)

Sir.

CAD-LED (OVER HELMET, SARCASTIC)

Now that I know who is talking. What did you mean by the remark?

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET)

Our scans are clean. Even if he has Hyperstream we would pick him up long before he could reach attack range. We could move into the optimum attack position and put the drop on him. He knows that so once he spots us he'll keep on going.

CAD-LED (OVER HELMET)

That is what three S-Qs before us thought before they were turned into dust.

CAD TWO (OVER HELMET)

This is Cad Two. Speaking about which, shouldn't we have more help out here? With all due respect, sir. What are three ships going to be able to succeed where an S-Q failed?

CAD-LED (OVER HELMET)

You'll have to take that up with Commander Broofski. All I know is that we have orders to be out here doing what we are. Just remember one thing. He's a traitor. He knows all the maneuvers, the capacity of our ships, even our strengths and weaknesses.

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET)

If that is the case, shouldn't we be at full battle status instead of min?

CAD-LED (OVER HELMET, SARCASTIC)

Well to answer your question, Cad Two.

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET)

That is Cad Three.

CAD-LED (OVER HELMET, SARCASTIC)

Well, maybe if you identify yourself first I wouldn't get you mixed up.

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET, ANNOYED)

You were saying?

INT. CAD-TWO - COCKPIT

This is an exact duplicate of Cad-Led's, except the pilot is a female and much younger.

CAD-LED (OVER HELMET)

It might be a while before the Traitor shows up. Would you like to take him on as you were running out of air and fuel?

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET)

Even at this rate we will eventually run out of resources.

CAD-LED (OVER HELMET, SARCASTIC)

Who was that?

The pilot sighs.

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET, ANNOYED)

This is Cad Three. Even at this rate we will eventually run out of resources.

CAD-LED (OVER HELMET)

That is why I plan on taking us back when we get down to half.

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET)

This is Cad Three. That still doesn't expla-

An alarm sounds.

CAD TWO (TO HERSELF, CONFUSED)

That the...

The pilot checks her instruments.

CAD TWO (INTO HELMET, CONFUSED)

This is Cad Two. I've got a short-range intercept alarm, sir.

CAD-LED (OVER HELMET)

I've got one too.

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET, CONFUSED)

How can that be? No one is in range. Our long-range intercepts should hav...

Cad Three's voice trails off for a moment.

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET, EXCITED)

I've got him! He's right on top of me! I need assistance! I nee-

Cad Three's communication goes dead.

CAD TWO (INTO HELMET, EXCITED)

Cad three! Do you copy? Cad Three!

There is a long pause.

CAD-LED (OVER HELMET)

Forget it, he's been destroyed.

There is a long pause, the Pilot is shocked.

CAD-LED (OVER HELMET, EXCITED)

Cad Two! Look out! The Traitor's goi-

Cad-Led's communication goes dead.

CAD TWO (INTO HELMET, EXCITED)

Cad-Led! Do you copy? Cad-Led!

TRAITOR (RUSSIAN ACCENT, OVER HELMET, SARCASTIC)

Don't bother, he can no longer help you.

The pilot is horrified. Suddenly a new alarm sounds and the words “ENEMY LOCK” flashes across her visor. In one fluid motion she slides her hand across her panel hitting selective buttons, sliding forward a lever and her hand ends up on a knob that she turns all the way up. At the same time she throws her stick to one side and is pressed up against the cockpit.

EXT. URANUS (DISTANT) - BATTLESHIPS

Cad Two is making a sharp bank and speeding up. A gloss black Battleship follows her maneuver and takes chase.

INT. TRAITOR BATTLESHIP - COCKPIT

This is just like Cad-Led's except the pilot is in a black suit. Cad Two's Battleship can be seen up ahead through the windshield. He smiles.

TRAITOR (INTO HELMET, SMUG)

Nice move. But it will only delay your destruction, not prevent it. I'm right on you.

The pilot goes to work on his instruments.

INT. CAD TWO BATTLESHIP - COCKPIT

The pilot is working desperately at the controls as she weaves the ship back and forth. The word “ENEMY LOCK” flashes on and off sporadically. Finally, it stays on.

CAD TWO (TO HERSELF, EXCITED)

Here goes nothing!

The pilot flips a large switch and throws the stick one way. She is once again thrown against the cockpit but this time with greater force.

EXT. URANUS (DISTANT) - BATTLESHIPS

Cad Two's Battleship is still being pursued by the Traitor's. One of her engines goes out and forces it to pivot sharply 90 degrees, blocking the traitor's path.

INT. TRAITOR'S BATTLESHIP - COCKPIT

The pilot has a cross hair on his visor and the word “LOCKED” is below it. The pilot gasps as he can see that is on a direct collision course with the Battleship.

TRAITOR (TO HIMSELF, EXCITED)

Deposits!

The pilot forces his stick down and to one side.

EXT. URANUS (DISTANT) - BATTLESHIPS

The Traitor's turns and dives away from the other and just misses it. Cad Two's continues around and when it is pointing towards the other its engine comes alive again, it races after the traitor.

INT. CAD TWO - BATTLESHIP

The pilot watches carefully through the windshield as she quickly gains on the other Battleship. A cross hair is on her visor and the word “LOCKING” is below it.

TRAITOR (OVER HELMET, ANGRY)

Are you crazy? You almost got me killed!

CAD TWO (INTO HELMET, SARCASTIC)

You don't know how long I've been dying to try that one.

There is a long pause.

TRAITOR (OVER HELMET, ANNOYED)

Well what makes you so sure I won't try it?

The word “LOCKING” changes to “LOCKED” She smiles.

CAD TWO (INTO HELMET, SARCASTIC)

Because you just ran out of time. You traitor!

As the pilot is about to press the fire button on her stick the word “LOCKED” changes to “DESTROYED”

CAD TWO (TO HERSELF, EXCITED)

What! How can I be destroyed?

EXT. URANUS (DISTANT) - BATTLESHIPS

Cad-Led's ship is flying right behind Cad Two's, a ways back is Cad Three's which is fully intact. “22ND CENTROIDS PRESENTS’ appears for a few seconds.

INT. CAD-LED - COCKPIT

The pilot is flying the ship with a big smile on his face.

CAD-LED (INTO HELMET, SMUG)

You're dead Cad Two.

TRAITOR (OVER HELMET)

She's been simulated destroyed, all but flight control is disengaged. She can't hear you.

CAD-LED (INTO HELMET)

Think I should turn them back on now or let them stew a while?

TRAITOR (OVER HELMET)

Do it now. I'm dying to hear the excuses they come up this time.

CAD-LED (INTO HELMET)

All right.

The pilot flips a pair of switches.

CAD-LED (INTO HELMET, SARCASTIC)

Welcome back to the living boys and girls.

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET, INFURIATED)

How in the deposits did the Traitor sneak up on me so fast?

CAD TWO (OVER HELMET, ANGRY)

And why did you destroy me?

CAD-LED (INTO HELMET)

Well, the answer to both is that I'm working with the traitor.

CAD TWO (OVER HELMET, EXCITED)

What?

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET, SHOCKED)

Huh?

CAD-LED (INTO HELMET)

You two should have read the background data I gave you on this training exercise. It clearly stated that the Traitor and I were close friends before he became a traitor. It also indicated that the Traitor always knew what our comrades and we were up to, that was how he got the jump on three S-Qs.

CAD TWO (OVER HELMET, ANNOYED)

Well, setting us up with our Quziis and load set to almost to null didn't give us much of a chance.

CAD-LED (INTO HELMET, BUNT)

Hey, I had your battle wings extended. But you are going to soon have to learn that the enemy, the real enemy, doesn't fight fair. It doesn't attack when the odds are against them. They have declared all out war on us. Get use to it.

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET)

Well, that still doesn't explain how the Traitor snuck up on us.

CAD-LED (INTO HELMET)

Simple. Since I'm working for him I tampered with your ships. I rigged them so on my command it would blanket out his approach. Any more questions?

There is a long pause.

CAD-LED (INTO HELMET)

Okay, ready for your debriefing?

There is another moment of silence.

TRAITOR (OVER HELMET)

Go ahead and give it to them.

CAD-LED (INTO HELMET)

Okay. First the bad news. You people need to keep a more frequent and closer eye on your instruments, especially when you are in open space and just sitting around. You're just begging for an ambush. The blanketing pattern I used to hide the Traitor was not perfect. One good cross-reference on ALL your scans would have at least indicated something was up. Cad Three, when the Traitor attacked you shouldn't have sat there and screamed for help. You should have gone into action WHILE screaming for help and got yourself out of his sights.

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET, MAD)

Yeah.

CAD-LED (INTO HELMET)

Cad Two, when the enemy tells you something don't believe them. A quick look at your scans and you would have seen that I was alive and moving into an attack position against you. Also, you should have called for help. The Asia isn't that far away. It might sound morbid, but if you were able to contact them and keep the Traitor busy you might have allowed them to get the drop on him, though it wouldn't have spared you.

CAD TWO (OVER HELMET, FRUSTRATED)

Sorry sir.

CAD-LED (INTO HELMET)

Traitor, you had Cad Two lock on target, as you veered away to avoid collision you should have pressed the fire button. Then I wouldn't have had to blow my cover and bail you out.

TRAITOR (OVER HELMET, DISAPPOINTED)

Sorry.

CAD-LED (INTO HELMET)

Now for the good news. Cad Three, no matter what you did you were dead meat. Cad Two, I tampered with your long-range signaler so you couldn't contact the Asia even if you wanted. Though I cannot condone such a fool hardly stunt in a training exercise, I think it would have the same effect on the enemy in a real mission. Traitor, you made a straight and steady approach making it easy for me to blanket you. The bottom line is that the enemy won but exposed its traitor, I would call it a draw. But battles aren't won on draws. We still have a lot of work ahead of us.

CAD TWO (OVER HELMET, ANNOYED)

With all due respects, sir. When we went through the academy no one said anything about looking for spies and secret stuff. All we were told to do was fly Battleships.

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET, ANGRY)

Yeah!

CAD-LED (INTO HELMET, STERN)

Well let me tell you a thing. I had one tour of duty where we had not only one but two spies aboard our ship. They cause us a lot of damage. But more importantly, they cost us a lot of lives. I lost a lot of good friends. Maybe if everyone had had training like this they'd still be here.

There is a long pause.

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET, CAUTIOUS)

I have just one question. Had our roles been reversed, would you have survived?

CAD-LED (INTO HELMET, QUICKLY)

Of course.

TRAITOR (OVER HELMET)

Well, I know I wouldn't have.

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET, SMUG)

My point exactly.

CAD-LED (INTO HELMET, SURPRISED)

Hey, whose side are you on?

TRAITOR (OVER HELMET)

All I'm saying is that for the past five MaxiYerks we've pushed, squeezed and battered these kids to the breaking point more than once. Remember, we started out with four.

CAD-LED (INTO HELMET, ANNOYED)

That's because that is how it is going to be when they are on real missions. It's no picnic out there.

TRAITOR (OVER HELMET)

I know that as much as you. But were we any better when we were their age? I remember one cadet that was put on report... And more than once.

There is no response.

TRAITOR (OVER HELMET)

They've proven themselves. They might not be the best the UCF has to offer, then again they are just cadets. But they've given their all and stuck in there to the end every time. I say it is time we reward them.

There is a long pause.

CAD-LED (INTO HELMET)

If I do reward you two that doesn't mean we'll stop with these exercises.

CAD TWO (OVER HELMET, EXCITED)

Who cares!

CAD THREE (OVER HELMET, EXCITED)

We want our reward!

CAD-LED (INTO HELMET)

Okay, you are no longer Cadets. Our new designations are I as Minskian One. Traitor as Minskian Two. Cad Two as Minskian Three. And Cad Three and Minskian Four.

MINSKIAN FOUR (OVER HELMET, EXCITED)

All right!

MINSKIAN THREE (OVER HELMET, EXCITED)

Yes!

MINSKIAN TWO (OVER HELMET, PLEASED)

Congratulations.

MINSKIAN ONE (INTO HELMET)

And as everyone one has pointed out, I have a promise to keep. Everyone follow me, full Inflators.

EXT. URANUS (DISTANT) - BATTLESHIPS

The ships have regrouped and are flying in a lose formation. They speed up. The first banks and heads for the planet, so does the rest.

EXT. URANUS (CLOSE) - UCF REPAIR FACILITY

There are a cluster ships in this area. Most are parked and undergoing repairs, some are in cased in a force field box and under going more serious work. A tanker is slowly moving through this area, it blocks the view of one of the ships in the boxes. The Battleships move into the area and slow down, their wings have been folded back in. “A STEVEN TODAY PRODUCTION” appears for a few seconds.

MINSKIAN FOUR (OVER HELMET, EXCITED)

Where is it! Where is it!

MINSKIAN ONE (OVER HELMET)

Just keep following.

The ships are lead around the tanker and the ship that has been hidden comes into full view: It is the Minsk. The ship had totally been redesign. It is sleeker, has forward and aft tubes and a set of powerful turrets in the bow. Other lesser guns are all around the ship. The above and below power planets are gone and landing deck hangs from below the bay and has two selves on it. The box that encases the ship is made of light and each corner has a large metallic ball. Projected on one side of the light is: “UCF CORVETTE MINSK: COMPLETE REFIT AND OVER HAUL” Several small utility craft whiz around the ship inside the box conducting repairs. Humans in jumpsuits of different colors with jet packs also whiz around inside. “Aftershocks!” appears on the screen for a few seconds. The Battleships continue towards the Minsk.

MINSKIAN ONE (OVER HELMET, PROUD)

There she is. The Minsk. Your first UCF home.

MINSKIAN FOUR (OVER HELMET, EXCITED)

Wow!

MINSKIAN THREE (OVER HELMET, SHOCKED)

She's beautiful.

MINSKIAN TWO (OVER HELMET, SARCASTIC)

Yep. I remember a time when the sight of a little old Corvette would excite me. Personally, I can't wait to get back to our roomy accommodations aboard the Battlecruiser.

MINSKIAN ONE (OVER HELMET)

Speaking of which, we'd better get back. Broofski is probably wondering where we are.

MINSKIAN THREE (OVER HELMET, EXCITED)

When will we be able to go aboard?

MINSKIAN ONE (OVER HELMET)

Probably just before she sets out on her first mission. But from what I heard, that won't be for at least another MaxiYerk.

MINSKIAN TWO (OVER HELMET, SARCASTIC)

Too bad.

The lead ship turns away from the Minsk and heads towards the Asia far off in the distance, the other ships follow. We zoom in on the Minsk.

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. Dirt and dust are everywhere, clothes and food are scattered as well. The bed is unmade and the room is under construction. Nikolai Solace is seated at the desk. Nikolai is about 34 years old, tall, skinny, plain looking and has black hair. He is dressed in a gray uniform and heavy black boots. Nikolai has a small half golden crown on each shoulder. Around his neck is an odd amulet made of gold, it has strange hieroglyphics craved into it. 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. He is talking to his computer screen, as he does the words he says appear on the screen.

NIKOLAI (WITH RUSSIAN ACCENT)

Hey, Wac. How have you been doing? Haven't heard from you for a while. But I guess you've been keeping pretty busy. I've been busy myself. In fact, just...

Nikolai's voice trails off, he is saddened.

NIKOLAI (UPSET)

Who am I kidding? It isn't the workload that has kept you busy. You managed to make time in the beginning for me. Not being able to hear from you is killing me. We’re friends. For mercy's sake, please drop me a line. Even if it's to yell at me and tell me to leave you alone. I just need to hear you are alright.

Nikolai pauses to sigh.

NIKOLAI (UPSET)

Well, I'd better go before I get even more depressed. I hope to hear from you soon. Your friend, Nik... End message.

The screen beeps and “ADDRESS MESSAGE TO WHOM?” appears on it.

NIKOLAI (UPSET)

Console. Wactorii Qez Tqwzxcvbyyaao. Royale. Felinia.

The screen beeps in protest and says “CANNOT FIND "FELINIA" IN LOCATION INDEX” Nikolai sighs.

NIKOLAI (UPSET)

Console. Replace Felinia with Tethys Major.

The screen replies “TETHYS MAJOR IS A VALID LOCATION” The screen beeps and prints “RETURN ADDRESS OF MESSAGE TO WHOM?”

NIKOLAI (UPSET)

Console. Nikolai Solace. UCF Corvette Minsk.

The screen beeps and asks “WHAT PRIORITY DO YOU USE TO DESIGNATE MESSAGE?”

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

Console. Urgent.

The screen beeps and displays “WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEND YOUR MESSAGE NOW?”

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

Console. Yes.

The screen displays “PROCESSING...” for a few seconds then prints “MESSAGE SUCCESSFULLY SENT”

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Console. Go to stand by.

The screen goes blank and a small silhouette of Russia appears, it starts bouncing around the screen. Nikolai stares at the screen and goes off into his own little world. After a long pause, a cat creeps out of the closet. This is Melbourne. The cat is black, has short hair but no collar. It makes its way across the room and stops at the Nikolai's feet. It gives a sad meow. The human doesn't respond. The feline then crotches down and leaps into Nikolai's lap, this takes him by surprise.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

What the...

Nikolai looks down at the cat and he meows again. Nikolai smiles and rubs the cat behind the ear.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

You always know when I'm down, Melbourne. And you always succeed in cheering me up.

The cat begins to purr.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

And after I helped kill your master. You are such a forgiving cat.

Nikolai stares out into space.

NIKOLAI (SAD)

If only Wac could be as forgiving.

Nikolai reflects for a moment. Then shakes himself back into reality. He looks down at Melbourne and begins to scratch his back. The cat lays down and makes himself comfortable. He purrs louder and his eyes begin to close. Nikolai lays his head back and closes his eyes, but he keeps rubbing. Just as both are totally relaxed there is a loud knock on the door.

NIKOLAI (TO HIMSELF, ANNOYED)

Oh great.

After a few more seconds go by there is another loud knock.

NIKOLAI (LOUD, ANNOYED)

Go away!

The knocking persists and Melbourne's eyes slowly open.

NIKOLAI (LOUD, ANNOYED)

Go away! I'm off duty!

Melbourne looks annoyingly at Nikolai.

VOICE (WITH RUSSIAN ACCENT, THROUGH DOOR)

I know. That is why I'm here.

Nikolai's eyes spring open.

NIKOLAI (LOUD, ANNOYED)

Go away Lena!

LENA (THROUGH DOOR)

I've got something to show you.

NIKOLAI (LOUD, ANNOYED)

I'm not in the mood!

LENA (THROUGH DOOR)

I'm going to keep pounding until you open this hatch.

NIKOLAI (LOUD, ANNOYED)

I think you are forgetting who is the Exec Officer and who is the Engineer Officer!

LENA (THROUGH DOOR)

Come on. It's important.

NIKOLAI (LOUD, ANNOYED)

Everything with you is important!

There is another loud knock.

NIKOLAI (LOUD, FRUSTRATED)

Oh all right!

Nikolai looks down at Melbourne and frowns.

NIKOLAI (DISAPPOINTED)

Sorry Melbourne.

Nikolai carefully grabs the cat with two hands and lifts him up, Melbourne gives a loud unhappy yeow. The human leans forward and gently places the feline on the desk, he gives his master a look of disapproval.

NIKOLAI (TO CAT, HURT)

Hey don't give me that look. This isn't my idea.

Nikolai struggles to his feet and slowly walks over to the hatch, he yawns as he goes. The cat watches him carefully. He pushes the access button to the hatch and the door slides open. Standing in the doorway is Lena Pagoda. She is a fairly attractive woman with red hair in a full Minsk uniform who had gold symbols of wrenches on her shoulders. In her ear is a large electronic earplug and cloth collar with a microphone pressed to her voice box is fastened around her neck (this combination is a Modified Headset).

LENA (SARCASTIC)

About time.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

What do you want?

Lena ignores Nikolai. She strolls into the room and looks around. Melbourne eyes her over.

LENA (SARCASTIC)

I love what you have done to the place.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

If you've come to swap witty remarks you will be sorely disappointed. I'm too tired.

Lena stops, turns at looks at Nikolai.

LENA (SARCASTIC)

Sorry to burst your bubble. But your remarks were never witty.

NIKOLAI (ANGRY)

Engineer Officer! Get the Oxidation Deposits out of here or you'll find yourself on report!

The two exchange cold glances.

LENA (BLUNT)

Fine. Then I guess you won't be interested in how I got the Graphical Feedback Display to work on all three scans.

Lena storms for the exit. As she passes Nikolai, he grabs her arm. She stops, turns and looks at him. He gives an expression of shock.

NIKOLAI (SURPRISED)

You got the GFD working?

LENA (SMUG)

Of course.

NIKOLAI (SURPRISED)

How? We've been working on that problem for CentaYerks.

LENA (SMUG)

Simple. Cross feeding. It's an outdated technic but it works fine for our purposes.

NIKOLAI (SURPRISED)

Of course.

LENA (SMUG)

I just tried it and it works. All we have to watch out for is th-

NIKOLAI (INTERRUPTING)

Wait a minute. You came all the way down here just for that?

LENA (UNEASY)

What do you mean JUST? This is a big breakthrough.

NIKOLAI (SUSPICIOUS)

Yeah. But you're an Engineer Officer. A born Techno-Geek at heart. You first would have spent Yerks bragging to your fellow geeks. Yet, you came to me first. Why?

LENA (QUICKLY)

Because I really want to impress my Exec?

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

You never tried to impress anyone in your life. I want a better answer than that. Like the truth.

Lena pauses and sighs. Nikolai lets go of her.

LENA (DISAPPOINTED)

Okay. The truth.

She indicates to the messes in the room.

LENA (DISAPPOINTED)

The truth lies in this room.

Nikolai looks around the room, confused. Lena steps back into the center of it, Nikolai cautiously follows. The hatch slides closed.

LENA (DISAPPOINTED)

For seven MaxiYerks you've worked hard at getting this ship back together, you've done more than your part. But at the end of the DecaYerk you use to blow of steam with us.

Lena turns and faces Nikolai.

LENA (CONCERNED)

But lately you have been spending all your free time in here. You haven't been to the Bay for DecaYerks. It seams like you are shutting yourself off from us. I was hoping that this news would bring you back out. Maybe even help explain what we did to deserve this.

Nikolai is lost for words.

LENA (DISAPPOINTED)

Though, I will not force it out of you.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

I'm sorry if I hurt any of you. I did not mean to. I swear to you, none of you have done anything to offend me. Please don’t be mad at me.

Lena glares at him but then smiles.

LENA (SARCASTIC)

I guess I have no choice, it's against regulations for anyone to be mad the Exec.

Nikolai cracks a smile.

LENA (PLEASED)

That's more like it. So what do you say? Want to go and see my brilliance it action?

Nikolai thinks for a moment.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Of course... And thank you Lena.

LENA (CONFUSED)

What for? I get paid for it. Remember, I'm the Techno-Geek.

NIKOLAI (SERIOUS)

I meant for coming in here and bailing me out.

LENA (SARCASTIC)

I know what you meant.

Lena kisses Nikolai on the check, this comforts him. Then she heads for the door, so does he. She opens it and both exit the room. Melbourne leaps off the desk and scampers for it, he manages to dart through the exit just as it closes.

EXT. MINSK - BAY ROOM

This is a huge room with a shuttle in the corner. On one side are huge refueling tanks and repair equipment on the other. In the center of the room is huge square hole in the floor. Above are two huge mechanical arms. A few techs are in this room. Of which is Lyndal Burforaich, Artrifwlkz Ehtaixck and Boris Miclenho. All are wearing Modified Headsets. Lyndal is an older gentleman who has a Minsk uniform on which metal symbols of screwdrivers on his shoulders and is working alone. Artrifwlkz is a Male Felinion who has orange fur with yellow spots, he is only wearing a vest that he has been cut out of his full uniform that has metal symbols of half of wrenches. Boris is a young man who is wearing a complete Minsk uniform with metal symbols of wrenches on it, he is working with Artrifwlkz. The hatch on the far side of the room opens, Nikolai and Lena stroll in, and Melbourne is right behind them. They are caught up in conversion. The hatch closes. They make their way across the room towards the shuttle. Lyndal notices them, stops what he is doing and rushes towards them.

LYNDAL (RUSSIAN ACCENT)

Sir.

Artrifwlkz and Boris stop working and look towards Lyndal. Nikolai and Lena keep walking.

LYNDAL (LOUDER)

Excuse me, Sir!

Nikolai and Lena stop and turn towards the call, they are not excited when they see who it is. Melbourne stops too but his eyes are locked on the Felinion, he is not pleased either. Artrifwlkz and Boris look puzzled.

NIKOLAI (WHISPERS, DISCOURAGED)

Not again.

LENA (WHISPERS, ENCOURAGINGLY)

Easy.

Lyndal stops before them.

NIKOLAI (FALSE SURPRISE)

Why Maintenance Tech Burforaich, what a surprise.

LYNDAL (PLEASED)

Ah you can just call me Lyndal, sir.

Nikolai pauses.

NIKOLAI (CONTROLLED)

Thanks, Lyndal... Now what can I do for you?

LYNDAL (SUCK UP)

It was a good thing I was working LATE. I need to speak to you.

LENA (QUICKLY)

Unfortunately, he is the Exec Officer of this ship. He has no free time. But I'm sure you can schedule an appointment throu-

NIKOLAI (INTERRUPTING)

Nonsense. I can always make time for one of my crew.

Lyndal glances over at Lena and becomes uneasy.

LYNDAL (CAUTIOUS)

Actually, I was hoping to speak to you in private.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

That's okay you can talk in front of the Engineer Officer. After all she is your boss's, boss's, boss.

LYNDAL (UNEASY)

Still, I would rather speak to you alone.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What? Is there some kind of trouble between you two? If there is, it is my duty to look into it and clear the air.

LYNDAL (QUICKLY)

No. No trouble sir. I can talk in front of her.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Good. Now what is it?

LYNDAL (UNEASY)

Well, rather than taking up your time. All I ask is you take a look at this when you get a chance.

Lyndal reaches into his pocket and pulls out a Tape Cartridge. It is more like a thick diskette than a tape.

LENA (ANNOYED)

Don't tell me. It is another one of your personal reports.

Lyndal ignores the comment. Nikolai takes the cartridge and looks at it, he reads the label.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Artrifwlkz Ehtaixck?

LENA (FRUSTRATED)

Ah! Not again!

Nikolai looks at Lyndal.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What is this about your Assistant Maintenance Tech?

LYNDAL (UNEASY)

I would prefer you just viewed my report.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

As the Engineer Officer stated, I AM busy. Why don't you just give me a summary of your report.

Lyndal sighs and takes a deep breath.

LYNDAL (DISAPPOINTED)

As you wish. Now I don't like informing on anyone...

LENA (SARCASTIC)

Yeah! Right!

LYNDAL (CONTINUING)

...But he has not been performing his duties.

LENA (SHOCKED)

He is one of our best techs.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What do you mean, Lyndal?

LYNDAL (BLUNT)

Well, for starters. He is out of uniform.

LENA (SARCASTIC)

Geez. So is the Commander.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

She is correct.

LYNDAL (BLUNT)

Maybe. But PSBUA specifically states that a full uniform, which includes: Complete UCF issued jumpsuit, UCF issued boots and UCF issued designation emblems.

LENA (ANNOYED)

In case you haven't been reading your memos we've done a modify on that.

NIKOLAI (AGREEING)

Yes. Under the Clause Of Modification we have reduced the requirements for Felinions. All they need to wear is the upper part of their uniform and their emblems. Of course, this changes when they leave ship or big brass comes to visit.

LYNDAL (CAUTIOUS)

Now personally, I don't care either way. But others have commented it is segregating and giving Felinions special privileges.

LENA (ANNOYED)

We had to do it because UCF boots were made for humans as well as pants legs. They are very uncomfortable and restricting for them.

LYNDAL (CAUTIOUS)

Like I said, that is fine by me. But some of my co-workers would like the same latitude.

NIKOLAI (INTERESTED)

May I ask you who these crewmembers are?

LYNDAL (QUICKLY)

I'm terribly sorry sir, but they said this in the strictness of confidence.

LENA (ANNOYED)

I bet.

NIKOLAI (SARCASTIC)

Well, I'll tell you what. You can tell your co-workers that if it still bugs them, they can come to the bridge and take it up with the crew up there. After all, it was they who voted on it. But tell them to start with the Commander first. I'm sure she would love to talk to them.

Lyndal is not satisfied with the response.

LYNDAL (DISAPPOINTED)

Yes sir. I will.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Good. Now that we have that cleared up. We can be on our wa-

LYNDAL (INTERRUPTING, CAUTIOUSLY)

Actually, there is more sir.

LENA (FRUSTRATED)

I knew it.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

What is it?

LYNDAL (CAUTION)

Well, as you know. MISTS, which falls under the responsibly of the Assistant Maintenance Tech, specifically states that all Maintenance Techs must go through at least one training session once per MaxiYerk. For the past six MaxiYerks he has been Assistant Maintenance Tech but no one has been given any.

LENA (ANNOYED)

Give me a break. Everyone knows that a crewmember gets the equivalent of twenty MISTS' per MaxiYerk during a refit since it is the crew that does the refitting.

Nikolai waits for a response from Lyndal.

LYNDAL (CAUTIOUS)

But the regs clearly state that the Assistant Maintenance Tech must either conduct them himself or have it arranged. It states nothing about dry dock, refits or overhauls.

LENA (ANNOYED)

So what? Even when I went through the academy they taught us to use dry dock work as MISTS.

LYNDAL (SARCASTIC)

Unfortunately, we are sworn by THE OATH to follow the regs and not the academy.

LENA (ANGRY)

Look you litt-

NIKOLAI (INTERRUPTING, QUICK)

Well. The Seven KiloYerks that I've been here we have always used dry time as MISTS.

LENA (ANNOYED)

So are you saying that the Exec is wrong?

There is a long pause.

LYNDAL (CAUTIOUS)

Not wrong. But misinformed.

Lena laughs and Nikolai pauses to remain calm.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

Well. Answer me this? Have you ever heard of any Assistant Maintenance Tech being place on report during dry dock?

LYNDAL (CAUTIOUS)

No.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

Other than the Minsk, have you been a Maintenance Tech during a refit or overhaul?

LYNDAL (CAUTIOUS)

Yes.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

Now here's the key question. Did they perform MISTS during that time?

LYNDAL (QUICKLY)

Yes.

NIKOLAI (SARCASTIC)

Then name me the ship and time you were on and I will be more than happy to check with the UCF repair records.

LYNDAL (QUICKLY)

Did I say yes? I meant no.

NIKOLAI (SARCASTIC)

Were there any charges brought before the Assistant Maintenance Tech of that ship for MISTS violations?

LENA (SARCASTIC)

Before you answer remember the Exec can look this up.

Lyndal thinks for a moment.

LYNDAL (DEFEATED)

No.

NIKOLAI (SARCASTIC)

Then I guess we can safety say we fall into the norm.

LYNDAL (QUICKLY)

It still doesn't make it right or proper.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

I'm the Exec of this ship. Other than the Commander, I decide what is right and proper.

LYNDAL (CAUTIOUS)

I don’t place blame on you sir but on Artrifwlkz. It is a common fact that Felinions are dumb, lazy and dead beats. It is no wonder the Assistant Maintenance Tech failed in his duties.

VOICE (COLD)

Could you explain yourself Maintenance Tech?

Lyndal spins around, he and everyone else looks across the bay. They see Codiozianquy Zqiuvxbiea (Codi) storming towards them. Melbourne arches his back and hisses. Codi is a female Felinion with blonde fur with black stripes. She is wearing the a like vest as the Assistant Maintenance Tech except hers has golden crown symbols, she is also wearing a special Modified Headset. Lyndal is horrified.

LENA (WHISPERS, SARCASTIC)

You forgot to mention that Felinions can hear over 6 times better than us humans.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Good to see you Commander.

Codi stops by her officers and Lyndal turns towards her, she stares coldly at him. Melbourne bolts and runs behind some containers. Nikolai takes a moment to obverse this, then looks back at Codi.

CODI (BLUNT)

I asked you a question, Maintenance Tech.

LYNDAL (QUICKLY)

Not that I believe that for a MicroYerk. But that is what the reports from Command Control say.

CODI (BLUNT)

Those reports are over five KiloYerks old. I think you'll find Command Control more receptive now.

LYNDAL (DEFIANT)

It doesn’t matter what they say bit what this crew feels. They definitely feel the Assistant Maintenance Tech should be replaced.

LENA (BLUNT)

Let me guess, especially if that someone was you.

LYNDAL (PLEASED)

Yes, that would be acceptable.

NIKOLAI (ANGRY)

Give it up Lyndal! Give it up Lyndal. You’re just mad because you messed up at the battle of Pluto. You broke regulations and ordered all the Battleships overhauled crippling our efforts. So you were broken down from Assistant to a normal Maintenance You’ll say anything to get your job back.

LYNDAL (SARCASTIC)

Oh, an unfounded accusation. Perhaps I should report you to Command Control.

Codi pauses.

CODI (SLY)

I'll make a deal with you.

LENA (SHOCKED)

A deal!

NIKOLAI (EXCITED)

No!

CODI (SLY)

I'll make you Engineer Officer.

LENA (EXCITED)

But that's my job!

LYNDAL (CAUTIOUS)

In exchange for what?

CODI (SLY)

Nothing. But it would give me an opportunity to have you brought before Command Control. And as POBSODH states that all promotions of bridge staff or department heads must be cleared by Command Control. In the process the individual's background and past assignments are looked into. I'm sure they would love to hear your background.

LYNDAL (CONFUSED)

What background?

CODI (SLY)

Of the last three ships you served. Each one you were thrown off because you used under handed tactics to try to get yourself promoted, no matter who got hurt.

LYNDAL (SARCASTIC)

Now Commander, don't tell me you are bearing false witness against me too.

CODI (SLY)

This is all in your permanent record and signed by your three previous commanders.

LYNDAL (SHOCKED)

How do you know this?

CODI (BLUNT)

I've seen your record myself. After all, I am Commander. I can do this. Anyway, once Command Control gets a sight of this plus when I put my report on you on the pile as well, I think not only will they refuse the promotion but drum you out of the UCF all together.

LYNDAL (SMUG)

Don't be sure. I have a lot of friends in Command Control.

CODI (BLUNT)

So do I.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

So do I.

Lyndal pauses to think.

LYNDAL (QUICKLY)

Maybe I misjudged the Assistant Maintenance Tech.

LENA (SMUG)

Oh just admit you are beaten.

LYNDAL (ANNOYED)

You had better just watch your back! All of you!

Lyndal quickly turns and storms out the exit, Boris and Artrifwlkz rush over.

BORIS (RUSSIAN ACCENT, CONFUSED)

What's going on?

CODI (BLUNT)

Same old Deposits.

Art and Boris look at each other, confused.

Codi looks at Lena.

CODI (STERN)

Fill them in.

LENA (CONFUSED)

Me? Why me?

CODI (STERN)

Because the Exec Officer was about to show me what he has been putting all his free time into.

Codi looks at Nikolai. He pauses, then nods.

NIKOLAI (UNEVEN)

Yes, I was, wasn't I.

CODI (STERN)

Carry on Engineer Officer.

Codi heads for the shuttle. Nikolai looks at Lena, shrugs her shoulders.

NIKOLAI (QUICKLY)

And when you get done see if you can't round up our mascot.

Nikolai follows Codi. Lena sighs and begins speaking with Art and Boris. When the officers reach the ship Boris cries out.

BORIS (SHOCKED)

He said what?

ART (SURPRISED)

I don't believe it.

Codi and Nikolai step aboard the shuttle.

INT. SENSOR SHUTTLE - MAIN COMPARTMENT

This room is filled with a bunch of different types of consoles, monitors and controls. Everything is intact but most of the unit’s interiors are exposed. Set in one wall is a door. At the front of the ship is a hatchway leading to the cockpit. Codi rushes into the room and is followed by Nikolai. She comes to a stop and stews. Nikolai looks around the room.

NIKOLAI (PROUD)

As you probably have heard Lena and I have put in a lot of hours in here. The question is why. Simple, we are trying t-

Codi pressed the access button next to the exit and the hatch slides shut. Nikolai turns and looks at her, confused.

CODI (ANGRY)

I can't believe that Spqdoran Lyndal!

NIKOLAI (COMFORTING)

Me either.

CODI (ANGRY)

There was a time when I could tolerate people like him but now all I want to do is kill him!

NIKOLAI (CURIOUS)

What changed?

There is a long pause.

CODI (ANNOYED)

That was when SHE was still here.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

Ah, Ban.

CODI (ANNOYED)

She may have been obnoxious but she did it for a reason. To be the central focus of attention so the Lyndals of the world would attack her and not me. And Kazan forbids anyone who did for she would give it to them. She was the fighter.

NIKOLAI (SARCASTIC)

Tell me about it. I still have some bruises from her.

Codi and Nikolai smile at one another.

CODI (RELIEVED)

But now for the real reason I got us in here.

Nikolai is confused and this is seen.

CODI (CONCERNED)

Are you okay?

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Are you talking about the visit to my quarters by Lena?

CODI (HONEST)

Partially.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Then the answer is yes. I'm not mad at you or anyone else on this ship.

CODI (SURPRISED)

Not even Lyndal?

NIKOLAI (SLY)

As I always say. It's God's job to judge people. It is ours to forgive them.

CODI (HONEST)

I'll never understand your god. He is so forgiving. Where mine is a god of retribution.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Getting back to my problem. As you know I have been communicating with Wactorii since an alliance has been formed between our people, we exchange messages.

Codi nods.

CODI (UNDERSTANDING)

Yes, and from the messages between us and Felina you have kept in constant contact.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

You have been reading my mail?

Codi shakes her head.

CODI (REASSURING)

No, just the logs. You seem rather, attached, to her.

Nikolai smiles.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

You could say that.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

You should be careful what information you relay between you and the princess. Though she is trying to better the life of all on Felina, some of those in the court may not want them changed. They will do anything to secure that. My exile is a prime example.

Nikolai pauses to think.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

Your warning may have come too late.

CODI (CONFUSED)

Oh?

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

She has stopped answering my messages. For some reason which I have no idea she has cut me off. Do you think she is in trouble?

CODI (HONEST)

Being on the Court makes you a natural target.

Nikolai becomes very concerned and she sees this.

CODI (REASSURING)

But we are just speculating. I think we need to find out what happened to Wactorii. I’m more than willing to help.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Help? How can you help? You’re an outcast on Felina, forced to live with us humans instead of your own kind.

Codi nods.

CODI (UNDERSTANDING)

That is true but what also is that I’m your Kalatir, I’m bond to do anything to help. Second of all, I may be exiled from Felinia but I still know how their politics works. I can tell you what to say, which direction to go, how you can find some answers. But in the end you are the one that has to go the distance. What do you say?

Codi holds her hand out to Nikolai, he pauses and thinks. The determined look in her eye makes him clasps her hand and squeezes it tight. They shake.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

You bet… And thank you.

Codi smiles.

CODI (SMUG)

That is what Kalitars do best.

Nikolai chuckles, he lets go of Codi.

CODI (PLOTTING)

Okay, the first thing we need to do is-

Codi is interrupted by a beep from her headset.

GOLDA (OVER HEADSET, RUSSIAN ACCENT)

This is Comm Officer to Commander Codi .

CODI (INTO HEADSET)

This is Commander Codi to Comm Officer, I read you.

GOLDA (OVER HEADSET)

Sorry to disturb you ma’am but we just got word that Admiral Mazeppa is on his way up.

CODI (INTO HEADSET, CONFUSED)

Now? At this late Yerk?

GOLDA (OVER HEADSET)

I’m afraid so, Ma'am. He said it was urgent.

CODI (INTO HEADSET, CONFUSED)

Did he give any indication of why he was coming here?

GOLDA (OVER HEADSET)

Unfortunately, no ma’am.

Codi sighs.

CODI (FRUSTRATED, INTO HEADSET)

All right, get a color guard organized. The Exec and I will get into our dress uniforms.

GOLDA (OVER HEADSET)

Sorry ma’am, no time for that. He will be aboard in about two MiniYerks.

CODI (SHOCKED, INTO HEADSET)

What! Why in Kazan’s name did you wait till the last moment to inform me of the Admiral’s arrival?

GOLDA (OVER HEADSET)

We just got the signal on his final approach.

CODI (SHOCKED, INTO HEADSET)

Okay, pass the word the admiral is coming aboard. The Exec and I will be there to greet him.

GOLDA (OVER HEADSET)

Will do, ma’am.

CODI (INTO HEADSET)

This is Commander Codi out.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

The Admiral is about to board the ship? This isn’t good.

Codi looks to Nikolai.

CODI (ANNOYED)

You’re telling me. The last time something like this happened it was to relieve the commander.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

But why would he relieve you now?

CODI (ANNOYED)

I have a feeling Lyndal has something to do with this.

NIKOLAI (REASSURING)

Relax. I won’t let him take the Minsk from you. Even if he orders me. I’ll talk to him. We’ll get to the bottom of this. Let’s just not lose it.

Codi stares at Nikolai, all she sees is a reassuring smile. She smiles and nods.

CODI (UNDERSTANDING)

I have never regretted picking you as my Kalatir, you’re always here for me.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

You are the same to me.

CODI (CONFIDENT)

Let’s go see what The Admiral wants this time.

Nikolai nods. He and Codi leave the shuttle through the hatch, not really sure what to expect.

EXT. MINSK - BAY ROOM

Through the hole in the floor a shuttle has been lift from space on a shelf. “COMMAND CONTROL” and “ADMIRALTY CC-1” are on the side of it. The ramp has been lowered.

Artrifwlkz. Boris and Lena flank one side of the ramp while Codi and Nikolai flank the other. They stand at attention and try to present themselves the best they can. At the top of the ramp Admiral Joseph Mazeppa appears. He is middle-aged man, wearing a gray uniform with large gold Scepters on each shoulder. On it are several other medals, it is his full dress uniform. He salutes the group.

JOSEPH (OFFICIAL)

Permission to come aboard Commander?

Codi salutes back.

CODI (OFFICIAL)

Permission granted, admiral.

Joseph strides down the ramp as if on a stroll through a park. At the bottom he stops and salutes once again, Codi returns the salute.

CODI (OFFICIAL)

Welcome aboard the UCF Corvette Minsk, admiral.

Joseph glares at Codi.

JOSEPH (ANNOYED)

You don’t think I know what ship I’m on?

CODI (OFFICIAL)

No admiral, I was just following protocol.

Joseph looks Codi over and sneers.

JOSEPH (ANNOYED)

I see when it comes to protocols you have thrown your uniform out the airlock. You’re not wearing an issued UCF uniform.

CODI (OFFICIAL)

It is completely legal under the Clause Of Modification. Everything has been duly noted and approved by Command Control, admiral.

Joseph points a finger and digs it into Codi’s chest.

JOSEPH (ANGRY)

Don’t tell me about regulations or protocols! I’m the one who wrote those when you were just a mere pup!

CODI (OFFICIAL)

I believe the correct term is kitten, admiral.

JOSEPH (ANGRY)

If you correct me again I’ll bust you down to deckhand right here and right now!

CODI (OFFICIAL)

I understand, admiral. Please forgive me, admiral.

JOSEPH (ANGRY)

I will not!

Joseph looks around to the group.

JOSEPH (FRUSTRATED)

What kind of ship are you running here? An admiral comes aboard and you greet them with mere techs?

Codi opens her mouth to respond but Nikolai steps forward.

NIKOLAI (OFFICIAL)

It is not the Commander’s fault, admiral. I was in charge for the color guard. If there is any punishment to be dealt out it should be directed towards me.

Joseph looks to Nikolai through narrow eyes, he slowly nods.

JOSEPH (HONEST)

That is very commendable, Exec. But a commander is ultimately responsible for the actions of the ship’s crew. She should take full responsibility.

NIKOLAI (OFFICIAL)

No disrespect towards you, admiral. But I must insist.

Joseph studies Nikolai, he is very determined. The admiral points at him and he looks at Codi.

JOSEPH (STERN)

You are lucky to have a fine officer like this. Since I don’t want to tarnish his record I’ll let you slide this time, Felinion.

CODI (OFFICIAL)

Thank you, admiral.

Joseph lowers his hand and faces Codi. Nikolai steps back into place.

CODI (OFFICIAL)

May I ask why the admiral has graced us with a visit this evening?

JOSEPH (BLUNT)

No you may not… But I’ll tell it to your Exec.

CODI (CONFUSED)

Admiral?

JOSEPH (ANNOYED)

I thought you cats were suppose to have superior hearing? I see it matches your inferior brain.

CODI (OFFICIAL)

But I am commanding officer of this ship, admiral. I would figure you would want to talk to me.

JOSEPH (ANNOYED)

Well you figured wrong! You also didn’t figure that the sight of you makes me ill!

CODI (OFFICIAL)

I apologize for that, admiral.

Joseph turns to Nikolai.

JOSEPH (OFFICIAL)

Exec Officer, please come with me.

NIKOLAI (OFFICIAL)

Yes sir.

Joseph walks away, Nikolai follows. They go over to the far corner of the hanger. As they do the others watch them go.

CODI (WHISPERS, CONCERNED)

That’s it, he’s going to promote Nikolai to commander and kick me out of the UCF.

LENA (WHISPERS, REASSURING)

You don’t know that for a fact, Codi.

BORIS (WHISPERS, AGREEING)

Yeah, he’s just trying to raffle your fur.

CODI (WHISPERS, CONCERNED)

I don’t mind it, Nikolai has earned it. I just fear this will force humanoids to look down on us Felinions even more, I have pushed our acceptance back twenty KiloYerks.

ARTRIFWLKZ (WHISPERS, REASSURING)

No, thanks to you made it possible for Felinions like myself be part of the humanoid society. You have done a wonderful job.

Codi is not convince, the others see this. Artrifwlkz and Boris try and comfort her the best they can. Meanwhile, in the corner Nikolai and Joseph talk.

JOSEPH (BLUNT)

One bit of advice, Nikolai.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Sir?

Joseph points his finger at Nikolai.

JOSEPH (ANGRY)

Never ever get between a Felinion and myself ever again! I’ll eat you alive just as I will them! Got it?

Nikolai just nods.

JOSEPH (ANGRY)

It is just out of respect for your father and love of your mother that saved you this time.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

I understand. Thank you admiral.

JOSEPH (ANNOYED)

And drop the admiral deposits.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

I should refer to you as Admiral Joseph Mazeppa?

Joseph glares at Nikolai, then for the first time the admiral smiles.

JOSEPH (SMUG)

That is why I always liked you Nik, you are always a Sepcor.

Joseph slaps Nikolai on the arm, they both smile.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Well, it is good to see you too Joseph.

The happiness leaves Nikolai.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

So what is this all about? Arriving in the middle of the night unannounced.

JOSEPH (BLUNT)

Well, before we get into that Abraham told me to say hi for him. He would have come but he had to baby sit one of his experiments.

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

Dad always had his nose buried in one of his experiments. He seamed more interested in them than raising me.

JOSEPH (STERN)

Hey! If he hadn’t the human race would be extinct now. He does love you it is just that he is a scientist, showing emotions is not logical.

Nikolai sighs and nods.

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

I know, I’m not that good in that department either I guess.

JOSEPH (SMUG)

It seems like a Solace trait.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

Oh no, not when it comes to my mother. She had no problem showing her emotions. How is she?

JOSEPH (CONFUSED)

Jaclyn is your mother. Shouldn’t you know?

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

But she divorced dad and is now living with you.

JOSEPH (STERN)

Well maybe if you signaled her once in a while you would know she is in dire straights.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

What’s wrong? Is she sick? Is she dying?

JOSEPH (REASSURING)

She only wishes, at least then she would have a fighting chance. The problem is her Select Womanship is up in a few CentaYerks. She has only been there for a short time but she is taking it pretty bad.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

It isn’t her fault, she can’t be reelected. No Select Person can. The term is only for two KiloYerks. Those are the rules.

JOSEPH (UNDERSTANDING)

I have tried to explain it to her but you know how she feels about image.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

A mirror is not only a reflection of you but is how people perceive you.

JOSEPH (AGREEING)

Exactly.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

I bet you my dad is dancing around right now.

JOSEPH (AGREEING)

Is he ever. It is his hopes that with her influence gone he can sway Command Control in his way of thinking.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

His way of thinking?

JOSEPH (EXPLAINING)

You know, the Felinion infestation. They are choking the life out of us humans.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

They are not an infestation, they help saved us when we nearly blew up our world. Most of my dads work was trying to adapt their technology to ours. We owe them.

JOSEPH (EXPLAINING)

They saved us just so they could play with us for a while. Toying with us. After all they are cats. Once they grow tired of us they’ll snuff us out and find something else to torment.

Nikolai folds his arms.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

You know that isn’t true.

JOSEPH (ANNOYED)

Oh yeah, I forgot. You’re a cat lover. You disobeyed my direct orders to embarrass your commander time and time again.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

She is a hero because she earned it!

JOSEPH (ANNOYED)

How can something that refuses to bath earn anything?

NIKOLAI (STERN)

Judge them on what they are, not what we have already perceived them to be!

JOSEPH (ANNOYED)

I see coming here was a big mistake. You haven’t changed a bit, you’re still a spoiled brat!

NIKOLAI (STERN)

Why did you come here?

JOSEPH (ANNOYED)

To give you a chance of a lifetime! To make you a hero! But I see it will be all up to your father and me to pull it off.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

My father? What does he have to do with this? What are you up to?

JOSEPH (ANNOYED)

We’re leaving for Tethys Major within the Yerk.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

You’re going to Felinia? They’ll never let you land.

JOSEPH (SMUG)

They’ll have to, I’m the Ambassador to Tethys Major.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

Just because you say you are doesn’t mean you are.

JOSEPH (SMUG)

Command Control has decreed it, Tethys Major has approved it. It is a done deal. Though honestly the kittens weren’t too keen on the idea until they heard Abraham was coming along as my advisor.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

How can this be? Command Control knows how you and my father feel towards the Felinions. Your sole purpose to go there is not to build relations but destroy them!

JOSEPH (SMUG)

Fortunately, they don’t act on rumors. It has taken a lot of effort and money to make my true feelings to appear to be only rumors of my riviles. Thanks to my hard word I will crush those pathetic kittens once and for all.

Nikolai clams down.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

You will find them a more worthy adversary than me. Not only is their technology beyond ours but so is their senses, they will sniff you out for the rat you truly are.

JOSEPH (SMUG)

Fortunately, I have an edge. Though they act high and noble they turn out to be as greedy as us. I’ve found a few that are more than willing to supply the information I need to obliterate them. Their destruction will come within.

Nikolai sees how confident he is and becomes upset.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

I will stop you!

Nikolai sees how confident he is and becomes upset.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

I will stop you!

JOSEPH (SMUG)

And how do you plan to do that? Command Control has given us their blessing. Jaclyn is on her way out. The kittens are expecting us. Even if you were able to stop us when we didn’t go it would be an insult to them. You’d finally get the black eye you deserve for defying me!

Nikolai tries to respond but can’t come up with anything, his mind races. Joseph sees this, he sighs.

JOSEPH (FRUSTRATED)

Look, I know deep down there is good in you. That is why Abraham wanted you to come. When we expose the kittens for what they really are you will thank me.

Nikolai glares at Joseph.

NIKOLAI(STERN)

The only thing I will offer you is my utter contempt.

Joseph busts out laughing.

JOSEPH (LAUGHING)

You are a Sepcor. Wish us luck.

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

Since I don’t believe in it, I will. But I will also pray for your ultimate failure.

Joseph just laughs harder, waves and leaves. He walks back to the others. Codi salutes but he ignores her. He walks aboard the shuttle and the hatch closes, the ramp starts to raise. Nikolai joins the group, they look at Nikolai confused.

BORIS (CONFUSED)

What was that all about?

Nikolai looks between Codi and Artrifwlkz.

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

I’m sure you both overheard everything.

Artrifwlkz and Codi nod.

BORIS (ANNOYED)

Forgive me but I don’t have super hearing.

Artrifwlkz sighs, he looks to Boris.

ARTRIFWLKZ (FRUSTRATED)

The admiral and the Primary Scientist of Command Control are on their way to Felinia. There they plan to destroy my people from within.

BORIS (SHOCKED)

Are they crazy? This could lead to war! I’ll quit before I fight a Felinion!

CODI (FRUSTRATED)

Quitting or anything we do won’t change a thing. This is much bigger than any of us.

BORIS (ANNOYED)

Well it still stenches!

ARTRIFWLKZ (ANNOYED)

Deposits! Things were going so well! For the first time in my life I was starting to get some respect, that includes my time on Felinia.

Artrifwlkz catches himself.

ARTRIFWLKZ (EMBARRASSED)

Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound so self centered.

Boris looks to Artrifwlkz and places his hand on his shoulder, he looks back to him confused.

BORIS (REASSURING)

Nothing wrong with being proud… I liked having you around.

Artrifwlkz smiles and nods.

CODI (FRUSTRATED)

I liked having you all around. Only if we could stop them somehow.

Everyone looks down in the dumps but Lena’s mind is racing. Suddenly, a smile comes across her face.

LENA (SLY)

Well, actually there might be something we can do.

Everyone looks to Lena, confused.

LENA (EXPLAINING)

We can’t stop the Admiral and the Primary from going to Felinia but maybe we can ensure they fail in their mission.

BORIS (CONFUSED)

How could we do that?

LENA (SLY)

What if we conveyed to the Felinion government what their intensions are.

CODI (ANNOYED)

You want to sabotage a UCF mission? That would be treason!

ARTRIFWLKZ (HONEST)

Not necessarily. The Admiral is acting on his own accord, he is working against Command Control. So we would actually be doing our duty.

CODI (FRUSTRATED)

I respect your noble intensions but it is hopeless. Artrifwlkz and myself are outcasts, while the rest of you are mere cogs in the UCF. The only ones on Felinion that can help us won’t listen to us. They only would grant an audience only with ambassadors and other high-ranking officials. It is hopeless.

Everyone is depressed again, but Nikolai brightens up.

LENA (SLY)

Correct me if I’m wrong, Codi. But when I was on Felinia wasn’t I made part of the Court there? Don’t they now look up to me and respect my opinion?

Nikolai indicates to his amulet.

ARTRIFWLKZ (EXCITED)

She’s right! The king and queen declared it so! They’d listen to you!

LENA (ANNOYED)

I don’t know about you but I feel we didn’t battle those prevaricates for nothing. We didn’t waste our efforts foiling their plans to discredit Felinions. A lot of good people died in that battle and I think they would agree with me. If there is a chance, even a slight chance, of salvaging this then I say deposit the light explosives! Full load ahead!

BORIS (EXCITED)

She’s right!

ARTRIFWLKZ (EXCITED)

It is our duty to react!

Codi looks around to everyone, they are all very gung-ho.

CODI (HONEST)

I agree with you now. I see the light. The only problem is that I know the Court, they just won’t pick up a signaler from Nikolai.

ARTRIFWLKZ (AGREEING)

She’s right! Something of this magnitude would have to be delivered to the Court themselves. Face to face.

CODI (HONEST)

And as you all know our ship is not ready to leave, the admiral and the Primary are leaving tonight. We don’t have time to charter a ship. This entire discussion is moot.

Everyone becomes depressed once again, all but Lena.

LENA (SLY)

What if I was to tell you we could leave on the Minsk right now.

CODI(SARCASTIC)

I’d say you’ve been sniffing garbage fumes.

LENA (EXPLAINING)

I’m telling you the truth, we are ready to set sail this evening.

CODI (CONFUSED)

How can that be? Last report was that she wouldn’t be ready for another MaxiYerk.

LENA (SMUG)

Come on, I’m an Engineer Officer. I put all my estimations to the highest extent, that way I can ensure I have enough time to tweak every system. I get to play with them all. Besides, when I get done early my commander thinks I’m a genius.

BORIS (EXPLAINING)

She’s right, I’ve seen the roster. All major systems are on-line and have been certified. All minor systems have passed their prelims.

ARTRIFWLKZ (AGREEING)

Yeah, the Minsk was space worthy last CentYerk.

CODI (SUSPICIOUS)

What is left to do?

LENA (PROD)

There are a couple of deposit stations in a few of the quarters that need to be installed. Finishing needs to be applied on some of the walls. That is about it. The best thing is now that we’re the only capital ship in the fleet with Hyperstream we’ll get there ahead of the admiral giving us plenty of time to talk to the Court.

A smile comes across Codi’s face.

CODI (PLEASED)

You have thought of everything.

LENA (PROUD)

Thanks.

Codi’s smile fades.

CODI (ANNOYED)

But one. We can’t just pull out of dry-dock ahead of schedule and go for a joy ride. This is a UCF vessel, we go where they tell us.

LENA (TAKEN ABACK)

Oh yeah.

BORIS (SMUG)

Actually we can, it has been done before.

CODI (ANNOYED)

Yeah, it is call mutiny.

BORIS (EXPLAINING)

No, it is called a shakedown. Once the Engineer Officer summits all their test to Command Control and they are all passing the ship is released. Before it goes into service the Commander takes her out and runs it through its paces. They have a CentaYerk to do this. Once that is done the ship goes into service. In this shakedown cruise we can go anywhere we want. Since the Engineer Officer has worked so closely with the refit Command Control will honor their request.

CODI (ANNOYED)

You are forgetting it is the middle of the night, Command Control has broke session. We would have to wait until the morning and even then they aren’t known to act very quickly. By the time we were cleared the admiral would already be on Felinia.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

Actually, all we need is the okay by one Select Person. They tend not to like taking responsibility as a group when it comes to new untried things, it is easier to shift the blame. I’m sure Select Woman Jaclyn Solace, my mother, would be more than happy to clear us at this Yerk and help stop her Ex-Husband.

Codi nods.

CODI (UNDERSTANDING)

No argument there. Okay, we have every hurtle but one cleared. That is going to Felinia itself. That is a closed planet and we’re not on official UCF business. Command Control is not going to be happy if we go there and send someone down.

LENA (STERN)

Hey, I never said we were going to get off Scott free. Let there be no mistake, we are going to get our butts tanned. But I think it is worth the risk. Anyone who doesn’t should transfer off the ship now.

Codi looks around to everyone.

CODI (BLUNT)

Is that how you all feel?

They all nod, Codi smiles.

CODI (PLEASED)

In that case we have a ship to set sail.

Everyone cheers, Codi points at Lena.

CODI (STERN)

You and Boris start release procedures.

LENA (PLEASED)

With pleasure!

Lena and Boris turns and rushes away, Codi points to Nikolai.

CODI (STERN)

You get the crew organized, this has to be a team effort.

Nikolai smiles and just salutes, he turns and rushes away.

CODI (STERN)

As for me I have a call to a Select Woman to make.

ARTRIFWLKZ (CONFUSED)

What do you want me to do?

CODI (STERN)

Pray that we can actually pull this off.

Codi turns and rushes away, Artrifwlkz goes the other way. Once everyone is gone Lyndal appears from behind some shipping creates, he has a big smile on his face. He busts out laughing.

INT. STENCH - COCKPIT

This is a very cramped and small cockpit, it has tons of controls. It is very messy. There are seats for a pilot and co-pilot. Flying the ship is a young female in her early twenties, this is Debra Jenkins. Next to her is a young male about the same age, this is Wes Plato. Both are wearing gray uniform and heavy black boots, standard UCF issue. They have small garbage can symbols on their shoulders. She is intently doing her job but he is sluffing off.

DEBRA (AMERICAN ACCENT, INTERESTED)

How is that OBC pressure holding?

WES (AMERICAN ACCENT, ANNOYED)

Like I give a care what the deposit pressure is?

Debra looks over to Wes, she can tell something is brothering him.

DEBRA (CONCERNED)

What is eating at you?

Wes looks over to Debra.

WES (ANNOYED)

Look at us! We’re trained UCF warriors and what are we doing? Hauling garbage around!

Debra rolls her eyes.

DEBRA (FRUSTRATED)

Not this again.

WES (ANNOYED)

Yes this again! I’m mad! You should be too!

Debra sighs and goes back to flying.

DEBRA (FRUSTRATED)

Look, we’re cadets. We’re excepted to take the deposit jobs. That is the pecking order.

WES (ANNOYED)

Expected? We’re freshly trained, we should have the top jobs. At this point in time we are up to date on the latest tactics and procedures. We should be Commanders of our own ships.

Debra laughs.

DEBRA (LAUGHING)

Give me a break, Wes. Training is one thing, but experience is something else. We may know what to do in a simulation but this is reality. The two are totally different. Our crews would eat us alive.

WES (CONFUSED)

You like being the pilot of a garbage can Debra?

Debra glares at Wes.

DEBRA (ANNOYED)

I hardly think this is what my parents dreamed of when they bribe a Select Man to squeeze me to the head of the line. I’m sure your parents would feel the same.

Debra glares at Wes for a few more moments then faces forwards.

DEBRA (FRUSTRATED)

But there are some things money can’t buy. Like experience.

WES (SMUG)

True, but they could instead bribe us onto a real ship as Commanders.

DEBRA (HONEST)

If they did I would resign my commission.

WES (SMUG)

Oh come off it! You want a shot at commandership as bad as me!

Debra looks back to Wes.

DEBRA (STERN)

I probably want it more but I’d rather fly around in a refuge barge the rest of my life than being known as the commander that got his ship destroyed because she had no experience. Our time will come, we just have to pay our dues.

Debra faces forward again, Wes sighs.

WES (FRUSTRATED)

I’m afraid that time is against us. The Great War is over. The Democratic Legion is failing. The Admiral and the Primary Scientist are off to Tethys Major to whip the Felinions into place. I mean, the most excitement we’ll see in our entire careers will probably be this DecaYerk. A day that started being rousted out of bed because some Select Woman wants to get a ship commanded by a Felinion out of dock!

DEBRA (HONEST)

Hey, I’m not too thrilled about it myself but we have to face facts. For now we’re on the lower part of the food chain.

WES (ANNOYED)

Lower part? We are at the very end! I mean, we’re catering to Felinions! They have more respect than us! They should be the ones doing this job!

DEBRA (BLUNT)

No argument from me. This is a Felinion’s job. But until we get a break it is our job, more importantly if we screw up you can be sure we will be doing this job for a long time. So check the deposit OBC pressure!

Wes grumbles and starts doing his job. Debra continues to fly the ship.

EXT. URANUS - UCF REPAIR FACILITY

The Stench continues to make its way through the many ships under repair. It heads for one off in the distance, the Minsk. A flurry of activity is happening around the ship as other utility craft buzz around it. The Stench heads for her.

CODI (VOICE OVER, BLUNT)

Log entry 22.57.06.19.07.04.21.43, Commander Codiozianquy Zqiuvxbiea logging. The crew of the Minsk is making final preparations for departure. Most of us have been up all night, I’m proud of this crew. They have really pulled everything together is such a short time. But then again they always do. But I fear I will not be Commander for much longer. At least after our latest mission. I use the term mission loosely because we are more on a crusade, a crusade against the UCF itself. Last night they sent the admiral and the Primary Scientist of Command Control to my home world, Felinia, to sabotage it. Don’t get me wrong, I have no love for Felinia. Its corruption and narrowness rivals even the humanoids, the only difference is we didn’t fry our world over it. I feel we have a lot to offer to one another, as equals. But it seems every time it looks like we are going to work together towards the common good we both show our ugly side, our wicked side. Our pride and prejudice. Will we forever curse and condemn ourselves to our combined stupidity? Can we ever overcome our short comings, stare each other in the eye and see what we can become if we could just work together?

The Stench continues to head for the Minsk.

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. Codi is seated at the Command Station and is monitoring one of her screens. Vladimir Vladivostok is seated at the Gator station as is too monitoring his controls, he is a fairly handsome man wearing a UCF uniform and is wearing gold symbols of a compass on his shoulders. Ivan Alexander, a geeky looking man who is wearing a standard Minsk uniform and has golden symbols of eyes and ears, is seated at the Sensor Station. Boris is seated at the Engineer Station. At the Comm Station is newbie Golda Mystroski who is a lovely blonde who is intensely monitoring the station's screen who has golden symbols of computers on her shoulders. Nikolai is seated at the Exec station. 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. Nikolai looks to Boris.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What are you doing here Boris?

BORIS RUSSIAN (EXPLAINING)

I’m here under false pretences. The Engineer Officer refuses to sit still, she is busy in the bowels of the Minsk prior to launch.

Nikolai smiles.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

That sounds like my Lena.

Codi looks around the room.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

Well, from what Jaclyn told me the Admiral has been focusing on the trade routes of cargo vessels that trade with Felina.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

The Admiral could start picking off freifghters left and right.

GOLDA (CONFUSED)

I don’t see how that could topple Felina. I mean, we’d just have to escort them to protect them.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

But Felina is the one that sets the courses, they are very protective of their planet. They are never use the same courses and aren’t given to the crews until the last moment. But if someone inside the government gives them to Joseph it will appear that Felina has turned on the humans, this could mean war.

VLADIMIR (CONFUSED)

Couldn’t we just give this information to Command Control? They could stop them.

Ivan laughs.

IVAN (LAUGHING)

Command Control is like any government, we need solid evidence. All we have is seculation.

CODI (EXPLAING)

Yes, we are peace’s only hope.

Everyone goes back to work, Golda starts mumbling into her headset. She nods then looks up to Codi.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Ma’am, Command Control is asking us if you are ready to bring the curtain down.

Codi looks to Nikolai.

CODI (SERIOUS)

Well Exec, this is it. Do we proceed or not? Our entire plan rests on you and that amulet that is around your neck. It all depends on what we do.

Nikolai pauses and thinks, he reaches up and grabs the amulet. He continues to think.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

I have about a snowball’s chance on the sun of even getting into see the Court of Chaw. Even if I do it could be fatal for me… But the regret that I would feel for the rest of my life if I didn’t try would be far worse. An entire civilization is more important than one man. On one career. I say we go.

Codi smiles, he nods to Nikolai. She then looks down to Golda.

CODI (PLEASED)

You heard the Exec Officer, give the word.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Yes ma’am.

Golda looks down to her workstation and start speaking into her headset. Codi just sits there and stares into thin air. Her smile has faded and concern is reflected in her face.

EXT. URANUS - UCF REPAIR FACILITY - MINSK

One by one the force fields around the ship flicker and fade. After the first one goes the ship rocks slightly as all the air rushes out, the ship then continues to float there.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Everyone is still busy here. Codi turns to Boris who is intently studying his screen.

CODI (ANXIOUS)

Well Boris?

Boris studies his screen and then smiles, he turns to Codi.

BORIS (PLEASED)

All seals are holding, only a leakage ratio of .000004. Well under specs, we’re space worthy.

The Bridge crew cheers but Codi looks around to them and palms her hands in a calming manor.

CODI (STERN)

Easy everyone, that is only the first hurtle. We have a long way to go and if you think I’m going to tolerate a highly trained and professional bridge crew to sound like a bunch of cheerleaders every time we do something right think again.

The crew settles down and goes back to work. Codi looks to one of her screens and enters several commands using her Instructer. When she is done Lena, she wears a Modified Headset like the rest.

CODI (TO SCREEN, BLUNT)

Okay, the yarn is in your court. Do us proud.

Lena smiles.

LENA (OVER SCREEN, PLEASED)

I won’t fail any of you.

Lena turns away from the screen.

CODI (TO SCREEN, BLUNT)

Engineer Officer…

Lena stops and looks back to the screen.

CODI (TO SCREEN, STERN)

If one system fails or does not initialize Command Control will shut us down.

LENA (OVER SCREEN, UNDERSTANDING)

I know, but you have nothing to worry about. Everything will go fine. Trust me.

CODI (TO SCREEN, STERN)

I am, Lena. I am.

Lena hesitates, then nods. She turns away from the screen and it goes dark, then is replaced by a silhouette of Russia. Codi just stares at the screen with great concern.

INT. MINSK – POWER PLANET

This is a huge room with two very thick clear tubes that run the length on each side. There are controls and monitors all along the walls. Maintenance Techs are everywhere, working controls, watching monitors and making last minute changes. In the center of the room is Lena, she is facing away from a screen. Next to her is Artrifwlkz. On the other side of her is Lyndal. All of them are wearing Modified Headsets. Lena looks very uneasy.

LENA (CONCERNED)

How am I ever going to pull this off?

Artrifwlkz places a comforting hand on Lena’s shoulder.

ARTRIFWLKZ (REASSURING)

If anyone can you can.

Lena looks to Artrifwlkz and smiles.

LENA (PLEASED)

Thanks.

Lyndal looks on in disgust.

LYNDAL (DISGUSTED)

How can you allow a filthy, smelly, flea ridden Felinion touch you?

Lena turns and glares angrily at Lyndal, this has no affect on him. Artrifwlkz notices this.

ARTRIFWLKZ (BLUNT)

Don’t waste your time on him, ma’am. He’s just trying to get at me. He will not succeed. He isn’t the first to refer me in such a manner and probably won’t be the last.

Lena ignores Artrifwlkz, she gets into Lyndal’s face.

LENA (STERN)

Stick close to me, Lyndal. I don’t want you screwing anything up for your own personal gain. That is, unless you accidentally fall out of an air lock.

Lyndal looses some of his cool.

LYNDAL (ANNOYED)

Okay, it is clear, we despise each other.

Lyndal gives Lena the evil eye, she just smiles. She then turns and walks away. Artrifwlkz is right next to her. Lyndal just stands there and sulking. After about three paces she stops and then Artrifwlkz does. She turns to Lyndal and points to the empty spot next to her, she glares at him.

LENA (STERN)

When say stick by me deckhand I mean it!

Lyndal pauses, then smiles. He takes his time walking over to Lena.

LYNDAL (SMUG)

It will take more than theatrics from an Engineer Officer to frighten me. Nothing scares me.

Lena just gives Lyndal a cold look, then turns and walks away. This time Artrifwlkz and Lyndal are right next to her. She walks up to the main panel and looks it over.

LENA (BLUNT)

Everything looks in order.

Lena turns and looks to the busy crew around here.

LENA (STERN)

If I may all have your attention.

They all stop what they are doing and look to Lena.

LENA (STERN)

The time has come to make this power planet operational. Are there any reasons why we should not proceed?

LYNDAL (BLUNT)

Other than when we fire up this new style fuel converters we’ll go up brighter than a sun.

LENA (SMUG)

Maybe I should have made myself clear. I meant anyone to speak up that knows something about engineering.

The crew laughs, Lyndal sulks. After the laughter subsides Lena looks around the room, no one responds. She smiles.

LENA (PLEASED)

Then let’s start us a chain reaction!

Everyone but Lyndal cheers. Lena turns back to the main panel and the crew goes back to work, Lyndal and Artrifwlkz watches her closely. She plays with the controls.

LENA (STERN)

Introducing alpha and beta Hydrogen-Floureen!

A pink gas begins to seep into one end of each of the clear tubes while a yellow gas fills the opposite end. Suddenly, it whiz to the other ends and fills the tubes completely. Once that happens it explodes inside the chamber, more explosions follow as the gasses react with one another. They are very powerful, so much so the entire room shakes. Lyndal screams in terror and ducks behind the controls. Artrifwlkz chuckles, he peers over the controls and down to him.

ARTRIFWLKZ (SMUG)

What happened Lyndal? I thought nothing scares you.

LYNDAL (TERRIFIED)

How can you make jokes! We are about to die!

ARTRIFWLKZ (SMUG)

Well maybe if you had been able to stick around for an entire refit instead of getting yourself booted off the ships you would know this is completely normal for a cold start.

The explosions diminish then disappear. Lyndal peers over the controls to the tubes, lights of different colors and frequencies flash inside the tube but there is no sound and the shaking has stopped. Lena checks the controls and smiles, she looks over to Lyndal.

LENA (SMUG)

One of the best startups I have every witnessed.

Lyndal grumbles and stands up, Lena and Artrifwlkz laughs.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

As it was before. Boris checks his screen and smiles, he turns to Codi.

BORIS (PROUD)

I’m happy to report the power planet is on-line and functioning well within specs.

Codi looks to Boris and smiles.

CODI (PLEASED)

Then what are you waiting for? Cut us over.

BORIS (PLEASED)

With pleasure, ma’am.

Boris looks backs to his screen and uses his Instructer to enter in a few commands. The lights and workstations all flicker for a few moments, but then return to normal. He studies his screen then smiles, he looks back to Codi.

BORIS (SMUG)

We’re on our own power grid now, everything looks great. We can stop leaching off Command Control anytime you want.

Codi nods then turns to Golda.

CODI (PLEASED)

Comm Officer, inform Command Control we’re self-sufficient.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Yes ma’am.

Golda mumbles into her headset.

EXT. URANUS - UCF REPAIR FACILITY - MINSK

The small ship that is attached to the Minsk detaches itself from her and moves away. The small utility craft and spacemen do the same. A shuttle has moved into the area. “COMMAND CONTROL” and “SCC-9” are on the side of it.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Everyone is still working but look very pleased, all but Codi. She pauses to think then turns to Boris.

CODI (BLUNT)

Time to bring up the Quziis, give us one layer.

BORIS (BLUNT)

You got.

Boris uses his Instructer to give commands to his workstation, he studies the screen and frowns. He reissues the command again but doesn’t like what he sees. He tries it one more time. Finally, he sighs and turns to Codi.

BORIS (FRUSTRATED)

We have a problem, the Quzii’s aren’t coming up.

CODI (CONFUSED)

Are all the projectors failing?

BORIS (FRUSTRATED)

No ma’am, the problem is no power is getting to them.

CODI (CONFUSED)

The distribution system has failed?

BORIS (FRUSTRATED)

No, it bigger than that. The Quzii generator is off-line. With it we have no Quziis.

CODI (BLUNT)

And without Quziis we cannot leave dock.

BORIS (REASSURING)

I’m sure Lena is on it, she’ll get it working.

CODI (STERN)

She had better because if we have any delay, even in the smallest, it could force Command Control to reconsider the Minsk’s reliability and scrap the whole mission.

Codi glares at Boris, he turns back to his screen and begins to work feverously. A gloom comes over the rest of the crew.

INT. MINSK – QUZII GENERATION CENTER

This is a large room that the centerpiece is a huge cylinder, a ladder leads up the side of it. On the top is a narrow walkway and in the very center is shaft leading through the cylinder and through the floor below to a set of metal mirrors pointing in all different directions. Above is a large protector that points down into the shaft. Out of three sides of it are thick metal pipes that lead down to the walkway, at that level one of the pipes has a valve with no handle. The pipes then skirt around the cylinder and into the floor. Down here there are several workstations, controls and monitors. There are techs all over down here. Artrifwlkz is on the walkway near the valve with another Tech. Lena is climbing up the latter with Lyndal right behind her. As she goes she is talking into her headset.

CODI (OVER HEADSET, ANNOYED)

We need those Quziis and we need them now!

LENA (INTO HEADSET, HONEST)

I’m working on it, Commander.

CODI (OVER HEADSET, ANNOYED)

Well work faster!

Lena rolls her eyes as she goes.

CODI (OVER HEADSET, ANNOYED)

What is wrong with the generator?

LENA (INTO HEADSET, HONEST)

If I knew that I would have already fixed it.

CODI (OVER HEADSET, ANNOYED)

Great!

The channel goes dead, Lena is relieved. She makes it to the walkway and goes over to Artrifwlkz, Lyndal joins her.

LENA (CONCERNED)

What’s the hang up?

ARTRIFWLKZ (EXPLAINING)

It is this cutoff valve, it is stuck in the closed position. Without the third element the generator won’t activate.

LENA (CONFUSED)

Cutoff valve? I thought we decided not to use them? Our sims showed we would get better efficiency without them and we can turn off the flow if we have to from the source.

ARTRIFWLKZ (EXPLAINING)

The valve was installed after we made the decision, that is why this is the only feed that has it. The problem is the automatics were never attached, we can’t control it.

LENA (CONFUSED)

But that shouldn’t be a problem since they are always installed open.

ARTRIFWLKZ (EXPLAINING)

Well not this one.

LENA (ANNOYED)

Remind me to jettison the Sepcor that installed this one.

ARTRIFWLKZ (SMUG)

Well you won’t have far to go.

Artrifwlkz points to Lyndal, Lena looks to him. He notices this.

LYNDAL (FALSE SURPRISED)

He’s lying! He’s a Felinion so you can’t believe him!

Lena glares at Lyndal and he cowers.

LENA (ANNOYED)

If I remember this was solely your project. I gave instructions that this was to be removed!

LYNDAL (DEFENSIVE)

Hey! I was busy with other projects.

ARTRIFWLKZ (SMUG)

Like trying to sabotage my career.

LYNDAL (DEFENSIVE)

I don’t see what the big deal is, we can replace it in the next refit.

ARTRIFWLKZ (BLUNT)

We haven’t even left the dock and you’re planning the next refit!

LENA (ANNOYED)

Well here is a bit of news, Lyndal. If we don’t get this fixed in the next MiniYerk we are never going to leave dock!

Lyndal smiles, this is noticed.

ARTRIFWLKZ (ANNOYED)

He did this on purpose! He wants to stick around so he can transfer!

LENA (BLUNT)

Nothing would make me happier if it weren’t for the fact that once he got off he would make sure we never would leave the dock again.

Lyndal just smiles, Artrifwlkz growls at him.

CODI (OVER HEADSET, ANNOYED)

Command Control is demanding to know what is going on! I can’t stall them any longer!

LENA (INTO HEADSET, REASSURING)

Tell them we wanted to run one final contamination scan just to be sure.

CODI (OVER HEADSET, ANNOYED)

That will buy us a MicroYerk at best!

LENA (INTO HEADSET, REASSURING)

All I need is a MicroYerk, Commander. I know what the problem is.

CODI (OVER HEADSET, FRUSTRATED)

You got it, make it count.

The channel goes dead.

LYNDAL (SMUG)

Ha! It would take you more than a MicroYerk to cut off the valve let alone replace it! You’re finished!

Lena ignores Lyndal and looks down to the main floor, she points to one of the techs looking up who is carrying a large odd looking wrench.

LENA (EXCITED)

You there! I need that wrench up here! Stat!

The tech nods, flips a switch and tosses it up towards Lena. The wrench has its own anti-gravitational field. It quickly floats up to her, she quickly gabs it and faces the valve.

LYNDAL (SMUG)

You are really reaching, Engineer Officer. That valve is sealed on, not screwed. That wrench is useless. Even if it was that wrench is not big enough for that pipe.

LENA (BLUNT)

It is big enough for what I plan on using it for.

Lena holds the wrench like a club and then with all her might strikes the valve with it. Lyndal laughs.

LYNDAL (LAUGHING)

Anger won’t save you!

Suddenly, there is a loud hiss and the projector above comes to life. Bright light shoots from the projector, travels down the shaft and bounces off the mirror below. Artrifwlkz and Lena look to the light with glee, Lyndal is not pleased at all. She lets go of the wrench and it hovers there in the air by itself.

LENA (SMUG)

You were wrong, once again, Lyndal. Anger can sometimes solve problems.

LYNDAL (CONFUSED)

How can this be? The valve by design wants to close against the pressure. Only the automatics of the valve allows it to open but this one doesn’t have one!

Lena looks to Lyndal.

LENA (SMUG)

Lucky for us you don’t belong near anything mechanical, you installed the valve backwards so its nature is to always stay open. The rap I gave it just dislodged it from its stuck position.

Lyndal sulks, Lena looks back to the light of the generator. She raises her hands over her head.

LENA (EXCITED)

I have created life! It lives!

Lena breaks down into mock insane laughter, Artrifwlkz leans over to the Tech.

ARTRIFWLKZ (WHISPERS, CONCERNED)

I think someone has been watching too many old VR-Disks.

The Tech only nods. Lena continues to laugh.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Everyone is busy with working at their stations but Codi, she is talking to Lena on her screen.

CODI (TO SCREEN, APOLOGETIC)

Again, I’m sorry for exploding on you like that.

LENA (OVER SCREEN, REASSURING)

It was a tense moment. Don’t worry about it.

CODI (TO SCREEN, APOLOGETIC)

That still is no excuse.

Lena smiles.

LENA (OVER SCREEN, REASSURING)

Hey, you’re the Commander. Part of your job is to beat the tail of the Engineering Tech and my job is to show you how you can’t do without me.

Codi chuckles then comes all serious.

CODI (TO SCREEN, SERIOUS)

You do know that if I didn’t think you could cut the job you won’t be on my ship.

Lena nods.

LENA (OVER SCREEN, UNDERSTANDING)

I know none of us would be here if you thought that.

Codi smiles.

CODI (TO SCREEN, PLEASED)

You did a great job.

Lena starts to feel uncomfortable with all the praise.

LEAN (OVER SCREEN, UNEASY)

Thanks… So what is the word from Command Control?

CODI (TO SCREEN, CONCERNED)

None. They are making the final decision on whether to release us of not. They are taking an awfully long time.

Lena opens her mouth but Golda breaks in.

GOLDA (PLEASED)

We just got it ma’am, Command Control has released us. We are free to proceed.

Everyone cheers, Codi doesn’t mind. She looks over to Vladimir.

CODI (PLEASED)

Take us out gator, nice and slow.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Aye aye, Commander.

Vladimir uses his Instructer to issue commands. Codi looks back to her screen Lena is gone, instead it just has a silhouette of Russia. She frowns.

EXT. URANUS - UCF REPAIR FACILITY - MINSK

Everyone outside watches anxiously. As the ship slowly begins to move forward the spacemen cheer and the crews in the utility craft flash their lights on and off, the only ones that are not showing a response is the shuttle. The Minsk continues on its way out.

INT. SHUTTLE SCC-9 – COCKPIT

This is a small cockpit full of all sorts of buttons, switches and knobs. Out the front window the Minsk can be seen pulling out of the dock. Andropve Dekolivich is sitting in the pilot’s chair while Jaclyn Solace is standing before the co-pilot’s and leaning up against the dash, both sets of eyes are locked on the Minsk. He is an older man with blonde hair and a gray beard, he is wearing a UCF uniform with small metal shuttle symbols on his shoulders. She is about the same age, brown hair and heavy on the makeup. She is in civilian clothes and has a nametag indicating she is a Select Woman of Command Control. He strokes his bread.

ANDROPVE (RUSSIAN ACCENT, BLUNT)

I sure hope you know what you are doing, Jaclyn.

JACLYN (RUSSIAN ACCENT, SMUG)

Since when have I ever known what I am doing? After all, I married Abraham.

Andropve chuckles but just out of politeness, he looks over to her.

ANDROPVE (BLUNT)

Speaking of which, if this blows up in your face he will make sure the galaxy knows it was all your idea and your idea alone.

JACLYN (HONEST)

It doesn’t matter what happens, he will try to discredit me no matter what I do.

ANDROPVE (BLUNT)

True, but if this goes sour you know how much backbone Command Control has. They’ll follow his suit and distance themselves from you.

JACLYN (HONEST)

Let them, it never stopped them in the past.

ANDROPVE (BLUNT)

You will shortly lose your Select Woman power, you will have no protection. I think you should seriously consider the implications here.

JACLYN (HONEST)

Relax Andropve, you’ll get a recommendation at the end of my term. You’ll retain your cushy job as pilot for the next Select Person.

ANDROPVE (BLUNT)

I could care less about that, I’m only concerned about you.

Jaclyn turns and looks at Andropve, she smiles.

JACLYN (SMUG)

Like Oxidation Deposits! You can’t fool me because I was once like you. I only worried about myself. I would shoomze those higher up. I would learn the right things to say. That is how I became a Select Woman. Then one day my son did something really stupid, he disobeyed the Admiral but most importantly he went against the system. He managed to do what I could never dream of: Doing what is right. Showing us that one person can make a different in either direction. Because of that inspiration I’ve tried to do good these last couple of DecaYerks. Righted wrongs and doing good for the people I’m suppose to represent. That is why I signed off on the Minsk, giving her permission to leave because what they are setting out to do is worth the risk I am taking.

Andropve stands and looks to Jaclyn, he smiles.

ANDROPVE (SMUG)

Save the speeches for the departure party that no one is going to go to.

Andropve turns and exits out a hatch in the back, Jaclyn watches him go. She sighs.

JACLYN (MUTTERING)

If he thinks he is getting a recommendation letter now he can forget it.

Jaclyn turns back to the Minsk, she watches her go.

JACLYN (MUTTERING)

Then again, after this is all done I may be asking him for a recommendation letter… It is all up to you my son, don’t let me down.

Jaclyn continues to stare at the Minsk as she clears the dock.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Everyone is working at their station but they are a bit relaxed now. Vladimir looks up from his work to Codi.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Ma’am, we’ve cleared the outer markers of the Uranus facility. We are in free space.

Codi looks to Vladimir and smiles.

CODI (PLEASED)

Good. Increase to full load. Keep us on this course away from Felinia, we don’t want to give any hints to the UCF. Once we are at Hyperstream we’ll correct our course.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Aye aye, ma’am.

Vladimir goes to work, Codi looks to Boris.

CODI (PLEASED)

What is the good word from your boss, Boris?

Boris looks to Codi.

BORIS (PROUD)

She says all systems are functioning and she’s dying to jump to Hyperstream.

CODI (PLEASED)

She’s not alone but first things first.

Codi turns to Golda.

CODI (PLEASED)

Comm Officer, give the alert. We go to Ultra-Light in fifteen MiniYerks.

Golda doesn’t even look up.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

You have it, ma’am.

Golda starts muttering into her headset. Codi looks around the room, she has a big smile on her face.

EXT. URANUS – MINSK

The ship accelerates and continues to head away from the repair facility.

MINSK CONTROL

(COMPUTERIZED VOICE)

All stations prepare for Ultra-Light acceleration. Acceleration will commence in 15 MiniYerks. All stations prepare.

The ship continues on.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

As it was before.

CODI (INTERESTED)

What is the status on Ultra-Light?

Golda checks her screen.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

All sections report ready for acceleration, ma’am.

VLADIMIR (PLEASED)

Course laid in and plotted.

BORIS (PROUD)

All Ultra-Light systems are primed and ready.

IVAN (BLUNT)

The pathway is cleared to jump point.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

All is set.

CODI (BLUNT)

Okay. Ultra-Light is go. Activate all absorption fields and give the signal.

Everyone springs into action and issues their final commands. Once they do light encompasses their chars, they all lay back and wait.

EXT. URANUS – MINSK

The ship heads away. Two large engines on the back of the ship fire and the Minsk speeds faster and faster until it disappears from view.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

The room vibrates very wildly, everyone’s chairs jostles around but the light fields keep them in their seats. The crew keeps their eyes glued to their screens. After a few moments the vibrating subsides.

VLADIMIR (PLEASED)

We've reached Ultra-Light.

BORIS (PROUD)

All systems are stabilized.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

All departments have reported in, no issues.

IVAN (BLUNT)

Tracking pathway is clear.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Everything is perfect.

BORIS (SMUG)

Can I throw in I love this new absorption fields? No more belt burn.

IVAN (ANNOYED)

If you ask me they freak me out. With a belt you can feel it is there, with just energy you can’t be sure.

CODI (PLEASED)

Well let’s really put it to the test, I’m giving the go for Hyperstream.

IVAN (MUMBLING)

I was afraid you were going to say something like that.

Everyone begins to issue orders with there Instructers.

EXT. SPACE – MINSK

As the ship passes at Ultra-Light speed the two powerful engines on the back burn even brighter, the ship begins to accelerate even more.

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Everyone is watching their screens, as they do room is introduced to a rippling effect. Anything moving in the room, such as body parts, has a rippling duplicate trail behind it. As time goes on the longer the trail gets. Everyone tries to focus on their work.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Point four…

Several of the crew waves their hands before their faces and look at the trailing effect in awe, it is like some bad drug trip.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Point three…

IVAN (AMAZED)

This is just like in the simulation.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Point two…

BORIS (AMAZED)

If it wasn’t happening right now I wouldn’t believe it.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Point one…

CODI (STERN)

Let’s keep focused on our work.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Point zero…

Suddenly, the room explodes!

EXT. SPACE – MINSK

As the ship whizzes through space it explodes in a brilliant ball of light!

INT. MINSK - BRIDGE

Everything and everyone is fine and well. The trailing effect is gone, everyone is checking their instruments.

VLADIMIR (PLEASED)

We’re in perfect Hyperstream.

BORIS (PROUD)

I’ll concur with that.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

We are traveling twice the speed of light, faster than we have ever traveled before.

GOLDA (IN AWE)

That is eerie.

IVAN (MUTTERING)

More like some UCF conspiracy.

CODI (SMUG)

Whatever you think of it I can guarantee I will be able to sleep through it.

Codi gets to her feet and looks around the room.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

Most of you have been up all night, we have a long way to go and a difficult mission ahead of us. I suggest you all call up your temps and try to get some sleep. What do you say we reconvene in 50 MiniYerks and discuss how we plan to pull this off?

GOLDA (CONFUSED)

50 MiniYerks?

BORIS (SHOCKED)

Is she kidding?

CODI (CONFUSED)

Is there something wrong?

Codi looks around the room, Nikolai looks to her.

NIKOLAI (CAUTIOUS)

Er, Commander, I think you are forgetting we’re not Felinions. We can’t live on catnaps. Humans need three Yerks.

Codi shakes her head.

CODI (CONFUSED)

How you ever proceeded out of the dark ages after wasting so much time sleeping I will never know.

IVAN (MUTTERING)

Sleep is another conspiracy.

CODI (BLUNT)

Can we afford three Yerks? After all, we have much to do.

NIKOLAI (REASSURING)

It will take us a DecaYerk to reach Felinia and a DecaYerk is ten Yerks. We basically know how we plan on to proceed, we just need to work out the details. We can’t do that while we are asleep.

Codi sighs.

CODI (BLUNT)

Okay, we will meet in my quarters in four Yerks.

VLADIMIR (UNEASY)

No offense, but could we meet in Ivan’s quarters instead?

Codi looks to Vladimir.

CODI (CONFUSED)

Ivan’s? Why his?

Ivan looks to Vladimir.

IVAN (CONFUSED)

Yeah. Why mine?

Vladimir doesn’t respond.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

I think it is all the fur, after all, this is your shedding season. With some humans it does not agree with them.

CODI (BLUNT)

Fine. We will meet in Ivan’s room.

Codi turns, walks down the stairs and exits the room. Everyone looks to on another and smiles.

VLADIMIR (SURPRISED)

I can’t believe we pulled it off.

GOLDA (CONCERNED)

Do you think she bought it?

BORIS (SMUG)

Oh yeah, she doesn’t have a clue what we are planning.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

Well Ivan almost blew it with “Why my room?”

IVAN (DEFENSIVE)

Hey! I was just trying to make it sound convincing!

GOLDA (BLUNT)

More like trying to blow the entire plan!

IVAN (ANNOYED)

Why you-

NIKOLAI (INTERRUPTING, STERN)

Hey, we don’t have time with this. We have to finish all the preparations before the commander awakes.

VLADIMIR (SLY)

Yes, she won’t know what hit her.

The entire crew flashes a wicked smile.

EXT. SPACE – MINSK

The ship whizzes by at Hyperstream speed, it is going so fast it is just a blur.

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. 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, the same color as Codi’s. She is sitting on the mattress as she is licks her arm, she is giving herself a bath. She currently wears no clothes but her fur is so thick you can’t see anything. She finishes and looks herself over, she smiles and purrs happily. Suddenly, she begins to gag. She chokes and chokes until she coughs up a large hairball and spits it out on the floor, she frowns.

CODI (ANNOYED)

I hate it when that happens.

Codi goes down on all fours and stretches as a cat would, her joints creak. She then picks up the hairball and goes over to a small door marked Refuge. She opens it to reveal a small chute, she tosses the hairball in and lets go of the door. It slams shut and there is the sound of a vacuum. Next she walks over to the post and extends her very sharp claws, she begins to use them on the post. As she does she hisses. As she works out the monitor beeps, she instantly stops what she is doing.

NIKOLAI (OVER MONITOR, BLUNT)

Exec Officer to Commander Codi. Do you read?

Codi retracts her claws, goes over to the monitor and presses a button on it.

CODI (TO MONITOR, PLEASED)

This is Commander Codi to Exec Officer. I read you.

The monitor comes to life and Nikolai appears on it, he is standing and is in his uniform. He has his headset on. But as soon as he catches sight of Codi he quickly places his hands over his face eyes and faces away from her.

NIKOLAI (OVER MONITOR, EMBARRASSED)

Forgive me, Commander. I didn’t know you were naked.

Codi laughs.

NIKOLAI (INTO MONITOR, LAUGHING)

You humanoids can be so close minded. I mean, with my fur you can’t even see anything. Or at least what you humanoids find appealing. I wear my uniform as a mere formality.

Nikolai regains his composure.

NIKOLAI (OVER MONITOR, PLEASED)

I trust you had a pleasant rest.

CODI (TO MONITOR, HONEST)

I’ve been up for the last Yerk. I have taken a bath, exercised and meditated.

NIKOLAI (OVER MONITOR, PLEASED)

I have been up for some time myself.

CODI (TO MONITOR, SURPRISED)

Oh. And what have you been up to?

NIKOLAI (OVER MONITOR, PLEASED)

Why don’t you come on down to Ivan’s room. We are all here. You can see for yourself.

CODI (TO MONITOR, BLUNT)

I’m on my way. This is Commander Codi, out.

Codi flips the monitor off. She turns around, goes to the closet and opens it. Inside are mostly her UCF uniforms but some odd and exotic looking clothes as well. She grabs one of the uniforms and quickly slips it on. She then grabs her headset from the shelf and puts it on. Finally, she closes the door and turns around. She heads out the exit and leaves the room.

EXT. SPACE – MINSK

The ship whizzes by at Hyperstream speed, it is just a blur.

INT. MINSK – IVAN’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. It is very neat. The room is decorated with memorabilia of famous assassinations, both new and old. In the corner is a small table with two chairs. On it is a set of plates and silverware, it is made of ordinary metal but is in the shape of three prongs. One has a knife, one has a fork and one has a spoon. In the center is a simple serving platter with a lid. Lena, Boris, Ivan, Nikolai Vladimir, Golda, Artrifwlkz and Ken Keith. Ken is about Nikolai’s age, red hair and has a goatee. He wears a standard UCF uniform with gold symbols of a staff with a snake wrapped around it on his shoulders. They are all talking among each other. As they do there is a set of three electronic tones, the group keeps talking except for Ivan. He goes over to the door and presses a button next to it, the hatch slides open. Codi is waiting out in the hall. He looks to her and smiles, she returns the smile.

IVAN (PLEASED)

Welcome Commander.

Codi nods and steps into the room, the door closes. She looks over to the others.

CODI (CONFUSED)

This looks and sounds more like a celebration than a meeting.

IVAN (PLEASED)

That is because it is.

CODI (ANNOYED)

What! We’re suppose to be planning a mission!

Nikolai hears Codi, he rushes over to her.

NIKOLAI (REASSURING)

We will Commander, we just took a little breather. To get our minds ready for the task ahead of us.

CODI (ANNOYED)

You’re UCF officers! You are suppose to be always ready for the task ahead!

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

You sound more like the admiral. Or worse, my father.

Codi glares at Nikolai, he just smiles back. She pauses to consider what he just said, she lightens up a bit.

CODI (ANNOYED)

How long will this celebration going to take?

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

That is all up to you.

Codi looks confused to Nikolai, he sees this.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

Let’s show her gang.

Nikolai leads Codi over to the table. Ivan grabs the top of the cover and lifts it up to reveal the platter. There are two plates of Rodentia, a two heeded rat-like animal that has been cooked and stuffed with orange paste. There are also two plates of Rabotte, huge cooked pink rabbits with three legs. There are two bowls of Innards, animal stomachs, intestines and other internal organs from animals all raw. There is also a bottle MulDeMum ale, it is thick green liquid along with two metal glasses. Codi looks them over.

CODI (CONFUSED)

Rodentia, Rabotte, Innards.

LENA (SMUG)

All with the bones still in them, just the way you Felinions like it… Or so we have been told.

VLADIMIR (SMUG)

Plus MulDeMum ale.

Codi looks to the group.

CODI (CONFUSED)

These are all Felinion delicacies.

GOLDA (PLEASED)

Exactly.

CODI (CONFUSED)

But what kind of celebration could this be? There isn’t a humanoid alive that can ingest any of this with out becoming severally ill.

NIKOLAI (SLY)

This is true, I know from personal experience. But there are two Felinions in this room that can.

Artrifwlkz looks the presents over.

ARTRIFWLKZ (SURPRISED)

There are two setting of each. These things are for the Commander and me. Why?

KEN (AMERICAN ACCENT, PLEASED)

Because you earned it. Felinions in general have opened our eyes but you two especially have. I mean, if that wasn’t true would we be on our current mission? Anyway you have given so much to this ship, the human race and us but what have you been given back? Insults, prejudice and hate from our race. The very same race that you saved. Despite all that you still live among us, far from your home.

CODI (HONEST)

Trust me, we got the better part of the deal.

ARTRIFWLKZ (AGREEING)

Yeah, I don’t miss anything from home.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

Regardless, we decided to pool our resources and bring some of home to you. Dig in and enjoy.

Codi and Artrifwlkz look the gifts over.

ARTRIFWLKZ (HONEST)

You know, the only thing that I miss about home is eating.

CODI (AGREEING)

I hear you, I haven’t had a decent Rodentia for a while.

Codi and Artrifwlkz lick their lips. They cannot contain themselves anymore. They quickly grab their share of the food and drinks, sit down and dig in. They enjoy every bit of it.

GOLDA (UNEASY)

I hope it is prepare like you wish. When I was with the Felinions I steered clear of them during meal time. I had to prepare everything from what little I heard.

Codi and Artrifwlkz attack the food like wild animals, barely taking enough time to breath between bites.

CODI (MOUTH FULL OF FOOD, IN HEAVEN)

You did a great job! I have never tasted Rabotte this good!

ARTRIFWLKZ (MOUTH FULL OF FOOD, IN HEAVEN)

And this ale is out of this world!

The Felinions continue to dig in, everyone looks at them a smiles. Then Nikolai looks over the Ken, he nods ever so slightly to him. He picks up on this.

KEN (INTO HEADSET, CONFUSED)

What’s that? Okay, I’m on my way.

The Felinions keep eating but look over to Ken, he looks back.

KEN (EXPLAINING)

Sorry Commander, I have a medical emergency.

CODI (MOUTH FULL OF FOOD, CONCERNED)

Can’t your Assistant Medic Tech take care of it?

KEN (EXPLAINING)

She is the one that called. The manifest read we have a full load of Medicated Hardtak but she can’t find any. It has just been misstored. I’m sure this won’t take long.

Codi nods to Ken, he turns and exits the room. The Felinions continue to eat. Nikolai looks over to Golda, he nods and she knowledges.

GOLDA (INTO HEADSET, CONCERN)

Okay, I’ll be right there.

Again the Felinions turn away from their food and look to Golda, she looks back at them.

GOLDA (EXPLAINING)

Sorry Commander, my temp is hailing me. I have to go.

CODI (MOUTH FULL OF FOOD, CONCERNED)

I hope it isn’t serious.

GOLDA (REASSURING)

Nah, just some logging procedures. I will be back in a flash.

Golda heads for the exit.

ARTRIFWLKZ (MOUTH FULL OF FOOD, CONFUSED)

Couldn’t someone on the bridge help her?

Golda continues for the door.

GOLDA (SMUG0

She’s a newbie, you know how they can be.

IVAN (MUTTERING)

I know the feeling.

Golda exits the room, the Felinions continue to eat and drink. Next Nikolai looks over to Ivan, he nods to him. He sees this.

IVAN (SHOCKED)

I almost forgot! I have got to go! The universe may depend on it!

Ivan heads for the door. The Felinions turns towards him. Codi opens her mouth but he has already exited the room.

CODI (MOUTH FULL OF FOOD, CONFUSED)

I wonder where he is headed?

BORIS (REASSURING)

You know Ivan, he is probably some lame brained conspiracy theory. We’re probably better off without him.

Codi stares at the door for a moment the goes back to eating. Nikolai looks to Lena, he nods slightly. She understands, she grabs her earpiece.

LENA (INTO HEADSET, BLUNT)

Got it, we’re on our way.

Lena looks to the Codi.

LENA (BLUNT)

Boris and I have to run, there is a slight emergency. Nothing to worry about.

Artrifwlkz stops eats and chews on the food in his mouth, he gets up.

ARTRIFWLKZ (CHEWING, BLUNT)

I’ll come with you.

LENA (REASSURING)

I said it was minor, you just sit back down and enjoy yourself.

Codi stops eating and looks to Lena.

CODI (MOUTH FULL OF FOOD, CONCERNED)

If it is small then it is the Assistant Maintenance Tech’s problem.

LENA (BLUNT)

Unfortunately, it is something of a Lyndal nature.

CODI (MOUTH FULL OF FOOD, CONCERNED)

Then wouldn’t it fall into my domain?

LENA (REASSURING)

Nah, we can’t have him thinking every time he whines that the Commander will jump.

ARTRIFWLKZ (CHEWING, CONFUSED)

If that is the case why do you both need to go?

LENA (SMUG)

I need a witness.

Lena and Boris turn and heads for the exit, they leave. The Felinions looks to Nikolai.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

I almost forgot, two more presents.

Nikolai pulls out a small disk player and some incenses.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

Dorwigian Chants and Tribu scented incenses.

Nikolai puts them on the table.

ARTRIFWLKZ (CREWING, CONFUSED)

But those are use for-

NIKOLAI (INTERRUPTING, QUICKLY)

I’d love to stay and chat but I’d better go check on Lena, you know how deceitful Lyndal can get. Be back in a flash.

Codi opens her mouth but Nikolai has already left the room. Artrifwlkz sits down again, he looks over to her and she looks back. They appear to be able to read each other’s mind.

INT. MINSK - CORRIDOR

This is a long corridor deep inside the corvette, there are several hatches on both walls. Nikolai is walking down the hall away from the doors. A hatch with the symbol of the Sensor Officer with a number below it opens, Codi rushes out. She stops and looks both ways until she spots him, then she points a finger at Nikolai.

CODI (STERN)

Hold it right there Exec Officer!

Nikolai pretends he doesn’t hear Codi.

CODI (ANGRY)

You take one more step and I’ll place you in the brig Solace!

Nikolai stops in his tracks, he slowly turns towards Codi. She is storming up towards him. He knows he is in trouble but forces a smile.

NIKOLAI (PLAYING INNOCENT)

Is there a problem Codi?

CODI (ANGRY)

Don’t give me that Oxidization! You know exactly what you did!

Codi stops before Nikolai. He opens his mouth to speak but she cuts him off.

CODI (ANGRY)

Don’t you dare try and play innocent with me!

Nikolai pauses and then sighs.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

Look, is what we are trying to do so bad?

CODI (ANGRY)

I would think trying to force Incite Fervor upon your Commander and Assistant Tech would constitute as bad!

Nikolai holds his hands up in a stop position.

NIKOLAI (EXCITED)

Hold on there! No one is trying to make you two do Incite Fervor!

CODI (ANGRY)

Tribu incenses are heavily used in Incite Fervor rituals!

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

Our research only showed that they were used in Kalatir rituals! I swear!

CODI (ANGRY)

You lie!

NIKOLAI (DEFENSIVE)

You know my religion! You know I would never go along with Incite Fervor! But it would allow for Kalatir!

Codi contemplates what Nikolai has said. She gets in his face and sniffs him, he does not flinch. Then she backs off and nods.

CODI (HONEST)

Yes, I sense no deceit just fear.

NIKOLAI (DEFENSIVE)

Fear of losing you.

Codi thinks some more, then she nods.

CODI (UNDERSTANDING)

It is true that these incenses were used in the Kalatir, later when it died out and Incite Fervor was out of survival the incenses were used…. I believe I misjudged you.

Nikolai is relieved, he smiles.

NIKOLAI (RELIVED)

Apology accepted.

CODI (ANNOYED)

Who said anything about an apology? You all still tried to force me into a Kalatir. Against my will. For that you should all be thrown on report!

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

At what point did we hold a Laz to your head? When did we put a leash on you and chain you two together?

CODI (ANNOYED)

You know what I mean! You and the others tried to trick and deceive Artrifwlkz and me into coming down here. There were no emergencies you all just wanted us alone!

NIKOLAI (STERN)

And how do you know there were not any emergencies?

CODI (ANNOYED)

This is how!

Codi wiggles her ears, Nikolai is taken aback.

CODI (ANNOYED)

I heard no comm signals!

Codi folds her arms in defiance and glares at Nikolai, he feels like her eyes are lasers.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

Okay, maybe that part was bit of a fib.

CODI (ANNOYED)

A fib? It was a blatant lie! Kalatirs do not lie to each other! You don’t deserve to be a Kalatir! None of you deserve to be what you call friends!

NIKOLAI (STERN)

Look, you want to rant and rave and get all mad. Fine, take it out on me. This was all my idea. You don’t want to be my Kalatir I can go along with that too, though I won’t like it. But you leave the others out of it. If you want to have a war it will have to be with me!

Nikolai folds his arms and glares at Codi with equal piercing glare. This lasts for a few moments then Codi is the first to weaken, she sighs.

CODI (BLUNT)

I must be getting old, had any other Exec Officer display such insubordination I would have slit if throat with my bare claws.

Nikolai softens too, he smiles.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

Maybe you just don’t want to fill out all the paper work.

Codi chuckles and smiles.

CODI (HONEST)

Okay, maybe I’m not ready to cut all my ties with you misfits but to be quite honest I’m not too pleased about you all messing around in my personal life. The Kalatir is a very high ritual of my race. It is not to be taken lighten or messed around with.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Well, maybe we did go a bit far but it was for a good cause. What we were trying to do was find you another friend. Artrifwlkz is a Felinion just like you, like you he is alone. We were hoping that if you two were left alone maybe you would bond with him. Share your Felinion secrets. Maybe, just maybe, be as close as you were to Ban.

Codi pauses to think.

CODI (CONFUSED)

Okay, that is fine and all but I just have one question. Why are you so egger to dump me as your Kalatir?

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

I was not dumping you, not by a long shot, but just preparing you.

Codi is taken aback, she is confused. Nikolai catches on this, he sighs.

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

Look, I have betrayed an admiral more than once who would love to eat me alive. A father that would like nothing more to help him bring me down. My only protection, my mother, is stepping down as Select Woman. Taking that all in account who do you think Command Control is going to blame after we finish this mission of treason? I’m positive, that once we are done here you will never see me again. I was hoping when that happened you had Artrifwlkz to fall back on. Now does that sound like I was trying to dump you? Or any of us for that matter?

Codi is flabbergasted, she looks to him with shock and he glares back.

CODI (SHOCKED)

Sounds more like I stuck my paw in my muzzle again. I must look like a Sepcor to you.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

No, we just feel nothing but admiration for you. There are not a lot of Commanders that can talk with their foot in their mouth.

Codi chuckles then becomes serious.

CODI (CURIOUS)

I just have one question. With no ties to Felinion how in the universe did you collect all those Felinion treats?

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

It wasn’t easy. Golda contacted her old Felinion friends and they were able to supply us with the Rabotte and two Rodentia babies, Ken raised them. Vladimir conned a Felinion deck hand into supplying the Innards. Ivan swapped stories with a trader passing through and got him to sell him the incenses. Lena and Boris were able to dig up the recipe for the ale and replicate it. It was my job to come up with the music, I was able to dup it from a visiting Felinion delegation. The real tricky part was keeping everything from you. You don’t know how many times you almost found out.

Codi is still taken aback.

CODI (SHOCKED)

You all went to all this trouble just for Artrifwlkz and me?

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

Not trouble, just privilege.

CODI (BLUNT)

Then I guess there is only one thing to do. Go back in there and see if Artrifwlkz is Kalatir material.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

You’re going back in there?

CODI (BLUNT)

Isn’t that what you want?

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Well, yeah, but knowing how stubborn you can be I thought you’d still fight us tooth and nail.

CODI (HONEST)

It would be a shame to waste all this preparation you all have gone through. Besides, I know you can be just as stubborn as me. I know you won’t leave me alone until I give this an honest try.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

No argument there.

Codi laughs, turns and heads back down the hall. She goes back into Ivan’s room. Nikolai smiles as he watches her go, then turns and starts down the hall again.

EXT. SPACE – MINSK

The ship continues through space at Hyperstream speed.

INT. MINSK - MEDIC CENTER LAB

This is a small room packed with all sorts of electronic equipment. Ken is waiting here. The hatch opens, Lena leads Nikolai in. they walk up to Ken.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What are we doing here?

LENA (BLUNT)

We need to talk.

Nikolai looks confused but Ken looks to Lena.

KEN (CONFUSED)

Are you sure you want to tell him?

Lena nods.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Tell me what?

Nikolai notices they are both looking at him.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Is there something wrong with me?

Lena squeezes Nikolai hand.

LENA (REASSURING)

He wants to tell you about me.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

What is wrong! Is she dying?

Lena smiles.

LENA (REASSURING)

This is not about death but life.

Nikolai pauses to think and then his eyes widen.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

You’re pregnant!

Lena giggles.

LENA (REASSURING)

You’re the one that wants to be celibate, so there is no way we could have had sex.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

I didn’t say I thought the kid way mine.

LENA (ANNOYED)

Hey!

Lena rips her hand free and glares at Nikolai, she sees how angry she is and sighs.

NIKOLAI (APOLOGETIC)

I’m sorry but when you are consoled by the Lead Medic Tech it is always bad news.

Lena sees how upset Nikolai is and calms down.

LENA (UNDERSTANDING)

I guess we should just get on with this.

Lena looks to Ken and she nods, he sees this and goes over to a machine with a large screen. He works the controls.

KEN (EXPLAINING)

This is the medical scanned images of Lena we have on file.

Several images of Lena without her skin appear on the screen. One if of her muscular system, one of her skeletal system and one circulatory system. She and Nikolai go over to it.

LEN (EXPLAINING)

And this her real scans.

Ken flips a switch and a new image comes up, it looks like the first except some of it has been replaced by metal and mechanical systems.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Is that metal?

Ken nods.

KEN (EXPLAINING)

Yes, 91% of her body has been replaced with metal. Some of her muscles have also been replaced by mechanical means as well. To prevent rejection everything is lined with insulation.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

Are you trying to tell me she is some sort of robot?

Ken points to some vital organs that are organic.

KEN (EXPLAINING)

No. As you can see she has a heart, lungs and other vital organs that are like yours and mine.

Ken points to the metal parts.

KEN (EXPLAINING)

It is only some of her structures have been replaced metallically.

Lena smiles and caresses Nikolai’s face.

LENA (REASSURING)

I’m still mostly flesh and blood, that is what allows me to love you.

Nikolai tries to smile but finds it difficult.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What is this all about? How did this happen?

Lena lets go of Nikolai and loses her smile, she turns away and folds her arms.

LENA (EXPLAINING)

Do you remember how I told you how before I came to the Minsk I was an assistant maintenance tech on the Kersh?

NIKOLAI (REMEMBERING)

Yeah. You were ambush by another Corvette. In the battle you were both disabled. Why you guys were busy trying to repair your ship the Legion boarded yours. There was a terrific fight but they won. You managed to escape in a life pod.

Lena looks down to her feet.

LENA (HONEST)

That is not exactly true.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What do you mean?

Lena pauses to collect her thoughts.

LENA (EXPLAINING)

We fought with all our heart to save our ship, no one fled or escaped. By the time the battle was over there were just a handful of us left, we were taken prisoner. They tortured us, not to find out information but because we were the cause of so many of their side dying. It was horrible.

Lena pauses to control her emotions, Nikolai sees this. He goes over to her and places his hand on her shoulder.

NIKOLAI (COMFORTING)

You don’t have to go on.

Lena looks over her shoulder to Nikolai, she fights back the tears.

LENA (EXPLAINING)

Actually, I do. This lie has gone on for far too long.

Lena looks away and collects herself.

LENA (EXPLAINING)

They used every form of torture imaginable. But the worse was sonic pulses. They use it on our bones. Not just to break them but to shatter them, so they could never be repaired.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

So that is why you have metal for bones.

Lena nods.

LENA (EXPLAINING)

Yes. They shattered most of the bones in my body, the pain was incredible. I was the only one to survive the pain. Some call me lucky, I don’t. I have not only have had to live the lie but the nightmare ever since.

Lena stumbles once again.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

So how did you escape?

It takes a moment for Lena to regain her composure.

LENA (EXPLAINING)

A ship appears on their scans, it came right for them. They feared that it was the UCF, there was no one they could defend themselves in their condition. They didn’t even have the power to self destruct. Fearing what the retribution would be if they would those they tortured them threw us all in a shuttle and set us adrift. They had the power for one laz shot, it was going to be use to destroy us and hide the evidence of their evil. But before they could fire the ship arrived and destroyed them all.

NIKOLAI (CURIOUS)

So was the ship UCF?

Lena shakes her head.

LENA (BLUNT)

No, it was like nothing I have ever seen.

Lena turns to Nikolai.

LENA (EXPLAINING)

The design was totally alien. It had no engines, no visible means of maneuvering yet it moves and turn at incredible loads. It took just one shot to destroy both corvettes. It was incredible.

NIKOLAI (CURIOUS)

Then what happened?

Lena looks down.

LENA (EXPLAINING)

I don’t honestly know. From that point I drifted in and out of consciousness from the pain. I only remember vague images. Of the aliens… Of the operation… Or my recovery… I’m not really sure how I made it back to Mars. If it weren’t for the fact that I’m part machine now I would swear it was all a horrible dream.

Nikolai rubs his chin.

NIKOLAI (UNDERSTANDING)

So that is how you survived the raw power surging through your veins and the conduit. How you were able to turn those bolts in the power planet with your bare hands.

KEN (EXPLAINING)

Yes. Though she chooses to operate her gift as normal human levels so her secret is not revealed she can go beyond those limits when needed.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Why all the secrecy? What you have been given is a blessing. You should be proud of it.

Lena glares at Nikolai.

LENA (STERN)

You only say that because your eyes have been tainted by our love. Those more skeptical would call me a freak, they would fear or pity me. I would be an outcast.

Nikolai is confused.

KEN (EXPLAINING)

On her return Command Control had a complete medical check out on her, that is how they discovered what they had done to her. Your father wanted to tear her apart, to analyze her new abilities so it can be adapted for us. Fortunately, saner mind prevailed. They realized who ever did this were more powerful that us, the Felinions and the Legion combined. If we destroyed their gift they might not be so happy. So they sent here out her hopping for another chance encounter.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Then who is this mysterious race? What do they want? Why did they do this?

Lena shrugs her shoulders.

LENA (EXPLAINING)

We have no idea and we probably never will. The thing is this has all have to be kept a secret. You can’t tell a sole.

Nikolai pause to think.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Why are you telling me this then? Why have you waited so long.

LENA (EXPLAINING)

I don’t to be sure our love was real. That we were going to stick together till the end. If we weren’t it would have been pointless to tell you.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Why tell me at all? You have fooled me till now.

Lena grabs Nikolai’s hands and looks into his eyes.

LENA (EXPLAINING)

I love you Nikolai, more than I have loved anyone before. I didn’t want to lie to you, you are one of the few I can open my heart to. I wanted to be honest.

Lena looks down to their hands.

LENA (CONCERNED)

Now that you know the truth. Now that you know I’m part machine. Can you still love me.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

I know you are a techno geek but I didn’t realize at what lengths you would go to prove it.

Lena looks up confused and Nikolai smiles.

NIKOLAI (REASSURING)

I love you Lena, nothing can ever change that.

Nikolai kisses Lena on the lips and she kisses him back, the break apart and look at one another.

LENA (RELIEVED)

Thank you Nikolai for understanding.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Thank you for being honest with me.

Lena and Nikolai look to one another lovingly, Ken feels kind of out of place.

EXT. SPACE – MINSK

The ship continues through space at Hyperstream speed.

INT. MINSK – IVAN’S QUARTERS

The room has changed considerably. The table and chairs are turned over. The food has been thrown against the walls. The music from the player is blaring (Felinions chanting in their native language) The incenses are burning. Everything is in a total disarray. Codi and Artrifwlkz are locked in mortal combat. She is lying on the floor on her stomach while he is on top of her. He has her arm twisted behind her back in a very painful position. She struggles to free herself but it is too painful. He smiles and glares down at her, he mocks her in Felinian. She looks back over her shoulder to him and hisses. He laughs insanely. Then with his free hand he grabs a clump of fur on her head and pulls back forcing her to arch back, she yeowls in pain. With her free hand she digs her claws deep into the floor. He just smiles with glee.

VOICE (STERN)

You have about three MicroYerks to let her go before I rip you apart Artrifwlkz!

Artrifwlkz lets go of Codi’s head and it falls to the deck. They both turn and look towards the hatch. Nikolai, Boris, Ivan, Lena, Vladimir and Golda are standing there glaring at them. The Felinions just look at them confused.

NIKOLAI (ANGRY)

Times up!

Nikolai races forward, the others follow. Artrifwlkz let’s go of Codi. When they reach him Boris, Vladimir and Ivan jump him and wrestle him to the ground. Golda and Lena go to her side and shield the Felinion from the prisoner. Nikolai stands between the two, he looks to him.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

Artrifwlkz Ehtaixck, consider yourself under arrest.

Artrifwlkz does not offer any resistance, he just looks up to Nikolai.

ARTRIFWLKZ (DEFENSIVE)

Don’t blame me! It was all her fault!

LENA (ANGRY)

Somehow I find that hard to believe with you trying to kill her!

CODI (BLUNT)

No, he is right.

Everyone turns to Codi, she gets to her feet.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

I’m the one you initiated Ofmirax.

BORIS (CONFUSED)

Ofmirax?

IVAN (SMUG)

Why do I have a feeling we are about to get a lecture on another Felinion ritual?

CODI (EXPLAINING)

You are exactly right. It is the ritual of the Katatir. When two Felinions consider Kalatir they must test one another. For unlike the friendship you humans have for us there must be a dominant Kalatir in every relationship. I know this is all alien to you.

GOLDA (SMUG)

I don’t know, my last boyfriend wanted me to be a meek little kitten. Needless to say I showed him differently.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

I’m not saying that there is a submissive in Kalatir, the dominant does not abuse the other. In fact, it is just the opposite. It is their duty to protect the other. This is a fall back onto our instincts. We feel more comfortable in this way. You must earn your place in the relationship. What you walked in the middle of was the battle of dominance.

ARTRIFWLKZ (STERN)

And I would have won if it wasn’t for you meddling humans.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

Correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t remember us having an Ofmirax?

CODI (SMUG)

Do you really think you would have survived?

The humans chuckle at Nikolai, he seems hurt. Codi walks over to him.

CODI (REASSURING)

No offense Nikolai but we don’t have a true Felinion Kalatir between us. If we did you’d be dead. Not that our relationship is weak, in some ways it is stronger than any one I have ever had. But you wanted me to have a Felinion Kalatir, you all did . This is it.

VLADIMIR (CONFUSED)

Funny, I don’t remember you two nearly killing each other part of the plan.

CODI (BLUNT)

It was when you included the Dorwigian Chant music. You see, that is the call of the Ofmirax. Each disk is recorded at a different length. Some are very short, some are very long. Once the music stops who ever is in control is the dominant one.

The chanting music stops.

IVAN (CONCERNED)

Oh great, does that mean Artrifwlkz and I are Kalatirs?

Everyone laughs, Nikolai becomes serious.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

Is that what was really going on? He wasn’t trying to abuse you was he.

Codi smiles, she touches his shoulder.

CODI (HONEST)

In your eyes, yes. But in mine, no. He was doing quite well. I was very pleased until you busted in.

ARTRIFWLKZ (ANNOYED)

Can I please get up now?

Everyone one looks to Nikolai, he nods. The guys help Artrifwlkz up, the humans apologize. Ivan looks around the room, he now realizes how much of a mess it is.

IVAN (SHOCKED)

My room! What did you do to my room?

Everyone looks around, Golda smiles.

GOLDA (SARCASTIC)

I don’t know, I kind of like it. It reflects your true personality.

Ivan starts to argue with Golda. Artrifwlkz steps up to Codi.

ARTRIFWLKZ (SLY)

Want to have another go at Ofmirax?

Codi smiles.

CODI (PLEASED)

I’d love to.

Nikolai feels kind of jealous but tries not to show it, Codi senses this.

CODI (BLUNT)

Unfortunately we have a mission to plot. Besides, since we now know the length of the chant it wouldn’t be fair. It will have to be another time.

Artrifwlkz nods, Nikolai turns to the others.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

You heard the Commander. Let’s get this place in shape so we can have our meeting.

As the group goes into action Nikolai stops, he listens to her headset.

NIKOLAI (INTO HEADSET, BLUNT)

Okay, I got it. I’ll let her know.

Nikolai turns to Codi.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Sorry Commander, but I just got word from the bridge. They have been trying to contact you but have gotten no response.

Codi feels her head for her headset but it is gone.

CODI (UNDERSTANDING)

I must have lost it in the Ofmirax.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Let’s see if we can’t find it.

Everyone but Nikolai and Codi search, she turns to him.

CODI (CONCERNED)

Did the bridge say why they wanted to contact me?

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

Yeah. They picked up a Distress Signaler. They are collecting the details now but suggested you get up there.

CODI (BLUNT)

I think we should all get up there.

Everyone stops what they are doing and heads for the exit.

CODI (STERN)

I’ll stop by my quarters and pick up a new headset and meet you all up there. When I arrive I expect a full report.

The group exits out of the room.

EXT. SPACE – MINSK

The ship is still at Hyperstream speed.

INT. MINSK – BRIDGE

The entire bridge staff is here but Codi, they are busy working at their stations. Nikolai is looking at his screen which has Captain Derrick Smith on it. He is an elderly man wearing regular street clothes, he is talking to Nikolai. Just then the hatch opens and Codi enters the room, she quickly rushes to her station and looks around the room.

CODI (CONCERNED)

Situation?

GOLDA (BLUNT)

It is the Stryson Mineral Company Floureen Carrier San Diego.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

I’m talking with Captain Derrick Smith now.

CODI (SHOCKED)

Derrick again?

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

I know, I had the same reaction.

LENA (BLUNT)

Their power plant is fluxuation so badly they have problems keeping their thrusters on-line. All their main ore cooling units are off-line as well, same goes for their secondary. Ore temp is quickly rising to critical. If that happens the ship and anything within a thousand Millis will be vapor.

CODI (CONCERNED)

What could have caused this? A Legion attack?

IVAN (BLUNT)

No, I’m picking up a large Ionic Synapses nearby. Their thruster trails indicate that the San Diego went right through it thus causing all their problems.

GOLDA (CONFUSED)

Ionic Synapses?

Ivan looks to Golda.

IVAN (ANNOYED)

You’ve never heard of Ionic Synapses? Where have you been the past KiloYerk? Your head buried under a Battlecruiser?

Golda looks over to Ivan.

GOLDA (ANNOYED)

No just on a Felinion ship and busy refitting the Minsk. What is your excuse?

Ivan glares at Golda, Codi look at her.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

Ionic Synapses was a technology devolved by Felinions to reclaim water vapors from space. It was suppose to be used in restoring your planet’s water but instead it was perverted into a weapon.

GOLDA (CONFUSED)

How can water be used as a weapon?

IVAN (ANNOYED)

Don’t you know anything?

Golda glares at Ivan, he just smiles back.

CODI (EXPLAINING)

Command Control found a way. They wanted to use is to lump vast amounts of water on command, because of the coldness of space it would freeze instantly. They had hoped to be able to do this in front of speeding Democratic Legion vessels. At Ultra-light even ice can destroy a ship or at the very least knock it back to normal load. But as they experimented something went wrong. Too much power was applied too quickly, this resulted in Ionic Synapses. The closest things to describing it as roving storms that feed off water vapors, as they do they become stronger and stronger. Some, like in this case, are strong enough to knock major systems of a vessel off-line. If they get big enough they can split. The only way to stop them is to deprive them of water but no one has been discovered how to do this.

IVAN (PLEASED)

Well, we don’t have to worry about this one. It is well off our path and away from the San Diego. Plus it is just a division five, we would have no problem with our Quzzis.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

We’ll be at the San Diego in seven point three MiniYerks.

LENA (CONFUSED)

What good will that do? We can’t stop a Floureen explosion. We should be headed in the opposite direction.

Codi pauses to think.

CODI (THINKING)

Maybe we CAN stop the explosion.

LENA (CONFUSED)

Huh?

Codi ignores Lena, she looks to Vladimir.

CODI (BLUNT)

Gator, calculate the time it would take us to reach the San Diego, return to normal load, then travel to the Ionic Synapses at such load. Then compare it to the time input before she is to explode.

Vladimir nods, he uses in Instructer to do the math. Then he looks up to Codi.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

It would be close but we’d have enough time to complete.

LENA (UNEASY)

You’re not thinking what I think you are thinking.

Again Codi ignores Lena, she instead looks to Nikolai.

CODI (STERN)

Path Derrick into my console.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Yes ma’am.

Nikolai uses his Instructor to complete the task, Derrick now appears on one of Codi’s screens. She addresses him.

DERRICK (AMERICAN ACCENT, OVER SCREEN, SMUG)

Commander Codi, we really have to stop meeting like this.

CODI (TO SCREEN, STERN)

Sorry Derrick but no time for jokes.

DERRICK (OVER SCREEN, BLUNT)

Well, that is the only thing keeping me going. I see you will arrive in time to save my crew but I’m going to loose my ship and my job.

CODI (TO SCREEN, STERN)

No, we’re going to save both.

LENA (SHOCKED)

What!

DERRICK (OVER SCREEN, CONFUSED)

My expression exactly.

CODI (TO SCREEN, STERN)

Look, I don’t have time to explain but if you want to save your crew and your ship you will do exactly what I say.

Derrick pauses to think.

DERRICK (OVER SCREEN, BLUNT)

I’m all ears.

CODI (TO SCREEN, STERN)

I need you to turn all your personal cooling unit to full load.

DERRICK (OVER SCREEN, BLUNT)

We’re way ahead of you. That is the first thing we did but that will only buy us a few MicroYerks.

CODI (TO SCREEN, STERN)

That is all we may need.

DERRICK (OVER SCREEN, CONFUSED)

What are you talking about?

CODI (TO SCREEN, STERN)

What did I say about trust?

Derrick pauses then nods.

DERRICK (OVER SCREEN, BLUNT)

You saved my butt before so I’ll shut up.

CODI (TO SCREEN, STERN)

Next get you crew in Endurance Arrays, it is going to get real cold real fast. When your crew is set let me know.

DERRICK (OVER SCREEN, HONEST)

Will do. I’d just like to say thanks for at least trying.

CODI (TO SCREEN, STERN)

We’re going to be successful!

Derrick nods and walks away from his screen, Lena glares at Codi.

LENA (ANNOYED)

The only thing we’re going to be is dead.

Codi turns to Lena.

CODI (BLUNT)

Think back to you studies, Engineer Officer.

LENA (ANNOYED)

I know what you are up to. You plan on towing the San Diego into the storm. You know that inside the Ionic Synapses the temperatures are extreme sub freezing, you hope to use this to cool down the ore. But what you are forgetting is that the storm has incredibly violent surges even for one that small. It will rip the San Diego apart and need I remind you how volatile Floureen ore is?

CODI (BLUNT)

We can expand our Quzzis to protect the surges of the storm while not blocking out the benefit of the temperature. Plus our environmental systems should protect us, they are designed to work even if we opened all the hatches. We should both be safe.

LENA (HONEST)

I’m not so sure, expanding our Quzzis will also weaken them.

CODI (BLUNT)

I don’t deny that but we should still be able to ride the storm out. It shouldn’t take long to counter the effects of the Ionic Synapses and get the coolers back on-line. Once we do that we can leave the storm.

LENA (HONEST)

I can buy that but what about our mission? All this is going to take time even if we do survive. We’re on a timetable remember?

Codi pauses and nods.

CODI (HONEST)

I know but I also know that the UCF needs that Floureen against the Democratic Legion. Command Control may not be the noblest of sides but at least they don’t attack unarmed ships, The Democratic Legion does. That is how we came across the San Diego in the first time. So I’d rather work for the bad guys than the worst guys. Does anyone disagree?

Codi looks around the room, one by one they all shake their heads. She ends up on Lena.

CODI (BLUNT)

Well what do you say Engineering Officer?

Lena pauses and thinks, then she smiles.

LENA (SMUG)

I say maybe I can route some power from the secondary systems to the Quzzis to increase our chances.

Codi smiles.

CODI (PLEASED)

Thank you.

Lena smiles, everyone goes back to work.

EXT. SPACE – MINSK

The ship decelerates from Ultra-Light speed and comes along the San Diego. She is a cargo ship about twice the size of the Minsk, she has large thrusters and a few small guns on the sides. There is a bay underneath the ship that is open. On the side of the ship it says “San Diego” The Minsk comes along side her, as she does two beams of purple light, originating from the back of the ship, project and latch onto the San Diego.

INT. MINSK – BRIDGE

Everyone is busy at their station, Lena turns to Codi.

LENA (BLUNT)

The tractors are locked.

Ivan looks to Codi.

IVAN (BLUNT)

We have the San Diego in tow.

Codi looks to Vladimir.

CODI (STERN)

Plot and execute a course to the Ionic Synapses, full load.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Yes ma’am.

Vladimir uses his Instructer.

EXT. SPACE – MINSK/SAN DIEGO

The carrier is being pulled closely behind the UCF ship, the Minsk accelerates and the two ships heads towards some distorted space ahead.

INT. MINSK – BRIDGE

Everyone is busy monitoring the situation.

IVAN (BLUNT)

Six Millis to storm, four MiniYerks until the San Diego’s ore reaches critical mass.

Lena checks her screen, she shakes her head.

LENA (BLUNT)

I was afraid of this, the San Diego is causing heavy drag.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Drag? In space?

CODI (BLUNT)

Space has small tiny particles, most that cannot be seen by the naked eye but which can slow a ship down as if it was going through water.

LENA (BLUNT)

Yeah. Usually it wouldn’t be a problem for us but there are reminents of the storm in this area, the closer we get to the Ionic Synapses the denser they become. They are going to slow us down.

Everyone goes back to work.

EXT. SPACE – MINSK/SAN DIEGO

The two ships draw closer and closer to the swirling distortion, they continue right for it.

INT. MINSK – BRIDGE

As it was before.

IVAN (BLUNT)

Four Millis to storm, two MiniYerks and sixty-one MicroYerks until the San Diego explodes.

Everyone keeps working.

EXT. SPACE – MINSK/SAN DIEGO

The Minsk continues to tow the San Diego towards the storm.

INT. MINSK – BRIDGE

As it was before.

IVAN (BLUNT)

Two Millis to storm, San Diego will explode in one MiniYerk… We’re not going to make it.

Codi turns to Lena.

CODI (URGENT)

Can’t you get us any more load?

LENA (BLUNT)

My thrusters are already protesting ma’am. This isn’t a BattleCruiser you know. If we don’t ease back soon we won’t have anything left.

CODI (STERN)

And if you can’t milk any more load out of the thrusters we’re all dead.

Lena pauses.

LENA (BLUNT)

I see your point.

Lena goes to work at her station, Codi goes back to hers.

EXT. SPACE – MINSK/SAN DIEGO

The two ships are on the edge of the storm, the ship speed up slightly. They continue forward.

INT. MINSK – BRIDGE

As it was before.

IVAN (BLUNT)

Forty seven MicroMillis to storm, forty one MicroYerks until the San Diego overheats… We’re still not going to make it.

Nikolai glares at Ivan.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

We can calculate on our own Sensor Officer!

IVAN (BLUNT)

Just giving the facts, sir.

NIKOLAI (ANGRY)

You can cram your facts right up your-

CODI (INTERRUPTING, STERN)

Screaming at each other isn’t going to change the situation!

Nikolai pauses, then nods.

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

Forgive my outburst, Ivan.

IVAN (HONEST)

Think nothing of it, sir.

LENA (BLUNT)

If we cut lose the San Diego now we could make it into the storm on our own, it could cushion us from the explosion enough for us to survive.

Codi looks at Lena.

CODI (STERN)

We’re going all the way, Engineer Officer. Both ships! Understand?

LENA (BLUNT)

Yes ma’am.

Codi looks back to her station.

CODI (TO HERSELF, WHISPERS)

Come on San Diego, hang Just hang on.

IVAN (BLUNT)

Eleven MicroMillis to storm, Nine MicroYerks until the San Diego explodes.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Give us a countdown until the explosion.

IVAN (BLUNT)

Five… Four… Three… Two… One… Zero…

There is a long pause of silence while everyone holds their breath. Finally, the ship rocks slightly and continues to rock noticeably.

CODI (CONFUSED)

That wasn’t much of an explosion.

IVAN (HONEST)

That is because the ship didn’t explode.

Codi looks to Ivan.

CODI (CONFUSED)

What? But it should have.

LENA (EXPLAINING)

Everything in universe is not constant. You can’t absolutely estimate the breaking point of anything. Even same types materials will give at different points even if it is minute. Same goes for the explosion point of Floureen ore.

GOLDA (CONFUSED)

But isn’t this all moot? I mean, it is going to eventually give.

IVAN (SMUG)

Wrong again! The ore temperature is steady… No wait, it is decreasing.

CODI (BLUNT)

Bring us to a full stop gator.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Yes ma’am.

Vladimir works his station.

IVAN (PLEASED)

The ore temperature has just dropped below the critical point. We did it!

The crew cheers, Codi sighs with relief. After a few moments the crew settles down. She looks to Lena.

CODI (CONCERNED)

How are the Quzzis holding up?

Lena looks to Codi and smiles.

LENA (PLEASED)

I dug up enough power, we should all be safe for a while.

IVAN (BLUNT)

The Quzzis are protecting the San Diego too.

Golda looks to Codi.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Commander, I have Captain Smith of the line for you.

CODI (PLEASED)

Send him on through.

Golda uses her Instructer, Derrick appears on one of Codi’s screens. He now is wearing a mesh suit from head to toe, there is no special breath apparatus but his breath can be seen from the dense cold. She smiles at the image, he is smiling too.

DERRICK (OVER SCREEN, PLEASED)

You did it, Commander! I should have known you could have pulled this off.

CODI (REASSURING)

It was a group effort.

DERRICK (OVER SCREEN, PLEASED)

Either way we owe the Minsk two favors now.

CODI (BLUNT)

Well, you could return one right now. Once we’re done here if anyone asks we were never here. Understand?

Derrick looks confused.

DERRICK (OVER SCREEN, CONFUSED)

Why? You on some secret mission.

Codi just looks back, Derrick nods.

DERRICK (OVER SCREEN, SMUG)

I understand, our lips are sealed.

Codi smiles.

CODI (PLEASED)

Thanks.

DERRICK (OVER SCREEN, SMUG)

Well I’d love to stay and chat but we’ve got some cooling units to get back on-line.

Codi nods, Derrick turns from the screen and walks away. Codi looks around the room and smiles, everyone is busy at work. All but Nikolai, he looks uneasy. She considers asking him what is up but then thinks otherwise. She goes back to work at her station.

EXT. SPACE – THE OZZIE

The ship is a UCF destroyer. It is half the size of the Battlecruiser. Has a very small landing bay designed mainly for shuttles and is heavily armored with only heavily guns scattered all around the ship. It is cruising at Light-Speed through space.

INT. OZZIE – COMMANDER’S QUARTERS

This is a large room consisting of a fancy dinning room set, there is also a lavish living room set all centered around a large screen that displays the stars whizzing by outside (it serves as a window) Doorways lead off to an expensive bedroom and a kitchen that has all the modern conveniences, in it two chiefs in UCF uniforms are busily working. The entire area is decorated around items from Australia’s past, the centerpiece is a satellite image of how that country once looked. In the background symphonic music plays over some speakers. At the table are Joseph, Abraham Solace and Commander Tahlia Chrest. Abraham is about the same age as Joseph but is dressed in very casual civilian clothes, clipped on his belt is a hand held computer. Tahlia is a bit younger, with long flowing blonde hair and is rather short. She looks quite beautiful. Her uniform is similar to the admiral’s but she has no metals and her symbols are of a gold symbol of a full crown. They are all eating on fine china and glassware dating back in history, they use standard silverware that is very fine and has silk napkins on their laps. They all seem to be enjoying the meal. She looks to Abraham.

TAHLIA (AUSTRALIAN ACCENT, SUCKING UP)

It is a pleasure… No, an honor to have the Primary Scientist of Command Control here.

Abraham just nods, Tahlia is kind of disappointed with the response. Joseph notices this, he smiles and looks around the room.

JOSEPH (RUSSIAN ACCENT, CONFUSED)

So what is with all the relics?

Tahlia looks over to Joseph.

TAHLIA (PROUD)

These are mementos from the past, my life back in Australia. Most of them have been in my family for generations.

ABRAHAM (RUSSIAN ACCENT, SMUG)

Funny, I recognize some of them being in museums prior to the Three-DecaYerk Demur.

Tahlia is taken aback for a moment but then forces a smile, she looks to Abraham.

TAHLIA (REASSURING)

I assure you, these were all purchased legally.

ABRAHAM (SMUG)

Define legally.

Tahlia ignores the comment and continues to eat.

ABRAHAM (SMUG)

Then maybe you could reassure me how your ship did not follow the normal naming conventions of the UCF? A vessel of this class should bare the name Western or Eastern Australia, old Earth countries. Not Ozzie, some slang word.

Tahlia looks to Abraham and smiles.

TAHLIA (PLEASED)

The Primary Scientist is very observant.

JOSEPH (STERN)

More than his common sense should allow.

TAHLIA (PLEASED)

Well as you may have remembered, Australia was a continent with two countries, western and eastern. If we followed that procedure we could only have three capital ships. Because of this, I was allowed to name the ship anything I wanted as long as it has something to do with Australia.

ABRAHAM (SMUG)

So all those countries you invaded in Africa weren’t good enough for you?

TAHLIA (BLUNT)

If you may recall, my country was forced to give those back.

ABRAHAM (SMUG)

After its citizens were forced to pay for your little war.

TAHLIA (REASSURING)

I assure you, Command Control cleared everything. It is all legal.

ABRAHAM (SMUG)

You just contradicted yourself.

Tahlia considers debating further but decides not to, instead she puts on a smile.

TAHLIA (SUCKING UP)

I can’t tell you enough how much it is an honor having you here, sir. Sharing my food at my very table.

ABRAHAM (SMUG)

And it is such a fine table.

JOSEPH (PLEASED)

I envy you, Tahlia. I could never get away with misappropriating funds like this.

Tahlia smiles and looks to Joseph.

TAHLIA (SMUG)

Out here it is not misappropriating funds, we call it redirection of assets.

Joseph laughs, Tahlia joins in. Abraham is silent, the others settle down.

JOSEPH (HONEST)

Seriously, back at Command Control they’d have me up on charges if I had any of this.

TAHLIA (SURPRISED)

Command Control is that righteous?

ABRAHAM (BLUNT)

No, but they would like everyone to think so. They are closer to the public so they have to put on a good show. I have been in Select Person’s domiciles that would put this all to shame, all of it purchased with public funds.

TAHLIA (JOKING)

Then I guess you are telling me with those perks I should run for Select Woman.

Joseph laughs, Tahlia joins in. Abraham is not amused.

ABRAHAM (STERN)

What I’m telling you is that with the money you squandered here could have bought a Relocation Colony enough to eat well for a KiloYerk.

Tahlia doesn’t know what to make of the comment. Joseph notices this.

JOSEPH (BLUNT)

Maybe you should check on desert, commander.

Before Abraham can respond Tahlia quickly rushes away and into the kitchen, he looks over to Joseph. He is still fuming.

EXT. STORM – MINSK/SAN DIEGO

The two ships sit in the heart of the Ionic Synapses the only movement is from the storm lashing out to them. Distortions of space swirl all around them, there is a brief burst of static discharge every once in a while.

INT. MINSK – BRIDGE

Everyone is monitoring their stations, not much is going on here. Ivan checks his screen and looks over to Codi.

IVAN (BLUNT)

Scans indicate ice forming on our Quziis.

Lena checks her station.

LENA (BLUNT)

That will cut down on their effectiveness, we could be in trouble.

Golda looks from her screen and over to Codi.

GOLDA (UPBEAT)

That is all moot, the San Diego just reported that all their cooling systems are on-line again. They are back in business.

Codi smiles.

CODI (PLEASED)

That is good news.

Codi looks to Vladimir.

CODI (PLEASED)

Take us out of the storm, Gator.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Consider it done.

Vladimir uses his Instructer to work his station.

VLADIMIR (SMUG)

We’re on our way.

Suddenly, the room begins to shake violently.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What the Carbon Deposits?

Everyone quickly checks their instruments.

LENA (EXCITED)

We lost number three stabilizer! Looks like a blow out!

CODI (URGENT)

Constipate!

LENA (EXCITED)

Not in a Ionic Synapses with the San Diego in tow!

CODI (URGENT)

Gator! Kill the thrusters before we’re ripped apart!

Vladimir cuts the engines using his Instructer, the vibrating stops. Codi looks to Lena.

CODI (CONCERNED)

What is the damage?

Lena checks her instruments.

LENA (BLUNT)

Stabilizer three is totally down, it degraded number four to almost uselessness. Without them we’re not going anywhere.

CODI (CONCERNED)

How long will it take to get them back to full functionality?

Lena Looks to Codi.

LENA (BLUNT)

At least eight Yerks.

CODI (CONCERNED)

Not acceptable, the Ozzie will to Felinia in less time. That will destroy the entire mission.

LENA (ANNOYED)

Deposits with the mission, we’re stuck in a Ionic Synapses! The ship comes first!

CODI (STERN)

I’m the commander, I decide what comes first!

Lena glares at Codi and she stares back, Lena sighs.

LENA (BLUNT)

Well, we don’t have to get them to 100 percent capacity to get out. I can probably get enough out of them to continue the mission in four Yerks.

CODI (STERN)

That is cutting it too close, you have two.

LENA (ANNOYED)

Fine!

Lena gets to her feet and heads for the hatch, she leaves the room. Codi glances over to Nikolai, he looks very concerned yet somewhat distant. Something is bothering him.

INT. OZZIE – COMMANDER’S QUARTERS

Joseph and Abraham are over by the screen looking at the stars passing, they sip on some drinks. Tahlia is nowhere to be seen. Finally, Joseph looks over to him.

JOSEPH (BLUNT)

So what is eating you?

ABRAHAM (CONFUSED)

What do you mean?

JOSEPH (STERN)

Don’t play games with me, Abraham. We’ve been friends too long for!

Abraham pauses, then looks to Joseph.

ABRAHAM (HONEST)

I have been doing a lot of thinking recently.

JOSEPH (SMUG)

You’re the Primary Scientist, which is what you get paid for.

ABRAHAM (STERN)

If you are going to play games I’m going back to mine.

JOSEPH (REASSURING)

Okay, what have you be thinking about?

ABRAHAM (BLUNT)

I remember the old days. During the war. We were young, there was no time to go through the proper channels. We did what we wanted and how we wanted, it didn’t matter whose toes we stepped on as long as we got results.

JOSEPH (REASSURING)

Well nothing has changed in that aspect, all Command Control is concerned about is results.

ABRAHAM (HONEST)

The problem is I have changed. It gets harder and harder to screw with people’s lives DeckYerk in and DecaYerk out.

JOSEPH (SMUG)

Don’t tell me you are getting a conscience old friend.

Abraham pauses to collect his thoughts.

ABRAHAM (CONCERNED)

Tell me the truth Joseph, be completely honest with me. Deep down in your heart do you ever feel guilty for all the lives you messed up. All the people you stabbed in the back, and all the dirty stuff you do just to stay on top?

Joseph pauses and thinks, then he looks back at the stars on the screen.

JOSEPH (HONEST)

Yeah, there are times I feel that way. Times I want to throw it all in and just plain give up.

ABRAHAM (CONFUSED)

How do you get by? How do you look yourself in the reflector each morning? What do you tell yourself to convince yourself otherwise?

JOSEPH (BLUNT)

I remind myself we’re all animals, only animals could do what we do without a conscience. Being an animal only the strongest, the cunningest, the desperatest survive. So I become an animal and the feeling passing. I get on with my life.

ABRAHAM (HONEST)

I wish I could do that but I’m a scientist. Everything I dictate has to be logically. Has to have a meaning. Has to have a purpose. My life doesn’t reflect that anymore. It hasn’t since I left my wife, since I left my kid, I cut them free just because I wanted to be a success no matter what it cost. I now realize it cost a great deal.

Joseph looks back to Abraham and smiles.

JOSEPH (REASSURING)

It isn’t that bad.

ABRAHAM (CONFUSED)

Not that bad? Jaclyn won’t even speak to me and my son hates me.

JOSEPH (REASSURING)

Oh come on, Nikolai doesn’t hate you.

Abraham glares at Joseph, he shrugs his shoulders.

JOSEPH (RECANTING)

Okay, so maybe he does hate you. But that will all change, once we topple the Felinions we will come back heroes. We’ll have technology beyond our wildest dreams, not the piddly stuff they have been feeding us. The real stuff! Command Control will honor us and everyone will adore us. We’ll be kings.

ABRAHAM (HONEST)

I’d rather be a jester with a loving wife and caring son than a hated king. I’d do anything to get them back.

Joseph becomes very concerned, Abraham notices this and smiles.

ABRAHAM (REASSURING)

Fear not my good friend, I have no intentions of stealing Jaclyn back from you. I know what I have done can never be undone, same goes with my son. I’m just a tired old man who wishes he could turn back the chronometer.

JOSEPH (CONCERNED)

I hear you. It is just what we have set before us is big, really big. We have to convince an entire civilization that we are their friends and then at the right moment stab them in the back. We can’t have any distractions.

ABRAHAM (REASSURING)

You can count on me, Joseph. I’ll be the best ambassador there ever was. You’ll see. They won’t know what hit them.

Joseph smiles.

JOSEPH (SMUG)

I don’t doubt it.

Joseph holds up his glass and Abraham does the same, they drink to one another. Then they go back to watching the stars pass by on the screen, both thinking of what could have been.

EXT. SPACE – MINSK/SAN DIEGO

The two ships sit well out of the Ionic Synapses, there is no long a tractor beam.

INT. MINSK – STABILIZER #3

This is a large room with a bunch of gyros well above the floor that are interconnected, they spin at different speeds and in different directions but they all work together in harmony. They are covered with grease so they work silently. Lena is here checking a monitor. The hatch opens and Codi walks in. Lena glances over to her then goes back to her monitor, she joins Lena.

CODI (CONCERNED)

Everything okay down here?

LENA (BLUNT)

You will be very pleased to know commander the Stabilizers are back to full functionality. Once we were able to limp out of the storm I was able to decrease repair time.

CODI (PLEASED)

Excellent work, The San Diego’s engines should regen shortly and then we all can be on our way.

LENA (BLUNT)

Off to the next disaster.

CODI (CONFUSED)

What is that suppose to mean?

Lena looks to Codi.

LENA (BLUNT)

Whatever you want it to mean, ma’am.

Codi studies Lena for a few seconds, and then nods.

CODI (STERN)

You have permission to speak your mind, Engineer Officer.

LENA (BLUNT)

I don’t know how Felinions do it but we humans use a method to dictate our actions, it is call justification.

Codi chuckles.

CODI (LAUGHING)

I could point out a number of times humans have contradict that but I’m sure that is not what you want to hear. So instead I’ll just ask you to be more specific.

LENA (ANNOYED)

You risked the entire ship and crew, even our mission just to save a cargo ship and crew. The risk for loss of life is almost a thousand fold not to mention the loss of the Minsk, perhaps the most advanced vessels in the fleet. What is your justification on that commander?

Codi settles down.

CODI (CONFUSED)

I thought I explained myself on the bridge?

LENA (ANNOYED)

You gave a speech on the bridge, a pep talk. No justification was involved.

CODI (SMUG)

I’m the commander, I don’t need justification.

LENA (ANNOYED)

The deposits with this!

Lena turns and heads for the hatch but Codi grabs her arm, she stops and glares at her.

CODI (HONEST)

All I was trying to do was save lives, save a ship. That is why we are out here. I was just trying to do good.

Codi lets go of Lena, she pauses to think.

LENA (UNDERSTANDING)

I know, that is what we are all trying to do. That is why we are on this insane mission. I know your heart is in the right place, I have seen the good you have done. What you have done for this ship. You have opened all our eyes. We thought the evil in this galaxy were the Felinions, you helped to show us it was really us. All I’m trying to say is it will have all been for nothing if the San Diego exploded and we were all destroyed.

Codi thinks for a few moments.

CODI (BLUNT)

You’re right… You’re absolutely right… I’ve been a Felinion in a humanoid world too long. I’ve tried to prove myself for so long I almost sacrificed my ship in the process. Can you ever forgive me?

Lena smiles.

LENA (REASSURING)

Sure, because I’m not perfect either.

Codi smiles.

CODI (PLEASED)

Thanks.

Lena heads for the hatch and Codi follows, they walk out of the room together.

EXT. SPACE – MINSK/SAN DIEGO

The two ships turn away from one another and head in opposite directions. The San Diego speeds up and jumps to Light-Speed, the Minsk does the same thing. The storm is left behind.

EXT. SPACE – THE OZZIE

The ship continues on at Light-Speed.

EXT. FELINIA

This is a large planet that is obscured by thick dense clouds, in orbit are two Escorts. They are about half the size of a Destroyer but they have no fighter bay, more armament and are sleeker looking. They have strange hieroglyphic markings. The Minsk has come out of Light-Speed and is heading for the planet, the two Escorts break orbit and head for the ship.

INT. MINSK – BRIDGE

Everyone is here working at their stations. Vladimir looks to Codi.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

We’re coming up to Tethys Major, ma’am.

Codi looks at her screen.

CODI (BLUNT)

So I have noticed, Gator. Take us in.

VLADIMIR (BLUNT)

Yes ma’am.

Vladimir uses his Instructer to follow orders, Ivan looks to Codi.

IVAN (BLUNT)

I’ve detected two ships coming our way, no doubt Felinion.

CODI (BLUNT)

Let’s be sure, give me a quick scan.

IVAN (BLUNT)

As you wish.

Ivan starts working his Instructer, he checks his screen. Golda looks at Codi.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

The planet has a blanketing layer of interference, artificially made. I can’t penetrate it.

CODI (BLUNT)

We can’t but you can be sure that the Escorts can, they are blocking us out.

IVAN (BLUNT)

The ships are frigate class. Their identification signaler and markings make them Felinion. Their offensive systems are on-line, all weapons are trained on us. Their defensive systems are also at full status, they have the maximum layer of Quziis. Profiles are for attack.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

This can’t be good.

CODI (STERN)

That is an understatement.

LENA (CONCERNED)

Maybe Command Control has asked them to stop us.

CODI (DISMISSING)

Impossible, Command Control has no idea what our intensions are. Our approach was a very radical course. Only in the last Yerk did we swing around and made our intentions clear and that information wouldn’t get back to them for at least half a DecaYerk.

LENA (CONFUSED)

Then what is going on?

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

Instead of speculating I suggest we find out from them.

CODI (BLUNT)

Excellent suggestion, hail the Escorts Comm Officer.

Golda looks to Codi.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Too late, they are hailing us.

CODI (BLUNT)

Path them through.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

Yes ma’am.

Golda uses her Instructer, the image of Erictrokyz Toteie appears on one of Codi’s screens and also on Nikolai’s. He is a male Felinion with black fur with green spots and is wearing a headband with some strange hieroglyphic symbols on it. She smiles.

CODI (PLEASED)

Erictrokyz Toteie, it is so pleasant to see you.

ERICTROKYZ (HOSTILE)

It’s Vanguard to you and there is nothing pleasant about it.

CODI (CONFUSED)

Oh?

ERICTROKYZ (HOSTILE)

You do not have clearance to approach Felinia, turn your ship around at once or you will be destroyed.

CODI (REASSURING)

Our intensions are peaceful, we are friends of the Felinion Domain.

ERICTROKYZ (HOSTILE)

Your friendship is highly questionable. We know of your intentions, you broadcasted them for the past hour, but the Court of Chaw has refused to grant you permission to proceed.

CODI (CONFUSED)

But we have Nikolai Solace, full fledged Felinion and honorary member of the Court of Chaw as decreed by the king and queen.

ERICTROKYZ (HOSTILE)

We are well aware of your Exec Officer’s credentials but that doesn’t impress the Court. Turn back now or be destroyed!

Codi pauses to think, as she does Lena uses her Instructer. A text message comes up on one of Codi’s screens, she notices it. It reads “LENA: We only have a single layer of Quizzis up and our weapons are off line. If they open fire we’re doomed. Can I suggest a more defensive posture?” Codi thinks and shakes her head, she looks back to Erictrokyz.

CODI (BLUNT)

As you are probably aware, our Quzzis are at one layer and our offensive systems are off-line. We will not raise a claw to you, you are our friends. Friends do not fire at one another.

ERICTROKYZ (HOSTILE)

Regardless, I have my orders. You are not to be allowed communication with the surface or go down to Felinia.

CODI (CONFUSED)

Your orders are to keeps us from the surface of Felinia yet you threaten to destroy us? That seems like a contradiction? There is no barment from orbiting.

ERICTROKYZ (SMUG)

As Vanguard it is my honor to protect Felinia, blowing you to bits will just be a bonus.

CODI (STERN)

You may soon be out of a job if you proceed. Felinia is in great danger, we are here to save it. We must go down and talk to the court!

ERICTROKYZ (CONFUSED)

From what danger?

CODI (STERN)

Only the Court can stop it, that is why I must talk to them. You must trust me!

Erictrokyz busts out laughing.

ERICTROKYZ (LAUGHING)

Trust? That is an abomination for you! After what you did? No Felinion could trust you!

CODI (BLUNT)

Regardless how you feel about me your duty is still to Felinia! We are the only ones that can do that!

ERICTROKYZ (SMUG)

And why should I believe you?

CODI (EXPLAINING)

Consider this. I’m the most hated Felinion there is, I’m at risk just being here. I’m even more at risk if I was to go down to the planet. Everyone would be more than happy to see me dead. Yet here I am, risking my life. Why?

Erictrokyz pauses and thinks, he smiles.

ERICTROKYZ (SMUG)

It must be for your own person gain.

CODI (CONFUSED)

How?

Erictrokyz tries to come up with something but can’t.

CODI (BLUNT)

Maybe, just maybe I’m telling the truth. Felinia is in danger and I’m here to save her. Or perhaps you are part of the conspercy.

Erictrokyz tries to come up with another reason but still can’t, she smiles.

ERICTROKYZ (SMUG)

Regardless, I have my orders. You can’t contact Felinia.

CODI (STERN)

Then I suggest you break those orders.

Erictrokyz starts laughing again.

CODI (STERN)

One last thing to consider. I’m sure this is being record. If I’m telling the truth you will go down in history as the Felinion that prevent me from saving Felinia.

Erictrokyz stops laughing, he opens his mouth to speak but Codi uses her Instructer and the transmission ends. Everyone in the room is very uneasy, Nikolai looks over to Codi.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

Wasn’t cutting him off like that a risk?

Codi looks over to Nikolai.

CODI (STERN)

This whole mission has been a risk.

Golda looks over to Codi.

GOLDA (BLUNT)

The Vanguard has just sent us a message.

Codi looks over to Golda, she smiles back.

GOLDA (PLEASED)

He has granted us access to the Court. A shuttle is on its way up.

Everyone is happy

GOLDA (BLUNT)

But the only one allowed down there is the Exec.

Everyone looses there happiness, Nikolai looks concerned.

EXT. SPACE – THE OZZIE

The ship speeds on at Light-Speed.

EXT. MINSK NEAR FELINIA (OPTICAL) - MED SHOT

The ship and the two Felinion Escorts are locked into an orbit around the clouds. A shuttle is heading away from the ships and towards the mist. It is strange looking, on the side of it are hieroglyphic symbols.

INT. FELINION SHUTTLE - PASSENGER COMPARTMENT

This is a lavishly decorated room the size of Nikolai's quarters. The walls and ceiling have decorative carvings from Felinia's history that are gold plated. The floor is carpeted with a thick animal fur. Along the walls are large padded swivel chairs. Nikolai and Komvca Yuwqanz are seated in the chairs and have seatbelts on. Komvca is a huge Felinion guard made of pure muscle and with white fur and orange spots. He is 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. Hanging from other side of his belt is a short decorative dagger. A Felinion pilot and co-pilot can be seen through an opening in the front of the room. Nikolai is wearing his amulet and dress uniform, clipped on his belt is an electronic box. He looks around the room and his eyes end up on the other Felinion, he is looking straight ahead. The human smiles.

NIKOLAI (PLEASANT)

Sorry, I didn't get your name.

KOMVCA (COLD)

That is because I never gave it.

NIKOLAI (PLEASANT)

Well could you tell me it?

KOMVCA (COLD)

Yes.

There is a long pause of silence.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

Would you please tell me your name.

KOMVCA (COLD)

Komvca Yuwqanz.

Nikolai looks him over.

NIKOLAI (CAREFUL)

No offense but you are not like any Felinion I have ever seen.

KOMVCA (COLD)

That is because I'm a Mut.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

A mut? What is a Mut?

KOMVCA (COLD)

A Mutant. Every female bares at least one in her lifetime but they usually don't live long after birth. Those who do survive grow up to be extremely strong and without any distinguishing markings. We are usually drafted into tasks dealing with guarding Vice Sirius.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Well I'm no Prevaricate. So what task are you assigned to?

KOMVCA (COLD)

Minister to Court Security.

NIKOLAI (INTERESTED)

So you're like an Enforcer.

KOMVCA (COLD)

More like Chief Enforcer. I'm in charge of maintaining the security of the Court of Chaw and its interests.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

Would you please look at me when you're talking.

Komvca turns to Nikolai and gives him the same dead stare, Nikolai is not pleased.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Funny. I didn't see you last time I was here.

KOMVCA (COLD)

That is because this title wasn't developed until after your last visit.

NIKOLAI (SURPRISED)

Oh? And why was that?

KOMVCA (COLD)

The Court felt that since outsiders were given more access to our planet there was a need for heighten security.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

Where ever did they get an idea like that?

KOMVCA (COLD)

From me.

NIKOLAI (SURPRISED)

You! Why do you think that?

There is a slight pause.

KOMVCA (COLD)

I'd rather not say.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Why not?

KOMVCA (COLD)

You will not like what you hear.

NIKOLAI (BLUNT)

Let me be the judge of that.

KOMVCA (COLD)

It would not be proper to offend a member of the Court.

NIKOLAI (SLY)

I'll make it easy on you.

Nikolai removes his amulet.

NIKOLAI (SLY)

There. Now I'm no longer a member of the court. Just an average human. You may say whatever you feel.

KOMVCA (CAUTIOUS)

This will be off the record?

NIKOLAI (REASSURING)

Yes.

KOMVCA (CAUTIOUS)

Just between you and me?

NIKOLAI (REASSURING)

Of course.

Komvca pauses to think.

KOMVCA

(COLD)

Very well… The reason why Felinia needs more security is because the way humanoids are.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Which is?

KOMVCA (ANGRY)

You are dumb! Lazy! Deadbeats! You steal our technology! You have no minds to develop anything yourselves! You are always asking questions and never think on your own! We give and you take! Vice Sirius’ are more useful than you! You're only goal in life is to concur and destroy! Eventually you will destroy our planet just like you did yours! You are totally worthless!

Nikolai stares at Komvca for several long moments, shocked.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Why would you think that?

KOMVCA (ANGRY)

No! This is not a discussion! You wanted my reasons so I gave them! That is all I'm going to say!

Komvca turns away from Nikolai and stares blankly.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

As you wish.

Nikolai slips his amulet back on.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

We are back on the record.

Komvca nods. The two of them travel in silence.

EXT. FELINIA - SURFACE

The shuttle descends through the cloud mass and towards the planet. Below, the surface is heavily wooded with a variety of trees. Some familiar looking, but all hundreds of feet tall. Just below the clouds are small white clouds as seen on Earth. Off in the distance is a large city, the shuttle is heading towards it.

EXT. CHAW CASTLE - MAIN COURTYARD

This is a huge garden filled with exotic plants. It is surround by the castle and huge battlements. There is a huge marble slab in the center of the yard and a matching marble walkway leading to an entrance to the castle. The castle itself is huge and made out of solid gold, jade and other precious materials. Two towers stretch into the sky and everything is lavishly decorated. The shuttle is about 50 feet in the air and slowly descending over one of the walls, moving towards the large marble slab. There are a row of guards on each side of the walkway. They are just wearing gold head and wristbands with hieroglyphic symbols on them and a matching belt and holster with a laser pistol in it. They carry long ceremonial spears. The shuttle continues to descend and lands on the marble slab. The ship's engines shut down as the ramp lowers. Komvca walks out of the ship and down the ramp. Nikolai follows. They continue down the walkway between the guards. The Felionions show no emotion but the human looks around in awe.

NIKOLAI (TO HIMSELF, IMPRESSED)

No matter how many times I visit the castle I always feel like I’m stepping back into time.

They continue to follow them.

INT. CHAW CASTLE - ROYAL HALL

This is a long marble corridor that is trimmed with gold that 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. The guards on the other side open the metal door. Komvca, Codi and Nikolai walk through the doors. As the group walks down the hall the guards close the metal doors. As the group reaches the gold doors the guards bow and open them. The group walks through the open doors.

INT. CHAW CASTLE - THRONE ROOM

This is a huge dark chamber and dank chamber, several lit torches scattered around the room are the only source of light. A variety of complete taxidermy 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 armrests are of animal skulls. Seated from left to right are Prince Ryquikg Zulk, but Princess Wactorii Tqwzxcvbyyaao’s chair is empty, Queen Ezzlaaaty Mezimallo, King Xjklu Uieoallph, High Priest Poynhidf Tewb and High Priestess Nylgdre Lukjxrt. Ry is a male Felinion with brown fur and purple stripes. He is wearing a head and wristbands similar to the guards, a large solid gold amulet with hieroglyphic symbols and a cape made of several animal pelts. Wactorii is a female Felinion with Grey fur, pink stripes and dressed similarly to Ry. Ezzlaaaty and Xjklu are dressed similar to Ry and Wactorii but they are holding scepters made of large animal bones and a Felinion head is carved into each, they wear a bracelet with carved with hieroglyphic symbols, 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 stripes and Xjklu has orange fur with blue stripes. Poynhidf Tewb and Nylgdre Lukjxrt are dressed like Ry and Wactorii. 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. Next to the curtain stands the Presenter that is a male Felinion dressed like the scribe. Standing on the other side of the curtain Komvca. There are two guards on both sides of the slab and a guard at each side of the curtain. Nikolai slips from underneath the curtain and walks up to the thrones on the carpet, focusing his eyes on either the King or Queen. Nikolai kneels down on one knee and bows their heads. There is a long pause of silence.

EZZLAAATY (BLUNT)

You may rise.

They gets up. Codi is still focusing on the two Felinions in the center but Nikolai looks to the empty chair, he seems concerned. The King and Queen smile at him.

XJKLU (PLEASED)

A member of this court need not kneel before us. A bow of the head is quiet sufficient.

EZZLAAATY (PLEASED)

Especially for a sworn friend who have given this court so much.

Ezzlaaaty indicates to both her and Xjklu's bracelet.

NIKOLAI (EMBARRASSED)

Please forgive me.

XJKLU (ANNOYED)

Do you always need to be so polite?

Nikolai doesn't know how to take the statement. Xjklu bursts out laughing.

XJKLU (LAUGHING)

Nikolai my friend. It is so good to see you.

EZZLAAATY (PLEASED)

We were so surprised but also very pleased when we heard it was you coming down.

XJKLU (PLEASED)

How are you my boy?

NIKOLAI (UNEASY)

Fine Sire.

Nikolai indicates to the empty chair.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

But we don’t all seem to be here.

EZZLAAATY (PLEASED)

The princess is detained for the moment.

Nikolai is confused, they notice this but don’t offer and explanation.

EZZLAAATY (OFFERING)

I think it would be wise to get to the business at paw.

The king smiles.

XJKLU (BLUNT)

Very well, I believe that you came to warn us of some imminent disaster.

Nikolai collects himself.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

Shortly the UCF destroyer Ozzie will arrive.

EZZLAAATY (PLEASED)

Yes, we know it. It is bringing Ambassador Joseph Mazeppa and your father, Abraham Solace. They are going to be the representatives of your people on our world.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

What you don’t know is that they are spies. They are here to sabotage the alliance between you and the humans.

XJKLU (CONFUSED)

But I thought the humans wanted our aide, they needed our help. Why would they jeopardize that?

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

Because these two men are only representing themselves. They hope in the turmoil they cause you will be marked enemies, to be concurred and they will get the spoils of war. All you technology and other secrets. They must be stopped!

EZZLAAATY (PLEASED)

And how do you know this?

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINS)

Because he told me to my face! So you need to keep an eye on them! To keep them under constant surveillance! They can’t be trusted!

EZZLAAATY (CONFUSED)

So just the two of them are going to destroy an entire civilization.

NIKOLAI (EXPLAINING)

We have reason to believe that they have secured a spy within your government who will supply them with the trade routes for your people. Once they have that they will attack and destroy any ship that uses them, making it appear that Felinions orchestrated the attack. My government will be forced to go to war with you.

XJKLU (BLUNT)

Do you have any hard evidence to prove this?

Nikolai sighs.

NIKOLAI (HONEST)

I must confess, this is all speculaion. But you must-

The king holds up his septer to them.

XJKLU (REASSURING)

I believe you.

Nikolai is shocked.

CODI (CONFUSED)

You do?

They nod to them.

XJKLU (SARCASTIC)

It all fits together.

Nikolai is confused and this is seen.

EZZLAAATY (EXPLAINING)

Your last visit here was an astounding success. You foiled the Prevaricates plans and saved us. We gave your government praise of how well you adapted and worked with our people. So much so you were the sole reason an ambassador was allowed her. In fact, we requested that you hold that position her on Felina. But instead they are sending one of your highest warriors and leading scientists. Their hearts are not set on peace but on war and plunder.

XJKLU (BLUNT)

Recently we have uncovered a spy among our ranks, our invesdtigation shows that they are the ones who will supply the trade routes. We waited until the Ambassador was well on his way to apprehend them. Once they arrive they will be meet with their spy in chains, they will have to answer for their treachery.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

So this trip was for nothing?

XJKLU (SMUG)

Seen an old friend is never a waste.

EZZLAAATY (BLUNT)

Speaking of which, we can sense you are dying to see Wactorii. We will not delay this, you will be taken to her at once.

NIKOLAI (PLEASED)

Thank you.

Nikolai bows his head and the other Court members do the same, he leaves behind the curtain, Komvca follows. They all have an evil smile on them.

EXT. CHAW CASTLE - SIDE EXIT

This is a large open courtyard along side of the castle, it has many flowerbeds with small exotic plants. It is closed in by the tall battlements that surround the castle, stone stairways near by lead up to the top of them. Guards are patrolling the top of the battlements, these are like the others except they have laser rifles slung over their shoulders. Set into the wall of the castle is an unattractive metal door. The door flies open. Komvca walks through the doorway at a brisk pace, Nikolai follows. They head for the stairs.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

I thought you had arranged the shuttle to meet us in the Main Courtyard?

KOMVCA (HONEST)

I did.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Then what are we doing out here?

KOMVCA (SMUG)

There is someone I want you to meet.

Nikolai is confused but Komvca just races up the stairs. Nikolai reluctantly follows him.

EXT. CHAW CASTLE - BATTLEMENT

This is a tall and wide stonewall which stretches out far in both directions. On the other edge is a small waist high wall. Up against it is a small wooden box that is leaking some disgusting ooze. The other edge of the wall leads down and to the courtyard of the Side Exit, stairs lead down to it as well. Komvca lead Nikolai down the top of the Battlement, he stops before the box. Komvca turns to him.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What is this all about?

Komvca turns, looks down over the outer wall and smiles.

KOMVCA (SLY)

See for yourself.

Nikolai looks over the wall, he is shocked. Below, in a deep pit slimy pit is a female Felinion covered with filth and slime that is looking down at the mud. Surrounding the hole is a small group of Felinions who are holding large alien putrid fruits. A female child in the crowd throws his fruit at the Felinion and hits her in the head, the Prevaricate does not react.

CHILD (SCREAMS)

Take that Spqdoran!

An adult next to the child pats her on the head.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What is that pit?

KOMVCA (DISGUSTED)

That is Prsdlik. The Pit of Eternal Torture.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Pit of Eternal Torture?

KOMVCA (PLEASED)

We don't believe in capital punishment. Our thinking is that if someone does a crime that hideous they should be punished for the rest of their life. Death is too quick.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

Sounds barbaric to me.

KOMVCA (DEFENSIVE)

Don't be too hasty. You don't know who is down there.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

Which is?

KOMVCA (SARCASTIC)

What? You don't recognize her?

Nikolai looks again and then gasps.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

Wactorii!

KOMVCA (STERN)

That is what she use to be called but even her name has been taken from her.

NIKOLAI (EXCITED)

Wac!

Wactorii’s ears perk up and she looks up, when she sees it is Nikolai she jumps to her feet.

WACTORII (EXCITED)

Nik!

They look to one another smiling, they are very happy to see one another. But that doesn’t last long, they lose their smiles.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What are you doing down there?

Wactorii sneers at him.

WACTORII (ANNOYED)

You should know! You put me here!

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

What?

WACTORII (ANGRY)

Don’t play innocent with me! You left your cloak behind back in The Wane camp! It was discovered by the Court. Traces of my fur were found on it! They knew I was there! You know how they frown on anyone that helps the refugees! This is my punishment for calling you my friend! This is all your fault!

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

I didn’t know this would happen! If I had I would have never done it! I swear!

WACTORII (ANGRY)

Liar!

Nikolai is bewildered and Komvca sees this.

KOMVCA (SMUG)

A fitting end to a pathetic career.

VOICE (SMUG)

I couldn’t agree more.

Everyone turns to see Xiiltriiana. She is Felinion of Codi’s build but slightly older, she has pink fur with gray stripes. She is dressed like the rest on the Court. Nikolai is confused but Komvca bows to her.

KOMVCA (RESPECTIVE)

Princess, this is indeed an honor.

Komvca straightens up.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

You took Wactorii’s place?

XIILTRIIANA (SMUG)

Yes, at last I have taken my rightful place as it was always meant to be.

Nikolai looks on confused, this is seen.

XIILTRIIANA (EXPLAINING)

I was about to ascend to the throne some time ago but Wactorii stole it from me thanks for a little help from my sister.

Nikolai gasps.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

You’re Xiiltriiana!

Xiiltriiana smiles.

XIILTRIIANA (SMUG)

I’m glad my reputation precedes me even outside of the Felinion domain.

Nikolai points at Xiiltriiana.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

You tricked your sister into signing those orders to attack the camps! Because of that she was exiled!

XIILTRIIANA (SMUG)

I see your commander still can’t keep a secret.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

I see it now! You have been waiting in the shadows for an opportunity like this! You must have been poking around in Wactorii’s life! You learned what she was up to so you brought it to the attention of the Court! In exchange for exposing her they made you princess! Isn’t that true?

XIILTRIIANA (IMPRESSED)

I must admit, you are more intelligent that most of those who hang around my sister.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

Just answer the question!

Xiiltriiana smiles.

XIILTRIIANA (SMUG)

Though it was not as simplistic as that in essence what you have said is the truth.

Nikolai smiles.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

Got you!

Nikolai looks to Komvca.

NIKOLAI (SMUG)

You have a confession! Arrest her! She is the real enemy against Felinia!

KOMVCA (CONFUSED)

On what charge? She did nothing illegal. In fact, she did a great service to us.

Nikolai tries to come up with something to say but can’t, he sighs. Xiiltriiana smiles.

XIILTRIIANA (SMUG)

If it will make you feel any better I’ll confess to betraying my sister. I confess to tricking her. It should have been I who was exiled instead of her.

Nikolai pauses to think.

NIKOLAI (FRUSTRATED)

Something tells me Komvca is part of this.

KOMVCA (SMUG)

Let’s just say that she has bought loyalty.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

But surely you know I was there with Wactorii helping her. I’m as guilty as her. I should be down there with her.

XIILTRIIANA (SMUG)

Yes but you wouldn’t last a MiniYerk down there. Besides, you are a hero to Felinions everywhere. You stemmed of the break out of the Prevaricates and much more. It would look very bad if the court implicated a hero like you. You’re government wouldn’t sit still for it either.

NIKOLAI (CONFUSED)

So I get off totally free.

XIILTRIIANA (SMUG)

I hardly think that is possible.

Nikolai is confused and Xiiltriiana looks down to the pit.

XIILTRIIANA (SMUG)

So what do you think of the Ambassador vermin?

WACTORII (ANGRY)

No matter how long it takes! No matter if it takes a thousand lifetimes I will get my revenge on you Nik! I swear!

Nikolai opens his mouth to defend himself but he is cut off.

FELINION ONE (ANGRY)

She can’t talk to a member of the court like that!

FELINION TWO (ANGRY)

Torture her!

CHILD (SCREAMS)

Torture her Humanoid!

Komvca reaches down into the box next to and pulls out a similar rotting fruit. He holds it out to Nikolai and he reluctantly takes it, the smell is overwhelming.

NIKOLAI (OFFENDED)

Whoa! What is this?

KOMVCA (PROUD)

It is one of the native fruits to our planet. Being that both Felinions and Vice Sirius are carnivores, we find it naturally repulsive. It is rotted for added measure. We grow it for the soul purpose to pelting our criminals, especially Vice Sirius'.

FELINION ONE (ANGRY)

Hit her with it!

FELINION TWO (ANGRY)

Yes! Hit the traitor right between the eyes!

XIILTRIIANA (SARCASTIC)

Don't worry. If you miss, we have plenty more where that came from.

Nikolai looks to the fruit and then shoves it back into Komvca's paws, the crowd boos.

CHILD (SCREAMS)

Traitor lover!

FELINION TWO (CONFUSED)

What's wrong? You want a bigger one?

Komvca turns back to the wall and tosses the fruit at Wactorii, but it misses. The crowd throws all their fruit at the creature that hits her, the force knocks her over into the mud. The Felinions laugh, turn and walk away.

NIKOLAI (INFURIATED)

You septor!

In anger Nikolai tries to punch Komvca but he catches his fist is his mighty hand, he squeezes it causing the human pain. Xiiltriiana hisses in her native language insults and he tosses them back. She quickly rattles off a sentence only he can understand. Finally, he lets go and sneers at him.

KOMVCA (ANGRY)

You’re just lucky you are protected by the court or I’d kill you right now!

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

It would have been better if you killed!

XIILTRIIANA (SARCASTIC)

Which is why I saved you. If you are dead you can’t feel all the shame you feel. The same you will feel the rest of your life.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

You are one sick demented Sepcor!

XIILTRIIANA (SARCASTIC)

Thank you.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

You haven’t won! Not by a long shot! I’ll talk to the court! I’ll threaten them if I have to! But Wactorii will go free!

XIILTRIIANA (EXPLAINING)

Prsdilik is not a sentence that is given out lightly, it is a last resort. Because of that it has never been revoked. There is nothing we can do.

NIKOLAI (DEFIANT)

I don’t care what you say! I don’t care who I have to ally with! Even the legion! I will not rest until this injustice is undone!

XIILTRIIANA (SMUG)

Fine, I’ll take you back to the court. It will be fun watching your spirits dashed.

NIKOLAI (STERN)

Let’s go!

Xiiltriiana turns back the way they came, so does Konvca. Nikolai looks back to the pit.

NIKOLAI (CONCERNED)

I’ll come back for you Wac, I swear I will get you out of this. Even if I have to take your place.

Wactorii just lies in the mud and does not respond, it breaks Nikolai’s Heart. Then the three of them head back the way they came.

EXT. SPACE – THE OZZIE

The ship continues to speed at Ultra-Light.

INT. BAY ROOM

Nikolai is standing here with Codi, a duffel bag lies on the ground. Clutched in his hand is a wristband that matches to the one he is wearing, he looks to it in shock.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

I spoke to the Court for three Yerks straight. I tried every tactic I could think of. I even threatened to withdraw myself from the Court but they didn’t care! Finally they told me to leave.

CODI (COMFORTING)

You tried your best.

Nikolai glares at Codi.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

You didn’t see her! You didn’t see what they were doing to her! They treated her like an animal!

CODI (UNDERSTANDING)

I have witnessed Prsdlik, even back in the day when they used rocks instead of fruit. It is a disturbing.

Nikolai sees the pain in Codi’s eyes and looks back to the wristband.

NIKOLAI (SHOCKED)

As I left they game me this. Our friendship band. The last insult. I have failed her.

CODI (REASSURING)

Now don’t give up just yet. I will help you. I have connections on both sides.

Nikolai glares at Codi.

NIKOLAI (ANNOYED)

Don’t you get it? There is nothing we can do! Thanks to me I have committed Wactorii to Hades!

Codi goes to say something but Nikolai throws the wristband to the ground, turn and races away. She looks to him and considers going after him but decides not to. She reaches down and picks up the wristband, she stares at it. She curses it in her own language. The words “THE END” appears over the wristband.

FADE OUT:

ROLL CREDITS:

THE END