The outcome was different from any battle the Guardians had fought before. Using their new weapons, the Guardians mowed through their attackers. Only WL was struck down by Chaos before Entropy downed him. In less than a minute, the battle was over. The Guardians signaled Crocodile to bring the Nostromu in. Curiously, Crocodile reported the surrounding area was clear. Fearing an ambush, the Guardians had Croc sweep in rapidly, meeting him with Quiasar's superfield platform. Even as they rendezvoused with the ship, the pirates attacked from above.
The Nostromu was disabled. The Guardians quickly grabbed gear and spread out. Using their long distance weapons, the pirates stunned the Guardians without a battle. When the Guardians awoke, they were aboard a pirate ship. Other humans were there. The Guardians had their powers neutralized by stolen Chess equipment, though most equipment remained. The captain introduced himself and gave a brief speech. The weapons from the Chess vault were being examined. Victory was at hand, etc. The Guardians would be interrogated soon. Before that, the Captain questioned one of the other captives. She died rather than submit. There was a brief power surge and the shuttle computer station was destroyed. The Captain left, complaining about ghosts.
The Native American leader explained that they had been visited officials in Washington when they were captured. He asked about the intentions of our team. Suspicious, Crocodile and Entropy instinctively launched their good/bad routine, expertly meshing polished dialogue, showing their years of teamwork. Regrettably, the presence of the amateur Sindar destroyed any hope of success, as he embroiled the rest of the team in a pointless, vague talk about the morality of human governments. In disgust, the Indian turned away. Sensing disaster, Entropy stepped up attempts to make friends and reiterate his personal intention to fight the pirates. Soon after, a ghost like Native American female walked into the shuttle bay and freed her people. Entropy was barely able to persuade the leader to have Entropy freed. The Indians left on the shuttle, the ghost freeing Entropy immediately afterwards.
Entropy freed the rest of the Guardians and checked out the shuttle bay computer. It was wrecked, but he was able to figure out the basic operations. The Guardians then moved out, attacking the pirates as they went. Shadow Knight put the entire bridge under a thick darkness, allowing the Guardians to strike freely. The battle for the bridge went well, but the captain triggered the self destruct device. Sindar attempted to probe his mind for the codes, but the Captain took poison. Before Sindar could get the needed data, the captain died.
While Entropy attempted to shut down the self destruct, the rest of the Guardians scattered, capturing the rest of the pirates and finding the stolen superweapons. They successfully took the ship, but Entropy had trouble with the ship's computer. Quiasar abruptly broke off and went to the shuttle bay. Crocodile reported the situation and asked how Entropy was doing. Entropy said the self destruct had been neutralized but that the Guardians would be 'judged'. The remainder of the Guardians went to the shuttle bay to meet the new visitor.
The visitor proved to be Quiasar's mentor (or equivalent). He disclaimed taking any activity on the Guardian's behalf and said he was merely checking out Quiasar. He agreed to take the prisoners off the ship. He was unable to help earth in anyway. The Guardians (particularly Quiasar) were polite in return and the conversation broke off. The Guardians returned to the bridge and looked over the coordinates to Primion. Entropy entered something into the computer and the ship took off. Before the Guardians could even adapt to the situation, they were lightyears away.
ADDENDUM: Additional classified material is filed. In the event of Entropy's death, Quiasar and SK are to immediately to access the file. Id code and voice password required. Priority one. In the event of multiple mayhem, the file will self decrypt after 72 hours of computer inactivity. ADDENDUM: by Entropy 4/25/95In order to deactivate/disable the self destruct device, I dealt with the ship AI. I communicated my intentions and submitted to a mental verification probe. The AI seemed extremely interested in whether I was evil or good. I additionally guaranteed that the remainder of the Guardians were not evil and were mainly good. There are two possibilities I have considered. Since I am incapable of evil behavior, the ship must prefer the nature of good over evil
1) The ship AI gained some sort of sentience and became revolted by the pirates intentions. It took the opportunity to find more considerate operators.
2) The ship was captured from more altruistic owners and enslaved. It helped us based on the hope that we were unlike the pirates.
PRIORITY ONE DATA The inability to further communicate with the AI indicates that the judgment whether the other Guardians are truly good is still in doubt. Though I pledged to their overall intent, I could not lie. Humans have a vicious streak in their nature, and the Guardians are no exception. I have no doubts about White Leopard, and Quiasar, though implacable at times, should pass. If the ship is using my mind as a baseline comparison, I have strong reservations about whether the rest will pass. Sindar and Desist in particular can be murderously cruel at times. I have verbally ensured the AI that I will not interfere with the test, and will not further inform them of the situation. I can only monitor my allies, and attempt to dissuade them from their baser impulses. Be aware, Guardians, that the ship undoubtedly has the codes for the self destruct. I believe that with that power in its possession, that it will reject any evil masters at this point. If you read this, I have either died or you are failing, forcing me to find help for the earth from other sources. Understand, I cannot risk failure at this point. I will leave the team if they fail to meet an acceptable standard.