New York station is surrounded by ships ranging in size. In a conference room of the station many people of the Terran Federation and other aliens are here. A Zandar walks up to the podium.

"Greetings gentlebeings. I am Vezar, Grand Marshall for today's race. This is a great day in the known universe. On the Earth date of September 2, 2185, the Zandar Confederacy made First Contact with the Terran Federation. And it is on this day, every five years that beings from every corner of the known galaxy converge to take part in the Great Ship Race. This will be the 37th running the Great Ship Race. The race course starts here at New York station, through several systems, asteroid belts and nebulas and ends at the Zandar Homeworld. May the best one win."

Everyone starts applauding. At one table the Wildcards join in.

"Why'd you enter us into the race Miles?" says BJ

"I thought it would be fun."

"And just check out the competition." says Tundra. "Look at those entries."

"Oh forget it. Let's just get to the ship and prepare." says BJ

"Your a party pooper." says Raven

****

THE 37TH RUNNING OF THE GREAT SHIP RACE, HOSTED BY VEZAR OF ZANDA.

The Race this year includes.

T.F.S. STRAYER, Captain BJ, TF private vessel

U.S.S. WHITNEY, Captain Outlaw, TF private vessel

Z.S. ARKEZ, Captain Kezar, Zandar freighter

T.F.S. TIANANMEN, Captain Woo, TF cruiser

C.R.S. KEITO, Captain Diga, Cutani frigate

T.F.S. SARATOGA, Captain Burns, TF destroyer

S.S. TEL'MOKA, Captain Len'ba, Bel'Shaban private vessel

K.V. KAL'KEL, Captain Krr'pak, Kzatti frieghter

Z.S. WEKAZ, Captain Rezma, Zandar private vessel

S.S. OLMAKI, Captain Yantus, Fr'Del private vessel

T.F.S. BUNKER HILL, Captain Yates, TF freighter

Z.S. DOMAK, Captain Lazo, Zandar frigate

May the Best Person Win.

****

"I protest that entry!"

Vezar massages the bridge of his beak and looks at Cutani Captain Diga.

"They've entered the race Captain. They're a peacful race now."

"They'll never be peaceful!" says Diga "The Kzatti vessel should not be allowed to enter the race."

"Your the ones who are never peaceful." says Vezar "Since the war ended your kind has hunted them like animals."

"Because they are!"

"This is a peaceful gathering Captain. If you can't treat it like one then you'll be disqualified from the race."

Diga growls and storms out.

"That Kzatti will pay for showing his face here!" he mumbles.

****

T.F.S Strayer, the Wildcards are ready to take off.

"Incoming communications from Captain Outlaw." says Rif

"Put him on."

"You ready BJ?"

"Ready and waiting."

"How many races have you run in Captain?" says Miles

"This would be our second."

"How'd you do the first time?" says Raven

"We came in 5th."

"See you at the finish line." says BJ

"Count on it."

"To all ships, this is Vezar, start your SpeedDrives."

"Here we go." says Miles.

"Ready, set, GO!"

As one all 12 ships leep into action.

"And Their Off!"

to be continued.....