"The evacuation of New Shepherd colony has garnered interest from the other races, even the Drarmai are sending vessels to help. Fleet Admiral Jonathan Keogh Jr, head of the Federation's space fleet, has personally taken charge and organizing the evacuation in a swift manner. This is Brett Sanders of the Federation News Service."

The main screen of the Strayer turns off. First Minister Thomas is standing on the Wildcards bridge.

"My compliments Captain for getting the word out so fast."

"Thank Admiral Keogh" says BJ "He's the one organizing everything."

"And we may get the chance." says Rif "Admiral Keogh wishes us to come aboard the Merrimack as soon as possible."

****

Merrimack bridge. Admiral Keogh gets up from his chair as the Wildcards and Minister Thomas walk in.

"I wanted you to know that the evacuation is proceeding ahead of schedule. Estimates say we'll be able to evacuate with months to spare before the nova."

"Out eternal thanks Admiral!" says Thomas

"No need Minister. Just doing my job."

A Cutani walks in.

"Ah, Wildcards, First Minister Thomas, I'd like you to meet our new Ambassador from Cutani Prime, Tol Savo."

"Savo?" says Miles "Any relation to Emperor Nij Savo?"

"My brother actually."

"Admiral Keogh, I have two more vessels on approach."

"Identify."

"A converted Kzatti troop carrier and a destroyer. They wish to help in the evacuation."

"My people want to help?" says Mrr'tas.

"Ambassador?" says Keogh

"I got nothing against it."

"Minister?"

"The more the better."

"Permission granted."

"Admiral, a Cutani cruiser is moving to intercept. They're powering their weapons!"

"Open a channel!" says Tol "Captain, stand down now. This is not the time!"

"It never is!" says Mrr'tas

"Your right, sorry. Captain, stand down or there will be concequenses!"

"We should have finished the job Ambassador! And we will! The Kzatti must be punished for showing their faces here!"

"Have the battleship Yorktown move to intercept." says Keogh

In space the Cutani cruiser opens fire on the Kzatti vessels. The transport makes a run for it but is hit in the engines. The cruiser fire several times and destroyes the transport. The destroyer opens fire hitting the cruiser's shields. Both ships continue exchanging fire. Ambassador Savo is livid as he keeps hailing his cruiser.

"Captain your risking a war over this! Stop this insanity right now! Do you hear me?! Cease fire!!"

"It's no use they can't hear you."

"Tell the Yorktown they have permission to fire."

"Admiral---!"

"They can end it quickly Ambassador."

The destroyer is taking a heavy beating until finally her shields collapse. The cruiser keeps pounding until the destroyer blows up. At this point the Yorktown fires and takes down her already weakened shields and hits her engines. In a brilliant flash the cruiser blows up as well.

"I wanted that ship disabled not destroyed Captain!" says Keogh

"I'm sorry admiral. We didn't hit them that hard. They must have already had heavy damage to their reactor cores."

"Aww scrag!"

BJ looks at Ambassador Savo who can only stare at his cruisers former position.

"Ambassador? You all right?"

"I ordered them to stand down. This has got to stop I tell you."

"I agree." says Mrr'tas "What in the 5 hell's are your people doing to us Ambassador?! Your treating us like the trash of the galaxy!"

"Because a lot of my people see you that way. Not all Cutani are like this."

"That's small comfort."

"Ambassador" says Keogh "I must inform the Federation High Council. They will not be happy about this."

"Niether will the Emperor."

"First Minister Thomas, I wish to apologize for what you have seen."

"It must end Ambassador. I don't know the whole story but it must end."

"I agree completely."

"Lieutenant, contact the High Council. Were all in very big trouble."

to be continued...