"The nearest planet in the region that's closest to the Cutani is Katina IV. We are sending a task force to secure the area."

The govorner is currently talking with Admiral Keogh

"What kind of task force Admiral?"

"All 5 Excalibur dreadnaughts, half a dozen battleships, the carrier EISENHOWER and her escorts. If Buta really does attack it will be here."

"I have already ordered the population to evacuate to the next system."

"Excellent. That should cut down on civilian casualties. We will be there in several hours."

****

"Admiral, please allow us to fight. This General Buta has declared war on us as well."

"What ships do you have General Krr'tel?"

"A battleship, a few cruisers, destroyers and frigates. About a dozen ships in all."

"Are you sure? You don't stand a chance."

"My forces are already on their way admiral. We are prepared to go down fighting if need be."

****

On the bridge of the STRAYER the Wildcards are watching the viewscreen intently.

*Initial reports out of Katina IV are sketchy at best but so far from what we have heard the Cutani forces under General Buta are sucessful.*

"No! I can't believe they would attack my home planet!" says Rif.

"Your from Katina?" says Raven

"Yes. I should be there to help my family."

"Relax" say BJ "The reports say all the civilians got out in time."

*The civilian population of Katina IV have relocated to Sampa II. If you are from Katina we urge you not to go to Sampa II, as you will only be a hindrence to the relief effort. I have just been given this report. The Kzatti fleet of 11 warships under General Krr'tel that engaged in the fight have all been destroyed.*

Mrr'tas puts a hand over her face and sobs. Raven lays a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry." says Raven

Mrr'tas just nods.

*The fleet has just returned I am told to the forward base at Alpha Hydra V. The EISENHOWER and most of her escorts have been lost. The battleships YORKTOWN, INTREPID and IWO JIMA have returned and 4 of the 5 dreadnaughts have also made it back. We will return after we have more information.*

****

"Your Majesty, you must send forces to stop Genral Buta."

*I agree Admiral. Buta is squandering our rescourses and he must be stopped. As we speak my best ships that have not defected are on their way now.*

"Good. If you can distract him long enough we may be able to retake Katina IV. I've had reports that the Zandar and even the Drarmai want to help in the fight."

*They certainly want to contribute don't they? What about the others?*

"The Fr'del want no part of it, and the Bel'Shabans have flat out refused to get involved. Were on our own. Good luck Nij."

*And to you John.*

****

*Reports out of Cutani space say the fleet dispatched to stop General Buta has taken massive losses and is retreating. Katina IV has been retaken and the Zandar and Drarmai fleets are reported engaging.*

*Reports from the front lines say the Zandar and Drarmai fleet's are retreating and a task force sent in by the Federation to penetrate the lines has failed. It seems General Buta's forces are more powerful that anyone anticipated.*

*Citizens of the Buta Alliance, this is Supreme General Buta. We have sucessfully driven off the cowards that would dare attack us. They are no match for our forces. I urge you to keep the good fight up. Buta out.*

****

"Your going to do WHAT?!"

"We are going to surrender. This has to stop Admiral."

"General Krr'pok I must protest! They'll turn you into slaves, or worse."

"It does not matter anymore. We are tired of running away."

****

Buta's command room. An aide walks in.

"General, I have a report saying the Kzatti wish to surrender."

"All of them?"

"A little over half of their remaining population. Approximatly 2 million of them are coming in on unarmed transports."

"Excellent. Have them come to the base at Rikan II so we can process them and make them our slaves."

"Yes sir. I also have a message from Admiral Keogh and Emperor Save: 'Commit genocide and you will pay'."

Buta scoffs.

"Yeah right. They can't even beat us. What're they gonna do?"

****

Rikan star system. The space is filled with hundreds of transports and Cutani warships. A transport suddenly leaves orbit and heads for the Rikan sun. On the bridge of a Cutani vessel that is pursuing

"Kzatti transport, return immediatly or be destroyed."

"They have fired some kind of weapon at the sun."

"What kind of weapon?"

The Rikan sun suddenly goes nova. Outside the system Buta is aboard his flagship when it's suddenly hit by a massive shockwave.

"What the devil was that?!"

"Massive explosion sir. The Rikan sun just went nova."

****

On the bridge of the STRAYER. Mrr'tas is on her knee's sobbing uncontrollably.

*Repeating, the Rikan sun suddenly went nova. Nothing could survive the explosion. President Rinald has declared a Federation wide day of mourning for those lost.*

****

"General Gir Buta, rise up. You have been found guilty of treason, sedition, murder and a host of other charges. By order of Emperor Nij Savo, the punishment is death. Take him away.

The End