Retribution

Outlaw narrates

"The year is 2370. It's been 14 years since the end of the Kzatti War. Ever since the Kzatti were nearly destroyed by the Cutani they have been raiding Cutani territory like pirates ever since. Just 3 years ago (2367) the Cutani destroyed a major Kzatti stronghold, there numbers reduced. Us Maddogs? We got back together about 5 years ago (2365) and have become a freelance team. The Maddog Freelance Team. An interesting ring to it don't ya think? The survivors of the 21st Squadron? They've also become a freelance team. BJ and Raven got married 7 years ago (2362) but don't plan on having children just yet."

*****

Viking City, Mars. The Maddogs are walking through a used ship yard.

"Always nice to see new customers." says the dealer "Are you folks looking for a good ship?"

"That's why were here." says Outlaw "What's the best you got?"

"Well let's take a gander at this beauty. This here is a Martian Runner. Think of it as part of the old coast guard. Was in the service for 30 years before she was retired."

"Does she have a name?"

"Afriad not, just a number."

"Got one in mind Outlaw?" says Saphire

"U.S.S. Whitney."

"Good name." says the dealer "Where'd you come up with it?"

"My grandfather served aboard her during World War II. In fact she was at Pearl Harbor on December 7th."

"Wow. What kind of ship was it?"

"Destroyer tender."

"Well then let's take a look inside hmm?"

They head inside the ship and look around. Inside the engine room.

"Now before she was retired this ship got a refit about a year before that and is equipped with the latest SpaceDrive. You might recognize it."

"I should." says Wesley "I helped invent it."

"Armaments?" says Beowulf

"Oh, standard top and bottom laser strips."

"We'll take her." says Outlaw

"Splendid! Let's go to my office and we'll finalize the deal."

In the dealers office Outlaw signs the last paper.

"Wonderful. U.S.S. Whitney is now yours."

"Let's try her out."

Out in space, another Runner-type vessel is going through space heading for a space station in planetary orbit.

"New York station this is the T.F.S. Strayer requesting to dock."

"Roger that Strayer. Stand by to turn your controls to station computer on my mark. Mark.

"Copy that, New York. Over and out."

Miles leans back and sighs.

"Well you got your wish Steven. Two weeks overhaul at New York station."

"Yeah. Believe me the ship could use it." says Steven

"I'll leave the details to you Mr. DeFalco." says BJ "Meanwhile I look forward to some relaxation."

New York CO's office. Captain Jason Sinclair is reading over some papers when his chief of security comes in, Lt Cmdr Martin Galahad.

"Ah, come in Mr. Galahad."

"Sir, we have a small problem. A Kzatti vessel just docked here about an hour ago."

"Uh-oh. Do the Cutani know?"

"Not yet, but their bound to know. The Cutani have put a price on the entire Kzatti race. They won't stop until they're eliminated."

"Yes I know that. Let me know when a Cutani ship comes in and keep an eye on the Kzatti. Make sure they behave themselves."

"Will do sir."

In a bar called "The Blue Pulsar" BJ is enjoying a drink by himself when a Kzatti walks up to him.

"You are BJ?"

BJ looks up, surpised that a Kzatti would even be on a Terran Federation station.

"That's right."

"My name Krr'lak. You fought in war with our people correct?"

"I did."

"You, by yourself, destroyed battleship flagship did you not?"

"Well I didn't do it alone---"

"My father was captain of flagship. Greatest hero in Kzatti history before you killed him."

"Umm, I'm sorry for your loss but your the ones who started the war."

"We were protecting our territory!"

"By invading ours?"

"You were warned to stay away but did not listen. I demand compensation for the loss of my father! Because of your people the Cutani nearly eliminated us! I want compensation!"

"I'm not in a position to offer anything."

"Then I take it out of you!"

Krr'lak produces a small vial and shoots a gas into BJ's face. He slumps down. Krr'lak produces a communicator and speaks into it in his native language. Both disappear in a transporter beam.

Captain Sinclairs office. Martin enters.

"Sir we have another problem. One of the Kzatti kidnapped Captain BJ. His team are on leave here."

"Damn! Any of our ships in the area?"

"U.S.S. Whitney sir."

"The Maddog's ship? Contact them."

*****

Whitney. Outlaw is talking into an ear piece.

"Are you certain? All right we'll find him. Sure thing Captain. Outlaw out."

Outlaw turns to the others.

"We got a problem. A Kzatti just kidnapped BJ from New York station. Silver, set course. Were going to pick up his team and then go after them."

"Yes sir."

*****

Transporter room. BJ's team has just beamed on board. Outlaw is here.

"What do we know about this Kzatti?" says Outlaw

"The son of their flagships captain during the war." says Leroy

"We have to go after them." says Miles

"If anything happens to him I don't know what I'll do." says Raven

"Don't worry. Were on our way to rescue him."

On board the Kzatti vessel BJ is just waking up. Krr'lak is standing over him.

"Awake? Good. I want you consious to witness what I have planned. What do you know about the planet Itilia V?"

"Itilia V? Only rumors. That it was the origin of the Immortal Gems."

"It exists. There is one Gem that was not destroyed on your world and it awaits me. With it I will make me and my race invincible and exact a revenge the galaxy has never seen! And after I am immortal I will personally rip your heart out and eat it raw."

"Sir! Federation ship behind us! They are arming weapons."

The ship rocks with a hit.

"Blow them out of the sky do you hear?!"

BJ begins to ripple. He is being transported away.

"Inturrupt their beam!"

"It's too late!"

"See ya!"

BJ disappears. Krr'lak roars in fury. On board the Whitney.

"BJ! I was so worried!" says Raven

"Relax honey. I'm fine. But we have a problem. Come on let's talk to the captain."

On the bridge, BJ tells Outlaw all he's heard.

"This is a problem." says Outlaw

"No kidding." says BJ

"Beowulf, where's their ship?"

"Gone."

"Do we have any idea where Itilia V is?"

"Not really." says Wesley "Guess I'll have to do my homework."

"Get on it. We have to stop them."

to be continued...