Geneva, capital of the Terran Federation. In an office of the capital building two men are having a conversation. The man behind the desk wears the uniform of an Spacefleet Admiral. This is Admiral John Keogh. The other man wearing civilan clothing, this is Fred Gorman.

"You think the Ambassador might be able to help us?" says Keogh

"Probably. Their space is the nearest." says Fred

The door to the office opens and in walks Ambassador Nij Savo of the Cutani. He looks remarakably like a human but has sharp teeth and his ears are on top of his head like a G. Shepherd and has brown skin.

"Ambassador, thank you for coming." says Keogh

"Not a problem Admiral. Always eager to help our human friends."

"This is Fred Gorman, presidential advisor on alien activity."

"Mr. Gorman."

"Ambassador."

"Now then Ambassador, we were hoping you could give us some information on an alien race we recently encountered and we were hoping you would help us."

"Certainly."

"What do you know of a race called Kzatti?"

"Oh! My advice is stay away from them Admiral. They're trouble."

"How so?"

"The Kzatti are a warrior race. They look vaugely like your....Felo-Sapiens you call them?"

"That's right."

"But are a little taller. They are very warlike. We've known races who have come under their boot."

"You've never stopped them?"

"By the Gods no. We've come to an agreement of sorts to not bother each other."

"Don't bother us, we won't bother you?" says Fred

"Exactly." says Nij "They don't respond to diplomacy, not that I know of anyway. But if you want I will give you all available information on them."

"That would be very helpful ambassador." says Keogh

The Ambassador gets up to leave and pauses by the door.

"My advice, stay away from them. On occasion we've had ships stray into their space and were promply destroyed."

*****

Marconis Prime, a colony along the border of Terran space. A freighter leaves orbit and heads out of the system. In command is Captain Clifton Xavier. After some time the sensor operator turns in his chair.

"Captain, I'm picking up a ship at extreme range."

"Can you make it out Mr. Hart?" says Xavier

"Not at the moment sir. It's very faint. Wait, I'm getting more details. It's Kzatti."

"What are they doing here? Are they making any aggresive movements?"

"Negative sir, it aapears to be a reconaissance vessel."

"Mr. Barret, send a message to Marconis Prime saying we have a possible contact with the Kzatti."

"Aye sir."

******

Marconis Prime. The cruiser T.F.S. Challanger has left orbit, Captain George Mulligan in command. Two destroyers flank the ship. These are the T.F.S. Gettysburg and T.F.S. Tiger. On the bridge of the Challenger Captain Mulligan addresses his crew on the intraship system.

"We know that a passing freighter caught site of a Kzatti starship, and we know that reports from the Cutani are almost all negative. We are hoping to find a peaceful way to coexist with them, if not, the Federation will make all efforts to evade them. That is all."

Captain Mulligan turns to his first officer, a German Shepherd Cano-Sapien named Rex.

"Mr. Rex, set course for the position the freighter spotted that Kzatti ship."

"Aye sir."

After they enter the area they begin sensor sweeps.

"Got something sir." says the sensor operator "From the information the Cutani gave us it looks like a Kzatti battleship. Very powerful."

"Have they spotted us Mr. Miller?"

"Have they ever. They're headed for us."

"Yellow alert." says Rex

"Hmm. We've been at peace for some time now. I'd hate to lose that peace." says George

"So would I sir." says rex

"They are coming into visual range sir." says Miller

The screen turns on to show a very nasty looking ship with large guns along the bow. George turns to the communications officer, a hound Cano-Sapien named Monty.

"Mr. Monty, open communications."

"Not responding sir."

"Sir, they're powering weapons!" says Miller

"Red alert!" shouts George "Tell Gettysburg and Tiger to go to battle readyness!"

"Incoming!" shouts Miller

The Challenger is rocked by a massive hit. A console at the back of the bridge explodes in a shower of sparks.

"Damage report!"

"Weapons offline!" says Rex "Hull breach deck 5! The Tiger has been destroyed! Gettysburg severly damaged!"

"Get us out of here!"

As both ships begin to retreat the Kzatti ship fires one last parting shot before leaving also. Marconis Prime, the Challenger and Gettysburg have entered orbit. Captain Mulligan is talking to Fred Gorman on the main screen.

"They fired without provocation?"

"Yes sir. In one shot they destroyed the Tiger."

"This is not good."

Suddenly the screen goes static.

"What's going on?"

"Sir! A Kzatti battle fleet has entered the system!" says Miller "I read two carriers, 4 battleships and 6 cruisers! They are launching fighters!"

"Try to contact the Governor!"

*****

Marconis Prime, surface. People go about what they do when suddenly Kzatti fighters swoop in and begin straffing. People begin screaming and running in every direction.

****

Earth, Geneva. Fred Gorman enters Admiral Keogh's office.

"Admiral, we have a problem along the border. We've lost contact with Marconis Prime."

John Keogh stands up with a look of horror.

"Dear lord! After centuries of peace we're finally going to war."

to be continued......