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Dark Space: Episode 2: Honour the Fallen

‘Honour The Fallen.’

Written by Jasper B.

Dark Space.

‘Honour The Fallen’

TEASER:

Good...(He takes a deep breath to steady his nerves.)...Open the stream.

Jerris finishes off the burger.

He looks over at Migkal, who nods.

EXTERIOR: ALO: SPACE.

INTERIOR: ALO: PENAL COLONY: CAVE CORRIDOR.

INTERIOR: ITHER: GRAND RESIDENCE: THRONE ROOM.

The throne room is medieval in its style but with a few futuristic elements to it, there is a raised platform towards the rear centre of the room and on this platform is the throne. The throne is clearly made out of a old great tree trunk.

Behind the throne is a small discreet wooden door and opposite the throne there are a pair of strong wooden doors. These doors are directly in-line with the throne. Either side of these doors are two Svava family soldiers.

At regular intervals along the walls of the throne room are small alcoves, in these alcoves are various historical artifacts, each of these artifacts relate to a specific moment in the history of the Duchality. In-front of these alcoves are luxurious wooden benches.

Sitting on these benches are members of the other eight royal families, they are waiting patiently for their Grand Duchessa.

These people are all wearing regal, futuristic medieval uniforms in their family colour. Sitting on the bench closest to the throne is Grand Peer Gabe Gilok, he is clearly uncomfortable with being on the bench and not on the throne.

Murmurs and snatches of conversation from these benches can be heard.

The door behind the throne slowly and quietly opens and a soldier belonging to the Svava family professionally steps out of the room and then moves to the right side of the door, he then stands to attention with his rifle across his chest.

The soldier is wearing a red (The Svava family colour) soldier uniform, this uniform is eye-catching, imperial and regal. The style is similar to modern day military dress uniform and British Colonial uniform. He is also holding a rifle (similar to a musket) across his chest.

Soldier:

(Shouting.)

Please Welcome The Saviour of Tasglen, The Most Venerable and Serene Grand Duchessa Issa Svava.

The members of the other royal families stand up, cross their legs and then bow in the direction of the throne. The door quietly opens again and Grand Duchessa Issa Svava gracefully steps out, she slowly and calmly walks to the throne, crosses her legs and then bows in the direction of the other family members.

She slowly sits on the throne.

Issa is followed out by her advisers and assistants, the majority of these are from the same family as her but there is one man who is wearing white. (which means that he belongs to the Baniev family.) They all walk in a line and stop in that line behind the throne, they turn and face the same direction of the throne as one.

Issa is a quite young, beautiful but slightly inexperienced Grand Duchessa. she is wearing a red medieval style luxurious dress with a cloak attached, resting on top of her long hair is a circlet inlaid with different coloured crystals. Attached to her belt there is a ceremonial but practical short sword.

The members of the other royal families sit down after Issa has sat in her throne and her assistants and advisers have stopped in a line behind the throne, they remain standing. The man in white (Regen Magnate Lica Baniev) stands to the right of Issa.

Gabe Gilok stands up and Issa looks over to him, judging whenever to let him ask a question.

Issa:

(Calm.)

The Grand Duchessa recognises Grand Peer Gabe Gilok.

Gabe just tips his head in thanks but with a hint of contempt.

Gabe:

(Hidden contempt.)

Thank you, your grace... I was wondering when your grace was going to have a offspring to continue her line?

There are murmurs from the members of the other royal families, they are surprised that this question is being asked again.

Issa:

(Leaning back on the throne, thinking.)

Why does this concern you?

Gabe:

(Scheming, condescending)

Well, your grace, if you do not find someone soon then surely we should decide what family has control after your grace passes on... To prevent the wars you see.

Issa leans forward now, studying Gabe.

Issa:

(Annoyed.)

Yes I do see your reasoning. I presume that you are putting yourself forward to become the next Duche?

Gabe bows his head, trying to appear sincere and mostly succeeding.

Gabe:

(Scheming.)

I would be honoured if you considered me, your grace.

Issa:

(Annoyed.)

The only reason that this is a issue for you Gabe, is that your family used to sit here (she indicates the throne.) and you want to continue the tradition.

Gabe:

(Smirking.)

Of course, we all do.

He raises his arms to include the entire room.

Issa:

Yes they do, How do you know that I have not already found someone?

Lica winces and the murmurs from the other families increase, this was clearly the wrong thing to say.

Gabe’s smirk gets bigger but he bows his head to hide it.

Gabe:

I do not, but if you have then the families should meet him, to check their suitability, your grace.

There are nods from the members of the other royal families.

Issa:

(Hostile.)

This is my concern and not yours.

The soldiers either side of the wooden double doors leading into the throne room pull the doors open.

Soldier:

(Shouting.)

Please Welcome the United Alliance Representative Grice Novell.

Grice slowly walks into the room, he is leaning heavily on his wooden walking stick. He is wearing the standard black United Alliance uniform.

He walks up to the throne and then nods his head in greeting at Issa. She returns the nod. He stands in-front of the throne with his walking stick between his legs, still leaning heavily on it.

Grice:

(Urgent.)

Grand Duchessa, the United Alliance would like your assistance.

Gabe glares at Grice for interrupting him. Grice ignores him.

Issa:

Gabe, you may sit.

Gabe:

(Annoyed)

I was not finished.

Lica:

(Commanding, threatening.)

You are now. Sit down.

Gabe sits down on the bench, clearly frustrated. Members of the other royal families stand up, patiently waiting to be recognized by Issa.

Issa:

(To Lica, whispering)

Thank you.

(To Grice.)

The Grand Duchessa recognises United Alliance Representative Grice Novell.

The members of the other royal families sit down, inwardly annoyed at not being chosen.

Grice:

Thank you, your grace.

Issa leans back in the throne, visibly relaxed.

Issa:

(Curious.)

What can the Duchality of Svava do for the United Alliance?

Grice:

It is a matter which I would rather discuss in private.

Issa:

Is my chamber suitable?

Both Gabe and Lica are shocked and surprised that the Grand Duchessa is allowing Grice into her private bedchamber.

Grice:

It is, your grace.

Issa:

Then shall we?

She stands gracefully. Everyone else in the room also stands, crosses their legs and then bow at Issa apart from Grice who nods his head. Issa returns the bow in the same fashion as before and then starts to walk over to the small door which she came in from.

Everyone except Gabe, Grice and the people in the line behind the throne sit down.

Lica:

(Shocked, surprised)

Your grace. I really must protest.

Gabe:

(Angry.)

Grand Duchessa, for once I must agree with the Regen Magnate. This is the incorrect way to conduct these types of discussions.

Issa stops walking and turns to face them, acting confused at why her commands are being questioned. Grice carries on walking until he reaches the door into the bed chamber then he stands next to it, leaning heavily on his walking stick, patiently waiting for Issa.

Issa:

(Annoyed.)

This matter is not open for discussion.

(Raised voice.)

If there are any important questions then please ask Regen Magnate Lica Baniev.

She carries on walking to the door, which is opened by the soldier standing next it, Grice walks through first, leaning heavily on the walking stick. Issa follows him into the room.

INTERIOR: GRAND RESIDENCE: GRAND DUCHESSA’S BED CHAMBER.

The room is very spacious, airy and very medieval in appearance but with a few futuristic elements. In the middle of the room is a four poster bed with a small bedside table next to it. In the far corner of the room is a table with a basin containing a black liquid.

There is also a small lounge area with two sofas and a table. A interactive information globe is located next to the sofa.

Grice walks, leaning heavily on the walking stick, over to the basin and leans the walking stick against the table. Issa sits on the sofa facing the door, watching and waiting for it to close.

Grice:

Would you like a drink, your grace?

Issa:

Yes, if you do not mind.

She turns to face him and the door clicks shut.

Grice picks up two glasses from the rack above the basin and then places them into the basin, letting the black liquid flow into the glasses. When they are full he turns and walks over to the sofa, walking perfectly normally and it is very obvious that he does need the walking stick.

Issa’s dress is the floor next to the sofa and she is curled up on the sofa wearing a smaller, plain and simple dress. Grice sits next to her and hands her one of the glasses.

Grice:

(Relaxing)

How do you put up with all that?

Issa takes a sip from the drink and places it on the table.

Issa:

(Confused.)

All what?

Grice:

The bowing, the stupid regulations for every little thi...

He is cut off when Issa suddenly kisses him. He returns the kiss with passion and Issa is the first to pull away but she does so reluctantly.

Issa:

(Whispering.)

I’ve missed you.

Grice:

(Whispering.)

Vam. I’ve missed you too.

Issa:

(Still whispering.)

Why don’t you visit me more?

Grice:

(Whispering.)

I try to, it's hard finding a reason why we can be alone. You know we can’t be seen together.

Issa:

(Annoyed, whispering.)

Because of those stupid regulations.

Grice smiles and kisses her.

Grice:

Exactly.

He takes a long drink from his glass.

Issa:

So, what was it that you wanted to see me about?

Grice:

(Annoyed.)

Do we have to talk about that now.

Issa takes Grice’s drink out of his hand and places it on the table.

Issa:

Yes we do.

Grice:

(He sighs.)

OK... The United Alliance would like to hire twenty penal Blackguard units.

Issa uncurls herself and leans back on the sofa, away from Grice.

She is thinking over the idea.

Issa:

(Concerned.)

Gabe will detest this.

Grice:

That’s probably true. Isn't that just another reason to allow it?

Issa slowly picks up her drink, takes a sip and places back on the table. All the while thinking very carefully over the idea.

Grice reaches into his inside jacket pocket and takes out his small tablet, preparing to send a message.

Issa:

(Slowly, thinking.)

I will allow ten Blackguard units at the price of ten thousand Alks each but on the condition that the United Alliance provides the transport and vehicles... The Grand Duchality takes no responsibility for their actions.

Grice leans forward and kisses her in gratitude. She kisses him back passionately and Grice pushes her down until she is lying down on the sofa, she moves with it willingly and starts to unbutton his jacket.

Grice’s tablet falls to the floor, unnoticed by both of them.

The door into the room opens a very slight amount and a maid, belonging to the Baniev family (wearing white.) pops her head around the door but quickly retracts it, shocked, upon seeing Grice and Issa together on the sofa.

END TEASER

OPENING TITLES.

(The words Dark Space are superimposed against outer-space, but there are also very little stars in space and those that are there are not burning very brightly.)

(When the title fades away into stars, a block of text slowly fades into existence in the lower right. The block of text reads:

The Duchality of Svava (its current name) is the smallest of the alliances in the universe. The current Grand Duchessa of The Duchality is Issa Svava, she is the youngest woman to hold that slightly powerful position.

The ruling family of the Duchality (in this case the Svava family) is granted use of the Grand Residence, which is on the outer limits of the city of Tasglen on the sol Ither. The ownership of the Residence changes each time the ruling family changes.

Underneath the block of text it then reads:

Extract from: A History of the Ruling Families.)

ACT 1:

EXTERIOR: UICKER: SPACE.

Uicker is a planet made almost entirely from water, there are no major land continents but there are a few small islands which are visible from space. The atmosphere of the planet is extremely clear and the majority of it is free of clouds.

Orbiting the planet is a huge shipyard, made up of interconnected repair/docking ships. Docked inside these ships are a mixture of civilian and military ships (but mainly civilian) ships. Cables and walkways connect these ships to the shipyard.

Also docked in this shipyard, but a short distance from all the other ships is the Lundress. It is undergoing extensive repairs with scaffolding built up all around the ship and especially around the destroyed hangar bay. The missile impacts and hull damage from the previous battles are clearly visible on her hull.

INTERIOR: UICKER: UNITED ALLIANCE EXECUTIVE BUILDING: CONFERENCE ROOM

In the middle of the conference room is a wooden table with six high backed wooden chairs around it, only one of these chairs has arms attached to it and this chair is at the head of the table. (the Executives chair.)

There is only one door into the conference room and this door is automatic, so this means that there are no control panels for it in the room. Opposite the door into the room is a floor to ceiling window and the never ending ocean of Uicker can be seen through the window.

One of the walls of the room has a large information and communication screen built into it.

Sitting around the wooden table are the members of the United Alliance Executive Committee. Seated either side of the Executives chair are Tefford Sammonn and Jared Vitan (who is the Junior Executive or second in command.), next to Tefford is Order Executive Fane Strax.

Beside Jared is Miko Carn, the Relations Executive (or head diplomat) and at the far end of the table, opposite the Executives chair is the Finance Executive. (Jakos Inbo).

Unusually Davis Pilsade is not sitting in the Executives chair but is instead standing by the window, looking out of it at the never ending ocean which makes up the majority of Uicker, wondering what he could do to stop the war from escalating.

On the table in-front of each member of the Committee are their tablets but only Tefford and Fane are using them. They are the only fairly calm members of the Committee.

The Committee are in the middle of a heated discussion about the correct response to the situation.

Jakos Inbo:

The Collective of Colonies seriously outnumbers us but if we must then we can afford to fight them for ten cycles, that is without selling any companies or putting in place taxation...

(He pauses, knowing what he is about to say will cause an argument.)

I do not think starting this war is a good idea.

Fane puts her tablet down on the table and leans forward, looking over at Jakos.

Fane:

(Annoyed)

And what would you have us do instead, Jakos? Open our mouths and let them sirt in them?

Jakos just glares at Fane, irritated by her response.

Jared:

(Annoyed.)

Do you think you two could act as members of the Executive Committee and not children?

Miko:

(Trying to calm the situation.)

Anyway...If we can get the Duchality on side then that should deal with the numbers issue.

Jakos:

But that is a big i... (He falls silent as Miko’s tablet beeps.)

Miko’s tablet lets out a long beep and then the room falls quickly silent in worried anticipation. Davis turns from the window and walks over to the table.

The window starts to darken until it is impossible to see out of it.

Davis:

(Worried.)

Well?

Miko:

(Slightly nervous.)

They have accepted our stream request.

Davis sighs in relief and then collapses into the Executive chair.

Davis:

(Relieved.)

Thank Vam... So just to be clear...I have your permission to issue a Intent of War against the Collective of Colonies?

Everyone around the table nods in confirmation.

Davis:

The screen activates and then Aless Brean appears on the screen. He is wearing the same sleeveless jacket and fur-lined cloak as before and is on the same stage as before.

Aless:

(From screen)

Executive Davis Pilsade, it is a pleasure to know that the people of my former and future colonies have chosen you to lead them.

Davis:

(Annoyed.)

Commandment Aless Brean, can we please not start that conversation?

Aless:

(From screen, feigning a apologetic attitude.)

My apologies, why has the United Alliance decided to contact its former master?

Tefford rolls his eyes at this. Davis manages to remain calm, at least outwardly.

Davis:

(Appearing calm.)

We would like to know why you are attacking our sols.

Aless:

(Deliberately being annoying.)

I do not believe that I am, I believe that it is the military of the Collective of Colonies and we only attacking the sols which were taken away from us...Of course I could order them to stop but there would be some conditions.

Davis is relieved at the prospect of preventing another war.

Davis:

(Muttering, thankful)

Thank Vam.

(Talking normally.)

What are these conditions?

Miko kicks Tefford under the table and Tefford glances up at him, perplexed and annoyed. Miko quietly passes his tablet to Tefford who quickly reads the message that Miko has just received. Teffords confusion turns to concealed understanding.

He quickly taps out a message on his own tablet and then sends it. Fanes tablet vibrates and she looks down at the message that Tefford has sent her.

Throughout this Aless is speaking.

Aless:

There are two terms...The first of these is that the United Alliance must hand over control of Corni, Vaz and Ero to the Collective of Colonies. The second term is that the United Alliance must join the Collective of Colonies in breaching and voiding the Dox Settlement by declaring that they will no longer recognize the Grand Union of Alliances.

Davis:

(Thinking.)

If we agree to those terms then you will stop attacking our sols?

Aless:

Yes, but this does not include the independents.

Davis:

(Grim, realising he has no other choice.)

I accept thes...

(Tefford interrupts him.)

Tefford:

(Annoyed)

Pause stream.

The screen turns black and Davis turns to face Tefford, annoyed at being interrupted.

Tefford:

We cannot accept those terms.

Davis:

(Annoyed and distraught)

What would you have me do?

Tefford:

You could always fight them. The Duchality of Svava have granted us use of some of their Blackguard units.

Davis:

But what about the pain and suffering that will cause?

Fane:

What about the pain and suffering of the people on those sols you were going to sign away?

Davis:

They would no longer be our responsibility.

Tefford:

(Disgusted.)

Acceptable losses then.

Davis:

Exactly.

Miko:

(Urgent.)

Davis, Surely you must realise that if you agree to those frankly awful terms then Brean will come back for more.

Davis:

(Annoyed.)

Then we negotiate with him and hopefully get some better terms.

Tefford rolls his eyes again and sneaks a glance at Fane. She sees this glance and nods in support of what he is about to say.

Tefford:

(To Davis.)

Let me put this a way that you will most likely understand...

(He pauses to gather his thoughts and to think about his wording.)

...If you do accept those terms then I will order the Military Directorate to attack the Collective of Colonies anyway.

Davis:

(Desperate.)

You can’t.

Tefford:

(Trying to push Davis into a mistake.)

I can and I will.

Davis takes a deep breath and looks around the table trying to judge the position of each person around the table and who they support.

Davis:

(To Fane. Outwardly calm.)

Fane, Remove Tefford from his position.

Jared and Jakos are both shocked at Davis ordering what is very nearly a coup. Tefford merely smiles while Fane fails to show any emotion.

Jakos:

(Shocked.)

Davis, you cannot be serio... (He is interrupted by Fane.)

Fane:

(To Davis. Sarcastic.)

You know I would but I agree with him...

(To Tefford.)

Tefford, send the Lundress.

Tefford starts to tap a message out on his tablet.

Mikos:

(Confused.)

Sorry...Tefford, what are you doing?

Tefford:

(While tapping out the message)

I am sending the Lundress and its unit to Amsun, to aid the resistance and then to retrieve those Blackguard units which The Duchality gave to us to command.

Jakos:

(Annoyed)

We have not even issued the Intent of War and you already attacking them!

Fane:

I believe that Davis was just about to issue that Intent of War unless of course he wants the masses to find out that he tried to remove their Defence Executive for not agreeing with him.

(To Davis.)

Am I not correct?

Davis:

(Openly angry.)

For Vams sake. We’ll do it your vaking way.

(to Miko)

Reopen the stream.

EXTERIOR: AMSUN: SPACE.

It is night on Amsun and hardly any of the lights from the major cities on the planet can be seen from space. None of the transport systems that link the cities are active and so none of them can be seen from space.

Orbiting close to the planet is the wreckage of the United Alliance ships that were destroyed when the Collective of Colonies invaded the planet. The largest piece of wreckage is the remainder of the repair/docking ship. There are no signs of life from any of the wreckage.

Floating above Amsun is a small CC fleet, in this fleet there are 4 destroyers and 5 frigates. The frigates are in defensive positions around the destroyers.

Space expands a long way from Amsun and the Lundress appears out of the expanded space. The thrusters at the front of the Lundress activate and light up blue while the rear thrusters deactivate. The ship slowly comes to a stop.

Space expands in two separate locations in-front of the Lundress and in one location behind it. Three frigates appear out of these areas of expanded space and their thrusters at the front also activate and they come to a stop quicker then the Lundress.

Either side of the Lundress space expands and two destroyers appear out of the expanded space. The thrusters at the front of the ships activate and they come to a stop.

The bubbles around each of the ships disappear one after the other, starting with the Lundress.

INTERIOR: LUNDRESS: NAVIGATIONAL BRIDGE AND COMBAT CONTROL CENTRE.

The Bridge and CCC are fully staffed with crew members sitting at every console, the lights are also deactivated and so the crew members are only illuminated by the screens on the consoles.

The blast doors are covering the windows at the front of the Navigational Bridge.

Migkal is sitting in the Ship Directors chair, he is keeping an eye on the various different parts of the ship using the Ship Directors console in front of him.

He looks up and over to Juras.

Migkal:

Juras, anything out there?

Juras swings around his chair to face Migkal.

Juras:

Passives are detecting active sensors which match the records for Collective of Colonies ships.

Migkal:

(Nervous.)

How many?

Juras:

Possibly four, various classes...It's also possible that there are other ships which have their sensors on passive.

Mikgal:

(Thinking.)

If I remember correctly... Active sensors scramble the passive sensors and make it easier for you to be detected. Are they cycling their sensors?

Juras swings his chair back round to study his console.

Juras:

(Studying his display)

Cannot currently tell... If we get any closer we will be in within range.

Mikgal:

(Thinking.)

Thanks... Keep watching them... I want to know the moment that they detect, if they do.

Juras:

Will do.

Mikgal:

(Into earpiece.)

Kial, did you see the sensor report?

In the CCC, Kial is standing over the Flight Combat Table watching a series of military simulations of the Lundress and its current fleet attacking a much larger CC fleet over Amsun.

Every simulation ends in the Lundress and its fleet being destroyed and the CC fleet emerging victorious, the level of damage to the CC fleet varies depending on the simulation.

The simulations are all displayed on the screen built into the service of the table.

Kial:

(Into his earpiece, annoyed.)

Yes Migkal, I will need to confirm the report.

The door into the CCC from the Communications and Sensor Suite slides open with a hiss of air and a series of warning beeps and Jerris steps through, holding a small clamshell food container. He calmly starts to walk over to the Flight Combat Table.

Kial runs his hand roughly through his styled blond hair in annoyance at the failure of the simulations and starts to tap on the keyboard built into the table, creating yet another simulation.

Upon reaching the table Jerris casually leans against it and opens the container. Inside the container is a burger made out of two pieces of flatbread and a slab of lab-grown meat, it is wrapped in plastic.

Kial looks over at Jerris annoyed, who takes the burger out of the container and bursts the plastic wrapping, pretending to not realise that he has annoyed Kial.

Kial:

(Annoyed, thinking about possible tactics.)

Jerris, what do you want?

Jerris takes a bite out the burger.

Jerris:

(Calm, while eating.)

Finally got some vaking good news.

Kial turns his attention back to simulation building and starts to type a new simulation into the keyboard built into the table.

Kial:

(Distracted.)

What's that?

Jerris:

(Still eating his burger.)

The Executive Committee finally issued the Intent of War.

Kial:

(Still distracted, engrossed in simulation building.)

Took their time...What flightie is standing ready?

Jerris:

(With pieces of burger coming out of his mouth, not caring why Kial wants to know.)

Chief flightie Cass Bal.

Kial:

(Annoyed, worried.)

Vake...

Jerris suddenly realises that Cass was the flightie that Kial got his load off with. He pushes himself away from the table and angrily walks around to the other side of the table to Kial.

Kial:

(Into earpiece, watching Jerris.)

Lissi, tell Cass to suit up and stand ready for scouting.

Lissi:

(From earpiece.)

Right away, Flight Director.

Jerris:

(Annoyed and slightly angry.)

Kial, you can’t have seeding with your vaking chief flightie!

Kial:

(Angry.)

Why not?

Jerris:

(Angry.)

It puts my vaking ship in danger.

Kial:

How does it?

Jerris:

Confi...

(He is interrupted by Kial.)

Kial:

(Annoyed.)

Actually...I do not need to hear this, particularly from you.

Jerris:

(Angry.)

What the vake is that supposed to mean?

Kial:

(Annoyed.)

You know what I mean

Jerris turns and angrily walks away.

Kial:

(Shouting after him.)

I need your permission to launch!

Jerris:

(Angry.)

Fine, you vake!

ACT 2

INTERIOR: UNITED ALLIANCE FIGHTER: COCKPIT.

The cockpit is laid out in the standard modern day design with the glass canopy at the top and the pilot seat underneath it and in the centre of the cockpit.

There is a joystick either side of the chair and grouped around these joysticks in a circle are the various control buttons and switches for the fighter.

Built into the glass canopy is a interactive heads-up-display and in-front of the seat is a console which mainly consists of a screen with very few buttons around the edge. The console screen mainly shows constantly updating results from the fighters passive sensors.

(The screen is currently showing the location of the CC ships which the Lundress picked up.)

The fighter is in complete darkness with only the light from the console screen slightly illuminating the cockpit.

Sitting in the cockpit is Cassidy Bal, she has her long brown hair tied into a tidy ponytail with the end of the ponytail next to her neck. Cassidy is wearing a gray spacesuit with a small chest control unit and there are two oxygen pipes coming out of the bottom of the unit.

One of these pipes goes into the fighter, just under the console while the other pipe connects to the small oxygen tank on her belt. The upper part of the space-suit visor is polarised and she is wearing an earpiece and a water pipe coming up out of the bottom of the visor and into Cass’s mouth.

Cass is watching the console screen intently, observing the locations of the CC ships. She leans forward and presses a button on the edge of the console. The screen changes to show a closer view of the locations of the ships.

Ship:

(From Cass’s earpiece, robotic and monotone voice.)

FLASH received from Flight Director.

Cass:

(Commanding.)

Play message.

Ship:

(Robotic and monotone.)

Do their active sensors detect you?

The message also appears in the bottom right corner of the console screen.

Cass:

(Into earpiece.)

Reply, not currently. Too little signature to detect.

(The reply also appears in the bottom right of the console screen.)

Ship:

Reply sent.

Cass presses the same button as before and changes the console screen back to the normal view of the locations of the CC ships.

Ship:

(Monotone and robotic.)

FLASH received from Flight Director.

(There is a slight pause as the A.I waits for a command but Cass does not give any.)

FLASH is:

Glad your OK, sexy... We are getting four sigs. Sight and confirm.

A smile flickers onto Cass’s face but then this is quickly replaced by a sigh in annoyance. She pushes the two joysticks slightly forward and at the same time and then she lets go. They snap back to their neutral position.

The fighter starts to slowly drift forwards towards the CC ships.

Ship:

20 percent, 0 angle of movement.

Cass:

(Annoyed, muttering to herself)

I know. I’m the one who did it.

The CC ships slowly come into view from the cockpit canopy and Cass leans forward and looks up to get a better view of the ships. She counts the number of ships by tapping her hand against the side of the joystick for each ship that she sees. She taps four times.

Cass:

(Into earpiece)

Reply, four Collective of Colonies Sub-units. Two Nifute equivalents, one Hoija equivalent and a supply ship. All with sensors on active and rotating at 0.

Ship:

Reply sent.

INTERIOR: LUNDRESS: NAVIGATIONAL BRIDGE AND COMBAT CONTROL CENTRE.

The bridge and CCC are fully staffed as before and the lights are still deactivated. The blast doors are covering the windows at the front of the Navigational Bridge.

Kial is standing over the Flight Combat table which is showing a map of local Amsun space, the Lundress and her fleet, the four CC ships orbiting it and Cass in her fighter on its built in screen. The location of the CC updates whenever a new piece of sensor data regarding their location is received.

Kial:

(Into earpiece, whispering)

Thanks sexy... I will make this up to you when you get back... Stand ready for touchdown when this is over.

Cass:

(From Kial’s earpiece. Seductive.)

I look forward to it.

Kial quickly types in the information that Cass has given him about the location and quantity of CC ships into the keyboard and then runs another simulation.

The simulation appears in the corner closest to Kial. He watches the simulation intently and it shows the CC ships being mostly destroyed with some retreating and the Lundress and its fleet surviving the battle but with some damage.

Kial smiles at the success of the simulation.

Kial:

(Into earpiece, glad)

Lissi, send this simulation to the rest of the unit, they are to divide, advance on a 330 angle of movement at full forward burn.

(Shouting.)

Jack into their systems. I do not want them to see us coming...Stand ready to go ugly!

EXTERIOR: AMSUN: SPACE.

The thrusters at the rear of the Lundress, a destroyer and a frigate activate and light up blue. They take up a V pattern with the Lundress in the middle and the destroyer and the frigate on either side. They start to fly slowly towards the CC fleet over Amsun.

Meanwhile the front left thrusters of the rest of the Lundresses fleet activate, light up blue and the rest of the fleet starts to rotate by 330 degrees. The rear thrusters activate and the rest of the fleet moves towards Amsun, at a slower pace than the Lundress.

There is no reaction from the CC fleet over Amsun.

INTERIOR: LUNDRESS: NAVIGATIONAL BRIDGE AND COMBAT CONTROL CENTRE.

The CCC and Navigational Bridge are all fully staffed with a member of the crew sitting at every console, the lights are all still deactivated. There is a air of controlled tension and nervousness.

Kial and Mikgal are standing over the Flight Combat table watching the progress of the Lundress and the rest of the fleet towards Amsun. Kial is tapping his hand against the table, nervous. The light from the table illuminates their faces.

Kial:

(Nervous, into earpiece)

Juras, can we be detected?

Juras:

(From earpiece)

No, we are jacked into their systems and are feeding them a loop.

Kial:

(Into earpiece, relieved)

Good, pull everything you can from their Wire and System connections.

Juras:

(From earpiece)

Will do.

Kial:

(Into earpiece)

Lissi, tell the Sub-Unit they are to engage after the Lundress.

Kial:

(Into earpiece)

Also tell R.S.O 1 to stand ready for sol-drop.

Lissi:

(Confused, from earpiece)

Is that confirmed by the Ground Director?

Kial looks over at Mikgal, waiting impatiently for his response.

Mikgal:

(Into his earpiece)

It is confirmed.

EXTERIOR: AMSUN: SPACE.

The missile batteries of the Lundress open fire, followed by the missile batteries on the destroyer. The missiles fly towards the CC fleet and impact against the ships, causing numerous hull breaches.

There is no reaction from the CC fleet. The Lundress and its fleet continue their advance towards the CC fleet.

The other UA fleet open fire with their missiles straight after the last of the Lundresses missiles have hit their targets. The Gauss gun batteries on the CC fleet open fire on the incoming missiles and destroy every single one of them.

The CC fleet then returns fire with its own missiles batteries at both UA fleets, the missiles fired at the Lundress’s fleet are intercepted by Gauss gun battery fire from the frigate.

They continue flying towards the CC fleet with missiles flying towards them. The Gauss gun batteries on the Lundress and the destroyer activate and destroy the majority of the missiles coming towards them.

Some of the missiles puncture the hull of the destroyer and explode, ripping hull plates of the ship and causing some of the ship to be open to the vacuum of space.

The other UA fleet continues bombarding the CC fleet with missiles from their position behind and to the left of the Lundress. These missiles are mainly intercepted by the Gauss gun turrets on the ships but some missiles get through and hit the ships.

The Lundress and its fleet are now passing under the CC fleet with missiles flying down towards them. The frigate intercepts the majority of these missiles with Gauss fire, some impact the hull and do not explode.

On the underside of the Lundress fifty descent pods are launched out of their holding positions inside the ship. The thrusters on the bottom of these thrusters activate, burning the hull of the Lundress.

Missiles are fired at them from the CC ships. thirty of the pods are destroyed by these missiles.

The rest enter the atmosphere of the planet and the thrusters deactivate, allowing them to free-fall through the atmosphere, towards the ground.

The front bottom thruster of the Lundress actives, slowly pushing the Lundress into a upward dive away from the planet. The other ships in the fleet follow the Lundress in this move.

The missile batteries on the Lundress and the rest of the fleet continue firing. The missiles are mainly intercepted by the Gauss guns on the CC ships but some get through and impact the hull, causing hull breaches and opening areas of the ship to space.

Missiles are also being fired from the non-moving CC ships at the two UA fleets, these are having very little effect and mainly being intercepted by Gauss weapon fire from the various ships.

The rear thrusters on Cass's fighter activate, on full power and it flies rapidly towards the Lundress, the top forward thruster activates pulling the ship into a downward dive just as it reaches the Lundress. The back doors of the Lundress's right hangar slide open, one after the other and with a hiss of air.

The front bottom thruster of the fighter activate, pushing it into a upward dive in line with the hangar. The fighter enters the hangar with its front thrusters active, slowing it down.

The inner than outer doors of the hangar close as soon as the fighter has entered.

A faint bubble appears around the Lundress and then the rest of her fleet, space in front of the Lundress and each of the ships in the fleet contracts and each of the ships disappear into the contracted space. The frigate is the last to disappear into the contracted space.

At the same time, missiles are fired at the Lundress and its fleet from the CC destroyers and the Gauss-gun turrets on the Lundress and its fleet open fire with the frigates turrets being the most active, destroying the missiles before they reach the fleet.

The various thrusters on the CC fleet activate and turn blue, the fleet starts to slowly move towards the other UA which is still slowly moving towards the planet at a 330 angle.

Missiles are fired from both sides and the Gauss-gun turrets activate, targeting and destroying the vast majority of the incoming missiles. Some of the missiles get through this defensive firing and impact against the hull of ships on either side, puncturing the hull and sucking hull pieces and personnel out into space.

The Gauss-gun turrets on a UA destroyer suddenly stop working and it is hit by missiles in a variety of different locations, there are hull breaches all across the ship and the fusion reactor is visible through one of the breaches, it flickers and then dies and is followed by the thrusters on the rear of the ship.

A faint bubble appears around the remaining UA ships and then space in-front of the ships contracts, they disappear into this contracted space.

ACT 3

EXTERIOR: AMSUN: DAYLIGHT: ABANDONED RIVER.

The river is very shallow and is lined with concrete either side of the river, the concrete also goes up the banks of the river. At intervals along the side of the concrete channel which the river is in are built in ladders.

Algae and weeds are also growing out of the river. There are plumes of black smoke rising over the channel from the cities and towns around it and the general sounds of war such as artillery and air-strikes being carried out.

Walking, casually but still on the lookout for any threats are R.S.O 1. Marcross is in the middle, walking down the middle of the river and on the concrete bank to the right of him is Sara and to the left of him is Sain, next to Sain is Vassi and just slightly behind Sara is Dassan.

They are all wearing the same combat uniform as before but without the helmet and breathing equipment, over the top of their tactical vests they are wearing a black knee length jacket which covers up the pistol (holstered in the small of their spine) and the knife above the pistol.

Sara also has her tribal blade (it is a cross between a knife and a axe) strapped openly to her right leg, Vassi’s back armor is completely fixed with no visible signs of damage from the projectile. None of R.S.O 1 react to the sounds of air-strikes and artillery behind them.

A little in-front of them is a ladder leading up to the abandoned road which follows the river.

Sara:

(Casual, caring.)

Illzo, Hows your war wound?

Vassi moves his right arm around while continuing walking down the river.

Vassi:

(Casual)

Med-Director did a good job, can hardly feel it.

Sara:

(Sarcastic)

Next time try not to get shot in the back.

Vassi:

(Playing along)

I thought that was always the plan?

Sain:

(Acting confused)

There was me thinking that the plan was to not get shot at all...

Marcross:

‘Illzo’, How long to the meet up?

Vassi opens up the device attached to his arms and presses a few keys on the device.

Vassi:

(Looking at the screen of the device)

On the 90, just...

He stops speaking and swings his rifle round to point it in the direction of the vehicle pulling up.

On the road above the river, a small flatbed truck pulls up close to the river, its front bumper overhangs the river-bank and is visible from the channel below. It is also very close to the ladder leading up to the road from the river.

Sara and then the rest of R.S.O 1 also stop and swing their weapons around to point them at the noise. Marcross nods at the wall of the river channel closest to the vehicle and they all slowly and quietly run towards it.

They crouch next to the wall in a line with Marcross nearest to the ladder leading up to the road. Marcross points at himself, Sara and Dassan then he points up at the vehicle bumper.

Sara nods and moves to the ladder, staying as close to the wall of the channel as possible. She starts to climb the ladder, followed closely by Dassan.

Marcross then points at Sain then Vassi and points down the river channel, the opposite direction to the way they walked up it. Marcross then turns and starts to climb the ladder.

Sain and Vassi turns to the direction which Marcross was pointing, they swing their rifles into their hands, crouches and then points their rifles down the channel, on the lookout for any Collective of Colonies troops.

EXTERIOR: AMSUN: DAYLIGHT: ABANDONED RIVER ROADSIDE.

The truck is parked as close to the river as possible, its bonnet overhangs and is visible from below. The area around the river is completely empty and there are no buildings in sight, just grass and wilderness and a broken up road leading away from the river.

The truck is also the only visible vehicle.

Sara climbs over the lip of the river channel, onto the roadside. She crouches then swings her rifle into her hands and then moves to cover the left side of the truck.

Dassan follows her onto the roadside, he also crouches but swings his sub-machine gun into his hands, he moves to cover the rear of the truck.

Marcross is the last to appear from the ladder, onto the roadside. He squats and then points to himself, Sara then at the cockpit of the truck.

Sara nods and slowly, stealthily, crouch walks along the side of the truck towards the left door of the cockpit, one hand on the rifle trigger, the other on her tribal weapon.

Marcross then slowly and quietly crouch walks along the right side of the truck, towards the door on that side, both hands on his light machine gun.

He reaches the door, pulls it open violently, grabs and throws the women sitting in the driving seat to the ground in-front of him. He points his light machine gun at her face.

Sara violently opens the left-side door, her tribal weapon and rifle raised. She checks the cockpit for anybody else and finds no-one. Sara climbs into the cockpit and sits in the driving seat, her rifle trained through the open drivers door at the woman driver on the floor.

Dassan climbs up onto the back of the truck, swings his sniper rifle into his hands and then sits down against the back-wall of the cockpit.

The woman does not move, terrified.

Marcross:

(Threatening)

The Lundress flies high...

(He waits impatiently for the woman to complete the phrase.)

Woman:

(Confused at first, she slowly realises who they are.)

...And graceful in the void.

Marcross swings his light-machine gun out of the woman's face and onto his back. He turns out and walks back to the river side.

Sara climbs down from the cockpit and offers the woman her hand, she cautiously accepts and Sara pulls her to her feet.

Sara:

(Apologetic)

We had to make sure that you were our contact.

Marcross:

(Shouting)

‘Comane’, ‘Illzo’. Get up here!

Marcross turns and starts to walk back to the truck.

Woman:

(Annoyed, to Sara)

Could have been more peaceful about it.

Marcross:

(Overhearing, still walking back.)

We did not shoot you, did we?

Sara shakes her hand, knowing what Marcross is about to do.

Woman:

(Confused)

No?

Marcross:

(Acting confused.)

Then why are you moaning?

A smile quickly flickers onto Sara's face, it just as quickly vanishes.

Woman:

(Annoyed)

Vake you.

Sain appears at the top of the ladder, he climbs out onto the roadside, followed by Vassi. They both cautiously walk towards Marcross and Sara.

Vassi:

(Seeing the truck, confused.)

What happened to the autonomous transport system?...Could not hear it on the way here.

Woman:

(Annoyed and angry.)

Under-Executive Picus shut them down when he vaking surrendered...Then the Collective executed him.

Vassi:

(To Marcross.)

‘Bateman’, will have to see about getting them worki...(He is interrupted by Marcross.)

Marcross:

One thing at a time...Lets get moving.

Marcross points at himself, Vassi and Sain and then at the back of the truck. They all climb into the back of the truck, Vassi and Sain sit either side of Dassan while Marcross sits with his legs hanging out of the truck and his gun cradled in his hands.

Sara climbs up into the cockpit, climbs through it and sits in the seat next to the driver. She places her rifle in the footwell and her tribal blade on her lap with her hands covering it, ready for anything.

The Woman climbs into the driver's seat and starts the engine, the truck slowly shudders into life and she flicks into first gear.

Woman:

(To anyone.)

How did you get here anyway?

Sara:

Descent pod from rotation.

Woman:

(Confused.)

But what about the Collective fleet?

Sara:

(Small smile on her face)

They were otherwise engaged...

The truck drives off of the grass next to the river and onto the broken up road. It stops and then turns right and continues driving, slowly and noisily picking up speed.

INTERIOR: LUNDRESS: COMMUNICATION AND SENSOR SUITE.

The Communication and Sensor Suite is fully staffed with a crew member at every console. On the main screen opposite the door into the room is a rotating universe map.

On the universe map the planets Corni, Vaz and Amsun are coloured black while Arbu and Arti are flashing orange. Standing in front of this screen is Juras, who is standing with his arms crossed studying the map.

The door into the room slides open with a hiss of air and a series of loud warning beeps. Mikgal, Kial and then Jerris, who is casually smoking his pipe, walk into the room.

Mikgal takes his usual position next to the door at the opposite end of the room. Jerris casually leans against the door he walked in by, continuing to smoke his pipe.

Kial walks over to where Juras is standing and stands next to him with his hands in his pockets, studying the map.

Kial:

(Confused)

Why are we here, Jarus?

Juras:

You remember ordering us to jack into the Wire connections between those Collective of Colonies we attacked in rotation over Amsun..

Kial:

I do recall that.

Juras:

(Pointing at the screen.)

We managed to pull some aspects of their attack plan and cross referenced it with the FLASHES from The Directorate..

Jerris:

(Rude.)

Can we get vaking on with it?

Migkal shoots Jerris an annoyed look, which Jerris ignores and continues smoking his pipe.

Juras:

(Containing his annoyance)

This tells us the sols they attacked, which sols have fallen to the Collective and which attacks are on-going.

Kial:

How many fleshlings on those sols?

Juras:

Thirty billion innocents and ten thousand combat units.

Mikgal:

(Muttering.)

Vam... That’s one huge first attack...

Juras:

Damage status simulations put our losses on those sols at sixty percent.

Kial:

(Upset.)

Vake...

Jerris:

Why does this matter?

Mikgal:

(Openly annoyed.)

Who do you care about?

Jerris:

(Casual.)

No-one...

Jerris blows smoke out of mouth from his pipe.

Mikgal:

(Annoyed.)

You can tell.

EXTERIOR: ALO: SPACE.

Alo is a red gas giant planet with an asteriod orbiting it, on this asteriod is the penal colony which is not visible. There are also satellites orbiting the planet with drones going between each satellite and being fired into the planet to collect gas.

Close to this asteroid, space contracts and then the Lundress appears out of this contracted space. The faint bubble around the Lundress disappears and then space contracts in five separate locations in a V pattern around the Lundress with the Lundress at the head of the V.

Out of the contracted space three frigates and a destroyer appear, the faint bubble around these ships disappears. The front a thrusters of the entire fleet activate while the rear deactivate and the fleet slowly come to a halt.

INTERIOR: LUNDRESS: COMMUNICATION AND SENSOR SUITE.

Not much has changed since last time, the suite is still fully staffed but Juras has left the room and Kial and Mikgal are standing in front of the map studying it.

Kial:

(Thinking and looking at the map.)

Brean must have used the majority of the Collectives sol attack units to take that many planets so quickly.

Mikgal:

Most likely leaving key sols undefended, where do you think The Directorate will order us to takeover first.

Kial:

Axu.

Mikgal:

(Curious.)

Why?

Lissi:

(From Kial’s earpiece.)

We have arrived at Alo.

Kial:

Mikgal, go and stand ready to pick those Duchality detention units.

Mikgal:

(Confused.)

I am not going... You or Jerris should go.

Jerris:

(Annoyed, confused.)

Why the vake should I go?

Mikgal:

They are coming onto your vessel.

Kial:

But they are Ground Combat troops, which as Ground Combat Director are under your authority... (He is interrupted by Jerris.)

Jerris:

(Shouting.)

Basically, get on the vaking S.T.A.S and bring those detention up here so they can clog up my vaking ship!

Mikgal:

(Declaring defeat.)

Fine, fine... But I am taking a unit with me.

He turns and walks out.

The outer than inner doors of the Lundress’s upper deck right hangar slowly open with a hiss of air. A S.T.A.S flies out of the hangar and then the outer and inner doors start to close.

The S.T.A.S flies towards the penal colony on the asteriod.

ACT 4.

INTERIOR: ALO: PENAL COLONY: HANGAR CAVERN.

The hangar is just a huge cavern with no modern facilities and there are also no other ships in the hanger. At the very back of the hanger there is a cage elevator. The door of the elevator is open.

The cavern is also completely open to space and Alo is visible from the cave opening. There are no cameras, security guards or robots in the entire hangar.

The S.T.A.S has landed in the centre of the cavern and standing by the cage elevator, leaning heavily on his walking stick, is Grice Novell. He is also wearing a full face black air-mask which attaches to a air canister on his belt.

Grice is wearing the same outfit as before.

The ramp at the back of the S.T.A.S slowly opens and a scout robot, covered in various different sensors rolls down the ramp. It rolls to the middle of the hangar and then stops.

Two U.A soldiers run down the ramp, they crouch at the end with their rifles pointing outwards, ready for any hostile action. The soldiers are wearing the standard United Alliance black uniform and full face air-masks. There are some minor battle scuff marks on their armour.

Mikgal calmly walks down the ramp, he is wearing his black uniform with a black longcoat, which has lapels on the shoulders, on top of his uniform and a black flat cap on his head. He is also wearing a full face air-mask attached by a pipe to a canister on his belt.

In his right hand is a small black case which is locked with a number pad.

He calmly walks over to Grice, they grasp each others left shoulder and touch their heads together in greeting. Grice and Migkal stay like this for a few seconds then they separate.

They turn and walk into the elevator, Grice leans heavily on his walking stick. The two soldiers slowly walk towards the elevator, with one facing the elevator and the other facing the S.T.A.S. They keep their rifles raised and are constantly looking for any threats.

The robot rolls into the elevator and stops between the two soldiers.

INTERIOR: ALO: PENAL COLONY: HANGAR CAVERN: ELEVATOR.

Grice and Mikgal step into the elevator, they move to the back of the elevator and the two soldiers step into the elevator, the soldiers then turn around to face the cavern and one of them reaches up and pulls the cage door down to the bottom of the elevator and locks it into place.

The soldier next to him crouches and keeps his weapon raised. Migkal reaches behind and pulls the knife-switch behind him down. The elevator starts to move downwards with a huge clank.

There is a constant grating sound as the elevator moves down towards the inside of Alo.

Migkal:

(Through the air mask, voice sounding slightly robotic)

So...Grice, how's the leg?

Grice:

(Also with a robotic voice, sarcastic)

It has its better days...Sometimes I can do without.

Migkal:

(Sarcastic)

How am I not surprised by that?

Grice:

(Sarcastic)

I have no idea... How about you?

Migkal:

(Confused)

My leg is perfectly fine...

Grice:

I did not mean your leg, I meant any changes in your life?

Migkal:

(Slightly annoyed)

Nope, the same as before, same ship, same vaking annoying Ship Director.

Grice:

(Curious)

Really? What's wrong with Kreel?

Mikgal:

This is probably not the right place for this conversation...I’ll tell you when we have finished here.

Grice:

I don’t have the time after, I need to get back to the Grand Duchessa.

Mikgal:

How is it?

The lift reaches its destination and the constant grating stops. The standing soldier reaches down, unlocks the door and then pulls it upwards.

The corridor is a narrow, tight passage through rock. There are no guardrails or any kind of protective equipment. Hanging from the ceiling at regular intervals are light tubes. No one can be seen in the passage.

The robot rolls out of the elevator and starts to move down the passage, it stops a short distance from the elevator.

Grice:

I think its going well. We have a close relationship now.

The two soldiers cautiously move out of the elevator with their weapons pointing down the corridor, aware of any threats.

Soldier:

(Robotic voice)

Reporting breathable.

Grice:

(Relieved)

Thank Vam.

Grice and Migkal reach up and remove their air-masks, they unclip them from the back of the head and then attach them to their belt, next to the air canister.

They all start to walk down the corridor. The robot rolling along in front and the two soldiers just behind and on either side of the robot. Migkal and Grice are a short distance behind them, Grice is leaning heavily on his walking stick as he walks.

Mikgal:

(With a small grin on his face)

Define close...

Grice:

I will tell you mine when you tell me yours.

Soldier:

approaching target area.

They all stop at the far end of the passage, the two soldiers stand either side of the passage with their weapons ready. the robot stops between them.

Grice:

(Urgent)

When you go in, remember that we need their help but hold your ground... The Blackguard will not work for a coward.

(pause)

Ready?

Mikgal:

(Nervous)

As I will ever be.

Grice:

(Caring)

I will be right behind you.

INTERIOR: ALO: PENAL COLONY: MAIN CAVERN.

The main cavern is just that, a giant cave with multiple entrances and exits. It has a high ceiling with light tubes hanging from it, there are no chairs or tables or any kind of seating apart from the cave floor.

All over the cavern are prisoners trying to go about their usual lives. Some are sitting on the floor talking or playing some kind of game. While others are stripping down and cleaning their weapons and armor using a variety of old fashioned tools.

The prisoners are wearing slightly ruined clothing with small rips and tears all over the clothes in various places. There is no prison uniform or any kind of identification system.

Sitting with his back against the far wall of the cavern with his eyes closed is Varen Thorin, his clothes are in a much better condition and he is generally healthier than everyone around him, He is clearly the leader of the penal asteriod.

Mikgal slowly walks into the room from the passageway the other side of the cavern to Varen. The entire cavern falls silent and everyone, apart from Varen, stop what they are doing and quickly clear the cavern of their belongings.

Grice walks in behind Mikgal and stands a short distance from him, leaning heavily on his walking stick.

Varens eyes slowly and casually open. He studies Mikgal and then Grice without turning his head.

Varen:

(Casual)

And to whom do I owe this pleasure?

Grice:

(Questioning)

Varen Thorin?

Varen:

Yes, and who might you be?

Mikgal looks over at Grice for permission to continue the discussion. He nods.

Mikgal:

My name is Mikgal Ludean and I am a Ground Director of the United Alliance.

Varen:

(Interested)

I remember that name... The Grand Duche sold our services to you, if I am correct?

Mikgal:

Yep, you are... I have the funding here.

(He indicates the box under his arm)

He places the box on the ground in front of him.

Grice:

(Whispering)

Open it and show him!

Migkal quickly opens the box and empties the contents onto the ground in front of him. Twenty slim silver wrappers fall out of the box and onto the ground.

Varen watches all this with a smile on his face.

Varen:

(Amused.)

I see that you're new to this.

Mikgal:

(Muttering)

Is it that obvious?

Varen:

Yes it is... I take it that the previous terms still stand?

Mikgal looks over at Grice for help.

Grice:

(Taking over)

All the terms that I agreed with Issa still stand.

Varen:

(Curious)

Issa... I have never heard the Grand Duche called by her first name before...

Mikgal:

(Defending Grice)

He’s the Representative for us.

Varen:

(Amused)

I do not honestly care...

Varen stands up and dusts himself off.

Varen:

(Curious)

I believe I will be answering to you?

Mikgal:

(Not sure of the direction of the conversation)

Yes...

Varen:

Then I challenge you to hand combat.

Mikgal:

(Confused, to Grice)

Grice, What is he talking about?

Varen starts to walk towards Mikgal.

Grice:

(Annoyed)

He wants you to show your worthiness to lead him.

Mikgal:

(Still confused)

What?

Grice:

You need to fight him and win... Its a not very common Duchality pract...(He is interrupted by Varen)

Varen:

(Interrupting)

But a practise I am very fond of.

Varen stops in front of Migkal and stares at him, sizing him up.

Varen:

Shall we begin?

Mikgal:

Fine, let's ge...

Mikgal is interrupted when Varen punches him in the stomach, Mikgal stumbles backwards and quickly reaches around to the pistol holster at the back of his trousers.

Varen grabs his hand and twists away from him. Mikgal growls in pain and drops the pistol, it falls to the floor.

Varen kneels and picks up the pistol, Mikgal kicks him in the face and Varen takes a step back in pain, raises the pistol and points it at Mikgal chest.

Grice slowly and carefully lowers himself to the ground, watching and waiting for the fight to stop with his legs stretched out in front and his stick by his side.

Varen:

(Openly annoyed)

This is meant to be fist combat only!

Mikgal:

(Threatening)

There is a sub-unit here which will put you down if you shoot me.

Varen smiles.

Varen:

I am not going to shoot you.

Varen releases the two clasps which hold the battery to the bottom of the pistol grip and removes the battery, he drops it to the ground. It bounces away from them.

He then pulls out the ammunition clip and lets it fall to the ground, finally he throws the pistol over his shoulder.

Mikgal:

(Playing along.)

Shall we continue?

Varen:

Lets.

Migkal charges at Varen and tackles him to the ground, he punches him over and over again. Varen in return headbutts Migkal, Mikgal stumbles backwards and Varen punches him again but Migkal blocks it and pushes him away.

Varen throws another punch at Mikgal but he blocks it again and punches him twice in the stomach. Mikgal pushes him away again.

Mikgal:

(Annoyed)

Can we stop yet?

Varen:

Varen tries to hit Mikgal in the face but fails as he headbutts Varen. Varen punches Mikgal in the face and Mikgal’s nose starts to bleed. Mikgal grabs him around the neck and starts to squeeze his neck.

Grice slowly starts to pull himself to his feet, concerned that Mikgal could go too far.

Varen struggles, trying to get free.

Varen:

(Gasping for air)

Let me go!

Migkal:

(Calm.)

So am I worthy?

Varen:

(Gasping getting worse)

Yes.

Mikgal lets go of his neck and pushes him Varen away. He wipes the blood away from his nose with his hand. Varen collapses to his knees, quickly breathing in and out, trying to take in as much oxygen as possible.

Grice walks over to them, leaning heavily on his walking stick.

Grice:

Have you both finished now?

Mikgal:

(Turning back to Varen, questioning)

Have we?

Varen:

(Gasping for air.)

Yes...Yes... get your S.T.A.S’s down here.

Mikgal:

You heard the fleshling... No problems here.

Grice:

Good, I also need a left back to the Duchality.

Mikgal reaches into his inside longcoat pocket and takes out a small tablet, he taps out a message and then sends it. Varen sits down on the ground.

Mikgal:

I don’t think there will be a problem... Varen?

Varen:

Yes?

Mikgal:

Go get your best Blackguard unit and tell them to stand ready for bug out.

Varen stands up and quickly walks down one of the passages away from the main cavern.

EXTERIOR: ALO: SPACE.

The Lundress and its fleet are still orbit around Alo. They are round the other side of the planet to the penal asteriod.

Flying away from the penal asteriod is a S.T.A.S. It flies towards the Lundress and slowly lines itself up with the right forward hangar of the ship.

The thrusters on the opposite side of the movement of the ship activate as the S.T.A.S lines up with the hangar.

The outer and then the inner doors of the right forward hangar slowly slide open with a hiss of air escaping. The S.T.A.S enters the hangar with its front thrusters active to slow down its entry.

A different S.T.A.S leaves the same hangar and flies towards the penal colony.

Fade to Black.

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