The Adventures of Furship Lutra
Season 1
Episode 1 - The Embolids

Cast:

Other Cast:

On board Lutra - Deck 1:

Stardate 68253.9

Slipping silently past a moon, the Lutra slipped across the lunar surface leaving behind its shadow from the system star. Inside, Captain Goldwright was sitting at his desk, eyes closed as the sound of music filled the room. His left webbed paw was swaying side to side in time to the music.

From out of the window, the view of the moon surface was seen, then vanished again to show the familiar black sky with twinkling stars. A loud beep came into the room and with his left eye opening slightly, the otter sighed and brought ins paw down to switch off the music. "Come."

With a swoosh the door opened to a raccoon standing in the doorway. "Sir. We've arrived at outpost seventy-five."

Skipai nodded his head and sat forward in his chair. "Ah, right. I be along in a moment. Did they give us permission to park in standard orbit?"

Pete shook his head. "We're still waiting for permission. It seems that some other ship had stalled its engines and holding up the pattern in getting a parking space. Can't be helped."

Smiling back at his first officer, Skipai got up from his chair and stretched. "Ah well, can't be hoped."  Slipping from behind his desk, both headed back out into the main bridge on where they sat down on their respectful chairs.

Pete looked at the communications officer. "Any word on when we are to get a parking space?"

The female rat shook her head as she replied, while holding a headphone piece to her ear. "No sir. Hang on, getting something in now. Audio only. We've been denied parking space around the planet however, they want you and the captain to beam down right away to the command section."  Turning her head around to both furs she spoke. "That was all I was given. They refused to put anything else over the airwaves."

Skipai turned to look at Pete and got up from his command chair. "Well, let us go. “Turning his head to a male tiger looking at a console screen. "Mister Samual. You have the bridge."

Samual got up and nodded his large head, purring back. "Aye sir."  The large tiger moved over to sit in the captain's chair as both Skipai and Pete went into a waiting turbo lift. "Transporter room 3."  Skipai said as the doors closed over to the sound of Samual's voice asking for confirmation on them being in transportation range.

Outpost 75 Command Section:

In the large lobby, brightly lit with green plants lining the wall in between the soft chairs, some sitting down, looking at their data pads. A large zebra walked past while pushing a hover trolley full of records just as two blue light beams formed in the room as Skipai, and Pete came into existence.

Looking around, the otter sniffed the air and smiled. "Ah, nothing like the smell of real air than what is pumped out of the ship."

Pete sniffed and shrugged. "Can't tell the difference myself."  Turning his head around to look about the huge room. "So where exactly are we supposed to be at this moment?"

Skipai was already making his way to the large reception desk. "Excuse me. We've been ordered to come down here."

The black pantheress looked at the otter and smiled when she saw the unique white spot of fur on the head. "Ah, Captain Goldwright. Yes, you are expected, now if you take the lift to level 5 and make your way to section 3. The admiral is waiting for you in his office."

Nodding his head, Skipai replied, "Thank you."  Turning around he made his way back to his first officer. "Okay, we've got to go upstairs."  Pete nodded his head and began to follow his captain, both of which were moving around various other personnel that were getting on with their business and to wait for a vacant lift.

Lutra - Deck 11, Main Engineering:

With several other officers standing around a red squirrel, who at the time had his paws to his hips and looking at the warp engine. Giving a sigh, the squirrel tapped his communicator. "Chief engineer to bridge."

<This is commander Samual. What can I do for you chief?>

Running a paw through his head fur. "I have to take the warp engine offline for repairs. There's a slight problem with the matter to anti-matter convertor."

<How long will it take you to finish repairs?>

Looking around him. Jack bit his lower lip and thought for a moment before replying again. "If nothing else goes wrong and if I can get an extra team down here. Shouldn't take more than three hours."

<Use whatever resources to get the engine fixed. I will inform the captain. Samual out>

Jack looked about and nodded, looking a bit more pleased. "Alright you heard him. I want team beta to come in and help us out here. Now let us get this engine offline, inform the various departments that they must shut down some of their power requirements.  If we need any more power, make sure that we put a few more impulse generators on standby."

With a nod from his engineering staff, Jack turned around and moved over to his control panel. "Computer. Chief engineer Jack Barns. Please shut down the warp engine."

<Level 6 or higher authorisation code needed. Please input this now.>

Sitting down, the squirrel began to type in the authorisation code into his panel. Waiting for the computer to confirm the input, he looked at the core and then looked back down again.

<Authorisation confirmed. You may proceed to shut down the warp core.>

Clicking his teeth in appreciation, Jack typed more buttons on his display and ushered out another command. "Computer. Please redirect power from impulse generators 1 to 3 and shut down warp drive."

<Power re-routing established. Warp drive shutting down.>

Jack looked up; the core began to shut down with the usual hum moving down to silent. All lights turned off to show them that the core had shut down. Getting up from his desk, the squirrel moved around and took the tool case a fox was holding out for him. "Okay, let's get this on the road."  Jack moved to where the core was and opened the access panel.

Outpost 75 Command Section - Admiral McDovan's Office:

The admiral's office was full of Celtic furnishing. Lying on the corner of the room was a bagpipe standing proudly, all shining and polished. The room had a tartan carpet and some pictures littered about the wooden walls of highland hills and valleys.

The fox looked over at the raccoon and otter with paws underneath his chin. "I called you in here today to discuss certain matters regarding sector 98. We've been hearing some disturbing reports coming from within the nebula in that section."

Skipai nodded his head. "Where did the reports come from and our they authenticated?"

The admiral leant back in his chair. "We don't know."  A black paw pressed a button on the desk as a 3d image came up hovering in the air displaying the section of space with the bright green nebula in full view. "Our sensors can't penetrate the cloud at all, so what lies behind it is a mystery. However, from the reports that had managed to get in from the nearby star systems."  Pressing another button for the image to move away from the nebula and zooming into a binary star system. "The outposts there haven't reported into us in a while and well. After the last report stating that there were a few things going wrong."

The image changed to show the report as the admiral sat there silently to wait for the two furs to read it. After a short while it was Pete that spoke. "Could it be the Embolids? There space isn't that far away from the nebula at all."

The admiral shook his head. "Not. The space beyond that nebula has not been investigated and it does span fifty-seven light years. We never had a time to investigate the nebula up until now."

Skipai's ears twitched. "Now, then I take it that you want us to go and explore that region?"

Getting up, the admiral nodded his head. "That's it exactly. I want the Lutra to go there, find out what has happened to the colonists in that system and explore that nebula. There is something funny going on in that section of space and home command do not like it. You're the only available ship nearby that we could send since everyone else is busy on other assignments."

Getting up from sitting, both Skipai and Pete nodded their heads. "We get right onto it, sir."  Seeing the admiral nod his head, both turned and headed out of the office.

The ottrix moves through space at impulse drive.

"Captains log, star date 68254.1.  We are enroute to the Devalon system on impulse speed. Our chief engineer has advised us that the warp engines will be available again within the hour. I am currently looking over the manifest of the Furship Crow to find out who was sent to the colony there. I have advised my crew to stay on alert in case we are heading into danger...."

Lutra - Deck 1, Main Bridge:

Pete looked forwards, his left arm resting on his lap with the sight of the viewscreen in front of him. With a slight twitch of a whisker, he looked around slightly and pressed the button on his console beside him. "Chief, how long before the warp engines are back to operation again?"

<We are about ready to give the engines a final test. We should be up and running in about ten more minutes, sir.>

Letting off a small smile, the raccoon nodded his head in approval and replied. "Thank you, mister Barns. Conway out."  Pressing another button, he remained sitting for a moment and then got up. Looking to where Samual was. "You have the bridge."  Without saying another word, stopping again he turned to the officer at the helm and spoke. "When we have warp power back. Proceed on our co-ordinates at warp five."

The black ferret nodded his head. "Aye sir."  Pete made his way to where the captain room was and pressed the button on the side.

Lutra - Deck 1, Captains Ready Room:

<Beep!>

Looking up from his screen, the otter looked at the door for a moment and spoke. "Enter."  Seeing Pete come in, he smiled and leaned back in his chair. "Ah, Mister Conway. What can I do for you?"  The otter motioning for his first officer to sit down on one of the chairs in front of his desk.

Placing a paw onto the back of a chair, the raccoon slinked around before settling down before replying. "Our chief engineer has reported that they are in final preparations to get the warp engines back online. Shouldn't be more than ten minutes."

Skipai nodded his head. "Ah splendid. Could you inform the helm officer to put us at warp speed as soon as that happens."?

Pete nodded his head. "Already been done sir. I had informed him to set us at warp five as soon as engines are available."

Nodding his head, the otter got up and moved over to one of the food replicators and turned his head around. "Want anything?"

Nodding his head, the raccoon gave his reply. "Coffee please."  Leaning back in his own chair while keeping a paw on the smooth surface of the desk in front of him. "Anything from the manifest?"

Skipai turned to face the replicator and spoke softly. "One coffee black and one tea with sugar and milk."  Waiting for the two cups to materialise he turned back to face his first officer and replied. "Oh, the usual stuff, scientists, geologists. Usual compliment of skilled workers as well as family."  Turning back again, the otter picked up both cups and padded back to his desk. Handing over the coffee to the raccoon, the otter sat down.

"What is troubling though is that they had enough equipment to send back communications to home command."  Taking a small sip of his tea, the otter turned the monitor around slightly. "Subspace radio, three processors, several animal species, food, supplies to build buildings."

Pete nodded his head. "Says here that they had enough time to settle down and get things in order. Where is the Crow now?"

Before replying, Skipai went and took a longer sip of his tea and swallowed. "She's on the other end of our space dealing with a dispute between two systems. Diplomatic peace mission I believe. I sent off a message to gain more information on the colonists but that will take a while to get back to us I am afraid."

Gulping down some coffee, the raccoon shuddered slightly and nodded his head as he placed the cup down onto the desk. "Well, I suppose they be too busy with the situation there."  Turning his head around, the raccoon looked out of the window to see the stars begin to move quickly filling up the blackness into a pure white and then a bright flash before the standard multi coloured lines moved slowly across the sky. "Ah, I see we got warp power back."

<Captain. Chief engineer here. We now have warp power back.>

Chuckling, Skipai pressed his communicator. "Thank you, Mister Barns. We noticed from the view outside of the window. How's the rest of the systems?"

<They're all running green across the board, sir. Any other orders?>

Skipai looked at Pete for a moment and saw him shake his head. Nodding his head, the otter replied again. "No, that will do for the time being. Goldwright out."  Pausing he continued to speak to his first officer. "Quite efficient, isn't he?"

Pete nodded his head. "Well, he wants to impress. It's not every day that someone gets a transfer to the main flagship of the fleet.  But I do not think he has anything to worry about. I mean, we both looked at his record and he is qualified to be on this ship."

Skipai nodded. "But?"  Taking another sip of his tea, his whisker twitching slightly.

Pete continued. "But."  The raccoon paused to get his thoughts together. "I just hope that he calms down, you know. I be happier to have a settled down chief engineer than someone who keeps worrying about having to prove something.

Holding his cup with both webbed paws, the otter nodded slowly. "I see what you mean."  Grinning slightly. "I remember you being like that when you transferred onto this ship as well."  Giving a slight wink. "I also remember someone giving me an embarrassing moment on the bridge as well."

Pete looked downcast and shook his head. "I know and I am sorry for that."

Skipai gave a friendly smile. "I know and I forgave that and trust your sensibility for doing the job fully, you know that?"

Relaxing a bit, Pete drank the rest of his coffee in one go and licked his muzzle. "Yes sir."

<Captain to the bridge. We're approaching the system now.>

Putting down his cup, Skipai got up and nodded his head as he saw the raccoon get up as well and both headed into the main bridge area.

Lutra - Deck 1, Main Bridge:

Looking towards his second officer, Skipai nodded his head and then turned his attention to the helm officer. "Bring us out of warp."  Moving his head back to where a large silver wolf was standing at another desk. "Mister Erone. Put the ship onto condition yellow. Raise shields."

With a soft growl, the wolf replied as his large paws moved over the smooth surface. "Aye sir. Shields are up."

Blackberry spoke from his helm position, the black ferret turning his head around slightly. "We're now in impulse speeds sir."  Turning his head back sharply to keep an eye on the viewscreen and his own sensor readings.

Moving to where his chair was, Skipai sat down and placed his paws over his thighs and nodded. "Anything on sensors yet?"

Pete had sat down as well and looked towards Ben who shook his head. "No sir."  Came the gruff reply from the wolf. "Sensors are picking up no life signs but we are still a bit out of range. We be in range in about 10 seconds."

Shifting about, Skipai grinned. "Well, I can wait that long I suppose. What's the report now Mister Erone?"

The wolf came back with a reply. "Heavy damage on the surface from high concentrated energy beams. From the impacts I can say that it was an orbital attack."

Pete growled softly. "Cowards."  Recomposing himself he spoke on a more normal matter. "Any survivors?"  Turning his head around to look at Ben.

Ben continued his report. "Checking. Nothing yet."  The wolf pressed a few more buttons as he saw the image on his panel change slightly. "No, wait. I am picking up a very faint life sign but it's failing."

Skipai looked to the helm officer. "Get us into orbit."  Turning his head to where Pete was. "I want you to go down there and investigate. Take the doctor with you."

Getting up the raccoon nodded his head. "Yes sir."  Turning to the wolf. "Minimal away team. Ben you're with me."  Moving towards the lift, he tapped his communicator. "Doctor. Could you report to transporter room 2 please? Bring a medical kit with you. Possible injury."

<Acknowledge. On my way>

Without any other word, Pete and Ben vanished from view as the doors shut over. Skipai looked at the viewscreen. A female meerkat came out of another lift and took her place from where Ben had been before and spoke out. "Dropping shields for transport. Transport complete, re-raising shields."

Skipai nodded. "Thank you, Miss Kahn. Keep an eye on them."

The meerkat nodded. "Will do sir."

In orbit around Jeblos IV:

The ship Lutra slowly drifts around the planet.

Captain's Log, I have sent down a minimal away team to assess the situation to what had happened to the colonists. Suffice to say that the ship is on high alert being so close to the Embolid border. We have not heard of them for over 60 years now since the last war, but they are starting to test the waters again.  We are monitoring the team's progress with an open communication link to the ship.

On Jeblos IV surface:

The three members of the away team came into view as the blue transporter beam shimmered in the doom and gloom of the surroundings. After it finally vanished, Ben took out his scanning device and moved it about in an arc. "There's a bit of interference on finding that life sign."  He began to press a few buttons and turned his head to the doctor. "Does your medical scanner have any better luck?"

David took out his scanner from the belt and flipped it open. Moving his large head around he sighed at the view. "Terrible, just terrible."  Looking down at the display, the lion moved about and nodded after a moment. "It's this way." His large paw pointing southwards, where a large billow of smoke slowly rose into the air.

Tapping his communicator, Pete spoke into it. "Away team to Lutra. We've managed to determine a bit more on where the life sign is.  I also must report that the area has taken a lot of damage. There are a few fires still burning, the ground underneath is scarred. Definitely looks like an orbital attack unless the colonists decided to go blow themselves up."

<Acknowledged. Continue in that direction but be careful, there may be traps down there or the survivor may not be one of the colonists.>

Replying as the raccoon looked at the others, the grey wolf taking out his phaser. "Acknowledge captain. We be careful. Pete out."  Looking around again he nodded for the other two to make their way carefully through the smouldering rubble, keeping away from the fires that were still burning.

The doctor kept a look on his scanning device, noting everything that it picked up. Coming to a stop, he looked down to the ground and wrinkled his nose in disgust. Pete came up beside him and looked at the lion for a moment, until the doctor spoke. "I am picking up DNA embedded into the ground here. Looks like someone was vaporised right on this very spot. However."  David growled softly. "I need to get a sample to determine just who this was."

Pete nodded his head. "Okay, we stop here for a moment while you get your sample."  Turning his head to Ben. "Anything more on just what weapons was used here?"

The wolf looked around and bit his lower lip as a faint rumble came from a distance. "In-conclusive. However, the fires we are seeing are from the volatile substances the colonists had to use for power."  Bending down, the wolf ran a paw through the scarred land. Picking up a pawful of black dust, he slowly let it go to drift to fall back to the ground again. "We need to search for more clues, if there are any."

While all that was going on, the doctor was kneeling in the ground, the medical pack was open beside him. Taking out a small thin silver cylinder pole. The lion pushed it into the ground and pressed a button on the top. Looking to where the other two were talking only a few paces from him, the lion's ears twitched inside his thick mane before turning his attention back to the cylinder again.

When a green light switched on, the doctor took it back out and placing the scanner against it. Pressing a few buttons, he waited for a moment and then smiled. "Sir. I have who this was. According to the manifest, this was Carl Edwards, a scientist in the field of astronomy."

Pete came up to where the doctor was and nodded his head. Taking a deep breath, he replied. "I see. Well, we better get moving."

Nodding his head, the lion packed his stuff away quickly and stood up. Shouldering the medical pack again around his shoulder, the three continued to move on throughout the disaster area.

A few minutes later, the shape of a grey muzzle poked around the corner of a large rock. Its eyes flicked about as he came out slowly, keeping his back against the hard rock and slowly waved his paw for the other two to come out.

Pete looked about and nodded for the doctor to follow him. All three moved slowly to a smouldering building, which had been hit hard. Only one tiny corner was standing and leaning against it was a small rubble of rocks. The doctor scanned the area and pointed to the rubble. "She's under there. A rat, but her life sign is fading."

All three moved to her position quickly and began to move rocks from the pile. Pete with the doctor tried to lift a huge boulder but no matter how hard they tried; it did not bulge. Ben came to help as he threw another rock to the ground and slowly, all three moved it to the side and dropped it. The doctor did not waste time and was already unshouldering his bag and opening it up. "I need to get her up to the ship but her vital signs aren't stable enough to transport her."

Pete knelt beside him. "What do you need?"  He enquired while looking at the rat, deep cuts on her face and body. The doctor replied. "I need one of you to act as her mind, control her body functions and stable them enough for a transport."  The lion looked at the two. Pete nodded his head. "Go ahead, I do it."  Tapping his communicator again. "Captain. We found the survivor. We need a transport out of here. Medical emergency."

<Acknowledged. We beam you directly to the sickbay.>

The doctor spoke next. "Standby until I give the word."  Looking to Pete, the lion held out a small metal circle and placed it on the raccoon's forehead. "Now remember to breath normally and slowly. You may feel a bit dizzy at first."

Pete nodded his head. "I understand."  Looking to where the doctor placed a similar device on the rat's forehead. Flipping open his medical scanner, the lion pressed a few buttons and Pete fell back slightly and gasped. Ben placed a paw on Pete's shoulder and looked down at him. "You okay, sir?"

Pete nodded his head slowly. "Y-yes, yes thank you. It was just a shock that's all."  Looking to the doctor. "Everything okay?"

The doctor nodded as he looked at his scanner and tapped his communicator. "Okay. Lutra. Beam us now directly to sickbay."  A hum surrounded all four of them as the three away members and the rat vanished from view.

Lutra - Deck 10, Main Sick Bay:

Several staff were standing when the four forms came into view. The doctor got up from kneeling and immediately gave orders. "Okay, I want her on the main bed. Be careful with her, as soon as she is settled, I want her transferred to the main intensive care unit."

Seeing the staff nod their head, the doctor held out a paw for Pete to take hold off. "You okay, sir?"  The lion asked as he pulled up the raccoon back to his feet.

Looking at the female rat being lifted into the air; he nodded his head slowly and steadied himself. "I be fine, but will she?"  Turning his head back to the doctor who looked at her, before turning his head back to where Pete was. "If I have anything to do with it, she will be."

Pete flinched as he felt the connection disconnect and David reached to pluck the device off from the head of the raccoon. "You're controlling just your own body now. Thanks."  Without saying another word, the lion was off quickly to where the rat was.

Ben placed his phaser back into its holder and nodded his head. "Anything else sir?"  He looked around the sickbay and shuddered.

Pete thought for a moment. "No, go back to the bridge and collate all our data that we collected."

The wolf nodded his head and without saying another word, he headed out of the sickbay just as the captain came in and nodded to the wolf before making his way to where Pete was.

"Report."  The otter said as he looked to where the crowd of medical staff were.

Pete nodded and moved over out of the way of main traffic in the sickbay and spoke gently to the captain. "It's a mess down there. Nothing was left, just smouldering remains of buildings. Hardly any evidence of life bar two."  The raccoon tilted his head to where the rat was and then continued. "And some DNA remains we found on the ground."

Skipai did not say anything and padded around for a moment. After a moment he spoke. "Commander. I want an honest and frank answer here. Was there any proof at all that the Embolids were responsible for this attack?"  The otters head snapped to face the raccoon.

Pete replied with a shrug. "I don't know. But since this place is so near to the border to their space, it is a high possibility that they did. But I am going to wait until the data we collected down there is checked and verified before I give you a definite answer."

Straightening out his uniform, the otter smiled. "Good."  Looking to where the doctor was. "Doctor. I want to be kept up to date on the situation with our patient."  Turning his head to the raccoon. "Commander, will you escort me back to the bridge."  Pete nodded his head, and both headed out of the sickbay.

Lutra orbiting Jeblos IV:

Captains Log, star date 68254.5, we have been in orbit around the planet now for a day. After sending down several away teams as well as scan the surface from the ship, we have managed to get as much data as possible on what may have happened. However, I am hoping that our guest will make a full recovery so that we can find out just what had happened.

Captains Personal Log:  I am a bit concerned over the whole situation, which in turn could escalate to higher danger such as a full out war. Whatever happens from here now on, this ship will be the main aspect to choose our near future. Either peace or war, it is something that I do not wish to decide on lightly.

However, I will not rush into any decision yet. I must trend very carefully with ever fact given to me and not take any notice of hearsay. If the Embolid's are involved. I am fully prepared to make the choice to deal with the situation.

Lutra - Deck 1, Meeting Room:

Looking about the room, Skipai took notice of the staff sitting in their chairs about the table. Taking a deep breath, the otter placed a paw onto the table and spoke. "We've been trying to work out a problem now for the past day or so. I asked you here so that you can give me your final reports so far on the data that you have managed to collect."  Turning his head to the chief engineer. "Give me your report, Mister Barns."

The red squirrel nodded his head and spoke out, looking about the table as he did so. "We've analysed the energy readings from the planet surface, the atmosphere and according to our records, it looks to be Embolid technology."  The squirrel paused and took a deep breath in. "However, there's something bothering me."

Skipai blinked and looked at the squirrel with his unblinking eyes. "And that is?"

Jack continued. "Well, me and Ben have worked together, and the technology used is several decades out of date. Now unless they have not moved along in technology as much as we have. Or someone has managed to get hold of Embolid technology."

Pete nodded his head. "So, it could be a plot to get us two to fight against each other?"  Moving his head to look at his captain as he spoke.

Skipai put up a paw slowly. "Please. No theories. I want facts here. So, let's get this straight.  So far, we have evidence to support the admirals concerns that the Embolids have in fact come into our space to resume hostilities, but with older technology. And we have a lone survivor recovering in sickbay who could confirm if they did attack and what happened. Anything else?"

Ben spoke. "I've been keeping our sensors on full since we arrived here but haven't detected anything unusual. Usual things, comet passing by, one of the stars moving into its sunspot season but that has not affected sensors yet. Should be another few days before we notice any interference."  He paused and frowned. "There wasn't any residue from any ships either."

Skipai got up and moved around to the back of his chair and lent on it. "Don't worry about it. We have enough evidence on the planet surface to suggest that something did happen down there. But we need to know exactly what and how it did happen."

Blackberry rose his paw and saw the captain nod his head and spoke out. "Sir. The nearby nebula could have hidden an attack since sensors have problems seeing through it as well as blocking out communications. And considering this system is only one light year away from it. It would be an excellent opportunity to attack before anyone knew that they were in danger."

"I see. So, our investigation then should move onto there."  Skipai replied before looking at Blackberry. "Go set a course there at warp 2."

The ferret nodded and slipped off from his chair. "Aye sir."  Making his way to the self-opening door and vanishing from sight, the captain looked about and spoke again. "I want all departments to be ready. Battle drills, make sure all our systems are working at one hundred percent efficiency. Dismissed."

Looking to the raccoon, the otter nodded for his first officer to stay where he was and then watched as the rest of the head crew left the room. Turning his gaze back towards Pete the otter spoke softly. "I need advice Pete. I am a bit concerned that we may be heading towards war."

Pete placed a paw onto the table and replied softly. "Sir. I have been thinking the same thing, but we have to do what has to be done though."

Skipai got up from leaning on the back of his chair and padded over to looking out of one of the windows. "I know that commander. I just hope that we make the choice on knowing all the facts and not let our emotions take over."  Placing his outstretched paw onto the windowpane he continued. "So many people have lost their loved ones to the Embolids on slavery to be genetically violated, serve on them and worse of all. To be their food source."

Pete got up from his chair and made his way to where the captain was standing and replied. "You think some may use this as an excuse to just start a war?"

The otter frowned. "I go to war, but only for the right reasons. We beat them once a decade ago and still we are still rebuilding our fleet. We suffered a lot of losses in the last war with them."

Pete turned to look out of the window now as well. "You were captain of the Ottrix then, correct?"

Skipai nodded his head. "Out of one thousand ships that went into war, only 250 were in operation when the war finished. We suffered huge losses and we have only managed to get our fleet back up to the six hundred ships."  The otter frowned. "Not to mention losing some of our territory as well due to our lack of numbers in defending it. Suffice to say, we really can't afford to go back to war."  Pulling himself away from the window, the otter fixed his uniform. "But if we must, we must and no matter what happens, we make sure of winning again."

Pete gave an approving nod and churred softly. "Glad to hear it sir. I was beginning to get worried for a moment."  Turning to face the otter.

Skipai grinned. "Don't mind me, I just have to make sure I make the right decision. With your help of course."

<Captain. This is the doctor. You better come down here. Our patient has just woken up.>

Looking at Pete, Skipai nodded and replied. "We're on our way doctor."

Lutra - Deck 10, Main Sick Bay:

Skipai and Pete came into the room and looked to where David was padding up to them with a medical tricorder in his right paw. "Captain. She's awake but very confused.  She wasn't in any of the manifest for the colonists."

Skipai blinked and looked around the doctor to where the rat was leaning up against the headboard of the bed. Returning to face the lion, the otter spoke.  "If she wasn't one of the colonists, then who is she?"

David sighed and stepped aside. "I think, captain. That this is for you to hear directly from her own mouth."

Walking over to the bed, Skipai nodded to a small mouse who took a cup from the rat and padded away. Standing at the bottom of the bed, he coughed and smiled. "Welcome aboard the Lutra. I am captain Goldwright. I assume that the doctor explained to where you are?"

Turning her head to face the otter, the rat sneered and hissed. "Oh yes, I know where I am, and I demand to be sent home!"

David came up beside Skipai and muttered. "Told you."

Pete blinked once. "Erm. Take you home where?"

The rat twisted her head to face the raccoon and spat out. "My, you are stupid aren't you. Take me back home to my masters."

Skipai turned away and walked off, Pete blinked and followed with David right behind him. Eventually when the otter was sure that they would be out of ear shot he stopped and turned around. "I want a security down here, right now."

Pete blinked. "Er, Captain, what's wrong?"

The otter looked at the rat one more time and turned to face his first officer. "She's a Embolid slave."  Turning his head to where David was, the otter gave a growl. "Why didn't you inform me sooner?"

The lion replied. "She only told me a few moments ago. I contacted you to come down here. She won't say much at all, not surprising."

Placing a paw onto the sickbay wall, Skipai nodded with a sigh. "You're right. She's too brainwashed to even contemplate being free.  Well, hang on."

Moving back to where the rat was, he looked at her again and spoke firmly. "Right, I want answers. I take it you want to be taken home. I assume that it's back to the Embolid home world?"

The rat blinked in horror and shook her head. "No, just my ship."

"They have Embolid's on board?"  Skipai enquired.

"Yes, but they aren't part of the main Embolid system."  The rat sneered back. "Anything else you want answering, river dog."

Skipai shook his head. "No, that be all for now."  Moving away again he looked at Pete and David. "As soon as she is well enough. I want her transferred to the brig."  He saw the disgust in David's face and frowned at him. "Doctor. I am only doing so for the safety of this ship and crew."  Turning his head back to the rat again on the other side of the room being tended to by the mouse again while the rat spat at him in disgust, he turned his head back. "I am heading back to the bridge. The situation has just got a bit more complicated. Seems we have a renegade Embolid ship in our space or it is in the nebula. Either way we have to find out."  Tapping his communicator. "Helm. Increase speed to warp nine."

<Aye sir.>

Without saying another word, the otter headed out of the room while two large wild African dogs came in and made their way with David and Pete to their rat patient.

Lutra ship moving slowly towards the bright green nebula.

Lutra - Deck 1, Main Bridge:

All crew were sitting or standing in their respectable positions on the bridge. Blackberry moved his black fingers over the computer panel in front of him and chirped out. "Nebula is now two hundred thousand kilometres in front of us captain."

Skipai nodded his head and replied. "Stick to half impulse power."  Turning his chair around slightly so that he was facing Ben. "Anything come up on sensors?"

The wolf looked at his display and shook his head. "No, nothing out of the ordinary has come up. We should have full sensors until we enter the nebula though."

"I understand. Thank you."  Skipai said and moved his chair back to face the viewscreen again and tapped a button on the arm of the chair. "Doctor. Anything I should know about medical wise when we enter this nebula?"

<Some may experience sickness for a few seconds, but it should pass. If not, then we do have a solution to help relieve the symptoms. Also, we cannot stay in there for more than a few days. Three at most. Not unless you want to have irreversible neural damage.>

Pete winced and shook his head while Skipai took a deep breath in and released it. "Understood. Goldwright out."  Pressing the button again he gave out his other orders. "Helm, keep her steady. Mister Erone. Keep our shields up at full strength."  Moving his head to his second officer, David Samual. "Inform all departments to standby and report to sickbay on anyone that doesn't get over the sickness."

The tiger nodded his head at his console. "All departments acknowledge and are ready captain."

Readjusting his uniform, the otter nodded. "Very well. Helm, stay on course and take us in."

Blackberry nodded his head. "Aye sir. We should enter the nebula in approximately, fifteen seconds."  The ferret moving his head about quickly to keep an eye on his instruments.

Watching from the viewscreen as it began to flicker and crackle with static, Skipai winced slightly and took a deep breath in and out slowly. His webbed paws gripped the arms of his chair tightly and then relaxed. The other crew on the deck had similar sensations.

Pete whistled slightly and muttered under his breath slightly. "Not what I call a place to go on a relaxing holiday."

Skipai readjusted himself on his chair and spoke out. "Okay, keep a sharp eye everyone. See if you can see anything out there."  Twirling his chair around to face the silver wolf. "Mister Erone. Anything you can tell from your sensors?"

The wolf shook his head. "No, we're limited very badly now. Can't scan anything after fifty metres from our hull.  And I would not recommend using any weapon fire. There are some really unstable substances in this nebula to make the whole thing go up."

Baring his teeth slightly, the otter growled. "Lovely."  Twirling his chair back to the front. "Helm, reduce speed to a level you are comfortable with."

Blackberry nodded his head as the ferret continued to look at the viewscreen and limited sensor readings. "Now travelling at 5m a second. Probably could get out and push faster at this rate."

Pete gave a grin at the ferret's attempt to liven things up. "Don't worry, we won't be in here that long and you can get back to your breakneck speeds."  Blackberry gave a toothy grin but did not reply to the first officer.

David spoke next. "Sir, communications are down as expected and internal communications are having problems, but I am dealing with it."  Tapping buttons, the tiger's tail flicks about randomly. "Sickbay has reported four cases of crewmembers that needed the treatment to get over the sick feeling and they are now doing fine."

Pete got up from his chair and made his way over to David's console and looked down at him. "Still feeling a bit woozy?"

David looked at the raccoon and shook his head. "I did, but it's passing."  He noticed the raccoon looking at his tail and he smiled. "Oh, that's just me being a bit er."

Pete gave David a pat on the tail. "Ah, I see. No need to explain, I think we're all experiencing that now."  Not saying another word, the racoon made his way back to his chair and sat down. Moving his head to Skipai, he churred. "You're being a bit quiet sir?"

Skipai turned his head back to face his first officer. "With Embolids maybe being around. I was just thinking on where they are in this nebula?"

Pete shrugged. "We find them if they are."  Turning his head back again. "Helm. Set a course throughout the nebula to search the most area in the shortest time and execute it."

Blackberry chirped back. "Course plotted and executed sir."

Skipai got up from his chair. "You have the bridge, commander."  Then the otter made his way to the ready room and vanished from view.

Lutra - Deck 12, Brig Cell 2:

Padding up and down the cell, the rat frowned as she gave the guard a look now and again before muttering. "Stupid dog."  Rat-Face was not amused, and her thin tail flicked about in annoyance of being down here. Looking back at the guard again who was slowly nodding off, she smiled and sat down to watch the guard on the other side of the force field.

Slowly her head tilted as she scratched at her right ear with a claw and nodded her head. Looking down, the rat slowly picked up her tail and ran her pink fingers along the smooth skin until she got to the end. Moving back up again, pressing her fingers into the skin, she found the right part and digging her claws in, until red droplets of blood began to fall onto the clean metal floor and with a wince, she pulled off the end of her tail.

Looking upwards quickly to make sure that she had not been noticed, her head moved back down again to where her severed tail was and digging into the flesh, she began to pull out three silver cylinder objects.

Placing them down to the side, the rat picked up the first one and lying the tail across her lap, she twisted the end open with a small click. Pulling out another small item from inside, she looks about and picks up the small, severed tail end and pushing it together again. A bright blue light came on at the end of the object and slowly the rat began to repair the damage until there was not anything left.

Slipping off the bench, the rat lent down and slowly licked up the blood from the floor and smacked her lips. Moving back to the bench and opening out the other cylinders before taking out the other two small items. She picked up the first item, adjusted it in her paw with a twist and vaporised the three large containers and then sat there. Minutes later a female rabbit came in and coughed, waking up the guard who got up. "Hi."

The rabbit smiled. "You know, you shouldn't let any of the officers see you asleep on duty, especially the captain. How's our guest?"

Looking to the rat in the cell. "Oh, she's being quiet for once."  Moving his head back to the rabbit. "So, that's her lunch then?"  Picking up the cover and shaking his head. "Probably the best food that she has had in ages no doubt."  Putting the cover down. "I escort you in."

Smiling. "Thanks John."  The rabbit moved towards the cell. "Say, you be coming to the poker game tonight?"

John smiled. "Yeah, want to ensure I beat Sam again after that grilling, he gave me a few nights back. Never known someone who can work cards like that."

The rabbit chuckled as she waited for John to let the field down. "You could cheat you know?"

John turned his head towards Susan and blinked. "Sue! How could you say that? I never cheat in a card game, and I hope you don't either?"  The African dog moved his attention back to the keypad and began pushing in buttons.

Susan blushed and coughed. "Of course not, I never do something like that."  Giving a wink quickly before stepping through the open doorway to the cell.

John followed behind her and nodded. "Okay, you. No funny business, take the tray and that be it."  He watched the rat who was just staring back at them.

Susan came forward and smiled at the rat. "Here, I've prepared some steak stew for you. I hope you enjoy it. Got a glass of water here as well."

The rat smiled and took the tray from the rabbit, then placed it down to the side of her on the bench.

Susan turned around and began to head out of the cell, turning her head to John. "Well, she looks harmless enough. You worry too much."

John turned his head slightly to the side. "Well, you-" He was cut off suddenly as the rat, taking her chance leapt from the bench and had a syringe into the neck in no time at all. Moving to the rabbit, she pushed another syringe into the rabbit's neck. "You both will be excellent slaves."  The rat sneered as slowly they both got up, drugged to the eyes. "Yes, we obey...."

Lutra - Deck 12, Section 3:

The rat looked around the corner. Turning her head to the other two behind her, she snarled. "Come on, we don't have all day. Where is the transporter room from here?"

John came up behind her, still in his zombie like trance. "Two decks up. Lift is at the end of the corridor from here."

Sue moved up to be right behind John and nodded her head. "Yes, the transporter-thingy is where he said it be."

Rat-Face frowned at the rabbit and rolled her eyes. Her frown slowly vanished as she thought of her master eating raw rabbit meat and nodded her head. "Okay, then let's not dawdle."  Looking at John she snarled and showed her sharp incisors at the dog. "Listen. Anyone comes, I am being escorted to be questioned by your superior. Got it?"

John nodded his head. "I got it."

Moving through the corridor, they came to a door and John moved to press at the keypad. Moving inside, they found themselves inside a lift and John spoke after looking at the rat. "Shuttle bay 2."

Lutra - Deck 1, Main Bridge:

A beeping sound came from behind Ben who turned to face the console and frowned. The wolf ears went back against his head as he pressed another button on the console. "Security alert. Captain to the bridge. I repeat. Security alert. We have a prisoner missing."

Skipai came out of his room and looked at Ben who turned to face the captain. "Sir, the rat has escaped. There isn't any sign of a guard that I have put in place there at the time."  He looked down at the console and back up again. "I am tracking their con badges. They are in shuttle bay two."

Pete spoke from his chair. "Captain. I am detecting an un-authorised launch from the shuttle bay."

Skipai turned his head to the wolf who nodded his head. "Confirmed sir, a shuttle has left the bay. We have it on sen-" He frowned. "They just left our sensor range."

Nodding his head, the otter moved to where his seat was and sat down into it. "Helm, estimate their course and follow."

Blackberry nodded his head. "Aye sir. Course set and engaged."

Lutra Shuttle 1:

John was sitting at the helm of the ship, while the rat looked out of the window with a scowl. Hissing slightly, she looked back to where the rabbit was sitting and then back to where John was. "Set these co-ordinates. You should see our home ship; they are expecting us."

The wild dog nodded his head, still speaking zombie like. "Course set. I don't know if the main ship is following us, main sensors are extremely limited."

With a growl, the rat lashed out and with a yelp coming from John, who's head turned to look at his right arm all scratched from the rat's claws who then spoke very harshly back. "Then increase speed so that they don't catch up with us then."

John nodded his head with a whimper and pressed more buttons on the console panel.

Lutra - Deck 1, Main Bridge:

Sue moved her head up and down while turning to face Blackberry in exchanging co-ordinates with each other. Skipai was sitting on his chair with a paw resting on his chin, looking a bit worried. Looking around slightly, he blinked and straightened himself out.

Sue looked to where Blackberry was and spoke quietly. "I think I have something at the co-ordinates but it's faint."

Blackberry nodded and slowly he saw the ship begin to turn due to his new input while Sue reported. "Captain, I think I found the shuttle or something that is out there."

"Shields up."  Skipai said as he lent forwards again. "Bring our weapons online."

Ben nodded his head. "Sir, we won't be able to fire without setting off the nebula."

Turning his head back around, the otter frowned. "I know that. Get our weapons online, just in case."

The wolf looked back at the otter and then nodded solemnly. "Aye sir, shields and weapons systems online and ready."

Nodding his head, Skipai turned back around and watched as the fuzzy image began to clear. Slowly he got off from his chair. "My god.... Helm, full stop!"

Blackberry did not need to be told twice as he brought the ship to an immediate halt. Pete got up and stood beside his captain. "Is that what I think it is?"  The otter nodded his head. "Yes, a Embolid ship."

On the view screen was a huge ship floating inside the bright green nebula. It's sheer size and blackness sent a shiver down each of the bridge crew that could see it.  Looking like a huge flying insect hive. Huge small holes where about the hull where smaller ships would come out or where the weapons were.

Ben blinked. "Er, sir. We're being hailed."

Turning his head back to face the wolf. "How is that possible? Communications isn't possible inside here, is it?"

Ben shrugged. "I don't know how they done it, but we have a frequency to reply. It'll burn out our transmitter though if we use it too long though."

Nodding his head, the otter turned back to the viewscreen. "Make the adjustments and put them on screen."

Ben nodded his head as he pressed a button and the viewscreen changed from showing the ship. The new image was not any more inviting to look at since it was a dim room, red light shone, but the source of the light could not be determined to where it was located, a large black insect sat on a chair. Its incisors opened and closed quickly with the sound of clicks.

Eventually the computer began to change it into normal voice language.

"... click click clickclickyclick.... You are inside our space, warm blood. Why have you invaded our space?"

Skipai took a step forward. "We didn't know that we were in your space, but we are looking for one of our shuttles. It had some of our crew on board."

The insect did not move for a moment and then replied. "We know. They are now on board our ship. We shall not tolerate your kind anymore. For far too long you have ridiculed us, stopped us too many times to be your superiors, your masters and that is not tolerated or wanted, you leave now."

Skipai frowned. "You have two of our citizens and I cannot allow you to hold them against their will."

With a high-pitched screech, the insect moved his head and coming onto the screen was three forms. John the wild dog, Susan the rabbit and of course the rat was in between them. Skipai noted the wounds on John's right arm. It was John who spoke. "We don't want to come home. We have our new masters now."

Skipai began to speak but was interrupted by the insect. "You will surrender your ship and prepare to be boarded for violating our space."

With a growl, Skipai placed both paws on his hips. "Like fuck we will. Listen here. We have our weapon systems online and ready. You know what will happen if I give the order to fire and I am prepared to die than to become slaves or food for your kind. There is only one way out of this. Give us back our two comrades and let us go."

The insect did not reply but spoke after a moment. "No, they will stay here but you will go. Get out of our space before I change my mind."  The screen went dead as Skipai turned his head to face Ben who shook his head back. "Sorry sir, but I had to shut it down before we blew several main power conduits, not alone just the communications array."

Sighing slightly, Skipai made his way back to his chair and sat down. Pete did the same and looked at the otter for a moment, seeing him frown, his webbed paws gripping the arms of his chair before forcing out the words from his muzzle. "Helm. Set a course back to our space out of the nebula."

Blackberry blinked. "Sir?"

Pete spoke out now with a commanding voice. "You heard the orders. Return course out of the nebula to our own space."

The ferret nodded his head with a scowl. "Aye sir. Course set and engaged."

Lutra - Deck 1, Captain's Room:

*BEEP*

Turning his head around from looking outside of the window, the otter gave a soft sigh, fixed his uniform, and spoke out. "Come in."  Watching as the doors opened to show the raccoon come in, the captain gave a soft smile. "Ah, commander. what can I do for you?"

Pete came into the room and looked at the otter before speaking softly. "Sir, we got our new orders and are about to leave to the Convonce system. But."

Leaning back in the sofa, the otter nodded for the raccoon to take a seat on the sofa as well. "But?"

Sitting down, the raccoon turned to look at the otter and spoke. "I was wondering if you were all right sir.  What with all that has happened and all, you haven't come out of here for a while."

Turning around so that he was sitting sideways on the sofa, his right arm moving to rest on the back of the sofa, the captain nodded his head. "Sorry, I had a lot to think about."  Moving his head to look at the far-off distance green nebula starting to turn away to the left. "I had to inform their parents and loved ones on how they were taken away."

Pete bit his lower lip and nodded. "How did they take it?"

Not taking his eyes from the window, the captain sighed. "Usual response. Right now, they blame me for not protecting them enough."

Pete blinked. "But you didn't."

Skipai turned his head around and frowned. "To them, I was fully responsible for everyone on this ship, hence I had to leave them behind so that no more would die or become slaves to them."  Giving a soft growl, the paw on the back of the sofa dug into the fabric and the sound of ripping came to their ears. "But I will bring them home one day. I bring them all home one day. They may have decided to come out again but this time we will be ready. I have informed home command about them, and the necessary arrangements are being made."

Pete looked to the window now as the stars began to stretch out before a blinding flash of white and then the familiar rainbow effect came. "You think we are heading towards war again?"

Skipai spoke softly. "Pete. I do not know, but we will not rush into it. They decided to trend very carefully on this. And we do not know how many ships they have or how ready they are. However, I fully expect us to start increasing our fleet starting today. But I think we will go to war at some point."  Pausing, the otter got up and stretched. "But not today. Right now, we have work to do. So, what more can you tell me about this next mission?"

Pete smiled as he saw the captain move to his desk and got up to make his report. "Well sir. We have two planets arguing over shipping lane rights. We've been ordered to sort out the mess before it turns into anything else.  Also......"

The Lutra continued its way away from the green nebula.