HEIRS TO FATE – SHEPHERD
STARDATE 10.25.22
X-SECTOR
“Give me ship to ship.”
Ichalord stared at the Captain of the Poltergeist. The Captain stared back at Ichalord with black, eyeless sockets. For the Reapers were Animated Skeletons devoid of flesh, always shrouded in a black robe and hood.
“Captain Spite,” Ichalord muttered in a low voice.
“Ah…Captain Ichalord,” Captain Spite replied in a ghoulish voice. “We meet again. I see that you intend to interfere in matters that don’t concern you. Let me warn you against such action. It would not end well for the Shepherd. Think of your crew, Captain.”
Pree stood right beside Ichalord, offering her silent support. Her single horn glowed brightly at the very tip.
“That’s where you are mistaken, Captain Spite. You see, these three worlds are part of Protectorate Space. The Colonists on those worlds are Protectorate Citizens. That means they fall under my protection. I know what you intend to do. Turn around, Captain Spite, and leave now. This is your only warning.”
“You are warning me?” Captain Spite answered in an amused tone. He chuckled ominously. “That is laughable, Captain Ichalord. Tell me, who commands the Science Vessel and who commands the Battlecruiser? The Shepherd would be cut to ribbons by the Poltergeist.”
Captain Spite paused. His thoughts seemed to be elsewhere for a moment. Then he continued.
“The Reapers do not recognize your claim to this region of space. It is our job…our duty…to cull those who are unworthy of life. These…Colonists will be tested by the Reapers…and if they are not strong enough to survive…they will Die.”
A firm, determined look formed on Ichalord’s face. His blonde hair with orange streaks was neatly cut. His light orange eyes refused to blink.
“You know full well, Captain Spite, that the Protectorate does not agree with your ideology to ‘cull’ those who you deem unfit to live. The Protectorate believes that all life is sacred…small or big…weak or strong…young or old. We will do whatever it takes to defend that life…to preserve it…to save it.”
Ichalord glanced at Pree who stared back affirming that she agreed with him wholeheartedly.
“And this ‘Science Vessel’ is quite capable in combat, as you are about to find out. I believe the time for talking is over. Diplomacy will not resolve our differences. There is only one way.”
Captain Spite’s skull nodded from underneath his black hood. “I agree,” he said right before he cut off transmission.
Ichalord and Pree quickly took their seats. Then Ichalord gave loud, decisive commands.
“Charge the Plus Photon Torpedoes. Plus Phaser Capacitor to maximum. Both Shield Regenerators on standby. Full Reserve Power. Ready the Slipstream Drive. Activate the Pulse Generator. Stand ready to repel Boarding Parties. Begin preparing Two Wild Weasels.”
“LET’S TEACH THESE REAPERS HOW A PROTECTORATE ‘SCIENCE VESSEL’ ACTUALLY FIGHTS.”
