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Galaxycats
Episode 1 "Light in the Darkness"
1.
Space- Panthera
We see a turquoise and white planet. Superimpose:
"Planet Panthera, Sector Year 4531."
Two years ago, the F'lar army took over the government of
the Fessan people and declared war on the Pantherans, leaders of the Sector
Camera starts zooming in on the planet. Cut to:
2.
Landri village, Panthera
A town square, with a large fountain in the middle.
Camera zooms in on the square. Pantheran people (they look like humans) walk in
and out of shops, but we are interested in a fifteen-year old boy, Paul,
standing by the fountain. His twin sister, Vanilla, runs up to him.
PAUL
Where have you been, Vanilla? I was waiting ages.
VANILLA
Paul it says on the news that the F'lar have been spotted in this
region. There’s a chance they could attack here!
PAUL
Oh, come on, Vanilla, you can't believe they'd ever come to a little
village like this one.
Ironically enough, even as he says that, the sound of an
engine is heard, and a F’lar ship descends from the sky- smaller fighters begin
spilling out and attacking the village. Amidst the flames and confusion, many
are killed, including Paul. As the F’lar ships break off and move on, only
Vanilla is left alive, clutching the dead body of her brother.
Scene fades. Title and credits run.
3.
City Streets, Rienne
Superimpose-
"Fifteen years later. The F'lar now control a
significant segment of Panthera. The hopes of the Pantheran people lie with
Galaxycats, a military institution set up to combat the F'lar and end a war
that has been raging for over a decade.”
The words fade.
A Suntiger class skimmer is chasing a convoy down the
city streets. It fires on the convoy, destroying the trucks. Suddenly, a Falcon
behind the Suntiger fires on it. The Falcon turns onto the main thoroughfare
and it chases the Suntiger.
4.
Int. Suntiger
Vanilla, now a grown woman, is piloting.
VANILLA
Oh, come on, like you’re going to get anywhere flying like that.
5.
City Streets, Rienne
Vanilla outmanoeuvres the enemy ship and destroys it,
before flying back to the Galaxycats base.
6.
Captain
Vanilla is being lectured to by her commanding officer,
Captain
Commander Vanilla, this is the third time this octan I’ve had to call
you in here for going on an unauthorised patrol- I expect better behaviour from
a brand new recruit, let alone my own first officer!
VANILLA
Since I am your first officer, I should have enough authority to
schedule a few minor attacks, surely? And you have to admit that every one of
my missions has been entirely successful.
Commander, what are you doing is not only undermining my authority, but
endangering your own life and that of the teams who depend on you to do your
assigned tasks, not whatever takes your fancy!
VANILLA
Captain, if you’ll look at my record, you’ll see that this is what I do
best. I would go out there alone and put myself in danger than have to worry
about inferior pilots under my command.
A curious mixture of arrogance and nobility, is that what you’re trying
to sell me? I’ve no doubt it’s true, but I think there’s more to it than that-
you’re trying to get yourself killed, aren’t you? If that’s the case, then
listen to me- maverick pilots with no regard for their own lives are the last
thing I need at this command. Keep this up and I’ll see you grounded and thrown
out of Galaxycats!
VANILLA
Like it or not, I have been doing a good job here; ground me, and
you’ll lose the best pilot you have.
Vanilla walks out.
7.
F'lar Command Briefing Room, Rienne
F’lar commander Krelston is conferring with his
subordinates, including a Pantheran scientist named Malteazer.
KRELSTON
I know you have all been concerned with the losses we have incurred at
the hands of the Galaxycats of late; however, it is with no small amount of
pride that I am finally able to unveil to you the weapon that will turn the
tide. Doctor Malteazer, as director of the project, would you care to
elaborate?
MALTEAZER
We’re all well aware that the key to controlling any ground based
territory is highly dependent on attack-class skimmers, and that of late, F’lar
and Galaxycat skimmer technologies have been on a par with each other. In an
effort to break this stalemate, various F’lar research teams have been working
on a new type of alloy, keridanium, which will increase the structural
integrity of our skimmers by 20% over current models. Since my colleague Dr
Rabia Idale and myself were key to this project, it has been decided that the
prototype Kerida-class skimmers will be deployed here in Rienne.
KRELSTON
A schedule for the Kerida patrols is already being drawn up; Skimmer
Division, your people will be granted access to the prototypes to familiarise
yourselves with them in preparation for the first strikes. You are dismissed.
8.
Galaxycats Control Room, Rienne
Sheba and her command staff are there, including
Lieutenant Aquilegia and Ensign Marval.
AQUILEGIA
Captain, we’re receiving an unauthorised transmission- the identity
signature says it’s from someone called Lighthawk.
Please put it through to my office, Lieutenant.
9.
Sheba’s Office, Galaxycats, Rienne
I thought we weren’t scheduled to contact each other again for another
octan.
MALTEAZER
I’m afraid there’s no time for procedure now, Captain. That new development
I briefed you about before- the F’lar are now in a position to test it.
Is there anything we can do? Perhaps you could send us enough
information to come up with a countermeasure.
MALTEAZER
Captain, there really is no time for that- I know you wanted to wait a
little longer, but the only way you’ll be able to survive this is by bringing
me to Galaxycats.
You’re requesting an extraction?
MALTEAZER
I never wanted this double-life in the first place, but between that
and remaining loyal to the F’lar, I didn’t have much choice. But now there’s
nothing more I can do as a F’lar- there’s no more reason to keep me here.
Pause.
Very well, then- what exactly will you need?
MALTEAZER
I can steal a skimmer from the F’lar and pilot it easily enough, but
once they come after me, I’ll need backup if I’m ever going to make it to you
in one piece.
Leave it to me- I have just the pilot for the job.
10. Galaxycats Briefing Room,
Rienne
Sheba, Vanilla, Chief Engineer Willow, Doctor Opal, Lieutenant
Commander Sandy, Aquilegia, Lieutenant Tassel, Lieutenant Jupiter and
Lieutenant Sapphire are there.
OPAL
Captain, what’s this about? I don’t usually get called to briefings at
such short notice.
This may seem like rather an odd gathering, but each of you needs to
hear this. Over the past few years, I have been in contact with a double agent
within the F’lar, a scientist named Doctor Malteazer.
VANILLA
You can’t be serious- Malteazer’s a well-known collaborator; her name
comes up in contact with practically every F’lar scientific development!
That may be something of an exaggeration, Commander, but suffice to say
that however it appears, Malteazer has been providing us with information for
quite some time now. Unfortunately, the situation has recently changed, and the
doctor has now requested an extraction. Her plan is to leave F’lar Command by
skimmer tonight- Vanilla, Sapphire, Jupiter, you will form a support wing to
keep the F’lar off her back.
VANILLA
I vote we let them blow her up and be done with it.
That’s enough of your attitude, Commander. If you can’t bring Malteazer
back here safely, don’t bother returning yourself.
11. City Streets, Rienne
Vanilla, Sapphire and Jupiter leave the Galaxycats
hangar.
12.
Malteazer enters the hangar bay. Two guards approach her,
but she takes them both down. As she makes for the skimmers, however, Krelston
steps out of the shadows.
KRELSTON
Going somewhere, Doctor?
MALTEAZER
How did you…?
KRELSTON
I’m not some bumbling fool, Doctor- I have my sources. You should
actually feel honoured that I chose to deal with this personally rather than
just having you shot as soon as I found out about this little indiscretion.
MALTEAZER
You might as well shoot me- it’s the only way you’ll stop me leaving.
KRELSTON
Oh, I’m sure I can find a way can coerce you- just like I always have.
MALTEAZER
You…
Malteazer goes to tackle Krelston, but he draws a shock
stick and uses it on her. Just as it seems that Krelston has subdued Malteazer,
she grabs his arm and stares into his eyes. It is unclear what she does, but he
goes vacant long enough for Malteazer to get in a skimmer and take off. On
returning to his senses, Krelston activates a wrist communicator.
KRELSTON
Falcon squads, deploy- retrieve Doctor Malteazer!
13. City Streets, Rienne
Malteazer’s skimmer approaches Vanilla’s wing; a squadron
of Falcons is chasing after her.
14. Int. Vanilla's Skimmer
COMPUTER
Incoming transmission.
Malteazer appears onscreen.
MALTEAZER
If you’ve been sent here to help me, now’s the time to pitch in.
VANILLA
Did you have to bring us such a large welcoming party?
Vanilla contacts Sapphire and Jupiter.
Sapphire, escort the doctor back to Galaxycats. Jupiter, you and I will
provide covering fire.
15. City Streets, Rienne
Sapphire and Malteazer head away from the battle; Vanilla
and Jupiter try to delay the Falcons, but whilst Vanilla is able to evade enemy
fire, Jupiter’s skimmer is destroyed.
16. Int. Vanilla's Skimmer
VANILLA
Jupiter! Gods damn it, you’ll pay for this, F’lar.
17.
VANILLA
Hey, Captain, mind telling me what makes this c’ren so special that one
of my men lost his life trying to save her?
MALTEAZER
Captain, Commander, I am truly sorry that you lost an officer out
there. It seems that Krelston already knew what I was going to do, and had made
advance preparations.
VANILLA
A likely story- I bet you and Krelston cooked up that little trap
between you, didn’t you? You’ve probably been sent here as a spy!
MALTEAZER
Commander, I hardly expect you to trust me at this stage, but believe
me when I say that I hate the F’lar as much as you do.
VANILLA
Forgive me for being sceptical, but I don’t see much evidence of that
right now.
Regardless of what you think, Vanilla, I have been in contact with
Malteazer for some years, and I for one have every reason to trust her. Our
more pressing concern should be finding out how Krelston came to be so
well-prepared- we may well have a traitor among our own staff.
VANILLA
Oh sure, let’s trust the F’lar scientist who just randomly shows up
here and start suspecting our own people.
I’ve had my suspicions for a while now, Vanilla, and even if you don’t
believe me, I suggest you keep an eye out. Malteazer, for your own safety, I’ll
be assigning you a security detail for the time being.
MALTEAZER
Understood.
18. Russet's Bar, Rienne
The place is practically empty; Vanilla sips water at the
bar whilst bartender Russet attempts to strike up conversation.
RUSSET
Shouldn’t you be on duty, Commander?
VANILLA
I had to get away from that place for a while.
Vanilla sighs.
The F’lar invaded our world, now we’re fighting to get rid of them...so
when did everything get so complex?
RUSSET
The world’s always been complex, Commander- just because you chose to
see it in black and white doesn’t make it any less so.
VANILLA
Oh great, now I’m getting lectured by a bartender.
RUSSET
All part of the service.
19. Galaxycats Briefing Room,
Rienne
Sheba, Vanilla, Malteazer,
Bit of a sparse briefing room tonight.
I’ve called you here today so that Doctor Malteazer can share
information on the F’lar’s latest development- Doctor, if you would care to
elaborate?
MALTEAZER
The project in question centres around an alloy their top scientists
have been developing. Known as keridanium, it is lighter and tougher than the
current materials used in skimmer building, and will give their craft a distinct
advantage in battle.
VANILLA
And I suppose your input helped to make this stuff.
MALTEAZER
I didn’t have a great deal of choice in the matter.
Commander, that’s beside the point. Please continue, Doctor.
MALTEAZER
Before I left the F’lar, I ‘liberated’ some of their research,
including more specific details about keridanium. This has already been turned
over to Galaxycats, but a more pressing threat remains; Krelston already has a
number of keridanium skimmers under his command, and will be ready to use them
in battle any day now.
VANILLA
Let them come; I could pilot a truck and still out fly the F’lar!
And what about the people under your command? Your skills may well be
enough, but I’m sure you haven’t forgotten what happened to Lieutenant Jupiter.
Captain, even if we know about this threat, is there really anything we
can do at such short notice?
Our best hope is a pre-emptive strike at the F’lar facility where the
Kerida skimmers are being tested. Commander Vanilla, you’ll be in charge of
this strike; take whatever pilots you need.
MALTEAZER
Captain, I should go along too; although I’ve no doubt Krelston will
have changed the security protocols since my defection, my familiarity with
F’lar systems could be crucial to the mission.
VANILLA
This is a high risk mission, Doctor- I need people who can actually
fly.
MALTEAZER
I may not be up to your level, Commander, but I know how to handle a
skimmer.
I’m afraid Vanilla has a point, Doctor- I very much doubt that you’ve
had the chance to familiarise yourself with our style of skimmer interface.
Vanilla smiles.
However, your expertise would undoubtedly be useful on this mission.
Vanilla, Malteazer will accompany you in your skimmer.
VANILLA
I’ve told you before, Captain, I’m a solo flier- having her along will
only distract me.
Deal with it.
20. Galaxycats Hangar, Rienne
Vanilla and Malteazer are walking towards their craft.
MALTEAZER
Commander, you’ve made it plain that you don’t think much of me, and
quite frankly, I couldn’t care less. I would ask, however, that we try to put
our differences aside whilst on this mission.
VANILLA
Just because I’ve got the guts to speak my mind doesn’t mean that I
can’t be professional. I’d think twice before trying anything if I were you,
though.
MALTEAZER
Although I’d hardly expect an officer as unimportant as you to be aware
of it, I’ve been risking my life for the same cause as you for many years now-
I just had the intelligence to work undercover instead of mindlessly blasting
everything in my path.
VANILLA
If not for a mindless person like me, this base wouldn’t be here, and
you’d still be licking Krelston’s backside. Then again, maybe that’s the kind
of thing you liked to do-
Malteazer slaps Vanilla; Vanilla just smiles. Sapphire,
Jeffrey, Rusleem and various other pilots arrive.
Ready, everyone? Then let’s do this.
21. City Streets, Rienne
A squad of Galaxycats skimmers takes off and divides into
three groups.
22. Int. Vanilla’s Skimmer
VANILLA
You’d better be able to remotely hack the F’lar computers, or else
we’re all going to get blasted.
MALTEAZER
You do your job, and I’ll do mine.
Malteazer brings up a computer interface and begins work.
23. City Streets, Rienne
One of the Galaxycat groups runs into the one thing they
least wanted to see- a Kerida task force.
24. Int. Vanilla’s Skimmer
COMPUTER
Incoming transmission.
Jeffrey appears onscreen.
JEFFREY
Commander, it’s the Keridas! They’re already using them!
The screen flashes white.
COMPUTER
Contact lost.
VANILLA
Damn it! We trusted you again and look what happened.
MALTEAZER
This isn’t my fault!
VANILLA
Then tell me how to fight those things.
MALTEAZER
You can’t- they’re faster and stronger than you. Our best bet is to
retreat.
VANILLA
Like hell I’m going to.
Vanilla sends a communication to the remaining Galaxycat
skimmers.
Okay, everyone, it looks like the Keridas have done us the favour of
coming to us. As of this moment, we’re abandoning the base attack and engaging
them instead.
Sapphire appears onscreen.
SAPPHIRE
Commander, facing a force like that is suicide. We should get back to
base.
MALTEAZER
Listen to your lieutenant- she talks sense at least.
VANILLA
If you want to get out of here, then go. I’ll face those b’reks alone
if I have to.
25. City Streets, Rienne
Vanilla and the Galaxycat forces engage the Keridas- it
is an uneven match, and few Galaxycats survive.
26. Galaxycats Hangar, Rienne
Vanilla’s depleted force returns. As Vanilla and
Malteazer climb out of their skimmer,
What the hell just happened out there, Commander?
VANILLA
Once again, it looks like they knew we were coming- thanks to a certain
someone.
MALTEAZER
How many times do I have to tell you that this isn’t due to me?
I believe you, Malteazer, but at any rate, that’s beside the point.
Commander Vanilla, many lives have been lost tonight because you chose not to
withdraw earlier. That is not the action of a person I can trust to do a good
job as my first officer.
VANILLA
Captain, I…it was an error in judgement…
You are suspended from duty until further notice. Doctor Malteazer, it
is more imperative than ever that we find a way to combat these Kerida
fighters- I trust we have your assistance in that.
MALTEAZER
I will do what I can, Captain.
27. Vanilla's Quarters
Vanilla is there; the doorchime sounds and
VANILLA
Shouldn’t you be busy retooling engines or something?
Vanilla, I heard about what happened earlier- I just wanted to see how
you were doing.
VANILLA
Oh really? You shouldn’t have bothered, I mean, what could possibly be
wrong? I’m totally fine with the fact that Sheba is now relying on a F’lar
traitor over her own first officer, I’m delighted that every time I fly my
skimmer the F’lar are waiting to attack me, and I’m positively ecstatic that I
just managed to get my own squadron massacred!
Vanilla, in all the years I’ve known you, you’ve always acted like you
have something to prove. Maybe it’s about time you get that chip off your shoulder.
VANILLA
Or maybe it’s about time I admitted that I’m never going to fit in at
Galaxycats and just got the hell out of here.
You’re not still going on about that, are you? Vanilla, you’ve already
made it to the rank of commander, so you must be doing something right.
VANILLA
I’m sure Captain
Then what exactly are you going to do?
VANILLA
I thought I might join the Nightriders.
You have to be joking. They’re little better than terrorists, and
poorly armed ones at that.
VANILLA
Maybe so, but they’re out there fighting the F’lar without being tied
down to a bunch of pointless rules and regulations.
Vanilla, think about what you’re saying-
VANILLA
I’ve already thought about it. My decision’s as good as made.
28. Galaxycats Control Room,
Rienne
Sheba, Aquilegia, Marval, Tassel and others are there.
AQUILEGIA
Captain, sensors have just flagged an unauthorised skimmer launch in
progress. According to the access codes, it’s Commander Vanilla.
I thought Vanilla had been locked out of the central computer. Make
sure she doesn’t leave the hangar.
AQUILEGIA
Too late, Captain. Should we send out pilots after her?
We’re far too understaffed to chase after Vanilla right now.
Is there something you need, Commander Willow?
She actually did it, didn’t she?
I assume we’re talking about Vanilla here. If you have any information
as to what in hell she thinks she’s doing, now would be a good time to share
it.
She…she’s gone to join the Nightriders.
29. City Streets, Rienne
Vanilla’s skimmer speeds through the streets and reaches
the Nightriders base.
30. Int. Vanilla's skimmer
COMPUTER
Incoming transmission.
A female Velassian appears onscreen.
VELASSIAN
Galaxycat skimmer, stand down or we will fire on you.
VANILLA
I see Nightriders haven’t lost any of their famed hospitality. I’m not
here to cause trouble- I’ve come to sign up to your cause.
VELASSIAN
We don’t need self-righteous Galaxycat c’rens here- go find somewhere
else to play.
VANILLA
Oh come on- an organisation like yours can’t afford to be picky. I bet
you couldn’t find a skimmer or a pilot to match me- and besides, I’m as fed up
with Galaxycats as you are.
The Velassian thinks for a moment, and then smiles
mockingly.
VELASSIAN
Heh, I guess we might have some use for you after all. Just don’t
expect us to go easy on because you’re used to living the soft life.
VANILLA
I’d be disappointed if you did. I take it I have clearance to land.
VELASSIAN
Go right ahead.
31. Nightriders Hangar, Rienne
The hangar is something of a makeshift effort. The female
Velassian from the previous scene greets Vanilla.
VELASSIAN
So you’ve decided to join us in hell after all, Galaxycat.
VANILLA
The name’s Vanilla, Nightrider.
VELASSIAN
I’m Kirix. Nice skimmer you got there- wouldn’t be surprised if someone
took a fancy to it and decided to acquire it for themselves.
VANILLA
Let them try- they’ll get a nasty shock if they do.
KIRIX
Heh, maybe you aren’t so bad after all. Come on, let me show you around
this dump.
32. Corridors, Nightriders,
Rienne
Kirix takes Vanilla around the Nightriders building and
points out the facilities, all of which are very basic.
33. Nightriders Meeting Hall,
Rienne
Many disreputable looking people are gathered around.
Kirix pushes through them, and pulls Vanilla up onto a makeshift stage.
KIRIX
Hey everyone, we got ourselves a new recruit- a former Galaxycat, no
less. Let’s give her our warmest welcome.
The crowd breaks out into mock applause and laughter.
Vanilla looks distinctly uneasy.
34. Krelston's Office, F’lar
Command, Rienne
Krelston is talking to his deputy, Mirakova.
MIRAKOVA
Sir, I have the data from the latest Kerida attacks. It’s just as the
scientists promised- Galaxycats really can’t stand up to something like this.
KRELSTON
Now that we finally have the upper hand, it’s about time we put an end
to this conflict as quickly as possible. And with Rienne in our grasp, this
entire region is as good as ours.
MIRAKOVA
The Rienne Galaxycats surely cannot last much longer- not when our spy
is doing such a good job.
KRELSTON
Ah yes, that reminds me- it’s about time for her scheduled check-in.
Even as he speaks, Krelston’s communicator bleeps. He
accepts the transmission, and Sapphire appears on his computer screen.
Ah, Lieutenant Sapphire- your timing is as good as ever.
SAPPHIRE
Thank you, sir.
KRELSTON
So, Lieutenant, what have you got for me today? Your intelligence has
been particularly useful of late, and I’d hate to see your winning streak dry
up.
SAPPHIRE
Sir, an interesting development has come up- Commander Vanilla has left
Galaxycats to join Nightriders.
KRELSTON
That ineffectual terrorist group? Hmm, this could prove useful. Thank
you, Lieutenant- payment will be deposited in the usual account.
SAPPHIRE
Uh sir, before you sign off, there’s something you should know. I think
Captain
KRELSTON
Then I suggest you be careful, Lieutenant. Krelston out.
Krelston terminates the communication.
MIRAKOVA
You must be careful of that operative. She overestimates her own
importance, and that could make her dangerous.
KRELSTON
As long as she remains so easily influenced by money, Sapphire is nothing
to worry about. Rather, we should consider this new opportunity- the capture of
a Galaxycat commander and the intelligence we could extract from her.
MIRAKOVA
I will start making arrangements for Vanilla’s retrieval.
35. Nightriders Hangar, Rienne
Kirix, Vanilla and two other pilots are there.
KIRIX
Well then, Vanilla, I hope you’re ready to impress us with your
superior flying skills.
VANILLA
I’d be more concerned with how your pilots are going to keep up with
me.
Vanilla walks over to her skimmer, which has now been
painted black.
Hey, what the hell did you do to my skimmer?
KIRIX
It doesn’t look so much like a Galaxycat model anymore- means less
trouble all around. I assume the colour won’t affect how well you can fly it?
The other pilots snigger. Vanilla shoots them an annoyed
glance before climbing into her craft.
36. City Streets, Rienne
Vanilla and the other two Nightriders launch. They head for a F’lar communications outpost and commence their attack. A squad of Falcons mobilises to stop them- the two nameless Nightrider pilots are blown apart as they attempt to retreat. Vanilla has no choice but to return to base.
37. Nightriders Hangar, Rienne
Vanilla gets out of her skimmer. Kirix is waiting.
KIRIX
Looks like you made it back in one piece- not too shabby.
VANILLA
Two of your people died, and that’s all you can say?
KIRIX
It’s an acceptable loss if we can strike a blow against the F’lar.
VANILLA
A blow? You call targeting puny communications outposts a proper blow?
Then again, I suppose you’re not up to much, are you?
KIRIX
You seem to forget yourself, Commander. You were the one who wanted to
join us- that puts the burden on you to accept our ways. Life is cheap around
here- that’s just the way it is.
VANILLA
I can’t believe you- you’re so damned short-sighted. Do you really
think you can win with an attitude like that?
KIRIX
Winning, losing…since we’re never going to come out on top, does it
really matter? We don’t fight for some noble goal like you- we fight because we
don’t know how to do anything else.
38.
Ah, Commander Willow, I’m sorry to pull you away from skimmer repair,
but there is something I need to discuss with you.
What can I do for you, Captain?
I’m sure you’ve noticed that our missions seem to have been cursed with
a run of bad luck lately-
And I suppose you think it isn’t just bad luck.
You catch on quickly. Much as I hate to think of it, all the evidence
suggests that we have a mole inside Galaxycats.
With all due respect, Captain, was it really wise to bring that F’lar
here?
It may seem unfounded to you, but I trust Doctor Malteazer. Don’t
forget that I was in contact with her for some time prior to her extraction.
I’m not sure that I can put my faith in Malteazer so easily, but I will
accept your word- which means that the traitor is one of our people.
I don’t like the prospect of that any more than you do, but we can’t
afford to let this leak continue unabated. That’s why I’d like you to
investigate this problem for me.
Captain, I have no intention of refusing a direct order from you, but
why come to me with this? I’m swamped with work as it is, and surely
Based on the evidence, I believe the traitor to be amongst either my
pilots or command staff. I’m sorry to pull you away from your engineering
tasks, but you are the only person I can turn to for this.
Understood, Captain; I’ll do what I can.
39. Nightriders Hangar, Rienne
Vanilla and Kirix are there.
VANILLA
Why are you sending me out again? Do I even have an assigned mission?
KIRIX
Your mission is to destroy as many F’lar skimmers as you can.
VANILLA
And what will that achieve? Without a clear goal, I might as well just
blow my own skimmer up as go out and take a few pot shots at the F’lar.
KIRIX
You wanted to fight the F’lar, didn’t you? Well, I’m sorry, but this is
the best we can do for you.
Pause.
VANILLA
Fine- I’ll go out there, but don’t expect me to fight- I just need to
blow off some steam. And when I get back, there are going to be some changes
around here.
Vanilla gets into her skimmer.
40. City Streets, Rienne
Vanilla’s skimmer launches from the Nightrider hangar.
She heads out towards the Fringes, but is ambushed by a Kerida squadron.
Vanilla tries to flee, but is unable to do so.
41. Int. Vanilla's Skimmer
Vanilla is receiving a transmission from a Fessan.
FESSAN
Commander Vanilla, you are now in the custody of the F’lar. Please do
not attempt to resist.
42. City Streets, Rienne
The Kerida skimmers lock tractor beams on Vanilla’s
skimmer, and tow it away to the FC.
43. Hangar, F’lar Command, Rienne
Vanilla is stripped of all weapons and placed in a set of
magnetic proximity restraints, linked to a pair of guards. She is led out of
the hangar.
44. Krelston's Office, Rienne
Krelston is there. Vanilla is brought in by the guards
and forcibly seated.
KRELSTON
Ah, the infamous Commander Vanilla. At long last we meet.
VANILLA
So, Krelston, you finally got lucky.
KRELSTON
Oh, I assure you it was not a case of mere luck. A dear friend of mine
told me where to find you- and let’s just say the Nightriders were easily
swayed by the promise of a few credits.
VANILLA
Those b’reks, they sold me out!
KRELSTON
Now, now, Vanilla, there’s no need to get so worked up over a simple
business transaction- especially not when you’re about to help me with another.
VANILLA
You’ll have to put me through seven kinds of hell before I’d even think
about co-operating with you.
KRELSTON
An interesting request, and one which I’d normally be only too happy to
oblige. Unfortunately, Vanilla, much as my pilots hate you, in the grand scheme
of things, you just aren’t that important.
VANILLA
Why go to all the trouble of capturing me, then?
KRELSTON
Simply because I must have something to trade for what I really want.
You’ll see what I mean soon enough.
45. Computing Lab, Galaxycats,
Rienne
Willow is in a private booth, checking records. All signs
point to just the one officer.
This- this can’t be right.
Someone else enters the lab and approaches
SAPPHIRE
Found something interesting, Commander?
I think we both know what I found, Lieutenant. Now if you’d care to
come with me.
Sapphire draws a shock stick.
SAPPHIRE
Oh, I don’t think we’ll be going anywhere.
46. Galaxycats Control Room,
Rienne
Sheba, Aquilegia, Ensign Ferrero, Marval and Tassel are
on duty.
AQUILEGIA
Captain, I’m receiving a communication directly from F’lar Command.
This should be interesting. Onscreen.
Krelston appears onscreen. Vanilla is visible in the
background.
AQUILEGIA
Vanilla!
KRELSTON
Good day, Captain
Yes, it would seem so. I assume there is a price for getting her back.
Krelston smiles.
KRELSTON
I’ve always enjoyed talking with you, Captain
I can’t help feeling that you overestimate your own intellect, General.
Krelston laughs.
KRELSTON
Anyway, to business. What I would like in exchange for your first
officer is something that I myself lost quite recently- Doctor Malteazer.
You lost Malteazer a long time ago.
KRELSTON
Perhaps- or perhaps you know less about Malteazer than you think.
Either way, I’ll give you a little time to think about it. Shall we say a
radia’s time for my next contact?
Before we settle on anything, at least let me talk to Vanilla.
Krelston beckons to the guards, and Vanilla is brought
closer to the communicator.
I seem to remember telling you not to be so reckless.
VANILLA
And I seem to remember quitting Galaxycats. Don’t get me wrong, I
couldn’t care less what happens to that F’lar- but don’t give this guy what he
wants.
KRELSTON
All right, I think that’s enough. Be sure to have your decision ready
for me by the time I call back.
The communication ends.
AQUILEGIA
Captain, what are we going to do?
For now, you’re going to ask Doctor Malteazer to come to my office.
47. Computing Lab, Galaxycats,
Rienne
SAPPHIRE
I bet you’re thinking that you just need to stall me long enough for
security to come and rescue you. Unfortunately for you, I’ve already taken care
of that.
Sapphire manages to overpower
48. Sheba’s Office, Rienne
…Krelston hasn’t threatened any violence towards Vanilla if we don’t
comply to the trade, but I’ve no doubt it’s a card he’s willing to play if
necessary.
MALTEAZER
Captain, if you want to hand me over to the F’lar, then I will
understand. Your first priority should be towards your crew.
Doctor, I don’t want you to think for one moment that I called you here
to force you into agreeing to this trade. I’d be more interested in hearing
your advice on the situation.
MALTEAZER
Captain, I think you and I both know that there is no constructive
advice I can give. The only way I can help you is to go back.
But with your knowledge of the F’lar, we’re in a prime position to
mount a rescue.
MALTEAZER
A rescue would most likely involve my infiltrating F’lar Command; since
they want me to walk right in, I might as well take up their invitation.
Pause.
Captain, you already know that my conclusion is the only sensible
course of action. Trust me, I’ll get Vanilla out of there.
Very well, I’ll agree to the exchange.
49.
Sapphire has made it down to the hangar bay unnoticed,
supporting an unconscious
SAPPHIRE
Time to go.
Sapphire launches her skimmer.
50.