CHOCOLATE WARS
The Return of the Emperor
Chapter 2
THE FUDGE STRIKES AGAIN
Within two hours of receiving Hagjo's SOS, Duke brought his ship, the Oreo, out of hyperspace with shields up and all weapon systems activated. Duke's eyes narrowed as Hagjo's rendevous ship, a Neapolitan freighter, floated alone on his view screen. Beginning a scanner sweep Duke reached for his Comm Link just before it beeped.
"Commander Starrunner?" Asked the tri-hued Captain of the freighter as he looked out from Duke's comm screen. The bright blue stripes on the shoulders of the Captain's green uniform combined with the red, white and brown horizontal stripes on his face to create a virtual rainbow on Duke's vid screen.
"Yes!" Duke answered. "Commander Greenjeans?
"Yes Sir."
"Has you're ship been damaged?"
"No. The battle was over and everyone was gone before we arrived."
Frowning Duke scanned his instruments while piloting the Oreo into a circular course. "A good thing," he answered. "They would have destroyed your ship as well."
"We've collected some of the ship debris," Greenjeans stated with a solemn expression. As Duke listened, he saw the Dark Dove drop out of hyperspace and move toward them. Greenjeans continued, "Our examination supports the SOS that was received. The debris, what there is of it, is consistent with the type one would expect to find after the destruction of a ship of the Reece's design."
As the Oreo slowly orbited the area, Duke's brow tightened. Quietly he both listened to Commander Greenjeans and continued his sensor sweep. His eyes didn't leave his data screen as Robja's voice came over his Comm speaker, "What have you found?"
Not looking up from his screen Duke answered, "Debris that looks like it's come from the Reece. Stand by."
Commander Greenjeans spoke again. "The Reece's pieces are very small. It was a powerful weapon that was used." Chocowa's whine sounds over Duke's Comm Link connection with the Dark Dove.
His brow furrowed again as new information appeared on Duke's screen. Entering new instructions into his keypad he answered, "Yes it was." Air hisses through his teeth as he watched the incoming data on the screen. His expression hardened before he spoke, "They used proto lasers. It must have been the Lysterine, Vanilla's ship." Looking to another screen he mumbled, "I wish we'd received more of Hagjo's message before he was cut off." Duke's eyes tighten as additional data appeared on his screen. "It wasn't as short a battle as you'd expect, based on the readings. Energy trails loop back and forth through the area. Multiple shots were fired by both ships." Duke paused as additional data appeared. "Heavy use of their proto lasers. Many of their early shots missed him entirely." Duke frowned and paused.
"What?" Robja asked puzzled.
Duke stired from his thoughts and continued, "There's also a series of energy splashes where the lasers seemed to have bounced off Hagjo's shields but that's impossible!"
"Did his ship have the upgraded systems?" Commander Greenjeans asked.
Duke shook his head. "No. He'd had the sensor upgrade allowing him to detect masked ships but not the new proto shields. Its impossible that standard shields could have stood up to even one proto laser attack but the residual energy reading indicate just that."
Robja frowned in puzzlement as Chocoa whined equally puzzled beside him. "Could evasive maneuvers explain near misses?"
Shaking his head Duke answered with conviction, "Chedi or not there wouldn't be many misses with the Lysterine's targeting computers." Duke sighed, "It's as if they were purposefully missing his ship."
"Could that be the answer?" Commander Greenjeans asked.
"Hey!" Robja remarked, "Maybe it is!" As Duke and Greenjeans look on puzzled Robja explained. "Hagjo had Henry Jr. a.k.a. Diet Vanilla on board." On his comm screen Robja saw Duke react. Nodding, Robja finished his thought, "The Empire will want Vanilla back alive!"
Duke nodded too, "I bet that's it." They all sat in silence for a moment before Duke continued, "It would have used up a lot of the Lysterine's power but if Hagjo had cooled his drive coils, grazing the Reece's shields with proto lasers would have made reheating them near impossible!"
"Thrusters would have sucked up a lot of power too!" Robja added. Chocoa makes a whining, barking noise and Robja nodded, "Yes, and weapons. He'd have had very little power left for heating his coils and eventually he'd have run his batteries dry."
Looking back at his data screen Duke sighed. "Well, eventually his shields must have been pierced or collapsed and his ship was hit." Duke shook his head, "Of course that doesn't add up either. Why waste so much power disabling the ship, trying to ensure that Vanilla wasn't injured and then lock onto the ship and destroy it? Following your thinking though, it would explain why the ship wasn't destroyed with the first hits."
Robja responded in surprise. "There were multiple hits? His ship shouldn't have stood against one hit let alone two!"
Duke nodded his head. "Agreed but that's what happened. There are two major energy splashes." Duke leaned over his controls and, punching several buttons, transmited his data screen image to the Dark Dove and Greenjeans. "There on the lower half of the screen is the first set of hits. There's little debris here but clearly the ship was hit and, with proto lasers. Those are the ones that brought down Hagjo's shields. That's where his ship was disabled. The Reece's engines went down and that means shields as well. Then twenty six degrees port is the second splash site." He paused as Robja and Greenjeans redirected their attention to the new site. "That one is at the center of where the majority of debris is spreading. The ship must have tumbled to that position before the final attack. That splash is much larger but it's from the ship's exploding. No shields." Looking from his instruments and toward his Comm Link's screens Duke continued, "Hagjo never stood a chance, the Lysterine's just too powerful a ship. That the Reece was disabled first rather than destroyed outright gives us hope though." Taking a deep breath he leaned back into his seat his eyes slitted, "If they knew Henry Jr..." he shrugged, "Diet Vanilla, was on board, this wasn't a search and destroy mission. I don't know how they knew Henry was there but assuming they did, this attack wouldn't have been for revenge, it was a rescue! They crippled Hagjo's ship and then took Vanilla before destroying it. Hopefully they took Hagjo too." He paused before looking back at Robja and asked, "Does Schan know about this yet?"
Robja grimaced before answering, "She knows about Hagjo's first message and his SOS. She also knows that we were both ordered to come here. Her ship was damaged during the battle at Crest. Pepsodent was secured before we left and the last report I heard was that Crest wasn't very far behind. I'm sure as soon as she's able to switch to an undamaged ship she'll be right behind us."
Nodding Duke responded, "I'll link with her and let her know what's happened. General Oh?"
"Yes, he's seen Hagjo's preliminary report and that Henry Jr.'s been found. He knows about the SOS too. I'm sure he'll be following as soon as he can as well."
Duke nodded. "Where's Kenbo?"
Robja's mood immediately darkened as he answered. "The attack on Pepsodent went amazingly well. The disruptors caused not only power shortages but massive overloads. Early in the battle the station lost all of her disruptor cannons and many of her blasters. Most of her shields collapsed." Robja's enthusiasm, which had been building as he spoke, plummeted with a sigh as he continued. "Our destruction of their Command Deck prompted a surrender by their surviving senior officer."
Duke nodded frowning, "Yeah, we were glad to get the extra help at Colgate when Kenbo redirected his third wave but I heard that Pepsodent had been boarded and was secure?"
Robja shook his head. "Eventually. A dozen of our ships, including the Dove, docked on the station and Kenbo lead a squadron on board." Chocoa whined and Robja paused reaching off screen. After a moment he continued, "He had Chocoa stay on the Dove. The squad took several prisoners before reaching the Battle Deck where they were ambushed. The Empire soldiers were quickly overcome but as things settled down again a disruptor bomb was detonated." This time Chocoa howled. Robja comforted him while Duke waited in silence. Moments later Robja continued. "Fortunately their Battle Deck is much larger than the Command Deck or..." He paused for a moment before continuing, "Kenbo and a dozen other were well within range." Straightening in his seat, Robja sighed. "Most of that dozen died instantly. Kenbo and many others were still alive but badly injured. Shattered bones, internal injuries, burns, radiation poisoning..." Chocoa whined again as Robja finished. "We got to see him before we left. Despite his injuries he'd insisted on being updated on the attack's progress. He was also told about Hagjo's SOS. As soon as we entered he ordered us to take the Dove and join you. Before we could discuss it a doctor chased us out. Commander Dorpa was waiting in the corridor. He stepped up immediately and after assuring us that everything that could be done for Kenbo would be, he asked that we do as Kenbo directed. It was hard to leave, especially for Chocoa, but we knew there was nothing we could do for him. We possibly could help Hagjo. Chocoa agreed so here we are."
Duke rubbed his face and sighed. "This is sad news. Kenbo's a good man. A good friend!" Lifting his voice Duke continued, "He's a strong man too Chocoa. We have excellent doctors and the fudge! We have to pray for the best."
After a few moments of silence, Robja got them back on track. "Hagjo?"
"Right," Duke answered with a nod as he looked back at his sensor readings. "The Lysterine's is the only departing trail. It's on course toward the Empire."
In response to his last comment Chocoa showed a small return of spirit with an angry growl. Robja smiled weakly and scratched Chocowa's head for a moment before speaking. "We'll assume they took Hagjo with them but moving in hyperspace they'll get to Cert before we can catch them. We..."
Duke interrupted him. "No. Sensors show that they didn't leap." Frowning he continued, "Why would they possibly not? Even if they're sure they aren't being followed, it's a long way to Cert through normal space."
Robja responded happily, "Maybe Hagjo managed to do the Lysterine some damage in return."
"Unlikely," Duke responded without looking away from his sensor screen.
"Well, what difference the reason if it gives us a chance to reach them still in open space! Lets move!" Chocowa agreed with an encouraging growl.
After a slight pause Duke responded, "Agreed, but we'd better be on guard. Whatever their reason for not jumping, just remember, they've got proto lasers and shields."
"So do we," Robja retorted with a smile.
Duke looked up and smiled back. "Yes we do but it won't be an easy fight. Also we'll be in the same position as Lysterine's Commander. We won't want to destroy the ship with Hagjo and Henry Jr. on board. I'll transmit the Lysterine's course and we'll get under way. Once we're moving I'll contact Schan."
-
Schan launched from one of Crest's docking bays and toward Hagjo's last known location. Setting her hyper drive engines to charge she was both anxious and angry. Anxious for Hagjo's safety. Angry at herself and Colonel El Rolo for not acting on the second broadcast of Hagjo's departure signal. Her ship, damaged during the battle, kept her on the fringe of the battle where rapid evasive maneuvers were not constantly necessary. The damage to her port thruster caused it to over heat if put through the maneuvers of full battle. In short order they would have seized and left her an easy target. When she received Hagjo's signal for the second time she was at first puzzled, then suspicious. Contacting the Colonel she asked...
...
"Why would Hagjo be transmitting again."
El Rolo, clearly not interested, answered, "There are any number of reasons why he might repeat the signal."
"Name two!" Schan responded immediately.
"Schan," El Rolo answered. "None of the Empire know the code..."
"We can't be certain of that!" Schan countered.
"but..." El Rolo continued. "...even if they did. Our focus is on Crest and..."
"But how did they get the code to use it?" Schan pressed.
"Exactly!" El Rolo countered. "The communication waves are full of Ally and Empire transmissions including many coded signals on both sides. Someone would have had to monitor Hagjo's transmission specifically and guess correctly at its purpose. That is highly unlikely. If Hagjo thought there was a chance of his being monitored, he would have launched without transmitting. There's also the possibility that he made an ally on board and gave the code to them so they could also escape." El Rolo paused while Schan digested his last words. As she looked back at the viewer he continued, "We're at the turning point of this battle Schan. We can end it in minutes if we continue to push. I don't have an undamaged ship I'm able to divert." Taking a breath he continued in a calmer voice. "I understand your concerns. Listen, worse case is some of the crew got the code and are using it to escape. So what! We're letting ships escape without a code. Crest, is our target. Refocus Schan!"
...
El Rolo had broken contact and presented an argument which Schan could not readily contradict. Still uneasy, she struggled to accept his argument as she mumbled under her breath, "He's right, our focus is on Crest. If somebody's clever enough to record the code and use it to escape, so what." Grinding her teeth as most of her mind continued to object, she thrust her ship back into the battle. "Forget about it Schan!" she growled angrily at herself. "We're are after the baker. We can loose a few crumbs.
Sadly, Rolo's estimate regarding his time line for victory was underestimated. Crest had made several small comebacks before all of her external battle systems were destroyed or failed. Skirmishes in many of the docking bays had further delayed Schan's learning of Hagjo's SOS and her ability to commandeer a new ship and launch. Now, finally in another ship and rushing after Robja and Duke, she knew that it had been a mistake not to check on that second signal. That second ship is the source of Hagjo's current problem, she was certain of it. Her brow furrowed further as she remembered Henry Jr. "Nerds!" she muttered to herself as her ship's Comm Link chirped. "Schan here."
"Schan, this is Duke."
"Yes Duke." Schan paused closing her eyes and fingering her engagement pendant. "What've you found?"
Duke's report was short and to the point. He finished, "We're following the Lysterine's trail."
After a deep breath Schan answered, "I've just left Crest and will be jumping to hyperspace in moments. Give me your course, I'll catch up as quickly as I can."
After transmitting their coordinates and course Duke asked, "Did they find Sakarin?"
Shaking her head, Schan frowned as she answered, "Only his robe. It was on the lowest crew deck on the station. They found in on the floor in the control room of a docking bay. There's a large freight ship docked in that bay. A squad was being assigned to search it before I left."
-
On board the Dentyne, SweetN Low, in Sakarin's body, stands over Diet Vanilla. Sakarin, awake and struggling for control of his emotions tried not to interfere as SweetN Low cursed their failure. Directing his remarks toward Sakarin he muttered, "We spent months building those barriers in Vanilla's mind. Barriers to separate him from his memories, his loyalties. So much time and effort." His eyes closed and his teeth clenched he continued, "Those barrier's first true test and our work collapsed like a house of cards." Reopening his eyes he looked again at Diet Vanilla's face. "My fudge enhanced mental abilities are limited but coupled with your inherent abilities, I believed we had accomplished a permanent mental hold." Looking away he mumbled disgustedly in response to Sakarin's thoughts. "No Sakarin, his mind is a mess! The damage the Chedi managed on Crest and our efforts to reach Vanilla while on the Chedi's ship have driven him deep into his own subconscious. Attempting to recover him now would probably kill him." Crossing the security cell SweetN Low stopped and studied the surface of a reflective panel on the cell wall. Sakarin's share of their mind saw his own face and his panic rose again. "Stop fighting me Sakarin," SweetN Low snarled as he pushed his unwilling host back within a comfortable level of control. His eyes refocused on the reflection and narrowed as SweetN Low tried to accept the reality that he may have to grow accustomed to. A new face and a weak and unappealing form.
...
With their minds locked together, through their mental link at the time of his body's death, SweetN Low desperately sought an escape from the suffocation and his rapidly approaching death. Lying on the deck he was aware only of his struggle when Sakarin sliced into his panic with hopes of helping. Sensing Sakarin's healthy body and its unlabored breathing SweetN Low lunged toward it in search of some form of rescue. Somehow, rather than making contact so he could beg for help, he found himself out of distress but lost in a world of complete darkness. It was after several moments with a new fear growing that he realized that his mind had miraculously leapt, through their link, to safety inside Sakarin's mind and body.
...
Still standing before the panel SweetN Low saw the strained expression on the reflection ease as he took full control again. Still pressing, he felt Sakarin's renewed fear as the newly dethroned emperor was pressed deeper and was submerged fully beneath his master's mind. As Sakarin's mental cries become less than a mental whisper, SweetN Low spoke again. "I must find a way to rid myself of Sakarin while maintaining my own hold in this body." Eyes tight with anger, he turned to leave Vanilla's cell.
-
As SweetN Low left the cell, Slick huddled tightly into the ventilation duct he'd hidden within. Drawing back from the opening he'd been peeking through he whispered to himself, "I don't understand."
"Yes you do," the green M's voice answered inside his mind. "What neither of us understands is how."
Slick sighed and looked away from the closed cell door toward Henry Jr. "What do we do now?"
"First we get you some help," M responded.
"Hagjo?" Slick asked, bubbles suddenly swarming through his body.
"Exactly."
The swirling bubbles slow as Slick looked back toward Henry and asked, "What about his friend?"
"He's getting the help he most needs right now from Sakarin's staff. Henry is in no immediate danger. Medical care and rest are exactly what he needs. Hagjo is getting neither and worse."
The bubbles fade completely as Slick asked, "But how are we going to get past the security shield?"
"We will work on that problem together," M responded.
-
After exiting the cell, SweetN Low looked across the security bay where a cluster of guards had gathered. One of them, a pasty faced doughboy, stood toward the front of the group. SweetN Low smiled. The population on Pillsbury have long been strong supporters of the Allies. Only recently had the Empire managed to break through their resistance and bring some of their people into its ranks. Chuckling, SweetN Low set aside his recent losses as he thought, "Soon we'll have their King by the sweetbreads and there will be no more resistance in that section of the Wonka system."
As SweetN Low approached him, the doughboy guard returned his Emperor's smile and spoke in his people's usual high pitched voice. "Security screen engaged Lord Emperor."
As SweetN Low's eyes focused on the guard's face he suddenly heard Sakarin again, now screaming within his mind. "Zinger! Help me!"
SweetN Low's smile withered and his eyes glared at the guard as he passed. "Get out of my way biscuit," he grumbled as the doughboy stumbled back apologizing. Grinding his teeth, SweetN Low pushed Sakarin away yet again as he stomped out of the security section. "I will not share my consciousness like this," he mumbled angrily.
-
Later, in Sakarin's quarters, SweetN Low sat trance like. After a few moments he opened eyes full of fear and desperation. Both emotions disappeared in seconds to be replaced with SweetN Low's hard, angry stare. "I've been your master from our first meeting Sakarin! Fighting me now just wastes both of our energy." Standing, his frown deepened as he pushed Sakarin back fully into submission.
With Sakarin back under control, SweetN Low stalked across the office. His face hardened as he looked at the room's large, ornate & ridiculously expensive furnishings. Gold urns and figurines in Sakarin's likeness were scattered over the tables and shelves. His eyes hardened further as they fell on the obligatory hologram. Similar ones were presented in every official location throughout the Empire. SweetN Low had seen most of them through his mind links with Sakarin. They usually bored although occasionally disgusted him. Holograms of Sakarin suited in a variety of powerful or heroic roles. As a soldier, wearing full battle armor, a blaster displayed prominently on his hip, or one's like the version before him now. Senatorial robes stretched over a broad muscular chest, his chin up, volume one of the book of Empire law in the crook of his left arm and his right hand extended forward palm up. Sakarin's feelings of self importance betrayed his massive ego and a vivid imagination. "He's never been more than my puppet," SweetN Low growled. "Following my orders by passing them on to others who actually accomplish the tasks." Sitting behind a massive obsidian desk, SweetN Low took a deep breath and chuckled. "Well, he fit the role and I've never done anything to discourage his behavior," he admitted to himself. The smile slowly dissolved as his eyes again scanned the room. "It should be my likeness portrayed on the currency, paintings, sculptures. The holograms! It would have been once Choctooine fell and I took over the Emperor's throne." Looking onto the surface of the highly polished obsidian desk, his eyes narrowed and then softened. He sneered realizing that now, the throne is his and all of those likeness are now his own. His eyes relaxed as he chuckled and leaned back into his seat. His eyes hardened again however as the Comm Link on his desk chirped. Leaning forward he tapped the control switch and answered, "Yes, tell me."
"Emperor, we're ready for the jump to hyperspace on your order." reminded Sub-commander Mars from the Command Deck.
SweetN Low hesitateed for a moment and then responded, "Not yet. Continue at standard speed. I want Diet Vanilla back on his feet before we arrive at Cert. See that he's transferred to secure quarters in the medical section and that he receives full evaluation and treatment. Notify the doctor that I'll be down shortly."
"Yes Majesty," Mars responded.
Closing the connection, SweetN Low sat brooding and thinking. "I must conclude this duality with Sakarin before my arrival on Cert." Leaning back in his chair, he considered his position. "How? I must be rid of Sakarin but I also must retain his memories. I haven't been on Cert in months. I've met none of Sakarin's personal staff and am only mildly acquainted with his chamber of offices and living space. To arrive unaware of such basic facts of his everyday life would raise questions and create far too many delays at a time when we must move quickly." Turning toward his view port SweetN Low reached his decision. "There's no immediate need for my presence there. I've already activated my forces. If it takes too long to find an Ally target to destroy as we beat them back into submission, we'll hit their home base on Choctooine." His hands balled into fists on his lap SweetN Low turned toward the view port behind his desk. "The Allies have worn their forces thin. Other than Vanilla and my strongholds, my Empire and fleet are intact. I will have my revenge," he hisses.
-
Having sent the freighter to rejoin Ally forces, Duke and Chocoa piloted their ships along the decaying energy trail left by the Lysterine. Since they aren't moving in hyperspace, Schan who is using her hyper drive, was expected to arrive in less than an hour. Duke sat in the pilot's seat on the Oreo reviewing what he knew of the Lysterine. The Empire's new super fighter was not the surprise to the Allies that the Empire had planned it to be.
The Lysterine was designed by the Smarties, a race of beings from the planet Ce De. The planet was conquered by the Empire after an extended battle which was costly to both sides. The Smarties brilliance had given their people access to space centuries before. Their peaceful nature however left them unprepared for the Empire's brutality. Their ships, both fast and powerful, were not warships. Neither were their captains warriors. Had they been better prepared for war their superior technology would have held but their peaceful philosophy disabled them and they were therefore eventually defeated. The surviving Smarties are now hyper intelligent slaves to the Empire and in return for their continued survival, they have provided many technological advances. While it has not been announced, even to the few involved in the planning of the Allies' recent attack, Duke had learned certain details from his father, the king of his home world, Hershey. It was the Smarties, brave despite their defeat, who invented and secretly provided the disruptor units used against the Empire strongholds. Those units not only made the attacks on the Empire's strongholds successful, it made them possible.
The Lysterine was built on the Ganache by the Godiva. The Ganache was the Gidiva's largest space station and was designed for ship building. Simultaneously and secretly a mirror ship, the Enterprise, was being constructed for the Allies. The second ship, being built by team of Godivan engineers and assisted by a team of Ally members, was being constructed in a ship dock on the other side of the large station.
The Ally duplicate was to be a smaller and less powerful ship but also was to have been finished ahead of the Empire's. The Godivan engineers, supporting the Ally plan, scheduled their progress on the Empire ship so that her weapons would not be fully installed until the end of the Empire ship's completion schedule. Before that final installation, the completed Enterprise crew would launch and destroy the Empire ship before completing their own escape. The Empire would believe the Enterprise had dropped from hyperspace, attacked and retreated. Sakarin was never to have suspected from where the Enterprise had come.
The Godivans, until their betrayal, were silent members of the Ally effort. There were no dealings between the Godivans and the Empire that the Allies weren't privy to. They remained loyal members until the Empire took control of the cream worlds. That left Godiva in dire straits with no fillings for their exports. To save themselves economically, the Godivan financial elite had traded all information regarding the Ally's duplicate ship for promises of support and continued shipments from the cream worlds. When the Empire attacked, the Allies lost people and their ship. The great loss of the mirror ship's destruction at least kept it out of the Empire's hands. The loss was softened further when a team of Allies managed to rescue many of the engineers, technicians and soldiers who had been assisting with the construction of the ship.
When members at a nearby hidden Ally base received the call for assistance, an immediate rescue mission was launched. Chedi and Ally piloted fighters, flew into combat as two crew carriers entered predetermined bays and rescued two thirds of the Ally and Godiva loyalists. Their rescue's success was due in large part to Godivan's, still loyal to the alliance, who disabled the Enterprise's power grid. With the station's considerable defensive weapons crippled, the Ally fighters easily protected the slower crew carriers until they leapt to hyperspace. Duke smiled knowing that someone within the Empire payed heavily for the success of that rescue effort.
Fortunately the Oreo was being built separately, on a secret base with data leaked out by the Ally and Godiva loyalists. This second mirror ship was largly financed through the reduced expense occurring through the downgrading of the original mirror ship. Once that ship was lost, all the remaining financing went to the Oreo. The flow of data from the Enterprise building bays slowed but never stopped, despite the Empire's take over. The Allies continued to be notified of details of the Lysterine's ongoing construction including every detail of the Smarties new proto laser equipment. The Lysterine's design wasn't followed exactly. A short timeline caused by a later start and a difficulty in obtaining equipment, which had to be smuggled away from the Enterprise, made adjustments necessary. The Oreo is therefore not as powerful a vessel as the Lysterine but with Ally changes to the original design as well as field improvements and an outstanding crew, Duke felt that most of their disadvantages had been eliminated. He turned as Hug, the paler of the Hershey twins, entered the cockpit.
"We're at full battle stations Duke," he reported. His silver uniform crinkling as he walked, the small brown humanoid hopped into the co-pilot's seat and scanned the readings on the controls. "The minor damage received during the battle at Pepsodent has been repaired. Both of our proto ports are ready for action and our drive systems are in perfect shape." Turning away from the controls he smiled and continued,"Kiss and Cad have been able to increase shield strength by another eight percent. Tootsie expects to add a few more percentage points to the port energy cells as well."
Duke smiled and answered, "That's great!" Turning toward his Comm station he paused. "Before I speak to Cad, I need you and Kiss to get ready at the proto ports. I think we're going to be giving the Oreo her first taste of a "real" battle very soon."
"Aye Commander!" responded Hug with a smile. "Bring 'em on!"
Duke smiled as Hug spun on his heal but the smile faded quickly as his crewmate exited the Oreo's cockpit. Turning back to his console he thought, "The attack on Pepsodent was easy compared to what was expected. The Oreo had an little trouble there but we didn't face proto lasers." Despite his confidence in this ship, Duke and Hug both knew that defeating the Lysterine would not be easy.
-
SweetN Low stood just inside the Dentyne's boarding hatch and watched as Henry Jr. and Hagjo, still unconscious, were carried onto his flag ship. After each was loaded onto a lift and taken to the security section, SweetN Low turned to Sakarin's assistant. As he had never been on board the Dentyne and Sakarin, still struggling under SweetN Low's oppression was unable to direct him, SweetN Low needed a guide. "Come with me to my quarters," Sweetn Low directed an officer. "Tell me everything we know about the stronghold defeats," he ordered as he paced along side the officer. Annoyed by the reports he scowled, "How many crew members have escaped and reported in?" The officer flinched as he responded with an uncertain number. Sweetn Low waved the officer to silence as he directed, "Have all surviving crew report to our nearest bases. Secure their ships and have all of them transported to Cert were each will be fully debriefed."
"Yes Lord Emperor," the officer responded. "All crew members to Cert immediately."
"We must determine how the Allies were able to accomplish this victory. The Chedi must have sabotaged our equipment or smuggled some device on board which was responsible for the malfunction of so many of our systems." The assistant nodded vigorously as his Emperor continued. "Once debriefed, each deserter is to be assigned a front line assignment on a special mission. Once we've arrived back on Cert, we will restore Vanilla and move ahead with our attack on Choctooine. Those deserters will be blaster fodder for our initial assault and ease the way for our more powerful second wave." SweetN Low paused as the corridor they were walking down ended as it intersects with another. The officer paused as well and waited for his Emperor to continue. Realizing that the officer was waiting and having no idea which way to go, SweetN Low spoke, "I'm tempted to stop by the Command Deck but I think a short visit to my quarters first." The officer nodded and turned to his left. With a small smile, SweetN Low followed and continued to relay his plan, "We can not let this attack go unanswered. Additional ships armed with proto shields and weapons must be completed immediately!" Reaching the doorway to Sakarin's quarters, the assistant entered the security code and the door swept open. SweetN Low entered first and crossed to the large desk as the officer also crossed the room but exited through a doorway. SweetN Low studied the room until the officer returned with a clean robe.
"Would you like to change my Lord?"
Stepping over to a mirrored wall, SweetN Low studied himself. Sakarin's frame was slight but the uniform added the impression of bulk in a flattering manner. "Many things are going to have to change after this defeat. The losses of our strongholds tells me that I need to be more involved. I think an Empire uniform will better fit my new role. "His brow creased as his eyes moved to the now empty eplets on his shoulders. "I'm going to need some symbol of rank however."
-
Almost two hours after their transfer to the Dentyne, Hagjo lay unconscious with his hands tied behind his back on one of several cots in a large security cell. A monitor attached to the cell's ceiling was focused on him. On his back, Hagjo's face is relaxed and he looked to be very much at peace.
. . . . .
Hagjo smiled as he sat comfortably with his friends and mentors M and M. Beside Hagjo and surrounded by the usual fluffy whiteness of Hagjo's trance, the green M spoke.
"You've done well!"
"Yes, accomplished much you have..." congratulated the red M standing nearby. "...but what lies ahead is unknown. Such is the way with the future. Certain it is that there will be great danger." Moving closer he continued. "Weaken you can not. Have help you will but first, help yourself you must."
Taking Hagjo's arm, the green M looked him in the eyes and said, "You must keep their attention on you. Henry Jr. needs time, as do others." Hagjo frowned slightly as he looked on his green friend who is at times almost transparent. Hagjo began to ask why when M stood and moved next to his red twin before finishing. "You're not alone. We're near and friends are en route." The red M's brow furrowed as Hagjo felt the trance begin to fade. "Be strong!" the green M encouraged.
A bright flash of pain awoke Hagjo. Rolling away from the pain he tipped off the cot and fell to the deck. Looking up he saw Sakarin holding an ignited energy blade, on a low power setting, and wearing an Empire officer's uniform. On each of his shoulders was a slightly smaller version of his knight's belt buckles. The blood red background was slightly brighter. The golden strand of floss was slightly thicker and reflected the light with the shimmer of true gold. Also, beyond the absence of his robe, Sakarin looked different somehow but Hagjo had no time to ponder that appearance before the blade came at him again.
In full command of Sakarin's body, SweetN Low stood with the balance of a trained fighter. His smile formed an angry, crooked slash across his face as he spoke. "Welcome aboard the Dentyne, Chedi," SweetN Low taunted as he slashed at Hagjo again. Far from rested after his ordeals on Crest, Hagjo dodged but had barely gotten his feet back beneath him before he found the tip of the blade almost touching his face. "A fascinating weapon," SweetN Low declared, moving the blade's tip slowly in a circular pattern. "I've been impressed again and again by my knight's skills using it. I'll need additional training however." Allowing the tip of the blade to drop a few centimeters, Sakarin looked Hagjo in the eyes and suggested, I believe you'll be able to help with that." His smile grew as he continued, "Yes, one way or another, you will help with that." SweetN Low put his head back and broke into vicious laughter.
-
Back in his quarters on board the Dentyne, SweetN Low contacted the Lysterine. "Retrace our course to where we battled the Chedi and destroyed his ship. Ensure that we're not being followed. Notify the Dentyne immediately upon any contact with Ally forces and then dispatch with them."
"Yes, Emperor Sakarin," came the reply from the Comm Link.
SweetN Low then switched over to the medical section. "Dr. tell me."
A blue alien's face appeared on his screen and reported. "Diet Vanilla's mind is in a shambles my Lord. There is minor physical damage to his body but incalculable psychological damage to his mind. I've begun treatment for the physical damage. The psychological damage will take observation and time."
"Understood." SweetN Low responded closing the connection. Looking at his hands clasped on his desk top he thought aloud, "Time is a luxury which we have in short supply." Thinking of his prisoner, SweetN Low's expression relaxed into a small smile. "How fortunate that I have another option with a fully trained Chedi under my control. The Empire will quickly recover from this set back and plans will still come to fruition." Frowning he closed his eyes. "Sakarin! You're giving me a headache," he muttered. Sitting with his eyes closed and struggling to concentrate, he turned in his seat. His hand casually reached forward and tripped one of a row of brightly colored buttons on the top of his desk. A small previously hidden panel opened. His hand reached into the opening and withdrew a small piece of empire fudge. Raising it to his mouth his eyes suddenly opened wide and fearful. Toppling backwards from his chair he hit the floor, hard. "Blast you Sakarin!" he shouted, crushing the piece of fudge in his hand. Rolling to his feet he rubbed his now sore back. "Let me think, blast you," he growled as he righted his chair and sat. "I must be able to think." Sitting back he looked at the crushed fudge in his hand. The substance had been a danger to him since his arrival on this side of the galaxy almost eighty years ago. It would take time to overcome that deep seated fear. With a sigh he hesitantly raised his hand to his mouth and ate the bitter but powerful paste. His face pinched in disgust as he made himself finish it. Still licking his fingers, SweetN Low's eyes widened as the fudge's power took its effect on him. After several seconds they narrowed again and shifted as they scanned the top of his desk. His right brow rose and SweetN Low smiled as he reached again, although consciously this time, toward the row of buttons. A second panel opened to reveal a variety of sweet chocolate bons. Selecting one at random he lifted the small square before his face and admired its beauty. "So long..." he muttered. "So long I've wished I could..." After a slow sigh he put the chocolate into his mouth and moaned softly. His eyes closed and he chewed, Using his tongue he moved the chocolate around his mouth. Opening his mouth he sighed again and opened his eyes as well. He tilted his head left and then right as he stretched the muscled in his neck. Licking his lips he smiled and then reached again for the chocolate filled compartment.
-
Still following the Lysterine, Duke sat up straighter in his seat as a second ship's energy trail appeared on his sensor screen. Depressing a button on his Comm console he called to Robja, "Scanners are showing the trail of a second ship." Studying the readings he paused for a few seconds before continuing. "It looks like the Lysterine and the second ship docked, separated again and then continued on together."
"Probably Sakarin's flag ship." Robja suggested.
Nodding, Duke's expression is one of confusion as he studies the sensor readings. "Probably. They still haven't jumped to hyperspace. What are they up to?" Reaching a decision he spoke again, "Put up your mask and give us some distance. If we do find the Lysterine, the Oreo's the ship to take them on. I don't want them going after you."
Robja frowned as though he was going to argue but paused watching Duke who's eyes had not shifted from his sensor readings. His own eyes dropped on his hands resting before him for a moment before he answered, "Alright, mask engaging now. I'll pull off three thousand meters."
"That's good." Duke sat back, his eyes shifting from his sensor screen to his forward view port. "I wonder how Hagjo's doing."
"The Lysterine was on Crest. Maybe Vanilla's staff is piloting the ship," Robja suggested. Whoever it is, Hagjo's not among friends."
Duke nodded and leaned over his cockpit controls. "We need to find him soon. No telling what they're doing to him."
-
Hagjo screamed as SweetN Low's energy blade bounced off of Hagjo's thigh. Incapacitated by the pain Hagjo lay on the floor, air hissing through his teeth, as he waited for the pain to subside.
After SweetN Low's first visit, Hagjo lay on the floor of the cell with his hands tied behind his back for over an hour. Now SweetN Low had returned and was again putting his energy blade to use. The blade's greenish yellow color, indicating that its power level was at the high end of its training setting, is reflected in his wide eyed and eager gaze as the leader of the Empire took a more active role in his administration. Hagjo writhed on the floor for several more moments before the pain began to fade. While at its present setting, the energy blade did almost no physical damage. The pain it caused on contact however is considerable.
Still exhausted, Hagjo had used his time alone to get some much needed rest. Certain that his Ally friends are looking for him, Hagjo's certain too that Schan is with them. Just the thought of her allowed him to rest easier. Now however, the Emperor is back and in the mood to play.
"Come on, you're not even trying. Show me those special Chedi talents you and your Chedi pals are supposed to have," SweetN Low chided from within Sakarin's body. Backing away he allowed Hagjo to climb back to his feet. "Honest..." he continued with mock sincerity. "...I'm ready to begin my training." Whipping his energy blade through the space separating him from his bound prisoner he smiled widely. After Hagjo was back on his feet, SweetN Low moved around the cell continuing to hold the ignited blade between himself and his bound opponent. Slashing at Hagjo's torso, SweetN Low chuckled and asked, "Like that, right?"
Keeping his balance Hagjo planted his feet in a wide stance. Crouched, his hands still tied behind him, Hagjo swayed and waited for the next attack from a Sakarin totally unlike the emperor he had always known. Feinting to his right SweetN Low smiles saying, "You're not the only one on board with Chedi training in the use of energy blades."
Not reacting to SweetN Low's feint, Hagjo answered, "No sane follower of the Chedi's fudge would train you, whoever you are." SweetN Low froze, a puzzled expression on his face. Hagjo noted the reaction and continued. "That's right, I've seen Sakarin too many times. You've got his face but little else is matching up. Who are you?" As he finishes speaking Hagjo feints to his left.
His smile slipping, SweetN Low reacted to the feint. Quickly bringing his weapon back in line he tried to recover his poise as well. "I'm your Emperor, Chedi. Don't allow your unexpected capture to confuse you. You've just never seen me this angry!" Slashing at Hagjo again he continued "Maybe you don't recognize me now, but you and whetever's left of your Ally friends, are about to learn just how dangerous I can be when I'm angry."
Keeping his distance, Hagjo shook his head "First, I don't have an Emperor. I am acquainted with Sakarin however. He's most often too confused and unsure of himself to be useful and he doesn't have the brains or the spine to handle an energy blade. I've escaped well planed Empire traps due several times to the real emperor's inability to function under pressure. Even with Vanilla at his side Sakarin's useless unless carefully guided. The Chedi order long ago realized that someone else was making decisions for the Empire. I'm guessing it was that ugly brute we left on Crest. That Unk was the brains of this botched Empire, wasn't he! Blinded by a lust for power and a fear of the Chedi's fudge. I don't know what your role..."
He and Sakarin's anger rising, SweetN Low sneered, "You don't understand as much as you think, Chedi. It was chocolate, not your fudge that nearly killed me..." Sweetn Low shook his head angrily, "...my, partner!" SweetN Low finished with a slight stutter.
Hagjo rose an eyebrow "Chocolate! I saw his fear and then the deadly results of my little gift. So that's why the Empire's been so determined in their tactics." Hagjo continued to watch his distance as the Emperor, looking surer of himself, hesitated with his next attack. "Now you're looking like the Sakarin I know. You having trouble accepting the death of your master, Emperor? But that's not what has you acting so odd, so different..." Hagjo paused and frowned as Sakarin's lip curled angrily. "New confidence aside, your still not sure how your going to function without that freakish octopus guiding you. Well you're right to worry. It's all coming down. The Empire's reign is over!" SweetN Low gnashed his teeth and slashed again. Hagjo feinted to his right and smiled, not yet realizing exactly how near and yet far from the mark his comments were hitting.
SweetN Low again reacted to Hagjo's feint and stumbled off several steps. As Hagjo moved in to attack, however, he swung the blade back between them and hesitated as he thought, "Stupid Chedi. It's exactly the opposite that I'm unsure of. How am I going to continue with Sakarin!" Taking a breath he tightened his grip on the energy blade's grip and glared at Hagjo as a new thought occurred to him. With a smile he reached into a small pocket in his vest and withdrew a small piece of fudge. The light in the room seemed to diminish as the Empire fudge drew the light into itself and obliterated it. SweetN Low's smile faltered as he hesitated for just a second while staring at the dark and bitter chocolate. Taking another breath he sneered at Hagjo. His smile returned as he placed the fudge into his mouth. He held his smile as his eyes squinted in response to the fudge's bitter flavor. His lips pulled back allowing a view of his now fudge smeared teeth as he spoke, "You've managed one victory Chedi. I've finally become convinced of the benefits of chocolate. I think it will have a place in my Empire after all." Seeing the puzzlement on Hagjo's face, SweetN Low's lips curled further upward. His eyes slit tighter however as he continued, "But only under my conditions and supervision." As Hagjo snorted, SweetN Low proceeded, "I will be the supplier, the only supplier to my Empire. Choctooine, Hershey and all the producers of the best chocolate will serve me! Once you all have been brought under my control, the lesser worlds will easily fall in line or be destroyed. SweetN Low's brows knitted in response to the rush of power and return of confidence he's received from the fudge he is chewing, "Now..." he pointed the blade's tip at Hagjo again, "...I have some questions. If you're clever, you'll give me the answers quickly." He then made a feint toward Hagjo's torso and laughed, when this time Hagjo reacted. "Where are your Ally bases?"
Hagjo, eyes squinting with fatigue and his effort to focus his decreasing energy level, answered, "Our newest base will be on whichever of your strongholds hasn't been blown completely to pieces!" SweetN Low raised his blade and Hagjo's volume increased, "Once Henry Jr. and I have been rescued..." SweetN Low slashed as Hagjo dove clear and rolled to one knee. Scowling, SweetN Low followed with a smug self assuredness, the likes of which Hagjo had never seen on the Emperor's face before.
"Let me say it slow and simple for you Chedi. This is the Dentyne, my flag ship. We are being escorted by the Lysterine, Diet Vanilla's new battle ship. While you may be poorly educated on the finer points regarding the Dentyne's design, I know your Ally spies have made you well aware of the Lysterine's attributes. Her new shields and proto lasers combine to make her the Empire's most powerful fighting ship. The Dentyne..." Holding up his arms, Sakarin gestures at the ship around him, "...is also equipped with those shields and a proto laser port. Any Ally ship that might locate us would be foolish to engage us in battle. Our shields would barely detect their blaster bolts. Even if your friends were fortunate enough to have disruptors, our shields would not be over taxed. Your Ally friends' shields on the other hand would never withstand the power of our proto lasers." Swinging his energy blade before him, SweetN Low smiled as he advanced with absolute confidence, "You are not going to be rescued and Vanilla is completely safe and back under my control. The Ally plan failed. Every one of my strongholds were victorious and the technology used to disable their systems are in our hands now." SweetN Low laughed as Hagjo, too tired to guard his emotions, gasped in response to those words. Stepping forward SweetN Low continued, "And when I'm done with you, you will have joined us and increased our victory."
Hagjo's expression of shock disappeared as he hissed, "Never!"
SweetN Low's smile shifted into a sneer as he shook his head. "Your Chedi trainers haven't taught you the error of saying never!" Stepping forward SweetN Low slashed above Hagjo's head. Not prepared for the fake attack, Hagjo rolled to his right and to his feet with SweetN Low following. The handicaps of Hagjo's exhaustion and bound hands compounded by SweetN Low's fudge induced enhancements, were working completely to SweetN Low's advantage as his second attack brushed Hagjo's shoulder. Immediately Hagjo fell to the floor squirming in pain. The blade at its present setting felt molten hot against his flesh and the resulting pain went deeper than an actual burn would have. Enjoying the blade's effect, SweetN Low was confident of Hagjo's upcoming cooperation. Pain was an incentive which he had used successfully on many occasions. This pain was of short duration despite being overpowering for several seconds. As it subsided and Hagjo's eyes reopened, he saw the Emperor standing and smiling above him.
"You shouldn't underestimate my determination or the effects of my fudge. The Empire's fudge is more powerful than your own." SweetN Low insisted as he looked down on Hagjo.
"What I don't underestimate is your fudge's ability to twist men's minds. Too many times I've seen the damage it can do." Hagjo responded.
"I'll give you an additional perspective of its power if you continue to make light of my questions." SweetN Low snarled. The pain finally having faded, Hagjo rolled onto his side and struggled back to his feet. Stepping back SweetN Low again held the blade before him and again he asked, "Where are your bases?"
"It's not going to happen Sakarin." Hagjo replied preparing for the next attack.
SweetN Low smiled. "Oh it's going to happen. I don't mind enjoying myself a little bit first if you insist however." With that said he waved his energy blade and approached. His first attack was a slash at Hagjo's torso. Hagjo leapt into the air and flipped over the blade. Landing on his feet, he kicked at SweetN Low's hand but missed as SweetN Low retreated.
Gasping air, Hagjo steadied himself as SweetN Low advanced again. After avoiding several more attacks the blade bounced off Hagjo's left thigh. He fell again, his leg giving beneath him. When he recovered SweetN Low backed off and bowed while Hagjo got slowly back to his feet. Immediately the attack continued. Hagjo leapt, sidestepped and evaded as best he could but was struck again and again.
Winded but elated SweetN Low closed in after another hit. As Hagjo lay stiffly on the deck, SweetN Low slapped him in the ribs with the blade and watched him writhe in response. Reaching into his vest SweetN Low withdrew another piece of his fudge. He then slapped his blade across Hagjo's back before powering the blade down. Hagjo writhed in agony on the floor, all of his attention on his pain as SweetN Low stepped in and straddled him. Hagjo's nervous system, inundated with the effects of the blade's multiple contacts, recovered slowly as he held his breath in a pain filled grimace.
SweetN Low squatted and grabbed a hand full of Hagjo's hair. "Let's see what this does to your resolve," he growled as he attempted to force the fudge into Hagjo's mouth.
-
Duke reacted to an alarm from his panel. Kiss, Hug, we've got company!" Engaging his Comm Link, Duke signaled through a directed communication signal to the Dark Dove. "Robja, there's a ship dropping out of hyperspace. Stay masked." He flipped another switch and spoke to Kiss and Hug. "The Lysterine's straight ahead with her weapon systems armed."
"Lets give them everything we've got," Hug shouted from the Comm speaker.
"Hopefully not everything," Duke murmured.
-
The Lysterine's crew stirred as they dropped out of hyperspace and saw a super fighter very similar to their own appear on their main view screen. Shocked, Commander Bligh, the ship's acting captain reacted. "Mr. Payne, weapons are ready?" After a pause then a nod from the weapons officer Bligh continued, "Shields up and at full. Mr. Ike, notify the Dentyne that we've found an Ally ship. Give them a description of her design and attach all sensor readings." After a short pause he spoke again, "Pipe our view and all scans down to engineering as well." The officer turned to her station and accessed engineering to the main screen. Looking to the helmsman Bligh ordered, "Mr. Krueger, how long until we're in range for weapons?"
"Seventeen seconds Sir." The scar faced crewman answered as his long metallic fingers moved rapidly over his console.
The communications officer turned to the Commander. "Engineering has the data, Commander," she reported.
Bligh slid away a protective cover and punched a button on the arm of his chair.
"Engineering." answered a voice from the ceiling speaker.
"Mr. Taffy, what do you make of the ship on your screen." Waiting for Taffy's response, Bligh leaned forward and studied the sensor readings himself.
Eyes bulging on his wide, flat, bright purple face, Taffy stared at the screen for several seconds before replying "Sir, it's very similar in design to the Lysterine. She's slightly smaller." Taffy's eyes tightened as they shifted over the scanner's findings. Sneering he continued his report, "The major external difference is the placement of the proto laser ports on either flank of the ship, a design change I recommended for our own." His sneer relaxes as he reads further, "They've got slightly lower energy readings. Shield strength is several points lower than our own." His brow raised as he finished. "Their blasters aren't powered. All of their weapon power is bound to their proto lasers!"
"This will be simple," Bligh growled with an evil grin. Turning to his Comm officer Commander Bligh ordered. "Mr. Ike, send a follow up report to the Dentyne. Give them everything we've got on the Ally ship." Turning to his weapons officer his eyes narrowed as he ordered, "Ready the proto ports and shields for battle."
