Team Chipmunk: The Next Generation

Episode 6: "Three Stars in the Night"

Chapter 3

The next morning, the Yagami away team briefly returned to their vessel to begin repairs. Meanwhile, in his room, Carter and Miley were talking.

"Carter, there is something I think you should know," Miley said. "Before I was taken by the Decepticons, I was intending to reveal my true identity."

"You were?" Carter asked. "Yes," Miley said. "The day I was taken, I was to perform on TheTonightShow, but…" Miley lowered her head.

"I see," Carter said. "And now that you're back?" "I'll reveal my identity, but not right now," Miley said. "There are some things that need to be taken care of first."

"And what are those things?" Carter asked. "I can't tell you," Miley said. "Carter, you're my boyfriend, and I do love you, but this is something I must do on my own."

Miley kissed Carter, then stood from his bed and left his room. Carter sat silently for a moment then tapped a control on his bedside table. "Max, do you have all of Miley Stewart's physical measurements on file?" he asked.

"Yes,Ido," Max said. "Then, here's what I want you to do," Carter said.

Meanwhile, back aboard the Yagami, Zeo and Kyla were assisting the Yagami's chief engineer, Commander Io Shinoda, in repairs to the Yagami's propulsion systems.

"Star's analysis was spot-on," Kyla said. "The Yagami's systems are exactly like those the U.G.F. employs."

"No doubt we'll have the Yagami back home in no time, Commander Shinoda," Zeo said in agreement.

"Mr. Pelekai, Ms. Bolton, you two are quite good at engineering,"Shinoda said.

"Thank you, Commander," Zeo said. "Kyla and I are co-chief engineers of the Ponyo, while I assist our band's chief technologist in matters with which she has no experience."

"And he does quite well, I must say," Kyla said before she kissed Zeo.

Back in the underground compound, Star stood outside of the suite of guest quarters occupied by Lieutenant Nielsen. She tapped the door chime control.

"Whoisit?" Nielsen asked. "It's Star," Star said. "Comein,Star," Nielsen said. The door slid open, revealing Nielsen, watching the tail end of the concert. "How was the concert?" Star asked.

"Wonderful," Nielsen said. "One question, though." "And that is?" Star asked as she sat down in a nearby chair.

"Can I meet Hannah Montana?" Nielsen asked. "You already have," Star said. "What do you mean?" Nielsen asked.

Before Star could respond, Max's voice came on the P.A. "Star,theYagamiissignaling."

Star and Nielsen turned to face a nearby display screen. "Put them through," Star said.

The monitor switched on, revealing Captain Dorsey and a human female in a Starfleet science officer's uniform. "CaptainSeville,thisisLieutenantAmeliaPacitti,ourchiefscienceofficer," Dorsey said. "Shehasareportwethinkyouandyourcolleaguesshouldsee."

"Max, patch the current transmission through to all TCTNG personnel, Theta-7 priority," Star said. "Compliance," Max said. "Allpersonnelarereceiving."

"Go ahead, Lieutenant," Star said. "Yes,Captain," Pacitti said. "WehavedetectedfiveenergysignaturesatvariouspointsintheSolSystemandsurroundingareas.WehavetransmittedthecoordinatesofthesignatureclosesttoyourpresentpositiontothePonyo,soyoucantrackitdown."

"ThisisMajelGoof," the next speaker said. "Whyhaveyouinformedusofthesesignatures,LieutenantPacitti?"

"Wehavedetectedsimilarenergysignaturesinatleastthreeofyourpeople,Ms.Goof," Pacitti said. "Theirsignaturesandthesenewsignaturescouldberelated."

"They'reRangerenergysignatures!" Carter said "Affirmative,Carter," Max said. "MyRangerPowerDatabasenotesthesesignaturesasbelongingtoKaizoku Sentai Goukaiger,theRangerteamoperatinginUniverseS35-Gamma."

"Max, where is the nearest energy trace located?" Star asked. A map window opened on the monitor screen, zoomed in on… "Crowley Corners, Tennessee?" Nielsen said, confusedly. "Where is that?"

"That'swhereMileywent!" Carter said. "Weneedtogothere!Shecouldbeindangerifsomeonetriestofindit!"

Dorsey nodded. "CommanderBatali,areyoulistening?" he said. "Iam,Captain," Batali said. "YouandtherestofyourawayteamwillworkwiththecrewofthePonyoinordertoinvestigatethesetraces," Adrian said. "IamalsosendingLieutenantPacittitojoinyou.YouwillobeyCaptainSeville'scommandsatalltimes.AmIunderstood?"

"Aye, sir," Nielsen, Batali and Pacitti said. "Then,packyourgear,Mr.Pacitti," Dorsey said. "We'llbeamyoudowninfifteenminutes."

Pacitti nodded then left the Yagami's Bridge. "We'llkeepintouch,Stargazer.Dorsey,out." The image of Dorsey on the Bridge of the Yagami was replaced by the United Galactic Federation seal.

Star looked at Nielsen. "Let's get to the Ponyo," she said. "Right," Nielsen said. Star tapped a few keys on a nearby monitor then followed Nielsen out of her quarters.

On the Bridge of the Ponyo, Star sat in the command chair as the Yagami away team joined the crew of the Ponyo at the various stations.

"Everyone, with members of our family working with our new friends on the Yagami, they have seen fit to lend us a few of their people. They have been ordered to work with us as we search for the Goukaiger energy traces. Mr. Nielsen, take us up," Star ordered.

"Aye, sir," Nielsen said. On the Ponyo's view-screen, the underground docking bay and the ocean quickly receded. "We are free and clear to navigate," Nielsen reported.

"Set course for Crowley Corners, Tennessee, ¼ impulse power," Star said. "Aye, sir," Nielsen said.

The Ponyo sailed away from her home.

::TBC::