Chapter 4

"I know this isn't the show, but I suppose getting them hooked on gambling isn't going to work" Jason started.

"And we already said no blowing up their planet" Guy lamented.

"We can't rely on the Omega 13 device; it was a one-use only technology, even if we had a place where it would come in handy" Fred added.

"We can't just ignore the Zanadu or else there will be a fight that'll go on forever" Gwen noted. "I don't want that on my hands."

"The Thermians just can't move out of the neighborhood and start over" Tommy suggested. "It worked for my family, though."

There was a pause in the conversation and Jason turned to Alexander. "What would the Mak'tar do in this situation?"

"Whatever the writers wanted to do, as long as it resolved the plot of course" he answered. "If you haven't noticed Jason, we didn't bring any writers with us today so we can't look it up in the show's bible of technobabble fixes. Because…because…" he trailed off as he looked thoughtful.

"So far we've got a list of things we can't do" Jason summed up. "I wonder if we can negotiate with the Zanadu? Maybe we can convince them of the hopelessness of the situation; it's just a matter of perspective if you look at it from a third party point of view."

Alexander jumped up and paused for a moment before speaking. "I've got an idea; Fred, you're with me. Everyone else keep working on options." Fred got up and they started to leave the room at a brisk pace when Alexander stopped and turned. "Never give up, never surrender" he said with a grin before leaving.

"Hey, that's my line" Jason called after him.

"Since they're gone do I get a field promotion?" Guy asked.

…

Alexander and Fred hurried themselves to the engineering section. When they entered, they found most of the personnel had set their image projectors so that they resembled large Dallas Cowboy football players. The two actors stared at the sight until Schneider from 'One Day at a Time' walked up to the pair, complete with toolbelt, t-shirt and denim vest. He noticed their stare and explained that the crew here was using the projections as an experiment to build team spirit. Alexander recognized the voice. "Quellek, you've changed your appearance again."

"Our projectors have become quite versatile and we are expanding their capabilities. Tech Sergeant Chen has often saved the day by trying something different" he confessed.

"Sounds like something I'd do" Fred admitted.

"Believe me, I'm glad to hear it" Alexander hedged. "Now Quellek, I've got a few questions…"

…

The Protector Two pulled up to a spot in space just outside of Zanadu space. Mathesar broadcast a signal indicating the Thermians wished to parley, and waited for a response. They were not long in waiting, as a Zanadu flagship built exactly like the Protector Two approached and stopped a safe distance away. The Thermian ship was hailed and the viewscreen came to life.

The Zanadu commander looked up from his console. "Commander Mathesar, we have answered your request. What do the Thermians have to offer us that you have not already mentioned?" One could imagine just a hint of contempt in his voice.

"Commander Grundt, I confess that the Thermians have nothing more to offer you in hopes of peace that what we already have extended. The impasse we find ourselves in must be broken for both our people's sakes. I regret that we've had to call in some extra help."

"Extra help? You'll need all the help…you…can…" Grundt started to say before losing his train of thought, for pulling up beside the Protector Two was a similarly built ship, but easily 200 times the size of the Thermian ship and completely dwarfing the smaller crafts.

"Commander Grundt, please excuse me a moment while I transfer to the new arrival." Mathesar cut communication and all the Thermians left the bridge, replaced by the human actors. Mathesar changed the settings on his image projector and was replaced by a version of himself about one foot tall. He signaled to resume the communication.

"Thank you for your patience, Commander. I am on the bridge of the original Earth ship Protector; I do believe you're familiar with her crew." He had the camera pull back, to reveal the seemingly huge crew around him. Grundt didn't have a jaw to drop, but one of his antennae drooped which indicated the same level of astonishment.

Jason took control of the communication. "Commander Grundt, this is Captain Peter Taggart of the Earth ship Protector. We haven't met, but I'm told you're aware of our reputation." Subtly, his voice had been given an added bass register to create a slightly more booming tone.

"Taggart? But how…"

"I'm sorry Commander, but Mathesar here tells me you both really need to stop fighting before things get too serious. I know, when we first met him we gave his people a model spaceship to play around with, and I truly am sorry for any trouble they've caused. The appropriate people have been…disciplined…and you won't see…I mean be bothered by them again." Mathesar affected a sorry look. "I've got the rest of my fleet on the way to help out if necessary, but I think we can wrap things up here without having to create a traffic jam in this sector with all our ships."

"Ummm…"

"You see Commander, I see it this way; you two can cooperate and work for a common good, or the Protector will have to destroy your planet just to keep the rest of my fleet from using it for target practice. What do you say; can you help a guy out?"

"Certainly, Captain Taggart" Grundt managed to sputter.

"I'm sorry, you'll have to speak up; I can barely hear your tiny ship. CAN YOU HELP ME OUT?" Jason yelled with full amplification and subsonics added.

"Yes, yes YES!" Grundt yelled; he actually seemed eager to agree.

"Good! I'd hate the Thermians to be alone in this sector; it's nice to know they'll have their friends the Zanadu nearby. Thank you Commander, I am in your debt. Commander Mathesar, I'll hand it over to you while I see if I can head the fleet off before they get too close. Good day Commander Grundt" Jason signed off as he had the channel cut.

"Everybody switch" he yelled, and the actors dashed off the set while the actual crew returned. Mathesar adjusted his settings and his image returned to normal size. He signaled the Zanadu ship.

"Commander Grundt, if it is acceptable to you my second in command Teb will transfer over to your ship for negotiation of our peace. I'm afraid the crew of the Protector wouldn't fit in our ships" Mathesar suggested.

Meanwhile the image of the Protector turned and moved away. Grundt looked quite shaken. "Commander Mathesar, I…would be pleased to accept your envoy aboard my ship. I await his transport." The image faded and the screen went dark, to be replaced by the vista of space.