New Galactic Solutions

by keiman and kei

For the very first time ever, Gallifrey and the 3WA have a liaison officer. Subaltern Allison V Prydonia is a youngish (130) time lady and the youngest Councilor. This tale tells of her very first combined 3WA/Gallifreyan mission aboard her new 'flagship' and her new TARDIS. This will be the final 'rift in time' sequel which began so many yrs back w/ 'Xmas w/ the Dirty Pair.

13. Ch12'JudgmentAt Alderaan'His Last Bow'

NGS

Chapter 12 'Judgment At Alderaan' or 'His Last Bow?'

DISCLAIMER: We want to thank all of the Creators and others whose works they have so graciously allowed us to use. Especially we wish to thank Mr Haruka-San Takachiho, without whose Lovely Angels and Dirty Pair and DP Flash creations the latter with Bob Warren, we could have never written this saga of ours. Of course, we reciprocate in kind and anyone who wishes to do so may 'borrow' our creations for their on uses providing we are given proper credit for their creations. Tit for tat as Mommy used to tell us.

Me? Oh, I beg your pardon! I forgot to introduce myself- OK! OK! I know I have to go back to the brig after I do this D thing for ya! Sheesh! Some people, right? Anyway, I'm known as the Ranee and I am a fourth regeneration Time Lady from good old Gallifrey. OK, so I'm a rogue Time Lady and you caught me, Master and Lord Gammerick! Big woof, man! I assure that you will never take any of us back to Gallifrey or Alderaan to stand trial and you can take that to the bank!

OK! OK! Help! Help! I am being repressed! I am being denied my personal galactic rights! I want my lawyer dammit!

Heavens to Betsy! I never will understand all of these quaint euphenisms that people outside of Gallifrey are forever using. Hi there! Your new mission commander here. I'm another Time Lady albeit a good one and only on my second regeneration. How old am I? Ah, that would be telling a lady never reveals her true age you know.

My name is Romana Mandlinkova Caldy and yes, I am married to a wonderful guy, my Jonathan. Where is he now? Co-piloting with Jimmy Moriarity from the Kaguran Air & Space Patrol. They and the Inter Solar Systems Police and the InterGalactic Space Command are providing security and protection in case some of our prisoners' cronies decided to try a midvoyage jailbreak rescue. Which reminds me-

At the end of our last chapter, it was 2100 hours or 9 PM on a Wednesday and we were only a few days from Alderaan's outer markers. I had finished dictating a week's worth of reports to my yeoman, Peri Brown. Peri had gone downstairs to the bar for a bull session with Todd Stiles and Buzz Murdoch while I had settled down on my sofa with Luna and Artemis curled up beside me and Whitey asleep on my lap.

That was when the Mother of all explosions rocked the 'Daedalus' from stem to stern!

An instant later my unlatched portals suddenly snapped open and a trio of Terran Tecas Rangers rushed in. Cordell Walker led the way with CD Parker and Jimmy Trivette not far behind him. A damned good thing I hadn't changed into my night attire yet!

"Romy! Are you alright? Where's Peri?" yelled Mr Walker.

"What the Sam Hill was that, pretty lady? Is somebody shootin' at us?" hollered Mr Parker.

"Ma'am, pardon the intrusion but unless I am mistaken, aren't we 'cloaked'? Like we're invisible, ma'am?" asked the youngest ranger.

"Are you OK, Commander?" yelped Alex Walker who, unlike the others, had not bothered to dress. Alex was wearing a frayed blue housecoat over pink pajamas. She was barefoot and shivering like a Bojo tree in autumn!

"I don't know, guys but I am sure as the Hell gonna find out! Follow me. To the bridge." I cried and I too was worried. Jimmy was quite correct. We were 'cloaked' and that would make us invisible to sight, sound, radar, sonar, everything except a telepath like a Beta Zoid or a Vulcan!

"KASP fighter X-21 to 'Daedalus'. Come in, please! Aww, Honey! Please answer us, Romy! Over." crackled my hubby's terrified voice over the comm relay boards.

"Roger, X-21. This is 'Daedalus'. We seem to be OK, Jonathan but our shields are down to 65% strength. Did you see who fired on us? Over." I replied, so flustered that I forgot to identify myself.

"Romana? Jimmy Moriarity here. Honey, there is nothing out here at all. It's been as quiet as a grave ever since you took that detour through 'Bison Fields'. Over." answered the pilot of the X-21 fighter ship.

"Maybe they're 'cloaked' like us, Jimmy? Over." suggested Alex Cahill Walker helpfully.

"Huh? They can't be! Nobody can fire from 'cloak'. You know that, Romy. Over." replied Jimmy M.

"Oh? Is that so, Commander Caldy? Then try this on for size, bitch! Incoming!" howled an all too familiar voice over our squawkboxes and Angela de Roncesvalles blanched white with fear! With damned good reason I might add!

"Khan? I thought you were in Seto Kaibo? Since when can you fire from 'cloak' or anybody for that matter?" yelled Jonathan.

"Since I came across some of 'Black Ghost's (A reformed villain the 3WA had first tangled with years ago. Full detals can be found in 'Christmas with the Dirty Pair' manuscripts and reports.) drawings and plans for a weapon that can be fired while a ship is under 'cloak', my dear friends." laughed the wily old space pirate.

"Full power to forward shields! Brace yourselves!" I yelled, throwing Alex into my command chair and shielding her body with my own. If we had thought that first explosion was bad, this one was a real lulu! I rode poor Alex like one of her hubby's bucking Brahma bulls! Before the ship had stopped shaking and vibrating from the blast, I was screaming for damage reports!

Shields were down to 30% strength. Our disruptor guns were fused. There was a big crack in the 'star room's 'window'. We were leaking dilythium chloride like crazy. My ship, well for now at least, was living up to Murphy's first Law- 'If anything can go wrong, it will go wrong.' Now the bad news! To repair the ship it woild be necessary to drop our 'cloak' and become visible thus becoming a sitting duck for Khan! All eyes were turned towards me. As Commander, this was my decision.

"Nami! Pull up a vidchart star map for this sector of the galaxy. (The requested star maps appeared on my vidscreen). What's this small world here?" I asked, pointing a gloved forefinger at a tiny bit of real estate some several hundred 'lightys' (light years) North of Alderaan. Han whistled and Gene Starwind said 'Dearie me!' several times.

"That be 'Galanon', sister world to 'Gysymeo' (An ice world where the gang had once used to hide from Johnny Berringer)." explained Han Solo. I swear that if the deck had been a sandy beach, Gene would have imitated an ostrich!

"You thinkin' what I think ye're thinkin', Romy? I should warn ya that 'Galanon's the polar opposite of 'Gysymeo'. Where 'Gy's an ice world, 'Gal's surface temperature this time of year (Winter) is around 290 degrees Kelvin (Close to 500 Fahrenheit!) and we could only stay on it for a few hours at most. Nice try, Honey but no cigar." added Han but I was determined.

"There must be caverns, maybe not ice caverns but a respite from the heat at least. Don't worry. If my plan works, we'll soon be adding Khan and his pirate crew to our brig. Nami, lay in the fastest course for 'Galanon's 'dark side'. If Lord Khan wants us, he's gonna have to find us, dammit!" I ordered and earned a smile from Han. Now all I needed was a plan! Me and my big mouth!

"Cap? Khan musta been trackin' us by engine discharges from our impulse engines. (Warp drives do not need exhaust systems). Now he's trackin' us using all that di-chlor from the rupture in our fuel tanks. I recommend that we kill the impulse motors and repair that fuel leak before we land, mum." said Dynamo, our huge chief engineer. Big Dy was a Triceratops dinosaur-like alien and a very smart guy. I never ignored his advice.

"Do it. The sooner that leak's repaired, the better. Gene, Han? Keep us on Nami's course for 'Galanon' and remember- we must land on the 'dark side' of the planet. Well? What are ya waitin' for- an engraved invite? Let's get crackin', people!" I snapped and everyone went to his or her or its station.

"My Lord Khan, you do realize that she will kill the impulse systems, do you not?" asked the slimy and odious toadie, Ming the Merciless of Mongo. Khan was far from being in a jovial mood and Ming's telling him things he already knew did not improve his humour.

"Of course I know, you fool! Why do you think that I had Stevenson put a hole in their fuel tanks? We can track them much easier following that di-chlor stream that will be spewing out than we could using their impulse exhausts. Pew! Use those new implanted eyes of yours and tell me which way they'll head." replied the very tall space pirate with a vulture on his shoulder.

"Probably 'Gysymeo' since it's closest to Alderaan. They may even try transporting their prisoners to the Great Hall directly. Of course, that will be after they finish repairing that fuel leak. (Khan's face fell). You did realize that she'd fix that hole in her fuel tanks first, didn't you, sir?" answered Blind Pew who was no longer blind thanks to 23rd Century technology and medicine.

"Of course! Do you take me for a jackass, sir?" yelled Khan, crashing his fist down on his chair so hard that he broke it in two!

"Never, Milord! Orders, sir?" asked Pew who was glad that he had not felt that blow on his own back! Khan's foul temper was legendary throughout the Bad Lands.

"Have Mr DaVinci (This horrid creature had 'time-knapped' poor Leonardo from the Terran Renaissance in Italy to serve as his star navigator). Lay in a course for that ice world. If they are creatures of habit, the Angels will return to those same ice caverns they used when they hid out from Johnny Berringer, lads and we'll be waitin' for 'em with a surprise or two. Steady as she goes, Mr Smollet. I can smell treasure, can't you, sir?" ordered Khan who was still looking for the lost treasure of the Knights Templar.

Khan just did not believe that they hid away only knowledge and no hard cash or ready loot! (This adventure is chronicled in our reports under 'Galactic Treasure Hunt' and 'Angelic Pyramid'). Poor disillusioned buccaneer! Accordingly, two days later on Friday at 0500 hours just as the twin suns were rising in the North above 'Gysymeo', Khan's 'cloaked' 'Botany Bay II' touched down below the famous ice caverns once used by the 3WA many years ago.

While Khan and his band of loonies were taking dead aim for 'Gysymeo', my ship the 'Daedalus', was racing towards the 'dark side' of 'Galanon' and safety. The following day Nami found us an anomaly whic brought us directly around the planet and to the world's 'dark side' several hours in advance of our ETA of several days.

"Verra strange, lassie. Nary hid nor hair o' that rapscallion who stole me ship ha'e we seen in hours. Verra strange indeed!" observed Captain Harlock, my chief of security and a former space pirate himself. Khan's ship, the 'Botany Bay' had been hijacked from Jonathan Harlock many years ago. Jon had given up all hope of retrieving it and he had built his new 'Botany Bay II' which was now docked belowdecks in my ship's 'parking garage'.

Having no further use nor interest in his original starship, Jon had told the Federation that if they could get it away from Khan that they could have the 'damned thing with me own blessin's, me boyos!' Since then, Khan had been arrested, tried, convicted and jailed on several occasions. Each time he had escaped and each time he had reclaimed (stolen) Jon's old craft! You'll have to excuse me for a few minutes while I supervise our touchdown. Angie? How about taking over for me? Thanks.

Greetings, my dear friends and loyal followers of our adventures. Suba, I mean Subaltern, Angela de Roncesvalles is my name and 3WA title but please call me Angie. As the Boss has probably already told ya, I am the last living human descendant of the Knights Templar on Terra. I am a trained pilot, navigator and troubleshooter and I was originally with the InterGalactic Space Command until my CO, Fleet Admiral Zachary Taylor Zero, 'loaned' me to his friends and colleagues at the 3WA and I became, in effect, a tro-con or trouble consultant, a space age intergalacitic police officer. I liked it, the pay was great and promotions came pretty easily so I have since opted to stay.

For this particular mission, my latter skills were necessary. We were successful in finding and subduing our quarry, one wily and deadly old time lord as well as another one just as dangerous and a mysterious and just as deadly time lady, all of whom were cooling their heels in our brig. Our orders had been to 'kill' them all using a specialized weapon that would destroy utterly all of their lives and regenerations, past, present and even future thus making it as if they had never even existed!

Our Commander, Romana Caldy, against the wishes of our superiors and despite our advice and remonstrations to the contrary, decided to disobey her direct orders! Being a time lady herself albeit a good one, she has taken pity on Lord Gammerick, Lord Master and the Lady Ranee. She announced her intentions of taking them to Alderaan, the capitol of the Aquarian Galaxy and there to turn over our prisoners for trial before the Grand Council of the Federation! Mr Garner will be furious not to mention 'God' Galadriel himself!

However, she has taken full responsibility and we have decided to back up her decision one hundred per cent, come what might! A shame because I was starting to like my new Suba leaves. Ah well, what's done is done and cann be undone as Sir Hiram (MacDougal) always says. Here we are at the bridge so let's listen in while Mr Solo and Mr Starwind try to break orbit and bring us down safely to the surface of 'Galanon'. Hush, the Commander is speaking.

"Are we in probe range, Gene?" asked Romana Caldy.

"Aye aye, ma'am. We are that indeed. Han, trim that jib yaw! Ma'am? Shall I have Murdoch (Buzz) send one out?" replied our grizzled old ex-smuggler pilot.

"Affirmative. You heard him, Buzz. Make it so." ordered our mission leader and a few seconds later, the big vidscreens showed the tiny 'probe' drifting through the thick hazy atmosphere.

"Temperature reading, Mr Stiles (Todd) if you please?" inquired Mr Peabody politely.

"One ninety,- sir." replied the Terran drifter who hated being outranked by a white doggie, no matter how cute he was!

"That doesn't sound too bad, guys." said my yeoman, Perpigillian Periwinkle Brown who was standing beside my chair.

"That's 190 degrees Fahrenheit, sweetheart, not Kelvin, Honey." explained Buzz Murdoch with a twinkle in his eye. Honestly, do those two ever stop chasing women? None of my beeswax, of course! I'm only the mapmaker on this trip.

"Cagalli (Yula Athna. She was one of our new trio from ancient 'Earth Command's patrol vessel the 'Archangel' who had elected to remain in our Century and serve the 3WA and the Federation rather than return home to their own time era and world. None of them had ties to their old lives so Naturle Badgiruel was a weapons officer while Caggie and Fflay Allster were gunners' mates.), have the Ice Road Brigade (They were truckers from ancient Terra's Arctic ice roads.) break out the 'Cold Suits' and prepare to be beamed down to the surface. Lt Commander Smith (Jonathan Smith was a real life Angel and the Boss's exec.) will be in charge of the away team. That's an order, Athna!" snapped our leader and Cagalli doubled-timed it to the lifts.

"Madam Major Caldy? As ship's science officer, I believe that I should go-" began the 'Green Baron'.

"No. Sorry about this, Fritzy (von Dekker. He was a diret descendant of ancient Terra's infamous 'Red Baron', Manfred von Reichthofen.) but I cannot afford to have you getting heatstroke on me. Remember what ahppened on 'Minerva' last summer?" replied Romy. Fritzy snapped to attention, clicked his boot heels together and saluted. He was remembering last summer when he had passed out from the quintuple suns' heat on 'Minerva' and had to be quickly transported back to the 'Enerald Queen' of which he had been first officer. He had spent two whole solar weeks in 'sick bay' recovering. He saw the wisdom of the Boss's decision and sat down in his chair again.

"Well, you'll sure as Hell need us down there and the heat don't bother me or this here mangy wolf!" said InuYasha, the big hanyou half demon. Kouga the wolf youkai demon merely scowled at Dog Boy's insulting slur.

"If the demons are going, so are we, darn it! We Saiyaans laugh at the weather, mum!" yelled Goku Son.

"Where do you get this 'we' stuff from, Kakkaroth? (Means carrot. Most Saiyaans are named after fruits and veggies. Namekians are named after musical instruments. Was Mr Piccolo going to volunteer as well?) Well, as Prince of the Saiyaans, I suppose I should go down to claim this world for our race. Besides, you'll probably trip over your own feet, dear brother-in-law." added Vegeta Brief who was married to Bulma Brief. Goku's wife was the adorable and striking brunette, Chi Chi Son, daughter of the Terran Ox King.

"Oh, alright! Vegeta, Goku, Dog Boy and Wolfie are the away team's security force. 'Cold Suits' for all away team members. Han, I want you with that team. 190 F is 'Tattoonine's average temperature for winter, isn't it? You know hot climates better than the rest do. Get kitted up and report to Ari in the transporter room. I prefer you to volunteer but I can just as easily make it an order, Mr Solo." said the Boss and Han nodded and grinned.

"Always happy to oblige a pretty lady, ma'am. C'mon Dog Breath and Howler. You too, Yer Highness and bring yer toady." drawled Han. Hard to believe that he wasn't born in Texas or on Terra for that matter. His twang is so cool!

Ari the Elf Huntress 'beamed' the away team down for a look see along with Mark Gordon's Torina and Todd's Corvette which had both been 'souped up' as Rally 'Cat' Vincent called the term. The remaining team members would be using skysleds. Ice Roaders Rick and Drew had wanted to use skyscycles until they had been told the outside climate conditions! It was to be several more hours before we heard from our away team. The hazy hot aether effectively blocked all comm relay signals on this planet.

The spokesman for the away team was Vegeta Brief, the Saiyaan royal guy. Waiting on the ship was agony especially with Starfire the Teen Titan forever demanding to be allowed to go outside and play! The bar, as you might have expected, wa spacked as was the rec room. Gene insisted on manning the bridge and Sir Integra the Hellsing boss remained at her comm relay post. Such dedication to duty is not uncommon in the 3WA, folks! Anyway, the wait was boring so Vegeta will tell us all about what's happening down on 'Galanon's surface with the away team. The comm is yours, Mr Brief.

Hello everyone! Say hello, Kakkaroth. He says hi to all you nice people. This is a strange world we have landed upon. Hotter than a volcano on my own home world and yet the skies are as dark and inky black as a winter night's sky over Pluto! Thank Kami for these 'Cold Suits' which make the climate almost bearable. The air conditioning helps little if at all!

We have been riding with that Goddy Two Shoes Angel and his vulgar companion, Gordon in what he calls a classic automobile and which I call a waste of space! Even though his chariot has been adapted for this time era and even has the ability to soar through the skies, the big buffoon prefers the surface! No matter that Kakkaroth and I are being jounced about in the back seat like two sacks of potatoes! Damn! That reminds me that we haven't eaten in 14 and a half minutes! No, it's just that we Saiyaans have voracious appetites and my dumb bell brother-in-law forgot to pack the 'Sensu beans'!

There is nothing outside despite our using laser swords like torches or flash lights to pierce this solid blackness. Kakkaroth claims that he senses mountains in the distance but he once 'Kamehameha-Waved' a house on Namek because he 'sensed' that the 'Ginyu Force' was using it as a hideout and it cost me a thousand 'UniCreds' to placate the blue-headed Terran bombshell firebrand inside! Who knew that a year later, I'd be 'ball and chained' to the girl? Please don't mention that to Bulma!

"Ain't we there yet, Mr Gordon? I'm hungry! When do we stop for lunch?" complained Goku. Stupid moron! It was close to midnight but I took his point. I too was famished! However, no 'WacDonald's or even a 'Celestial Pizza Cottage' was in sight or sensing range! Bless our guardian Angel! Jonny had brought along a 'replicator' unit! Soon we were pigging out on pizza, steaks, fries, O rings, shakes, smoothies and iced cold 'Java Juice Supreme'!

"Be careful back there, guys. I just polished those leather seats. It took forever to get Chi Chi's lipstick stains off them, Goku! Next time you two wanna spark in private, use the 'holodecks' please!" whined Mark but I took his point and 'repped up' a tablecloth to protect the seats and napkins which Kakkaroth thought were 'Gleamtex' facial tissues! Such a slob! How could this idiot attain 'Super Saiyaan' status? What the Hell?

"Halt! Cease! Desist! Mark, stop this machine! Now!" I screamed and we were jounced against each other again because Kakkaroth forgot to strap in again! Anyway, we had stopped at last and none too soon either!

"OK, yer royalness! Why'd ya tell me to put the brakes on?" yelled an angry Mark Gordon. Jonny shined his laser sword on the 'road' ahead which was no longer there!

"Dammit! I told you we should have flown, Gordon! Had I not sensed emptiness ahead, we would have fallen over the edge of this cliff! Either we fly from now on or we walk! Take your pick, sir!" I snapped.

"Is this the hotel, guys? I'm sleepy." yawned Goku.

"Stay in the carriage. I will do a reconaissance over the terrain." I said.

"Huh?" replied Mark

"I'm going to fly over there and have a look see. OK?" I explained. I opened the door and was hit by a blast of desert-like heat! I yanked my suit's controls to maximum. It didn't help much. Flying proved difficult in this heavy hot haze. No way could the chariot flay through this muck. I found out later that Murdoch, Stiles and the Ice Boys had been unable to fly as well. I barely made it to a hundred metres altitude and found it impossible to maintain so I dropped down to fifty which was sustainable so long as I was careful. Then I spotted the temple!

Well, it was shelter at least. Perhaps its inhabitants could give us directions. I also spotted a bridge below me some ten kilometres from where we almost plunged over into the deepest abyss I had ever seen! I tried a 'mind send' to Kakkaroth, Gordon or Smith but it was impossible for my mind to penetrate this aether!

I debated flying to the temple and decided it was more important to get the others to safety. A leader must always think of his subjects. I quickly dropped to the ground and walked back as rapidly as I could to the others. I hastily explained to Gordon that he must drive ten kilometres to the Southeast to reach the bridge. Then I 'repped up' an arrow sign with a brief set of instructions so the other vessels could easily find both bridge and temple. Kakkaroth was still asleep so Gordon helped me to place the sign. The ten kilos drive was accomplished in a minue and a half.

We crossed the bridge and found a rocky road up to the temple. I tried the gates but they were locked. I banged upon them and a voice issued from within the temple.

"If ye come in peace, give ye the password. Speak friend and enter. So it be written." boomed out the voice.

"What's the password, Mr Vegetable?" asked Gordon. I had long since given up trying to explain my name was Vegeta. Ignorance seemed to be the norm on Terra. Kakkaroth woke up when the voice thundered.

"Just like in Bulma's story about Ali Baba. Open Sesame!" said Goku and nothing happened.

"Didn't Commander Coldpot tell ya the password, Jonathan?" asked Mark Gordon.

"Nope. I doubt if she would have even known what it was, Mark." That was when I remembered something from an old fairy tales book that Jimmy Rocket had read to us aboard the flagship last year.

"Friend." I said and the gates vanished! Suddenly the temple had become a palace! I led the way past gardens and orchards where Mark and Kakkaroth began harvesting the goodies and filling their rucksacks. Jonny smiled and pointed at the giant stairway before us. Crane our necks though we would, we saw no roof, just murk. Like 'Los Nachos' that Ichigo kid had told us about visiting.

"It's getting cooler, guys. Want a peach or a plum, anybody?" said Goku who had a bottomless pit for his stomach! However, he was quite correct. My suit's gauge was reading 6 Kelvin (68 F) so I switched my controls to a lower setting as did the others except Goku who had removed his suit and left it in the carriage! I suddenly had a thought.

"Vegeta Brief calling the 'Daedalus'. Come in please. Over." I trilled into my comm badge. At first there was no reply and then-

"This is 'Daedalus'. Van Helsing speaking. Are you OK? Over." came the crisp stacatto voice of Sir Integra. I quickly gave her the co-ordiantes for this temple turned into palace and told her to have the ship fly over here and land. Then I raised the Icers and the 'beach boys' who had found our sign but were not sure if it was a ruse left by Khan! I assured them it was not and I promised to set up a 'watch fire' to guide them to the palace. I was wondering where our host was when-

"Good evening or rather good morning, gentlemen. Allow me to welcome you to my home or rather the outer shell of it. If you will follow me after you have set up your 'signal fire' for your friends, I will make you comfortable." said an aged grandfather leaning on a staff of silver topped by a huge fire opal! Kakkaroth finally made himself useful and built a huge bonfire several metres from the palaces's 'gates'. Then we all followed our host through the back wall at the top of the staircase!

"Just like the Doc's TARDISes, Jonathan!" whispered Mark and our host turned about quickly, a huge smile wreathing his face.

"Capital! Am I to understand that you have met others of my kind, gentlemen? Time lords or ladies? I came from Gallifrey, you see?" he asked and Mark's mouth dropped open.

"Yes. This palace is really one of the entry portals to my own TARDIS. I myself am a time lord. My name is Moravia. You may call me Morey, Doctor Morey if you prefer for I am indeed a Prydonian. I am or rather will be your Doctor's tenth regenerated self. Please sit down and be comfortable. Glenna is preparing your rooms. Some wine, gentlemen?" invited Dr Morey.

"Thank you, venerable sir. I am Vegeta Brief and these are my friends, Jonny Smith, Mark Gordon and my brother-in-law, Kakk- I mean, Goku Son. We are on a special mission for-" I began before he waved me to silence.

"I know all about your mission, Mr Brief. I also know that your leader has seen fit to disregard her orders. That is why I have been sent from Gallifrey. I am to represent Lord Gammerick, Lord Master and Lady Ranee at their trial. Every man or woman or thing in any galaxy is entitled to a defense counsel and these Gallifreyans are no exception.

"I should warn you that the longer you remain on this world, the surer are the chances that Lord Khan will find you. He thinks that the big Boss Lady, Marshall Keirran O'Halloran is aboard your 'Daedalus' ship. He means to avenge himself on this lady. (I hid a smirk. Anyone who called Kei a 'lady' was sadly misinformed!) The sooner you reach Alderaan, the better. More wine?"

This fellow was pleasant enough for a time lord yet should I trust him? For that matter, where the Hell was Khan? My thoughts were broken into by a more powerful mind than my own!

"I understand your distrust, Vegeta. I can only give you my word and if you have had contact with my own kind then you know that we cannot speak a mistruth, we are unable to lie, sir. As to Khan's whereabouts, the fool is waiting for you on 'Gysymeo' at those same ice caverns as before. However, your new mission now is to transport your prisoners to Alderaan, not to capture Khan. I have already alerted the proper authorities and a prison vessel with a squadron of fighters has been dispatched to arrest the blackguard. When your ship arrives, I will materialize my TARDIS around it and transport all of you and your prisoners to Alderaan's Grand Council for justice. Now you need rest and here is my Glenna to take you to your rooms. Rest well and never fear for as soon as the 'Daedalus' arrives, I will awaken ye. Pleasant dreams, my dear Saiyaan prince."

Morey's thougts had left my mind just as quickly as they had entered it! The striking short green-haired wench did not speak. Morey had 'mind sent' to me that the poor child was a mute but she had excellent hearing. I must have been exhausted because as soon as I lay down on the divan prepared for me, I went out like a light.

"Awaken, Vegeta! Your ship has arrived as have the other carriages. I have materialized my TARDIS around your 'Daedalus' and by morning, you will be on Alderaan. Pardon my intrusion into your dreams, sir. Good night again." 'mind spoke' Lord Moravius.

"I don't care! It was a stupid order to begin with, dammit! I am standing behind Commander Caldy 100%! You know that Han and I have always championed the underdog, right? Well, this is the bloody 23rd Century, ain't it? It is high time that we outlawed capital punishment anyway!" shouted the short brunette wearing her crermonial robes of office signifying that she, Leia Skywalker Organa Solo, was the Imperial Supreme Commander of the Federation and head of the Alderaanian Senate.

She sat down and waited for the uproar she was sure would follow. Only it did not. Finally, Senate Majority Leader Darius Thorne stood up, cleared his throat and spoke quietly.

"I, for one, agree with you, Supreme Commander Solo. What good is it in arresting and executing someone or something in the first place, regardless of the crimes they have committed? Should we not be reforming these persons or things so that they can become a boon to rather than a burden on our society? However, these three Gallifreyans must be punished and most severely only, please, we must not end the several lives of these unique persons, Madam Chairperson. Of course, this is only my opinion. The other senators here may have different opinions." Senator Thorne finished his speech and sat down.

"I believe, Madam Chairperson that my distinguished colleague speaks for all of us and I hereny motion that we vote here and now to abolish all executions and other forms of capital punishment." said Senator Glorioso Magnamus who was the Senate Minority Leader. This guy usually opposed everything Senator Thorne favoured!

"I second that motion and call for a roll call balloting vote, Mrs Solo." added Senator Villiers de Conciergen, the reperesentative from 'Zanzibar X' and an arch rival to both Thorne and Magnamus.

"It seems that I have no choice, ladies and gentlemen of the Senate. I would have preferred a rund table conference but if it be a vote ye want then a vote ye shall have. The motion to abolish executions and all other forms of capital punishment in the dozen galaxies which we govern is now on the table. Scribe, please call the roll. Ladies and gentlemen, when your name is called, you will respond with 'yea', 'nae' or 'abstain from voting'. If there is a tie, I will be the tiebreaker. It would not be fair for me to remain in chambers while you vote if I may be called upon to break a tie so I will now withdraw. Choose wisely."

So saying, Leia gathered her cumbersome robes about her and slowly and carefully she climbed the stairs behind her and exited through the portals which were closed behind her by the chamber guards. The night air was cool with a touch of snow in the aether where she stood shivering while the long-winded voting roll call was going on below. A guard draped his own greatcoat over her slender shoulders and Leia thanked him for his kindness. Her hands were beginning to feel very cold so she shoved them into the coat's deep pockets. Another guard poured her a cup of steaming java and then he liberally laced it with Skotch whiskey. She sipped it appreciatively and gazed out over the hills and valleys of Coruscant, remembering her dear departed father. Many were the carefree days of her youth when she and her father had trekked those trails in winter and summer.

A tear or two at last escaped her lovely hazel eyes and she wiped them away furiously. This was no time to be bawling over things that were in the past! It was time to look to the future. Ever since Romana had whispered her intentions to Leia shortly after she and Han had been rescued by the 'Mary Celeste' and Leia had sworn to help her in any way that she could, she had prayed to Kami for guidance. After all, failure to obey a direct order was one thing but to deliberately ignore or disobey a direct order from Territorial Sector Chief Garner and 'God' himself (Galadriel was God of the 3WA) was a serious offense indeed!

By the by, my name is Charles William Daniels and I am a Lance Corporal Second Class with the InterGalactic Space Command. I am currently on assignment here on Alderaan and my job is to protect the newly re-elected Imperial Supreme Commander who is also the Chairperson of the Senate from all harm.

Damn! It's beginning to snow again. Ah well, my shift's almost up so I can stick it out another hour without my greatcoat. The poor little lamb needs it more than do I. It is bitterly cold tonight and the snow is turning icy. Visibility in the flyways must be near nil out there. Sure wish those old fogeys downstairs would get a move on with that vote! Brr! Honestly, whatever happened to the old way of casting ballots? All in favour 'Yea', all opposed say 'Nae' or 'I abstain from voting' worked fine. Now, everything had to be solemn and usually took forever!

My friend John Jason Atwell was downstairs reading out the roll call roster. As the Senatorial Scribe, he had the most boring job I could imagine yet he never complained. In afct, he confided to me that it was really fun. Of course, poor Mrs Solo had to leave when the voting began and she preferred to stay close to the action so she never waited at the palace. She always waited up here on the battlements with us. I ain't bragging but she couldn't be in safer hands than she is up here with us.

Spring, Summer, even Early Autumn the weather was bearable if not always pleasant but Winter was the worst! Thise ceremonial robes she had to wear were gorgeous, even beautiful but warm they most certainly were not! The ISC was always coming up here and forgetting her hat, coat, gloves, scarf and muff especially when there was snow in the air. That was when she brooded over her dearly departed father who had been one of the first victims of that infamous 'Death Star' incident many years before I had joined the force. Tonight did not seem to be an exception. I watched as she hastily dried her eyes and then stamped her feet. Whether to get the blood circulating in them or because she was upset I did not know nor was it my place to ask!

At last, smoke rose from the chimney behind us- green, not red or grey. That meant that whatever they had voted on had been approved. Red would have meant that the 'Naes' had won and grey would have meant a stalemate. Thank goodness! The poor kid was not to be called upon to break a tied vote! I touched her arm gingerly and pointed at the green smoke. She nodded and returned to the portals which were opened as she approached them.

"Thank you for the use of your coat, Charles. It was very kind of you. The java was delicious, Bobby. Thanks ever so much." she said, returning my greatcoat to me. Both Bobby Maxwell, my fellow guard and I were amazed that she knew our names! I was about to comment to Bobby about this when the 'inner marker' lights began flashing on and off.

That meant that our expected 'guests' were arriving and two days ahead of schedule! Unheard of especially with this snowstorm and the solar winds howling at 700 kilometres per hour! I was anout to comm relay the tower when a strange thing happened. We heard a pulsating sound coming from the roof behind us. We turned and saw a huge pair of gates floating in the aether while multi-coloured lights flashed on and off above the 'gates'!

Our charge of quarters sergeant of the guard came hustling around the corner from the other side of the roof, barking orders as he ran.

"Whassa matter, me boyos? Ye nae ever seen a Gallifreyan Mark V afore? It be a TARDIS, laddies! Look sharp now and be prepared to take the prisoners in tow. There be three o' 'em, two men and a girlie. Time lords and a time lady or so I been told, lads. Take 'em to our special room in Tower #3 and triple the guard on 'em. Better use a Level 9 forced beam field around 'em jest to be sartain sure! If they escape, Her Nibs'll have our guts fer garters fer sure and all!" snapped the bewhiskered Irishman, Master Sergeant-at-Arms Colin McChumail. The old boy insisted that he was descended from the famous Terran Irishman Fionn McChumail sometimes called Finn McCool but he was usually in his cups when he said it so we did not believe him.

"Her Nibs was just up here, Sarge and she seems to be in a good mood tonight." said Bobby Maxwell, a Sapper Third Class guard. Old Colin laughed so hard he almost cried.

"Dinna ye know who we got a-visitin' us this night, laddies? (We shook our heads.) The firebrand Hellcat herself and her exec!" laughed the Sarge and Bobby went white while I wished that I hadn't had that extra steak sanni for dinner!

"No! Not her? And the other one too? The M-Marshall and the A-Admiral?" stammered Bobby.

"O'Halloran AND Donovan, Sarge?" I asked and I was quaking in my boots and sweating despite the frigid cold.

"Aye! The 'Dirty Pair' themselves, in the fleash!" laughed Old Colin just before he received two swift uppercuts to his lower maxilla jawbone!

"That's 'Lovely Angels', dammit!" chorused the tall redhead and shorter violet-maned minx vixen who had just strolled around the corner of the rooftop. Both of them helped us to get the Sarge back to his feet and he apologized to them for the insult.

I suddenly noticed that both Angels had drawn weapons as had the Sarge. Bobby and I hastily unslung our plasma rifles held them at port arms, ready for action. Three blocks of transparent Kelvinite were carried through the floating 'gates' and across the roof towards the portals to the Senate Hall below.

"Belay that, dammit! Take those three to Tower #3. The Sarge here will show ya the way. Where's your security team, Caldy?" growled the redhead who was the bane of the twelve galaxies.

"It's OK, Boss. I know the way. C'mon guys, follow me." said the violet-maned Admiral, motioning Vegeta and Goku, Johnny Smith and Mark Gordon and InuYasha and Kouga to bring their blocks of 'Kel-Ice' along and follow her. Bobby and I joined the Sarge with one of us between each ice block team. A security team headed by a cute pink-haired teenager and a dark-haired schoolgirl brought up the rear. This 3WA must be a bunch of nuts!

"Why the Hell are we playing escort for three chunks of black ice anyway?" complained Bobby and the Boss did an about face on us so fast that I tripped and almost knocked down the two Saiyaan freaks in front of me.

"Those blocks of ice, sonny boy, just happen to contain your prisoners and if they escape, it'll be your keester I'll be lookin' for, fella! Kapish?" said the Marshall very quietly. Later I found out that this was a storm warning sign with the Angels! Bobby nodded and saluted. Miss O'Halloran ignored him and we resumed our march. I wondered who the elderly grandfather bringing up the rear was but it was not my place to ask. Not so for Bobby though.

"Who's the old geezer 'Pinkie'?" chuckled Bobby Maxwell and she bristled with anger.

"My name is Kome Sawaguchi, Captain Kome Sawaguchi, fella, not 'Pinkie'! That's Old Morey. He's council for the defense or something. Ain't that right, Kaggie?" she replied.

"Guess so, Kome. Rukie! Watch where you're walking! You just trod on my heel again! Ow! Stop swinging that zampakutou (zam-pah-toe. A soul reaper's 'sword' used to dispatch departed souls to the next plane of existence.) into my derriere!" said Kagome Higurashi, InuYasha's 'fiancee' and Kouga's 'girlfriend' or so they told everyone who would listen.

We had reached the infamous Tower #3. It was tall, easily the highest part of the fortress. It contained a single room and that was the the very top of the structure and there was no lift. 897 steps. I had counted them the first time I had to deliver food to a tower prisoner when I had first been assigned to Senate security.

"601, 602, 603,-" intoned Bobby until the Boss growled for him to count to himself!

We finally reached the top and we swung open the portals. It took but a few seconds to move the 'ice blocks' into the huge room. The Sarge lowered the heat until we were all freezing cold and there was a rime of frost all over every surface of the room! We left and swung the portals shut. Then Bobby and the Sarge relatched the 127 locks while I set up thee customary Level 3 force beam barrier around this part of the tower.

"Make it 5, laddie." said Old Colin.

"Seven." said Miss Donovan.

"Nine and that's a direct order, Mr Daniels." commanded Miss O'Halloran. I complied at once and reset the level to nine and locked it at that level of security. How she thought that those poor devils were going to get out of those ice blocks let alone the room and the tower was beyond me! I thought that 7, even 5 was a bit high. Nine was simply overkill in my opinion. However, mine was not to reason why and the rest of it.

"Because they're time lords and a time lady and damned dangerous, Daniels." explained the redhead.

"What about food and water for them, mum?" I asked.

"Ain't necessary. They're in suspended animation, like a coma, kid. I know that eventually they will manage to melt through their blocks but hopefully that wont be anytime soon. With any luck, their trial will be over by that time. We'll set up a vidcam in there and unfreeze their mouths and noses when it's time for them to speak. Until then, nobody goes anywhere near this tower. Is that clearly understood by all of ya? I want your guards under orders to shoot to kill if they see anything suspicious around this courtyard. Got it? Good. You are all dismissed. I meant the Alderaanians. The rest of you get back aboard the TARDIS. The Airhead and me are gonna give the glad tidings to Leia baby downstairs. Let's go, Yuri." replied Kei O'Halloran.

The Sarge accompanied us back to our quarters after he had set the new guard mount shifts in place. He was relieved by Sergeant Chip Saunders who was a great something nephew of the guy from ancient Terran TV's Combat! shows. We liked Chip a lot. He was cool and modern, not a stickler for regulations and stuffy like Old Colin.

It was weird watching our new companions disappearing through those floating 'gates' and not reappearing! The last I saw of Miss O and Miss D was when they pushed through the portals and descended the stairs into the Senate Hall. 'Pinkie' and Kaggie went with them as did the two big Saiyyan guys, the dog thing and the big bad wolf. Then I heard a shriek from below!

"Trish! Sister Patricia! How many times must I tell you not to fly inside the Senatatorial Chamber or the Great Hall? You have quite upset Senator Zy-Kel from 'Laguna II' again! Yuri! Come and take Trish out of here please! What? Starfire's here as well? Well, corral her as well and then take them to play on the holodecks downstairs. Huh? Oh, it passed with flying colours, kiddo. No more capital punishments and all executions have been banned in all twelve galaxies which includes Gallifrey. What's that, Yuri? Oh, they are debating whether to paint the lavatory doors blue for the gents and pink for us ladies. They've been debating that issue since AD 2090! Are you and the fire hazard staying here for the trial?"

The Supreme Commander could sometimes get quite loud indeed! I noticed that Bobby had left our snack trays on the roof so I took them down to the kitchens. To get there, I had to pass through the Senate Chamber. I was curious to see what Miss Donovan's answer would be.

"Nope. I'll probably hitch a ride with Romana on the 'Dae' and I'm sure Kei's taking her flagship back home to the Academy. It's getting on towards Christmas and for once, I want things just so. Star! Stop drinking Senator Palladon's ink! I don't care if you think it's deliious and refreshing! Fly up there and bring Trish down for me. Sorry Leia but I'd better get them down to the holodecks before they wreck the hall. Bye." said the svelte Admiral.

That was all I heard because I didn't want to be caught eavesdropping. I proceeded to the kitchens and then went to my bunk on the 14th level. I shared a room witth Bobby but he was more than likely down the hall with Lt Trench who always had a floating crap game going on somewhere on the weekends.

I 'repped up' some hot java and cookies and settled down with my IGSC manual for pilots. Flight Commodore Corrigan was teaching me to be a pilot evenings and tomorrow he had promised to let me have my first solo flight. If all went well, I'd have my wings before New Year's and a promotion to Flight Ensign too.

Hi Yuri here, everyone! Babysitting the 'flying nun' and that wild Teen Titan, Starfire soon exhausted me so I had Ari beam us aboard the 'Daedalus'. After a hasty dinner, Star and Trish were so tired that they both went to their bunks wihout any arguments. After a nice hot cup of Chamomile tea to relax me, I too went to bed. My last thought was that I had neglected to tell anyone that I had taken the kids to the 'Dae' and had opted to remain aboard and hitch a ride back home. The heck with the Boss! Little did I know how much hot water I was getting poor Charlie Daniels into by my stunt!

"Charles! Where has the Admiral and her charges gone? You do not know? Well, find them, sir! Find them immediately! That is a direct order, Mr Daniels! Disissed!" snapped Captain of the Imperial Guard William Makepeace angrily. He had been chewed out by the major whom, in turn, had been read the Riot Act by the colonel, etc. all the way up the chain of command to the Imperial Supreme Commander herself! Mrs Solo had been bawled out about losing her exec officer by the Amazon firebrand Hellcat erself, Imperial Grand Marshall O'Halloran!

"Why didn't you ask 'Artok' to find Miss Donovan for you, Corporal?" suggested, of all things, a talking white dog wearing an old-fashioned frock coated suit and monocle! He was puffing away on an old pipe which smelled to high heavens! Well, I was desperate so I cleared my throat and spoke into the aether, feeling like a double-dyed idiot the whole time!

"Um, sir? Mr Artok, sir? Could you please tell me where I might find Admiral Donovam, Starfire and Sister Patricia, sir?" I asked. I didn't really expect an answer and I was mad at that Mr Peabody for making me make such a fool out of myself!

"Certainly, Mr Daniels, sir. The Admiral and her charges are safely aboard the 'Daedalus' where the Admiral intends to remain and 'hitch a ride' back home, sir. Will there be anything else, sir?" replied a voice politely and I almost fainted!

"Easy there, youngster! That's potent stuff there! Bring this laddie some java, barkeep. Put it on my tab. You feelin' better, son?" drawled the Supreme Commander's husband, General Han Solo whose strong right arm had caught me before I had hit the bar-room's floor. I thanked him and he explained that 'Artok' was the 3WA's 'portable' computer programming unit and that 'Artok' always kept a close watch on anyone in the immediate vicinity of his sensors.

I quickly used my vidcellphone unit to advise Captain Makepeace that I had located the missing Admiral and her kids. He thanked me and then he apologized to me for his abrupt manner with me earlier on. Then he told me I could take the day off starting now! So I'm going to visit my old pal and new 'Jedi' graduate, Clarence 'Wedge' O'Reilley. Wedge was a space craft fighter pilot and had just made it to Major! Some guys have all the luck! If I waited three more months, I'd make it to Sub-Sergeant Third Class but if I could pass my flying exams before Christmas, I'd be promoted to Eng=sign or even Second Lieutenant status! A far cry from Wedge's 'clusters' to my 'striped bars' of course but one cannot have everything, can one?

Bobby, you're in charge until I get back, boyo. Keep the Supreme Commander safe. Hey, take over the tale telling for me, eh? I'll say howdy to Wedge for ya. See you day after tomorrow, pal. Folks, I leave you in the capable hands of Bobby Maxwell! Ta ta for now!

Two days later when Charlie Daniels returned from R&R, I had to tell him that me, him and the Sarge had been temporarily assigned to guard duty aboard the 'Daedalus' which was bound for 'Shimougou' and some place called the 'Academy'. Seemed that our Supreme Commander's hubby (Han Solo) was one of the ship's bridge officers. There being no pressing engagements on Coruscant (The 'trials' were on hold until the new year AD 2258), ISC Leia Skywalker Organa Solo had opted to travel to 'Shimougou' for the holidays.

She and her husband would not be seeing very much of each other until AD 2263 what with her duties keeping her at the palace and he having just accepted command of a star mapping mission for the Federation. I asked Charlie and the Sarge if we might get assigned to that mission but Charlie's a pessimist and the Sarge is a dour old Scot. His countrymen are very close-mouthed about everything.

I decided that before we left Coruscant that I was going to request a transfer to Mr Solo's spacecraft and I decided that, for his own good, I was going to request a transfer for good old Charlie as well. When I put in my requests with Captain Makepeace, I was informed that the Sarge had just been assigned to Mr Solo's mission and that Mr Solo had requested the Sarge to bring me and Charlie along with him!

So Charlie was going whether he liked it or not! Then the Cap told me that Charlie was going to receive flight instructions from Commodore Legato Blueummers himself! Better! Both Charlie and me had been enrolled at the 3WA Academy for the upcoming semester! The Sarge was to be one of the instructors there too. So all seemed to be going along swimmingly for us!

"Sapper! Sapper Maxwell! Will you please try and stay awake long enough to load my luggage aboard the 'Daedalus'? Have you and Charles and Angus (The Sarge's real name and few of us dared to use it!) finished your packing yet? No? Then do so as soon as you have loaded all of my junk aboard. Remember to pack your 'snuggies' because 'Shim' gets just as cold as Coruscant, Robert. Thanks you so much." said Mrs Solo and I hopped to it.

One thing our ISC would not do was to use any nicknames for anyone attached to Coruscant Palace or the Senate. I couldn't help but notice that she had changed out of her beautiful but far from warm ceremonial robes. Instead she was wearing a neatly tailored purple and gold flightsuit, gleaming black deck boots, a hooded fur parka, a furry hat and she was pulling on fur gloves. Her fur muff was resting atop the pile of baggage.

Strapped to her left thigh was her 'light sabre' weapon and strapped to her right thigh was a strange looking firearm-type weapon. She carried a plasma rifle which she had just slung over her shoulder. I helped her into her ankle length white and silver cloak which was secured at her throat with a small silver lightning strike brooch. I asked her about the strange hand held weapon.

"A prezzie from the Boss Lady herself, Robert. This (She drew it from its holster and handed it to me to examine) is a Mark XIII hand held ion cannon. Marshall O'Halloran always carries at least two of these monsters with her at all times. She even sleeps with one of 'em under her pillow. Angus has one of these for you and Charles. Surprisingly heavy for a hand held, don't you think?" explained Mrs Solo. We were permitted to use her Christian name of 'Leia' but somehow that seemed disrespectful to us. After all, she was the leader of a sozen galaxies, wasn't she?

She was right! For a small hand held gun, this thing was a monster and really weighed down my hand! Carrying one of these was gonna be sheer torture! Then I recalled my space training class which Charlie and me usually slept through. In space, items weigh at least 80% less than they do on the surface so this 'toy' would weight much less than my own service blaster automatic! I felt relieved and I quickly stowed away Milady Solo's luggage.

Charlie came hustling over with his packed kitbag and rucksack. He'd packed mine as well. Hard on his heels came the Sarge.

"Had dinner yet, me old boyos?" growled the crusty old Scotsman. Charlie had already eaten. I had been given a tiny food pill called a 'Sensu Bean' by Mr Brief (Vegeta). He'd told me that a single bean was the same as a week's worth of meals, all meals and that once I ate it to eat nothing more filling than snacks and beverages.

My ancestours being from the ancient Terran American state of Missouri, I had to be shown (Missouri was nicknamed the 'Show Me' state) that this was true so I 'pigged out' on pizzas and burgers after I'd chewed up the bean! My stomach had been complaining it was overstuffed all week! I should mention that our 'guests' had now been at Coruscant for more than a fortnight and had been making preparations to leave in the morning.

Lord Morey's TARDIS had been 'rematerialized' in the Senatorial Hall and made to resemble a china hutch in a beautiful shade of dark cherry on the outside. Romy's TARDIS and her 'Uncle Hatter's were remaining aboard her starship. The Sarge had spurned Mr Son's (Goku) offer of a 'Sensu Bean' and the old fellow was munching away on a 'Dagwood' hoagie so thick that I felt nauseous just looking at it! Charlie had lit up a cigarette and had just finished 'beaming' our gear aboard. Sarge offered to share his sanni with us but we both declined the invitation.

"Time table's been moved up a mite, laddies. As soon as Commander Caldy's ready, we will be a-liftin' off. Tat means sometime tonight, nae tomorry. So if ye ha'e fergotten yer toothbrush or anything else, best be a-nippin' back to the barracks fer it noo. It do be 1800 hours (6 PM) and I reckon we'll be leavin' afore 2000 (8 PM). How right he was! I had just returned with my 'boom box' and hand held PDO unit and lap computer when Mrs Caldy came rushing over to us.

"Dynamo's given the 'Dae' her clean bill o' health, guys. We are good to go so it's 'go for launch liftoff' at T minus 1845 hours. In other words, boyos, we leave at a quarter to seven so get yer keesters aboard now. By the way, that is an order, gentlemen. Anyone seen Han and Leia? No? Well, it ya see 'em, tell 'em to get aboard please. Peri! Where's that flight roster list? C'mon 'beach bunny girl', move it! Where are the Saiyaans and the demons? Where-" The mission commander's voice trailed off into the distance as we three dematerialized and were just as speedily rematerialized aboard this strange vessel which was not a thing like a TIE or X-Wing fighter ship. Even our shuttles were small in comparison to this monster!

"Big ship ya got here, mum." I observed to the tall, statuesque blonde transport officer who told us to call her 'Ari'.

"This old thing? This is just a patrol cruiser. Holds maybe a hundred, maybe a hundred and a half. Pales in comparison to a K-Class ship or even a J, kids. Welcome aboard and find a seat and strap yourselves in. Bar's open on second level if you want a drink before liftoff. If you're peckish, the dining room's right beside the bar. Hurry up. Move it, Scotty!" replied Ari whose rankings proclaimed her to be a Subalten First Class! She outranked Angus! I was soon to learn that almost everyone aboard outranked us but that was soon to be rectified!

We lifted off smoothly at 1845 exactly and I joined most of the other 'newbies' in the 'star room' for my last glimpse of Alderaan and my beloved Coruscant. There was a tear in Master Sergeamt McChumail's eye as he watched our home dwindle into the distance. Not so Charlie Daniels!

"Good riddance! With any decent amount o' luck, I'll get to stay with the 3WA at 'Shim' permanently. Wanna stay with me, Bobby? How about you, Sarge?" said Charlie Daniels and after all, he was a 'shoo in' for a promotion just as soon as he got his pilot 'wings'! I shook my head because I had a gal named Lina Karue back in Coruscant. Lina was one of the servers at the palace and we were to be wed as soon as I make sergeant. The Sarge shook his head as well.

"Nae, 'Tain't fer me, laddie. I only agreed to come along when I heard that Her Nibs was needin' protection. If old Billy Makepeace had've forced the issue, I'd have turned in me stripes right then and there! They'll ne a-musterin' me outta the service soon enough, Chuck me boy. Do ye happen to have an extry one o' them there 'beans', Bobby boy? That 'Daggy' sanni didna fill me up at all." laughed the Sarge and I tossed one to him. I cautioned him about overeating after he swallowed it and he at first laughed and then he nodded sagely when he realized that I was not kidding.

"Ooh! It looks so pretty from this far out. Don't you think so, Hi?" said a familiar voice. I turned and saw that Mrs Solo was speaking to an elderly bewhiskered gentleman beside her.

"Aye. That it be, Leia. I dinna like fer ta be seen cryin' at me advanced age but-" sobbed Professor Sir Hiram MacDougal, the ship's archaeologist.

"A fellow Scot! Pleased ta meet ye, sir! Master Sergeant Colin McChumail at yer service, sir. I do believe I feels a powerful thirst a-comin' on and as I recall, Miss Ari said we have a fine tavern aboard? May I buy ye a drink, sir?" said the Sarge and off they strolled, hands across each others' shoulders.

"It'll be over my own dead body that poor Angus is turned out to pasture until he wants to go and you take that to th bank, me old boyos!" snapped our supreme commander to me and Charlie. Then she insisted that we all get changed into 'civvies' and go down to the bar for a drink, her treat!

"Now you two simply must stop with the mums, ma'ams and Commander stuff! You are making me feel ancient, guys! Call me Leia and that's an order. The last one I'll give either of ya tonight. The lift's at the end of that corridor. I'll meet ya there in ten minutes. By the way, they don't use bath towels aboard 3WA ships. They have 'drying alcoves' instead. Just ask 'Artok' anything you want to know. Hurry up because I'm as dry as the sands on 'Tattoonine' in August!" said our leader.

It felt very awkward to me to be wearing a polo shirt, jeans, socks, trainer sneakers and a jacket rather than my Sapper uniform but orders is orders, folks. As an afterthought, I buckled on my gunsash and slid the gleraming brand new Mark XIII into its holster. I remembered hearing somewhere that the 3WA were sticklers for being armed at all times. In fact, not wearing a sidearm or carrying a weapon at all times and showing up late for guard duty were about the two most serious breaches of regulations on the entire force!

Charlie, on the other hand, looked like a bum! Torn Khaki shorts, soiled tee shirt, no socks, Chkka boots and a denim jacket without sleeves was his attire over his own Mark XIII. We met Her Nibs at the lifts. She had changed into a neat grey pantsuit, red turtleneck sweater and Cavalier boots! A shoulder bag hung from her right shoulder. I assumed it held her own Mark XIII because her outfit fitted her so snugly that I could have sworn that she was hiding nothing underneath her clothing!

When the three of us strolled into the rec room/bar and took stools at the counter, I noticed that Sarge had not yet changed out of his uniform and was deep in conversation with Mr MacDougal. Leia had a Rob Roy, Charlie had a Sloe Gin Rickey while I settled for a glass of blue raspberry soda pop. Well, I had never even heard of 'Aoishi Blue Ale' also called 'Romulan Ale' before so when I saw several guys and gals sipping these strange blue drinks through straws, I naturally thought they were blue raspberry sodas or fruit punch drinks! I had three and before I knew it, it was the next morning!

"Awake at last, huh? Hre. Drink your OJ. Then after you have your breakfast, I'll 'rep up' a 'prairie oyster' for that hangover you've got, kiddo. We were not properly introduced last night. Hi. My name's Olson, Neko Olson. Sub-Commodore Neko Olson but the 3WA never stands on ceremony, Bobby." said a gorgeous 'cat lady' who was wearing absolutely nothing!

"Did we-" I began but she laughed, lit a cheroot, stuck it in my mouth and lit a second one for herself. Then she shook her leonine head slowly. She sipped her java and pointed to my own mug of the steaming dark brew.

"Don't worry, Bobby. I never take advantage of a drunk even the handsome ones like you. You have never seen a creature like me before, have you? C'mon now and admit it. (I nodded and sipped my java.) Thought so. Not many folks ave ever seen a nekomata/cat/human/BetaZoid/trill female like me. OK. (She glanced at her wristschromo which was all she seemed to be wearing!) Finish your breakfast and then drink that 'prairie oyster'. I know it tastes like rancid shit but it'll clear your hangover right up, pal. Briefing in the rec room in ten minutes. Don't be late. Bye." said Neko.

"Oh and will Milady be making a new fashion statement this morning? Honestly, Neko! Some day you're gonna be parading around like that and some guy's gonna walk in and- Oh my! I didn't know! My bad! Neko Olson! Have some respect for yourself and put something on dammit! Pardon me, sir. Neko's not all there today. Hi. I'm Kagome Higurashi (Her rankings were those of a full Subaltern!) but everybody calls me 'Kaggie'." said the striking young brunette schoolgirl in a purple and black uniform.

"I'm, I'm Bobby, Sapper Bobby Maxwell, Imperial Palace Guard for the Federation and the Senate. Pardon me." I said amd, since the bedroom was being used by Neko, I grabbed my stuff and used the bathroom to change. There was atap on the door.

"Bobby? Sorry for all this but we'll make it all up to ya. Kaggie left yer new 3WA uniform on the bed. We'll meet ya in the bar for the briefing. Oh and yer Mark's in the top right hand desk drawer. It's loaded now so be careful with it. It's powerful enough to take down a wall, ya know. Later, Lover Boy." said Neko's voice.

When I came out of the bathroom, I went into the bedroom and quickly changed into the deep maroon and gold uniform. No! This can't be mine! The rankings were those of an Ensign! Well, I'd heard the 3WA did weird stuff so why not eh? I pulled on the shiny black Cavalier boots and started for the door. Then I remembered. It took but a second or two to locate my Mark and slide it into its holster. Then I tore down the hallway to the gantryway stairs and ran down them to the rec room.

The place was packed! Folks were squeezed in there like sardines in a tin! I found an empty chair at one of the far tables and sat down opposite an orange-haired beauty in a grey and beige 'navvy' (navigator) uniform. She told me her name was Nami Richards and that she was chief navvy for this voyage. Then Romy Caldy stood up and asked for silence.

"Ya all heard her so shut the hell up, dammit!" yelled a guy who Nami told me was a Mr 'Popo'. The place went as silent as a tomb. Then Romy began to yak. Mostly I didn't understand a damned thing she was saying but then she came to the crux of the matter and Sarge, Charlie and me found out why we were here and why the supreme commander had really decided to leave the palace for the holidays!

"For most of you here, the name Khan needs no explanation. For the others of you, Khan is an evil space pirate who has just escaped from Seto Kaibo and is on the loose. It has just come to our attention that Khan intention is to kidnap the imperial supreme commander of the Federation and the Alderaanian Senate. (My cheroot fell out of my mouth and would have dropped onto my lap had not Nami grabbed it in midair!) For that reason alone she has been ordered by Mr Galadriel himself into our safekeeping back at our 3WA Academy. She has been permitted only three bodyguards and two of her personal maids.

"Therefore, Second Lt McChumail (Sarge choked on his Skotch), Warrant Officer First Class Daniels (Charlie's eyes popped!) and Ensign/Acting Second Lt Maxwell (Me?) were ordered to accompany her back to 'Shimougou'. Ariel Na Kapperling and Lina Karue are the two maids that Lady Leia Solo has chosen to accompany her on this journey. All of these persons will remain near the ISC at all times. Because the 3WA allows only officers as bodyguards or personal aides, we made these promotions. Her maids are acting Sub-Ensigns until this crisis has passed.

"Our ETA is approximately ten solar days and we will try and shorten it as much as we can by the use of any 'short cut' anomalies we can find along the way. Thank you all for coming and enjoy the hospitality of the 3WA. You have the freedome of our ship with minor restrictions. All 'Off Limits' areas are clearly marked. Never fear, Milady Solo for a vigilant watch is being kept 24-7 for any trace of Khan's ship. Questions?" The svelte Commander finished speaking and waited.

"I thought we were following his 'dilyth' trail, Cap?" asked Mr Bluesummers.

"We were but the wily old space fox switched off his impulse engines so all we have is his last known position and he sure as Hell ain't there no more." explained a big dinosaur guy who Nami said was their chief enginner, Dynamo.

"We're tracking him by Beta Zoid and right now he's still waiting for us to arrive on 'Gysymeo'. As long as he's there, we don't really give a damn about him or his cronies. Hopefully, he'll stay there for the rest of our voyage home." put in Mr Bluesummers.

"I sure as Hell wouldn't count on that, guys!" chortled Neko Olson.

"That's fer sure, kids. he always does the unexpected!" said a worried Gene Starwind, our pilot.

"What more can we possibly do? We have scanners on duty 'round the clock and we launch 'probes' every hour. We are all armed and there is an 'energy dampener' in place around the ship including the 'transport room'. We are doing all that we possibly can and how do we know if Her Royal Majestic Highness even gives a damn about all the trouble she is causing us! Just like a female! If I were in command-" said the small white bespectacled dog who was wearing the uniform of a full bird colonel! Did the 3WA promote anything these days I wondered?

"If you were in command, what, Mr Peabody?" demanded Fleet Admiral Donovan angrily.

"Nothing. I spoke out of anger. It was uncalled for, Madam Admiral. Please forgive me." he replied, hanging his head in shame. 'Mr P never likes to lose his temper although he is a male Chauvinist pig.' was what Nami whispered to me. Then she grinned and checked her wristchromo. She downed the last of her milkshake smoothie.

"Cap? If it's OK with you, I think I should be checking on our course, mum." said Nami who was gathering up her things.

"Of course. That's all I have for you. Thanks again for coming. Mr Popo? Please dismiss everyone." said Mrs Caldy and she left for her 'ready room' office which was behind the bridge on the command deck.

"Wanna see the bridge, Bobby? C'mon with me. See you guys tomorrow." said Nami and I accompanied her into the lift.

"Command deck, Bridge." she said to the invisible operator and off we went. She kicked off her boots and unzipped her flightsuit, stepping out of it. I was horrified! She giggled at me, reached up and hit 'Stop' to halt the lift. Then she rummaged about in her rucksack and pulled out jeans, scuffed sneakers and a red sweatshirt that was frayed at the collar and cuffs. She quickly pulled on her jeans and wriggled into the sweatshirt. Then she slipped her feet into the sneakers and flipped the lift to 'Start'. We were whisked to the command deck where she led me through the bridge and into her nav room next door.

"Welcome to my pad, man. This is home sweet home, Bobby. Siddown. Rio, Mae? Take a break, kids. Back up here before 2200 (10 PM), OK? Bobby, that's Rio DelCroix and Mae Hopkins. Girls, meet Bobby Maxwell and hands off 'cause I saw him first. (The girls left us.) Want some java and maybe some doughnuts? (I nodded and 'repped up' a snack for us.) At least take off your jacket, boyo. Here's your java." said Nami.

"Did somebody say doughnuts? I love doughnuts!" said a big wild west cowboy gunslinger wearing a long red coat and wire-rimmed spectacles. He had just walked onto the bridge and hastened over to the nav room.

"Help yerself, Vashie. Bobby Maxwell, Vash the Stampede. He hails from Planet Gunsmoke. Ooh! Quick! Bobby, get on that scanner and tell me if you see any blips on the screens. Ya got yer doughnuts, Vashie so vamoose! Told ya my job was boring, didn't I, Bobby?" said Nami.

"Hey! There's something on the screen, Warrant Officer Richards and it's coming right at us- damned bloody fast!" I yelled and most of the bridge crew was crowded into the nav room and peering at my vidscreens.

"That thing's traveling through time and space but I swear it's not one of our TARDISes, Pirate Girl." said a weird looking gent who looked for all the Universes like Wonderland's Mad Hatter!

"I know that, Doctor. Your Type 40's and Mark Five's are invisible to our probes. What the Hell! It's gone now!" screeched our chief navigator. I looked again, blinked and damned if she wasn't right! Nothing at all there now!

"Launch a probe, Todd. Use that thing's last flightpath. Doctor, Ensign Maxwell, you're with me. Let's go, Peri. That is if you can tear yourself away from the scanners, Mr Maxwell? Athna (Cagalli), take Bobby's place and keep an eagle eye lookout for us. My ready room, kiddies." ordered Romy Caldy and I followed the others to her ready room 'office' just aft of the bridge.

Mr Bluesummers and Mr Solo were already there awaiting us as was a shadowy patch of blackness in the far corner of the room. I held out a chair for Nami and then I sat down myself. Peri took a seat at the foot of the huge table and the 'Hatter' proceeded to produce teapot, cups, saucers, plates, sandwiches, pastries and a small tea tray from his capacious pockets!

"Before we get started, I insist we be civilized people and have our tea. Do sit down, Romana dear. LaMont! If you are going to remain, please make yourself visible! It's like sitting with the Cheshire Cat! Tea, Robert?" he said and I realized he meant me! I accepted the tea and a biscuit. Nami took six large scones and proceeded to devour them like she had not eaten for a month! I noticed her tummy bulge and tactfully I asked Peri if Miss Richards was, ahem, 'expecting'?

"Expecting? Nami? Hardly, kid. Hey Nami! 'Whitey's crawled underneath your sweatshirt! Bobby thought that you were, like, well- you know, man?" giggled Peri, dropping her PDO unit. I felt like lobsters were crawling out of my ears as I retrieved it for her.

"Cap! Take this furball of yours, dammit!" snarled the orange-haired beauty and I suddenly remembered something so i asked her.

"Miss Nami? This tea bearing gentleman called you 'Pirate Girl' before. Why?" I asked innocently.

"Don't ask." said a tall gent wrapped in a dark cloak who had just appeared from the shadows.

"No big secret, Bobby boy. I used to be one back on Earth. That seems a lifetime ago now. You gonna eat that prune Danish? Thanks." explained the svelte warrant officer girl.

"Ah, I see we have a newcomer in our midst. Permit me to introduce myself. I am LaMont Cranston sometimes known to my foes as the 'Shadow', young Maxwell. Romana, is my Diana aboard?" asked this strange apparition.

"How should I know? There's over a hundred souls aboard, ya know? Ask 'Artok', LaMont. I'm busy here." replied Mrs Caldy.

"She is assigned as co-pilot for the 'Arthur', sir. She is off duty at the moment and she has returned to her quarters on Deck Two. Sector 12X, Suite 317. Will there be anything else, sir? (Shadow waved his hand in dismissal) Very good, sir. 'Night." said a voice from the aether that was in the room yet not in the room! Curiouser and curiouser!

"He means 'Wonder Girl', Bobby. Diana Prince is his daughter. Her Mama's Apphrodite." explained a bored Nami to me.

"Apphrodite? You mean the mythical Greek goddess of beauty?" I cried. Shadow guffawed quite loudly.

"Don't tell my wife she's a myth, kid. She'll turn ya into a toad!" he chuckled. Was everyone here nuts?

"Nope. It's all true, Maxwell. Now be quiet and pay attention." said Mr Blue's voice in my head! A Beta Zoid?

The vidphone trilled and Peri answered it. She listened for a few seconds and handed the receiver to the Commander.

She listened and then hung up. She looked at us and cleared her throat.

"Sit as close together as possible and hold onto your seatmates. Ari's going to 'beam' us to the transporter room in another 3, 2, 1 and here we go." she said and we all dematerialized! The feeling of being 'disassembled' vanished as quickly as it had come and we were all sitting in a strange room beside a console counter!

Across the room from me behind several multi-coloured forced beam energy fields in the 'transporter pads' area of the room sat the strangest looking vessel I had ever seen! Sleek and streamlined, it closely resembled a small speeder but it was much longer. As I watched, the side vanished and I could see four persons inside. Male or female I could not tell because in addition to their old-fashioned clothing, each one was wearing a close fitting helmet with the blast shield lowered to hide their face. I tapped the Commander's shoulder. She was standing beside my chair and staring at the thing.

"What the Hell is that, mum? One of your shuttlecrafts maybe?" I asked but she shook her head and placed her gloved hand on the butt of her Mark XIII weapon.

"Let's find out, Bobby. You four in the vessel- get out of that thing slowly and raise your hands. Ari, as soon as I give the word, lower the barriers. Neko. Revy. Frisk 'em for weapons. If anyone gives my people any problems, they will blast you. Understood? Ready, Revy? OK. Drop the barriers, Ari. The rest of you stay put.

"You are aboard the 3WA Federation starship 'Daedalus' and this is the 23rd Century. We are enroute to our home world of 'Shimougou' and when we arrive you will be interrogated. My name is Major Romana Caldy and I am mission commander. I advise you not to go for that dagger in your boot, Madam. Revy and Neko have itchy trigger stud fingers." said the Boss.

I was amazed! Was our commander part Beta Zoid as well? I glanced at Blue and he nodded to me.

"Romy's a time lady as you already know, Maxwell. She is also part Beta Zoid like me." he said in my mind. Would I ever get used to these telepaths?

"They are all carrying pistols and this one had a dagger like you said, Boss. OK. Unmask, folks." said Neko Olson while she and Revy Roberts kept the newbies covered. The tallest guy was the first to uncover and he had the fullest beard I had ever seen. He identified himself as their leader.

"I am not at liberty to give you our true identities, Madam Major but you may call me Harold. My companions (The other two guys and the girl had all unmasked) are Glade, Kelly and Margie. We belong to the 'Fellowship of the Moon' but none of you would understand anything about it. We traveled from 'Earth Four' in the year 2011 and this is when?" said 'Harold'.

"AD 2259 in mid NovDec. Less than a month before the new year, sir." I replied and I earned a frown from Shadow Guy.

"Do I have your word that you will not attempt to escape before we reach home, Harold?" asked the commander.

"I give you my word as a Vampy, Madam. You have our weapons and you have impounded our 'time buggy' so where could we go anyway? Glade. Kelly. Margie. I have given my sacred Word. You will abide by it. Anyone who does not will answer to me. Kapish?" said Harold and there was menace in his voice.

"Put the boys in with the Saiyaans. Put Margie in with the demons. Revy, take the men to their quarters. Peri, take care of Margie. In case it hasn't become crystal clear yet, folks, we are a patrol starship and out here we are the LAW. Most of us are intergalactic police. Commodore Bluesummers and Ensign Maxwell will take your craft belowdecks." said Romy.

"Better let Glade show you how it works, Mr Bluesummers. He's our pilot, sir." said Harold but Blue grinned.

"Not necessary, my friend. 2011 eh? Two centuries ago, right? That would make this a Taldos 117-R. Runs pretty much the same as the 'Grant' and the 'Arthur'. I too am a fully qualified pilot as are at least a quarter of our passengers and crew. Bobby? (My eyes popped.) This will be your first piloting lesson. Sit in the co-pilot's seat and strap in." he said and I gingerly sat down inside the weird looking 'speeder'.

Blue placed my hand on the throttle and my feet on the pedals. Then he fired up the impulse drive. Even I knew better than to fire up a craft's warp core inside an enclosed space! We lifted off and I carefully steered the 'buggy' until we were facing towards Ari at the transporter controls.

"Now what, sir?" I asked.

"Now we sit back and enjoy the ride, kid. When we start to dematerialize, this thing's gonna buck like one of Cordell Walker's Brahma bulls. Just hold onto the throttle. Whenever yer ready, Elf Huntress." he said and the next thing I knew we were in a dark and musty smelling chamber but I felt space all around me!

"Huh? Ari put us in Sector 12-A. Guess 11-C's full up, Bobby. We are three decks down in the parking docks. Ari? We're OK. Give us another minute and then activate a Force 16 barrier around the 'Taldos'. See you in a few minutes. Bluesummers out." instructed my companion and we both hopped out and secured the gull wing hatch. I followed Blue to the lift banks and I risked a glance back at the craft.

I could see nothing but dazzling lights everywhere!

"Ready room." he told lift control and we shot upwards so fast that I almost upchucked!

"That's a Level 16 Forced beam barrier, Bob. It'll fry anyone stupod enough to try and remove that ship. I don't trust these people, kiddo especially helpful 'Harold'. 'Artok'? Check the 'Galactic Compendium' for this 'Fellowship of the Moon' thing and relay the data to my personal PDO unit. Better encrypt it too. Man, am I tired! How about you, Bob or is it Bobby?" he said.

"Bob's fine, sir." I replied when we had returned to the 'office' behind the bridge.

We resumed our seats. The Boss came in and told us that the scanners and probes had not picked up anything yet.

"I worry when Khan gets cutesy, gang." said Shadow Guy. 'Hatter' busied himself with more tea and goodies for us. I was shocked to see that the wall chromo was reading 2330 hours or half past eleven o'clock PM!

"If he's still waitin' for us on 'Gysymeo', he's gonna have a damned long wait, Boss." drawled Han Solo. Mrs Solo was already visiting the Land of Nod and I stifled a yawn.

"The three baboons are swapping war ditties with Goku and Vegeta." said Revy, sitting down on the table.

"Margie's all tucked in for the night too. Man! That gal can yak! She asked me about everything except the name of the guy who built the ship!" added Neko, dropping into the chair I held out for her. Hasn't anyone here ever heard of manners and common courtesy?

"Ye dinna tell 'er naught, did ye, lass?" demanded Hi MacDougal.

"Of course not! What kind of a bubble brain do you take me for, Hi?" snapped the catgirl.

"Yeah. Come ta think of it now, Glade wanted to know our cruising speed and Kelly wanted to examine my Mark pistol." growled Revy.

"Well, we had better keep a close watch on them. Make damned sure that they are kept away from Engineering and the Bridge and Nav Room as well as all the other 'Off Limits' places. Blue? I assume you and 'Artok' have researched this 'Moon Fellowship' of theirs?" asked the commander. Blue placed his PDO unit on the table and attached leads from it to a big vidscreen that had lowered from the ceiling.

"Run it, 'Artok'." said Blue and the screen filled with the images of a fortress of some sort. The planet seemed to possess only a single sun source! Incredible! Most worlds had at least two. Alderaan had five. Suddenly, a voice began to speak.

"By your command, Commodore. This is 'Earth Four' in the 21st Century. As far as I can make out, it sits in the same spacial position as 'Terra' (The 'Milky Way' solar system's own 'Earth'.) and the solar year is 2011. This fortress in the Northern regions of their planet is the HQ of 'Fellowship of the Moon'. Basically, they are vampire hunters and are known as 'Vampys'.

"Around 2006, they began experimenting with time travel, the result being their 'time buggy' belowdecks. Apparently 'Harold' and his companions went for a 'jaunt' to Mars in the 10th Century and strayed offcourse at about the same time as our final rift was being sealed.

"They were catapulted forwards not backwards in time and the other side of the rift was us, the 'Daedalus'. What their intentions might be are shrouded in secrecy. However, I have discovered that their 'Fellowship' is very closely related to the 'Order of the Knights of the Rosey Cross', Angela deRoncesvalles's order, the 'Knights Templar' and they are very religious albeit 'Chrsitianity' and 'Roman Catholocism' are their creeds. Thank you. Anything else, Commodore. No? Then adieu."

'Artok' went silent and the screen blanked itself out. Blue disconnected the leads an pocketed his PDO unit.

"The sooner we get rid of these monkeys, the better!" said a worried Gene Starwind and Han Solo nodded.

"We have got to keep them until we reach home unless we want to make another side trip to Seto Kaibo?" said Nami but nobody wanted that!

"Bobby? (Me again?) I want you to strike up a friendship with the girl, Margie. Find out all you can from her about this 'Fellowship' of theirs and what they really want. Give her a tour of the ship. Peri and Kagome will be with you as will Shadow Daddy. Take her everywhere except the 'Off Limits' places, OK? Show her the 'holodecks'. Girls usually go 'ga ga' over them. Don't give yourself away and don't let your guard down for an instant, Lieutenant Maxwell." ordered the Boss and my eyes got as big as my teacup's saucer!

"Pardon me, mum but you made a mistake there. I am only an Ensign." I corrected her politely.

"I am in command and I just promoted you, Maxwell. Open up her heart and soul to a lowly Ensign when Blue's 'mind dive' tells him that she's a warrant officer? I think not. However, she may be drawn out by a brother officer, Bob. Now let's all get a good night's sleep. Who's on watch, Fritzy?" said the commander.

"Der big silly looking orange-haired kid, Captain Kurosaki und his girlfriend, Varrant Officer Kutschsky." he replied.

"He means Ichigo and Rukia. The guy with the big sword on his back and the cute brunette fawning all over him." explained Nami Richards and she stubbed out her cheroot.

"I'm going to get Sherlock's take on these guys. Good night." said Hi MacDougal and he left us, leaving wreaths o foul smelling pipe smoke in his wake.

"You'll get used to all the nuts, Bobby. better get some sleep, kiddo. Your bunch are in with the Royals on Suite 166-B on Deck One, that one level up from the docks. 'Night." she said and she returned to her station in the nav room.

"Yeah but how do I get there, Nami?" I called but she had already gone.

"C'mon kid. I'll show ya where ya sleep. Want a smoke?" said General Solo with a grin. I accepted a cheroot and soon wished that I hadn't. It was strong! I began hacking and wheezing and I finally just gave it back to him. He tossed it down a chute marked 'Recycleables For Repping' and I hoped he hadn't set the ship on fire!

"Vacuum. No air or aether or oxygen in the chutes so flames just go out. Man! You're as jumpy as Leia before a Senate conference!" he drawled and I suddenly remembered that this man beside me was married to our Imperial Supreme Commander!

"Hullo there, Sweetheart. Ya know Bobby, right? (I bowed and saluted and she laughed.) What's ya doin' up this late, Honey? It's past midnight." said her husband.

"Couldn't sleep. Fflaysie Allster snores. Guess I'll just 'rep up' some warm milk and try to sleep. 'Night, boys." she said and we continued to the lifts. Han yakked away constantly about whatever he was thinking until we reached the 'Royal Suite'. Han rapped on the portal and a peephole gate slid aside.

"What ya wants?" grumbled a beautiful pair of green eyes that stared at us through the aperture.

"Bob Maxwell here has been assigned to your digs, Becky. Let him in." said Han. The portal flashed aside and a stunningly tall and statuesque redhead in a diaphanous sleeping gown smiled at me and bade me to come in. Han said good night and I was alone with Beauty. Wonder where Beast was?

She pointed to an inner door.

"In there. Grab a bunk. Bathroom's the grey door. Please be quiet because Lord Ivanhoe is very tired tonight. Need anything else? No? Well, if you do, just ask 'Artok' for it. 'Night." she said and she extinguished her laser sword light and returned to the chamber door marked 'Ladies Only and That Means You Oddo'. I fell asleep as soon as I fell into a vacant lower bunk.

The next morning I awakened early as I usually do and I discovered that, while I slept, some kindly elves had replaced my Ensign togs with a 2nd lieutenant's uniform. And I'd been worried about making sergeant! Then I remembered why I had been promoted in the first place. Peri, Kagome and I were supposed to give 'Margie' a tour of the ship today. As if on cue, the outer portal's klaxon bell sounded, deafening me and bringing assorted curses and shouts from the other people using this suite. I got up and pulled on a robe that the elves had provided. I found out later about the 'server 'droids' on the ship.

"Just a sec. I'm coming." I called softly and I hit the portal's release panel. The doors snicked aside and Peri and Kagome walked inside. Both of 'em were wearing tank tops, Bermuda shorts and flip flops while each of them carried a holdall bag. Both girls had sunglasses perched atop their heads below the huge sun hats they were wearing.

"Morning, kids. Isn't it a bit early for a tour? Have you had breakfast already?" I asked, disappearing into the bathroom to change into my new officer stuff. I returned in jig time and followed my new pals to the lift which we rode downstairs where Peri threw open a portal marked 'Dining Room'. The place was deserted except for the two big Saiyaan brutes Goku and Vegeta at one end of the table and the two demons InuYasha and Kouga at the other end.

I pulled out a couple of chairs and seated Peri and Kaggie before I took a seat between them. A miniskirted waif floated over to take our orders. The girls called her 'Hinata' while the guys called her 'Ninja Babe'. No respect for a lady even if she was a mere schoolgirl!

I ordered the 'English breakfast' while toast, juice and java were the girls' orders. When my stuff came, I saw why Kaggie and Peri had giggled when I'd ordered it! The English were outright pigs! I finished the bacon and eggs, muffins, Danish pastry and java but the kidneys, steak pudding, sausages and the rest I was too full to finish!

"Just leave it for the 'Pig Squad', Bobby. No food ever goes to waste around those four chow hounds." laughed Kagome.

The wall chromo bonged nine times and we went next door to the rec room and bar to wait for 'Margie'. She had been told to report there at ten. The girls had milkshakes and I had a small java while we waited.

"OK! Let's get this show on the road, guys! I can't wait to see this 'Dead Lust' of yours. Oho! A second looey huh? What are these, the 'Playgirls', Bobby? Thanks, I'll have a caramel mocha white chocolate latte with oodles of whipped cream, please. No, I had breakfast already. Some chick in black jammies (Sango in her demon slayer outfit) showed me how to 'rep' and I pigged out, man! Steven will be furious!" said the gal we knew as 'Margie'.

"Who the Hell's Steven?" demanded Peri whose glance in my direction warned me to be on my guard.

"Sorry, I did let that slip, didn't I? Oh Hell, the reverend can eat sugar cookies for all I care! OK! Want the whole unvarnished truth? Here it is! 'Harold' is my father-in-law, the Reverend Theodore Newcastle, founder and leader of our church, the 'Fellowship of the Moon'; my name is Sarah Newcastle and Steven's my hubby although you know him as 'Kelly' and 'Glade' is Orry Dawson, Papa Theo's sextant and second in command.

"He and Steven built the 'time buggy' with a little help from me. Orry's the pilot and Steven's his co-pilot. I'm navigator which is why we came forward and outward in time and space instead of backward and inward. This whole thing was Papa's brainstorm. Go back in time to another world where the first vampire was created and destroy him or her, thereby putting an end to this race of vermin forever.

"However, Papa Theo is just a Bible thumping preacher, not a real leader in the sense of being captain of our church or anything like that. I imagine that's why I was practically ordered to take this tour by royal command of Her Nibs as it were! Well? I'm right, ain't I? The truth now, Lt Maxwell. You didn't really want to hang around all day with me, did ya?" snapped a garrulous Sarah 'Margie' Newcastle and I laughed out loud!

"Ha ha ha! Lady, I only came aboard this vessel last night just a few hours before you guys showed up! I was a grunt Sapper guard on Alderaan which you probably have never even heard of, right?" I replied. Boy! Was I ever in a jovial mood now! I even started to wonder if the girls had their swim suits under their shorts and tops or in their holdalls.

"Looks like Sarah's let the kitty out of the sack, has she not? OK. Now you know the whole story of why we are here and whom we trualy are, don't you? You are in error though, young man on one point. I have heard of Alderaan and Shimougou and even Gallifrey from whence she hails. You see, I discovered an ancient space chart in with the 'Pere Reis' maps of old Earth One back in 2009 and it took me an entire Earth 4 year to decipher the runes on the chart. When I did, I discovered that our archenemies which we called vampires did not originate on any of the Earth worlds at all.

"Their home world is really 'Workoh' and that was where we were bound when 'Wrong Way Sarah' here put us off course and off the time variables as well. Why, Miss Higurashi, whatever is the matter?" said Orry Dawson, the man we knew as 'Glade'. He had entered the bar quietly and had been drinking 'Mother's Ruin' at the other end of the bar. Now he was standing behind Kaggie's bar stool. Kagome had gotten very red in the face and Peri whispered to me why!

"Oh, it's nothing, Mr Dawson, sir. Just feeling a little sick was all. I'll take a 'Hydroxylein' capsule and I'll be as right as rain in a few minutes. Thank you for your concern, sir." replied Kagome.

"Perhaps you would like to join us on our tour, sir?" asked Peri and I nodded when Peri kicked me in the shins.

"By all means, Mr Dawson. Do join us, sir." I said, promising to get even with Peri later.

"What a capital suggestion, lieutenant. However, my title is captain. Sarah's a warrant officer and Steve's a major. Papa Theo is, of course our Commander. Shall we go?" answered Captain Dawson.

"Well sir, I am a Subaltern and Miss Brown here (Peri) is an Ensign. James (Rockett. He was barkeep today and was a former 'Pokemon' thief along with his sister Jessie.), could you spare a couple of laser torches? Hi (MacDougal) said it's dangerous to use laser swords for light. Thanks. One for everyone. They work like a phaser, well flashlight or torch in your cases, Captain, Sarah." said Kagome, slipping her torch into her holdall. Peri did likewise while I pocketed mine. Mr Dawson examined his quite minutely before he shrugged and pocketed it. Sarah flipped hers on and off a few times and then she clipped it to her belt.

"You know maybe I should check our 'time buggy' just to sure it's safe. Do you mind?" asked Orry Dawson.

"Not necessary at all, old boy, eh Holmes? They are taking extra special care of it for you chaps, don't you know? I say! Jolly nice torch, my dear. James, me boy, do you have two more for Holmes and myself. A tour sounds like jolly good fun, what?" said Dr Watson. Holmes compared his own Victorian torch to the one that James had handed him and pocketed both. Dr Watson's went into his medical bag which Kagome had told me, he was never without!

A few hours later and we had tramped all over the 'Daedalus' not the 'Dead Lust' as Peri had corrected Sarah. Dawson was clearly pissed off at not being allowed to see his own craft or was he more interested in exploring belowdecks? We had burgers for lunch at a 'holodeck' snack bar and now we were on another 'holodeck' which had read 'Beach Party' on the 'Arch' controls for it.

I was right! Kaggie and Peri were wearing swim suits under their clothes! We gentlemen declined changing even when the girls assured us that the 'holodeck' could easily 'create' swim wear for us. Sarah, on the other hand, was in the beach cabana changing room so long that the girls were getting annoyed.

"Sorry I took so long but I just had to try on all of the latest fashions for this era! I really liked this yellow bikini set with red polka dots and this cool kimono and all the latest beach fad junk! Last one in's a rotten egg!" yelled Sarah, racing up the 'beach' to the 'ocean'. No wonder Steven hung around with Papa Theo so much! What a pest!

"How fast do you figure we are traveling, Bobby, isn't it? Do call me Orry, short for Orson, you see." asked Dawson and I was immediately on my guard. My orders were to be polite but not to give away any secrets. Hell, I couldn't anyway! I hadn't a clue as to how starships worked!

"I know it's an old saying, sir but if I told you that, I'd have to kill you." I chuckled merrily. I earned a dark glare from Orry.

"Hey Bobby! Sarah asked me what vector we are on. Be careful. Remember what the Boss told us. Mum's the word!" whispered Peri into my ear and then she kissed me on the cheek and ran back to her beach blanket. Kagome gave me a peck on the cheek and whispered to me that Sarah had asked her about the co-ordinates for 'Workoh'!

I found out later that evening that 'Workoh' was the 3WA's 'fearless leader' Marshal O'Halloran's true birth world! Funy that Miss Donovan hadn't mentioned it to me. Nor had she said anything about the place being the spawning ground for the first vampires!

Mr Holmes and Johnny Watson strolled over and we chatted a bit about the weather before the tall detective told me that Orry had asked him about the valves and gear system of the ship! Johnny told us that he had asked him where the armouries were situated!

We broke camp for dinner and Sarah insisted on wearing her new bikini to dinner. I saw nothing wrong with that but Kaggie and Peri urgently whispered something to the kid and her face went as red as a Martian summer's day! Sarah disappeared into the cabana to change.

"Mr Holmes, what was wrong with allowing Sarah to wear her swimming costume to dinner?" I asked innocently and Holmes laughed as did his partner, the good doctor.

"The 'holodeck's 'Arch' controls 'created' that bit of fluff and fun for usage on this 'holodeck' only. Watch what would have happened had she tried to leave the deck wearing it, Bob." said Sherlock and he picked up a small sand pail such as a child might take to the beach. He strolled to the 'Arch' area and tossed the pail across the 'Arch' to the staging room or rather it almost got there! The pail vanished in midair!

"You see, 'holodeck' 'creations' only exist on the deck itself. Try and remove them from the deck and they simply cease to exist! Understand, old son? Drat! Samned matches must have gotten wet in the sea spray! Lend me your lighter, laddie." said Dr Watson. I handed him my Rippo with the crest of the 806th Battallion on it and he lit his pipe and handed it back to me. I fired up a cheroot and then lit smokes for everyone else except Sarah.

"A filthy and disgusting habit! I won't allow Steven to smoke in the house!" she said and she looked good in her eveing dress dinner gown. Kagome and Peri had changed into respectable pant suits. Sarah was still putting on lip paste, OK, lipstick then! Sheesh! Anyway she was dawdling behind until Orry grabbed her roughly by the arm and shoved her through the 'Arch'.

"Deactivate 'Beach Party' program. Save." said Kagome when we had all left the 'holodeck' and the 'beach' turned into a dull grey windowless steel chamber smaller than my bathroom! Will wonders never cease? I hurried to catch up with the others.

After dinner, Sherlock, Johnny, Peri, Kagome and myself walked up the gantryway stairs to the command deck and rapped on the 'ready room' portal. The portal slid aside noiselessly and we entered. Romy was seated at her desk beside the big table and she waved us to seats. Everyone looked at me and I realized that I had been elected spokesperson! Great!

I quickly summed up the events of the day and when I had finished, the Commander whistled.

"Good job in playing them along and not giving away anything. At least we know their overall plan and their real identities. We cannot allow them to get anywhere near 'Workoh' of course. It- Yes, Bob?" replied Romana whe I raised my hand the same way we had to do it in school.

"Why? Where's the harm?" I asked, feeling like a baka moron.

"If they manage to destroy the very first vampire in the far distant past, there's a damned good chance that both our 'fearless leader' and my entire race of Gallifreyans will have never been. That's why, Mr Maxwell. If I may continue? Thanks." answered the Boss.

"As I was saying, we must get them off this ship without their 'time buggy' which was not supposed to be invented until the year 2020! Furthermore, we must get them back to 2011 on this 'Earth Four' of theirs. Oh and we must accomplish all of this without their knowing what's happening to them.

"Papa Theo was pumping our own Reverend Nick Wolfwood for information and Steven Newcastle tried to get Dynamo loaded so that he'd give him a tour of the engine room. Poor fool's sleeping off his drunk in sick bay. Trying to outdrink Dynamo's like trying to outdrink an Angel! Present company excepted, Jonathan. Any suggestions?" asked the Commander.

"Why not put 'em all back in their 'buggy', set the controls correctly for 'Earth Four' in the year 2011 and set a bomb to destroy the 'buggy' when they arrive?" I asked like an idiot.

"The debris it left is from their next decade, Stupid!" growled Revy Roberts who was bored to tears.

"Wait a moment! The laddie's got the right idea. Why not construct a 'time buggy' 'holodeck' program, stick the four lunatics in it and then materialize Romy's TARDIS around the whole deck. Then whisk 'em back home to their own planet and time era. Tractor off the 'holodeck' program with them inside it and transport 'em to their world and leave 'em?" said Hiram.

"Fine but then you have 23rd Century technology in the 21st Century, Hi." replied Shadow Daddy.

"Nae! The 'holodeck' and its programming canna exist ootside o' the 'holodecks' o' this ship! The 'buggy' program will simply vanish. Well? Got any better ideas?" asked Hi MacDougal and we were all silent.

"Fine. Do it. Since it was your brainchild, Hi, you will build the program. Bobby? (Me?) It'll be your job to lure Papa, Steve, Sarah and Orry to the 'holodeck' where Dr Brackett, Dr Morton, Dr Watson and Nurse McCall will give them autohypo shots filled with a mild knockout drug. I leave it to the sick bay gang to decide what to use. After it takes effect, load the four of 'em onto the 'holodeck'. You'll have to conceal the 'Arch' somehow.

"Meanwhile 'Hatter' and I will be waiting to materialize his TARDIS around that 'holodeck'. Next we'll fly them back to 'Earth Four' in 2011 and dump 'em. If all goes according to Hoyle, we can accomplish this and return to the ship in two shakes of a jacaronda's tail. No! We are using YOUR TARDIS, Uncle Hatter, not mine. Why? Yours is a Mark Five. Mine's only a Type 40. Yours has the necessary thrust to pass through the continuum curtain. Mine would get stuck in oblivion.

"Better get started, Hi. Shanghai whoever ya need to help ya. Let's go for a midnight liftoff, OK? (Hi nodded on his way out the portal.) You know what to do so make it happen, gang. By the by, still no sign of the pirates so we might make it home without any more detours yet. Dismissed." said Romana Caldy and I was again awestruck by her crisp air of authority.

Then I had a thought! I whispered to Dr Watson and he beamed at me and then rapped with his pipe on the table.

"I say! I say there, Mrs Caldy! Attention! I do believe that this new lad of ours has a better idea than drugging our guests. Off you go, boy. Tell them what you just told me. Of course it's a damned good idea and I know just the chaps and lady to pull it off too! Tell the Boss Lady, Bob!" said the kindly Victorian medical man and I swallowed a lump in my throat and spoke.

"Well, I was thinking, mum, that we could tell them that we had moved their 'time buggy' up to the 'holodecks' floor to run a thorough diagnotical check-up on it before we released them with it. However, I have no idea who could pull off this particular 'con job' on them. Sarah and the reverend seem pretty sharp. Mr Dawson and Steven Newcastle won't be fooled too easily either. Oh, forget I said anything, mum. It's a dashed silly idea after all. Sorry." I said and then I sat down again.

"Silly? Who says so, young laddie? I think it's a damned capital idea! However- John? Who did ye ha'e in mind for this one?" said Sir Hiram MacDougal with a twinkle in his eye while he puffed smoke from his pipe like a locomotive from old Terra.

"That 'Texas Rangers' bunch. Alex, Cordell, Jimmy, CD and those other two new ones that showed up while Alex and Cordy were on their honeymoon. Oh, what were their names now? Aha! Sidney Cooke and Frank Gage. That bunch could convince Father Christmas that it wasn't snowing in a whiteout blizzard!" chuckled John H Watson, MD.

"Did I hear someone mention us? Good whatever it is now, everyone. Walker and I had the nicest stroll around the outside seck just now that-" began Alex Cahill Walker, the new bride.

"You did what? Took a stroll? Outside? Need I remind you that there is no atmosphere out there and the temperatures are dipping into the minus thirties? Of all the daft ideas! Just like a silly girl!" snapped Mr Peabody.

"Yeah, it was your idea, wasn't it, Alex? Damned cold out there too! Hmmn. We were definitely breathing oxygen even it was as cold as blue blazes out there. I don't understand that at all." said Ranger Walker.

"Of course you were breathing out there, Cordell, Alex. There's always an 'envelope' activated whenever anyone opens an airlock anywhere aboard except the parking docks. However, that was not oxygen you two were breathing. It was 'Xanogen', an element unknown in your time era and on your home planet. 'Xanogen' is much stronger than pure oxygen but you two never breathed it before so for you, i was plain old O2 in your lungs." explained Gene Starwind.

"As soon as ya came back inside, the 'envelope' deactivated and you started breathin' in a mixture o' 'Xanogen' and oxygen like ya been breathin' ever since ya got here to this time era. Betcha thought ya were breathin' plain Terran type air, huh?" chortled Han Solo.

"Well, no harm done this time so it's OK. However, please don't make these 'outside strolls' of yours a regular habit, Mr and Mrs Walker. The 'envelope' is, of course, not visible to you but if it were peierced by so much as a tiny pinprick, you would suffocate in a matter of nano-seconds. Those solar storm winds out there could easily rupture that envelope in a heartbeat.

"Now, as to what we were saying-" said the Boss Lady. Then she proceeded to fill them in on what we had been discussing before their arrival.

"I think I'll hold off your part of this plan until Jimmy, Mr parker, Gage and Sidney get up here. We don't want to have to explain this more than once. 'Artok'? Locate the Newcastles and Mr Dawson, please." ordered the Commander.

"Steven and Sarah are in our 'star room' taking calculations of the planets, stars, moons and asteroids. The reverend Theodore is preparing his next 'sermon' in his rooms. Mr Dawson is well, exploring the 'Daedalus', Romana." replied the helpful computer programming unit.

"Where exactly is Dawson, 'Artok'?" demanded Han Solo anxiously.

"The galleys. He's chatting with the Grannies and enjoying some freshly baked pecan pie and milk. Anything else?" answered 'Artok'.

"Nope. Thanks, old buddy." replied Han Solo.

"So this is where the newlyweds got to, huh? I just had the most relaxing bath in my life! Little Rio (DelCroix) said that it was OK to wander around the ship in a robe so I took her at her word. What's up?" said a short striking brunette who was wrapped from head to toe in a fluffy green bathrobe.

"Brr! It's chilly up here, man!" she added.

"Serves ya right, Sid. That's what ya get for runnin' around in yer bare feet! Hey! Where'd you find a bathtub on this flying boxcar anyway?" grumbled Ranger Frank Gage who, like Cordell, preferred his last name to his first.

"Inside Mr Hatter's blue police box thingy. It was heavenly!" giggled Ranger Sidney Cooke, earning a severe look from Doctor #6 who was pouring tea for Jimmy, CD, Gage and Sidney.

"I hope that you did not leave a ring in the tub and that you cleaned it thoroughly afterwards, Miss Cooke?" he demanded.

Sidney ignored his outburst and sipped her tea. Gage decided that he would ask to use the tub on the TARDIS next. I knew this because Blue felt it in Gage's mind which he called an 'open book'!

"Why don't you ever make some good old fashioned Texas chili for your teas, Mr Mad Hatter?" asked CD Parker. Hatter merely snorted and said some unkind things about Terra's 'Lone Star' state.

"Enough chit chat! I was in a very important football playoff game. What's so all fired important that I had to leave a tied game with the 'Kaguran Killers' for it?" complained Jimmy Trivette, Walker's Ranger partner.

"Gee whiz! We didn't realize how busy you Texan folks were today! Maybe we should postpone our plans until a more convenient time for you?" said Angie deRoncesvalles very sarcastically indeed.

"Ya mean ya could? That's darn nice of ya, man! I-" said Jimmy.

"Trivette! Don't you know sarcasm when you hear it? Now sit down and be quiet or we'll be here all night, all day, all afternoon, all whatever! Let's just get on with it, OK?" said Ranger Cordell Walker.

"It's pretty simple." said the Commander.

"It is? Then maybe Sidney won't screw it up." chuckled Gage.

"Since when have I screwed up anything, Gage?" snapped the sole female Texas Ranger we had aboard. I had been told that Mrs Walker, Alex, was something called an assistant district attorney.

"Calm down there, youngsters. Go ahead, ma'am." said Ranger Parker.

"Were you about to say something, darling?" cooed Alex.

"Me? Not a thing, Honey." replied the new groom.

"OK. We just want you guys to bring our four new visitors to 'Holodeck #5' and somehow convince them that we have moved their 'time buggy' up to our 'motor pool' to do a quick diagnostic on it before we released them tomorrow. That's it." explained Major Romana Caldy.

"So? What's the big deal, man?" asked a puzzled Gage. Sid looked at him like he was one brick shy of a load.

"You won't be taking them to their craft. You'll be taking them to a 'holodeck program' that will look and feel and sound like their own 'time buggy'. Once you have done this, comm relay Hatter or me. We'll take it from there. Is that understood?" said the Boss Lady and the Rangers crowd nodded dubiously.

"Then we aren't gonna just kill them, ma'am?" asked James Trivette.

"What? Please sir, we are not Barbarians! My name is not Conan!" said an appalled Mr Peabody.

"The lassie here will use the Doctor's TARDIS to 'tractor' them home to 'Earth Four' in the year 2011 without their being any the wiser. Their 'buggy' program will simply never have been as will their memories of the last few days." explained the Boss.

"What will happen to the real 'time buggy', Lady Rome?" asked Lord Alucard. He and his own 'Police Girl', Seras Victoria had quietly come into the ready room.

"Why? You want it for a souvenir, Al?" chortled Gage. Alucard was no amused nor was Vickie.

"We are vampires. We have no need of propulsion vessles to travel." laughed Vickie.

"If their craft remains here, it may fall into the hands of someone who might use it. I don't think that I need to remind you what will happen if time is tampered with again, do I?" added Alucard quietly.

"No, you don't. We'll take it back to the Academy with us where the researchers at the 3WA will 'unmake' it or disintgrate the thing. No, Mr Peabody, you may not have it to for yourself and Sherman." explained Romana.

"How about a barter? My 'Way Back' machine for their 'time buggy'?" asked the white dog but Romy was firm.

"No deal, Mr P. Too dangerous. Nothing else? Then you are dismissed. Thanks for coming. Bye." said the Commander.

"When do we bring them to their craft thingy, Boss?" asked Alex. Sidney had already departed to change. Gage was hungry and CD had some chili boiling in the galley. Walker was waiting patiently like a good little husband.

"Good question. Hi? When will you be ready?" asked the Commander.

"Around 0400 (4 AM), mum. Certainly no later than five." replied the Scotsman.

"0900, nine tomorrow morning. Bring them at that time, Alex, Cordy. If they tumble to what we're up to, the game's up, guys. So don't even drop the slightest hint about anything." said the Boss Lady.

"And what happens if we do, ma'am?" asked Walker.

"Then we have to drug 'em and do it anyhow. In that scenario, there's no way of knowing how much they will remember and that could be quite disastrous, Ranger." replied Romana.

"Then we just have to make sure that they don't find out anything. Leave it to us, ma'am. 'Night now. C'mon Honey. Time we turned in for the night." he said and grabbed his wife.

"Good morning, Hiram, old son. Delighted to assist you, sir. Wolf and I are so glad that you are not going to have to open up a new rift in the continuum curtain! I mean, after all, it's taken us more than a solar decade to seal the damned thing you know?

"Let me see here. You need for us to stabilize a 'holodeck program' for you, is that correct?" asked the chief scientist of the 3WA's research and development department. Dr Emil Cueball or 'Cueball the Screwball' as our 'fearless leader' called him was a brilliant chemist and researcher. Wolf von Kesselring was an equally accomplished researcher in his own right. Betwixt the pair, they were the Agent Q of the ancient Terran '007' films and accounted for all of the weapons and equipment used by the 'tro cons'. Their usual test subjects were the hapless 'Lovely Angels' teams.

"That is quite correct, Emil. However, it must keep that stabilization intact for Hatter and Romana to both 'tractor' and then transport the whole dang shootin' match back to 'Earth Four' in the solar year of 2011. This must be done without alerting the Newcastle family and Orry Dawson to what is going on. Can you and Wolf manage that for us?" asked Hiram MacDougal.

"Of course we can, Hiram. Anything else?" asked Wolf.

"Can you complete the stabilizin' before 0900 tomorrow, our time?" asked a skeptical archaeologist. Emil beamed at him.

"Consider it done, my dear friend. How's my girl Angela doing?" replied the eminent professor.

"Finest kind there is. She can't wait to see you and compare notes on those new Chaldean runes she discovered on our last mission, Emil. By the by, how's the weather at the Academy?" asked Hiram.

"Yes, I have missed the dear child immensely. Dunno about the weather. We have been recalled to Elenore City. Wolf? What's the weather forecast in the East? Oho! Bad news, Hiram. Wolf says there is a cold front coming in from Kagura and it looks like snow. He says you will more than likely have a very white Kurisumasu (Christmas) there. Around minus 6 Kelvin there right now. Sorry, 35 below zero Fahrenheit, old son. You'll get a chilly reception in more ways than one. Sorry but we have to sign off now. Our allotted comm relay time's about kaput. Cheerio. Cueball out." said Emil and Hi's vidscreen blanked out.

"Vas doth das mean, Herr Professor?" asked Fritz von Dekker who was assisting Hiram.

"Trouble, that's what, Herr Baron! Bloody cold there and our dear Mrs Caldy may be in a bit of hot water when we get back home, Fritzy." replied Mr Holmes.

"How will we know when the old fool has stabilized our program, Sir Hiram?" demanded the obnoxious Mr Peabody. As strategy officer, he had carte blanche authority and had to give his approval. In this case, he even outranked the Commander and Colonel Huntley!

"He'll send us a signal, Peabody. Excuse me, sir. 'Artok'? Is our mock-up program exactly the same as the Moon Fellowship's 'time buggy'? It must match in every detail if this ploy's gonna work." said the Scotsman, stuffing his old pipe with more of the foul shag that stunk to high heaven!

"It appears to be exact in every way, sir but if I may be so bold, sir- I would suggest that 'K-9 III' do a run through the activated program and that you run a simulation scenario just to be on the safe side. Of course, the decision is yours, Mac." said the computer program unit.

"No, it most certainly is not Sir Hiram's decision, machine toy. It is mine." snapped a surly Mr Peabody.

"And what is Milord's decision?" growled Lord Alucard who really wanted to taste this white dog's blood badly.

"Stop slavering, Master! It is not dignified. If Sir Integra finds out, we will all be in the soup pot, Master." cautioned his 'Police Girl' minion vampiress.

"Send for the metal dog machine and let's get this over with, dammit. Well? Call Fido already!" howled Mr Peabody.

"Oh, do a 'sending', 'Police Girl' or we'll be here all night!" grumbled her Master vampire.

Vickie sat down in the Yoga 'lotus' position and placed her hands on her temples and closed her eyes. For all the worlds, she looked just like 'Teen Titan' Raven when she meditated.

"Om. Om. Om.-" I said but Hiram motioned for silence and I stopped. Wasn't that how one began a meditation?

"Come to us, K-9. We have need of your services, please. Hurry." intoned Seras Victoria and in a few seconds, we all heard the familiar whine of K-9 III's 'motors'. The little robotic data dog soon trundled into view. He rolled over to Vickie and stopped, tail wagging and head nodding.

"You called, Mistress?" he said and Vickie's eyes opened and she began to pet the small robot dog.

"Get on with it, child! We do not have all night!" snapped Mr Peabody, firing up his pipe.

"K-9, please tell us if this 'time buggy' is exactly the same as the one that arrived here earlier. Then we wish to run a simulated scenario of flight. Do you understand me?" instructed Vickie.

"Yes, Mistress. I will comply with your wishes, Mistress." replied the data dog.

"Mistress?" he said after his 'run through' was completed.

"The 'time co-ordinator' unit is not set to the correct prameters, Mistress. Should I correct this error, Mistress?" asked K-9.

"Yes! Fix the stupid thing, you silly animal!" yelled Mr Peabody, earning a glance of reproach from Vickie.

"Please do so immediately and prepare for a flight simulation, K-9. Thank you." said the vampiress softly.

The tests took another ten minutes and finally K-9 III and Hiram and Mr Peabody all agreed that everything was functioning properly.

"Bob? P;ease advise the Rangers rhat we are 'go' for 0900 tomorrow. 9 AM on the dot. Dunno about you chaps but I could use a sanni and a nightcap. I'm buyin'. Who's comin'?" chortled the big bluff cheery Scotsman.

I knew that I could use my comm badge to tell our Texans about the plan but something told me not to use it. Instead I went down to the bar where Angel Jonny told me that the Rangers and their ladies were all over in the galley so off I went.

"I said, it is not hot enough, CD! It needs more jalapenos!" yelled Alex.

"We need an impartial judge, Alex. Hey Bobby! Come over here." said Mr Walker and like the idiot I am, I went over.

"Taste this, son. Now, does that need more spice or not?" said Ranger Gage, shoveling a big spoonful of something into my mouth that made my eyes water and which blazed in my gut like the fires of Dante's nine Hellish infernos! I grabbed a bottle of water.

"NO! Don't drink any water, boy! That'll make it burn worse!" yelled Ranger Parker. Too late!

"What the Hell is that stuff? No, it's quite hot enough, Mrs Walker! My stomach's on fire dammit!" I screeched and I didn't care who heard me either!

"Eat some bread and milk. It always works for me, Bobby." said Ranger Trivette while Mrs Walker and Ranger Cooke howled with laughter. Mr Walker was grinning. Ranger Gage was thumping my back and Ranger Parker was filling a tumbler with cold milk which I was drinking down greedily.

When the fires in my gut finally began to subside, I was able to breathe again!

"Now, what did you want, Bob?" asked Ranger Walker and I explained that they were to bring the Moon Fellowship crew to Holodeck 5 by 9 AM tomorrow. Alex apologized for laughing at me and assured me that the Newcastles and Mr Dawson would be there on time.

"If this works for them, then can we all go back home to Dallas, Mr Maxwell?" asked a hopeful Sidney Cooke but all I could do was shrug my shoulders. I had not the slightest idea what the poor kid was yakking about!

"I guess that's something that you'll have to take up with this Mr Garner fellow. I have to report back to the Boss. 'Night everyone and and I'll see ya in the morning." I said before I left them and returned to the Boss's ready room. She had already left for her own quarters but she had left a message on Professor MacDougal's PDO unit for me to report to her there.

Ours is not to reason why so I took the lift down to sick bay's level. I knew her suite was down here somewhere so I walked into sick bay and asked.

"Down the hallway somewhere, Bobby. Dix? Show Bobby where Her Majesty's bunking, will ya? Sit still, Dog Boy! Didn't anyone ever tell you not to play with a cactus bush? I know it hurts. The 'Axileine' needs another minute to take effect. Joe? Take care of Wolf Boy. He tried sniffing a cactus flower! Jean! Bring me some more of those pink bandages Mike (Morton) filched from Hatter's TARDIS. Miss McCall! She'll be right out to take you to the Commander, Bobby." said Dr Kelly Brackett and I sat down to wait.

"Sorry but Renji Abari had a bad abrasion on his leg when he fell while he was climbing Mt Ziggauraut on the holodeck. Here. Jean's with Mike. He ate one of those 'Sensu beans' and then ate a big dinner. He's still green around the gills. Hi there, Bobby. What can we do for ya? The Boss's place? Down the hallway, turn right, then left, then right again-" began Dixie.

"Just take him to her, Dix. The kid's a newbie and he doesn't know his way around this tub yet." said Kelly.

Dixie McCall smiled and escorted me to the Boss's suite and then she hurried back to her nursing duties in sick bay. I timidly tapped on the portals.

"Come in, Bobby. It's off the latch." called Romy's voice and I entered. She was wearing an old sweatshirt and gym shorts and she had big bowl of potato chips and several sandwiches on her java table. She lowered the volume on her vidTV set and tossed a pile of 'holopapes' (Terrans call them newpapers) on the floor so I could sit down beside her on the divan.

"How'd it go? Want some munchies? A cold beer? You are off duty, ya know?" she giggled and I accepted some chips and a root beer float which she 'repped up' for me. I explained that the Rangers would have our guests upstairs in plenty of time tomorrow an then I saw that she was watching an ancient Terran film called 'Star Wars' and soon we were both totally engrossed in this exciting landmark flick.

I excused myself at 0200 (2 AM) and covered up the sleeping girl. Then I tiptoed out and went to my own bunk. By now, I had my own key code to get throught the 'royal gates' without rousing my roomies. I was dog tired if you'll pardon the pun and I dropped off to sleep as soon as my head hit the pillows.

That was when the 'Daedalus' exploded!

END of Chapter 12. Chapter 13 'Experiment in Space' or 'Piracy In Space' coming soon. Have a swell weekend and we'll see you all again real soon. Seems like nobody else feels inclined to be our story teller so until further notice, it'll be me, good old Bobby Maxwell as your host into the unknown. Take care now. Your friendship team appreciates your readership- Bobby.