Disclaimer: I do not own Zootopia or any of its characters, they all belong to Disney. I do not own Halo or any of it characters, that are all belong to 343 Industries. Rated M for sexual themes.
Just One Small Spark
Chapter 12
They jumped to the closest star which was only two light years from their home world. The Zootopia almost immediately returned to report that they'd successfully arrived. Probes were then launched under high acceleration to all parts of the system and as they found planets the probes where directed toward them. On that first day twelve planets were found and the Zootopia had returned. During the daily staff meeting the astronomers made their first report.
"Captain as you know we have found 12 planets so far, but there probably are a few more further out," she said and brought up a hologram of the system. "The first two are rocky worlds with no atmosphere, but third one is a habitable world and fourth one is only semi habitable." She pointed to each in turn. "Then there is an asteroid belt and 3 more rocky worlds. Another asteroid belt and next 4 are gas giants. Number 12 is a small world about the size of our moon. Then there's another asteroid belt and probably a few more small planets and eventually the Oort cloud. My department will continue to search."
"Tell us about the habitable planet," Judy said. "Is it like our world?"
"Basically yes," she said and picked up her pad. "It has two moons – one about 3/4 the size of ours and the other about 1/10. The smaller one was probably a captured asteroid. The planet has liquid water and an oxygen/nitrogen atmosphere. We can detect chlorophyll so we know it has some type of plant life. This world itself is about same size as ours so the gravity would be close unless it has a very heavy core. We'll see when we get there. Also, there isn't any artificial electromagnetic radiation coming from the planet. I assuming we're going there first."
"Yes," Judy confirmed. "And the semi-habitable planet."
"It's cool world with a light atmosphere," she said and shrugged. "If you were to climb to the top one of those mountains outside Zootopia that's what the atmosphere would resemble. You could breathe it, but it would be hard on your lungs. The planet would have to be 'terraformed' as the humans call it. Why bother? If there's a habitable planet around every 1000th star it would take millennia to colonize them all."
The Dark Star achieved orbit the next morning and the first two dozen survey ships touched down in different locations around the habitable planet later that day. Judy landed her survey ship on the continent which straddled the equator. As she watched two other ships touched down a bit further away. These carried more marines and were more heavily armed. She felt her Fox reached over and squeezed her hand. Then they unbuckled their straps and ran all the necessary shutdown procedures.
"Ma'am," the engineer said from behind them, "the engines have shutdown normally and all other systems are operating in the green."
"Good," she said and smiled.
"The other engineer and I will stay with the ship."
They rose and left the flight deck.
"Nick, the gravity does feel a bit lighter than home," Judy said bouncing on her toes.
When the door closed behind them he hugged his bunny and then kissed the top of her head.
"You never forget about the little details," he said and smiled.
She blushed and then giggled. Then the other door opened into the cargo bay and they joined the others.
"Judy," Elizabeth said and smiled. "Captain, the air is breathable, but I think we ought to remain in our armor until we get more information on any bacteria and viruses."
"Captain," Mark began, "I suggest that OSDT's and Marines setup a perimeter around the ship at half a mile. At least until the scientists do their initial tests and get ready to start exploring. We'll be launching our drones immediately."
"While the Commander and I get into our armor, please get everyone outside and setup your security."
"Yes, Captain," Mark said and saluted.
By the time they walked down the ramp with their OSDT guards they watched the last of the drones being launched. Judy thought the OSDT armor was more comfortable then the old Marine armor as they walked toward scientists.
"Captain! We found some animals about two miles west of here," the Deer said and pointed in the general direction. "Look." He handed her a pad which showed the video feed of the animals in real time. "They're grazers."
"They do look a bit like Deer."
"Well their horns are a bit different, but …" he began and then laughed. "I suppose they do. I want to get over there and have a closer look at them."
"Maybe went can get this armor off you can just join the herd."
The Deer laughed again as did her Fox over their private communications link.
"Nick, let's do a walk around of the ship and then go for a walk and check on security."
The land was completely flat with knee high grass which stretched off into the distance. The was a stand of trees in the direction they were walking, but Judy's helmet told her it was only a quarter of a mile beyond the security perimeter.
"Mark, I like to go to that stand of trees."
"I don't like you going outside the security perimeter, but you have your OSDTs. I'll send a couple of drones ahead to scout things out."
While they walked Judy tapped into the video feed from the drones. They looked like ordinary trees in the forests around BunnyBurrow. That made her think of her parents and that horrible night. She bit her lip and one tear rolled down her cheek. She sniffed and kept watching the video. They reached the stand of trees and information from the drones told her that this forest covered an area of about three hundred acres. There were also several natural springs which fed several large ponds within the forest.
It only took ten minutes to reach its edge and Judy drew down a branch. The leaves were shaped like a five pointed stars, but other than that it had a trunk and branches like any ordinary tree. Her Fox came up beside her and took her hand as they walked into the forest. They came to a pond and she squatted down running her hand through the water.
"This might be a nice place for a picnic and a swim if we could get rid of this armor."
"And the guards," Nick said and chuckled.
"There's that."
She looked up something was staring down at her. It was about the size she was before the plague and had a very dark fur, but she couldn't tell if it was black or a very dark brown. She slowly stood not taking her eyes off of it and slowly walked toward the tree it perched on. By then everyone else had followed her gaze and spotted the animal. She saw the security move a bit closer.
"Nobody do anything," she said and put a hand on the trunk.
The animal actually walked down the tree trunk until it was just out of reach. Now getting a closer look she decided it looked a bit like one of smaller cats that Maria and Kurt had recruited to work in engineering. Judy held one hand palm up and the animal touched it with a paw. It drew back and moved down the trunk until they were at eye level. Judy depolarized her faceplate and the 'cat' looked her from different angles. Then it put one paw on her faceplate and turned and ran back up the tree.
"You'd think it'd be scared of us," Nick said looking back up the tree. "I'll ask Mark if the drones can take a closer look at the trees."
A minute later the 'cat' returned with three others. These had the same dark fur, but where about half again as large. They looked at the group and jump to the ground. Judy sat and extended both hands palm up. Each of them touched her palm in turn and then walked a short distance away and sat in a circle.
"Nick, they have opposable thumbs and it looks to me like they're having a conference," she said still watching them. "I think we might want to get our first contact team down here."
"Judy, why are you whispering?" the Commander said, chuckling and then sitting down beside his bunny. Judy thumped her helmet. "But I think you're right. Mark says the drones reported a number of hot spots in the trees and on the ground. With the reports from the other survey teams Elizabeth says that we don't need the armor. Also, Mark told the scientists and they're on their way."
When the group arrived Judy and her Fox were sitting against a tree with over a hundred of the 'cats.' They were sitting in the trees, on the OSDTs shoulders, in their laps, and on the ground before them. Judy and her Fox were showing movies of Zootopia and BunnyBurrow on the outside of their faceplates holding the 'cats' rapt attention.
"There you are," Ben said speaking quietly and coming toward them, "and it looks like you found some new friends."
Judy patted a spot next to her and the 'cats' moved. He sat and became of immediate interest to their new friends.
"Judy."
"Just let them have a good look at you," she said and patted his arm. "They did the same thing to me and Nick."
First they examined at his hands and squeezed his fingers to express his claws. Then one climbed to his shoulder and touched his face. Ben turned his head and the 'cat' stared into his eyes for a full minute. They tried to examine him fully pushing his clothing aside. He stood and soon dropped to all fours is just his fur. Ben saw Judy's ears turn pink and smiled.
"Judy?" Ben said and smiled.
"Remember the Naturalist Club," Nick said and grinned.
He received a poke in his ribs from his bunny.
"You havin' fun?" Elizabeth said sitting beside her lover.
"Yes."
When they finished with Ben they found a Leopard among the scientists who was going through the same examination. More and more 'cats' showed up as time passed. Ben lay in Elizabeth's lap and she began to smooth his fur. Then his purr began and this generated a renewed interest in him. Soon a dozen 'cats' had their ears pressed to his chest and back.
"So how'd married life?" Judy asked.
"Interesting," Ben replied and looked at his mate.
Elizabeth smiled back at him.
"Just interesting," Nick said drawing out the last word and then snickering.
"Nick!" Judy said and poked him in the ribs again.
He blushed. Ben had become more serious since the plague had changed him, but underneath he was still the same old Ben.
"And Marco."
"Actually we've become good friends."
Judy saw Elizabeth squeeze his shoulder.
"Really?"
"It was a bit strange in the beginning," he said and shrugged. "We both love Elizabeth." He looked in her eyes and smiled. "If we didn't get along it would have ruined both our relationships. So we just got together and talked. Then things just seemed to work out."
Elizabeth kissed her Cheetah.
"I'm glad for you Ben," Judy said. "Where's Marco?"
"He stayed up on the ship today," Elizabeth said, "but he'll be with us tomorrow."
"So Elizabeth, what you think of them?" Judy asked indication the 'cat' now examining her hand.
"You're one lucky bunny to discover a sentient species on our first day on our first planet."
"I wonder what we'll find out when we learn to talk to each other," Judy said.
A dozen temporary open air buildings were setup along the edge of the forest and computers installed. These computers ran specially designed programs for first contacts. The first contact team first showed a group 'cats' pictures of different types of trees, but used the word tree in Zootopian for each of them. Then it did the same using rocks and grass. They caught on quick and the Zootopians soon had more 'cat' volunteers than computers.
The computers used touch screens and they were shown how to advance the pictures the 'cats' after they supplied their word for each. They quickly began to advance through the programs. Joan, the Dark Star's AI, oversaw the creation of the translation dictionary and adjusted the first contact programs to the individual. Some 'cats' seem to be better at this then others and they were given the more complicated concepts to work through. Others she found to better at mathematics and using their imaginations. Again she tailored program for them.
She also didn't rely on any one individual for a single concept. Joan might show it to thirty different 'cats' to make sure the translation was same.
"So how's it going?" Judy asked.
"How many times have I heard that question today?"
"Probably a lot," she said and laughed.
"At least you deserve a report," Joan said and smiled. "I estimate that we should be able to have meaningful conversations with them in three days."
"Good work Joan!"
"The 'cats' are doing all the hard work. I'm just correlating the data. Most of them are smart, but some are exceptional. One problem is they haven't any written language. I think we should teach them either English or Zootopian."
"Which do you think?"
"English does have fewer characters to learn."
"Joan, I think just I'll leave that decision up to you."
The next day Captain Wilde sent the Zootopia to the fourth planet to give its Captain and crew some experience working independently. More 'cats' were found by the other survey teams on the all across the continent and contacted. Apparently when shown videos of the first group of 'cats' the scientist had concluded that there had been some contact between the groups. With help from Joan they deduced that some of the newly discovered 'cats' wished to visit their kin. On the third day three shuttles from different parts of the continent landed bringing the visitors.
Most of the new 'cats' were more interested in their kin than the visitors to their world. One exception was the largest 'cat' Judy had seen yet. It approached on all fours and when it stood it was almost as tall as she was. Judy knew her body guards moved closer and she signaled them to hold their positions.
"So you're the leader of the visitors to our world," she said and Judy heard the translation through her ear piece. "Thank you for bring my people together. My name is Lateh."
Judy thought it was interesting watching the 'cat' speaking in its language and then hearing it in hers.
"What do you think of the translation?" Joan asked. "We've started to distribute ear pieces to the 'cats' now too.
"It's perfect," Judy said and held out her hands palm up. "My name is Judy and I'm a Rabbit."
Lateh touched palms and then gripped her hands. Judy's ears went up as did Lateh's eyes. She reached up and then stopped.
"May I touch you?"
"Yes."
Judy felt a hand run over her ear and smooth the fur on the side of her neck. Then Lateh took the Rabbit's face in her hands and looked into her eyes.
"You're prey on your world."
"Yes," Judy said and smiled, "but overall we live in peace with our predators."
"Do you wish to examine me now?"
"Yes."
Lateh's body did remind her of Ben's, but not nearly as tall or broad. She idly wondered if it were possible that these 'cats' could be related to ones on her world. Then she remembered that Mark, Kurt, and Elizabeth had told them that there were animals on Earth that matched the ones in Zootopia.
"Your people do remind me of the Animals on my planet."
"There was one on the ship that brought me here. Joan said it was called a Leopard and he did resemble me."
"Not to insult you, but I'm surprised that your people are not more shocked that we come from another world. My people certainly were when they found out about the humans."
Lateh stood motionless in thought for a time.
"We must seem primitive to you," she began. "Some of my people still do hunt our prey by tooth and claw. Others use traps or weapons. We have a realistic way of seeing our world. We know the stars are simply suns like ours, but just much further away. We know our world is a ball since we can see the shadow it casts on our moons. Of course the moon is a ball too. So other worlds around other stars make sense to us and other people living on those worlds is not really a surprise either."
Judy smiled.
"Your people are cleverer than mine."
"But you live peacefully with your predators."
"We both are intelligent, but we did fight in the past. We did get past that. In fact my husband is a predator. Would you like to meet him?"
"Yes."
Lateh dropped back to all fours and walked next to Judy as she led the way.
"There he is. Nick!"
Her Fox turned and smiled. Then he noticed Judy's companion and raises an eyebrow.
"Hi Judy!"
Lateh stood and Judy put an arm around her. Nick extended his hands palm up and Lateh touched them.
"Do predator and prey marry often on your world?" she said and Nick listened to the translation.
"More often now," Nick said.
"I think I'd like to visit your people and I believe others of my people would too."
"Actually before we found you we were going to setup a colony here."
"Have you changed your mind?"
"Well we thought talk it over with you first or set up the colony on another part of this world."
"Why?" she said honestly surprised. "The Hiras will welcome you."
Lateh lay staring into the fire as the meat cooked. Many of the Hiras were mixed in with the newcomers just getting to know them. There was a world where predator and prey mixed and lived together peacefully! Even in mated pairs! If one of her people would have told her this a few days ago she would doubted their sanity. From midday until the sun set she had spoken to the Rabbit and other prey animals. She shook her head and smiled.
She looked at the predators gathered around the fire. Once the meat started to cook the prey had made themselves scarce. Maybe they thought the meat would run out first. She chuckled. Some of her people and the humans had had gone hunting and brought back ten of their prey. The meat had been tested and it was safe for any of the newcomers to eat. She found the humans to be different from all the rest – they were both predator and prey! The humans were both tool builders and hunters. She'd learned that they'd become dominant species on their world and were probably more cleaver and dangerous than any of them.
She looked at the male Leopard that lay next to her and leaned against him.
"Are you hungry?"
"Yes," he said licking his lips. "We can't eat red meat on our world since all the prey are intelligent, but I've tried some of the meat on the ship."
"Joe, why did you come to our world?"
"We're exploring."
"No, I meant why did you come?"
"I'm a biologist and it was a chance study the biology of entirely new worlds."
She'd found out that he was a biologist and that was one of the reasons she sought him out. He'd also been that same Leopard that had been on the ship that had brought her here.
"Why do you think the Hiras are so similar to you?" she asked and moved closer to him. "Even our prey animals are similar."
"It may just be simply parallel evolution."
"When I spoke to Judy she suggested that the Hiras may be related to some of the predators from your world. She also told me that Earth had animals like the ones on your world. I think Judy is correct. So I want work with you to prove it."
"We'll probably need more Hiras than just you."
"I can speak to others in my clan and I don't think there be a problem getting volunteers."
"I'm glad for the help, but why …"
"I'm sure you've noticed that I'm larger than the other Hiras," she said and he nodded. "Everyone in my clan is larger and Leopards do remind me of them." She moved closer so only he could hear her. "Your scent is very similar to mine. Haven't you noticed?"
Subconsciously he had, but the rational part of his mind had considered it impossible. He leaned closer and ran his muzzle though her fur. Then unconsciously he licked her cheek and then she turned to him did the same to him.
Over the next month Lateh and Joe along with others from her clan proved that at least they were related to Leopards. The number of chromosomes was found to be identical, but their bodies were not quite the same. Whereas Lateh could stand she couldn't walk far upright. It was found that the Hiras spine was not as developed as a Zootopian Leopard's.
"Are you excited?" Joe said and watched Lateh's face as the shuttle left her planet's atmosphere. "Your world is quite beautiful."
And so are you, he thought. When the shuttle had left the planet's gravity he'd taken her to an observation room. She was the first Hiras to be invited to the Dark Star by Judy herself.
"Thank you," she said hugged him.
Several other animals chuckled and smiled at them. He put an arm around her and gave the other animals a nod. A tiger approached and extended a hand.
"I'm Bart," he said and shook Joe's hand. Then he looked at Lateh. "I'd heard there were larger Hiras, but I hadn't seen one of you up to now. You really do look like a Leopardess, but you don't have spots like your boyfriend's."
Joe was a melanistic Leopard, but if one looked closely at his black fur his spots still were evident. Joe looked at Lateh who only smiled at the Tiger.
"We are …"
"Very close friends," Lateh finished. "I'm really surprised at number of different types of cats. You're a Tiger, correct?"
"Yes."
"I like your stripes. May I touch you?"
Bart dropped to his knees and she hugged him. The Tiger looked at Joe and winked. He felt his ears grow warm. Other animals watched and drifted over to meet her. The first was a Deer.
"I've never been hugged by a predator before," she said and giggled. "It was kinda exciting."
The Deer swayed on her feet. Joe caught her and sat her in a chair. Then she looked up at him wild-eyed and fainted. Lateh looked at him in bewilderment and he could only shrug. Medics and security arrived a couple of minutes later.
"So tell me what happened," the Wolf said looking at Joe.
"We talked for a while and then I hugged her," Lateh said. "I've never seen prey act like that."
"I caught her and sat her down. Then she fainted."
"I'll right up a report and if we need anything else we'll let you know."
The shuttle landed on the Dark Star three hours later and they went to his cabin.
"First, I'm going to take a shower and then we'll get something to eat."
"I can wash your back and then brush your fur if you'll do the same for me."
She smiled and Joe blushed.
"OK," he said hesitantly.
He removed his clothes and led her to the bathroom. Fortunately the shower was larger enough for both of them. The shower lasted a bit longer as they did a bit more than washing. Lateh knew he liked her and smelled his arousal, but he didn't try to mate with her. She also liked his hands on her body and she knew he enjoyed it too. She was brushing his fur when the door chimed. Joe quickly dressed, opened the door, and brought in their belongings. She recognized one of her boxes and went to it. She opened it and pulled out a package of smoked meat.
"Now we can eat."
He smiled.
"There are several places on the ship where the crew eats together," he said taking the package. "We'll take this along too."
As they walked through the corridors Lateh saw many more types of animals. She noticed that some of them only stared while others stopped to talk. Eventually they made it to the Mess Hall.
"The meats are over there," he said and pointed across the room, "and this is foods for the prey."
"Meats?"
Joe chuckled.
"You have more than one prey animal."
"We have two," she said and shrugged. "There are others, but they're simply too small to bother with."
"There are ten different kinds of meats usually."
"Can I try them all!"
Joe laughed.
"Of course."
She followed while he took a plate and got a few vegetables. She was shocked the first time she'd seen him eat plants. They did use some plants in medicines, but ate none in their regular diet. Then they walked over to the meat buffet and got in line. Again Lateh became the center of attention. One female Leopard thinking Lateh was herself a Leopard was shocked that she wasn't wearing clothes. The two male leopards didn't seem to mind at all. The each received a hug and they eyed Joe. He smiled.
"Maybe we should visit your planet," one male said. "Do you have any sisters?"
This was meant as a joke, but Lateh didn't understand that.
"Yes, I have six sisters about the same age. Two are permanently mated, but the others would be interested. Since our peoples are related my sisters would be interested in mating with you. Our clan would welcome new blood."
The Hiras was never subtle and Joe chuckled at the looks on the males' faces.
"Could you introduce us?" one male asked.
"When you are ready to go down contact me and I'll speak to them."
"Thank you."
The Leopards drifted away.
"I have a question," Joe whispered. "When you said mate did you mean …"
"That'll be up to my sisters."
"Oh."
"In my clan the female chooses," she said and her blue eyes twinkled.
Joe smiled.
"Lateh."
She turned and smiled.
"Judy," she said and hugged the Rabbit. "My favorite prey."
Judy's ears turned pink and Lateh licked her cheek.
"Being told by a predator that you are their favorite prey doesn't sound good."
"And you taste good too."
"That sounds worse," Judy said and laughed.
"I don't eat friends."
They all laughed.
"Will you and Nick eat with us?"
"Yes," Judy said. "I'll meet you at my table. Nick is already there."
Judy pointed across the room. Lateh filled two plates with different meats and sat beside Joe and Judy returned with several more animals. The two that sat beside her both had a very long neck and long sharp horns. They looked identical and Lateh studied them. Soft brown eyes met blue ones. The prey smiled at her.
"I'm Maria and this is my sister ..."
"Alejandra," the other prey said, "and this our husband ..."
"Kurt."
"My name is Lateh," she said holding out a hand. "I am a Hiras. Joe found that we are related to his species."
Maria took her hand and shook.
"My sister and I are Gazelles."
Lateh looked at her hand and then looked at the Gazelle.
"Only three fingers."
"That's normal for Gazelles."
Lateh nodded.
"I find prey from your world most interesting. They're many more types than on my world and all intelligent."
"So far we haven't found any other intelligent animals on their world," Joe said.
"So you hunt for your food," Alejandra asked.
"Yes," she said. "Some still hunt in the old way by tooth and claw. I myself prefer to use this." From her pack she drew a sheathed knife and set it on the table. "This one was made by my brother and it extremely sharp."
Maria drew it from its sheath and then passed it to her sister. From her knee boots she drew two long bladed knives and handed them to Lateh. She examined them and then smiled.
"Very well made," she said and handed them back.
"Lateh, how do you like being in space?" Judy asked.
"I really like seeing my world," she said and looked around the table. "I would like to travel with you and some of my clan would too. Would that be possible?"
"They may still be primitive to our standards, but they are very fast learners," Joan said only to Judy. "I think they could be trained very quickly to serve as crew."
"Lateh, would you be willing to speak to the Hiras?"
"Definitely!"
After they finished supper Judy took Lateh on a tour of the ship. It took several hours and Judy noticed that toward the end Lateh yawned several times. She cut it short and led them to Joe's cabin.
"Why don't you come to my cabin for breakfast in the morning," Judy said and patted Lateh. "About 10?"
"Sure Judy," Joe said.
He opened the door and Lateh headed straight for the bed. She pulled down the covers and crawled in. Joe excused himself for a moment, lay down beside her, covered them both. He pulled her close and nuzzled the back of her neck. She giggled and turned to face him.
"So what do you have in mind?"
"This is first time we slept together and I thought …"
She raised an eyebrow and smiled. He kissed her which was a first for her and she touched her muzzle and then returned it. Then they both yawned hugely and laughed. They kissed again and pulled her against him. He licked the back of her neck and she sighed. They were soon asleep in each other arms.
Joe woke and looked at the clock: 7:07. He yawned and went to the bathroom. When he came out Lateh rushed passed him. Her scent made his nostrils flared and looked after her. When she came back she smiled.
"You knew!"
"I told you that the female picks her mate."
He pulled her into his arms and then onto the bed. Then he licked her throat and leaned her head back. She felt his jaws close gently on her throat and she moaned. Then he touched her sex and she almost screamed. Then she felt his weight on her hips and he slipped inside her. She arched her back and gasped.
"Did I hurt you?" he asked and stopped.
"NO!" she hissed. "Don't stop." Her legs went around his hips and pulled him closer. "Please!"
He thrust deeper and her back arched again. She'd never mated like this and he filled her up. She looked into his eyes. He smiled at her and licked her nose. Hiras males would lose all sense of reason when a female was in estrus, but Joe was taking his time. She felt wonderful and then she felt her body shake. Joe looked down at her in surprise.
"Don't stop!" she hissed and swatted him.
He continued and after a time she shudder again. Later and much more then she thought possible he tensed and thrust forward. A few seconds later he slumped onto her and she held him tight. She felt his weight lift, but she didn't let get away. He looked down at her concerned.
"Are you sure I didn't hurt you?"
"I'm sure," she said and tightened her muscles on him.
Then two races that were separated by millennia were rejoined as one - figuratively and physically.
Over the next two years more starships come online and all the yellow dwarf stars within twenty lightyears of the Zootopia system were explored. Then the search was expanded to fifty lightyears and then one hundred. New colonies were established and civilizations were found. Several had even had expanded into their solar systems. Peaceful contacts were made and almost all joined the UNSC. Then Maria and Alejandra made a discovery that increased their velocity in slipspace a hundred fold.
"Are all systems ready?" Captain Wilde asked and all stations reported green.
"Our engines are ready," Maria said and theirs and other five ships entered slipspace.
Twenty three hours ten minutes and eleven seconds later they reentered normal space 5,282.68 lightyears from the Zootopian system. There were in interstellar space with closest star at 3.42 lightyears. After a week her fleet had entered thirty two star systems and discovered one new civilization.
"Course is set," the navigator said and they entered slipspace.
Thirty four seconds later they reentered normal space.
"Captain, I have 122 contacts throughout the system," the sensor tech reported. "I've also had two slipspace signatures in the last five seconds."
"Captain, I'm receiving a signal through slipspace from the third planet," the communication tech said. "It is repeating."
"Please play it."
"Human ship Dark Star welcome to Shield World 1723," the voice said in English. "I am 2742 Vibrant Contemplation monitor of this world. You are invited to approach and visit this Shield World."
"Oh sweet cheese and crackers," she said under her breath.
