THE KLIPPER & KALITH

by Mr. David R. Dorrycott

Dang © Mrs. Mel. White

Tani Icedance © Mrs.

Kalith left Tani Icedance to discover its trap, that the STAR DIAMOND'S computers were not logically orientated but patterned after Snowaters own memory patterns. Finding her way out was going to take her a while. Long enough to complete its project. Quickly it accessed the dataline attached the the KLIPPER. Within seconds it had access.

'Such a restricted system' it thought. Quickly new connections were made, access to the STAR DIAMOND's massive computer complex allowed, sensors adjusted security AI's enabled. Time for some fun it decided.

The NET expanded.....

(From Tactical) "Captain! Unknown ship materializing, Starboard Z plus 22. Range, 20,000 kilometers."

Dang looked up at the view screen, and dropped his drink to the deck. Phasing into existence before him was one of the most deadly warships he had ever seen. While its image stabilized he spoke. "Is that thing real or another Montana trick?"

(From Tactical) "All sensors report the same basic data, all indications are... its real Sir." was the reply.

(From Communications): "They are hailing us Captain. Shall I put it on screen?"

"Yes" he replied. "We might as well get the bad news all at onetime."

Their screen wavered as video frequencies adjusted, met, and matched. Dang looked into one of the toughest military faces he had seen in a long while. 'Just don't smile' he thought, 'You'll break your face'.

"Greetings SS KLIPPER from the IMPERIAL RUM-ULAN EMPIRE. You have one hour to surrender the criminals known as RACHELLE, a human, and her partner known as FIGURE M, life form unknown, for immediate execution. Failure to do so within the stated time will result in the total destruction of your ship and all aboard. And may I warn you Sir, that at this range I rarely miss. EATUMUPFAST out!" The screen returned to a view of stars, eclipsed by the massive ship.

(From Tactical) "Sir, computer identifies that ship as the Rum-Ulan Imperial Flamehawk Class, a Mauler. All weapons are hot. Orders sir?"

Before he could answer the turbolift doors opened. Spinning around (and knocking the Yoman holding the ever present Fuel Reserve Report to the deck) he saw Snowaters standing there. He couldn't believe it, she was dressed in full Japanese Imperial Court dress during a Red Alert.

Snowaters looked at Dang, then the viewscreen. "Oh" she said. "I see you are otherwise occupied. I assume that this would be a bad time to inform you there was a minor accident in Transporter Room Two?" She looked up at him with polite interest.

Dang bowed his head into his hands. "Oh heck, what next?"