Starcruiser Falcon Ii: Degeneration

Contents

B E F O R E T H E D E G E N E RATI O N

C H A P T E R 1

C H A P T E R 2

C H A P T E R 3

C H A P T E R 4

C H A P T E R 5

C H A P T E R 6

C H A P T E R 7

C H A P T E R 8

C H A P T E R 9

C H A P T E R ΙΟ

C H A P T E R 11

C H A P T E R 12

C H A P T E R 13

C H A P T E R 14

A F T E R T H E D E G E N E RATI O N

B E Y O N D D E G E N E RAT I O N

In remembrance of James Hill

B E F O R E T H E

D E G E N E RATI O N

April 24, 2316…

Over the planet Earth, a destructive confrontation is raging between League ofPlanets Space Fleet forces and warships from the Phintasian Empire. The League of Planets is a federation of planets with Earth being one of the founding members. Their adversaries, the Phintasian Empire, were overwhelming the surprised League of Planets ships.

The League ofPlanets consistently secured Earth with a full armada of twenty-five ships and April 24, 2316 was no different. The Phinta- sians, however, were ruthlessly overpowering the Ninth Armada with three full armadas of battlecruisers.

The invaders successfully cut off all communications between Earth and the rest of the League of Planets. For the first time, the prized planet of the League was truly alone.

Onboard the League ofPlanets Starcruiser Tempest, the bridge crew looked in terror as the Starcarrier Arcadia exploded right in front of them. The crew of the Tempest was on the average the most youthful in the Ninth Armada due to the fact that the youngest captain in the Space Fleet commanded the ship.

Captain Ursula Silvers has seen many futile battles only to survive time and time again. Doing this has earned the nickname ofMiracle.

The look in her hazel eyes did not indicate there was a way out of this. In time, she thought, if only help could arrive in time. But how? Communications are being blocked. Time is running out for everyone both on Earth and the Ninth Armada. And quite possibly for the entire League.

As the explosion caused by the Arcadia’s destruction finally ended, the thought of being one of only two ships left in the armada entered Ursula’s mind. She observed on the viewscreen the Starcruiser Mariner being closed in from all sides, as was the Tempest. She ordered, Prepare evacuation procedures, Commander Lithow. Maybe we can save some lives if we abandon ship.

Just as Commander Lithow was about to reply, the Tempest took a direct hit that caused an explosion on the bridge. The force of the blast threw Commander Jon Lithow to the floor where he laid motionlessly.

Ursula commanded, Fire all weapons, Ensign! Lieutenant Commander Peters, check on Commander Lithow and give the order to evacuate!

Just as she finished her statement, Ursula witnessed the horror of the Mariner exploding on the viewscreen.

She did not allow herself to show her sorrow for the crew of the fallen ship. Ursula attempted to show nothing but strength in her demeanor for the benefit of her crewmembers.

The Starcruiser Tempest took another direct hit in the nucleus of the ship that caused a blast in the medicentre. The explosion ravaged the medical area and all personnel callously.

A clamorous sound filled the air. All personnel recognized the sound as meaning the hull of the ship has been compromised.

The young crew remaining alive began to panic. Ursula ordered in the strongest voice she could muster, All hands, abandon ship! I repeat, report to the nearest lifepod!

Looks like you will be the last of our group, Tori, she thought. The captain always goes down with the ship you told me. Those days back at the Academy, we thought we were immortal. Jacques, Remy, and us. Now, it’s just you. I just hope somehow you will honor me and show these bastards what we’re all about.

Another hit on the Starcruiser Tempest caused a minor eruption on the bridge. For Ursula, a bright flash preceded everything turning black.

Six years later.

On the bridge of the Starcruiser Falcon, Commodore Toriano Taylor studied the Phintasian ships leaving the planet Earth. Seems they are leaving.

The ele-lift doors opened. Lieutenant Commander Randale Coltaire and Luke Storm walked unto the bridge. Coltaire walked over to Taylor. Commodore, this is my cousin Luke. He’s one of the people who lived on Earth the last six years.

Taylor did not look at them. Lieutenant Commander, you were on the planet. What do you make of this mad exodus?

Ensign Kale Blake turned in his seat at sensors. Commodore, I just picked up a massive energy buildup right where the Phintasians had their fortress.

Luke snapped, Oh, shit! They did it! We need to move this ship out of harm’s way!

Lieutenant Junior Grade Michelle Powers served as the communications officer. She turned towards Taylor then said, Our shuttle is coming in.

Taylor looked at Luke. What do you know about that?

Luke said, The planet is toast. There is a device underneath the Apocalypse that once it’s activated, it will rip the planet apart. If this ship is too close, we’ll go with it. It can’t be turned off once it’s activated.

Taylor asked, Is the shuttle in yet? And is there any other ships stuck out there?

Michelle said, Shuttle just docked. No other ships, Commodore.

Lieutenant Jo-Jo Wyndham, the navigator, asked, The people still on the planet. Can we just leave them here?

Luke said, There’s nothing we can do now.

Taylor thought a moment. Ensign Forrest, raise the shields. Lieutenant Wyndham, get us out of here.

As the Starcruiser Falcon began to move away from the planet, an energy wave shot up from the Apocalypse that ripped through the atmosphere. The wave caused a ripple affect that ripped away the atmosphere of the Earth. Leaving was once blue and green and full of life and turned it only brown with no life.

A second energy wave shot out and began to move through the Solar System. The wave began to catch up to the Falcon.

Luke said, That second wave will knock out all mechanical systems. Including life support. The distance it will reach will be this sys tem.

Wyndham said, System speed is not fast enough to outrun it.

Taylor said, Then forget system safety. Go to SL 7.

Wyndham glanced at Taylor then return his attention to his station. He plotted as much of a course as he could. When Wyndham noticed the wave was about to hit the Falcon, he pressed the buttons to go at speed level 7. The Starcruiser Falcon sped away from the Solar System.

When the Falcon slowed back down, Taylor said remorsefully, Good job, Lieutenant Wyndham. Set a course for Stargate II.

Later, a slender brunette lieutenant commander named Piper Scott stood at the doorway to Taylor’s quarters. She already wore the rank insignia for commander although it would not be official until the Starcruiser Falcon reached Spacestation Apollo. Currently, the rank was only a field promotion for the mission.

She inhaled deeply then pressed the visitor chime. Even though she worked with him before and had a good relationship with him, she sort of felt nervous about what she wanted to talk to him about. She waited a brief moment before the door opened for her. Piper waited a brief moment before entering slowly. She looked around the outer room and noticed Taylor sitting at the table. She walked over to him.

Piper, something on your mind?

Commodore, I told you I would make my decision about being the new executive officer of this ship when the mission was over, remember? And?

Piper sat down across from Taylor. She shook her head as soon as she got herself somewhat comfortable in her seat. I can’t believe I’m going to say this. She paused for a moment. But I’ll be remaining here. For some reason, I have a feeling if I leave this ship now, I’ll be leaving something special.

Taylor smiled. Welcome home then, Piper.

Home, she echoed softly. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I guess the Starcruiser Falcon is my new home now. Piper returned a small smile to Taylor. She then looked out the window at the stars streaking by as the ship moved towards Stargate II.

C H A P T E R 1

Ten months later…

Commander Piper Scott stood alone in the Officers Club on Spacestation Apollo, which orbits Stargate II, staring out the large window at the Starcruiser Falcon which was having the regular maintenance done while in port. The call letters of 500-Q-Alpha on the ship’s hull seemed to make Piper have even more pride in the flagship of the sixteenth armada.

In her right hand, she held a tall, slender glass filled with a bright yellow liquid, which she occasionally took a sip from. Piper had a hard time to determine if the drink was sweet or sour. It seemed to give a different sensation when it touched different parts of her tongue.

Almost a year has passed since she became the executive officer on the Falcon during the halfway successful maiden mission. At least, Piper considered it halfway successful. The crew of the Falcon at the time did get the Phintasians out of the Solar System, but it resulted in the Earth no longer inhabitable. It was too high of a price to pay in her eyes even though the League of Planets politicians considered it a victory. Basically a case of if they can’t have it, nobody will is how Piper took it. Even after almost a year, she can still imagine the faces of the ones who did not make it off the planet before it was laid to waste.

Piper did have a lot of pride in the Starcruiser Falcon however. During the past year the crew has outperformed any crew in the League, earning a tremendous reputation in the League ofPlanets Space Fleet. She still wonders why the League of Planets Security Council ordered the captain of the ship to meet with them alone. She took a deep breath before taking another sip from her drink.

Her comm-link buzzed. She raised her left wrist, which is where she kept it, to answer the comm-link. Commander Scott here. Go ahead.

A soft female voice answered back, Lieutenant Commander Talon and Lieutenant Caine have been trying to reach you, Commander.

Piper quickly looked at a clock on the wall. Oh, crap!

The voice answered back, Excuse me, Commander?

Piper said, Sorry, Michelle. If you hear from them again let them know I’m on my way. Piper turned offher comm-link again, which only would allow the Starcruiser Falcon to call her in case of emergency. She tried to finish her drink in a single gulp. Once it hit the back of her throat she could swear it was on fire. She reminded herself to ask Talon exactly what this drink he introduced to her was composed of.

Piper briskly walked out of the club and headed down the corridor. She entered an ele-lift that was already filled with ensigns and lieutenant junior grades. She gave them all a small smile when she noticed they all tensed up when she entered and they noticed her rank insignia.

When the ele-lift stopped, Piper exited and turned right. She came to a door marked Arena Competitors. She entered the room and noticed a sea ofbeings from different races walking back and forth. She barely caught a glimpse of the tall Lieutenant Commander Talon, a Redestarian, on the far side of the room. She made her way through the crowd towards him. As she got closer, she noticed he was standing with Lieutenant Tara Caine. Piper said as soon as she reached them, Sorry for being late.

Talon replied with his rough, deep voice, That’s okay, Commander.

Piper smiled slightly. How are you guys doing?

Tara replied while rubbing her left forearm, Last match was tough but we made it to the finals.

Piper frowned at Tara. Is something wrong with your arm, Lieutenant? This is just a game and you shouldn’t hurt yourself just to win.

Tara replied, No, Commander. It’s nothing. Honest. She looked up at Talon. You trust me to hold up my end, don’t you? Talon nodded before Tara returned her sights to Piper. See, Commander?

Piper slowly shook her head. Fine but after this is over you are to report to Lieutenant Commander White and have that arm checked out. Piper noticed Tara was about to say something but cut her offby saying, And that wasn’t a request, Lieutenant. Piper allowed the stern look to give way to a proud smile. Well, I guess I’ll go grab a seat and root for you two to win the championship again. Piper made her way to the exit.

A small shuttle approached the Starcruiser Falcon and docked. Lieutenant CommanderJames Novak stood in the shuttle baywaiting from the door of the shuttle to open. He smiled broadly when the doors opened and Ensign Crystal Peters exited the shuttle.

She returned his smile as she walked over to him. She carried a bag in her left hand. Her short brownish hair was pulled back into a small ponytail, something new to Novak. Crystal said with a smile on her face, I’m back reporting for duty, sir.

Good to have you back, Crystal. Novak asked, Did you enjoy your shore leave? How is your sister doing?

Katya’s fine. My nephew Kore almost wouldn’t let me go though. I think he thinks I’ll go on a mission and never return like his mother did. It’s hard to lose your mother when you’re that young. She paused a moment while she pushed a small amount of hair out of her eyes. Actually, I still feel bad about how I treated my sister Megan the last time I saw her alive, she said with a great deal of sadness in her already delicate voice.

Novak reached for the duffel bag she was holding. He smiled at her and waited for Crystal to force something that might be considered a smile.

As they were leaving the shuttle area, she glanced over to an empty corner. Crystal shook her head. I guess the Wind Rider not being back yet means the bridge crew is still on their camping trip down on Stargate II.

Novak smiled. Any particular one you wanted to see? Ensign Blake? Lieutenant Wyndham? Or could it be a particular Ensign Forrest?

Crystal replied, No, it’s not that. She put a pout on her face. How many times do I have to tell you I’m just friends with Kale and Carney both? Sheesh, I go to a formal function with Carney one time and you have us married already with four point five kids or whatever the average is these days. You maybe the chief of engineering, but you are way off base on this one.

Uh-huh. Well, Ensign Forrest is expected to be back with the others within the hour. Novak walked a pace faster to stay a step ahead of Crystal so she could not respond anything else about it without seeing the grin on his face.

In a heavily wooded area on Stargate II, three male members of the crew were packing up their belongings from the campsite they called home for the last week. Lieutenant Jo-Jo Wyndham, Ensign Kale Blake, and Ensign Carney Forrest have been through this before as this was the second time within a year they went camping. After they finished packing everything into the shuttle marked Wind Rider, they climbed aboard to return to the Falcon. Wyndham, the Starcruiser Falcon’s chief navigator, sat in the pilot seat. Even though it was not necessary for Wyndham, Kale sat in the co-pilot’s seat while Forrest stretched out on one of the back seats.

Wyndham brought the shuttle off the ground and then headed skyward. When the shuttle exited the atmosphere of Stargate II, Wyndham guided the ship towards Spacestation Apollo.

Kale glanced over at Wyndham. Must say camping is fun but I can’t wait to get a good night sleep in my own bed on the Falcon. I don’t think I was able to catch a wink all week on those rocks.

Wyndham replied, I know what you mean, Kale. Wyndham returned his attention to piloting the shuttle.

The shuttle entered Spacestation Apollo and headed for the Star- cruiser Falcon, which was the only ship docked at the moment. The shuttle entered the Falcon’s shuttle bay. The three disembarked and each made a direct line for his respective quarters.

Piper sat in the spectator section of the Arena. She could not get as excited about what was happening in the Arena like everyone else around her. She looked with a curious interest particularly keeping an eye on Tara.

In the Arena, Tara made her way through the plants and trees, her eyes scanning constantly for movements of any kind. Her hand tightened on her drawn weapon. She walked cautiously closer towards a large bush. Her lips formed a frown as she stared intensively at the bush. Something was causing the hairs on the back ofher neck to stand up. She noticed a very slight movement from the bush. Swiftly, Tara let loose with a barrage from her weapon towards the movement from the bush. A buzzing sound emerged from the bush and Tara rushed over to the noise. She reached into the bush and pulled out a human male. The apparatus on his chest caused the sound to indicate he was dead in the competition. Tara smiled ever so slightly. Better luck next time, Justin.

He asked, How did you know?

Tara stared at him right in the eyes noticing he looked beyond her. She spun around but it was too late. Her apparatus began to buzz as Justin’s partner hit her. She glanced at both of them. Damn. Justin was the lamb, huh? Nice move, Logan. Too bad I didn’t think of that. She paused for a moment. Especially since Talon and I invented the strategy in this game. Tara smiled wickedly then her eyes shifted upwards.

Above them, Talon sat in a tree and fired his weapon to cause Logan’s alarm to sound. Talon jumped down and ran towards a red flag on the far side of the Arena. He grabbed the flag and the crowd cheered loudly with a few boos mixed in.

As the four combatants left the Arena, the losers congratulated Talon and Tara. Logan added, Justin and I will get the win next time. Guess you two are still undefeated. He extended his hand and Talon shook it.

As Logan and Justin were leaving, Piper walked towards Talon and Tara. She told them, Good job. I almost thought they had you in that ambush. I’m heading back to the ship and will see you there after you get the trophy.

Tara replied, Sure thing, Commander.

Piper added, And you are to report to Lieutenant Commander White so she can check that arm out, Lieutenant Caine. When you grabbed Justin and pulled him out of that bush, you looked like you were in a great deal of pain. Piper turned before Tara could have a chance to protest and left the area.

Piper walked down the corridor and made her way to the docking ramp. Two security guards stood at the ramp entrance. One guard said, Welcome back, Commander. How did they do? I had two-hundred credits on them.

Piper replied in a manner as to show no surprise; They won again, Ensign. Was there any doubt? After the smiling ensign shook his head, she gave him a half-crooked smile then walked down the ramp and entered the Falcon. She walked pass a couple of young officers as she entered an ele-lift and after the doors closed behind her she said, Bridge. The ele-lift moved then stopped. When the doors opened, Piper stepped out onto the bridge of the ship. She noticed the only other person on the bridge was Lieutenant Junior Grade Michelle Powers, the Falcon’s communications officer. When Michelle turned to her, Piper asked, Where’s the others? Aren’t they back yet?

Michelle replied, They arrived about twenty minutes ago. They should be reporting to duty in a few minutes. But you know how they are when they just get back from having fun.

Piper said, Maybe one day I’ll find out what you’re like after you have fun. When was the last time you did that? You haven’t had a single extended time off since I’ve known you.

Before Michelle could reply, a buzz went off at her station. Michelle looked at the communications station then said, Commander, we’re being hailed on the emergency channel.

Put it on the viewscreen, Lieutenant. The bridge’s viewscreen changed to show the bridge of another ship. The beings on the ship were not human but Kilturians; a race of blue skinned human-like beings. Piper said, This is Commander Piper Scott on the League of Planets Starcruiser Falcon. We are receiving your transmission. What is the trouble? Piper noticed the aliens were not calm at all as they were running around the bridge of their ship.

One Kilturian who seemed to be in charge answered, I am Captain Horrew of the Kilturian vessel Delta Star. The navigations went offline and our ship is heading straight into your sun. Our shields will only last another five of your minutes. Can you help us? We are transporting a high ranking diplomat of the Kilturian Empire.

Piper glanced at Michelle. Is there any other ship nearby that can help them? After Michelle shook her head, Piper returned her attention to the viewscreen. Delta Star, we’re on our way. Piper sat in the command console as she motioned towards Michelle to cut communications. After the viewscreen returned to normal view, Piper said, Michelle, tell the rest of the bridge crew to report on the double. She pressed a red button on the command console to initiate red alert. As the lights turned a shade of ruby, Piper ordered, Michelle, get us clearance to leave the spacestation immediately.

The ele-lift doors opened. Wyndham, Kale, and Forrest all still dressed in casual clothes instead of their uniforms exited the ele-lift. Wyndham sat at the navigation station, Forrest at the weapons station next to Wyndham, while Kale sat at sensors next to Michelle.

Piper said, Lieutenant Wyndham, take us out pronto. There’s a ship out of control heading right for our sun.

The Starcruiser Falcon moved out of the Spacestation Apollo. After the ship left the station, the Falcon increased speed towards the sun of the Korton System. Kale said, I got the ship on the sensors. He paused briefly. The Delta Star? Commander, that ship is one of a few ships used by the Kilturian royal family.

Understood, Ensign. Is that something you learned while stationed at Strategic and Tactical Command for those two months?

Kale nodded.

Piper realized what the implications Kale referred to all too well. She turned her attention elsewhere. Ensign Forrest, as soon as we are in range of the tractor beam, lock on. Lieutenant Wyndham, as soon as he gets the tractor beam locked, go reverse to pull them out of there on my mark. Not too fast though. We wouldn’t want to tear the Delta Star apart.

Wyndham glanced back at Piper. Aye, Commander.

As the Falcon moved closer towards the Delta Star, Forrest said, I can lock it from here.

Piper said, Lieutenant Powers, contact the Delta Star and tell them to cut their engines. Ensign Forrest, prepare to lock on the tractor beam.

Kale said, Commander, their shields are almost gone. They will only be able to last about another minute at most.

Michelle added, Commander, they shut down their engines.

Piper said, Ensign Forrest, lock on the tractor beam. After Forrest confirmed the tractor beam had a hold on the Delta Star, Piper continued, Lieutenant Wyndham, go reverse. Ensign Blake, continue monitoring the Delta Star for any other problems.

The Falcon began to tow the Delta Star away from the nearby sun.

Kale said, I think we need to stay at this speed since the Delta Star is weakened and going faster could put too much strain on that ship.

Piper said, Thanks, Ensign.

Wyndham said, Only thing is that it will take us about thirty minutes at this speed to get back to Apollo towing that ship.

Piper turned towards Michelle. Hail the Delta Star. And put it on the viewscreen.

Shortly the viewscreen changed to show the bridge of the Delta Star. Captain Horrew said, Thank you, Commander. You saved our lives.

Piper smiled politely. You’re welcome. Since your ship is offline, you are more than welcome to stay on our ship until we reach port.

Captain Horrew said, Thank you but we must decline for me and my crew. However, would our diplomat be safe aboard your ship?

Piper, puzzled, thought a moment. Finally, she replied, Of course. Who is your diplomat?

She’s the sole child of Lord Thesus. Princess Larin.

Piper glanced at each of her fellow bridge crewmembers that returned her startled expression with one of their own. Piper looked back at the viewscreen and put a polite smile on her face. I will see she is extended the highest courtesy while on our ship, Captain.

Thank you, Commander. She will be joining you shortly. Delta Star out.

After the viewscreen returned to normal view, Piper asked while keeping her eyes on the viewscreen, Did anyone else see anything wrong here?

Forrest turned towards her. Besides sending the heir to the empire over here alone without even guards?

Kale added, And there’s something else you need to know. The Delta Star didn’t just malfunction. It was attacked. It’s showing signs of being in a recent battle and since it’s not a battleship, that is very odd without an escort.

Suddenly, a young blue skinned girl materialized on the bridge of the Falcon. She was dressed in a long golden dress and a sparkling tiara to give her a regal look. Piper turned towards her. I hate the fact Kil- turians can do that.

The girl said, You mean teleporting? I hate it too. I don’t like the idea of being converted to pure energy and reassembled somewhere else. While she scanned the bridge with her eyes, she said offhandedly, So much can go wrong.

Piper asked in amazement, You’re Princess Larin?

The girl looked at Piper then nodded slowly. Her big black eyes seemed to be full of questions as she looked around the bridge of the Falcon again. So this is the League ofPlanets ship that has one of our stealth devices installed.

Piper thought a moment wondering if she should answer that question or not. She decided to try to divert away from the question with one of her own. Can we get you anything, Princess?

Larin replied, I hope you don’t mind, but I’m really hungry. I haven’t eaten since I left home.

Piper said, Lieutenant Wyndham, you have the bridge. I will take our guest to the galley for something to eat. Piper walked to the ele-lift with Larin giving a quick stare at Wyndham before following the executive officer of the Falcon.

After the doors closed, the four remaining bridge crewmembers exchanged puzzled expressions.

Talon and Tara walked through a corridor on Spacestation Apollo. Each of them carrying a small bag; Talon carried his bag in his right hand while Tara had her bag thrown over her right shoulder. Talon also carried a trophy in his left hand. He asked, Tara, do you want to keep this trophy since I have the one from the last competition?

Tara shook her head.

Are you sure? It’s only fair. We make a great team.

Tara replied, I’m sure, Talon.

Talon rarely heard sadness in Tara’s voice before. I mean that, Tara. Sometimes, I forget what it’s like to not have you at my side. You are a great warrior. He paused for a moment. And a great friend.

Tara looked up at Talon with a startled look on her face. She realized for a Redestarian to make that statement meant a lot. Thanks, Talon. Same to you.

What is troubling you then?

Tara slowly shook her head. Guess you will find out soon enough. She ran her left hand through her blonde hair. More than likely, this will be the last time we enter the tournament together.

What do you mean?

"I have been contacted by Fleet Headquarters. I have been offered to become the new security chief on the Starcruiser