"Battle Fronts" by Rygar and Kooshmeister Additions by WatsonSword First draft - 8/29/09 Second draft - 9/12/09 Final draft - 12/27/09 SCENE 1 - BAR, GENUS CAPTAIN BUCKY O'HARE sits slumped at the bar, nursing a beer. The establishment is not crowded, but there are a few people around. Occasionally, someone will cast a glance in Bucky's direction and murmur something, but no one says anything to him. Bucky sighs, takes another sip of his beer, and casts his gaze back upward at the TV playing behind the bar. It's a news program being narrated by a female fox REPORTER. REPORTER (on TV) After taking in the shocking events of today, it's worth looking back over the events that led Merope to withdraw from the United Animals Coalition Security Council. The image on the TV cuts to video footage of a Genus in ruins, its landscape slowly being rebuilt by dozens of workers. REPORTER A little less than two months ago, the S.P.A.C.E. fleet, led by Captain Bucky O'Hare, managed to rescue Genus from the clutches of the Toad Empire. With former Chairman Fritz Warner having been suspiciously absent during the takeover, unprecedented emergency elections were held, and Sirius Dogstar, former commander of the S.P.A.C.E. frigate The Indefatigable, was elected chairman. The TV now shows CHAIRMAN SIRIUS DOGSTAR in a suit and tie, barking orders during a meeting of the Security Council. REPORTER As expected, Dogstar ramped up the military effort against the toads. New ground troops were assigned to every planet in Genus's sector, new defense shields were designed for planets represented in the Security Council, and seven new frigates were added to the S.P.A.C.E. roster. On TV, several ships, all resembling The Righteous Indignation or The Indefatigable, are pictured launching from Orwell Station above Genus. Bucky takes another sip of his beer. REPORTER Many thought the Toad Wars would soon be over. The reporter's image returns to the screen. She stands outside the UAC Headquarters on Genus. REPORTER However, since retreating from Genus, little has been heard from the toads. Routine patrols picked up little toad activity, and the toads abandoned most of the mammal planets that they had overtaken -- apparently having exploited their existing resources to their fullest. Some thought the threat had ended, but given the history of the Toad Wars, some remain fearful of an unexpected, unpredictable new wave of toad attacks sometime in the future. Bucky emits a choked laugh and shakes his head. No one turns to look at him. REPORTER It was first believed to be an isolated event when Canis II withdrew its seat on the Council and its membership in the UAC only three weeks after Genus was freed. More archival footage is shown, this time of FALTHIN NOVARR, the former Security Council member from Canis II. The bulldog is seen talking to reporters on the steps of the Council building. NOVARR The president and prime minister of Canis II have decided that membership in the Security Council is akin to painting a big target on our capital city and asking the toads to pillage it. Considering the time I spent as a hostage of the toads mere weeks ago, I am certainly inclined to agree. While I am grateful to the efforts of the S.P.A.C.E. fleet for my rescue, I simply do not feel safe as a citizen of the UAC, and my people share the sentiment. We have enjoyed our time with the Coalition and intend to continue trade relations with its members, but we simply cannot continue to position ourselves in the same line of fire as Warren and Genus. Bucky downs his beer and waves for another one. The bull BARTENDER, saying nothing, slips him a full mug. The reporter reappears on TV. REPORTER But now, with Merope leaving the Council amid concerns over increased military spending and decreased military activity, the future of the United Animals Coalition seems uncertain. While most members of the general coalition remain, there are now only four remaining planets in the Security Council: Genus, Warren, Carno I, and Corneria. The question on everyone's minds now is, can Chairman Dogstar maintain order within the UAC when he was elected to fight a war that seems to have vanished overnight? Bucky sighs, shakes his head, and takes a sip. Looking a little slurred, he turns toward the barkeep. BUCKY How much 'm I gonna owe you fer these? BARTENDER (pouring a drink for someone else) You Bucky O'Hare? BUCKY (almost sad about it) Yeah. BARTENDER (not looking up) On the house. Bucky smiles a bit, then sighs, takes another swig, and focuses back on the TV. SCENE 2 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY, UAC HEADQUARTERS, GENUS GRIFF Order! Order! VICE CHAIRMAN SANZER GRIFF bangs his gavel, which can barely be heard over the chatter among the many representatives from the various planets that make up the United Animals Coalition. Sitting to Griff's left, trying not to look haggard, is Dogstar, still wearing his military uniform. Flanking him are the remaining members of the UAC Security Council: JOSEPH MORELAND of Warren, CHANNOC FADRIGO of Carno I, MARCO GOLLAN of Genus, and the newest member, ERNO POLYGUS of Corneria. Two seats at the ends are noticeably empty. Various REPRESENTATIVES are shouting out of turn, adding to the tense semi-chaos in the room. REPRESENTATIVE #1 With Merope gone, my planet doesn't have a Security Council representative anywhere in our sector! REPRESENTATIVE #2 Miller was the only one of you we even trusted! Why should we remain a part of the Coalition? REPRESENTATIVE #3 Yeah, it's a sinking ship! Two of you are gone already. Who's next? REPRESENTATIVE #4 Vaxar is next! We just had our budget slashed despite paying all appropriate allowances to the UAC! All so Dogstar can throw money down a black hole! At this, Dogstar's eyes catch fire. He stands. Still a commanding figure despite his increasing age, his actions slowly, very slowly, but surely calm the crowd. DOGSTAR (bellowing) That's enough, I say! Quiet. Dogstar sits. To his right, Griff looks impressed. DOGSTAR (leaning into his microphone) With all that we have been through over the past dozen years, I refuse to let the Coalition destroy itself from the inside. (beat) Yes, no one was as surprised as I when Councilman Miller submitted his resignation and withdrew his planet both from the Security Council and the United Animals Coalition. While we do not agree with his actions, we respect his choice and wish him no ill. (beat) Work has continued on finding a replacement on the Security Council for Canis II and now Merope. A number of planets have expressed interest, most notably Aldebaran. Dogstar stands again immediately, anticipating the resumed chatter that indeed follows his statement. It dies a quick death, and he once again sits. DOGSTAR And for those of you who seem to think that just because the toads have been quiet the past few months, let me remind you that the very reason that Merope and Canis II have withdrawn is because of the damage the toads have done. (beat) I make no apologies for shifting the focus of our budget to the war effort. Until the toads have been vanquished for good, I will not rest, and I will not yield. (beat, eyeing the crowd) Given the chitchat I can hear even while I'm speaking to you, I hereby adjourn this meeting. The next meeting will be announced in the usual fashion. Hopefully by then, the knee-jerk reaction to Councilman Miller's resignation will have subsided, and we can continue our work in a more civilized fashion. Dogstar turns and exits the chamber. To his dismay, though perhaps not to his surprise, the murmurs begin anew. The other Councilmen shake their heads as they slowly file out. SCENE 3 - CHAIRMAN DOGSTAR'S OFFICE Dogstar, having retreated to his office, shuffles behind his desk and collapses in his seat, harried. Griff follows behind him, then shuts the door. A look of concern crosses his face as Dogstar sighs and massages his temples. DOGSTAR Is this what it was like when Fritz was Chairman? GRIFF He had it worse. No one trusted him. They all at least trust you, even if they disagree with you. DOGSTAR Well, if they trust me, then why are they angry that I'm doing what they asked me to?! Chairman Miller bent the rules to have me eligible for this position in the first place, and now he turns tail. GRIFF (shrugs) Welcome to politics. Miller thought the military was getting enough money and was just spending it improperly. When you came in and tripled the military budget overnight ... DOGSTAR (irritated) I did what had to be done. We weren't going to stop the toads with three frigates and a bunch of ground troops that only held fortified ground. GRIFF Don't get upset at me. I'm just telling you why people are acting they way they are. The Coalition representatives aren't looking at the fact we're keeping the toads in check, or the fact that we've freed thousands of citizens from being slaves. They're looking at the budget and wondering why the military is getting money that used to go to schools, to public works, to scientific research and development. DOGSTAR All the public works in the aniverse won't mean a thing if the toads take over all our planets. I thought Warner realized that. He should have increased military spending over time. But no, he was too much of a please-everybody politician. And as soon as I stepped in and reorganized the budget so the military got the funds it needed, everyone has a different thing to complain about. Dogstar slumps down in his chair. DOGSTAR I should never have taken this job. I'm used to the military, where everyone is looking out for everyone else. Here, everyone is just looking out for themselves. GRIFF Well, sir, if you want my two cents ... DOGSTAR Of course. GRIFF For what it's worth, I think you're doing the right thing. If we defeat the toads, or even keep them completely in check, then it will have been worth it. That's why you took this job. To win the war. Not to be liked. The air is still for a moment. DOGSTAR (finally, quietly) Thank you, Griff. GRIFF Of course. DOGSTAR Why did *you* take this job, anyway? Aren't you sick of being Vice Chairman by now? GRIFF (shrugs) Each administration has had its perks. (lifts up the gavel) For instance, you let me use this thing. DOGSTAR (almost smiling) I never wanted it. A gavel seems so ... inelegant. GRIFF Fritz loved using it, let me tell you. For a few seconds, Dogstar and Griff eye each other uneasily. DOGSTAR So what now? I'm here to fight a war, not to keep a Council from falling apart. GRIFF For now, we wait. Maybe Miller will come to his senses. Maybe not. Maybe we'll make headway with Aldebaran and Kanval. Right now, we need to let things die down a bit. DOGSTAR I suppose not much else can be done. (beat) But for now, I suppose I should finalize the details for that meeting tomorrow with Bucky, Wolf, and Mimi. GRIFF Do you think they'll mind the go-betweens? DOGSTAR Hopefully, they won't have to. SCENE 4 - THE RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION, ORWELL STATION One of the first tangible products of Dogstar's new budget was the brand new, top-of-the-line Righteous Indignation. Not merely a copy of the original frigate, and not the facsimile pilfered from the Toad Homeworld, this is the best ship that Genus's new military-industrial complex can offer. Inside, FIRST MATE JENNY is in the cockpit, adjusting and calibrating all the sensors. GUNNER DEADEYE DUCK is oiling, tightening, and otherwise maintaining his new triple-strength maser cannon. AFC BLINKY is stocking the supply cabinets, and BRUISER stands behind him, eating the new bananas almost as fast as Blinky can store them. ENGINEER MIKE MARISON is giving the mark-5 photon accelerator another once-over. BLINKY Friend Bruiser, suggest not eating so many bananas now, or none will be left for patrol! BRUISER Aw, I'm hungry now. And 'sides, I c'n just take a nap during patrol. We ain't seen hide nor scale o' dem toads for weeks now. DEADEYE (calling from the other room) I hear that, Bruiser, me matey! If I didn't know any better, I'd say I don't even remember what a double bubble looks like. JENNY (climbing down the ladder) Quiet down, you two. DEADEYE Ah, we're just playin', lass, and ye know it. JENNY I know, I know. BRUISER Everythin' workin', Jenny? JENNY Like brand new. (chuckles) Because a lot of it hasn't even been used. MIKE (calling from engineering) Yeah, this thing is basically new out of the box. DEADEYE Slowin' down like this ain't good fer people who like t' live full speed ahead. Speakin' o' which, lass, you seen the Cap'n lately? Jenny stiffens. JENNY (frowns) No. I haven't heard from Bucky all day. Deadeye suddenly remembers that Bucky and Jenny have been very tense toward each other for the past few months. DEADEYE Ah. JENNY Anyway, the ship's looking fine. I'm headed home. I'll see you all tomorrow for patrol. BRUISER Wait, I thought Cap'n Wynn was on patrol tomorrow. JENNY No, he's on today, then we're up again. BRUISER But wait, ain't it Cap'n Zebulon today? (shakes his head) I ain't never gonna keep track of all dese new folks. BLINKY Perhaps humble android could produce reference material for you, Bruiser. Jenny, not really paying attention, steps out. Bruiser and Blinky follow shortly thereafter. Mike hops out as well, and Deadeye is the last to leave. DEADEYE (tightening a bolt) There! All done. Ha hah! This thing's a beaut! Even if I don't get t' use it much. (beat) Never thought our boys would be able to improve on somethin' Willy made. Wonder what he'd think of it. SCENE 5 - THE DUWITT RESIDENCE, SAN FRANCISCO, EARTH The front door slides shut as ENGINEER WILLY DUWITT arrives home from school. His father, DR. DAVID DUWITT, is sitting on the couch waiting for him. He puts down the newspaper and smiles. DR. DUWITT Willy! Welcome home, son. WILLY Hey, dad. (looks around) Mom's night to work late at the store? DR. DUWITT You got it. How was school? WILLY (rubs his eyes) Fine. DR. DUWITT Make any friends today? WILLY Maybe tomorrow. DR. DUWITT Maybe. (beat) Anything else new? WILLY (heading toward the stairs) What do you want, dad? Dr. DuWitt sighs. DR. DUWITT Son, it's been months since we learned about the aniverse. We know you've been back, and we understand why you're not telling us about it, but can we please keep the lines of communication open here? WILLY (shakes his head) I haven't been there in seven weeks. I don't want to talk about it. DR. DUWITT This is not something that anyone -- let alone someone still in high school -- can live through and not talk about. There's got to be something you want to say to us. WILLY Just not the aniverse. Dad, I'm happy to spend time with you and mom. I've actually really enjoyed the weekend trips we've been taking and all. I'd forgotten what it was like to have a biological family. But the aniverse is something I have to deal with on my own. (beat) Please. Dr. DuWitt sighs again, defeated. DR. DUWITT OK, son. If that's the way you want it. Just, please don't think we're mad. We don't want to judge you. We just want to understand. WILLY (halfway up the stairs) I want to understand, too. But I don't think I ever will. Willy disappears up the stairs. Dr. DuWitt hears his son close the door to his room. He sighs and picks up the newspaper. He thumbs through until he reaches the horoscope, then reads his son's. He furrows his brow, then tosses the paper aside. DR. DUWITT That doesn't help. None of this helps. Dr. DuWitt sits in silence, unsure how to connect with his son. SCENE 6 - WILLY'S ROOM, SAN FRANCISCO, EARTH Willy walks in and shuts the door behind him forcefully. He stands still for a moment. WILLY (letting off steam) Ugh! Willy flings his backpack to the floor, then goes and sits on his bed. He leans over and fumbles underneath it, finally producing his tape recorder. He rewinds for a few seconds, then presses play and listens to his voice. WILLY (from recorder) "I don't want to talk to my parents about it. What do I say? I thought it was a good idea to go back, but then my captain flipped out, shot me, and then tried to kill the entire toad race? And deep down, every day I wonder whether I would have stopped him? Oh, and by the way, these aren't even my eyes?" Willy blinks a few times, then reaches up and pulls off his glasses -- the ones with plain lenses that don't correct his vision, because his new eyes have perfect vision. He reaches for his desk, grabs a bottle of saline solution, and puts eye drops in both eyes. WILLY (from recorder) "Yes, these crazy people can grow new organs in a test tube, but they can't stop a computer program. Or get a functioning military. Or get my tear ducts to work for some reason." (beat) "I don't know if I'm ever going to go back. But if I don't, then where else am I going to go?" The tape recorder clicks off. Willy takes a deep breath, then presses the record button. WILLY (into recorder) Friday, January 23, 2002. My folks are getting really concerned. I can't blame them. I never really thought about it from their perspective until things started to get really bad, but it's got to be hard on them. (beat) It's not that I don't want to talk to them. I don't want to talk to anybody about it. Not even Scott. And he's really the only friend I have. I should call him; it's been a week. Willy puts the recorder down in his lap for a moment, thinking about what he wants to say next. Finally, he picks it back and up and places it close to his lips, uncertainly. WILLY (into recorder) It's different now. Before, I wasn't sure about myself. KOMPLEX brainwashed me. I tried to ... I know what I tried to do. But now it's not me that I'm not sure of. It's what I'm fighting for. It's Bucky being the bad guy. It's Amadeus being the good guy. It's ... (beat) Oh God, I don't know! Willy wipes a few beads of sweat from his brow. WILLY (into recorder) I have to go back. I have to fix this. I can't let everything just hang over my head. I have to go back. I just don't know when ... or what I'm going to do when I get there. Willy shuts off the tape recorder. For a brief instant, anger overwhelms him, and he thinks about throwing the recorder into the wall. Instead, he tosses it back under his bed, then reaches for his backpack. SCENE 7 - MIMI'S APARTMENT, GENUS CAPTAIN MIMI LAFLEUR is sitting at her dining room table. Her apartment is at once sparse and meticulously decorated; the curtains, furniture, and displays are fanciful and evocative, but the space never seems crowded or cramped. Mimi is flipping through a file folder stuffed with papers. Four more sit on her desk, two of which have clearly been riffled through. MIMI (murmuring) Jake Zebulon, formerly of the Canis II air guard ... (flips some papers) Top of his class, medal of honor, distinguished service ... (raises an eyebrow) Cute, too. Mimi puts the folder down and smiles a little bit. MIMI Well, at least not all of these new captains are losers. I don't think I'm going to enjoy working with any of them, though. Mimi picks up another folder and opens it. She stares for a minute, then frowns. MIMI This guy has the thinnest résumé I've ever seen. How can we get guys like this but also get guys like that hunk? (shakes her head) Ugh. Maybe I'm being too harsh. It's not like I've got the most sterling military background. But at least I proved myself, dammit. Mimi shrugs, then picks up the last folder. She opens it to the picture inside and laughs. MIMI (smiling) I know this guy! Martin Horehound. Glad to know I'm not the only smuggler who made good. At least *he'll* be fun to hang out with. After finishing off the last folder, Mimi tosses it onto the table, then stands up. She muses as she walks over to the refrigerator and opens it. MIMI (thinking) (pulls out a snack, thinking) Mimi pauses, then sighs. MIMI (thinking) Mimi walks across her apartment into her bedroom. She reaches for the comm sitting on top of an end table. MIMI (frowning) And speaking of things that got messed up ... Mimi dials a number, then waits. And waits. The comm rings a few more times, with no answer. Mimi finally gives up. MIMI (sad) Dammit, Fritz. It's been two months. Where the hell are you? SCENE 8 - WARREN Fritz's comm rings in his bag. Unnoticed, the bag sits on a field of grass. After two more rings, the comm falls silent. A thwack is heard in the background, followed by a groan. It's FRITZ WARNER. FRITZ Damn sand trap! Fritz walks across the golf course, carrying his own set of clubs. FRITZ (muttering) All I wanted was peace, quiet, and a game under par. SCENE 9 - MISSION ROOM, TOAD HOMEWORLD The TOAD AIR MARSHAL sits solemnly at a desk, inputting data and flipping through charts. He looks haggard and unsatisfied. He is in his normal work uniform, and his numerous medals are shined as always. He wears a patch over his left eye, and his face is somewhat scarred. The screen in front of him remains blank while he works, until it fizzes to life with the usual visage of KOMPLEX. The Air Marshal barely looks up. KOMPLEX Status report, Air Marshal. AIR MARSHAL All plans going according to plan, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX. Multiple covert operations are being undertaken, in various stages of completion. No direct aggression toward or altercations with the mammal forces are being undertaken. KOMPLEX Excellent. The strategy of direct, brute force has failed us too often, and our forces are still depleted after our loss on Genus. While direct force may again be necessary in the future, for now, subterfuge is our best strategy. AIR MARSHAL But why have me undertake this, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX? I'm not good at being sneaky. KOMPLEX We are all adapting to this new strategy, Air Marshal. You have been particularly valuable to the Toad Empire as of late, and you should consider your assignments a mark of honor. AIR MARSHAL But what about Toadborg? He's been screwing up, and you gave him one big assignment! KOMPLEX (eyes narrowing) Toadborg's task requires computational ability. Your multiple tasks require organic thinking processes, which Toadborg no longer possesses. Now quit questioning me and inform me of the status of Phase One. AIR MARSHAL Phase One is nearing completion, sir. Hopefully, everything will be in position by tomorrow. KOMPLEX And Phase Two? AIR MARSHAL The scientists are about to report in. (presses a button) Go ahead, Glutgrave. The Air Marshal presses a button. The screen next to KOMPLEX's goes live, showing a laboratory with many toad scientists milling about or sitting at workstations. A long, large glass cylinder sits in the middle of the room, its contents obscured but consisting of an ill- defined single shape. Standing at the head of the group is PROFESSOR GLUTGRAVE, a wiry toad with thinning gray hair. GLUTGRAVE We are precisely on schedule, Air Marshal. Growth conditions optimal, reorganization accurate, imprinting proceeding as planned. AIR MARSHAL So we're looking at how much longer? GLUTGRAVE Maybe five weeks. AIR MARSHAL (finally showing a little emotion) But Phase One took barely a month! You've already had two! GLUTGRAVE Sir, Phase One was far less complicated. We didn't have a template to adhere strictly to, so we just ran with the outline. For Phase Two, we first have to make sure the imprinting holds, then we have to check for rejection, then we have to carefully correct any random deviations, and *then* we have to make sure mannerization is correct ... AIR MARSHAL Fine. Take the time you need, but not any more than you need. Just get it right. Air Marshal out. The screen dies. KOMPLEX nods. KOMPLEX Very good, Air Marshal. Continue all of your projects. In the meantime, the UAC will continue to eat itself from the inside out by funding an overblown military that we refuse to give it targets for. KOMPLEX laughs his hollow, robotic laugh, then vanishes. The Air Marshal sighs. AIR MARSHAL For someone who gets so angry so easily, KOMPLEX sure is an optimist. The Air Marshal continues to flip through folders. SCENE 10 - BUCKY'S APARTMENT, GENUS It's nearly midnight. Bucky ambles up to his door, fumbles for his passcard, and enters. To his surprise, Jenny is sitting at the kitchen table, arms crossed, glaring at him. BUCKY (the tiniest bit slurred) Jenny. Hey. Why're you here? JENNY Because none of us knew where you were. BUCKY (wandering toward his bedroom) It's late. You should be at your place. JENNY Are you drunk? BUCKY (barely in the conversation) No. JENNY You were at a bar. You smell like it. BUCKY I switched to water two hours ago. And I only had three drinks. I'm fine! I'll walk toe-to-toe if you want. Jenny just glares for a minute. JENNY You know you have that meeting with Dogstar tomorrow morning. BUCKY (almost in his bedroom) Yeah, yeah, I'll be fine. Go home. JENNY (getting angry) Dammit, Bucky, look at me! Bucky pauses. BUCKY (finally) I'll look at you when you tell me why you left. JENNY When will you get it through your thick skull that I can't tell you? BUCKY (irritated) Not can't. Won't. JENNY Fine! (standing up) I'll tell you why I left for Aldebaran once you tell me what happened on the Toad Homeworld. BUCKY (turning around) For the last time, there's nothing to tell. I think I killed Toadborg, but other than that, we were lucky to get out alive. JENNY (walking toward Bucky) There's more to it than that! BUCKY And what makes you so sure? JENNY Because Mimi hasn't spoken to you in months, and no one's seen Willy since he got his eyes back. Bucky pauses again. BUCKY You left. It's none of your business. (softly) Go home. JENNY (incensed) Dammit, Bucky! Jenny raises her arms above her head in anger, but then quickly pulls them down. A tear wells in her eye. JENNY (emotional) Why do we have to be like this?! BUCKY You've always been like this. Bucky turns and goes to his bedroom, slamming the door shut. Jenny just stands there, not sure whether to scream or collapse. JENNY (whispering) Bucky ... Jenny finally regains her composure and leaves Bucky's apartment. SCENE 11 - CHAIRMAN DOGSTAR'S OFFICE The next morning, Dogstar sits in his chair, preparing for the forthcoming captains' meeting. The comm on his desk goes off, and the voice of his secretary, CLAIRE SHEFFIELD, pipes through. CLAIRE (over comm) Call for you, sir. DOGSTAR (into comm) There's no one on the schedule, Claire. Who is it? ROEDECKER (over comm) Stop ignoring me, dammit! Dogstar sighs. DOGSTAR (into comm) You again? Fine, go ahead. The image on the comm shows VINCENT ROEDECKER, clearly angry. DOGSTAR This is the final time, Roedecker. ROEDECKER Then give me what you owe me, Dogstar! DOGSTAR For the last time, you and I have no business. You and the UAC have no business. ROEDECKER You know damn well that bastard Warner hired me to capture Greeman. I'm not letting up until I get paid. DOGSTAR Once again, that is not UAC business. Whatever Chairman Warner may have done under the table during his administration is none of my concern. My administration refuses to acknowledge mercenary or bounty hunter activity, and that position will not change. ROEDECKER (eyes narrowing) Getting mixed up with you idiots cost me my best friends. Either you cough up my twelve thousand simoleans, or you're going to regret it. DOGSTAR (looking down at some papers) This conversation is finished. ROEDECKER (growls) I gave you a fair chance on this, Dogstar. Don't be surprised when this comes back to bite you in the ass. And if you think those shiny new captains you hired are going to help you ... DOGSTAR Now that's a preposterous threat. Every single one of our new captains is more qualified for duty than you are. That's why we accepted their applications and rejected yours. Roedecker gets even more visibly angry, and his eyes almost start to turn red. Seething, he cuts the communication. DOGSTAR (calmly, into comm) Mrs. Sheffield, if that wolf ever calls again, please have him arrested for harassment. And remind me to change the frequency on this thing. I don't want to have to clean up any more of Warner's messes. SCENE 12 - CHAIRMAN DOGSTAR'S OFFICE Later, Dogstar sits at his desk, with Mimi and CAPTAIN ARTEMIS WOLF standing and facing him. Dogstar is drumming his fingers on his desk. DOGSTAR Was he ever this late with Chairman Warner? MIMI Not usually, no. DOGSTAR (checks his watch) I'll give him another minute, and then we're starting this meeting without him. About thirty sections later, the door swings open, and Bucky strides into the room. His hair is a little disheveled, but otherwise nothing seems amiss. DOGSTAR Ahem! Thank you for finally joining us, Captain O'Hare. BUCKY What's this meeting about? DOGSTAR Well, as you all know, S.P.A.C.E. has expanded significantly in the past few months. Instead of three frigates to keep track of, there are now ten. (beat) And while previous chairmen have had little difficulty in keeping track of all the fleet's captains individually, that is no longer feasible under the circumstances. WOLF What does that mean, sir? DOGSTAR First, I want you to know that this proposal will barely affect the three of you, if at all. MIMI What's going on, Dogstar? DOGSTAR (irritated by the impatient captains) Rather than meet with the other seven captains individually as well, I am assigning a staff liaison for each ship who will be responsible for issuing reports and meeting with me privately regarding each ship. The room is silent for a second. BUCKY You said the other seven, right? MIMI Which means you still want to meet with the three of us like we're doing now. DOGSTAR (nods) I will always consider the four of us to be the backbone of the fleet. I see no reason to significantly alter what has worked in the past. WOLF So why bring us in here, sir? DOGSTAR An excellent question, my boy. I have decided that it would be best for me not to openly display favoritism to any captains or frigates under my command, even considering the seniority involved. So I need to assign each of you a figurehead liaison that will publicly fill the same role as the other seven. BUCKY (raising an eyebrow) So we're still getting these liaisons. DOGSTAR Yes and no. You will need to work with them, and I will meet with them, but I still want to have these three-on-one meetings with you. That will never change. MIMI But we still have to deal with these guys. DOGSTAR In the most cursory of fashions, yes. MIMI Where are you dredging them up? DOGSTAR Well, unlike the maneuvers we had to resort to to find seven new crews, these liaisons were not difficult to hire. Many are actually mid-level paper-pushers already employed by the UAC. BUCKY (crossing his arms) And ours? DOGSTAR The same way. BUCKY When do we meet them? DOGSTAR They're reporting for duty this afternoon. They'll be at your ships shortly after lunch. BUCKY Mine better not be late. I have patrol this afternoon. DOGSTAR It'll be fine, I assure you. Dismissed. The three captains, clearly not too thrilled with this situation, turn and leave. SCENE 13 - ORBITAL CONTROL PLATORM, WARREN Warren sits peacefully in its little sector of space, although there is a tremendous construction project going on. Several mammals in spacesuits, of varying species but mostly hares, are working on large machines that appear to be shield emitters. In the midst of all of this is an orbital control platform. The platform isn't very large, but it has very sophisticated communications and monitoring equipment. Hares in blue uniforms sit at control consoles, doing various tasks. In all, there are only about five of them. They are being overseen by a LIEUTENANT, who is currently standing over the shoulder of one of the hares, looking at a radar screen. Hearing the sound of opening doors he turns. In walks COMMANDER RAYMUS O'DAY, a wizened but still tough-looking older hare. He addresses the lieutenant. O'DAY Any sign of trouble? LIEUTENANT No, sir. Nothing. Just like ten minutes ago. O'DAY (nods) Well, I just came from the radio room. They're starting to get anxious down there, no matter how many times I assure them that we're in the final stages of construction. Turning, O'Day presses a button on the wall, activating an intercom. O'DAY (into comm) Engineering. The engineering room takes up the bulk of the space station. Hare engineers are working on open power conduits taller than they are. O'DAY (over comm) Report. CHIEF ENGINEER BARTHOLOMEW CRYER glances up from his clipboard. He's middle-aged, with brown fur and purple eyes, and thin to the point of seeming sickly. CRYER Generators are operational, Commander. The boys are putting the finishing touches on right now. O'DAY (over comm) How much longer do you estimate? CRYER (sighs) An hour or two, tops. Work would proceed a lot quicker if we weren't being interrupted. Uh, with all due respect, sir. O'Day frowns. He clearly dislikes Cryer's attitude. CRYER (over comm) Considering that these babies are gonna be powering an entire planetary shield, we gotta be sure they can pump out enough juice. O'DAY (into comm) Understood. Out. O'Day takes his finger off of the button, terminating the conversation. LIEUTENANT I hate that guy. He gives me the creeps. O'DAY As long as he does his job, I can tolerate his attitude problem. O'Day sighs, rubbing the bridge of his nose. He looks positively exhausted. They all do. It's clear that this has been an around-the- clock project with few breaks. O'DAY We're all on edge. He'll cool down once the shield is up. Anyway, I'm going to go and send the latest report to the Council. LIEUTENANT Yes, Commander. O'Day nods and turns, exiting the room. SCENE 14 - THE RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION, ORWELL STATION Bucky and Jenny stand outside the ship, not looking at each other. Bucky is tapping his foot. BUCKY He's late. JENNY Actually, he's still got five minutes. BUCKY By military standards, he's late. JENNY Are you going to be like this all the time now? BUCKY (deflecting) I don't want this guy interfering with our ship. JENNY From what you told me, this guy won't really mean or do anything. BUCKY I still don't like it. JENNY You don't like any changes to the ship. BUCKY You should talk. Remember when we hired Mike? JENNY That was different for so many reasons that I can't believe you're even bringing it up. BUCKY Oh, sorry, I forgot you're always right. JENNY (angry) Argh! Jenny storms into the ship. Bucky stands there, waiting, annoyed. Finally, there's the sound of a fist knocking against metal. Bucky looks over to see a green HARE standing at the entrance to the dock. He's young and fresh-faced, with a suit and tie, carrying a few stacks of folders under one arm. HARE Hi. The Righteous Indignation, right? Bucky is surprised to see that a green hare is going to be his liaison. BUCKY (softening) Yeah. You're Renfield? HARE Yeah, Renfield Billings. (walking up) Sorry, I'm a bit nervous. I mean, this is such an honor! BUCKY Heh. I appreciate it, I guess. RENFIELD No, really. I mean, I don't have to tell you how much of a legend you are on Warren. And I get to work with you! I would have given up carrots for a year just to get your autograph. BUCKY (raising an eyebrow) You're laying it on kind of thick. RENFIELD Heh. Sorry, nervous. I know you hear this a lot, but after everything you've done, it's a great honor to finally meet you in person. BUCKY Thanks. But seriously, did Dogstar plan this? Stick me with a green hare so I wouldn't be upset about it? RENFIELD (shrugs) I don't know. The ten of us were all accepted based on our applications, then we were randomly assigned to a ship. Or that's what they told us, anyway. BUCKY Randomly. Right. RENFIELD So, yeah. I don't want to be in your way too much. I figure Dogstar will still chat with you directly. I mean, you're Bucky O'Hare! But yeah, give me a cursory report any time I should be meeting with Dogstar, and we can leave it with that. Unless you want me to do more. BUCKY You good at making coffee? RENFIELD Uh, no? But I can learn ... BUCKY I'm kidding. Come on, I'll show you the ship. Bucky strides into the ship, having taken a liking to Renfield. The other green hare follows, a few steps behind. SCENE 15 - CHAIRMAN DOGSTAR'S OFFICE, GENUS Dogstar is seated at his desk, looking bored. After a moment, O'Day appears on Dogstar's view screen. O'DAY Mr. Chairman. Dogstar turns in his chair. DOGSTAR Ah, Commander O'Day, how nice to hear from you. How's it going? O'DAY The chief engineer says possibly two more hours at the most. DOGSTAR Excellent. Splendid. Thank you. Dogstar smiles and nods. O'Day takes this as a signal that the conversation is over and terminates the connection. SCENE 16 - THE INDEFATIGABLE, ORWELL STATION Wolf stands outside the ship he now commands, polishing its exterior. The ship looks magnificent from top to bottom. Inside, the voice of ENIGNEER DIGGER MCSQUINT can be heard. DIGGER Mark-5 is doing great, Captain! WOLF Thanks, Digger. Pete, everything looking good on your end? PETE Yup! Wolf smiles a little and continues to polish the ship's hull. Digger steps outside. DIGGER Captain, no offense, but even I can see that the ship doesn't need any more polishing. It looks immaculate. WOLF (sighs) I know. I just want everything looking as good as possible. DIGGER Because the crew itself is such a mess, right? Wolf looks down at Digger. WOLF I guess we all feel the same way, huh? DIGGER Well, it's weird having only three of us. It's not that Pete or I doubt your skill, Wolf, but this was Dogstar's ship from the beginning. WOLF I know. Trust me, I know. I feel like I'm just borrowing it from him. DIGGER You really should hire a new First Mate, you know. WOLF If there were anyone I felt comfortable working with, I would do it in a heartbeat. DIGGER There's got to be someone out there. The ship is going to be mighty lonely if it's just the three of us. WOLF I guess I just feel weird replacing people, taking new people on. DIGGER Is that why you didn't request a new Rumblebee? Wolf pauses. WOLF Yeah. If we got another Rumblebee, or really any ASC, it wouldn't be the same. It wouldn't be right. It wouldn't be this crew. We're the crew of The Indefatigable. Not anyone else. (beat) Besides, Rumblebee was best out in the field. If we get into a skirmish now, we can just call some of the other captains, and they'll come running. DIGGER You don't trust them, though. WOLF Digger, I don't even trust myself! Wolf pulls off his glove to reveal his paw. It's completely robotic, not flesh and bone. WOLF I don't even have my own paws anymore! The toads destroyed them! They destroyed my paws, and they destroyed Rumblebee, and they made it so Dogstar left this frigate ... DIGGER (interjects) It's OK, Wolf. It's not hopeless. WOLF I just want to give up, Digger. What's the point? It's not the same. And the toads aren't even around anymore. PETE (from inside) Quit whinin'! Wolf and Digger pause. DIGGER He's right. WOLF (chuckles a bit) He usually is. I just guess I'm not ready to be captain. DIGGER We haven't even had a fight with the toads yet. When we do, you'll realize you're ready. WOLF (smiling a bit, puts his glove back on) Maybe. Thanks, Digger. Just then, a RACCOON walks up to the ship, carrying a cooler. RACCOON Hey. You're Captain Wolf, right? WOLF (turning and facing the raccoon) That's me. May I ask who you are? The raccoon extends his paw. He has a big grin on his face. RACCOON (friendly) Max Templeton. I'm your liaison guy. Put 'er there! Wolf is a bit surprised at Max's forwardness, but reaches his paw out and shakes. MAX (puts down the cooler) Hey, I figured we'd get things off on the right foot, so I brought you something. (opens the cooler) Anyone want a brew? Max pulls out two beers. WOLF Well, uh, that's not exactly military regulation ... DIGGER Dogstar's not breathing down your neck anymore, Wolf. I'll take one. Thanks, Max! MAX No problem, Digger. Is Pete around? PETE (from inside) Yup. MAX You want a beer? I got plenty. PETE Yup! Pete bounds out and grabs the other beer Max is holding. He twists the top off, takes a swig, and grins. He pats Max on the back. WOLF Well, I'd hate to be a spoilsport ... MAX (opening a third beer) Hey, no pressure. Just thought it'd be a good way to break the ice. Wolf eyes Max as the raccoon takes a sip. WOLF You're not exactly taking this assignment seriously, are you? MAX Are you? (takes a swig) One of my friends is the liaison for The Manifest Destiny. I saw his contract. He's getting paid like twice what I am. Clearly, Dogstar still wants to deal with you directly, and I'm just here to keep up appearances. Whatever. Keeps me out of my mom's basement. I won't even come around if you don't want me to. Whatever works. WOLF (raising an eyebrow) You know what, Max? MAX What's that, Cap? WOLF (smiles, grabs a beer) I think we're going to get along just fine. SCENE 17 - ORBITAL CONTROL PLATFORM, WARREN Cryer stands at the end of a narrow cul-de-sac within the maze of conduits and machinery down in engineering, discussing something with an overweight hare, ENGINEER EDMUND RUSK. Rusk nods a lot in response. After a moment, Cryer slaps Rusk on the back, and the hefty engineer stalks off. Stooping down and digging into a toolbox, Cryer removes a screwdriver and begins using it to remove the covering of an instrument panel, exposing several wires and diodes. He proceeds to jam the screwdriver blade inside and begins prying off large components. A young hare WORKMAN walks past the cul-de-sac and sees Cryer out of the corner of his eye. Curious, he approaches him. Cryer doesn't notice him until he speaks. WORKMAN What are you doing, sir? CRYER (startled) Oh! Uh, well, these connectors were all messed up. I'm fixing them. Go about your business. WORKMAN Well, if the connectors are loose, shouldn't we tell the Commander? It's standard procedure. Cryer frowns. CRYER Yeah, we'll go tell 'im. The workman nods, turns, and starts to walk off. Cryer waits until his back is turned before pulling out a hidden maser pistol. Spinning around, he shoots the hare in the back of the head. The hare falls, silent and lifeless. CRYER Idiot. Turning, Cryer grabs a pair of needle-nosed pliers and resumes his work on the instrument panel. SCENE 18 - THE SCREAMING MIMI, ORWELL STATION Mimi is standing outside her ship, with FIRST MATE JONATHAN WEISSMAN, GUNNER HARRY CALLAN, and ENGINEER DILE O'CROCK crowded around her. Harry has a few new scars, and there's a patch of fur on his left cheek that hasn't grown back. MIMI How's the cockpit looking, Jonathan? JONATHAN Fully operational, Mimi. MIMI Dile? DILE Mark-5 perfectly calibrated, Captain LaFleur. MIMI Great job, Dile. Harry? HARRY Maser cannon looking good. MIMI That's what I wanted to hear. Good job, team! Mimi slaps Harry on the back. He noticeably winces. MIMI Oh, sorry. You're still a bit jumpy, huh? HARRY (looking a little hurt) You know what I went through. MIMI I thought you got roughed up like that a lot back in the day. HARRY Those weren't the best of times, but I wasn't getting the piss beaten out of me on an hourly basis. MIMI Right. Sorry. I won't be so ... slappy. You're OK to man the turrets, though, right? HARRY Yeah, should be fine. MIMI Good, good. We all got beaten up pretty bad during the takeover. (looks at Dile) But we took the licking, and we're gonna keep on ticking. Dile nods. MIMI And I know some folks aren't happy about it, but I'm glad the damn toads are lying low. We've earned this break. (beat) I think that's it. Once this joke liaison guy reports in, we can all get out of here and relax. As if on cue, a HORSE in a pressed suit walks up, carrying a briefcase. He looks the crew over, then speaks. HORSE Captain LaFLeur of The Screaming Mimi, I presume? Mimi raises an eyebrow. MIMI Got it in one. You the new guy? Filmore? HORSE Correct. I am Alton Filmore, the Chairman's liaison to your frigate. MIMI Hey, good to meet you. You got any questions? We were about to head out. FILMORE (snorts) Head out? You're scheduled to perform maintenance on your ship for another twenty minutes. JONATHAN Not much maintenance to do. The toads haven't been around lately. FILMORE (dismissively) I was speaking to the Captain. (to Mimi) Well, if you insist on keeping such a sloppy schedule, I suppose I'll have to be even more rigorous. Filmore opens his briefcase and digs around in it, while Mimi, Jonathan, and Harry shoot looks of disbelief at each other. Filmore then produces a stack of papers and hands it to Mimi. FILMORE In case Dogstar didn't already relay these to you. MIMI (hesitantly accepting the papers) And what are these? FILMORE These are everything you need to fill out and return to me. Patrol report forms. Incident report forms. Sensor calibration readings. Food storage inventory. Shore leave requests ... Filmore drones on while Mimi looks through the papers, mortified. MIMI (interrupting) You're kidding, right? FILMORE (snorts again) I would hardly say so. Chairman Dogstar has entrusted me with keeping him up-to-date on all the workings and happenings that pertain to The Screaming Mimi. As I intend to do my job, I'll need you to fill out all the appropriate paperwork and relay it all to me daily. Two copies of each, please. HARRY Dude, I don't know who shoved that stick all the way up, but I get the feeling you deserved it. FILMORE I beg your pardon? MIMI Harry's saying we're not going to fill out these forms. They're pointless! We've been flying for S.P.A.C.E. for over four years now, and we've never dealt with this level of stupid paperwork. FILMORE Well, perhaps your poor accountability is one of the reasons this war has proceeded so miserably. Try it. MIMI (incensed) Look, buddy, I don't know who you are, but you work for me! FILMORE I work for Dogstar. I certainly do not work for you. (closes his briefcase) I will be back at 2 p.m. tomorrow for those forms. Please write legibly, in standard aniversian, in an eight-point font. Filmore walks off. The crew stands there, dumbfounded. DILE (piping up) He strikes me as an unpleasant fellow. HARRY I'll strike him, is more like it. MIMI (stammering) The nerve ... I ... I ... Mimi suddenly starts laughing. Jonathan, Harry, and Dile look at her quizzically. DILE What is so funny, Captain? HARRY Yeah, can I have some of what you're smoking? MIMI (still laughing) This is clearly Dogstar's way of keeping me from flirting with him like I did with Fritz! Jonathan and Harry chuckle a little bit. Dile just stands there, confused. Mimi continues to laugh. HARRY I think that guy broke her brain. MIMI (winding down) I'll break his neck if I don't just laugh at him instead. (regains her composure) God, this is going to suck. I'll be at the bar, possibly underneath something. Dismissed. SCENE 19 - ORBITAL CONTROL PLATFORM, WARREN O'Day is supervising his men as they make last-minute preparations to fire up the defense shield. Most of the ENGINEERS are present in the control room, including Rusk. Conspicuously absent, though, is Cryer. O'DAY We all ready? ENGINEER #1 Yes, sir! We're just awaiting confirmation from Cryer downstairs. O'Day nods. O'DAY This will mark a historic day. No longer will Warren be dependent upon S.P.A.C.E. for its defenses. O'Day presses the intercom button. O'DAY (into comm) Chief Engineer Cryer, would you please join me in operations? There is no answer. O'Day frowns a bit, and his lieutenant glances up from his workstation nearby. O'DAY (into comm) Cryer, are you there? Answer me. Down in engineering, Cryer is still futzing around with the electronics in the cul-de-sac. The dead hare workman is slumped in an upright sitting position against the far wall. O'DAY (over comm) Cryer! CRYER Almost finished, sir! I'll be right up! Returning to his work, a sick, evil smile spreads across Cryer's lips. Finishing, he replaces the instrument panel's covering and wipes his gloved paws on his tunic. Turning, he begins collecting his tools and returning them to the tool kit. CRYER All right, Commander, it's all ready to go. I'll be there in a jiffy! In operations, O'Day and his lieutenant exchange looks. It's clear they suspect something, even if they aren't quite certain what. Finally, O'Day takes his finger off the intercom button and addresses his men. O'DAY All right, initiate the shield. The lead engineer grabs hold of a throttle-shaped handle and pushes it forward. Around them, the machinery begins humming to life. SCENE 20 - WILLY'S ROOM, DUWITT RESIDENCE Willy is lying on his bed. A few science textbooks sit open on the floor next to notepads and a backpack. He is staring at the ceiling. He holds his Aldebaran spell gem in his left hand, slowly turning and rotating it. He sighs, sets it down, and just stares. WILLY (finally) Oh, God. Willy bites his lip. WILLY I'm really scared. SCENE 21 - ORBITAL CONTROL PLATFORM, WARREN Just as soon as the machines come to life, they die with a whine. The shield emitters make nary a peep. The hares look thoroughly confused. A few of the engineers and workmen begin uselessly pressing buttons. O'DAY What's happening? ENGINEER #2 A whole lotta nothin'! O'DAY I can see that! ENGINEER #1 We've lost power! O'DAY But why? Cryer told me ... Realizing, O'Day growls and slams his fist into the intercom button. O'DAY Cryer! Get up here now! O'Day stops short as the double doors leading into the control center slide open and Cryer saunters in, arms folded behind his back, a smug smirk on his face. He looks very much like he is master of all that he surveys. CRYER No need to shout, Commander, I can hear you perfectly well. Now, what can I do for you? O'DAY Why have we lost power? As he speaks, O'Day gestures wildly, bug-eyed. Cryer keeps his cool. The other hares are all beginning to look at one another and murmur among themselves, save Rusk, who begins sidling toward O'Day. Taking notice of this, the Lieutenant follows Rusk with his eyes. O'DAY You told me everything was up and running smoothly downstairs! Cryer shrugs. CRYER I lied. O'DAY But ... but without the shield, we could be open for an attack! CRYER Tell me something I don't know. Cryer giggles. Realization hitting him, O'Day's bug-eyed fear turns to rage. He clenches his fists. Rusk steps up behind him, unnoticed. The other hares don't see the maser pistol in Rusk's paw, so focused are they on Cryer and O'Day. Just as O'Day is about to lunge forward and tackle his traitorous chief engineer, Rusk jabs the barrel of his pistol into the elder hare's back, stopping him cold. RUSK Let's just take it nice an' easy, shall we, sir? CRYER Sage advice. And if you want to live, I suggest you heed it, Commander. Suddenly, the Lieutenant has his own sidearm out. Seeing him, Cryer's paw goes for his holstered weapon. CRYER Look out, you fool! RUSK Huh? Rusk turns a bit slowly and sees the maser pistol pointed at him. The overweight hare grunts and pulls O'Day around to use as a shield. The Lieutenant hesitates, unable to get a clear shot, and then Cryer draws his own weapon and fires. The Lieutenant, struck in the chest, yells and goes flying back. The crowd of startled hares parts for his airborne body, which slams into the floor, smoke pouring from his chest wound. Nearby, a RADIOMAN uses this opportunity to frantically begin sending an S.O.S. Cryer whirls and shoots him in the back. The radio operator cries out and then slumps forward over his equipment, dead. The hares now rush forward, but Rusk thrusts the captive O'Day at them, pistol jabbed into the old hare's temple. They skid to a halt, hesitating, unwilling to risk the life of their leader. Smirking at this, Cryer walks over, holstering his gun. CRYER A wise choice. Now then, it appears as if McKaulay managed to get something resembling an emergency signal off, probably to Genus. You. Cryer points at a random HARE. CRYER Come here. Trembling, the hare approaches. CRYER (pointing at the radio) Do you know how to operate this device? HARE I, uh ... y-yes, sir. CRYER Good. Cryer seizes the hare by the collar of his uniform and drags him over to the radio set. With his free paw, Cryer pulls the dead McKaulay out of his chair, the body thumping to the floor, and then he forces the hare to sit down. CRYER Now, send exactly what I tell you! SCENE 22 - CHAIRMAN DOGSTAR'S OFFICE Dogstar's comm goes off, and he answers it. DOGSTAR Chairman Dogstar speaking. (beat) What? ... SCENE 23 - THE RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION, ORWELL STATION Bucky and Renfield are heading toward the Righteous when Bucky's comm goes off. He answers it and hears Dogstar's frantic voice. DOGSTAR (over comm) Bucky, my boy! BUCKY (into comm) Dogstar, what's the ... DOGSTAR (panting) I'm afraid I have some grave news, old boy. (after catching his breath) It's about Warren. Renfield blinks, looking confused. Bucky's expression hardens. DOGSTAR The orbital control station for the new defense shield has been taken over by toads! BUCKY (surprised) Toads? How'd they get aboard? The new shield ... DOGSTAR (shakes his head) It never went up! They got aboard before the shield could be activated! We suspect an inside job. RENFIELD (looking horrified) A traitor? Among the hares? That's insane! BUCKY Hardly. I've encountered a few bad seeds. (turning to Dogstar) How did you find about this? DOGSTAR There was a garbled transmission from the radio operator. Apparently, he managed to get off one quick message about a toad attack before they started rounding prisoners up. We've had no further contact. BUCKY (nodding) Then there's no time to lose. Thanks, Dogstar. Bucky shuts his comm off and heads toward his ship. Renfield starts to follow. Bucky firmly plants a paw on his chest and pushes him back gently but insistently. BUCKY You stay here. This could get really ugly. Renfield frowns, looking offended. Bucky jumps into the ship, and the hatch slams shut. Aboard, Bucky resolutely goes and sits in the captain's chair. Jenny is already at the controls, flying the ship. BUCKY Set a course for Warren, Jenny, on the double. I just got some bad news. (to himself) I'm not going to let my planet fall into toad paws ever again. Renfield stands back and watches as the frigate detaches from the tube, the airlock sealing as the ship turns and blasts off. SCENE 24 - ORBITAL CONTROL PLATFORM, WARREN The Righteous Indignation shoots out of hyperspace and slows as it nears the perimeter of defense satellites. On the bridge, Bucky and Jenny look at the control platform. Bucky strokes his chin thoughtfully. BUCKY That's funny. No sign of any toad ships. If the toads took control of the space station, wouldn't they have already called in an invasion fleet? JENNY Something isn't right. I sense a trap. BUCKY (nods) Be ready to go to evasive maneuvers if we have to. I'll try and hail the space station. (flips a switch on the console) This is The Righteous Indignation calling Warren Control Platform, please respond. Aboard the platform, the hare crew members, including O'Day, stand against the far wall of the small control room, being guarded by Rusk with a maser pistol. Their paws are tied behind their backs. Cryer sits by himself at a console, absent-mindedly tapping his fingers. His maser pistol rests on the console in front of him. Rising, he walks over to the bound hares, twirling the pistol around on his finger. They glare hatefully at him. CRYER Don't look at me like that. You should be thanking me. After all, I'm going to ensure that you'll all survive the war. As slaves! Cryer laughs, then jumps as the comm comes alive, pouring forth Bucky O'Hare's voice. Cryer runs back to the console. BUCKY (through the radio) I repeat, Warren Control, please answer. I've been sent by the Chairman to investigate report of a toad infiltration. (after getting no answer for a minute) Commander, please answer me! Cryer stifles a chuckle. Nearby, Rusk looks over at him, frowning. RUSK What're you laughin' at? CRYER Shut up, Rusk. I'm just enjoying this. Don't spoil it for me. BUCKY (through the radio) If you cannot answer, then please give me some kind of sign! CRYER (to himself) I'll give you a sign, you grandstander. Aboard the ship, Bucky scowls angrily. He turns to Jenny. BUCKY Let's try to board. Cryer suddenly leans forward and begins flipping switches. Outside, on either side of the platform's main viewport, two enormous guns unfold and train themselves on The Righteous Indignation. This does not go unnoticed by Bucky. BUCKY Evasive maneuvers, now! Jenny pilots the ship to the side as the guns open fire, blasting away with scorching maser beams. She dodges hither and thither. The guns, while powerful, are slow and have a limited range due to their placement in the front of the platform. Jenny is able to avoid their fire by flying around to the side of the vessel. Bucky unbuckles himself from his seat and rises. Jenny turns and watches him go. JENNY I'll draw their fire. I'm assuming you have a plan? BUCKY Something like that. I'll take Bruiser and go over to that thing on the Croaker. You just keep whoever it is operating those guns busy. A moment later, the side of the ship folds down and deposits the Toad Croaker into space, with Bucky and Bruiser riding it wearing space helmets. Bucky flies over toward the platform while the Righteous flies back around to the front. Stopping the Croaker, Bucky fires on the platform's hull, blowing a hole in it. The Righteous Indignation meanwhile finds itself directly in Cryer's line of fire. The guns continue belching forth maser fire, landing a couple of direct hits upon its hull. The shields hold, but inside, the crew are bounced around mercilessly. Deadeye is almost flung from his seat. DEADEYE Why, them low-down toadies! I'll fry their warts off! JENNY Deadeye, no! We can't return fire. They're holding hostages aboard. Deadeye sulks, looking disappointed, but eases his fingers off the trigger. DEADEYE (sullenly) Aye, Jenny. In the control room, Cryer frowns as he watches the frigate flit about. Rusk comes over to him. RUSK Hey, I don't get it. Why did they fly back around and stick themselves right in our line of fire? Suddenly, there is a loud alarm, and the words "HULL BREACH" begin flashing on a small view screen in front of them. CRYER That's why! (whirls to Rusk) Stay here and watch the prisoners! Grabbing his maser pistol, Cryer jumps up and runs out. Rusk watches him go, then returns to the side of the captured hares. Elsewhere in the space station, Bucky and Bruiser step inside from the depressurized cargo room. After Bruiser pulls the door shut and stabilizes the oxygen again, they both remove their helmets and set them aside. Bucky pulls his pistol out and leads the way as they walk slowly down the corridor. It is very narrow and comes to a sharp corner. BUCKY Stay alert; we don't know when we'll run into any ... Suddenly, a poorly aimed maser shot flies between them and strikes the wall as they step around the corner. BUCKY ... trouble! Bucky and Bruiser leap back around the corner. The shooter is Cryer, who is ducking behind a second corner further down the corridor. He growls and waits for a clear shot. Bucky peers around, and Cryer fires, missing again. BUCKY OK, one shooter around the corner up ahead. Can't tell if it's a toad or not. Bucky looks up at the pipes running along the ceiling and smiles. BUCKY Bruiser, I got a job for you. A moment later, Bruiser comes charging around the corner. Cryer reacts, shooting at him. Bruiser ducks and rolls, landing in a squat. He then launches himself up and grabs the pipes on the ceiling. Cryer looks up at him, blinking. Bucky leaps up and fires on Cryer's position. The other hare is forced to duck back behind his cover to avoid getting shot, allowing Bruiser free reign to swing across, using the pipes above like monkey bars. Letting go, the baboon goes flying and lands on his feet right beside Cryer with a shuddering thud. Cryer yelps and tries to bring his weapon up, but Bruiser swings his large arm and swats the gun away. He then backhands Cryer, knocking the skinny hare out with one blow. Bucky comes running and joins Bruiser in looking down at the unconscious Cryer. Bucky scowls. He looks surprised for a mere second or two that it was a hare shooting at them, but then his steely expression returns. BUCKY He's not getting up anytime soon. C'mon, we have to find the others, and the toads. If there even are any. In the control room, Rusk is still guarding the prisoners. Suddenly, the doors fly open, and Bucky and Bruiser storm through them. Wide-eyed, Rusk whirls and points his weapon at the two intruders. Bucky steps back, gasping, but as Rusk is about to fire, O'Day, despite being tied up, launches himself forward and crashes into Rusk. The overweight hare goes staggering back and slams into the wall. He then slides down into an unconscious heap. Bucky runs over and unties O'Day, helping him to his feet. Bruiser begins helping to free the other hares. O'DAY (grateful) Thank you, Captain. BUCKY No, thank you, Commander. Now, are there any more of them? O'Day shakes his head. BUCKY How about toads? O'DAY (looking confused) Toads? No, no toads. Just these two backstabbers. BUCKY But, we heard ... Bucky trails off as the hare who replaced the killed radioman from before steps up. HARE I was forced to make that transmission, to lie. He wanted to lure you here. BUCKY But why? If the toads aren't involved, why would he want to get me to come here? CRYER Oh, they will be involved. Bucky and the others turn as Cryer, recovered, enters. They act as if to rush him, but he holds up a small silver cylinder with a button on the top of it. Everyone stops. CRYER Hold it right there! I've wired the generators to overload. One more move, and I'll blow this place to kingdom come. Drop your weapons and then kick them aside. Slowly, Bucky lets his maser pistol fall. CRYER The lightsaber, too. Everyone knows about that stupid thing. Muttering, Bucky drops his lightsaber. He kicks his weapons away, sending them spinning against the wall. BUCKY Why are you doing this? And what did you mean, the toads are involved? CRYER Well, like I said, I haven't deigned to give them a call yet. But I think they'd be very interested in a parcel of potential slaves. (chuckling) Of course, I have something even better in mind for you, Captain. I bet you don't even know about the bounty on your head. Bucky is surprised for a second, but his confusion quickly gives way to anger. He clenches his fists. BUCKY So this is all about money? Lousy simoleans? CRYER Well, the money helps. But really, I just want to get everyone to shut up about you. If there's one thing I detest, it's hero worship. These pea-brained imbeciles never shut up about you! Bucky this and Bucky that! All my life, Bucky, Bucky, Bucky! Well, not anymore! Now, I, personally, am going to bring you down once and for all! BUCKY And the rest of my people? They're your people, too! CRYER Frankly, I don't care, although I have to confess it would be amusing to see these fawning sycophants become slaves all over again a second time. Cryer lets loose a high-pitched cackle, clearly insane. Suddenly, Bucky yells and launches himself at the other hare, tackling him. The detonator goes flying from Cryer's paw as Bucky slams him against the wall. Cryer growls and claws at Bucky's head, ripping off his aviator cap. Bucky punches him, and then Cryer brings his knee up, hitting Bucky in the gut. The green hare grunts, and Cryer shoves him off, sending Bucky stumbling. BUCKY (muttering) Kinda strong for such a damn runt. Cryer charges at Bucky, swinging his fist. Bucky, recovering, dodges, and punches Cryer. The brown hare staggers back, stunned, and then, shaking his head, throws himself forward, using what little weight he has to knock Bucky off balance. The green hare lands flat on his back. Cryer stands over him, laughing, but then Bucky kicks him in the stomach. Cryer falls over, pained, giving Bucky the opportunity to stand over him. He hops over and places his foot firmly on Cryer's chest, keeping the brown hare in place. Cryer gags and claws at the foot, to no avail. CRYER Bucky, stop it! Ack! Bucky, listen, please! BUCKY Shut up! You were going to sell all of our people into slavery! You lost the right to beg for mercy with me! CRYER No, I wasn't, I swear! All I wanted was you! BUCKY That's supposed to make it any better? Bucky kicks Cryer in the face, blood splattering along the floor. He then picks the weaker hare up by the neck and lifts him a few inches off the ground. The other hares and Bruiser watch with varying levels of concern. O'Day alone looks horrified by what is transpiring. They don't notice Rusk regaining consciousness nearby and reaching for his dropped maser pistol. Cryer continues to struggle, until finally, he stops, too exhausted. Bucky drops him onto the ground and uses his foot to push the dazed hare over onto his belly. Bucky walks over to where he'd kicked his maser pistol, picking it up. Returning to the defeated Cryer, he aims the weapon down at his head. BUCKY I don't even know you! I've never met you before today! Why should I feel any different about frying your face off than I would a toad's? Cryer slowly looks up at him. Suddenly, Bucky whirls around and aims his gun at Rusk, who had gotten to his feet and was pointing his maser gun at Bucky. He fires twice. The first shot disintegrates Rusk's paw and maser, while the second destroys Rusk's left kneecap. Rusk collapses, howling in pain, as the other hares all cry out in surprise. Cryer, sweating, watches his henchman fall over with terror- widened eyes. Reaching down, Bucky hauls Cryer to his feet by the scruff and jams the pistol barrel under his chin. BUCKY I'm not going to kill you, even though I should. I don't kill spineless worms. It's beneath me. But I won't give you a second chance. So I want you to take a good, long look at your friend there, and think about him while you rot in prison. 'Cause a whole lot worse than that will happen to you if you ever lift a finger against me or my people ever again. Whirling, Bucky flings Cryer into the midst of the other hares, who hurriedly subdue him and bind his wrists. He doesn't resist. Sighing, Bucky holsters his weapon and then retrieves his lightsaber. BUCKY (addressing O'Day) I trust you can get the defense shield up and running? O'DAY With a little work, yes. BUCKY Good. Come on, Bruiser, let's go. Bucky walks over to Cryer and gives him one last look-over, then kicks him in the face. The hare falls over, his nose gushing blood. As Bucky and Bruiser leave, the remaining hares watch him, some with admiration and some with sheer terror as they help the whimpering Cryer up. SCENE 25 - CHAIRMAN DOGSTAR'S OFFICE The next day, Bucky, Wolf, and Mimi are reporting in to Dogstar. DOGSTAR First, and it goes without saying, strong work yesterday, Captain O'Hare. Warren and S.P.A.C.E. again owe you a debt. BUCKY (a bit of a faraway look in his eyes) Nothing I couldn't handle. DOGSTAR Undoubtedly. Now, for the reason you are all here. Any trouble with your liaisons? Bucky and Wolf are about to speak, but Mimi beats them to the punch. MIMI (loudly) Ooh! DOGSTAR Trouble, then? MIMI (angrily) That guy is a dick! DOGSTAR You have Mr. Filmore, correct? MIMI Yeah, you gave me the suit with a horse in it. What the hell, Dogstar? He's like a bureaucrat's wet dream. He wants me to turn in twenty forms to him this afternoon. My ship has just been sitting there all day! We've done nothing! And he wants twenty forms to turn into you! DOGSTAR (eyebrows raised) I see where you might take exception, Mimi. While I would not consider you the most disciplined captain we have, it sounds like Mr. Filmore is a tad out of line. MIMI A tad?! (slams her fist on the desk) You give me a new liaison right now, or I quit. DOGSTAR How about I instruct Mr. Filmore to curb his enthusiasm for paperwork, and I look the other way regarding the bar fight you got into last night. MIMI They were talking about you! DOGSTAR Beside the point. Filmore will remain your liaison, but I'll make sure he calms things down. Bucky, Wolf? WOLF My guy's great. I look forward to having him around. DOGSTAR Bucky? You're the tiebreaker. BUCKY What do you expect me to say? You put a hare with my ship. He's fine, if kind of overeager. Nice enough. Just as long as he stays out of my way, though, or I'm going to take Mimi's side in this. DOGSTAR I will repeat myself: These liaisons are for appearances' sake, and nothing more. Nothing they say or do will affect your routine, your workload, or your relationship with me. Is that clear? Bucky and Wolf nod. Mimi just grinds her teeth. DOGSTAR That settles it. Carry on. The captains turn to leave. Once they're out the door, Mimi audibly begins complaining again. DOGSTAR (sighs) Maybe I shouldn't have made these assignments completely randomly. SCENE 26 - LIBRARY, PALACE CITY, ALDEBARAN TRISHA, the former head of the Aldebaran Thought Order, sits with an indignant expression in a chair behind a library desk organizing files on a computer. The slightly pudgy white- and black-furred cat is reduced to wearing a simple khaki tunic and trousers, with no spell gem. TRISHA (grumbling) I won't stand for it ... former Head of the Thought Order ...a stupid little librarian ... someone'll pay for this. The automatic doors to the library slide open, and two female Aldebarans, one gray SHORTHAIR and one orange and white TABBY, dressed in civilian clothes and hats, enter the library. Trisha glances up briefly before returning to her computer. TRISHA (irritated) Get out of here; we're closed. The shorthair and tabby turn toward each other. They reach into their jackets, and each removes a metal pendant in the shape of an emblemized sword. They lean their foreheads together and clutch their pendants. SHORTHAIR (whispering) Are you absolutely sure of this? TABBY (whispering) The Silvered Sisters' opposition to males' rights was so staunch that the Queen disbanded them permanently. That, and they're still crying for Trisha to become Viceroy. SHORTHAIR (whispering) And how do you know such things? TABBY (whispering) Well, someone has to venture into society, just to keep up on current events. The Gray Shorthair cringes upon mention of the word "society." TABBY (whispering) Believe me, wherever Trisha goes, they'll follow. SHORTHAIR (whispering) Our true destiny has been revealed. TABBY (whispering) The Royal Family will be destroyed. SHORTHAIR (whispering) The time of their god is now over. TABBY (whispering) Glory to Moashk'Arkool. SHORTHAIR (whispering) Glory to her. Trisha looks up again. TRISHA (angry) I said we're closed! The shorthair and tabby put away their pendants and turn toward Trisha. The shorthair reaches into her jacket and removes a dart gun. Trisha's eyes go wide as the shorthair fires a syringe into her neck. Trisha removes the syringe but immediately begins to breathe heavily. Her eyelids flutter, and she reaches her paws out to grasp dancing lights. Trisha falls over onto the desk, unconscious. THE END