Episode II
Kobayashi-narlu
 

           Space glittered with the light of a thousand stars. The red nebula was ignited by the fiery sun behind it, casting an erie red glow down upon the demon. Sam was hunched over his Ulysses. Sparks flew as he welded a small cylinder into the circuitry. He pulled up the mask and hit the small switch. A single light illuminated the cockpits floor. The door opened. Sam bolted up, stiff and erect. He aimed the weapon at the figure moving from the door. The handgun was sturdy in his hand. The light illuminated the face of Votion. 
            Youre a little jumpy Terran. Votion said moving across the bay. Sam reluctantly slid the weapon back into its holster behind the chair. Votion walked up to his Horus. Sam smiled.
             I wouldnt suggest that you get too close. He picked up a spare bolt and tossed it at the ship. It struck the ship and was caught by electric charges serging from the ships hull. The bolt was charred black. Votion bent over and picked up the bolt. 
              Impressive, he tossed the bolt aside. Sam tossed a small device at Votion. Catching it, Votion clicked the small triangle button. The field deactivated. Interesting. He punched it again and a blue flash signalled the re-engagement of the field. GTA already installed a special device so that our ships cannot be tampered with. Votion said. Sam smiled.
               Perhaps, but If I`m captured then I want my ship here when I escape. He got out of his ship and closed the cockpit. He pushed a button and the same thing happened. 
               You do not like me, do you Terran? Votion asked.
               Not exactly, no. Sam said. He didnt smile. 
               And why not?
                Lets just say theres been a little bad blood between the Terrans and Vasudians. Votion nodded. He understood, but he knew that if they were going to get through this they would have to work together. This was no time for their petty differences to get in the way. Now you didnt come all the way out here to check up on me. The Vasudian cocked his head. 
                No, I would like you to see this. Votion walked towards the door. He disappeared through it and out into his quarters. Sam shook his head and went after him. Votion was hunched over his computer. Do you see this? He pointed at the screen. Sam walked over and looked down at the screen. The symbols filled it. Each one was a square, with lines through it. It was righting of some kind, that was for sure. 
                Shivan, right? Sam asked. Votion nodded.
                And thats what scares me. Sam frowned, then smiled. 
                Something scares you Vasudian? Votion turned in his chair. 
                What scares me is that not only is this Shivan, but its also Vasudian. He paused, suddenly becoming extremely serious. Ancient Vasudian. Sam gasped. 
                 What the.... Votion shut off the screen as the door flew open. The Android stood in the doorway. 
                  The Information that you provided will greatly help our cause. The Android said. It walked across the room and looked down at Votion. You are Vasudian? It asked. Votion nodded. Your species has changed. Votion was about to say something but the Android cut him off. You have been asked to.... The door opened, there in the doorway was a sight worst then death. It had two hands held high above its head, and three feet. It was as big as a Terran and as strong as any hydraulic press. Its compound eye stared out at Sam.
                  The Terran will accompany us. That wasnt a translator, that was Terran. It had a deep voice shattered by a low, heavy, rasp. The Vasudian will remain here.
                   Sakaan. Votion gasped. The legends are true. It turned and left. Sam turned to the Android. 
                   Who was that? 
                   That was Cronis. The Android started. He is the best fighter pilot of my masters, that there is. The Android moved across the room. It is a simple mission, head in and destroy as many Hammer of Light vessels that you can. If any Terran fighters show up destroy them as well. The Android went for the door. Sam stoped the Android. 
                   How does it know Terran? Sam asked. The Android cocked its head. 
                  They know many things about your race. The Android pulled away from Sam and walked out the door. Sam turned to Votion.
                   How long will it take you to get the information? Votion was still stunned. He kept mumbling; Sakaan, the legends are true. Vasudian. Votion slowly turned his head towards Sam, a shocked expression on his face. 
                   The legends are true. He said. Sam balled his hand into a fist.
                   Ive always wanted to do this, I was just hoping that it was on different terms. He punched Votion. The Vasudians head moved to one side and stayed there. Life suddenly came back to Votion. Whats Sakaan, and whats the legend? 
                    Apparently the Sakaan are the Shivans. he started. A race of demons who came to our world to take our resources. Then for some unknown reason they left just before stripping our world bare. The legend says that someday the Sakaan would return to destroy us. But that there would be one man, a man of two faces, who would try and stop them. Votion shook his head. It is of no matter now. he said. Yes, the information. He tapped a few keys. An hour, maybe two. Sam nodded. 
                       All right. Ill try and get a message to the Galatea. Sam turned to leave. Votion stood up. 
                       That man would be called The Leader for the Shivans. Sam gave him a glance and then walked out of the room. Was he the leader for the Shivans? What did all this mean? A man of two faces, a spy. Perhaps it was both of them. Sam wiped his arm. He didnt believe in legends, and he wasnt about to start now. 

                        Where is that Terran? Cronis snarled. The Shivan cockpit had no windows. Two screens were set up in front of his eye. The big one displayed space before him, the second displayed the Shivan control pad. It was centerd above his back, his hands flexed above the keyboard. His forward hands griped a double flight stick. The Scorpion nervously rotated from side to side with every movement of the stick. 
                         It is only a Terran, Cronis. another Shivan said. Give it a break. Cronis let out a sigh. 
                         Perhaps you are right Terak. he said. Sam slowly moved his Ulysses out of the bay. The small ship floated out into the darkness of space. 

                            Sam immediately punched up their location. They were just outside the Beta Cygni system. That was good, there were still GTA Navy Buoys all over this area. Apparently the Hammer of Light had moved in just after the GTA had lost it. This would serve as a kind of payback. Sam flew out and met the four Shivan ships that had gathered. 
                             Terran. Cronis started. You will head to this location, Cronis sent the coordinates of an outpost deep inside of the Beta Cygni system. You will wait for our arrival and we will attack. Sam moved a hand towards the jump button. He stopped for a moment, pulling his hand back. Is there something the matter Terran? Cronis asked. Sam forced his hand to the button and the subspace jump gate opened up. It sucked the small ship in. 
                              Do not worry Cronis. The other Shivan said. He is more scared of you then you are of the myth. The other Shivans laughed. Cronis grew stern. 
                              Jump. he said. Now. The ships flew into the blue nodes and disappeared. 
 
                               This was Sams chance, if he could only reach the Buoy. The closest one was over fifteen thousand clicks away. He powered up his engines, caught between a Shivan and a Hammer. Jump gates opened around him, the Shivan wing emerged, one word blared over his com unit. Attack. Sam had no choice but to change course, the buoy would have to wait. Sam took the lead, the ships flew at an amazing rate. The Hammer of Light vessels suddenly realized that they were in danger. There were five ships out there, the same number as them. The first lesson you learn in war is that its never about stats, never numbers, always strategy. 
                                The Vasudian splinter group was establishing a base here, at this point it was only a few transports and even less cargo crates. They were all Horuses, the Hammers really wanted this outpost. Sam thought that the GTA could benefit from the removal of this base. He chose his target; the lead Horus. Sam smiled. The Shivans chose their targets and began the attack. Ships dodged from side to side, fire from a million cannons filled space before him. The battle was fast paced, His target opened fire. The Horus arced upwards, Sam followed it. 
                                 He was armed with dual Prometheus cannons, and a bay full of Hornets. The missile targeter locked on but he didnt fire. He kept blasting away with his canons. The Horus dodged each shot, this was hopeless, he would never hit the ship at this rate. Then Sam realized it, he was being too strong armed. He was going for muscle rather than brain, he was beginning to think like a Shivan. He shot across the starboard section of the Horus. It dodged in the usual fashion and Sam was ready. He fired into the enemy ships shields, they glowed bright white as the dual cannons bounced off. The ship shuttered, and he fired again. Several more shots and the shields went down. He pulled the trigger again. The shots beat into the Horus, red flames leaped from the hull and a trail of smoke trailed back at Sam. He fired again, the shot ripped through the Horus wing. Another bolt and the ship exploded. Sam flew through the explosion. 
                                  He turned the ship back and saw that the Shivans were already attacking the cargo, and the transports. This was his chance. Sam flared his afterburners and struck towards the Navy Buoy. Thirteen thousand, twelve thousand, he looked down at his controls, he was still alive, and the Shivans werent following. Nine thousand, eight thousand, seven thousand, it was coming closer, so far so good. One thousand, nine hundred, eight hundred. The red box on his screen kept getting bigger he could see it now. It was in sending range. He punched up a GTA Channel.
                                   This is Captain Morrison calling GTD Galatea, come in Galatea. Sam hit is panel and swore. Cronis was floating over his way, slowly but eventually hed be here. Sam pushed his message. This is Captain Morrison to any GTA craft, do you hear me? There was nothing, the Shivan was speeding up now. A few more minutes and Cronis be in range to hear what Sam was saying. Then something came over his com. 
                                 This is the GTD Galatea, Sam spit out his message.
                                 Galatea, we have completed the mission requesting extraction. There was nothing. The Shivan was coming closer, in a few seconds he would be found out. 
                                  This is Galatea, we are in your vicinity. We cannot proceed with extraction at this moment. There was some static. Inform the Shivans that the Galatea is undefended, we will pull you out on your attack run. The blip continued to move across his scanner. We are sending you the information, Sam set his auto fire to destroy the buoy when the Shivan entered range of the transition. Sam started to acknowledge when four bolts shot from his cannons. The buoy exploded, a piece of shratenal bounced off Sams shields. He pulled back. Cronis came across his com. 
                                 What are you doing Terran? Sam thought up a reasonable story.
                                 I was trying to hack the GTA. he paused. I must have tripped a defence wire. The Shivan continued towards him. I did get some useful information though. The Scorpion looked intrigued. Were the Shivans integrated into their ships? Sam smiled deviously. How would you like the Galatea up on your wall? Sam could swear that the Scorpion was laughing. 

                                   Sam walked into Votions room. Dont get comfortable Vasudian. Votion exposed the disk. We need to punch out of here. Sam picked his sword up off the bunk. He checked its blade. Now. Votion didnt look too pleased. 
                                    I got as much information as I could, they locked me out of a few areas, but what I did discover I believe that we will benefit from it. Sam hit a button on the guard of his sword, and a light illuminated the base of the hilt. They know what we are doing. Sam hit the blue button. 
                                     Hopefully well be gone before they can investigate. Sam smiled. Stand back Vasudian. He brought the sword up above his head and brought it down crashing through the machine. 
                                      Well, there is no need to get violent. Votion said. Sam hit the button again and slid it back down into his scabbard. 
                                      Electromagnetic field, it can deflect any energy under an Ml-16 laser. He walked out of the room. Votion made the disk disappear, and followed him. The Android was waiting for them when they emerged. The computer terminal just exploded. Sam slapped Votion on the back. My Vasudian friend here was almost killed. Votion caught on and started coughing. The Android cocked its head.
                                       Do you require medical assistance? It asked. Votion shook his head. We must strike at the Galatea Immediately. Suit up, my masters are waiting for you. Votion shot Sam an angry look as the Android left the room. 
                                        What is it talking about? Sam shook his head.
                                        GTA has something planned. I dont know what. Votion walked toward his ship.
                                        Then we are about to find out. Sam nodded and followed him. After they had gotten settled into their ships they headed out. A wing of bombers and Scorpions were waiting for them. Cronis came across the com unit. 
                                        Terran, Vasudian, jump now. Sam hit a few keys and his ship sped into subspace. 

                                        They came out on the other side of the Beta Cigny system. Space was quiet and there in the distance was a single vessel. The Galatea, she wasnt suspecting a thing. Navy buoys were set up surrounding her, probably to increase sensor range. The bombers struck out. Sam checked his controls and noticed a message coming in. He punched it up. It repeated the same thing over and over again. 
                                        Kobayashi-narlu. Sam whispered. The no win scenario. The bombers closed in, they would be in range in a few minutes. They launched their bombs. Their long green tails headed in. The ship continued to send out her last message, on every frequency. Kobayashi-narlu. A few more seconds and the Galatea would be destroyed. The bombs headed in, the struck the hull and.... passed right through. The Galatea flashed, pieces of it split up and down. The bombs exploded, static filled the ship as the shockwave emerged. The buoys exploded and the image of the Galatea disappeared. 
                                         What?! Cronis yelled. Sam smiled. 
                                         Thats right Shivan. Sam smiled. Jump gates appeared all around them. The Galatea emerged from the largest ones. Its guns blaring. It destroyed the bombers in the first few shots. Each turret shot in sequence, the bolts flew like fire crashing into the enemy bombers.
                                          Weve been double crossed! Cronis yelled. Destroy the Terran! Destroy the Leader for the Shivans! Sam shut off his com and hit the afterburners just as the shots passed through his last position. The colours shifted again. Apollos and Valkeries emerged from the jump gates. 
                                          This is back Sparrow one to Captain Morrison, do you read me? Sam punched up the image, he smiled. 
                                           Good to see you Stonefox. Stonefox smiled. Stonefoxs real name was Harrison Mordow, but everyone just called him Stonefox. The ships arced around Sam, they opened fire on the Shivans, who were caught totally off guard. Wolfe came over the com. 
                                            All fighters protect Captain Morrison and Captain Votion, they must survive. Wolfe grew stern. Protect them at all costs. The commanders attention turned to Sam. Captain Morrison and Captain Votion, return to the Galatea immediately. Sam shot towards the mighty cruiser. Votion was nowhere to be seen. The Shivans were chasing him, The black sparrows were in hot pursuit. Suddenly a Scorpion came out of nowhere, his ship looked at him, the missile fire suddenly flashed on his HUD. His eyes grew wide and... a missile struck the ship, then another. The second one passed through the hole in its shields. The interceptor attached itself to the ship, its teeth bit into the hull. The light blinked and the missile exploded. Votions Horus sped through the explosion. Another Shivan ship exploded. Votion came along side Sam. 
                                             Sam gave him the thumbs up sign. Votion frowned then lifted his hand. Sam laughed. Cronis had Stonefox on his tale. All fighters pull out. he punched in the sequence and the blue light exploded in front of him. I will return for you, Leader for the Shivans. His ship disappeared. The Black Sparrows came in formation behind Sam and Votion. 
                                             Black Sparrows to Captain Morrison, you have command, welcome home. Sam smiled. 
                                          Its good to be back. Sam smiled at the Galatea. 

                                          Cronis floated unto the bridge. The Shivan commander turned to him. Did you destroy the Terran? 
                                           No. Cronis said. The Shivan grew angry. 
                                           Then you will hunt him. You will not stop until he lies dead. Cronis nodded. 
                                           The Leader for the Shivans will not survive. 
 

                                                           To be continued.....