Encounter at Theta-65

Main lab of Station Entropy
Sector 87-1C
Theta-65

"These conditions are deplorable! I will not stand for this! How can you expect me to conduct my research when you insist I be relocated to the fringes of our borders?! Does the council know long it takes to get prime samples out here? Not to mention the quality, don't even get me started!"

Brise Arten was currently yelling into his holovid. The clear visage of the Provost on the screen, looking almost uncomfortable but still resolute.

"I'm deeply sorry old friend, but you know I need someone I can count on in that regi-"

Brise interjected; "It was that insipid woman wasn't it? She always had it out for me and my research!"

"I can assure you Brise, Councilwoman Lica had nothing to do with you being out there. We are beginning to reach into nearby systems, you know how precarious our resource situation is on Landia Prime. We need...I need someone I can trust to bring those resources back and not simply take them all for themselves."

The new "Captain" of the station pinched the bridge of his nose. "I can't believe I'm here in this rutting station. I mean seriously? Entropy? Who came up with the name of this place?"

A smile came over Provost Aarel, "I thought the name fitting for the current state of things. You can rename it if you'd like. It is your station after all."

"Well, that would ruin the joke then wouldn't it? Just like that time nine years ago, remember with those assista-." The door chimed in just then, and one of the few other physical Landians came in.

"Sir...there's a situation"

Brise looked over at the smartly dressed female, one of the few military officers in this sector. This one liked standing on formality, the kind of formality that didn't really exist in their culture but it was still interesting to witness. He looked her over, and expectantly waited for her to say something. After a few tense moments he spoke up. "Well, get on with it then!"

"The interceptor drones we sent out to explore Sector 1043-18Q. Their live feed is showing something none of us wanted to see..." she sighed, "a full Vakuu fleet"

The councilman dropped the holovid on the table. "No...no no no. That can't be right. We JUST got out here. HOW ARE THEY HERE ALREADY?!" He activated his neural visual implants and directly linked with the lead Interceptor squadron. Sure enough, a huge Vakuu fleet was there and broadcasting.

"This is Fleet Master Antarese of the Crimson Fleet. Stand down and submit to a security check or be destroyed."

"Well, Antarese certainly does like getting to the point. Officer, " Brise struggled to remember her name, " ...Pezal, order the fighters to power down their weapons and submit to their demands. Make sure any sensitive technology is locked down. If they try to take the drones by force, start their engine overload functions. Of all the time for them to show up...the colonists are arriving next week! This new sector may no longer be safe."

Provost Aarel spoke up, "Brise, keep a live link going back to the council chambers here on Landia Prime. I've already summoned the council for an emergency session. They will be arriving shortly."

Brise was staring into the distance on his visual implants, waiting for the Vakuu to make their move. He then looked worriedly down into the holovid, " Of course and Aarel, please tell Lica...well...she probably knows. If something happens out here tell her I still care..."

"Fleet Master, the fighters power level are dropping. They appear to be submitting."

The Fleet Master growled softly, like a Predator contemplating the fate of its prey

"Scan them for contraband and release them. We can no longer atomize these lesser beings at will. Doing so will set forth rebellion. After they are scanned, plot a course for central command. We are done out here."

Brise let out a long reliving sigh. After a few short commands he reengaged the main power to the Interceptors and order an immediate recall.

"I want a controller to go out with each exploration wing now, I don't want to chance anything happening to our technology. Especially with the Vakuu in such close vicinity." He turns back to the holovid. "Aarel, the sector is secured at the moment. I think we need to devote more resources from the planet to fortifying the sector. I'm also receiving a ping from the colonists lead ship, they are arriving in the next hour."

"Good to hear Brise, I'm glad that was resolved quickly and without conflict. Of course I'll bring the resource situation up to the council, and due to the recent events I doubt they will disagree."

"I came up with a name for it"

"For what?"

"The planet, Gilgamesh. I won't tell you the other name I was considering for it. It would've been...tacky I'm afraid."

"Let me fathom a guess. Something to do with a certain female council woman?"

"Something to that extent, yes, but something a bit unflattering."

Aarel let out a hearty chuckle.