"There is a civil war in the Ketana system. But from our investigations there seems to be more than meets the eye", said admiral Gwangwa.
"With all due respect admiral, I don't see what a civil war several star systems away has to do with us?".
"It has everything to do with us. We believe that a faction in the governing authority of the planet Byda, is ready to engage with Earth. But for some reason there seems to be strong opposition from the settlements on it's twin moons".
"Why not let them simply let them resolve their issues without us getting involved?", quired captain Maguire.
"We strong believe the civil war is being driven from beyond that star system in preparation for invasion of the planet and it's twin moons".
"You mean, you suspect alien involvement", suggested captain Maguire.
"Yes", confirmed admiral Gwangwa.
"I still don't get what that has got to do with us", insisted captain Maguire.
" The invasion of the Ketana star system is important because the region can be used as a launch pad for incursions deep into our space", said admiral Gwangwa. "The Deep space fleet is already in action along the Beita quadrant and several other regions. Captain I am trusting you with ensuring that the Ketana star system does not fall into alien control. The admiralty is not seeing the bigger picture as clearly as I am".
"What do you mean admiral?", asked captain Maguire.
"I believe the incursions in the other regions was a distraction to draw away our starships yet the main target is Ketana. However as I have no concrete proof to prove what I am saying the admiralty dismissed it as mere speculation. By the time they realise they realise the truth of what I am saying it will be too late and direct invasion of Earth will be unstoppable", claimed admiral Gwangwa.
"How can you be so certain of what you are saying?", captain Maguire quired.
"Thank about it, captain, Deep space starships have been deployed to remote sectors of space which are spread even further apart from each other", admiral Gwangwa remarked.
"As though deliberately causing Deep space starships to become thinly spread over a vast area of space", reasoned captain Maguire.
"Now you get the picture", said Gwangwa with satisfaction. But this operation must be kept between the two of us, until I have solid evidence which I can present to the admiralty. This is officially a rogue operation, until further
"Understood", said captain Maguire agreed.
The transmission ended and the image of admiral Gwangwa was replaced by a view of space.
Ladies and gentleman, this is the captain", he said speaking into his hand held communicator. "I know you were all looking forward to some serious R and R after our recent tour. There have been developments while we were away. Suffice we have been called upon to proceed to the Byda in the Ketana system. There is a situation developing there which if left unchecked threatens the security of Earth. That is all. Captain Maguire out", he ended the broadcast coming over the Sandawana's public address system.
"Pilot, set course for Byda", captain Maguire ordered lieutenant Tashinga at flight control.
The image of space in the giant monitor's screen swung around as the starship turned to face to the direction of the Ketana system. Captain Maguire set silently watching the hail of stars shooting past as the Sandawana sped through space. It was a sight he had watched on countless numerous though despite himself he could still not help being impressed. He was quietly enjoying the view when captain Lucinda walked onto the bridge.
"How are you now feeling?", he asked her.
"Much better", she replied. "We still haven't arrived on Earth?", she remarked in surprise.
"We have been ordered to the Ketana system. I just made an address".
"Don't tell me it's a combat mission", remarked captain Lucinda.
"I 'm a scientist, I didn't sign up for the risk that comes with conflict in outer space", captain Maguire protested.
"It's too late too turn back", said captain Maguire as they watched the hail of stars almost mesmerized shooting past with lightning speed.
"We are entering the Ketana system", lieutenant Tashinga at the flight control console announced.
"Captain, starships approaching", announced lieutenant Tanaka at communications.
"Ours", asked captain Maguire.
"No, they are Bydanian", replied lieutenant Tanaka.
"On screen", captain Maguire ordered.
The scenery of shooting stars was promptly replaced on the giant computer moniitor's screen by the sight of several alien starships approaching in formation.
"Com", open channel to the lead ship, captain Maguire ordered.
"This is captain Sydney Maguire of Space command's, Deep space fleet".
"Turn your ship around and go back or you will be fired on", came the harsh response, over the giant monitor's speakers.
"Full stop", captain Maguire ordered lieutenant Tashinga at the flight control console. The scenerio on the screen changed with the stars seemed to move much more slowly.
"Leave now!", came the angry audio over the speakers as the Bydanian ships came to stop a short ahead from the Sandawana, blocking the starship from proceeding any further.
"What's going on...", captain Maguire began but was cut off in mid statement lieutenant Alex Bara at the weapons control console, shouting urgently "captain I am picking up a rapid ncrease in energy readings from the Bydanian ships".
"Deploy electro magnetic pulse shield!", captain Maguire ordered, just as the Bydanian ships rained a hail of lasers on the Sandawana. The starship shuddered violently as the lasers slammed against the shield.
"I deployed the eltromagnetic pulse shield the moment I first noticed the increase in energy readings", explained lieutenant Tashinga.
"Good thinking", said captain Maguire as the starship shuddered under the relentless firing.
"Weapons, activate chameleon multiple targeting system", captain Maguire ordered lieutenant Alex Bara at weapons control.
"Targets acquired", reported lieutenant Tashinga.
"Back away from the present position, now!", he ordered lieutenant Tashinga at flight control and the Sandawana backed up from the concerntration if firepower.
"Raise electromagnetic shield and fire lasers!", captain Maguire ordered.