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Transcript
Panel 1:
Commander Dale Zurkett: Okay, that insufferably smug bastard is gone.
So, about that marine incursion plan we tabled...?
Grayson Talbot: Are you mad? We're so close to a peaceful deal. This couldn't have worked out better!
Panel 2:
Dale: What the hell is wrong with you? They kidnapped Natashia! They're enslaving the Spoogians!
Talbot; The Romulans tell it entirely differently. Can you really be sure this fellow you brought on board is trustworthy?
As for Natashia, it seems her coming here was a happy accident.
Dale: And you're just blindly trusting Romulans? We need to talk to Natashia. And to more Spoogians.
Panel 3:
Commodore Jeffrey Bannister: I agree. We have to go back down there.
Can you make that happen, Mr. Talbot?
Talbot: *sigh*
I put out the fire with a perfect deal and you want to douse it in gasoline. But fine. I will attempt it.
But if you don't mind, I'll contac the advisor from my quarters. I don't think he likes Commander Zurkett very much.
Dale: The feeling is mutual.
Jeff: Very well. In the meantime, let's relocate this discussion to my ready room.
Panel 4:
Narrative Text: Moments later!
Dale: I can't believe we're in this scenario.
Which leads to the bigger question... how, of all the ships in the quadrant, did OURS get picked?
The one and only ship that had their long-lost queen on board?
Panel 5:
Lieutenant Zack LeRoux: Well, I hate to say... but Ulbek could be right. Natashia could have pulled some strings behind our backs.
I never would have guessed it.
Dale: Or someone else set this up.
Panel 6:
Jeff: We need more information. And we have to talk to Natashia.
It's time to take action. Like going down to rescue her!
I may have suggested that before?
Dale (aside): *cough*
Andre Peters: Well, we can't beam down without their permission.
Panel 7:
Zack: Aren't we kind of past those courtesies?
Andre: No, I mean we can't beam past their particle defense system.
They've had it raised since Talbot and Bridget beamed back up.
Panel 8:
Zack: So? We can just beam in outside the city and hoof it.
Andre: That would work if these were like shields on a ship.
The particle defense system protects the entire planet.
And, unfortunately, the matter stream from our transporter is functionally the same as a particle storm.
It's designed to pulverize particles like that.
Zack: Oh. Ouch.
Andre: Well, you wouldn't feel it.
Unless SOME of you got through, I suppose. And reintegrated without your missing particles.
That would probably hurt an awful lot...
Panel 9:
Dale: Let's not dwell on that. There must be another option.
Besides waiting for the advisor's written invitation, that is.
Stickleback: One of my people is hidden insde the palace.
It may be possible for her to deactivate the system in the palace for you to beam there directly.
Dale: That's a risk. And you could be giving up your best agent!
Stickleback: For a plan such as this? To gain an ally such as you? This is why she volunteered.
Panel 10:
Jeff: All right. I'll give Talbot an hour to get us down there peacefully. That'll give you all time to prepare a team.
Dale; You really think the Romulans will give Natashia up?
Jeff: No, I think the peaceful option went away when they kidnapped my officer. But it's my duty to try.
Panel 11:
Jeff: She seemed unharmed, but... I can't help but worry what brainwashing and horrors they might subject her to if she doesn't do what they want.
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