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Disclaimer: I do not own Ratchet & Clank, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
Chapter 7- Maktar Resort or Bust

The Galactic Federation Dropship glided silently at best speed towards the surface of the planet beneath. Upon entering the planet’s atmosphere the transport was forced to decrease its speed both to break its rate of descent as well as to avoid colliding with the thickening formation of traffic which hugged tightly to the peaks of the city planets towering skyscrapers. The manoeuvre was a necessary sacrifice to ensure that they could reach the target without incident, but in the end it may prove to be the forfeit which allowed the objective the necessary time to make his escape.
The Dropship began to slow to idle, hovering over the edge of the city walkway the loading ramp lowered down onto the elevated pedestrian street in front. The ramp struck the metal walkway with a resounding clang, Captain Torn immediately leading an entire platoon of Galactic Rangers down the loading ramp the moment it made contact with the walkway. The Federation soldiers stormed onto the empty city street, maintaining a brisk run as they charged through the open streets eclipsed beneath the long shadows of the towering skyscrapers. Captain Torn held his rifle tightly to his chest, refusing to allow his stride to falter as he continued to advance through the alien city, his Galactic Rangers following swiftly behind him.
Torn was grateful that the streets were empty, any civilian casualties could cause an intergalactic incident, even being spotted operating in the city could cause mass panic among the population, not to mention a mess of paperless-work when he reported back to Marcadia. As far as the population of Bogon was concerned neither he nor his team ever existed here.
The team reached the target location, the Captain and his soldiers forming up on either side of the heavy metallic door. With their weapons charged and ready he motioned the technician forward to place a hacking device on the doors control panel, the sophisticated technology interpreting and decoding the intricate security systems using programs and algorithms that Torn, as a simple soldier through and through, could not begin to comprehend.
While the Technician Ranger performed its duties Torn mentally prepared himself for the coming fight. The target he had been tasked to apprehend was an enemy of the Galactic Federation, as personally dictated by the Galactic President himself. However the subject was also a former soldier of the Galactic Federation, a personal operative of Megacorp CEO Abercrombie Fizzwidget and a hero of the citizens of the Bogon galaxy where they now resided. Ratchets record spoke for itself and painted a dangerous challenge for Captain Torn and his platoon. The fact that the target had enjoyed a significant amount of time to requisition any amount of support or reinforcements from his contacts in Bogon unnerved the Federation soldier. Captain Torns unease was not alleviated by the knowledge that his team had chosen to abandon stealth in favour of intercepting the target swiftly to avoid the risk of him eluding them once again or even daring to go as far as to threaten the President’s daughter in a desperate effort to secure escape.
The robotic technician serving as the teams’ computer expert stepped back from the control panel. Captain Torn glanced at the Ranger and gave him a curt nod. The Ranger activated the button on his wrist gauntlet, triggering the door controls and disengaging the complex array of locks which secured the door in place. The door slid silently open, Captain Torn charged through the open breach, his weapon raised and scanning his gaze across the apartment before him, the squads of Galactic Rangers following in the wake of their leader.
Captain Torn stood frozen in the centre of the spacious apartment, his gaze scanning every corner of the large room which appeared to serve as the apartment’s kitchen and living room hybrid. The room had the feel of having been recently lived in, the lingering warmth and scattering of stained dishes in the kitchen indicated that the apartment was inhabited.
The perpetual silence in the apartment was suddenly broken by the gentle hum of a ships engine being carried on the wind. Captain Torn stepped towards the window which dominated the far wall of the apartment, his heart sinking as he saw the dark black mass lifting off of the exterior landing pad, blazing off into the city. It seemed his plan of a precise and deadly strike had failed him. His prey had eluded him once more.

**************************
The mood in the cockpit of Ratchets fighter was far lighter than the stale atmosphere they expected currently loomed in the wake of their escape. “That was Captain Torn!” Sasha giggled beneath her breath. “How I wish I could have seen his face”
Ratchet laughed with her. “He’s really not as subtle as he thinks. I mean storming through the entire city with a contingent of Galactic Rangers wasn’t the most secretive way he could have-” the Lombaxes words suddenly trailed off as they finally pierced the planet’s outer atmosphere, on the far side of the planet, in the darkness of space, hung the Galactic Federation Starship Phoenix. “It’s the Starship Phoenix” Sasha was stunned. “I’m being hunted by my own ship!”
“It appears your father is willing to risk an intergalactic incident to get you home” Angela asked, fear seeping into her voice. “Have they identified us?”
“We just blasted out of the planet at full speed” Ratchets grip on the ships controls tightened. “We must be a blazing supernova on their ship sensors”
“Are they going to blast us out of the sky, they’ve certainly got the firepower?” Angela could hear the animal fear seeping into her voice.
“I’m not sticking around to find out” Ratchet engaged the throttle, firing the engines the ship suddenly leapt away from the planet. In their wake the Starship Phoenix turned on its axis to face its fleeing target. “I’m fairly sure they see us now”
Even as they turned to pursue the Starships weapons remained cold. “But they’re not charging to fire at us” Angela said, watching as the Federation warship continued its pursuit.
“They want to bring Sasha back alive” Ratchet spoke, his voice laced with dark truth. “That means they’re not willing to risk shooting us to disable our engines, they also need their Captain to return from the surface before they can pursue us” Ratchets lips curled into a smile. “That means we can do this!” Ratchet engaged the fighter’s engines, blazing ahead towards the edge of the system. The Starship Phoenix suddenly slowed her engines, refusing to travel any further beyond Endako. At this rate the nimble fighter would be out of radar range within minutes, they would be free once again.
“We need to go somewhere hidden” Angela pondered her local knowledge of the Bogon galaxy. “Somewhere we can’t be seen”
“Maybe not” Sasha interjected. “Maybe we need to go somewhere public, somewhere with crowds, somewhere we can hide in plain sight”
Angela and Ratchets gaze met, a devious smile forming on their lips. “Maktar Resort!”

**************************
Maktar Resort, nestled in the centre of the Maktar Nebula, served as the centre of fun and recreation for most of the Bogon Galaxy. The floating station was the perfect environment for the gamblers to wager their savings, the duelling fans to watch as contestants surrendered their lives in a spectacular fireball or buzz saw evisceration and where a galactic fugitive could hide in plain sight from the rest of the universe.
The trio moved with the flow of the crowd, concealing themselves amongst the vast number of other patrons of Maktar Resort. “Now remember” Ratchet spoke as they continued to walk with the crowd. “It’s absolutely critical that we maintain a low profile while we’re here. We can’t risk anything which could allow Captain Torn to track us here-”
“Hey, that guys a former Champ” a passerby whispered beneath his breath at his buddy. “He beat Chainblade and B2 Brawler at the same time!”
“Yeah, but he’s probably washed up now” his buddy responded. “No way could he ever beat the new champ...” the remainder of his conversation drifted away as they walked out of earshot.
“Chainblade” Sasha pondered the name, the only member of the group unfamiliar with life in the Bogon galaxy.
“Galactic Gladiators” Angela’s said. “It’s a big arena combat tournament here in Bogon. Ratchet was quite the star while he was here weren’t you Ratchet?” Angela turned to face Ratchet, only to discover that he had disappeared from existence.
“Ratchet” Sasha called out his name into the open world around them.
Angela glanced around frantically in search of her lost companion. “You think someone got to him?”
“Maktar Resort, we have a very special treat for you” the booming voice of an announcer tore through the resort, drawing everyone’s attention to the large viewscreen built into the main building of the resort. “A former Galactic Gladiators winner has returned to face the new champion for the chance to win big cash prizes” Ratchets promotion photo suddenly emerged on the screen accompanied by several feeds of his past victories. “Coming up live on Mega-view, Galactic Gladiators”

**************************
“This is not a good idea” Sasha sat down into the packed stands of the Maktar Resort beside Angela.
“I know, but there’s nothing we can do to stop him” Angela admitted. “All we can do now is be ready to get him out of here before the new champ finishes rearranging his spinal column”
The overhead lights gently began to dim, the intense spotlights focusing on the main arena only separated from the stands by a steep drop into an electrified pit, as the announcer began the show.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s the match you’ve all been waiting for. Welcome to Galactic Gladiators!” the thunderous roar of applause split the air. “Tonight is a very special contest. In one corner, Intergalactic Hero, Galactic Gladiators Champion and semi-professional starship mechanic, Ratchet!”
Ratchet stepped out into the central spotlight, revelling in the roaring cheers of the crowd as they eagerly anticipated the coming match up. “And in the other corner, the Terror of Maktar!” the arena transport pod slid forward with a thunderous roar of its motor, the large transport carrier peeling open to reveal the creature inside.
The dark robot stepped out into the bright glow of the arena lights. Ratchets opponent was a Megacorp Security Robot, one of similar design to the hundreds of security bots Ratchet had encountered during his time in Bogon. This model however appeared to be a variant he had yet to encounter, its four spidery legs appeared to have been extended to allow the robot to move with additional speed and agility. Its casing was coated jet black with red trim, likely another device to strike fear into the hearts of their opponent. The reinforced armour casing was coated jet black with red trim, likely another device designed to strike fear into the heart of their opponent. The reinforced armour casing, extended plasma sword in its left gauntlet and the flame cannon on its right were also interesting additions.
The Megacorp Robot was not slow in its reaction to having acquired a new target, firing a supercharged ball of plasma Ratchet was lucky to evade. Ratchet rolled back onto his feet, drawing his Heavy Lancer in a single fluid motion he opened fire into the torso of the robot. The high velocity rounds splashed across the creatures’ armoured chest, the last few of the barrage becoming absorbed by the blade of the creatures’ plasma sword.
With his enemies’ barrage stunted the Megacorp robot stormed forward with fire burning in the creatures’ visor, its plasma sword descending to deliver the killing blow to the Lombax. Ratchet leapt to the side just as the flaming blade passed, the burning tip of the weapon scorched past his furry skin by mere centimetres. The robot, unable to maintain its balance after its wild swipe of its sword, stumbled forward and left itself exposed to retaliation. Seeing his enemies exposed weakness Ratchet quickly turned on his heel and plunged the barrel of his Heavy Lancer into the robots back. Ratchet squeezed the trigger, balls of concentrated plasma striking into the robots thinly armoured casing. The super heated plasma tore though the robots casing and fried its internal circuitry. The robot collapsed at Ratchets feet, defeated.
The arena suddenly erupted in a thunderous roar of combined cheers, Ratchet embracing the applause of the crowd at his victory.
“Of course” the voice of the announcer carried over the crowd. “That was just a warm up fight to make sure our contestant hadn’t lost his touch” the thunderous roar of the crowd slowly began to subside. “And here comes the true champion, the B2-Brawler II!”
Ratchet turned to see the dark shadow of the true Maktar Champion descending over the arena. Down from the main viewing platform descended the robotic colossus with a thunderous crash of metal against metal as he struck the arena. The monster machine was a dark parody of its predecessor, where B2 had wielded duel plasma cannons on either side of its vast casing his predecessor had also been equipped with two additional appendages extending from the back of the creatures’ hull. The long extensions were tipped with pulsating plasma blades, the sort of weapons usually reserved for the personal war machines of the galaxies craziest warlords and lunatics planning galaxy wide domination.
“He may be young but don’t underestimate this lean machine” the announcer called through the open space. “He’s armed with so many guns and blades and missiles he makes B2 look like a Sand Cat pup!” the announcers scripted smart arse remarks did not help fill Ratchet with confidence as his adversary advanced menacingly towards him.
B2 Brawler II delivered the first attack, lunging his plasma blade forward Ratchet dodged the attack by a hairs width, quickly opening fire with his N60 Storm into the monsters armoured shell. The barrage of plasma splashed across the robots armoured hull, administering little more than cosmetic burns across its armour.
“B2 was programmed to show no mercy, this guy doesn’t even compute the meaning of the word” the announcers’ voice carried over the torrent of laughs from the surrounding crowd.
B2 thrust forward with another plasma blade tipped arm. Ratchet dared to dodge once more. This time the machine drew blood, the fiery purple tip of one of the Brawlers plasma blades cut a thin red line across the Lombax’s cheek. The blade continued forward and dug into the floor of the arena behind Ratchet. Ratchet rolled back onto his feet, ignoring the burning sting of the fresh wound he unloaded another volley into the robots armoured shell in an attempt to breach the dome holding the brain which maintained the very source of his power, his single weakness. In that moment he suddenly realized it, he knew what he had to do.
Ratchet drew his Decimator rocket launcher, swiftly took aim at his target and fired. The rocket flew across the sky towards the robot, slowly descending in a graceful arc before it struck the base of B2’s large arachnid legs.
“Looks like the Lombax fell short on that last shot, that is goanna cost him!”
Throwing his previous strategy of evasion and countering to the wind Ratchet suddenly went on the offensive. Charging forward, dodging the incoming barrage of plasma rounds beaming down on him from the robots duel cannons, Ratchet came within range of his target. Ratchet leapt onto the leading foot of B2’s damaged leg and drew his wrench from his back and began to pound away at the metallic surface.
“Everybody hit the deck, this guy’s crazy!”
B2’s leg rose from the arena platform. Ratchet clasped onto the leg as it bucked and writhed like a feral Barlowian Saur-Beast in an attempt to cast the rebellious attacker aside. But Ratchet continued to hang on, utilising whatever chance he had to smash his wrench against the fractured surface of B2’s armoured shell. Ratchet delivered the final crushing strike against the monsters armour, fracturing the reinforced shell to reveal the intricate circuitry beneath.
Ratchet leapt clear of the thrashing tentacle, rolling back onto his feet on the floor of the arena, ready to finally deliver the knockout blow against the champion of Maktar Resort. Ratchet drew his Plasma Storm, took aim at his target and fired. The charged sphere of plasma shot across the arena in a flurry of sparks, striking the crack in the robots leg in a flurry of shattered metal.
The pulse of electricity shot up through the leg towards the central dome where the creatures multiple extensions joined with the creatures brain. The bolt of electricity fried the delicate organ from the inside, the heavy duty insulation designed to repel outside attacks only served to contain and intensify the unforeseen assault. The large mech collapsed to the floor of the arena in a flurry of flailing arms and fractured metal.
Ratchet stood dumbstruck, his heart racing in and his breathing franticly as the adrenaline which had flooded his veins slowly receded. While his opponent lay seemingly defeated at his feet Ratchet still fully expected the creature to rise back to its feet and return to the fray. When his opponent failed to return to the challenge Ratchet finally allowed himself to embrace the thunderous roar of the crowd around him embracing him in the warm afterglow of his victory.

**************************
The streets of Maktar welcomed their newest victorious champion with open arms. After his triumph against the B2-Brawler II Ratchet had left the stadium to be met with cheering crowds and excited fans each eager to catch a glimpse of their new hero.
As the crowd eventually, and rather reluctantly dispersed Ratchet left the main arena which dominated Maktars central hub and set out into the streets in search of his companions, yet even away from the Maktar Arena Ratchet could not help but draw the attentions of fans giving their congrats or asking for autographs.
“Mr Ratchet?” a young female voice stopped him in his tracks. “Can I get your autograph?”
“Sure” Ratchet turned on his heel in anticipation of another buxom, young fan eager to show her support for Maktars new champion. “So who should I make it out-”
Ratchet felt the surge of pain tearing through his body as the shock stick was jammed into his chest, his jumpsuit offering little resistance against the unexpected attack. Ratchet, unable to command his own muscles and with his senses sent into simultaneous overload, could do little more than collapse to the floor in a painful heap as he drifted into unconsciousness.

**************************
“Hey fuzzball”
Ratchet could feel himself slowly drifting back into the land of the living, though only by the dull throbbing assaulting his head.
“Wake up you furry moron!”
Ratchets eyes quickly snapped open when he felt the remains of a rather harsh slap burning across his cheek. He blinked to clear his vision, the haze of colour and vague shapes slowly forming into the dark shadows of two figures staring down at him with piercing blue eyes.
“What the hell were you doing?” the accusation rang in his ears. “You just broadcast to the entire galaxy that we’re here!”
He must have blacked out. Whoever had ambushed him must have dragged him into a side street to avoid any unnecessary attention from passersby. “Huh?” was the only word which could slip past his lips.
The small figure held the lip of their cloak in their hands, pulling back the hood to reveal chocolate brown fur beneath. “You don’t think my father’s lapdog Torn won’t see it and come running do you?”
The other figure revealed her as Ratchets other partner in crime. “For all we know he could be on his way here now!”
“Come on” Ratchet responded. “Do you really think-”
“Hold still” Sasha held Ratchets cheek in her hand, in her other hand she held a canister of Nanotech. Touching the device to Ratchets cheek he felt the cool burn as the light blue liquid washed over his skin, healing the cut sustained during his battle with B2-Brawler II. In the afterglow of his victory he had completely forgotten to treat the injury.
“Do you really think Captain Torn watches Galactic Gladiators?”
Ratchets words were overshadowed by the thunderous roar of starship engines. As if to confirm their fears a dark shadow flew overhead, though difficult to distinguish against the background of space they were certain it was a military transport. As the ship turned to touchdown on the nearby platform the insignia of the Phoenix was emblazed across the nose of the craft. The main loading ramp descended onto the cold metal plate, a formation of Galactic Rangers marched down onto the platform.
“Yeah” Sasha said. “I think he does”

**************************
Maktar Resort, once an opulent playground for the dedicated gamblers, career alcoholics and fans of Gladiatorial combat, was now awash with Galactic Federation soldiers dispatched with a single objective. Secure the Lombax!
From the shadows of a nearby alleyway the fugitives watched as a patrol of Rangers passed them by, remaining oblivious to the reality that their target laid mere metres, just out of sight.
“It looks as though Torn arrived pretty quickly” Ratchet stood in the darkness before his two partners in intergalactic crime. “And he brought an entire platoon of Galactic Rangers with him”
“They’ll have the entire facility on lockdown in a few minutes” Angela said “We need to get to the ship”
“And then what?” Sasha asked. “Where can we go from there? If we alert any of the Galactic Federation troops they will call for reinforcements”
“She’s right” Ratchet admitted. “Assuming they haven’t already secured the ship or simply destroyed it they’ll have the Phoenix in orbit ready to blast us out of the sky as soon as we attempt to leave the system” Ratchet turned to Angela. “Shame we couldn’t just call in Thugs-4-Less right Angela?” Ratchet laughed.
“I think they went out of business after you escaped from their flying prison, destroyed their fleet with a single fighter and then stormed their headquarters to defeat their leader inside of a giant mech. Looks like we’re on our own” Angela drew her pistol from her belt, checking the weapon over in her hands. “We’ll just have to do it ourselves, fast and quiet”
“Those are my soldiers” Sasha clutched Angela’s arm tightly in her hand. “I am their Captain, they serve aboard my ship”
“They were your soldiers, Captain Sasha” Angela retorted. “Now they march beneath a different Captain, and now they stand between us and freedom. I am afraid that we have been left with few alternatives”
“Wait” Ratchet said sharply, freezing his two companions in their tracks. “I have an idea”

**************************
Federation Captain Torn looked out across the artificial city of Maktar from his vantage point at the landing platform where he had first entered the city.
“What do you have to report Sergeant?” Captain Torn stood with back straight, with his hands clasped tightly behind his back.
“Sir” the Galactic Ranger snapped a mechanical salute to his superior officer. “The Ranger squads are spread across the entire station; they are currently in the process of sweeping the facility sector by sector”
“And, the fugitive” Torn asked with careful control over his voice, his fur bristling and his teeth glinting at the mere mention of his target.
“The Phoenix remains at the edge of the system broadcasting for all ships to remain docked or risk military interception, so far no ships have attempted to leave the station. The broadcast featuring Ratchet ended little over half an hour before we landed on Maktar, I do not believe the target could have departed the system before we initiated the lockdown”
“Never underestimate your opponent, Sergeant” Torn growled. “Underestimation is the reason he was able to slip through our grasp at Endako”
“Do not be concerned Captain” the Rangers thinly veiled assurances did little to calm the Captain. “We are secure on his trail and it will only be a matter of time-”
“The problem with hunting by a trail, Sergeant, is that by definition you will always remain behind your prey. We must get ahead of him quickly before he can escape the system-” Captain Torns communication unit beeped to life, raising from his belt the screen levitated before him, static burning across the screen eventually cleared to reveal the image of another Galactic Ranger.
“Captain, I have an urgent message to relay” the Ranger relayed his message.
“Go ahead trooper”
“Sir, we’ve found the target”
“Are you sure?” Captain Torn asked, his fur bristling at the prospect returning to the hunt.
“Affirmative sir, my squad are observing the target from a safe distance and he remains unaware of our presence. We are prepared to advance on your order”
Torns lips curled into a smile. “Excellent work trooper” Torn turned on his heel. “Is there any sign of the President’s daughter?”
“Negative Captain. Only the fugitive has been sighted, the remainder of the platoon are still searching, we will find her. Sergeant 602 out” the screen fell black and the communicator automatically returned to its module at Torns belt. Captain Torn walked across the platform towards the walkway, motioning for his personal guard squad to follow in his wake. Reactivating his voice communicator he broadcast on an open military channel. “All Galactic Rangers converge on my signal, we have identified the target. I want all squads to surround the fugitive from every side; do not allow him to evade you. No one is to open fire if the President’s daughter is sighted with the fugitive. I repeat, until the president’s daughter is confirmed safe you must not engage the target”

**************************
“What is the situation Sergeant?” Captain Torn approached the Galactic Ranger leading the first squad.
“Sir, we have secured the fugitive. He is surrounded on the main platform up ahead” the Sergeant followed his captain along the walkway towards the target.
“And there is still no sign of the President’s daughter or his other accomplice?” Captain Torn asked. Even though his sole objective in this operation was the capture of the fugitive and his return to the Solana Galaxy for trial the safety and security of the president’s daughter took priority. Even though she appeared to be travelling with the fugitive of her own free will Captain Torn refused to accept such a preposterous reality. However, despite his reservations, Captain Torn had to accept that if they were surrounded the daughter may dare to throw herself into harm’s way in an effort to save the fugitive if he did not already use her as a human shield first.
“I’m afraid that’s a negative Captain” the Trooper almost seemed ashamed to admit it. “There has been no sign of either of them but I have every available unit continuing the search”
A dozen scenarios cycled through Torns military mind. A hostage situation to barter ransom or safe passage, a distraction to lure his soldiers away while she was taken out of the system, a drastic final stand to end in a blaze of laser fire once he knew he was finally trapped. Any outcome would spell the end of Torns career, and possibly even his life. He was therefore determined that this operation not fail.
“She must be found, trooper, it is now our top priority. The longer we delay the greater the risk that she could be-” Torn froze midstep; staring ahead he caught his first sight of the ring of Galactic Rangers encompassing the main platform with the captured target held in the centre. “That is... the fugitive?”
“Affirmative Captain” the two approached the main platform. “We held fire as you ordered. He has made no attempts to resist”
“You do realize that it’s not real” it appeared that despite having invested billions of bolts in developing the Galactic Federations frontline soldier the R&D budget did not stretch far enough to infuse their soldiers with the ability to distinguish their target from an inflatable decoy.
The Galactic Ranger Sergeant stepped forward and poked the decoy target with the barrel of his plasma cannon. “It seems real to me”
In one fluid motion Captain Torn drew his pistol from his belt, firing a shot directly into the dummies head, the body exploding in a flurry of rubber fragments. The Galactic Rangers simply stood in stunned silence as their commanding officer addressed them. “It’s a decoy!” Captain Torn waved his weapon in front of him in a frantic haze. “Ratchet must be around here somewhere. Search the station, I want him found immediately!” the Galactic Rangers quickly disbanded and charged out across the walkway leading deeper into the station. Captain Torn turned to face the Sergeant. “Confirm with Squad Three that the fugitives’ ship is still locked down on the landing pad”
“Affirmative Captain” the Galactic Ranger Sergeant responded. “His ship remains locked down and secure, there’s absolutely no way they will be able to escape the system aboard the ship”
The thunderous roar of engines suddenly erupted across the station like the precursor to a passing flight of Tyrannoid Dropships, across the nose of the transport ship was emblazed the insignia of the Phoenix. “Sergeant” Torn could only watch as the ship departed the station. “Please tell me that is not my Dropship”

**************************
Sitting in the cockpit of a stolen Federation Dropship, Sasha and Angela manning the co-pilots seats, Ratchet idly spun the decoy ball on the tip of the finger of his Decoy Glove. “It’s all in the wrist”
The shuttle fell deafly silent as they each imagined the look on Torns face as it finally dawned upon him that his ship had been stolen out from under him, each fighting to suppress the urge to break down in an uncontrollable laughing fit before they had even truly made their escape.
“Now that we’ve escaped his ship, evaded his soldiers and now stolen his Dropship I’m guessing the Captain won’t be up for a sit down to talk about letting us come back in peace?” Angela pondered.
“Torn is a fiery and determined soldier, he will not take this kind of insult lightly and he will not turn away from his duty. I think we need to find somewhere a little more secluded until this all dies down”
“I have a house on Greblin; the entire planet is a frozen ball of ice. No one ever goes there except the mad, the crazy and the Moon Cultists. There’s no way anyone would be able to track us there”

**************************
The Galactic Federation Dropship swooped down through the thick snowstorm which eclipsed the surface of the planet, touching down on the landing platform across from the house the pilot settled the landing gears of the heavy craft down onto the slippery, ice covered surface. The snow would not delay in to consuming the craft, concealing it against observation from the sky, as if there was even anyone remaining on this frozen wasteland to notice their arrival except the old hippie, and his only allegiance was to the cosmos.
As soon as the craft settled the three occupants quickly scrambled out into the house, eager to escape the biting cold which blighted the planet. Throwing open the main door of the house, flakes of fresh snow being carried on the high wind spilling out to stain the carpet at their feet. The three were greeted by the two piercing red eyes and sparkling white teeth staring out of the darkness to greet them. “Hey little guy” at Angelas greeting the creature dared to step one bright blue foot from the shadows, followed suit by the fuzzy blue body of the Megacorp Protopet. The creatures piercing red eyes began to soften, his teeth curling into a devious smile the beast shambled forward to nuzzle into the armoured boot of his master with a warm purr deep within its alien throat. Angela knelt down to scoop her beloved pet up into her hands; the small creature forming perfectly into the palm of Angela’s gloved hand. “Come on, we can rest in my room”
Ratchet closed the heavy door behind him in an effort to hold back the touch of frost in the wasteland beyond before following Angela along the corridor. The house was made up of several rooms branching off from the main corridor which ran the entire length of the house, with the front section of the house occupied by the kitchen and living areas while the rear of the house was dominated by the bathroom and main bedroom. As soon as Angela entered her room she immediately collapsed down onto her bed, allowing the soft pillows to cushion her impact beneath her back.
Ratchet and Sasha paced idly around the edge of the room, staring out of the large window which dominated the wall at the head of the bed looking out over the vast, frozen wasteland surrounding them. “Not that this isn’t fun” Angela’s voice broke the looming silence. “Being intergalactic fugitives, racing around the galaxy trying daringly to stay ahead of a pursuing Federation military ship, but what are we going to do now?” Ratchet and Sasha stared across at each other, each hoping the other would be able to offer a suitable offer to the question. “I mean, you guys can stay as long as you want, but eventually this ‘Torn ‘ guy is going to track us down again and we’ll simply have to start running across the galaxy all over again”
“Captain Torn is my fathers’ personal war hound” Sasha said. “Once he has been let loose he will not surrender. Even if we remove him another will simply be sent with a greater force at his command” the dark realization finally dawned upon her. “If we want to survive we have to stop running. I have to face my father”
Ratchets muscles tightened at the mention of the Galactic President. “But your father is in Solana, we’re fugitives, we would be arrested the moment we approached the system let alone enter the office of the Galactic President. Frankly the only way we are ever going back there is if Captain Torn or one of his lap dogs either shoots us or wraps us up in ribbons”
Angela suddenly leapt bolt upright on the bed, her mind clearly abuzz with a mind of a master criminal. “I know, I just got an idea”

**************************
Galactic Federation Captain Torn had served in the Federation Military since he had joined the Academy as soon as he had come of age to enter Galactic Service. He had defended his ship against a raiding party of ghost pirate robots, he had lead his platoon into the depths of Aquatos during the Sewer War and emerged with a dozen Sewer Crystals freshly extracted from the bowels of a King Amoeboid and on Marcadia he had lead the initial defence of the galaxies capital against the Tyrannoids armed with nothing but an N60 Storm and a Shock Blaster. As such it came as a personal insult when, having been directed by the Galactic President himself, he had not only allowed his prisoner to escape but had let the fugitive to slip through his defences and escape to a foreign galaxy with the President’s daughter, elude him once again on Endako only to be tracked to Maktar after appearing in a live television broadcast and once more escape the Phoenix’s entire force by stealing a Federation Dropship.
Captain Torn sat in his command chair on the bridge of the Starship Phoenix, rubbing his finger tips into his temple. He knew what would await him if he failed in his task. But suddenly it felt as though fate was smiling upon him, or so it seemed.
“Captain” one of the Rangers operating one of the main bridge consoles called for his attention. “We are being hailed on a secure military frequency, command level encryption. The ID signature is registered to the Phoenix’s Dropship”
Captain Torn opened his eyes and removed his head from his hands, returning to his proper posture. “Put it on the main viewscreen”
The Phoenix’s main bridge viewscreen crackled to life, the thick film of static clearing to reveal two figures dressed in jet black armour, draped in flowing dark capes which passed down beneath the border of the viewscreen. Their faces were concealed beneath masks with piercing blue slits where he anticipated their eyes to be.
“Hunter Torn?” the tall Hunter asked.
“Captain Hunter Torn” Torn retorted sharply, emphasising his rank with a hiss beneath his breath. “Captain Galactic Federation Starship Phoenix, identify yourselves”
“That is of no concern” the tall Hunter responded, something about them seemed familiar but Torns mind refused to acknowledge it.
“I believe you are in pursuit of this Lombax?” the camera panned outwards to reveal another figure crouched between the two of them. Golden yellow fur peeked through the neck of a skin-tight military jumpsuit, his hands secured behind his back and a blindfold wrapped tightly across his eyes.
“We believe he is wanted by your government for escaping Galactic Federation custody?” their voices were clearly synthesised, leaving little evidence of their identities. Their armour bore no faction insignias that would indicate allegiance or affiliation. There were no background noise or telltale signs that would give any indication of where they had acquired their elusive catch. The only indication was that they were clearly professionals.
“That is correct” Captain Torn said calmly. “But how did you know that?”
“We are some of Bogons most feared Bounty Hunters” the short hunter said. “We make it our business to know when people of interest stray into our territory, especially those who have a price on their head”

“We received intelligence he was travelling with two female accomplices, another Lombax and a Cazar” Torn carefully prised for any information of interest. “Has he given any indication of their whereabouts?”
“He was alone when we captured him” the short hunter said.
“He is of little value to us” the tall counterpart interjected. “We should have simply released him by now, however we are willing to broker a trade”
“What kind of trade?” Captain Torn asked.
The short hunter answered. “I think a generous finder’s fee would be appropriate, considering we just completed your assignment for you”
“Fifty thousand bolts” the tall hunter said casually.
“For a single fugitive” Torn retorted. “I don’t know whether I would be able to authorize such a substantial payment-”
“Captain, if you do not wish to deal with us we could simply release the fugitive, at an undisclosed time and location, and allow you to resume your search”
“There is no need-” Torn stopped abruptly midsentence. He knew that continuing could seriously hamper his attempts at negotiation, but he could not afford to allow his objective to slip through his fingers. “I am certain if you were willing to accompany me to the Solana Galaxy I’m certain the Galactic would be more than grateful-”
“We are shadows, Captain” the tall hunter answered. “We spurn the spotlight in favour of operating beneath the eyes and ears of the galaxy. We do not seek political gratitude or media praise, merely our payment”
Torn was unwilling to accept it. “If you claim you are loyal only to your payment then how can I be sure that you will surrender your catch peacefully once your gains have been made?”
“You don’t” they replied bluntly.
It seemed that negotiations had been reduced to the point where either party simply questioned the honour of the other in search of some thinly veiled assurance that the deal could be done. “Very well” Torn dared to be the first to hold out an open palm. “I am transmitting the co-ordinates of my ship, the Starship Phoenix” the short hunter tightened their fists against their sides, fighting the urge to respond. “Bring the fugitive aboard and we shall discuss the arrangements further”
“As you wish, Captain” the tall hunter responded. “You best make sure you have our bolts ready when we arrive”

**************************
Galactic Federation Captain Hunter Torn watched the exterior camera feed of the incoming vessel with keen interest as the craft approached the Phoenix’s main hanger bay. Much to his surprise it appeared that the ship coming in to dock was the Phoenix’s Dropship, it appeared that the bounty hunters had been telling some amount of truth if they now found themselves in possession of the ship.
The Galactic Federation Dropship docked in the Phoenix’s hanger; the Galactic Rangers on guard duty stepped forward to greet the arrival. Captain Torn watched on the main camera feed as the ships main cargo ramp fell open, three figures dominated the crafts troop bay. The three to emerge were the Bounty Hunters Torn had communicated with, both still wearing their masks to conceal their identities, those piercing blue eyes that seemed to cut through him. Another shadow emerged to blot out the intense light from the overhead lights, the fugitive Ratchet had finally been returned.

**************************
The familiar tone of the motor as the Phoenix’s main bridge door opened hummed through the bridge. Captain Torn turned on his command chair to face his arrivals, the three visitors flanked on either side by two Galactic Ranger escorts.
“Sergeant Ratchet” Captain Torn smiled. “It appears like your little trip around the galaxy has been cut short” Captain Torn noticed the vast array of fresh burns and cuts which marked his jumpsuit as well as the cut across his cheek which showed the recent touch of nanotech. “He seems to have taken quite the beating” Torn looked over into the mask of the tall bounty hunter. “Was that your doing?”
The tall hunter shrugged casually. “Sometimes they need a little encouragement to put on the restraints”
“Sometimes allot of encouragement” the short hunter interjected.
“Either way it’s good to see you returned, Ratchet” Torn rose from his command chair, stepping down to meet his arrivals. “And I am sure the President will be eager to inquire as to the whereabouts of his only daughter”
“Captain, you can gloat on your own time” the tall hunter interjected. “We simply wish to receive our payment and depart”
Torn had hoped to deliver his target to the President directly without interference. It appeared these Hunters were either truly only interested in payment or they were aware of his true intentions and eager to depart, either way he would have to improvise. “Very well, I guess I also have you to thank you for the return of my Dropship”
“It was the ship he was piloting when we intercepted him” the tall hunter responded. “You can have that back as a gesture of good faith”
“And there was no evidence of any of his accomplices onboard?” Captain Torn asked. “He was believed to still be travelling with them when he was last sighted on Maktar”
“As we said, Captain” the short hunter interjected. “Our interest is merely in collecting our payment”
“Very well” Torn turned on his heel to retrieve a datapad lying on the arm of his command chair. “However before you depart I was wondering if you may be interested in another assignment?” Captain Torn reached to clasp the grip of the plasma pistol concealed beneath his uniform. “As I mentioned before we have also been searching for the Lombax’s two female accomplices” Torn began to turn as he spoke, slowly drawing his weapon from its holster in preparation for his moment. “And I am sure the President would pay handsomely for any information of their whereabo-”
Captain Torn was greeted by the sight of the barrels of two pistols held in the hands of the two hunters. With their free hands they each reached up to hold their masks, pulling them free they discarded the unnecessary apparel aside. “You mean us?”
Captain Torn stared back at Sasha and Angela with fire burning in his eyes. “You were very foolish to return here” the sound of robotic servos rang clear in their ears as from either side of the bridge as well as the corridor behind emerged a squad of Galactic Rangers, their arm-mounted cannons raised in a clear indication of their intentions. “Now, arrest them!” the Captain ordered with a decisive wave of his outstretched arm. But despite his order the soldiers failed to answer the call and maintained their stance. “I said arrest them” Torn repeated, but still his robotic soldiers did not stray from their positions.
“They will not follow you Torn” Sasha said sternly.
“What?” Torn stood dumbstruck.
“They will not answer to your call” Sasha spoke with a reverential tone. “They will not follow you because you are not their leader”
“What do you mean?” Captain Torn growled. “I am their Captain, I am-”
“You were never their Captain. They followed you because there was no one else left to lead. But you forget that I have served as their Captain before you. And they see you for what you truly are” the Rangers turned their weapons to face Torn. “A man wearing a military insignia, nothing more”
Sasha stepped forward to stand toe to toe with the man who called himself the Captain. “Take him to the holding area”
The squad of Galactic Rangers lead Torn from the main bridge platform towards the shuttle connected to the hanger bay. “Wait till you see the accommodation we’ve got set up for you Torn” Ratchet stepped forward to address him. “I’m sure you’ll find it just lovely”
“Tell me Torn” Sasha asked in his wake. “What did my father offer you to return me to him? How many shiny gold stars did he agree to pin on your uniform?”
Captain Torn stared back at the Lombax with fire in his eyes. “I did my duty to the Federation” he looked over his shoulder between Ratchet and Sasha. “It is more than can be said for either of you” with his peace made Captain Torn allowed himself to be escorted from the bridge.
Sasha turned back to face the bridge of the Phoenix, taking a moment to absorb every sight, sound and scent of the ship. Stepping forward she sat down into the Phoenix’s command chair as though she belonged, quickly she felt her true self returning. “Navigation, set course for Marcadia, we’re going home”
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