A Wayward Meeting (episode)

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Funny how that works out, isn't it? Just like that, the game begins. Lotso is no longer on a deserted planet with his friends. He's at the edge of the galaxy, ready to travel through it. The first order of business is to set a course.

"Courses plotted, fly out in ten minutes."

"Just like that," Lotso muttered to himself. The ship lifts off the ground, the force pushing Lotso back in his seat. Hugging the planet has its advantages, no doubt.

"Lieutenant Huggy, prepare the landing bay for our new recruits, A.S.A.P."

"On it, captain! New crew members will be brought in, with inflatable raft included! Not sure why we need rafts for this mission, we're not going near any rivers!"

"Just do it, lieutenant."

Soon, the planet disappears from the windows behind you. "That's right, folks, we're exploring space now. We're not stopping until the galaxy is charted," Lotso announce. Lotso sat back in his seat, and examine his crew. Ozzy, Huggy... what a weird crew. Lotso wondered if they're crazy enough to survive this mission? The galaxy is a dangerous place. Space pirates, ruthless alien creatures, and the dangers of the unknown all await them out there. The first explorers, though, those they meet will be able to count on their side.

The Innerprise warps out of the system, heading for the closest star system outside of Federation space. It'll take months, maybe even a year, to get there. At least, that's what Warp 10 travel would be like. Actually navigating the Warp is another thing altogether. But he's in no hurry. You've got all the time in the world. A.S.A.P. his new crew members should be arriving soon.

First, there's the Gahl'vuhr Sehn. They sent a representative, who will arrive in a few minutes via the Hangar. Then, there's the Sma'Khaus, who will come in through the airlock. Finally, the Kyros' survivors will come in through the entryway, which just leaves a few minutes. He's expecting them now. "Come on, people, get inside. We have work to do. Ozzy and Huggy, get in the command chair. Doctor, you can find a seat somewhere."

The entryway opens, as the most recent escape attempt from Kyros' ship makes it inside. Lotso took out that ship, the Glorious Successors, so he's looking at two potential groups of escapees: the Gahl'vuhr Sehn and the Sma'Khaus. The Gahl'vuhr Sehn, as their name suggests, are a Gaian group looking to trade. They come in two varieties: the "Hive" or the "Workers".

Both come in at around three feet tall, with a brownish skin color and four arms. The Workers have large, yellowish eyes, and look bored out of their minds. The "Hive" version of the Gahl'vuhr Sehn is the one he's expecting, and they look roughly the size of a small child. The Workers are less stable and unpredictable, but can support a much larger amount of Gahl'vuhr Sehn.

The Sma'Khaus are a species native to the planet S'kurs. They come in a variety of colors, and are distinct by their large, black eyes and vaguely catlike facial features. They have a fondness for furs, and as a result wear them all over their bodies, from head to toe. The S'kurs have a reputation for thievery and scams, and he's expecting some sort of intergalactic con artist to arrive.

He's right. The moment the doors open, a small, green alien appears. It looks to be of elder age, with a large, wrinkled face, and big black eyes. It walks with a limp, and appears to be wearing parts of a spacesuit which are too small for it. The creature looks at Lotso, and speaks in a voice cracked with age. "Hello. My name is T'kanka, and I'm a thief."

Lotso stared at the creature. "Are you sure you're a S'kur?" he asked.

"I am," the creature says, in response to which Lotso sighed and said, "Well, alright then, Mr. T'kanka. Let's get started."

Lotso sat quietly as Mr. T'kanka explains his extensive con-artistry skills. He explains that he's done business with many of the known species in the galaxy. He states, however, that you're a lesser known species to him, which seems odd. Lotso asked if he's ever dealt with the Gahl'vuhr Sehn, to which he says he has, but not in years. Mr. T'kanka goes on to say that he's been breaking his back working on a job for your people, and that when he does this, he gets to break into a place he's trying to get into. Lotso smiled, and stated that'll come in handy. T'kanka nods, and says he has a plan to get into the ship.

Lotso asked what his role will be in all of this, and he responds that he'll be his "inside man". When all of this is done, he's going to ask Mr. T'kanka what the job is, because he has a pretty good idea of what it isn't. The S'kurs always figure out a way to get paid, somehow.

Mr. T'kanka goes on to say that he needs to get into the ship, and that he'll do so by faking his own death. He says that when security comes to check on the situation, he'll be able to slip past them by pretending that he's dead. He says he'll use his many skills of deception to make the situation seem like an assassination, and that he'll convince them that they should take his body back to their home planet. He'll do all of this, and then he'll slip off the ship with his technology.

Lotso sighed, and nodded, and tell him that's brilliant. Mr. T'kanka then begins to get agitated by his silence, and says Lotso didn't seem as impressed as he thought he would be. Lotso explained that all this really means is you'll be getting someone else into the ship. He says that's not all, and pulls a wrist-mounted datapad out gives it to Lotso.

Mr. T'kanka goes on to explain that the metal found in his body and head can be easily melted down and forged into a form that will allow him to pass as a Gahl'vuhr Sehn and be able to board the ship. He says Lotso should be careful when burning his body, as the heat from melting the metal can greatly injure him. Lotso thanked him again before he leaves. He really didn't have the heart to tell Mr. T'kanka that his plan probably won't work, but he'd advise against releasing the wild, deadly beast inside.

He knows that, and Lotso know he knows that, but sometimes he has to be someone he's not really, right? Lotso headed down to the docking bay then sat in his seat and waited. He briefly considered having one of the soldiers here come with him when they released Mr. T'kanka, but Lotso dismissed the idea. Really, if it goes bad, it's on him.

Mr. T'kanka is released from his cell. He's shackled, gagged, and surrounded by four soldiers, but he's standing tall. He walks out of the shuttle, and the soldiers escort him to a shuttle. He walks with a confident swagger, and he looked content, somehow. Like, all his problems are solved. Like, he's ready to go home. Ready to be reunited with his loved ones. He's not trying to hide any weapons on him, and is completely at ease. The soldiers carry him to the shuttle. He says something to them, but Lotso couldn't understand what he's saying. Everything he says is slurred, like he has a mouthful of poison. The soldiers reply angrily, and Mr. T'kanka laughs. The soldiers strap him into the shuttle, and close the door on him. The shuttle doors shut, and the four soldiers standing near it shrug. They begin to walk away, leaving Mr. T'kanka alone. He looks at you, and winks.

The doors open again, and another space-suited alien steps out. Lotso recognize her as the one he called "Olive." Her head is missing the entire front right side, and her body is heavily scarred, but she's still beautiful. The alien grabs Mr. T'kanka by the hand, and pulls him towards the shuttle. She begins to speak in their language, and he listens intently. She makes a motion with her head, and he nods. She reaches up to her face, and pulls off a piece of plastic, which she places in his hand. He smiles, a wide, infectious grin, and kisses her on the forehead. She smiles back, and they begin to walk towards the city. The soldiers give a shrug, and begin walking away. Lotso's not quite sure what to do next. Suddenly, his communication device buzzes. He picked it up, and Flog greeted him. "Ah, the Gahl'vuhr Sehn member! Hello?"

"Yeah... so?"

"So, the Gahl'vuhr Sehn would like to meet you."

"What for?"

"Well, the Gahl'vuhr Sehn wishes to hire you, of course."

"Sorry, but I am afraid that cannot do that. I am content to stay within the Federation," Lotso said.

"Ah, yes... the Federation's laws. None of my members can enter."

"What? But I am a peaceful... I mean friendly... being!"

"You seem friendly enough. I can tell by the tone of his voice he wants to speak with us."

"Yes, but I am a member of the Federation. I can't just... enter his city."

"Ah, yes... rules are rules. Surely Lotso understand."

"Yeah, I get it." Lotso said, annoyed.

"Then I urge you, please reconsider and join us. We would be glad to see a member as... well refined as you." Flog chuckles a bit.

"I am sorry, but I will have to turn down your offer. I am the captain of this ship and I cannot, and will not, abandon it or its crew," Lotso said.

Flog hears this, and sighs.

"Very well... I had hoped otherwise. Well, we had best be off. Once more, I offer my thanks to you, captain. Take care."

"Yeah, no problem. So long." Lotso replied. The Innerprise moved so that it was well out of the way when the shuttle docks. Just then, the radio buzzes. "Lotso, do you copy?"

"Yeah, Staine, what is it?"

"There's been a change of plan. The raiders won't be making a drop at all."

"What do you mean? Did they get scared?"

"No, not at all. In fact, it seems they're trying to tempt you to change your plans."

"Tempt me how?"

"They're playing music. Rock, actually."

"What kind of music does a raider play?"

"I dunno, some rock group called... The Wanted?"

"The Wanted?" Lotso said, thoroughly confused.

"They're from the star system of Kettemoor." Staine replies.

"I don't know what to tell you, Lotso. They're a raider gang."

"Just get me over there, Staine."

"On it!"

The radio goes silent. Lotso wasted no time and head towards the shuttle. Along the way, he saw the Turric soldiers milling about, trying to put their own plan into action. They don't notice him yet. Once Lotso got to the docking bay, he could see that the doors are open. Lotso quickly got into cover behind the shuttle, and began waiting.

The soldiers spread out, trying to kill everything that moves. More Turric soldiers pour in from the hallways, trying to find and kill the hostages. The raiders did their best to defend them, but ultimately they're just too spread out. Despite this, the raiders giving off a fierce vibe with their wolf symbols and their hoarse shouts of "Wolfpack!"

Lotso sent in his security forces. He decided that the best way to get the hostages out is to simply storm the ship. He ordered his forces to charge in. The soldiers easily mowed through the raiders, killing them by the dozen. They didn't even give the Wolfpack, who have taken cover in a corner, proper acknowledgement before they're finished. Lotso moved into the room, where he found the hostages huddled together. Lotso can see the fear in their eyes, that have yet to leave. But, they're alive.

"Ah, Captain! At last, you've arrived!" one of the hostages, Father Tomas, says. "I was wondering when we'd be getting the drop on these here thugs." Lotso smirked, and nodded in agreement. "When I count to three, this ship is officially under the protection of the Federation. One...Two...THREE!"

The forces Lotso commanded race into the docking bay. The Wolfpack join Lotso and the rest of the soldiers in clearing out the Turric soldiers. "There's no need for anymore slaying. We've taken care to conserve resources." Father Tomas says, and the soldiers spin around, raising their weapons. "I'm sure the Wolfpack would love that." Lotso scoffed.

"Captain, we're going to arrive soon. What's his next move?" Lotso took a few moments to set up a defensive perimeter, before speaking. "Father Tomas, are we certain these are the right people?"

"Yes. I'm certain. We've interrogated them, and there's no doubt about their allegiance."

"What do we do with the hostages?"

"We'll hand them over to the Federation. It's what they want, after all."

"I'll have to question their loyalty, then. Until I'm sure." Lotso looked at the Wolfpack. They look like they could do with a rest. He could use one, too. "All of them?" The Wolfpack all look confused, and jittery, as they're led away from the battlefield. Father Tomas shakes his head.

"Just the hostages. They can stay." Lotso nodded. The soldiers are taken away, and Lotso turned to the Wolfpack. "You." Lotso pointed at the largest one. "Watch the hostages. If... Or rather, when they try anything, let me know."

"Aye, Captain." He replies, looking prepared to kill everyone. Lotso motion to the next largest one. "You." Lotso said. "I want you to escort the hostages back to our camp."

"Aye, Captain." He replies, as the largest Wolf nods in understanding. The next largest one, a woman, looks at Lotso with confusion.

"Captain, may I ask why..." Lotso raised his hand. "No questions. Just do it." The Wolves all begin to protest, but Lotso held up his hand again. "No questions. Just do the job." The woman nodded, and turns to the group. "Come on, children. We have to go." She begins walking towards the camp, the rest of the Wolfpack following after her.

"Well then, looks like our mission here is done." Lotso said. Father Tomas nods. "A wise decision, captain. I expect our gracious lord Depinder will reward you for your assistance."

"Don't count on it." Lotso replied. "Oh?" Father Tomas asks, surprised. "But didn't you just save his life?" Lotso shrugged.

"Eh, I think he's got enough to worry about without me going over my usual quota of unnecessary bloodshed." Father Tomas chuckles.

"Ah, a man of simple mind and great strength of character. Welcome to the proud company, captain." Lotso grinned as he walked away. Simple, really. He saved a bunch of people, got rewarded, and did it all for some eccentric rich guy who's more of a dad to him than his own dad was.

Lotso walked back to the shuttle and head back to the Innerprise. When he got back, the first thing Lotso did was check on his crew. Thankfully, they were all fine, and none of them have been impacted greatly by this incident. They're all just glad to be alive, which made Lotso feel good about his decision to take a break for a bit. He'll have to be more careful in the future though.