“Incoming message,” Aihara reported. “It’s an SOS…I don’t recognize the source code.” He paused as more information filtered in. “The crew is saying they have engine trouble and need assistance.” He turned to Kodai. “I have the coordinates. The message just repeats itself after that.”
The bridge was quiet for a moment as Kodai pondered the situation. The communications link crackled, spat, and emitted a low hum until Aihara lowered the volume. Kodai seemed lost in thought.
“Captain?” someone asked.
Kodai roused himself. “Patch the coordinates to navigation. Let’s go check it out. “Yuki.”
“Yes sir!”
“Get a visual as soon as we’re within range.” He turned to navigation. “Shima, when will we reach their ship?”
“ETA six hours.”
“All right. Let’s head out.”
They were able to get a visual when the ship came into range. It was a small dark craft, sleek and simple in design. Scans showed three life forms aboard and minimal defenses.
The video screen revealed a compact bridge. A woman appeared. Relief flooded her face, one framed with a thick cascade of blonde hair. Her features were exquisite; some of the officers gasped in amazement.
“Hello,” she said. “Please, I hope you can help us. My name is Lukosia. My sisters and I were voyaging home when our engine malfunctioned. We’re operating on back up generators.” Lukosia eyed Kodai pleadingly. “We’ve been stranded for days. If it makes any difference we’re transporting a medical antidote to our home world. A plague is wiping out our people and we need to get back!”
Lukosia looked tearful but she held her composure. Kodai stood transfixed. He briefed her on Yamato’s origin and said, “Tell us what you need. I might be able to send some of our engineers to study the malfunction. I’ll be in contact shortly.”
Kodai ordered the link to be shut down. “Mr. Sanada,” Kodai said. “What do you make of this? Do you think we can help with a repair?”
Sanada looked thoughtful. “It depends on how much time we need to figure out their technology. I would imagine it shouldn’t take longer than a few days. Assuming we'd have to manufacture replacement parts I think we’re looking at about a week, less if we send crew in shifts. At the very least we should be able to stabilize them.”
“Captain?” Yuki interceded. Kodai indicated for her to speak.
“Their captain-Lukosia-mentioned a plague. What if they’re infected? Boarding their ship puts the crew at risk.”
“Help Sanada with the necessary precautions. Do a contamination sweep, physicals, anything you and Dr. Sado think is necessary.”
Yuki stared at Kodai. Doubt lined her face.
Sanada began preparations for a boarding party. They coordinated with the medical team to ensure against potential infection. Meanwhile, after being screened for biological contaminants and other dangers, the crew of the foreign ship was cleared to board Yamato. They were three sisters: Lukosia, the eldest, Arthenia, and young Ligeia. Each had a mass of lustrous blonde hair that fell to their knees. Form fitting green uniforms hugged and accentuated their soft curves. With sparkling eyes and lips curled in bewitching smiles they sauntered onto the bridge. They followed Yuki amid wide-eyed stares and whistles from the crew. Formal introductions were made between them and the bridge officers. The men fell over themselves--and each other--trying to welcome them.
The sisters were dined and fawned over, and received tours of the ship many times over. They were gracious guests and regaled those who were off-duty (and a few on) with tales of their part of the galaxy. Kodai granted permission for them to stay shipboard until the repairs were completed. Lukosia especially seemed interested in Yamato’s functions and spent quite a few hours on the bridge. She had just returned to her guest quarters after one such visit when Aihara expelled a loud sigh and leaned back in his chair.
“Wow, what a beauty!” he said. “Hey, Yuki! What do you think my chances are with her?” He looked over at Nambu and winked while he said it.
Yuki rolled her eyes. “Well,” she said in mock consideration, “first you’d have to get a new personality.”
Laughter erupted on the bridge and Aihara stood up in indignation. He pointed a thumb at his chest. “I’ll have you know,” he said, “I am every woman’s dream.”
“You mean nightmare!” someone quipped.
“I thought you had a girlfriend,” said Nambu. “Back of the line for you!”
“Whatever,” Aihara said as he sat down. “Ow!” he exclaimed after Nambu socked him in the arm. He looked back over his shoulder. “But we all know Yuki’s number one with us, right Yuki?”
Yuki couldn’t help but smile at his goofy grin, and giggled when Kodai growled at him to get back to work.
In the commissary, Kodai and Yuki sat and talked over dinner on the second night of the sisters’ arrival.
“The crew seems a bit distracted,” Yuki was saying. “I had to remind Takeshi three times to do inventory in the storeroom. A crowd of them follows those women around wherever they go. I heard one of them offer to escort Arthenia to the bathroom!”
Kodai smiled and scraped some food onto his fork. “I hadn’t noticed,” he said.
Yuki raised an eyebrow. “Hadn’t noticed?” She looked down and busied herself with her tea. “I guess it’s fine as long as the ship is running. You’re really not worried?”
Kodai chuckled and shook his head. “I’m not concerned about our guests. They hardly pose a threat to the ship’s defenses and the crew could use a little excitement--hey!” he said as Yuki tossed a bit of food at him. But she was smiling.
Day Four-Bridge
“Captain,” Sanada said. “We’re not making the progress I had anticipated. We’re finding their technology…elusive, for lack of a better word. We’ve run hundreds of tests and tried out various components but nothing is compatible. I can continue but I wasn’t sure what you’d feel comfortable authorizing. I’m sure EDF is expecting us.” He paused, and waited for Kodai to reply.
“Why don’t we speak to Lukosia,” he said. “She may have some other ideas about getting home.”
Kodai met with Sanada, Tokugawa, Shima and Yuki in the officers’ conference room. Sanada and Tokugawa reviewed their work to date.
Lukosia’s eyes were downcast. “So you have been unable to make suitable repairs.”
Sanada nodded.
A tear wound its way down Lukosia’s cheek, her face partly hidden by a lock of hair. “So we are doomed to languish on a wrecked ship and our people will continue to suffer.” She shuddered as a sob went through her. “Yamato’s crew has been so brave and generous with their assistance,” she said as she drew up her head. “I have but one more favor. Please take the antidote and perhaps in your able hands it will find its way to our home. My sisters and I have failed.” Lukosia smiled faintly and bowed her head in thanks as she stood up to leave.
“Wait…wait a minute,” said Kodai. Yuki glanced sharply at him. “We can…we’ll take you to your planet.” His eyes locked with Lukosia’s. “A few warps and we should be there, right Shima?”
Shima looked at him thoughtfully for a moment. To Lukosia he said, “Planet Moessa is your home? I estimate about a week’s travel, if we warp.”
Lukosia nodded eagerly, her eyes shining. “You would do this for us?” Her eyes went to each of them and searched for the least bit of hesitation. She found none save for Yuki whose gaze she seemed to have ignored.
The other officers deferred to Kodai who said simply “Yes.”
Crying out in delight Lukosia went to each of them with a hug here, a gentle touch of the shoulder there, her hair fluttering behind her and caressing them in its wake. “I must tell my sisters,” she said and gave her leave.
Kodai relayed the orders to embark. He stayed behind at a sudden request from Yuki.
“Permission to speak freely, Captain.”
Kodai eyed her quizzically. “Granted.”
Yuki banged her fist lightly on the table. Hunching forward she looked at him in alarm. “Kodai, why did you give that order? We’re supposed to be heading back. Responding to an SOS is one thing; we don’t have permission to alter course like this.” Yuki shook her head, perplexed. “I don’t understand why we would take such a risk. It’s dangerous!”
Kodai took a deep breath. He looked at her steadily. “They’re totally stranded. They need our help-“
“Then leave them a shuttle or send out a message to a ship going their way. It doesn’t make sense to use Yamato for them.” Yuki’s shoulders sagged and she sat back in her chair. “I’m worried. I don’t trust those…sisters.”
“Yuki,” Kodai said and leaned in close to her. “Are you jealous?”
“Of-of course not!” Kodai’s impish grin made her object all the more. “I just don’t think taking Yamato to their planet is very prudent.”
Kodai went to her side and motioned her out of her chair. “It’s just a little side trip. We’ll be back on Earth in no time, I promise.” Taking her hand he led her up to the bridge.
Several days passed. Yuki became increasingly alarmed at the untoward behavior of the crew. Duties were beginning to be neglected and she soon tired of having to give frequent reprimands. The sisters were quite free with their affection, happy apparently that they were on their way home. Arthenia had too many new boyfriends to count. Then fights started to break out. More often than not the cause could be traced (had anyone been so inclined) to jealousies that developed between the men vying the strongest for the three sisters’ attentions. Kodai seemed oblivious, thought Yuki, unless he was aware of something no one else was.
Leaving the commissary in frustration she charged up to the bridge. Kodai and Shima were there, talking quietly. Yuki interrupted them to make her report. The two men glanced at one another.
Yuki grew alarmed at what she perceived to be nonchalant attitudes. “You think I’m exaggerating! You need to get down there. If this gets back to command—“
Kodai stood up. “Yuki, I’ll take care of it.” He started walking to the elevator. “Keep watch with Shima,” he said on his way out.
“What do you need, Captain, a shot or something?”
Kodai stepped behind her and pressed her against the countertop. “How about a full physical?” he said softly into her ear. His hand found her bare thigh again.
“Susumu!” she said, and tried to wriggle apart. Cheeks flushed, she whispered fiercely, “What are you doing? Someone will see us!”
Kodai shushed her and grabbed her hand. “Come here, “ he said as he led her into one of the private examination rooms. Yuki followed, her heart beating rapidly. Kodai shut the door and keyed the lock for privacy. He pulled Yuki to him and planted kisses on her lips and cheeks.
Yuki was breathing heavily. “Susumu!” she said. “We’re on duty!”
Kodai pushed his hands up beneath her nurse’s uniform. Yuki continued to mildly protest.
“Yuki,” he said firmly but with affection. “Are you going to make me pull rank on you?”
His statement made her gasp. When he pulled her closer to him she wrapped her arms around his neck and arched her back. Giving in, she let him hoist her onto the examination table. They kissed deeply as his hands stroked and caressed her, first over her dress, then under. Anyone who happened to walk through sickbay in the next few moments would have been puzzled by the soft and urgent cries coming from behind the closed door.
Kodai and Yuki trysted several more times during the following days of the journey. He surprised her one morning in the shower, and under cover of night they made love in the captain’s quarters under exotic constellations. While Yuki adored being so close with him she began to feel a sense of dread. Yamato’s arrival at Planet Moessa was now two days hence. Whenever she expressed concern to the captain about the sisters’ effect on the crew he dismissed the input. Kodai insisted that Yamato was not in any sort of danger. Yuki felt like she needed to talk to someone who would help her gain some sort of perspective on recent events.
Late one evening Yuki stopped by Shima’s quarters. After a few moments she turned to leave as there was no response. Then she heard the door open behind her.
“Shima I need to--”, she began and stopped short. He was shirtless and looked slightly harried. The room was dark.
“What is it, Yuki?” he asked. “I didn’t hear any alarms; are we under attack?”
“No, I just need to run something by you.” Yuki peered at him more closely. She was starting to feel embarrassed. “Um--”
A languid female voice reached Yuki’s ears. “Shima, darling, it’s nothing. Come back inside.”
Yuki pulled back in surprise as a hand snaked across Shima’s chest. “Yuki,” he muttered, avoiding her gaze. “This isn’t a good time.”
He shut the door.
Yuki stared at his door, biting her lip in consternation. This can’t be happening, she thought. What are those women up to?
“Yuki,” Kodai said in exasperation after she told him, “This is getting old. In two days we’ll arrive at Moessa and that’s it. ”
“But Shima--”
“Is a grown man and an officer who can take care of himself. There’s no need for you to worry about what goes on in the crew’s private quarters. No, Yuki, enough,” he said when she opened her mouth to object. “Dismissed.”
Yuki looked at Kodai in dismay and tears stung her eyes when she left the captain’s office. She was plagued by doubts and mixed feelings. Had she misjudged? After a night of restless sleep she decided to monitor the Moessan sisters as often as she could. As Yamato neared their home planet a strange anticipation seemed to grip the crew. Stations went unmanned. The men seemed disorganized at times. Yuki followed wherever Lukosia or her sisters went: a commissary packed with men eager to wait on them hand and foot during meals, or the observation deck, or the recreation facilities. One morning she scolded Arthenia after finding her seated in a Cosmo Tiger laughing and playing with the controls. Despite jeers from the loitering crew members nearby she insisted the young woman exit the hangar. This and other minor incidents didn’t warrant any kind of lockdown, exactly, but they agonized Yuki dreadfully.
Then Yamato arrived. Planet Moessa was a lush, heavenly place very similar to Earth, if not surpassing it with her decadent climates and abundant resources. The crew was in awe. Some expressed surprise at a peculiar detail: A cluster of ships in orbit around the upper atmosphere. Great ships and small ships; battle cruisers and long distance freighters. Many lay atop another, some stacked as many as six or seven deep. The colors of Gamilas, the White Comet Empire, and the Bolar Federation dotted the group. Many of the ships were of unfamiliar origin. Had Yamato come in on a different course setting the crew would have encountered an EDF ship or two—but they did not.
Kodai ordered a recon consisting of several bridge officers and representatives from key shipboard departments. He would have gone himself were it not for Yuki’s strenuous objections. Arthenia and Ligeia accompanied the group down. Most of the crew took it upon themselves to form other landing parties and in a matter of days Yamato was for the most part abandoned. All attempts to communicate with the crew planet side failed. Lukosia spoke to Kodai at length about the history of her planet and race. He yearned to visit there but was reluctant to leave the ship. Yuki attempted to convince him to take more investigative action but she found him distant and uncommunicative. When he wasn’t deep in conversation with Lukosia he could be found staring blankly through the bridge windows or gazing at Moessa from the observation port.
This went on for a day or so. Yuki was frantic with worry but unsure what to do. She was torn between her deference to Kodai as captain, her personal feelings, and her escalating sense of alarm. Earlier than usual she decided to retire for the night. Hoping a cup of tea would bring some insight she set the cup of hot liquid on the table after entering her quarters. The force of the blow from unseen hands knocked her against the wall. Slumping to the floor she fell unconscious and was left for dead.
END OF PART I