CHAPTER 1

As our story unfolds, we examine the minds of two distinguished military leaders, Commander Donald (Scorpion) Speaker and Captain Michael (Hotshot) Dolan.

(A voice from the void)

Ya know what I mean, right ?
... Mikey ????
... Are you there ?

(But answer, there was none...)
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(Up with '2001, A Space Odyssey' music)

Dum, dum, Dum, dum, Dum, dum, Duuuuummmmm...

Somewhere, far out in space, is a slowly spinning chunk of rock. Cold and isolated in the loneliness with no atmosphere - the stars are bright pinpoints of eternal light. Slowly a ship approaches. Short and squat, an asteroid miner by its looks, small breaking jet fire bringing the ship into alignment with a large crater on the surface. A light appears as a door opens in the center of the depression. A docking bay. Gently the ship moves forward towards the opening. The pilot brings the craft to rest relative to the landing cradle and releases the locking clamps. Down suddenly has meaning again. The door to the docking bay closes shutting out the darkness. Inside the ship, Commander Speaker turns to Captain Dolan and offers a warm lift of his eyebrows... They're home.

"Well done Captain! You still have the touch. I am always amazed at how you can bring this old tub in and drop her in the cradle. It always reminds me of watching you drop the nine ball in the corner pocket. Such a touch!"

"Thank you for the compliment, Commander. But, that's the last time I'll attend the Ceres Galactic Convention without my own stick!. Wow!! It's sure good to be home. Wonder how the ladies are doing?"

(echos from the cavern...)

Mikey... Mikey, are you there??

Whaaatt.... Oh, Hi Don! Just sort of drifted off there, hehh, hehhh!!