EPISODE 11: ADRIFT IN SUBSPACE

"I've never seen a ship like this before. It's way behind any Ctarl-Ctarl ship. It won't move unless you're naked; that's very kinky, wouldn't you say?" --Aisha Clan-Clan

Prologue: Narrator: Ether spray laps against the sides of ships. Stars flare up turbulent space, whipping out storms. The swift currents of the Abyss overpower them. Cast-off planetary debris pierces their hulls, left with a history of scars and mutation. But no matter how many thousands of ships are turned to scrap, or tens of thousands of lives vanish into the void, ships do not stop venturing into this sea. There is no end to sailors who will sail her. Drawn by mysterious passion, craving with an endless appetite. Unknown regions await them even now in this endless sea.

Episode 11: Adrift in Subspace

The Outlaw Star races towards the checkpoint, the metallic wave from the planets rushing towards them. Jim announces that the wave is going to swallow up the checkpoint. Gene is left with no option but to increase speed and try to beat the wave in spite of Gilliam's protests. The ship shoots through the checkpoint ring moments before it vanishes into the wave.

The ship barely having escaped the wave, Gene congratulates himself. Gilliam points out that they're not out of the planets' orbit yet and asks Gene to return engine output to normal, Gene retorting that Gilliam has to complain about everything. The checkpoint official comes online to congratulate Gene on his incredible stunt, then informs them that they've passed twelve ships with that maneuver, there's still thirteen ships ahead of them, and their time has them in sixth place. Jim's not happy to find out that all that only put them into sixth place, but the official points out that they weren't the only ones to take that route, just the only ones to beat the wave. Gene comments that he just wanted to make the race a little more exciting. The official wishes them a good race and signs off. Jim announces the next goal as Heifong V, a distance of about 500 million kilometers. Gene decides to jump the next stretch in sub-ether.

The news announcer describes the rookie Outlaw Star's jump in rank due to their maneuver through the double planets as Suzuka listens, stretched out on the beach with a drink. Mr. Ishagaki, the color announcer, calls the Outlaw Star the new dark horse of the race.

As they approach Heifong V, Gene comments on how a single orbit makes this an easy checkpoint, then realizes Jim has fallen asleep. He yells to wake him up, Melfina encouraging him to hang in there since they're almost to the aid station. Jim reminds them that they're supposed to pull over for at least an hour for maintenance once they reach the aid station. Gilliam declares all systems green, so Gene suggests a little maintenance on themselves in the form of getting something to eat.

As they dock at the aid station, Gene notes the El Dorado in the hangars. He's finally caught up to them.

Gene approaches a table with Harry, Terry, and Leo at it and asks if they're the crew of the El Dorado. Harry turns to look up at Gene and asks who's asking. Gene asks which of them is MacDougall. Harry doesn't know what he's talking about. Gene insists that the MacDougall brothers own the El Dorado. Harry insists he doesn't know what Gene means. Gene grabs the slighter pilot by the collar and pulls him to his feet, telling him not to play dumb. It doesn't look like the man Hilda talked to is there, but he knows that ship, he wouldn't forget it. Gene declares it's the same ship that attacked them at Farfallas. Terry and Leo pulls switchblades and tell Gene to let Harry go, but Harry calls them off, again insisting he doesn't know what Gene's talking about, he's never been to Farfallas. Gene then asks him why the Kei pirates were looking for the XGP and why his people were trying to destroy the XGP. Harry says he'll call the race staff if Gene keeps trying to pick a fight, still looking clueless. Gene tells him to go ahead, but cutting the bullshit and leveling with him would be a smarter idea. Harry yells for help and a race official quickly responds, asking Gene if there's a problem. Gene quickly changes his tune, wrapping Harry in a half-nelson disguised as a friendly hug while Harry struggles a bit, pouting ineffectually. Gene laughs it off as Harry just telling him about the house special and says he has to be going, pushing Harry into his seat and warning him he'll see him later. Terry asks Harry who that guy was, but Harry snaps to him to shut up. Harry scowls as he tries to figure out how Gene survived Farfallas, but is quick to slip back into smiling sweetie when the race official asks him if he needs any help, telling him it's nothing.

Back on the Outlaw Star, Jim complains to Gene about his tactics with the El Dorado crew, but Gene explains that it was only a risk if the guy isn't MacDougall. If he is, there's no way he can ignore them now and assures Jim that he'll make contact. Gilliam cuts in to tell Gene that the El Dorado is taking off. Gene asks how long before they can leave and Gilliam replies eleven minutes. Gene promises to catch up to Harry and show him a thing or two. A race official comes in on the screen and announces that an ether stream is forming stretching from Heifong V to checkpoint 4A at Heifong I and all ships are advised to use the alternate checkpoint 4B at Heifong II. Jim's all for that, but Gene says they'll see which way the El Dorado decides to go.

On the El Dorado, Harry asks Leo to give him the information on Gene's ship. As it's displayed, Harry wonders if the Outlaw Star is the XGP.

The news announcer informs his audience that the last ship has cleared the second checkpoint and two ships have dropped out of the race. Fred's bodyguard wonders where Gene is while Fred complains about the lack of coverage of the privateer ships in the race. According to the announcer, the third checkpoint is at Lione LaGrange Point, 140 million kilometers from Heifong V.

On board the Niburu-Boribori, Nubata informs Aisha that they're moments from checkpoint 3 as they enter a debris field. Aisha asks what they're going into and Nubata explains that long ago a moon of Heifong V was destroyed and all the debris collected here. Aisha orders them to reduce speed immediately, Nubata noting that he doesn't need her to tell him that. The Niburu-Boribori puts on the brakes as the El Dorado shoots by them. Leo tells Harry it's all his, Harry now in the pilot's seat. Harry points out that they'd never gain any time without him in control and continues into the debris field. He's either really cocky or not your average pilot.

Back on the Niburu-Boribori, Aisha hums to herself as she works at a console. When asked if there's a problem, she replies cheerfully that she's looking for a place to set up an ambush. The crew's incredulity is no obstacle as she orders them to prepare for battle, sparking further confusion from Nubata and his navigator. She then demands they prepare the battle systems, declaring they'll launch a sneak attack on the Outlaw Star! Nubata and his navigator take this with a moment's silence before Nubata drily informs her they've only got a single machine gun. Aisha asks about their Guriguri missiles or maybe Gagagan cannon, but Nubata insists they don't have that kind of equipment. Aisha insultingly asks how they can consider this an imperial ship, the put-upon Nubata reminding her that the Niburu-Boribori is just for trade with Heifong. He doesn't know what kind of orders she's been given, but it's impossible to attack anything with this ship. Frustrated but undaunted, Aisha declares that it's time for one of her clever schemes.

Jim finds out the checkpoint as the Outlaw Star navigates through the debris and forming ether stream. Gilliam warns of climbing ether density and irregular surges, Melfina adding that subspace radar error has increased to 24%, standard radar 30%. Gilliam declares they'll have to forego instrument flight and fly by their eyes. That's just fine by Gene, who sees this as an opportunity to show his stuff as he plunges into the dangerous area. Jim yells for him to slow down, Gene complying as they drop to 12 km/sec. Gilliam tells them it's clear for 180 kilometers, but he can pick up big asteroids after that. Gene only wants to know the fastest course to the checkpoint, Melfina telling him to change course to one o'clock low. Jim spots the checkpoint and Gene dives for it. They clear the checkpoint, leaving them with only the problem of how to get out. A transmission cuts in from the Niburu-Boribori, a male voice claiming they've hit an asteroid, forcing them to abandon ship, and need assistance immediately. Gilliam confirms it as an emergency SOS transmission and locates the position, bringing it up on screen, displaying a single crew member adrift in a pressure suit. Jim asks what they should do, pointing out that the course marshal will be along soon and can pick up the survivor. Gene opts to help the guy out though, recalling how miserable it felt when he was stranded in space when Jim points out that it's not like him to do something like that.

Gene exits the ship in a pressure suit, the return to open space bringing back his space sickness, but he assures Jim and Melfina that he can handle it. He makes his way out to get the survivor, telling him it's going to be fine as he brings him back onto the ship. As they regain pressure in the hatch, Gene removes his helmet, asking the survivor if there are any other crew members to rescue, but when the survivor removes his helmet, it's not a he after all. It's Aisha Clan-Clan, declaring that Gene won't get away this time! A stunned Gene asks what she's doing there, Aisha only laughing in victorious glee.

Aisha questions Gene as to the MacDougall brothers really being the key to the Galactic Leyline. Gene retorts that they know more about Hilda than he does. He doesn't really expect Aisha to believe he's completely clueless about the Leyline, does he? Gene points out that if they knew where the Leyline was they'd have gone there already. He says he'll tell her if they find someone and then tells her to get off the ship and go bug someone else. Aisha dissolves into whining that she can't go back to the empire like this. They treat her like she's useless (really?) and Gene's her only lead, so she's not going anywhere until she has something to prove her worth to the empire. Jim asks Gene what he's going to do, to which Gene replies that being popular with the ladies isn't easy. That's not what Jim meant.

Nosing around the cockpit, Aisha checks out Melfina's tank, noting how unusual a ship this is. It won't fly unless you're naked. Kinky. Gilliam protests her talking about the fastest, most advanced ship in the galaxy like that. Surprised, Aisha asks what the hell that thing is. Gilliam informs her that he's not a thing and would appreciate being called Gilliam. Aisha realizes it's the ship's computer with some awe. Gene's had enough of her prowling about and wants to get back to racing. Of course his plans for catching the El Dorado are history thanks to the cat-girl showing up. Jim reminds him that they have to place third or better or they'll be in even more debt to Fred. Melfina informs Gene they're ready for sub-ether preparations, estimated time to sub-ether 24 minutes. Gene goes to handle the course corrections, but Aisha wanders in front of him, blocking his necessary visuals.

As Fred listens to the broadcast from his hot tub, the news announcer proclaims that 3 ships have dropped out at the third checkpoint, leaving 35 ships headed for the fourth checkpoint.

Back on board the Outlaw Star, Aisha has settled into one of the console seats, informing everyone that she's worn out from travel and intends to take a little catnap. She asks for them to wake her up when they get there, Gene and Jim testily agreeing. Melfina announces they're ready to enter sub-ether drive, Munchausen reactor output climbing, ether outbreak threshold breached. Jim tells Gene the course is laid in and relative coordinates verified. As Melfina informs them she's now forming the sub-ether bubble, an alert goes off. Aisha mutters for quiet. Gilliam announces objects closing in from aft with an 87% probability that they're missiles. Jim's surprised that anyone's after them. Gene decides to intercept them, but Melfina tells him they can't, they're transforming to sub-ether mode. Gene asks how long until they enter sub-ether, Melfina informing him it will be 18 seconds. Gilliam announces the missiles will impact in 16 seconds. Gene opts to try to shake them off as Melfina announces preparations for the jump to lightspeed are complete, Aisha stirring and asking what's going on now. Melfina starts a countdown to sub-ether preparation as the missiles close in. Jim yells that they're going to make it, but the missiles strike the Munchausen reactor just as the Outlaw Star jumps. The ship vanishes.

The El Dorado uncloaks. Leo congratulates Harry on his awesome shooting. Thanks to the missiles, the Outlaw Star went to sub-ether while still under normal gravity. Harry figures they probably disintegrated, so they can go into sub-ether themselves now. Leo asks what the big deal with that ship was anyhow. Harry claims that as far as he and his brother are concerned, it was just an eyesore.

The Outlaw Star pitches and rolls uncontrollably through sub-ether. Gilliam announces there's no way to tell where they're going. Gene orders an emergency abort of the sub-ether drive, but Melfina informs him the Munchausen reactor is out of control. Now Aisha -really- wants to know what's going on. Gilliam tells them the stress on the ship is climbing and exceeding safety factors. Gene cuts all engine systems and abruptly drops them out of sub-ether.

Aisha looks around the cockpit, Gene and Jim out of it. She pats Jim's back, actually sounding worried as she tries to get him to wake up. Gene groans and asks if everyone's alright, especially Melfina. Melfina assures him she's fine. One of Gilliam's canisters slides up to tell Gene that on auxiliary power there's no way to tell what's going on outside the ship, then asks him to restart the ship. Gene can't believe everything that's happening to them, but complies. Gilliam comes back online as Aisha asks where they are. Gilliam replies that they've returned to normal space and don't seem to be too far away from the Heifong system. Aisha is impressed with how well the ship survived. Gilliam reminds her that he already mentioned it's the fastest, most advanced ship in the galaxy, earning a tongue from Aisha. Gene asks Gilliam if he knows where they are. Gilliam replies that they're 360 million kilometers above the orbital plane of Heifong V. Jim wants to know how long it's been since they jumped, Gilliam calculating 2 minutes 24 seconds. Life support, communication, and all sensors are functional. Melfina reports, however, that there are irregularities in the sub-ether drive, Newton reactors 1 and 3 are inoperable. Gene orders reactors 2 and 4 brought online and a stable course set for checkpoint 4. Gilliam perceives Gene still wants to continue the race. Gene sees no reason to give up while they can still move under their own power. After all, the sub-ether drive still -works-, right? Yes, according to Melfina, but with two reactors at 50% output, their propulsion isn't enough for sub-ether entry. Gene asks how long it would take to get there in ether drive. Gilliam calculates the distance to be 600 million kilometers. At 50% propulsion, it would take 96 hours. Jim points out the race would already be over, a disappointed hush falling over the crew. Aisha decides to put her two cents in, asking Gene if he's going to give up. She mocks his attitude after just getting hit by a couple of missiles and his ship being busted. To a Ctarl-Ctarl that's the wrong attitude! To a Ctarl-Ctarl, it's all about Courage, Justice, and Tenacity! As she continues her superior rant without actual suggestion of a plan, Jim notes to Gene that Aisha doesn't quite get that they're not Ctarl-Ctarl. Aisha rambles on, claiming it takes guts to go swimming in the ether sea. Gene sits up and takes notice, an idea forming in his head. He asks Gilliam where the ether stream is forming. Gilliam locates it, running from Heifong V to Heifong I. Gene orders Aisha to sit down, not waiting for her to finish her protest that he can't tell her what to do before kicking the engines in, letting her deal with the consequences herself.

Jim asks Gene what he's up to now. Gene tells him he doesn't want to give up, he has an idea and he wants to try it. Jim warily hopes Gene's not thinking what he thinks he's thinking. Gene points out that while an ether stream would destroy any other ship, they're not in an ordinary ship. Apparently Gene did bother to read the operating manual, because he noticed that the XGP can make it out of an ether stream. He plans to, in spite of Jim's not wanting to hear it, dive into the ether stream and ride it all the way. Aisha's all for it!

The Outlaw Star drops into the ether stream. Melfina confirms contact and switches the ship over to Grappler combat mode. Gene encourages them to have faith in his abilities, he can handle it, Jim hardly looking convinced as he asks what Gene's confidence is based on. Gene quips that it's based on nothing, but what the hell, there's a first time for everything. Gene swings the Grappler arms out in front of the ship, deploying a pair of parachutes to catch the ether currents. Gene claims combat is the best practice as Aisha roots him on for revenge on the missiles guy.

The El Dorado shoots through checkpoint 4, the checkpoint official advising Harry that they're in 4th place. Leo comments that now it all depends on what other ships are headed for Heifong I, but the official advises them there's an ether stream forming around Heifong I. Harry laughs, confident that placing above 4th is a sure thing, but wonders to himself why his heart is pounding.

The checkpoint officials are startled to see the Outlaw Star dive out of the ether stream. Realizing they rode it deliberately, the officials open a channel to them. Gene asks them for his standing, getting a retort that the official doesn't know, but in dumb-ass stunts, he's in first place. Gene's glad to hear it. He orders Gilliam to get ready to use Heifong I as a gravity slingshot. Jim is much relieved to find out he didn't die, and even starts to be hopeful of a top three finish.

At the finish point, the announcer declares that Trihorse Corporation's Sunbeam 545 has a lock on first place. Next in is the Penelope Corporation's Bonaparte. The time difference with the following ships might be a problem. Watching from his office, Fred isn't interested in anything but Gene's placement as he hears the Bonaparte has secured second place. Suzuka is also glued to the coverage as the third place ship comes into view, the Outlaw Star! However, the Siven Industries' Hisetsu, which started two minutes after, is closing in on the finish. Gene points out that if the other ship comes in more than two minutes behind, they'll have a lock on third. As the Hisetsu clears the finish point, the announcer proclaims it's beaten out the Outlaw Star and taken third place. Fred and his bodyguards groan. The Outlaw Star was so close! Suzuka takes it more coolly, merely ripping up her betting receipt.

At the awards ceremony, an official tells Gene he needs to hurry as the winning crews pose for the cameras. Gene doesn't see why, pointing out they came in fourth. The official notes that while they came in fourth overall, they were first in the privateer category. Gene bitterly comments that that doesn't mean a damn thing to Fred Luo. His complaining is cut short as he spies Aisha and Jim wearing Fred's outfits and parading before the cameras, declaring themselves to be with the privateer first place winner the Outlaw Star. From his office, Fred claims it's pretty good advertising even if they did come in fourth. Asked by his guard about the money, Fred offers to cut 200,000 off the loan. Jim decides that the outfit is a little flashy, but tolerable, then overhears Gene yelling to an official. Gene grabs the man by the shirt and asks him what he meant about the El Dorado dropping out of the race. The official tells him there's a comm cube waiting for him, sent to him from the El Dorado. What?

To be continued!

Next Episode: That MacDougall guy sent me a letter to challenge me. Ha! Man, this guy's old-fashioned. He swore up and down that it would be a fair fight, but then he keeps coming at me from out of nowhere! What kind of rules does this guy play by anyway? Looks like I'm gonna have to beat some manners into him. Show him that he's wasting my time. So would you mind keeping it down, Aisha?! Next time on Outlaw Star, Mortal Combat with the El Dorado! You better get ready!