by Max Chase
‘We’ll deactivate all your pain protocols,’ his mother said. ‘You won’t feel a thing.’
Looking around the Bridge, Peri couldn’t help worrying what having an upgrade might involve, but he trusted his parents. He nodded.
‘Phoenix,’ his father ordered, ‘activate Experiment Tune-up Protocol.’
Peri braced himself as the ship’s robotic arms swept down from the ceiling and picked him up.
Shhhhuuupt! A black-cushioned table slid out from underneath the 360-monitor and the Phoenix rested him on it. Instantly thick straps flew around him and pinned him to the table.
Peri wrestled against the restraints. ‘What on Neptune are you doing?’
‘Relax,’ his mother said, rushing to Peri’s side. She stroked his head. ‘This is for your own safety, to keep you perfectly still.’
Then his mother pushed a wire up his nose. There was a flash of burning pain. He closed his eyes. Ones and zeros raced through his mind. Computer code! Peri felt dizzy and detached from his body. His parents’ voices sounded far away – as if he wasn’t really in the room.
‘All upgrade protocols activated,’ his father said.
Peri could feel his connection with the Phoenix strengthen. His thoughts seemed to leave his body and flood into the ship’s computer. His mind stumbled through blueprints and computer logs. Suddenly, he saw a black-and-white image of the Bridge. He was peering at it through the ship’s security cameras. He could see his own body lying on the table. His parents were removing components and circuits along his arms, legs and chest. They were replacing them with new, smaller ones.
His parents moved on to his head, using a flesh-healing nano-beam to repair his skin as they went.
‘Peri.’ His mother looked at the Phoenix’s Bridge camera. ‘We need you back inside your body for the last bit of the upgrade.’
Peri moved his thoughts back into his body. His limbs were still numb, but he could see again. He blinked, hoping his parents were almost done.
‘Good,’ his father said. ‘You’ve just tested your tri-quad-quantum connection with the Phoenix. Now, tell us about the bionic abilities you’ve already discovered.’
Peri thought back over his adventures. ‘Um . . . the Fight-or-Flight response?’
His mother nodded. ‘Good! Fight-or-Flight gives you temporary superhuman strength and speed.’
His father tapped his computer pad. ‘We’ve increased those superhuman abilities by a hundred and ninety-four per cent, and we’ve improved your capacity to self-generate energy. You’re much more efficient now. No more battery problems!’
‘You still need to eat properly and get plenty of sleep,’ his mother added. ‘You are only part bionic. Your human side needs looking after too. It wouldn’t hurt to eat some vegetables. I’ve seen your food-log – too much space-cream.’
‘What food-log?’ Peri asked.
His mother tutted. ‘Your bionic systems record everything you eat.’
Peri scowled. I’ve been betrayed by my own bionic body!
‘Give Peri a break,’ his father said. ‘His circuitry is the most sophisticated technology available. It can handle a little treat –’
The lights on the Bridge flashed as an announcement rang out. ‘General Pegg orders Peri and Diesel to the Command Centre within the next ten minutes. Nine minutes and fifty-eight seconds remaining.’
Peri’s father disconnected him and helped him up from the table. ‘We’d better wrap this all up.’
His mother was concentrating on sealing up his skin with the nano-beam.
‘There,’ his mother said. ‘Ready for action!’
Shrrruppt. Diesel appeared on the Bridge. ‘Er, hello,’ he said hurriedly to Peri’s parents, then turned to Peri. ‘Come on. We’ve got to go.’ Without waiting for a response, Diesel started to run.
Peri raced after him and out of the Phoenix. He caught up with him just as he left the launch bay.
‘What do you think General Pegg wants?’ Peri asked.
‘Probably wants to kick you out of the IFA for being a wastoid.’
‘You don’t think they know about Selene and Otto?’ Peri whispered.
‘If they do, it’s entirely your fault,’ Diesel said. ‘I was all for leaving them behind in the Ubi galaxy. They’ve got to make me a Star Fighter after I whipped you on that obstacle course.’
‘I crossed the finish line first,’ Peri reminded him.
Diesel just smirked. ‘Show me the scores to prove it.’
Peri wished it was that simple. General Pegg didn’t seem to really care about their scores. He wasn’t happy with either Peri or Diesel.
And that meant trouble.
Chapter 4
Peri and Diesel sprinted to the nearest transport-tube.
‘Come on,’ Peri yelled, jabbing the command-deck button repeatedly until the doors finally closed. ‘General Pegg’s temper is not going to get better if we keep him waiting.’
Ping! Before the transport-tube doors had fully opened, Peri and Diesel dashed out. They raced down the almost empty command-deck corridor.
They flashed their passes to the armed guards outside the Command Centre. As the doors opened, Peri was overwhelmed by the noise. The room was packed with top-ranking IF officers and diplomats shouting to be heard over each other. On a platform towards the front of the room was Diesel’s dad, Emperor Elliotte. He was seated in a gilded commander’s chair talking to the Venusian ambassador. They were pointing at the holographic map of the solar system that dominated the ceiling.
General Pegg caught their eye and came over. ‘Peri, Diesel,’ he said. ‘Stay where you are and remain silent.’
Peri froze. Everyone had stopped talking and started staring at them. He dreaded to think what the general was going to say next.
‘Serjeant-at-arms, step forward,’ General Pegg ordered.
An officer in a pristine ceremonial uniform marched towards them. He wore white gloves and held something shiny and silver in his hands. Was it handcuffs? Peri’s stomach tightened and he struggled to swallow. Had the IF found out about Selene and Otto?
General Pegg straightened up. ‘I’ve made a decision.’
Peri couldn’t breathe. This was it – the moment he would find out whether he was going to achieve his greatest dream.
‘Star Fighters are known not only for their bravery and skill, but for their personal honour and respect,’ the general began. ‘They uphold the laws of the Intergalactic Force and live to the highest moral standards.’
Peri couldn’t stand the suspense. What was General Pegg saying?
The serjeant-at-arms handed something to the general. ‘Peri, Diesel –’ The general paused and studied the pair. ‘You have passed all your tests with flying colours. But you only become Star Fighters if you are the bravest and best in the galaxy.’
The general opened his hands to reveal two titanium IF Star Fighter badges. Peri resisted the urge to punch the air.
‘Congratulations to the IF’s newest and youngest Star Fighters!’
Peri couldn’t stop grinning as the general pinned the badge to his uniform. ‘It’s as much an honour for me to present you these badges as it is for you to wear them. Please pledge your allegiance by reciting the IF creed.’
Peri couldn’t believe what was happening. It was the most space-tastic moment of his life. He and Diesel recited the creed in unison: ‘I swear to honour and uphold the laws of the Intergalactic Force. I promise to lay down my life to protect our planets and citizens from greed, corruption and enemies. With every breath in my body, I pledge my loyalty to –’
‘– the emperor,’ said Peri, just as Diesel boomed, ‘– my father.’
General Pegg beamed at them. ‘You’re now members of the most elite peacekeeping force in the universe!’
Instantly the room erupted into loud cheers of ‘Peace in space’.
Diesel’s hair had turned royal purple with pride.
‘We did it!’ Peri exclaimed
as he high-fived Diesel.
As the cheers died down, the general beckoned them closer. He leaned down, speaking quietly. ‘I must admit, I wish you could train for longer. And, to be honest, I’m not completely convinced that you are mature enough to be Star Fighters. But you did a remarkable job in the Ubi galaxy. And, well, we have an urgent mission for you – so what choice is there?’
General Pegg handed what looked like a Martian toadstool to Peri. The flat-dome top was green and covered in red dots. There was a ring of flashing blue lights around the rim. Under the dome, the grey stalk was lined with computer slots. Peri stared at it, wondering what it was.
‘It’s your Mission Capsule. You plug it into the Phoenix and it will brief you on your mission,’ the general explained, then he turned and addressed the entire crowd. ‘Peri and Diesel’s first mission will be to capture a notorious pirate.’
Space pirates! Peri couldn’t believe his luck. What an exciting mission! He turned the Mission Capsule over in his hand. Everything he needed to know about his first official Star Fighter mission was inside. He couldn’t wait to get started!
‘Keep your Mission Capsule plugged in at all times,’ said General Pegg. ‘It will observe your progress and report back to me. No more time to celebrate, I’m afraid. Go – you have a difficult task ahead. Time is of the essence!’
Peri turned to collect Diesel, but he had vanished! Maybe he had already returned to the Phoenix, eager to get going on their first mission.
Peri raced out of the Command Centre, trying not to grin too foolishly as he thought, I’m a real Star Fighter now!
Chapter 5
Sirens blared as Peri raced down the base-ship’s corridors, heading back towards the Phoenix. Now he had their Mission Capsule there was no time to waste!
He tore around a corner and spotted Diesel arguing with his father, the emperor. Peri skidded to a halt and darted behind the open access panel to one of the service tunnels. Luckily they were too busy arguing to notice him.
Peri peered around the edge of the panel. Diesel was shaking his head. The emperor loomed over him, his grey-streaked band of purple hair bristling.
‘Take it,’ the emperor shouted. ‘You’re still my son.’
Diesel reached out for something in the emperor’s hand. As soon as Peri saw it, he knew what it was – another Mission Capsule! Diesel stuffed it into his pocket. He was clearly unhappy about it.
Why is the emperor giving Diesel a Mission Capsule? Peri wondered.
Before they could discover him, Peri slipped down the service tunnel and out into the launch bay. He ran up the ramp into the Phoenix. As he raced down towards the Bridge, the ship’s mechanical arms stretched from the walls and lifted him into shrink-to-fit Expedition Wear, then reattached his titanium Star Fighter badge before letting him go.
Peri stepped on to the Bridge. His parents had left it spotless. There wasn’t a loose wire or circuit board in sight.
Soon Selene and Otto joined them on the Bridge.
‘Nice badges, guys!’ Selene said, grinning at Peri and Diesel as she took her place. ‘We saw it all on the com-screen!’
‘Thanks,’ said Peri, unable to keep the smile off his own face. Even the Meigwor bounty hunter was almost smiling, although he was clearly trying not to show it.
‘I knew I’d pass,’ said Diesel, his chin tilting upwards.
‘Congratulations,’ said Selene, as her astro-harness clicked into place. ‘But I’m still in charge of engineering.’
Peri sat down in the captain’s chair. ‘Everyone ready?’ he asked the crew.
‘Let’s get to work,’ said Diesel. Then he noticed that Peri was staring at him. ‘What?’
‘What was that between you and the emperor?’ Peri asked. ‘It looked serious.’
Diesel’s eyes flashed yellow. ‘What I talk about with my father is none of your dung y’r’ah business, you bugonaut!’ he shouted. ‘Star Fighter or not, I’m the emperor’s son and I can do whatever the prrrip’chiq I like.’
‘You can yell as much as you want,’ Peri said. ‘But, we’re a team and we need to start acting as one. If you’ve forgotten, General Pegg is keeping a close eye on us. Secrets will just get in our way.’
‘Whatever,’ muttered Diesel. ‘Let’s just go.’
Peri clicked his fingers and the control panel hovered closer. A compartment slid open to reveal a round socket for the Mission Capsule. Peri placed the mushroom-shaped device in the hole. Tiny metal claws sprang out and twisted it into place. The circle of blue lights around the rim turned red. A green light flickered above the capsule and a hologram of General Pegg appeared.
‘This mission is for IF eyes only,’ he said. ‘Star Fighters Peri and Diesel, your mission is to capture the space pirate Jaxx, who escaped during the Xion attack before he could stand trial for an intergalactic crime spree that resulted in the theft of the Heart of Mars.’
Selene coughed.
‘In addition we believe he has stolen over three hundred space vessels and kidnapped dozens of local officials. He is the most ruthless, cold-hearted criminal in the universe. The IF has declared him Space Enemy Number One!’
Selene shifted in her seat and coughed again.
Peri paused the hologram. ‘You OK, Selene?’
‘I’m fine,’ she muttered.
Peri let the mission briefing continue. ‘All relevant data has been uploaded to the Phoenix,’ said the general. ‘You will first travel to the last known coordinates of the IF ship Jaxx stole during his escape. Good luck!’
As the hologram vanished, the coordinates appeared on the monitor. It was a location way outside the solar system.
‘Space pirates are the lowest of the low!’ Diesel sneered. ‘They should all be fed to Venusian bog beasts.’
‘You don’t even know if Jaxx really is a space pirate,’ said Selene. ‘He’s innocent until proven guilty. We shouldn’t jump to conclusions.’
‘You have to admit,’ Peri said, ‘running away before his trial does make Jaxx look awfully guilty.’
‘Perhaps he’s trying to find evidence to show he is innocent,’ Selene replied.
Peri shook his head. ‘He’s going the wrong way about it if he is. Besides, it’s not our mission to decide whether he’s innocent. Our orders are to find and arrest him.’ Peri flexed his fingers as he looked over the control panel. He could feel his connection with the ship strengthening. ‘Prepare for take-off.’
His hands darted across the panel, flicking switches and twisting zip-dials. It was good to be back in command of the Phoenix. He let his palm rest on the pyramid-shaped button and then pushed it down. Peri felt the vibrations from the engines rise up through the vessel and into his body. He felt at one with the ship. ‘Let’s go catch a space pirate!’
As the massive launch-bay doors slid open, the Phoenix roared into space.
Chapter 6
Peri stared at the 360-monitor as a rock two hundred times bigger than the Phoenix tumbled past. Crraaaa-aarroorrr! It smashed into another asteroid and obliterated it, leaving behind nothing but space dust.
Peri swallowed. They’d just flown across seven galaxies, had near misses with three black holes, and for what? To risk their lives in the largest asteroid field he’d ever seen.
‘Welcome to the Rumana galaxy, guys,’ Peri muttered.
‘This has to be a mistake,’ Diesel said. ‘Why would General Pegg send us here? Check those coordinates again.’
‘The IF must have got their intelligence wrong,’ Selene said.
It didn’t look promising, but orders were orders. Peri’s hands darted over the control panel. ‘Activating a full scan.’
‘It’s no use,’ Selene said. ‘Jaxx is obviously not here.’
‘We should lie in wait!’ Otto boomed.
Diesel scoffed. ‘That’s just a fancy way of saying we should hide.’
Otto’s long neck bulged with anger. ‘Meigwors don’t hide! We lie in wait! We set traps!’
Ping! A light on the console flashed to show the scan was complete. Peri brought up the results on screen. He could see nothing but rocks, and no sign of any spacecraft.
But Jaxx had to be here somewhere. The IF had tracked the space pirate’s stolen spaceship to these coordinates. There must be a clue to his whereabouts. ‘Perhaps Jaxx has a secret base hidden close by?’ Peri suggested.
‘We’d never find it among the asteroids,’ Selene replied. ‘If he is here, he’s chosen the most brilliant of hiding places.’
‘That’s it!’ said Peri, his circuits tingling excitedly. ‘Jaxx is on the run – which means he wants to avoid detection. I bet he’s using cloaking technology to hide his spacecraft from IF scanners.’
Peri’s hands darted over the control panel. He knew how to find Jaxx! Even a cloaked ship left a gravitational wake. He slammed the button to refocus the Phoenix’s detectors. He only had to wait a nanosecond before – ping! – a fast-moving object appeared on the screen.
‘I’ve found something!’ Peri called. He zoomed in on the foreign object as it zigzagged between the asteroids, weaving from one icy rock to the other. It was a hunter class stealth ship.
‘Definitely pirates!’ Otto shouted. ‘They prefer small vessels! Blast it!’
Peri turned to Otto. ‘We’re here to capture Jaxx, not kill him,’ he said. He turned back to the scanners. ‘Hey . . . where did he go?’
‘You lost the target?’ Diesel exclaimed. ‘What a lamizoid!’
Peri checked the scanners again, but there was no trace of the craft. ‘No . . . it just . . . vanished.’
Ping! Another stealth ship appeared and then disappeared.
Peri frowned. ‘Something very strange is going on here.’ He began tracing the heat signatures of the ships. There had to be a clue as to what was happening to those ships. Slowly, dotted lines appeared on the 360-monitor to show where the ships had been. Both lines led to a huge asteroid in the centre of the field.