The Ganymede Connection

by Alfredd Mann

"Unidentified ship leaving Earth's orbit, sir," the navigator said. "Present course indicates heading of 0-Mark-74."

Ingstram stood up with suprise. "That heading would put it at Ganymede! Prepare to leave orbit. We must arrive there before whoever that is does."

The navigator pressed some buttons on his console and the course was prepared. "The MegaStar SuperScreamer Drive will be engaged in 45 seconds," he said.

"Perfect," said Ingstram.

As the MSSSD was warming up, he took the opurtunity to strap himself in. He would'nt want any uneccessary injuries.

20 seconds later, the Fashigal arrived in Ganymede's orbit. Ingstram ordered all construction personnell to the transport shuttles. He was going to have this base finished as soon as possible. "I have a hunch," he mumbled as he left the bridge.

He headed for Taft's quarters. He wanted to see how his liason was handling all this new responsibility. "And how are we doing, Mr. Taft? Good, I hope. I have a hunch that your bubba Iffley is on his way."

"So what," said Taft, idignantly.

"You should have more respect for your family, Taft. He could get you out of this, you now."

"Yes, he could, but since he found out about our brotherhood he hasn't been real happy with me."

"Ah, I see."

At this time, there came a message over the intercom: "All personell: Man your battlestations. Unidentified spacecraft entering our sector. This is not a drill."

Ingstram hurried out mumbling something about how excited his crew got at nothing.

When he arrived on the bridge, Ingstram knew immediately what all the hubbub was about. Iffley had finally arrived. "Excellent," he said in satisfaction. "Contact his ship and inform him that I wish to speak to him face to face concerning a certain family member that I have."

"Aye, aye, sir."

Soon, a meeting was arranged. It would be held on the Fashigal simply because that was more to the liking of everyone involved.

In the meeting hall, Ingstram and Taft were seated at a large table when Iffley came bursting into the room.

"I demand that you release my brother or else."

Ingstram replied with the customary "or else what" and Iffley immediately used the Scepter to transform the banquet table into a rather large jelly donut.

When Ingstram saw this, he realized that this man could mean business. With that in mind, he decided to show a little muscle himself. From the ends of the gold spikes on his knuckles came forth a silk-like thread and engulfed Taft's head.

"Mmmrmrmrruurrmmrrurururmm," said Taft.

Ingstram spoke: "Suralio Frith Iffley, I have deiced to reconsider my orginal plans and have come to the conclusion that I am in no need of a liason to Earth. Therefore, for your brother's realease, all you must do is aquire a Key and bring it to me."

"Nonsense," said Iffley.

"If you feel that way sir, I will have to keep your brother here until you change your mind."

With that, Ingstram whirled around and left the room.  Taft was still attached to his knuckles, so naturally he followed.

This left Iffley in a state of complete shock. He had never seen anyone as cocky and self righteous before in his life. All he wanted to do now was retrieve his brother.