Synopsis:
The crew is hired to transport a cargo of high-tech shield generators to Pachekk in return for a better deflector for the Klarg Star One. Just outside of Federation space, however, they are intercepted by a squadron of antiquated red military vessels. The squadron is engaging a another fleet of purple vessels, but has the upper hand, forcing the Klarg Star to return to their homeworld. They are revealed to be part of the Coreen Republic's fleet. The Republic has been at war with the neighboring Empire for some time.

The Klarg Star is docked at gun point to the Coreen starbase over their world, and the crew is escorted to Captain Fredricks. He asks why the Klarg Star entered the battle, suspecting them to be Imperial sympathizers. The crew tells him they are carrying computer components, but refuse to 'contribute' them to the Coreen War effort. They are locked up, under surveillance, and fed bad pumpernickel bread.

The next morning, at another meeting with Fredricks, they claim they have been sent by the Thoron government to support the Republic. Fredricks looks incredulous, leaves, then returns smirking. He agrees, and lets the crew leave Coreen space; they will have a small contingent of guards onboard until they leave the system. One of the guards, however, reveals himself to be an Imperial agent. He warns the crew that a boarding pod has been affixed to the Klarg Star. The republic intends to cut their way onto the ship, and capture it intact. The crew lead the guards into the cargo bay for an ambush, but the marines in the boarding pod blast through the hull sooner than expected. K'yrth fires an HPP straight into the emerging marines, killing most and setting fire to several EVA suits.

Although Merlmer is badly hurt, the marines are defeated, and the Klarg Star escapes to the Empire (following the spectacular explosion of a Republic Corvette...). Determined to support the Imperial cause, Captain Kress and Merlmer learn that the Empire is rich with diamonds. Upon arriving, they are granted an audience with the Emperor: "We have come to win your war." The crew intends to hire a mercenary company by selling the diamonds to the drive crystal industries in Iraari space. They will also purchase advanced technology with which to upgrade the Imperial fleet. The Emperor agrees. Kress and K'yrth fly ahead to Iraar, while Merlmer takes the Klarg Star to Pachekk. The crew regroups at Iraar, and sells the diamonds. Meliar arranges to hire Colonel Harst to defend the Empire until its fleet can be retrofitted. The Klarg Star returns to the Empire with the first shipment of technology. The Emperor introduces them to Daniel Kordivan, an FedInt agent looking for them.

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