Rival Resort, Part 1 - Conquest

Galileo, aboard the Explorer en route to Jonson Outpost for a routine shift change, suddenly received an emergency message from Thad Hobbs in the Outpost Situation Room: “Under siege by huge fleet...they've deployed some sort of electronic pulse weapon that has rendered our androids immobile...hope this message gets through but they're also trying to jam our comms.....” Galileo pushed the Explorer to full speed, while the crew prepared the weapon array. Another message from Thad: “Environmental support failed...using emergency oxygen...heading toward escape pod...” and then the transmission ceased.

The Explorer arrived on scene an hour later and quickly located and retrieved the escape pod – fortunately Thad survived intact, although the pod's communications equipment had failed during that last transmission. Thad rushed to the Explorer bridge, where Galileo greeted him warmly. They both watched in disbelief as the massive besieging fleet moved in very close to the Outpost, surrounding it so tightly that the Outpost itself could barely be seen. They could see small shuttles running back and forth, apparently consolidating complete control.

Suddenly they received an unexpected message: “Greetings Explorer! We have conquered your facility. We have taken your androids into custody, and will return them to you in due course. Depart now, or we will destroy your ship. You have ten minutes to leave the vicinity.”

The Explorer crew powered up their lasers and fired on the nearest enemy vessel. Several enemy ships simultaneously returned fire, disabling the Explorer's laser array and heavily damaging her forward nacelles. Realizing they had little choice but to retreat, Galileo turned the Explorer back toward Jonson Station.

As they left the scene, they received a taunting message: “You are wise to depart alive now while you can. When we have completed converting your old rundown facility into the magnificent new Rival Resort, we will invite you to the grand opening!”