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I hope you know that contract negotiations are going to be very rough
for my role in the sequel... yes, rough indeed. To begin with
I want ten percent of the royalties, creative control over my dialog
and a fat cut of the toy licenses.
What!? What did you say?! The sequel is going to be all about ME?
How wonderful! What an honor! What a great chance to move up the ladder towards
PRODUCER!
Forget everything I said about license fees!
It's an honor just to work with you!
Before we go on, starship captain, be aware of the following
You have attacked our ships in an unlawful manner.
As a consequence, you have been ruled a `Hostile Trading Partner'
and your ship has been declared available for immediate salvaging.
This means that you MAY come unmolested to our central trading world
but that, in open space, you will be attacked by any and all Druuge you meet.
We are the Druuge of the Crimson Corporation, and you are a convicted criminal!
Your attacks on our peaceful Trading vessels are illegal.
You have been judged in violation of Druuge Statute 3183 - subsection B2, entitled
`Legal Circumstances Permitting Unwarranted Attack'.
As a result of your transgressions, your vessel has been declared salvage
and as soon as you are dead, we will take lawful possession.
Avast criminal! Your violent deeds have been judged unlawful and shall now result in your termination.
We are the Druuge of the Crimson Corporation. The planet you approach belongs to us.
All other claims are hereby rendered invalid and incontestable.
Depart.
Fancy meeting you here, Captain!
The treasure on this world is our property! It belongs to the Crimson Corporation.
Your presence here can only be interpreted
as an attempt to deprive us of what is rightfully ours!
Although the Utwig have cleverly masked the item against our scanners
we are willing to spend whatever time and take whatever measures are necessary
to ensure the recovery of this most valuable of artifacts.
Leave!.. And do not bother us again!...
Or prepare to suffer the severe consequences.
We, the appointed representatives of the Crimson Corporation merely come to obtain
the fair and reasonable payment for our goods!
We travelled to this region of space years ago to sell the useless Ultron device to the Utwig.
We knew even then of the weapon on the surface below us -- this was to be our price!
But the Utwig used a clever ploy to cheat us!
I had convinced the morose Utwig fools that the Ultron was the answer to all of their pitiful dreams.
`Powers?', the Proctors whined. `Will it give us the powers we crave?'
I assured them that, yes, the Ultron would give them the Second Sight
the Ultron would allow them to see into the past and the future
the Ultron would slowly imbue each of them with unique secret powers of great significance
the Ultron would ensure that their race's huge potential for greatness would be fulfilled.
Then... then a mistake was made.
Enough foolishness! We will take the Precursor device from the surface and then leave.
Thereafter, I may see fit to bequeath the entire planet to you, Captain
for your invaluable services in the past
provided you leave now!
LIAR!
It is WE who are the genuine owners! Not you, Captain.
Those many years ago, when we offered the Ultron to the Utwig
how they capered and laughed at their good fortune... Fools!
Then they begged to hold the device, just for a moment.
To close the deal, I permitted this... a grievous mistake!
The moment the High Proctor touched the Ultron, her body arched
and her eyes rolled back in her head.
She began to babble meaningless phrases and howl like a hungry beast.
We had expected the Utwig to fall for our Sell, to buy the useless device. But never with such gusto!
Their self-doubt and lack of clear reason left them vulnerable to our every manipulation.
But then, the Proctor's body relaxed, and her eyes slowly closed.
When they re-opened, her visual orbs shone with a wild and frightening light.
`This is all we could have dreamed of... and more!', she intoned. `And now, Druuge, as to your price...'
I opened my mouth to speak, but before I could utter a word, the Proctor interrupted
`Wait! The Ultron feeds your thoughts directly to me. Do not speak! I know what you desire.'
What could I say? That the Ultron was a farce and could do no such thing? I was stunned and silent.
The Proctor continued. `You Druuge of the Crimson Corporation desire an object of great antiquity!'
`Something of secret function and value. Very well! It shall be done.'
And with that we were led to a small vault.
The Proctor ceremoniously opened the door of the vault
and explained that because we had been of such great service, ALL of the treasures within were now ours!
Inside we found a hodge-podge of ancient and useless artifacts
a glowing rod, an absurd trident and more such junk.
I could see no way to salvage the disastrous situation at that time.
But when I heard of you, your travels, and your foolish quest for freedom
I realized that you could be the agent of our justice... and lo!... it is so.
You have heard our justification. It is valid and unassailable.
Now GO! And do not return.
No! You will not!
We know your soul, young Captain. It is no brighter than ours!
We acknowledge our greed. We revel in it.
You are the dishonest one! Hiding your shame in shadows, you fabricate justifications, rationales!
In the end, we are just the same.
But now you stand in our way. You will not be moved.
Therefore, we will add your true name to our Ledger of Hatred, but first
Die, child, DIE!
Your appreciation of this difficult situation does you credit.
You don't have enough room in your fleet for the ships we want to give you.
Captain! A special deal, a bargain unequalled!
Instead of the usual payment we would give for this item
what would you say to a different exchange?
We would like to trade your commodity for a highly valuable Precursor artifact
The Rosy Sphere!
Its origins are filled with wonder, and its powers are incontestable, though subtle.
What is your response?
Its genesis is lost in antiquity, along with the race who created it
the marvelous Precursors!
Note how the device glows, how it throbs... pulsing slowly... bright... then dark...
like the heart of a slumbering god.
Captain, this artifact has been in our possession for eons.
Vast, brutal wars have been fought over it.
The offer we make to you here today is quite unique!
Do not make a hasty choice.
Very well, we can understand your trepidation.
We have been unfair in springing this offer on you so suddenly.
Perhaps we can offer the deal again, in the future
when you have had time to think about it.
Ha-ha! You are indeed a wise young human!
The Rosy Sphere is yours.
Since you are not familiar with our standard trading procedures, Captain, allow me to explain.
We will sell you fuel, ancient artifacts, even our own Mauler starships!
All that we ask in return is that you assign some of your crew to serve here at our trade world
on a permanent basis.
This a great loss for us both, but we will not make an exception in your case.
However, please try to be receptive to what I am about to say.
We have taken the liberty of entering your ships's computer system
to investigate the agreement signed by the Earthling volunteers who serve aboard your vessel.
As we expected, we found that they have promised to obey you, Captain, under every circumstance
no exceptions. You are fully within your rights to deal with us in our required manner.
However
if you are steadfast in your silly refusal to deal in crew
there ARE a few, and I mean a FEW other items for which we will exchange our goods.
Specifically, we desire the egg-sac fragments of a Mycon Deep Child
and we may also be interested in certain technological artifacts you acquire.
Each time you arrive at this trade world, we will automatically scan your ship
and inform you if there is anything aboard your ship which we desire.
But Captain, surely you can see that the best, easiest way for us to deal together
is for you to sell us what we want... a trifling few of your plentiful crew.
Should you change your mind, we will always be ready to work with you, Captain.
No, no, no, Captain! Slaves have no choice in their destiny, no freedom.
We would never accept the permanent assignment of one of your people
unless we knew that they had granted you the rights to make such a deal.
People as skilled as your flagship's crew will receive immediate posts in our starfleet.
They will serve alongside our own Druuge starship personnel
sharing every duty.
Excellent! Let us begin.
Our inventory presently includes
The Rosy Sphere! An ancient Precursor artifact of unrivaled beauty and mystery.
Yours for the amazing bargain of only 100 crew.
The Glowing Rod! What unearthly powers will you gain
when you hold this coruscating staff high above your head and scream, `Kyeee! Lykeee-lieee!'
And it can be yours for only 100 crew.
The Trident of Wimbli! Not just one, but fully THREE mystic prongs give this artifact
its awesome capabilities. Are you strong enough to master its power? Or will it master you?
Cost? 100 crew.
As always, we also have an unlimited supply of exceptionally high-performance starship fuel
at a cost of ten crew for ten units of fuel
as well as a freshly assembled Mauler starship
which we will trade for 100 of your crew.
Good choice. Your fleet swells with power!
With the purchase of additional Mauler vessels, you would be nigh invincible!
The fuel has been transferred to your vehicle.
I expect you will notice the immediate benefits of our secret fuel additives.
So fortunate for you! So sad for me. I fear this relic of the glorious past
was all that kept me from ending my life to leave this vale of tears.
Now what shall I do?
Ho-ho, Captain! Do not point the prongs at me in such a carefree manner!
I might have been accidentally incinerated, or transported to a hostile dimension.
You wield the Trident with authority, Captain.
I can tell that already you are realizing the true scope of this artifact's powers.
I stride to the Sphere's containment vessel and pull it slowly from its ancient cradle.
The dust of centuries has made a gentle weld... there! It has come free.
Now, into your hands I place the ancient sphere. Do you feel that, Captain?
Has the warmth already penetrated the skin of your hands into your soul?
Well it soon shall, Captain. Just keep trying.
Greetings friend and fellow explorer.
I am an Officer of the Crimson Corporation.
We are the Druuge.
We are delighted to make your acquaintance, and hope that we can do business together.
Should your desires be similar, please hurry to our main trading world at Zeta Persei I.
Ah, the young starship captain from Earth!
We hope your adventures have brought you wealth.
How can we be of service?
More than a culture, Captain, we are an organization -- the Crimson Corporation!
Our corporation seeks only to improve our quality of life
and does so via the `Dribble-Down' effect.
You wish to know more about us? Excellent!
After all, knowledge should be free, eh Captain?!
Let's see... about us
well, we ARE the Crimson Corporation, and the Crimson Corporation is us.
When the Corporation's earnings are up, our quality of life soars, and our benefit packages improve.
The further up the ladder you are, the more you profit individually.
When times are hard, the Corporation must cut costs, usually by laying off employees.
Since everything on our world is Corporation property
this means any ex-employee is instantly trespassing and is guilty of stealing Corporation property
such as air and sunlight. The only appropriate penalty for theft
is to feed the furnace.
You know, Captain, we have heard that there is a race called the Melnorme
which has recently entered this part of the galaxy.
We understand that they sell fuel for gross profit
charge fees for common knowledge
and provide a `rescue service' which amounts to little more than piracy.
How criminal.
Just an aside, Captain. We thought you might like to know
that the resources which can be salvaged from a Melnorme wreck are phenomenal.
More information, Captain? You have learned so much about us already!
Very well.
You may be interested to know that we recently diverted the onslaught of a hostile alien race.
We learned of its approach from our ex-clients, the Burvixese.
The kind and philanthropic Burvixese informed us that a dark and sinister armada
had detected our HyperWave emissions, and though still distant
was inexorably homing in on our central trade world at Zeta Persei.
We devised a brilliant plan, implemented it perfectly
and were thus spared gruesome death at the hands of the aliens
who we later learned called themselves the `Kohr-Ah'.
What, you wish to rob our Trade World, eh? Not today, boyo!
You made a mistake returning here, Captain.
We know your true colors. You are a blackheart.
Villains! Pilferers! Crooks!
Look to your souls. Make your peace.
You are about to die.
Foul pirate! We know of your violence and thievery.
You are undone, and must pay the price for your wretched deeds!
Attention alien starship.
You have arrived at the Central Trade World of the Crimson Corporation
Home of the Druuge.
Be welcome and take advantage of our excellent deals.
It's always pleasant to see you again, Captain.
Are you here today to buy or sell?
Ah! It is the young human in the giant alien spacecraft.
We welcome you to our Trade World once again, Captain.
We are at your service.
Hello Captain. Back so soon?
This is the heart of our operation, the vital core of the Crimson Corporation.
A million deals are made here each day, perhaps more.
You would be wise to take advantage of all our services, Captain.
You will not find better deals anywhere.
While I am sure, Captain, that you would never make this foolish mistake
I still feel I should warn you about one of our laws, specifically
Druuge Statute 3429 - subsection A86, Definition of Starship Derelicts.
Simply put, Captain, this statute recognizes that the universe is an inherently hostile place
and any ship which is unable to defend itself incites violence
usually because someone will try to take the unarmed ship by force.
Therefore any unarmed vessel in our space is defined as a derelict
and is available for salvage by anyone who finds it.
In case it has not been made clear to you, Captain
aside from your crew, there are certain items which we are willing to trade for.
Specifically, these include: Vortex Spawners, HyperWave `Casters
and the tough, fungal mats discarded by the Mycon Deep Children
as they penetrate a planet's crust.
You may be surprised to learn that we are deeply spiritual beings, Captain.
We worship our god with great enthusiasm.
You want details? Why certainly.
We Druuge are especially fortunate souls.
Most aliens we have encountered have, at best, a tenuous relationship with their gods
but we Druuge have an iron-clad contract!
Our document reads as follows:
Whereas the Druuge (hereinafter known as `the Worshipers')
wish to establish a long-term relationship with an omnipotent and all-knowing deific entity
(hereinafter known as `God' or `god')
which shall mutually benefit both parties, the parties agree to abide by the following terms and commitments
for the rest of eternity.
The Worshipers hereby promise to perform faithfully and to the best of their ability
the following
1. Worshipers shall make regular and sincere obeisance to God, including but not limited to
prayer, sacrifice, and the building of large structures.
2. Worshipers shall make every attempt to convert non-believers (hereinafter known as `Them')
making sure to obtain signed documents from same attesting to said conversion.
3. Worshipers shall not enter into an agreement with another deity, without written permission from God.
In consideration of the above correctly performed obeisance, God shall provide:
1. Continued existance with little or no modification to the perceived reality of the Worshipers.
2. No fewer than 3 miracles (Force Majeure), whose exact nature and timing
shall be left to God's sole discretion.
3. Worshipers shall enjoy some form of life after death
which shall remain a complete and total mystery to the Worshipers until such time as they die.
We, the undersigned, hereby swear to fulfill our obligations as defined above.
Signed, The Druuge.
(God, being omni-present and all-knowing is considered to have signed this document, by default.)
It has come to our attention that you have female Shofixti creatures on board your ship.
We have the means to fertilize these creatures artificially
allowing us to produce a hybrid beast to attend our furnaces.
We must have those females, Captain!
We are prepared to offer you fully six of our devastating Mauler starships in exchange.
We know that you have Mycon Deep Child egg case fragments aboard your vessel.
Would you consider trading them to us for a shiny new Mauler starship?
Our sensors reveal that you have one of our more powerful HyperWave `Casters on board your ship.
Have no fear, Captain. It was abandoned on the Burvixese moon
and by our law it belongs to you; however
we are fond of the device and wish to regain it through trade.
Give us the `Caster, and we will give you all the fuel your ship can hold.
We note you possess a Vortex Spawner.
In exchange for the simple device we will give you three Mauler starships
and fill your fuel tanks, at no extra charge.
We have scanned additional Mycon Egg cases on your ship
however, we have a sufficient supply, and do not intend to make further purchases of this commodity.
Excellent! Let us begin.
Our inventory presently includes:
Are you sure?... as you wish.
Return soon, Captain. Your patronage is appreciated.
Until next time, captain.
Until we meet again.
Unfortunately, Captain, you do not have enough crew to make this purchase.
The agreed-upon exchange is hereby enacted.
We are prepared to make a deal.
I will purchase the fertile Shofixti adolescents.
I accept the deal for the Mycon Deep Child eggcase.
I will buy the Hyperwave 'Caster.
I will take the QuasiSpace Portal Spawner.
Very well.
In exchange, you shall receive
the agreed-upon number of ships.
less than the number of ships I originally offered
because you have no room for the the full amount in your fleet!
Unfortunate for you, I'm afraid, but legal I assure you.
the number of ships which can be added to your fleet
and according to my scan of your task force, that is none.
A serious mistake on your part captain, I'm afraid, but a great boon for the Firm.
With such a fine deal under my belt, perhaps I should take the rest of the day off.
In addition, as agreed, we will also give you
All the fuel your ship can hold.
We are now hooking up the fuel lines to fill your tanks.
Hmm.. Ah, yes. The job is done. Now let's see how much was transferred... It was {amount} units.
Aieee! I am ruined! You have sucked my full tanks until they are dry!
Cruel Monster! Bloated Villain! Slicer of innocent throats!
What shall I tell the Manager?! My spouse?!
I shall certainly be assigned to tend the furnaces.
I shall burn in the atomic fires!
Aieee!
This will look very bad on my record, Captain. You have hurt me deeply.
I had expected an understanding between trading partners, between equals
but NO! The moment my back is turned, you fill your bloated tanks far beyond a reasonable limit.
I have learned an important lesson from you today
One I shall never forget.
You have received a fair exchange for your device, Captain.
Perhaps more than fair for you.
I will not be able to brag about this exchange, but then again
I need not worry about feeding the furnace.
Well done, Captain. Quite a fair exchange. Good job.
(hee-hee-hee).
Ha-ha, yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!
A fine deal, Captain. An excellent bargain... for me!
Ho-ho-ho! When I offered you all the fuel you could hold, you could have drained every drop I had.
Cold sweat dripped from my palms as I watched my workers begin the transfer.
And then it was over... so soon! So gloriously soon!
I shall be promoted at least three full steps! A new office! A benefits package! Fortune has smiled on me today!
I feel so lucky, Captain, that you did not have the forethought to arrive here with a dozen empty tanks.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
I note that your ship is unarmed and unescorted.
Therefore, by Druuge law, your ship is deemed derelict, and is subject to the laws of salvage.
While I would prefer to take your ship intact, alas, I suspect you will force me to sell it as scrap.
Under the authority of Druuge Statute 3429, subsection A86
`Definition of Starship Derelicts'
I hereby declare your undefended vessel as my salvaged property.
You have five seconds to vacate the premises before I am forced to remove you by force
Time's up!
