TWISTED PALACE

The Polluiun thieves, Balaloc and Ledos, had finally made up their minds. The SERAPH was too fine a craft to part with. It went beyond Excellence, beyond every measurement their race had for defining WORTH.

There was no way they were turning this vessel over to a Mad Queen.

No Way.

They had a few drinks at the local watering hole to rev up their courage.
In for a penny, Out for a pound was the situation they now found themselves in.

Why hadn't they made up their minds before arriving?

There was no explanation. They argued violently the entire way to the yards, each blaming the other for the situation now at hand. What had prevented them from just flying into space with the SERAPH?

They had done just that before with their last space vessel, The Mekon.
The owners were still searching for them...what caused them to delay this time?

They hardly noticed the 3 COPROBES in the yard. The CPS, as they were called, were apparently looking for someone else and barely gave the two a notice.

They easily crept aboard the SERAPH.
Made their way towards the Command Deck.....and interrupted Troy and Ph^aton just before the SERAPH'S engines were fired.

"Boss!" was all Ph^aton managed to get out before feeling the cold barrel of a Phase Pistol pressed against his temple...