To Infinity and Beyond

To Infinity and Beyond

Episode 06: No Peeking

This story is a Fan fiction, and only for free entertainment purposes.

“And furthermore, I have never seen suck lack of discipline! I expect more of my rookies and rangers! To let yourself being challenged that easily!”

‘Actually,’ Nané started thinking, ‘I gave Tei quite a hard time before I bit.’

Nané looked at her hands, and didn’t dare to look at Commander Nebula. He didn’t have to say he was disappointed in her (even though he did; over and over again), or that this was the most stupid and insane action of her ever. She too realized that this could have ended completely different. It would have been easier for all if she realized this BEFORE she would let herself be challenged…

Then again, Nané was convinced that Tei shouldn’t get off the hook this easily (aka: Nané didn’t tell Commander Nebula it was Tei’s idea to steal the ship, but her own idea), so he should think of an idea to thank her for saving his Casanova-butt.

Nané was already listening to the preaching of the head of Star Command. Well, she was not really listening. He was telling her things she already knew anyway.

“Your irresponsibility is what concerns me most.” Commander Nebula continued. “You were lucky to escape Zurg once; why in Neptune’s name would you look him up then? Protecting Star Command? Has it even come into your mind that telling us about that ship would be a lot safer?! You are a Rookie; not a Ranger. And dead Rookies can’t become Rangers!”

Nané felt terrible. She always admired the Commander. If she would have had human parents, she wouldn’t have mind if he was her father. However, he was not, even though he was still preaching to her as if he was.

“I… I’m sorry…” Nané could only reply honestly. She could also say she wouldn’t do this ever again, but who could say that for sure? She’d watch her step though, that was for sure. And if anyone would challenger her again, she’d just simply walk away. Yeah, that would sound like a plan.

“I assume you know the consequences…” Commander Nebula saw her nodding. “However… I sincerely doubt that will have any effect on you.”

Nané looked up surprised. She wouldn’t have to face the music? Huh? And why did he think it would probably have no effect on her at all? But she learned her lesson! She did! Hold on a second… didn’t she thought that in the past as well? Didn’t that involve climbing into trees and breaking branches? Now that she thought about it, she could still feel the sore spots after those 4 more times…

“I will have to think of something else.” Commander Nebula sat down. “You shall report here at 6 a.m. tomorrow. And I expect you to be on time. Dismissed.”

Nané followed the order, but was too confused to say anything against it. She walked through the corridor to her room on the Space Station, and didn’t notice the faces and greetings of anyone she met on the way. ‘Not getting punished?’ She was so confused. ‘He will think of something else? What will he think of?’

*Hey Nané.*

Surprised by the sudden voice in her head, Nané didn’t pay attention and bashed against a pillar.

*Aieee…* She complained expressing her pain. *This is not a good moment Warp. Call me back later.*

“Hey Nané!” Nané looked up and saw Tei before her. “Hey, I wanted to thank you for not mentioning me and all.”

“Yeah, speaking of which…” Nané allowed herself to be pulled up by Tei, when he offered his hand. “I assume you will think of a great plan to make this all up to me?”

“Well, I did think about not challenging you any more.” Tei thought out loud. “But that would be no fun.”

“Then at least keep it on things that won’t get me into trouble.”

“Where’s the fun in that?”

“And then the Commander calls me irresponsible.” Nané decided Tei was no longer worth of her attention (and headache) and walked away. If she ever wanted to stay out of trouble, it probably was a good idea to stay away from Tei. Yeah, that would sound like a plan. Maybe she should write it down as well. Then she might even remember it the next day.

In her room, Nané sat down on her bed. It was a small room, with only a bed and a table. She didn’t need more anyway. The study was hard enough for her to own a gaming console or TV for her free time. She didn’t have any free time anyway. And in the weekends, she went home anyway.

Nané took the photo of her sister and herself. In the past weeks, she had seen her only 2 days before she had to leave again, and the e-mails were always short. But it was Nané’s own fault. She said that it was okay to help Star Command as a full-time negotiator, while she would attend the Academy. She didn’t know how much she would miss her sister yet.

The brown skinned girl with pointy and frilly ears didn’t look at all like Nané. Nané never thought that was odd. She knew she was adopted; she was most likely the only human from the whole planet Medita. At first they blamed her mental abilities of telepathy and levitation to the aura of the planet, but when Nané showed abilities of Astral Projection and Invisibility, her parents decided to keep it secret. Nané was not a normal human being, that was for sure.

*Is it okay now?*

Nané lay down on her bed. *Yeah, it’s okay now.* She replied. *So, trying a long distance call for the first time?*

*Yes, but it’s quite hard to do so.*

*You’ll get used to it.* Nané smiled and put away the photo before lying back again. *It always helps if you are alone and on a comfortable place. So, how pissed was Zurg?*

*Very.* Nané could feel his grin. *He ranted at me for being stupid and all, and then cursed you a lot. I think he hates you now more than Buzz.*

*Oh goody.* Nané grinned.

*So, care to explain why you came in the first place?* Nané realized that Warp had the right to know, and she explained the whole matter with Tei, and how she managed to get on Planet Z in the first place. She also told him where she hid the Space Scooter, and asked him if he ever had some time, if he could drop it somewhere near Star Command.

*I’m worried though.* Nané continued. *If he wanted to kick me off the Academy, he would have already done that. Instead of that, he needs to think of a fitting punishment.*

*He, he.* Warp grinned. *He wants you to stay in Star Command, you are too good.*

Nané sat up. *Me? Good? Nah.* She laughed. *If I was good, I wouldn’t let myself get challenged that easily.*

*There is a difference between being good and being smart.* Warp teased her. *What you did was plain dumb. Oh Craters, Zurg is calling me. Got to go.*

*Have a nice day!* Nané greeted him and ended the connection. Then she started thinking, and could simply kick herself. “What the heck am I thinking?!” She burst at herself. “I’m befriending the galaxy’s biggest traitor! How much more crazy can you get?!” Then she sighed deeply, and started thinking about Commander Nebula again. “Just hope my punishment won’t be too hard…”

“WHAT?!” Nané blurted out, and was ready to simply faint. “But…but…but…”

“Commander, you’ve got to be kidding!” Buzz Lightyear added. “She’s only a Rookie! No way you could…”

Commander Nebula raised his hand. “I’ve made up my mind Buzz.” He told him. “And I won’t change it.”

“But…but…but…” Nané kept on going. She stood there, with hands close to each other, being so shocked she looked more insecure than she had ever been. She just wanted to scream, she just wanted to throw herself at his legs; anything but this!

“You have heard the punishment.” Commander Nebula told Nané. “And you will fulfill it!”

“But…but…but…” Nané started. “I can’t be in charge of a mission!” She blurted out. She pointed at Buzz Lightyear. “He outranks me! Into infinity! I’m only a Rookie! How can I be in charge of HIM?!”

“That’s YOUR problem, not mine.” Commander Nebula sat down behind his desk. “You heard your mission, and there is no room for discussion. Dismissed.”

“But… but… but…” Nané continued.

“Dismissed!”

After walking out of the office, XR looked at the shocked and scared Nané. “Well guys, say hello to our new team leader.” He mumbled, but Nané had heard it, scaring her even more!

Then she saw Buzz grumbling and walking away, and finally found the strength to breathe again. “Oh man, this is really the worst punishment ever!” She hissed, and had the urge to ‘call’ Warp about this. “I wonder if he talked to Corona; it would sound like something she would come up with.”

Carefully she walked at Mira, who was comforting Buzz. “At least… try it.” She tried to smile.

Buzz sighed deeply, and noticed Mira was right. Orders were orders, and this was most likely the worst order he had ever gotten. He didn’t even want to look at Nané, as he gathered all his courage to say the following words: “What are your orders… Miss Sophia…”

Nané looked at Buzz. She was so scared! She had to tell Star Command’s number one what his orders were! She had to tell him what he would have to do! “Right… orders… yes… ehm… well… I guess… we should go then?”

“Go where?” Booster asked.

“Well, to Planet Ambrosia.” Nané started. Luckily she had picked that up. She had to go to Planet Ambrosia, and protect an Ambassador, who was going to sign a peace treaty with the Galactic Alliance. Right now that was everything that was floating on her mind. She didn’t even think about the fact she still had to do all her homework and assignments when she would return.

“And how will we get there?” Booster was actually trying to help her, while Nané was the one in charge. However, it made him feel bad to see her struggle so much, and he decided to get her on the right track.

“Is there a bus stopping near?” Nané thought.

Mira gasped for a moment, but then smiled kindly. “I think there is, yes.” She helped. “But, isn’t there a faster way?”

“Well, a Space Cruiser would be a lot faster.” Nané thought. “But I am not qualified to fly one yet, so we can’t do that. Besides, where would we get one?”

“Well…” Buzz tried to stay nice, but it was obvious he did NOT enjoy this mission. “You are not… but maybe you can find someone else to fly…”

“But I don’t know anyone…” Nané started, but then looked at Star Command’s elite team. “Oh, right. Hint taken. Ehm… 42, wasn’t it?”

In the Space Cruiser, nobody moved. Nané wondered what they were waiting for, but then she got the hint again. “Oh, right! Orders.” She remembered. “Ehm… I guess you should just sit where you always sit.”

“I think this is a good way to learn her some responsibility,” Mira whispered to Booster, “But I don’t think he should have chosen Buzz.”

Booster looked at an annoyed Buzz Lightyear. “Point taken.” He said.

“Yes Ma’am.” Buzz growled ticked off.

“He’s not happy with this.” Booster added.

Nané still stood in the middle of the cockpit. “Well, I guess we should go then.” She smiled uneasy.

“We can’t.” Buzz snapped at her.

“Why?” Nané asked. “Ack! Don’t tell me I forgot to fill in some forms!”

“We can’t, because not everyone in the ship is sitting with their seat belts on.” XR hinted her, but Nané didn’t catch it.

“But you all are…” But when XR used an arrow with lights blinking at her, she did get the hint. “Oh, right.” She sweated embarrassed.

During the flight, Nané realized about how much she had to think when she was a team leader. The speed, the checking for fuel, the direction, the communication… and that was only about flying the ship! Nané felt so lost when Mira and Buzz started discussing if the clicks in the Hyper Turbo Drive should be checked at Ambrosia, or back at Star Command. And when they asked for Nané’s opinion, she didn’t have the guts to tell them that Star Cruiser Mechanics were due the next semester. Instead, she tried to say without a doubt in her voice, that it was better to be safe than sorry and to check it on Ambrosia. But her voice kept being uneasy, at every decision she would make.

‘I just hope Warp won’t show up.’ Nané prayed, while looking at the stars shooting by. ‘Now that would make things difficult…’

Booster noticed Nané’s sad face, and felt sorry for her. “Oh boy…” He mumbled at XR. “Can’t we do anything to make her feel better?”

“It’s her punishment.” XR mentioned. “It’s supposed to make her feel bad!”

“But going on a mission should be fun!” Booster disagreed. He walked at Nané, and sat down next to her.

“Oh, hi Booster.” Nané greeted him. “I’m sorry for giving you such a hard time.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself.” Booster smiled. “You are doing great!”

“Oh, how great.” Nané sighed. “I don’t get half of the things you all are talking about.”

“You will learn that.” Booster tried to cheer her up. “It took me years to get the hang of it all. But if you truly want to become a Space Ranger, you will manage.”

Nané tried to smile, but let bad thoughts take over her. “I just know I will mess up again. I always do at important things.”

“Don’t think that.” Booster smiled.

“I messed up my first day of school.” Nané started. “I messed up my parent’s renewal of the vows they made. I messed up on graduation day. I messed up with the ‘incident’ with Zurg.”

“It was not your fault!” Booster disagreed.

“If I had stayed on Star Command, I would have not run into Warp.” Nané sighed. “Thanks for trying to cheer me up Booster, but I have a feeling this will be my last mission…”

“Planet Ambrosia in sight.” Buzz called out. “What are your orders?”

Nané stood up. “Ehm… well, the Ambassador is on the planet, right?” Mira nodded. “I guess we should land on the planet then.”

“Where?” Buzz sighed annoyed. He already knew the answer, but had to wait for orders.

Nané looked at a map. “Let’s see… no, not here… ack, that’s a mall!” Nané skipped the map as fast as she could. “Ah, here it is!” She pointed at the map. “The Ambrosian Star Center.” A tad of pride filled her systems.

“We can’t land.” XR said.

Nané looked around. “Oh, right. Seat belts.” She strapped herself in. “Ready!”

“We still can’t land.” XR enjoyed a cup of oil.

Nané started reciting everything she knew. Suddenly a voice appeared on the communication: “Unidentified Star Cruiser; please identify yourself.”

“OH!” Nané became red. “Communication! I totally forgot!” Buzz sighed and almost slammed his head on the dashboard, as Mira tried to make him feel better, telling him that Nané had to learn this as well. “Ehm… Buzz? Could you communicate with them please?”

“Yes Ma’am…” Buzz only said, and recited his usually announcement over the communication system, but everyone could hear he was NOT enjoying himself this time.

“Ah, Buzz Lightyear!” The Ambassador greeted Buzz. “It’s always a pleasure to see you again. How is your team doing?”

“It’s not my team today Ambassador.” Buzz replied a bit ticked off.

“Oh?” The Ambassador looked like a mix between a green zebra and a blue wolf. His eyes were kind, as well as his voice, but all could see the authority he had. “Then who is in charge today?”

Buzz stretched his arm and introduced the Ambassador to the little sixteen year old girl next to him. Uneasy she waved at him, but then remembered protocols and saluted; knocking over a waiter that just passed with some drinks.

“I… see…” The Ambassador tried to show he was not confused by this all. “Well, I guess I should address you then, Miss Sophia. Your name sounds familiar. Have we met before?”

“No Ambassador.” A bright voice followed. “But we have.”

The Ambassador looked back and looked at a dark skinned girl with brown wavy hair. She was wearing a pink gown with teal ends. The teal color was the same color of the facial marking she was born with. Her pointy and frilly ears showed she was not human; even though she did resemble them.

“Corona!” Nané called out happily, but clasped her hands before her mouth.

*My, your own team.* Corona walked closer to Nané. *Which test did you ace?*

*I messed up.* Nané admitted. *This is my punishment.*

*Getting your own team as a punishment?* Corona greeted the team while speaking telepathically to Nané. *I am confused. What did you do?*

*Stealing a ship from Zurg.* Nané admitted.

Just when Corona was ready to shake the hand with XR, her face snapped shocked at Nané, who looked embarrassed at the ground. “Everything all right?” The Ambassador asked.

“Oh, I am so sorry.” Corona smiled. “I thought I heard something.” Then she turned to XR. “XR, wasn’t it?” She asked him to be certain. “How are you doing?”

“I’m fine.” XR smiled. “Hey, aren’t you on that photo with Nané?”

Corona nodded. “I assume you mean the one in our home.” Corona smiled kindly. “Then you are correct; Nané is my little sister.”

The Ambassador was confused. “But, aren’t you two…?”

“From a different race?” Corona ended for him. “My parents adopted her when her parents were killed in a terrible accident on our planet. She was only a baby back then, but she still feels like my true sister.”

“Ah, the second daughter of the Sophia family.” The Ambassador smiled impressed. “No wonder you got your own team this fast!”

Buzz was ready to scream out that Nané was not placed as head of the team because of impressive skills, but as a punishment, but Mira stopped him. “We all know this is hard for you Buzz.” She whispered to him. “But this is only for once. Nané will probably learn a lot from this, and next time we see her, she’s probably off for graduation.”

Buzz sighed deeply. “I guess I have no other choice but to accept this.” He mumbled. “And it’s only for a day, isn’t it?” Mira nodded. “But I swear, if this happens again, I will call in sick.”

“I’ll join you.” XR added, looking at Nané who tried to be as polite as possible by saluting again, and hitting her hand against a pillar.

During dinner, Corona talked on and on with the Ambassador, while Team Lightyear chattered with each other about the upcoming ceremony. Nané tried to stay focused, but it all went too fast for her again. At least Warp was not here. That would make things a lot more complicated. Nané hoped that this protecting stuff would just be precaution, and that nothing would happen. She could just imagine what all could go wrong. Zurg could attack the planet; trying to take it over. Yes, that would probably happen. And then she would mess up. And then she would not only doom the entire universe, but also get kicked from the Academy.

*Hey Nané. Got time?*

*NO!* Nané called out shocked, and dropped her fork. Shocked she looked around, and noticed that Corona was staring at her.

*Who are you talking to?* Her sister asked.

Nané started sweating. No! How could this happen?! Of course Corona could sense Telepathy! This was the worst timing ever! She couldn’t tell her sister she was talking to a criminal every now and then!

*Nobody!* Nané smiled uneasy, and stepped up. “Please forgive me Ambassador.” She excused herself. “But I’m afraid nature is calling.”

Nané quickly hurried out of the room, and locked herself in the restroom. She sighed deeply, and sat down on a toilet, and wondered if she should contact Warp or not.

In the mean while, Mira noticed nature’s call as well, and excused herself as well. “I’ll be right back.” She smiled, and wandered off.

Nané decided it was best to let Warp know why they shouldn’t talk right now. Then she would eliminate the chance of having her secret blown. *Warp, are you there?*

*Is everything all right?* The answer followed.

*Yeah, kind of.* Nané quickly said. *Look, I can’t stay long.*

*I wanted to know what your punishment was, before I left for my mission.*

*As long as it doesn’t include attacking Planet Ambrosia, my punishment is not an issue.* Nané said worried.

*No, I have to go Trade World. Again. You’d think Zurg would order all his equipment in one batch…* Warp sighed annoyed. *So, did you get expelled?*

*Worse, I’m in command of Team Lightyear.*

*…* Warp started, but then Nané could just feel he was rolling over the floor.

*Stop laughing!* Nané hissed. *This is terrible! Anyway, there is someone from the planet Medita here; they can sense Telepathy.*

*Ha, ha, ha…* Warp continued. *Okay, point taken. You can ‘call’ me when it’s safe again… Team Lightyear… you being in charge of Buzz… you’re killing me!*

*Don’t give me any ideas!*

Mira stretched out her hand to the handle of the door, but then started to feel weird. “Here’s that feeling again…” She mumbled uneasy. “Who’s using mental energy?” Curious, she wanted to check things out, but suddenly hushed voices made her even more curious.

Forgetting about that feeling of energy being used, Mira walked towards the voices. Carefully she peeked around the corner, and started gasping. Around the corner were a few small creatures; Gargantuan creatures!

Mira tried to hear what they were talking about. “This mission requires a strict schedule.” The leader said. “We can’t mess up! We will have only one chance.”

The others nodded. “I will try and find out where she’ll be.” One said. “With that Rookie as the leader, it’s bound to be easy.”

“Tonight the Ambrosian Ambassador will be killed, and war will start between the two worlds.” The leader cheered. “This will prove the Galactic Alliance means nothing!”

‘Oh no!’ Mira thought, ‘I’ve got to warn them!’

Mira turned around, and suddenly her mouth dropped open. She gasped shocked, and didn’t even move when a creature, looking exactly like her, suddenly raised her arm and fired a laser at her.

Mira crashed against the wall, and dropped on the floor unconscious. The Gargantuan Rebels were surprised, until the creature looking exactly like Mira walked around the corner. “I have a feeling that it all of a sudden became a lot easier …” The blue skinned girl smiled.

“The war between Ambrosia and Tangea has never been so close…” The leader laughed diabolically.

In the mean while, Nané reached the table again. “Have you seen Mira?” Buzz asked her.

Nané shook her face. “No, I haven’t.” She answered truthfully.

“Maybe she got lost.” Booster worried.

“Don’t worry, I’m here.” Mira calmly walked in, and sat down next to Buzz once more. “Ambassador, may I compliment you with the decoration of this building? It’s amazing!”

“Why thank you.” The Ambassador smiled. “But I think the palaces at Tangea are a lot more beautiful than this small cottage.

Mira giggled charming. “You flatter my people, Ambassador. I would like to invite you to come and visit my planet one day.”

“I’d be honored Princess.” The Ambassador smiled. “I’d be honored…”

To be continued…

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