Blakes 71978

[Avon walks around the flight deck. Coded beeps come in]

Avon:
Zen, what was that?

Zen:
A message from the Federation freighter on the planet Horizon.

Avon:
What did it say - Decode.

Zen:
It is in Federation code nine. Message reads, "Top priority signal to any Federation pursuit unit, from Kommissar, planet Horizon. Request assistance. Ruler of Horizon unreliable, am disposing of him. Rebel spaceship at grid reference ten by thirteen W Zed. Request you destroy this spaceship at once. Also inform Federation Central Control of this action. Await confirmation."

Avon:
Has anybody else picked it up?

Zen:
Negative.

[Avon turns just before more beeps come in. He turns back]

Avon:
[Firmly:] Decode.

Zen:
From Federation Pursuit Flotilla Thirteen, to Kommissar, planet Horizon. Message reads, "Coming to your immediate aid. Regret cannot relay your message to Federation Central Control. They are out of range. Planetfall, two hours from now."

Avon:
How many pursuit ships in Flotilla Thirteen?

Zen:
Three pursuit ships.

[Avon laughs at how fate has foiled his plan before it could start]