Xjaq Dominator was busy attempting to connect several more translucent tubes to its back orifice when the screen of mist wafted into existence.

“Urgent interface, Xjaq Dominator.”

Xjaq Dominator rapidly disconnected the tubes and floated up to the column of curvaceous design and over to the ethereal image of Zyix Taskmaster. “Urgent?”

“Close intrusion!” Zyix Taskmaster said. “Inner-zone one!”

“Identified?”

“No.”

“Then identify!”

“Trying!”

Xjaq Dominator was worried. “Commence Transmission. More Rapidity! Final phase!”

“Premature!” Zyix Taskmaster objected.

“Now!”

“Final phase. Preparing, Xjaq Dominator.”

The screen of mist faded. Xjaq Dominator drifted over to another screen and energised it. An image of a small dark star ship of stunning and sinister design appeared on its shimmering surface. It was approaching in a stealthy and impressive manner. With a fluid like motion of his newly formed left hand, Xjaq Dominator began to operate some triangular control implements situated next to the image. After a couple of seconds, a red circle surrounded the dark ship’s outline, accompanied by a strange synthetic whooshing sound. The circle slowly contracted until it was no more than a small dot at the centre of the ship. A green cross expanded over the red dot, accompanied by another synthetic whoosh.

Xjaq Dominator chuckled like a chipmunk, and then reached for another set of controls...