The Temerity and the warship Ron’s Revenge lift off from the monastery and join the small fleet waiting for them in a high orbit above Zoz. Ramesh’s cargo ship the Vigilant Gaddi and some ZEMM transports are escorted by the Sharktooth and its impatient captain.

In the cockpit of the Temerity, Zik’s father expresses concern over Zik’s decision to join the ground battle on the Prison Planet. Zik says that since he’s got some experience with the Clonoids, he should be there, and assures Mitch that he’ll be careful. While Tanaka thinks of the battle ahead with rising Chadee bloodlust, Zik wishes everyone in the cockpit luck, then departs aft to suit up in something. BUT WHAT?

Once the two new ships have taken their place, Blue Squad forms up and jumps into hyperspace! Destination: battle, bloodshed and belligerence!

After a few minutes, Defender Zik and the crew of the Temerity are on their way! Zik congratulates the team on an excellent scramble time, and lets them know that this time, it’s not a drill! There is a real mission afoot, with a good chance of combat! After months of playing cat-and-mouse with the elusive and violent communists, there’s finally an opportunity to confront them directly in an effort to foil their hijacking.  Francisco locks in the navigation to Gamma Apodis, and they hit the hyperdrive! It’s go time!