This is Cpt. John C. Lonjenner. It's been four days since we left the Alpha Centauri system and began our trip back to Earth. Our fuel and oxygen levels are high, but morale is low. During a close pass of the star's second planet, Centauri B, or Gamaphoeba, we encountered a problem. An advanced humanoid race, calling themselves the Gamaphites, ambushed our science vessel and destroyed it.
The vessel contained most of the science team, along with two engineers and my first officer. My condolences to their families. After its initial attack, the enemy ship focused its fire power on our main ship, the Atreyu. We fought back with all our might, but our weapons were two slow to get a lock on the enemy vessel. The movements of the ship do not indicate any thrust whatsoever, simply rapid changes in position. Until we figure out by which principles this new machine operates, we are helpless to defend ourselves.
During the battle, our anti-matter hyperengines were damaged, and the only scientist and engineers who could repair them were aboard the science vessel. We are now fleeing the solar system of Alpha Centauri on our regular engines. Although the Gamaphite ship is close behind and easily capable of catching us, they have maintained a regular distance and have not attacked since the initial battle. They reasons for following us, and especially not attacking us, are a mystery to me. Our only hope is that the remainder of the science and engineering team can repair our anti-matter hyperengines soon so we can return to Earth and gain support from the rest of the Sun Fleet. God help us...
