Few Nebula Hopper League craft have as storied or vibrant a history as the Maple Leaf. Under the guidance of Star Captain Kyle Dubas and Master Engineer Sheldon Keefe, the legendary vessel speeds through the galaxy searching for new tales of glory…

Sheldon can hardly form thoughts, his heart is beating so loudly. He can’t believe what just happened and he was part of it.

“Is this real?” The Maple Leaf engineer is half convinced he’s dreaming.

“It’s real.” Kyle is still laughing out loud in joy.

Ten minutes ago they were all but finished. Down three hits to none; the experimental engine wobbling worse than ever; no signs of life and barely any time left on the clock. There was no hope except for a fools hope, and a stubborn fool at that. Kyle wasn’t about to give up and neither was Sheldon. Both men spoke the thought at the same time, their years together forming a bond that transcended words.

“Full send.” They said. “Let’s get one.”

Sheldon diverted all power from the shields , sending most of it to the torpedoes but also sliding a portion to the engines. The boost in power input shocked the system into a perfect fractal loop. A moment later a torpedo is sent passed the Blue Jacket shields.

“Or two I guess.”

Was it Kyle or Sheldon who spoke out loud? Neither is sure and neither cares. For a few harrowing passes the Blue Jacket tried to put away the unprotected Maple Leaf. They came close, disgustingly close, it was only luck that saw the Maple Leaf score another hit on the heels of the first.

Sheldon shifted power back to the shields as suddenly the game was within reach. Back and forth the Leaf and the Jacket battered at each others shields, all thought of tactics apparently gone. For the Blue Jacket the desperation was obvious so the Maple Leaf exploited it.

Bare seconds left in the contest, elimination from the race looming the Maple Leaf once again dropped its shields.The Blue Jacket took some wild shots that never threatened to score and then the Maple Leaf swooped in and fired a devastating barrage. Explosions rippled across the Blue Jacket and the score was tied.

Overtime passed in a blur. The Blue Jacket got some chances but the end was never in doubt. Still, fate was sealed in perhaps the most alarming way. The league regulators actually enforced a penalty against the Blue Jacket. This isn’t surprising in and of itself, but in the context of the trails of the Maple Leaf it was a significant reversal of narrative. With the Blue Jackets shields diminished the Maple Leaf simply did what it does best, unleashing a perfect storm of alchemical fire.

With two victories apiece the series would go to a fifth and final contest. One game, winner stays in the race. As the enormity of the accomplishment fades Kyle and Sheldon know that their best had better be ahead.