I think Trashman was sorta right, alcohol as involved in some way...
Sorta like you go on a long distance drive (say 4-5 states away, but with jump nodes)
In fact, if we had ETAK the scenario might have gone something like this...
(The Capella Conundrum)
Shivan 2: "Dude! Pull over, I gotta take a piss."
Carl: "No way dude, we're going all the way through."
Shivan2: "DUDE!!!"
Carl: "(mumbles). Alright, but make it quick."
Shivan2: "Ahh that's better. Dude! Like look at this sun. I bet I can hit it from here."
Carl: "Don't do it dude, we're gonna get in trouble."
Shivan2: "I'm doing it dude, watch! [Charges sun destroying subspace weapon] - <Boom!>
DUDE RUN!!!"
Carl: "(Screeee!/Untranslatable)" As he hits the jump dives.
[Please note this is an undocumented recreation... No Shivans (or Carl) have been formally charged...]
[Edit]: However, this theory would also lend wieght to the recent Starborn(tm) play entitled: Dude, where's my Sun?